Chapter 345 Tao Qian is angry: I am the master of Danyang soldiers!
Langya Kingdom, Kaiyang County.
Zang Ba Military Camp.
Central army, big tent.
After a whole day, Zang Ba was exhausted physically and mentally, with dark circles under his eyes. When a glimmer of light came in from outside, he slowly raised his head, and was surprised to find Li Ru walking in.
"General Zang."
Li Ru walked up to him and said softly: "According to the intelligence, the troops sent by King Hongnong have arrived in Xuzhou and are currently heading towards Langya. I believe it won't be long before you receive Tao Qian's letter. "
"The content of the letter is very simple. The imperial court suspects that a traitor from Chang'an has infiltrated Langya, so the army has been stationed to guard against any eventuality. I hope you can understand and cooperate to uncover the traitor."
"snort!"
Li Ru snorted softly and stared at Zang Ba with bright eyes: "I have to admit that the court's reasons are better than I thought. I thought they would still use Liu Dai as an excuse to sneak into Langya."
"Using us as an excuse can make you let down your guard. This will be more conducive to their actions, and gradually divide you and other brothers, and defeat them one by one."
Although Zang Ba was suspicious, he was still very defensive. He frowned and said coldly: "This can only prove that the imperial court is well aware of your whereabouts. How can it prove that it wants to attack us."
“It’s easy!”
Li Ru seemed to have expected that the other party would ask such a question, so he answered fluently: "Because not only Nanyang's soldiers and horses came, but also Tao Qian's fierce general Cao Bao."
"Cao Bao?"
Zang Ba was obviously startled.
"That's right!"
Li Ru was very satisfied with Zang Ba's reaction.
This proves that he is also afraid of Cao Bao: "You should know that the reason why Tao Qian can hold the position of Xuzhou Mu is because of the 30,000 Danyang soldiers under his command."
"Now, people from Nanyang direction are stationed in Langya. Although there are only 3,000 people on the surface, if the 20,000 Danyang soldiers following them are added together, the total force will be as good as yours."
"General Zang!"
Li Ru struck while the iron was hot and asked a soul-level question: "You are not so naive as to think that these 20,000 Danyang soldiers are to deal with me, Li Ru, right? I, Li Ru, shouldn't be worth such a big fight."
It's just a matter of catching a few assassins and sending some county soldiers to deal with it. There is no need to use the army at all, and they are also the most elite Danyang soldiers under Tao Qian's command.
This time, Zang Ba was really shaken. He truly felt the threat from Tao Qian and the court. The other party was not testing him, but was trying to force him to rebel.
quiet!
Quiet!
Deadly quiet!
There was no sound in the tent, but Zang Ba's heart was already in turmoil.
Just when Zang Ba was extremely entangled in his heart, Chang Xi hurriedly entered outside the tent: "Military advisor, Tao Qian's messenger has arrived outside the camp, what should we do?"
"Don't worry."
Li Ru waved his hand to interrupt Chang Xi, and turned to Zang Ba: "I think the general has understood the current situation. If you are willing to submit to the Chang'an court, and you and I cooperate with each other to win Xuzhou, I will promote you to General Fenwu. And I will make you the Marquis of Kaiyang."
Zang Ba took a long breath and sighed softly: "We only have more than 20,000 people. Even if we gather together, I'm afraid we may not be their opponents. Don't forget, they have 20,000 Danyang soldiers."
"snort!"
Li Ru snorted softly: "Do you know how we knew the contents of the letter?"
When Zang Ba heard this, he immediately froze in place like thunder and lightning: "Could it be..."
Li Ru nodded affirmatively: "That's right! Cao Bao is from Chang'an. If Xuzhou is captured, he will be the new Mu of Xuzhou. If you join forces, there will be 50,000 to 60,000 people. You still have to worry about not being able to compete with Cao Cao.
Higher or lower?"
"If you can succeed, the imperial court will naturally have a way to ask Liu Dai and Liu Yao to assist. Then all three parties will attack Yuzhou. Does the general think there is still a way to survive in Nanyang?"
Zang Ba was desperate and could only nod his head affirmatively: "Okay, I, Zang Ba, am willing to submit to Chang'an."
Li Ru seemed to have expected it, and said with a smile: "Those who know the current affairs are heroes. Congratulations to the general for making the right choice."
"Changxi!"
