Twenty miles outside Sangyuan Gorge, Yuzhong County.
A small military tent stood abruptly at the foot of the mountain. The four walls of the tent were cut off, making it look a bit like a pavilion at the foot of the mountain.
Zheng Pu and Liang Yuanbi, the leader of the Xiutu branch of the Xiongnu, sat on separate tables.
In the manner of a banquet, two short tables and tables were arranged; a fire was set up in the middle, with half a piece of lamb roasting, and the layer of snow where the two tables and tables intersected was faintly lit by a small red-painted earthenware stove.
There was steam from the cooking; there was a faint smell of kumiss mixed with the aroma of meat.
Liang Yuanbi is going back to her habitat in the Guanchuan River Valley.
Zheng Pu rewarded the kindness of the Wei army by sending prisoners of war and cattle and sheep to the Wei army, and held a banquet in his honour.
However, he frowned when he was greeted with courtesy.
His request to become a vassal of the Han Dynasty and seek asylum from the Han army in Longyou was already approved by Zheng Pu.
But Zheng Pu also spoke frankly, claiming that it was difficult for his tribe to survive in Liangzhou with only more than 2,000 settled people.
Especially at this time when Han and Wei were attacking each other.
Even if he had the protection of the Han army, if Ni Wei or other Qiang and Hu tribes suddenly attacked him, how could he persist until the Han army rescued him?
After all, his tribe's habitat was quite far away from the Han army's garrison.
Not to mention, every Han army needs to report to Prime Minister Zhuge Liang or other chief officials whether to send troops or not.
After getting permission to send troops, his tribe might be wiped out.
This made Liang Yuanbi feel worried.
I also know that Zheng Pu is not alarmist.
He was able to thrive before, so Liangzhou belonged to the Wei State.
Liangzhou of Wei State successively served as governor and prefect of Wuwei. In order to prevent other Qiang and Hu tribes from becoming stronger, he overtly and secretly put an end to wars between strong and weak tribes. Now, in order to show his favor to the Han army in the future, he was taken to Sangyuan Gorge by Zheng Pu.
Demonstrating against the Wei army, how could the Wei army in Zuli County, Wuwei County not encourage other Qiang and Hu tribes to attack him?
well.
In my eagerness, I lacked consideration.
There was a burst of annoyance in his heart.
I couldn't help but think about the other two suggestions put forward by Zheng Pu.
One is to be registered as a household register by the Han Dynasty and sent to live in Shu. He will receive a noble position and a title of 200 households in the city, so that future generations will have no worries about food and clothing.
On the other hand, he will become a general of the Han Dynasty and lead his people to conquer the Han Dynasty as a righteous follower.
The Han court would set aside a pasture in the Longyou area to accommodate the tribesmen, and there was no need to prepare their own food, fodder, or supplies during the expedition.
Gains from the war will be replaced in proportion to the military merits.
One is the loss of the authority of the leader, and the other is the gradual consumption of the tribe's strength by war.
He was unwilling to choose either option.
"General, if my tribe is willing to serve as the Han's defense force forever, how will the Han court treat me?"
After a long silence, he proposed another way out.
This was also the practice of the Han Dynasty towards the Xiongnu tribe.
Since the beginning of the Han Dynasty, the Xiongnu, who had been in decline after the attacks of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty and civil strife, came south and surrendered to the Han Dynasty, and they were placed by the imperial court as soldiers to protect the fortress.
And today's Wei Wei still implements this strategy against tribes such as the Xiongnu and Xianbei.
After Zheng Pu heard this, he couldn't help but feel funny.
The human heart is not enough for a snake to swallow an elephant.
A small tribe of only two thousand people actually dared to claim to be the "protector" of the Han Dynasty?
Zheng Pu suppressed his smile and did not answer. Instead, he asked, "It's not that I question the sincerity of the leader, but how can the leader's tribe protect the stronghold of our great Han? Furthermore, our great Han has not captured Hexi yet."
