Although he knew that Mr. Uncle Sun was sowing discord and did not have any good intentions, but for various reasons, Mr. Uncle Sun's words still left a deep impression on the heart of Zhang Ao, the son of Zhao Xiang Zhang Er, so that Zhang Ao did not sleep well all night, and in the early morning of the next day, taking advantage of the opportunity of the army to set off to continue westward, Zhang Ao also invited Guan Gao, the chief strategist arranged by his father to him, and told him what happened last night, as well as Mr. Uncle Sun's heartfelt words to himself, Tell yourself the most trustworthy Guan Gao at present.

To Zhang Ao's surprise, after listening to his introduction, Guan Gao was not in a hurry to express any opinions, on the contrary, he asked very nervously: "Major General, when you had a secret conversation with the envoy of General Chu Guoyou last night, were there any other people around?" Will what you say leak out and be known to the general? ”

"Mr. Guan, please rest assured, in addition to the henchmen and soldiers of the younger generation, that is, the two entourages of Mr. Uncle Sun, the soldiers guarding the stables are far away, even if you see it from a distance, it is impossible to hear what Mr. Uncle Sun said."

Zhang Ao's words made Guan Gao breathe a sigh of relief, but Zhang Ao's next words made Guan Gao very helpless - Zhang Ao, who is quite loyal, actually said again: "Besides, last night in front of Mr. Uncle Sun, I basically didn't speak, and directly pointed out that he was sowing discord, even if the general knew, what does it matter?" ”

"Young General, you are really benevolent by nature, no wonder the prime minister is worried about you, and insists on sending Zhao Wu and Uncle Tian to you." Guan Gao sighed and said, "Why don't you want to think about it, if the general really has the heart to betray Zhao Zili, and knows that Xiang Kang's envoy said these words in front of you, how can he not strike first and kill you first?" Isn't he afraid that you will make a big deal for him in order to harm him, and he will strike first? ”

Zhang Ao just has a more loyal personality, but he is not stupid, after thinking about it carefully, he quickly broke out in a cold sweat, nodded and said: "Thank you Mr. for your advice, the younger generation understands, fortunately, I also paid careful attention last night, and there was indeed no one next to me." ”

"That's good." Guan Gao nodded reassuringly, and advised: "Remember, in the future, such important matters must be discussed in an absolutely reliable place, and they must not be as risky as last night, just say it in the crowded stable." ”

Zhang Ao hurriedly agreed, and Guan Gao also asked: "Major General, before you had a secret conversation with Xiang Kang's envoy last night, did the general and Guangwujun (Li Zuoche) have anything to say about Xiang Yu's possible death and Xiang Kang's desire to buy our Zhao State army to retreat?" ”

"After Uncle Chen drove Mr. Uncle Sun away last night, Guang Wujun immediately pointed out that Xiang Kang claimed that Xiang Yu, the former general of the Chu State, was dead, and it was likely that he was delaying the army." Zhang Ao replied truthfully: "The purpose is to temporarily stabilize our Zhao army, so that we do not dare to rashly storm Hangu Pass and divide our troops to Hedong, and take advantage of the opportunity that we are anxious to inquire about Xiang Yu's death, urgently recruit and form a new army, and rush to build the Yellow River defense line, so that Xiang Kang's army can confront us for a long time, first be invincible, and then find another way to defeat our Zhao army." ”

"Also." Zhang Ao added: "Guangwujun also advised Uncle Chen not to hesitate, and after arriving in Shaanxi County, he decided to divide his troops to Hedong, rush to cross the Yellow River, and first take the initiative on the battlefield in Guanzhong, and then decide whether to negotiate peace with Xiang Kang or go all out to enter Guanzhong." ”

"Piff, in order to avenge his grandfather, he really doesn't care about anything." Guan Gao snorted coldly, and understood very well that the reason why Li Zuoche did his best to assist Chen Yu was to avenge his grandfather Li Mu, and perhaps to gain real power through Chen Yu, and he didn't want to be just a hypocrite in name only.

