Jiangling City, the battle situation was dire.
On the city walls, Ma Liang listened with disbelief to the reports from his comrades. Each piece of news was shocking!
He glanced at the army outside the city gate with the corner of his eye… and cried out in his heart, why did a civilian uprising have to happen at this time… at this time?
Suppress it, suppress it quickly!
The urgent task is to guard all city gates! No one is allowed to enter the city!
Yes!
The air was filled with Ma Liang's roars and the responses of the generals and soldiers of each camp.
Just then…
Just at this moment, with a whoosh, an arrow cut through the air in a brilliant arc, under the vast sky… carrying a strong wind, it tore through the void…
Ah…
With Ma Liang’s cry of pain, his right arm was hit by an arrow. Adjutant…
Instantly, countless people surrounded him.
But Ma Liang, clutching his right arm, frowned and ordered, "Don't mind me, all of you go to the various city gates! The gates must not be lost!"
As soon as his words fell…
Report… The East Gate has been taken by the commoners!
Report, the ropes connecting the drawbridge of the West Gate have been cut by the commoners…
Report… The North Gate…
One unfavorable message after another converged in tacit agreement… and these messages made Ma Liang’s heart sink.
At this moment, he finally realized… this *** was not a coincidence… but… but a premeditated act.
Quick… quickly retake the city gates!
His hoarse shouts were merely… in the current battle situation, his voice was quickly drowned out by the sounds of fighting!
The battle situation became more and more dire!
Lü Meng watched helplessly from below the city of Jiangling as countless commoners on the other end of the drawbridge launched attacks on the defenders.
Among these people were white-haired elders and young strong men. Each of them was no match for the defenders, yet each charged forward bravely.
To be precise, they were driven by a force that could not be described, pulled… as if they were irreconcilably opposed to the defenders here.
Born to die, destined to live!
The moment their loved ones were swallowed by the flood, the moment their beautiful lives were completely destroyed by this Guan family army, their lives were already insignificant, because… the power of hatred had already surged in their hearts!
Hahaha, take this old man’s knife!
An old man, holding a cleaver, rushed forward with a laugh… He looked extremely thin, but under the moonlight, he seemed like a lone cavalry, inspiring awe. These commoners…
Are they fighting the bandits with their bare bodies?
Lü Meng took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down… What good villagers these are…
With a sigh… large teardrops slid from the corners of his eyes.
At this moment, he finally understood what the Emperor and Duke Zhou’s mission to him was!
Villagers, thank you!
With a whoosh, Lü Meng drew his saber, its cold light flashing in the sharp blade!
Ling!
Brothers, the drawbridge has fallen, charge with me, retake Jiang!
Kill, kill… kill!
The earth-shattering roars echoed, and in an instant, outside the city of Jiangling, countless white-robed swordsmen launched a full-scale attack on Jiangling City…
White robes against black armor… this was a difficult battle, but the Wei army remained fearless.
Over a thousand white-robed travelers crossing the river, their righteous and heroic spirit shaking Jiangling, echoing the *** of the commoners, directly drowned out the sound of the waves on the three sides of the city walls. The soaring killing intent spread, causing the breathing of thousands of defenders to quicken. They were facing not thousands, but tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of charging soldiers! In the dark night, within the city of Jiangling.
The sharp edge was gilded by the moonlight, flashing on the ground.
Halberds clashed with sabers. Long swords clashed with sabers.
Two dazzling sparks collided under the night sky.
As the sparks died down, Lü Meng, holding his curved saber, charged towards the defending general Ma Liang on the city wall.
With a clatter… the weapons of the two deputy generals by Ma Liang’s side, who were about to intercept Lü Meng, were shattered. Their bodies were split in half from the chest cavity…
Their severed heads… spun in confusion, not knowing where was forward?
Finally…
Lü Meng walked to Ma Liang, who was bandaged from his arrow wound.
Lü Meng smiled, "Of the Ma family’s five constants, the one with the longest eyebrows… Ma Liang, I recognize you!"
Ma Liang was somewhat unconvinced. He raised his head, "How did you know about the *** tonight? And how did you get past the beacon towers set up by the Marquis?"
Hahahaha… Lü Meng laughed. He patted Ma Liang’s shoulder, "Brother Ma, have you read all those books in vain? The Emperor mentioned, 'Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it'… even a simpleton like me, Wu Xia A Meng, understands this principle. You and that Guan Yun Chang are lost and don't know, it's no wonder you suffered this defeat!"
This…
Ma Liang frowned.
Lü Meng continued, "In terms of weapons and equipment, you lost. In terms of strategy, you lost. In terms of popular support, you also lost. How can you fight me like this…"
Lü Meng’s words grew more confident!
Outside Xuchang, in Rang Mountain.
Cao Cao, who had been cultivating here, changed into casual clothes and walked out of the room, surprising Zhang Lu.
