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

Hanoi.

Cao Zhang invited Deng Ai, the governor of Henei, to meet him.

Since the defeat in Guanzhong, Cao Zhang has been almost entirely in Bingzhou.

In recent years, Cao Zhang has learned from his mistakes and devoted himself to training cavalry.

Even the Xiongnu cavalry in Bingzhou did not dare to show off their power in front of Cao Zhang's cavalry.

This time, when Cao Zhang was ordered to march south, he was full of confidence and vowed to defeat Liu Bei and avenge his previous humiliation.

"Deng Ai, you are responsible for preparing the food and fodder."

"I will first defeat the Han dogs in Luoyang and take Jiang Wei's head."

Cao Zhang was arrogant and looked down on Deng Ai, who came from a humble background.

One was a royal noble, the other was a common farmer. Their backgrounds were as different as heaven and earth.

Deng Ai was neither humble nor arrogant, and he clasped his hands and said, "Forgive me for being frank, but the imperial edict I received was to prepare food and fodder for Cao Bingzhou to go to Chenliu."

"Although Jiang Wei of Luoyang is young, he is a master at commanding troops and is definitely not an ordinary person."

Cao Zhang raised his eyebrow: "You mean, I'm not as good as Jiang Wei?"

Deng Ai said quickly, "General, you misunderstood! What I meant was that Your Majesty needs Cao Bingzhou's 30,000 cavalry to help, and we can't delay."

Cao Zhang sneered: "Liu Bei's main force has gone to Yingchuan, and Jiang Wei's troops in Luoyang will not exceed 5,000."

"I want to defeat Jiang Wei in one day at most."

"If I defeat Jiang Wei, I can go south from Luoyang and go directly behind Liu Bei, catching him off guard!"

"You are just a small governor, how can you understand the mysteries of military tactics?"

Deng Ai's face changed slightly and he frowned secretly.

What the General Fujun said was right. Cao Zhang was arrogant and conceited and could not listen to others.

Think of this.

Deng Ai did not persuade him any further.

If Cao Zhang was angered, Deng Ai was afraid that Cao Zhang would use his power to bully others in Henei.

Anyway, it wasn’t Deng Ai who was seeking death!
Deng Ai's duty was to defend Henei, not to influence Cao Zhang's decision.

Cao Zhang was in great momentum and marched straight into Luoyang from Henei.

Jiang Wei in Luoyang had only two thousand soldiers and horses. Upon hearing the news, he immediately withdrew to Hangu Pass and defended the pass.

"What a coward! Liu Bei used this man to guard Luoyang. How foolish!"

Cao Zhang rode his horse and showed off his might at the foot of Hangu Pass. After shouting and scolding Jiang Wei for several times, he went south to Yique Pass in an attempt to bypass Liu Bei's retreat.

Jiang Wei stood on the top of the city wall and carefully checked the direction of Cao Zhang's march. He could not help but sneer: "The Prime Minister is so wise. Cao Zhang is indeed heading south through Yique Pass."

"You don't take me seriously at all!"

"Do you really think that I can only mobilize these two thousand men in Luoyang?"

"Quickly summon Yi Cong to enter Hangu Pass."

When the news of Liu Bei's resurrection reached Chang'an, Liu Chan and all the officials in Chang'an were all stunned, except Zhuge Liang.

Just when the grief over the late emperor's death had subsided, there came a big surprise: the late emperor was resurrected.

Especially Liu Chan.

I watched Liu Bei die of illness.

After a year, Liu Bei was resurrected?

Was I blind at the time?
Until Zhuge Liang couldn't bear it anymore, he secretly told Liu Chan about Liu Bei's fake death.

Simultaneously.

Zhuge Liang also urgently mobilized 30,000 cavalrymen from the Yongliang Qiang and Hu volunteers, promised them great benefits, and named them "Zuo Han Yicong". They stationed the troops in Mianchi, west of Hangu Pass, and were under the command of Jiang Wei, the general who assisted the Han.

These volunteers were different from the Qiang soldiers of the Western Qiang Kingdom. They were all Qiang and Hu who voluntarily surrendered to the Han Dynasty.

It is deeply influenced by Chinese culture.

In addition, thanks to Zhuge Qiao's efforts, Liangzhou became the earliest birthplace of new-style workshops.

