Three Kingdoms

Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin, who were in charge of the feint attack, did not have many soldiers under their command.

The reason for the small number is very simple. Anyone who is not a fool can understand that it is easier to turn around when the boat is small.

If both Xiahoudun and Lejin were hoarding heavy troops in the Taihang Mountains, and regardless of the subsequent transportation of grain and grass, even if you think with your toes, you can understand that if Lao Cao's soldiers and horses were commanded by Lejin Xiahoudun, So how will Cao Cao's second-stage plan for the middle route be carried out, and what soldiers will he use to march into Chang'an?

However, Cao's army on the northern route did not have many soldiers, horses, and soldiers, so naturally there was a problem of not having many soldiers, and they just couldn't resist the beating.

A little loss will inevitably cause problems.

Although taking a detour to the east of Hedong is a good strategy, if it takes a long time and the distance is long, Fei Qian's soldiers may be blocked in the east of Hedong at any time and fight back. This will prolong the war and also cause Let Fei Qian catch Cao Jun's flaw. Even if he is not caught, Shandong's own problems will tear Cao Cao's back.

It's not that Hedong won't be attacked, but it can't be placed as the focus of Cao Jun's attack.

The focus is still on Guanzhong.

Now, the first stage of Cao Jun's attack has basically come to an end and must enter the second stage.

But just at this moment, there was trouble behind the scenes.

Cao Cao originally thought that this chaos would occur later...

Cao Cao was not a fool, so he did not believe that the people behind him would be able to unite as one and work together after one or two "unification of thoughts". However, he really did not expect that these people would be so bold, or rather Unscrupulous.

If Ren Jun hadn't gone there in person, hanging one arm in the middle of the line, and doing spot checks without saying any hello, it would have been impossible to find out anything. After all, as long as the food is on the road, it can be said to be a problem on the road.

This was true in the Han Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, etc.

Who can prove whether the grain became moldy on the road or when it was shipped out? Anyway, the dignitaries will never be able to eat moldy food, because they have their own small farms and small canteens. Just like the Emperor of Japan in later generations, before the nuclear pollution of seawater, he was already developing anti-radiation drugs and attempted to use this to harvest the wealth of the world.

In the eyes of the nobles, common people are like cattle and sheep. Aren’t cattle and sheep just for suffering and eating? So what's the problem with giving some moldy food to Cao Cao's soldiers? Isn’t it a waste if cattle and sheep eat good food? As long as the ones given to Cao Cao and other civil servants and generals are not moldy, isn't it okay? So what's the problem?

Cao Cao stood silent for a while and suddenly asked, "Didn't Zhiguan send troops?" 』

Looking north from the river bank, you can see the towering Taihang Mountains like a barrier on the horizon, seemingly insurmountable.

"General Miaocai inquired in many ways, but found no movement. ” Guo Jia said from the side.

Cao Cao nodded, and then asked: "Are you really confident about joining the party, or are you ready to give up joining the party?" 』

All the way east from Zhi Guanxing, we pass through the "Wei Shao" at the southernmost end of the Taihang Mountains. It was repeatedly widened and reinforced during the Warring States Period and the Jin Dynasty. It was through this road that his army penetrated into the Central Plains and fought for hegemony. Zhi Dao will shock the Central Plains.

If you want to attack Cao Cao's army and cut off Cao Cao's food route, this route is undoubtedly the most convenient.

Cao Cao was good at cutting off people's food routes, and of course he also carefully protected his own. He and Xia Houyuan did not rush forward on both sides of the river, just to prevent the Fei submarine cavalry who appeared from this road from attacking their food routes.

but……

The Fei Qian army at Zhi Guanxing did not move, and Cao Cao could not wait here indefinitely.

He must implement the next attack plan.

Fei Qian's army did not disperse its forces accordingly because of Cao Cao's split attack. This made Cao Cao's original plan of dividing his troops to encircle almost half of the strategy failed.

In Cao Cao's original plan, when Le Jin broke into Shangdang, the troops in Hedong and Taiyuan would be involved. In the next step, Xiahou Dun invaded Taiyuan and even lured Feiqian soldiers and horses to Yinshan and the Northern Territory, and the Taihang Mountains A mountain range was not only difficult for Cao's army to climb and travel through, but it was also a huge obstacle for the Fei Qian army who came to rescue.

