Three Kingdoms: Heir of Wolong, my father-in-law is Guan Gong

In June of the third year of Zhangwu.

In Nanyang area, it rains continuously.

Although the rain is not heavy, it hurts people's hearts.

More than ten days of rain are enough to drive people crazy.

Unlike Zhuge Qiao, he prepared flood discharge channels and purification pools in advance, and also stored a large amount of earth, stone, firewood and other military supplies.

Cao Zhen, who had just arrived, was not so well prepared.

Not only were the military supplies such as earth, stone, firewood and grass insufficiently prepared, but even drinking water was affected by the rain.

The filth washed upstream polluted the water.

Many of Cao Zhen's generals became ill due to dirty water.

Even Cao Zhen himself was affected.

The soldiers who went out to fight in the army fell ill, which basically meant that half of their combat effectiveness was wasted.

Cao Zhen once used the carcasses of chickens and sheep to create diseases to infect Zhuge Qiao's army, but now because of the weather, he infects the sergeants first.

If there really is a cycle of heaven, it can only be said that retribution is unpleasant.

Worried that Zhuge Qiao would attack Xizhai again, Cao Zhen ordered Liu Ye to move Xizhai to the main camp of Beiying and join forces.

The continuous rain affects not only drinking water, but also the transportation of grain and grass in the rear.

The latest batch of grain and grass has been delayed for more than ten days, and subsequent grain and grass transportation has become even more difficult!
According to the description of the grain transport officer, the rain in Luoyang was heavier than that in Nanyang.

The rain in Nanyang is as thin as silk, and the heavy rain in Luoyang is as heavy as jade beads.

Cao Hong was defeated when the army was launched, and natural disasters occurred in the rear.

The morale of Cao Zhen's army is getting worse and worse!
"God won't help Wei!"

Cao Zhen punched the table, and Ranji's face turned a little red.

The first time he united the army to go on an expedition, he encountered such extremely bad weather. Cao Zhen was very unlucky at this time.

Cao Zhen was unwilling to be unable to win because of heavy rain.

however.

No matter how unwilling he was, Cao Zhen could not resist this force majeure natural disaster.

Liu Ye was also helpless.

In such a cloudy and rainy day, no matter how clever you are, it's hard to make a plan without rice.

Follow the example of Guan Yu and be flooded?

Cao Zhen didn't even have many ships and rafts, but Guan Yu still had a large number of warships on the Guishui River!
If the water is really cut off, it may not be the Han soldiers who are flooded.

On rainy days, Liu Ye was also in a depressed mood as he had no other strategies to use except using water.

"Liu Shizhong, is there any news from Jiangxia and Jiangdong?"

Cao Zhen tightened his brocade clothes.

Since Liu Ye moved to the stronghold, Cao Zhen assigned part of the military affairs to Liu Ye.

For example, Wang Ling, who went to Jiangxia to assist in literary recruitment, and Chen Qian and Wang Su, who went to Hefei to spread rumors, were both in charge of Liu Ye.

Liu Ye pondered for a moment and spoke concisely and concisely: "There is no news from Jiangdong yet, so Wenpin's attack on Jiangxia is unfavorable."

Both pieces of information were unsatisfactory, which made Cao Zhen feel even more agitated.

"General, the number of sergeants getting sick in the camp is increasing day by day, and the transportation of food and grass in the rear is also difficult due to rainy days. It is better to divide the troops and retreat to Xi'e, Bowang, Luyang and other cities, and wait until the weather clears to make plans." Liu Ye suggested in a low voice. .

Cao Zhen said nothing.

It is easy to retreat, but it is difficult to gather troops again!

The most important thing is: Cao Zhen doesn't know when the weather will clear up. If the rain continues for more than ten days, all these tens of thousands of troops will starve to death in Nanyang.

While he was hesitating, someone reported that Deng Zhi, the Han envoy, was outside the stronghold asking for a meeting.

"Zhuge Qiao actually sent an envoy at this time?" Cao Zhen was surprised.

Liu Ye also frowned: "Zhuge Qiao sent the envoy at this time, he must have the intention of investigating the military situation of our army. General, it is better to drive him away."

Cao Zhen snorted coldly: "Why should I be afraid of an envoy? Quickly mobilize thirty fierce soldiers and dance their swords in the commander's tent for fun!"

