Three Kingdoms

While Cao Xiu and Cao Hong were advancing, Cao Cao also launched an attack on Tongguan.

Although this level of attack can only be regarded as a "small-scale" battle, and the intention is not to capture Tongguan, but to harass and suppress, it still has some intimidating power for Ma Yue and others above Tongguan.

Cao Jun's camp was very large and long, so Cao Jun in the back camp actually had a good rest. However, for Tongguan, because of the defense system, even though there was a city wall as a support, it was impossible to rest very well. Even though most people know that the city wall of Tongguan has passed the test of blood and fire, they will inevitably worry subconsciously and affect their rest.

Cao Jun's soldiers were arrayed on Niutou Plateau, far away from Tongguan on the opposite side.

The wind and snow were blowing down.

Cao Cao turned his head and looked at the river that was now covered with ice and snow, sighing slightly in his heart.

If we forget about the wars in front of us, what we see at this moment is also a rare sight.

"Broken jade is flying, and the condensed fat is strange." The silver snake meanders for thousands of miles. The shore is covered with frost and ice hangs over the rock wall. The branches of jade trees leave traces in the snow. How miserable it is to be so lonely..."

Cao Cao recited a few words casually.

If he had not held the sword back then, then maybe he would have become a poet.

It's a pity that there is no if.

Just like if back then...

Thinking about the past, regretting the past, it was not as good as before.

The wind and snow seem to bring the heaven and the earth together, and people will feel more and more insignificant in it, comprehend the majesty of nature, and then wash away the dust of the world, and get the sublimation of the soul in the white world in front of them...

The ones who destroyed this beautiful scenery were Cao Cao himself and Tongguan in front of him.

The Tongguan in front of me really lacks beauty.

Tongguan City is indeed ugly, gray and black, ferocious, like a ferocious beast, crawling on the Linzhi Plateau, incompatible with the surrounding natural scenery, devouring the flesh, blood and soul of living creatures.

Tongguan City was originally an earthen city, and later it was built into a brick wall. However, because the center of the Han Dynasty was still in Luoyang at that time, it was naturally impossible to give Tongguan much funding for repairs. Even Hangu Pass was in a semi-abandoned state until Fei After sneaking into the main pass, Tongguan began to be rebuilt on a large scale.

Was Fei Qian already planning at that time and expecting the current situation?

Cao Cao's eyes were slightly wandering.

The dull drums roared.

In order to keep the drum's skin from getting wet, Cao Cao also took special care of this matter.

First wrap it in oil paper and then place it in charcoal to prevent moisture. However, this only ensures that the war drum can be loud in the early stages of use. As it is exposed to the outside world longer, water vapor will penetrate into the drum head and body, and then it will gradually become dull when struck, and then If you keep knocking hard, it will probably break.

In the wind and snow, not only will the effectiveness of weapons and equipment that rely on rubber bands be reduced, but other types of weapons will also become ineffective...

Cao Cao focused his attention on Tongguan City.

The figures above Tongguan City were shaking, as if they were doing something, but they couldn't see clearly under the wind and snow.

After Tongguan, there is Guanzhong.

It was such a pass, but Cao Cao's army was blocked here, unable to move.

Now is the best time.

The sky full of wind and snow is like adding a law to all battlefields - "Gunpowder weakens, steel strengthens".

If we can get through this, then Guanzhong will be within easy reach.

However, it is still difficult, because the importance of Tongguan is not only the gunpowder, but also the solid city wall and the dangerous terrain.

Guanzhong, Cao Cao also visited Guanzhong before.

Speaking of Guanzhong Sanfu, it was once very prosperous, but after decades of repeated turmoil and riots in Xiqiang, the land of Guanzhong Sanfu gradually turned into a deserted land. Many places have become ruins, and only a small amount of trade with the barbarians remains. There are no specialties in Guanzhong, and even the originally fertile cultivated land around it has become a paradise for weeds.

Fei Qian almost restored such a desolate land...

Well, maybe it's more than just recovery.

It is reconstruction, just like Tongguan in front of us.

