Cao Thief

Chapter 732 Prologue
Changsha County, Linxiang.

Liu Bei looked at the little school in front of him in surprise, and said after a while, "You mean, Cao Peng has withdrawn?"

"Yes!"

The small school is full of travel and dust, and came from Yiyang.

He took a breath and replied loudly: "Last night, the drumming in Cao Jun's camp lasted all night, and it didn't stop until Yinshi. General Liu was surprised, so he sent someone to inquire. Unexpectedly, the huge Cao camp turned into an empty camp! Cao Jun hung sheep and beat Drum, evacuate quietly...General Liu felt that something was wrong, so he ordered the villain to report to the Lord. He has already notified General Tai Shici to jointly investigate the whereabouts of the enemy."

Hanging sheep drumming!

Suddenly, Liu Bei gasped.

After learning the news of Yiyang's siege, Liu Bei couldn't sleep all night.Logically speaking, he should be happy now that Cao Jun has withdrawn.But for some reason, this heavy heart made Liu Bei very uncomfortable.He has ordered Lu Ji and Xiang Tiao to lead a troop each to help Yiyang.Unexpectedly, as soon as the reinforcements were dispatched, Cao Jun withdrew his troops and left in such a strange and hasty manner.

There was a hint of conspiracy in this matter.

Liu Bei let the small school go down, ordered someone to find Ma Liang, and told Ma Liang about the matter.

"Ji Chang thought, what kind of tricks is that little thief playing?"

After hearing this, Ma Liang couldn't help but frown.

Zhuge Liang was not in Changsha, and all the burdens were on Ma Liang's body.During these days, Ma Liang's life was not easy, and he looked much thinner.

After pondering for a moment, he suddenly showed a look of horror.

"My lord, we have been fooled!"

Liu Bei was startled for a moment, then came to his senses and blurted out: "You mean, Wuxi Man?"

"Exactly!"

After all, Liu Bei has been a soldier for half his life. Although he is slightly weak in the overall situation, he is definitely a master in terms of tactics.Otherwise, it is impossible for him to deal with Cao Cao for more than ten years with his weak strength.Therefore, as soon as Ma Liang reminded him, Liu Bei immediately realized that something was wrong.

In order to ease the pressure on Yiyang, Liu Bei invited Wuxi Man to join the battle.

But if Cao Peng's goal is not Yiyang, but Wuxi Man...

Liu Bei took a deep breath, stood up immediately, and said loudly, "Please come quickly to Yide."

"My lord, it may be too late for the three generals to go at this time... Since Cao Peng withdrew his troops from Yiyang, it means that he has achieved his goal.

Wuxi barbarians are in danger!

If the three generals are rashly ordered to go out again, if it is not done well, they will be ambushed by small thieves.

As a matter of urgency, we should still get in touch with Wuximan as soon as possible to find out the news before making a decision.At the same time, the Lord should immediately send people to Chenyang to appease the local Feitouman.If the Wuxi Man were really defeated, the entire Jingnan Mountain Man would change their attitude accordingly.That little thief is best at knocking mountains and shaking tigers... His tricks this time are good, and the lord needs to remedy them as soon as possible, otherwise something will happen. "

"But……"

"My lord, at this point, there is no other choice.

I have a plan, which may minimize the loss.Feitouman and Wuximan had a long-standing grievance, but due to Wuximan's strength, Feitouman had to retreat to Lingling.Now if Wuximan is defeated, it is better to encourage Feitouman to go out and annex Wuximan... The barbarian king of Feitouman is also a guy who is greedy for money.But order my eldest brother to lobby and order the Flying Head Barbarian King to send troops, I don't know what to do? "

Liu Bei was silent!
After a long while, he whispered: "At this time, wait a little longer, wait a little longer."

After all, after dealing with Wuximan for so long, it would be against morality to give up if you say give up.Moreover, Fei Touman's friendship is relatively shallow, and he is not a very good partner.If Wuxi Man can be saved, then it is best to continue to join forces with Wuxi Man.

Liu Bei wandered in the lobby with his hands behind his back.

The night was getting darker, and when he was hesitating and having trouble making up his mind, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the hall.Immediately after, a scout stumbled into the lobby, knelt down on the ground with a plop, and shouted tremblingly: "My lord, something is not right... I just got the news that Shamoke, the little king of the Wuxi barbarians, died at Qiulong Beach last night. Encountered an ambush by Cao's army, the entire army was wiped out! Sha Moke, life and death are unknown!"

