Great Han Empire

Chapter 756: A Storm of Troubled Heroes

In June, Xinducheng.

The right servant of the Shangshu, She Tianchou, was ordered to rush to Xindu City, where he met Zhong Yao, the envoy of Zuo Zhonglang's general case, Guo Ce, the governor of Jizhou, and Zhen Yan, the minister of Anping, to discuss the evacuation of the people.

In the early stage, millions of people were evacuated, mainly people from dozens of counties and counties south of Qinghe. The number of people to be evacuated this time has been greatly reduced. There are only about 10,000+ people in three or four counties between Qinghe and Xinducheng.

After the rebels advanced to the central part of Jizhou, because of the lack of protection from the two wings of the army, they had actually formed a situation of solitary penetration. Apart from concentrating their forces on seeking a decisive battle with the Northern Xinjiang Army, they no longer had the strength to occupy all the cities within a few hundred miles. Yes, so the population evacuated this time is concentrated in the southern part of Anping, and Hebei does not need to use more financial and material resources. For the Jizhou prefectures, they must try their best to appease the panic of the people and make the people believe that the Northern Xinjiang The army will surely defeat the rebels.

Tian Chou didn't specify the general's strategy to destroy the enemy. He only said that because there is no chance to destroy the enemy, the general ordered the army to continue to retreat in order to lengthen the enemy's front line, force the enemy to reveal its flaws, and wait for an opportunity to strike. middle.The top priority now is not to persuade the people to evacuate quickly, but to stabilize the hearts of the people so that the whole of Hebei can work together.

After Tian Chou, Zhong Yao, Guo Ce, and Zhen Yan discussed the details carefully, it was getting late. At this time, Zhen Yan kindly invited Tian Chou to visit him.

"Today I invited many Jizhou clansmen and celebrities from Xinducheng. They are very concerned about the war ahead. Lord Tian can take this opportunity to publicize the achievements of the army to boost morale and strengthen their confidence in defeating the rebels."

Tian Chou hesitated.At this time, it seems inappropriate to participate in the feast of the powerful.Seeing Tian Chou's distressed face, Zhen Yan was quite uneasy, and hurriedly persuaded him a few more words.

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A few years ago, another dignitary of the Zhen family, the former Jinwu Zhenju, was caught by Zhang Yan and killed because he had an affair with Yuan Shao and plotted a rebellion. This incident once implicated the Zhen family.

The Zhen family is an aristocratic family in Jizhou, and its ancestors Zhen Han and Wang Mang are both sons-in-law of Emperor Xiaoping's Da Situ Kong Guang.When Wang Mang established a new dynasty, Zhen Han served as Taibao and Da Sima, and his son Zhen Feng later became Da Sima.The Zhen family was a very prominent relative at the time.After the resurgence of Emperor Guangwu, the power of the Zhen family gradually declined because of Wang Mang's usurpation. There are still a few.The Zhen family has many former students and high reputation in Jizhou, so when the imperial court was rebuilt early last year, in order to balance the forces of all parties, under Cui Lie's strong recommendation, Zhen Yan was once again reused as the Prime Minister of Jizhou Anping.

In today's imperial court, the Great Sima General Li Hong is the most powerful. If he can climb the high branch of the northern Xinjiang line, the Zhen family will be able to keep their wealth in Hebei.For example, Jinyang Wang Clan.Last year, the Wang Clan was involved in the Jinyang rebellion case. According to common sense, the Wang family is over, but the Wang family planned for the end of the year and married many beautiful women in the family to the civil and military officials of northern Xinjiang very early. Under the interference of the Wang family, Wang Rou died in the end. Wang Ze, Wang Chen, Wang Ling, and Wang Chang were still officials in the court, and the royal family was still powerful. This is the benefit of climbing the northern border.

Something happened to the Zhen family.Zhen Ju was murdered by the whole family for treason. If the eldest princess, Cui Lie and others hadn't pleaded so hard for mercy, Zhang Yan might have killed all the nine clans of Zhen's family.In order to prevent problems before they happen, Zhen Yan has been trying every means to make friends with officials in northern Xinjiang, but with little success.Tian Chou's coming to Xindu City this time is of course an excellent opportunity to make friends.

Tian Chou is one of the general's most trusted officials in northern Xinjiang. He has a special relationship with the general and his wife, and plays an important role in the forces in northern Xinjiang. If he can make friends with Tian Chou, it will be self-evident for the benefit of the Zhen family.

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Tian Chou still refused, and he was anxious to return to Handan to supervise the transportation of grain and grass, "Master Zhong and Master Guo have high morals, and their words are more convincing."

Zhen Yan was very disappointed and stood there listlessly.

Zhong Yao and Guo Ce tried their best to persuade him to stay.Tian Chou was embarrassed.After all, the two adults are elders, so it would be too embarrassing for them to insist on not going.

The presence of Tian Chou made Zhen's mansion flourish.