In this process, although Cao Jun was at risk of being ambushed by Fei Qian's army, the same Cao Jun could also ambush Fei Qian's army in turn, especially when Fei Qian left the base camp and his generals were not very famous. …

Or is Pang Shiyuan just that stable?

Or maybe the fat black bird can't handle it?

The cavalrymen under Fei Qian who had impressed Cao Cao before were either in the Western Region or the Northern Region, not near Chang'an. Compared with the powerful cavalry, Cao Cao boasted that he had never lost in a single battle with infantry!

Fei Qian's cavalry is not near Chang'an, so this time he can put his strengths to full use!

Indeed, Cao Cao didn't pay much attention to Wei Yan at the moment.

Wei Yan in history only became famous in Hanzhong.

As for other people, such as Zhu Ling, Ma Yue, etc., Cao Cao also knew something about it, but he felt that they must be much weaker than Taishi Ci Zhao Yun, so...

This is the best opportunity.

But there is a problem.

After the second stage unfolds, it will not be so easy to stop.

Although Fei Qian is not in Guanzhong, Guanzhong is still difficult to fight.

Cao Cao looked back. Although he couldn't see the distant land of Yanzhou, he knew that from Chenliu to Heluo, there were groups of laborers, like ant colonies, in front and back, line by line. The food, grass and baggage were collected and then transferred here.

Although Cao Cao also imitated Fei Qian's logistics rationing and made a lot of dry food reserves, under normal circumstances, these dry food must be kept for emergencies and cannot be consumed at will. Otherwise, when the time of emergency comes, there will be no dry food reserves. Wouldn't it be a big mistake?

These damn silverfish.

The anger in Cao Cao's heart seemed to be boiling again.

Guo Jia, who was behind Cao Cao, was very familiar with Cao Cao. When he saw Cao Cao's brows twitching, he knew that Cao Cao was actually still angry and unjust, so he did not dare to neglect him. He quickly said: "My lord, if you are angry in your heart... I will return the favor." There is a plan..."

"oh? Cao Cao smiled and said, "Please tell me as a tribute." 』

"Aren't these people sending more food and grass to Duke Ming?" ” Guo Jia said with a smile, emphasizing the pronunciation of the word “many”.

"More gifts?" ” Cao Cao frowned slightly, but soon he understood, he laughed loudly, and tapped Guo Jia with his hand, “Sure enough, Feng Xiao understands me! Ha ha ha ha……"

If the bad ones are passed off as good ones, then what about the good ones?

As long as it's not eaten, used, or destroyed immediately, isn't it still on Cao Cao's territory?

Now pretend not to know, and then investigate secretly, when the time comes...

Cao Cao squinted his eyes, "Here comes someone!" Wen Ruo, Bo Da, the matter of shoddy food and grass should be investigated secretly without disturbing anyone... Let’s talk about it after ten months..."

The messenger went down.

Cao Cao seemed to feel more comfortable.

Guo Jia smiled, but deep in his eyes, there was worry.

Food has always been an important weapon of the country. Anyone who dares to attack this thing is either really stupid to a certain extent and is obsessed with ghosts, or...

When the time comes to find out, who knows what will happen?

But before Guo Jia could think through the follow-up questions, Cao Cao seemed to have thought of something again. He frowned slightly and asked a new question, "Does Fengxiao know about Zhong Yuanchang's proposal?" 』

"Ah..." Guo Jia nodded, "I just know it." 』

"What do you think about abolishing death?" ” Lao Cao asked, squinting his eyes.

"Zhong Yuanchang's behavior is inherently selfish, but it can also attract public attention and avoid labor disputes." ” Guo Jia didn’t seem to hesitate at all, and said directly, “There are many complaints from the people about the requisition of labor and food. Regardless of the obstruction, it is always embarrassing... and the abolition of death can just attract the people to look away..."

"Haha..." Cao Cao smiled, "I knew Fengxiao would say that." This kind of Yuan Chang... um..."

Is abolishing death really beneficial to the people?

Cao Cao knew in his heart that if most laws were of benefit to the people, it would be of benefit to the upper-level rulers. Otherwise, why would the upper-level rulers work so hard to promote new laws? Have you ever seen any of the laws that have been changed since the founding of the Han Dynasty? Which one of them is not like this?

