The messenger asking for reinforcements has just left Xiangyang City, and reinforcements have arrived!
Are you kidding me?
Cao Peng was stunned and puzzled, and hurriedly led Kou Feng to the outside of Xiangyang City. The north gate of Xiangyang City was closed and heavily guarded.
Wenpin also got the news and hurried over with his people.
When Cao Peng arrived at the gate of Beicheng, he happened to meet Wenpin face to face. Before Cao Peng could speak, Wenpin rushed forward on horseback.
"General Cao, what do you mean?"
"What do you mean by Zhongye?"
"Where did the soldiers and horses outside the city come from?"
"I just heard about it and came here to check... General Zhongye, don't misunderstand me. The promise I made before was definitely not a prevarication. Otherwise, why would I come to this dangerous place alone? The prime minister must send forward troops to protect my safety.
Come, there is absolutely no other meaning.
If not, can Zhong Ye and I go to the city to have a look?"
Seeing that Cao Peng's words were sincere, Wenpin couldn't help but hesitate.
When he first heard that Cao Cao's troops were approaching the city, Wen Pin was really shocked. Although Liu Cong had already sent a letter of surrender, expressing his willingness to surrender to the imperial court, according to the rules, Cao Cao would first send someone to inform him of the reward, and then agree on a time to station in Xiangyang.
.Prior to this, the two sides would not mobilize troops and horses to maintain a balanced situation. Unexpectedly, Cao Jun arrived suddenly, and Wenpin did not get any information.
If Cao Peng hadn't been in Xiangyang City, he would have even thought that Cao Peng had gone back on his word and was preparing to harm Liu Cong...
Judging from Cao Peng's attitude, he really wasn't sure.
Wenpin thought for a while, then accompanied Cao Peng to the city to watch.
Under the city, Cao's army was encamped not far away.
Judging from their situation, it seems that they are all cavalry. There is a large black banner fluttering in the wind, with a big word "Cao" written on it. On both sides of the banner, there is a flag. One side has "Tiger" embroidered on it, and the other side has "Tiger" written on it.
With the word "leopard" on it. When Cao Peng saw it, he immediately recognized that these soldiers and horses were the elite tiger and leopard cavalry of Cao's army.
"Zhongye, the prime minister's tigers and leopards are coming.
Zhongye must have also heard that the prime minister has ordered General Cao Chun to replace me as the governor of Nanyang County, and I will be the deputy governor of the Hubaoqi. This must be the Hubaoqi coming to obey the orders. General Zhongye can rest assured."
Tiger and leopard riding?
Wenpin narrowed his eyes and let out a breath.
He had heard from the scouts that except for this army, no other Cao troops had arrived.
Cao Cao's army is still stationed in the north of Atou Mountain, and has no intention of marching. If it were just tiger and leopard cavalry, Wenpin would be able to rest assured.
He quickly called to one of his followers, whispered a few words into his ears, and he immediately rushed to the city.
Thinking about it, Wenpin asked this personal attendant to inform Madam Cai and Liu Cong. Suddenly Cao Jun arrived, and Madam Cai, Liu Cong and others must have been extremely nervous. After Wenpin made arrangements, he turned around to talk to Cao Peng. Suddenly he heard that
There was a commotion below the city, followed by numerous cavalry galloping out of Cao's camp and reining in their horses at the foot of Xiangyang City.
Cao Peng put up the awning with his hands and looked around, and couldn't help but be startled.
"Under the city, is it Ling Ming?"
"Young Master, I have ordered you to lead three thousand tiger and leopard cavalry by order of the Prime Minister. We are here to listen to your orders."
The first general was none other than Pound.
On Pang De's left and right hands, two generals stood at attention. Cao Peng was not familiar with these two men, and he recognized them as Cao Cao's favorite generals. Zhang He was awarded the title of General Ping Di for his merits in defeating Karasuma.
, General Pi looked up at the two of them. Cao Peng secretly took a breath of cold air in his heart. Zhang He looked at them, why did these two people come with Pound? And judging from this posture, it seems that Pound is the leader.
