Under Cao Hong's order, the soldiers of the Wei army quickly extinguished the fire blocking the road, and then removed the obstacles, making the narrow road passable.
"Go forward! The enemy is right ahead. We won't give up until we catch the enemy! Take out all your courage, follow me and catch up, and go straight to the enemy's lair with all your strength!" Cao Hong raised his riding whip and said passionately.
The 2,500 vanguard troops quickly ran forward. Not far away, Cao Hong saw grain scattered on the ground, stretching forward in a curve for a long distance.
A smile appeared on his face, and he said with excitement: "God is really helping me. As long as I follow the enemy's scattered grain, I will definitely be able to find the enemy's grain harvesting place. In this way, I may be more talented than Xiahou
Find food earlier."
As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Hong took the lead, beckoning the soldiers behind him to start walking forward along the grain line.
It was completely dark. Cao Hong ordered his men to clear the road ahead with torches. After walking less than two miles, Cao Hong suddenly saw a pile of grain piled up in the middle of the road. He hurriedly reined in his horse and said, "Haha, this must be Yan."
The army was too tired to carry the food and couldn't carry it anymore, so they threw it here to reduce the burden. In this case, the food cannot be wasted. Our army has been in a state of food shortage. Five hundred people were left to collect food, and the rest
All follow me and continue the pursuit."
After speaking, Cao Hong first asked people to remove the grain blocking the road, and then he jumped off his horse, took a water bag from the hands of his soldiers, and took a sip of water first.
Suddenly, arrows were shot from the roads on both sides, immediately knocking down a group of soldiers who were carrying food. Then, before the Wei soldiers could react, Wei Yan led his men from the left and Chu Yan came from the right.
He led his men to kill them, while Zhang He led his men to kill them from the front, shouting loudly at the same time.
Cao Hong was shocked. He threw down his water bag and hurriedly climbed onto his horse. When he saw his subordinates in a mess, he shouted: "Don't mess up, don't mess up. Hold on, hold on!"
It was dark at this time, and there was no moon in the sky. There were dense trees on both sides of the road. Due to the cover of the lush leaves, the road was pitch black. The sudden attack of the Yan army made the Wei army confused.
How many enemies were there? It felt like the Yan army's shouts of killing were everywhere, as if there were tens of thousands of them.
"Don't panic! The enemy is bluffing, extinguish the torches, concentrate the entire army, and stabilize the position..."
"Whoosh!"
An arrow flew out of the darkness and shot straight towards Cao Hong's heart.
Cao Hong was holding the reins of his horse. His dismounted horse became restless due to the sudden arrival of the Yan army. His body kept shaking. When he felt a sharp force flying towards him, he had no time to dodge.
puff!
There was a muffled sound, and the arrow penetrated the iron armor that Cao Hong was wearing. The arrow penetrated directly into his body, and blood flowed out. Fortunately, his horse was not restless, and the arrow was originally aimed at his heart.
, but the shot missed, and an arrow stuck into his left arm.
Cao Hong didn't even make a sound. He immediately cut off the tail of the arrow with his sword, jumped off his horse and stuck closely to the soldiers.
At this time, the torches of the Wei army had all been extinguished, the entire forest path was dark, and the shouts of killing gradually stopped. The soldiers of the Wei army stuck together tightly, staring at the darkness around them.
"Swish, swish, swish..."
Another wave of arrows shot out from the darkness, and the Wei soldiers standing on the outermost periphery immediately fell to the ground. Some of those injured by the arrows also screamed.
Cao Hong was squeezed in the middle. He pricked up his ears and heard the approximate number of Yan's army from the screams. A trace of displeasure immediately appeared on his face and he shouted: "Damn it, Yan's army has the most.
There are only a thousand people hiding in the woods on both sides. Kill them! If you kill an enemy, I will reward you with three hundred and five baht each!"
As soon as the Wei army heard that there was a reward, they immediately became energetic. They all knew in their hearts that Cao Hong could be said to be a very wealthy man in Wei State.
