Xu Shu and his entourage led the troops to attack Wudu.

Compared to Hanzhong, their task is much simpler, after all, Wu is not heavily guarded by Cao's army, as long as the defenders are solved, they can directly take this place.

However, when Xu Shu and others were about to discern it.

Suddenly, a spy came to the tent with a man.

Xu Shu and the others were discussing.

Although Liu Qi had promised that he would help them rescue Liu Bei, how could this matter be so simple.

It's not a day or two.

Zhang Fei said with some indignation:

"I don't know what the situation of the eldest brother is now, if it continues like this, I don't know how long it will take to rescue the eldest brother."

Hearing Zhang Fei's words, Xu Shu sighed and said:

"Yide, this matter should not be rushed, why don't we want to rescue the lord, but the lord fell into the hands of Cao Cao, if you don't defeat Cao Cao, you can't save the lord."

Zhang Fei pursed his lips and said disapprovingly:

"If you want me to see, this Liu Qi obviously wants to use us and others, what kind of Wudu is attacking now, what does it have to do with saving the eldest brother?"

In this regard, Xu Shu raised his eyebrows and said:

"Yide, although what you said is right, but now in the situation in the world, if you want to destroy Cao Cao overnight, how can it be so easy, and you have to do things step by step after all.

The lord is a relative of the Han family, and he has been fighting for the revival of the Han family for half his life. If you want to meet the lord as soon as possible, Yide can also take refuge in Cao Cao at this moment, naturally there is no problem.

It's just that in this way, do we still have the face to see the lord? ”

After listening to Xu Shu's words, Zhang Fei was speechless, they were weak, and they had no choice but to take refuge in Liu Qi.

If he really surrendered to Cao Cao, I am afraid that Liu Bei will be able to turn his face directly with him, Zhang Fei is still very self-aware, they followed Liu Bei to fight in the south and the north, how could they not know Liu Bei's ambitions?

Speaking of this, Zhang Fei waved his hand impatiently:

"Well, it's so far, it's useless to say this, the city is right in front of you, military advisor, you give the order!"

In fact, Zhang Fei was dissatisfied at the moment, not against Xu Shu.

It's because of Liu Qi.

Mainly now, at the beginning, Liu Qi's contrast was too great.

Liu Qi, who was originally in Jingzhou and had difficulty in protecting himself, has now suddenly become the overlord of the states.

And Liu Bei became a prisoner instead.

Zhang Fei had no choice but to listen to Liu Qi.

All kinds of changes made his heart unhappy.

But under Xu Shu's confession, Zhang Fei already understood what he had to do. If you want to rescue Liu Bei, you must be Liu Qi's younger brother, and you have to spare no effort to lead the troops to fight.

Xu Shu was about to speak.

Suddenly, someone came in and reported:

"Qiyu military division, I found a person outside, claiming to be under the command of Xiliang Ma Teng, and wanted to ask to see Liu Yuanjun."

Hearing this, several people present were a little surprised.

Xu Shu was also surprised:

"Are you really from Xiliang?"

The visitor replied respectfully:

"Judging by its outfit, there should be no fake."

As soon as his thoughts moved, Xu Shu already had a guess, he beckoned decisively, and said:

"Please come in, I'll ask for myself."

It's not too late.

An embarrassed and emaciated Xiliang soldier appeared in the big tent.

Xu Shu opened his mouth and asked:

"On whose orders did you come?"

The Xiliang sergeant hurriedly said:

"I've seen the adults, the villain came on the orders of my lord General Zhengnan to ask for rescue from Liu Yuanjun."

Xu Shu and his entourage, they hung the banner of Liu Qi.

Xu Shu groaned:

"What's the situation in Xiliang now?"

The soldier did not delay and went straight to the point:

"My lord is trapped in Jincheng, and he has no choice but to break through, and now he is on his way south, and there are still a large number of Cao troops chasing him."

Although there is no detailed description, Xu Shu can already judge that Ma Teng must have been deflated under Cao Cao, and he was originally sitting in Xiliang and could compete with Cao Cao.

And now, it has become a lost dog.

Fleeing south in a hurry.

but

Xu Shu also knew that even if the Xiliang army was not Cao Cao's opponent, it did not mean that their combat strength was weak.

The Xiliang army is brave and good at fighting, which is a well-known thing.

But Cao Cao is not an ordinary person, and it is reasonable for this world's leading hero to defeat Ma Teng.

But now, Xu Shu needs to think about this problem.

He looked at the soldier and said:

"Ma Teng is taking the road of Wudu?"

The soldier nodded.

At this point, Xu Shu beckoned, asked the soldiers to go down to rest first, and sent someone to inform Liu Qi of the matter.

But Xu Shu was not prepared to sit back and wait for a response.

He knew that Liu Qi would not miss this opportunity.

Even if Ma Teng lost his troops, his reputation in Xiliang was not trivial, if he could bring the Ma family army under his command, not only could he strengthen his own power, but it would be much easier to enter Liangzhou in the future.