Immediately, Li Ru turned his head to glance at Chang Xi and ordered: "Quickly, untie General Zang."
Chang Xi was overjoyed and cupped his hands and fists: "Here."
Zang Ba got rid of the restraints and let out a sigh of relief: "Next, the military advisor wants me to summon Sun Guan, Yin Li, Wu Dun and others to join forces to encircle and annihilate the Nanyang soldiers and horses that invade Langya?"
"The general is wise."
Li Ru didn't hide it and nodded.
"kindness."
Zang Ba was not surprised and looked extremely calm.
He turned back to his head, took out the Langya map, and began to formulate a strategy.
Not long after.
Suddenly, I remembered a message from outside the tent:
"Report—!"
Zang Ba looked up.
But when he saw his messengers rushing into the account, he leaned over and handed over his hands: "General, there is a letter from Mr. Tao of Pengcheng."
Zang Ba already knew about the letter, so he was not shocked and waved his hand: "Send it up."
After taking the letter, Zang Ba started to browse it.
really!
The content above is exactly the same as what Li Ru said.
He raised his eyes to look at Li Ru, only to see him staring at him with a smile: "General Zang, what do you think?"
Zang Ba sighed, completely extinguishing his last bit of hope: "Don't worry, I know what to do."
Li Ru nodded: "That's very good."
"Come here." Zang Ba shouted.
"exist."
"Quickly send an order to Sun Guan, Yin Li, and Wu Dun to lead the troops to Kaiyang. There must be no mistakes."
"Here."
After the messenger leaves.
Zang Ba's eyes narrowed, and he turned to look at Chang Xi: "Oh, by the way, there's you too!"
Chang Xi held up his hands and said solemnly: "Don't worry, brother, my troops will be here soon."
Although Zang Ba and Chang Xi have both surrendered to Chang'an, what Chang Xi did to Zang Ba is intolerable to Zang Ba. He has already taken this hatred into his heart:
"From now on, you can call me general or cousin. You don't have to call me big brother again. From now on, our friendship as brothers is completely broken."
"Brother, I..."
"What are you shouting for?"
Before Chang Xi could open his mouth, Zang Ba stopped him with a cold voice: "Call me general, or call me a cousin! I, Zang Ba, don't have a little brother like you who tries to get in and out of things!"
"Military advisor, I..."
Chang Xi turned his head and glanced at Li Ru, only to see that Li Ru just shook his head, indicating that he didn't need to say anything more: "General Chang, General Zang is angry, you'd better not offend him."
Zang Ba was furious and said in a cold voice: "Military advisor, this is a matter between me and him. You'd better get less involved. After this matter is over, you can either take him away or take me away. It's hard for me, Zang Ba."
Work with this person.”
Li Ru nodded and said: "General, don't worry, I will take care of this matter. But before we take Xuzhou, I hope you can unite sincerely and stop fighting among us."
Zang Ba breathed out: "Don't worry."
Li Ru smiled lightly: "That's very good."
*****
Langya means Qiu.
Zu Mao led three thousand elite troops to the county seat.
He temporarily handed over his troops and horses to the commander of the army, Ma Houcheng, and immediately went straight to the county government office.
A man with a slightly burly figure, wearing a dark turban and with his hair tied in a soap towel, came to greet him: "This is Qiu Ling Kanze, who has met the general."
"Magistrate Kan, please come quickly."
Zu Mao helped Kan Ze up with his own hands and said loudly: "You must quickly summon the county officials. I am here with your majesty's edict. We need the cooperation of all the county officials."
"Your Majesty's edict?"
Kan Ze was stunned when he heard this.
"That's right."
Zu Mao nodded affirmatively: "Go quickly, don't waste time."
Kan Ze bowed and held his hands in his hands: "Here."
Not long after.
Jiqiu County officials gathered at the county government office.
Kan Ze bowed his head and said: "General, the officials have gathered together and can read the edict."
"very good!"
Zu Mao glanced at everyone, stood up, came to the center, asked for the emperor's edict, and began to read: "Xuzhou is newly attached, there is a mixed bag of fish and dragons, and the internal situation is unstable. Today there are traitors from Chang'an who are causing trouble and want to cause trouble in Xuzhou."
"The registered officials in Xuzhou should fully cooperate with Xu Rong, Cheng Pu, and Zu Mao, and work together to kill the bandits and protect Xuzhou. When Xuzhou is stabilized, I will discuss the merits and reward them."
