Mi Han

Chapter 758: The enemy is clear, we are in secret and use surprise to counter surprise
In the sixth year of Zhangwu in the Han Dynasty, early October.

Cao Xiu in Wancheng was meeting an important person.

This person was Tian Yu, who volunteered to lead his army to Wancheng to support Cao Xiu.

Cao Xiu and Tian Yu were not strangers to each other. In fact, when Cao Cao went on an expedition to Hebei, Cao Xiu and Tian Yu worked together for a period of time.

Since they had worked together before, Cao Xiu naturally knew Tian Yu's talents.

Therefore, Cao Xiu was quite happy that Cao Rui sent Tian Yu to support him.

After offering a glass of wine to Tian Yu, Cao Xiu asked Tian Yu:

"The country has allowed me to travel thousands of miles south, what can I learn from you?"

When asking this question, Cao Xiu showed an expectant look on his face.

During this period of time, Cao Xiu's mood has become quite good.

This is because the critical situation he originally faced was greatly alleviated.

Looking back to August, Mi Yang used Zhang He as a surprise attack to capture Bowang. The situation at that time was indeed extremely bad for the Wei army.

At that time, everyone thought that Mi Yang would capture Wancheng in one fell swoop and then march to Xuchang.

The scene of the country's demise seems to be right before our eyes.

Later, a large number of Han troops appeared outside Wancheng, which also proved this conjecture.

To be honest, although Cao Xiu continued to boost morale in Wancheng at that time, he was still determined to live and die with the city.

Fortunately, Cao Rui was decisive and quickly sent an envoy to contact Sun Quan, asking Sun Quan to send Lu Xun to lead a large force to launch a surprise attack on southern Jing, in order to recreate the situation that Guan Yu was attacked from all sides.

Judging from the current situation, Cao Rui's strategy was undoubtedly successful.

After all, when Mi Yang learned that Gong'an was in danger, he immediately led a part of his troops back to Jingnan to provide assistance.

This directly led to a sudden reduction in the pressure faced by Cao Xiu.

Who wouldn't be excited to be pulled back from the brink of possible death?
However, Cao Xiu also knew that the crisis of the Wei Dynasty was far from over.

At least Mi Yang is not dead yet, right?
Faced with Cao Xiu's question, Tian Yu couldn't help but ponder.

Although he had just arrived in Wancheng, he had learned from Xiahou Shang that Mi Yang had led his troops to retreat when he passed through Xuchang.

how to say.

Tian Yu felt quite pleased with himself because he felt that his plan had successfully forced the world-famous Mi Yang to retreat.

However, Tian Yu and Cao Xiu agreed with each other - as long as Mi Yang was still alive, it was not the time for them to let down their guard.

After thinking for a while, Tian Yu asked:
"I hope the Grand Marshal will tell me the latest developments of the bandits."

After hearing Tian Yu's question, Cao Xiu smiled and asked Wang Jun behind him to deliver the latest intelligence to Tian Yu.

After receiving the information from Wang Jun, Tian Yu quickly read it.

After reading the information in his hand, Tian Yu subconsciously praised:
“As expected of him, he could come up with a plan to control water with fire and turn the iron chains across the river into ashes.

Pan Zhang’s death was not unjust.”

As time went by, even in Wancheng, Cao Xiu was able to get the latest news that Zhouling was recaptured by Mi Yang.

After praising Mi Yang, Tian Yu immediately realized a key problem:

"Now that the Wu army's retreat has been cut off by the Mi bandits, has Lu Xun sent an envoy to ask the Grand Marshal for help?"

Seeing that Tian Yu had realized the key point so quickly, Cao Xiu calmly stroked his beard and replied:
"That's natural."

When answering this question, Cao Xiu felt some emotion in his heart.

Just two months ago, Cao Rui was still anxiously asking Sun Quan for help.

Unexpectedly, in just two months, the situation has changed dramatically - the original knife-wielder seems to have become a lamb to be slaughtered.

After Cao Xiu answered, Tian Yu immediately asked:

"Then what does the Grand Marshal think of Lu Xun's request for help?"

After asking this question, Tian Yu looked at Cao Xiu with burning eyes.

Although he was sent to Wancheng by Cao Rui, Cao Rui sent him to assist Cao Xiu.

Since he was providing assistance, Tian Yu had to figure out what Cao Xiu's strategic goal was.

In response to Tian Yu's question, Cao Xiu answered without hesitation:
"We will do our best to meet the requests of our allies."

Cao Xiu answered with firmness.

Cao Xiu was not stupid. He knew very well that the lips and teeth would be cold if they were separated.

If he ignored Lu Xun's request for help, or did not put in enough effort, then after Lu Xun's defeat, Mi Yang, who would no longer have any worries, would focus all his attention on Wancheng.

Cao Xiu felt that experiencing such a terrifying thing once was enough, and he didn't want to experience it a second time.

Cao Xiu's answer brought a smile to Tian Yu's face.