Beside Xu Shu, Zhao Yun seemed to guess his thoughts:

"Strategist, are you going to lead the troops to rescue Ma Teng?"

Xu Shu didn't hide it, they were all their own people, so they all gave their thoughts:

"Ma Teng and Cao Cao are mortal enemies, now that Ma Teng has been defeated by Cao Cao, there is no way out, he can only defect to Liu Qi, I will support Ma Teng, we can increase our help.

One day, the Northern Expedition to Cao Cao will have a few more chances of winning, maybe I can rescue the lord sooner.

As for Liu Qi, he is not an indecisive person, we will act first, so as not to delay the fighter, even if Liu Qi knows, he will not blame, what do you think? ”

Zhang Fei thought for a while and said:

"At the beginning, this Ma Teng and his eldest brother were also allies, but now that he is being pursued by Cao Jun, we have no reason to stand by."

The same is true for Zhao Yun.

If Liu Bei is here, he will follow Liu Bei's arrangement.

But now that Liu Bei is in Cao Ying, he chooses to obey Xu Shu, and he believes in Xu Shu's loyalty to Liu Bei.

After the decision is made.

The three of them left some of their soldiers and horses to bluff below.

In addition, he led the troops and directly bypassed Xia Zhi to pick up the Xiliang army that was still fleeing in embarrassment.

Today's Ma Teng is a bit miserable.

Because his injuries did not heal, he chose to break through and escape.

Caused his wounds to burst.

Although he barely survived, it made Ma Teng's situation even more serious. The key problem is that Cao Jun is chasing after him, and they have no way to stop and recuperate.

The farther the Xiliang army ran, the weaker Ma Teng became.

So Ma Teng sent people out earlier to look for Liu Qijun's traces, but he didn't expect to see Liu Qi, so he first found Xu Shu all the way over, which can be said to be a coincidence.

The place where the Xiliang Army was temporarily stationed.

Now that it was getting dark, they had to continue their march early in the morning.

The key problem is that they are almost exhausted of food and grass, and after two or three days, there will be no food.

Ma Chao and the others looked at Ma Teng worriedly.

I saw that Ma Teng's face was like gold paper, his lips were pale, and his voice was weak:

"Chao'er, is there a reply from Liu Qi now?"

At this moment, Ma Teng didn't know if the people he sent out would be able to find Liu Qi and ask for rescue.

is to ask Ma Chao.

Ma Chao shook his head helplessly and said:

"Father, you have a good rest first, we will definitely be able to kill it, now that our army has entered Wudu, there are scouts who have found out the news, Liu Qi has sent troops to capture Wudu.

It's just not known if they are willing to send troops to the rescue. ”

This is a problem, if you can find Liu Qi's main force, of course, there will be no doubts. But it was only Liu Qi's soldiers and horses who attacked Wudu, and they might not make their own decisions.

If you wait until you contact Liu Qi, you will send troops to rescue.

I'm afraid they're already cold.

These days, the soldiers are tired, even if the Xiliang army is elite, it is difficult to fight now.

In this regard, Ma Teng sighed helplessly.

He is already unable to protect himself, what can he do in this situation, I can only hope that it will not be so.

After a night's rest, the Xiliang army hit the road again.

And the Cao army in the rear, led by generals Cao Zhang and Cao Ren, pursued relentlessly, no

The meaning of mercy.

Including Cao Cao, only part of the soldiers and horses were left to rectify Liangzhou.

I also traveled south day and night.

He had already received the news that Liu Qi led his troops to take Hanzhong directly.

This battle is inevitable.

Having said that, although this time, it was not the first battle between Cao Cao and Liu Qi.

But there is no doubt that this battle will be a large-scale battle between the two sides in the real sense.

Cao Cao made up his mind.

If he had the opportunity, he would definitely not be indecisive, and he would definitely defeat Liu Qi in one go.

Otherwise, it will be very difficult for Liu Qi to gain a firm foothold, and if he wants to unify the south. The advantages of the North are population and economy, while the strength of the South is food and terrain.

Jingzhou and Jiangdong have the Yangtze River natural insurance.

And Yizhou is steep mountains and rivers.

Far away in Hanzhong.

Liu Qi reopened a small road.

Although a lot of time was wasted, the desired goal was achieved, and without realizing it, he directly crossed the defense line of Cao's army and entered the territory of Hanzhong.

At this moment, Liu Qi's command is divided into four soldiers.

Containment outside Yangping Pass.

Liu Bei's pull attracted Cao Jun's attention.

and Wenpin went out along the water and went straight into the hinterland of Hanzhong, and their purpose was Nanzheng.

That is, the Hanzhong Governance Office.

The last way, that is, the main force of Jingzhou.

Under the leadership of Liu Qi, he had already killed Hanzhong, and then turned his gun and killed him to Dingjun Mountain.

They will join the soldiers and horses along Liu Bei's old road.

