Cao Thief

Chapter 701 Changbanpo ([-]) Happy Lantern Festival! ! !
I wish you all a happy Lantern Festival!

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At night, the wind blew up.

The extravagant winter rain fell silently, carrying icicles that were as fine as millet grains, and scattered to the world one after another.Dark clouds cover the bright moon.In the wilderness, it was pitch black, only the sound of horse hooves echoed in the sky, and it lasted for a long time...

Cao Peng was wearing heavy armor and urged his horse to hurry.

The ligers ran wildly on their backs, walking at the forefront of the team.

Behind him, two thousand tigers and leopards rode geese in formation.Although the horses are galloping, the formation is not scattered at all.Since the second year of Jian'an, after the completion of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, all the previous generals have attached great importance to the formation of the army.The queue, which was not taken seriously before, has become a compulsory course for tiger and leopard riders.From Xia Houheng and Cao Xiu at the beginning to the current General Tiger and Leopard, they all attach great importance to the training of this formation.

Xia Houheng died of illness in the sixth year of Jian'an.

Cao Xiu, now a lieutenant of Shesheng, is in charge of the first battalion.

After careful calculation, I really feel a little emotional... I think back then, Xia Houheng and Cao Xiu were invited by Dian Wei to learn the parade drills and began to emerge.But now, one passed away and one was promoted, it always makes people feel that the world is impermanent and the vicissitudes of life are changing.

Cao Peng was preoccupied and held the reins tightly.

Starting from Xiangyang, two hours have passed in the blink of an eye, and the city of Xiangyang has long since disappeared.

The icy rain hit his body, and even through his armor, he could still feel the bone-chilling chill.The winter in the land of Jingchu is completely different from that in the north.If the cold in the north is like a knife or a sword, then the winter in Jingchu is like softening fingers and soaking into the bone marrow.

"Captain, the rain is getting heavier!"

A dental soldier urged his horse to follow and shouted loudly.

He covered his face with a veil and covered his mouth, so that when he shouted, his voice was indistinct, which made people feel very vague.But if this is not the case, when the horse is galloping, it is impossible to speak at all.As long as you open your mouth, a cold current will rush into your mouth and go straight to your heart, making you feel chilly all over and unable to speak a word.

"what?"

"Do you want to take a break?"

"No!"

Cao Peng pulled his horse to a stop by the side of the road, and the tiger rider roared past him.

"Ling Ming has already pursued first, and now I am afraid that he is about to catch up with the bandits.

Although Liu Bei was defeated, he had enough troops in his hands.It may be difficult to resist based on the order alone, we must not stop, otherwise Lingming and the leopard rider will be in danger.

By the way, is there any news from Baishui Township? "

"Returning to the governor, when I crossed Yishui just now and passed through Yicheng, I had to report from scouts.

General Zhang and General Gao each lead an army, and have left Baishui Township... General Cao also sent someone to ask for help from Zhang Ling, saying that General Wei would arrive with his troops at dawn at the latest.Dudu, further ahead is Bian County, do you want to rest in Bian County for a while before continuing to pursue? "

With Xiahou Dun's troops advancing into Nanyang County, they stationed in Xinye.

Wei Yan was ordered to settle in Zhangling, on the one hand, to support Cao Peng in Xiangyang at any time, and on the other hand, to give Pingchun assistance.

Baishui Township is under the rule of Zhang Ling. Cao Zhen and Wei Yan belong to different systems, so they do not restrain each other.

Jia Xu asked Cao Jun from Baishui Township to attack, to put it bluntly, it was also for Wei Yan to follow up.He knew very well that Wei Yan belonged to Cao Peng...so as long as he told Wei Yan that Cao Peng needed support, Wei Yan would never delay.Cao Peng thought for a while, but still agreed with Ya Jiang's idea.

Walking at night in the cold winter, and drizzle hindered.

Marching became extremely strenuous and exhausting.