After snorting coldly, Guan Gao asked again, "What did the general say?" Has it been decided to adopt Guangwujun's suggestion? ”

"Uncle Chen was very hesitant and did not agree on the spot, only saying that he still had to think about it and was ready to make a decision when he arrived in Shaanxi County." Zhang Ao continued to answer truthfully.

"Of course he had to hesitate." Guan Gao sneered even more contemptuously and said, "If Xiang Yu is really dead, who will fulfill the promise promised to give him the title of king?" At that time, the alliance of the princes will collapse and the supply of grain and grass will not be available, even if the partial division of our Zhao army really enters Guanzhong, and the main force is forced to retreat, what role can a lone army play in Guanzhong? ”

"Mr. Guan, do you also think that Xiang Yu has promised to give my Uncle Chen the title of king, and Uncle Chen is ready to rebel against Zhao Zili?" Zhang Ao asked in surprise.

"If this is not the case, why did he have such a weak heart last night, as soon as Xiang Kang's envoy mentioned this in front of you, he immediately turned his face and did not admit himself?" Guan Gao Yi sneered, and said: "This ambition of your Uncle Chen, our King Zhao and your father Zhang Chengxiang have already seen it, otherwise, why would your father want you to keep an eye on Chen Yu?" What is there to report to him and the king? ”

Zhang Ao was silent, and only after a while did he say: "Calculate the time, the messenger I sent when I was in Xingyang, this time it is time to send the letter to the king and my father, and I don't know how they plan to decide." ”

"Major General, no matter how the king and your father decide, we should be ready to deal with all changes as soon as possible."

Guan Gao was very calm, just made a little calculation, and quickly said: "After arriving in Shaanxi County, the young general, you must immediately make a message to the general and persuade him to immediately divide his troops in Hedong, and prepare to break through the Yellow River and directly enter Guanzhong, but whether it is the main force of our Zhao army or a partial division, we must not rush to attack Hangu Pass and rush to cross the Yellow River, we must wait for the news from the former general's side, and then decide whether to resolutely enter Guanzhong, or negotiate peace with Xiang Kang and withdraw from the army." ”

"Sir, why would the juniors do this?" Zhang Ao asked suspiciously.

"Two purposes, one is to disperse his henchmen and weaken the forces that Chen Yu can directly control." Guan Gao replied: "The second is to deceive Chen Yu's trust in you, so that Chen Yu feels that you don't suspect that he is preparing to rebel against Zhao Zili, and really want to help him enter the customs and take precautions against you." In this way, when it is really necessary, you will have the opportunity to make a sudden move, directly take down Chen Yu, seize his military power and lead our Zhao army. ”

Zhang Ao's face was a little pale, and he didn't dare to agree immediately, Guan Gao knew Zhang Ao's personality very well, and knew that this honest boy didn't have the guts, so he said: "Young General, I know that it is very dangerous to do this, but don't forget, if Chen Yu Pifu is determined to carry Zhao Zili, then you must be the first to bear the brunt of it, the first one can't escape, and the lightest is also reduced to a prisoner, and Chen Yu Pifu is used as a bargaining chip to negotiate with your father, and if it is serious, there will be a disaster of death." So whether it's for the main force of our Zhao army, or for yourself, when it's really time to do so, you can only fight to the death. ”

Zhang Ao pondered for a long time with a pale face, and then nodded reluctantly, and said: "Then let's do it first, when I arrive in Shaanxi County, I will immediately advise Uncle Chen to persuade him to immediately divide his troops in Hedong, and let him feel that I am sincerely helping him." ”

"But the young general must remember that he must use the excuse to find out Xiang Yu's current situation first, and persuade Chen Yupifu not to rush to war." Guan Gao advised: "In this way, we can not only protect the army of Zhao State, but also leave room for negotiation with Xiang Kang, so that when necessary, we can not only get help from Xiang Kang, but also quickly reach negotiations with Xiang Kang after taking Chen Yu, and calmly withdraw from the battlefield of Hanguguan, so as not to be robbed by Xiang Kang and lose our army of Zhao in vain." ”

