Chapter 23 Guan Yu

Guan Yu was shocked when he saw the war report sent. Cao Chong did not save Jiangling as they expected, but instead gathered troops from the three counties to surround Chen Dao. Chen Dao was slapped by his mother and was still guarding Pingchun. However, his identity was no longer Liu Bei's personal army general, but Cao Chong's subordinate general.

What made him even more incredible was that Chen Dao died a few people when Deng Chang attacked the city, but he was not injured. He surrendered without blood. Thinking of the story of solving the siege of Fangling that had just arrived in Xiling, Guan Yu felt that the fourteen-year-old Huangkou child who had not yet grown a beard was really magical. It was not uncommon to win battles. What was strange was that he could fight like this, which made Guan Yu, who had been rushing into the sea of ​​blood for half his life, could not understand it.

Guan Yu glanced at Zhuge Liang with slender eyes, put the battle report in his hand on the case, and pushed it to Zhuge Liang: "Military advisor, what should I do? Should I not tell the lord about this news for the time being?"

Zhuge Liang picked up the bamboo slips and glanced: "You have to tell your lord, let him take down the four counties in Jiangnan as soon as possible. Once Chen Shu surrendered, there was no barrier in the northern part of Jiangxia. The soldiers of Runan County and Nanyang County could not cross the border and were probably to withdraw. At best, they should be reserved. Cao Chong had two thousand people and Liu Pan had three thousand people. Maybe Chen Dao's troops would draw one or two thousand people, so there would be six or seven thousand people coming from the north. In addition, the Wenpin Department from Xiangyang and the Manchong Department from Dangyang had 4,000 people in total. Although the general was brave, his subordinates were less than five thousand. I was afraid that the number of people would be disparate and it was not easy to resist."

Guan Yu smiled silently, picked up the long beard on his chest and took care of it, then slowly said: "Not only 14,000 people, what can I do to me? There are military tactics, ten people, and five people, attack them. They are just these people. I have Xiling City and five thousand powerful soldiers who have been through the battlefield for a long time. What can Cao Chong do to me?" He said as he stood up, his nine-foot height made anyone kneeling in front of him feel a sense of depression. He turned his back to Zhuge Liang and looked at the map hanging on the wall: "My lord handed Jiang Xia to me, how can I retreat without fighting? The lord has not taken down the four counties yet, and what will happen to me? Should I rely on Zhou Yu's wings?"

Zhuge Liang also stood up and pointed to Xiling City on the map and said, "Liang did not want the general to retreat without fighting, nor did he want the general to give up Jiangxia. It was just that Xiling City was in the north, and behind him was a place where lakes were crisscrossing. If the general guarded Xiling, it would be inconvenient for our army to support. These lakes could not be used by me, but were not conducive to me. If the general could take a step back and retreat to Shaxian, he could still occupy the Yangtze River and the Jiangdong Navy back. There was Yunmeng Daze on the left and lakescrossing on the right. If the northern army could not drive in for a long time, it would be captured by the general."

Guan Yu snorted: "Xiling is the capital of Jiangxia County. How can you give up easily? Yu regards more than ten thousand people as just ants, so why are you afraid? Chen Dao knew the truth and did not rush with the son Cao, otherwise, hum..."

After he finished speaking, he shook his sleeves and entered the inner room, and the figure was gone. Then a voice came from the inner room: "The military advisor will do it, Yu will not send it."

Zhuge Liang's face was calm and he stood up and went out. He stood at the eaves, raised his hand to cover his eyebrows, blocked the dazzling sunlight, sighed softly, and walked out of the prefect's mansion quickly.

Soon, a fast horse galloped out of Xiling City.

Cao Chong and Liu Pan walked together. Behind him were Huang Zhong, the chief general of the Iron Armor Army, and Xu Yi, the chief general of the Jingshan Army. Cao Chong was very curious about Liu Pan. He had no impression of this person at all in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Later, he heard Huang Zhong say that Liu Pan was his boss in Youxian. He always felt that this was just because he was Liu Biao's nephew and did not look down on him very much from his heart. This time, he had a confusion with Chen Dao. He and Liu Pan had their first contact. He gradually felt that this person actually looked thick and thoughtful. It was not a coincidence that he caused such trouble to Sun Quan in Youxian.

"Young Master, how about Bo Yu?" Liu Pan couldn't help asking. He knew that there were quick horses sending messages every day in Xiangyang, but Cao Chong had never told him that he did not want to know what new policy in Xiangyang, he only wanted to know about Liu Qi's situation.