Most of these Qiang and Hu volunteers were beneficiaries.

In recent years, everyone has lived a good life.

As soon as Zhuge Liang's conscription order was issued, Qiang and Hu volunteers flocked to respond.

after all.

If the Han Dynasty wins, these people will be able to live a better life in Liangzhou.

If the Han Dynasty is defeated, the existing means of survival for these people will be taken away.

The news that Jiangdong workshops were looted and craftsmen were reduced to labor servants was widely publicized in Liangzhou.

These followers may not understand the great principles, but they are very clear about slavery.

Wasn't it because he didn't want to be a slave of the Qiang nobles of the Western Qiang Kingdom that he was willing to return to the Han Dynasty and become a loyal follower?

Who wants to be a slave?
These 30,000 Qiang and Hu volunteers were selected by Zhuge Liang.

Those who are physically weak are not eligible to join!
Cao Zhang was able to use force to make the Xiongnu cavalry move southward, and Zhuge Liang was able to use benefits to make the Qiang people move eastward.

Just one day.

Thirty thousand Qiang cavalry arrived at Hangu Pass.

Among these cavalrymen were Qiang volunteers who had followed Zhuge Qiao in Liangzhou and ambushed the pseudo-Wei cavalry in Fuhan.

For example, the Qiang tribe of Linxigu Zhong was given the surname Zhonghu by the Han Dynasty, the Qiang tribe of Chiting Shaodang was given the surname Yaozhong by the Han Dynasty, and the Qiang tribe of Taoshui Xianling was given the surname Zhengyi by the Han Dynasty.

As well as the Qiang tribe volunteers who were burned in Xuzhong, and the Qiang tribe volunteers who were fried in Weiyuan.

"I pay my respects to General Zohan!"

More than a hundred leaders of the Yicong paid great tribute to Jiang Wei.

Jiang Wei was the general who assisted the Han Dynasty. This group of volunteers was named "Zuo Han Yicong", and the meaning can be imagined.

Jiang Wei had been stationed in Liangzhou for quite some time and was familiar with this group of Yicong leaders.

"I won't say any more unnecessary nonsense."

"Our opponents this time are the Xiongnu cavalry from Bingzhou and Cao Zhang, the royal family of the pseudo-Wei."

"The general is confronting the emperor of the pseudo-Wei in Yingchuan. Cao Zhang wants to attack from the south through Yique Pass. Our mission is to entangle Cao Zhang and defeat him!"

Jiang Wei's words were like a stone that caused a thousand ripples.

Zhong Hu asked in surprise: "General Zuo Han, I wonder who is the general who defends the country you are talking about?"

Jiang Wei laughed and asked, "Does the Han Dynasty have another great general?"

Upon hearing Jiang Wei's answer, Zhong Hu, Yao Zhong, Zheng Yi and other leaders of the Yicong were all shocked.

Yao Zhong asked anxiously, "How did General Zuo Han and General Zhenguo come back to life?"

Jiang Wei glanced at the generals and said, "I have received the mandate from heaven. May you live long and prosper."

"The general who guards the country was once the emperor. God wants the general to live. Who can kill the general who guards the country?"

"Everyone, it is your honor to submit to the Han Dynasty."

"The will of heaven is with Han. When the great general who guards the country returns to heaven, he will definitely remember your merits in killing the bandits."

See people talking, see ghosts talking.

For this group of loyal followers, faking their own death is not an option.

Few Qiang and Hu volunteers could understand it!
But if we talk about destiny, it is easy to understand!
in short.

It wasn't that Liu Bei faked his death, but that God didn't want Liu Bei to die.

If you can live a good life by following Liu Bei, what are you hesitating about?

Jiang Wei's words were very contagious to these Qiang and Hu volunteers.

Zhong Hu, Yao Zhong, Zheng Yi and other leaders of the rebels all developed awe of Liu Bei.

Seeing that the army's morale was good, Jiang Wei led the Qiang cavalry to Yique Pass.

A large number of Qiang cavalry suddenly appeared at Hangu Pass, which could not be hidden from the spies deployed by Deng Ai in Luoyang.

Upon hearing the news, Deng Ai was so shocked that he dropped the documents in his hands.

"Jiang Wei actually has Qiang cavalry to help him. They are waiting for Cao Zhang to fall into a trap!"

