Han Dang is stronger

Chapter 95
After finalizing the decision to let Xiang You lead the partial division to the south, on the second day, Uncle Xiang couldn't wait to take Zhang Liang to leave, and drove to Ling County by car to discuss with Qin Jia the specific matters of joining hands in the southern expedition.Out of courtesy, Xiang Kang went to the city gate to see Bo Xiang off in person, and he readily agreed to let Xiang You lead half of the Ling County soldiers and horses to launch the southern expedition, and also equipped with 150 horses and forty chariots. Barely satisfied, the uncle and nephew exchanged a rare smile and said goodbye happily.

Xiang Bo left happily, watching with a smile on the carriage that Xiang Bo and Zhang Liang were riding in disappeared in the distance, Xiang Kang immediately ordered Zhou Zeng and Xiang Guan next to him: "Uncle Ya, elder brother, take the The news spread, saying that Uncle went to Ling County in person this time to discuss with Qin Jia about a joint Northern Expedition. If all goes well, within a few days, our Ling County army will join forces with Qin Jia to go northward and attack directly. Tancheng, the prefecture of the East China Sea, spread the news as widely as possible."

"Why?" Xiang Guan was stunned and asked in confusion: "Aren't Brother, Third Uncle and Xiang You planning to go south with Qin Jia to attack places like Huaiyin and Xutai? Why do you want us to spread completely opposite news? "

"The young commander wants to divert the tiger away from the mountain? Use false news to deceive Gongsun Qingpifu to return to the division to defend Tancheng, so as to relieve the pressure on our main force going north to attack Xiapi?"

Since returning to surrender, he has been helping Xiang Kang plan military plans. Zhou Zeng quickly guessed Xiang Kang's intentions, and then said in doubt: "But I'm afraid it will be difficult to get results if you do this? Gongsun Qingpifu, no Maybe there is no secret eyeliner in Ling County, once his spy finds out that our master is planning to join hands with Qin Jia to go south, wouldn't he see through our plan to divert the tiger away from the mountain immediately?"

"What I want is to be seen through by him." Xiang Kang smiled and said, "Before this, I also planned to use the trick of diverting the tiger away from the mountain to trick Gongsun Qingpifu away from Xiapi, so as to relieve the pressure for us to attack Xiapi. But I carefully After weighing the pros and cons, we found that doing so would actually do more harm than good for us, because once the man Gongsun Qing retreats to Tancheng, not only can he quickly replenish his troops and expand the army, but he may also use his county guard power to send troops to neighboring countries. Xue County and Langya County asked for help, not only will it be difficult for us to go north, but our northern line may even be in emergency again."

"So for us, it is much more beneficial to keep Gongsun Qingpifu in Xiapi and force him to fight us to the death on the Xiapi battlefield." Xiang Kang went on to say: "Although doing so will make us attack Xiapi Many difficulties have been added, but if we can kill Gongsun Qing's remaining main force on the Xiapi battlefield, or even kill him directly, then of course we will be able to continue northward much more smoothly, and we can be much more sure of taking the entire northern part of the East China Sea in one go. "

Zhou Zeng suddenly realized, nodded quickly and said: "Young commander, good opinion, yes, if Gongsun Qingpifu withdraws to Tancheng first, it will indeed be beneficial to us in the short term, but in the long run, it will be even more disadvantageous for us. It would be more beneficial for us if Gongsun Qing died in Xiapi."

After listening to Xiang Kang and Zhou Zeng's careful explanation, Xiang Guan who was next to him suddenly realized it, and quickly praised Xiang Kang for his long-term vision and clever calculations, but Xiang Kang was unmoved, and just urged: "Go and spread the word." Let me know, this is just a foreshadowing, and only after you have laid the foreshadowing can I continue to find a way to keep Gongsun Qingpifu in Xiapi to wait for death."

According to Xiang Kang's instructions, the civilian officials of the Young Marshal Army headed by Zhou Tong immediately started to work together, and quickly spread the false news fabricated by Xiang Kang to the people, and soon made it known to everyone in the streets and alleys. Chao Zhi, Ding Ji and other generals of the Young Marshal joined forces to spread the false news in the camp of the Young Marshal.After Qin Jun's secret work lurking in the Xiaxiang area found out the news through military and civilian channels, he quickly sent the news to Xiapi through underground channels, and reported it to Gongsun Qing, the governor of Donghai County who was still in Xiapi City.

