The vanguard of the Western Dynasty's army was Zhang Fei, the governor of Dingxiang. He had ten thousand light cavalry and was the first to arrive at Pingcheng City.
At this time, the rain marks on the ground have not yet dried up, and the road still looks wet. Along the way, you can see the horse hooves and footprints left by the Easterners when they besieged the city. The densely packed footprints seem to show the scene of thousands of troops crowding around at that time. Occasionally, you can also see some buried
The antlers that have not yet been removed from the soil and the flying deer stuck in the soil.
Continuing to walk north along the Wuchuan River, after a while, Linghu Yuan, who was guarding the city, led more than ten riders to meet him. Zhang Fei saw that his left arm was wrapped in a white cloth, obviously he had been hit by an arrow and had not yet recovered.
, then asked with a smile: "Old man, can you kill the enemy again?"
Linghu Yuan sighed and shook his head and said: "It's okay to defend the city, but it's difficult to mount a horse." Zhang Fei seemed quite regretful and patted his other shoulder and said: "It's a pity that you have been guarding here for more than ten years. If this battle is
You can achieve great success, but you can’t be transferred to another place!"
"Ahem." Linghu Yuan just smiled and said, "If the world can be peaceful, it won't make any difference where we defend it." He pointed to Baishan Mountain, which was vaguely visible in the distance, and said to Zhang Fei, "This war is related to the fate of the country. It's a pity that
, but I can only watch."
In the afternoon of that day, the armies of the Western Dynasty began to arrive at Pingcheng one after another and set up camp along the Wuchuan River. Three days later, the Bafu Army, the Xifu Army, the Shanglin Army, and the Nanfu Army all arrived, and each unit of the four prefectures was stationed in order from north to south. The camp was actually
It is thirty-six miles long. Once the summer wind blows, the flags and flags seem to be floating all over the sky, and the horses neigh and seem unable to restrain the passion of galloping on the battlefield. The military appearance is spectacular.
At this time, the Westerners went to look at the Eastern camp, only to find that the momentum was even more alarming. The Eastern army camped at the foot of Zibai Mountain, arranged from northwest to southeast. The camp crossed the Xiaodonghai and reached Cetian Lake. The camp was four-quarters long.
For more than ten miles, it directly blocked the entire passage from Pingcheng to Daijun. To the north of Baishan Mountain, there is also a military tent of the Xianbei people. They are hidden in the mountains and forests. Although they do not know the specific number of people, they just listen to the Xianbei people.
The roar of a man on the red stone cliff like an ape, or the neighing of a galloping horse, are enough to sway your mind.
After both sides saw their respective troop formations, they felt each other's determination to fight.
It had been many days since Cao Cao arrived in Pingcheng, and his considerations for a joint battle had long been completed. Therefore, he held a military meeting with the generals first and analyzed: "The Western army is small, and our army is large. This is the only clear thing at present. But if
The two armies are racing and fighting here, officially joining the battle, and the variables are too great. After all, the Western Army has many veterans, and our army has many new soldiers. It is hard to say who will win or lose." After saying this, he looked up.
He glanced at the generals and waited until everyone nodded in agreement before continuing: "So if you want to take the initiative, you must win by surprise."
Speaking of this, Cao Cao placed a huge map of Bingzhou on the big eucalyptus in his tent, which included the entire northern Xinjiang north of Jinyang. Cao Cao placed the black chess pieces symbolizing the Eastern Army and the white chess pieces symbolizing the Western Army on the map.
He then held a black chess piece in his hand, knocked on the sun and said: "Before sending troops, my idea was to besiege Pingcheng from the front, let Qu Junhou attack and contain the Western thieves from the flanks, and wait for the decisive battle after entering the city.
.But now it seems that Juyang has penetrated too deeply into the heart of the Western bandits, and it is difficult to sustain it for a long time, and it is difficult to conquer the huge defenses of the city suddenly."
Cao Cao said it tactfully, but everyone actually knew about Qu Yi's deeds of fleeing before fighting, so their eyes were all focused on Qu Yi without realizing it, which made Qu Yi uneasy. Fortunately, Cao Cao did not get entangled here, and instead took his hand from Ju Yang.
He took it away and continued: "So I plan to choose another place and set up a surprise army to surround it."
These words made everyone think deeply. They looked at the map of Bingzhou. The northern border of Bingzhou was divided into east and west parts due to Guan Chun Mountain: the east was an open basin, with Pingcheng controlling the north gate of the basin, and Mayi controlling the basin.
South Gate; To the west of Guanlui Mountain is the world-famous Hetao Plain, which is now basically controlled by Xianbei. To the south of the Hetao Plain is a vast and boundless desert, which serves as a natural boundary between Xianbei and the Western Dynasties.
Separated from the Hetao River, it was also called Shasai by the people at that time; and in Guanluo Mountain, the Western Dynasty also set up Dingxiang County, which was condescending and protected the left and right sides.
Everyone thought that when the marshal divided his troops, he wanted to attack Dingxiang? However, all the counties in Dingxiang are located between Chongling Mountains, and only a few thousand soldiers and horses are enough to defend them. I'm afraid it is not a good choice.
However, to everyone's surprise, Cao Cao quickly passed Dingxiang, placed the chess pieces on the sand with a "snap", pushed forward slightly, and entered Xihe County, and then said slowly: "I plan to divide the elite troops.
Ten thousand, across the desert, leading directly to the Xihe River."
All the generals were shocked. They just thought that the Easterners had just come to Yanmen and were just familiar with the terrain of Pingcheng. Now they rashly divided their troops to cross the sand swamp. If they were not careful, they might die of thirst in the sand swamp.
, so few people thought about sending troops from now on. After Cao Cao proposed this proposal, the judge asked on the spot: "Marshal, is this too risky?"