Zhang Ao nodded again, and suddenly remembered a big event, and hurriedly said: "Mr. Guan, what if the people we sent back find out the news that Xiang Yu is not dead?" ”

"If Xiang Yu is really not dead, then we can't hesitate, we must immediately take down Chen Yu and take back the military power of Zhao State!" Guan Gao replied categorically, and said: "Because Xiang Yu is not dead, Chen Yu Pifu does not have to worry that no one can fulfill Xiang Yu's promise to give him the title of king, and there is no need to worry that there is no foreign aid to rely on, and he will definitely rebel more resolutely against Zhao Zili, we must take a risk in order to protect ourselves and for the sake of Zhao Guo's country!" ”

"On the contrary, if Xiang Yu is really dead, we don't need to take the risk, we can calmly persuade Chen Yu Pifu not to take risks, accept Xiang Kang's peace conditions, and calmly return to the division to reorganize the Zhao State.

After listening to the pros and cons he carefully weighed, Zhang Ao was no longer so at a loss and hesitant, and soon decided to adopt all of Guan Gao's suggestions, first obediently following Chen Yu to lead the Zhao army to the Shao Marshal Army and did not send troops to recapture Shaanxi County, and then the Zhao army had just begun to set up camp, Zhang Ao was the first to run in front of Chen Yu, suggesting that Chen Yu decisively divide his troops to Hedong, and the troops were divided into two ways to threaten the rear of Hangu Pass and the Young Marshal's army at the same time.

Seeing that Zhang Ao was so enthusiastic about entering the army, Chen Yu immediately dispelled a lot of doubts about Zhang Ao, and Li Zuoche, who was very valued by Chen Yu, also made this suggestion early, Chen Yu nodded immediately, and decided to let Shen Yang, the general of the Zhao army, lead his headquarters to cross the Yellow River in Shaanxi County and march to Puban from the east of the river. Zhang Ao took the opportunity to say again: "Uncle, the little nephew also thinks that after General Shen's troops come to Pusaka, it is best not to rush to launch a rush to cross, first wait for us to hear clearly about the injuries of the former general of the Chu State, and then decide whether to continue to enter the Guanzhong." ”

Chen Yu was far more cunning than Zhang Ao, and before Zhang Ao finished speaking, Chen Yu already understood what he meant, and knew that Zhang Ao wanted to persuade himself to stay behind, so as not to confirm that Xiang Yu had really lost his breath and that there was no room for return, so he was immediately very moved. Li Zuoche next to him glanced at Zhang Ao suspiciously, and said, "General, since we have decided to divide our troops to Hedong, then we should make a quick decision and cross the Yellow River as soon as possible." If we look too far ahead and give Xiang Kang the opportunity to establish a strong defense line on the front line of the Yellow River, I am afraid it will not be so easy for us to cross the Yellow River again. ”

"Guangwujun, it's better to be cautious." Zhang Ao Zhenzhen said eloquently: "Judging from the current situation, the fact that General Xiang Yu, the commander of our princes' coalition army, was seriously injured seems to be no longer fake, if he is really seriously injured and dies, our grain and grass cannot be helped, even if the partial division is killed in Guanzhong first, what can we do?" Don't overdo it just yet, leave a little leeway, so that you can prevent everything from happening. ”

"The young general thinks that if he doesn't do things absolutely, Xiang Kang will give up, right?" Li Zuoche said coldly: "If you don't seize the current fighter and take Guanzhong back from Xiang Kang's hands, with his ability, he will be able to become the second tyrant Yingzheng in Guanzhong in less than a year, and then he will march eastward, and the land outside Guanwai that has been beaten into ruins, what army can resist him?" ”

is indeed too loyal, Zhang Ao really can't find anything to refute Li Zuoche, fortunately, Chen Yu didn't listen to Li Zuoche this time, in order to leave a little leeway for himself, and in order to prevent accidents, Chen Yu quickly said: "It's still a good nephew's words, the injury of the former general is unknown, and the army's heart is unstable, let's not rush to take risks, anyway, the distance is not far, and it won't take a few days to go back and forth, so I still asked Shen Yang to prepare when he arrives in Pusaka, and then decide how to act when he has accurate news." ”

