Chapter one hundred and seventy-first
Outside Changzi City, Guan Yu killed three major canal commanders in a row, showing off his power and greatly defeating the Yellow Turban Army's originally prosperous morale and military might.
But before the city gate was captured, Huangfu Song's army finally caught up with him. Zhang Jiao had no choice but to lead his army to retreat into the mountains to the west of the city.
When it came to fighting in the mountains, the imperial troops were inferior to the Yellow Turban Army, so they did not dare to pursue them and had to make a temporary truce.
It was almost noon, and Governor Zhao came out of the city to greet him with excitement on his face. He welcomed Guan Yu, Huangfu Song and his subordinate generals, as well as Guan Yu's cavalry troops, into the city, and prepared a welcoming banquet.
Based on the lessons learned from the last war, Liu He specially improved the armor for the more than two hundred cavalry, and re-study cavalry combat tactics with Guan Yu, Cui Jun and others. Therefore, in today's battle, the cavalry losses were very small.
The real name of Zhao Taishou was Zhao Yu. At the wedding banquet, he praised Huangfu Song lavishly on Guan Yu. He almost used all the praises he had learned in his life. He said it so bluntly that he blushed and felt embarrassed.
stand up.
Huangfu Song sat on the throne and deliberately arranged Guan Yu to the first place on the left side of his head. Many of his generals were placed below him by Huangfu Song, even if their official positions were above Guan Yu.
This old general, who was nearly fifty years old, looked at Guan Yu, and his eyes shone brighter the more he looked at him.
"Oh, I've heard for a long time that there are many heroes in Bingzhou. When I saw it today, it turned out to be true. The bravery of this General Guan is rare even if I have been a soldier for half my life. Such a great general is actually buried under a county captain.
Such a talented person, I will definitely recommend him to the imperial court!"
Guan Yu cupped his fists and said, "General Zuo Zhonglang, I don't dare to deserve such ridiculous praise. However, Yu is a good man from Hedong Jie, and he lived in Bingzhou for some reason. He met his elder brother when he was in Langtiao County, and he practiced literature and martial arts with him for several years, and then he became famous.
I don’t dare to be greedy for credit for today’s achievements. My eldest brother is no more than a county magistrate now, how dare Guan be above my eldest brother.”
Huangfu Song said with some surprise: "This Liu He is really extraordinary. When I went on the expedition, Lu Zigan once mentioned that if I pursue the bandits and enter Bingzhou, I should pay more attention to a man named Liu He in Langtiao County. He said
This man is so talented that even Cui Tingwei's youngest son ran to follow him regardless of his promising future in Luoyang. I didn't take it to heart at first, but now I'm convinced after seeing such a hero like Yun Chang."
When the prefect Zhao heard this, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on his face, and he murmured softly: "It turns out that County Magistrate Liu He has such a big background. Hey, he is the Langtiao County Magistrate. Then my Jin'er..."
When Guan Yu heard that both Huangfusong and Lu Zhi valued his elder brother so much, he suddenly felt proud on his face.
"It's not Yu's boast. My eldest brother is a genius, and he is also unparalleled in benevolence and righteousness. Today, Yu can be the first to rescue Changzi City. It is also the eldest brother's plan. If the general wants to recommend, just recommend my eldest brother. Where are you going, Guan?
Wherever you go."
"Oh? Where is your brother now?"
"He and General Gao, the commander-in-chief of Taiyuan County, are following behind. If nothing unexpected happens, they can arrive tomorrow."
"Okay!" Huangfusong looked particularly happy.
"I must meet the legendary Magistrate Liu He and Liu tomorrow, haha! Come and drink this cup!"
Military affairs were urgent, and everyone did not dare to drink too much. After having some banquets, they went on patrol separately, and the others quickly took a rest.
However, less than two hours after everyone had slept, just after midnight, they heard shouts suddenly coming from the governor's mansion.
"It's not good, the Yellow Turban Army has killed and rushed to Huguan!"
"What!"
Huangfu Song and Guan Yu woke up suddenly. After going to the armor and weapons, they hurried out of the house and went up to the city tower. Governor Zhao quickly followed them.
A soldier on the city tower pointed to the lights in the far north of the city and said: "General, look, those Yellow Turbans are heading northeast!"
