Three Kingdoms

Hundreds of people on war horses were pedaling along the river. On one side of the war horse, there were infantry, flying Cao's banner, marching in an orderly manner.

Although most of the Han Dynasty's horse farms are now under the control of the Hussars Generals, which has caused many Shandong nobles to resent and despise Fei Qian for jacking up the prices, their physiological needs still have to accept the increasingly high prices. The price of war horses.

As a result, there are often comments around Xu County such as "What was the price of horses back then?" , when can you go to get fresh soup and the like?

But just like any scarce resource, it will first be satisfied with the upper structure. As an important role in the Cao family, Cao Hong naturally does not need to consider the so-called war horse. If he wants to ride, it can naturally satisfy him.

The war horses stepped on the ground with four hooves, and the soldiers marched in unison, stirring up dust and smoke. Looking down from a high place, this arrow of dust and smoke was pointing straight towards Xiangyang along Bishui.

There are some Wubao of Jingzhou nobles in the distance. There are naturally some small figures on the Wubao. Seeing this group of people pointing at Jingzhou, they can't help but show some panic while shaking.

At the intersection, there are cattle, sheep, dried meat, fodder and some wine sent by these Wubao people.

Just like the share of money, the labor army also has rules.

One cow, two sheep, and three carts of grain and grass are the standard configuration. Dried meat and wine are toppings and a token of affection.

Cao Hong waved his hand and asked the soldiers to accept it, and then naturally he would not turn around to go to Wubao, but go straight forward.

This is also considered a rule. After collecting Laojun's things, they won't go out of their way to harass them. Moreover, those Zhuanghe near Wubao are also in the mature stage. If Jingzhou is controlled in the future, these Zhuanghe will definitely be part of the Cao family. If they are destroyed now, wouldn't they destroy their own source of food and grass?

Do people have to follow the rules...

Great men say that no matter whether it is black or white, if you can catch mice, it is good. Catching mice is the rule. If you don't follow the rules, you will not be accepted by Black and White, and you will even be the target of Black and White's elimination.

As for Cai, this time, she was a little unruly.

Although Cai's willingness to join Cao Cao is not a bad thing for the whole Cao family, Cao Hong believes that people like Cai Mao cannot be reused or even trusted. Since Cai Mao can sell Liu Biao, he may sell Cao Cao in the future.

Jingzhou is the gateway to the Central Plains. It may be an exaggeration to say that it is a fertile land for thousands of miles, but it is still a hundred miles away. It is also rich in waterways and has three rivers. It is not an exaggeration to call it a land of fish and rice. It can serve as an important granary for Cao Cao, especially in the case of the overall disaster in the north this year. Under the circumstances, capturing Jingzhou before the autumn harvest is naturally a very important and pressing matter.

Suddenly, a scout rushed up from the front and shouted: "General, general!" Cai's people are here! 』

Cao Hong straightened up slightly and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Announce that he is here to see you!" 』

Strictly speaking, Cai Mao is not a retainer of the Cao family at the moment. Naturally, it cannot be said that his rank is much lower than that of Cao Hong. However, the word "Xuan" also indicates that Cao Hong is prepared to give Cai Mao a blow, so that this local snake in Jingzhou will not know the importance of it. , of course, this is also a temptation.

But when Cao Hong actually saw Cai Mao, his original plan was broken.

Cai Hao's body was covered with traces of smoke and fire, and a large piece of his hair seemed to be singed. The guards around him were also in a general state of embarrassment. Such a miserable appearance made Cao Hong unable to do anything, and he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment. .

The rumored Cai's ship was not seen. There were many signs of fire on the stern, and some arrows were stuck on the side of the ship. It was obvious that it had gone through a fierce battle and suffered a lot of losses.

In this case, the use of power cannot be used. It is like saying to a shameless and arrogant guy that you should not be proud. There are many better than you, but if you tell a beggar that you should guard against arrogance and impetuosity, …

Cao Hong got off his horse and changed the original expression on his face to one of concern, "Ah, why does Degui look like this?" 』

Cai Mao bowed his head and saluted, "I have met General Zilian...Hey, this is really hard to describe..."

Cao Hong took Cai Mao's arm and said, "Come here, bring some water. Is there any food? Also give some to the Cai family's children..."