"Zhongye, can I go out of the city to ask?"
Wenpin also saw the clues. This Cao army did not come for conquest, but came purely to protect Cao Peng.
I couldn't help but secretly envy Cao Cao's favor and trust in Cao Peng. Since he was not an enemy, there was no need to worry... Of course, Wenpin would not relax his vigilance because of this. He agreed with Cao Peng to go out to the city to inquire, but at the same time he ordered the city commander to
Soldiers should be prepared to avoid fraud.
Cao Peng and Kou Feng walked out of the city, and the three of them held hands with Pang De on their horses.
"Ling Ming, why are you here?"
He did not say hello to Zhang He and Gao Lan because he knew that Zhang He and Gao Lan must have a secret mission when they came with Pound. Otherwise, given their official positions, it is absolutely impossible for the two of them to be Pound's subordinates. How big of an official was Pound? Cao Peng was now a tiger.
The deputy governor of the Leopard Cavalry, Pound is at most a Tiger and Leopard Cavalry General. According to salary or rank, he is probably a school lieutenant. But Zhang He Gaolan, but they are all generals with mixed titles, and their rank is much higher than Pound. This is
The two of them must have a mission when they appear here. It's best not to reveal their identities.
Fortunately, Zhang He and Gao Lan were also smart and turned a blind eye to Cao Peng without any reaction.
Pang Dece immediately stepped forward and said: "Young Master, I have been ordered by Taizhong to come and obey the young master... Taizhong said that the overall situation in Jingxiang has been decided, but there are still young people. The young master only has 800 soldiers in his hands, so he may not be able to catch him.
.Therefore, I was ordered to come with the tiger and leopard cavalry and obey the master's orders.
Taizhong ordered, be careful, Liu Bei fled."
Cao Peng narrowed his eyes.
Is Jia Xu also worried that Liu Bei will slip through the net?
The tiger and leopard cavalry coming forward could solve Cao Peng's current awkward situation of having no soldiers.
"In this case, you will be stationed outside the city and there is no need to enter the city...
I will explain to Mr. Cong and ask him to send provisions and tents. You must retreat ten miles immediately and remember not to disturb the people... I will meet you again after I have made arrangements."
"Here!"
Pang De and the other two joined hands to accept the order and said goodbye to Cao Peng.
Immediately, three thousand tigers and leopards retreated ten miles north and set up camp.
Cao Peng led Kou Feng back to Xiangyang City again. He called Wenpin and went to the state capital together to explain to Mrs. Cai and Liu Cong.
Mrs. Cai was not very disgusted with the arrival of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
Think about it, since Cao Cao trusts Cao Peng so much, he will definitely not let him stay in Xiangyang for a long time. After all, although Jingzhou has expressed its willingness to surrender, it does not really control it. As Cao Cao's envoy, Cao Peng cannot leave easily. So,
It seemed reasonable for Cao Cao to send someone to protect Cao Peng. After hearing Cao Peng's explanation, he immediately said that he would be responsible for the provision of food and fodder for tigers and leopards.
Afterwards, she ordered Cai He to collect the food and grass tents and send them to the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry camp.
He then asked Cao Peng gently: "Now that the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry are coming, what are Mr. Cao's plans?"
Obviously, Mrs. Cai is still a little worried. After all, Cao Peng still has 800 tooth soldiers stationed in Xiangyang City... In case, although she is not sure about the strength of those 800 tooth soldiers, she heard from Wenpin and others
She mentioned that she would be a little uneasy if Cao Peng continued to stay in the city.
Cao Peng said: "I will lead my personal followers out of the city and station them outside the city."
"How...how did this happen?"
"Madam, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry has always been arrogant and arrogant. I am new to the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, but I can't intimidate you yet.
If we don't join him, I'm afraid that the generals in the army will not be able to intimidate the tiger and leopard cavalry. For the sake of the people of Xiangyang, I should also go to the camp and take charge."
Mrs. Cai clearly didn't want Cao Peng to live in the city, but she still tried to persuade him to stay.
