Cao Thief

Chapter 539 The Battle of Liangzhou (22) [-]
Time flies fast.

After entering October, with the arrival of the first snow, the situation in Liangzhou has gradually undergone some wonderful changes.

After Zhang Lu captured Wudu County, he did not continue to send troops. Instead, he ordered Yang Ang and Yang Ren to guard the old road and Ju County respectively, and stationed troops in the East Wolf Valley.This can be regarded as showing Zhang Lu's attitude: as long as I have two gates in Hanzhong, I have little interest in the rest.

At the beginning, Ma Teng was smooth sailing.

First, Didao was occupied, and then Lintao was seized without bloodshed.

He ordered his second son Ma Xiu to lead his troops to Wudu.The reason... is very simple!Ma Teng had a close relationship with the two Qiangs in Huangzhong. Whether it was the Baima Qiang or the Shenlang Qiang, they all respected the Ma family and their sons.After all, the blood of the Qiang people has always flowed in Ma Teng's body.This is also doomed, Ma Teng and Qiang are inseparable and interdependent.

As the second son of Ma Teng, Ma Xiu often interacted with the Qiang people.

Therefore, he will be the easiest to get the support of the Qiang people if he takes over Wudu County...

But precisely, the Qiang people in Wudu County are also a major group, and the ratio of them to the Han people is almost two to one.There are two Han people and one Qiang people.If it weren't for Ma Chao to contain Cao Jun in Zhangye County, he might not be the most suitable candidate.But Ma Chao can't come, and Matthew can too.He can get the greatest support in Wudu County, supported by the Qiang people!
And in fact, more or less the same.

After Ma Xiu entered Wudu County, Teng Zijing of Baima Qiang and King Tu of Shenlang Qiang each sent [-] soldiers and horses to assist Ma Xiu in pacifying Wudu County.In just over ten days, Ma Xiu took the Qiang Road, took the Wudu Road, led the five counties of Shanglu and Xiabianhechi, stationed troops on Fanzhong Mountain, echoed Yang Ang, and guarded the gate of Wudu, forming a natural barrier.

On the whole, the battle was surprising, and Ma Teng had the absolute upper hand.

However, as the war gradually progressed, Ma Teng was unable to attack Xiangwu in Zhang County for a long time, and his morale gradually began to decline.

After Cao Jun experienced the initial panic, he immediately launched a counterattack with Cao Hong stationed in Chang'an.

On October 2000, Shi Haozhao, governor of Hexi County, was ordered to cross the river and enter Anding County.Holding Cao Peng's handwritten letter, he borrowed [-] soldiers and horses from Zhang Ji, the prefect of Anding, and [-] people with him, and rushed to Hanyang County to help.

Zhang Ji didn't have too many soldiers and horses, and the secondment of three thousand was the ultimate, so there is nothing to say.

Originally, Wei Duan was not willing to let Hao Zhao's troops station in Hanyang, but Yang Fu's words forced him to agree.

"Duke Ming has no other choice at this moment.

Hanyang is not strong in soldiers and horses. Without foreign aid, it may not last long.At that time, Duke Ming will either fight to the death or die in battle, there is no other way.Mr. Cao has decided to settle in Hebei, and the loss is huge. He may not want to take over Liangzhou at this time.If Duke Ming refuses Hexi's reinforcements, Duke Cao will definitely sit idly by... Duke Ming should know that this is the friendship of Cao Youxue in Wuwei.According to the goodwill of Cao Sanpian by Duke Ming, Cao Zilian in Chang'an will definitely not make any further moves.Although the three auxiliary forces are empty, they have more than enough self-defense.And Gan Ning, the general of the Longmen Zhonglang, came from Cao Youxue's school, so how can he help Minggong at that time?

Hao Bo said that since he rushed to help, Duke Ming should let him go.

Otherwise, everyone's hearts will be chilled, and it will be unfavorable to Duke Ming..."