It's shocking.

The east gate of Tongguan is also called Chaoyang Gate.

That's right, Cao Cao didn't know how many times he had encountered the word "Chaoyang". It seems that there is a Chen County in Yanzhou, and the east gate is also called this name, and then there is also one in Yuzhou, and there is also one in Jizhou. Maybe one day, when a certain emperor calls it "Chaoyang", maybe these repeated names can be sealed.

Cao Cao even knew about Chang'an in Guanzhong...

Oh, no, he even knew which way the door of the Husband's Office opened.

Although he has never been there once.

This information was sent to Cao Cao's desk early.

But some information is missing...

Cao Cao's eyes fell on the artillery positions in Tongguan, and he was looking forward to it.

Although he had heard that Huang's workshop was developing an item with a loud explosion before, Cao Cao "habitually" thought it was just gunpowder or a grenade.

Like Guo Jia's judgment, Cao Cao also believed that it was impossible for this kind of artillery to be fired without restrictions.

During this period of fighting, Cao Cao also confirmed this, but this does not mean that Cao Cao despises this thing...

In fact, in history, China's artillery, or the use of gunpowder, was not as bad as Qingchui described. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the development of cannon-making technology and gunpowder had actually reached a world-class level. The reason why there were a large number of red barbarian cannons at the end of the Ming Dynasty was not that the Chinese Ming Dynasty could not make them, but that some people wanted to Certain interests can only be forced by Hong Yi in the end.

Some, is the plural.

Just like the current situation in Shandong.

Cao Cao thought that if one day Shandong could actually build artillery like Feiqian, there would probably be problems of one kind or another.

Thirty shield vehicles were arranged into three rows, and driven by more than 300 auxiliary soldiers, they headed towards Tongguan.

In the middle of the shield vehicles, there are some ram vehicles and turret vehicles, and behind the shield vehicle array there are also a few sporadic arrow towers and ladder vehicles.

The shield chariot and other siege equipment creaked forward.

The infantry advanced under the cover of the shield chariot.

The further Cao Jun's soldiers moved forward, the slower they slowed down, as if they were waiting for something...

"boom! 』

The artillery above Tongguan City suddenly roared, and a shell flew out.

A shield car was torn apart.

『ε＝ε＝ε＝( # \u003eд\u003c)』

Cao Jun's formation suddenly fell into chaos!

Can you still fire in the rain and snow? !

Not only was Cao Cao's army array starting to become a little chaotic, but even Cao Cao couldn't help but jump in his heart!

this……

How can this be? !

Cao Cao's face couldn't help but darken, like dark clouds rolling in the sky.

"Lord!" ” Guo Jia said in a deep voice from the side, his voice was steady and powerful, “Don’t retreat! 』

Cao Cao took a slight breath and looked over the top of Tongguan City. Soon, Cao Cao understood what Guo Jia meant, and nodded and said: "That's true. If you pass on the order, Tongguan's artillery is not something to be afraid of!" March forward quickly, without delay! 』

The ordering soldiers left in a hurry, and a moment later, the war drums roared louder and louder.

The middle and lower-ranking non-commissioned officers of Cao's army rushed to the front of the formation, beating and kicking them to calm down the panicked Cao's army...

The ordinary soldiers of Cao's army looked at Tongguan and seemed to believe what the military order said. Tongguan's artillery was suppressed. So Cao Jun's auxiliary soldiers and the main soldiers started making noises, speeding up almost crazily and pushing the shield cart and other vehicles forward desperately.

The range, power, and rate of fire of the artillery were not only clearly understood by Cao Cao during the past few days of attack and defense, but also the soldiers of Cao's army.

The place 800 steps away from Tongguan is most vulnerable to artillery attack. Within 500 steps, it is difficult for the artillery to hit due to the shooting angle. Instead, it has to worry about the ballistas on the Tongguan city wall.

However, the attack power of the crossbow vehicle is relatively small, and generally speaking, it cannot defeat the shield vehicle.

