In March, the buds on the branches were quietly blooming, and spring came unknowingly, but Da Qiao's heart was surrounded by bone-blowing chill. The closer to Yuzhang City, her heart was beating violently. I don't know whether Gao Chong knew himself or not, but he didn't know whether he would save himself from the sea of ​​suffering. His father and sister were still in the hands of Xiahou Heng, who deserved to die for ten thousand times. I don't know how it is now.

Da Qiao was sitting in the car sedan, thinking for a while, a red cloud suddenly floated on her face, and suddenly frowned again and was worried. Just as Yu Zhang arrived, he was worried about gains and losses.

Yuzhang City is much larger than when Gao Chong first occupied it. In the past two years, the continuous influx of refugees migrating south has injected vitality into the city. The harvest situation and the tranquil order also gave the people the capital and confidence to buy items.

Merchants always have different intuitions about the opportunity to make money than ordinary people. The wealth of Yuzhang attracted merchants from Jiaozhi, Xuzhou, Xudu, Yecheng and other places. They brought the tortoise turtle turtle shells, pearls, tortoise shells, sea salts, and iron tools, books and pottery from the Central Plains. All of these can be seen in the market in Yuzhang.

Through this battle at the end of the year, many people saw Gao Chong's sincerity in not only being strong in military force and not harassing the people. His idea of ​​"putting the people first" not only attracted the surrender of many famous Central Plains scholars such as Du Xi and Fan Qin, but also made Yu Zhang unconsciously become the second choice for the Jiangbei gentry to escape the war except Jingzhou.

These famous scholars who moved south generally moved their families and their families. While they brought their reputation, they also made the institution that Gao Chong tried hard to build became increasingly prosperous. Not only were there many people who signed up for official schools, but the private schools founded earlier by Guan Ning and others were also quite large.

After the war in Wancheng ended, Gao Chong organized officials to plan a military farming plan and resettled the people who moved south with the army so that they could settle their homes in Yuzhang as soon as possible; on the other hand, they stepped up the elimination of the remnants of Liu Xun's army and planned to build a new army.

Although the continuous fierce battles with Sun Ce and Liu Xun won the defensive battle, the losses were also very large. In addition to Gan Ning's naval victory, there were few casualties, Zhu Huan, Gu Yong's army, and Xu Sheng's troops guarding Pengze all lost a large number of outstanding soldiers. Of course, the worst was Gao Chong's personal guard troops. After the 300 elite troops passed by the fierce battle of Baiya Mountain, there were only less than fifty people left. If the troops were not effectively supplemented, the combat effectiveness of these armies would be greatly reduced.

Fortunately, with Gao Chong's military adventures success again and again, the people of Yuzhang gave great confidence. The slogan of defending the land and protecting their families was conveyed by officials from various counties, and men bravely joined the army were endless.

By the end of February, Gao Chong's army gathered again.

On February 10, the third year of Jian'an, Taishi Ci's army stationed in Shiyin Mountain took advantage of the temporary retreat of Sun Ce's army and launched an attack on the Zulang army, the army entrenched in Yinling, Jing County, Danyang County. On the 13th, Zulang led his troops to surrender. At this point, the number of Gao Chong soldiers guarding the eastern front increased to 3,000. This Danyang army was mainly composed of Zongmin living in the Jing County area, and its combat effectiveness was quite strong.

At the same time, feeling the importance of the Shiyin Mountain Pass to Yuzhang, dozens of Thunderbolt chariots participating in the guarding of Shangliao were transferred to Taishici by Gao Chong. The Shiyin Mountain Pass was becoming an insurmountable barrier on the eastern front of Gao Chong's army.

As early as early February, under the summoning of Liu Ye and Lei Xu, most of the remnants of Liu Xun, Lujiang who had been dispersed as thieves, surrendered. Gao Chong used these people and the surviving personal guards as the main force to reorganize an elite personal guard, Su Wei, with a total of 1,500 people. Their commander was Lei Xu, a native of Lujiang who was guarding Baiya Mountain. He was brave and strong, and he used his force to firmly shock the rampant bandits, making them obediently obey his orders.

In addition, because of its special geographical location, Gao Chong valued it more. Xu Sheng's troops guarding here expanded to 2,000 people, including 500 naval troops and more than 30 warships. In addition to the Jinfan fleet of 3,000 people in Ganning, the Pengze naval army was the strongest, and at the same time, they also gave priority to replenishing the troops of strong soldiers. This battle made Gao Chong understand a truth: fighting in the water towns and marches, the navy was the key to determining the outcome of the war.