Wei Duan did not want Cao Jun to enter Liangzhou. On the one hand, he was worried that the power would be lost, and on the other hand, he had a heart disease.

Wang Meng's death was caused by him alone.

just in case……

However, under Yang Fu's persuasion, Wei Duan only nodded in agreement.

Indeed, without reinforcements, he might not be able to withstand Ma Teng's fierce attack.If he continued to hesitate, the whole of Longxi might be taken over by Ma Teng.If Ma Teng wins Longxi County, how can he not spy on Hanyang County?
On October [-], Hao Zhao led his troops across the Wei River to the south and stationed at Luomenju.

Although there were only [-] soldiers and horses, the pressure on Ma Teng was extremely huge.

Luomen gathers in the west to help Zhang County and Xiangwu. It only takes two days to go south, and then they can approach Taocheng and threaten Wudu.

On October 22, Ma Teng ordered Zhang Heng and Li Kan to take over Lintao and defend against Hao Zhao's surprise attack.

On the same day, Cao Hong set up an army in Chang'an, with Zhonglang General Gan Ning as the vanguard, leading a total of [-] elite soldiers from the two schools, and the troops approached Dasan Pass.

Although there are only four thousand soldiers and horses, they are elite soldiers and strong generals.

Gan Ning's soldiers and horses participated in several battles in the east of the river, and fought bloody battles with the Karasuma people in Huo Dashan. They have rich experience and are not comparable to the mob.The most important thing is that after the Battle of Hedong, Guanzhong soldiers and horses crossed Tongtian Mountain and entered Bingzhou under the battle of Wei Ji and Cao Rendu.However, these soldiers and horses of Gan Ning were ordered to garrison at Longmen Mountain, where they got a full rest and their morale was extremely high.Coming to the battlefield again today, it is like a group of fierce tigers coming out of the gate...

Outside Dasan Pass, there are ancient roads and Fanzhong Mountain.

After Ma Xiu and Yang Ang learned about it, they immediately led a sneak attack, trying to catch Gan Ning by surprise.

Unexpectedly, Gan Ning was ready to fight.

On the night when Ma Xiu Yang Ang arrived at Dashan Pass, he personally led a hundred elite soldiers, rushed out from Dashan Pass, and went straight to the camp of Xiliang and Hanzhong Allied Forces.With the treasured sword in his hand, Gan Ning beheaded the twelve generals of Hanzhong, killing the coalition army and fleeing in embarrassment...

The next day, Gan Ning sent his troops southward, heading straight for Fanzhong Mountain.

Ma Xiu had just retreated to Fanzhong Mountain, before he even had time to rest, Gan Ning had already killed him.The two sides fought fiercely at the foot of Fanzhong Mountain for a day, and Ma Xiu was defeated and retreated to Hechi.But Gan Ning did not pursue, instead he stationed troops at the foot of Fanzhong Mountain, eyeing Wudu County covetously. At the same time, he teamed up with Hao Zhao to form a pincer attack on Lintao... Hanyang Longxi was shaken.

Gan Ning became famous after beheading Wen Chou.

When Xiliang sergeants mentioned Gan Ning, they were all terrified, and privately called him "Gan Menghu".

Jinmachao, Ganhuhu!
In Liangzhou, a place of bitter cold in the northwest, in one day, all the heroes gather together, making it extremely lively.

On October 25th of the ninth year of Jian'an, Cao Hong personally led [-] soldiers and horses, with Chen Qun as his military adviser, and approached Dasan Pass!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +
It is not too far from Zhangye County to Yunwu.

It only takes two days to cross the Huangshui River.Lema outside Yunwu City, looking at the majestic Yunwu City Wall under the sky full of haze, Ma Chao suddenly had an extremely ominous premonition for some reason.This trip to allow me may not be as easy as he imagined!However, he didn't think much about it, because this Yunwu's surname is Ma, not Fei.

At the gate of the city, the gate guards are heavily guarded, checking the passers-by.

