Chapter 686: Fleeing from the wind

Several leaders of the volunteer army, under the leadership of Liang Xing, entered Wu Lan's tooth tent. These people are basically able to maintain a complete set of draped hangings, and there is another thing they have in common, that is, they all wear red scarves around their necks. As soon as Wu Tangqing saw it, he knew that these people should be one of the Hedong Righteous Army, the Red Turban Army. It is said that there are two strongest divisions in Hedong, one is the Red Turban Army operating in the southeast of Hedong, and the other is the Shao Family Soldiers who are active in the Taihang Mountain area.

After entering the tooth tent, the leaders of these rebel armies saw that there were many warriors in Wu Lan's big tent, and they were dignified, so they did not dare to underestimate it and bowed their heads one after another. Liang Xing introduced: "This is Yongxing Jingluo's deputy envoy to appease Wu Jingluo. ”

"I've seen a little bit of justice!" Several of the leaders of the volunteer army were very respectful.

Wu Lan had already lifted his guard against them at this time, so he said, "Let's go, sit down." ”

Several leaders of the volunteer army sat down and introduced their names and positions, two of them were the leaders, one was Zheng Pu and the other was Huang Shou. Wu Lan heard that the names were familiar, and asked, "What did you do before the two of you raised righteousness?" ”

Zheng Huang and the two generals glanced at each other, and they both showed sad expressions. That Huang Shou was in his forties, extremely strong, and hugged his fists and said: "Wu Jing is slightly tolerant, Zheng Pu and I used to be officers of the Shaanxi Economic Strategy Division. Back then, after recruiting the prime minister to return to Guanzhong, the two of us followed Yang into Yang Shouyu to sit in Pingyang. I am the head of the capital, and Zheng Pu is the commander. ”

Hearing them mention it, Wu Lan suddenly realized, and said quickly: "But when Pingyang City was broken, he escaped and exposed righteousness?" Later, you also went to Shaanxi and were received by the king? ”

"Exactly, in the past, I waited in Shaanxi to meet the prime minister and reported the martyrdom of Yang Shouyu. The Prime Minister ordered me to wait until I came back to Hedong and make a good living to wait for the army to march eastward. I never thought that this would be a few years......" Zheng Pu said, his eyes already red.

The Red Turban Army was formed by the officers of the Hu'er Army who escaped from the city when the Jin Army broke through Pingyang Mansion that year. They have always carried the banner of "Xu", claiming to be the old department of the Purple Gold Tiger, and they have a great momentum in Hedong, echoing the rebel army of the Shao brothers in the north and south, which is a headache for the Jurchens. However, in the past two years, the Jurchens have been encircled and suppressed fiercely, and the Red Turban Army has been forced to disperse, with heavy casualties. From 70,000 or 80,000 at its peak, it has plummeted to more than 30,000 now. Two months ago, Xu Wei's envoys entered Hedong, contacted the rebels from all walks of life, and ordered them to attack the gold thieves in all directions to prepare for the army's eastward crusade. The Hedong Righteous Army is excited! This time, Zheng Pu and Huang Shou happened to meet Wu Lan in Tuzezhou.

When Zheng Pu recounted the incident, Wu Lan couldn't help but sigh: "It's not easy for you." "The Western Army stayed in Shaanxi, had food to eat when hungry, clothes to wear when cold, and led the army on time every month...... And the rebel army is in Hedong, everything has to rely on itself, and they are always under the pursuit of the Jurchens, and it is not easy for them to survive so many years.

"Fortunately, our brothers finally survived to recruit the prime minister and re-enter Hedong!" Huang Shou's words probably represent the voice of the righteous army. "In this battle, I am willing to be the vanguard of the army and make a modest contribution to the recovery of Hedong!"

And this is exactly what Wu Lan needs. He immediately asked: "You have been in Hedong for a long time, do you know the reality of Beiyi?" ”

"Returning to the scriptures, Taiyuan is heavily defended by the Jin army, and the righteous armies from all walks of life have never been able to approach this place. In addition, Hezhong Mansion, Jiezhou, and Jiangzhou also have elite Jin troops stationed. It is said that Han Chang also recently went to Hazhong Province. Zheng Pu said.

Wu Lan came to the spirit: "Oh? Han Chang is also in Hanzhong Province? "As things stand, there is almost no problem in capturing Zezhou. As soon as Zezhou threatened the back road of the Jin army in Hezhong Prefecture, there was no doubt that it would be luàn. If at this time, he led his army to the west to attack the back of the Jin army in Hezhong Province, of course, he could receive certain results. But in comparison, it is better to go directly north and attack Binh Duong. Because this place is the only way for the Jin army of Hezhong Fu to retreat north and the Jin army of Taiyuan to go south! As long as he blocks here, he can cut off Han Chang's escape to the north, and second, he can also block the enemy of Taiyuan from going south for reinforcements! It's a win-win!

