Great Han Empire

Chapter 75 Yanzhao Fengyun
A troop of cavalry shot rapidly from between the sky and the earth.

This army lined up horizontally in a combat charge, rushing forward with a terrifying momentum like overwhelming mountains and seas.

The earth is shaking, trembling slightly.Colorful flags are fluttering in the wind.The horses are galloping, and the huge roar is earth-shattering.The war drums were roaring, and their thick voices went straight into the sky.

There was a panic in the camp, and all the troops lined up and assembled under the command of various horns and horns.

Li Hong, Xian Yufu and others galloped out of the camp and looked into the distance.

"The White Horse Gongsun Zan."

Xian Yufu suddenly shouted, "It's the cavalry from Liaodong, and it's Gongsun Zan on the white horse."

Li Hong's tense heart immediately relaxed.

According to common sense, it should be the big man's own army to command the troops with war drums.But now during the war with the Xianbei, anything can happen.Don't your troops just use horns?The enemy may also imitate the drums used by the Han army.Master Feng Lie of the Niutou tribe of the Xianbei people used war drums to direct the battle.

Hearing Xian Yufu's yell, the group of people breathed a sigh of relief in unison.

Li Hong looked back at the camp, the cavalry of the Sanqu troops had not yet assembled.He looked at the Liaodong cavalry who were coming towards him, and measured the distance between the two sides. He knew that if the enemy really attacked, his troops would be like Murong Ji's army when they were attacked, and there was no chance of fighting back.He couldn't help but think of the black eagle cavalry of the Xianbei people again.When will he be able to train an invincible iron cavalry?
He turned his eyes to Zheng Xin.He wanted to ask him, why didn't the scouts detect this force?Zheng Xin also looked back at him very puzzled, very dazed.He couldn't explain it.

The speed of the cavalry team on the opposite side did not decrease, and they were still running wildly.In the middle row at the front, there is a prominent formation of white horses.Their beautiful figures are set against the blue sky and green land, which is particularly dazzling.

Li Hong and his subordinates had heard of Gongsun Zan's name for a long time. Although they had never met him, they had heard too many rumors about him, and everyone admired and worshiped him very much.We are about to meet famous people all over the world, and everyone is full of curiosity and excitement.

Gongsun Zan, courtesy name Bogui, was a native of Lingzhi in western Liaoning.He was born in a family of officials and officials, and his father was once a member of the Central Committee of Erqianshi.Although he was capable, but because of his mother's humble background, he could only work as a secretary, that is, a scribe, in the prefect's mansion in Liaoxi County when he grew up.However, he soon won the appreciation of the prefect Hou An, and was recruited by the prefect as his son-in-law.Hou An was also a famous scholar. For the future of his son-in-law, he sent Gongsun Zan to Goushi County in the south of Luoyang to learn from the great Confucian Mr. Lu Zhi.

Gongsun Zan grew up in the north. He himself is a generous and tragic man, bold and martial, and he doesn't like reading and discussing classics at all.He didn't read the book well, so he said goodbye to Lu Zhi and returned to his hometown Lingzhi County.Soon, on the recommendation of his father-in-law, he once again worked as a senior accountant under the new Liaoxi County prefect Liu Ji (equivalent to the current director of the accounting office and director of the statistics office).He doesn't have the temperament of a literati at all, doing these things is not what he is good at, but he doesn't behave too badly.

Two years later, Liu Ji was implicated in the disaster of the party's imprisonment and was taken to Luoyang.Gongsun Zan knew that Liu Ji had been framed, out of righteous indignation, he disguised himself as a servant and followed and protected him all the way.Liu Ji was sentenced to exile in Rinan County, Jiaozhou in Luoyang, Kyoto.That place is in the wilderness of the south, and it is rumored that the miasma is very severe.Gongsun Zan saw that Liu Ji was innocent and pitiful, so he made up his mind to personally escort him to Rinan County.When the two walked halfway, Liu Ji had the opportunity to be pardoned.Gongsun Zan sent him home and returned to Lingzhi County in Liaoxi County alone.

Because of this incident, Gongsun Zan's chivalrous reputation spread throughout the northern counties of Youzhou and became famous.Soon Gongsun Zan was elected as Xiaolian by his successor prefect. (Filial piety, one of the main subjects in the history of electing officials in the Han Dynasty. The county, among the scholars under its jurisdiction, selects those who are filial to their parents and have clean behavior to recommend to the court. Usually, one or two people are recommended a year. Those who are qualified will go to the capital and pass the class test to become Lang. After a certain period of time, Lang will be an official, or go to a local county magistrate, or be a history of other officials.) This is the official way of the Han Dynasty.He was summoned by the emperor from Xiaolian, retained as "Lang", and then released from the Lang to be a local official, and finally transferred from the local official to be a central official.

