For three consecutive days, the sky was gloomy and foggy.
Inside and outside Xiapi City, Liu Bei was strictly guarding and defending, while Wang Zheng stood still and the two armies were still facing each other.
On this day, Wang Zheng inspected the camps, passed by Xu Fang's camp, and happened to go to Ma Camp.
In ancient times, the elite troops of the army were cavalry. For cavalry, horses are even more delicate than people. When the weather is cold, proper care must be taken. The feed of pregnant horses must maintain a certain nutritional level. They must not eat frost-bearing grass or grass.
Drink cold water to avoid irritating the gastrointestinal tract, and practice running regularly in groups every day to activate qi and blood.
But in today's summer, it is actually even more troublesome.
Not only is the weather hot and there are many mosquitoes, it is easy for horses to lose their appetite. Only when the cool breeze comes in the evening will the horse regain its appetite. At this time, not only must it be fed immediately, but because of one meal a day, the feed must be maintained
At a certain level of nutrition, it is even more important to actively replenish water for horses in summer, no less than 3 times a day, and the time should not be too long.
At this time, it is no longer necessary to practice running regularly. It is necessary to reduce the time for grazing, but it is also necessary to not skip training completely, so as to avoid the horse being out of shape in the event of war.
You should also pay attention when choosing the location of the horse camp. For example, this time Wang Zheng’s horse camp was arranged in the shade of a mountain.
At this time, there were hundreds of horses in the circle, either walking or galloping, with different postures. After the heavy fog came, the weather became a little cooler. Compared with the previous days, the spirits of the horses were much better at this time. There were only a few horses.
When they saw Wang Zheng and his entourage coming, they immediately raised their heads and started neighing. Most of them were the mounts of generals.
Wang Zheng stood on the sidelines and watched with great interest. He was accompanied by Xu Fang, Yu Jin and others. A good soldier must love horses, and all the generals were among them. They all pointed and commented on the advantages and disadvantages.
Pan Zhang rolled his eyes, pointed somewhere and said: "General, look at this horse, its belly is small and strong, and its buttocks are big and solid." He said proudly: "A woman's buttocks are big, so she must be easy to give birth to, and this war horse's buttocks are big, so she must
Good at running and hardworking..."
At this point, Pan Zhang came to a conclusion: "This must be a good horse!"
"Oh?" Before Wang Zheng could speak, he saw Yu Jin on the side smiling and saying: "Lieutenant Colonel Pan, I heard earlier that when you were in Jiqiu, someone once presented a good horse. It was completely black, except for its four hoofs, which were white as snow.
Is it this horse?"
Yu Wenze, you have such good ears and eyes...
Pan Zhang was shocked, but he was thankful that I had been prepared.
"Major Yu, why did you say this?" Pan Zhang pretended to be astonished: "This horse does come from Jiqiu, but it is not dedicated to me, a martial artist."
At this point, he turned to Wang Zheng, cupped his hands and said with a smile: "This horse is called Pirates, and it is a famous horse outside the pass. It can travel thousands of miles in a day. It was a local businessman from Jiqiu who admired the general's majesty and took the initiative to donate it."
Given to me?
Wang Zheng was startled and became curious. He took a quick look at the huge horse farm and knew at the first glance which horse Pan Zhang was talking about.
It was a tall war horse with a slender neck. It was being held by two soldiers at this time and was walking slowly along the side. Looking from a distance, you could see that its pure black fur was smooth and water-smooth, and its whole body was black.
It is as smooth as satin, and its fur trembles slightly when walking, as if it can drip oil. It is truly a majestic horse, like a black unicorn, giving people the impression that it will rise into the sky as long as it stomps its hooves slightly.
"Nice horse!"
Wang Zheng really fell in love with him at the first sight. No matter how polite he was, he nodded and said: "Then I will accept it." But he was not polite at all.
It would be fine if it were something else, but for a general, a good weapon and a good horse are the most irresistible things.
"As long as the general likes it." Seeing his reaction, Pan Zhang felt happy and said with a smile: "But this horse has a violent temper, so you have to be careful when riding it before taming it."
"I understand." Wang Zheng replied without turning his head, but looked straight at the bandit with very hot eyes.
At this time, as if sensing his gaze, the horse also stood up in surprise, tilted its head slightly, and looked over...
Wang Zheng was surprised to find that this beast's eyes could actually change!
The horse first squinted at him curiously, then blinked, snorted, and seemed to sneer, then turned its head again with a look of disdain.
interesting!
Now he became more interested, and was thinking about going forward to tame him personally, when a soldier hurried over.
"Report to the general, report from the sentries, there is something unusual in Xiapi City!"
whispering sound!
Liu Da'er is such a letdown, not allowing anyone to relax for a moment.
Wang Zheng looked sideways at the bandit for a while, curled his lips regretfully, after all, business was important, so he gave up his thoughts of submissiveness, looked around and said: "Go back to the tent to discuss matters."
"Here!"
After turning along the road in the camp, Wang Zheng and his party turned directly into the big tent.
"Hang up the map."
