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Text Chapter 431 Before the decisive battle

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    The seriously ill Boss Cao asked Xun Yu to assist his eldest son Cao Ang after his death. Of course, these words were not just words. After confirming the news that Deputy Director Tao personally led 20 troops to the west of Guanzhong, Boss Cao immediately went to Chang'an City.  He summoned all the civil and military officials and publicly appointed his eldest son Cao Ang as his legitimate son. He also announced that if he made a mistake during the battle against the Xuzhou army, Cao Ang would succeed him immediately. He asked Cao's army, both civil and military, to be as loyal to Cao Ang as they were to him, and to work together to assist Cao Ang in guarding the family property and eastward.  Reject the Tao thieves and go south to fight with Liu Bei.

    After listening to Boss Cao¡¯s de facto will, the highly cohesive civil and military personnel of Cao¡¯s army burst into tears. They kowtowed and shouted together, asking Boss Cao to protect his body and not to make such ominous remarks.  The famous filial son Cao Ang even kowtowed repeatedly and said in tears that he would rather die than accept the order rather than be named the legitimate son. He also took the initiative to ask Cao Lao to stay in Chang'an and lead the army to the front line to meet the enemy. He swore to fight with his brother-in-law Tao Ying.  The traitor fought to the death and risked his life to block the Xuzhou Army's offensive, allowing Boss Cao to rest assured that he would be able to take care of his health and condition.

    If it was the second son Cao Pi or the most beloved son Cao Zhi who said such words, then Cao Boss would definitely not believe it. Only when Cao Ang said such words, Cao Boss really believed that his eldest son would do this, and no matter how difficult it was, he would fight against the Xuzhou Jackal.  The teacher will fight to the end.  But it is a pity that Boss Cao, who knew that his time was short, could not accept Cao Ang's filial piety this time. Therefore, Boss Cao could only put on a black face and scolded Cao Ang in public: "You go to meet the enemy."  ? Who is the traitor Tao Ying? Can you be his opponent? Get up and accept the congratulations from all the officials! I have decided on the matter of establishing a direct heir, no more words!"

    After being repeatedly rejected by Boss Cao, the good boy Cao Ang could only cry and kowtow in thanks, and sat on the seat next to Boss Cao to accept the congratulations of Cao Jun's civil and military officials.  Officially became Boss Cao's only designated successor.  Although Cao Pi and Cao Zhi who were present at the same time were unwilling to accept it, it was a pity that they were neither the eldest son nor the direct descendants. Cao Lao, who had learned the lesson of the Three Dukes of Yuan Dynasty, never let them have any power, so even if they were dissatisfied, Cao Pi and Cao Zhi could only be  He had no choice but to kowtow to Cao Ang and acknowledge the legitimacy of his brother's succession.

    On the same day, Uncle Liu Huang also sent news, clearly informing Boss Cao that it was the first batch of 50,000 hu of dendrobium from the 200,000 hu of military rations promised to assist.  Having loaded the truck into Chencang Road, Fu Tong, a new general of the Emperor's Army, led an army of 5,000 escorts and was on their way to Chang'an. Then Liu Huangshu asked Cao Jun to give up Chencang City to the Emperor's Uncle on the pretext that he needed the city to store grain and reduce road losses.  The army was stationed to collect grain.  He also asked Boss Cao to provide ships for the emperor's uncle's army and assist the emperor's uncle's army in transporting grain from Chencang to Chang'an via the Weishui River.  (Navigation on the Weishui River ended in the Tang Dynasty. Before the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Weishui River had been used to transport grain for a long time. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Qin also used the Weishui River to transport large quantities of grain from Baoji to Shanxi to aid the Jin State.)

    Needless to say, the importance of Chencang. The reason why Zhuge Lao Yao was restrained by Hao Zhao in Chencang and did not dare to go even half a step north was because this place happened to be stuck at the throat of Hanzhong's march to Bingguanzhong.  It has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. Providing ships for the emperor's uncle's army to transport grain on the Wei River was equivalent to drinking poison to quench the thirst of Cao's army, because once Liu Huangshu obtained the ships on the Weishui River, he also understood the hydrology of the waterway of the Wei River.  So if the emperor's uncle's army and Cao's army fall out again in the future, the chrysanthemums of Cao Lao and his son will be directly exposed to Liu Huangshu's short spear.  So after hearing the harsh request made by Uncle Liu Huang, the arrogant Cao Junwen and Wu immediately became furious and asked Boss Cao to reject Uncle Liu's shameless request.  A few impulsive people even shouted slogans to stop Liu Huang from taking advantage of the situation.

    It is completely opposite to the violent civil and military forces of Cao Jun.  After hearing Uncle Liu's shameless request, Boss Cao was strangely not angry at all. After careful calculation for a moment, Boss Cao very calmly ordered Cao Ang, who was responsible for liaison and negotiation with Uncle Huang's army: "Zixiu, go and tell Uncle Liu.  The envoy of the Ear Thief said that I agree to all the requests of the Big Ear Thief. I will also leave the task of collecting the ships to you, and send as many ships as possible to the Big Ear Thief."

