Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 526: Cutting beards and using them as medicine
August, Lam Tin.

Liu Bei and Lu Xun exchanged news and divided the army into three groups. Zhang Fei was ordered to withdraw first with the baggage and food, while he led the Chinese army in the middle, while Feng Xi and Fu Xu led the elite soldiers and horses to the rear.

When the army withdrew, it was known to the villagers of Lantian because of its huge momentum and actions. The old man led the villagers to stop Liu Bei's carriage, and held cows and wine in the road.

The attendant galloped over on horseback, raised his hands and said, "When the people of Lantian heard that your majesty had withdrawn the troops, they brought cows and wine to the road and offered them in the road. Their words had the intention of meeting your majesty."

Fei Guan suggested: "Your Majesty, the troops and horses are about to withdraw now. It is not appropriate to cause another trouble. It is better to send troops to disperse the people in the road."

"No!"

Liu Bei raised his hand to stop him and said: "Although the military situation is urgent today, it is a kind act for the people to bring cattle and wine to the road. Wouldn't it hurt the people's feelings to send troops to disperse?"

After saying that, Liu Bei whipped his horse and drove away, saying: "The army continues to move forward, let me go to see it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Bei led hundreds of armored knights to advance.

Today, the people of Lantian are protected by Han infantry. Among them, three elderly people are in front, and dozens of men and women are leading oxen or holding wine.

"Please enjoy, Your Majesty!" everyone shouted.

Seeing Liu Bei coming on horseback, the old man immediately led everyone to kneel down and shouted: "I pay homage to your Majesty!"

After saying that, Liu Bei asked the sergeant to return the cow wine to the people and refused to accept it.

"As an elder, you don't need to pay such a big courtesy!"

The old man sighed and said: "I have not seen the king's army for more than ten years, and I thought I would never see you again. But now I am lucky enough to see your majesty, and the king's army has left him again. I am very sad for him!"

Liu Bei got off his horse and quickly helped the three elders and the men, women and children behind him.

"Everyone, please live in peace and resume your business. Master Wang will eventually regain control of Guanzhong!"

"Absolutely not!"

The old man who was helped up asked: "Your Majesty, are you going to withdraw your troops?"

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei immediately refused and said, "I led my troops into the pass and did nothing to you. How dare you accept this gift?"

Liu Bei glanced at the people who were leaving, sighed with emotion, and said: "Master Wang will eventually regain control of Guanzhong. May you all live in peace and resume your work."

Looking back at the marching queue, Liu Bei said truthfully: "Autumn is approaching this year, it will be difficult to reach Lantian with food and grass, and the army will have to withdraw. I wonder if you can give me some advice?"

When Sima Yi and Cao Zhang heard that the Han army had withdrawn, they immediately led their troops across the Ba River and reached Lantian.

Amid the cries of the people, Liu Bei whipped his horse and led the Han soldiers back south.

When he was about to leave, Liu Bei couldn't help but look back at the people in Lantian, and said sadly: "I am returning south from this trip, and I may never see Guanzhong again."

"No!"

Liu Bei rejected the old man's kindness, got on his horse, and said goodbye.

"Your Majesty~"

On that day, Liu Bei led his army to withdraw. In order to prevent Sima Yi's pursuit, Feng Xi and Fu Xu burned down the camp and blocked the road on Liu Bei's order, and then withdrew their troops and returned south.

Looking at the camp with flames rising into the sky, Sima Yi laughed happily and said: "As expected, Lao Ge withdrew because he ran out of food. If we pursue him now, even if we cannot defeat him, we can still severely defeat his troops."

The old man bowed his hands and said, "Your Majesty is kind and courteous to the people, and his servants cannot repay him in return, so he specially provides cow wine for the officers and soldiers to enjoy. Although the gift is not heavy, it is a sign of your sincerity for your servants."

Cao Zhang came in armor and said: "Lantian is more than a hundred miles away from Shangluo, which is the Yaoliu Pass Road. This road is rugged and difficult to travel. When the bandit army marches on the Yaoliu Pass Road, it is difficult for their troops to respond from head to tail. Gu Yu leads the elite cavalry. If you chase him, don't let Liu Bei go back south lightly."

Sima Yi looked overjoyed and said: "Lao Ge is cunning and treacherous. Now there must be elite troops at the rear. I hope Your Highness will use his troops carefully. Yi will lead the army behind to meet His Highness."

"good!"

Cao Zhang got on his horse and ordered five thousand elite cavalrymen. He led his army across the mountains and intercepted the Han army by taking a small path.
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The road between Lantian and Shangluo Baili is narrow and rugged. Liu Bei, who had experienced hundreds of battles for many years, was well prepared for the Wei army's pursuit. He ordered Feng Xi and Fu Wei to lead elite troops to the rear, cut down forests and block roads along the way, and try to block the Wei army's pursuit.

