Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3017: Growth is mutual after all

 Eight years of Taixing.

 November 20th.

　　It started to snow at the northern end of Taihang Mountain.

The snow was not heavy at first, but the temperature was like a fault and jumped off the cliff in one breath.

Smoke curled up from the Cao Jun camp outside Tucheng in Shexian County.

 With the forts on the outskirts of Shexian County, all of them have been conquered one by one. Some were destroyed during the attack, leaving only some broken eaves and broken walls, while others are still in use, and Cao's army is now stationed there. The flag of Cao Jun was erected on the top of the wall.

Although the progress was not slow, Cao Jun's coach Xiahou Dun was worried and looked at Shexian Tucheng with a solemn expression.

A group of Cao Jun cavalry patrolled around the city about four or five miles outside the city. From time to time, they would approach the city and shout, either to provoke or to attack people's hearts, and to implement psychological tactics.

Since marching into Fukouxing, Xiahou Dun's performance should be considered quite good. He promptly adapted to the changes in the Taihang Mountains and dispatched a small team of soldiers. Under the leadership of smugglers who were familiar with the mountain roads, they weaved in and out and surrounded Fukou. The cavalry defenders on the mountain. This tactic of double-teaming front and rear is undoubtedly very effective, and will quickly shake the morale of the defenders along Fukouxing and collapse their will. Before reaching Shexian County, Xiahou Dun had broken through eight checkpoints and three military strongholds along the way. Even the military stronghold outside She County was also defeated by Xiahou Dun...

 But the smooth rhythm only ends here.

 The problem is not food, but food storage.

For this expedition, Cao Jun prepared a large amount of grain and grass. Of course Xiahou Dun would not forget to carry it, but the problem was that after he carried the grain, he had no transportation space to carry other things...

Of course, when fighting on other terrains, there are no additional problems that extend from the current situation, such as fuel problems.

 There is food and grass, but not enough fuel.

 This problem actually does not occur on other terrains.

Even if they do not bring enough firewood, the army can temporarily cut down trees during the march, which can be used as raw materials for military equipment and as fuel.

 But the problem is that this is the Taihang Mountains...

 Much of the terrain is the Taihang Mountains with cliffs and faults.

Of course it is impossible for Xiahou Dun not to cut down trees for the sake of environmental protection, but he can't cut them down!

Those trees that can be easily cut down have been cut down early in the process of human survival and trade. What is left are those trees that are high up and out of reach. Even if they can be climbed up and cut down, they are not easy to transport. .

 This is very painful.

 Firewood is generally very cheap. The woodcutter carried a load of firewood to the city to sell for a few big bucks, and now Xiahou Dun was trapped by these few big bucks.

 As temperatures drop, there is a greater need for fuel.

It snowed for the first time yesterday, but at night it seemed like dripping water turned into ice. The drop in temperature is almost equivalent to the magic of indiscriminate all-out attack in this era. Poor people or even a family only have one or two sets of clothes that they can wear when going out. When it is hot, they can go shirtless, but when it is cold, they have no extra clothes to wear...

 Cao's army has begun to do their best to collect fuel.

Not only the wood in the abandoned fortress, but also the dry deciduous shrubs in the field, and even the trees on the stone walls that were easier to collect were climbed up with ropes or ladders and chopped down, causing a pile of The soldiers of Cao's army cheered.

Who would have thought that Cao Jun was not cheering for victory now, but for fuel?

Xiahou Dun stared blankly, something seemed to move in his heart.

The sound of footsteps came from behind, and the trusted guard came to his side and reported softly: "My subordinates went to the baggage camp to take inventory and found some old wood and gun handles, as well as some wooden boards that were difficult to piece together. Use it as fuel and burn it for two or three days..."

 Xiahou Dun nodded, listening to the report from his men, but still staring in the direction of Shexian County.

 …

 …

 The county magistrate of Shexian County is called Liang Qi.

The city guarding captain beside Liang Qi is Yan Zhi.

Liang Qi was originally a wealthy family in Shexian County. He has served as the county magistrate of Shexian County since the Dong Zhuo period and has continued to this day.

 Pure local snake from Shexian County.

Yan Zhize is an outsider, originally from Youbei.

While Cao Jun and Xiahou Dun were staring at Shexian City outside the city, Shexian County Magistrate Liang Qi was also staring at Cao Jun with a sad look on his face.