Where Liu Qi led his troops to smuggle in, although Xu Huang did not arrange heavy troops to defend it, he also left people to check.

When Liu Qi's traces were discovered, he hurriedly went over to report.

Dingjun Mountain Camp in the village.

When Xu Huang and Zhang He heard the news, their faces suddenly changed:

"This Liu Qi, how could he appear here?"

Xu Huang looked at Zhang He and said seriously:

"It seems that Liu Qi also learned from Liu Bei and reopened a road, and I waited here to block it, but I fell into his calculations."

Zhang He said that he was a little uncomfortable and hesitated:

"Komeito, what should we do now?"

The battle situation changed in an unexpected direction for them, and Xu Huang was also helpless, he said in a deep voice:

"At this point, we must not mess with ourselves, so let's send someone to inform the prime minister of the news.

Next, you and I will each garrison a hill to contain the enemy's advance. At the same time, the defense of Yangpingguan cannot be relaxed, so there is no problem in delaying until the prime minister arrives. ”

The second general already knew that Ma Teng chose to abandon the city and break through.

Although Cao Cao did not completely occupy Liangzhou, he had no worries and could rest assured that he went south.

Zhang He had no better way, nodded and said:

"As the word goes."

The two did not delay and immediately set up.

They are ready for a protracted battle.

Liu Qi is menacing, and they are not sure of victory, especially Xu Huang, speaking of Jingzhou, he still has a cold back now, and it feels too painful.

This time, there is no need for them to take the initiative to fight.

As long as you hold the high ground of Dingjun Mountain, you can confront the enemy army, and it is enough to delay time.

When Cao Cao's main force arrives, the situation will be reversed.

Liu Qi couldn't help but be a little surprised when he heard the news.

Xu Huang and Zhang He are worthy of good generals, such an arrangement is really appropriate, and they directly gave up the possibility of confrontation, in order to stick to the high ground and delay the time plan.

This may indeed have an impact on Liu Qi's soldiers.

However, if Dingjun Mountain is not taken, Liu Qi's follow-up grain and grass will not be supplied, of course, it is not good to directly enter Hanzhong, in case Cao Cao kills and the back road is cut off, it will be Liangliang.

But with Liu Qi's soldiers and horses, it is not easy to forcibly attack the fortification. The second general is determined to defend, how easy is it to say?

At the same time, Xu Shu also sent someone to deliver the news.

In the tent.

Liu Qi was surprised:

"This Ma Teng actually broke through?"

In fact, Cao Cao encircled and suppressed Ma Teng, and Liu Qi had already known this news. The reason why he is using troops at this moment is to take advantage of Cao

Cao was pinned down and took Hanzhong down as soon as possible.

If hundreds of thousands of people grind their flesh, the impact will be too great.

But now, Xu Shu actually came with news that Ma Teng's side not only broke out of the encirclement, but also asked for help from himself.

This is both good news and bad news for Liu Qi.

On the one hand, Ma Jiajun's combat strength is not bad, and they now have no way out but to take refuge in Liu Qi, if they receive this force, Liu Qi's strength will also increase significantly.

But on the other hand, Ma Teng's breakthrough at this moment shows that Cao Cao will not stay in Xiliang. Instead, they can go south to support Hanzhong as soon as possible, and then it will be a decisive battle between the two sides.

Fortunately, Liu Qi made a timely move, and he still has the lead.

Even if Xu Huang can block them, can he still block Wen Ping, the time has come for the Xiangyang Navy to make contributions.

As long as he preempts Cao Cao, he will take Nan Zheng down.

At that time, Xu Huang, Zhang He and other soldiers and horses will also be unable to continue, and Cao Cao's advantage in Hanzhong will be gone.

And in a sense.

Because Liu Qi is backed by Yizhou, his supply is much easier.

Unlike Cao Cao, if a large army comes, it must mobilize grain and grass from Yongzhou and the Central Plains.

Hanzhong alone can't afford to raise so many soldiers and horses.

Therefore, in the face of the news sent by Xu Shu, Liu Qi decisively agreed and made a reply.

But beside Liu Qi, Pang Tong couldn't help but laugh:

"Lord Qi, Xu Yuanzhi is not a stubborn person, after he got the news, I am afraid that he has already sent troops as soon as possible, how can he not know the importance of the Xiliang Army?"

Liu Qi was stunned when he heard this, but he could also understand.

After all, Xu Shu was also a top strategist in the late Han Dynasty.

If he hadn't been pitted by Cao Cao, Xu Shu might not have been able to shine under Liu Bei.

Moreover, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei both admired Xu Shu.

Let Wolong and Phoenix help Liu Bei take Yizhou, and then let Xu Shu and Guan Yu stay in Jingzhou, maybe the result will be different.

But there are some things that are irreparable.

Now that Liu Bei has become a prisoner, Xu Shu and Liu Bei's tiger generals also have to serve him.

It doesn't feel the same way.