"Duke Cao, why are you dressed like this today? Hahaha…"
Cao Cao laughed first, then lamented, "I have been cultivating here for five years. Indeed, Hua Lun was right. To treat my headaches, I must live in seclusion and be refreshed by the vital energy of Tai Kang. In recent times… the intermittent headaches have finally been completely eliminated."
This…
Zhang Lu heard a hint of Cao Cao's meaning.
"Is Duke Cao planning to descend the mountain?" Zhang Lu, a Heavenly Master, also has medical skills. Forgive my bluntness, Duke Cao's current vigor and health are due to this Tai Kang vital energy, and also due to the tranquility of his mind. But if you descend the mountain again… it is inevitable that you will be clouded by worldly affairs and only increase your ailments! For this reason… Duke Cao should reconsider. Do not descend the mountain too hastily, lest your headaches relapse just as quickly."
Because he had known Cao Cao for a long time, Zhang Lu and he had a subtle relationship, both as mentor and friend… Moreover, they were in-laws!
Therefore, only Zhang Lu dared to advise Cao Cao on certain matters. Hahahaha…
When Zhang Lu finished speaking, Cao Cao burst into laughter. "Five years ago, I heard my son say that the Heavenly Master Zhang was straightforward. When my son took Hanzhong back then, Liu Bei sent an envoy to persuade the Heavenly Master Zhang. The Heavenly Master Zhang did not give that Shu Han envoy any pleasantries, and even said, 'I would rather be a slave to Duke Cao than a guest of Liu Bei'… Hahaha, after five years, you are still so straightforward!"
Cao Cao did not show any displeasure.
He waved his hand with a smile, "Alright, I won't hide it from the Heavenly Master Zhang. I am going down the mountain this time to send off an old friend!"
Old friend? Zhang Lu's eyes rolled.
In this world, not many people could be called old friends by Cao Cao.
Recalling their conversations in the Rang Mountain Taoist temple over the past five years, Zhang Lu tried to ask, "Is it that Guan Yu, Guan Yun Chang… Phew…"
Cao Cao did not expect Zhang Lu to guess correctly.
Immediately, his eyes blinked, "Heavenly Master Zhang, how did you guess?"
Zhang Lu stroked his beard and sighed, "I am as old as Duke Cao, and often live by beautiful memories… These years, Duke Cao has always mentioned Guan Gong's feats of killing Hua Xiong with warm wine, capturing Yan Liang, executing Wen Chou, and passing through five passes and slaying six generals… I can see that Duke Cao remembers him fondly!"
Phew…
Another heavy sigh.
Cao Cao seemed to have his thoughts exposed by Zhang Lu… "Heh, the handsome general… only he is worthy of me sending him off like this!"
After speaking, Cao Cao paused…
Then he stepped forward. Xu Chu had been waiting outside the door and had prepared a carriage for Cao Cao. As if Lu Yu had arranged it, Cao Cao’s escort for this trip… the Tiger Guard Army and the Dragon Swift Camp!
On an autumn night, a scout galloped on the official road. He stopped in front of the encampment outside Fancheng and stumbled forward. Da Feng Novel Network
The guards outside the stockade gate, seeing that it was one of their own, quickly opened the gate.
The scout crawled in…
Shouting, "It's bad, it's bad… Where is the Marquis? Where is the Marquis?"
Everyone's expression immediately sank… A sense of unease arose in every guard.
Guan Ping, Liao Hua, Zhou Cang, Wang Fu, and others gathered in the central army tent…
At this moment, Guan Yu rushed in. He was clearly woken from his sleep, and his hair looked somewhat disheveled…
He handed his sword to Zhou Cang and looked at the scout. "Speak! What happened in Jiangling City!"
"The Great Wei Navy… Lü Meng crossed the river from Jingnan in white robes, and the commoners in Jiangling City revolted… With an inside and outside coordinated attack, Jiangling City was lost… lost!"
Guan Yu's pupils widened instantly. He looked at the scout in disbelief, "You… what did you say?"
"Jiangling was lost, just two hours ago… Adjutant Ma was shot by an arrow and has been captured. All the defenders… annihilated!"
Boom…
Rumble!
Every word the scout spoke struck at every nerve of Guan Yu. His normally unchanging face turned pale and terrified…
This news was too… too shocking, like… like five thunderbolts!
Guan Yu, with difficulty and disbelief, muttered to himself, "Annihilated…"
Wang Fu quickly said, "Most likely, there were enemy spies in the city, secretly instigating the rebellion of the Jiangling commoners, and then secretly infiltrated through the beacon towers to cooperate with the enemy…"
Liao Hua said, "If Jiangling City falls, then our army's provisions will be completely cut off… Where are the troops and provisions of Mi Fang, Liu Feng, Meng Da, and others? Without Jiangling City… our army will be in a difficult position, unable to advance or retreat!"
Guan Yu ordered, "Issue my military order, retreat to Gong'an immediately… Yesterday's urgent dispatch stated that Mi Fang, Liu Feng, Meng Da, and others will arrive at Gong'an Commandery today… With this as our base, we can still stabilize the situation!"
