Three Kingdoms

Youzhou.

Cao Jun camped on the back road.

When things changed, Cao Shang never expected...

Cao Shang is the grain transport officer who came here from Yecheng.

An ordinary little officer.

Cao Chun set out with his large army. Although he said he was carrying food and grass, he still needed to continuously transport and replenish it from the rear.

The grain team arrived at the main camp on the back road before evening. By the time they loaded the grain and weapons into the warehouse and completed the delivery, it was already almost dark.

Cao Shang and several of his men got together to discuss it, and they all felt that there was no time limit for their return anyway, so they might as well rest here for two or three days before going back.

Seeing that Cao Chun is about to engage in battle with the barbarians, maybe everyone can win a fight.

Cao Shang still had this thought in his mind. If he could get some meritorious service, maybe he would no longer have to be a small grain transport officer and could he move up the ranks?

After all, not everyone with the surname Cao is a relative of Cao Cao. If you want to make progress, you always have to pay something.

Moreover, from another perspective, the grain transport team is also tired and really needs to rest.

Since last month, they have begun to transport food and grass here in advance, rushing back and forth, barely taking a day's rest during this time, and now everyone is terribly sleepy and exhausted.

Although there are relatively few barbarians around now, and it’s not as if they were robbed by some hungry refugees on the way, but running back and forth, plus being on duty during the day and at night, everyone is as tense as if they were full. It's the same as a bow. If you don't rest, there will inevitably be a danger of the bow breaking and the string breaking.

But if you want to stay, it's not Cao Shang who has the final say.

Cao Shang had to come forward to negotiate with Xia Houshang, the general manager of the rear army camp, to see if he could find a resting place for the grain team in the camp.

Although they are both called Shang, their status is completely different.

Xiahou Shang didn't see Cao Shang at all, but sent a clerk to deal with it. The civil servants were also in a bit of a dilemma. There was originally an open space for the food team to rest in the camp, and there were dozens of large tents. However, almost all of them were occupied by other food teams that had gathered from all directions in the past few days. , there is really no way to satisfy Cao Shang's request for a while.

However, considering how many people were named Cao, the clerk could not say that he had gone too far, so he finally coordinated and freed up two tents for Cao Shang...

The question is what can two tents be used for?

Who should be allowed to live in a tent?

What should people who can't live in tents do? Do they still use their blankets and the ground as their beds like they did on the road?

What else do you call trimming?

However, the clerk had no choice but to spread his hands and said that he had tried his best. If it didn't work, let him go to Xia Houshang again.

It seems that this can only be done like this. Two tents, just two tents, is better than nothing.

Then Cao Shang sent some of the weaker and older soldiers to the tent, while he and others squatted in a sheltered mountain col outside the camp.

This naturally aroused two different kinds of feedback. Some people complained that Cao Shang was pretending to gain fame, and some said that Cao Shang was responsible and would be considerate of his soldiers...

Anyway, Cao Shang knew very well that he didn't have much capital now, and naturally he couldn't have the same connections as Xiahou Shang. He could only rely on these soldiers.

The rear army camp occupies a large area.

According to the Sancai array, there are two small camps on the left and right, and a large camp in the middle.

Cao Shang and others had no way to enter the camp to rest, which was a small mountain depression three or four miles away from the camp. It was relatively far away from the camp, but fortunately it was sheltered from the wind, and they used some branches or something. I had to cover myself with an oilcloth, and put some hay and blankets on it, which was quite okay. After all, on the road, sometimes I had to sleep in the open air, and the feeling was really...

There is nothing we can do, there are people nearby.

After all, the food delivery team is not just Cao Shang.

Near midnight, Cao Shang woke up as a habit and prepared to go on a patrol.

After he stood up in a daze, he realized where he was now. It seemed that he no longer needed to check the post.

Fell asleep.

But after all this trouble, it became difficult to fall asleep, so I simply stopped sleeping and walked a few steps to climb out of the col.

The night wind howled.

There were still some fires flickering in the back camp in the distance.

The night wind howled.

Dots of stars were dotted on the sky, flickering brightly and dimly with a cool light.

Everything seems normal.

But Cao Shang's heart suddenly jumped.