"They met with each other, and Liu Boyu's mood improved a lot. Master Zhang personally treated him. There would be no danger for the time being. If the coughing of blood was temporarily stopped, he could also add some food." Cao Chong gently strangled the Wuwan horse under his crotch. The horse was tall and long legs, and inadvertently rushed to the front. He had to remind him often. "But you also know that Boyu's condition is too late. If you went to Master Zhang's place two months ago, the master said that he could protect him from living for 80 years."

Liu Pan smiled bitterly: "I know, but I advised Bo Yu at that time, but unfortunately he never believed Liu Bei would harm him. Even after meeting the wandering doctor, he still didn't believe it." A hint of pain appeared on his face, and sighed: "In fact, it was not just him, but me, I didn't believe it at the beginning. If I hadn't seen that medicine was missing from Wang Zidu's prescription, I wouldn't have been sure yet. Liu Bei is famous for his benevolence and righteousness, and he can do such a thing. I don't think anyone would have dared to believe it easily, let alone Bo Yu has received Liu Bei's great kindness."

Cao Chong nodded with a smile: "It's normal for human nature. Zi Ju don't blame himself too much. A few days ago, Bo Yu's brothers went to worship Liu Envoy, and the two brothers cried bitterly in front of the tomb. The previous estrangement became a passing cloud. Bo Yu's body was injured again, coughing a little blood, so scared Zhong Yu ignored the matter in the yard. He asked the master for a prescription for medicine porridge, and cooked porridge by himself every day, and no one else could handle it." Cao Chong couldn't help laughing, turned around and said to Liu Pan: "Zi Ju, you don't know, although Zhong Yu was skillful, he had never cooked porridge. I heard that he had made porridge for the first time. One jar of porridge left only one bite, and the others became pot crumbs and baked on the jar. Fortunately, Liu Boyu still ate sweet and delicious."

Liu Pan also smiled, his face wrinkles faded a little, and the scar didn't look so fierce.

"When will Zhongyu send him back to Shanyang?"

"The master said that if Boyu's land was well maintained, it would probably be fine if it was possible for spring and summer. I was afraid that autumn would be difficult. Zhongyu said that it was a little cold these days, and returning to Shanyang was not conducive to Boyu's health, and it would be better in Xiangyang. He decided to wait for midsummer to send him back to Shanyang."

"It's good that if the war goes well, maybe Bo Yu will see Liu Bei's fate before leaving." Liu Pan gritted his teeth, turned around and looked at it, and immediately became furious. He circled out of the queue and rushed to his team to follow the lead deputy general with a whip: "Shuzi, isn't the food that the young master gave yesterday so delicious? You're so fucking full? Walking slower than the old lady, hurry up, I'm the first to rush to Xiling. Who cut off Liu Bei's head? I'll give him this general."

Huang Zhong saw Cao Chong's face full of surprise and couldn't help but smile: "Young Master, don't blame him, this is how he leads troops, either fighting or scolding, but those brothers also take his own actions and scream when they fight." He looked back and said to Xu Yi: "Justice, be careful, this Liu Ziju may really be competing for the first time."

Xu Yi laughed: "I listen to the young master. I have no objection to whoever wants to go first. But Hansheng, I will tell you that my thousand Jingshan troops are good at raiding in the mountains for a long distance. It is not enough to attack the cities and villages. I am afraid that if he wants to fight, he will fight with you and will not be able to fight my head." He pointed to Wei Yan, who was carrying two thousand surrendered soldiers not far behind him and said: "Maybe there is a fight with Wen Chang, but I think there is a Xuan. The young master should not let the two thousand surrendered soldiers go first."

Huang Zhong smiled and said, "It may not be possible. The two thousand people were led by Chen Dao, and their combat power is not bad. The young master is good to them. He has obtained fields at the homes of Jingzhou. In order to show off, they have a chance to compete for the first merit. Moreover, the young master sent ten tiger soldiers to be military marquis, but with real kung fu, he heard that those people are so well-behaved now."

Cao Chong heard them laughing. Without commenting, he looked up at Le Jin who had been following Wei Yan, thinking that these two people had cooperated well. In the past few days of the march, the aura of the two thousand surrendered soldiers gradually retreated, and the original vitality gradually recovered. It is estimated that it is enough to fight in Xiling, at least it is harassed and harassing. There is no problem in assisting the momentum.