After sitting down and waiting for the generals to take their seats, Wang Zheng ordered people to hang up the map and then called his own soldiers to guard him. No one was allowed within a hundred meters.
"Is there Liu Bei's sentry riding in the northeast?"
After listening to the report of the sentry cavalry, Wang Zheng pondered for a while and looked around: "Gentlemen, what does the enemy mean by this move?"
"This is the direction of Tancheng." Pan Zhang thought for a while and replied: "Xiapi is now under heavy siege. Liu Bei wants to take back Tancheng first and then retreat?"
"Let's not talk about whether he can recapture Tan City, but he must capture Tan City, and Langya is to the north of it." Yu Jin disagreed: "Retreating here, the situation with no way to escape will not improve at all, unless..."
At this time, Wang Zheng pointed to the city, mountains and rivers on the map, and said in a deep voice: 'Unless there is foreign aid to open up a northward retreat for him in advance!'
"General, are you talking about Beihai Kong Rong?"
Wang Zheng nodded: "But this is based on Liu Bei's idea of retaking Tancheng!"
"What if not?" As he spoke, he looked around at everyone and suddenly asked: "How many days have our troops been stationed under the city?"
As soon as these words came out, the others were startled at first, but Xu Fang on the side was thoughtful and said: "General, what do you mean, Liu Bei wants to cut off our army's food supply?"
Historically, during military campaigns, food routes have always been a top priority. Due to the loss of food routes and lack of food and grass, the entire army fell into a situation of destruction. There are endless records in the history books.
Wang Zheng has been stationing troops for nearly half a month. He now has three counties and there is no shortage of food and grass. However, Pengcheng Kingdom is still in a state of recuperation and is not moving for the time being. Basically, it is on Langya's side. The food road naturally passes through Tancheng.
Arrive at Xiapi.
Speaking of which, there is indeed not much food and grass left in the camp now. Considering that the war in Xiapi will not end in a short time, the next batch of food and grass is probably on the way at this time.
If Liu Bei really cuts off this food route and the supply of food and grass is no longer available, Wang Zheng will not retreat. Under the influence of morale, the siege may be loosened, which is a way to seek change.
"We can't rule out this possibility." Wang Zheng's eyes flashed: "But if Liu Bei retreats to the city now, he can still barely protect himself. If he dares to send troops to rob my food route, he will be seeking death!"
Looking at this posture, did he guess wrong? Wang Zheng thought to himself, did Liu Bei not intend to evacuate Xiapi? Give up Xuzhou?
"Speaking of which, brothers have also been recuperating for many days." He looked around, smiled, and asked, "Have you gained enough strength?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes lit up and they looked at each other with warlike eyes. Even the steady Yu Jin and Xu Fang couldn't help but feel excited.
Among them, Pan Zhang's expression was the most enthusiastic.
Before Xu Fang Yu Jin came here, he at least broke the city and killed the enemy and achieved military exploits. Wu Sheng on the other side also took down his post. If you talk about it, among the several high-ranking generals in the tent at this time, he was the only one named Pan.
Zhang has not accomplished anything yet.
If you include the time when he was stationed at Jiqiu, he has almost not been in a war for most of his life.
Unable to suppress his excitement, Pan Zhang took the initiative and asked: "Is the general planning to attack the city?"
"Zhang is willing to personally lead the warriors and dare to be the first to ascend!"
After seeing everyone's reactions, Wang Zheng was very satisfied.
He held his troops back for a long time, not only with the intention of forcing Liu Bei to evacuate voluntarily and win the battle without fighting, but in fact, he was also trying to build up the physical strength of his men and horses while sharpening his soldiers' desire to fight.
Building momentum can not only be used on the enemy, but also on one's own people. Suppress first and then raise it. It is better to stimulate the general than to dispatch it, so this is an example of its use.
"Okay!" Wang Zheng stood up with a puff of sleeves and raised his eyes with anger: "Send my general's order to start attacking the city tomorrow!"
"Pan Zhang leads hundreds of warriors from the Tianzhu Camp as the vanguard!"
"Xu Fang led three thousand troops to protect the grain road!"
"We have led five thousand troops in the forbidden area and surrounded them. From now on, no one is allowed to leave Pi City and escape!"
"Here!" The generals took their orders solemnly.
After a few words were distributed, everyone returned to the camp and made preparations. When Wang Zheng was the only one left in the tent, he stared at the corner of the map on the wall. On the light yellow paper, there were two bright red characters. Those were the last words Xuzhou still had.
A territory that does not belong to him, Xiapi.
Liu Bei.
Liu Xuande.
If you really don't want to leave...
Then there’s no need to leave!
...
At this time, Wang Zheng did not know that there was already smoke rising in the west not far away.
Pengcheng State, outside Wuyuan City.
Guan Yu leaps on his horse and whips his whip.
He had already broken into the Pengcheng defense zone last night and made a tentative attack before the first light of dawn.
