Chapter 400: Xin Pi's Message
In the darkness of night, even with the flames rising into the sky, it was not easy to identify the enemy.
What's more, Le Jin, who killed Bian Rang with a single sword, had not had much reputation in the Yanzhou area before.
The frequency of battles in Yanzhou was not very high to begin with, and with the pressure from the Cao and Xiahou families, Le Jin had very few opportunities to show his skills.
If Zhang Chao could really be considered Cao Cao's subordinate, perhaps he could even have a colleague relationship with him.
But he didn't.
He even thought at this moment -
I’m afraid that Qiao Yan’s people have arrived!
At this time, it was only two days before Cao Cao set off for the north. Unless there were no delays in the transmission of news and the arrival of reinforcements, it would be possible for the cavalry to arrive at this moment.
But how many cavalry did Cao Cao have in Puyang?
There won’t be too many anyway.
Puyang is not too far from Jizhou, and the possibility of a frontal attack is very small, so there is no need to station so many cavalry.
However, at this moment, Zhang Chao saw layers of black shadows illuminated by the firelight, rushing towards him at an extremely fast speed, and the size of the queue was more than hundreds and thousands.
If it weren't for the Luoyang defenders attacking from the direction of Hulao Pass, there would be no other possibility!
After all, Cao Cao's generals would not dare to kill Bian Rang without authorization, thus making Cao Cao bear the crime of killing a famous scholar. However, Qiao Yan's subordinates could treat Yanzhou as an enemy and act like this without restraint.
However, Zhang Chao did not expect that in such an environment, he could not see Le Jin's face clearly, so how could Le Jin recognize their identities clearly.
After discussing with Zao Zhi, he decided to lead the cavalry first. If the situation of the eldest son and General Cao Hong was extremely critical, regardless of whether the infantry of the rear army arrived or not, Le Jin would launch an attack first to give his own people a chance to counterattack.
When he arrived, Zang Hong's army had just ended its aggressive attack all night and was taking a break.
No matter how Le Jin looked at it, he felt that the exhaustion from fighting at night would most likely lead to the failure of Cao Ang and his men to defend the camp, so they should launch a support campaign as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the wind direction tonight was just as Man Chong had suggested to Zao Zhi before he set out, so he could try an arson attack.
When the fire broke out, Le Jin decisively gave up the plan to attack the camp because he was short of manpower. He ordered people to light fires in all directions to intensify the fire, and then led the team to ambush on the road that Zhang Chao and others had to take to return for rescue.
Seeing Bian Rang rushing in front, Le Jin thought that the opponent was a vanguard or a general he didn't recognize, and he swung his sword at him without hesitation.
You can't really blame him for making such a wrong judgement.
After all, Bian Rang had some experience in marching, and he knew that in such a situation he should not wear a long gown that would affect his movements, but instead he should wear armor.
So when Le Jin realized that although this man's riding skills were decent, his ability to fight was far inferior to that of ordinary generals, it was already too late.
However, in this situation where he urgently needed to rescue people and his side was still in a weak position, he had no time to investigate the identity of this person.
Even though he heard Zhang Chao shout "Wenli", Le Jin pretended not to have heard it. When the horses turned around and attacked with their swords, he rushed towards Zhang Chao.
He was extremely courageous and brave, and in an ordinary battle, he might look a bit reckless due to his lack of combat experience, but in an environment like this, he looked very confident.
Zhang Chao couldn't help but be shocked.
He couldn't confirm whether there were more enemies who had already penetrated their camp and were conducting a cleanup operation inside. Le Jin's team responsible for interception was just separated from them.
The death of Bian Rang and the lack of news about his brother had undoubtedly misled his judgment.
At this moment, he made a decision.
Withdraw troops first!
First go and join up with the troops that are besieging Cao Ang’s camp.
After all, there was only a short time left before dawn. Even if it was Qiao Yan's troops who really invaded Chenliu, their numbers would never be able to exceed those of the Chenliu garrison. Once the garrisons from all sides arrived one after another, they would be able to eliminate this disadvantage after stabilizing the situation and regain the initiative.