Cao Zhang led five thousand men on foot and cavalry in pursuit, using local people as guides. They traveled day and night on foot and cavalry. If they were intercepted on the road, they would take small paths to pursue.

During three days, they pursued the enemy on the road and fought fiercely with Feng Xi and Fu Wei several times. Because he was brave and good at fighting, and the Wei army pursued the Han army, Cao Zhang was victorious, and the Han army suffered thousands of casualties.

After leaving the narrow part of Yaoliu Mountain Road, the road gradually became wider, and the Han army was gradually able to display its fists.

Feng Xi and Fu Xu gathered soldiers under their tents to fight Cao Zhang. The two sides fought at the mountain pass. There were two fierce battles in one day. Cao Zhang led his cavalry to jump into the formation. Feng Xi and Fu Wei were defeated in a fierce battle. Fortunately, the white horse general Pang De came to rescue and temporarily repelled Cao Zhang.

Cao Zhang led his troops to retreat slightly and gathered his soldiers under the tent.

At that time, Fei Yao arrived with his troops and joined forces with Cao Zhang. Cao Zhang, who received reinforcements from the rear, had no intention of letting go of the Han army and led his troops to continue the pursuit.

The three generals Feng Xi, Fu Wei, and Pang De fought against Cao Zhang and Fei Yao.

On the road, swords and guns clashed, and flesh and blood flew everywhere.

Cao Zhang led a cavalry assault and dented the loose Han army's infantry formation. Behind him, the Wei soldiers advanced bravely, trying to widen the gap and completely break through the Han army's formation.

"Anyone who dares to retreat will be killed immediately!"

Fu Wei led dozens of cavalry to rush in from the gaps between the formations. Several Han soldiers who retreated in fear of the battle were immediately beheaded by him and their bloody heads were thrown to the ground.

The officers and soldiers of the Han army were frightened by military discipline and bravely resisted the evil god Cao Zhang. Both sides fought desperately, and fell one after another amidst the screams. In the end, Fu Wei couldn't stop Cao Zhang's fight, so he led the vanguard infantry and cavalry to withdraw from the two wings of the military formation, and was supported by Feng Xi's troops.

However, the Wei army did not fare well. Feng Xi attacked with an overwhelming wave of arrows and shot the Wei soldiers who were rushing in front to the ground.

"Is Cao Zhang crazy?"

Fu Wei cursed and said, "I'm really not afraid of death if I pursue you from Lantian to here."

Cao Zhang had been chasing them for four or five days since Lantian withdrew. He would not let go of the Han army as they retreated, and fought extremely fiercely, trying to defeat them and penetrate Liu Bei's army.

After several battles, Cao Zhang almost went into battle himself and charged tirelessly. He was really like a madman, and he became more and more brave as he fought. It was not that Fu Xu had never fought with Cao Zhang in hand-to-hand combat, but Cao Zhang's huge strength was not something ordinary soldiers could stop. Of course, there are many Han soldiers, so it is not impossible to defeat the Wei army. Only Feng Xi and Fu Xu were afraid of fighting with Cao Zhang for too long, causing the Wei army to catch up and be surrounded by the Wei army.

Taking advantage of Pang De's cavalry, Fu Wei gathered his soldiers to join Feng Xi. However, Cao Zhang did not dare to pursue too far, so he had to gather Wei soldiers to prepare for the follow-up pursuit.

Cao Zhang sat under the tree, eating Hu cakes and taking a rest.

Fei Yao got off his horse and said, "Your Highness, we must stop the war now!"

Cao Zhang finished the Hu cake in two or three mouthfuls and said dissatisfiedly: "Liu Bei burned the camp and left in a hurry. How can he leave it now?"

Seeing that Cao Zhang had no intention of giving up, Fei Yao hesitated a little and said: "Your Highness, according to the art of war, a way out of a siege should be opened up, and the returning army should not rush to pursue it. Your Highness is pursuing too much now, which may cause the Han army to fight to the death. When the general It’s not good for our army!”

Hearing this, Cao Zhang said sternly: "Lead the troops and move only where there is benefit. The thieves have not gone far, and they will be defeated if they are pursued. Now that you are leaving the enemy, you are not a good general!"

"Anyone who wants to retreat now will be killed!"

"promise!"

Fei Yao was disappointed. Due to Cao Zhang's identity and status, he had no choice but to accept the order.

Cao Zhang insisted on pursuing the pursuit, and the three generals of the Han army probably knew that Cao Zhang would not give up the pursuit easily, so they reported the news to the Chinese army.

The Wuguan Road was opened on the north side of the Danshui Valley. The Han army formed a queue of more than ten miles, with flags flying in the wind. The sergeants followed behind with spears and sabers, and the carriages and horses advanced.

Due to the long journey, Fazheng's condition became more and more serious, and he was now being carried on a horse-drawn carriage. However, the bumpy road conditions increasingly tortured Fa Zheng.

