The north wind is howling, and the northwest wind blowing from the Hehuang Plain is carrying goose feathers and heavy snow, which is flying all over the sky.
Ma Chao stood outside the Chinese army's tent, looking at the snowflakes in the sky. There was a bit of sinister look on his face, which made his handsome face look a bit ferocious.
"Your food and grass haven't arrived yet?"
The sound of footsteps came from behind, and Ma Chao asked without looking back.
Ma Dai stopped behind him, hesitated for a moment, and whispered: "It hasn't been delivered yet... I have sent people to Lingju to urge you, but I am not sure whether I can get the food and grass. Li Yue returned to Zhangye yesterday
, and I don’t know if I can collect some. Brother, it’s been more than a month in the blink of an eye, and the first snow has arrived. If we don’t have enough food and grass, we won’t be able to survive for long. In my opinion, it’s best to return to Zhangye County, and then order people to go to Yun
I'll supervise you."
Cheng Yin is from Feiwo!
While Ling Ju was responsible for containing Caosong Cao's army, he was also responsible for supplying grain and grass to Zhangye.
Zhangye County is a county where the Qiang people are the main people. Most of them focus on animal husbandry, and only a small number of people engage in farming. In the past, Zhangye Qiang relied on supplies from Wuwei County. They already had cattle, sheep and horses, as well as some purchased from Hehuang.
They exchanged their furs with Ma Teng for the necessities of food, clothing, housing and transportation. Now Wuwei County was occupied by Cao Peng, and Zhang Yeqiang returned to Wuwei County during the exchange season. It was inevitable that there would be a shortage of food, salt and other aspects.
Ma Chaoshan also knows this.
There is no need for him to doubt Li Yue's loyalty.
But it was very difficult to collect food and grass from Zhangye.
An army of nearly 10,000 people consumes an astonishing amount of food and fodder every day. How can a small Zhangye County be able to bear this burden?
Before, relying on the constant supply from Jincheng County was able to support it for a while.
But now there was a problem with the food and grass in Jincheng County, which made Ma Chao feel inexplicable pressure.
"Now, how long can the camp sustain food and grass?"
"There is not much left of the food and grass that Cheng Yin sent last time... I asked the chief clerk at noon and he said that it can only last for ten days. This is because Li Yue took away a group of people. If Li Yue's people
I'm afraid I won't be able to survive seven days if I return."
Ten days sounds very wonderful.
But in fact, compared to the battlefield, these ten days are just a matter of waving the hand...
If Li Yue collects grain and grass, it will be fine. If he fails to collect grain and grass, there will definitely be big trouble. This war depends on logistics. If the logistics cannot be guaranteed, it will have a vital impact on the war situation. Ma Chao originally thought that relying on Jincheng
The county's transportation is not a big problem. But now it seems that Jincheng County may not be able to supply...
"Can't move!"
Ma Chao smiled bitterly, "The reason why we are stationed here is because Zhang Yeqiang's burden is too heavy.
If we go back at this time, I am afraid that Zhang Yeqiang will collapse in one day. The consumption of eight thousand troops and horses is definitely not something Zhang Yeqiang can support. We are stationed outside, and Zhang Yeqiang can still provide full support; if we go back, we are afraid that Zhang Yeqiang will collapse.
Conflicts will immediately arise. Even though Li Yue is a handsome man like Zhang Ye and Qiang, he will not be able to suppress it by then..."
Ma Chao thought about it very carefully.
The population of Zhangye County is less than 20,000, and it is a place where supplies are scarce.
The reason why he raised troops with Ma Chao was mainly due to Li Yue's admiration and support for Ma Chao. For a county that could not even guarantee self-sufficiency in materials, if another eight thousand soldiers and horses were added, the impact would be huge.
Ma Chao didn’t dare and didn’t want to gamble!
He only hopes that Ma Teng can end the war as soon as possible, so that he can mobilize part of his strength to increase the pressure on Wuwei County. This piece of Ye County must not be lost. Once it is lost, the Ma family's last remaining power in Wuwei County will be lost.
Part of the force. That's why Ma Chao insisted on staying in Zhangye under such difficult circumstances.
"Then, should I send someone to urge you again?"
Ma Dai asked softly.
"There is little use in urging Cheng Yin on this matter. We still have to look at Master Fei's book... Cheng Yin is just a dog that Feiwo raised. To urge him, it is better to urge Feiwo. In this way, you hold my command arrow
, immediately sent people to Yunwu and asked Feiwo to allocate grain and grass as soon as possible. Fei Chengda stationed troops in Luodu Valley (and Ledu County), and there was plenty of food and grass. As long as Feiwo asked, Fei Chengda would allocate grain and grass for up to five days.
, which can alleviate our lack of food and grass.
At that time, Li Yue can be ordered to attack from Zhangye and attack Lushuitan...
Cao Youxue thought he sent people to station at Lushuitan, I don’t know? Hey, I’m just waiting for the right time.”
