In the old pass of Hangu, Liu Yin finally saw Jiang Wei, stepped forward, raised his arms and laughed: "You are finally here. If you don't come again, I'm afraid I will have to retreat."
Looking closely at the other person, in addition to his body being stained with dirt and blood, his face was also scratched with more than a dozen large and small scars.
It can be seen at a glance that it is carved out by various thorns in the mountain forest.
Looking at the towering mountains on both sides of Guancheng, Liu Yin couldn't help but sigh:
"Boyue, thank you for your hard work!"
Jiang Wei also smiled:
"I'm just doing some work. I've been trying to confuse the thieves these days. I don't know how much effort it takes. It's the real hard work."
The two looked at each other and laughed, feeling quite sympathetic to each other.
Conquering Hangu Pass is equivalent to opening the door to Luoyang's western barrier - Hongnong County.
Because the east of Hongnong County is Henan Yin.
As for why it is said that it only opened the door to Hongnong County, it is of course because there is another key point to the east of Hangu Pass: Shaanxi County.
In the past, Ji Fa destroyed the Shang Dynasty and established the Zhou Dynasty, and his capital was Haojing, which is the southwest of Xi'an in later generations.
Ji Fa is the famous King Wu of Zhou in history.
Among the important ministers who assisted him, there were three most famous ones: Duke Zhou, Duke Zhao, and Duke Tai.
This is the beginning of the Three Gongs.
Duke Zhou and Duke Zhao are relatives of the Zhou royal family, and Taigong is Jiang Taigong.
Three years later, King Wu of Zhou died and King Cheng of Zhou succeeded him.
At that time, Taigong had been granted the title of establishing the Qi Kingdom in the east, and Duke Zhao was ordered to build the eastern capital of Luoyang (i.e. Luoyang). Only Duke Zhou remained in the court.
At that time, the Duke of Zhou was afraid that the world would revolt after hearing about the death of King Wu, so Jian Yue took charge of the country as regent and regent for King Cheng.
So some unscrupulous people spread rumors that "the Duke of Zhou will not be conducive to becoming a king."
The so-called "Zhou Gong feared the Rumor Day" refers to exactly this matter.
Although Zhou Gong and Tai Gong were together, Zhao Gong explained:
"The reason why I have no choice but to take charge of the administration is because I am afraid that the world is surrounded by people, and there is no way to accuse me of the previous kings Taiwang, Wang Ji, and King Wen. The three kings have worried about the world for a long time, and now they are here. King Wu died and became the young king.
, it will form a week, that’s why I do it.”
Taigong is not a clan relative, so it's hard to say anything.
However, Duke Zhao was a relative of the Zhou royal family and one of the three Dukes, so he was often doubted.
In order to reassure Duke Zhao, Duke Zhou chiseled a stone pillar three and a half meters high and erected it in Shaanxi. He made an agreement with Duke Zhao:
Those who come from Shaanxi to the east are called Princess Zhou; those who come from Shaanxi to the west are called Princess Zhou.
That is to say, the ruling area of the Zhou Dynasty was divided into two major administrative areas: east and west. Duke Zhou administered the east of Shaanxi, and Duke Zhao administered the west of Shaanxi (the name of Shaanxi originated from this).
This matter is called "setting up pillars as boundaries", and it is also the source of the post-world monument.
During the Warring States Period, after the three families were divided into Jin and Qin and Wei, they often fought here. Shaanxi sometimes belonged to Qin and sometimes belonged to Wei.
It can be said that in order to fight for this place, Qin and Wei almost lost their minds.
This Shaanxi region can be said to be the real dividing line between Kanto and Kansai.
After taking Shaanxi, we took the initiative in Hongnong County.
Taking the initiative in Hongnong County is equivalent to opening the door to Henan Yin.
Therefore, it is inevitable that Wei State has heavy troops at Hanguguan and Shaanxi.
"The matter at Hangu Pass is not over yet!"
Jiang Wei was still not satisfied and looked at Liu Yin.