Liu Bei was worried about Fazheng and led his cavalry to march beside Fazheng so that he could take care of him.

Congqi caught up with Liu Bei from the side of the road and whispered: "Your Majesty, Cao Zhang is hot on his heels!"

"Didn't I send Lingming to help?"

Liu Bei pulled the reins and asked doubtfully: "Is it possible that Ling Ming is defeated by Cao Zhang?"

"Your Majesty, Cao Zhang is extremely brave. He was assisted by Wei general Fei Yao. He led his army in hot pursuit. Our army seems to have the intention of defeating our army." Congqi said. "General Feng was afraid that Sima Yi's troops were not far away, so he did not dare to lead his troops into a fierce battle with him. He could only fight and retreat."

Liu Bei frowned and waved his hand, signaling for him to step back.

Looking at the carriage moving forward, Liu Bei hesitated for a while, then rode forward, grabbed the soldiers who were taking care of Fazheng, and asked: "How is your condition today?"

The soldier shook his head and said: "Because of the hard work of the army, your condition has worsened!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Fa Zhengze braced himself and his voice came from inside the car, asking: "Your Majesty, is it possible that the pursuing troops are unable to retreat?"

Seeing that Fazheng heard his voice, Liu Bei did not hesitate, stopped the carriage, and opened the curtain. Fazheng, on the other hand, was lying on the carriage, his face was sallow and his figure was thin.

Seeing Liu Bei, Fazheng asked directly: "But the bandit army will not retreat in pursuit?"

Liu Bei did not dare to hide anything and said truthfully: "Our army retreated from Lantian, Cao Zhang pursued it with all his strength, and Feng Xi, Pang De, and Fu Xu were unable to stop us. The army in the future is worried about this, so we have reported it to me."

As he spoke, Liu Bei sighed and said: "When I first arrived in Xuchang, Cao Zhang was still a child. Now that I have followed you here, it turns out that the father of a tiger has no son!"

Fazheng struggled to get up from the carriage, coughed and asked, "Does Your Majesty have any strategy for retreating from the enemy?"

Liu Bei hesitated a little and said: "I want to go back to the drums to fight Cao Zhang. First defeat his army, and then lead the army back south!"

"Cough cough!"

Fazheng wanted to say something, but he was stuck with the phlegm in his throat and kept coughing.

Seeing this, Liu Bei gently stroked Fazheng's back, held his hand, and said unbearably: "It is better to live a good life and recuperate before we discuss retreating from the enemy."

Fazheng coughed a few times, waved his hands, and said, "I have my orders. If God bless me, Zheng will not die. If God wants to kill me, Bian Que will not be able to save me while I am alive."

During the speech, Fazheng took a few deep breaths and said: "Your Majesty is returning with the sound of drums. He wants to fight Cao Zhang, but he is afraid that he will fall into Sima Yi's plan. As expected, Sima Yi is following closely with his troops. Just like our army and If Cao Zhang is entangled, he may be surrounded by bandits and in danger of defeat."

"Then what should we do?"

Liu Bei thought for a while and said, "How about setting an ambush to wait for Cao Zhang?"

"Although Cao Zhang is brave, he is not without a plan. Without a perfect strategy, it would be difficult to set up an ambush," Fa Zheng said.

As he spoke, Fazheng's voice became weaker and weaker, requiring Liu Bei to get closer to listen.

"Your Majesty, please do this..."

Liu Bei listened carefully to Fazheng's words, his brows gradually relaxed, and he praised: "The fruit of filial piety is an unparalleled trick!"

Fazheng forced a smile and smiled at Liu Bei.

Liu Bei saw that Fazheng was tortured by illness but still did not forget the affairs of the country. He couldn't help feeling sore at the tip of his nose and said: "In ancient times, I heard that beards can cure diseases. Now I am willing to cut my beards to cure your diseases."

At that moment, Liu Bei took out the dagger from his waist and cut off most of his scanty beard.

"His Majesty!"

Fa Zheng's eyes filled with enthusiasm, and he spoke softly.

Liu Bei patted Fazheng on the shoulder and said: "Our great work has not yet been accomplished. I hope you have a good life and rest. I will do whatever I want to do in the future, and you will be the one to do it!"

In order not to be sad, Liu Bei left Fazheng's carriage and handed his beard to the doctor.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Bei summoned Huang Quan to discuss matters and wanted to hand over the matter of retreating from the enemy to Huang Quan.

Huang Quan supervises the troops with the post of General Zhenbei. Since he entered the Hongnong Mountain boundary, he has been guarding the flanks of Liu Bei's army. When Liu Bei was confronting the Wei army, Huang Quan led his troops to repel the Wei army who wanted to attack Wuguan Road from the Jiandao. Since the Northern Expedition, Huang Quan's outstanding performance made Liu Bei pay more and more attention to him.

(End of this chapter)