On the way to Zhenfu, Tian Chou heard from Zhong Yao that Zhen Yan's father, Zhen Yi, used to be the magistrate of Shangcai County, Runan County, Yuzhou, but he died young, and his widowed wife Zhang raised eight children alone, which was very difficult. .This Mrs. Zhen is kind and generous. When she was in Changshan, she helped the village every year, and her good reputation spread far and wide.It was precisely because of the kindness of Mrs. Zhen that the Yellow Turban Army did not attack and kill the Zhen family farm, and the whole family of Zhen's family was saved.This is probably what goes around.

After hearing this, Tian Chou admired him greatly, and went to see Zhen Yan's mother first after arriving in Zhen's mansion.

The old lady was very happy, and she was full of praise for Tian Chou.Tian Chou is young and handsome, gentle and elegant, talented and outstanding in military exploits. He is well-known in northern Xinjiang and everyone likes it when he sees it.

Tian Chou said a few words modestly, and was about to get up to leave, but suddenly saw a face that made him suffocate.A beautiful woman aged fourteen or fifteen was standing behind the bead curtain and watching him quietly, probably sensing Tian Chou's gaze, the woman lowered her head shyly and quickly disappeared behind the curtain.

Realizing his gaffe, Tian Chou blushed and hurriedly resigned.

=

The atmosphere at the banquet was very lively. Everyone talked about everything from the battlefield to the court, from the New Classics to Ci Fu, and they were full of interest.

After the banquet was over, Zhen Yan invited Tian Chou, Zhong Yao, and Guo Ce to his study to rest for a while, and continued to discuss the details of the evacuation of the people.

When he walked into the study, Tian Chou saw a piece of silk spread out on the case table. The silk was full of beautiful words.Tian Chou took a closer look and found that it was a Fu, gorgeous and full of aura.

"Is this Master Zhen's masterpiece?" Tian Chou asked with a smile.

Zhen Yan shook her head, "This is Sister She's graffiti, and Master Tian laughed."

"Your sister is very talented." Tian Chou picked up the silk, handed it to Zhong Yao, and praised sincerely, "Master Zhong, look at it, it's very good..."

Zhong Yao looked at it carefully, and then asked, "Is this written by your youngest sister?"

Zhen Yan nodded.

"I heard that she also plays the piano very well. She looks like everyone else, doesn't she?"

"Teenagers, just for fun, Mr. Zhong is too flattering."

"Your younger sister is more talented than you." Zhong Yao said with a smile, "Who will be lucky enough to marry her in the future?"

Tian Chou suddenly thought of the suffocatingly beautiful face behind the bead curtain, and his heart jumped a few times for no reason.Is the woman behind the bead curtain the youngest sister of Master Zhen?

"When we went to visit the old lady just now, was the woman behind the bead curtain the same as Lingmei?" Zhong Yao seemed to have guessed what Tian Chou was thinking, and immediately asked again.

"It made the three adults laugh." Zhen Yan cupped her hands in embarrassment, "That's exactly Sister Sister."

Tian Chou looked at Zhen Yan, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

=

Tian Chou refused Zhen Yan's persuasion, and left the city overnight.

After Zhong Yao sent Tian Chou out of the city, he did not return to the official office, but returned to Zhen's mansion again.Zhen Yan was waiting by the gate, and he invited Zhong Yao to the study.

"Uncle, did you ask clearly? Does Mr. Tian have a marriage contract?" Zhen Yan asked eagerly.

"I asked, but he said not yet." Zhong Yao sat down slowly, and said in a leisurely manner, "I also asked Mr. Guo, and Mr. Guo also said that Mr. Tian is not married yet. However, Mr. Guo seems to have guessed In your mind, he said that there are too many people in Hebei who want to get married with Mr. Tian. Mr. Tian is in a special situation, without the consent of the general and his wife, no one would dare to marry him at will."

"Is this the reason Mr. Tian hasn't married so far?" Zhen Yan asked in surprise.

"Lord Tian joined the army at the age of 16, and has been conquering all directions with the general. He may not have time to take care of this matter earlier, but when he is a little older, when he wants to consider this matter, his status is different. I have to be cautious, so I can only procrastinate." Zhong Yao sighed, "He occupies a high position at a young age and has great ambitions. Of course, he is very different from a group of people. I don't see this matter."

"Uncle, you and my father are old friends for many years, you must do this job." Zhen Yan begged.

"I..." Zhong Yao pointed to himself, "It's not like you don't know my situation, how much help can I help?"

"Uncle, now that the old officials in Chang'an are being used again, you can ask your friends in the court to help." Zhen Yan cupped his hands again and again, "Master Jia is by the general's side now, he can speak up."

Zhong Yao was silent.

"Uncle, I can't ask Lord Cui for help on this matter, you know that. Now the Cui family in Jizhou is very powerful in the court. If I get married with Lord Tian, ​​it will naturally affect the power of the Cui family. If he doesn't help me, it will be a waste of time." Not bad, so I can only rely on my uncle for this matter."

