Zhang Niujiao's heart was dripping blood.

Colonel Zuo, the fierce general of the Yellow Turban Army, died, along with his 30,000 soldiers, all of whom died in battle, and none of them survived.

Since the banner of Taiping Taoism was raised again in Taihang Mountain this spring, the development of the Yellow Turban Army and various military operations have been carried out very smoothly. However, just when the situation of the Yellow Turban Army was good, Colonel Zuo died, which was no less than a thunderbolt from the blue, which exploded on the heads of the leaders and soldiers of the Yellow Turban Army. The morale of the Yellow Turbans was dealt a fatal blow.

Zhang Niujiao hasn't eaten for a day. After receiving the news of the annihilation of the entire army of the Zuo School Headquarters, he has been staying in the big tent to think about the battle situation in Zhuo County.

Colonel Zuo's close friend Huang Long has come to ask for battle three times and twice, demanding an immediate siege of the city to avenge Colonel Zuo and the Yellow Turban brothers who died in battle. Sima Zuoyan said evilly, pulled Huang Long to his big tent, and persuaded him to calm down for the time being. At this time, the most important thing is that the morale of the army must not be disturbed, and it is necessary to reformulate countermeasures, strive to take Zhuocheng in the shortest possible time, and revitalize the morale of the Yellow Turban Army.

In the evening, Zhang Niujiao sent someone to invite Zhang Baiqi, Zuo Yan and Huang Long to the big tent to discuss matters.

Now that the right flank of the Yellow Turban Army is no longer protected, Fangcheng in Zhuo County is still in the hands of the official army, and the Leopard Army is taking advantage of the cavalry and wandering around, looking for an opportunity to continue to fight the Yellow Turban Army. The threat of the Leopard Army suddenly became very prominent on the battlefield of Zhuojun. Knocking out the left school headquarters of the Yellow Turban Army and cutting off the right arm of the Yellow Turban Army, this was sharp and vicious, which immediately made the Yellow Turban Army feel unbearable pain.

The original plan of capturing Fangcheng, Yuguo, and then besieging Zhuocheng had to be revised because of the defeat of the Zuo Xiao Army.

The capture of the country basically guaranteed the control of the Juma water line, and could ensure the unimpeded supply of the army. Although Fangcheng could not be captured for the time being, although it affected the plan to capture Zhuocheng, it was not a decisive one. Fangcheng is the granary of Zhuo County, and its existence can give support to Zhuocheng, but if Zhuocheng is gone, what is the significance of Fangcheng's existence? Without the support and support of Zhuocheng, how long can Fang Cheng defend? Therefore, Zhang Niujiao decided to abandon all distractions and do his best to attack Zhuocheng, and be sure to take Zhuocheng and capture Zhuojun at the end of this month according to the original plan.

As for the Leopard Army, which they hated to the core, it was difficult to catch its tracks, so they had to do whatever they wanted.

Everything is in Zhuocheng. After taking Zhuocheng, the Leopard Army is the same as Fang Cheng, without support and support, what else can they do except escape the Holy Water River? Continuing to stay near Zhuocheng, without supplies and rear, it is a dead end.

After listening to Zhang Niujiao's analysis and decision, Zhang Baiqi nodded again and again, and Huang Long applauded.

Zuo Yan looked at the map on the desk and said slowly: "Dashuai, attacking Zhuocheng is naturally the top priority. But the threat posed to us by the leopard Li Hong must not be ignored. The defeat of Zuo Shuai tells us the fact that the leopard Li Hong threatens us not with his cavalry, but with himself. ”

"Junyi (Zuo Yan's character), can you make it clear." Huang Long said loudly, "Zuo Shuai's troops were wiped out by the Fengyun Iron Cavalry, not by the leopards. ”

Zuo Yan nodded and continued: "The news sent to us by An Dingshuai is very accurate, Li Hong is indeed preparing to ambush Huang Shuai's troops near Xiaofang Mountain, but our trap was not done well and was discovered by him. However, Li Hong immediately changed his tactics, took advantage of the cavalry, and hurried for more than 300 miles in half a day and one night, and ran to Dukangting to catch Zuo Shuai off guard. In the art of war, this is called striking the east and attacking the west. Based on this, it is enough to show that Li Hong is well versed in the art of war. That's why I say that his threat is not his Leopard Army, but himself. If Li Hong hadn't estimated that Zuo Shuai was unguarded, he would dare to attack the Governor Kangting overnight? ”

Zhang Niujiao did not make a sound, he looked very haggard, and his cold face was full of exhaustion and worry.

"Do you mean by that, are you worried about our supplies?"

"Exactly. Sun Xiaoshuai took 10,000 people to escort grain and grass, and if he encountered Li Hong's iron horse, I am afraid that there would be more than one luck. His troops were too small in number to be an opponent at all. Zuo Yan said in a calm tone, and said unhurriedly: "We still have fifteen days of grain stock now. Stockpiles of weapons and siege equipment were clearly insufficient. More than 100,000 people attacked the city, and the scale of its consumption, and the amount of weapons and equipment required were all astonishing. According to my estimates, after seven or eight days of continuous siege, if there is no replenishment, the troops will most likely have to stop the siege. ”

Huang Long screamed.

