Hongnong County is located between the two capital cities of Chang'an and Luoyang.

In 114 BC, in the third year of Yuan Ding, Emperor Wu added Hongnong County. He first moved the world's first dangerous pass Hangu Pass to the east for 300 miles, rebuilt the Hangu Pass City in the east of the Kunshan Mountain, and renamed the Hangu Pass established in the Qin Dynasty as Hongnong City, which is Qin Pass. In the first year of Zhongping, the imperial court reset the eight passes in order to suppress the Yellow Turban Army, among which Hangu Pass was listed as the first of the eight passes, which is talking about the new pass.

And Hongnong is mountainous, surrounded by Rao on three sides, separated by the Yellow River in the north, and looks at the east of the river in the distance. The east is a hundred miles of the Kunshan Mountain, Yiyang, Xin'an, Luhun, Dongyu four counties are surrounded by the circle, the terrain is relatively flat, is the big granary of Hongnong County. The west side is connected with Huashan, the cliff stretches horizontally, there are no traces, and there is the world-famous Tongguan. The Qinling Mountains extend from southwest to east with countless mountains, such as Kuzhong Mountain, Bear's Ears Mountain and Funiu Mountain. Caoyang County, Hongnong County, etc. are on the plain surrounded by mountains.

Zhang Lang and hundreds of his subordinates galloped overnight, sleeping in the open air, and Hongnong was gradually in sight.

In order to hurry up the time, to be able to rush to Hongnong as soon as possible, has abandoned the original carriage, changed to horseback riding, although it is early spring, the north wind is still cold and biting.

Since Emperor Xian, under the escort of Yang Feng and Dong Cheng, has begun to retreat from Chang'an to Hongnong with difficulty, then he should really abandon the original route, and do not have to enter Chang'an through Wuguan, as long as he goes directly to Hongnong, secretly faces the saint, and then discusses major matters together. I believe that Tai Shici's army was almost prepared at this time, and it should be about to set off. I hope to reach Hongnong before Cao Ying.

Three days later, Zhang Lang has entered Hongnong City.

Hongnong City is now tense, the grass and trees are all soldiers, and from time to time there are groups of soldiers patrolling back and forth.

Zhang Lang and his entourage didn't want to expose their identities too early and were guessed to have entered Beijing. secretly spent a lot of energy and bribed the soldiers to enter the city.

Hongnong City is worthy of being located in Guanzhong, connecting Luoyang, Chang'an, the economic center of China, and is more magnificent than the barbarian land of Jiangdong. The whole city is simple and magnificent, the city is connected, the gate is moat, and the momentum is magnificent. The city extends in all directions, crisscrossing more than a dozen wide streets from north to south, east and west, which can accommodate more than ten horses side by side, which is very large-scale. The small streets and alleys, according to the main street trunk line, are fine and orderly.

It's just that the door of the farmhouse is locked. The streets were deserted, and there were no merchants or peddlers to be seen. Occasionally, you can hear the sound of dense footsteps and shouts, floating back and forth in the air, and then quickly returning to calm, showing a very depressed and deserted atmosphere. This is the prelude to the coming of the mountain storm, and no matter who it is, it feels that this is the brief silence before the big war, and a bigger and more tragic storm is slowly brewing.

When Emperor Xian was about to retreat to Hongnong, Hongnong was uneasy and restless. Li Xuan and Guo Yan's jackal ambitions, no one knows.

Duan Xuan, the guard of Hongnong City, is a person who is loyal to the Han family. Knowing that the saint was already retreating to Hongnong Road, he personally led the troops and took 3,000 Hongnong soldiers to Hangu to prepare for escort. Among the entourage was the head of the Hongnong Wang clan, Yang Xiu, the son of Yang Biao, the current Taiwei, who led hundreds of diners to greet the holy driver and all the civil and military officials.

Zhang Lang, Yang Rong and a dozen others finally found an inn to settle down. Or did Dian Wei threaten it in a near-bandit manner.

In addition to Zhang Lang's personal eagle guards, hundreds of other people were scattered in the inconspicuous corners of Hongnong City, investigating and receiving correct and favorable news. It didn't take long for Eagle Guard's powerful intelligence gathering function to slowly come into play, and all kinds of news continued to be transmitted to Zhang Lang's inn, where they were carefully processed and processed to formulate countermeasures, and then ordered to be distributed.