Kan Ze bowed and raised his hands, and said loudly: "Qiu ordered Kan Ze to receive the order."
All the officials bowed and saluted: "I accept the decree."
Immediately, Zu Mao put away the edict and helped Kan Ze up with his own hands: "Please come up, Magistrate Kan. I, the general, will station three thousand troops in the county. All logistical support will be handed over to you."
Kan Ze hurriedly handed over his hand: "What can you say, general? Not to mention that there is no edict from His Majesty, but there is no edict. This is also a matter within the lower official's duties. You should do your best."
"So good."
Zu Mao let out a long breath, and his hanging heart was completely relieved: "County Magistrate Kan, before I set off, General, Your Majesty once said that the replacement of officials in Langya is very heavy, especially in Jiqiu, right?"
"That's right!"
Kan Ze nodded affirmatively: "We in Qiu County have changed everything from the county magistrate to the county magistrate and the county lieutenant, so general, don't worry, we are very loyal to the court."
"That's not what I meant, General."
Zu Mao realized that Kan Ze had misunderstood, so he smiled lightly and said, "Actually, this was done intentionally by Your Majesty. You, the magistrate of Kan County, as well as County Lieutenant Xu Sheng, and County Prime Minister He Qi, are all appointed by His Majesty."
Kan Ze was surprised!
The two figures behind him were even more surprised!
Zu Mao guessed something from the other party's expression: "May I ask, you two are Xu Sheng, do you congratulate Qi?"
The two of them took a step forward, bowed and cupped their hands:
"I am lowered to the rank of county captain Xu Sheng."
"He is congratulating Qi, the Prime Minister of Xia County."
"kindness."
Zu Mao nodded solemnly and immediately summoned three people over: "According to His Majesty's decree, the assassins from Chang'an direction have sneaked into Langya Kingdom and are very likely to have controlled Zang Ba and other Taishan thieves."
"Moreover, Tao Qian's close confidant Cao Bao may also have surrendered to Chang'an. Their goal is very clear, which is to overthrow the imperial rule in Xuzhou, kill Tao Qian, and then counterattack Yuzhou."
"ah?"
Kan Ze and the other three were all shocked.
Especially Xu Sheng, whose eyes were as wide as bells and looked horrified: "This...how is this possible?"
Kan Ze, on the other hand, was relatively calm: "I don't know what happened to Cao Bao, but these Taishan thieves may indeed be controlled by assassins from Chang'an. Once they are controlled, and then control Zang Ba, it will be much easier."
"That's right!"
The county magistrate He Qi frowned and analyzed calmly: "Chang Xi, who caused trouble before, is one of the Taishan thieves. This person is greedy by nature and is very likely to be raped by Chang'an and controlled with the promise of huge profits."
"Perhaps, His Majesty decided to eradicate the Taishan bandits after seeing Tao Shijun's memorial. This is an extremely wise decision, otherwise Xuzhou will not be able to maintain long-term peace and stability."
"That's all General Zu ordered."
He Qi immediately waved his hand and said loudly: "We will do our best to help the general, eradicate the traitors and defend Xuzhou."
Xu Sheng gritted his teeth and was filled with righteous indignation: "I am from Langya. These Taishan thieves are doing evil in Langya. I have long wanted to bring them to justice. Now that the imperial army is here, I will help you with all my strength!"
"That's right!"
Kan Ze nodded affirmatively: "General, just give the order, and we will go all out."
Zu Mao was deeply moved: "With such morale, why worry about not being able to accomplish our great cause?"
"Come here, gentlemen."
Immediately.
Zu Mao turned back to his superiors, spread out the map he carried with him, and said loudly: "Everyone, my general is leading troops to intervene in Langya. The thieves will inevitably summon all the Taishan thieves to gather in Kaiyang."
"I believe it won't be long before the bandits' army will come to besiege Jiqiu County. If Cao Bao really colludes with the bandits, our situation will be even more dangerous."
"but......"
Zu Mao changed the subject and calmly analyzed: "In this way, Xu Rong and Cheng Pu stationed near Pengcheng, as well as Cao Cao in Pei State, will be able to quickly resolve the battle in Pengcheng, and they will definitely attract a large army to come to support.
"
"Conservative estimate."
