Great Han Empire

Chapter 111
Zhang Niujiao's heart was bleeding.

Zuo Xiao, the titan of the Yellow Turban Army, died, along with his [-] soldiers, and none survived.

Since the banner of Taiping Taoism was raised again in Taihang Mountain this spring, the development of the Yellow Turban Army and various military operations have been carried out very smoothly.However, when the situation of the Yellow Turban Army was good, Zuo Xiao died, which was no less than a bolt from the blue, which exploded on the heads of the leaders and soldiers of the Yellow Turban Army.The morale of the Yellow Turban Army suffered a fatal blow.

Zhang Niujiao hadn't eaten all day.After he received the news that the entire army of the Zuo school headquarters had been wiped out, he stayed in the big tent thinking about the battle situation in Zhuojun.

Huang Long, Zuo Xiao's close friend, has come to the battle again and again, demanding an immediate siege to avenge Zuo Xiao and the yellow turban brothers who died in battle.Sima Zuoyan talked nonsense, dragged Huanglong into his big tent, and persuaded him to calm down temporarily.At this time, the most important thing is not to mess up the morale of the army, but to re-formulate countermeasures, strive to win Zhuocheng in the shortest possible time, and revive the morale of the Yellow Turban Army.

In the evening, Zhang Niujiao sent someone to invite Zhang Baiqi, Zuo Yan and Huang Long to the big tent to discuss matters.

Now the right wing of the Yellow Turban Army is unprotected, Fangcheng in Zhuo County is still in the hands of the officers and soldiers, and the Leopard Army is taking advantage of the cavalry to roam around, looking for opportunities to continue to attack the Yellow Turban Army.The threat of the Leopard Army suddenly became very prominent on the Zhuojun battlefield.Destroying the left school of the Yellow Turban Army and beheading the Yellow Turban Army's right arm, this move was sharp and vicious, which immediately made the Yellow Turban Army feel unbearable pain.

The original plan to capture Fangcheng, go to the country, and then encircle Zhuocheng had to be revised because of the defeat of the Zuoxiao army.

Naiguo's capture basically guaranteed the control of the giant horse water line and ensured the unimpeded supply of the army.Although the temporary inability to capture Fangcheng affected the plan to capture Zhuocheng, it was not a decisive influence.Fangcheng is the granary of Zhuojun, its existence can support Zhuocheng, but if Zhuocheng is gone, what is the meaning of Fangcheng's existence?Without Zhuocheng's support and support, how long can Fangcheng defend?So Zhang Niujiao decided to abandon all distracting thoughts and try his best to attack Zhuocheng. He must take Zhuocheng and Zhuojun by the end of this month according to the original plan.

As for the leopard army that they hated to the bone, because it was difficult to capture its traces, they had to let it do what they wanted.

Everything is in Zhuocheng.After taking Zhuocheng, the Leopard Army will be like Fangcheng. Without support and support, what else can they do except escape the Shengshui River?Continue to stay near Zhuocheng, without supplies and rear, it is a dead end.

After listening to Zhang Niujiao's analysis and decision, Zhang Baiqi nodded repeatedly, and Huang Long applauded.

Zuo Yan looked at the map on the table and said slowly: "Commander, attacking Zhuocheng is naturally the top priority. But the threat of the leopard Li Hong to us must not be ignored. The defeat of Commander Zuo tells us a fact, The threat that Leopard Li Hong poses to us is not his cavalry, but himself."

"Junyi (Zuo Yan's handwriting), can you make it clear." Huang Long said loudly, "Zuo Shuai's troops were wiped out by Fengyun cavalry, not by leopards."

Zuo Yan nodded and continued: "The news that Shuai Anding sent us is very accurate. Li Hong was indeed preparing to ambush Huang Shuai's troops near Xiaofang Mountain, but our trap was not done well, and he discovered it. But Li Hong Hong immediately changed his tactics, took advantage of the cavalry, and drove for more than 300 miles in half a day and one night. He ran to Dukang Pavilion and beat Zuo Shuai by surprise. It is said that his threat is not his Leopard Army, but himself. If Li Hong hadn't estimated that Zuo Shuai was unsuspecting, he would have dared to attack Dukang Pavilion overnight?"

Zhang Niujiao didn't make a sound, he looked very haggard, his stern face was full of exhaustion and worry.

"What do you mean by that, are you worried about our supplies?"

"Exactly. Sun Xiaoshuai escorted 1 people to transport food, grass and supplies. If he ran into Li Hong's Fengyun Iron Cavalry, it would be a disaster. His troops are too small, and he is not an opponent at all." Zuo Yan spoke calmly, without rushing Said: "We still have fifteen days of food in stock. The reserves of weapons and siege equipment are obviously insufficient. The siege of 10,000+ people is large in scale, consumes a lot, and requires a large number of weapons and equipment. It is astonishing. According to my estimation, after seven or eight days of continuous siege, if there is no replenishment, the troops will probably stop attacking the city.”