The most important thing he should do now is not to panic.
But it is so difficult for him to retreat calmly!
The soldiers who came to support the camp were already worried about the safety of their companions because of the fire in the military camp. If they were asked to fight hard and rush to the front of the camp, it would not be so difficult to do. However, Zhang Chao's order to retreat at this time made them suspicious, because there was an invincible enemy ahead!
When they retreated, Le Jin was still leading the cavalry in pursuit in a ferocious manner. This cavalry, which was supposed to be a reinforcement team to put out the fire, instead became a prey that was almost swallowed in one gulp.
In the dim light of day, someone finally realized that the team led by Le Jin was not as large as they had imagined.
But before anyone could make this judgment, the cavalry that was chasing them suddenly turned around and rushed towards the camp that was firmly guarded by Cao Ang and Cao Hong.
Cao Ang did not let the fire over there interrupt his calm thinking, but always asked people to pay attention to the movements in the north. So when Le Jin appeared with the cavalry, he was immediately informed of the news.
When he sent people to investigate the chaotic situation on Zhang Chao's side, he immediately realized that this was their chance.
"Gather the troops and evacuate south!" After Cao Ang gave the order, these already exhausted soldiers all took action when they thought that their reinforcements had arrived.
From the surroundings of the camp, it still looks like it is under strict defense, but the interior is already ready to go.
When Le Jin's cavalry rushed in front of Cao Ang, they saw the eldest son of the Cao family already sitting on his horse in full armor. Although his face was a little pale, he still had the demeanor of a commanding officer.
It was not difficult for Le Jin to see from his performance that if he had arrived a little later, the young master should have been able to hold on to the situation, but a more proactive situation at this moment was obviously better.
Cao Ang ordered: "Please ask Wen Qian and Zhong Kang to cover our retreat while we retreat southwards!"
The north might be closer to Puyang, but the roar caused by the fire in the military camp in the north would surely be quelled as soon as the sky brightened. By then, the encirclement of the two sides would be detrimental to them, so it would be better for them to go south first.
From the Suanzao military camp, go south across the Pu River and you will reach Fengqiu.
With the Pu River blocking the way, it was not easy for Zhang Chao and others to launch an attack.
There were not many soldiers from Zhang Miao's army stationed in Fengqiu to begin with, and even if there were any, most of them had been transferred here. This was exactly the place where they should be guarding the city!
"Wait, send another person north to inform Captain Zao. If conditions permit, have him slow down his journey and occupy Zao County to the north of Suanzao to wait for my father's support."
Having Le Jin arrive first to rescue him was enough for Cao Ang.
After he chose to go south to Fengqiu, if Zao Zhi was still heading there, he would inevitably be intercepted by Zhang Chao and others.
Most of Zao Zhi's followers were infantry, which naturally put him at a disadvantage.
It would be better to stop and stay on the border between Dongjun and Chenliu.
"But Lord Cao's safety is still unknown..."
Le Jin was interrupted by Cao Ang just as he opened his mouth. "Since my father successfully sent the message, and you have not violated the three-day alliance to support Suanzao, there will be no chance of anything going wrong. Man Boning made all the arrangements properly, and your decision to burn down Zhang Miao's camp was also accurate and effective. You should not fail in rescuing my father."
Even if something really happened, it would not be a wrong decision for Zao Zhi to firmly guard the county town on the border to prevent the Chenliu army from approaching Dongjun.
Cao Ang suppressed his worry about Cao Cao and said calmly, "Withdraw!"
The decision to withdraw was made too quickly. When Zhang Chao, who was once chased by Le Jin, finally met up with Zang Hong who stayed behind, most of them had already set out on the journey south.
By the time the soldiers from the burning camp in the north finally came to report that they had only encountered a fire attack and had not been actually attacked by the army, Cao Ang's army had already completely withdrawn from the camp from the west.
"Oh no! We were deceived by them!" Zang Hong suddenly stood up and spoke.
