Liu Bei pushed the door open, glanced at the heroes in the room, and hurriedly bowed and handed over his hands: "I'm really sorry, I'm late for something, I hope you can forgive me."
"Where, it's not too late."
Cheng Li hurriedly stood up to greet him, waved his hand to signal him to take a seat, and then returned to the main seat, looking at everyone: "Since all parties have arrived, let's get started."
"but......"
Cheng Li smiled and said softly: "Before we start tonight's discussion, let's introduce ourselves first so that you can get to know each other better."
"So be it."
Cheng Li took the lead and said: "Let's start with Cheng. Next, Cheng Li, who is from Dong'a, Dongjun, Yanzhou, has twenty servants under his command. All of them are skilled in bow and horse and can fight."
Immediately.
Cheng Li turned to look at the man beside him: "Gongtai, it's your turn."
Chen Gong nodded, stood up and bowed to everyone: "I am from Chen Gong, a man from Puyang in the East County, with twenty servants under his command, all of whom are skilled in bow and horse and ready for battle."
Immediately afterwards, the burly man beside him stood up and cupped his hands: "I am Pan Zhang, a native of Fagan County, Dongjun. I wanted to go south to avoid trouble, but I met Zhongde on the way. They chatted and made plans, so they came to Nanyang.
.”
"My brothers and I are a group of seven, and we have our own bows and horses, so we can fight."
After saying this, Pan Zhang sat down, nodded, and motioned to the man next to him: "Brother, it's your turn."
The man on the side immediately stood up, bowed his hands to everyone, and said loudly: "I am in Liangdong, a native of Ningling, Liang State, Yuzhou. I have ten servants who can fight for me."
"I am Dingtao Ranger Qi Feng."
"Down here..."
"..."
Not long after.
Then it was Liu Bei's turn. He stood up, held his hands in his hands, and said calmly: "I am Liu Bei, whose pseudonym is Xuande. I am a native of Zhuo County, Youzhou. I have four men under my command who are ready to fight."
"good."
Cheng Li waved his hand to signal Liu Bei to take a seat, and then told his attendants: "Hang up the sketch I drew."
The attendant leaned forward and raised his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
The attendant walked aside, took out the silk painting from the table, hung it on the wooden frame, and moved it to the front of everyone.
Cheng Li stood up and came to the silk painting and said softly: "This is a simple diagram I drew after I sent people to inquire about it. This is Yanling, and this is Zhang Miao's camp. The current strength is about 6,000."
"Judging from the current situation between the enemy and ourselves, Zhang Miao's troops have been assembled and he will launch an attack on Yanling tomorrow. As far as I know, Cao Cao is still fighting Yuan Shu in Lin County and it will be difficult to send reinforcements in a short time."
"Since everyone wants to go west to Nanyang and join His Highness King Hongnong, this battle will be a very good opportunity for us to advance. I hope you can work together to protect Yanling.
"
Although Liu Bei chose to go west and rush to Nanyang to try his luck, he really had no way out. Even if he got to Nanyang, he would only be blind and might not be able to be reused.
This is the biggest difficulty in this trip to Nanyang.
You should know that Liu Bei has been running around since he started his army. He served as the captain of Anxi County, the prime minister of Xiami County, and later he served as the captain of Gaotang, the magistrate of Gaotang and other positions. They were all minor officials.
A large part of the reason was that he had no connections and could only work hard, making it difficult to get promoted. The reason why he wanted to join his classmate and friend Gongsun Zan was, in the final analysis, because of connections.
It's a pity...
As soon as I got excited, I got up and headed straight to Nanyang.
But the worry of not having a way out was always in his mind and couldn't go away.
At this moment, hearing what Cheng Li said made Liu Bei suddenly enlightened, and his fighting spirit was instantly heightened.
If he can make a contribution in this battle, wouldn't it be a great help to King Hongnong? Once the other party ascends the throne and proclaims himself emperor, he will definitely reward him based on his merits. In this way, he may be able to get an official position, but not necessarily.
Everyone also understood what Cheng Li meant, and immediately started to agree:
"Zhongde, tell me, what should we do? It's all up to you."
"Yes, we will do whatever you ask us to do."
"Currently we are in the dark and the enemy is in the light, so we still have some advantages."
"We are like a surprise force. As long as we take action at the right time, we will have miraculous effects."
"Then Cao Cao performed well when he challenged Dong. He is by no means an easy man. We can fight."
"..."