When Ma Chao came to the city, someone had already gone to report to Feiwo.The gate guards did not step forward to question, and immediately let Ma Chao and his party enter the city.That fluffy movement made Ma Chao more or less happy in his heart.

At least, these people don't dare to provoke me yet!
Yunwu County, as the seat of Jincheng County, was originally extremely prosperous.

Han Sui is ambitious and calculating, but overall, his governance of Jincheng is quite effective.

Since the Zhongping period, Han Sui has captured Jincheng County.

In the past 20 years, he has indeed done his best in government affairs.When Han Sui was alive, the population of Jincheng County increased by more than [-].This is even more commendable in an environment where the population of Liangzhou is tending to decline.

Among them, there are about 6 to 7 naturalized Qianghu people, and as many as [-] to [-] refugees who fled from Heguan and other areas.

This is also the main reason why there are only more than [-] people in the three counties of Heguan.

Han Sui is a native of Jincheng, and he has devoted himself to creating a paradise.Even during the most chaotic period in Liangzhou, Jincheng under Han Sui's governance, instead of weakening, became stronger day by day.On this point, Han Sui is different from Ma Teng.Ma Teng relied on strong soldiers and horses to fight everywhere to grow and develop; while Han Sui relied more on governance to tap the potential of Jincheng County itself.Therefore, even during the famine years, Jincheng County did not experience large-scale refugee turmoil, and maintained an extremely friendly and equal relationship with the surrounding Qiangdi tribes.

Yunwu County, as the seat of Jincheng County, once had a population of [-].

Merchants traveling between Guanzhong and the Western Regions must pass through Yunwu, which makes Yunwu County extraordinarily prosperous...

It's just that Yunwu at this time is not as lively as it was when Han Sui ruled.The long street was deserted and clear, with a sense of desolation.

Ma Chao urged his horse to march on the long street, and couldn't help frowning slightly.

"Yunwu, why are you so cold?"

He asked a soldier leading the way.

The soldier smiled wryly, "My lord, the whole of Longxi is at war."

Longxi County is the only way to connect Jincheng County and Guanzhong.This "must be passed" is full of flames of war, where will there be businessmen?Without business contacts, there will naturally be a lot of vitality, which is inevitable.

"But why are those shops not open?"

"Nothing to sell!"

"Oh?"

"My lord doesn't know something, but now my lord is using troops in Longxi and has recruited nearly 6 people.

Just because of Yunwu, tens of thousands of people were conscripted... Coupled with panic, many people fled their homes.Now Yun Wu is afraid that there are less than 3 people, how can everyone be in the mood to sell?Coupled with the action of the large army, there was a shortage of supplies in the city... There was no one and nothing, so what's the use of opening the door?It's better to stay at home and be safer. "

Ma Chao narrowed his eyes, looked up and down, and looked at the guard in front of him.

He doesn't look very old, maybe fourteen or fifteen years old, but his gestures reveal spirituality.

"What's your name?"

"The villain's surname is Hu, and each character is Zun."

"Hu Zun?"

A smile appeared on Ma Chao's face, "Listen to the accent, I'm not from Jincheng."

"The villain is from Linjing, Anding. He came to Jincheng with his father in the early years. My father has passed away now. When the city was recruited, the villain joined the army."

"Hu Zun, would you like to follow me?"

"what?"

"I mean, be my pro-army... If you want to, you can go home and prepare, and report to the mansion at night."

Hu Zun's eyes lit up!

He is just a common man with no background.

If he could follow Ma Chao, it would be a good way out.

"The villain is willing."

"Hehe, it's fine if you want to."

For some reason, seeing Hu Zun, Ma Chao thought of Hu Bai.

When he first met Hubai, Hubai was just a schoolteacher, poor and poor.However, there is a kind of spirituality in him, which is very similar to Hu Zun's appearance at this time.Ma Chao decided to take Hu Zun away, and he would become his right-hand man in the future.And Hu Zun seemed very excited about this, and kept laughing along the way...

