Great Han Empire

Chapter 232 The situation changes suddenly
November of the third year of Zhongping in the Han Dynasty (AD 186).

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Wang Guo, Huang Yan, Wudu, and Ma Teng stood in the big tent, terrified.

The army tent was in a mess, and all the soldiers guarding the Nine Sheepskin were killed with a knife, dripping with blood, it was too horrible to look at.

Ma Teng withdrew his gaze, glared at Huang Yan beside him, and asked, "You can see that things are getting more and more troublesome. Why do you want to kill Lao Bian? Why? He is dying, how many days can he live?"

Wu Du stretched out his hand to pull Ma Teng's sleeve, motioning him to pay attention to his tone of voice.

Huang Yan glanced at him, and said expressionlessly: "Old Bian has too much influence in Xiliang, and his death will of course cause a series of shocks, which is normal." He pointed to the corpse in the big tent Said, "The man who robbed Nine Sheepskin is very skilled in martial arts, is there such a person in the army?"

Wang Guo didn't understand this matter, he turned his eyes to Ma Teng and Wu Du.The two shook their heads.

Wu Du said with lingering fear: "One person kills so many, only the legendary leopard has this skill. In Xiliang, no general has this martial arts. If there is one, he is also a hermit like Fan Zhi and Chuck." He Glancing at the kingdom, he asked suspiciously, "Why did you rob Jiuyangpi? Could it be that Nie Xiao sent someone to do it? What does he know about Jiuyangpi? He doesn't know anything."

Ma Teng glared at Huang Yan, and said with a sneer, "Someone always knows who killed Lao Bian."

Old friends died one after another, Ma Teng was very sad and angry.He thought that Huang Yan sent someone to kill Bian Zhang, and then put the blame on Beigong Boyu.In a rage, Han Sui didn't know the truth, and killed Beigong Boyu again.So he hated Han Sui, and Huang Yan even more.

Huang Yan smiled slightly and said, "Shoucheng misunderstood. I did not send someone to kill Bian Zhang, I can swear to God."

Wang Guo sighed sadly, and stepped out of the military tent.As he walked, he said to Ma Teng: "The old man died normally, and none of us sent anyone to kill him. After he was injured, he survived for several months, and he has run out of oil and lamps, and has reached the end."

Ma Teng may not trust Huang Yan, but he absolutely believes in the kingdom.He hurried out of the big tent and asked in a low voice, "Sir..."

Wang Guo looked at Huang Yan and said, "Master Huang should tell Shou Cheng and Yi An the ins and outs of this matter. Shou Cheng misunderstood the Lord very much, so let's make it clear, so that he will not keep resenting us in the future, thinking that we killed Lao Bian." .”

Huang Yan nodded and explained: "You know, the fact that Bianzhang's army has been able to survive for the past two years is inseparable from the full support of several wealthy families in Jincheng. So we sent people to Jincheng to contact Yan and Zhang Several big families, such as the Jincheng family, were going to ask them to come forward to put pressure on Bian Zhang and force him to give up the position of commander-in-chief. I didn't tell you about this, but it was for the sake of keeping it secret, and there was no other meaning. At that time, we were very sure. With the persuasion of the Patriarch, coupled with Mr. Wang's own prestige, knowledge and financial resources, it will definitely not be a problem for Bian Zhang to give up his seat to Mr. Wang."

"However, things in the world are so mysterious and mysterious." Huang Yan sighed, "We just got in touch with these patriarchs, and Bian Zhang died suddenly before we had a detailed discussion. What is especially surprising is that Bian Zhang Zhang died after drinking the beef bone soup sent by Beigong Boyu. Coincidence, purely coincidence."

Huang Yan looked at Ma Teng with a surprised face, and shook his head again and again: "This coincidence is unbelievable, and it looks like a fake when it is said. After hearing the news, several patriarchs immediately decided to deceive Han Sui and trap and kill Bei Gongbo." Yu’s strategy. Things are as simple as that. Shoucheng, think about it, it’s only been a few days since the war in Yicheng and Mr. Bian’s death? Han Sui’s son-in-law is by Bian Zhang’s side every day, how can I kill him?”

"Didn't Lao Bian die from poison?" Wu Du asked in surprise.