If Cao Peng were here, he would definitely be surprised.
Is this still the brave and foolhardy Ma Mengqi? Judging from his remarks, this guy is definitely a thoughtful master, and he is very tolerant. But if you think about it, it is understandable. Ma Teng can sit in charge
Xiliang relied on Ma Chao. When Guo Yuan's high officials were wreaking havoc in Hedong, wasn't it Ma Chao who led the troops and assisted Cao Cao in defeating Guo Yuan?
A master who can lead an army can be brave and reckless?
Ma Dai agreed and took the order and left.
Ma Chao led his troops and headed straight to the rear camp.
The area of the rear camp was not too large, but it was heavily guarded. When two Xiliang generals saw Ma Chao approaching, they quickly stepped forward to salute.
Ma Chao waved his hand and asked in a deep voice: "How? Can it be built?"
"My lord, this thing is actually not difficult to make. The general has ordered craftsmen to make it according to Cao Jun's equipment. However, stirrups are easy to make, but saddles are a bit troublesome... We don't have that many cobblers here, so we have to make them completely.
It may not be easy to imitate Cao's army's equipment. The general has another idea, which is to mix fur and burlap. In this case, the pressure on the cobbler will be greatly reduced, and this kind of needlework can be shouldered by women."
"What's the effect?"
"The difference won't be too big, it's just not as durable as full fur."
Ma Chao rolled his eyes and suddenly said: "Bring the horse."
A black horse, Tuxue Wuzhi, was pulled out of the stable in high spirits. When he saw Ma Chao, he neighed for a while and felt so happy.
This is Ma Chao's mount, an extremely powerful horse.
However, it is wearing a high bridge saddle at the moment. The saddle is tightened and two stirrups are hanging on both sides of the horse's belly...
High bridge saddle, double stirrups!
If Cao Peng saw it, he would be shocked again.
Ma Chao has discovered the secret of Cao Jun. Ma Chao and Cao Peng had noticed something strange when they had a confrontation at the foot of Luanniao City. He discovered that Cao Peng and he were just brothers, but for some reason, Cao Peng was able to continuously attack on his horse.
He was very powerful and looked very calm when he was sitting astride the horse, which made him feel a little curious.
He immediately guessed that Cao Peng must have a huge secret in his hands.
So he ordered people to collect Cao Jun's war horses, and soon discovered the existence of high bridge saddles and double stirrups. Fortunately, in addition to the flying camel soldiers and white camel soldiers, Cao Peng had not had time to promote horseshoes in the entire army. Otherwise, the horses are among the three treasures.
All the secrets will be exposed. After setting up camp, Ma Chao recuperated for a few days and then ordered people to start imitating stirrups and high saddles.
This is not a particularly complicated process in the first place, the key is an understanding.
If you know it, then the process is equivalent to being cracked!
If you don't know, it's still a secret... Ma Chao pulls the saddle and recognizes the stirrup, turns over and sits on the horse, knocks the horse's belly with both feet, steps on the snow, neighs, and runs in the rear camp with his hooves. Ma Chao Shen Ruoqiao
Yan made various movements on the horse to test the use of the saddle and stirrups. He saw the horse galloping, the horse and the horse merged into one, which attracted the applause of the Xiliang generals. After running for more than ten laps, Ma Chao suddenly
He let out a long whistle.
Ta Xue Wu Zui immediately stopped, and Ma Chao turned over and dismounted.
"How do you do, eldest son?"
Ma Chao laughed loudly, "Baby, my Xiliang cavalry has become even more powerful.
Immediately ordered to speed up the production of stirrups and saddles... Well, after they are produced, they will be distributed to my Flying Tiger Guards first, and then promoted to the entire army. As for the issue of mixed production, the 800 saddles of the Flying Tiger Guards need to be
Mainly fur, as for the rest, you can consider mixing them. In short, the replacement of the entire army must be completed as soon as possible, and then..."
A hint of gloom flashed across Ma Chao's face.
After I assemble these things, Cao Peng! Let's compete again and let me see how capable you are!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++
Time passes day by day.
It has been three days in the blink of an eye.
As Ma Chao guessed, Cheng Yin did not allocate food and grass.
However, his reason is very good, that is, Lingju does not have much food reserves. Ma Chao is trying to contain the Luanniao in Zhangye, and Lingju is not easy either. He has to cross the Huangshui tributary and constantly attack to put pressure on Cangsong and contain Cangsong.
.
Lingju's consumption of food and grass was equally astonishing.
According to Cheng Yin, he now relies entirely on supplies from Luodu Valley and has no spare power to support Ma Chao's troops.
Cheng Yin was a native of Jincheng County and was once a member of Han Sui's tribe.
After Han Sui's death, Cheng Yin and Candidate were reused by Ma Teng through Fei Wo.
