On December 23, the third year of Jian'an, Xiahou Yuan pursued Ling Cao. Ling Tong passed by Yingshui and walked more than 200 miles a day and night. Ling Cao and Ling Tong were in a seduction process, appearing and appearing, making Xiahou Yuan get farther and farther away from Xia Cai without realizing it.

The evolution of the battle began to develop in the direction Gao Chong expected, and everything seemed to be under his control.

The scouts who were lying on the west bank of Yingshui kept reporting the movements of Cao's army, which made Gao Chong's army hiding in the Xiyang area very excited. However, another news from the northeast made Gao Chong frown again.

After Cao Cao took down the empty Xiaoguan, he led his army to chase after him. His vanguard Cao Ren's troops had already descended from the Lingbi yesterday. If Cao Ren advanced westward, he could be surrounded by Gao Chong from Xiyang.

In Xiyang City, Gao Chong summoned all the generals and advisers to discuss the next strategy.

"If you favor the general, you must not miss the opportunity. If you wait for Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan to join us, our army will be in danger!" Zhou Yu advised urgently.

Gao Chong's eyes were red and covered with blood. He stared at the map tightly without responding. From a political perspective, there was no mistake in his decision to go north to Xuzhou. Through this battle with Cao Cao, Gao Chong allowed the handsome men in the Central Plains to see his abilities and ambitions, and made those who despise Jiangdong no longer dare to underestimate them.

But looking back on the military point of view, the strategy of going north was a bit too risky. Defeating the powerful enemy Sun Ce made Gao Chong unknowingly have the idea of ​​being arrogant and underestimating the enemy.

On the battlefield, there are ever-changing changes.

Any little negligence will have immeasurable serious consequences.

Lu Bu's defeat in Xia Pi suddenly made Gao Chong fall into the heavy siege of Cao's army. Under the circumstance, Gao Chong adopted Zhou Yu's series of strategies to successfully attack Xiao Guan, and Fang almost escaped from the siege of Cao's army. After that, Gao Chong, who was shocked and sweated, realized the danger.

It is extremely irrational to challenge the nearly 40,000 elite troops of Cao who are strong with eight thousand people and a bloody spirit.

Going south to break through the blockade of Cao's army and returning to Jiangdong was Gao Chong's natural choice.

On the map, a water line is winding, extending from northwest to southeast. This is the Yingshui River. As the largest tributary on the northern bank of the Huai River, it first flows out from Qiao County, Yuzhou, through Xiyang, Ruyin, Yingshang, and finally merges into the surging Huai River in Anfengjin.

Water is a kind of intimacy and motivation for soldiers born in the south.

It is also what Gao Chongjun soldiers who are in trouble and hardship need the most.

"The general is favored by Cai, and there are only more than a thousand Cao troops on the way upwards of Ying. Our army can now go south along the Yingshui River, so that we can cross the Huai River in one fell swoop without any effort." Xu Shu advised.

After pondering for a long time, Gao Chong suddenly looked up, and his inherent confidence and calmness were restored in his eyes.

Gao Chong glanced at the generals standing beside him, held the arrow in his hand, and said, "Okay, return to Jiangdong and fight here. Ziyi, you lead your troops as the vanguard, go south along Yingshui, and defeat Xiahou Yuan's left-behind troops."

Taishi Ci took the order excitedly, felt the trust and expectation thrown by Gao Chong, and replied loudly: "Abide by the order, Ci should live up to the expectations of the coach."

Gao Chong took the second command arrow and turned his eyes to Zhou Yu, saying, "Gong Jin, Ruyin is the key to the west bank of Yingshui. If Xiahou Yuan learned that our army was advancing Xia Cai, it is very likely to chase him quickly. You can lead the right army to take on the wings to prevent accidents."

Zhou Yu lifted the silver armor and stepped forward, saying, "It is said that Xiahou Yuan's march was as fast as lightning. He had a record of 600 in three days and 1,000 in six days. The coach had such concerns. With Yu here, Xiahou Yuan would not be able to cross Ruyin one step."

"The rest of the troops, hurry up and pack up and send Cai with the army!" Gao Chong ordered loudly again.

"Yes!" Lei Xu and the generals responded in unison.

Before leaving, Zhou Yu looked a little strange and stayed behind alone. When everyone dispersed, Zhou Yu hurriedly said, "Pampered by Ling Cao, Ling Tong, and Ling Tong went to Qiao County. Once our main force crossed the Huai River, they will be surrounded by the enemy. The difficulties are unimaginable!" Zhou Yu and Ling Cao and his son were both Sun Ce's generals. Compared with others, they have a different relationship.

