Can I get to the other side?.

Chapter 283: Taking Taiyuan and Arriving at Jinyang (asking for monthly ticket)

Bingzhou, Jinyang.

It has been a long time since Gao Gan led his army back to Bingzhou from Yizhou. As the governor of Bingzhou and Yuan Shao's nephew, he was one of the greatest contributors to Yuan Shao's conquest of Jizhou, and his ability is unquestionable.

This time when he led the troops back, everyone in Jinyang City suddenly felt they had a backbone. After all, although Tian Feng's prestige was high, there was still a big gap compared to Gao Gan.

In the prefect's mansion.

Gao Gan was looking at the intelligence sent back from Sizhou in his hand, and couldn't help but sigh: "One hundred thousand Xiliang troops, this time Ma Chao really got the upper hand."

According to the intelligence, Han Sui was killed by the Hun army. When Ma Chao learned about this, he was furious. He led his army out of the pass and slaughtered more than 5,000 Huns to avenge Han Sui.

This move won Ma Chao the support of Han Sui's army, and now the Western Liang army was completely under Ma Chao's control.

As long as the two armies are reorganized, disrupted and redeployed, the Xiliang Army will no longer be divided into the Ma faction and the Han faction, and Ma Chao will become the only person in charge of the Xiliang Army.

All this is naturally due to Tian Feng.

After he led his troops back, Tian Feng proposed a plan to join forces with the Xiliang Army to attack Jizhou, and set his target on Ma Chao.

The reason was that Han Sui was old and unlikely to take risks, but Ma Chao was young and ambitious and was easier to persuade.

This is true.

Tian Feng successfully persuaded Ma Chao and temporarily stayed in Ma Chao's army to help him murder Han Sui and unify the Xiliang army.

So far, everything has been going exactly as Tian Feng originally planned and is proceeding very smoothly.

"General, will Ma Chao really join us in attacking Jizhou? This guy's father and two brothers are in Yecheng. Doesn't he have any concerns?"

Guo Yuan frowned and said, with worry in his tone.

When Tian Feng proposed to persuade Ma Chao, he actually thought it was outrageous. Who would ignore the life and death of his father and brothers?

However, as soon as this thought came to his mind, Yuan Xi's figure inexplicably flashed through his mind, so he dispelled this concern.

Well, there are indeed such people.

Gao Gan said: "The military supervisor is extremely intelligent and one of the general's most trusted advisers. If he says he is sure, then he must be right."

He trusted Tian Feng's ability very much. In his opinion, among the several advisers under Yuan Shao, only Ju Su was stronger than Tian Feng.

It was just that Tian Feng's words were not very pleasant, so his suggestions and strategies were often not adopted by Yuan Shao.

"But General, Ma Chao has already killed Han Sui, why hasn't the military supervisor returned yet? And the military supervisor used to send letters, but now he doesn't even send letters."

Guo Yuan still had some doubts in his mind.

Tian Feng had said in a previous letter that if he helped Ma Chao kill Han Sui, he would return to Bingzhou, but now there has been no movement.

So he couldn't help but feel worried.

Gao Gan thought about it and felt that Guo Yuan's concerns were reasonable, so he said: "I will send someone to Chang'an tomorrow to bring the military supervisor back."

"Let's first discuss how to attack Jizhou after the spring begins and formulate a rough offensive strategy. Don't wait for the military supervisor to do everything himself."

Tian Feng has Tian Feng’s things to do.

And he also has his things to do.

For him, the purpose of this return was to recapture Jizhou and try to rescue Yuan Shao from Yecheng.

"This is simple."

Guo Yuan said nonchalantly, "The key to attacking Jizhou lies in whether Ma Chao will send troops. If he does, 100,000 Xiliang cavalry will gallop across Hebei, and no one will be able to stop them. Lu Bu will definitely be defeated."

Hebei is mostly plains, which is very suitable for cavalry to gallop. It is a natural battlefield for Ma Chao's Xiliang Cavalry.

Senior officials also agree with this.

While the two were discussing, Zhao Rui ran into the study and said anxiously, "General Gao, something bad has happened to Supervisor Tian!"

"What happened?"

Gao Gan was startled when he heard this and asked immediately.

I had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

Zhao Rui's eyes were red, and he said in great sorrow, "News just came back from Jizhou, saying that Tian Feng intended to join forces with Han Sui to rebel, but they were both killed by Ma Chao, and their heads were sent to Yecheng!"

"General Tian...is dead!"

This news was like a bolt from the blue, hitting Gao Gan hard and making him feel dizzy.

