Cao Cao raised his hat and looked at the sky obscured by the gray rain curtain, letting the bean-sized raindrops drip on his cheeks and remain unmoved. The weather in the south is really moody, obviously it is still a dry and sunny day in Chibi, but after a few days, it suddenly thundered and rained.

It is said that after Cao Cao fled back to Wulin from the defeat of Chibi that day, the entire Wulin camp was also in chaos. Considering that Wulin was in no danger to defend and that the sailors had been burned down, Cao Cao resolutely burned the Wulin Water Village and gathered the remnants of the army and withdrew to Nanjun in order to stabilize the situation in Jingbei. Therefore, this heavy rain came at an inopportune time for Cao Cao, as the continuous rain and muddy roads not only demoralized the Cao army after the defeat, but also greatly hindered the speed of Cao's army's march.

In a trance, Cao Cao only felt that his body staggered, and the war horse under his crotch let out a painful neigh. Before his body could lose his balance, Cao Cao decisively rolled over and dismounted and jumped to the side. It turned out to be one of the front hooves of the war horse that was deep in the mud. Seeing this, the soldiers around him hurriedly stepped forward to remove the stones that had stumbled over the horse's legs and pulled Cao Cao's mount out of the pit. But the horse was obviously lame, and could no longer make its way.

Cao Cao glanced at the mount he once loved, and then spat out coldly from his mouth, "Kill." ”

Hearing that the prime minister was going to kill such a good horse, several teenage soldiers opened their mouths in surprise, and stood in place one by one and couldn't bear to start. Seeing this, Cao Cao strode forward, snatched the spear from one of the soldiers, and struck a blow at the horse, and the horse screamed in pain between the splashes of flesh and blood.

"Kill!" Cao Cao glared at him again, so frightened that all the soldiers raised their spears and slammed their horses. After a while, the bloodied war horse swallowed its last breath in the mud. Cao Cao wiped a handful of rain from his face. He took the reins from Cao Xiu's hand and turned over and stepped onto another war horse. However, before he could stir the reins, he suddenly saw Cao Peng and Liu Ye of the Prime Minister's Mansion Cang leading a small colonel to chase after him from the back of the team in the rain.

"Prime Minister. Lujiang Urgent. ”

Hearing that the emergency report came from Lujiang, Cao Cao took the battle report from the junior colonel beside Liu Ye with a solemn expression. However, as his gaze swept over the words of the battle report, Cao Cao's originally tightly locked eyebrows gradually stretched, and even let out an extremely contemptuous laugh at the end.

Seeing that Cao Cao's mood was improving, Zhong Wenwu thought that Liu Ye had brought good news. So someone waited for an opportunity to flatteringly ask, "Prime Minister, but the Sun thief has withdrawn?" ”

"Definitely." Cao Cao snorted coldly as he put away the battle report. "Zhou Gongjin has joined Sun Bofu in Xunyang, and is now attacking and plundering Lujiang counties."

"Huh!?" Cao Cao's answer obviously greatly exceeded everyone's expectations. With the current amount of strength in Cao Ren's hands, it is obviously not the opponent of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. In this way, the battle report sent by Liu Ye should be Cao Ren's letter asking for help, why did the prime minister laugh out loud after reading it?

Seeing that most of the civil and military generals beside him looked suspicious. Cao Cao twisted his long beard and smiled proudly, "Everyone says that Zhou Gongjin is resourceful, and he is really short-sighted to look at it alone. If you make a brigade here. We are all in bondage. Now it's a battle for land. Isn't it a great luck for the tiger to return to the mountain? ”

In Cao Cao's view, those who are handsome must know how to make trade-offs. Just like the war horse just now, no matter how expensive it is, no matter how favored it is, as long as it drags down the march, it must be killed. The same is true for conquering cities. Those who are handsome must take into account the overall situation, and cannot only care about the gains and losses of one city and one pool. If Cao Cao and Zhou Yu change places at this moment, he will definitely concentrate his forces to intercept Cao's army and strive to cut down the grass and eradicate the roots. So at this time, Cao Cao seemed to have demoted Zhou Yu from a handsome talent to a general.

After hearing Cao Cao's words, Cao Ying's civil and military forces on both sides also laughed together. After all, it was a joy to know that there were no pursuers behind him. However, just as everyone was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the rumbling sound of thunder rolled in from the other side of the sky. Forward and continuous. Even the earth that led them trembled under their feet. Rolling thunder can be deafening, but it will never make the earth tremble with it. In an instant, an extremely ominous premonition climbed into the hearts of Cao Cao and the others.

It's just that everyone doesn't know that the Cao soldiers who are in the second half of the team at this moment seem to have seen the true body of "ominous". Under the rain curtain, thousands of elite horsemen leaped out of the mountains, like a spear thrown through the air, directly hitting the weakest weakness of Cao Jun. Countless arrows rained down mercilessly through the unsuspecting flesh and blood. The morale of the Cao army was already low, and in the face of such a devastating surprise attack, it suddenly became a mess like a fly without a head.