Not to mention, because the rear was relatively empty, after receiving the false news, Gongsun Qing was really taken aback. At one time, he really thought that the Young Marshal was planning to go northward in two directions, using partial divisions to attack his old nest, Tancheng, subconsciously The idea of ​​returning to the teacher to save Tancheng came up.However, considering Xiang Kang's scheming and the fact that Xiapi is located in the north of Xiaxiang, even if it is confirmed that the young commander-in-chief army sent troops from Ling County to the north and then returned to Tancheng in time, Gongsun Qing calmed down again. In addition to the preparations for returning to aid Tancheng, more agents were sent to closely monitor the movement in Ling County, and they were going to confirm the specific movements of Ling County's Young Marshal Army and Qin Jiayi Army before making a decision.

Gongsun Qing's calmness saved Xiapi City, which was about to be regarded as an abandoned son by him. In Ling County, although Xiang Bo wanted to facilitate the joint plan between the Young Marshal Army and Qin Jia Army with great sincerity, Qin Jia was helpless. He was too shrewd and reluctant to suffer a loss. Even though he initially agreed to the plan of joining forces to go south, he still haggled over the details. In addition to forcing Xiang Bo to agree to let him occupy half of the southern city, he also had to deal with the robbed folks. On the issue of money, food and population distribution, they repeatedly bargained and would rather die than suffer a loss. They desperately wanted to take advantage of it.

It made Xiang Kang look down on him even more, and it also made the Xiang family's children complain. Xiang Bo, who likes to eat inside and outside, is very majestic inside the Xiang family, relying on his status as an elder. In order to give himself the opportunity to control the military power, Xiang Bo was quite patient and made great concessions. Not only did he agree to let Qin Jia's army occupy the two cities of Tangyi and Xutai, but he also agreed to Qin Jia's proposal to divide the attack together and obtain the troops along the way. Proposals for money and food population.In addition, on the issue of dealing with Dongyang Chen Ying's rebel army, Xiang Bo also agreed to come forward with Qin Jia to recruit Chen Ying separately, Chen Ying can belong to whoever he wants, and if he is unwilling, he will discuss how to deal with it in detail.

Of course, Uncle Xiang didn't blindly betray the old Xiang family without limits. The reason why he made so many concessions was that besides hoping to take advantage of this opportunity to control the army, Uncle Xiang also made up his mind early on to use the Qin army in Huainan to weaken Qin Jia and The idea of ​​annexation has never been kind to Qin Jia, the so-called friendly army.However, what Uncle Xiang doesn't know is that the greedy and cunning Qin Jia is actually having almost the same idea. The so-called cooperation between the Young Marshal Army and Qin Jiajun is also doomed to have their own ghosts, each with uneasy and kind intentions.

The bargaining between Xiang Bo and Qin Jia directly helped Xiang Kang, who wanted to temporarily stabilize the main force of the Qin army in the East China Sea, because the negotiation took much longer than expected, and an agreement was finally reached before Xiang Bo and Qin Jia jointly launched the Southern Expedition Qin Jun's detailed work has already sent back the accurate news that Ling County's young commander is preparing to go south with Qin Jia's troops, and reported it to Gongsun Qing. It's too complicated, and it's too easy for Qin Jun's detailed work to get some news from Qin Jiajun's team.

"What a traitor, you actually want to bluff and trick me into retreating to Tancheng quickly, so as to create an opportunity for you to easily take down Xiapi. Fortunately, I didn't fall for it! Otherwise, Xiapi, which is an important place for money and food, is doomed to fail!"

After finally seeing through Xiang Kang's despicable tricks, Gongsun Qing of course became more determined to stay on the xiapi and wait for changes.At the same time, more than 1000 handsome troops led by Xiang Bo, Xiang You and his son also set off with Qin Jia's more than 6000 mobs, and the troops divided into two groups to fight towards Huaiyin County on the south bank of the Huaihe River.As a result, as soon as Xiang Bo and Xiang You and his son left, Xiang Kang immediately made adjustments to the Ling County Marshal Army, and transferred back Xiang Zhuang and Zheng Bu and their elite soldiers to prepare for the Northern Expedition. The [-] troops of the old team defended the city, and Huang Gao, the county magistrate of Xu County who had voluntarily surrendered before, was appointed as the county magistrate of Ling County to preside over various affairs in the county.

