Xiahou Yuan led 25,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry soldiers into Longxi County, ready to meet the Han reinforcements from Liangzhou.

Xiahou Yuan chose favorable terrain to set up camp, surrounded Longxi County, and sent scouts and fine work in the direction of Liangzhou.

Cao Jun found out that Longxi Taishou was still the previous Xu Miao. After Cao Hong learned about it, he said to Xiahou Yuan: "Xu Miao was originally our person, why didn't Liu Bei replace him?" ”

Xiahou Yuan was pleasantly surprised: "Maybe Liu Bei values Xu Miao's talent and prestige, and thinks that Longxi tends to be stable, and it is impossible for our army to attack again." In order to win people's hearts, Xu Miao is still left! It seems that we have a chance to take Longxi County without blood! ”

Xiahou Yuan personally wrote a letter and sent an envoy into the city to persuade him to surrender. Soon, the envoy reported back to Xiahou Yuan and said that Xu Miao had refused politely, and Xiahou Yuan said unexpectedly: "Why is this!" I'll go there myself! ”

Xiahou Yuan led his entourage to the city and shouted, "Please talk to Xu Taishou!" ”

Xu Miao did not avoid it, and came to the city to salute and said: "General Xiahou, Miao is polite!" ”

Xiahou Yuan clasped his fists and saluted back: "Jingshan, long time no see!" Thinking that when Liu Bei attacked Longyou, I failed to come to support in time, so that Jingshan was forced to succumb to the thief. Now that I have personally led the army here, Jingshan is abandoning the darkness and turning to the light, why hesitate? What about the messenger who rejected me! ”

Xu Miao replied: "What General Xiahou said, I understand! However, in my opinion, Liu Xuande's Han clan is the ancestor bloodline. The first king swept away the thieves, and then set up a great man. I don't know how to choose between the two! can only be entrusted by the imperial court to govern the counties and protect the territory and the people! ”

Xiahou Yuan said: "Jingshan, Liu Bei established himself as the king without the permission of the imperial court, how can such a rebellious act be compared with the previous king!" Has the heart of Jingshan changed? ”

Xu Miao replied: "General Xiahou, I won't flutter or sway with the wind, I have my bottom line and style." General Xiahou, my bottom line is that His Majesty is respected in the court, and the local people come first. I don't care much about what form Xuande is called king, I care about the people under my rule.

When the army of Xuande Gong came to attack, I told Xiang Zhong that if they could maintain the advantage of staying on the horses of Longyou for three months, I would surrender the city.

Now I still say this, for three months, General Xiahou maintained such an overwhelming advantage, and I surrendered. If the general doesn't move for three months, I won't move, if you want to attack the city, please take care of yourself! ”

Xiahou Yuan hurriedly said: "Jingshan, why is this! Liu Bei was intercepted by the army, and he was unable to support Longyou at all, our army will win, why bother with this move! ”

Xu Miao was unmoved and said: "General Xiahou, I'm not very good at using soldiers. One thing is clear to all. If the general's original investment in Longyou was thirty percent, Xuande Gong's investment here is ninety percent! In three months, the soldiers and horses of Liangzhou will inevitably come, and then the general and them will have a battle, and the victory and defeat will naturally be separated, or the general will not be able to eat Liangzhou in three months, and the supply line will drag down the general's tens of thousands of troops! ”

Xiahou Yuan's voice became louder and said: "Jingshan has made a mistake, in another month, Longyou wheat is ripe, and it is even more convenient to take grain on the spot, let alone four or five months of food is enough, isn't it beautiful!" Where does defeat come from? ”

Xu Miao said with a smile: "What is General Xiahou afraid of, three months later, Xu Miao tied himself up and went out of the city to ask for guilt!" ”

Xiahou Yuan shouted: "Jingshan, now is the end of the road to abandon the darkness and turn to the light, and in three months, it will be the end of the road!" It's different! I am anxious for you, so I advise you with good words. ”

Xu Miao arched his hand and said: "General Xiahou, you and I look at different things, so naturally we have our own thoughts!" Xu Miao is not talented, since the last surrender, Xuande Gong still ordered me to be the Taishou, and it has not changed in three years, why?