But Cao Cao can also understand what Guo Jia means. After all, the army is outside now, and the main thing in the rear is to seek stability. During this period, necessary compromises and concessions are inevitable.

Guo Jia looked at Cao Cao and said: "Now the Yuan Dynasty has sent the general to the north to lead his troops to defeat Fukouxing and capture Shexian County. Although it is too difficult to do so, if the troops from Yinshan come to the south to help, I am afraid that the enemy will not be able to last long... ...can be withdrawn in time to respond to Youbei. 』

Cao Cao pondered.

Although Guo Jia said that it was for Xiahou Dun's safety and to deal with Youbei and so on that he could let Xiahou Dun's feint attack troops withdraw first, but in fact Xiahou Dun was Cao Cao's military logistics manager, and he was also Cao Cao's military commander. As long as Xiahou Dun, the main commander in the rear, is stationed in the rear military camp, then Cao Cao will be able to attack forward with confidence.

However, once Xiahou Dun is withdrawn, strategically, the involvement of Yinshan Mountain in Taiyuan is equivalent to giving up.

Not only that, after Xiahou Dun retreated, Le Jin's situation became more and more dangerous. If Zhao Yan's troops, who passed Taihangxing from Hanoi and went north to attack Gaoping Changping, could not successfully break through and join up with Le Jin, Le Jin might be trapped. Isolated state, when the time comes...

Cao Cao took a breath.

Although Guo Jia's method of asking Xiahou Dun to retreat can indeed solve his immediate worries, but...

"Let's take Hangu Pass first!" 』

Cao Cao waved his arms, "After Hangu is defeated, let's see how Guanzhong responds!" Let the vanguard move forward and march into Han Valley! 』

…

…

Hangu Pass.

Hanhangu Pass is located between Mianchi and Luoyang.

"Hangu cannot be defended." "Wei Yan stood on the wall of Hangu Pass, looking at Mang Mountain and the river to the north of Hangu, and then towards the direction of Luoyang to the east of Hangu, "This place was not originally used to defend against the east..."

That's right.

Hanhan Valley and Qinhan Valley are very different.

In addition to the geographical difference, Hanhan Valley existed as the west gate of Luoyang during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Therefore, its originally designed defense direction was to resist foreign enemies to the west, rather than to the east toward Luoyang. defense.

In addition, the river changed its course during the Eastern Han Dynasty...

In later generations, the big river was praised as the mother river by China. This is not wrong, but no one said it. In fact, this "mother" had a bad temper. She would remarry if she disagreed with her... uh, change the route, and give her children something to do. Beaten with left and right uppercuts.

In ancient times, Dayu controlled floods, and the "water" was the big river.

Because of its extremely high sand content, it is also said to be full of soil.

The river not only swings between Henan and Hebei, but also swings left and right in Hedong, north of Tongguan. Every change of course will bring huge damage and a large yellow flood area.

Regarding the management of the river, it is not actually the merit of Dayu... at least not completely, because Gun had been controlling floods before Dayu, and the reason why Gun did not succeed was not simply attributed to Gun's incompetence. , and it is very likely that the rain did not stop at that time, and the river flooded endlessly. After Gun died and Dayu was controlling the flood, it happened to stop raining and the water level dropped. It was only necessary to dig out the blocked areas and let the water flow back into the river. That's it, so the word "blocking is worse than sparing" came into being, and Dayu's reputation also came into being.

Times create heroes. Perhaps even if Dayu had not succeeded, big fish and Dayu would have emerged.

Wei Yan felt that Fei Qian was the hero who emerged from the current situation, and Cao Cao was just a clown after the eunuch who stole Ji Yu's hopes.

However, in the martial arts hall, the emphasis was on strategically despising opponents and tactically paying attention to them, so Wei Yan made a special trip to Hangu Pass to inspect the specific situation.

Hanhan Valley had been held in hand before, just to prevent the Luoyang Yang family from invading Hangu Pass and then forming a blockade in the pass. Now that Luoyang is acquired by Cao Cao, it is naturally impossible for such a western gateway of Luoyang to be easily Return it to Cao Jun.