From God's perspective, of course, the comparison of the strength of the two sides and the material situation of the two sides are clear, but the people inside can only be blind and touch the elephant.

Cao's army attacked Shexian County, fighting three times in total and losing two to three hundred people under the city. Of course, not all of the two or three hundred people were regular soldiers, most of them were laborers and auxiliary soldiers.

 At the beginning of the siege, Xiahou Dun also used many strategies.



Although these strategies are neither special nor rare, they often work in a hurry. If Liang Qi had not been assisted by the city commander Yan Zhi, he would have been fooled and defeated by Cao's army.

After the initial battle, Liang Qi became more cautious and respected Yan Zhi more and more. Unlike before, when he thought he was wealthy and had half the county's wealth, he would stare at people with his nostrils. Now he would also let people look at him. Look at my bald spot...

　　　『There is a saying in the art of war that you cannot defend the city for a long time. From time to time, you can go out to fight in the city to boost morale? Liang Qi lowered his head and asked, "These guys making noise outside the city all day long are really disturbing... I wonder what Captain Yan thinks?" 』

　　　　Not so. Yan Zhi pointed to the cavalry of Cao's army cruising in the distance outside the city and said, "These Cao's troops are not more than five miles away. With the speed of the cavalry, this distance can be reached in the blink of an eye!" If we leave the city, it will give Cao Jun a chance. 』

　　　Then just listen to it like this? Liang Qi asked.

Yan Zhi nodded, "If the county magistrate finds it unpleasant, you don't have to listen... or you can ask some people to scold Cao Jun... Of course, I don't recommend doing this. There is a cold wind blowing on top of the city, not to mention the suffering, and it also consumes manpower..."

Liang Qi nodded and turned back to look at Shexian City.

 The streets in the city were crowded with surrounding people huddled together. Although there was a porridge shed and many bonfires set up, it was still very cold and shivering.

 It’s not that the people in Shexian County are unloving, it’s just that there’s no such thing.

 There are not many houses and buildings in Shexian County, unlike there were so many vacant buildings in later generations.

And even if so many buildings are idle in later generations, no one will be willing to use these idle buildings to make low-rent housing or low-cost apartments...

The current houses of the Han Dynasty are all private residences, not the kind that are rented for decades, so these people who originally lived outside the city naturally have nowhere to go. If they can find a sheltered place in the corners or alleys, it is already very good. .

The temperature has dropped in the past two days, and many people have frozen to death, huddled in some place, waiting to rot.

"There is still food and grass in the city, but in this weather...things to keep out the cold..." Liang Qi was a little worried.

Yan Zhi also looked back and said, "If that doesn't work, let people find some places first, dig some nests, and then fill them in after the siege is resolved... Don't make chaos... I suspect there may be some Cao Jun spies in the city. If we If you mess up first, you will most likely take the opportunity to cause trouble..."

Liang Qi was shocked, "What should we do?" Why not catch these Cao Jun spies? ! 』

Yan Zhi smiled bitterly, "Cao's army is coming fiercely. How can I have time to do this... And it's not like this spy can be seen on his face with just two glances... I'm just guessing... If someone from Wen Si hasn't left, Enough…"

Liang Qi also grinned awkwardly.

 When I heard that the Secretary came down for inspection, I felt annoyed.

 Now that the inspection is gone, I begin to think that it would actually be good to have a permanent hearing officer...

This is how people are.

　　"I'll think of something..." Liang Qi nodded, "But...it won't be a problem if we continue like this..."

Yan Zhi also agreed that the focus now is when reinforcements will arrive...

As he spoke, Yan Zhi suddenly looked serious, "Wait a minute, what are those Cao soldiers doing?" 』

 …

 …

 On a **** outside Shexian County.

 Xiahou Dun looked from afar.

 The slopes that had been cleared long ago looked extremely desolate. “General, are you going to use that gunpowder now?” "Bian Bing, the guard of the Chinese Army, frowned slightly, "We don't carry much gunpowder..."

 Is Shexian County important?

 It is naturally important, but it does not seem to be very important.

 Cao Cao pursued Fei Qian desperately, and Gunpowder also made some progress after many accidents.

The reason why there are some is because in Shandong, where Cao Cao is located, craftsmen and other people are not valued enough. They are often treated like an object, which will die when it dies. As a result, relevant experience is sometimes difficult to pass on.

 After all, gunpowder can cause heavy casualties if you are not careful...