After Gongsun Zan was bullied by "Lang", he was assigned as the chief historian of the Liaodong vassal state in Youzhou.Chang Shi (equivalent to the secretary-general of the current government department) is a civil servant, but here he is a military officer, equivalent to the captain of a county.The so-called Liaodong vassal state refers to several vassal states scattered around Liaodong County, that is, the tribes of Karasuma and Xianbei, large and small.The duty of the governor of Liaodong is to monitor these tribes and prevent them from rebelling.Probably because of his birth, the education he received was quite different from that of ordinary people. Gongsun Zan hated the Hu people extremely, as if he had a blood feud with them.Every time, as long as he received news of a tribal rebellion, he would be furious and filled with righteous indignation, and immediately lead his troops to quell the rebellion, often going deep into the border, running around, fighting day and night, as if these tribes had something to do with him personally. Like a deep hatred.When Gongsun Zan clashed with the Hu people, he never left any survivors. He slaughtered the whole family. He really didn't spare any chickens and dogs. His bloody brutality made the Hu people frightened when they heard the news, and no one dared to stroke his beard.

Gongsun Zan liked to ride white horses, so he ordered his guards to ride white horses too.Therefore, Gongsun Zan has a famous nickname called Baima Changshi, and his guard is called Baima Yicong.

Gongsun Zan's troops were well-groomed, with flags unfurled, soldiers with distinctive armor and sharp weapons, and at first glance they were a well-trained and highly effective force.They stopped slowly about a hundred steps away from Li Hong's camp.

Li Hong and several subordinates looked at each other, feeling ashamed.Compared with Gongsun Zan's Liaodong soldiers, his Lulongsai frontier army was like a motley patch of makeshift troops.The war horse was snatched from the Xianbei people.Only some officers were equipped with helmets and armor, and most of the soldiers had ordinary armor, including Li Hong himself, who even had broken armor.After two battles, almost half of the original cavalry was lost, and now all infantry are temporarily used as cavalry.

Xian Yufu excitedly said to Li Hong: "My son, let's go and greet him."

Li Hongda shouted: "Brothers, let's go to meet the white horse Changshi of Liaodong." After speaking, he beat the horse and rushed out first.

The white horse team of the opposite army reacted immediately. Led by an officer in bright silver armor, a silver helmet, and a white cloak, they came galloping like a whirlwind.

"Lord Gongsun..." Xian Yu Fufei got off his horse, stood a long way from the white horse cavalry and raised his hand and shouted loudly.

Li Hong and his subordinates immediately followed Xian Yufu and jumped off their horses one after another.

The galloping team has a hundred riders, all white horses and armors, and the soldiers are tall and mighty, with extraordinary momentum.With a roar, the speeding team suddenly stopped, showing that the troops are well-trained and the soldiers all have superb riding skills.

"So it's Yuxing, long time no see." The officer in full armor sat on his horse, looked at Xianyu Fu and said with a smile.Immediately, he flew off his horse and strode over.

Li Hong and several subordinates looked over intently.

Gongsun Zan was in his thirties, about eight feet five inches tall, with a strong and well-proportioned physique, handsome appearance, and a pair of big eyes shining brightly.Probably due to his many years in the army, he looked very calm and calm, exuding a strong sense of martial courage from all over his body.

Xian Yufu and everyone rushed to salute.Gongsun Zan grabbed his hands and said with a hearty smile, "I haven't seen you for more than half a year. You've lost a lot of weight."

"The Xianbei people keep invading, and they've made us suffer. It's great that Brother Bogui arrived in time." Xian Yufu said excitedly.

"After receiving the document from Lord Inspector, I immediately led three thousand cavalry to come here day and night. This is already the fastest speed."

"Why did you suddenly appear here?"

"We took a shortcut and entered the customs from Lulongsai, and we were going to go directly to Yuyang. On the way, scouts detected troops stationed at Shankoudu. We thought they were Xianbei people, so we came directly along the Baoqiu River."

Xian Yufu suddenly realized, and laughed: "It turned out that it was like this, and we were taken aback. Come on, let me introduce you, this is the leopard, the leopard of Lulongsai."

Li Hong stepped forward to salute again.

Gongsun Zan looked at him in astonishment, carefully sizing Li Hong up and down, and a smile slowly came to his handsome face.

"Okay. I didn't expect you to be so young. You are so young." Gongsun Zan patted Li Hong's shoulder vigorously.

The two were about the same size and strong.But Gongsun Zan was dressed in military uniform, looking like a high-ranking official, steady yet majestic.Li Hong had messy long hair and shabby clothes. No matter how he looked, he looked like a down-and-out warrior, and he was a simple and honest young warrior who seemed to have little experience.