Wu Lan was also decisive, and as soon as he thought of this, he immediately said: "This time the thief will be destroyed!" ”

Hezhong Fu, where the city is located, Hedong County.

Zheng Pu is right, Han Chang is indeed in Hezhong Mansion. When he received an order from the Wushu to burn down the Pujin pontoon bridge, he came to the river house and personally supervised the matter. After burning the pontoon bridge, Ben yù returned to Taiyuan, but at this time, the Western Army launched an attack! At this time, he realized that Marshal Du's judgment was wrong! Xu Huer's goal is not the Central Plains, but Hedong!

Shocked, he arranged the defense on the one hand, and quickly summoned the Taiyuan Jin Army to rush south to help, and reported to Yanjing! However, he also knew that it would take time for Yanjing to react, and most of the Jin troops in the northeastern part of the river were still in the campaign to suppress the bandits, and it would probably take a relatively long time to gather and rush south to help. During this time, it was necessary to ensure that the Western Army could not cross the Yellow River! For this reason, he decided to stay!

However, to his surprise, only the first few attacks of the Western army could be regarded as fierce, and from then on, it was almost like a family wine, and the ships sent every now and then did not seem to really want to force the crossing. At this time, he couldn't help but wonder, could it be that Xu Wei wanted to attack the west, and his real purpose was still the Central Plains?

However, Han is often known for attacking and defending the city, and those who are good at attacking must have courage, and those who are good at defending must be steady. Although Han Chang was not sure of Xu Wei's true intentions, he believed that with the strength and arrangement of Hezhong Mansion, even if the Western Army had millions of people, they would not want to force it over. I know this, and Xu Wei should know it too.

If you know, why do you have to touch the nails? Although Xu Wei's style of fighting in the past has always been to face difficulties, and the last thing he is afraid of is to kick the iron plate, but he is not stupid to this extent, right?

Han often pushed himself and others, and vaguely felt that Xu Wei must have other intentions. His real purpose is probably not to break through the river defense head-on. Although he didn't guess it, Han Chang still made corresponding arrangements with the acumen of a soldier. That was to order the Jin troops stationed in Jiezhou and Jiangzhou to be on guard. Because the two places in Jiezhou and Jiangzhou are located in the rear of Hezhong Mansion, as long as these two places are not shaken, even if the battle situation is unfavorable, the Jin army of Hezhong Mansion can still retreat to Taiyuan safely. On the other hand, Taiyuan's troops could also smoothly enter the river.

In the city of Hezhongfu, soldiers with swords and guns can be seen everywhere patrolling back and forth, and there are few pedestrians in the market, indicating that the city is under high pressure. And on the east bank of the Yellow River not far from the city, the soldiers of the Jin Army are even more strictly guarded, not to mention the Western Army, even if it is a bird, they don't want to fly over!

Han Chang stood on the wall, and in front of him were the remains of the Pujin pontoon bridge that had just burned down. The planks and wooden boats had all been reduced to ashes, flowing eastward with the rushing Yellow River. Only your Excellency, blackened by iron pillars and chains, lay alone on the river. The yellowing water is surging underneath, and it's terrifying!

"When was the last time the Song army attacked?" Han Chang asked.

"Back to appease, it's the morning before yesterday." The ministry general replied.

The morning before yesterday? In other words, the Song army has not moved for more than two days. Will this look like a forced crossing of the Yellow River? Han Chang became more and more suspicious.

"You continue to stick to the barriers, not only here, but also Fenglingdu must be strictly guarded!" Han Chang left this sentence behind and hurried down to the city.

After stepping on the horse, the attendant asked, "Back to the city?" ”

"No, go to Jiezhou!" Han Chang said in a deep voice.

Jiezhou is the hometown of the second master of Wusheng Guan, that is, under the rule of Shanxi Yuncheng in the later generations. Xu Wei was the commander of Rong Zhijun, and Xie Zhou was under his jurisdiction, and he also operated charcoal wells here and dug coal. After the Jin people possessed the land east of the river, they also took charcoal from this place, whether it was civilian salary, military iron smelting, it was very convenient, and it was called "black gold".

Han Chang rushed to Jiezhou non-stop to inspect the defense, but everything was as usual and there was nothing unusual. He was still not at ease, so he rushed to Jiangzhou again. Jiangzhou is the hometown of Xue Rengui, a famous general in the Tang Dynasty, and Xu Wei also led the Hu'er Army to fight the Jin Army here in the past.

"Han Anfu, more than ten miles ahead, it will be Jiangzhou City." The accompanying officer reminded.

Han Chang didn't answer, he always felt a little uneasy in his heart, as if something was going to happen. Just urging the horse to go fast, more than ten miles away, in the blink of an eye, seeing Jiangzhou City from afar, there seems to be nothing wrong. Han Chang's hanging heart was put down. Then he led the guards and went straight into the city.