The four counties and the three auxiliaries in Guanzhong have no fortress outside Guanzhong to place their leaders!"
Hearing this, Liang Yuanbi opened her mouth, wanted to say something but closed her mouth again.
The Han Dynasty was concerned with external fortresses, such as Yinping County and Longxi County.
However, the Huawai Baima Qiang and the Shaodang Qiang inhabited the areas outside the Pass, and they had long surrendered to the Han.
Moreover, what Zheng Pu said was correct. With his weak power, he really couldn't protect the big man.
There was silence for a long time.
Zheng Pu felt a little impatient, so he raised his wine bottle and asked for a drink, "Since the leader has no decision now, why not go back and think about it slowly. I will give you some of the weapons captured in this war, and I will treat it as the leader.
My big man's gift of thanks can also give the leader more ability to protect himself."
"Thank you, General!"
Quickly putting down the wine bottle, Liang Yuanbi stood up, put her hands on her chest and bowed her waist in salute, "Oh, that's all. The general treats me with sincerity and considers my good fortune. If I don't accept the good offer, I'm afraid I will be resented by the gods. I just don't know.
, if all my people move to Shu and register as Han people, after I get the title, can I keep Baibu Qu with me to fight for the Han?"
He paused for a moment, fearing that Zheng Pu would not agree, so he rushed to add, "General, our tribe is weak. In order to avoid being plundered by others, we often move to various places. Such as the Wushui Basin, the four counties in Hexi and the Hetao outside the Great Wall.
I am very familiar with the topography of Yinshan and other places. If the general asks for my help and allows the court to grant me a military position, I will definitely benefit the Han Dynasty in his future conquests!"
"Great kindness!"
Unable to help, Zheng Pu laughed.
He also stood up and came over to help Liang Yuanbi up, "The chief is willing to lead the general because I, a big man, can continue the story of 'Gao Bu Shi'!"
Suddenly, Liang Yuanbi also laughed.
Things were settled, and we had enough wine and food.
Zheng Pu then asked Uncle Du to lead more than a hundred people back with Liang Yuanbi to assist him in relocating his tribe.
Zhang Bao, who knew the whole story, watched their retreating figures and whispered to Zheng Pudao, "Since ancient times, we have never forgotten danger when we are in peace. Our Han family has the teaching of etiquette and justice, and there are still some punishments.
The ignorant people violated the ban, not to mention the Huns who slaughtered the barbarians in their branch? Zijin recruited Liang Yuanbi as a general, fearing that trouble would happen someday."
One word revealed Liang Yuanbi's thoughts.
Becoming a general of the Han Dynasty and accompanying him in the expedition was not only to accumulate meritorious service and gain greater etiquette; it was also to expand his reputation by defeating other Qiang and Hu tribes and to make other weak Huns tribes rely on him.
After all, other Xiongnu tribes were more willing to trust him than the Han court.
It seems that two thousand clansmen were given away to be reorganized by the Han, but in fact they wanted more.
It's just that Zhang Bao knew Liang Yuanbi's little thoughts, how could Zheng Pu not know?
"Hey, Brother Wenrong is worrying too much."
Zheng Puxian smiled and said slowly, "In terms of riding and shooting skills, the Hulu are naturally more skilled; but in terms of power and strategy, can he still take advantage of my big man? What I promised him today is just a piece of gold."
That's all. Otherwise, if there are only two thousand people from the Luo tribe who dare not to surrender, I won't step in and let Brother An Guo send troops to destroy them! I really thought that by sending some prisoners and cattle and sheep, I claimed to be loyal to my big man.
Disciple? Haha~~~"
Well.
Suddenly, Zhang Bao was speechless.
He suddenly remembered that this brother-in-law had always been ruthless in his behavior.
As long as he does anything that benefits the country, he will not bring his personal emotions and considerations to his reputation.
"That's all, I'm the one talking too much."
Zhang Bao glanced at it and said angrily, "I forgot that Zijin has never been known for his virtue!"