Zhong Yao smiled wryly, "I'll think of a way."

=

At the beginning of July, the Northern Xinjiang Army withdrew to Ganling City.

Cao Cao, Liu Biao, Liu Bei, Tian Kai, Ma Teng and other five armies met at the foot of Ganling City.

At this time, Yuan Shao was still confronting the Northern Xinjiang Army on the front lines of Neihuang and Fanyang.

Cao Cao was very anxious, and called Liu Biao, Ma Teng and others to discuss several times, urging Yuan Shao to go north to attack Yecheng as soon as possible, so as to contain the main force of the northern Xinjiang army, so as not to delay the time for the decisive battle.

Cao Cao's urging made Yuan Shao very angry. He wrote back to Cao Cao, your army encountered all the soldiers from northern Xinjiang, and they were vulnerable. Although you hit the city of Ganling, how much loss do you have?On the contrary, I am facing Zhang Yan's Northern Army. Most of these people used to be the elite of the Yellow Turban Army. They have a blood feud with me. Every time I take a step forward, I have to step on countless corpses. Don't you know?

It took Yuan Shao more than a month to reach Yecheng, and the sudden betrayal of Zhang Yang, the prefect of Hanoi, made Cao Cao lose his patience. He immediately decided to divide his troops to support Yuan Shao and help Yuan Shao reach Yecheng in the shortest possible time.

Liu Biao, Ma Teng, Cao Hong, and Cao Chun led an army of [-] to the west along Chidao to attack Qingyuan and Guantao, intending to link up with Yuan Shao's army.

The northern army did not resist, and successively abandoned Qingyuan and Guantao.In July, the Northern Xinjiang Army, which was sticking to the front lines of Neihuang and Fanyang, quickly withdrew to Yecheng when their flanks were threatened.

In mid-July, Yuan Shao led his army to the city of Yecheng.

So far, the decisive battle situation has been fully formed.The Northern Xinjiang Army must either continue to retreat northward, or fight to the death under Ganling City.

The Northern Xinjiang Army chose to continue to withdraw northward, the army withdrew across the Qinghe River, and set up formations along the north bank of the Qinghe River to block it.

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The retreat of the northern border army made Cao Cao and others face a difficult choice, should they continue to pursue northward?

It is too dangerous to continue the pursuit northward.

From the start of the war in mid-May to the present, the northern border army has used cities and rivers to block them, and has not fought a big battle with itself face to face. The losses are extremely small, almost negligible.Especially the mighty northern Xinjiang iron cavalry, except for a sneak attack on the Jingzhou army in Pengting, so far there has not been even a shadow.The purpose of the Northern Army was obvious. Li Hong didn't want to have a decisive battle with him, and he was still patiently looking for opportunities.This leopard is hiding itself in the dark woods, ready to strike a thunderous blow.

It is impossible to give up and continue northward.At present, the armies from all walks of life have just reached the south of Jizhou, and there is not much loss. The purpose of going north to attack Li Hong and occupy Jizhou has not been realized, and it must be fought.

The war situation has developed to this point, the best way is to ask Yuan Shao to rush to Ganling City to join him, and then assemble an army of 16 to attack the central part of Jizhou with all his strength, but there are [-] to [-] elite northern troops in the direction of Yecheng. They restrained them, but they also restrained Yuan Shao, and neither side could move.

At this time, a shocking news was sent to the coalition camp.

Kobe Bear, a Xianbei native, proclaimed himself the King of Xianbei in Huoyunyuan, and led his army to attack Fuyu.In the pretext of attacking the Xianbei people, Gongsundu, the prefect of Liaodong, suddenly sent troops to attack the two counties of Xuantu and Lelang, intending to separate himself.

The Jinyang court worshiped Gongsun Zan as the general who conquered the North, and Yu Peng as the general who sought the captives, and led the army to Liaodong to suppress the rebellion.

The news was sent to Qingzhou by Tian Shao, a relative of Tian Kai's, a wealthy family in Liaodong County.Gongsundu wanted to rebel, but Tian Shao and other powerful families in Liaodong were worried about being massacred by Li Hong, so they refused to follow, and fled one after another.Tian Shao took his family across the sea and fled to Qingzhou.

If this news is accurate, then the reason why the Northern Xinjiang Army has been withdrawn again and again and the Northern Xinjiang Cavalry has never appeared can be explained.

Cao Cao and others were very excited, and immediately rushed to Yuan Shao, asking him to rush to Ganling City to meet up.Call Yuan Shu and Xun Yu urgently, and immediately do everything possible to transport food, grass and supplies to the front.

However, almost at the same time, an urgent letter from Xun Yu was also delivered to Cao Cao.Ma Chao rebelled, and he joined forces with Han Sui and Pang De to attack Chang'an.
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I will work overtime tomorrow, so I can't update it, and I will continue the day after tomorrow.sorry sorry.

(End of this chapter)