Qin Hangu Pass was captured, but more than ten miles north of the old pass, on the south bank of the river, there was a new pass, which was built by Wei thieves decades ago.
When Cao Cao was conquering Guanxi, it was through this pass that he transferred grain and grass.
At this time, most of the grain and grass supplied to the Wei army in the Hanguguan area was also stored there.
"At this time, we have attacked the old pass. We can take advantage of the fact that the rebel army is not ready in time and seize the opportunity to capture the new pass!"
Liu Yin understood and said:
"Continue pressing the same button as before? You and I will divide our forces into two groups?"
Jiang Wei nodded and said:
"That's right, Xiu Ran knows me too!"
Once you control the ancient Xiaohan Road, you can easily go around to the back of the new pass and cut off the rebel army's retreat.
"However, the deployment of troops this time must be reversed."
Looking at this look, Jiang Wei had already considered his next move after taking Qinhangu Pass.
"The troops that go around to the east cannot be reduced. Instead, the troops in the west only need to hold the camp."
When Liu Yin heard this, he immediately understood:
"It seems that Boyue has already planned this!"
To bypass the enemy, it is not only necessary to cut off the retreat route of the Xinguan rebels in time, but also to be prepared for the rebels from Shaanxi County to come for support.
As for guarding the west side, you only need to prevent the thieves from jumping over the wall and rushing out from the pass.
And this possibility is very low.
Because even if the thieves dared to risk their lives, they would most likely rush eastward back to Shaanxi County, and it was impossible to rush westward.
If they are heading west... there are only a few of them? Are they planning to go to Tongguan just like that?
"Without further delay, we can't let these thieves escape!"
Military merit can only be too little, how can there be too much?
Even if you get the credit for breaking through the barrier, you can't lose the credit for destroying the thieves.
Killing thieves is a greater achievement than defeating thieves!
"Boyo, you have been working hard these days. Why don't you go back this time and let me lead the troops. You are in the front, so you can take this opportunity to rest."
When Jiang Wei heard this, he subconsciously wanted to refuse.
But when he looked at Liu Yin, the words came to his lips, but they turned into:
"That's fine. Since Xiuren wants to go, we can take turns."
Liu Xiuran became famous in the Battle of Jieting. He defended Jieting with his remaining soldiers until the Central Guards arrived in time, and finally preserved the results of the Battle of Longyou.
Although Liu Xiuran submitted himself to the Prime Minister from the beginning, he was personally recommended by the Central Protector.
Therefore, there are still rumors in the army that Liu Xiuran is the "immovable mountain" among the four generals of Fenghuolin under the command of Zhongdu.
As for who are the four generals that everyone is talking about privately...
There are five of the Four Heavenly Kings, plus one or two substitutes, and the total adds up to five, six, seven or eight. Isn’t that common sense?
As long as Zhongduhu doesn't stand up and clarify, how everyone decides and how they are arranged will all depend on personal preference.
Of course, General Zhendong and Zhao Sanqian must be among the top two.
When it comes to circumventing thieves, defense is far more important than offense, so it is indeed more appropriate for Liu Xiuran to go there.
It has been more than ten years since Jiang Wei returned to the Han Dynasty, and over the years, in order to appease Long You, the imperial court treated Jiang Wei quite well.
Coupled with his own talents, it is not an exaggeration to say that he is valued highly.
But after the death of the prime minister, Feng Duhu now became the talker in the army.
Although Zhongduhu used to be very enthusiastic about him, and he could even be said to think highly of him.
But in Jiang Wei's view, Liu Xiuran's relationship with the Central Protector seemed to be closer than his own.
Moreover, he was a reduced general, and Liu Xiuran was from a serious background.
Now that he has taken the first step, if he continues to fight, he will appear to be a solitary person, which is not a good idea.
Liu Yin was overjoyed to see Jiang Wei agree.
…
Just as the Han army at Qinhangu Pass was reorganizing its troops to leave the pass, they were preparing to circle ten miles north to cut off the connection between Xinguan and Shaanxi County.