Outside the county hall, Ma Chao got off his horse.

He casually threw the reins to Hu Zun, "Help me watch it!"

"Don't worry, general, the villain will never lose anything."

Ma Chao nodded with a smile, and walked up the county steps.

"Eldest son, why are you back?"

"If I don't come back again, Zhangye's eight thousand elite soldiers will starve to death...Master Fei is here, please report quickly."

"My lord, please wait a moment."

Men Ding went to report, and someone led Ma Chao to the hall to wait.

This county house was repaired with Feiwo's money.Feiwo lives here on weekdays and is responsible for handling some important official documents.

Ma Teng also acquiesced in Fei Wo's actions, and he was even more respectful on weekdays.

No wonder, without Feiwo, it would not be easy for Ma Teng to work in Jincheng County.After all, he took Jincheng County from Han Sui.And the reason why he was able to capture Jincheng County was because of Fei Wo's maneuvers...

Ma Chao sat in the lobby for a while, which was time for a cup of tea.

I saw Fewo coming in from the outside, but his face seemed a little weird.

"Eldest son, if you are not on the front line, why did you come here in person?"

Ma Chao sullenly said, "If I don't come back, I'm afraid my messengers won't be able to see Mr. Fei's face...Mr. Fei, let's get straight to the point and don't beat around the bush. You must know the purpose of my return this time, Mr. Fei." I understand. I want food and grass! At least [-] shi... Otherwise, I will be in Zhangye County, and it will be difficult to support me. You also know that my father is fighting in Longxi, and Wu Wei must guard against it. Cao Peng is eyeing him and will attack at any time."

"Ten thousand stones?"

Fewo suddenly showed a bitter smile, "My lord, you might as well kill me."

"Master Fei, what do you mean?"

"Your Excellency, do you know how many troops my lord has invested in Longxi County?" As he spoke, he stretched out his hands without waiting for Ma Chao's answer, "10, a full [-] troops. Although the lord has captured a lot The county towns, except for Didao and Lintao, the treasuries in the other five counties are almost empty...I can't help but have to bear the food and wages of the [-] army, and I also have to worry about the food and clothing of the nearly [-] people in the five counties. A few days ago , the lord sent someone to urge him, and he asked for [-] stones.

But do you know how much Jincheng will earn this fall?

The total is only 20 Dendrobium... This does not include the subsidy for the two Qiangs in Huangzhong, the Yunwu Treasury, and it is almost bottoming out now! "

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's expression changed drastically.

He could guess the tremendous pressure that Jincheng County was under, but he didn't expect that he would be so embarrassed.

Looking at Feiwo's much thinner face, Ma Chao's anger seemed to suddenly become much smaller.

"But Lingju..."

"Lingju's side is now also issued once every ten days.

Earlier, Cheng Yin sent someone to complain to me that there was not enough food and grass.But what can I do?It's impossible to deduct the lord's food and grass.Eldest son, I know you are dissatisfied with me, but now we are all serving the Lord, and I can clearly distinguish the seriousness of this matter.Well, I'll think of a way and see if I can get some from other places.

Five days... No, give me three days, and I will try to get together three thousand stones of food and grass and send it to Zhangye County. What do you think? "

"Three thousand stones?"

Ma Chao thought for a while, then stretched out a slap, "Five thousand stones, no less."

"This... I will try my best!"

Ma Chao left contentedly, and the bitter look on Feiwo's face disappeared immediately.

At this time, a young man came out from the back hall and stopped beside Fei Wo, "Master Fei, five thousand today, ten thousand tomorrow. Given the small size of Jincheng, you can send [-] soldiers and horses, and you will be considered as powerful as the heavens." , how long can you last? Let’s talk about it... Hehe, today Ma Chao has a request from you, so he is very pleasant. But if you gain power in the future, how will you deal with yourself?"

Fewo, his face is cloudy...

(End of this chapter)