"Send the order to Dianman and Xu Yi, and hold the Han dog envoy with a knife to enter."

Liu Ye advised: "General, since Zhuge Qiao dares to send an envoy, he must not be afraid of life and death. If you do this, you will be ridiculed by him."

Cao Zhen was disdainful: "If you dare to laugh at him, I will chop him with a knife! To show my determination to kill Zhuge Qiao."

Liu Ye was about to speak but stopped.

Outside the camp gate.

Deng Zhi, the governor of Yidu, stood holding an umbrella.

Dianman and Xu Yi came with knives and approached Deng Zhi with fierce looks.

"By the orders of the General of the Army, we escort the Han dog envoys inside." Dian Wei had a sinister expression on his face, looking at Dian Wei as fiercely as before.

Xu Yi was also holding a heavy knife and staring at Deng Zhi maliciously.

If ordinary people saw these two evil men, their legs would tremble.

Deng Zhi has a crane-like body and elegant demeanor: "Cao Zidan is the general of the army of Wei, so he will not say such rude words."

"You two treat each other evilly and violate the Lord's will. Aren't you worried that the world will laugh at Cao Zidan for being rude and rude?"

Noriman was suddenly speechless.

Xu Yi looked Deng Zhi up and down and secretly marveled at Deng Zhi's calmness.

"I just made a joke, sir, don't take it to heart." Xu Yi saluted with a knife.

Xu Yi, who came from a wealthy family, was a little more adaptable than Dian Man; when Dian Man saw Xu Yi performing a salute, he also saluted with a knife.

Deng Zhi returned the favor and walked ahead holding an umbrella, as if he was entering not a Wei village but his own courtyard.

Just the eyes under the umbrella, looking left and right, remembering what they saw.

Come to the handsome tent.

Cao Zhen had already prepared thirty fierce soldiers to dance swords in the handsome tent to add to the fun.

Xu Yi stepped forward and reported in a low voice Deng Zhi's reaction at the camp gate.

Hearing that Deng Zhi was calm and elegant, Cao Zhen couldn't help but frown.

The person who came here is not kind!

Cao Zhen did not prepare a seat, so he only asked Deng Zhi to stand.

Deng Zhi was not impatient. He quietly held an umbrella at the door of the handsome tent and watched the sword dance. He also stroked his beard from time to time, seeming to appreciate the sword dance.

Upon seeing this, Liu Ye persuaded in a low voice: "General, this man has an extraordinary appearance and calm demeanor. It is not appropriate to be so indifferent and let other soldiers in the army see him."

Cao Zhen had no choice but to withdraw his bluffing soldiers, invited Deng Zhi to come forward, and laughed and said, "Sir, do you think the northern sword dance can be called wonderful?"

Deng Zhi secretly looked at Cao Zhen.

It is not easy for Cao Zhen to be able to describe the bluffing sword dance as exquisite.

"The sword is a murderous weapon, and the dance of the sword can scare Cao Mang but cannot honor the wise men; the sword is a sacrificial weapon, and the sword dance can both honor the wise men and convince Cao Mang."

"If the general likes weapon dance, he can change it to sword dance, which will be even more wonderful."

Deng Zhi's tone was neither urgent nor slow, but it had an air of awe.

Cao Zhen put aside his disdain and said: "Sir's eloquent talk is amazing. I wonder if you can give me some advice when you come to my camp?"

Deng Zhi bowed slightly and said: "I am just a small soldier in the Han army. I dare not give advice to the general."

"I came here this time under the orders of the General of the Han Dynasty to assist the Han Dynasty, and to persuade the general to withdraw his troops."

Cao Zhen laughed: "I have 200,000 elite soldiers and thousands of good generals. How can I still be afraid of battle? If Zhuge Qiao has the ability, he will go out to fight!"

Deng Zhi shook his head and chuckled.

Two hundred thousand elite soldiers?

Blow and blow normally!

If there are really 200,000 elite soldiers, how can I still stand here and persuade you to retreat?
Cao Zhen's expression changed: "Why are you laughing, sir?"

Deng Zhi looked at Cao Zhen: "General, have you gotten any information about Pheasant County recently?"

Cao Zhen sneered: "From Wancheng to Luyang, there are scouts from our army. How could I not know?"