Li Zuoche continued to persuade hard, but Chen Yu, who had a ghost in his heart, resolutely refused to listen, Li Zuoche had no choice but to keep his mouth shut, and said in his heart extremely depressed: "I'm afraid I don't have a chance to avenge the Changping soldiers of our Zhao State." ”

…………

It's time to take a look at the situation on the side of the young marshal's army, on the same day that the main force of the Zhao army arrived in Shaanxi County, Mr. Sun, the uncle of the light car Jiancong, also returned to Hangu Pass smoothly, and reported the envoy to Xiang Kang in 1510, and also took the initiative to explain his analysis of the internal situation of the Zhao army, as well as his own analysis in front of Zhang Ao. As a result, Xiang Kang was a little happy when he heard this, and said in surprise: "Could it be that we don't have to wait for King Zhao's side to react, and we can hope to split the Zhao army through Zhang Er's son Zhang Ao?" ”

"Right General, I'm afraid it's not that easy." Chen Ping stood up and poured cold water and said: "First of all, Zhang Ao may not have such courage, and secondly, Zhang Ao has no reason to do this, he doesn't want to see Chen Yu rebel against Zhao Zili, not only for his own sake, but also for the sake of the Zhao army, and wants to count on him to help defeat the Zhao army, so that he can't explain in front of King Zhao and Zhang Er, he will definitely not agree." ”

"Of course, I won't expect Zhang Ao to give us a combination of inside and outside, and kill the Zhao court where he works to the death." Xiang Kang smiled and said, "Didn't Mr. Uncle Sun already give us a good idea?" As long as he is willing, he can find a way to trick Chen Yu and Sima Wei into his camp, and capture the thief first and capture the king directly, so that he can not only not hurt the vitality of the Zhao army, but also regain the military power, so that Chen Yu has no way to betray the Zhao State and split the Zhao army. ”

"General Right wants to do his best to facilitate this?" Chen Ping understood what Xiang Kang meant, and said, "But does Zhang Ao dare to do this? Without the consent of King Zhao or his father, could he easily make up his mind? Making such a big decision alone? ”

"Let's find a way to give him this guts!" Xiang Kang sneered and said: "As long as we find a way to corner, and let him have no other choice than to take down Chen Yu immediately, he can only take a risk!" ”

Chen Ping didn't speak anymore, but carefully calculated how to force Zhang Ao, who could be fought for, to a dead end, but it turned out that Mr. Shusun was the first to come up with a bad idea, and said with a big grin: "General Right, the lower official thinks that there is no need to be so troublesome, anyway, even the blind can see that Chen Yu is preparing to betray the Zhao State, and if he wants to do this, he will definitely be the first to clean up Zhang Ao, so we simply write a letter directly to threaten Zhang Ao, saying that if he doesn't do what we ask, we will tell Chen Yu the content of the secret conversation between him and the lower official in the stable, Let Chen Yu Pifu clean him up! Zhang Ao's little vertical doesn't want to sit and wait for death, so he can only strike first! ”

"It's too much." Xiang Kang shook his head and said: "We dug the pit, and now we are using this pit to force Zhang Ao to jump, it's strange that he doesn't hate us to the bone, and it will backfire and force him to Chen Yu's side to ......." ”

As he spoke, Xiang Kang's heart suddenly moved, and he hurriedly changed his words and said, "Wait, this method is feasible!" We can be strategic, let's just say that one of Mr. Shusun's two entourages suddenly disappeared, and that entourage also knew what Mr. Shusun said to him Zhang Ao, we were worried that he would run to Chen Yu to tell the informant, remind Zhang Ao to be careful, and indirectly force him to do it, so that Zhang Ao would not hate us, and we could also sell him a great favor, so that we could form an alliance with the Zhao army in the future. ”