Cai Hao quickly thanked him, but the wounds on his body and head still made him grin a little. Of course, Cai Mao would not say that he was plotted by Liu Pan in the river. He only said that Liu Biao sent Gan Ning to raid Caizhou, and then lamented continuously...

Cao Hong blinked a few times, and basically imagined that Cai Hao fought hard in and out of the sea of ​​fire in order to rescue the Cai family members in Caizhou, and then the crew on the ship was seriously damaged. For Cai Hao's His perception improved slightly inadvertently. He patted Cai Hao on the shoulder and said, "Degui... the deceased is gone..."

Cai Hao quickly wiped the non-existent tears from his eyes, "What the general said is true..."

"Well..." Cao Hong rolled his eyes twice before asking the question he was most concerned about, "What's going on in Xiangyang City in Jingzhou now?" 』

Cai Mao still looked sad. He raised his eyes slightly, looked at Cao Hong, and said: "In Fancheng, Xiangyang, there are two generals, Gan Xingba and Wen Zhongye, stationed in the north and south... Jiangling has been captured, and Liu's remaining army retreated to Mai." City..." Cai Mao didn't know that Gan Ning and Wenpin were actually in Xiangyang at the moment, and that Fancheng was just a military commander, with no generals stationed there. Because Liu Biao felt that it was inappropriate to let him go to Fancheng.

"Liu Jingsheng now..." Cao Hong asked, pinching his beard.

Cai Hao lowered his head, "I'm afraid... we don't have much time..."

After another pause, Cai Mao added: "I heard that Liu Jingsheng needs to drink medicine every day, and apply thick powder when he goes out... The servants said privately that his Qi is like cattails..." Ancient Chinese people believed that when a person is about to die, the body will It is mostly due to this kind of conjecture that it emits a stench that causes devastation of gods and humans in future generations.

Of course, in most cases in ancient China, there was nothing wrong with this view. Pussy wounds naturally smelled bad. Liu Biao originally had back carbuncle. If Zhang Zhongjing was here, he could still use the golden sword to drive away evil and evil. Now that Zhang Zhongjing has run away and only a decoction recipe is left, how can he last long?

Cao Hong nodded.

The Cai family is deeply rooted in Jingxiang, and it is not particularly difficult to bribe a few Liu Biao's servants to pass on the news. Therefore, what Cai Mao said should be true. As for the possibility that Cai Mao deliberately deceived the Cao family, Cao Hong believed that Cai Mao did not As for being so stupid, taking your own life as a joke.

Cao Hong seemed concerned on the surface, but in fact he was obviously more concerned about Jingzhou. This made Cai Mao somewhat angry and frustrated, and he had nowhere to vent his feelings. Because what makes Cai Mao angry the most is actually himself. Along the way, Cai Hao discovered that he was not as powerful as he thought, and even suffered a loss in front of Liu Pan...

Once upon a time, when Cai Mao heard about the deeds of the Cavalry General Fei Qian, he always felt that it was nothing more than that. He just didn't do it. If he really did it himself, there is no way he could have done better. Anyway, who can’t give advice?

However, a fire on the river burned Cai Mao's boat and Cai Mao's pride. All kinds of emotions are mixed together. At this moment, Cai Mao's heart is so complicated that he doesn't know what it feels like...

Cao Hong didn't pay much attention to it. Since Liu Biao was indeed ill and would die soon, if he didn't take advantage of this opportunity to capture Jingzhou, could he still wait for Liu Biao to arrange everything before taking action? I was nesting in the ravine, wasn't I just waiting for the opportunity to catch him by surprise and bypass Xinye and go straight to Xiangyang?

"The ships..." Cao Hong asked, "How are the arrangements going?" 』

Cai Mao replied: "Although there are no big ships, small boats are sufficient and are all ready. We are just waiting for the general's order..."

Cao Hong laughed, "That's it...here comes the order!" Cross the river! Enter Xiangyang! 』

Cai Mao's original plan was to bring the building boat here. On the one hand, the building boat carried a larger load and was easier to transfer across the river. On the other hand, he also wanted to use the building boat to show Cai's strength. But now, the building boat The ship was burned to pieces, and even after it was repaired, it would take a year or two, so Cai Mao simply came with a group of small boats...

Anyway, it’s just crossing the river, but a small boat can also do it.

Liu Pan's slap on Cai Mao's face did cause Cai Mao some unspeakable pain.