Deng Zhi chuckled: "Since the general has scouts, it's easy; I thought the general didn't know that the city of Pheasant County was lost."

Cao Zhen and Liu Ye both changed their expressions.

Is Pheasant County lost?

Pheasant County is located in the upper reaches of the Feishui River, to the north of Xi'e and Bowang. Cao Ren did not add any additional troops to Pheasant County.

"Sir, you are good at bluffing people." Cao Zhen laughed: "I have five thousand troops stationed in Pheasant County, and even General Xiahou Ba is stationed there. How can I lose the city?"

Deng Zhi smiled but did not answer.

Just keep pretending for me.

With 5,000 garrisoned soldiers and general Xiahou Ba, a small town garrisoned with 500 county soldiers has been promoted as a major military town.

Cao Zhen gave Liu Ye a look, and Liu Ye understood and immediately arranged for cavalry scouts to inquire about the military situation in Pheasant County.

Cao Zhen continued to test in the tent: "Zhuge Qiao sent you here, is it because he is worried that after the weather clears, I will raise my troops to attack again?"

"Stop using this trick."

"Zhuge Qiao has only one way to save his life: surrender to Wei. I will recommend him in front of His Majesty."

"I, the Wei Dynasty, have always relied on talent over family background to employ people."

"His Majesty values ​​virtuous people the most. When Meng Da came to join us in the past, Your Majesty also gave Meng Da a high position."

"With Zhuge Qiao's ability, he will definitely be valued by His Majesty."

Deng Zhi shook his head and smiled: "The general is joking."

"The general who assisted the Han Dynasty is a talented person who is highly valued by His Majesty the Han Dynasty. How could he abandon the bright and turn to the dark side?"

"What's more, many sergeants in the general's camp are sick."

"However, none of the sergeants under the command of General Fu Han have contracted the disease. How can we worry about the general raising his troops to attack after the weather clears?"

Cao Zhen sneered: "It has been raining for more than ten days, and some sergeants in our camp have contracted diseases. How can Zhuge Qiao avoid it?"

Deng Zhi glanced around: "When a soldier gets sick, there are natural disasters and man-made disasters. If you are not afraid of man-made disasters, why should you be afraid of natural disasters?"

"Shouldn't it be clear that the general is the instigator?"

Cao Zhen's expression changed slightly.

The natural disaster Deng Zhi mentioned was rain for more than ten days, and the man-made disaster was Cao Zhen's poisoning.

Cao Zhen was confused: Zhuge Qiao could really cure diseases for soldiers?
If Deng Zhi had not lied, when the weather cleared, it would not have been Cao Zhen who attacked Zhuge Qiao, but Zhuge Qiao who would have attacked Cao Zhen.

Seeing Cao Zhen's silence, Deng Zhi added, "Have the general's talents sent someone to find out the information about Pheasant County?"

"No need to bother."

"General, if you want to know the details, just ask me."

"The city was taken yesterday."

"The general of the Han Dynasty personally led the warships to Pheasant County."

"General Fu Han sent me to persuade the general to retreat. It's not because I'm afraid of the general."

"It's just that the general has too many sergeants, and the general supporting the Han Dynasty does not want to imitate Cao Cao in the Battle of Guandu, killing and surrendering soldiers."

"Therefore, persuading the general to retreat is the best solution."

Cao Zhen suddenly changed his expression: "You mean, Zhuge Qiao can wipe out my entire army with just a few seconds?"

"I have an army of 200,000 people. All the troops are here. How can Zhuge Qiao stop me?"

"He just relies on the good location of the village wall!"

"Destroy me? How ridiculous!"

Deng Zhi said calmly: "General, why did you bully me?"

"Luoyang is hit by a disaster. How many days can the general's food and grass last?"

"The general must know how Yuan Shao was defeated in the past."

"If the general insists on fighting, then General Fu Han will have to accept the surrender of tens of thousands of soldiers."

"Although Jingzhou doesn't have enough food to support the tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers, it can be given to Sun Quan in exchange for food and grass."

"Sun Quan must be happy to accept these surrenders."

Cao Zhen clenched his fists.

He was actually threatened!

He was actually threatened!

He was actually threatened!