Cao Hong was a general himself. He also opened many shops part-time in Changyi City, specializing in getting some rice and cloth to sell. He bought them at low prices and sold them at high prices to earn the difference. Coupled with the severe drought in the Central Plains in the past two years,
The people's harvest was not good, which further caused the price of grain to rise. As a result, he earned a lot of money just by selling grain to those wealthy gentry.
However, Cao Hong is a very stingy person. It can be said that he never plucks a dime from an iron cock. Except for being more generous to Cao Mengde, Cao Ren and his own family, no one else wants to get any benefits from him. Cao Mengde's son Cao Pi is only three years old this year.
,again
Once, he went to Cao Hong's house with his elder brother Cao Ang. Because he was naughty and playful, he accidentally broke Cao Hong's beloved things. When Cao Hong found out, he angrily scolded Cao Pi on the spot and reprimanded Cao Ang for not being able to discipline his younger brother. In anger, he lost his hand.
He slapped Cao Ang.
Because of this, Cao Ang and Cao Pi spoke ill of Cao Hong in front of Cao Mengde many times. Cao Mengde heard this and just laughed it off. Instead of blaming Cao Hong, he said that Cao Ang and Cao Pi were wrong, which made Cao Ang and Cao Pi hate Cao Hongyue.
I'm getting more and more disgusted.
Therefore, Cao Hong's words, three hundred and five baht, were definitely not a small amount for these soldiers who knew Cao Hong's habits. As soon as the Wei soldiers heard that they had money, they were all happy and rushed to the woods on both sides of the road.
He rushed out.
However, when the Wei soldiers rushed into the woods, they did not see any Yan soldiers, as if the Yan soldiers had just disappeared.
"General, are there no Yan troops in the woods?" Army Sima hurried to Cao Hong's side and reported.
After Cao Hong heard this, he said angrily: "Nonsense! You were attacking us just now, why did you disappear in the blink of an eye? You must be careless, find it for me! Dig three feet into the ground, and I will find the Yan army. Click on it.
Looking for torches!"
The soldiers did not dare to disobey. Just when everyone was secretly wondering about lighting the torches, the road leading to the county seat of Juan County suddenly lit up with fire. Zhang He, Wei Yan, and Chu Yan, along with the Yan army soldiers, drew their bows and arrows.
The arrow was lit with fire and shot towards where Cao Hong and the others were.
When Cao Hong saw this, he yelled, "No, no!" He got on his horse, yelled, and immediately ran back, shouting: "Get out, get out!"
Dots of fire fell into the grain pile in the middle of the road, and immediately ignited the flammable materials underneath. The fire burned directly, and then quickly spread to the surrounding areas. I don’t know what Yan Jun used as a connection between the flammable materials.
Once the fuse was ignited, the fire quickly spread. Soon it formed a fire dragon and burned towards the woods on both sides of the road.
When Cao Hong galloped far away on horseback, the sound of soldiers shouting in pain came from behind, and the surrounding area was also brightly illuminated by fire. When he turned around, he saw raging fires burning on both sides, some of which were too late.
The soldiers who ran out were completely surrounded by fire.
"Damn it! Damn it!" Cao Hong shouted loudly, his teeth itching with hatred, "Hurry up and save people, why are you still standing there?"
Opposite Wei Jun, a smile appeared on Zhang He's lips, and he said to Wei Yan and Chu Yan: "Fortunately, there is some cooking oil on the vehicle, which comes in handy. Otherwise, we can only stop Wei Jun for a short time. This
The fire looks like it can hold off the Wei army for a while. Let's go and go back quickly so that we can prepare to face the Wei army."
After saying that, Zhang He led the people away.
When Cao Mengde led the army to catch up, he saw that Cao Hong was injured. The 2,500 vanguard troops lost 700 to 800 people, most of whom were burned to death by fire, and the flames that soared into the sky gradually spread, blocking the way.