The Wei army guards in the new pass are also anxiously waiting for news from the old pass.
Since the Western Bandits gave up attacking the new pass and attacked the old pass, they had to communicate with each other once a day in the morning and evening to report peace during the battle between the two passes.
Yesterday, there was thick smoke billowing from Jiuguan, and there seemed to be a war.
What worries him the most is that no one was sent to deliver a letter last night, and no one was even seen this morning.
This gave General Wei a very bad feeling in his heart.
"Thieves, the Han army will never say that they can capture Jiuguan in one day, right?"
General Wei looked toward the south worriedly, but his sight was blocked by high mountains.
Although Jiuguan has been in disrepair for nearly a hundred years, Taifu has also sent people to renovate it in the past few years.
Even if it is not as dangerous as the Qin Dynasty, if you want to say that the Han army can capture it in one day, then you can only explain it with heavenly soldiers and heavenly generals.
Moreover, even if the Han army could invite heavenly soldiers and generals, there should still be sergeants who escaped from there, right?
General Wei tried to comfort himself in his heart, but he couldn't help shouting:
"No, we can't just wait, someone is here!"
"General?"
"Send manpower immediately to Jiuguan to inquire about the situation."
"Here!"
For more than ten miles, back and forth, riding a fast horse without stopping, one hour is enough.
But before he could wait for the report, the general who was responsible for watching the enemy's situation ran over in panic and reported:
"General, it's not good, thief, thief..."
"Thieves?" General Wei frowned, "The thieves are attacking?"
"Yes, yes, they..."
"How unbecoming!" General Wei scolded, "The thieves have been attacking for so long a few days ago, but they still can't get any advantage. Look, you are scared!"
"No, no!" The general didn't know whether he was really frightened or ran too fast and was out of breath. "To the east, no, no, it's to the south. There is an army of thieves!"
"What is east and south? Is it east or south?"
How do you observe the enemy's situation?
Whether it's the east or the south, how could there be bandits appearing?
Did they fly there?
Do you know the consequences of lying about military information?
As soon as Wei Jiang thought of this, his heart suddenly lurched, as if something was not quite right?
Before he could think of why he suddenly became nervous, the general seemed to have come to his senses and answered hurriedly:
"South! They, they seem to be cutting off our retreat from the east."
"What!"
General Wei's voice immediately rose an octave, "You are sure you read that right! Thief...are the Han troops really coming from the south?"
When he said the second half of the sentence, his lips started to tremble.
The worst and most unlikely situation that was expected occurred.
Was Jiuguan really lost in one day?
"Have you really seen it clearly?"
"impossible!"
"This is absolutely impossible!"
The people below were immediately shocked when they heard the news.
On the contrary, General Wei said on behalf of the general responsible for observing the enemy's situation:
"There is nothing impossible. The news from Jiuguan last night and this morning was not delivered. It is very likely that it has fallen into the hands of the Han army."
At this moment, General Wei had even reacted.
The message he sent to Jiuguan might have been intercepted by the Han army.
Therefore, they speculated that they had not received the news yet, so they wanted to catch themselves off guard before they were ready.
"General, what should we do now?"
General Wei himself was a little confused by the sudden situation.
what to do?
He also asked himself in his mind.
retreat?
Or keep?
If you retreat, it may still be too late.
But the greater possibility is that it is already too late.
How many miles is the Han army from here? If you retreat in a hurry, the Han army will definitely pursue you, and your side will definitely be bitten.
It's hard to say how many people the army will lose by then.
What's more important is that there is still food and grass stored in Guancheng!
After all, didn't Emperor Wu build this gate building just to transport grain and grass?
Although the army is not too large now,... Luoyang has not had enough food and fodder for the army in recent years!
But if we keep it, whether we can keep it or not is a big question.
What if, what if, we are really cut off from our retreat and cannot provide effective support from the rear, then we will really risk our lives.
"General, please make a decision as soon as possible!"