After finally standing firm, Gao Gan was filled with endless anger. He overturned the table and shouted angrily, "Ma Chao! How dare you betray me!"

"I swear to kill you!!!"

How could he not know what Ma Chao was planning when he heard the news? This despicable man actually killed Han Sui with the help of Tian Feng, then killed Tian Feng to claim credit, and then pinned the crime of treason on Han Sui.

How can you be so shameless!
Guo Yuan gnashed his teeth and said, "General, I think we should pass this news to the Xiliang army right away!"

"That villain Ma Chao announced to the Xiliang army that Han Sui was killed by the Xiongnu, and he told the court another story."

"As long as we let Han Sui's army know this news, it will inevitably cause the Xiliang army to fall into civil strife and even mutiny!"

Ma Chao is treacherous, so they don't need to talk about morality, just expose Ma Chao's hypocritical face!

Let’s see how this villain will make up for it when the time comes!
"It's too late!"

Gao Gan's eyes were filled with anger. He punched the pillar next to him heavily and said in hatred, "Ma Chao has already won the hearts of the Xiliang army. Even if we spread this news, no one will believe it!"

“Damn it, damn it!!”

He was extremely angry. Having been tricked by Ma Chao, he felt a sense of depression in his chest, but had no place to vent it.

The most important thing is that Ma Chao broke his promise, so their previous plan to use Ma Chao's Xiliang army to attack Jizhou would all fail.

Even Tian Feng was involved!
But before Gao Gan could recover from his grief, Sui Yuanjin also ran into the study and said hurriedly: "General Gao, there is a war report from Leping County and Xinxing County, saying that Lu Bu and Zhang Liao led 50,000 troops to attack from Jizhou!"

"At present, Leping and Xinxing counties have completely fallen. The enemy army has already entered Taiyuan County and is heading towards Jinyang City!"

Gao Gan looked up suddenly, his face full of disbelief.

This news was even more shocking than Tian Feng’s death.

Or rather, it’s absurd!

"What nonsense are you talking about? It's the middle of winter and it's snowing heavily. How could Lu Bu lead his troops to attack?"

"Who sent back this false information?!"

Guo Yuan didn't believe what Sui Yuanjin said at all. There was no army in the world that could fight in the north in winter.

Because it can really freeze people to death!

The climate in the north is cold. If you want to fight in winter, you must not only provide the soldiers with sufficient food to ensure their physical strength, but also prepare enough warm clothing.

If it was a small-scale battle, it would be fine, but for a whole army of 50,000, where would all the warm clothes and food come from? How much money would it cost!

"It's a real general!"

Sui Yuanjin said with a bitter expression: "The defeated soldiers from both counties have fled back, and our scouts have also discovered the traces of the enemy army." "It is expected that they will arrive in Jinyang City soon!"

If he had not personally questioned the defeated soldiers, and the scout who came back to report was also one of his men, he would not have dared to believe the news.

According to what the defeated soldiers said, the enemy was like a surprise attack from the sky, catching them off guard because no one expected a large army to attack at this time.

The Chinese New Year will be here soon!
Hearing Sui Yuanjin's answer, Gao Gan's expression became more serious. He clenched the sword in his hand and gritted his teeth and said, "Pass my order, the whole army prepare for battle!"

After saying that, he strode out of the study.

……

As the military order from the high official was issued, the entire Jinyang City army began to mobilize, and all the soldiers who had returned home to prepare for the New Year were re-recruited into the barracks to prepare for battle.

It was freezing cold and snowing heavily.

The soldiers who received the military order all complained about it, because no one wanted to fight in winter, and their hands were almost frozen from holding the cold weapons.

Moreover, most of the lower-level soldiers did not have enough cold-proof clothing, so even if they climbed onto the city wall, they had to hide under the battlements.

Everyone was so cold that their faces turned blue and they were shivering.

Gao Gan led his men to the city wall for inspection. Seeing the low morale of the soldiers, he was extremely worried and ordered Zhao Rui:
"Immediately order someone to gather a batch of clothes to distribute to the soldiers defending the city, light a bonfire on the city wall, and prepare wine and water to warm them up!"

"Go!"

Although there are regulations in the military that prohibit drinking during wartime.

But with the enemy at the doorstep, how could he care so much? If he didn't prepare some means to keep out the cold, the soldiers would probably freeze to death on the city wall before the battle even started.

The coldness of winter is no joke.

Zhao Rui took the order and retreated. Gao Gan then said to Sui Yuanjin: "Take the people out of the city immediately, fortify the city and clear the fields. You must--"

His voice stopped abruptly.