There was indeed a reason why Cao Xiu was so highly regarded by Cao Cao.

"The great Sima is wise."

After praising Cao Xiu, Tian Yu said:

"Although the Mi bandits succeeded in leading a part of their troops southward last month under unexpected circumstances, there are still about 30,000 elite troops outside Wancheng to cover their retreat.

I heard that these 30,000 elite bandits were led by Deng Ai, the bandit's favorite general.

If the Grand Marshal can destroy these 30,000 elite bandits, he can not only inflict a heavy blow to the bandits, but also perhaps recover the homeland of Jingbei in one fell swoop."

Cao Xiu deeply agreed with Tian Yu's words.

That's what he thought in his heart.

just.

Cao Xiu sighed and said to Tian Yu:
“Guorang doesn’t know.

When I learned that Mi Yang was withdrawing his troops to the south, I immediately led my troops out of the city to attack the enemy's camp.

But the enemy's main camp was solid, and I could not take it down with my fierce attack.

Later, I thought of retreating with my entire army, and when the bandit Deng Ai led his troops to continue retreating southward, I would launch a fierce attack on the bandit army's rear.

But the little thief Deng Ai, perhaps with the advice of the thief Mi, was quite patient and chose to keep his troops in place, not giving our army any chance to take advantage.

To this day, our army and the enemy army are still confronting each other outside the city."

Cao Xiu told Tian Yu about his recent difficulties.

It is true that when there is a big gap in the strength of the two sides, if the side with fewer troops retreats first, the other side will get a godsend opportunity.

But the problem is that Deng Ai is young but more stable than ordinary veterans, so he refuses to retreat.

After realizing what was bothering Cao Xiu, Tian Yu seemed to have already made a plan in his mind.

He smiled slightly, then bowed to Cao Xiu and said:
"Yu has a plan that will force Deng Ai to retreat."

Tian Yu's words made Cao Xiu very happy.

Cao Xiu immediately leaned forward and asked, "What brilliant plan does Guo Rang have? Tell me quickly."

Under Cao Xiu's urgent questioning, Tian Yu stood up and walked towards the map hanging behind Cao Xiu.

After standing still, Tian Yu pointed his finger to a certain place on the map.

Then Tian Yu said:
"Does the Grand Marshal still remember how Zhang Fei unexpectedly led his army to Wancheng last year?"

Tian Yu's words and the place he pointed to made Cao Xiu react instantly.

"Guorang's idea is that our army can follow the example of Zhang Fei last year and do the opposite, marching south from Nieyang and taking a detour to the rear of the Han army?"

"Exactly."

Tian Yu confirmed Cao Xiu's guess.

"The bandits are now attacked from two sides, and the military forces in the northern part of Jing must be empty.

In addition, our army's strength is twice that of Deng Ai, which is a good opportunity for us to divide our forces.

Yu Yuan requested to lead a group of elite troops south through Nieyang and go around to the rear of the Han army.

By then, Yu could cut off the Han army's food supply, and shock the counties of Yiyang, causing unrest in the northern Jing area.

If everything goes well, what other choice does Deng Ai have in this situation except to retreat hastily? "

"And if Deng Ai abandons his strong camp and flees south, the Grand Marshal can lead a large force in pursuit, while Yu can set up an ambush in front of the enemy army.

Under attack from both sides, the enemy army will surely be defeated!"

After hearing Tian Yu's plan, Cao Xiu subconsciously clapped his hands and laughed.

"Guorang's plan is really brilliant!"

But after laughing, Cao Xiu still had a worry in his heart.

"Nieyang is a land of swamps and forests, and the roads are rugged and difficult to travel. Is Guo Rang sure of his safety?"

Tian Yu was confident about Cao Xiu's concerns.

“As for other matters, I dare not speak rashly.

It has always been difficult to do good deeds! "

As he said this, Tian Yu exuded a strong sense of confidence.

Tian Yu's confidence is not groundless.

When he followed Cao Zhang on the expedition to Dai County, he personally led the Wei army and traveled through many poor mountains and bad waters.

Cao Xiu knew about this.

Therefore, Cao Xiu soon felt relieved about Tian Yu.

"Okay, I will give you five thousand elite soldiers.

I hope Guo Rang can lead these five thousand elite troops to create a path for Wei that will shock the world like he did in the past!"

Deng Ai, who was outside Wancheng, did not know the news that Tian Yu had arrived in Wancheng.

These days he has been in the camp, guessing the next move of the Wei army with several generals.

Deng Ai turned his gaze towards Zhang He and asked:

"Jun Yi thinks that after Cao Xiu has been unable to defeat our army for a long time, will he give up?"

Some time ago, the Wei army launched attacks on the Han army camp from time to time.

But in recent days, the Wei army stopped attacking.

The Wei army's inaction for several days made Deng Ai suspicious.