Zhu Huan's troops, who made great achievements while guarding Shang Liao, have become another powerful brigade of Gao Chong's army, with their troops increasing to 2,000. He is now setting up defenses along the river, cooperating with the Ganning Navy's offensive against Hulin.

Mei Qian, who was good at spying on enemy intelligence, continued to be entrusted with important tasks by Gao Chong after healed, and the organization of the scout team also increased to 500 people.

At the same time, the total number of defending troops guarding Yuzhang, Shangliao, Haihun, Fanyang and other places was about 2,000. Together with 1,000 Huang Zhong's troops transferred from Jingnan, more than 4,000 Yue soldiers who suppressed the rebellion in Luling and Li Tong's troops far away in Lingling and Guiyang. The number of permanent soldiers of Gao Chong's army has reached more than 15,000. Judging from the total number of people, although the scale of troops stationed at the army is sometimes much more than this, in terms of combat effectiveness, the two are incomparable.

Even Liu Biao, who occupied the prosperous counties of Jingzhou, had a total force of only more than 70,000 troops, and Sun Ce's command was estimated to have about 40,000 or 50,000 troops stationed in Wujun, Kuaiji, Qu'a and Moling.

In comparison, although Gao Chong's strength has increased significantly, due to the actual situation in Yuzhang and Luling, this military force is now the limit that it can be raised.

In addition to the expansion of the army, the development of new weapons that Gao Chong had never had the energy to consider was also taken seriously. This was mainly due to the power of the Thunderbolt chariot in the battle against the attack and defense, which everyone witnessed with their own eyes. Therefore, when appointing the supervisor of the Ministry of Works, Gu Yong, Xu Shao and others all asked for the appointment in unison.

In the end, Liu Ye was recognized by most officials. After all, the Pili Chariot was first invented. Liu Ye had a more say in how to continue to improve the weaknesses of the chariot in long-distance field battles than Gu Yong and others.

Of course, Liu Ye's energy cannot be entirely focused on the Ministry of Works. As a member of the army, the army's training and the implementation of military discipline all depend on his greater efforts.

Therefore, during the two months from January to early March, Gao Chong ran around east, from Songz to the north, to Shiyin Mountain in the east, and then to Luling in the south, all of Gao Chong's hurried footprints.

Although he worked hard, Gao Chong did not regret it because he knew that all the efforts were for Yuzhang's better tomorrow.

On the third day of the third month of the third year of Jian'an, the meeting hall of the prefect of Yuzhang was rare and lively.

Important counselors such as Liu Ye, Xu Shu, and Gu Yong were summoned by Gao Chong.

"On March 1, Huang Zu's 4,000 soldiers were coming to Chaisang along the river!" Gao Chong sat in the middle, reading the information sent by Mei Gangang expressionlessly.

After experiencing strong storms, Gao Chong is no longer a child. Now he can remain calm in the face of changes and face all challenges calmly.

"A old man Huang Zu, you don't have to be so anxious if you die!" Gan Ning just returned from the Hulin front line, and his face was still dusty.

Before Gan Ning could finish his speech, two generals had already snatched it out and said loudly: "People the general, as the saying goes, soldiers come to block the general, and water comes to flood the earth. This time we will fight against the Jiangxia army, so we will leave it to us. There is no need to work to Xingba General!"

Gao Chong looked at him in a hurry, but it was Xu Sheng and Huang Zhong. They were smiling with each other with their eyes. It seemed that they had already discussed before they arrived in Yuzhang.

"Han Sheng, Wen Xiang, you two actually joined forces to bully me!" Gan Ning laughed.

It is rare that there is an enemy attack, and the generals can still be so calm. Gao Chong's face also showed a smile. This is mainly because of the strength. Huang Zu's mere 4,000 troops were nothing to Gao Chong's soldiers who had been through fierce battles.

"In your opinion, what is the purpose of Huang Zu's attack this time?" Gao Chong said.

Gu Yong pondered for a moment and replied, "If Huang Zu came to attack two months ago, he wanted to take advantage of the situation. Now that our army has been rested, he will launch another army to attack, and his intention is really unclear."

Xu Shu smiled and said, "Yuan Tan is too worried. The Jiangxia defenders have more than 10,000, but Huang Zu only sent 4,000 people to attack. It can be seen that he has no intention of a decisive battle. In Shu's opinion, Huang Zu must have been brave enough to be Liu Xun this time, and he sent troops just to find out the reality of our army!"

Gan Ning said angrily: "Huang Zun is a man who has repeatedly violated our territory. It is better to take the opportunity to take Jiangxia this time, so as to abandon Yu Zhang's confidant trouble!"

"It's not yet ripe to take Jiangxia at this time!" Liu Ye said.