Who is Liu Pan? It’s just Liu Biao’s dog! If they met inside on weekdays, Liu Pan would obediently salute Cai Mao. Cai Mao nodded happily and ignored it. But now, something that was inconspicuous before turned Cai Mao upside down in the gutter.

Cai Mao is also a human being, and a human being will have seven emotions and six desires. Cai Mao set up a trap and put Liu Biao and others in it. When he saw the so-called envoy, Sikong of the dynasty, etc., he acted as if he had imagined every step of his plan. Naturally, It has become somewhat swollen, and naturally I want to use the building boat to prop up my own facade, so as not to lose face in front of Cao Hong...

The boat capsized, and so did my heart.

The boat is gone, and so is the pride.

Now, Cai Mao looked miserable, which made Cao Hong lose his temper at all. He had to comfort Cai Mao along the way, saying that if Cao Cao really took over Jingzhou, he would definitely reuse Cai Mao. Anyway, if he didn't need money, he would just throw it away. As for whether it can be realized in the future, that is not Cao Hong's business. Cao Hong only needs to capture Xiangyang!

"How is the arrangement in the city?" ” asked Cao Hong.

Cai Mao said: "A certain man has three hundred soldiers hiding in Hutou Mountain... If the general breaks the Xiangyang North Camp, he can take advantage of the opportunity to act..."

Xiangyang City originally had the Western Camp, but the Western Camp was smaller. Later, a new camp was established in the north of Xiangyang, called the North Camp, forming a diagonal relationship with Xiangyang City in the south.

Moreover, Xiangyang City is surrounded by three rivers and separated by two mountains. This has also become the capital of Xiangyang City. Liu Biao believes that Xiangyang City will not fall and Jingzhou will not change hands. This is also the confidence that Xiangyang City will not change hands.

Hutou Mountain is the mountain to the east of Xiangyang City. It curves slightly to the east and then extends to the south. The Han River flows around Hutou Mountain and goes down. The mountains are densely forested and suitable for hiding troops.

"There are also some manpower in the city..." Cai Hao continued, "But not many, and..."

Cai Mao glanced at Cao Hong, and Cao Hong nodded, indicating that he understood what Cai Mao meant.

There must be people in Xiangyang City who were arranged by Cai Mao earlier, but during wartime, Xiangyang City must be under martial law, and perhaps an investigation has already begun. Even if no problem is found, these personnel can only be used once, which is a kind of trump card. Disposable items must be used at the most critical moment.

Cao Hong laughed and said, "In this case, it depends on someone's methods!" First break the camp in the north of Xiangyang City! 』

Cai Mao glanced at Cao Hong, as if he had seen himself before, and lowered his head slightly.

The Han River is surging.

On the top of Xiangyang City in the distance, small figures were running back and forth like ants on a hot pot. On the concave and convex shooting tower of the city wall, there were people leaning out, as if they were counting the number of soldiers here and giving a warning. The sound of the golden gongs is ringing in confusion and can even be heard here.

The farmers in the fields near Xiangyang had long abandoned their farm tools and ran away without a trace. The suspension bridge on the trench at the city gate was raised high and the city gate was closed.

The one who can cause such a big commotion in Xiangyang is naturally Cao Hong's sudden appearance. The main reason was that there was no warning from Xinye, and Cao Jun appeared directly in Xiangyang.

Liu Biao deployed men and horses in Xinye, originally to give an early warning when Cao Jun came, and perhaps also to delay some time, but he did not expect that Cao Hong, with the cooperation of Cai's ships, would bypass the mountains. He came out and rushed directly to the foot of Xiangyang City along the Bi River. The originally arranged defensive line of Xinye Fancheng was like that line of defense. It looked quite beautiful, but when it was bypassed, it was like Shabi.

Of course, Cao Hong was able to do this with the cooperation of Cai Mao's navy.

Although it is impossible for Cao's cavalry at the front to directly attack the city, their banners are clear, their helmets are bright, their blades are as sharp as forests, and their menacing appearance is indeed impressive.

The cavalry of Cao's army are basically based on the hussars. Although they are not as armed as the serious hussars, they are fully armored, equipped with long spears, swords, long bows and arrows, and stand upright behind them. The raised recognition flag was also fluttering in the wind, and the visual impact it brought to the people of Jingxiang was naturally far superior to the powerful armed forces of Wubao and the so-called clan thief troops they saw on weekdays.