Because I am appointed by the imperial court, I should put the imperial court first, and it is my duty to appease the people, prosper the people, and calm the turmoil. In the past three years, everything in Longyou has been the same, and the government and the people are safe. Generals and generals naturally put war first, and peace is the main thing in the subordinates.

Besides, I have not seen the general's chance of victory, this city surrenders, if the general fails, Xuande Gong wins, some people in this city will inevitably be purged, this is what I do not want to see.

If the general is defeated, he will forcibly relocate the people, and these remaining people will not easily leave their homeland. I need to persevere and think long-term for the people under my rule.

It is true that I surrendered to Xuande Gong, and because of this, I also have to do what I have to do, and three months is only a late part of the general, but it means a lot to me. Therefore, it will not surrender by virtue of the general's words! I also hope that General Haihan. He retreated.

Xu Miao's subordinate Jiang Yu hurriedly followed behind and said, "Taishou, Xiahou Yuan and they have the advantage, refusing will be detrimental to you!" ”

Xu Miao said: "Victory or defeat may not be certain. Let's just say that you will get food on the spot, you think that Huang Quan and Ma Chao will ignore it, and fight in Longyou to fight Huang Quan and Ma Chao are naturally not opponents if they have no time to prepare, but as the Cao army goes deeper, it will be difficult to say if it is replaced by a protracted war.

Take the grain on the spot and see how you can get it. Can you just say that you can get food? It must be harvested first, and then it will be taken into the granary, and then the dead will not get much food, and what will they win! I can't get caught up with the 60,000 people in this city! ”

Xiahou Yuan under the city returned sullenly, and Cao Hong said angrily: "What a Xu Miao, if you surrender, you dare to prevaricate with this reason, damn it." Wait for me to break the city and cut it down, so as to set an example! ”

Xiahou Yuan stopped: "I know Xu Miao's ability, he has won the hearts of the people, and he is quite strategic. We will definitely be able to take the siege, but we will have to suffer huge casualties. The Liangzhou thief army is about to arrive, listening to Xu Miao's meaning, the soldiers and horses in Liangzhou are quite powerful, even if they don't rely on Liu Bei's reinforcements, I'm afraid it won't be easy to deal with the law. I also heard that Ma Chao is in Liangzhou, and we have to prepare for the next big battle. ”

Cao Hong said indignantly: "Didn't you say that Ma Chao was stationed at Yangping Pass in Hanzhong? How did it appear in Liangzhou! ”

Xiahou Yuan said: "According to my estimate, it must be a rebellion of Qiang, Liu Bei sent Ma Chao to lead troops into Liangzhou to quell the rebellion, according to my guess, eighty percent of Ma Chao did not return to Hanzhong." A Ma Chao in Liangzhou, Longyou, is a tiger entering the mountains and forests, to prevent tigers from eating people! ”

Cao Hong said: "Ma Chao has been defeated by us many times, and he is also worthy of being called a tiger and a lost dog!" ”

Xiahou Yuan said: "It is true that our army has repeatedly defeated Ma Chao, and Ma Chao's unpopularity is the biggest reason for defeat." Now that Liu Bei is in power, this person buys people's hearts, and the people are mostly deceived by him, Xu Miao is an example.

Ma Chao is now a special leader and a fierce general, and his disadvantages have dissipated, which should not be underestimated. The most important grain and grass at the moment, you and I lead the troops to the battle, and one person protects the grain and grass, there can be no mistake, there are many horses in Liangzhou, cavalry is the mainstay, and thieves intercept grain! A month later, the wheat in Longyou is ripe, and it is more convenient to get grain! Even if the thieves want to run out of food, they can't cut it off! Cao Hong agreed.

The two discussed, and all the counties on the way to Cao's army to capture Cao's grain road ensured the smooth flow of grain roads, and at the same time sent people to collect grain everywhere. Pang Gong, the general under his command, led 2,000 cavalry to march in the direction of Di Dao, and Xiahou Yuan judged that the soldiers and horses of Liangzhou galloped to help, and it was the most likely to come from Di Dao.

Pang Gongyi served as the vanguard to monitor possible reinforcements. The second is to take down Zhong Ti first, and then enter the siege of Di Dao, publicize the momentum, and see the movement in the direction of Jincheng County. By the way, he tried to recruit the Qiangdi tribe, and once he encountered a large-scale attack by thieves, he would immediately return and not be in love.