"The Jiangxia army is only ten thousand people, and the guard Huang Zu is incompetent and incompetent. Our army is strong and powerful, and it is very useful. Why can't we fight?" Gan Ning dissatisfied and retorted anxiously.

"Don't be anxious about Xingba. Ziyang's words have their own reasons. With the strength of our army, it is not difficult to occupy Jiangxia, but the difficulty lies in the fact that it is necessary to beat Huang Zu to hurt, and not to make Liu Biao angry and fight against us. Therefore, the determination of the degree of this battle is extremely important!" Gao Chong saw Gan Ning blushing and turned his face to Liu Ye, and hurriedly waved his hand to ask him to return to his seat, and answered the meaning of his words for Liu Ye.

Xu Shu also advised: "Fighting on both sides is a taboo for military strategists. Although Sun Ce retreated his troops and returned to Jiangdong, he would not be willing to fail. If our army turned against Liu Biao, wouldn't it be true that Sun Ce's thoughts!"

Gao Chong stood up and nodded, "Jiang Xia, Jing Chu's throat, is unhappy when Huang Zu is standing. If Sun Ce was not eyeing it, it would be a good move to take it. But this meal still has to be eaten in one bite. Huang Zu, let's take advantage of him first."

At this moment, a soldier rushed in outside the door and reported, "The envoy who was pampered by Xu Du, who was sent to the bride, has arrived. Now I am waiting outside the mansion. The envoy said that you want to go out to marry me in person!"

Gao Chong, who was calm just now, turned red. Although he had heard some news from Hua Xin in advance about this marriage that was born in vain, this complete political marriage was not what Gao Chong hoped for.

What's more, he was in love with Musa. It was the time when he was newlyweds. Now a bride with the decisive bride was inserted out of thin air. I wonder what Musa would think? He was young and had long been accustomed to changes in the battlefield. However, in the face of political transactions using women as bargaining chips, Gao Chong showed his youth. After all, he was only a young man in his early twenties.

"What should I do?" Gao Chong turned his gaze to everyone for help.

"If you procrastinate, if you delay seeing the emperor, it will give people the bad impression of being abusing the emperor." Xu Jing reminded.

Gu Yong also said: "The commander is the envoy from the court this time, Xiahou Heng, the eldest son of Xiahou Yuan, the cavalry commander. This time, it is not just for the purpose of sending the bride. There may be a new appointment edict to be issued, which is really undespaired."

Gao Chong took a deep breath, calmed down, and said, "Okay——, let me meet this Xiahou Heng before talking." As he spoke, his expression had returned to normal.

"The imperial edict said: Since Gao Chong led the prefect of Yuzhang, he has opened up territory and destroyed the bandits, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment. The people praised him. In order to show his achievements, he was appointed as the governor of Yangzhou and the general of power!" Xiahou Heng shook his head and said, the mission to convey the edict should have been read by Wang Jue's deputy envoy, but Xiahou Heng took it over. It was the first time for him to announce the edict, and it was always good to live a good job.

When Gao Chong got up and received the edict, Xiahou Heng glanced at Gao Chong standing in front of him. He saw that this man was of medium figure, only twenty years old, with a fair face and no beard under his jaw. Except for a pair of eyes that looked clearer, he was nothing different from ordinary people.

"Sir, this newcomer is still waiting at the door. Should I let it go into the inner room first?" Xiahou Heng said. He was afraid that Gao Chong would open the curtain and see people now. If Da Qiao was panicked and revealed a flaw, the substitute bride would be exposed. As for when he got into bed at night, with Da Qiao's beauty, Xiahou Heng was sure that Gao Chong would be happy to know the truth.

"Okay!" Gao Chong said happily, and as Xiahou Heng said this, he could escape the embarrassment just by following the pole.

"Sir, before leaving, Lord Sikong Cao, please hand me over this letter to you. Please take a look!" Xiahou Heng took out a secret bag from his arms and said.

Gao Chong took it and opened it. In addition to the polite words at the beginning, the theme was that Cao Cao expressed his desire to reach an alliance with him to fight against Liu Biao. In March, Cao Cao was preparing to attack Zhang Xiu, who was once again in Wancheng. He hoped that Gao Chong could send troops to restrain Liu Biao's power in the south.

"Does Lord Sikong have something to say?" Gao Chong read the letter and placed it gently on the desk.

Seeing that Gao Chong had not expressed any joy after receiving such a huge gift, Xiahou Heng was a little unhappy. He heard Gao Chong ask, and then continued: "If lord doesn't dislike it, I intend to stay in Yuzhang for more days. The scenery of Jiangnan is good. If lord sends troops to fight, remember to notify me, so that I can appreciate the momentum of your army at that time!"
Chapter completed!