"Junyi, you're not miscalculated, are you? If that's the case, then the supplies are too important to us. ”

Zuo Yan nodded and continued: "After conquering Gu'an, because of the repeated requirements for the speed of the march, we only rushed to Zhuocheng with a small amount of grain and grass. Originally, Sun Xiaoshuai could send supplies over at any time, but because of the appearance of the Leopard Army, it became very difficult for us to transport supplies. ”

"This leopard is very difficult. Generally speaking, the most important thing in a war is the battle for the city, so everyone tries to increase the number of troops attacking and defending the city as much as possible. However, this man's idea of fighting is very peculiar, he uses the cavalry tactics of the Hu people, does not pay attention to the gains and losses of one city and one place, but takes the annihilation of the enemy's army as the main purpose, so it is difficult for us to seize the opportunity to fight him, but he can easily attack and kill our troops, especially the troops escorting supplies. ”

"Sun Xiaoshuai, who is now crossing the river, may be his next target."

Huang Long's face was angry, and he couldn't lead his troops forward, so he could only grit his teeth and scold non-stop. Zhang Baiqi lay on the desk and looked at the map carefully.

Zhang Niujiao seemed to have thought about this problem, and there was no look of surprise on his face.

"Dashuai, I suggest that Fang Biao rush back to the country overnight, bring out the 10,000 troops who stayed in the city, and join Sun Xiaoshuai to escort supplies to the east. With an expedited cavalry, Chu Shuai's army rushed north, and immediately rushed to the battlefield of Zhuojun. ”

Looking at Zuo Yan's eager eyes, Zhang Niujiao turned his eyes to look at Zhang Baiqi, who had been silent.

"Zuo Sima is thoughtful and thoughtful, and I completely agree with his opinion. I think that Chu Shuai should be allowed to rush to Zhuojun with his Feiyan army day and night, strengthen our strength on the battlefield of Zhuojun, squeeze the range of movement of the Leopard Army, and minimize the danger brought to us by the Fengyun Iron Cavalry. ”

Zhang Niujiao pondered for a long time, and his eyes showed a little helplessness and sadness.

"Junyi, you go to see Yanzi in person."

Xian Yuyin gnawed on a thick cake with cold water, with a bitter look on his face.

"Lord Captain, isn't it too much for you to entertain me with this?"

"Boyu, there are still a few pieces of dried meat here, all for you. The food was good. Li Hongle said happily.

"A few months ago in Zhuolu, this is what I ate. How many battles have you won, you have captured a lot of booty, and you are still so poor? Xian Yuyin asked puzzled.

Li Hong pointed to the big tent that stretched for several miles outside, and said with a smile: "With so many brothers, no amount of money is enough." ”

Then he patted Xian Yuyin's shoulder embarrassedly, and whispered: "When I have money, I will definitely invite you to eat in the tavern." ”

Xian Yuyin looked at him with very suspicious eyes and shook his head.

"Forget it, I'll invite you. When will you have money if you give your subordinates a monthly salary to your subordinates or pay your soldiers, or you give food to the wounded soldiers? I can see through you, you are a poor life. If you change someone else and win a few battles in a row, you will already be full of wealth. ”

Li Hong was suddenly overjoyed, "A word is a certainty." Last time in Jicheng, Brother Yu Xing invited me to a meal, and Brother Bo Jue invited me to a meal, which was enjoyable. ”

Xian Yuyin asked strangely, "Lord Gongsun?" Was it before leaving Youzhou? ”

"Yes. Not long after we parted ways with him, his troops mutinied, and half of the Karasuma soldiers ran back to Liaodong. Li Hong said regretfully: "I don't know how he is now? If you go to Chang'an, you should be on the battlefield like us. ”

Xian Yuyin nodded, and said in a heavy tone: "My Han is now fighting in all directions, the country is declining, and it is an eventful autumn." I heard about Gongsun-sama in Daigun, too. He has always taken tough measures against the Hu people, and whether it is right or wrong, he will always face each other with swords, and sooner or later he will suffer. ”

"Your attitude towards Hu Ren is very different from him. Look at the present, your subordinates are basically Hu people, and everyone is willing to die for you, I really convince you. ”

"Hu people are also people, they are our brothers. You treat them all as brothers, and everyone is naturally on the same page. I don't understand, why do the Han people hate the Hu people so much? Let's just talk about you. You are all Hu people in the past, and you have been in the Han Kingdom for more than 100 years. Now it is the number one surname in Yuyang County, there are many talents in the clan, the richest man in Yuyang, what is the difference between our native Han people? If you treat the Hu people like Lord Gongsun, how can you have the Xianyu clan of Yuyang County? What's wrong with everyone living together like brothers, helping and supporting each other? Why is it so hard? Li Hong sighed with a frown.