The inn has almost become Zhang Lang's temporary base camp and a command center for the war.

When Zhang Lang called Huang Xu very seriously, told him his identity, the purpose of coming to Hongnong, and asked him if he was willing to follow him, Huang Xu was stunned by this sudden news, and he didn't expect that the person who saved him would be Zhang Lang, the famous lord of Jiangdong and Xu Yang. His heart was like a monstrous wave, surging and rolling, his face was very excited, and he couldn't speak for a long time.

Although Huang Xu is not good at talking, his surname is indifferent, but he has the style of his father Huang Zhong, loyal to the liver and courage, and knows how to repay kindness. Thinking of the other party's life-saving grace, the terminal illness on his body for several years was not only cured, but also rejuvenated and full of energy. Just talking about this life-saving grace is like rebuilding, and there is no way to repay it. In addition, he is the lord of the two states, but he cares for himself very much, takes care of him, and does not treat him as an outsider, and tells himself such a major secret, he believes in himself very much, and he is almost moved to snot.

In addition, young people have an impulsive heart, a yearning for a new day, a desire for brilliant victory, and an ambition to do a career. Even if you go up to the knife mountain and go down to the sea of fire, you will never complain.

Zhang Lang couldn't see his thoughts, Huang Xuben's yellow complexion turned red because of excitement; I don't know how many times I swallowed in my throat, but the words never came. Didn't say anything, just patted his shoulder in understanding, and then smiled encouragingly.

Huang Xu seemed to have gained something, and in his indifferent eyes, such a strong and scorching light shot out for the first time, and he looked at Zhang Lang with an unwavering expression.

Since then, a member of the country has become famous in China, and Zhang Lang's top generals, one of the four little dragons, began to be born at this time.

At this time, it was already dark, and after dinner, everyone gathered in Zhang Lang's room and began to sort out the news they got today.

In the news, Emperor Xian has been escorted by the ministers of civil and military affairs, safely out of Tongguan and arrived at Hangu Pass. And Li urged the new defeat, and is reorganizing the military horses, about to buffer for a few days, during this time Emperor Xian should be very safe, I believe that as long as you wait here, you will soon see him.

In addition, the gossip was obtained, and the envoys who went to Chang'an were also under the pressure of Zhang Ji, and successively returned to Hongnong with Emperor Xian. In order to take a closer look at the development of the situation, we can get the news at the first time and look for a partner who is beneficial to our side. Among them, Xiliang Ma Teng, Jingzhou Jingyue, Hebei Fuzhu, and Yizhou Zhang Song have arrived at Hongnong one step in advance. Hanzhong Yang Song is nowhere to be found, and may have secretly sneaked back.

At this time, after the report of the eagle guard, he stepped forward, first saluted and then respected, and said in a somewhat anxious voice: "Lord, things may not be good, Cao Ying has ordered the general Xia Houdun to lead 50,000 elite soldiers and ten generals from Shandong to Yanjin. His brigade then set off, and within a decade, it could drive straight to Luoyang. Speaking of this, the eagle guard looked at Zhang Lang with scruples.

Zhang Lang just frowned, not revealing any thoughts in his heart. Just thinking about it: It seems that there is not much time left for me, the form is becoming more and more urgent, once Cao Ying marches into Luoyang, then he will have trouble. And it is impossible to get strong support from Tai Shici's army at this time.

Seeing that his lord did not react much, the eagle guard strengthened his courage, and continued: "More than that, in response to the form of response, the army of Yuan Shao of Hebei Province has transferred 50,000 generals Qu Yi to go out of Wei County, cross Yecheng, enter Chaoge, and force into Hanoi in less than half a decade, pointing directly at Luoyang. Yan Rou, Yu Zi and Dapo Gongsun Zan caused Yuyang to guard Zou Dan in Lubei and behead Dan. Yuan Shao led the army out of Anxi, and then the troops were divided into two routes, Xiao General Gao Ran attacked Zhuo County, Chun Yuqiong went straight into Dai County, cut off its back road, and the three-way army fully besieged Yijing, I am afraid that Gongsun Zhan will not be able to support it for long. In addition, the distance from Youzhou to Youzhou is far away, and when the news reaches here, maybe Yi Jing has been broken and Gongsun has died. ”

Zhang Lang nodded and praised: "Xiaowei, you have sorted out these news, you have done a very good job, I didn't mistake you." ”

The guard called Xiaowei had a happy face and worshipped: "The subordinates are incompetent, thanks to the master's good teaching." ”

Zhang Lang laughed twice, and suddenly sighed: "Gongsun Zhan's defeat is said to be the time when Yuan Shao entered Beijing." ”

Then he patted him on the arm again and encouraged: "Follow me, I won't treat you badly, do it well, and now go with your business." ”

Xiao Wei bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your grace, then your subordinates will retire." Only then did the excitement fade away.