Sure enough!

Liu Bei turned around suddenly and stared at the scout.

After a while, he suddenly said to Ma Liang: "Ji Chang, it's up to you."

I'm afraid it will be difficult for Wuximan to be useful anymore... How many people were killed or injured in the battle at Qiulongtan?It's not clear yet.But it is certain that for the Wuxi Man, it is definitely a traumatic injury and a serious injury to his vitality.It is probably impossible to ask Wuximan to help.That old barbarian king is a very cunning old guy. After suffering such a big loss, he will never jump out to help Liu Bei again. It is better to let Feitouman...

Liu Bei is also a decisive master and made a decision immediately.

Without saying a word, Ma Liang bowed his hands and retreated.

And Liu Bei stood in the lobby, looked at the dark courtyard outside, and suddenly murmured to himself: "When you have a child, you should learn from Cao You... If you have a child, you should learn from Cao You!"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++
In the battle at Qiulong Beach, the Wuxi Man's eight thousand soldiers were wiped out.

Cao Jun's morale was greatly boosted, and he set up camp on the banks of the Yuanshui River.After the battle at Qiulongtan, Wenpin led his troops back immediately and headed straight for Yidao.He also has another task, which is to cooperate with Wang Wei and intercept Chen Dao in Chong County.Now Wuximan has been defeated, and the next one is Chen Dao in Chong County.

Jiang Wan, the governor of Wuling, led his troops to join Wei Yan and Huang Zhong.

That night, everyone celebrated in the camp until late at night.

Huang Zhong finished drinking, escorted Sha Moke and other prisoners, and rushed to Hanshou.

As for Wei Yan, he led his troops and horses, retreated across Yuanshui to set up camp, and prepared to return to Lingyang after dawn.

Jiang Wan was responsible for cleaning the battlefield and cleaning up the follow-up.In the fierce battle at Qiulongtan overnight, more than 2000 Wuxi barbarians died in the battle, and their corpses lay in the wilderness.

Summer is coming soon, and the weather will be hotter day by day.

Coupled with the humid climate in Jingnan, if the corpses cannot be disposed of as soon as possible, it may cause an epidemic.Cao Peng has always attached great importance to this kind of thing.Therefore, he ordered Jiang Wan to clean up the battlefield here to prevent the outbreak of the epidemic.Thousands of corpses were limed and burned in the ground.This project is not a small one, and it will not be completed in a few days.To tell the truth, doing this kind of work is not flattering, but Jiang Wan has no complaints... He was originally a petty official who was dismissed from his official position, but now he suddenly became a county magistrate.

Under the rule of Wuling County, apart from Cao Peng and Lai Gong, he was in line.

Jiang Wan is determined to repay Cao Peng's love for him with his life...

After seeing off Wei Yan, Jiang Wan felt a little tired.

For this great battle, Jiang Wan had exhausted all his efforts.It seems that the victory of this war has little to do with Jiang Wan.

But in fact, from the mobilization of ships, to the transportation of luggage, and the placement of soldiers, it was almost Jiang Wan's effort.

Wei Yan and Huang Zhongwenpin, except for fighting, almost didn't use any effort.Jiang Wan was solely responsible for the supplies of nearly [-] troops.In this battle, Jiang Wan's talents were also displayed vividly.Everyone knew that Jiang Wan would be of great use when the Jingnan War was over.

After taking off the armor on his body, Jiang Wan was about to rest.

Suddenly, the little school outside the tent said in a low voice: "Chang Shi, there is an old man outside the camp who said he wanted to see the adults."

"Uh?"

Jiang Wan sat up and said in a deep voice, "Who is it?"

"The old man refused to say anything, he only said that he would reveal his identity only when he saw an adult."

"Please come in."

In Jiang Wan's heart, he couldn't help feeling a little puzzled.

He immediately put on his long gown and lit the candles in the tent.After a while, the curtain was raised.Several soldiers walked into the big tent surrounded by an old man.

The old man's hair was black and slightly curly.

Sunken eye sockets, nose bridge, big mouth, with a gray steel whisker.