Gao Chong was deeply in love. In the past three days, the fate of Ling Cao and his son has been circling with him, which is why he has been unable to make up his mind, because once the main force goes south, it means that Ling Cao and Ling's unification army will be trapped behind the enemy, and there is almost no chance of survival of a lonely army.

"Gong Jin, if we make the momentum of attacking Cai, maybe--!" Gao Chong let out a long sigh, not saying the second half.

Zhou Yu understood that if Xiahou Yuan could return to the army after taking down Cai, Ling Cao and Ling Tong would have a chance to escape, but what if Xiahou Yuan did not return to the army?

Zhou Yu could not answer this question, and Gao Chong could not answer it either.

Both of them were speechless for a moment.

On December 24th and 25th, the third year of Jian'an, Taishi Ci led the elite Danyang troops to move south along the Ying River. After Xiahou Yuan left, the Cao army guarding the city was mostly old and weak soldiers, and they could compete with the brave Danyang soldiers who were good at fighting and brave. During these two days, Taishi Ci was almost out of power and conquered Ruyin, Ying Shang and Cai.

The south bank of Huai River, Shouchun.

The city shrouded in a twilight seemed dead. Apart from the soldiers patrolling back and forth on the street, there was almost no pedestrian. After three rounds of replacement of Yuan Shu, Gao Chong and Lu Bu, Shouchun, the once prosperous Yangzhou capital, was no longer in the scenery, and only pieces of broken bricks and tiles were left to recall the past.

Zhang Liao stood on the North Mountain with one horse and one horse, and his tall body seemed so lonely and lonely. That day, he suddenly heard the news of his lord Lu Bu's defeat and destruction. Zhang Liao was shocked and could not believe that this was true.

For a long time, Lu Bu has become an invincible symbol in Zhang Liao's eyes. The Lu Bu, who has extraordinary martial arts, made Wen Hou, the princes of Ni, and the elegant Lu Fengxian die.

Although the scouts sent to Xuzhou to inquire in this way, Zhang Liao did not believe it until Chen Deng's arrival two days ago.

Chen Deng came to be a lobbyist for Gao Chong. He not only brought the exact news of Lu Bu's death, but also brought the tokens of the second mistress Diao Chan and Miss Lu Ji.

It was a small and exquisite Hu sword, with dazzling gems embedded on the scabbard. Zhang Liao knew that this sword was given to Diao Chan by Lu Bu in Luoyang. Only in Bingzhou, the north could such a knife be created.

The artifact would not panic. At that time, Zhang Liaohu's eyes were filled with tears. The knife was still there, the man was dead. Gao Shun, who was seriously injured, didn't know the bad luck. What would happen if he knew?

Zhang Liao didn't dare to think, but he had to think about it.

The north wind whistled and roared away, just like Lu Bu, like an extremely violent whirlwind, sweeping everything unstoppable. It’s a pity that it comes and goes quickly. Looking into the north, the wind and clouds meet for a while. As Lu Bu’s soul returns, the era that belongs to him has passed, and Zhang Liao is still unsure of his decision.

Behind him, the sound of horse hooves sounded, and Zhang Liao looked at him, but Chen Dengzheng rushed up the mountain.

"Why is Yuanlong here too?" Zhang Liao asked.

Chen Deng was approaching and said loudly: "Wenyuan is strong and courageous, has a strong plan and a legacy of famous generals in ancient times. My favorite general has long admired him. He has never been able to see him. Now that Marquis Wen has passed away, Wenyuan is alone in Shouchun, and it is hard for him to rely on Jiangdong."

In the past two days, Chen Deng was anxious. Although he could understand Zhang Liao's complex mood, Gao Chong's main force is still stranded at the junction of Henan, Xu and Yang states. The situation of Cao's army encirclement on three sides is severe. If Zhang Liao can clearly submit, it will be a good comfort for Gao Chong's army in difficulties.

Chen Deng was right about the suffering of the lonely army. Since Xiaoguan’s defeat, Gao Shun was unable to afford to be injured, and the burden of the leader was suddenly pressed on him. Faced with Xiahou Yuan’s aggressive attack, Zhang Liao almost used all his skills to almost protect this small foothold in the south of the Huai River. Now, Marquis Wen is gone, and a helpless defeated army can only rely on the powerful forces around him if they want to survive.

"Can my mistress and my lady be safe?" Zhang Liao was moved, but his mouth was still faint.

Chen Deng said anxiously: "If you have any worries about the general, you will know when you meet with our army."

"I still need to discuss this matter with General Gao Shun. I will definitely reply to the teacher in a few days." Zhang Liao looked into the north and said slowly, his eyes turning to the surging north bank of the Huai River.

Gao Shun was loyal and fierce. Zhang Liao knew that such a major decision that concerns his future and destiny must be approved by Gao Shun, which is one of the reasons why he has been hesitating.