"Pass me an order to take a break in Bian County and continue on our way in half an hour."

"Here!"

General Ya took the order to go, and Cao Peng also raised his whip and urged his horse, and once again caught up with the tiger riders.

At this time, it was past midnight and the weather was getting colder and colder.The drizzle began to go berserk, and the wind raged, howling in the wasteland.

Difficult to travel!
But I believe that Liu Bei's march will not be too easy...

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The county magistrate had already been notified, and hastily summoned his staff to prepare a hot meal.

When Cao Peng arrived in Bian County, Pound's Leopard Cavalry had already rested and was preparing to set off.Cao Peng ordered someone to find Pang De, spread out a map of Jingbei in the temporary shed, and talked and discussed in a low voice.

"Liu Bei is also a man who has experienced battles and knows the art of war.

There is absolutely no way he has no way, so be careful not to be fooled.Ling Ming should keep in mind that if he catches up with Liu Bei, he must kill him with one blow, and there must be no hesitation.As long as Liu Bei finds the trace, he will immediately launch a counterattack.We are short of troops, so we can only win by surprise. We must create chaos to the maximum extent.Only in this way can Liu Bei's troops be held back.

As long as we can persist until dawn, Wen Changjun and his troops arrive, and Liu Bei can be wiped out.

I have sent scouts to inquire about Liu Bei's news, you also need to be more careful and be vigilant at all times. "

"Master, understand!"

Pang De led the leopard cavalry to continue the pursuit.

"When will Liu Bei make his own county pass?"

Cao Peng called the county magistrate to inquire.

The county magistrate was not very old, about thirty or so, and looked very young.The facial features are correct, the appearance is dignified, and the appearance is extraordinary.

Hearing Cao Peng's question, he hastily cupped his hands and replied, "About three hours ago, Liu Bei was traveling from outside the city.

Looking at the lineup, there should be more than [-] people... It was already late at that time, and the humble officials did not dare to act rashly, so they ordered people to guard the city gate and wait for it.Liu Bei also seemed to have no intention of attacking Xiaoxian and left in a hurry.It is estimated that at this time, he should have passed the blue port. "

Lankouju is a large gathering by the Han River, with a population of over [-].

Cao Peng calculated the time and asked in surprise, "According to the itinerary, Liu Bei should pass Dangyang at this time, why do you say he passed Lankouju?"

"Dangyang?"

The county magistrate smiled, "My lord, if it was normal, Liu Bei should have approached Jiangling by now.

However, when the wind blew up and the drizzle was light, the road through Jingchu was already difficult, but now it has become even more rugged.He carried chariots and horses, and it was absolutely impossible to speed up.Therefore, I guess that Liu Bei is likely to stay in Changbanpo, waiting for the rainstorm to stop.

It is not easy to pass through Changbanpo in such heavy rain.

If the son wants to pursue him, he can set off immediately, and it is estimated that he can catch up with Liu Bei at Yinshi. "

This person does not seem to be simple!

When Cao Peng heard the word Changbanpo, he suddenly shuddered.

Changbanpo, Zhao Zilong?
He suddenly felt a little flustered, and suddenly shouted sharply: "Order the three armies, bring drinks and dry food, and set off to pursue after a stick of incense."

With Pound alone, I'm afraid it's a little dangerous.

I don't know when the reinforcements will arrive, and whether Huang Zhong can reach Dangyang in time.

Thinking of this, Cao Peng didn't dare to hesitate, and hurriedly ordered people to go out, and called Pound to stop his pursuit.Afterwards, the tiger and leopard riders began to collect their belongings, and Cao Peng, after a full meal, cheered up, pulled the saddle and recognized the stirrups, and straddled the back of the liger.He suddenly reined in the reins and looked at the county magistrate who was busy.

"I haven't asked for advice yet, your surname is Gao."

"Jiang Wan, who is a low-ranking official, with the style name Gongyan, is from Xiangxiang, Lingling."