Because he saw a black wave appearing in the distance of the plain, rushing towards Jinyang City on the snow.

It is vast and seems endless.

The enemy is approaching!

……

This time, Lu Bu and Zhang Liao led the army and captured Leping and Xinxing counties in less than five days.

First, they took advantage of the surprise attack. They chose to attack in the days near the Chinese New Year, which is often the time when the defenders are least vigilant.

Moreover, many soldiers in the army went back home.

The second is the advantage of equipment. Since the soldiers in the army are wearing sweaters, trousers, gloves and socks, they can maintain their combat effectiveness even in cold weather.

In addition, the abundant supply of food and logistics made the soldiers very strong, so they attacked like wolves and tigers.

However, Leping County and Xinxing County are just two appetizers. The ultimate goal of their trip is the seat of Taiyuan County - Jinyang City!

It is now visible from a distance.

Lu Bu looked at the city standing in the cold wind in the distance and laughed to Zhang Liao, "I told you that we can reach this place within ten days, right? You still don't believe in my strength?"

"Are you convinced now? Bring me the wine!"

He had previously made a bet with Zhang Liao that they could reach the city of Jinyang within ten days, but Zhang Liao expressed doubts, and now it was only the ninth day.

Zhang Liao looked depressed. Hearing this, he reluctantly took off the wine bag from his waist and threw it to Lu Bu.

"Take it!"

Lu Bu was very happy and just wanted to open the bottle to take a sip, but Chen Gong beside him said, "General, although alcohol is not prohibited during this expedition, you still cannot drink while marching."

"His Majesty specifically told me to watch you and not let you drink and mess up your work. Give me the wine."

Lu Bu scratched his head and reluctantly handed the wine bag to Chen Gong. He then couldn't help but ask Sima Yi, "Military Advisor, when are we going to attack Jinyang? I think we should just attack the city and take it down in one fell swoop!"

“Maybe I can even make it back for the New Year!”

This time, Liu Xie gave Sima Yi a chance to show his ability. He let him follow the army and make plans for the attack on Bingzhou. Of course, it was limited to making plans.

The commander of the army was Lu Bu and the supervisor of the army was Chen Gong.

However, when attacking Xinxing and Leping counties before, Sima Yi showed amazing talent in controlling the timing of the attack and commanding and mobilizing troops.

So Lu Bu will now listen to Sima Yi's advice.

After all, this battle is important, and he dare not act rashly.

"No."

Sima Yi shook his head and said, "After fighting continuously and traveling a long distance, the soldiers are a little tired. It is not appropriate to attack today."

"Besides, Jinyang is not like the two counties of Leping and Xinxing that we attacked before. The walls of Jinyang City are high and there are many defenders inside. It will be difficult to capture it in a short time."

"But our attack was sudden, and the people in the city didn't have time to fortify their walls and clear the countryside. This is good news for us."

"In my opinion, we should first reorganize the troops in the next few days and let the accompanying Zhen craftsmen make catapults and siege equipment. We can launch the attack after we are fully prepared."

Sima Yi put forward his own suggestions.

Chen Gong thought for a moment, nodded in agreement and said, "The military advisor is right. A hasty attack will only cause heavy losses to the army. Let's stay here first."

Although Lu Bu was not very happy about it, since neither the military advisor nor the military supervisor wanted to launch an attack today, he had no choice but to agree.

Soon the army stopped marching and began to set up camp outside the city.

Jinyang City, on the city wall.

Gao Gan couldn't help but feel a little relieved when he saw that the enemy did not launch an attack immediately but chose to camp outside the city. However, the pressure in his heart did not decrease at all.

Fifty thousand versus thirty thousand. Under normal circumstances, he would have enough confidence to defend Jinyang City, but in this weather...

"Where on earth did they get the confidence to send troops in winter? And why was it so sudden that they couldn't even wait until spring?"

Gao Gan felt extremely puzzled.

After much thought, he could only attribute the problem to Ma Chao. The emperor must have learned some news, which was why he wanted to take Bingzhou at all costs to prevent them from joining forces with Ma Chao.

Don't give them any chance.

Gao Gan sighed slightly and did not think about this issue any further. It was useless to think about these things now. The most important thing for him right now was how to defend Jinyang City.

He had no way out.

……

While Lu Bu led his army to attack Bingzhou, Ma Chao, who was far away in Chang'an, also learned the news.

At the same time, there was also an imperial edict from Yecheng.

(End of this chapter)