After Xiang Zhuang and Zheng Bu, who fought very well, returned to Xiaxiang with their troops, Xiang Kang not only went out of the city to welcome them back in triumph, but of course held a banquet in Xiaxiang County Temple to welcome them.During the banquet, when Xiang Zhuang asked Xiang Kang what his next plan was, Xiang Kang replied calmly: "Of course it is Xiapi, and there are also the main remnants of Gongsun Qingpifu, and this time we will not only take down Xiapi City, but also take down Xiapi City." We must destroy Gongsun Qingpifu in Xiapi, so that he has no chance to regroup and jump out to make trouble for us again."

Xiang Zhuang nodded quickly, and said worriedly: "My brother, although Gongsun Qingpifu is still in Xiapi, what should I do if I find that after we went north, Gongsun Qingpifu ran away first? Although it is not far from Xiaxiang to Xiapi, But the road is either a mountain road or a small road, if Gongsun Qingpifu runs first, it will be difficult for us to catch up with him?"

"This possibility cannot be ruled out." Xiang Kang nodded, and continued: "But as long as we find a way to let Gongsun Qingpifu see the hope of winning, there will be a chance to keep him stable and give us time to completely encircle him. "

"Then what should we do?" Xiang Zhuang asked.

"It's very simple, let Gongsun Qingpifu feel that we are guilty, and we can just take Xiapi City if we are not sure." Xiang Kang replied: "Xiapi City is surrounded by water on three sides, it is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and there is plenty of food in the city, so we can stick to it for a long time. Gongsun Qing Pifu will not fail to see this. So as long as we set up a false appearance and make Gongsun Pifu feel that we are afraid of attacking the fortifications and hope to hold Xiapi City for a long time, he should not be in a hurry to slip away."

"As for the specific method, of course it is a continuation of my previous strategy of attacking the north and attacking the south." Xiang Kang said again: "At the same time as the troops are dispatched, I plan to send envoys to contact Gongsun Qing and publicize our military strength to him. Wei, persuade him to sacrifice Xiapi City to surrender to us, and emphasize that no matter how strong Xiapi City is, it is definitely not indestructible. After we break the city, he will definitely be doomed. In this way, Gongsun Qingpifu will definitely I suspect that I am deliberately bluffing, but in fact I am not sure about taking Xiapi City, I just want to scare him away, and in turn strengthen his determination to defend Xiapi."

After finishing speaking, Xiang Kang took the initiative to say: "Of course, this is only hopeful, not completely sure. After all, the initiative is on Gongsun Qingpifu's side. If he insists on running for his life first, there is nothing we can do. Fortunately, Xiapi City It is the number one land of wealth and food in the East China Sea, even if we miss the opportunity to wipe out Gongsun Qingpifu, as long as we take advantage of the opportunity to take down Xiapi City, then our run this time will not be in vain."

Xiang Zhuang nodded half-understood, but Zhou Zeng next to him was a little worried, and hurriedly reminded: "Young commander, what if Gongsun Qing is really determined to stick to it and not fight? Just like you said, Xiapi Surrounded by water on three sides, it is easy to defend and difficult to attack. The autumn grain has just been harvested. It is conservatively estimated that the grain in the city can last for a year. Our army is not particularly good at attacking fortifications. The man Gongsun Qing strengthened his determination to defend the city under our hint , we can’t take down Xiapi City, wouldn’t that be in vain? We can’t leave Xiapi behind and send troops directly to attack Tancheng, right?”

"Hehe." Xiang Kang smiled, with an extremely relaxed and confident smile, and said with a smile: "It's okay, now I'm only afraid that Gongsun Qing will run away, not that he will stick to the city. I asked the messenger to bluff and play hard to get. If he If I choose to stick to it and not fight, as long as I want to play hard to catch him again, he will have nowhere to go. Apart from jumping over the wall and being forced to leave the city for a decisive battle, the only option left is to break through the siege and run for our lives. At that time, we will adapt to the situation and defeat the enemy. Not difficult."

"Wanting to be caught? Playing to catch?" Zhou Zeng, Xiang Zhuang and others who were present looked at each other, and hurriedly asked how they wanted to be caught, but Xiang Kang smiled and refused to answer, selling Guan Zi to the fullest.