"Hahaha~~~"
Zheng Pu laughed and said, "Brother Wenrong is the one who knows me."
After laughing, he calmed down and said, "With the way the Prime Minister behaves, Liang Yuanbi will be arranged to serve in our army, and then he will be under the command of Brother Wenrong. With more than a hundred light cavalry to support him, my brother will be more calm when breaking the formation." "
"good."
After persuading Liang Yuanbi's small tribe, Zheng Pu asked Mi Wei to lead his troops to escort the Hulu and escort the wounded back, and then began to urge the soldiers to cut trees, open mountains and retrieve rocks.
He was preparing for the storming of Sangyuan Gorge.
Because at this time, it was the time for Wei Yan and others to defeat Wei Wei in the wilds of Fengyang City in Youfu, Guanzhong.
Wei Yan also wrote a letter when he returned, claiming that the ministries under his supervision were confronting Wei Wei and that war would not break out in a short time. He asked Zheng Pu if he needed to send back some troops to assist in the garrison.
Zheng Pu was naturally overjoyed after hearing this.
Against the Wei Dynasty, more troops could not be sent to Guanzhong to Liangzhou, so Pingxiang City and Ayang City did not need to garrison too many troops.
He hurriedly replied to Wei Yan and told Wei Yan about the war. He also claimed that there was no need to return troops. By the way, he asked Guan Xing, who was stationed in Pingxiang City, to prepare grain and siege equipment. After Mi Wei returned to take over the defense, he led the army to join him. Attacked Sangyuan Gorge in Yuzhong County.
Regardless of whether it can be captured or not, it can be regarded as creating a good opportunity for Li Yan to capture Xiping County.
However, what he didn't know was that after Xia Houru suffered heavy casualties in a night attack, Xiping County became the prey of the Han Dynasty!
To be precise, Ni Wei gave up on his own initiative.
The reason must start after Xia Houru's defeat.
As soon as he returned to Sangyuan Gorge, he sent an order to Guo Huai, the Shu army guard in Xiping County, and asked him to send some troops to support and guard.
Not much, just the 3,000 soldiers led by Li Yi General Pang Hui.
Because Sangyuan Gorge is easy to defend but difficult to attack, and he can recruit young men and women to help defend the city during war, he can still hold on to the pass even if the Han army is attacked by five times the enemy force.
But a few days ago, Xia Houru felt disappointed when he saw the Hu people and the Han army coming to check the military situation at the pass.
Because of Guanzhong Youfufeng and his defeat, the Xiutu branch of the Xiongnu turned to goodwill and rebelled against Shu. What about the Zhongqiang tribe in the Huangshui Valley?
Will he also lose confidence in Wei?
He had a vague answer in his heart.
Therefore, he wrote a letter and sent it to Cao Zhen, the Grand Sima who was in charge of Chencang City in Youfufeng, to inform him of the situation here.
Cao Zhen responded very quickly.
He did not criticize him harshly for the defeat, but only set a future strategy: "If Xiping County cannot be defended, abandon it; we must do our best to ensure that Jincheng County is not lost!"
This order was carried out only three days after it arrived in Xia Houru's hands.
It was not that he was afraid of fighting again and simply gave up on Xiping County.
But if we continue to hold on to Xiping, I am afraid that Jincheng County will also be lost.
The ministries led by Li Yan finally completed the strategic intention set by Prime Minister Zhuge Liang.
First, Ma Dai, the general who conquered the north.
He led his Xiliang Iron Cavalry and Shaodang Qiangzhong troops to join forces. After more than a month of trekking, he finally crossed the Datong River Basin from the gap of Lenglong Ridge in the Qilian Mountains to Baishi Cliff, along the Ruoshui River Valley ( Shandan River) entered Zhangye County, Hexi Province.
This section of the Weushui River Valley (Yannan Basin) was founded by Huo Qubing, the former Han cavalry general in 121 BC. It is the largest horse breeding farm in the Hexi Corridor (Shandan Horse Farm).