In front of Gongsun Zan, who was many years older and famous for a long time, Li Hong seemed a little reserved.He was blushing, nana speechless, just looked at the other party with admiration.

Gongsun Zan saw the young man's respect for him from Li Hong's eyes, and he felt very comfortable in his heart.

For more than half a year, this leopard suddenly rose from northern Xinjiang, and with successive battles, his reputation became more and more famous, and he even had the momentum to surpass himself.This made him very uncomfortable all the time.Because of my bad background, I have gone through ups and downs, put in more efforts than others, and finally achieved my status and achievements today.However, a slave of the Xianbei people, who was born thousands of miles behind him, became the Sima of the Lulongsai Frontier Army by chance.I have worked hard for more than ten years, paid countless hardships and blood and sweat in exchange for something, this kid called an idiot by the Xianbei people easily got it within a few months, although it is still two levels behind in terms of official position, But this is no longer ordinary luck, but luck that makes people mad with envy.

In peaceful times, no one is willing to join the frontier army unless forced to.Firstly, the frontier troops are located in a remote and inaccessible place, secondly, once there is friction at the border, life and death are not guaranteed, and thirdly, the treatment is not good.But during the war, the frontier army is the easiest place to get military merits and opportunities for promotion.Li Hong's luck is that he joined the frontier army at the most appropriate time and at the most appropriate place, and participated in a rare battle.Now the soldiers who survived the Battle of Luronse are basically officers, and those who have no seats also receive the salary of the captain of the centurion.

God never gives fair opportunities and fair rewards to those who work the same way.

Xian Yufu immediately introduced several other military officers and fake military officers to Gongsun Zan.Huzi's reputation in the frontier seems to be not small, Gongsun Zan specially chatted with him, and seemed to be very familiar with him.

After Gongsun Zan exchanged pleasantries with everyone, he turned around and ordered the troops to station on the spot.

Gongsun Zan's younger brother, Gongsun Yue, and his subordinates Yan Gang, Shan Jing, Guan Jing, Zou Dan and other military commanders and marshals rushed over to meet Li Hong, Xian Yufu and others.

At Gongsun Zan's request, everyone sat on the ground and listened to Li Hong's brief account of the battles in Yuyang City these days.

"Xiong Ba, the number one general under Murong Feng, now occupies Guangping, with tens of thousands of troops. For Yuyang, if Guangping is not recovered, it will be on the front line of the war and it is very unsafe. The only way to drive the Xianbei back to Baitan , the Battle of Yuyang will be completely over." Li Hong finally said.

"The people's eloquence is very good, and their explanations are very clear. They also fought well in battle, and their reputation is indeed well-deserved." Gongsun Zan looked at Li Hong with great admiration, and praised him sincerely.

Then he continued: "Now the Yuyang battlefield is at a stalemate, and we must find another way to open a breakthrough. I agree with the views of the people. The success or failure of the Zhuolu battlefield is directly related to the entire Youzhou battle. It is very likely that it is ours. The key to repelling the Xianbei people. Yu Xing should rush back to Yuyang City immediately and report the matter to Lord Inspector personally."

Xian Yufu nodded, "If you have anything else you want me to convey, I'll hurry back now."

"Our army has been marching for more than ten days. We are exhausted and need rest and supplies urgently. I hope that we can get food and grass tomorrow. I also hope that Yuyang County can give us reinforcements some comfort and rewards. It is best to have more wine and meat." Gongsun Zan He said with a smile, there was no discussion in his tone.

Xian Yufu hesitated for a moment, then nodded solemnly.

In the afternoon, Gongsun Zan sent people to invite Li Hong and others to his camp, where they gathered to eat meat and drink, talking wildly.

Since Li Hong took charge of Lulongsai's army, he followed Tian Jing's set of military management methods and strictly prohibited the soldiers from drinking and gathering.Although Huzi and the others complained, it was not good to openly disobey military discipline.Catch the opportunity today, very happy, eating and drinking one by one, completely forgetting that the war is not over yet.

Li Hong doesn't like drinking.Since he lost his memory, it seems difficult to accept this thing. Although he feels very familiar, he just doesn't like it, and he doesn't drink well.Northerners are good at drinking, and many can drink a jar of wine.Li Hong tried it several times, and every time he drank a few jue (jue, an ancient drinking utensil), he would immediately become very drunk.

Gongsun Zan seemed to be particularly fond of Li Hong, and tried to persuade him to drink.

Li Hong was overwhelmed with alcohol, and gradually talked more and more.

"A few years ago in Liaodong, my lord took dozens of riders out of the fortress, and was suddenly attacked by hundreds of Xianbei riders. My lord led his troops to fight and retreat, and when they arrived at Yingting, they were surrounded by enemies. Your lord was not afraid of danger, With a spear in hand, he fought ferociously, charged the enemy line continuously, killed and wounded dozens of people, and finally led his troops to successfully break through. Xianbei people will never forget the bravery of your lord."