Cao Peng secretly laughed in his heart, but he still showed enough politeness in his words. Mrs. Cai was also very happy, and after pretending to stay, she sent Cao Peng away.
"Youxue, why do you have to stay outside the city?
Madam actually doesn’t want you to leave the city, but..."
After leaving the state capital, Wenpin couldn't help but persuade Cao Peng. From the bottom of his heart, Wenpin had a good impression of Cao Peng. He didn't have the domineering attitude of a young man who was successful.
You have degree. In Jingzhou, a place where literary style flourished, although Wenpin was a military commander, he was deeply influenced by it and attached great importance to magnanimity and etiquette. At least in his impression, Cao Peng was rarely rude. This also made Wenpin
Pin had a lot of affection for Cao Peng, not to mention that they were old acquaintances...
After Cao Peng visited Sima Hui and Sima Hui set up the bridge, Wenpin and Cao Peng became very close.
Firstly, he also admired Cao Peng's talent and learning. Secondly, Cao Peng was from Nanyang and had a hometown friendship with him. Not to mention, he and Cao Peng had known each other ten years ago. The two of them first met in Xiangyang City.
During the discussion, Wenpin was very sad when he heard the news about Wang Meng.
When he broke up with Cao Peng in Yangce Town, he never imagined that one day the young man who fled would achieve what he does today.
"Youxue, but I'm still worried..."
After returning to the inn, Cao Peng ordered Kou Feng to pack his luggage and sent someone to inform Lu Mao about the situation. Wenpin asked in a low voice.
Cao Peng hesitated for a moment and nodded.
"Uncle Liu Huang is a generous man and a gentleman. Why not youxue..."
Wenpin didn't say anything further, but the meaning of begging for mercy was self-evident.
Cao Peng had known for a long time that Wenpin had a good impression of Liu Bei. Regardless of whether Liu Bei was truly benevolent or fake, to Cao Peng, he was Cao Cao's enemy, that is, his own enemy. During the Three Kingdoms era, heroes emerged in large numbers because of their personal feelings.
There are many examples of failed battles and serious consequences. Cao Peng would not make the same mistake! If he had the chance, he would never let Liu Bei go.
"Zhong Ye, I don't know what kind of person Liu Xuande is.
Don't think that I want to kill him because of personal enmity. In fact, Liu Bei and I don't have much interaction. Although we have occasional conflicts, they are mostly for justice.
Now Prime Minister Cao can unify the north and conquer the south of the Yangtze River, which is just around the corner.
There are only a few people who can be enemies with Prime Minister Cao, and this Liu Bei is even more of a nuisance. If I can't get rid of Liu Bei, there will be disaster in Jingzhou... Zhongye, do you think Liu Bei will sit back and watch the Prime Minister occupy Jingzhou? He categorically said
He will not allow it. When the time comes, he will continue to create chaos in Jingzhou, and the result will inevitably be continued war in the nine and eighty-one counties of Jingxiang and the loss of life...
I dare not say that Prime Minister Cao will definitely make Jingzhou rich.
But we will never let Jingzhou become as desolate as Xuzhou was.
Sometimes, Zhongye should not be blinded by personal feelings... Could it be, Zhongye, that you want to see the folks in Jingzhou separated from their wives and their families, and become homeless?"
"this……"
Wenpin took a breath and fell into deep thought.
He respects Liu Bei, but that doesn't mean that he will ignore Jingzhou and turn it into ruins.
Cao Peng mentioned Xuzhou, which can be regarded as a lesson learned from the past. Yes, if Liu Bei is not killed, can Jingzhou really find peace?
Thinking of this, Wenpin suddenly gritted his teeth and took out a military talisman from his arms.
"Youxue, there is a farm at the foot of Wanshan Mountain, which is my private property.
There are two thousand soldiers and horses in the farm, which are my private soldiers, and are now under the command of my adopted son Wenwu. You Xue can hold this military talisman and go to see my adopted son.
At the age of 20, he should serve as an official.
Just let him wait under Youxue's tent to find a way out for the future... As for Fancheng, I will send people to watch him to death."