At this time, Yang Rong obviously also heard the news, stopped talking to Zhao Yu, and interjected: "Husband, it seems that the situation is really not good, the two soldiers and horses who have made enemies with you are about to kill Luoyang, then our situation will be very dangerous." There was a look of worry in his tone.

Zhang Lang smiled faintly: "Don't get in the way, I believe that when they arrived in Luoyang, we would have slipped away." ”

Yang Rong showed a look of disbelief and said curiously: "Husband, are you going to leave the military officials behind and only take the emperor to Jiangdong?" ”

Zhang Lang shook his head and said: "Without the support of the Minister of Civil and Military Affairs and the help of the rune books, is it still the emperor?" ”

Yang Rongqiao's face was suspicious, very puzzled, and confused: "What does my husband mean?" ”

Zhang Lang said: "It depends on the situation, if you can, please ask the Son of Heaven to go down to the south of the Yangtze River, let us do our best as the landlord, this is the best; If it doesn't work, then make an official, and then everyone runs away together and goes back to Jiangdong. Speaking of the back, I couldn't help but laugh.

Zhao Yu and Yang Rong couldn't help but laugh happily in unison when they heard Zhang Lang say it so funny.

Yang Rong said coquettishly: "This emperor is really pitiful, in my heart, he is not a faint tyrant, but he was born in the wrong dynasty." The warlords of all sides ceded their own land and were torn apart, and the government and the central government were rampant, and the government decrees could not be carried out, and their prestige was completely lost. ”

Zhang Lang sighed: "Yes, the general trend of the world, it will be divided for a long time, and it will be divided for a long time, and the Han Dynasty will be exhausted, and the gods can't help it." ”

At this time, an eagle guard reported that after Zhang [***] entered, he was a little excited: "Lord, my subordinates have found the corner of Ma Teng." ”

Zhang Lang was in high spirits, asked for the address casually, and said to Yang Rong: "Rong'er, I'll go see Ma Teng, you don't have to wait for me, rest first." ”

Yang Rong nodded, stepped forward to help Zhang Lang tidy up his clothes, and said gently: "Husband, you have to be careful." ”

Zhang Lang nodded with a smile, prepared up and down again, and then took the Eighteen Eagle Guards, Dian Wei, and Huang Xu, and strode out of the door.

It was dark, only a few houses were lit up, and the streets were even more deserted, and the sound of horseshoe bells gradually sounded in the distance, breaking the silence of the night sky. The eagle guard who led the way seemed to be quite familiar with the geography of this area, and led Zhang Lang around the street three times or two, and soon came to a large official residence. It's just that the gate of the official residence is closed, unguarded, silent, and seems to be uninhabited. After getting the affirmation of the eagle guard again, Zhang Lang ordered everyone to dismount and asked someone to step forward and knock on the door.

After a while, the door of the official residence "rattled" and opened amassively, but only a small gap was exposed. A cold and indifferent voice came from inside, "Which one?" Who to look for? I'll come back tomorrow if I have something. ”

Zhang Lang said a little casually: "I came to see your father-in-law, I want to discuss important matters, don't lie to someone and say that Master Ma is not here." ”

The bright sound of opening the door was stunned for a moment, and then said in surprise: "Who is Your Excellency, what is Lord Ma and Lord Niu, I don't understand what you are talking about." ”

Zhang Lang said coldly: "You don't need to ask, and you don't have to worry about it." Close your door and go and tell Ma Teng, that the messenger from Jiangdong wants to see him. Then whether your lord wants to see me or not, that's his business. Also, human patience is limited, and if there is no response within half an hour, then I can only think that it is in vain. ”

The door opened and glanced at Zhang Lang strangely, then closed the door briefly and said no more.