"Jiang Wan, after we leave, you set off for Xiangyang immediately. When you arrive in Xiangyang, hold my command arrow and meet Duting Hou Jiaxu, and tell him that I came here on recommendation. He will naturally know. With your talent , I feel a little wronged for being the head of this remote small county, when there is a bigger opportunity."

Jiang Wan was startled for a moment, but was immediately overjoyed.

He hastily bowed and saluted, took the command arrow from Cao Peng, and said respectfully: "Thank you for your promotion, my humble officer."

Cao Peng nodded and urged the horse to go.

Pang De was about to set off, but was stopped by Cao Peng, and the two walked side by side.

"Just now, the county magistrate said that his name is Jiang Wan?"

After traveling for several miles, Cao Peng suddenly reined in his horse and asked Pang De.

Pound was stunned for a moment, and immediately replied: "Exactly!"

Is that guy Jiang Wan?

Shouldn't he be Liu Bei's subordinate?
The name Jiang Wan was not unfamiliar to Cao Peng.In Zhuge Liang's list of teachers, there were three names listed, and they were Fei Yi and Jiang Wan Xiang Chong.Zhuge Liang also attached great importance to Jiang Wan, and even said to Liu Chan: If the minister is unlucky, I will pay Wan in the future...

However, Cao Peng did not expect that Jiang Wan was also in Jingzhou at this time.

Moreover, he also served as the magistrate of a small county, and his reputation was not very prominent.

He suddenly regretted it, why bother to introduce Jiang Wan to Jia Xu?Even recommending him to go to Liangzhou is fine... Such a talent, but he just passed by.

But at this time, Cao Peng only regretted it for a while.

He didn't have time to think too much, because in front of him was Changbanpo, which he was familiar with.

Forget it, if Jiang Wan hasn't been arranged after returning, just ask Jia Xu to ask for it.Thinking of this, Cao Peng urged his horse to march forward, "Lingming, pass on the order, tigers and leopards will ride geese and chase after them."

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Night, dark.

Let it go at Yinshi, and the heavy rain will stop.

However, although the rain stopped, the temperature did not rise.Instead, it's getting colder as dawn approaches.

Zhao Yun suddenly woke up from the dream, and reached out to pick up the Zhanger gentian gun beside him.

"General, why don't you sleep a little longer?"

Seeing Zhao Yun get up, the tooth soldier hurried forward.

In the ear, there was a faint crying sound, which seemed to be suppressed forcibly.Zhao Yun shook his head vigorously to wake up his brain, and then asked in a deep voice, "What time is it? How long have I been asleep?"

"It's only half an hour, and it's just past Yinshi."

"Come out with me."

After Zhao Yun finished speaking, he took a big cloak from Ya Bing and put it on his body.

Holding his gun and holding his sword, he stepped out of the military tent.The cold wind hit him and made him shiver.The originally drowsy brain suddenly became fully awake.He took a deep breath and looked around.But in the dark night, dots of fire are scattered in the wilderness.

Several military tents are set up next to it.

In the light of the fire, one could see the soldiers on guard, shivering in the cold wind.

After driving all night, it rained all night.To be blown by the cold wind again is indeed an unspeakable torture for those soldiers.

But the most painful ones are probably those people who were coerced by force.

From the bottom of his heart, Zhao Yun does not agree with this approach.It is really not a good thing for the people to evacuate their homes and be displaced in this cold winter.But there is no way, the lord's army is empty, and these young men are needed to supplement the army.Otherwise, how to capture Jiangling?Zhao Yun also has deep guilt towards those people who were temporarily conscripted.But there is no way, this is a troubled world... Let him feel pity for others.Cao Peng was aggressive and pressed every step of the way when he failed in his attempt to capture Xiangyang.

One can imagine the pressure Liu Bei was under.

The attempt to capture Jiangling this time was also a last resort.