Huang Long cried out in shock.

"Junyi, did you calculate correctly? If that's the case, then that batch of supplies is too important to us."

Zuo Yan nodded and continued: "After defeating Gu'an, we had to rush to Zhuocheng with only a small amount of food and supplies because we repeatedly asked for the speed of marching. Originally, Sun Xiaoshuai could send supplies over at any time, but because of the appearance of the Leopard Army , making our supply transportation very difficult."

"This leopard is very difficult to deal with. Generally speaking, the most important thing in a war is to fight for the city, so everyone tries to increase the number of troops who attack the city and defend the city as much as possible. But this man's way of fighting is very strange. He uses the Hu people His ranger tactics don't pay attention to the gains and losses of a city or a place, but mainly aim to annihilate the enemy's army, so it is difficult for us to seize the opportunity to fight him decisively, but he can easily attack and kill our troops, especially It's the troops escorting supplies."

"Sun Xiaoshuai, who is crossing the river now, may be his next target."

Huang Long's face was full of anger, because he couldn't lead his troops to go, he could only grit his teeth and scolded.Zhang Baiqi lay on the table, looking at the map carefully.

Zhang Niujiao seemed to have thought about this question, and there was no surprise on his face.

"Marshal, I suggest that Fang Biao rush back to Nai country overnight, bring out the [-] troops who stayed in the city, and join Sun Xiaoshuai to escort the supplies to the east. Conquer Chu Shuai's army to go northward quickly and rush to Zhuojun immediately. battlefield."

Looking at Zuo Yan's eager eyes, Zhang Niujiao turned his eyes to Zhang Baiqi who had been silent all this time.

"Zuo Sima is thoughtful and meticulous, and I completely agree with his opinion. I think Chu Shuai should be allowed to lead his Feiyan Army to Zhuojun day and night, to strengthen our strength on the battlefield in Zhuojun, and squeeze the Leopard Army range of activities, to minimize the danger brought to us by Fengyun Cavalry."

Zhang Niujiao pondered for a long time, with a hint of helplessness and sadness in his eyes.

"Junyi, go see Yanzi in person."

Xian Yuyin was gnawing on a thick pancake while soaking in cold water, with a bitter expression on his face.

"Master Captain, is it too much for you to entertain me with this?"

"Boyu, here are some pieces of dried meat, all for you. The food is good." Li Hong said cheerfully.

"A few months ago in Zhuolu, this was what we ate. You fought a few victories and captured a lot of spoils, yet you're still so poor?" Xian Yuyin asked in bewilderment.

Li Hong pointed to the large tent stretching several miles outside, and said with a smile: "There are so many brothers, no amount of money is enough."

Immediately, he patted Xian Yuyin's shoulder embarrassingly, and said in a low voice: "When I have money, I will treat you to a tavern."

Xian Yuyin looked at him suspiciously and shook his head.

"Forget it, let me invite you. Your monthly rank salary is either rewarded to your subordinates or paid to soldiers, or you give extra meals to wounded soldiers. When will you have money? I have seen through you, You are a poor man. If you were someone else, you would have been rich enough to win a few battles in a row.”

Li Hong was overjoyed all of a sudden, "It's a deal. Last time in Jicheng, brother Yuxing invited me to dinner, and brother Bogui invited me to dinner. It was enjoyable."

Xian Yuyin asked strangely: "Lord Gongsun? Before leaving Youzhou?"

"Yes. Not long after we broke up with him, there was a mutiny in his troops, and half of Karasuma's soldiers ran back to Liaodong." Li Hong said regretfully: "I don't know how he is now? If we go to Chang'an, we should fight with him." We, too, are on the battlefield."

Xian Yuyin nodded, and said in a heavy tone: "My big man is now on the verge of war, and the country is declining. It's a troubled time. I heard about Mr. Gongsun in Dai County. He has always taken tough measures against the barbarians, no matter whether it is right or wrong. All swords are facing each other, and sooner or later you will suffer."

"Your attitude towards barbarians is very different from his. Look at it now, your subordinates are basically barbarians, and everyone is willing to work for you. I really admire you."

"Hu people are human beings, and they are our brothers. You treat them as brothers, and everyone is of the same mind. I don't understand why the Han people hate the Hu people so much? Let's just say you. You rarely have surnames in the past. The Hu people have been converted to the Han Kingdom for more than 100 years. Now they are the most common surname in Yuyang County. There are many talents in the clan, and the richest man in Yuyang. How is it different from our native Han people? If they all treat Hu people like Lord Gongsun Are you the Xianyu clan in Yuyang County? We all live together like brothers, helping and supporting each other, what’s wrong? Why is it so difficult?” Li Hong sighed, frowning.

Zheng Xin hurried into the big tent.Xian Yuyin and him got along very well when they were in Zhuolu, and they were very friendly with each other.