It is strictly forbidden to stay in one place for more than two days. Xiahou Yuan spread a scout to find out the news of Liangzhou.

Cao Jun entered Longyou, and Huang Quan of Liangzhou had already received the news and reacted.

Liangzhou Assassin Shi and Zhenxi General Huang Quan assigned Jincheng Taishou Su Ze, Changshi Li Zheng, Zhonglang General Gong Fu, and leading military captain Gong Zhen to stay in Jincheng County. Jiuquan is too guarded straight, and Zhangye is too guarded by Xi Zhen, each guarding their own county. Wuwei County left Changshi and Zhonglang to garrison, and Taishou Shijaw led the troops and horses with the army.

In Taoyang City, in addition to Huang Quan, the left general Ma Chao, the leading general Chen Dao, the auxiliary general Cheng Ji, the Wuwei Taishou Shi Jaw, etc., together with the eldest son Liu Chan, Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, plus 10,000 cavalry, 5,000 foot soldiers gathered here.

Originally, Huang Quan meant that Liu Chan stayed in Jincheng safely. Unexpectedly, Liu Chan insisted on following the army, on the one hand, it came from Liu Bei's earnest instructions when he sent Liu Chan to supervise the army.

Liu Chan knows his situation, after all, he is the son of Mrs. Gan, and Mrs. Mi regards it as her own, and she is raised without pretense, and she can't escape the situation of taking up the eldest and not taking the heir.

Mrs. Gan is Liu Bei's concubine. Mrs. Mi is the wife, after Mrs. Mi gave birth to the third daughter for Liu Bei in the fifteenth year of Jian'an, she finally gave birth to a son in the eighteenth year of Jian'an.

In order to win over the Yizhou forces, he married Wu Yi's sister Mrs. Wu, and Mrs. Wu gave birth to two sons, Liu Yong and Liu Li, who were only three or four years old.

The names of Liu Bei's four sons together are Zen teaching Yongli, implying Liu Bei's own ambitions. Liu Bei is called the king, and he did not immediately establish a son, Liu Bei's body is still very tough, and if he does not stand, he will see his ability.

Liu Chan is not a prodigy, nor is he a stupid person, he knows it in his heart. In this situation, how dare you break away from the army and fall into the hands of others!

On the other hand, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao were in a hurry to make contributions with the army, and Liu Chan saw that he was in the army, and he couldn't save face, so he followed.

When Guan Xing and Zhang Bao suppressed the Qiangdi rebellion, they stabbed the rebels and were awarded the title of Zhonglang general. The heart of making contributions swelled, after all, he is the son of Jiangmen, and he also worships his father's great achievements.

In addition, there are dozens of Qiang tribal leaders who discuss countermeasures. Huang Quan has the highest official power and presided over this meeting. After everyone took their seats, Huang Quan ordered that the surroundings should be strictly guarded, and no one should approach.

Arrange everything, and the army will be explained by the general Pang Lin who already knows the situation. After listening, Huang Quan said: "The situation Pang Senjun has just said almost, now let's discuss how to break the thief!" The crowd was silent, and the atmosphere was a little cold.

Indeed, the sudden change in the form of Longyou's wind and clouds was unexpected, and everyone thought about it carefully as if their side was not very favorable, and they were apprehensive.

Ma Chao took the lead and said: "Gongheng, let me tell me what I mean." I am ready to give full play to the superiority of cavalry and attack Cao's army grain road. Judging from the news just now, Cao Jun is likely to transport grain and grass from below, and the road is rugged and the cost is huge. We curb the grain road and force them to withdraw from Longyou, you see! ”

Huang Quan said: "Meng Qi, what you said makes sense. There is only one point, when Cao Jun enters Longyou, the first time must be to open up the rest of the grain routes. For example, street pavilions and Weishui can transport grain.