"Come here, take my letter and go to Chenliu immediately!"

"Quickly organize the troops and seize Hangu Pass!"

Although Deng Ai was horrified by Jiang Wei's surprise attack, he did not lose his composure. Instead, he decisively issued an order to seize Hangu Pass. Seizing Hangu Pass would not only make Jiang Wei unable to return, but also cut off Jiang Wei's food and grass, increasing Cao Zhang's chances of winning.

Army room.

Deng Ai even personally led 5,000 vanguard troops to seize Hangu Pass overnight.

in the dark.

Deng Ai pretended to be a defeated soldier and shouted in front of Hangu Pass: "General Zuo Han was ambushed by Cao Zhang and was badly defeated and seriously injured. Please open the gate quickly."

But he saw a general on the top of the city wall, wearing a feather fan and a scarf, and asked with a smile: "How was Jiang Boyue defeated by Cao Zhang?"

Deng Ai was slightly puzzled when he saw the general on the top of the city wall actually addressed Jiang Wei by name. He said, "When General Zuo Han passed through Yique Pass, Cao Zhang had already set an ambush."

"Not only is Cao Zhang here, but the troops from Hulao Pass and Henei have also appeared."

"We were escorting General Fu to break out of the encirclement, but he was accidentally hit by a stray arrow and is in danger."

"Please open the city gate quickly!"

The scholar on the top of the city laughed loudly: "Jiang Boyue has the Eight Diagrams I taught him. Even if the Qiang and Hu followers he brought with him are a motley crowd, it is impossible for them to escape from an ambush."

"What's more, Jiang Wei has been in Longyou for a long time, and he has also used these Qiang and Hu volunteers to practice the Eight Diagrams."

"Even if we lose, it won't be a big defeat."

"Jiang Boyue was wearing a chain mail and a chain mail armor. How could a stray arrow hurt him?"

"Who are you? How dare you come to defraud me?"

Deng Ai was horrified: "Who are you?"

The scholar laughed loudly: "Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, Zhuge Liang is here! Young man, I think you have some courage, why don't you surrender to the Han Dynasty?"

Deng Ai couldn't help but take a few steps back and asked: "Why are you in Hangu Pass?"

Zhuge Liang smiled and fanned himself, "Nothing can be done!"

"My unworthy son wants to play a big game and destroy the main force of the pseudo-Wei in one battle."

"My old bones can only run around day after day."

"You asked me two questions, and I answered them both."

"But you haven't answered the question I asked."

Deng Ai looked at the key point solemnly: "Prime Minister of Han, do you know Deng Ai and Deng Shizai from Yiyang?"

Zhuge Liang praised him, "It turned out to be Deng Shizai from Yiyang. Bosong said in Chang'an that if Deng Shizai worked for the Pseudo-Wei, he would be a great threat to the Han Dynasty."

"I have seen your courage and intelligence today. Bosong has never lied to me!"

"If I hadn't shown up at Hangu Pass, I'm afraid you would have taken it away from me."

Deng Ai was unwilling to accept this: "Prime Minister Han, you are too kind! I personally led the vanguard, but I didn't expect that you would still see through my plan."

Zhuge Liang encouraged him, "This is your first time commanding an army. Let the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty come to guard the pass in person. This will amaze the people when you return to the Pseudo-Wei."

"It's a pity that you are unwilling to turn from darkness to light and want to help the cruel pseudo-Wei. It's worrying."

Deng Ai said calmly: "There is no difference between helping Han and Wei."

"I have been appreciated and promoted by the General of the Fu Army, and I must repay the General of the Fu Army for his kindness."

"Prime Minister Han, although my surprise attack failed, my army is right behind us. Can you stop them?"

Zhuge Liang smiled and asked in return: "Hangu Pass is easy to defend but difficult to attack. As long as I hold it for a few days, the troops from Chang'an will rush to help me."

"You don't think that the Han Dynasty is so poor that it doesn't even have a garrison in Chang'an?"

"Deng Shizai, go back."

"The spring ploughing season is approaching, why should you mobilize your tens of thousands of soldiers?"

"Food is the most important thing for the people. Don't let the soldiers and civilians starve."

"With your achievements today, you will definitely be rewarded and promoted when you return."

Deng Ai gritted his teeth, bowed to Zhuge Liang, and led his troops back.