At this point, Zu Mao's voice calmed down and he said with difficulty: "We have less than four thousand people. We need to hold on for at least ten days, or even longer. The opponent is twenty times our army. It will be a hard battle for us. You need to
Be mentally prepared!”
The three of them raised their hands in unison: "Don't worry, General, we are willing to fight to the death."
"good!"
Zu Mao was overjoyed and his confidence doubled: "In that case, I, the general, will issue the order."
The three men nodded: "I will obey the general's orders."
"Where is County Lieutenant Xu Sheng?"
"The end will be here."
"You quickly send messengers to the major counties in Langya, and use His Majesty's edict as an order to ask each county to summon troops and horses to assist us by raiding grain roads, military camps, and other methods."
"Here."
Langya changed many county magistrates, and the county magistrate, Ji Qiu, was just the most typical one.
Most of these replaced county magistrates and magistrates were die-hard fans of Nanyang Hanting. In addition, the new officials had no political achievements or meritorious service after taking office, so they would not give up this great opportunity.
As long as the county magistrates and county magistrates can be mobilized, even if their individual strength is small, together they are a force that cannot be underestimated. If they cooperate internally and externally, they will be able to persist longer.
"Where is County Magistrate He Qi?"
"The official is here."
"This is the drawing given by His Majesty before leaving."
Zu Mao handed the drawings he carried with him to He Qi and ordered: "Go find a craftsman and build the equipment as soon as possible. Whether we can sustain it for ten days depends entirely on you. The manpower issue should be discussed internally."
He Qi leaned forward and handed over his hand: "General, don't worry, just leave it to me."
"Where is County Magistrate Kanze?"
"The official is here."
"Once we start a war with the Taishan thieves, the thieves will definitely attack with all their strength. Even though the Qiu County city is short and shallow, it may be difficult to defend it for a long time. Although I don't want to involve the people, I still have to mobilize the people when they should be mobilized."
"I understand."
Kan Ze naturally knew what Zu Mao meant, and immediately said solemnly: "General, don't worry, now the people of Xuzhou have their hearts to rely on. If the thieves really dare to attack Jiqiu, I believe they will come forward."
"kindness."
Zu Mao nodded affirmatively: "Don't worry, Magistrate Kan, unless it is absolutely necessary, we will never implicate the people in the city, but if the city is really invaded."
Having said that, Zu Mao took out another letter from his arms and handed it to Kan Ze: "Let the people prepare in advance. Our soldiers will definitely start street fighting with the people to wait for rescue."
"This is......"
Kan Ze looked thoughtful and curious.
"Your Majesty's clever plan."
Zu Mao stared at the other party with bright eyes.
Yesterday, the reason why he was not afraid of Cao Bao and others was because he knew the emperor's strategy.
Although His Majesty the Emperor is far away in Nanyang, his careful thinking seems to have firmly controlled the trend of the Xuzhou War.
"ah?"
Kan Ze's face suddenly became solemn and he took the letter with both hands: "General, don't worry, I will mobilize the people as soon as possible and make preparations according to His Majesty's requirements."
"kindness."
Zu Mao nodded affirmatively: "Thank you for your hard work, go and do your work."
Kan Ze raised his hand and said, "Here!"
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the hall.
Zu Mao looked up.
However, he saw Army Commander Ma Houcheng hurrying over with a worried look on his face. He leaned forward and held his hands in his hands: "General, there's a situation."
Zu Mao asked anxiously: "What's going on?"
"The general sent out scouts at the first opportunity, and just reported back that there were traces of large troop movement near Linyi. The target should be Kaiyang County, and must be to join Zang Ba."
"So fast?"
Zu Mao was stunned for a moment.
You know, he had just arrived in Jiqiu County, and the other party was already taking action.
This can only prove that their actions have already been known to the other party, and once the other party gathers their troops and horses, they will immediately launch an attack on Jiqiu.
"kindness."
Hou Cheng nodded: "Obviously, we were exposed when we were in Pengcheng. This is enough to prove that there is definitely something wrong with Cao Bao currently stationed in Tan County."
Without the traitor, the news would not have been leaked so quickly!
Zu Mao was deeply convinced, and secretly said: "Damn it! We must prepare as soon as possible. Hou Sima, you quickly familiarize yourself with the city defense, and work with Xu County Lieutenant to arrange the defense strategies of each sect."
Hou Cheng leaned forward and raised his hands: "Here."