 Fortunately, there are many people in Shandong.

"Winter is coming, we must have a place to stay..." Xiahou Dun sighed, "In addition, the wind and snow are coming, if the gunpowder gets damp... it is better to use it here..."

Although Xiahou Dun was worried, his face still looked calm and calm. In Xiahou Dun's belief, the most important thing is to fulfill Cao Cao's orders under any circumstances. This code of conduct almost ran through his life, which made him gain Cao Cao's complete trust.

Thinking about it, this kind of strong tenacity to carry out no matter what, and subordinates who are not afraid of dangers and difficulties to achieve their goals are the favorites of any superior.

The Chinese army guard Bian Bing stood aside and was silent for a moment. He also understood the necessity of using gunpowder now, but as the guard of the Chinese army, he had the responsibility to remind Xiahou Dun. If Xiahou Dun didn't listen after reminding him, it's Xiahou Dun's problem. If he didn't remind him, it's Bian Bing's problem.

Bian Bing's careful and cautious character makes him very suitable for the position of guarding the Chinese army. The guard of the Chinese Army does not need to be too aggressive, nor does it need to have any outstanding ingenuity. It only needs to check for deficiencies step by step and complete everything assigned by the coach. The best thing is to protect the Chinese Army without leaks.

 Bian Bing is the younger brother of Queen Bian, so he is actually a "foreign relative".

The "foreign relatives" in the late Han Dynasty, perhaps because the first relatives were too domineering, so they later tended to choose some Xiaojiabiyu. This is the case with Bian. In fact, the Bian family's family background is not even close to that of a small family, otherwise Queen Bian would not have been a singer. Because of the rise of Cao Cao, Bian Bing also received some important positions, but there has never been much promotion in official positions.

Mrs. Bian was a little dissatisfied. She once mentioned it to Cao Cao and hoped that Cao Cao could promote her position, but Cao Cao did not agree.

Bian Bing did not slack off at all because of this and was still diligent.

“Bian Hujun,” Xiahou Dun said in a deep voice, “What do you think of the current war situation? 』

Bian Bing raised his head in surprise. He didn't expect Xiahou Dun to ask him this.

Xiahou Dun exhaled and looked up to see the smoke exhaled from his mouth dissipate in the air. "It is not difficult to capture Shexian County, but the difficulty lies in the follow-up... Not to mention Shangdang, there are thousands of soldiers in Taiyuan." , plus there is the Northern Territory Protector in the north of Taiyuan... If we fight steadily, even if we can defeat it, it will take less than three to five years to achieve full success... But this time..."

"There are generals who are planning the strategy..." Bian Bing subconsciously said some clichés, but was interrupted by Xiahou Dun.

Xiahou Dun turned to look at Bian Bing, "You and I are the Lord's close confidants. There is no need to say these polite words. If you say too much, it will make you more distant... Bian Hujun, you should also know that we are marching to Taiyuan." The party's purpose is to contain the Hussars' troops. If even the local Taiyuan garrison of the Shangdang cannot be shaken, how can they mobilize the three auxiliary troops of the Hussars, and how can they create opportunities for the Lord? 』

Bian Bing was silent for a moment and said, "I understand." Then send someone to urge the soldiers to speed up and capture Shexian County as soon as possible! 』

Xiahou Dun nodded, then turned to look at She County.

 There is a gray and black line that is not very obvious below Shexian County in the distance...

 That is a newly dug trench.

 …

 …

 Above Shexian County.

Yan Zhi stared at the ditch getting closer and closer to the city.

It is not easy to dig trenches in the cold weather, but similarly, the dug trenches are not easy to collapse. In addition, Cao's army was almost constantly digging in rotation, so the trenches were approaching very quickly, and they were about to be seen. It's going to be connected to the moat.

Shexian County is next to Zhangshui River, so there is also a moat. However, due to the lower water level, the water level of Shexian County's moat is also relatively low. As long as it is diverted slightly, the Shexian County Moat, which has blocked the upstream water inlet, will be very small. Drying fast.

Liang Qi stood aside and asked, "What should I do?" This is broken! broken! 』

 ‘This is the technique of acupuncture...’ Yan Zhi swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Under the cold weather, before it freezes, the moat is no less than a powerful weapon. Even if he is not injured, just soak it in water. After Cao Jun returns, he will have to rest for a few days, otherwise he will be infected with the wind and cold. In the blink of an eye, it was a big piece.