The way for the Wei army to advance
He frowned and said to Cao Hong: "How did you do it? I asked you to be careful along the way, but you just didn't listen. You just went ahead easily and actually lost the army. You... you... you made a mistake."
If you steal a fighter plane, what kind of crime should you do!"
Cao Hong felt ashamed, knelt on the ground, clasped his fists and said, "Cao Hong knows his crime, please hit me to punish me!"
"Father, Cao Hong missed the opportunity to fight, lost troops, and hindered father's perfect plan. I thought that not killing him would not be enough to anger the people!" At this time, a young man riding a white horse suddenly jumped out from behind Cao Mengde.
The young man has a beautiful face and is only eleven or twelve years old, but his eyes are very sinister when he looks at people.
After hearing this, Cao Hong raised his head and glanced at the young man, with a hint of displeasure on his face. He thought to himself: "Cao Ang, this stinky boy, how can he be so cruel? After all, I am also his clan uncle, and he actually
…”
After hearing this, Cao Mengde threw away his hand and gave Cao Ang a slap in the face, saying angrily: "How can you interrupt what I am saying? Zi Lian is my favorite general, not to mention that even if he misses the opportunity to fight, he will not be punished by death. You give
Get out of the way!"
Cao Hong lowered his head with a proud look on his face and thought to himself: "You deserve it! I saved your father's life. Without me, there would be no father. You actually want your father to kill me? What a dream!"
Cao Ang covered his burning face with a look of grievance, but did not cry. He looked at Cao Hong fiercely, turned his horse's head and ran away.
Cao Mengde hurriedly said to Cao Xiu, who was holding out his hand: "Send someone to escort Zixiu back to Changyi. He is not allowed to come out again without my order!"
Cao Xiu said: "No!"
After saying that, Cao Xiu left the team and took two people to Cao Ang.
Cao Mengde glanced at Cao Hong, who was kneeling on the ground, and said, "Zi Lian, please get up. It's no wonder that Zhang He is so good at using troops. Even if he is in a defeated situation, he still doesn't forget to ambush. He is really a talented general."
Cao Hong stood up, clasped his fists and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Cao Mengde nodded and said with a smile: "Zilian, you saved my life. Without you, I would have died long ago. Although you were wrong in this matter, your crime is not worthy of death. However, I
You have always been strict in running the army, even though you have made many achievements before.
, but it is you who hindered my plan this time. In order to give an explanation to the entire army, I have to punish you. Let’s do this. I will demote you to the rank of Tun Cavalry Colonel and fine you 10 million yuan.
, which can be regarded as redeeming your life. What do you think?"
Cao Hong originally thought that he was fine. When he heard that Cao Mengde was going to demote him, he felt that it was nothing. He thought to himself: "Downgrade him, demote him. Anyway, when I am used in the future, I will be promoted to general, so I won't lose anything."
However, when he heard that Cao Mengde was going to fine him 10 million yuan, he was stunned. He froze there for a while and hurriedly asked: "Your Majesty, why don't you just demote me to a foot soldier? As for that
Money, just don’t be fined?”
"What a tough guy!" Cao Mengde was unhappy and thought to himself.
However, he did not show it, and still looked kind. He pointed at the soldiers who died in the fire and said: "These people died because of you. Nowadays, our country's military expenditure is too huge, and the revenue and expenditure are seriously unbalanced. In addition, last year
A severe drought in the Central Plains has made our army unable to even supply food and grass.
It’s difficult. That’s why I thought of seizing the Yan army’s food and grass for my own use. I can take away as much as I can. Zi Lian, your family is relatively wealthy and you are also a big family in Changyi City. In terms of financial resources, I am inferior to you.
, I only ask you to pay 10 million, which is already very cheap for you."
"But..." Cao Hong said with great reluctance.
"That's it. Military law is like a mountain. Anyone who dares to speak more will be shot without mercy!" Cao Mengde suddenly said with a dark look on his face.