"Aren't you afraid that I will cut you with a knife?" Cao Zhen lowered his voice and suppressed the anger in his heart. Deng Zhi remained calm: "If I die alone in exchange for tens of thousands of generals being buried with him, it will be me, not the general, who will be famous throughout history from now on."

"What do I have to fear?"

Cao Zhen clenched his fists again: "What I hate the most is that you Confucian scholars, who open your mouth and shut your mouth, all want to leave a name in history."

Deng Zhi gave a slight salute: "It is an honor to die for the sake of the country!"

Cao Zhen had no choice but to wait for Liu Ye to return.

About half an hour later, Liu Ye returned to the commander's tent, approached Cao Zhen and whispered: "General, the scouts I sent encountered the defeated troops in Pheasant County."

"Guan Yu entered Pheasant County by boat yesterday. The guard of Pheasant County was killed by Guan Yu with an arrow, and many others surrendered."

"Deng Zhi, you are not lying."

Liu Ye's mood was also very complicated.

Deng Zhi's intention was stronger than expected.

It has been raining for more than ten days, and it is easy for the grain transporters in the rear to be delayed.

Guan Yu seized Pheasant County again, which meant that it was more difficult to transport grain from the rear.

In the Battle of Guandu in the past, Cao Cao had a chance to win by constantly harassing Yuan Shao's grain roads.

In the current situation, Zhuge Qiao also used the trick of disturbing the grain road; Han soldiers with warships could easily appear in the rear.

What made Liu Ye most uncomfortable was that Zhuge Qiao didn't use it sooner or later, but he waited for more than ten days of rainy weather before using it.

For Cao Zhen and Liu Ye, this means that misfortune never comes alone, and the house leaks only when it rains all night.

Cao Zhen stood up and dismissed the guests with a cold snort: "I am Cao Zhen, the general of the Wei army. How could I retreat because of Zhuge Qiao's words?"

"Go back and tell Zhuge Qiao that when the rain clears, we can go out to the stronghold for a decisive battle!"

"Liu Shizhong, send Deng Zhi out of the camp."

Deng Zhi didn't say much.

After leaving the camp gate, Deng Zhi stared at Liu Ye with burning eyes: "Liu Shizhong, you are the queen of Emperor Guangwu, and you are well-known in Jianghuai."

"With your talent and reputation, you could have risen to the top, but now you can only be a close minister of Cao Pi because of your background."

"How pathetic!"

"If you are willing to abandon the darkness and turn to the light, you will surely achieve great success in the Han Dynasty."

Liu Ye laughed when he heard this: "The sparrow knows the ambition of the swan; my ambition is beyond the understanding of others."

"Go back and tell Zhuge Qiao not to use such trivial tricks. When the weather clears, we can leave the stronghold for a decisive battle."

Done.

Liu Ye bowed his hands and turned back to the camp.

Looking at Liu Ye's back, Deng Zhi's lips turned sarcastic: "How can a sparrow know the ambition of a swan?"

"You don't want to be a wise minister, but a powerful minister."

"The path closer to me can indeed give you power for a while, but it can also make your path narrower and narrower."

"Even if he has as much power as the Ten Constant Attendants, once the Ling Emperor dies, he will become a rootless person."

"Pretending to be a famous official is nothing more than that!"

Deng Zhi returned to the camp and reported the details of his mission to Zhuge Qiao.

Zhuge Qiao chuckled and asserted: "With low morale and insufficient food and grass, how can you dare to fight with me!"

"Cao Zhen, we are about to retreat!"

Deng Zhi also smiled and said: "Cao Zhen has a tough talk and won't shed tears until he sees the coffin. He must be trying to scare me with this to avoid being ambushed by the general when he withdraws his troops."

Zhuge Qiao stood up and came to the map: "Words are bluffing, which shows a guilty conscience. Since Cao really wants to retreat, then I will accept Nanyang without mercy!"

Three days later.

The sky cleared.

The summer after the rain is equally hot.

Within two days, most of the road was dry and walkable.

The food and grass in Cao Zhen's camp was less than ten days' worth.

After discussing with Cao Ren and Jiang Ji in Wancheng, Cao Zhen decided to retreat.

Due to continuous rain, Cao Ren's intention to burn Wancheng could not be realized, so he could only move away Wancheng's money and food as much as possible.