There seemed to be some subtle sounds, vaguely mixed in the night wind.

After a while, between the pitch-black sky and earth in the distance, a red light suddenly flashed past, and then little bits of fire exploded like water thrown into a hot oil pan, and instantly spurted out a stream of fire. Blockbusters.

Almost at the same time, a series of alarms sounded in the distant camp. The jingling sounds formed a series, and urgent orders came one after another.

In less than half a moment, the gate of the rear camp suddenly opened, and two teams of soldiers rushed out of the door. They quickly cleared the several barriers set up at the door to clear the barriers, and sorted out a passage. Immediately, a group of cavalry rushed out of the camp. He galloped towards the direction of the firelight like lightning...

Cao Shang knew that this was a survey and a test, and it could even play a role in mitigating the resistance to a certain extent, but looking at the fire in front of him, I'm afraid there were some shortcomings.

"What if..." Cao Shang murmured, "This is for the food and grass in the camp... What if there is no food and grass... General Cao is in the north..."

Although Cao Shang's voice was not loud, it still frightened the soldiers following him.

Who is not afraid when there is no food in hand?

If there is no food and grass, whether it is a general or a big boss, they will have to be ashamed to do it!

The soldier on the side shook his head, as if to get rid of the terrifying thoughts in his mind, "Captain Qu, there are thousands of people in the camp, and nearly ten thousand civilians. Even if they are attacked, Isn't it always okay to just stick to it? As long as we defend for a few days, it will be enough for General Cao to come to the rescue! 』

Cao Shang did not comment on his words. He frowned and just looked at the situation of the camp in the distance carefully. Then he cast his gaze into the firelight further away. He nodded and shook his head thoughtfully for a long time, and then turned his head. I looked at the warning lantern upstairs, as if waiting for something.

Of course, in a large camp with tens of thousands of people, it’s impossible for them all to huddle together in one place.

But these two small camps on the left and right...

I'm afraid it's dangerous.

After a while, the messengers ran out of the camp, shouting all the way: "The general has an order!" All the soldiers outside immediately formed a team and entered the camp to wait for orders! 』

Running and shouting all the way, some people suddenly ran out from everywhere and headed into the camp.

Cao Shang looked at it, his expression suddenly changed, and he blurted out: "It's broken!" This idiot! 』

Cao Shang jumped up fiercely, "Quick!" Keep up! 』

The temporary gathering place for these soldiers outside the camp is of course the supply camp deep in the rear camp.

The baggage camp had already received the order and demolished dozens of tents for civilian servants to clear out a space to receive the people. Several stewards and chief clerks in the baggage camp led people to run back and forth to coordinate. Everyone was so busy that they were hoarse and their heads were full. He was sweating, but he still couldn't hold back the chaotic flow of people. In addition, it was difficult to confirm the ownership for a while in the dark night, and it was chaos!

In this area, there are naturally some soldiers arranged to maintain order, but is this small group of soldiers enough? Being rushed by the chaotic flow of people, it suddenly became in disarray.

Cao Shang and several soldiers were also among them. He held on to Doumo, who was crooked due to the squeeze, and struggled forward.

There are people everywhere around, and the faces are chaotic and noisy. Even if they are not far apart, it is difficult to hear what the other person is saying.

Cao Shang's face was livid, and his expression was unusually serious. He kept pushing through the crowd and looking around, trying to find the military academy or officials in charge of the rear camp. But at this moment, something suddenly appeared in the camp. The bright fire light then expanded rapidly in the blink of an eye!

"Let's go... let's go!" 』

Someone in the crowd screamed, and then surged even more crazily, almost making Cao Shang stagger.

"It's over..."

Cao Shang looked at the increasingly chaotic scene and couldn't help but sigh.

At this time, the back camp was already in chaos.

There are many civilians here who are responsible for transporting baggage, and most of them have never been on the battlefield. The situation was already chaotic, and with the sudden fire, the camp was immediately destroyed.

Some people crawled into the tent when they saw it, some grabbed something to cover their heads with their buttocks sticking out, some knelt on the ground and howled in silence, and even more people were like headless chickens. Bumping around, following others and running aimlessly...