"Poisoned to death?" Huang Yan said with a smile, "How is that possible? Han Sui was worried about an accident, so he specially arranged for his son-in-law Yan Xing to go back to Jincheng to protect Mr. Bian. Yan Xing was careful, and all the food and tea eaten by Mr. Bian He personally inspected it. Mr. Bian was killed by poison, it was just a lie of Jincheng wealthy family to deceive Han Sui and force Han Sui to kill Beigong Boyu."

Ma Teng and Wu Du looked at each other in blank dismay, terrified in their hearts.They found the news even more shocking than the news of Bian Zhang's death.

Huang Yan looked at the kingdom and said worriedly: "Judging from the fact that someone broke into the camp at night and hijacked Jiuyangpi, there is a problem within our army, and the problem is very serious. Bian Zhang's death has an impact on everyone, especially on some commanders. The impact of the general was very great. What happened afterwards was that Han Sui attacked and killed Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou, which directly led to the division within the army. Although we spent a lot of money to prevent the division of the army and stabilize the morale of the army, The problem still exists. In order to get rid of this dangerous situation as soon as possible, I think we should attack the city as soon as possible."

Wang Guo pondered for a while, and said, "Should we wait a few more days? Now the army's morale is not stable, and the soldiers are suspicious of each other, especially Beigong Boyu's men, who seem to have a deep hatred with Han Sui. Although these people Temporarily suppressed by us with strong means, but they are not convinced in their hearts, they are still provoking Han Sui intentionally or unintentionally these days, intending to provoke disputes. I think we should work hard to win them over first. Those who like money can do it Bring them here first."

"No, attack immediately. Only by seizing the city can we divert their attention and avoid more serious internal strife." Huang Yan said firmly.

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What is Jiu Yangpi's real name, no one knows.His father is Han and his mother is Qiang. He was burned as a slave of Qiang since he was a child.Beigong Boyu once fought for salt and Shaodang Qiang.Beigong Boyu didn't bring many people with him at the time, and he lost the fight, and he was almost killed by the people who burned the Qiang.Later, Jiu Yangpi rescued him and fled to Huangzhong with him.Beigong Boyu admired him very much and always treated him as his little brother.

After Jiu Yangpi was thrown into the Weishui River by Jiang Wu, he quickly swam to the other side and ran northward.At this time, Li Hong's army was wandering nearby. Some of the scouts knew Jiu Yangpi and arrested him immediately.Li Hong met Jiu Yangpi several times and liked his straightforwardness and agility. Hearing that he was captured by his own men, he hurriedly led his men to the scout village.

Jiu Yangpi saw Li Hong crying bitterly.

"My lord, Mr. Bian is dead."

Li Hong was taken aback, his mind was shocked.

"Brother Shitou and Brother Wenhou went to Yunwu to mourn, and were killed by Han Sui in the mourning hall."

Li Hong was dumbfounded and tongue-tied.His heart was beating violently, and he felt a vague excitement in his heart.

Jiu Yangpi told Li Hong about Bian Zhang's sudden death and Han Sui's attack on Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou.

"My lord, I am wronged. I really did not kill Mr. Bian, and Brother Shitou would not kill him. Mrs. Bian drank a little bit of that can of beef bone soup, and I drank a little bit at that time. It is Han Sui's son-in-law Yan Xing. Mr. Bian also gave him a bowl. None of us died, but Mr. Bian did. I don’t understand why Mr. Bian was poisoned to death by us? Han Sui, a villain, wanted to snatch the commander of the Xiliang Army He is so shameless that he disregarded the brotherhood and attacked Big Brother Beigong."

Li Hong stood up, lowered his head, and walked back and forth in the military tent, speechless for a long time.

When Pang De heard that Bian Zhang had died, he was very sad.He quietly walked out of the military tent, squatted on the ground covering his face and wept.

Jiu Yangpi continued to narrate what happened in Yicheng camp later.

"Han Sui knew that by killing Bian Zhang and Big Brother Shitou, he had lost his prestige in Xiliang and the morale of the army, and it was difficult to get everyone's support. So after he returned to the camp in Yicheng, he strongly recommended Wang Guo as the commander of the army. Wang Guo and Han Sui was afraid that we would turn against us in order to avenge Big Brother Shitou, so he commanded the army to surround us. The Kingdom forced Nie Xiao, and Luo Tuo and other gangs of big and small Qushuai surrendered to him and obeyed his orders. Lao Nie had no choice but to take Everyone bowed their heads. But if we don’t take revenge, are we still human?”