Before arriving, we sent a detailed investigation to find out that there were only three thousand troops and horses in the city, and its guard was Zhang Rao, a yellow turban bandit who had been defeated by Cao Cao. Therefore, even if he wanted to hide the movement and prevent Wang Zheng's army outside Xiapi City from discovering it, this time
This time he only ordered 3,000 troops, but they were all elite. Guan Yu was bound to win and was full of confidence.
Unexpectedly, after the first battle, Zhang Rao was unexpectedly surprised one after another.
Not only were they prepared, which greatly reduced the effect of the original surprise attack, but their defenses were also watertight. Guan Yu immediately saw that the opponent was not incompetent, and he immediately lost all thoughts of finishing the battle.
This battle was related to the survival of his brothers. When he hit a wall, Guan Yu immediately did not dare to be careless and quickly set up a dignified formation.
So it became the current scene.
The entire Tian army shrank and resisted stubbornly. Wherever Guan Yu went to fight, Zhang Rao sent more troops. Guan Yu deliberately exposed his flaws, and Zhang Rao just pretended not to see them. In short, you come to fight, and I will defend;
If you don’t fight, I won’t chase you either.
After a day or two, Guan Yu was like a mouse trying to pull a tortoise. He had no choice but to take advantage of him.
On both sides of the offense and defense, if the defender is prepared and can maximize its advantage, it will be almost impossible for the attacker to achieve a quick victory. Either they have to use strange tactics, or... they can only rely on sheer force.
Crush in strength.
But in terms of soldiers alone, there is not much difference in the numbers of the two sides. Wuyuanli has some heavenly troops, and Guan Yu doesn't have much advantage.
This can't go on like this!
In the commander's tent, Guan Yu stared at the defense map of Wuyuan City sent by Tan Ma for a long time, and then asked: "Today, there are only four to five hundred guards on the north side of the city gates on all sides. Why haven't they even climbed up to the top of the city?"
A general came out after hearing the sound and quickly explained: "Sima, this is the last general who is incompetent!"
"However, our army has just arrived in a hurry and has not regained its strength. Please give me another chance. I will lead my army to seize the city tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow?" Guan Yu looked up and looked outside the tent. It was already late at night. He categorically objected: "I'll give you another chance. Tonight when the rooster crows, we will attack the city again. This time, we will still take you as the first to attack the weakest north.
Door."
"When the sun rises again, I will hear the good news!"
"Isn't that only two hours?" The general opened his mouth with a troubled look on his face: "Sima, this..."
At this time, Guan Yu happened to look sideways at him. Facing those two sharp eyes as sharp as knives, the general did not dare to say any more. He just cupped his hands and retreated in panic.
"Soldiers are very fast. We all come out carefully. The king thief has not been discovered for the time being. It is inevitable that the night will be long and we will have many dreams. Moreover, Wu Yuan will also send people to ask for help at this moment. Therefore, every extra day will increase the risk of being discovered!"
"At this time of life and death, we must not waste any more time. Wuyuan must be conquered, and it must be conquered as soon as possible!"
Looking around at everyone, Guan Yu said word by word: "Send the order!"
"The whole army will rest and recuperate immediately, and around Hai hour, when the night is dark and foggy, and the enemy is tired, we will attack the city with all our strength!"
"Once the attack is launched, we must continue to attack fiercely without stopping for half a quarter of an hour. When Yin time comes, I will personally lead a new force to capture this city!"
"We will not give up until the enemy's formation is broken. Tomorrow morning, our entire army will enter Wuyuan City!"
"Here!"
.....
Zhang Rao stood at the top of the city with his sword in hand, looking ahead. In the fog, the enemy troops nearby were clearly visible, while the enemy troops in the distance disappeared and appeared.
He looked back and saw that the city was devastated.
Liu Bei's army's second wave of offensive was unexpectedly fierce. In just two hours, there were countless dead and wounded on top of the city, inside and outside the city gate, and piles of corpses piled up like mountains.
Zhang Rao looked at his left eye again. Many of the people were veterans who had followed him for many years. They had experienced many deaths and wars, but at this moment, everyone was terrified.
"You said." He murmured to himself: "The messenger can see the general now?"
"Commander Qu, when the enemy appeared at noon yesterday, he was dispatched as soon as possible. But from Wuyuan to Xiapi, it was a galloping night under the stars. It would take two or three days at least. It is estimated that we will definitely see the general the day after tomorrow.
Already."
"The day after tomorrow?"
Zhang Rao suddenly became angry without warning and jumped into a rage. He pointed at the dead body not far away and said, "Just do the math, how many of us have died in just a few hours?"
"The day after tomorrow? I'm afraid I'll be a corpse the day after tomorrow!"
Everyone on the left and right remained silent and silent.
Since joining the Heavenly Army, there has been one victory after another, which often makes Zhang Rao almost forget his miserable first half of life. He has not felt the shadow of failure for an unknown amount of time.
And today...
The stormy offensive and the god-like figure below the city made Zhang Rao feel the fear he had felt for a long time again.
Is this the Guan Yu who killed Guan Hai...
Staring at the general's flag fluttering in the wind, Zhang Rao took a deep breath and then firmly grasped the handle of the knife.