Looking at the clothes, he is an ordinary old man.But walking barefoot...with no weapons on his body, after entering the big tent, the old man knelt down in front of Jiang Wan without saying a word.

"Old man..."

"Huawai mountain people don't know the majesty of the celestial court, and offending the general is a capital offense.

Sha Teng knew that he deserved to die, but because of being unfilial to the dog, he still risked his life to come here... Please, for the sake of the old people, let the dog live. The little old man is willing to die in place of the dog. "

The old man spoke Jingnan dialect, if Jiang Wan was not from Jingnan, he might not even be able to understand it.

Moreover, he tossed things up and down while speaking, making people a little confused.After Jiang Wan was stunned for a moment, he suddenly straightened up.

"Are you Satten?"

"Exactly."

Who is Satten?

It was Nashamoke's father, the old barbarian king of Wuxi Man.

Jiang Wan had never met this old barbarian king, but he had heard of his name.He stared wide-eyed, looking at the haggard and weak old man in front of him... After a while, he suddenly said: "Come here, show the old barbarian king a seat."

A small school moved to sit on the couch, Jiang Wan sighed, and stepped forward to help the old barbarian king up.

The old barbarian king's eyes were cloudy, and he seemed to have lost his anger.His beard was trembling, tears were shining in the corners of his eyes, and there was a look of pleading on his face.

Jiang Wan said: "Old Barbarian King, I have heard of your heroic deeds since I was very young.

When the Yellow Turban bandits from the Taiping Road ravaged Jingzhou, it was you who led the mountain people to fight and protected the peace of Wuling County.You are a great man, why are you so confused?Actually helping that traitor Liu Bei resist the imperial army?Now, the general situation of the world has become clear, but you want to block the traffic with your arms. It is really... I am very happy that you are here, and I will not make things difficult for you.But your request, I am sorry I can not agree.

It's not that I don't feel sorry for your father-son relationship, it's really... I can't be the master. "

Jiang Wan talked with the old barbarian king in Jingnan dialect.

This also made the old barbarian king feel very kind, and nodded repeatedly.

"grown ups……"

"My lord, I'm not an adult.

In this land of Jingnan, there are only two adults who can be called adults, and prefect Lai Gong is not included among them.One of these two people is Cao Peng, my son, and the other is the imperial minister, serving Xun Yu.Shamoke did not die, but was captured alive.But he is not here at the moment, and was sent to Hanshou.

Old Wang, you know it too if you think about it.

What Sha Moke committed this time is a serious crime!

The only people who can spare his life, or give you Wuximan a way to survive, are Xun Shizhong and my young master. I really can't decide. "

"Then, what to do then?"

Jiang Wan lingered in the tent, and after a while said in a deep voice: "Old Barbarian King, the only way to save Shamoke is to surrender.

You have lived in the mountains for a long time, you are a mountain dweller when you enter, and you are a bandit when you leave. This has already affected the situation in Jingnan.If the old barbarian king is willing to surrender... the surrender I am talking about is different from the previous surrender, but a genuine surrender.Presumably the old barbarian king doesn't know how powerful my young master is.He once ruled the northwest, which was a bitter and cold place, and now it is a prosperous and prosperous place, which is better than Jingzhou.Under his rule, all ethnic groups of the Qiang and Hu live in peace, and the government regards the Han people and the Qiang and Hu as one family. Everyone lives happily... If the old man king returns, he must lead the Wuxi man to live in the mountains.But the old barbarian king doesn't have to worry about being bullied, my son will give you the best life.

In this way, you belong to the imperial court.

Not only will Shamoke not be in danger of his life, but he may even be appreciated by my young master, and he will become a general and a prime minister in the future, honoring his ancestors.

Old barbarian king, you can think about it.

If you agree, I will send someone to Hanshou to report to my son. "

Surrender, leave the mountain?
Sha Teng froze for a moment, feeling uneasy in his heart.

Who doesn't want to live a good life!

Who would want their ancestors to live in the deep mountains and forests for generations, living a life of ruthlessness and blood?
In fact, generations of Wuling barbarians have wanted to get out of the mountains and live like normal people.Naihe bears the name of a mountain barbarian and suffers all kinds of bullying.Every time I go out, I have to go back in the end.Once or twice... the more times, the barbarians lost confidence.They would rather rely on their own fists to seize territory and capture the county seat.But every time, it also ended in failure.