Cao Jun broke into Longyou, we were not prepared to clear the wall, Longyou two years of wind and rain, Cao Jun on the spot to collect grain can be relieved of grain and grass. I'm afraid this plan won't be able to cut into Cao Jun's weakness! ”

Ma Chao nodded secretly, admiring in his heart: "Huang Gongheng is really powerful, this Liangzhou Thorn History is worthy of its name!" ”

Huang Quan looked around and said to Ma Chao: "It is Xiahou Yuan who leads the troops in Meng Qi, do you want to avenge the defeat of the army and break him head-on!" ”

Ma Chao said: "How don't you want to, according to my temper, I will lead the cavalry directly out of Di Dao to attack, grab it in my hands, dismount the horse in the crotch, no one is afraid!" Now the concern is that once it fails, Longyou will inevitably not be able to keep it, and Liangzhou is even more dangerous. ”

Huang Quan said: "Let me clarify, the first thing we need to do is to take into account that without the support of the king, it is completely the existing Liangzhou forces to find a way to break the Cao army." I repeat, it was our soldiers and horses in Liangzhou who fought with the Cao army that entered Longyou, don't think about when the king's reinforcements might arrive.

According to the news and inference, Cao's army must have attacked Wudu and Yinping first, cut off the connection between Longyou and Hanzhong, and then raised troops out of Qishan. In this way, the Jieting and Guanlong Ancient Road may be opened by Cao Jun's backstab, and we can only have a chance of winning if we defeat Cao Jun head-on! ”

The crowd fell silent. Huang Quan suddenly smiled and said: "How do I feel that General Meng Qi is a brave Guan Long man, and he can't be brave." You leaders have been mother-in-law from the very beginning, and you have not said a word!

Why, usually you don't look like this, you are not very optimistic about me, the history of Liangzhou Thorn, and you are always silent. Everyone here is a battle-hardened leader, why don't you speak, are you afraid of Xiahou Yuan? ”

Everyone hurriedly said that they didn't dare to dare, Ma Chao was furious at everyone, and suddenly got up and said, "Xiahou Yuan, the old horseman." What are you afraid of him to do? I'm going to go head-to-head with him and see who's the best!

You were frightened by Xiahou Yuan's tiger and tiger back then, and you were undefeated in terms of who was defeated, and you were warriors in defeat. To be decadent in defeat is a thief.

We are all the king's subordinates, so we should uphold the king's tenacity, break the thief and make meritorious contributions, and how much grain and cloth the king takes every year to support you, etc., are now cowardly. It's been raised for nothing, and it's a time to raise soldiers for a thousand days, who is afraid, now you can get out. However, I will not ask for anything else, just come and stab me when I go! Ma Chao finished speaking, and drew his sword. The leaders immediately came down in a cold sweat.

Liu Chan hurriedly eased the atmosphere and said, "General Ma is so courageous, he lives up to his father's trust. The generals are fierce generals in the world, and Cao Cao, who beats them, cuts his beard and abandons his robe, which shows that we will win against the enemy head-on. ”

Huang Quan continued: "What Gongzi said is very true, Xiahou Yuan said bluntly, Hubu Longyou just took advantage of more and less hits, and he was unexpectedly cheap. Confrontation is not its forte, so we naturally don't need to be afraid of Xiahou Yuan.

The leader of the rank clan is a fierce and warlike man, how can he be intimidated! When Xiahou Yuan is defeated and leaves, the king is not a stingy person in terms of meritorious deeds. The leaders have ever thought that once you fail, you will be defeated, and what qualifications do you have to bargain with Xiahou Yuan.

When the time comes, Xiahou Yuan wants your cattle and sheep, your horses, and your people to leave the grassland, and the people of the tribe will be tuntian soldiers, do you dare to obey? The closer you are to us, the worse you are! ”

Ma Chao couldn't help but be happy when he heard Liu Chan praise his most prestigious battle, and said generously: "I am willing to be the vanguard and face Xiahou Yuan!" The leaders of the tribes were moved, driven by Ma Chao, and agreed loudly.

Huang Quan said: "Okay, don't be afraid, we will win." I asked the tribal leaders to report the number of their cattle and sheep, and I ask again, everyone, didn't you hide it? It's about your development in the years to come.

It's too late to revise now, no need to over-report, and don't under-report! I'll compare it to the right number of people I sent before! And they said no.

Huang Quan said: "Okay, you listen well, after this battle, no matter how much we lose, we will bear it, according to the amount you hand in."