Dian Wei couldn't help but spit on the ground, and said angrily: "Phew, what kind of attitude, what's so great about Ma Teng, he provoked Lao Dian, and he still gave you a big rake, and he dared to use such an attitude to a certain boss, I was really tired." ”

Zhang Lang just stood calmly to the side, the corners of his mouth curled into an unfathomable smile. Dian Wei was very curious: "Boss, what are you laughing at, do you think Ma Teng is not here?" Even if I'm here, will I come out to see you? ”

Although Zhang Lang's voice was not loud, he was very sure: "Ma Teng must be here, and he will definitely come out to see me." ”

Dian Wei was puzzled: "Why, boss, are you so sure?" ”

Zhang Lang laughed twice, patted Dian Wei's arm and said, "Maybe you don't understand what I said, but since you asked, I'll talk about it." First of all, I know the ability of my subordinates Eagle Guard, and the Eagle Guard is not only used for combat protection, but in all directions, fighting alone, disguising identity, reconnaissance of the enemy, assassinating politicians, etc., all of which are outstanding. Since he was sure that Ma Teng was here, there must be nothing wrong with that. Speaking of Ma Teng, this person is extremely unwilling to be bland, and has a lot of ambitions for the Central Plains. At the beginning, when Dong Zhuo entered Beijing, he wooed Ma Teng and Han Sui and asked them to send troops together. It's just that when Ma Teng and Han Sui arrived in Chang'an, Dong Zhuo was dead, and Li Dao and others were in power, and when Ma Teng's interests were not guaranteed, he was furious, and joined the courtiers and ministers Chong Shao, Ma Yu, and Liu Fan to kill Li Dao and others. But then it failed. ”

After a pause, Zhang Lang talked about Xingtou, and said eloquently: "Ma Teng is capricious, and Han Sui and Li Xun are divided and combined, and they fight well." Not long ago, he had made a statement, saying that the army was not well supplied, and asked to settle in Chiyang, lead the army to change to Changpingantou, and peep into Chang'an. It's just that the former said that Wang Cheng led the troops to succeed in a sneak attack, and the military prestige was greatly defeated, coupled with Li Dao and Guo Yan's mutual attack, Sanfu was in turmoil, Ma Teng could only give up the eastward plan, and in desperation, he united with Han Sui again and became brothers with different surnames. This time, Han Sui led the army to settle in Shicheng, and Ma Teng sneaked in, believing that he was looking for a more powerful ally, and took a solid step to step out of Liangzhou and advance into Guanzhong. ”

Just when Dian Wei was confused and confused, the door of the official residence in front of him was opened, and then a large group of people walked out.

The leader is a man more than eight feet long, with a large body, a majestic face and nose, eagle hooks, and a beard. The dragon walks and walks the tiger, and the gestures are very threatening, and the eyes are like electricity, and it is not easy to look at it at a glance. Add the blue and gray iron armor on his body, although it looks bulky, it seems to be light, adding a fierce atmosphere.

This is the Tiger according to Xiliang, the famous Andy General Ma Teng.

Ma Teng is rumored to be a descendant of Ma Yuan, the general of Han Fubo. His father once served as a captain of Tianshui Lan, and later lost his official position and stayed in Longxi, married a Qiang girl, and gave birth to Ma Teng. When Ma Teng was young and poor, he had no property, and often cut timber from Zhangshan and carried it to the city to sell it to support himself. Ma Teng's surname is Ge Xian, and the local people admire him very much. In 187 A.D., Liangzhou assassin Shi Geng contempt was appointed as a letter to annihilate the officials, which led to the rebellion of the Didao kingdom and ethnic minorities such as Di and Qiang, and the state and county recruited warriors to crusade against the rebellion. Ma Teng enlisted, was valued by state and county officials, appointed as a military officer, commanded the troops, and later made meritorious contributions to the battle, and was promoted to military commander. Soon, Geng was killed by his subordinates, and Ma Teng joined forces with Han Sui and others to jointly elect the kingdom as the commander and cause chaos in Sanfu. In 189 AD, the kingdom was defeated by the army sent by the imperial court, and Ma Teng, Han Sui and others abolished the kingdom and abducted Yan Zhong as the commander. Soon Yan Zhong fell ill and died, and Ma Teng, Han Sui and others took power with each other, opening the prelude to the struggle for hegemony and three auxiliaries.