Governor Zhao was shocked and said: "Oops, if they are allowed to occupy the natural danger of Huguan, we will definitely be unable to win for a long time. When the Jizhou bandits come to help, their situation will be very dangerous!"
Guan Yu took the initiative to ask for help: "General Huangfu, Guan, please lead your cavalry in pursuit!"
Unexpectedly, Huangfusong frowned and said nothing.
He observed the advancing troops in the distance, and after a long while, he slowly spoke.
"This is a suspicious soldier! If the enemy really wants to sneak into Huguan at night, why bother lighting torches? They know that our army will be patrolling outside the city and on the city tower all night long. Such a march will definitely not be able to hide it from us. Wouldn't it be a failure in this way?
?”
Guan Yu said: "General, what you mean is that the enemy deliberately used suspicious soldiers to lure us out of the city to pursue us, but in fact the army came from behind to steal the city?"
Huangfu Song nodded and said: "That's right. I have been fighting against Zhang Jiao's rebels for nearly two months. His army has already been short of food. Even if the food is not exhausted now, I am afraid that it will not survive for a day or two. Even if he captures Hu
What can we do if we pass the pass? Let me pass it. The enemy's goal is only in this city and not elsewhere!"
Governor Zhao suddenly understood.
"I see, the general is really clever! Then I wonder how we should deal with it now?"
"Now the number of our army is equal to that of the enemy. Although our army's armor and equipment are superior to the enemy's, Zhang Jiao has trained all the soldiers in his tent like dead soldiers. Although they were frightened by Yunchang's power today, in terms of theory
And the fighting will is still far better than the officers and soldiers I brought. If it were a head-on battle, I can't predict the outcome. But now that they are seeking death, it is our army's chance of victory!"
Huangfusong suddenly straightened his expression and turned around to look at everyone.
"Second Lieutenants Li and Wang come out!"
"The end is here!"
"You two lead an army of eight thousand each, light more torches, pretend to be a large army, and go to intercept this enemy force!"
"Here!"
The two men were ordered to retreat, and then Huangfu Song looked at Guan Yu.
"Yun Chang, during the day, your bravery made the enemy afraid. If you were not here, I am afraid that you may not be able to make the enemy believe that our army has indeed left the city."
Guan Yu clasped his fists and said: "Guan understands, and will lead our cavalry there!"
Huangfusong looked pleased: "You must be careful."
"Thank you for your concern, General. It's not a big deal to forgive a mere thief!"
Guan Yu turned and left.
Huangfu Song said to the rest of the generals: "Generals, cheer up and guard the four gates. For the time being, you must stop flagging and extinguishing the torches. If the enemy attacks, come and retaliate immediately!"
"Here!"
It didn't take long for the armies of both sides to start a fierce battle in the north of the city, and the sound of fighting could be heard in all directions.
At the same time, in the Changzi City, it was dark. Except for a few patrolling soldiers on the city tower, there was no movement.
Huangfusong and the generals squatted on the city wall and waited quietly.
The prefect Zhao seemed to be a little impatient with the wait, and said softly: "General, I am rude, but it has been more than half an hour, and there is still no movement. Could the enemy..."
Before he finished speaking, a cry of death was suddenly heard outside the city.
"Kill! Attack the city!"
"Capture this city and everyone will have enough to eat. Come on!"
A light flashed through Huangfusong's eyes: "It's finally here, the day to break the thief is now!"
He stood up suddenly, drew his sword, and shouted: "Zhang Jiao, you have fallen into my trap! Shoot arrows with me!"
Many soldiers had been holding back for a long time. This muffled atmosphere was about to drive them crazy. Now it was finally time to start fighting. They picked up their long bows and fired arrows as if they were free, and headed towards the city crazily.
Shoot outside!
Zhang Liang was shocked at the foot of the city: "Brother, Huangfu Song has not fallen into the trap. There are still a large army in the city. Let's withdraw quickly!"
Zhang Jiao cursed angrily: "What a fool! Our army has run out of food and fodder. Where can we go if we retreat? We are waiting for a last-ditch battle at this time. Regardless of whether this trick to lure the enemy is successful or not, this battle is inevitable! For this plan,
It's just a fight to the death, follow me and rush to the city!"
Chapter completed!