Can I get to the other side?

Ji County, North City Wall.

Gongsun Xu stood alone on the city wall, looking at the deep night outside the city. He stood speechless for a long time, his expression looking extremely heavy.

Since the last decisive battle with Yuan Shao failed, he led the remaining army back to Jixian.

Because without Yicheng, Youzhou no longer has a dangerous city to defend, and the remaining soldiers in his hands cannot resist Yuan Shao. Therefore, during this period, news of the defeat on the front line has continued to come back, and the situation has become extremely bad. .

"Father, what should I do?"

Gongsun Xu murmured to himself, but the only response he received was the howling night wind, which made him feel a strong sense of helplessness.

His father Gongsun Zan died, but with his ability he could not support the overall situation at all. The burden of the entire Youzhou was on his shoulders, making him feel breathless.

"Why are you staying here alone?"

At this time, Gongsun Xu suddenly felt someone tapping his shoulder, and at the same time a familiar voice came.

Turning around and looking, it was Gongsun Fan.

Gongsun Xu said in surprise: "Second uncle? Why are you here? You are still injured. You should stay in bed to recuperate."

During the battle that day, Gongsun Fan was hit by several arrows. Although he was not fatal, his injuries were quite serious. He is still recuperating and cannot move around easily.

Gongsun Fan raised the two jars of wine he held in his hands and said with a smile: "Lying in bed all day is suffocating me. Come and drink some with my second uncle."

After saying that, he threw a jar of wine over.

Gongsun Xu had no choice but to accept it.

So the uncle and nephew sat on the city wall blowing the night breeze, drinking and chatting.

After a few sips of wine, Gongsun Xu's depressed mood improved a little. Facing his closest second uncle, he was finally able to express his feelings.

"Second uncle, I really don't know what to do."

"Yuan Shao's power is too strong. With the remaining troops and horses we have now, it is impossible to defeat him. I am afraid that he will attack Jixian in the near future."

"I don't know if I can handle it."

Gongsun Xu said with a very lonely expression.

He did not dare to say these words to others for fear of disturbing the morale of the army, but Gongsun Fan was his second uncle and an elder he respected, so he dared to confide in him.

Gongsun Fan took a sip of wine and said nonchalantly: "There's nothing to worry about. The worst we can do is give up on Youzhou and return to our hometown in Liaodong."

"Although Youzhou is the foundation that your father worked so hard to build, the land is dead and the people are alive. As the saying goes, if the land is saved and the people are lost, the people and the land will be lost; if the people are saved and the land is lost, the people and the land will be saved."

"Only by surviving can you get revenge."

Although Gongsun Fan's tone sounded calm, there was deep hatred hidden beneath the calm surface.

Yuan Shao killed Gongsun Zan, how could he not feel angry? But the current strength gap is here, and it is obviously impossible to compete with Yuan Shao head-on.

Gongsun Xu's eyes flashed with unwillingness, and he gritted his teeth and said: "If Zhang Yan is willing to help, we may not be able to compete with Yuan Shao!"

Zhang Yan's Black Mountain Army numbered one hundred thousand or even hundreds of thousands.

This army, which has been around since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, is no longer the ragtag group it was fifteen years ago, and its combat effectiveness cannot be underestimated by anyone!

It's a pity that the people he sent to ask Zhang Yan for help have not returned yet. It is not known whether there was an accident on the road or Zhang Yan was unwilling to help.

Gongsun Fan took a sip of wine and said nothing.

In fact, he knew in his heart that even with Zhang Yan's help, it would be extremely difficult to defeat Yuan Shao, because many of Zhang Yan's so-called hundreds of thousands of Black Mountain troops were old, weak, women and children.

After all, they were transformed from the Yellow Turban Thieves. They were essentially bandits composed of a group of refugees. Although they were no longer the original mob, they did not have much combat effectiveness that could be used, and their weapons and equipment were definitely not as strong as Yuan Shao's regular army.

However, if we can get reinforcements from the Montenegrin Army, the current situation can be greatly improved, or at least some of the pressure can be relieved.

Just when Gongsun Fan wanted to open his mouth to comfort Gongsun Xu, his ears suddenly twitched and he immediately shouted outside the city: "Who is it!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, several hooks were thrown up from outside the city wall and got stuck tightly between the wall stacks.

Before Gongsun Xu and Gongsun Fan could react, they felt their eyes blurred as three black-clothed and masked figures climbed over the city wall and landed on the ground.

At this time, the defenders on the city wall had been attracted by Gongsun Fan's shout, and many soldiers surrounded the three men.

"Who are you!"

Gongsun Xu protected Gongsun Fan behind him, staring coldly at the three masked men in front of him, his hand already pressed on the knife at his waist.

Surrounded by many soldiers, the three masked men showed no signs of panic. The leader took off his mask, revealing the face of a middle-aged man with a scar on the left side of his face and an unshaven beard, and smiled at Gongsun Xu. : "Long time no see, Major General."