Zheng Xin hurriedly walked into the big tent. Xian Yuyin and he got along very well when they were in Zhuolu, and they were very speculative with each other.

"Brother Boyu is here, and the strength of our Fengyun Iron Cavalry is even stronger." Zheng Xin held Xian Yuyin's hands tightly and said happily

"Hopefully we can fight a few fights as soon as possible. I've been staying in Takayanagi Castle for a few months, and I've always heard of your good news, and I'm very envious. ”

"There's going to be a war soon." Zheng Xin said, "This time, you and my brother will fight side by side, and we will definitely be able to fulfill my brother's wish." ”

Xian Yuyin asked in surprise, "Really?" Am I here so coincidentally this time? ”

"Boyu always laments his bad luck." Zheng Xin looked at Li Hong and said with a smile, "I went back last time in Zhuolu without fighting, and I still haunt it." Let him fight enough this time. ”

Li Hong smiled and nodded.

"The scouts are back? What's the news? ”

"Great news, even better than you imagined." Zheng Xin waved his hand and shouted, "The little handsome grandson of the Yellow Turban Army is escorting grain, grass and baggage across the giant horse water?" ”

Li Hong looked down at the map.

"How many?"

"A few scouts who reported back said it was about 10,000 people. Supplies for hundreds of thousands of troops, thousands of wagons, ox carts, huge convoys. Zheng Xin pointed to the Dingxing ferry on the map and said excitedly: "It's all here, all concentrated here." We could run overnight and catch him off guard. ”

Li Hong didn't squeak, his left index finger flicked lightly on the desk, and his eyes stared straight at the Dingxing ferry on the map.

"Shouyan, what did the captain originally envision?"

Xian Yuyin asked quietly.

Zheng Xin smiled slightly: "My lord is going to kill directly to the country, pretend to attack the city, and lure the Yellow Turban Army to send troops back to help." The location of the country is very critical, and it is directly related to the safety of the Yellow Turban supply route. If nothing else, Zhang Niujiao will definitely send troops back to aid the country. In this way, not only can we relieve the pressure on the defenders of Zhuocheng, but we can also wait for the opportunity to ambush his reinforcements and directly threaten the supply of the Yellow Turban Army. ”

Xian Yuyin suddenly realized.

"Now the supply of the Yellow Turban Army is in Jumashui. If we rob him of supplies, do you think the Yellow Turban Army will have a hard time attacking Zhuocheng? ”

"I'm afraid that the time for their siege will be delayed again and again."

Li Hong suddenly slapped the table and scolded angrily.

Zheng Xin and Xian Yuyin hurriedly surrounded him.

"People, what's wrong?" Zheng Xin asked strangely.

"Zhang Niujiao has not yet attacked the city, but the follow-up supplies have already arrived in Jumashui, which shows the importance of this batch of supplies to them. What we thought of, couldn't Zhang Niujiao think of it? He will definitely send more people to escort him, and I'm afraid it's hard for us to have a chance to do it. ”

"Zishan......" Li Hong shouted.

Yan Liang responded and walked into the big tent.

"Inform all the troops and come to me immediately."

In the early morning, the sun had not yet risen, and the clouds in the sky were thin and thin.

On the tower of Zhuocheng City, the black Chinese character Da Xuan standing tall shook violently in the morning breeze, making a loud noise from time to time. All kinds of flags are densely planted on the top of the city wall, colorful, fluttering in the wind, magnificent.

Youzhou Thorn History Department Gong Cao engaged in Xian Yufu and Zhuo County Governor Wu Chi left and right, accompanied the Taishou Wang Wei Lord to inspect the city tower.

The walls were piled with all kinds of weapons to defend the city, and a large number of stones and logs abounded. The soldiers on duty at night were very tired after not sleeping all night, but when they saw several adults coming all the way, they hurriedly beat their spirits one by one, and looked cautious and vigilant.

Taishou Wang Wei is in his fifties, not tall, slightly fat, with a round face and long beard, although he is well maintained, his complexion is very poor. Captain Wu Chi has a sturdy figure, a black face and a short beard, a military uniform, and a long sword hanging from his armor and waist. Compared with Xian Yufu, who was dressed simply and in ordinary armor next to him, he looked much more majestic and powerful.

"Captain Li, do you have any news today?" Wang Wei asked.

"Yes. He and Daijun's reinforcements, Bing Cao's troops had already joined up in Fangcheng. Xian Yufu hurriedly replied.

"What's he doing lately?" Wu Chi then asked: "Seeing that the Yellow Turban Thieves are about to attack the city, if he doesn't have a chance to continue to fight the enemy outside the city, let's call him back to help defend the city." With 10,000 more soldiers, it is more likely that we will hold Zhuocheng. ”

Xian Yufu shook his head.

"Blindly holding on to the city will not defeat the enemy. Now we and Captain Li's cavalry are attacking and defending inside and outside Zhuocheng, not only defending, but also striking at the enemy, which can pose a great threat to the Yellow Turban Army. ”

"Captain Li is about to start an attack."

Wang Wei and Wu Chi's eyes suddenly lit up.