"There are still many ways to do this, and it's a good way to do this." Chen Ping agreed, and said: "But we must be careful, we must not leak any rumors, otherwise let Chen Yu be prepared, Zhang Ao will not have any chance." ”

Xiang Kang also agreed with Chen Ping's analysis, and quickly discussed with Chen Ping and made an idea, preparing to wait for the Zhao army to come to Hangu Pass, first find out the camp situation of the Zhao army, ensure that the secret messenger can directly get in touch with Zhang Ao, and then send someone to meet with Zhang Ao, impose a crisis, and force Zhang Ao to act according to Mr. Shusun's clever plan. At the same time, in order to prompt Zhang Ao to make up his mind, Xiang Kang naturally decided to promise Zhang Ao to conclude an alliance with the Zhao army after the matter was completed, join forces to resist the remaining princes' coalition army, and supply the Zhao army with food and grass, so that Zhang Ao could withdraw from Shangdang to Zhao with the army.

The change of the situation also forced Xiang Kang to do this, and the next day, the young marshal sent a message that the Zhao army had built a pontoon bridge in Shaanxi County to prepare to cross the Yellow River north, without God's perspective, and did not know that the Zhao army did not plan to launch an attack in a hurry, Xiang Kang was forced to have no choice but to immediately order Zhou Shu to lead 6,000 troops to Puban, and lead Zhou Zeng and Chao Zhi to hastily recruit recruits to form a Yellow River defense line to prevent the Zhao army from crossing the Yellow River from Puban or Xiayang.

Even if there is a military genius Uncle Zhou in charge, whether the hastily recruited recruits can block the Zhao army, which has rich combat experience, Xiang Kang is actually not sure, and because of this, more than a day later, the Zhao army arrived outside the city of Hangu Pass, and just started to set up a camp, Xiang Kang couldn't wait to send people to investigate the garrison of the Zhao army, looking for an opportunity to contact Zhang Ao directly, but what made Xiang Kang very dumbfounded was that Zhang Ao's department happened to be stationed in the rear camp of the Zhao army this time. The army is not afraid that a single soldier can have direct contact with the young marshal's army!

What made Xiang Kang vomit blood even more was that the Qi Guotian Ansuo Division, who hated the young marshal's army so much, and Liu Laosan's army were all stationed behind the camp of the Zhao army, even if Xiang Kang sent someone to go down the Yellow River by boat, or from the mountain path to the back of the camp of the Zhao army, it was still very likely to be discovered by their patrol soldiers. And once Xiang Kang's letter to Zhang Ao is intercepted by them, not only will Zhang Ao no longer have any chance to directly take Chen Yu, but the young marshal's army will also fall into the dangerous situation of having to fight to the death with the Zhao army!

After thinking about it for a long time, Xiang Kang said helplessly: "There are only two ways, one is to send someone to pretend to be Zhang Ao's acquaintance and sneak into the camp of the Zhao army to deliver the letter, and the other is to find an excuse and send a messenger to contact Chen Yu Pifu and find an opportunity to directly hand over my letter to Zhang Ao." ”

When he said this, Xiang Kang's eyes of course involuntarily looked at Mr. Shusun, Mr. Shusun's soul was scattered, and he immediately knelt down to Xiang Kang, trembling and screaming: "General Right, the lower official doesn't dare to go, you just killed the lower official, and the lower official doesn't dare to go this time!" ”

Xiang Kang frowned and calculated, and only after a while did he say with a very helpless expression: "Mr. Uncle Sun, I'm really sorry, the situation here in Hanguguan is tense now, and it is too easy to arouse the suspicion of others by sending someone to pretend to be Zhang Ao's old friend to contact him." If you send other messengers, it will be difficult to get in touch with Zhang Ao directly, only if you work hard, Zhang Ao will understand what we mean and take the initiative to find a way to talk to you, so you have to run again. ”

Mr. Shusun collapsed directly on the ground, screaming hysterically in his heart: "What kind of luck is this, old man? Why does the old man dislike to go to the enemy camp the most, and every time this unlucky errand has to be spread on my head?! ”