Chapter 157 The old man, Tang Mao, rushed to help!
Outside Wancheng.
Sun Jian's camp.
Central army, big tent.
Sun Jian paced back and forth in the tent, frowning slightly.
It has been three days, and no matter how much his people inquire about the situation of the nobles, there is still no movement from King Hongnong.
The other party neither forced him to leave Nanyang, nor actively recruited him to join him in the crusade against Dong Zhuo, as if this team did not exist outside Wancheng.
Is it possible...
Do you really want to force yourself to attack the nobles?
Sun Jian found out very clearly that most of the soldiers and horses in the hands of King Hongnong came from the major noble families in Nanyang.
In other words, today's Nanyang nobles are protected by King Hongnong.
If he really attacks the Nanyang nobles, King Hongnong will never stand idly by.
What's even more terrible is that the opponent has fifteen thousand troops. Even if he really attacks the Nanyang nobles, he is not sure of victory. The opponent will use this as an excuse to forcibly recruit him.
Now that the army has run out of food, in order to survive, he can only let himself be slaughtered by King Hongnong.
Previously, Sun Jian felt that King Hongnong was just a boy, but now that he thought about it, he could kill the boy who was the governor of Nanyang, but it was beyond common sense.
what to do?
Sun Jian hesitated.
"Report~~~"
At this moment, a long report sounded outside the camp.
Sun Jian turned around and looked.
But he saw General Cheng Pu rushing into the tent with a joyful look on his face. He cupped his hands and said, "My lord, a troop of soldiers and horses are coming from the direction of Jingxiang. There are about six thousand troops and they are carrying an incalculable amount of food, grass and baggage."
"Um?"
Sun Jian was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but be surprised: "He's coming from the direction of Jingxiang? Is it Cao Yin? It's impossible for this kid to respond to the challenge to Dong. Can we find out who is coming?"
"No!"
Cheng Pu shook his head. He really didn't have time to inquire about the other party's situation: "This army came from the direction of Suizao Corridor. It is 80% likely to be Jiangxia's army."
"Jiangxia?"
Sun Jian took a deep breath and frowned.
Jiangxia is the territory of the Huang family, and Sun Jian knew this very well: "Could it be Huang Rui?"
Cheng Pu looked slightly hesitant and guessed: "Judging from the direction, it may indeed be him."
"Hmph~~"
Sun Jian snorted softly, with a hint of murderous intent in his eyes: "This kid looked down on me before and often insulted me for being a lowly official in the border county. Now it just so happens that he has bumped into my arms, Sun Jian."
"Demo!"
Sun Jian turned to look at Cheng Pu.
"exist."
Cheng Pu handed over his hand.
Sun Jian smiled sinisterly and gave a sonorous order: "Since it is difficult for the Nanyang nobles to attack, we will attack Huang Rui. King Hongnong will protect the nobles, but how can he protect Huang Rui? No matter what, we must first solve the problem of food and grass."
Cheng Pu nodded: "No! The general will make arrangements immediately."
Sun Jian waved his hand: "Go."
*****
Wancheng.
Liu Bian rode his horse to the city gate, flew down, and walked forward quickly. He couldn't hide the joy on his face: "Haha, brother-in-law, you are finally here."
That’s right!
The person who came was none other than Tang Xiang, Tang Ji's brother.
At the beginning, Tang Yu sent someone to send a message to Tang Mao, hoping that he could go north to support Liu Bian in starting his own business.
Calculating carefully, it took more than two months from the day of departure to the present to get all the way from Kuaiji County to Nanyang County.
You must know that Kuaiji County is in the southernmost part of Yangzhou, while Nanyang County is in the Central Plains area. It is thousands of miles away and the road is dangerous. Even so, it still did not stop them from coming to meet each other.
How could Liu Bian not be moved by this?
"Where's the father-in-law?"
Liu Bian looked around, looking for traces of his father-in-law Tang Mao: "Why isn't my father-in-law here?"
After Tang Xiang gave a solemn salute, he explained: "My father is slowly moving with troops and horses, money and food behind him, and he has sent me to Wancheng to contact you first. I hope it will not delay His Highness's important event."
"No delay!"
This was the first time Liu Bian felt the energy of his maternal relatives.
At the same time, he could also imagine why the emperor would reuse his mother's family.
There is no other reason, just two words: loyalty!
"Let's go."
Liu Bian waved his hand and made an invitation: "Back to the prefect's mansion, I have ordered people to prepare a banquet to welcome you, brother-in-law. It just so happens that my beloved concubine has also rushed back from Yingchuan, so you can have a good chat."
"That being the case..."
Tang Xiang also had a smile on his face: "Xiang, it's better to be respectful than to obey."
Liu Bian and Tang Xiang both got on the carriage and went straight to the prefect's mansion.
During the banquet.
Everyone was chatting happily.
Liu Bian even asked about the situation of many teams and understood the hardships of the Tang family along the way.
From the initial number of more than 10,000 troops to the current number of more than 6,000, half of them were lost before they reached Nanyang County.