Jiu Yangpi opened his eyes wide, stared at Li Hong and said, "We have decided to surrender to you."

Li Hong looked at the angry Jiuyangpi, and suddenly trembled all over his body. Fear and excitement hit him fiercely like a stormy sea. The continuous collision made his heart surge.Li Hong suddenly felt suffocated, and his breathing became short of breath.

If Nie Xiao decided to take all the Qiang people who belonged to him to rebel and turn against him, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to defeat the enemy.I have 5 people, plus Beigong Boyu's 4 people, my own team has 9 people, slightly surpassing the rebels in terms of numbers, and Nie Xiao's defection, a backhand blow, a blow to the rebels, Almost devastating.The obvious chance of winning and the huge temptation made it difficult for Li Hong to control his emotions.He frowned, walking back and forth in the military tent, restless.If this is a trap set by the rebels, their [-]-strong army will be defeated. After the entire army is wiped out, Guanzhong and Kansai will give up.

"My lord, do you not believe us?" Jiu Yangpi was very disappointed to see that Li Hong just kept his head down in contemplation and didn't speak. He said dejectedly, "Under such circumstances, it's normal for your lord not to believe us. It's a pity." ..."

Li Hong looked up at him, but still didn't speak.

"In the battle of Linghe, the lord did not kill us, but tried his best to save our lives. Later, the lord recruited us as soldiers in order to feed and clothe us. We are not fools or idiots. We are grateful to the lord for your help. Everything we have done. For so many years, as long as the Han people, no matter they are officials or ordinary soldiers, they don’t treat us as human beings. Only adults and their subordinates treat us like brothers, and our lives are more important than others. Your own lives are more important. We will never forget the kindness your lord has shown us."

"Now, we have betrayed you, but came to your rescue brazenly, hoping to get your help. We have indeed gone too far."

With tears in his eyes, Jiu Yangpi suddenly shouted: "My lord, we just want revenge, we want revenge."

He turned over and fell to his knees, tearing open the front of his clothes with all his might, revealing the numerous scars after torture, and weeping in pain: "My lord, we beg you, please help us once. Although we may all die in battle, we have avenged our revenge. My lord can also take this opportunity to break the siege of Yicheng and hit the kingdom and Han Sui hard. My lord, please believe us once, Mr. Bian is dead, and so are Big Brother Beigong and Big Brother Wenhou. Could it be that their deaths won’t let us get my lord trust?"

Li Hong couldn't make an accurate judgment at all. His heart was ups and downs, he hesitated, he was afraid, he thought of the lives of 5 people, he couldn't make a decision, he was at a loss.

He stared blankly at Jiu Yangpi who was weeping bitterly, and was silent.

Jiu Yangpi was completely disappointed.

He was helpless and mournful, he raised his hands high, and opened his mouth and shouted: "Sir..., brother..., open your eyes and see, I have worked hard, we can only use our own blood donation to pay homage to your undead..."

Hearing Jiu Yangpi's cry, Li Hong knew that if Nie Xiao hadn't had his help, he would have turned against him in order to seek revenge.He believed in Lao Nie in his heart, but he shouldered the lives of 5 people, and he could not let [-] of his subordinates take this risk because of his own wishes and likes and dislikes.Once it fails, once it is tricked, the price is blood and life.

Li Hong patted Jiu Yangpi on the shoulder vigorously, and strode out of the military tent.

All the while, he didn't say a word.

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Li Hong moved to a valley with his army.

"Is Jiuyangpi okay?" Li Hong asked Pang De while washing his face in the stream water in the valley.

Pound looked sad and nodded slightly.Li Hong sighed and wanted to comfort him, but he didn't know what to say. He was very depressed and his mind was in chaos.He stuck his head full length into the stream.

"My lord, don't you believe Nie Xiao?" Pang De asked.

Li Hong looked dull and did not answer.He sat motionless by the stream, letting the drops of water from his long hair splash all over his clothes.

"grown ups……"

Li Hong smiled bitterly and said, "5 people, I am responsible for the lives of 5 people, I can't make up my mind."

Zhao Yun came on horseback and handed Li Hong an urgent book.After Li Hong hastily read it, his complexion became even more gloomy.