Suddenly, the soldiers in Wancheng were like bandits, loading a large amount of money into cars and transporting them away.

Cao Ren knew it well.

If Wancheng is lost, you can't get it back.

Then it doesn't matter whether Wancheng's people want it or not.

Leaving a group of hungry people in Wancheng can still resist the Han soldiers.

This is the difference between Cao Wei and Liu Han. In the past, more than 100,000 people in Xinye took the initiative to follow Liu Bei south. Liu Bei sent troops to protect the people, so much so that he lost his wife and daughter at the cost of his troops.

However, Cao Ren only thought, "If the people of Wancheng are unwilling to migrate, then they will take away all the money." If he did not leave money and food for Zhuge Qiao, he would also ask Zhuge Qiao to use money and food to relieve the hungry people.

Although he is immoral, Cao Ren is not moral at all.

Zhuge Qiao heard the news and led his troops to Wancheng.

When the people of Wancheng saw Cao Zhen and Cao Ren retreating, they deeply hated Cao Ren for robbing the people, so they all left the city and surrendered.

Seeing the mess in the city and tens of thousands of hungry people, Zhuge Qiao left part of his army to appease the people.

Order the army to intercept.

Cao Zhen and Cao Ren want to take money and food and escape, so they have to ask Zhuge Qiao if he agrees.

Zhang He had used this trick before in Longyou, and Zhuge Qiao had already been prepared.

Letting Guan Yu capture Pheasant County in advance was also to prevent Cao Zhen and Cao Ren from jumping over the wall to plunder people's wealth.

Guan Yu intercepted him at the front, and Zhuge Qiao pursued him at the back.

Cao Ren and Cao Zhen did not dare to fight, so they reluctantly threw away some of their money, food and supplies, and then forcibly broke through Guan Yu's blockade in Pheasant County.

It is not difficult for tens of thousands of Wei soldiers to break through the blockade of thousands of Han soldiers.

Guan Yu had few soldiers and did not pursue him closely. He just ordered his sergeants to gather money, food and supplies.

Zhuge Qiao's army arrived in Pheasant County, and after exchanging information with Guan Yu, Zhuge Qiao led Wang Ping as the main general and led Wudang Feijun and other 10,000 infantry and cavalry to continue pursuing Cao Ren and Cao Zhen.

It was not until Cao Ren and Cao Zhen retreated to Xiangcheng in Yingchuan County that they led their troops back and stationed troops in Luyang.

Zhang Hu, Xu Gai and other Wei generals who attacked Nanxiang County retreated in a hurry and were intercepted and killed by Han soldiers. They left behind a large amount of food and supplies before returning to Yingchuan County.

Wenpin, who attacked Jiangxia County, had no choice but to return to Xinyang again after hearing the news.

All counties in Jingzhou returned to the Han Dynasty.

The good news flew into Chang'an.

Liu Bei was overjoyed when he heard this: "Bosong is really my Han Xin!"

"Quickly pass on my order to transport five thousand sheep into Nanyang. I want to reward all the troops!"

Since Zhang Xiu surrendered to Cao Cao, Wancheng has been controlled by Cao Cao.

After more than 20 years, Wancheng was finally recaptured. One can imagine the joy in Liu Bei's heart.

Fazheng offered advice: "Your Majesty, the reward can be given later."

"Now that we have Wancheng, we should put more pressure on Cao Pi; Your Majesty can personally lead the army to attack Tongguan!"

"This is also the purpose of Bosong's Pegasus to deliver victory."

Under the current situation, it is almost impossible to go from Nanyang to Luoyang.

Therefore.

After Zhuge Qiao took Wancheng, he sent Pegasus to Chang'an to report the victory and asked Chang'an to send troops to Tongguan.

Although there is not much food and grass in Chang'an, the competition now is who has the strongest momentum.

Taking advantage of Cao Pi's illness, he took Cao Pi's life.

Without reinforcements, Zhang He cannot hold Tongguan!
Liu Bei has been in the army for half his life, and he also understands the opportunity now.

"Just follow the principle of filial piety and uprightness."

"My order is that all troops in Chang'an must arrive at Tongguan within ten days!"

Liu Bei suddenly became proud.

After leaving Yizhou, Liu Bei was no longer restricted by the gentry in Yizhou.