But when the group of them approached the city, Han Chang's face changed! Even if there is no war in Jiangzhou, but the Hezhong Mansion has already started fighting, Jiangzhou should also be strictly guarded! Why don't you see half a soldier in the city? Knowing that something was wrong, he rode ahead and rode into the city!

At this time, the city of Jiangzhou was very lively, and people gathered on the street, all of whom were discussing something fiercely. When they saw an army rushing into the city, they were in a state of motion! With the noisy screams, the people dodged to the side of the street! Han Chang and the guards roared through the crowd and went straight to the yamen!

As soon as they had passed, the people gathered again, and some wondered, "Whose army is this?" ”

"Nonsense! Hair Zuo Qi, this is a soldier! It's weird, it's incomprehensible! ”

"It's not good, everyone hurry home! I don't know how to change the sky! The people talked for a while, and soon most of them dispersed.

However, it was said that Han Chang rushed to the Yamen of Jiangzhou, which was also the headquarters of the local garrison, but he saw that there was no guard at the Yamen, and the gate was completely open. He flew off his horse, choked and pulled out his scimitar, and rushed into the yamen. Entering the main hall, there was no ghost, and then turning to the back hall, shouting loudly, it was still silent!

"It's broken!" With a secret cry in his heart, he hurried back to the main hall. Several officers of the Guard were standing in the hall, bewildered. Where have all the people gone in broad daylight?

"Quick! Check it out in town! Where are the officials and stationers in Jiangzhou! Han Chang yelled.

Several officers were stunned, and then almost unanimously turned around and rushed out. Han Chang also put the knife into the sheath, sat on the chair next to him, and looked aimlessly on the ground with his eyes, thinking about this unbelievable thing. If the Jiangzhou garrison was attacked, there should be traces of battle.

Now, I saw that the city gate was open and the yamen was empty, but the people in the city were still gathered on the streets, indicating that there was no fighting. In that case, where have people gone? Can't it disappear out of thin air?

After a while, an officer came back and reported: "Reassuring, the barracks are empty and in disarray, but there is no sign of fighting!" ”

A thought flashed through Han Chang's mind: "Could it be that he ran away?" Soon, his suspicion was confirmed!

"Report! Report! Han appeased! According to the people of the city, before we entered the city, the officials and troops in the city had already withdrawn in a hurry! Allegedly, it was a retreat to the north! ”

Han Chang got up angrily and said angrily: "No order from me!" How dare you retreat without permission! Let's go, catch up! "Now, lead the guards out of the North City and chase at full speed! Along the way, the remnants of the hasty retreat of the garrison can still be seen. Han Chang was furious, and the horsewhip in his hand almost didn't stop!

kept chasing for dozens of miles, and finally saw an infantry army in front of him fleeing north in formation! Han Chang's guards shouted in unison, and when the infantry saw this, not only did they not stop, but they fled even faster, and some even broke away from the team and rushed to the side!

But a two-legged man can't outrun a four-legged horse! Soon, this infantry army was outflanked and stopped by Han Chang's guards! As soon as Han Yuanji lifted the reins, the war horse neighed, and the man stood up!

"Why are you running away!" Han Chang shouted angrily.

The one hundred and ten sergeants all lowered their heads and did not dare to respond, and Han Changyi waved his horsewhip: "Officer! Come out and answer! ”

A man dodged out of the crowd, saluted him, and whispered, "Humble duty is the headquarters of the mooke." ”

"Why did you evacuate Jiangzhou? Where is your sir! Han Chang asked sharply.

"I don't know the reason, I only know that there is a military order from above, saying that it will immediately evacuate Jiangzhou and go to Taiyuan. But ......," replied the Hanmouk.

"But what! Hugh wants to swallow! If you dare to support me again, take your head! Han Chang scolded angrily.

"However, there are rumors among the brothers in the army that the Hu'er Army is coming!" When Han Mouke spoke, he actually had a cold shiver!

Han Chang was so angry that he smoked, and said through gritted teeth: "This handsome man is still in Hezhong Mansion, how can the Hu'er Army ......" At this point, he stopped abruptly! A face that was originally flushed red gradually turned white, and in the end, it turned out to be earthy!

Naturally, it is impossible for the Hu'er Army to fight from Hezhong Province, but ......

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel cold from head to toe! He pointed at Na Mouke with a horsewhip and said, "You immediately lead your troops back to Jiangzhou City!" Those who dare to escape, die! After finishing speaking, he raised his whip and urged him to ride, and went north!

Walking less than ten miles, there was a row of horse troops standing on the hillside in front of him, Han Chang didn't think much about it, thinking that it was the Jiangzhou army, so he stepped forward! I couldn't run dozens of steps, and suddenly I saw the other party rushing down the hill and rushing straight over!

Han Chang was shocked! Hold on to the war horse and look at it! Damn, don't you not only escape, but also want to rebel!

"Han An, go quickly! That's Song Jun! ”