Have to admit it.
Those who dared to come to Hongnong Wang Liu Bian were all capable people.
Although these garbled words may sound complicated, none of them are vulgar.
Liu Bei felt at ease working with these people. Although his troops were small, they were not necessarily incapable of fighting, especially Dong'a Chengli, who showed extraordinary wisdom when the Yellow Turbans were ravaging Yanzhou, which was even more admirable.
Liu Bei was very low-key, sitting quietly and listening.
Cheng Li nodded slowly, very satisfied with everyone's reaction: "Okay! Then Cheng will boldly talk about the strategy. If there are any shortcomings, I hope you can correct me."
Immediately.
Cheng Li went straight to the topic and said loudly: "According to what Cheng learned, after King Hongnong returned to Nanyang, he released the news and returned to the palace five days later to ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor."
"Counting the days, tomorrow happens to be the day when Yuan Shu ascends the throne and proclaims himself emperor. Naturally, Cao Cao will be able to respond to Yuan Shu's attack this time. But in the battle of Yanling, Xiahou Yuan alone had less than a thousand soldiers and horses, and he would be overthrown in less than half a day.
Break through.”
At this moment, Pan Zhang cupped his hands and clasped his fists: "May I ask Zhongde, how do you know that Zhang Miao will attack Yanling tomorrow? If he doesn't attack, won't we defeat him?"
"It's very simple."
Cheng Li was clearly prepared and answered fluently: "Because, if we don't attack tomorrow, Cao Cao will defeat Yuan Shu and lead troops to rescue Yanling. By then, no matter how many soldiers and horses Zhang Miao has, it will be useless."
"Since he has spent a lot of time gathering the army, he will never take it lightly. Therefore, tomorrow is Zhang Miao's last chance. He will definitely attack Yanling, otherwise all his efforts will be wasted."
Chen Gong on the side said: "Not only that, according to our latest intelligence, Zhang Miao's camp has ordered some troops and horses to go ahead with food and grass, and the officers and soldiers of the various armies are also packing their bags and ready to set off at any time."
"Look at it this way."
Chen Gong said with absolute certainty: "A battle tomorrow is inevitable."
Everyone nodded and expressed deep agreement.
Liu Bei also nodded.
This is consistent with the information he learned.
Seeing that there was no objection from everyone, Cheng Li continued: "The strategy I have drawn up is this. After Zhang Miao leads the army to leave, our troops will leave Yuxian County, cross the Fugou with light cavalry, and go straight to Yanling."
"Our army has only a hundred riders, so we cannot fight head-on with Zhang Miao. We should take advantage of Zhang Miao's fierce battle at Yan Ling, attack from behind, raid the camp, burn the food and grass, and make the thieves collapse without a fight. This is victory."
"certainly!"
Cheng Li emphasized: "According to Zhang Miao's military usage habits, even if he leads the army to leave, there will still be soldiers and horses stationed in the camp. It is estimated that there will be no less than three or four hundred people."
"The opponent is holding on to its main camp and has geographical advantages. Although our army is elite, we must not underestimate our opponent. We must do our best to achieve victory."
Although the strategy is simple, it is extremely maneuverable.
Liu Bei deeply agreed with this.
In this battle, they were not trying to defeat Zhang Miao, but trying to protect Yanling.
As long as you can burn the opponent's food and grass, you will win a great victory!
The strategic positioning is very clear.
"Do you have any comments?"
Cheng Li finished speaking briefly and glanced at everyone.
"..."
Everyone was silent for a while.
That said, I have no opinion.
"very good."
Cheng Li nodded and ordered: "In that case, all heroes, please go back to your room and rest. When the curfew is lifted tomorrow, set off immediately without any mistakes."
Everyone raised their hands in unison: "Here."
Immediately.
Everyone got up, left the room, and went back to rest.
Liu Bei returned to his room and informed Guan Yu and Zhang Fei of tomorrow's battle plan.
Guan Yu stroked his long beard and nodded: "Although this strategy is simple, it is extremely feasible. Although we only have a hundred cavalry, we are elite soldiers and strong generals. We are definitely not comparable to the soldiers left behind in Zhang Miao's camp."
"That's right!"
Zhang Fei nodded affirmatively, with a fierce fighting spirit flashing in his eyes: "If we can burn the thieves' food and grass in this battle, it will definitely attract the attention of Yanling Guardsman. How could Cao Cao not report to the new emperor? We will use this as a way to advance to the throne."
posture."