Seeing this middle-aged man, Gongsun Xu suddenly looked shocked and couldn't help but exclaimed: "Zhang Yan!"

The person in front of me is no one else.

It is none other than the leader of the Black Mountain Army bandits—Zhang Yan!

Zhang Yan laughed and said: "If the mountain doesn't come to see me, I will come to see the mountain. I got a message from the major general saying that I need help, so of course I have to come in person."

"I hope you didn't come too late."

When Gongsun Xu heard that Zhang Yan came for help, he was overjoyed and said excitedly: "It's not too late, it's not too late! General Zhang came just in time!"

Zhang Yan was recruited during the reign of Emperor Ling, and was awarded the title of Pingnan Zhonglang General. He had a serious official position, so there was no problem in calling him "General".

Gongsun Xu waved his hand to order the surrounding soldiers to put down their weapons, then stepped forward to greet Zhang Yan for a few words, glanced at the hooks still hanging on the city wall, and exclaimed:

"I have long heard that General Zhang has excellent martial arts skills and is as light as a swallow. He is also known as the flying swallow. When I saw him today, he certainly lived up to his reputation. It really opened my eyes."

"By the way, what do you call these two heroes?"

Gongsun Xu turned his attention to the two people behind Zhang Yan.

The city wall of Jixian County is a full five feet high. Zhang Yan and the others can easily climb over it with just a few hooks. How can he not be surprised?

"Sun Qing."

"Wang Dang!"

The two people behind him also saluted Gongsun Xu.

Gongsun Xu nodded as a greeting, and then he and Gongsun Fan took Zhang Yan and the others to the general's mansion.

After everyone sat down, Zhang Yan continued to Gongsun with a heavy face: "We have lived in the mountains for a long time, and we are very slow to know the news from the outside. It was only recently that we learned that Youzhou Mu unfortunately died at the hands of Yuan Thief."

"It is really sad that a generation of heroes has fallen like this."

Mentioning the death of Gongsun Zan, Gongsun Xu couldn't help but look sad and said with tears: "The thieves of Yuan were so rampant that they killed my father. My father died, but my son could not avenge his father. This is a great shame and humiliation!"

"Every time I think about this, I feel heartbroken!"

Gongsun Xu beat his chest and cried, but he quickly adjusted his mood, suppressed his sadness, and looked up at Zhang Yan.

"Today Youzhou is exhausted. The Yuan thieves have captured the three major counties of Fanyang, Shanggu, and Daijun. The next step is to attack Yuyang County, but I can't resist it."

"Before his death, my father told me that the general is a rare hero. He asked me to go to the general for help and unite to fight against the Yuan thieves."

"As long as the general is willing to send troops to help, after defeating Yuan Shao, I will definitely go to the emperor and reward the general heavily."

Gongsun Xu went straight to the point and made his purpose clear.

Now he can only rely on Zhang Yan's troops.

He cannot defend Yuyang County on his own.

Zhang Yan smiled and said: "To be honest, Major General, this is why I came here. Now my troops and horses are ready."

"Oh? Where? How many soldiers and horses are there?"

Gongsun Xu was overjoyed and asked impatiently.

Zhang Yan said: "My soldiers and horses are scattered throughout the Taihang Mountains. But please rest assured, Major General, they can be dispatched at any time as long as I give the order."

Gongsun Fan on the side frowned when he heard this and said: "What's the use of hiding in the Taihang Mountains? Now they should all be deployed in major cities to guard against Yuan Shao's offensive."

"This is what the general doesn't know."

Zhang Yan shook his head and said: "Our Black Mountain Army is not good at defending cities, otherwise we would not have occupied even a single city so far. And there are no dangerous points to defend in Yuyang County."

"Now that winter is approaching, Yuan Shao will definitely launch an offensive. My plan is to attack Yuyang County while his army is ahead. I will lead the Black Mountain Army to plunder his food routes and cut off his logistics."

"At the same time, you can also take advantage of the absence of his main force to sneak attack on the cities he has captured and continue to harass them."

"As long as it can be delayed until winter comes, Yuan Shao will definitely withdraw his troops. By then, the Major General will have a chance to breathe and can regroup his forces to fight the enemy."

Zhang Yan told her plans and plans.

Gongsun Xu couldn't help but feel dissatisfied when he heard that Zhang Yan did not intend to directly confront Yuan Shao, but was only harassing him from behind.

However, Zhang Yan was not his subordinate after all. If he forced the Montenegrin Army to assist in defending the city, he would be overreaching.

Therefore, Gongsun Xu could only say: "Then it will be up to General Zhang... But if Jixian is in danger, I still hope that General Zhang can send troops to rescue the siege."

"That's natural!"

Zhang Yan agreed immediately and said solemnly: "It is our duty to fight against the Yuan thieves and protect Youzhou!"