Xian Yufu sent a letter, and he told Li Hong that Xiaolan had rushed to Zixiu Mountain with food and grass, accompanied by four adults who came to reward the army.He met Liu Yu's son Liu He in private.Liu He said that the court's verbal criticism of Li Hong has reached a frenzied level recently, and impeachment memorials are piled up in Shangshutai's room.His Majesty spoke for Li Hong at the beginning, but after Li Hong refused to release him from Huaili Camp, His Majesty became unhappy.His Majesty took the redemption money and issued an edict of amnesty, but Li Hong didn't give him face and openly resisted the edict, which made His Majesty very annoyed.Now that His Majesty no longer supports Li Hong, Li Hong's situation is very dangerous.If the rebellion in Xiliang cannot be put down this year, or if the rebels break into Sanfu, waiting for Li Hong's estimate is a certain death.Xian Yufu urges Li Hong to find a fighter as soon as possible and win in danger.

Li Hong was angry.What did he do wrong to deserve this ending.He wants to kill people, kill those courtiers who framed him, there are too many villains around the emperor.

He decided to take a gamble.If he died, his subordinates would be a mixed bag, there would be everyone, something would happen.As long as someone takes the lead in rebelling, none of the 5 people will end well.Of course those who rebel and make trouble will be killed, but those soldiers who did not participate in the rebellion cannot escape their guilt. They will be implicated, and even if they don't die, they will lose their skin.If this is the case, it is better to lead the army to take a risky attack and fight bloody with the rebels in Yicheng.If Nie Xiao succeeds in defecting, he has at least a 5% chance of winning.If he wins, not only will he be able to get out of the crisis temporarily, but his soldiers will also be able to make further contributions and become famous.Losing, no matter whether it was a trick or a wrong strategy, [-] people died in battle, even if they died, they died vigorously.It is far better to die on the battlefield than to die in prison, on the execution ground, or on the battlefield of rebellion.

Li Hong weighed it for a long time, and finally decided to take a risky attack.

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Li Hong asked the excited Jiuyangpi to draw the positions of the rebel troops on the ground, and then checked with the results of his own scouting and reconnaissance. Then he called Tan Nu, dictated his combat deployment to him, and ordered him to rush back immediately. Zi Xiushan verbally explained his strategy to Xian Yufu, and asked Xian Yufu to immediately lead his troops south to Yicheng to join the battle.

"Ling Ming, you and Jiu Yangpi should cross the river immediately and find a way to sneak into Lao Nie's barracks." Li Hong looked at Jiu Yangpi standing in the distance, and whispered to Pound, "Until the last moment, you must not ask Lao Nie for help." Nie revealed our entire attack strategy."

Pound nodded calmly, and said, "Please rest assured, my lord, I know what I should do."

Li Hong smiled, put his arms around his shoulders affectionately and said: "If you see that this is a trick of the rebels, you must disclose the fake attack route to Nie Xiao in time so that our main force can launch the attack smoothly. Once the two armies Go to war, and you will fight out immediately. I believe in your martial arts."

Pang De said emotionally: "I will definitely come back and continue to fight the world with my lord."

Li Hong smiled and said, "Okay, I'll wait for you to come back."

The machete took the seal from Li Hong's hand, carefully put it into his bosom, and put it close to his body.

"Machete, you rush back to Huaili day and night, and give my seal ribbon to Zuo Sima and old man Tian, ​​and let them immediately behead all the corrupt officials in the camp."

Machete and Zhao Yun's expressions changed drastically.

"My lord, these people have the emperor's amnesty order, we can't kill them." Zhao Yun said in a panic.

Li Hong said with a smile: "When I was in Jincheng, I promised Mr. Bian that I would kill these corrupt officials to comfort the innocent Xiliang who had been humiliated and murdered for decades. I made an oath." He continued to sigh He took a deep breath and continued, "Killing these people is equivalent to cutting off the retreat of our 5 people. Now, everyone has no other way but to fight to the death and defeat the Xiliang rebels. This battle can only be won, You can't lose. Even if you lose, you will be punished for both crimes, and no one will survive."

Chopper laughed.He praised: "My lord, this trick is really amazing."

"After killing, order Zuo Yan to lead people to Zixiu Mountain immediately."

"What about the family members of the prisoner?" Machete asked suspiciously, "Take them to Zixiu Mountain together?"

"Everyone will be killed. Kill thousands of people and let the gang of court treacherous people see. This is the consequence of messing with me. Kill." Li Hong waved his big hand and said decisively.

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(End of this chapter)