Among them are those who are unwilling to leave home and run away halfway;
There are also those who risked their lives to protect food and grass and were buried in the hands of bandits;
Some people even died in a foreign country because of illness.
In short, along the way, the non-combat attrition rate was as high as 30%, which was extremely cruel.
Fortunately, Tang Xiang and Tang Hao's bodies were still strong and they were not sick or injured.
If one of the two died on the way, Liu Bian might not be able to get over this hurdle in his life.
"Come~~"
Liu Bian invited him to drink wine and said in a long voice: "We don't need to talk about the hardships of the process. I know it in my heart, and I drank this wine. When the team returns to Wancheng, I will be happy to entertain everyone."
"Come~~"
Everyone raised their glasses together.
He raised his neck and drank until the glass was dry.
"Report~~~"
The moment I put down the wine baron.
A hurried announcement sounded outside the hall.
Liu Bian raised his eyes and looked.
But I saw a soldier hurried up to the palace, leaned over and held his hands in his hands, saying: "Your Highness, there is movement among Sun Jian's troops outside the city."
The corners of Liu Bian's lips raised slightly: "This tiger finally lost its temper? Do you know which family he is going to attack?"
The soldier cupped his hands and blurted out: "Sun Jian led his troops straight to the new field."
"Xinye?"
Liu Bian frowned slightly and was startled.
To be honest, he couldn't believe such a move.
According to the predictions of the Military Advisor Alliance, Sun Jian should take action against the small gentry near Wancheng, but he never thought that he would go straight to Xinye.
You know, the Xinye Deng family, the Yin family and other families are not so easy to offend.
Is Sun Jian trying to stir up a hornet's nest?
Is this kid really so reckless?
Just when Liu Bian was surprised, the voice of the Military Advisor Alliance sounded again: "Master Bian, experts guess that Sun Jian's target is not the Deng family, let alone the Yin family. It is most likely Tang Mao who has just stepped into Nanyang."
"Tang Mao?"
Hiss~~~
Liu Bian couldn't help but gasp, his eyes full of shock.
If you think about it carefully, it is indeed safer to attack Tang Mao than to attack the Deng family and the Yin family, and you can also get a lot of food and grass. The effect is not inferior to that of taking down a small noble family.
Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
If he were Sun Jian, he would not give up such a good opportunity.
But what the hell...
Sun Jian's move completely violated Liu Bian's bottom line.
Dare to attack the Tang family, how is this different from grabbing the dragon's beard!
Snap!
Liu Bian stood up, furious, and shouted: "Quickly send an order to Zhang Liao. The cavalry will advance first to intercept and kill Sun Jian. The army will surround the camp of the thieves. Anyone who dares to act rashly will not be killed."
The soldier raised his hand and said, "No."
Such a scene really frightened Tang Ji next to her: "Your Highness, what's wrong with you?"
Liu Bian's eyebrows flashed fiercely: "Don't be afraid, my dear, you and my brother-in-law have a good chat, and after I finish handling this matter, I can come back and talk to you in detail, okay?"
"Brother-in-law~~"
Liu Bian's eyes passed over Tang Ji and landed on Tang Xiang: "I'm really sorry, the incident happened suddenly and I can't accompany you."
Tang Xiang knew the general situation well and bowed his head: "It's a small family matter, your highness should do this."
Liu Bian nodded and hummed.
Immediately.
He bypassed the long case and left directly.
Tang Ji looked carefree. This was the first time he had seen Liu Bian so angry since he fled Luoyang: "Brother, this is..."
Tang Xiang's lips curved slightly, looking at King Hongnong's leaving figure: "His Highness doesn't want you to worry. Don't be afraid. You should trust His Highness's strength along the way."
"Um."
Tang Ji nodded: "That's right."
Tang Xiang stood up and tried to calm down: "Little sister, please stay here for now. I still have some things to deal with. How about we talk about it when we get back?"
"ah?"
Tang Ji looked a little disappointed, but she couldn't stop her: "Brother, are you... okay?"
Tang Xiang nodded with a smile, not wanting to worry Tang Ji: "Well, there are some urgent matters to deal with."
Tang Ji was helpless: "Okay, brother, please do it."
Tang Xiang turned around and went out. When his back was turned to Tang Ji, his expression suddenly changed, his steps hurriedly chased after her.
"Your Highness~~"
Tang Xiang chased him all the way out.
"Brother-in-law, how did you..."
When Liu Bian was about to speak, he was interrupted by Tang Xiang: "I know what your highness wants to do. It involves my father's life. Please allow your highness to allow Xiang to go with you. Don't worry, my little sister doesn't know."
"Um."
What reason did Liu Bian have to prevent Tang Xiang from being loyal and filial?
The two of them rushed all the way to the city gate, both mounted their horses and galloped out of the city.
*****
On the official road leading to Wancheng.
A team is moving slowly.
Look up at the sun and soak in the warm sunshine.
Tang Mao felt refreshed and energetic, and his whole body seemed to have endless strength.