Guan Yu was indeed a brilliant commander… In such an extremely unfavorable situation, he still astutely chose the optimal solution.
Gong'an… Wang Fu's eyes darted around…
He opened his mouth, seeming to want to say something, but… the words stopped at his lips, and he swallowed them back…
He was a little afraid. In this situation, Gong'an might not be stable… Mi Fang, Liu Feng, and Meng Da might not be trustworthy either… But at this time, how could he speak such words?
"Didn't you hear my military order?" Guan Yu ordered again,
"Hurry and pass it on!" Yes, just then…
Report… Two Great Wei reinforcements have arrived outside Fancheng! The banners proudly display the characters 'Xu' and 'Zhang'!
Xu? Zhang?
Guan Yu paused slightly and blurted out, "Cao Yu himself did not come to reinforce Jingzhou. He sent Xu Huang, Xu Gongming, and Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenyuan, to reinforce… Alas… alas!"
Speaking of this… Guan Yu sighed heavily. At this moment, he realized he might have fallen into a trap.
His mind… was completely controlled by this Cao Yu. Report…
Another scout reported, "The gate of Fancheng has been opened, and Lu Xun is leading the Jiangdong generals… to charge out!"
Report… Jiangling City, Lü Meng is leading his troops north, and the reinforcements from Jingnan have also arrived, all advancing towards our army!
Report…
One by one, the reports flooded in, and in an instant, four words appeared in Guan Yu's mind: Ten-faced ambush!
Tap, tap, tap… The sound of hooves gradually grew louder…
Guan Yu's troops were mostly infantry. In terms of speed, they were no match for cavalry.
However, after a while, they were caught up by Xu Huang.
Guan Yu ordered Guan Ping to form ranks, while he personally stepped forward, single saber and single horse, standing before the enemy cavalry, "Let Xu Gongming come out and see me!"
Not long after…
Xu Huang slowly rode his horse out. "Jun Hou, after several years apart, I didn't expect to see your hair already greying!"
Xu Huang held his saber and stood in the middle of the formation, continuing to sigh, "Remembering our companionship in our youth, I have received much instruction. Xu Huang is endlessly grateful…"
Xu Huang and Guan Yu were old acquaintances. Both were from Hedong. One was from Jieliang, Hedong Commandery, and the other was from Yang County, Hedong Commandery…
How they met is a story in itself.
When Guan Yu was young, his parents scrimped and saved to send him to private school. However, Guan Yu's grades were terrible. He was only interested in the "Spring and Autumn Annals" and carried "Spring and Autumn Annals" with him wherever he went. He also fantasized about becoming a hero like those in "Spring and Autumn Annals" who were skilled in martial arts, helped the weak, and supported the state!
Therefore… his studies were neglected, and he devoted more of his energy to practicing martial arts. By chance, he was taught saber techniques by the saber god Tang Zhan and had the good fortune to master martial arts.
Unfortunately, his parents died of illness, which made Guan Yu's already not wealthy family even worse off. To survive, he could only make a living by selling red dates.
Selling dates required picking dates.
In the north, a long pole was used for picking dates.
Picking dates was somewhat similar to chopping, and date trees were quite elastic. After picking dates frantically every day for several years, Guan Yu developed a strong physique, and even his saber techniques became more proficient. He even integrated and created the Thirty-Six Routes of Spring and Autumn Saber techniques, with a particular emphasis on practicing the first three moves.
As for how Xu Huang met him, it was also because of this date picking… Xu Huang saw something interesting in Guan Yu's date-picking technique and sparred with him… for over a hundred rounds, they were evenly matched.
Young people are eager to win, so… they sparred with each other… and their martial arts became increasingly exquisite.
Speaking of which…
Meeting an old friend in a foreign land is a happy event, but Guan Yu could not be happy today.
"Haha, Gongming, you flatter me!" Guan Yu replied.
Xu Huang continued, "Jun Hou's flooding of Jiangling and his heroic spirit have shaken China. As an old friend, I am filled with envy!"
Hahaha… Guan Yu laughed again, "My bond with Gongming is deep, unlike others. Why does Gongming pursue me so relentlessly?" Guan Yu knew the situation was not good…
He tried his best to delay the time, giving Guan Ping time to form ranks. Who would have thought…
Just then, Xu Huang pointed his axe at Guan Yu, "All troops, listen to my command! Whoever can take Guan Yu's head will be heavily rewarded with a thousand gold!"
Upon hearing this…
Guan Yu was heartbroken. "Gongming? What do you mean?"
Xu Huang changed his tone, "Meeting you on the battlefield today is a contest between Han and Wei. Xu Huang is loyal to the Great Wei Emperor and would never let personal matters interfere with public duty!"
"Yun Chang, come… It's been many years since you picked dates, has your skill also declined? Take my axe!"
bq.
Niu Nai Tang Tang Tang reminds you: Remember to collect after reading.