They marched and trained all the way. They did not walk too fast. They entered the boundary of Xiling County for more than ten days and went south along the water. At this time, Cao Chong received news from Wenpin's place that he and Man Chong had already met. After Jingling defeated hundreds of people guarding the city, they waited for the order in Jingling. Liu Bei took Zhang Fei and more than 5,000 people including Jiangling. Currently, they were fighting fiercely in Jiangling. Only 5,000 Guan Yu left in Xiling City. Cao Chong discussed with everyone, decided to speed up his pace and immediately marched to Xiling. At the same time, he ordered Wenpin's naval army to enter Hankou, preparing to intercept the collapsed and reinforcements of the waterway. At the same time, Man Chong led his army to escape from the navy and march into Xiling City. Taking advantage of Liu Bei's in Jiangling that he could not escape for the time being, he quickly cut off the mess and took down Xiling.

Huang Zhong and others said with some concern: "Although Guan Yu only has 5,000 people, Xiling City is not a solid person, but our army only has 7,000 people, and the Manchong Army is only 11,000 people, which does not have any advantage. Besides, there are still two thousand surrendered soldiers. Although they are well comforted, they are a hidden danger after all, and they must be guarded against. Besides, Guan Yu's subordinates are also elites, and he is also a famous enemy of ten thousand people. It is a bad idea for our army to attack the city."

Pang Tong smiled and said, "Although Guan Yu is brave, he is a stubborn person. You can tell if he is guarding Xiling. The north side of Xiling is a plain, which is a good place for our army to fight. Although Guan Yu has five thousand elite troops, he is mainly naval army, and infantry battles may not be able to gain the upper hand. If he knows military weapons, he will retreat to Shaxian, and Zhou Yu and others can support him at any time. There are lakes in front as a natural barrier, so it can protect Jiangxia. Our army will not only say 7,000 people, but even 20,000 people may not be able to gain the upper hand. He guards Xiling, simply because he thinks that Xiling is the county seat of Jiangxia, so limited to a city and a pool, but abandons such good geographical advantages. Not only is he limited in his knowledge, but also because of his natural pride."

Wei Yan asked in confusion: "I heard that Mr. Wolong, who is as famous as his husband, is in Xiling. He is a military advisor. How can he not persuade Guan Yu?"

Pang Tong looked at Cao Chong with satisfaction and laughed: "Although Kong Ming was wise, why did he first enter Liu Bei's tent? Although he formed an alliance with Jiangdong in the Battle of Chibi, he was defeated by the prince in Hutleijian. I am afraid that he may not have much weight in Guan Yu's heart. Guan Yu and Liu Bei are in Xiling. The two of them are in Xiling. Among them, Guan Yu is the main one and Kong Ming is the auxiliary one. How can he talk about Guan Yu?" Pang Tong expected this situation when he heard that Guan Yu was the only one left in Xiling. It was precisely because of this that he advised Cao Chong to urge the army to advance immediately to prevent Liu Bei from coming back to his senses and to support Guan Yu. Wenpin's men could not stop too many people.

Wei Yan nodded: "I know Guan Yu's arrogance, but he relies on Xiling City, and with our 7,000 troops, I'm afraid he can't take it."

Pang Tong smiled and said, "What if he goes out of the city to fight?"

Everyone was stunned and a little suspicious. Guan Yu is not a fool. Will he go out of the city to fight in the field? Even if it is a field battle, there is no absolute advantage over 7,000 versus 5,000. Is this battle a bit risky?

Pang Tong smiled without saying a word, revealing such a mystery, and said to Zhang Song: "Yongnian, please write a challenge letter to Guan Yunchang to see how you can let him go out of the city to fight with us?" Zhang Song was stunned, turned his head and looked at Cao Chong, who was insidiously laughing, and immediately nodded, "No!"

Zhou Yu was in the camp at Jiangling City, looking at Liu Bei who came to ask for help without saying a word. He looked at the orange-red wine in front of him in a long time. He put down the white jade Ruyi in his hand, stretched out his slender finger and held the wine glass to his lips, but did not drink it. He just sniffed deeply. Then he looked at Liu Bei, who was kneeling in front of him with sweat on his face, and said in a harmonious voice: "I heard that Guan Yunchang was extremely brave, and he had five thousand elite soldiers under him. Deputy General Su Zhongyu (Su Fei) was in Jiangxia for a long time. The terrain was familiar, and Mr. Zhuge was in Xiling. What else did General Zuo worry about? Cao Cangshu was just a child, although he was rarely famous, but just a boastful word. He had just passed the battle formation, how could he be a rival of Guan Yunchang? Five thousand people defending the city would be broken by seven thousand people? General Zuo was too careful?"