****
Pengcheng.
Governor's Mansion.
The night is charming and the moon and stars are sparse.
Xu Rong and Tao Qian all turned back to the inner hall, preparing to have a rest.
"All of you, please retreat, I don't need you to serve me anymore."
Tao Qian drunkenly waved his hand and dismissed all the attendants and guards on the left and right.
Squeak!
When he closed the door, he suddenly woke up and made sure there was no one outside. Then he turned and glanced at Xu Rong: "Brother Gonghua, what do you mean?"
"Brother Gongzu!"
Xu Rong pulled Tao Qian over and said with great solemnity: "Your generals Cao Bao and Zhang Kai have problems. If nothing else happens, they have already defected to Chang'an Hanting."
"ah?"
Tao Qian was stunned for a moment and said with shock: "This... how is this possible? I treat Cao Bao well, why would he betray me?"
Xu Rong lowered his voice and said: "The reason is very simple. The price in Chang'an is higher. As long as Cao Bao can kill you, he will be Xuzhou Mu, and if he follows you, he will always be a captain."
"this......"
I have to admit, it does make some sense.
However, Tao Qian had great trust in Cao Bao. If it were not for Xu Rong but someone else, he would have killed him long ago, let alone be worthy of him in this play.
"Brother Gongzu."
Xu Rong said extremely solemnly: "I know you don't believe it, but there will be results soon in the direction of Langya. Once Cao Bao joins forces with Zang Ba, it will inevitably prove that he has betrayed the country and surrendered to the enemy."
"And he took away 20,000 Danyang soldiers, but left Zhang Kai in Pengcheng, responsible for protecting your safety. Once the time comes, he will definitely take your life, and then use it to slander us, so as to mobilize the remaining Danyang soldiers for
Brother Gongzu takes revenge."
Tao Qian frowned, took a deep breath, and tried to stay calm: "Do you have any evidence?"
Xu Rong shook his head, but he was very frank: "Xu has no evidence, so he and Brother Gongzu will act out this big drama together, so that you can see with your own eyes how Cao Bao rebelled."
"If the other party doesn't take action, just pretend that nothing happened. Cao Bao is still the captain under your command, and Zhang Kai is still your general. But if they take action against brother Gongzu, please ask brother Gongzu to gather Danyang elites and fight with him.
I'll kill Ben Langya!"
Although there are 30,000 Danyang soldiers, they are divided into elite and ordinary soldiers.
The Danyang soldiers who were in charge of guarding the Governor's Mansion and protecting Tao Qian were all elite Danyang soldiers, and those Danyang soldiers who were taken away by Cao Bao were slightly inferior to these people.
certainly!
The most important thing is.
Although Cao Bao is the commander-in-chief of the Danyang soldiers, in the eyes of the Danyang soldiers, there is only one real master, and that is Tao Qian, a native of their hometown whom they have been following!
It is precisely because of this that Cao Bao will definitely attack Tao Qian and then frame him to Nanyang Hanting. As long as Tao Qian survives, he will definitely reverse the situation completely by raising his arms and shouting.
Although Tao Qian didn't believe it, after all, it came from Xu Rong's mouth. He hesitated again and again, and finally said: "Okay! This time I will listen to brother Gonghua."
"Although I, Tao Qian, am old, I can't be bullied by any rat. If Cao Bao really dares to act recklessly, I, Tao Qian, will chop off his head with my own hands!"
This moment.
Xu Rong could clearly feel that Tao Qian's domineering aura was rising again.
He nodded with satisfaction and patted Tao Qian on the shoulder: "This is the Tao Gongzu I know. I hope we two brothers can continue to fight one more time so that the people of Xuzhou can completely settle down."
"rest assured!"
Tao Qian's eyes were piercing, and he said with absolute certainty: "If it is true as you say, I, Tao Qian, will definitely wear armor and go into battle again. Although Cao Bao is the commander-in-chief of the Danyang Army, I am the master of the Danyang Army!"
"That's right!"
Xu Rong smiled indifferently, extremely satisfied with this: "Brother Gongzu is the master of the Danyang soldiers, not Cao Bao. They want to seize Xuzhou and cause chaos. They are simply seeking death!"
Tao Qian said loudly: "Brother Gonghua, tell me how you want me to cooperate. I will listen to you."
Xu Rongen sighed and nodded: "In that case, let's do this..."