Is it really possible to get out of the mountains?
The old barbarian king was a little moved, but he couldn't believe Jiang Wan's words...

"Old Wang, I know you can't make up your mind right now.

How about this, I still have about [-] Xi barbarian prisoners here, you take them back and think about it.

If there is a decision, send someone to let me know.I will be stationed here for ten days.Ten days later, I will return to Linyuan County... However, I will also send people to Hanshou, and ask my son to show his noble hand and save Sha Moke's life for the time being, waiting for your reply. "

Jiang Wan expressed his kindness as much as possible.

After thinking twice, the old barbarian king decided to listen to Jiang Wan's persuasion and go back to discuss with his tribe first.

When saying goodbye to the old man king, Jiang Wan suddenly remembered one thing, "Old man, there is one more thing you need to be more careful about. You Wuxi man will be spied upon this time. After you go back, you'd better do it early Plan, be careful, so as not to be taken advantage of by others."

After hearing this, the old barbarian king thanked him again and again.

Under Jiang Wan's personal escort, he left Cao Jun's barracks and rushed to the camp of Wuxi Man in Hutoushan.

After seeing off the old barbarian king, Jiang Wan could no longer sleep.He thought about it in the big tent, and suddenly made a decision!He sent people across the river overnight, and found Wei Yan in the barracks on the other side of the river.

"General Wen Chang, I have something important to do, and I need to rush back to Hanshou immediately and report it to Young Master.

However, the business here needs someone to preside over it.So Wan took the liberty to beg the general to stay for a few days... the time will not be too long, three days!I will definitely come back within three days, I wonder if the general can..."

Jiang Wan's attitude was very humble, which made Wei Yan quite proud.

"It's all official business, so why bother.

Since Gong Yan has something important to do, just go.Zhongye has returned to Yidao and joined Wang Wei, presumably there is nothing serious about Lingyang.I will stay here for now.But it’s okay, there are only three days... once the three days come, I have to return to Lingyang. "

Wei Yan agreed very readily, which made Jiang Wan overjoyed.

He didn't even care about rest, before dawn, he hurriedly boarded the boat, went down the river, and headed straight to Yuannan.

After daybreak, Jiang Wan got off the boat on the other side of the Yuannan River.Putting on horses, we hurried all the way, and finally arrived at Hanshou when it was dark.

But Jiang Wan did not expect that he did not see Cao Peng.

In the Governor's Mansion, Jiang Wan accidentally saw Xun Yu who was supposed to be in Zuo Tang.

"Xun Shizhong."

"Gong Yan, why are you here?"

Xun Yu was a little surprised, but he was very polite to Jiang Wan.

Jiang Wan said: "Dare to ask the servant, where is the governor?"

"Governor?" Xun Yu glanced at Jiang Wan, hesitated, and said, "Youxue is not in Hanshou now, what's the matter with Gong Yan?"

"Not in Hanshou?"

Jiang Wan became anxious immediately, "Then dare to ask the governor, when will he be able to come back?"

"This one……"

Xun Yu smiled, "Don't ask about this matter! It will take some time for the governor to return. If there is anything important, you can tell me first. If I can make the decision, I will do it for you first." Be the master, if you can't be the master, I will report to the prime minister."

Speaking of this, how could Jiang Wan not understand the meaning inside?
It's not that I won't tell you, but you don't have the qualifications to know where Cao Peng is now!
There is action!
Jiang Wan immediately understood.

This is a big move... It seems that the battle of Yiyang is just the beginning, and it is far from the end.So, Jiang Wan hesitated for a while, and then told Xun Yu about the old Barbarian King Sha Teng of Hutoushan.

"I know that among the three strategies of Grand Governor Jingnan, the mountain barbarians are the most important.

Now that Sha Teng is subdued, it is an excellent opportunity.If the Wuxi Man can be attached, then the Jingnan Mountain Man can be settled... Therefore, Wan rushed back overnight, hoping that the governor could save Samoke's life, so as to get in touch with the Wuxi Man as soon as possible. "

Xun Yu's eyes lit up, and he nodded slightly to express his appreciation.

"What Gong Yan said is very true, now is the best time to subdue Sha Teng.