Deng Ai knew very well that the reason Mi Yang left Zhang He outside Wancheng was because he valued Zhang He's understanding of the personalities and talents of many Wei generals.

If he had any doubts, he might get the answer by asking Zhang He.

After hearing Deng Ai's question, Zhang He thought for a while and replied:
"Cao Xiu has a brave character and is not someone who gives up easily."

Zhang He gave his opinion.

After hearing Zhang He's opinion, Deng Ai began to think deeply.

If it is true as Zhang He said, Cao Xiu would not give up easily, then the Wei army's inaction in the past few days would be quite suspicious.

However, without more information, Deng Ai couldn't guess what Cao Xiu was up to.

But Deng Ai knew that it was never wrong to take everything into consideration.

Deng Ai then quickly made a decision:
"Continue to send out scouts to explore farther and more remote places!"

After receiving Deng Ai's order, several generals and officers quickly took the order and left.

Under the influence of Mi Yang, Deng Ai has always attached great importance to the importance of intelligence.

Long before, he had been sending out scouts to gather intelligence around him.

However, the Wei army's inaction made Deng Ai unable to rest assured.

This is an inexplicable intuition.

In order not to disappoint Mi Yang's trust, Deng Ai, whose situation became passive, could only further expand the scope of scout exploration.

What Deng Ai didn't know was that his caution actually helped him a lot.

Under Deng Ai's orders, batches of elite scouts were continuously sent out.

The scope of their exploration has also doubled compared to before.

This undoubtedly greatly increased the hard work of the Han army scouts.

But hard work is likely to pay off.

Soon after, an urgent piece of information was delivered to Deng Ai.

"what?
You said there were signs of a large number of bandit troops appearing near Nieyang?"

After hearing the scout's report, Deng Ai could no longer sit still.

It is near Nieyang City, not close to Wancheng.

According to common sense, given the distance between the two cities, it would not be surprising if a small number of Wei troops appeared near Nieyang.

But now according to reports from scouts, a large number of Wei troops appeared near Nieyang City.

If there were not thousands of soldiers and horses, the scouts would not use the word "large number".

Deng Ai quickly realized the seriousness of the matter.

In order not to cause unrest in the army's morale, Deng Ai first asked someone to summon Zhang He in private.

When Zhang He arrived, Deng Ai told him the intelligence he had just received.

When Zhang He heard that there were a large number of Wei troops near Nieyang City, his expression became serious.

While Zhang He was still thinking about what the Wei army's purpose was, Deng Ai blurted out:
"The enemy army wants to send a surprise force to bypass our army's rear."

When Zhang Fei attacked Wancheng last year, Deng Ai was also in the army.

So Deng Ai guessed the purpose of the Wei army at once.

The reason why Deng Ai had not thought of this before was that the terrain near Nieyang was not suitable for a large army to march.

Last year, Zhang Fei also relied on the help of the navy to succeed in his arduous march.

Zhang He was shocked when he heard Deng Ai's judgment, and then blurted out:
"There must be other bandit generals in Wancheng."

Zhang He basically had a good understanding of the Wei generals currently in the city.

In his impression, none of the Wei generals in Wancheng were good at advancing into dangerous areas.

Marching into dangerous terrain may seem like all it takes is courage, but in today's world, it's actually a special talent.

During the Battle of Baxi, he did not expect Zhang Fei to have such talent, so he was caught off guard and was beaten across mountains and rivers by Zhang Fei.

Deng Ai agreed with Zhang He's judgment.

But he didn't dwell on this point.

The enemy is not dead, and Cao Xiu is also a veteran general. It is normal for him to think of other countermeasures when the battle situation is at a stalemate.

The important thing now is how to deal with Cao Xiu's intentions.

Before Deng Ai made a decision, Zhang He said:
“The terrain near Nieyang is difficult to navigate. Even if the enemy generals are good at navigating dangerous places, they will not endanger our army’s retreat for the time being.

Our army should retreat slowly to Jiyang City before the enemy cuts off our food supply."

Zhang He gave a safe solution.

However, this seemingly safe method did not receive Deng Ai's approval.

"Perhaps Cao Xiu is waiting for our army to retreat!
When the Grand Marshal retreated, I had 30,000 elite soldiers to cover his rear.

If our army retreats now, how many troops can be left behind to cover the rear?

Cao Xiu has more than 60,000 soldiers and horses."

Deng Ai's words made Zhang He hesitant.

With half the enemy's strength, it would not be difficult to hold the position thanks to the solidity of the camp.

But if the military strength is further weakened, so many strong fortifications will be of little use.

After thinking about the interests involved, Zhang He looked up at the man in front of him who Mi Yang had high hopes for:

"General, do you have any idea to help our army out of this predicament?"

Of course there is a way.

After thinking about it, a smile appeared on Deng Ai's face.

“Originally, the enemy was in the dark and we were in the light, but now the enemy is in the light and we are in

Being attacked from both sides, is that scary?

I don’t think so! "

(End of this chapter)