Because today's artillery has a limited mounting structure, and it is a smoothbore gun. At the same time, ballistics has not yet been enlightened. Most gunners operate based on experience, so in fact the artillery's versatility is not What an improvement. Therefore, you only need to pass as soon as possible after entering the range of 800 steps, then the shield chariot can support it to within 500 steps, providing more defense for Cao Jun...

However, under the previous bombardment of nearly ten artillery pieces in Tongguan, it was often difficult for the shield vehicles with their huge bodies to successfully enter within 500 steps. Even if a few vehicles were lucky enough to escape the bombardment of the artillery, they would be killed by the ballista vehicles. They were quickly defeated under concentrated fire.

But now, it does seem to be different.

The Tongguan artillery that originally roared continuously like rolling thunder now stopped for a long time. After a while, another artillery sounded.

Cao Cao squinted his eyes.

After waiting for a moment, Cao Cao smiled, "If it's as Feng Xiao said, it's just the end of a strong crossbow..."

Above Tongguan, there are only two artillery left that can fire.

The deterrent effect of the two artillery pieces on Cao Jun was immediately reduced a lot.

Although the two cannons were working hard to fire, the subsequent times became the denominator of the average.

A cannonball fired high, flew directly over the crowd and fell into the ice-covered river, punching a hole in the ice.

Another one bounced on the ground, plowing out a black and red line.

Although the other two hit Cao Jun's troops, they failed to hit the shield vehicle. They only destroyed a ladder truck and took away more than a dozen Cao Jun soldiers. The shells showed that it tried its best...

Even so, Cao Cao still believed that these hussar gunners were really capable.

Cao Cao originally thought that in this windy and snowy weather, the Hussars' artillery and grenades would be turned into scrap metal. Unexpectedly, there were still two artillery pieces above Tongguan that could fire.

Is this a temporary shed built to shelter from the wind and snow?

Or what method was used to solve the problem of gunpowder getting damp?

But even if there are moisture-proof means, as long as it is used in wind and snow, there will not be many fuses and gunpowder that are not affected by moisture, right?

Sure enough, it didn't take long for the artillery to stop completely.

Just like the war drum behind Cao Cao.

The skin was soaked by the wind and snow, and the sound could not come out.

Even without the war drums as an incentive, Cao's soldiers on the front line seemed to have stronger fighting spirit. They cheered and rushed forward. It seemed that for these Cao Jun's auxiliary soldiers, as long as there was no threat from artillery, it was a matter worth celebrating.

As Cao Cao watched, the stone in his heart seemed to loosen a little.

But after a moment, another wry smile appeared on the corner of Cao Cao's mouth.

Compared with the hussar soldiers, Cao Jun's elite, although they are also called elites, are more accustomed to facing the original battle mode, facing the old habits of swords, guns and rolling stones, and are not good at using new weapons.

Yes, the old model.

Most people like old models and always have an inexplicable fear of new things.

Because it’s unknown…

The same is true for Cao Cao. He will also be afraid when facing his own unknown.

Cao Cao thought that he could change the shortcomings of the Han Dynasty. He thought that the root cause of the Han Dynasty's problems was the eunuchs, as those Qingliu said, and Cao Cao also really saw the misbehavior of the eunuchs and those who were related to the eunuchs, so he created a five-color stick. . After he beat him with a five-color stick, Cao Cao realized that killing several eunuchs would not help at all.

So, killing all the eunuchs, is it equivalent to curing the big man?

Perhaps with this idea in mind, when Yuan Shao entered the palace, Cao Cao followed suit. Then he discovered again that in fact eunuchs were not as important as he thought. After killing so many tigers and leopards, the big man was still in a state of decay and his court system collapsed.

So, what exactly is the problem?

Then Cao Cao felt that it must be the powerful minister Dong Zhuo who caused trouble in the court...

After all, that was what Shandong Qingliu said at the time.

But now, he has become a "powerful minister" and is fighting against another "powerful minister".

When Cao Cao wanted to pursue Dong Zhuo in Suanzao, at least there was Bao Xin following him, but now...

Bao Xin is dead.

Cao Cao is still alone.