Cao Ang was able to cheer up after a night of fierce fighting, so why should he rest at this moment?
What's more, although the number of reinforcements sent by Cao Cao was not large, it clearly indicated that the news of the Chenliu mutiny had already reached Puyang. I'm afraid Zhang Miao's situation would not be very good at the moment.
But there is no need to tell Zhang Chao this judgment at this moment, otherwise he would lose half of his remaining calm.
"I will immediately send someone to intercept Cao Zixiu's actions." Zhang Chao said as he hastily bandaged the wound he had just received from the fight with Le Jin.
It seemed that the soldiers would be redeployed for battle at the next moment.
But before he could walk out of the tent, he was stopped by Zang Hong.
"No, there is no need to pursue them." Zang Hong thought about the current situation and said, "They suddenly received support when they were on the verge of despair. Their morale at this moment is definitely not comparable to that of ordinary times. Moreover, Cao Zixiu's choice to go south means that he still focuses on the actions of Cao Mengde in the north. He is not the main force that can change the situation..."
"I'll wait to go north!"
If Cao Cao thought that he could break their morale by setting fire and make some rash decisions, he was underestimating them.
Zang Hong said: "Send someone to keep an eye on Cao Zixiu and Cao Zilian's movements. If they decide to turn east and leave Chenliu, notify us. I will lead an army north to intercept Cao Mengde's reinforcements coming from Puyang."
No matter what situation Zhang Miao is facing at the moment, the decision to capture the leader first is always the right one.
It is impossible that Le Jin's all-cavalry reinforcements were without a rear army. If Cao Cao had really escaped from the predicament, he would not have turned a blind eye to the various changes in the Chenliu territory and would have definitely sent reinforcements.
They must not do such a thing at this time.
"That's right," Zhang Chao said after weighing the pros and cons in his mind, "We can no longer chase and intercept Cao Zixiu with a large army."
If Cao Ang occupied Fengqiu County as soon as possible, it would be much more difficult for them to break through.
How could there be a situation in this world where one clearly wants to defeat the other side, but one's own side suffers casualties and the situation becomes even more serious?
Not to mention that Chen Gong, the initiator, was not rescued. The advantageous situation they should have occupied was completely gone at this moment. If they were led by the other party by the nose again, they would be in big trouble sooner or later!
This can't go on any longer.
"Raise the army, gather the soldiers in the barracks, and ambush north after the reorganization." Faced with Zang Hong's analysis, Zhang Chao regained some confidence and issued an order.
The number of their soldiers is still greater than what Cao Cao can dispatch southwards at this moment, so they should not have any despairing thoughts due to a misjudgment at this moment!
Zhang Chao thought for a moment and added, "Keep a good guard over Bian Wenli's body, and bury him properly after this matter is resolved."
Thinking that Bian Rang was invited back by him, Zang Hong couldn't help but reveal a trace of melancholy on his face. Unfortunately, now was not the time for them to mourn.
Cavalry scouts were sent out to the north ahead of them.
He and Zhang Chao were responsible for integrating the team and bringing back the soldiers who were alarmed by the fire.
Fortunately, the casualties were not heavy. When they set off, their morale was slightly reduced, but it was still within the range they could bear.
When this group of Chenliu garrison troops were gathered together, the lack of morale became increasingly difficult to detect.
What made Zang Hong feel even more fortunate was that he obviously did not make the wrong decision, because the scouts reported to him not long after that there was a group of troops mainly composed of infantry in the north heading south, and their target seemed to be the sour jujube!
If this wasn't the reinforcements Cao Cao sent towards Cao Ang, who else could it be?
If they had blindly pursued Cao Ang's troops before, they would most likely have been attacked from behind by this team that was not suitable for frontal charge. But after they chose to take the initiative to meet the enemy, this army was undoubtedly their prey!
"The whole army should speed up its march."
He wanted those people to have no chance to turn around and escape even if they discovered their tracks!
But when Zang Hong was able to see the team from afar, he found that the other side had no intention of retreating at all, and even took the initiative to launch an attack charge towards them.