Looking at the anxious eyes of the people below, General Wei finally gritted his teeth and made a decision:
"Let all the people outside withdraw into the pass, and order the entire army to guard the pass tower, waiting for reinforcements!"
"Also, immediately send Chuanqi to Shaanxi County and Luoyang to request reinforcements!"
"Here!"
Although he had built up a lot of confidence through these days of defending the city, he was not yet confident enough to fight the Han army in a field battle.
So, now we can only trust Luoyang... right?
"General, the thief didn't run away. Instead, he pulled everyone back into the building."
Not long after the Wei army in Xinguan responded, Liu Yin had already received the news.
Hearing Wei Jun's actions, Liu Yin smiled calmly:
"To be able to hold on for so many days, the thief general is no longer a loser."
Although the Wei thieves were not frightened and fled, Liu Yin didn't care.
In this situation, it doesn't matter whether the Wei army escapes or not.
The difference is just late and early.
"Order the entire army to speed up and set up camp by the river!"
I want to see if you Wei thieves know how to defend a stronghold and block people, or if I know how to defend a stronghold and block people better!
"Here!"
Looking at the Han army outside, it turned out that just as he expected, they began to dig ditches and build strongholds directly on the river bank to the east of Guanlou.
General Wei looked towards the east, and he looked a little depressed.
He obviously guessed what the other party wanted to do, but he couldn't do anything.
This feeling is really terrible.
Just as the Wei army in Xinguan was waiting for reinforcements from the east, Shaanxi County, which was closest to them, also faced a crisis.
Not far to the east of Shaanxi County, there is a ferry. This ferry is called Maojin Ferry.
Back then, that is, in the Spring and Autumn Period, when the Kingdom of Jin was still there, there was a king named Duke Xiang of Jin.
Later generations may not know this person well, but everyone must know the idiom "false Tao defeats Guo".
This idiom refers to Duke Xiang of Jin, who crossed the river from Maojin to the south and destroyed the Guo Kingdom.
Duke Xian of Jin had a son named Chong'er, who was also Duke Wen of Jin, one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period. You may be familiar with this man.
After all, the ancient text "Zhu Zhiwu Retreats the Qin Master" requires memorization.
What it is about is that Qin and Jin jointly attacked Zheng, and then Zhu Zhiwu quietly persuaded the Qin army to retreat. Qin even took the initiative to send people to help defend Zheng.
The king of Jin at that time was Duke Wen of Jin.
Not two years after this incident, Duke Wen of Jin died, and his son succeeded him as Duke Xianggang of Jin.
Then the people of Qin got the news that they had arranged to attack Zheng in the past few years, saying that Zheng was unprepared and could take the opportunity to send troops to destroy Zheng.
The king of Qin at that time was Duke Mu of Qin, who was one of the protagonists of the "Baili Xiu in the City" incident mentioned in the article "Born in Sorrow, Die in Peace".
That is to say, he promoted Baili Xi, and at the same time he was the hero of Qin who dominated Xirong and helped Qin expand thousands of miles to the west.
But the hero sent troops to destroy Zheng, which was definitely one of the biggest failures in his life.
He wanted to take advantage of Jin's national mourning and political turmoil to cooperate with Zheng internally and externally to destroy Zheng in one fell swoop.
Unexpectedly, Zheng Guo got the news in time and made preparations, so the Qin army could only destroy Hua Guo, which was attached to Jin State, and return.
But just when he was returning to the army, Duke Xianggong of Jin, who had just ascended the throne, led his army to cross the river from Maojin to the south and ambush the Qin army.
From top to bottom, no one in the Qin army escaped, and all three generals were captured.
It can be said that Youyou Ancient Ferry has witnessed too much history.
Although after the Han conquered the world, Maojindu never encountered war again.
However, a considerable part of the salt produced in the Hedong Salt Sea is transported from Maojin to Kanto.
Even after the Han army captured Hedong, there were still all-pervasive caravans that secretly transported salt from the ferry to the south of the river in order to make huge profits.