"When I was leaving, my favorite coach specifically told the two generals that Mrs. Wen and the lady would definitely treat them well and would never let them be displaced and lonely." Seeing that Zhang Liao's tone had loosened, Chen Deng set off while the railway was hot.

"Liao thanked Mr. Wen!" Zhang Liao bowed far away with a solemn expression.

The righteous man in ancient times emphasized love and righteousness. Gao Chong knew Gao Shun and Zhang Liao's friendship with Lu Bu. If you want to move Gao Shun and Zhang Liao, feelings are an indispensable part.

Seeing that Zhang Liao was still hesitating, a look of disappointment flashed across his face. In desperation, Chen Deng said angrily: "Wenyuan, this Han family is in decline and chaotic times. Facing the great mountains and rivers, you and I should show their ambitions in order to leave their reputation in history, so that we can live up to our seven-foot body!"

Chen Deng's words were passionate, his words were sonorous and powerful, and he expressed his feelings directly, which made the listeners feel refreshed, and Zhang Liao's face couldn't help but be moved.

"Okay——, let's follow Yuanlong's words." Zhang Liao sighed and said. After hesitating for a while, Zhang Liao was finally moved by Chen Deng.

Wuping is a small town on the east side of Qiao County.

Since it is not on the main road, the size and population of this city have not grown much, but it is precisely because of this that frequent wars have not affected too much, which gives the people in the city the possibility of barely living.

Ling Cao retreated westward to this point, with less than 500 people left under his command, and the other half were chased by Xiahou Yuan like crazy, most of them died in battle, while some were separated.

What's even more disadvantageous is that in a recent contact battle, Ling Cao was hit by a runaway arrow in his thigh, and his blood flowed continuously, making him very inconvenient to move.

The enemy advances and the chief general is injured again, which is the most difficult situation.

"Father, Xiahou Yuan, the mad dog, has been biting us, what should I do?" Ling Tong looked at the anxiety and fatigue on Ling Cao's face with concern and asked softly.

Ling Cao raised his bandaged injured leg, and a tragic look flashed in his eyes. He said in a deep voice: "Tong'er, how do you say you treat us with a favor?"

Ling Tong was puzzled by why Ling Cao suddenly asked this, and said in confusion: "Then you need to say——! Pengcheng and Xiao Guan made their name in the two battles. Not to mention the general who just surrendered, even Lei Xu, who had followed the coach for a long time, had never had such an opportunity."

Ling Cao chuckled and said loudly: "It is worth it to die for a confidant. Tong'er, Cao's army trapped Wuping. With the five hundred soldiers in your hands, it is impossible to stick out. If you stay here, you can only wait for death. Therefore, I will tell you to change your clothes as a commoner, and then take advantage of the darkness to get out of the city."

"Father, what did you say? If I leave, what will you do?" Ling Tong shouted.

Ling Cao smiled sadly and said, "Tong'er, can't you see the current situation? Xiahou Yuan chased us all the way, obviously to kill us. If he doesn't leave, there is really no chance. You are young and have more time to prove that you can't throw your life in this small town. As for me, I was injured in my leg and couldn't leave anymore. Xiahou Yuan was coming, so let him come. Who wouldn't die in this life? As a general, he could die in the battlefield."

Ling Tong was sobbing, tears filled his eyes, and he grabbed Ling Cao and said, "Father--!"

Ling Cao caressed Ling Tong's face and smiled reluctantly, "Go quickly, I really can't leave if I'm late. Remember----- the descendants of our Kuaiji Ling family are all good."

"Yes!" Ling Tong stood up, wiped away the tears from his face, and responded.

"At this time of the coming year, remember to bring a few jars of good wine and sprinkle them on the ground, and I will drink it." Ling Cao's voice was hoarse. Facing the grief of separation and death, even the strongest man could not help but feel sad.

Ling Tong nodded fiercely, turned his head and ran out quickly. At this moment, he did not look back. He was afraid that when he turned around, he would never be able to take the courage to leave.

On December 25, the third year of Jian'an, on the same day that Gao Chong's troops took over Cai, Wuping City was trapped, and Ling Cao and all the 200 dead soldiers who were willing to stay surrendered. All of them were bravely killed, while his son Ling Tong was missing.

On the 26th, Xiahou Yuan, who learned that Xia Cai was captured by Gao Chong, led his army back to the sky at night. He encountered Zhou Yu's resistance at Ruyin City, and the attack was fruitless. In a frustration, Xiahou Yuan put the chopped Ling Cao's head in a box and sent an envoy to Gao Chong's army to show his reputation.

During the twelfth lunar month, Ling Cao's face was lifelike, with a smile on his face. When Gao Chong saw it, he felt guilty and his blood was surging. He spurted out a mouthful of blood and almost fainted.
Chapter completed!