To put it simply, it was a breath of krypton gold that rushed towards the face, making the African chiefs feel suffocated.

Gan Ning, who was on the city wall, snorted, but his expression did not change much. He was still able to dust off his clothes and muttered: "Finally here..."

After finishing muttering, Gan Ning turned to look at Wen Pin, "General Wen, what do you think?" The wait is finally here, what should be the next step? 』

What does it mean to be here? Wenpin's chest heaved and he couldn't say anything for a moment. After a while, Wenpin said, "Just follow your orders!" 』

Smoke and dust floated in the distance, obviously a large group of people were following up.

"Cao Jun is here!" Cao Jun is here! 』

In May of the fourth year of Taixing.

Cao Cao's vanguard general Cao Hong arrived at Xiangyang.

…^(OO)^…

Chaisang, which is close to Jiangxia, is heavily guarded. People inside and outside the city gate are rushing to deliver the news from the front, and then pass on the latest instructions.

The officials responsible for transshipment in Jiangdong gathered here at this time to register and distribute the materials collected from various places, and then supported the various consumption of Jiangdong's troops heading north to Jingzhou. Unlike Cao Cao's soldiers and horses, who had Cai's cooperation, Sun Quan's Jiangdong soldiers brought their own food, and the people of Jingzhou did not welcome the Jiangdong people.

In other words, apart from Koto people, there are not many places that welcome people from Koto.

The status of Jiangdong and Xiliang is actually about the same.

In later generations, some natives of the Magic City discriminated against outsiders, opening their mouths to country people and shutting up to country bumpkins. In fact, during the Han Dynasty, the Jiangdong area was full of country bumpkins. Nanyang is the hometown of the emperor, and Jizhou is the place where culture flourishes. In the eyes of these people, Jiangdong is just a hammer. Well, maybe they have to apologize to the hammer, saying that Jiangdong is worse than a hammer.

So now, many people in Jiangdong are paying attention to this war with their own visions and different purposes.

Rumors have spread that this idiot from the Sun family will check the latest military information in Jingzhou immediately, no matter whether he is eating or sleeping. He is more diligent than Zhou Gong in holding hair, and it is said that he has also secretly prepared it. They took out ceremonial utensils and other things, saying that after taking Liu Biao's head, they would immediately pay homage to Sun Jian and Sun Ce...

Of course, there are some things that are easy to overturn, but after the fall of Jiangling, the forces that originally hindered Sun Quan naturally relaxed a little. The various forces fighting openly and secretly are actually paying attention to where this war will go. If Sun Quan could seize the entire Jingzhou in one fell swoop, and then have the possibility of conquering the world, it is impossible to say that even those who originally hated Sun Quan would swallow those vicious words that have been lingering in their throats for a long time, put on a smile like a chrysanthemum, and act in a manner that caters to Sun Quan. He was willing to be beaten with sticks.

Of course, what if it was the other way around...

Various factors combined to bring the entire Jiangdong into a rare tranquility. In Chaisang City, the Jiangdong soldiers headed by Zhou Yu were also working hard and working at high speed, striving to expand and stabilize Jingzhou's victory.

Zhou Yu's move forward also means that Jiang Dong is starting to get serious.

The deaths of Sun Jian and Sun Ce were directly or indirectly related to Jingzhou, so Zhou Yu also hoped to avenge Sun Jian, especially Sun Ce.

Suddenly, there was the sound of horse hooves, and the relay troops came galloping from the ship. Pedestrians on the road hurriedly avoided and got out of the way. The cavalryman didn't stop at all, whizzing by like the wind, kicking up dust all over the sky, causing pedestrians on the street to cough and then spit.

Originally, the central streets of Chaisang were paved with stone slabs, but the problem was that the stone slabs could easily damage the hooves of galloping horses. Yes, the craftsmanship of horseshoes had not been passed to Jiangdong at this time. For Jiangdong, where war horses were originally extremely scarce, even though It has become a daily behavior to reduce all damage to the war horse as much as possible.

Although the information was delivered by water, it still had to be taken by land after landing. The cavalry who reported the news rushed straight to Zhou Yu's temporary government office, dismounted, and under the leadership of the guards, arrived in front of the festival hall.

"Captain, Governor!" Military emergency! 』