He glanced back at the long team and shouted loudly: "If you keep on holding on, we have passed Xinye today, and we will reach Wancheng in a short time."
"His Royal Highness King Hongnong is stationed in Wancheng now. King Hongnong is my uncle. Don't worry, as long as we arrive in Wancheng, we will be home. I, Tang Hao, will definitely not let you down."
Along the way.
Tang Mao relied on these chicken soups for the soul to barely maintain his shaky military morale.
Now that victory is in sight, Tang Hao is still used to this.
but......
At this moment, his mentality had changed drastically.
He is no longer as cautious as before, but is full of confidence and generous: "Quanzi should have gone to Wancheng at this moment. I believe that it will not be long before the news is sent back. I guarantee that His Highness King Hongnong will come out to welcome you.
"
"Hahaha!"
Tang Mao was so proud that he looked up to the sky and laughed.
Beside him, a man wearing a Confucian scholar's robe smiled calmly.
He knew very well that Tang Mao was definitely not from Meng Lang, but he was used to it.
Only if you remain optimistic and calm, the soldiers around you will be more confident.
"The Sheriff~~"
The man said softly: "It's almost done."
Tang Mao smiled lightly and exhaled: "Oh, I'm used to it! Thanks to you, Zhong Xiang, for this journey, otherwise Tang will not be able to reach Nanyang safely. When he returns to Wancheng, Tang will definitely introduce you to His Highness.
"
The corners of Yu Fan's lips raised slightly: "You're welcome, Sheriff, I'm friends with your son."
(PS: Yu Fan, courtesy name Zhongxiang.)
Tang Mao nodded with satisfaction: "Tang is very pleased that Xiang'er can have a friend like you."
Yu Fan nodded: "Where~~~"
suddenly.
At the far end of the field of vision, a torrent of smoke and dust rolled towards Tang Mao's team.
Tang Mao looked around, feeling very happy. He raised his hand and pointed at the smoke: "Zhongxiang, look, it must be King Hongnong's team. They are here to greet us."
"I didn't expect that King Hongnong would actually..."
Yu Fan pinched a strand of beard under his chin and raised his eyes to look into the distance.
But this hope doesn't matter.
In an instant, his expression suddenly changed, and he frowned subconsciously: "Sheriff, the situation does not seem to be right. If it is a team that comes to greet us, why do we need to bring so many people, and each one is armed and strong?"
Hiss~~~
Tang Hao also sensed something was wrong.
Along the way, they encountered too many roadblocks and robberies, which seemed to have formed a conditioned reflex in Tang Hao.
Although, he has relaxed since he entered Nanyang County.
but......
It was only a brief moment of relaxation, and Tang Hao was still highly alert to danger.
He looked carefully and listened carefully.
really.
There are probably thousands of troops coming, and they are well-equipped, and they are definitely not comparable to grass bandits.
Tang Hao couldn't believe that just when he was about to arrive in Wancheng, something like this would actually happen.
Don't dare to hesitate at all.
Tang Mao gave an order and said sonorously: "Set up a formation to meet the enemy~~"
Yu Fan held up a spear and guarded Tang Hao, staring at him with bright eyes without any fear:
"Don't worry, Sheriff, our army is already in Nanyang. It's impossible for Your Highness to not know that this bandit is coming to kill us. As long as we can hold on, reinforcements will arrive soon."
Tang Mao nodded heavily: "Well, Zhong Xiang's words make sense."
For the Tang army, which had long been accustomed to being intercepted and killed, everyone took action immediately after hearing the order.
The shield soldiers provided cover in advance, the spearmen pushed the grain carts and consciously acted as bunkers, and the crossbowmen hurriedly gathered in the middle, quickly pulling out the repeatedly used arrows, ready to tension at any time.
A large circular formation was completed in an instant, standing on the official road like a fortress.
Even Sun Jian, who arrived on Pegasus, couldn't help but be stunned.
He couldn't believe it.
The opponent was actually so cowardly that before they started fighting, they laid out a circular formation known for its defense.
Could the soldiers in front of me really be the always arrogant Huang Rui of Jiangxia?
You must know that Huang Rui in my impression is a ruthless man who is good at fighting and dares to fight hard. His general Huang Zu even charged into the battle and killed decisively when he conquered the Jiangxia bandits.
Why now...
A circular formation was set up before the fight started?
Are the people who came here really a team from the Huang family in Jiangxia?
For a while.
Even Sun Jian himself couldn't help but be stunned.
Although he noticed something unusual about this team, he had to shoot as the arrow was ready.
He has already rode his horse to fight in front of him, how can he stop at will?
Dry!
Sun Jian didn't care so much. He took up the horse and gave the order sternly: "Huang Gai, Han Dang!"
The two responded sonorously: "Yes."
"You two lead your troops in a roundabout way and attack the left and right wings! I will fight from the front and try to open a gap, eliminate the opponent, and transport all the food back."
"promise."
"Brothers~~"
Sun Jian clamped the horse's belly fiercely, and it flew a distance like lightning: "Kill with me!"