The surprise attack failed, and Zhuge Liang was still guarding the pass. Deng Ai was not confident that he could capture Hangu Pass guarded by Zhuge Liang with just a group of soldiers stationed in the fields.

Zhuge Liang is truly a genius.

Deng Ai sighed.

Deng Ai was defeated sincerely in this surprise attack.

And on the other side.

Cao Zhang was not so lucky!

Cao Zhang, who originally wanted to go south via Yique Pass, was pursued by Jiang Wei on the way.

If he ignored it, Cao Zhang would be attacked from all sides even if he arrived in Yingchuan.

If he had taken notice, Cao Zhang's plan to launch a surprise attack on Yingchuan would have failed.

"This guy Jiang Wei can actually mobilize so many cavalry!" Looking at the Qiang and Hu volunteers all over the mountains, Cao Zhang's expression became solemn.

The Xiongnu Right Wise King Qubei saw through it and said, "General, these cavalrymen are all Qiang people. They should be a temporary organization, not a regular cavalry organization."

Cao Zhang's face was grim: "Take your people and charge for a while to see how strong these Qiang people are."

It is difficult to be humble.

I just deliberately reminded Cao Zhang because I didn't want to let my clansmen go up.

Cao Zhang's cavalry was enough to defeat such a mob.

The Huns with low combat effectiveness can just take advantage of the situation.

Cao Zhang is no fool.

It would be extremely unwise to rashly use the main cavalry when facing an opponent that has never been encountered before.

Since the enemy is the Qiang people, it is most cost-effective to use the Huns to deal with the Qiang people.

"Unwilling?" Cao Zhang glanced at Qu Bei, with a cold look in his eyes.

Qu Bei quickly admitted his mistake: "I dare not."

Under the pressure of Cao Zhang, Qu Bei could only send his younger brother, Youguli King Pan Liuxi, and his five sons to test the waters.

When Jiang Wei saw the Xiongnu cavalry marching out, he also sent Qiang and Hu volunteers to join the battle.

Both sides are nomadic cavalry, and their individual fighting styles are similar, both mainly relying on horseback archery.

the difference is.

The Qiang and Hu volunteers on Jiang Wei's side had more coordinated battle formations.

And, sharper crossbows!
The three armies of Zhong Hu, Yao Zhong and Zheng Yi were equipped with Zhuge Crossbows!

Cavalry used crossbows.

The lethality increases exponentially!

The Huns shot an arrow at them, and the Qiang and Hu militiamen shot back a few arrows.

You may not hit the target with one arrow, but you may not be able to dodge several arrows.

The advantage of using a repeating crossbow is equivalent to the cavalry using "continuous arrows" when riding and shooting. There are not only "three consecutive shots" and "four consecutive shots", but even "ten consecutive shots"!
soon.

The Xiongnu cavalry were suppressed by the arrows of the Qiang and Hu volunteers and fled back in panic.

"General, the Han dogs' crossbows are so powerful that we can't defeat them!"

Pan Liuxi cried.

In the battle just now, all five sons of Pan Liuxi died, all killed by Zhuge Liang's crossbow.

It’s not that Pan Liuxi’s five sons are useless, but that these five sons are too conspicuous.

On the battlefield, the more conspicuous you are, the faster you die.

Cao Zhang had a gloomy face.

I didn't expect that the Xiongnu cavalry couldn't even defeat a group of Qiang and Hu volunteers!
"This time, I will lead the cavalry to charge into the enemy's formation, and you will cover the left and right wings!" Cao Zhang could no longer control his temper.

If Jiang Wei continues to be arrogant, the morale of these Xiongnu cavalry will collapse.

The biggest difference between the Han cavalry and the Xiongnu cavalry is that the Han cavalry has greater endurance, organization and discipline.

Hearing that Cao Zhang was going to lead the charge, Qu Bei secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If Cao Zhang insisted on putting the blame on Pan Liuxi and allowed the Xiongnu cavalry to charge, Qubei would also be very distressed.

Jiang Wei looked at Cao Zhang's cavalrymen who were ready to make a move and said, "Finally, they can't hold their temper anymore."

Just as Cao Zhang began his charge, a dramatic scene occurred.

The Qiang and Hu Yicong fled! (End of this chapter)