The war horses grazed here account for almost seventy-eight percent of the war horses in the Hexi Corridor.
Half of the cavalry horses in the Wei army came from here.
Even after implementing the policy of "people on the border governing the border", Wei State still held the racecourse tightly in its hands.
This is where Ma Dai and Shaodang Qiang King Mangzhong attacked.
Although the Wei State also had garrison troops and horses, after most of the troops were deployed to Jincheng and Xiping counties, only more than 2,000 people were left here.
According to common sense, two thousand cavalry is enough for defense.
After all, the Hexi Haoyou and Qianghu tribes have just tasted the benefits released by Wei State, and no one will rob the horse farm at this time.
This created an opportunity for Ma Dai.
He had two thousand Xiliang iron cavalry at his headquarters, plus three thousand cavalry from Shaodang Qiang King Mangzhong. They suddenly came like divine soldiers descending from the sky, and the Wei army guarding the horse farm could not resist at all.
After Ma Dai succeeded with one attack, he sent more than a thousand men to drive back the 3,000 captured horses.
Relying on the powerful mobility of the cavalry, he and Qiang King Mangzhong divided their troops into two groups and swept through Dichi (today's Minle County) and Rile County in Yanzhi Mountain. After showing off their power, they disappeared and returned to the army.
It also caused chaos in Zhangye County and panic in the entire Hexi Corridor.
Countless Haoyou and Qianghu tribes suddenly discovered that they had made a big mistake in responding to the call of the governor Yang Fu and sending their nephews with their private troops to accompany General Yin Feng to Xiping County to help Wei in the war.
The Han army was actually able to come from Huawai!
This is intolerable to them.
He also insisted on sending people to Xiping County to recall the private soldiers.
No matter how much Yang Fu tried to comfort him and made solemn claims, the Han army would never attack again.
Oaths pale in comparison to the facts.
The sudden appearance of the Han army in the Hexi Corridor was enough to make them wary of "just in case".
In other words, is the fall of Xiping County and Jincheng County more important than their own property and safety?
After Pang Hui led his troops to Yuzhong County, Jincheng County, more than 10,000 private soldiers from the four counties of Hexi were transferred back again. Guo Huai's troops who insisted on defending Xiping County were stretched thin.
Originally, his military strength was equal to that of Li Yan, so they were evenly matched.
No one can do anything to anyone.
For example, Li Yan sent Liao Hua's troops westward along the river to attack the Great Valley, and he asked Yang Feng to lead Huangzhong Yi to resist; for example, Jiang Wei's troops bypassed Tumen Pass at the head of the river and attacked Mu from the west sea.
After Chenggu and Shuugu, he asked General Hao Zhao to go and set up defenses along Riyue Mountain.
No matter how Li Yan divided his troops and dispatched them, he remained unchanged in response to all changes, preventing the Han army from advancing even one step.
Waiting for the Han military divisions to wait until the old soldiers were tired and their supplies were exhausted, they took the initiative to retreat.
But now, he no longer has many troops to block Li Yan's headquarters in Jishi Gorge.
What is even more worrying is that no matter how hard they concealed it, the Qianghu tribe in the Huangshui River Valley finally knew about the defeat of the Wei army in Fengyang City and Yuzhong County on the right.
Although Pang Xuan, who has great prestige, appeases various Qiang leaders, it is inevitable that people have different ideas!
The Shaodang Qiang living in the valley behind Riyue Mountain, and their Qiang King Zhuyi has been having frequent private banquets with other leaders recently.
He claimed that he had nothing to do in the winter, so he invited his friends to drink and have fun.
But how could Guo Huai not know what he actually had in mind?
It’s just that we can’t send troops to destroy him now!
At this time, a sudden change occurred in the Wuting Nishui River Valley connecting Jincheng County and the four counties in Hexi Province. Xiahou Ru had no choice but to cut off his arm and ordered Guo Huai to lead the army to withdraw from Xiping County.