The surrounding soldiers also became confused. Although some officers were shouting and trying to restrain them, they were rushed by the scurrying civilians and became confused again. Many soldiers subconsciously ran away with the civilians, and several No matter what the captain was, scolding and scolding had no effect at all. Later he pulled out his knife and chopped down several deserters and civilians, but it was still a drop in the bucket and he couldn't hold him back.

When the rear is in chaos, the front is also in chaos. The soldiers forming the formation in front were distracted and their hands softened. The formation was broken into several pieces by the opponent's cavalry. Then they saw the cavalry roaring and heading towards here!

"It's Hu Qi!" 』

Although Cao Jun's cavalry tried their best to intercept and block, Hu Qi's innate ability to disrupt the situation did not require any special orders at all, and they did not confront Cao Jun's cavalry head-on. He hid, and then when he saw Cao Jun's cavalry dispersed, they immediately surrounded him and started a group fight.

The cavalry of Cao's army in the back camp were not as elite as the forwards. Coupled with the commander Xia Houshang, they could not take care of their butts when they were on top. They were confused about how to advance and retreat, and were stabbed on both sides...

Cao Shang climbed onto the grain truck nearby and looked around. He saw soldiers and civilians scurrying around everywhere, but he did not see a flag giving orders. He listened carefully to hear if there was an order from the bugle to regroup, but soon Unfortunately, apart from the shouts of killing that filled the air ahead and the chaotic screams and howls around him, he couldn't hear a single order to rectify the situation.

"idiot! idiot……"

The army was defeated like a mountain and the army was in chaos. It was useless to say anything at this time. The first thing was to find a favorable terrain to stabilize the team, and then talk about other things...

There were already fires and smoke everywhere in the camp.

Hu Qi were scattered everywhere, with dozens of them crisscrossing around the camp. Some even took advantage of the chaos and rushed into the camp, cutting down tents and burning tents wherever they saw them, trampling on them as they pleased.

Cao's soldiers had no orders, so it was difficult for them to rely on each other and support each other. They could only fight in groups here and there. In addition, the chaotic civilians were howling and rushing. Sometimes, Hu Qi didn't even wait for it, and it was already in chaos. It was like this, and when the enemy cavalry charged it, it fell into pieces like wheat. Broken arms and legs were covered in blood and flesh, and the stump of the head was kicked by human legs and horse hooves and rolled all over the ground.

Of course, there are also some brave Cao soldiers who are not afraid of death and rush towards Hu Qi. They risk their lives by dragging the enemy off his horse. Without weapons, they hold the enemy and roll him under the horse's hooves. Even if he is dead, he still drags the human leg and the horse's leg. Let go...

It's a pity that these are just sporadic resistance and cannot serve as the mainstay.

Until Cao Shang stood up and raised his banner during this process...

Going back in time a little, Cao Shang passed through the chaotic flow of people and found the rear camp. However, in the rear camp, in order to prevent being attacked by these civilians who were running around in confusion, a cordon had been set up. The soldiers stood solemnly and erect at arm's length from each other. Each one of them looked cold and expressionless, with their swords unsheathed and their bows strung, as if they were facing a powerful enemy. They watched the crowds coming over without asking, but just stabbed them with a spear pole before getting closer. He just used the back of the knife to hit him randomly without directly using the blade of the spear, so he had already left a note for his subordinates. When he saw Cao Shang coming, he knew clearly that Cao Shang was wearing a military uniform and had some status. He was also rude, pointing his spear and yelling: "For what?" go back! 』

Cao Shang stopped and shouted loudly: "I am Cao Shang who belongs to Yecheng!" Call your commander over! I have something to say! 』

"Cao what..." If an ordinary person came, the squad leader would not even pay attention, but when he heard the word "Cao", he looked at Cao Shang, said "wait", and turned around to report.