The enemy's infantry team that rushed out first were dressed in neat armor, and their movements revealed a well-organized and majestic posture.
The vibration of the armor was accompanied by the reflection of the sunlight above, flashing a dazzling light.
That was clearly not the kind of armament Cao Cao's Puyang garrison could muster, nor was it the kind of elite troops he could hastily mobilize.
Zang Hong's full confidence in meeting the enemy came to an abrupt end at this moment.
It was because he suddenly saw the general's flag slowly rising in the opposing army.
That is the character "Guo"!
And in front of this general's flag, there are two extremely eye-catching flags of King Dayong!
These were not Cao Cao's reinforcements at all. They were clearly Guo Jia and Xu Huang who were at Hulao Pass. After noticing the internal fighting on their side, they launched an attack towards them.
For half a month, they had only been defending Luoyang, and people almost forgot that in terms of offensive power, Qiao Yan's troops would not lose to anyone at all.
Even the infantry were the elite troops she named the Vanguard Battalion!
Oh no.
At the current distance, it was too late for them to retreat or avoid the battle, and they could only engage in a head-on fight with the opponent!
Qiao Yan slowly and methodically placed a piece on the chessboard in front of him.
In this game between myself and myself, the game of mutual encroachment between black and white pieces, there is still some consideration in the fight, just as a tonic to keep my mind active when I am bored.
She has already decided the general direction of Yanzhou to Guo Jia, so now it is time to see how they perform.
However, she originally thought that the interim battle report from the Yanzhou direction would be delivered to her first, but unexpectedly, Cheng Yu, after work, came to the imperial study with a letter and delivered a message to her.
He bowed and reported: "There is a letter sent from the east. After arriving in Chang'an, it was delivered to me before paying homage to the Situ Mansion. I hope I can pass it on to Your Majesty."
Qiao Yan moved his eyes away from the chessboard and looked up at Cheng Yu with a hint of interest.
East, since Cheng Yu said so, it is obviously not her ministers who are in the east of Chang'an, but should be -
A place under the jurisdiction of the imperial court in Yecheng.
This is quite interesting.
She thought that these officials in Yecheng would either show their loyalty to the Han Dynasty to Liu Bian first, or wait and see her arrangements with the aristocratic families, or wait until she really intended to take action against the four states before making any move. After all, those who were really discerning among them should have abandoned Yuan Shao and left after his repeated strategies failed.
Unexpectedly, someone would contact her at this time.
"Your Majesty should know the person who brought the news." Cheng Yu couldn't help but smile when he said this. "He is still in Sili, not in Yecheng. But he has people in Yecheng, so the news should be correct."
Cheng Yu chose to report this news because, even if the news was really wrong, it would not cause any loss to His Majesty's actions. In this case, it is better to choose to believe the other party.
Qiao Yan raised his eyebrows: "Xin Pi Xin Zuo Zhi?"
The only county in Sili that was still under the jurisdiction of Yuan Shao was Henei County.
The Sima family of Henei had already moved their entire clan to Hedong County to show their sincere loyalty. Whether the Henei governor Wang Kuang would surrender to her could already be seen from his performance in the past few years. There is really no need to have any unrealistic expectations of him. On the contrary, Xin Pi, who was once captured by Qiao Yan's people for spying on military intelligence and even visited Bingzhou, still has some possibility.
Moreover, Yuan Shao said that he had no doubts about the situation of him and Gao Lan after being captured, but he transferred him from the northern front of Jizhou. He said that it was not his fault that Luoyang and Mengjin were difficult to capture, but he also thought that it was Xin Pi's fault that Luoyang, which should have been empty, was not captured, and he reprimanded him a few days ago...
It is also impossible to blame subordinates for developing disloyalty under such circumstances.
Who wants to be on the wrong side of things all their life?
Cheng Yu nodded, "Yes, it was Xin Zuozhi. He said in his letter that Yuan Benchu secretly went to Yanzhou."
Yuan Shao...went to Yanzhou?
That's really a——
What a pleasant surprise!
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