So, is the root cause of the big man’s disease really the eunuchs? Or a powerful minister?

Or somewhere else?

Cao Cao had the answer in his mind.

But he was avoiding that answer.

The big man is like a big tree that has been decayed by fungus. It seems that there are still some parts that are intact. You only need to remove the decayed areas. But after you actually use the knife, you will find that one area has been removed. There is another place. If a knife is used everywhere, will this big tree still exist?

Cao Cao wielded his sword, seemingly with great openness, but in fact he was cautious.

"I'm so envious..."

Cao Cao whispered, then looked up at Tongguan.

After Cao Jun approached within 500 steps, the ballistas on top of Tongguan City fired furiously, but they stopped after a short time.

The bowstrings of the ballistas were also affected by moisture, so this time they were able to reach the foot of Tongguan City, and there were more shield chariots on the edge of the ditch than before.

The trench in Tongguan was originally more than two feet deep, but many places had been filled in or dug out during previous battles. The trench collapsed in many places, and many of the spikes inside the trench were flattened.

As the shield car gained a foothold in front, the churron car and other vehicles following behind quickly followed.

Cao Jun's soldiers were like ants seeing honey, swarming up one after another. Some are working hard to dig and fill holes, some are pushing wooden planks to build temporary bridge decks, some are climbing up the archery tower and shooting at the soldiers in Tongguan Lower City, and some are trying to use ladder trucks to hook up a New attack lanes…

The effectiveness of the arrows in the wind and snow was also reduced. As the bowstrings became damp, the power of the arrows gradually decreased, so both sides quickly stopped this ineffective method.

Everything seemed to be exactly as Guo Jia expected. The long-range weapons of the Cavalry were greatly suppressed, but Guo Jia was still a little nervous and clenched his fists in his sleeves.

Soon, what Guo Jia was worried about happened.

The grenade was thrown down.

Guo Jia stared at it, then counted the number. After a while, he let out a sigh of relief and said, "It's done." 』

Cao Cao smiled and nodded.

The grenades were also affected by the wind and snow.

The power of the explosion seemed to have dropped a lot, not to mention that some grenades were extinguished by the wind and snow in the air even if the fuse was lit.

"In this case, the last resort is left..." Guo Jia said slowly, but his tone was much more relaxed.

After suppressing the gunpowder, all combat modes fell into the range that Cao Jun was accustomed to.

Just like what Guo Jia said, there is only one method left that can stop these siege equipment from destroying the city wall.

After several shield chariots and chrysanthemum chariots crossed the ditch and arrived under the Tongguan city wall, Cao Jun's soldiers were preparing to dig holes and destroy them, when kerosene poured from the city wall.

The torches were thrown down.

Even in the wind and snow, the power of the kerosene was still violent. The flames rising into the sky roared in the wind and snow, and the billowing black smoke filled the city wall.

Cao Jun had to suspend his offensive.

The shield chariots and chuan chariots that first arrived under the Tongguan city wall were destroyed, but a new batch of siege equipment was assembled at the rear.

The fire was raging under the city wall, and it was impossible to attack for a while, so Cao Jun temporarily stopped.

A batch of freshly baked steamed cakes and hot soup were carried by the foremen and sent to the front line.

Many soldiers of Cao's army just caught and ate them, regardless of the blood and cement on their hands. They knew that although the fire caused by this kind of kerosene was fierce, it would not last long. If they did not take advantage of this time to eat something quickly, they would all be starving to death if they died in battle later.

However, although the attack on Tongguan still resulted in a narrow escape, Cao's soldiers seemed to see hope. At least now the hussars were forced to be on the same level as them under the wind and snow. The dangers and threats that Cao Jun's soldiers had to face were those they were familiar with, and they were no longer the scary gunpowder derivatives. This improved the morale of Cao Jun's soldiers unconsciously.

Previously, Cao's army was forced to follow the pace of the Hussars, suppressed by the new weapons of the Hussars, but now they seem to be able to play "happily" with the Hussars in this quagmire...

Cao Cao is ready to transfer, he is going to Hedong.

This is his last card...