Correspondingly, you must listen to my arrangement next, and those who disobey the order will be killed! There is no room for negotiation, understand? All the leaders thanked one after another, but a few people were quite annoyed, and they didn't know whether they blamed themselves for reporting less, or failing to report more to take advantage of the quantity.

Huang Quan turned a blind eye and took out a few pieces of cloth with a map drawn on them. Huang Quan said: "Two maps. One is drawn by me according to your tribe, each of the leaders is in charge of a piece, according to the region to move all your tribe cattle and sheep to the west of Taoyang, I have asked you to prepare in advance, hurry up and move. I've mapped out the area, and your cattle and sheep are grazing there, and so are the people. Complete the migration in 10 days, or you will bear the consequences! ”

The crowd wondered, "Why?" ”

Huang Quan said: "Stay clear of the wall, so as not to spread the war to your tribe." You are mainly moving the old and weak, and all the strong men who are capable of fighting participate in the war. ”

The leader Yao Ge smiled: "This is easy to do, some of our tribes are warriors." It's just a thorn in history, we can't do it in vain! ”

Huang Quan said: "Your benefits are indispensable. Be prepared for absolute obedience. ”

Burning Ge said: "What is this! Naturally, we listen to the assassin history and the general of the god of power! ”

Huang Quan said: "Say hello in advance, you have a mental preparation." As much as possible, I will not let the people of your tribe directly participate in the battle head-on, and our main force will fight on the front.

You mainly intercept, delay, and harass Cao Jun, have you seen that picture? That's where you each are blocked. Be ye prepared for foot combat. ”

Everyone was shocked: "We are excellent at equestrianism, so we are too much of a loss in foot combat!" ”

Huang Quan said: "Your task is to block Cao Jun, not to face Cao Jun head-on. Set up positions, set up horses to resist, and dig trenches. Aren't you skilled in archery? Wouldn't it be possible to hide behind and fire arrows?

Set up multiple positions, blocking layer by layer, Cao's army pulled out obstacles, retreated, and continued to the next place. As I said just now, you don't need to go head-to-head, I will let General Meng Qi guide you when the time comes! Now go back and get ready! The crowd agreed to withdraw.

Huang Quan got up and said to Liu Chan next to him: "Childe, I'll prepare jewelry, silk, and scimitar outside." Childe can reward these Qiang leaders in his own name, and use the profits to win their hearts so as to prepare for the next big war. On behalf of the king, the prince personally went out to get twice the result with half the effort! ”

Liu Chan agreed: "This is easy to do, I know how to say it!" Keep discussing things, I need some time, don't wait for me! So as not to delay the big thing! "Leave it.

After Liu Chan and Qiang Di left. Ma Chao asked, "Gongheng, do you have anything that you haven't explained clearly?" ”

Huang Quan said: "Yes, my plan is like this, to lure Xiahou Yuan to come to us for a decisive battle. I expected that Cao Jun knew that we had cavalry, and he would not only lead infantry against us.

Xiahou Yuan must have cavalry under his command, and he himself is good at using cavalry. Therefore, my initial plan is to lure Xiahou Yuan to the south, and attack the west, and then it will mainly depend on Meng Qi. ”

Anyway, say what you plan. Ma Chao said: "The plan is a good plan, but it is difficult to spread it comprehensively. And even if it succeeds, within a few years, Longyou and Liangzhou will no longer be able to provide effective combat power. ”

Huang Quan said: "We want to hit Cao Jun hard and force them to withdraw from Longyou." The value of Liangzhou and Longyou is the springboard and cavalry in the enterprising pass, and the springboard can not be used, but the cavalry can be provided! At the moment, we must first protect Longyou, and then talk about others! ”

Ma Chao said: "How can you lure Cao Jun over now?" ”

Huang Quan said: "This is easy to do, one hundred and fifty miles east of Taoyang, there are many mountains that are easy to defend and difficult to attack, suitable for defense, I will send people to prepare grain and grass in advance." After that, I pretended to support Qishan Fort and leaked the news to Cao Jun.