In Chang'an, when Liu Bei wanted to mobilize troops, he didn't even need to consult with his ministers. He could just issue an edict if he wanted to mobilize troops.

In addition to Ma Chao and Zhang Fei who had already confronted Zhang He outside Tongguan, generals such as Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, Wu Yi, and Wu Ban arrived at Tongguan one after another.

Liu Bei's imperial chariot also appeared outside Tongguan.

Zhang He, who found out the military situation, immediately sent his horse into Chang'an and asked Cao Pi for reinforcements.

"Liu Bei, a veteran revolutionary, really knows how to choose the right time!"

Cao Pi in Luoyang was already in dire straits.

First, there was the Yiluo Flood, which caused serious flooding in Luoyang, causing countless casualties among soldiers and civilians.

Later, news of Cao Zhen and Cao Ren's defeat in Nanyang spread back to Luoyang, which made Cao Pi crazy.

Before Cao Pi could figure it out, Liu Bei came to attack Tongguan again.

Reinforcements?

Where are the reinforcements?
Most of Luoyang's reinforcements were taken away by Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen is now stationed in Yingchuan and cannot go to Tongguan at all!

"Pass my order: Order Zhang He to retreat to Hangu Pass!"

Cao Pi was helpless.

Tongguan is too far away. If Zhang He makes a mistake at Tongguan, Liu Bei will be able to drive directly to Luoyang.

Only by allowing Zhang He to retreat to Hangu Pass can Luoyang be saved.

As for the west of Hangu Pass, Cao Pi couldn't care less.

"On weekdays, high-ranking officials support you with generous salaries, but no one has a good plan to deal with it at critical moments."

"What's the point of raising you?"

Cao Pi held his sword in the main hall and shouted at the officials.

The ministers were scolded so much that they did not dare to raise their heads.

Just because of the heavy rain for days, Luoyang suffered serious floods, which even led to the loss of Nanyang and the loss of the south of Hangu Pass.

There are even rumors in Luoyang that Cao Pi usurped the Han Dynasty to establish the Wei Dynasty and occupied the old capital of the Han Dynasty, which angered God and caused the Luoyang flood.

Many scholars and people agreed, thinking that it was all Cao Pi's fault.

Not to mention Cao Pi, all the officials in this hall also wanted to scold their mother.

Jia Xu closed his eyes and sighed: If you don't listen to the old man's words, you will suffer a lot. If you don't move the capital if I ask you to do so, nothing will happen if you move the capital early.

When Jia Xu closed his eyes and sighed secretly, Cao Pi walked towards Jia Xu and paid homage: "In the past, I did not accept Taiwei's kind words, which led to today's disaster."

"Please also ask the Taiwei to offer suggestions to help me!"

Cao Pi also regretted it.

If the capital had been moved earlier, there would have been so many disasters!
It also allows Liu Bei to bear the "wrath of heaven".

At that time, Cao Pi can still use "the wrath of heaven" to attack Liu Bei.

All the ministers also looked at Jia Xu, hoping that Jia Xu would have a good plan.

Jia Xu slowly opened his eyes and said tremblingly: "Your Majesty, if you continue to stop, you will suffer chaos."

"Although Liu Bei personally conquered Tongguan, I heard that Liu Bei didn't have much food and grass, so he couldn't march straight in to attack Luoyang."

"Your Majesty can take this opportunity to use Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty Liu Xiu and the Yiluo Water God to entrust a dream: Frankly saying that Liu Bei restored the Han Dynasty without authorization and humiliated Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty."

"In the past, Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty swore an oath to Luoshui, just for the word of faith; Duke Shanyang is the direct descendant of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty. Since the Zen position is given to His Majesty, he must uphold this word of faith."

"Therefore, God sent floods to end Liu Bei's delusions, and also to maintain the credibility of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty."

"However, the wrath of heaven cannot bring disaster to the people, so His Majesty decided to move the capital to Yecheng."

"If you are willing to follow, you can follow His Majesty to Yecheng to show your respect to God."

All the ministers sighed secretly.

An old man who does not die is a thief, which can be interpreted as "Liu Xiu's wrath".

only.

No one was there to refute.

As long as the people can be convinced, then this dream will be true. (End of chapter)