"Hahaha!"
Zhang Fei looked up to the sky and laughed wildly, and couldn't help but praise: "This Cheng Li is indeed very talented. He can take into account all aspects. He is extremely intelligent and resourceful."
Even Liu Bei himself couldn't help but nod and praise: "Yes, Zhongde is indeed resourceful!"
Jian Yong on the side laughed lightly: "I'm just saying, we should go west. The new dynasty is just being established. It's the time to hire people. With our talents, how can we not have a foothold?"
"Lord!"
Jian Yong leaned forward and cupped his hands and said, "I have a hunch that this time we will be able to achieve great success and we will no longer be influenced by bird people."
Liu Bei breathed a sigh of relief: "I hope so! Okay, it's getting late, let's take a rest. We have to continue our journey tomorrow morning to keep ourselves energetic so that we can kill the enemy and make achievements."
The three of them raised their hands together: "Here."
Immediately.
Liu Bei got on the bed.
Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Jian Yong laid down on the ground to sleep.
Early next morning.
Yu County has just lifted the curfew.
Cheng Li led everyone out of the city and rode straight to Yanling.
In two hours, they crossed Fugou County.
In just three hours, we arrived at Chenliu and the border of Yingchuan.
Choose a secluded place to hide.
Cheng Lisa sent out his servants to inquire about the news.
a long time.
"Report—!"
The servant rode back quickly, stepped forward quickly, cupped his hands and clasped his fists: "Sir, we have found out the situation clearly."
Cheng Li was surprised: "Tell me quickly."
The servant nodded: "Zhang Miao set up his camp on Leling Hill, about five miles away from here. There is a river flowing next to it. It is easy to get water, and it is easy to defend but difficult to attack."
Although Yanling County is located in a plain, there are still some raised soil slopes within the territory. Lelinggang is one of them. It is not far from Yanling County and is very suitable for camping.
"As expected."
Cheng Li seemed to have expected it, his expression was leisurely.
Zhang Miao set up his camp here, which really made it difficult for them to attack.
Although Lelinggang is just a dirt slope, and the slope is not very big, as long as it is attacking from above, there are many difficulties for the cavalry, and it is easy to become a living target for the soldiers and horses in the camp.
But......
If they give up their horses and choose to fight on foot, they are afraid that their whereabouts will be exposed before they can get close to them. The opponent will definitely be waiting for work. In addition, with the superiority of troops, it will be very difficult to succeed in a surprise attack.
Chen Gong frowned at the side: "Zhongde, if you want to succeed in this battle, you must have a strong general to lead the battle."
Cheng Li sighed and glanced at everyone: "Who is willing to be the vanguard of the army?"
After a moment of silence, Liu Bei stood up and said, "Bei is willing to be a pioneer."
"good."
Cheng Li was overjoyed, nodded to Liu Bei, and said sonorously: "If this battle can be successful, Xuande should be the first to succeed."
Liu Bei waved his hand to interrupt and said softly: "Let's not talk about the credit for the moment. It's just that Bei only has three brothers and still needs help."
Cheng Li immediately said: "I have twenty attendants who can help Xuande."
Liu Bei nodded: "That's great. I wonder when we can go to war?"
Cheng Li thought for a moment: "When the news comes back from Yanling County, it will not be too late to fight again."
"Can."
Liu Bei took a deep breath, cupped his hands and clasped his fists: "In that case, I'll go down and prepare first, but when the battle comes, Zhongde will send someone to summon me."
Cheng Li nodded: "Okay, no problem."
Keep waiting.
I don't know how long it took.
"Report—!"
Ahead, another servant rode back, bowed and offered his hand: "Sir, Zhang Miao has launched an attack on Yanling. Just as you expected, there are three surrounded and one missing, and there is a hidden ambush."
Cheng Li nodded: "Okay! Call people back quickly, we have an important combat mission."
The servant raised his hand and said, "Here."
Not long after.
The servants who had been scattered returned one after another.
Cheng Li handed it all over to Liu Bei's command, cupped his hands and said, "Xuande, please."
Liu Bei nodded affirmatively: "Don't worry, I'll leave it to you."
Cheng Li patted his chest and promised: "Don't worry, as long as the camp gate can be broken open, we and others will rush to support immediately. If the gate has not been broken within half an hour, return quickly without hesitation. Zhang Miao will send someone
Return support.”
"rest assured."
Liu Bei's eyes flashed firmly and he said sonorously: "With our brothers here, we will win this battle."