"but……"

He then changed the topic and said with some embarrassment: "I have a small request, and I hope the young general can agree."

Coming.

Gongsun Xu and Gongsun Fan exchanged glances with each other. They both knew that it was impossible for a thief leader like Zhang Yan to help for no reason.

Sure enough, the requests are now starting to come out.

But who wants to ask for it now, so Gongsun Xuxiao asked: "General Zhang said bluntly, if I can do it, I will not refuse."

"It's not a big deal."

Zhang Yan laughed, scratched his head and said: "There is not enough food and grass in the mountains. I hope the Major General can borrow some food and grass. The Major General can just give it to him... I am really embarrassed."

Gongsun Xu's mouth twitched.

Looking at giving, this is the most difficult thing to give. If you give less, the other party will definitely be dissatisfied and may not work hard; if you give too much, he will not be able to get it out.

This Zhang Yan is really shrewd.

Suppressing the unhappiness in his heart, Gongsun Xu smiled and said: "If there is any situation, General Zhang should send troops to help and provide food and grass."

"I'll have people prepare for it tomorrow. General Zhang will just send someone to receive it in a few days."

Zhang Yan said with a smile: "Young General indeed has the heroic demeanor of Youzhou Mu, so it's settled. Please rest assured, Young General, I will definitely send troops."

"It's already late today, so the three of us won't bother you anymore and say goodbye!"

After Zhang Yan finished speaking, she left the lobby with Sun Qing and Wang Dang.

After they left, Gongsun Xu's face darkened and he cursed: "This Zhang Yan is really short-sighted! If he is willing to join me and join hands with me to repel Yuan Shao, how can I treat him unfairly?"

"The Yellow Turbans are indeed the Yellow Turbans. They only see the immediate benefits and are not worth much use!"

He was very annoyed by Zhang Yan's timid and indifferent behavior, but he had to ask Zhang Yan for help.

Gongsun Fan sighed: "I just hope I can survive these three months and wait until winter comes."

Gongsun Xu couldn't help but sigh.

It's too difficult.

...

After leaving Jixian, Zhang Yan, Sun Qing, and Wang Dang rode back to the Taihang Mountains at night.

Sun Qing glanced at Ji County behind him and couldn't help asking Zhang Yan, "Boss, why should we help Gongsun Xu?"

"It's not worth it for that little bit of food, right?"

"And even if Yuan Shao occupies Youzhou, what's the matter? We are hiding in the Taihang Mountains, and Yuan Shao can't do anything to us."

Sun Qing was not bragging when he said this. The Taihang Mountains are deep and dangerous. Even if there are millions of troops, they can't go deep into them to wipe them out.

It doesn't matter to them who has Youzhou.

"Stupid!"

Zhang Yan turned his head and glared at Sun Qing while riding his horse, cursing, "Do you think I am greedy for Gongsun Xu's little bit of food? I told you to read more books when you have nothing to do, but you didn't listen. You are really brainless!"

Sun Qing scratched his head, full of puzzlement.

If it's not for Gongsun Xu's food, then what is it for?

"The boss is eyeing Yuan Shao's food and grass."

At this time, Wang Dang suddenly spoke up and said with a smile: "How much food and grass can Gongsun Xu, that poor guy, give? Yuan Shao is really rich!"

"We have the Taihang Mountains behind us, so we can focus on plundering Yuan Shao's supply lines. Anyway, Gongsun Xu is in front to attract Yuan Shao's army, so we can plunder without restraint!"

"If we can't win, we can just run into the mountains. Can Yuan Shao catch up?"

Sun Qing then showed a look of sudden realization.

But Zhang Yan's expression remained indifferent after hearing this, and he said with a deep look in his eyes: "This is just one of the purposes. What I really hope is to accumulate merits and be recruited by the court."

"Now the Yellow Turban Army is the only one with a little momentum. We can't be Yellow Turbans all our lives. It's been fifteen years. I have to find a way out for the brothers in the mountains."

"Recruiting the court is the best choice."

"But it's been so long, and His Majesty has never issued an edict to recruit. Alas."

Zhang Yan has always been sober. He knows that the Black Mountain Army can't stay in Taihang Mountain for a lifetime. He has always wanted to be recruited by the court again, and has been waiting for the emperor in Yecheng to extend an olive branch to him.

But after waiting for so long, there has been no movement from Yecheng, which makes him very anxious, but he can't take the initiative to surrender.

The treatment of passively recruiting and actively surrendering is simply a world of difference.

"I hope that by fighting against Yuan Shao this time, the emperor will see the strength of our Black Mountain Army and issue an edict of peace."

"If so, I have found a way out for all the brothers, so they don't have to hide in the mountains all day."

Zhang Yan sighed in his heart, then waved his whip and accelerated towards the Taihang Mountains. The three figures were gradually swallowed by the darkness.