But once the moat is emptied, Cao Jun will be able to directly attack the city very conveniently. At that time, the city defense must always remind Cao Jun to attack...

 ‘Sneak attack… no, night attack…’ Yan Zhi said in a deep voice, ‘There is only one way now… night attack! 』

Liang Qi looked at the ditch under the city, "What?" Night attack? How to break this trench? 』

　　　‘Who said we should break this trench? Yan Zhi said, "It's the dam that blocked the water upstream!" 』

As long as there is water flowing in from the source, even if Cao Jun digs a trench, the water will be shallow at most. If Cao Jun wants to build a dam again, it will take more time, and the longer it takes, the more Cao Jun will be in the wild. The more I suffer...

 So, we still have to attack at night.

 But today’s night raids are no longer the same as before.

Yan Zhi was able to understand the importance of the upstream dam, could it be said that Xiahou Dun did not understand it?

Coupled with the importance of several night raids demonstrated by Fei Qian during his southern and northern campaigns, for Cao Cao, a military master, how could he not figure it out in detail?

Although there is no way to strengthen the logistics supply of the entire army like Fei Qian, it can still be done to strengthen nutrition for the private troops of important generals and improve their vision ability at night. Therefore, at the moment, Fei Qian has already published a newspaper in the martial arts hall, indicating that night attacks are not a panacea, and also reminded all generals that as long as they are well prepared, the night attack party will actually suffer more...

 But now, there seems to be no other way, or it could be said that Yan Zhi and Liang Qi failed to come up with a better way. If the intercepting dam cannot be destroyed, then we can only sit back and watch Cao Jun empty the water in the moat. This is undoubtedly a more dangerous and difficult matter.

 …

 …

 The night has fallen.

 The mountain wind is gradually rising.

In the sky, which is like splashing ink, there are a few stars sparsely shining listlessly. The harsh winter is approaching, the birds and insects in the mountains are silent, everything is silent, and everything is shrouded in the boundless darkness.

Yan Zhi and his men quietly lowered the rope down the city wall under the cover of darkness and reached the interception point of the upstream dam.

There was still no movement at the dam and surrounding areas.

Only near Cao Jun’s camp, there were some faintly dancing campfires, and some figures were moving.

Yan Zhi held the sword in his hand, silently half-bent, and walked forward.

 He suddenly felt regretful.

He is more familiar with cavalry. He likes the prairie. His battlefield should be on the grassland and desert. It's just that he was disgusted with the fighting on the grassland, so he came to the inland. But he didn't expect that war could not be avoided at all, even in the inland. He still came to find him. If he had known this earlier, he might as well have stayed in the Northern Territory to save his brother from having to accompany him to the mainland.

 In fact, grassland is the place they are more adapted to.

I don’t know why his brother was so slow to come to the rescue this time. Logically speaking, he should have arrived by now...

 Two hundred steps.

With the faint light of the twinkling stars, the black river dam can be seen.

The river dam blockage was temporarily erected, so the branches and branches were arrogant in the night.

 There was no sign of Cao Jun at the blockade.

It seems normal. After all, the cold wind is howling now, who would like to be blown by the wind in the wild?

 One hundred and fifty steps.

Yan Zhi felt that his breath could not help but become heavier, and the breathing of the people behind him was also heavier. He held the sword tighter. Something seemed to stir up in his mind and send him a warning, but he didn't pay attention. He was only thinking about one thing now, rushing over to the intercepting dam and killing all the enemies who dared to resist. , and then return to the city!

 Hundred steps.

Yan Zhi stared straight ahead and stepped over several branches with branches and leaves that seemed to have been randomly discarded on the ground. The dam is close at hand, but there is still no sign of Cao Jun...

 Suddenly, the crisp sound of copper bells rang in the night!

Yan Zhi turned around suddenly and saw that his men seemed to have hit something not far away, causing the jingling of copper bells to jingle randomly in the night!

 His heart suddenly tightened!

Before Yan Zhi could react, someone in the darkness shouted: "Shoot!" 』

 The sharp whistling sound is approaching!

Almost at the same time, some torches were lit, and then they were thrown high in an arc and fell to Yan Zhi and others. On the opposite side of the fire, Cao Jun's shadow swayed, and brief passwords were sounded one after another...

Oops!

 There is an ambush!

 (End of this chapter)