Cheng Lipan smiled and nodded: "In that case, I'll leave it to Brother Xuande."
Liu Bei nodded and responded.
immediately.
He got on his horse and shouted loudly: "Let's go."
drive-!
More than twenty riders, swirling smoke and dust, left like a strong wind.
Cheng Li couldn't help but praise: "If everyone in the Han clan was as good as Xuande, how could I, a big Han, end up in such a bad situation today?"
Chen Gong on the side couldn't help but sigh: "Yes, the clan members of the Han Dynasty are like Xuande, the wind-haired water chestnut! Zhongde, let's not waste time, seize the time to organize the army and rush to Lelinggang."
Cheng Li nodded: "Okay."
*****
now.
Zhang Miao Camp.
The soldiers guarding the camp gate are chatting:
"It's pitiful, everyone else is eating meat, but we are staying behind."
"Well, if this continues, when will we be promoted?"
"Why do you care so much? As long as you have something to eat, I am a soldier just to have something to eat."
"That's right, it's better to stay in the main camp, enjoy the good food and drink, and there's no danger."
"Hmph! What a bunch of worthless things."
"Are you promising? Aren't you still just a pawn?"
"..."
While everyone was chatting away.
suddenly.
The soldier guarding the camp gate turned his head and looked outside.
At the end of the field of vision, a torrent of smoke and dust rolled towards him.
"this......"
"This is......"
In an instant, the soldiers' eyes were as wide as bells, and their hearts were filled with fear.
The soldiers around him turned to look:
"Ah? Could this be..."
"Could it be an enemy attack?"
"That's right!"
Someone said with absolute certainty: "It's an enemy attack! Hurry, beat the drums to warn, notify the military commanders, and organize resistance. We are on the post and have geographical advantages, so we can completely defend it."
"Okay, okay!"
The other person nodded quickly in agreement.
Winter! Winter! Winter!
Immediately.
The golden drum resounds loudly.
Zhang Miao's camp immediately became alert.
A general ran out of the camp, a tall man with a sinister face: "What's going on?"
A soldier came to report: "Alert to the army, there is an attack."
"Enemy attack?"
The burly military lord was stunned when he heard this.
But it was only for a moment, and then he calmed down: "Damn it! What kind of guy dares to break into the camp guarded by Ma Kui? Call all the soldiers and gather at the camp gate."
The soldier was ordered: "Here."
"Brothers!"
"Quick, gather at the camp gate."
Ma Kui went into battle with his gun, went straight to the camp gate, and stared.
But see...
Smoke and dust billowed in, and dozens of horsemen galloped towards the camp gate.
Ma Kui was stunned and didn't take it seriously: "With less than fifty cavalry, you dare to break into our camp? You are simply overestimating your capabilities. Brothers, prepare your bows and arrows and wait for orders to shoot them at any time."
"Here."
Originally, these soldiers were a little scared.
But who would have thought that the number of soldiers and horses that came to attack the camp was actually less than fifty cavalry.
You must know that although this camp is empty, there are still close to 400 people, which is twenty times the number of the opponent's soldiers and horses. Even if this cavalry is elite and each one can equal ten, it is impossible to win.
So, what's there to be afraid of?
In an instant.
All the soldiers were full of confidence, and each one of them was eager to fight. They wanted to kill them now.
Although Ma Kui was very confident, since the opponent was coming, he must have someone to rely on, so he did not dare to underestimate him and did not directly order his soldiers to rush out and fight with him.
Instead, he kept his eyes fixed on the battlefield, always judging the opponent's distance from the camp gate.
Closer!
A little closer!
Closer!
...
Ma Kui slowly raised his arm and gave a sonorous order: "The crossbowmen are ready."
All the soldiers bent their bows and set arrows together, raised them to the sky, and stretched the full moon.
The next second.
Soldiers and horses outside the camp stepped into the range of crossbows.
Ma Kui didn't hesitate, his arm suddenly dropped: "Fire the arrow!"
In an instant, all the soldiers released their fingers from the bow strings, and arrows suddenly flew into the air. After gathering in the air, they immediately covered the soldiers and horses outside the camp like a downpour.
Although the cavalry positions outside the camp were very scattered, such a dense rain of arrows still caused some cavalry to overturn and fall under their horses, killing them on the spot.
but......
These soldiers and horses were all elite. Under the wave of arrows, only two or three cavalrymen were killed. The strong man at the front holding a snake spear even waved the snake spear at a speed that did not slow down, like lightning.