According to Liu Bei's plan, as long as Jiangling is taken down, the land of Wuling and Changsha Jingnan counties can be obtained.In exchange, Guiyang County and Lingling County will be taken over by Jiangdong Sun Quan.This is also the main reason why Sun Quan sent Zhou Tai and Xu Sheng to annex Bo Luoyuan.

Liu Bei knew very well that this decision was a bit absurd.

But now he has no choice, if he can't find a place to stay as soon as possible, once Cao Cao enters Xiangyang, he will definitely become even more embarrassed.

Although Liu Qi is willing to accept Liu Bei, Jiang Xia is really too young!

Fortunately, Liu Pan said that Changsha could be handed over to Liu Bei.But there is one condition, that is, Liu Bei must recognize Liu Qi's status as the Lord of Jingzhou.Liu Bei naturally agreed... In fact, he had no other choice.Now that Cao Cao is stationed in Jingxiang, if he can occupy the two counties of Changsha and Wuling, he will not only be able to unite with Jiangxia, but also echo with Sun Wuyao.Then connect Liu Zhang to the west, rely on Bashu, and resist Cao Cao's army... This is an extremely careful plan, and the key lies in Jiangling County.

As long as he takes Jiangling, Liu Bei can enter Changsha and Wuling.

At the same time, relying on Jiangling's geographical location, he could conquer Nanjun when he entered, and the natural moat when he retreated, defend Wuling to the death, and reject Cao's army from the gate of Jingnan.

For this reason, Liu Bei has sent an envoy, Jian Yong, to Xichuan secretly.

At the same time, he also sent people to Wudu to contact Ma Chao, hoping that Ma Chao could send troops to Wudu to contain Cao Jun's actions...

Once the plan is successful, Liu Bei will be able to gain a firm foothold, and then follow Zhuge Liang's plan to seek Xichuan, control Bashu, and stand on a tripod with Cao Cao and Sun Quan.

Zhao Yun is also aware of this plan, but he still feels a little uncomfortable in his heart.

Today's Uncle Liu Huang is no longer the benevolent and gentle Liu Xuande back then.Now, he is quite unscrupulous.Moreover, although Liu Bei still attached great importance to Zhao Yun, he still refused to entrust him with important tasks.After failing to capture Xiangyang, Liu Bei even pulled out the Bai Yan soldiers and handed them over to Chen Dao.Although it is said that Chen Dao trained this Baixuan soldier, Zhao Yun has always been in command all these years.With Bai Xuanbing transferred away, even though Zhao Yun is still serving as General Yamen, he has lost his former glory.

With this withdrawal, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang took Chen Dao as the vanguard and took the generals directly.

Zhang Fei, along with Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, sat in the central army and had passed Dangyang bridge.As for Zhao Yun, he led the rear army, escorted the supplies, and stopped at Changbanpo.Zhao Yun was more or less dissatisfied in his heart.But on another thought, the lord at least entrusted the two wives and son Liu Chan to him.As for the transfer of Bai Xuan, Zhao Yun was really aggrieved.The failure to seek Xiangyang was due to Liu Feng's defection, but this fault was borne by Zhao Yun.Even with Liu Bei's gentle words of relief, in Zhao Yun's heart, he was still somewhat dissatisfied.

"Madam and son, are you alright?"

"It's all rested!"

"So, follow me to patrol the camp..."

Zhao Yun led his personal patrol, and before he knew it, he was approaching Dangyang.

At this moment, a rush of horseshoes was heard in the distance.The sound of hoofbeats, like thunder, gradually became clearer from far to near.

Zhao Yun was startled, turned his horse around quickly, and wanted to send someone to investigate.

But before he gave an order, he saw a horse galloping from a distance.Immediately, the scout was covered in blood, rolled off his horse in front of Zhao Yun's horse, and hissed, "General, something is wrong, Cao Jun... is here!"

(End of this chapter)