    "Father, you can't!" Cao Ang was anxious and said hurriedly: "Although I don't know much about military affairs, I also know that once the big-ear thieves control the shipping on the Weishui River, our Chang'an will never have peace."

    "It doesn't matter, give it to him." Boss Cao said calmly: "There is nothing we can do about it. If we don't agree to the big-eared thief's conditions, this traitor will definitely not abide by his promise to help us with food and grass. There was a severe drought in Guanzhong last winter and this spring.  There was no harvest in Chang'an, and Hanoi and Hongnong were also affected by the drought. The little grain and grass east of Tongguan is not enough for what I need on the front line. If we don't agree to the conditions of the big-ear thieves, Chang'an and Tongguan will be hungry.  Seventy percent of the grain sent by the ear thieves is stored in Chang'an, and 30% is stored in Tongguan for later use."

    "Father¡­¡­."

    Cao Ang originally wanted to object, but Boss Cao interrupted with a wave of his hand and told Cao Ang: "That's it. You go and negotiate with the Big Ear Thief's envoy.He said that Guanzhong finally got some rain in the summer, and the Wei River can barely transport grain now, but it may not be possible in autumn and winter. The big-eared thieves are required to deliver the remaining 150,000 dendrobium grains as soon as possible.  By the way, you can discuss with Sima Yi to see if there is any way to get more grain from the big-eared thief. As long as the big-eared thief is willing to help us with more food and grass, you can agree to any conditions.  "

    Cao Ang had no choice but to respectfully agree. Then, after careful discussion with his friend Sima Yi that day, he came forward to negotiate with Sun Gan, the envoy of the emperor's uncle's army, as requested by Boss Cao. He asked Sun Gan for more grain and grass and another small request.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­

    The news that Boss Cao had accepted Uncle Liu's blackmail was quickly sent to Nanzheng City in Hanzhong via the Ziwu Valley Mountain Road. Also sent to Nanzheng City at the same time was the news that Boss Cao had appointed Cao Ang as his heir and that Boss Cao had decided to personally lead the army to fight against the Xuzhou Army.  After learning about this situation, Uncle Liu Huang showed a satisfied smile on his much fatter face. He smiled at Pang Tong and Xu Shu on the left and right and said: "The death of Cao Cao is not far away. This time when he leaves Tongguan eastward, I am afraid he will never have a chance again."  Back to the west of Tongguan."

    "What my lord said is true." Pang Tong also smiled happily: "The Cao thieves refused to give up Hanoi and Hongnong only guarded Tongguan. They made it clear that they did not want to be directly controlled by our army and indirectly surrendered to our army. They wanted to go to Hangu Pass and Ji  Guan went to take a gamble and see if there was a chance to repeat the miracle of the Guandu Battle. Unfortunately, his body, energy and mind were far from what they used to be. The traitor Tao Ying was by no means comparable to Yuan Benchu, who was ambitious, talented and scheming.  In this decisive battle at Hangu Pass, if nothing else happens, the area around Hangu Pass should be the burial place of Cao Ahao."

    "I just hope that Cao Ah Man can hold off at Hangu Pass for a while and consume more of the Tao thieves' food and military strength, so that our hope of defending Tongguan will be greater." Xu Shu said gloomily.

    "There is absolutely no problem with this. Cao Cao is still reliable in fighting. Even if he is destined to die at the hands of Tao Ying, he will definitely make Tao Ying pay a heavy price." Liu Huangshu smiled very happily.  Then he said: "By the way, there is one more thing. Sun Gongyou reported that Cao Ang made two requests to us during the negotiation with him. The first is that we hope that our army can provide an additional 100,000 hu of army grain to help Chang'an survive the famine.  The second is that he hopes to marry with our army, and wants to marry the daughter of an important minister of our army on behalf of his younger brother Cao Zhi. I wonder what the two military advisors think?"

    "Weird, has Cao Ang really changed his gender? Why did he think of using his younger brother to marry our army?" Xu Shu, who was very familiar with the internal situation of Cao's army, was a little confused.  Said: "As far as I know, Cao Ang Shuzi seems to have a good impression of the traitor Tao Ying? In the past few years, because he opposed Cao's traitor and started war against Tao Ying several times, he was also strictly prohibited from participating in matters related to Tao.  Judging from Gongyou's return, Cao Ang's attitude towards Tao Thief is almost as if they are irreconcilable?"

    "People will change." Liu Huangshu said slowly: "Back then, Tao Ying and I were traitors, and Cao traitors were not as close as flesh and blood for a time, but what happened now? Cao traitors have now clearly appointed Cao Ang.  As a direct descendant. Doesn¡¯t Cao Ang want to make plans for his future? Besides, I heard that Cao Ang¡¯s son is known as a filial son. If Cao A¡¯mo died in the hands of Tao¡¯s thieves, I don¡¯t believe that Cao Ang would dare to fight with Tao.  Thieves hook up."