…………

On the second day after the two generals Xiang Zhuang and Zheng Bu led their troops back to the prime minister, Gongsun Qing had also received the spy report from Ling County and had grasped the latest movements of the young commander's army. Of course, Qing had already expected it, and there was nothing he could do. He could only hope for a miracle and let the Qin army in the southern cities of Donghai County defend the city by themselves and block the attack of the young commander's army.At the same time, the fact that the young commander's army was gathering troops and horses immediately aroused Gongsun Qing's vigilance. He knew that once the main force of the young commander's army was dispatched, it would most likely attack Xiapi City, which was close at hand and had plenty of money and food. I will also bear the brunt of the brunt. Fortunately, the road is relatively difficult, and the Qin army has enough time to respond. Gongsun Qing is not in a hurry, but just calms down and waits for the changes.

According to Gongsun Qing's prediction, more than two days later, the Prime Minister sent a scout report, saying that Xiang Kang had personally led an army of more than 6000 people to go north and take the road on the side of Maling Mountain to kill him. Come.Gongsun Qing was not surprised or panicked when he heard the news, but quickly decided whether to fight to the death with the city, or quickly retreated to Tancheng with only half of the main force left, where he regrouped and welcomed the young commander's army to go further north. ——Of course, the basic money and food for Xiapi is here. It is not an easy task for Gongsun Qing to immediately make up his mind to abandon Xiapi.

Xiang Kang was very accurate in terms of time and distance. Just as Gongsun Qing was still hesitating about whether to retreat first, Xu Shu, a full-time young marshal and diplomatic swindler, had already been escorted into Xiapi City by Qin Army scouts. Gongsun Qing submitted a threatening letter showing off the might of the Young Marshal's army, urging Gongsun Qing to follow the heavens, abandon Tyranny and join the Young Marshal's Army, and promised an official reward. At the same time, Gongsun Qing repeatedly said that although Xiapi City is strong, But it is definitely not unbreakable. If Gongsun Qing is obsessed with obsession and sticks to Xiapi, when the young commander's army breaks down Xiapi, it will be too late for Gongsun Qing to regret it.

"Xiang Kang Xiaozhuzi must be bluffing, trying to force me to retreat quickly, abandon Xiapi City, and give him a chance to calmly take down the important place of Xiapi."

Combined with the young marshal's lame strategy of attacking north and attacking south, Gongsun Qing quickly came to the conclusion that Xiang Kang was continuing to bluff.And then, under the hint reminded by the letter of the young marshal, Gongsun Qing quickly discovered that it was actually a pretty good choice for him to stick to Xiapi. First of all, Xiapi city is surrounded by water on three sides, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack. , there is plenty of food and grass in the city, even if you stay for a year, you don't have to worry about food and grass.Secondly, the location of Xiapi is critical, and it is firmly stuck on the throat of the Young Marshal's army marching into the northern part of the East China Sea. Unless Xiang Kang risks being attacked by his own army in the emptiness of the rear, bypassing Xiapi and going north directly, otherwise he must first Take Xiapi, and then it is possible to continue northward.

After calculating these key points, Gongsun Qing also gradually made up his mind. First, he sneered and let out the wild words that Xiang Kang should be let go, sent Xu Shu away, and then immediately yelled: "Order the whole army, pull out the camp and start!" Fortress, enter the city to garrison! I want to see how Xiang Kang’s rebels can take down this city of Xiapi! I also want to see if he has the courage to leave Xiapi alone and take the main force northward to fight Tancheng!"

Still after confirming the news that Gongsun Qing led the army to retreat to Xiapi City, Xiang Kangcai heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that his own army was very sure to buy chickens and cages this time, and kill them while taking down Xiapi City. Gongsun Qing's main force has been defeated, but because Ma Lingdao is easily ambushed by the enemy, Xiang Kang still holds his breath, and he did not dare to hastily lead the army to the north at full speed. He only led the army to the north at a uniform speed carefully. Maling Road, then immediately turned around and headed west, heading straight to Xiapi.

After arriving at the eastern outskirts of Xiapi, Xiang Kang first surveyed the terrain roughly, then quickly pointed to a nearby highland and said, "Set up camp there."

"It's condescending, it's not far or near, and there's a small river next to it for water. It's a good place." Zhou Zeng praised, but then regretted: "It's just a little bit more open, and there is no place to shelter from the wind. It's early winter, and it's hard to stay there." It's freezing."

"Don't worry, if Gongsun Qingpifu doesn't hurry up to fight us, or run for his life." Xiang Kang said with a sneer, "He will only be colder and more frozen than us."

(End of this chapter)