Fei Long, the commander-in-chief of Luodu Valley, also known as Fei Chengda, is Fei Wo's son. In comparison, they are both from Jincheng, and Fei Chengda has a close relationship with the candidate Cheng Yin, so it is naturally impossible for him to treat Cheng Yin badly.
But Ma Chao is different... Ma Chao and Fei Long have nothing to do with each other, and because of Ma Tie, the Fei family and Ma Chao are not on good terms.
It is indeed very difficult to get Fei Long to support Ma Chao.
But the most important thing is Fevo's attitude. If Fevo is willing to support Ma Chao, Fevo will naturally not be able to make things difficult. But now, what exactly does Fevo think? No one knows. The Battle of Longxi is in full swing, Fevo
He didn't have that much energy to take care of Ma Chao. After Ma Teng captured Didao, he drove Wei Duan and his son to Hanyang County. But this does not mean that Ma Teng easily controlled the entire Longxi County.
Among the eleven counties of Longxi County, apart from Baishi Paohan in Heguan, Ma Teng only occupied Didao and Lintao.
In addition, with Wei Duan's defeat, Ma Teng gained the two counties of Shouyang and Angu. Now he has stationed troops in Wuxi Ju and is using troops against Zhang County. In other words, out of the eleven counties in Longxi, Ma Teng gained seven.
, there are still five counties and cities resisting.
Among them, Zhang County is particularly important.
Ma Teng did not want to completely capture Longxi County, but he had to capture Zhang County.
After Yang Fu rescued Wei Duan and his son, he ordered generals Kong Xin and Wang Ling to defend Zhangxian and Xiangwu. This was able to save Hanyang County from being affected by the war. But how long it can last, I am afraid even Yang Fu himself will not be able to do so.
Not sure.
The war in Liangzhou is not over yet.
On the day when the first snow arrives, it has just begun.
Ma Chao knew this very well, but he also knew that Fevo didn't like him very much.
But now, he has no choice but to rely on Fewo's support. If Fewo refuses to allocate food and grass, Zhangye will definitely lose.
Ma Teng wins, but Ma Chao loses?
This is by no means the result Ma Chao wants to see.
That would cause his reputation to plummet... God knows what Ma Teng, who just changed his mind, would think?
"Is there any news from Favor?"
Ma Dai smiled bitterly and said: "The messenger has just returned, and Chief Secretary Yan Fei promised that he will raise food and grass as soon as possible to alleviate the crisis in Zhangye."
"As soon as possible? How fast is that?"
"..."
Ma Chao couldn’t laugh or cry!
Don't be afraid of opponents who are like gods, but be afraid of opponents who are like pigs.
At this time, you are still suppressing me and thinking about fighting within yourself? Your grandson is dead and your daughter was captured by Cao Peng. What capital do you have in your hand to challenge me? Unless you have another daughter,
Come and be my little girl, otherwise the foundation of Liangzhou will belong to me sooner or later...Feiwo, you are making yourself uncomfortable.
How could Ma Chao not guess what Fei Wo was thinking?
However, he has no other choice now. At least for now, if Fevo doesn't support him, he will lose sooner or later.
"..."
After he pondered for a moment, he suddenly stood up and said: "Brother, let's do this. I will immediately take people to Yunwu to meet Fei Wo and urge him to allocate grain and grass. You and Li Yue, one guarding the military stronghold and the other guarding Zhangye, must
To prevent Cao Jun from sneak attack.
The day before yesterday, Tan Ma said that Cao Peng had fallen ill due to Wang Meng's death and had returned to Guzang.
It's just a little trick, how can he deceive me? He wants to lure the snake out of the hole and trick me into attacking... I just don't get what he wants, let's see how long he can hold on. Now, it depends on who has the patience to make the first move. I'll allow it, at most
Before I come back on the 3rd or 5th day, you and Li Yue should be careful not to act rashly. Wait until I come back before making any decision."
Ma Dai is a master with a softer personality.
In other words, I have no ambitions and can't make up my mind.
He would carry out what others told him. Ma Dai was an extremely excellent executor, not a decision-maker.
This can be seen from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
After Ma Dai returned to Shu Han with Ma Chao, he did not do anything particularly outstanding. Apart from killing Wei Yan...oh, he did it because of Zhuge Liang's will. Almost everything he did on the scene was done according to orders.
In this way, there will be no big achievements, but there will also be no big mistakes.
Don’t seek merit, but seek no faults... In his previous life, Cao Peng once joked with others: Zhuge Liang’s greatest achievement in the Shu Han was to raise a group of obedient dogs. In the battle of Jieting, if Ma Dai was the main general, he would not be able to do it.
A great victory.
It's a pity that Zhuge Liang finally chose the uneasy Ma Su.
Ma Dai cupped his hands and said: "Brother, don't worry, I will keep an eye on Cao Jun."
Ma Chao nodded, which was considered to have settled his worries. That same day, he ordered his troops and horses, braved the wind and snow to leave the camp, and went straight to Yunwu.
As long as I have enough food and grass, that will be the day for us to decide the outcome!