Wei Yan said to Zhu Ling, "Are you all ready?" 』

Zhu Ling nodded, but was reluctant to give up, "Is this...are we really going to give up?" 』

Wei Yan looked at the Hangu Pass with his hands behind his back, "This pass is too small... After all, time has passed and this pass is no longer the Hangu Pass it used to be... This pass has not been properly repaired..."

Wei Yan was right. When the Hanhan Valley Pass was first built, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ordered that the Qinhan Valley be abandoned and built instead here three hundred miles away. However, it was not built in the name of the country or with financial support. It was built with the private wealth of the Hongnong Yang family.

That's right, it's Yang Biao and Yang Xiu's Hongnong Yang family.

From this point of view, we can understand why the Yuan family was so prosperous and respectful to the Yang family, but even if Cao Cao killed Yang Xiu, he still had to bow his head in front of the Yang family hall to apologize...

"But, but..." Zhu Ling sighed, but didn't know what to say.

He was a little unwilling.

In front of the pig-killing knife of time, not only people, but also Panshi is also a pig, being killed by time at will.

The reputation of Qin Han Valley was so great that it made the six countries tremble, but what about Han Han Valley...

It’s not that the Han people are really so stupid that they abandoned Qin Han Valley, but after years of conquests, changes in water and soil, and changes in the river’s course, Qin Han Valley no longer has the courage it once did, and Han Han Valley is just for Although the small pass built to prevent civil strife in Shandong is not without its steepness, it does not have the majestic atmosphere of Qinhan Valley, so it cannot cover a large area, let alone compare with Tongguan later built by Fei Qian.

Moreover, after the Han Dynasty, the war model has undergone tremendous changes. The chariots that originally existed in various countries in large numbers during the Warring States Period gradually withdrew from the stage of war. However, the single-riding horse model that the Hu people were accustomed to was due to its flexibility and geographical location. Due to factors such as excellent traversability, it has become the main force in the war. After changing from a chariot to a war horse, the troop's traversability over terrain has been greatly improved. Roads that could not be walked before can now be climbed. However, Qin Hangu was unable to bear the heavy responsibility of defense.

The Wei Han Valley that was built in the future was not even a defensive pass. It could only be regarded as a transit town that was conducive to water transportation.

Such vicissitudes of life, no matter which one person it is, cannot compete with individual manpower. Therefore, after the fall of Luoyang City, Hangu Pass lost its value. It was neither easy to defend against Cao Jun's attack nor able to Completely blocking Cao Jun's progress.

So it was natural that it was time to give up. But after Zhu Ling took over from Tai Shici, he spent most of his time at Hangu Pass, and he had some feelings for this place. But feelings cannot be eaten as food.

Just like when you have food to eat and are not hungry, you can say "Sentiment is full of water."

"It's nothing but..." Wei Yan turned his eyes in the direction of Luoyang, "You have been in Hangu for a long time. You should know that the flaws in Hangu cannot be repaired by human power... All the grain, grass and utensils in the city have been moved away. You still have to persist if you want." I can’t hold on for long... My next step will be to transfer to Shaanxi and Tianjin and expand the military stronghold in Shaanxi and Tianjin, and I won’t take care of this place..."

Zhu Ling was silent for a while, "But I can use this flaw to attack Cao Jun!" 』

Wei Yan frowned and turned to stare at Zhu Ling.

"General, I have people secretly dig a lot of cannon holes in the city. When Cao Jun attacks the city..." Zhu Ling gritted his teeth and said, "I am not willing to hand over the city gates to Cao Jun in vain!" 』

"But this way... you will be in danger of being surrounded..." Wei Yan still frowned and said, "If you fall into Cao's army, no one can save you!" 』

"It will also take time for the general to expand the defenses of Shaanxi and Tianjin..." Zhu Ling said, "If I delay here for one more day, it will give the general one more day to prepare..."

Wei Yan waved his hand and said: "Shaanjin...Actually, Shaanxi and Tianjin are not that important...Forget it, since you are ready, you can give it a try, but...don't be greedy for credit. You must make a decisive decision when it's time to leave." procrastination! 』

"clear! Thank you, General! ” Zhu Ling responded with his hands.

Wei Yan nodded, walked down the city wall, and left Hangu for Shaanxi and Tianjin.