"Once upon a time, who did you listen to?" Gongsun Zan asked casually, not paying attention.

"The commander-in-chief said it. The commander-in-chief is very jealous of you. When I was in Xianbei, I heard him mention your bravery several times."

Gongsun Zan laughed out loud.He is very happy today.Being praised by Murong Feng from the Xianbei Kingdom really made him feel very accomplished.

After Li Hong drank more than a dozen jue, he immediately passed out and didn't know anything about his personnel.After the banquet, the beard and the others put Li Hong across the horse's back like a burden, let him vomit all the way, and slowly returned to the camp.

At noon the next day, Xian Yufu hurried back to Shankou Ferry.

Liu Yu has accepted Li Hong's suggestion and ordered him to lead his troops to Changping, Guangyang County.After receiving the supplies in Changping, he immediately crossed the Taihang Mountains and joined the Daijun soldier Cao Junshi Xianyu Yinbu who had arrived there earlier in Zhuolu.Then all battles will be decided by Li Hong himself, and the invading troops of the Xianbei Tuoba tribe will be repelled as soon as possible.

Zhang Xun and Dou Qiao were called back to Yuyang City by Liu Yu because all their soldiers had been transferred to Li Hong's cavalry unit.

Gongsun Zan's troops were stationed on the spot, receiving supplies at any time.When the follow-up reinforcements arrive, they will jointly attack Quang Binh.

Li Hong just woke up drunk, with a splitting headache, and secretly vowed in his heart that he would never drink too much and delay his business.

The troops set off immediately.

Accompanied by Xian Yufu, Li Hong pulled himself together and went to Gongsun Zan's camp to bid farewell to him.After a few words of encouragement, Gongsun Zan personally sent Li Hong out of the camp.

"Brother Bogui, what do you think the people will do if they go here?"

Seeing Li Hong gradually disappearing from sight, Xian Yufu asked with a heavy heart.

"The people have a talent for fighting, and his understanding and control of the overall situation of the war is beyond our reach. It's a pity that a clever woman can't cook without rice. His troops are small in number and weak in strength. As deep as the sea, there is no way Tuoba Feng would let go of such a good opportunity for revenge."

"If the Xianbei people are bound to win against Shanggu County, Tuobafeng may rush to Zhuolu himself. With Tuobafeng's strength, the people may not escape the fate of defeat."

"Zhuolu City has absolutely no danger to defend."

Gongsun Zan said calmly.

"Could it be that my Great Han Kingdom is really in decline?" Xian Yufu said helplessly.

Gongsun Zan sighed.

"Almost. The Yellow Turban riots last year were just the beginning of the decline of the Great Han Kingdom."

"Today, the Son of Heaven sent Lord Huangfusong and Lord Zhu Jun to lead the main force of the Han army to suppress the Yellow Turban Army in Yingchuan and Nanyang, which were the greatest threat to Luoyang; my teachers Lord Lu Zhi and Lord Dong Zhuo led the army to suppress the Yellow Turban Army in Jizhou. Mobilize powerful families from all over the country to fight against the Yellow Turban riots. Although the riots in the three places were quelled at the end of last year, the vitality of the Han Dynasty was severely damaged. Look at the present, Bingzhou, Qingzhou, Jizhou, the remnants of the Yellow Turbans are like mushrooms after rain The rebellion happened again, one after another, and it has intensified."

"Bianzhang of Xiliang, Han Sui rebelled at the beginning of this month, threatening Sanfu and Chang'an. The left chariot general Huangfusong has received the imperial decree and left Jizhou to Chang'an to quell the rebellion. Once he leaves, the remnants of the Yellow Turbans in Jizhou will surely die Crazy again."

"The barbarians outside the Great Wall took the opportunity to invade the border and repeatedly invaded, and all parts of the border county were devastated."

"However, today's son sells officials and nobles in Luoyang, increases taxes and taxes, builds palaces and palaces, and indulges in extravagant and extravagant things; With noble relatives and eunuchs controlling the government, they jumped up and down, tossing and tossing one after another, and one day they will burn this great river and mountain to the ground."

"The Han Kingdom is already on the verge of collapse."

Xian Yufu turned pale with shock.

"Brother Bogui, you are crazy. You can say such outrageous things. These things are too far away from us, and it's not up to us to worry about them. Let's find a way to solve the crisis in Youzhou."

"Is there any way, isn't it just to ask for soldiers. If you can conjure up tens of thousands of troops, it will be a big deal."

Xian Yufu suddenly remembered something.

He looked at Gongsun Zan and said with a smile, "I have a solution."

(End of this chapter)