Cao Hong was really heartbroken. Although he shouted a slogan of giving three hundred dollars for killing a person just now, he was just shouting to boost morale and did not intend to actually give money. But now Cao Mengde has spoken and asked him to
Give him 10 million, good guy, that's really a big deal. But he has to pay this money. Let alone asking him to give 10 million, even if he loses everything, he still has to give it. After all, he is a king, and his business is
I did it under the protection of others.
He was cruel, bit his lip, cupped his fists and said, "I obey!"
So, the Wei army sat there and waited for the fire to go out before moving forward. For Cao Mengde, he was not worried because Xia Houyuan's marching army was already ahead of Zhang He and was expected to arrive at the county seat of Juan County soon.
Cao Ang was riding a horse alone, walking on the road at night with an angry face, and cursed bitterly: "My father actually beat me for an outsider... It's all Cao Hong's fault. Just wait, when I grow up,
We must deal with you together with Zihuan..."
"The eldest son...the eldest son..."
Cao Ang reined in his horse and looked back. When the visitor approached, he saw that the leader was Cao Xiu, so he asked with a straight face, "Why are you calling me?"
Cao Xiu said: "My eldest son, the king asked me to send someone to protect the eldest son and send him back to Changyi."
"Hmph! My father treats me like this. I don't need protection. You can go."
Cao Xiu was several years older than Cao Ang. When he saw Cao Ang being so angry, he comforted him: "Young master, you don't have to be like this. The king was forced to do so just now. Cao Hong is the king's savior and an important figure in the army. How can he just kill him?"
Kill? I have heard about the eldest young master. Cao Hong is a penniless person, so why should the eldest young master be acquainted with him? Besides, the eldest young master has no power now, so how can he openly oppose Cao Hong? "
After hearing this, Cao Ang felt much better and asked, "Then what do you think I should do?"
Cao Xiu said: "My eldest son, it is never too late for a gentleman to take revenge in ten years. In terms of seniority, Cao Hong is also the elder. The eldest son should be patient. As the saying goes, a small impatience will ruin a big plan. Have you ever heard of a blockbuster story?"
?”
Cao Ang said: "Of course I've heard of it. It's the story of King Zhuang of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period."
"Well, then the eldest son should learn from King Zhuang of Chu, keep a low profile, and secretly accumulate strength. Since ancient times, kings have always established their eldest son when establishing heirs. The eldest son is the eldest son of the king, and he will eventually be in charge of the great state of Wei.
"Quite right. The reason why the king can rise up in the melee of heroes is because he has a group of civil and military followers who are loyal to the king. Why doesn't the eldest son secretly cultivate his own power?" Cao Xiu suggested.
After hearing this, Cao Ang suddenly became enlightened and said hurriedly: "What you said inspired me a lot, but who should I go to? Who is willing to listen to me?"
Cao Xiu chuckled and said: "The eldest son will be the prince from now on. Now that the emperors of the Han Dynasty are gone, Ma Teng openly declares himself emperor. It will be a matter of time for the king to become emperor. From now on, the eldest son will be the prince. Anyone with a little insight will take the initiative to attach himself to him."
The eldest son’s. In fact, those who are now fighting with the king
, there are not only people of the uncle generation, but also many people of the same generation as the eldest son, such as Cao Zhen, Xia Houen, and Xia Houli. These three people joined the Tiger Guard very early. They are all highly skilled in martial arts. If the eldest son and the lord are
If they get in touch, they will definitely be happy to serve the eldest son."
"What about you?" Cao Ang asked.
Cao Xiu hurriedly got off his horse, knelt on the ground, kowtowed to Cao Ang and said, "If the eldest son does not give up, Cao Xiu is willing to follow the eldest son from now on."
Cao Ang laughed and said: "Wen Lie, please get up. I will remember your words. However, I am not strong enough now. Although I came here to train this time, when I saw the real war,