Cao Cao had already thought deeply about this. He smiled and said: "I know what you are worried about. It is just that it is difficult to cross the sandbank and supply supplies. But I have communicated with Kebi Neng and know that there is a passage in the sandbank.
There is plenty of water and grass, so we can get through it safely."
What he was referring to was Huze, where Yu Fuluo was assassinated. Huze is located in the extreme north of Xihe County, bordering the southern end of Wuyuan County. As a lake formed by a tributary of a large river, it has created an oasis in the sand.
, cattle, sheep, tigers and leopards often gather here, but the scale is small, and it is often famous as a hunting place for the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu. At this time, as a passage, the Eastern Army could cross the vast sands and reach Xihe County.
.
Knowing that there was such a passage, the generals suddenly felt more confident, and then heard Cao Cao say: "Kebineng has been entrenched in the Hetao for many years, and his men are very familiar with Huze. I will ask a few people to guide the envoys, and they will definitely be able to pass through Huze.
At that time, walking two hundred miles southeast will be the royal court of the Southern Xiongnu, Meiji."
Having said this, Cao Cao drank a glass of water, stood up straight, stretched, and continued to joke with everyone: "Liu Xuande has tens of thousands of Xiongnu soldiers under his command. He has been with him for nearly twenty years, and his wife is still the princess of the Xiongnu, so
Many people also call him the 'King of Meiji'. If this move can destroy Meiji in one fell swoop, the Huns under his command will inevitably be in chaos. How can we not win if we fight head-on?"
Speaking of this, the plan is almost complete. The only thing worth worrying about is that Meiji, as the royal court of the Huns, may be heavily guarded and difficult to defeat quickly. After Tian Feng proposed it to him, Cao Cao said: "This is not a difficult matter. After all, Liu Bei
When we come to confront each other, we must have mobilized the best of the country. Those who stay at home are not only old and weak, but ordinary people. Therefore, as long as we are unexpected and use our troops quickly, we will definitely achieve miraculous results."
Just when everyone thought that they understood the layout like this, Cao Cao showed a sly look and said leisurely: "But just in case, I plan to provide a layer of cover."
He asked Qu Yi: "Qu Junhou, you drank with me three days ago and said that Chen Chong's reform of the system annoyed some Bingzhou Yuancong and asked them to return to their hometowns. Is that true?"
Qu Yi stood up and replied: "Yes."
Cao Cao nodded and continued: "Then please arrange a few people to contact this group of people and make a wish to make them cause trouble. Regardless of success or failure, the bigger the noise, the better. When I go south,
Allow them to serve as county governors of Bingzhou!"
Qu Yi nodded and clasped his fists.
At this point, Cao Cao turned to everyone and said: "If I can cause chaos in the south, they will definitely not expect that I am interested in Meiji. If I attack the east and west like this, I will definitely gain full success!"
At this point, everyone was convinced and praised Cao Cao for his wisdom.
Then Cao Cao appointed relevant personnel. As usual, he still appointed Cao Ren as the commander-in-chief of the surprise army, and Zhu Ling and Zhang He as assistants. In his opinion, Zhang He was good at making clever changes, and Zhu Ling was good at tact. With them two
As a auxiliary, he must be able to make up for the shortcomings while also coming up with unique ideas.
As for Xianbei’s guide, Kebineng sent Murong Mohuba. Kebineng’s letter of recommendation said that Murong Mohuba was good at marching and knew the terrain well. He was also familiar with the customs of the Xiongnu, Jie and Qiang tribes, and was an excellent guide.
The two candidates. Cao Cao had also talked with him before and saw that he was personable and elegant in conversation, and he was extremely satisfied.
In addition, there are also some chores related to grain and logistics, which Cao Cao has entrusted to Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu has followed Cao Cao for more than ten years and has always done his job conscientiously with few omissions. He even defended Puyang alone.
Therefore, Cao Cao has great trust. This arrangement really covers everything.
After Qu Yi returned to the camp, he handed over the affairs assigned by Cao Cao to Qu Guang. During this period, he suddenly asked him: "What do you think of Cao Mengde?"
Qu Guang pondered for a moment and replied: "Marshal Cao has astonishing ideas, extraordinary wit, and proficiency in magic. He is a figure like Wang Jian from Bai Qi in ancient times. If he can compare with the marching formation, I am afraid that except for the man in Xijing,
, no one in the world can match it.”
Hearing Qu Guang mention Chen Chong, Qu Yi couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and said with a smile: "In your opinion, when Chen Tingjian and Cao Mengde use troops, who is worried and who is worse?"
Qu Guang replied: "Chen Duxiang is rigorous in employing troops and considers every aspect, but he makes mistakes; Marshal Cao is good at making surprises and cannot guard against them, but makes mistakes recklessly. Both sides have their own strengths and weaknesses. The outcome of victory or defeat is often determined by
In one thought."
Speaking of this, both of them laughed. If one cannot predict victory or defeat, everyone knows this. But Qu Guang hesitated for a moment and continued: "Compared with Chen Duxiang's benevolence and tolerance, Cao Guang
The marshal is suspicious and mean by nature. Although he can use people, he cannot exhaust them. If you change your position, you should be cautious and restrain your past indulgent temperament."
Qu Yi replied nonchalantly: "Why do you need to say this? Do you still remember what I said in Juyang? After this battle, I will ask for an emissary from another town. In the future, I will be a prince of eight hundred miles, and I will be at home.
That’s enough for me.”
Seeing that Qu Yi didn't listen, Qu Guang couldn't help but sigh in his heart. But as the saying goes, do your best to obey fate, he thought to himself that since he had done his best, how things would develop in the future could only be decided by nature.<