The news of the attack on the rear army soon reached Cao Cao's ears. Hearing that there were chasing soldiers coming behind him, the civil and military officers who were still talking and laughing before were so frightened that everyone was in danger in a blink of an eye, and they didn't even dare to gasp more. However, Cao Cao was a battle-hardened generation of heroes after all, and although he was also shocked by the sudden pursuers, he broke out in a cold sweat, but he quickly calmed down again. According to Cao Ren's war report, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were attacking the city in Lujiang, and Zhang Fei, who had crossed the river and invaded the north before, was driven back to Changsha by Xiahou Yuan. Now in the southern county territory, it is impossible to have elite soldiers and strong generals. Therefore, this group of attackers who suddenly appeared was likely to be a small group of rangers infiltrated by the Sun family. Thinking of this, Cao Cao immediately took a deep breath and began to calmly command his generals to gather troops and horses to gallop to the rear army. It's a pity that he didn't wait for Cao Cao's military order to be transmitted, and the sound of killing was already in his ears.

Could it be that the rear army has already been breached? Shocked, Cao Cao couldn't help but scolded angrily, "Bastard! Don't hurry up yet! ”

But he didn't think that Cao Cao's words had just fallen, and a thunderclap exploded above everyone's heads, and then the dazzling lightning suddenly cut through the thick clouds, making a majestic silhouette on the high post in front of him. Cao Cao subconsciously narrowed a pair of Danfeng eyes, and saw a military general between heaven and earth standing tall and riding a horse, with a three-foot long hair fluttering in the wind.

"Guan Yunchang is here! Cao thief leaves! ”

********************************************************************

"Kong Ming, you said that Yun Chang can intercept and kill Cao Mengde this time?"

Liu Bei stood in front of the hall. Raising his hand to catch the raindrops dripping from the eaves, the rain was cold and thorough, but it was always difficult to calm the anxiety surging in his heart. It is said that half a month ago, Liu Bei ordered Zhang Fei to cross the river with 10,000 to attack Jiangling according to Zhuge Liang's plan. However, among the 10,000 soldiers and horses led by Zhang Fei, except for a few relatives, the vast majority of them were some temporary recruits. The real elite of Liu Ying crossed the river with Guan Yu at night and hibernated in Nanjun. It turns out that Zhuge Liang's trick is extremely beautiful. Cao's general Xiahou Yuan, who was stationed in Jiangling, was only thinking about how to drive Zhang Fei away. He didn't expect Guan Yu to sneak into Nanjun under his nose. Now, Cao Cao, as Zhuge Liang expected, has become a defeated general under Zhou Yu. As long as Guan Yu acts according to Zhuge Liang's plan, he will be able to intercept Cao Cao's way to flee north in Nanjun.

But the more he was so smooth, the more restless Liu Bei's mood became, for fear that something would happen in the middle and make the previous good situation collapse. It is precisely because of this that he can't help but ask Zhuge Liang about success or failure. After all, the personable young man behind him was already a Jiang Shang figure in Liu Bei's mind.

Zhuge Liang is of course not Jiang Ziya, and he can't tell Liu Bei the result with a finger pinching like Jiang Taigong. He can only judge the winner based on the information he has at the moment. Therefore, Zhuge Liang finally shook his head after muttering for a moment, "Although Cao Mengde was defeated in Chibi, his main force still exists, and with the strength of General Yun Chang, I am afraid it will be difficult to take the head of Cao Thief." ”

Liu Bei listened to what Zhuge Liang said. A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes. However, considering the little people that Guan Yu led across the river this time, Liu Bei also knew that it was a little difficult to kill Cao Cao. So he coughed lightly to hide his embarrassment, and turned around and smiled at Zhuge Liang. "It doesn't matter. He was satisfied with being able to hit Cao Jungu hard. This time, Kong Ming's clever calculation, should be remembered for the first credit! ”

Zhuge Liang humbly bowed to Liu Bei, "The first contributor is General Yide, Liang should not be so falsely praised." ”

Liu Bei didn't expect Zhuge Liang to take the initiative to ask for credit for Zhang Fei. It must be known that Zhang Fei has run Zhuge Liang more than once. Before, Zhuge Liang was forced to make a military order. But looking at Zhuge Liang's appearance, it doesn't seem to be fake. So in surprise, Liu Bei couldn't help blurting out and asking. "What do you mean by that?"

"The Lord is a clear guide, General Yide's self-destruction of the name of the military general has achieved today's situation, and he should be credited with the first credit." Zhuge Liang said it very sincerely. As he said, if it weren't for Zhang Fei's deception, Zhou Yu would not have made up his mind to fight Cao Cao so quickly, and Guan Yu would not have been able to sneak into Nanjun to intercept Cao's army unknowingly. Now everyone in the world knows Zhou Yu's clever calculations, and it won't be long before Guan Yu's martial arts will also be famous all over the world. But what Zhang Fei got was a failure, recklessness, and violent evaluation. In a sense, Zhang Fei is using his reputation as a military general to achieve the final victory.