Rush over here.
"They are indeed elite!"
Even Ma Kui himself couldn't help but be shocked.
He made a prompt decision and said sternly: "Crossbowmen, get ready to shoot."
In an instant.
The soldiers bent their bows, set arrows, and stretched them again.
However, this time they did not raise to the sky, but aimed at the approaching cavalry.
"Fire the arrow."
Give an order.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A row of arrows whizzed out, hitting the oncoming Liu Guanzhang without any fancy.
One of the fierce generals at the front, with eyes as wide as bells, danced his snake spear with lightning speed, deflecting the incoming arrows in an instant, followed by another flick with his backhand, and actually missed several arrows.
Down.
"kill-!"
This roar.
It was like a thunderous explosion, and the soldiers in the camp were so frightened that they all showed horrified expressions. Many of them even shuddered subconsciously, and their bodies trembled like chaff.
In the blink of an eye.
Zhang Fei then rushed to the gate of the camp, and the snake spear in his palm shot out diagonally. The dangerous snake spear was like a poisonous snake spitting out a message. With a sneer, it suddenly stabbed in front of them, piercing the bodies of the two people with extreme accuracy.
Follow.
The muscles of Zhang Fei's hands bulged, and while he yanked the snake spear, he raised his arms upwards with all his strength, flinging the snake spear away from the enemy's corpse, and at the same time, the spear shaft hit the crossbar behind the camp gate.
Leng Leng Leng!
The huge horizontal beam was lifted to a height visible to the naked eye by Zhang Fei alone.
If he continues to lift it, the crossbar will inevitably lose its balance. As a result, the camp door will be opened, and the opponent's cavalry will rush in. For the soldiers and horses in the camp, it will inevitably usher in an inhumane massacre!
"not good!"
Ma Kui chewed it secretly and gave a sonorous order: "Spearman, stab this thief to death!"
In an instant, more than ten spears were aimed at Zhang Fei outside the camp, preparing to knock him to the ground.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
At the same time, two divine arrows passed by Zhang Fei's side, and two spearmen arrived in response.
But compared to the number of spearmen in the camp, it didn't have the slightest effect at all. There were still seven or eight spears roaring towards Zhang Fei, four or five spears directed at the war horses, and some others attacked.
Commander.
This is the basic way to defend the enemy with a spear.
"Damn it!"
Zhang Fei chewed it secretly.
He drew his spear back without hesitation, and while turning his horse to dodge, he tilted his body greatly on the horse.
Xiyuxu—!
Sitting down, the horse raised its head and neighed.
The cold spear whizzed past an inch from his neck.
If Zhang Fei's snake spear hadn't been able to quickly retaliate and push it away, this spear attack might even have injured him.
"Wide be careful!"
With a shout, the red-faced and long-bearded general Guan Yu came to kill him.
He swung the war spear in his palm and helped Zhang Fei block the attacks of several war spears. At the same time, he stretched out his ape arms and stabbed three spears from another direction, and easily held them under his ribs.
A sudden tug!
The spearman in the camp fell forward and smashed several soldiers in front of him against the camp door. The camp door shook, causing Guan Yu's eyes to light up.
The opponent's camp gate was not securely built.
Glancing down.
Only then did Guan Yu discover that although Lelinggang was a slope, the soil was relatively loose and less stable.
Unless the pillars of the camp gate can penetrate very deep into the soil, the overall solidity will not be guaranteed.
This situation is really normal in Yanling County!
Because Yanling County belongs to the hinterland of a plain formed by river erosion, these raised hills in the plain are not natural hills, but formed by long-term accumulation of soil, and their stability is naturally slightly poor.
"Yide!"
Without hesitation, Guan Yu said sonorously: "This is the way to break the door!"
Zhang Fei also discovered this: "Okay."
Immediately!
He wielded his snake spear and stabbed two people to death.
At the same time, he violently pulled him backwards, knocking all the soldiers in the camp against the gate.
Squeak!
The gate shook violently.
Guan Yu's war spear immediately thrust out and continued like this.
The gate, which had not yet recovered, suddenly tilted out in an arc visible to the naked eye.
"Brothers, break down the door!"
Liu Bei came up and shouted loudly.
In an instant.
More than a dozen cavalrymen rushed forward, hooked their spears on the gate, and pulled it back violently.
The gate fell to the ground, revealing a camp full of soldiers.