After Cao Jun knew, how could he let go of the good opportunity to annihilate our army, according to my estimate, I led the cavalry, and the Cao army wanted to annihilate me, at least three times as many as my cavalry. Cao Jun has this strength and will not let go of this opportunity. At that time, General Meng Qi attacked Cao's army from Di Dao as planned and broke the enemy in one fell swoop! ”

Ma Chao said: "There is a city called Houhe to the east of Taoyang, which is supported by the city wall and can be defended. Why don't you occupy this city and drag Xiahou Yuan. ”

Huang Quan said: "No! Hou He is close to the direction of Di Dao, and is close to Lintao, Zhong Ti, Di Dao, etc., and cannot play the role of dispersing Cao's army. According to the city, it is convenient for us to defend the city, and it is convenient for Cao Jun. I just took advantage of Cao's army to fear that we would lead the cavalry north to make a detour into Longyou to attack and disturb. We want to destroy our cavalry as soon as possible to avoid the cavalry from threatening them to transport and obtain food. I deliberately didn't do this, and instead moved south to show my flaws. When Cao Jun saw that I led the cavalry to appear, he would definitely prevent Di Dao and annihilate our cavalry. Cao's army couldn't catch up with me with its infantry, so he would naturally lead his cavalry to come. So the farther I go, the better! In this way, Meng Qi will give you a chance. Meng Qi, Xiahou Yuan should not be underestimated, he will not be unguarded in the direction of Di Dao, how do you break through the Cao army will not be simple, I estimate that the Cao army will attack me with cavalry, and the infantry will defend against you! You have to be careful! ”

Ma Chao said: "As expected, the Cao army will not be such a simple plan, the Cao army will walk in the foot, the infantry will protect the rear, and the cavalry will besiege Gongheng!" But as long as Xiahou Yuan and Cao Hong are separated, I won't be defeated in a one-on-one command! ”

Huang Quan said: "There is also the need for the Qiang leaders to use their lives, their task is to cut off the contact between foot and horse, the faster they are, the greater the resistance, the greater our chances of victory." In addition, you and I try to keep in touch as much as possible, the situation changes, and the camera acts! ”

Ma Chao said: "It's okay, it's not going to be a fight!" And they took counsel.

Liu Chan returned. Huang Quan said: "Childe can't stay here anymore, please return to Jincheng." Childe's motivation to inspire the army has been realized, and it is not appropriate to stay! ”

Before Liu Chan could answer, Zhang Bao said: "Gongzi really can't afford to lose, but I want to stay, I am a general, and I can't return!" ”

Huang Quan said: "The little general has not been sharpened, and it is not easy to stay!" ”

Guan Xing was influenced by Guan Yu for a long time, so he went back, his father's face was gloomy, thinking that he had been captured, and he was rewarded by Liu Bei instead of being criticized, but he was panicked.

Listening to Huang Quan's meaning, Liu Chan, himself, and Zhang Bao all wanted to leave, retreating from the battle, he couldn't afford to lose this person, and said firmly: "I won't go back, if I want to go back, I'd rather die here!" "Zhang Bao and Guan Xing don't retreat, how can Liu Chan be embarrassed to say that he will go back, it won't be that I'm afraid of death, my father knows that it can be embarrassing and conspicuous.

Liu Chan immediately said that he would not go back, and would do his duty of supervising the army here. Huang Quan said that Ma Chao and Chen Zhi also persuaded Zhang Bao and Guan Xing to let Liu Chan go back by himself.

Young man, good face, the two of them took Liu Chan embarrassed to leave. The two sides were deadlocked, and Pang Lin spoke: "The consequences of Gongzi staying here are already clear. Stick to it, it's dangerous, and be prepared! ”

Liu Chan was also in a hurry, and it was difficult to ride a tiger and said: "I know, you don't have to worry!" ”

Pang Lin said: "Okay, let Gongzi stay!" It is very beneficial for Childe to stay. In addition to boosting morale. Thinking about it carefully, Gongzi came with the army, and now he is afraid that there will be changes in Liangzhou.

Over the years, there have been many temptations to Zhuqiang, Qiang, Di after all, repeated for decades, unpredictable, my army left, the guard is empty, all of them are the king's appointed cronies, and now with the army to go out, the people who stayed behind have become the majority of generals, Gongzi is afraid that someone will take advantage of Gongzi's return to spread rumors about the war situation, but it is better to follow us safely. ”

Huang Quan and the others thought for a moment, and it was also reasonable. In the end, Huang Quan compromised and agreed that the three of them would stay in Taoyang in order to make a deal for themselves.