Liu Bei's expression was stunned. He really didn't make any good plans. He came to Zhou Yu. Of course, it was not to really go back to save Guan Yu. He was very confident in Guan Yu from the bottom of his heart. When he heard that Cao Chong brought seven thousand people to Xiling, he felt that Cao Chong was a numb young man, and seven thousand people wanted to attack the city. If Guan Yu could not defend Xiling City, Cao Chong would have become a god. He came to Zhou Yu to help him get help, but he just went to seize the four counties in Jiangnan to get an excuse. Now that he saw that Zhou Yu didn't believe him at all, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

"Governor. Jiangxia crosses the Yangtze River. If Jiangxia is taken away by Cao Chong, we are not in charge. The situation will be small. The situation will be intercepted." Liu Bei stood up and walked around Zhou Yu and pointed to the map and said, "Governor, please see if Xiling is lost, the Yangtze River will be dozens of miles behind him. Cao Chong has a place where the Xiangyang navy is 4,000, and there are thunderbolt cannons and poles, and strong crossbows. If the river is blocked, or crossing the river directly, how can the Governor return to Chaisang? The Governor has been under Jiangling City for three months and has been unable to conquer the city. If the rear route is cut off and the morale of the army is unstable, the Governor's reputation will be destroyed by the time of the time. Liu Bei is not talented and is willing to defend the Yangtze River for the Governor. Please think twice."

Zhou Yu smiled. He put down his wine glass and tidy up, stood up, walked to the map and pointed at Dangyang and said, "I'm not afraid that Cao Chong would cut off my retreat. Although he had 4,000 naval troops, he could not block the Yangtze River, let alone his seven thousand men and horses could not conquer Xiling. Unless Guan Yun grows out of the city to fight in the field, I think General Guan has been through the battlefield for a long time and should not make such a bad move. Even if Xiling does not defend, the lakes between Xiling City and the Yangtze River are crisscrossing, and the infantry and cavalry of the Northern Army cannot drive in at all. It would be a dream to fight the Yangtze River. Is General Zuo... too careful?"

He glanced at Liu Bei with a embarrassed expression and said, "But General Zuo said that if the rear route is broken, the morale of the army will be unstable. In order to make military achievements, Cao Chong transferred Man Chong's troops behind Cao Ren. Now Cao Ren's back is really empty. His two wings of Yiling have recently been defeated. Our army can advance to Dangyang and cut off Cao Ren's retreat. Jiangling City will inevitably be in a panic, and it will be much easier to break the city." He smiled with his hands behind his back, "Snatch Jiangling, we will march with the momentum, and Nanjun belongs to me. Even if Cao Chong seizes Jiangxia, he will be under the attack of Lujiang County and Lujiang County. If he does not withdraw from Jiangxia, it will be a dead end. Why is General Zuo afraid of?"

Liu Bei was speechless. The situation was indeed as Zhou Yu said. It was unlikely that Cao Chong would want to capture the entire Jiangxia territory. His 4,000 naval troops could not control the Yangtze River at all. He could not even think about the Jiangxia area. Even in the north of Jiangxia County, his current military strength could only depend on luck. Once he seized Yiling and then advanced to Dangyang City, which was already empty, then Cao Ren fell into the encirclement. If he did not want to be completely wiped out, he could only choose to retreat after the Jiangling City was exhausted. Once he retreated, then Dangyang would not have been Cao Cao's territory before. If it went smoothly, Zhou Yu might be heading straight to Xiangyang. By then, Cao Chong would not be able to retreat without retreating. From this point of view, Liu Bei also felt that it was not that he could not do it before, but that he was too careless.

But these are beneficial to Zhou Yu, but not to him. If he wants to compete with Zhou Yu for Nanjun, he will be unreasonable and not good at the other hand. With all his troops who are only a little over 10,000 now, they will be almost at a high level if they want to compete with Zhou Yu's 20,000 elite soldiers. After thinking about it, he still feels that it is safer to cross the river to win the four counties of Jiangnan. Since Zhou Yu wants to win Nanjun, he is afraid he will not have time to win Jiangnan.

"The governor wants to take Yiling?" Liu Bei pondered for a moment.

"What do you think General Zuo?" Zhou Yu looked back at Liu Bei with a smile.

Liu Bei showed a sincere smile on his face, pointing at Lin Ju in the north of Yiling and said, "I heard that Le Jin led 4,000 people all the way south to break through Yicheng, which did not obey the orders. At present, he has arrived at Lin Ju. Judging from his posture, he is going south to support Cao Ren's right wing. If the governor wants to take Yiling, he still needs to rush before Le Jin arrives. Otherwise, it will be difficult to take Yiling again when he enters the city. If Yiling does not take Yiling, Dangyang is just a flower in the mirror. Bei feels that if the governor wants to take Yiling, he should take action immediately. If he feels safe, Bei is willing to help."

Zhou Yu laughed: "You are so kind to the Zuo General, but Yu is disrespectful."
Chapter completed!