After a while, a military lord came out of the formation. He stretched out his head and looked Cao Shang up and down. He did not introduce himself and asked directly: "What's the matter?" 』

"Send someone to clean up the situation immediately!" We can't let the back camp continue to be in chaos like this! Soldiers and civilians must form separate teams! The mules, horses and livestock were rushed together and assigned special personnel to take care of them! Let the civilian husband pull all the vehicles over and block the front! be quick! The barbarians will soon rush into the camp, and then everything will be finished! 』

The military lord's eyes narrowed, "Who are you?" 』

The order received by the military lord was to guard the central formation. Doing more and making more mistakes is not only among officials in the political arena, but also in military academies.

"A certain surname is Cao!" This is a certain waist card! Cao Shang had no choice but to use the tiger skin as a banner, "If the chaos cannot be settled quickly, the Prime Minister will blame you, and General Xiahou will not be able to protect you!" 』

"..." The military lord took advantage of the firelight and looked at his waist badge, then raised his head and stared at Cao Shang.

The waist card can only prove Cao Shang's identity, but it does not prove Cao Shang's right to mobilize troops.

Cao Shang gritted his teeth and remained motionless.

"...I have military orders with me. I am on duty here and cannot go over..." The military prince stared at Cao Shang and said, "The most I can do is give you some men...I will transfer a team to you..."

"No, at least two teams!" Be quick! It's too late! 』

The military lord hesitated for a moment and finally nodded.

When Cao Shang finally pulled out a formation with his soldiers, more than a dozen Huqi rushed out of the darkness and ran directly into them...

Fortunately, Cao Shang had people set up a circular array with the chariot array as the center. The gaps in the outer chariot array were filled with shields, spears and straight knives. If the enemy shot an arrow, he would raise his shield. If he dared to get close, he would be slashed with his sword. After the spear pokes, the injured person retreats into the inner circle, and naturally someone inside will step forward to take his place. Some archers were also sent by Cao Shang to the roof of the car to shoot at Hu Qi.

Hu Qi circled the car formation several times, but failed to gain any advantage. He tried to charge several times but failed to hit the car formation. Instead, he suffered a few casualties. He knew that this bone was not easy to chew, so he turned his horse around at the sound of a whistle. The head suddenly withdrew.

This group of enemies had just retreated, and before Cao Shang and others had time to breathe, another group of Huqi chased some civilians and broken soldiers and rushed over from the other side...

"Go around behind the formation!" 』

Cao Shang, who was in front of him in the formation, only had time to shout before he saw some civilians who couldn't keep their pace and had already crashed into the formation of cars!

"Go around behind the formation!" The rammer, kill! ” Cao Shang shouted, this is not the time for mercy!

The civilian husband was hacked to death more than a dozen people on the spot before he realized what was happening. He hurriedly avoided the front of the circle formation and went around to the back.

This group of enemies came and went quickly. They rushed back and forth in a circle twice to see if they could get through. The leader of the Huqi swung his sword, and a group of Huqi yelled and ran away.

Seeing that there was a gap, Cao Shang asked the generals to expand the formation and constantly accommodate the chaotic soldiers and civilians. However, the continuous battles never stopped. Sometimes a group of barbarian cavalry came up to harass and test, and sometimes two or three Groups of Huqi came over at the same time to take action together. Several times the situation was extremely critical. The formation was broken and people were killed in just an instant. Fortunately, more and more soldiers of Cao's army gathered here. After all, being organized and being unorganized are two different things. The circular formation was protected from being breached.

The chaotic night gradually passed, and the barbarian cavalry also retreated when the darkness left, just like jackals in the night, not daring to show their bodies at dawn.

Seeing that there were no longer large groups of enemies near the camp on the back road, and occasionally someone showed up in the distance, they would look around for a few moments and then turn around and leave. Cao Shang knew that the current catastrophe was more or less over for the time being.

As soon as his heart relaxed and the breath that was held in his chest was released, Cao Shang felt that his whole body ached terribly, his arms felt as heavy as lead, and it seemed that he could not lift the sword in his hand...

Cao Shang held the knife in his hand and slowly slid down to the ground, breathing heavily with his mouth wide open.

After a while, there was also the sound of clanging weapons falling to the ground, and there were the sounds of heavy breathing, retching, and suppressed crying everywhere.

The inexplicable appearance of the Hu cavalry brought not only casualties to the rear army camp, but more importantly, a lot of food and grass were burned, which directly affected Cao Chun's "grand plan"...