I think if Youxue were here, he would agree with your proposition.Well, this matter is up to you to arrange, get in touch with Sha Teng as soon as possible.

I will order Lai Gong to fully cooperate with you. In this land of Jingnan, if there is less killing, let there be less killing.

Hmm... You can refer to the articles of association formulated by Youxue in Hexi County for the matter of Wuximan's attachment and various regulations, and you can flexibly handle it yourself.The safety of Wuximan must be guaranteed. If necessary, Wen Chang and Zhongye can send troops to assist you.

Gong Yan, do you dare to take on this important task? "

Jiang Wan was overjoyed when he heard this.

"Humble job, must go all out."

"So, you go to rest first... I will send someone to send you the regulations formulated by Youxue in Hexi County, so you can think about it."

"Here!"

Jiang Wan hurriedly bowed to his orders and withdrew.

Xun Yu watched Jiang Wan leave, and suddenly smiled...

"Youxue, you are really lucky. No matter where you go, you can find suitable candidates."

While talking to himself, he walked out of the room with his hands behind his hands.

Standing on the steps, Xun Yu looked up at the sky, and sighed after a long while: "But that's okay, this just shows that the fate of the imperial court is really coming to an end... It's a pity, a pity, a pity!"

After that, he shook his head, turned around and returned to the house.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++
On February 13, Jian'an 23th year, Cao Cao suddenly ordered to attack Jiangxia.

He divided his troops into three groups, taking Yujin Li Tong as the left army, attacking Xiyang from Pingchun, from north to south, approaching the Xiling of Jiangxia Zhisuo; Ling and Shaxian; Cao Cao led the central army himself, took Xu Chu as the vanguard, conquered Yundu, and approached Anlu.Anlu is the west gateway of Xiling County.If Anlu is broken, Xiling will become an isolated city, and Jiangxia will perish.

Liu Qi was shocked and immediately ordered Liu Hu to defend Xiyang to block Yu Jin's troops.

Then Liao Hua was stationed in Zhouling to resist the attacks of Xu Huang and Cai Mao.Liu Qi wanted to personally lead the army and supervise the battle against Anlu.However, his body is weak, and he has not recovered since he fell ill at the end of last year.Guan Yu dissuaded Liu Qi and led Guan Ping to Anlu to resist.

The Jiangxia war kicked off.

For a while, Jiangdong was in shock, and Changsha County was even more panicked.

Liu Bei didn't care about going to Cao Peng's trouble again, so he hurriedly dispatched troops to support Liu Qi.

Jiangxia and Changsha are closely related.If Jiang Xia is lost, Changsha County will also face a huge threat.At the same time, Liu Bei sent envoys again to Jiangdong and Xichuan to ask for reinforcements.At Ma Liang's suggestion, Liu Bei sent another letter to Wudu County, hoping that Ma Chao could send troops from Wudu County to cause some troubles in Guanzhong and Northwest China.Then, he ordered people to go to Bingzhou and begged the senior officials to take action.

It's just that Gao Gan now has a taste that he can't protect himself.

After Deng Ji became the prefect of Hedong, he joined forces with Wei Ji and other big clans in Hedong to follow the example of Cao Peng's actions against Mobei.He first ordered people to cross Tongtian Mountain, set up four military towns at the foot of Tongtian Mountain, and recruited refugees wantonly, encircling and suppressing the local alien Hulu as military slaves, and stationed in the military towns.Later, Deng Ji activated Cao Peng's military system in Hexi County, and implemented the policy of combining soldiers and farmers, and combining soldiers and animal husbandry.With the huge financial support of the Northwest and the assistance of the rich families in Zhong and Hedong, in just one year, Deng Ji expanded the scope of his rule to the north by [-] miles, making the entire Bingzhou a state. panic...

High-ranking officials, too busy to take care of themselves.

Whether Ma Chao sends troops is subject to Zhang Lu's restraint.

Liu Zhang?

Far cannot quench near thirst.

The only hope is Sun Quan of Jiangdong.

But the question is, how much help can Jiang Dong give under the current situation?Not to mention, while supporting Jiangxia, Liu Bei also had to guard against Cao Peng in Wuling.Although Yiyang was not lost, the failure of Wuximan caused Liu Bei to break an arm out of thin air.

Where is Cao Peng now?
(End of this chapter)