At this moment, after listening to what Zhuge Liang said, Liu Bei couldn't help but think of the bits and pieces of Zhang Fei's assistance to him all the way for more than 20 years. It is said that Liu, Guan, and Zhang each have their own division of labor. Liu Bei, as a descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan, was regarded as the lord by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Hold high the banner of Xinghan and recruit talents in the name of benevolence and righteousness. Guan Yu is brave and righteous, and he is a pure martial artist. The first general under Liu Bei's account. As for Zhang Fei, although he is also known as the enemy of ten thousand people, he is more often violent and unkind, and bears a lot of mistakes for Liu Bei. But if someone really thinks Zhang Fei is a straw bag, then he will definitely pay the price for his shallowness. Officially, with this intimate cooperation, Liu Bei was able to step by step from a vendor weaving mats to a prince who is now separating one side.

Facing the past events in the past, Liu Bei couldn't help but look up and sigh, "There is a lot of loneliness and virtue, and only by effectively imitating the ancestors of the Zhongxing Han Dynasty can we repay the righteousness of Yide's help." ”

Hearing that Liu Bei regarded himself as a martial artist, Zhuge Liang was also excited. Back then, Wang Mang usurped the Han Dynasty and the sea collapsed, and Liu Xiu, who was a cloth cloth but had the blood of the previous dynasty, took advantage of the situation in his hometown to raise troops. After going through hardships and dangers, Liu Xiu finally ruled the world with the assistance of the 28 generals of Yuntai, rejuvenated the Han dynasty, and became the ancestor of the Eastern Han Dynasty - Emperor Guangwu. Therefore, even though Liu Bei was born poor and repeatedly defeated, Zhuge Liang still stubbornly believed that the King Jing of Zhongshan in front of him was another Guangwu given by God to the Han family. As for Cao Cao, Cai Ji, and Sun Ce, they are just some thieves who are vying to be Wang Mang.

So the next moment, I saw Zhuge Liang's long sleeves vibrate, and he bowed respectfully to Liu Bei and said, "Liang is willing to help the lord cleanse the traitors and help the Han family!" ”

Zhuge Liang's worship also made Liu Bei's heart warm. You must know that Liu Bei has visited many celebrities since he started the army, hoping that they can go out of the mountain to assist him. However, the vast majority of scholars disagreed with Liu Bei's clan identity, and even ridiculed him behind his back. At that time, when there was no one around, Liu Bei often wondered why Cai Anzhen, who was his daughter, could be assisted by Guo Fengxiao, Jia Wenhe and even Cui Jiqi, and his dignified seven-foot man, King Jing of Zhongshan, wanted to seek celebrities for many years but couldn't.

Liu Bei didn't know that the biggest difference between him and Cai Ji was not in gender, but because Cai Ji had clear ambitions from the beginning and knew how to achieve his ambitions step by step. Therefore, Cai Ji can attract like-minded celebrities with her ambition and talent. Although Liu Bei also has great ambitions, he is from a poor background after all, and he has no overall vision, let alone how to stabilize the country. It is no wonder that many celebrities shy away from him. However, now Liu Bei no longer envies Cai Ji and Cao Cao for having many celebrities to help him, because he has Zhuge Kongming. In Liu Bei's heart, Zhuge Liang, who was born in Langya, is a famous and talented Zhuge Liang who was given to him by God.

"If you are alone, Kong Ming will help you, why worry about big things!"

Just as Liu Bei stepped forward to help Zhuge Liang up, he suddenly saw a junior colonel running to the bottom of the hall in the rain, kneeling down on one knee and saying, "My lord, the Jiangling Water Village is on fire, and Cao's army seems to have retreated north." ”

Before the junior colonel's voice fell, Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Bei with his eyebrows fluttering and congratulated, "Congratulations to the lord, it must be General Yunchang who succeeded in forcing Xiahou Yuan to abandon the village and flee to the north." ”

At this time, Liu Bei was also overjoyed. However, while he was happy, he didn't forget to continue to ask Yu Zhuge Liang, "Kong Ming, what should Gu do next?" ”

In the face of Liu Bei's sincere inquiry, Zhuge Liang immediately restrained his smile, hugged his fists and said, "Liang pleads with the lord, cross the river to the north, and go straight to Xiangyang!" ”

On the sixth day of August in the eighth year of Jian'an, Guan Yu led 8,000 elites to intercept Cao Cao in Huarong. It happened to be pouring rain and the demoralized Cao army was suddenly attacked, and it was immediately collapsed. In a panic, Cao Cao had to abandon his baggage and driving, and fled into Dangyang with more than 100 cronies in disguise. So far, Huarong has beheaded more than 20,000 generals of the Cao army under Zhang Yun in the first battle, and has countless war horses and baggage. In addition, a large number of Liu Biao's old troops were transferred from Cao Ying to Guan Yu's command. Under this situation, after this battle, Cao Cao had no soldiers available, so he could only stay in Dangyang and wait for Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren and others to come to help. After learning that Cao Cao was trapped, Xiahou Yuan naturally abandoned Jiangling without saying a word and led his troops to aid Cao Cao, but in this way, Liu Bei, who had been waiting for a long time, was able to lead his troops to cross the river and go north safely. (To be continued......)