"Brother Boyu is here, and our Fengyun cavalry will be even stronger." Zheng Xin held Xian Yuyin's hands tightly and said happily
"I hope to fight a few battles as soon as possible. I have been staying in Gaoliu City for several months, and I always hear your success stories. I am very envious."

"There will be a war soon." Zheng Xin said, "This time you and my brother will fight side by side, and we will surely fulfill our brother's wish."

Xian Yuyin asked in surprise, "Really? I came here by such a coincidence this time?"

"Boyu always lamented his bad luck." Zheng Xin looked at Li Hong and said with a smile, "The last time I went back to Zhuolu without a fight, I still have it in my heart. Let him fight this time."

Li Hong nodded with a smile.

"The scouts are back? Any news?"

"The great news is even better than what you imagined." Zheng Xin waved his hands and called, "The young commander-in-chief of the Yellow Turban Army is escorting food, grass, and luggage across the Giant Horse River?"

Li Hong looked down at the map.

"how many people?"

"Several scouts who reported back said that it was about 1 people. The supplies of 10,000+ troops, thousands of horse-drawn carts, ox carts, and a huge convoy." Zheng Xin pointed to the Dingxing Ferry on the map and said excitedly: " It's all here, all concentrated here. We can run through the night and catch him off guard."

Li Hong didn't say anything, and flicked his left index finger on the table, his eyes were fixed on the Dingxing Ferry on the map.

"Shouyan, what did Captain Captain originally envision?"

Xian Yuyin asked quietly.

Zheng Xinwei smiled and said: "My lord is going to go directly to the Nai country, pretending to attack the city, and lure the Yellow Turban army back to help. The location of the Nai country is very important, and it is directly related to the safety of the Yellow Turban supply route. If there is no accident, Zhang Niujiao We must dispatch troops back to aid Nai. In this way, not only will the pressure on Zhuocheng’s defenders be relieved, but we can also wait for the opportunity to ambush his reinforcements and directly threaten the supply of the Yellow Turban Army.”

Xian Yuyin suddenly realized.

"The supplies of the Yellow Turban Army are in Jumashui now. If we rob him of his supplies, do you think it will be very difficult for the Yellow Turban Army to attack Zhuocheng?"

"I'm afraid their time to attack the city will be delayed again and again."

Li Hong suddenly slapped the table and cursed angrily.

Zheng Xin and Xian Yuyin hurriedly surrounded them.

"Subject, is there something wrong?" Zheng Xin asked strangely.

"Zhang Niujiao hasn't attacked the city yet, but the follow-up supplies have already arrived at Jumashui, which shows the importance of this batch of supplies to them. We thought of it, didn't Zhang Niujiao think of it? He will definitely send more people to escort us. I’m afraid it will be very difficult to have a chance to start.”

"Zishan..." Li Hong shouted loudly.

Yan Liang walked into the big tent in response.

"Notify all the military officers in the trilogy to come to me immediately."

In the early morning, the sun has not yet risen, and the clouds in the sky are thin and sparse.

On the tower of Zhuocheng City, the tall black Chinese character banners swayed violently in the morning wind, making loud noises from time to time.Flags of various colors are densely inserted on the top of the city wall, colorful and fluttering in the wind, making it a magnificent sight.

Xian Yufu, a meritorious officer in the Inspectorate Department of Youzhou, and Wu Chi, the governor of Zhuojun, accompanied the prefect Wang Ru on the tour of the city tower.

The city wall is full of all kinds of weapons for defending the city, a large number of stones, and Leimu can be found everywhere.The soldiers on duty at night were very tired after not sleeping all night, but when they saw several adults walking all the way, they hurriedly cheered up one by one, looking cautious.

Prefect Wang Ruo is over 50 years old, not tall, a little fat, with a round face and long beard. Although he is well maintained, his complexion is very bad.Captain Wu Chi is a muscular man with a black face and short beard. He is dressed in a military uniform with a helmet on his top and a long sword hanging from his waist.Compared with Xian Yufu who was wearing simple clothes and ordinary armor beside him, he looked much more majestic and mighty.

"Is there any news about Captain Li today?" Wang Ruo asked.

"Yes. He and Daijun's reinforcements, the army of Mr. Xian Yu, who is in charge of the army, have already joined up in Fangcheng." Xian Yufu hurriedly replied.

"What action has he taken recently?" Wu Chi continued to ask: "Seeing that the Yellow Turban Bandit is about to attack the city, if he has no chance to continue attacking the enemy outside the city, let him come back to help defend the city. Ten thousand more soldiers , the possibility of us defending Zhuocheng is even greater."

Xian Yufu shook his head.

"Blindly defending the city will not defeat the enemy. Now we and Captain Li's cavalry are attacking and defending inside and outside Zhuocheng. Not only can we defend, but we can also attack the enemy. This can pose a great threat to the Yellow Turban Army."

"Lieutenant Li is about to start an attack."

Wang Ru and Wu Chi's eyes lit up immediately.

(End of this chapter)