    "Even if Cao Ang was playing tricks, he made a huge mistake." Pang Tong sneered and said, "He shouldn't have pushed Cao Zhi out to marry our army. He is Cao Zhi's most beloved son, and he was only fourteen years old.  , as long as we seize this opportunity to take Cao Zhi into our hands, we will have opportunities for many things in the future. In terms of calculations, we may not be able to calculate the old and cunning Cao A'ao, but he is so arrogant, huh."

    "So, does Shi Yuan agree to marry Cao Zhi?" Liu Huangshu asked. When Pang Tong nodded, Liu Huangshu thought for a moment and said quickly: "Well, let my daughter get engaged to Cao Zhi first, and let Sun Qian tell  Cao Ang, just say that we can discuss whether we can provide food and fodder for our army, but we still need time to prepare food and fodder, so we can only discuss this matter slowly. We will discuss other matters after the battle at Hangu Pass is over."

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    On the same day that Uncle Liu plotted what happened after Boss Cao, Boss Cao also led Cao's army out of Chang'an City and set out for Hangu Pass to face his damn son-in-law, Deputy Director Tao.  It was only when he was about to go out that Cao Lao called his eldest son Cao Ang to the back hall, handed Cao Ang a sealed wooden box with Cao Ang's name on it, and then ordered: "When Tao Ying's army approaches Tongguan, you can open this box alone.  The wooden box contains my order, follow the order. Remember, you are the only one who can watch my order, and there must be no mistakes."

    "Promise, please remember this, kid." Cao Ang knelt down respectfully and took the wooden box with both hands. Then Cao Ang stood up and asked, "Does father have any other instructions?"

    Boss Cao stared at his beloved son, and after a long while he slowly said: "The sage said: A gentlemanThe grandson does not bear children.  My father abides by this creed. You have grown so big, but your father has never hugged you. Today, let your father hug you.  "

    "Father, my child is already twenty-seven"

    Cao Ang was a little embarrassed, but Boss Cao opened his arms without saying a word, took Cao Ang into his arms, patted Cao Ang's back with his skinny palms, whispered: The Cao family depends on you, and then let go of Cao Ang.  , strode out of the study, and shouted to Dian Wei and other guards waiting outside the door: "Let's go!"

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    Six days later, on June 25, Cao Cao's team arrived at Tongguan City, 370 miles away. Cao Ren, the general of Cao Army who was ordered to guard Tongguan, and Man Chong welcomed him out of the pass.  When they met, both Cao Ren and Man Chong looked a little unhappy, downcast and absent-minded. Boss Cao observed his words and knew something was wrong, so he took the initiative to ask: "Did something happen?"

    Neither Cao Ren nor Man Chong dared to say anything, and lowered their heads to peek at each other. Boss Cao became more and more sure of his judgment and said, "Tell me, what happened?"

    "My lord, I received the news more than an hour ago." Cao Ren replied hesitantly: "Luo" Luoyang ordered Wei Zhong to refuse to carry out the order to lead his army back to Hangu Pass, and did not withdraw from Luoyang after receiving the order.  The soldiers, horses, money and food returned to Hangu Pass, and he chose to stay in Luoyang. The team under his command, less than a thousand people withdrew to Hangu Pass"

    Boss Cao's expression dimmed, but Cheng Yu, Mao Jie and others next to him were furious and said angrily: "Bold Wei Zhong, how dare you be so ungrateful! Has he forgotten? It was the master who promoted him to Yu Weimo back then.  And it was the lord who personally promoted him as Xiaolian!"

    Cao Ren and Man Chong, who had scolded Wei Zhong so much for a long time, bowed their heads in silence, but Cao Boss suddenly laughed confidently and said: "Anyone can betray me, but Wei Zhong will not betray me. He refused  The purpose of retreating to Hangu Pass must be to hold on to Luoyang and buy time for our army to deploy defenses at Hangu Pass and Jiguan."

    "My lord" Man Chong said tremblingly: "Wei Zhong expressed his attitude in front of our envoys, saying that he had accepted the persuasion of Chen Qun, an important minister under Tao thief, and decided to dedicate Luoyang to Tao Ying, the treacherous traitor.  In the past, we did not make things difficult for our envoys. We also did not pursue our troops who refused to surrender to the Tao thieves."

    "What?!" Mr. Cao was dumbfounded and stood on the spot. Cao Ren and others were afraid that something might happen to Mr. Cao because of his anger, so they hurriedly asked for comfort.  After finally coming back to his senses, Mr. Cao wanted to say a few words of respect, but as soon as he opened his mouth, Mr. Cao couldn't help bending over and coughing violently, and the coughing was extremely painful.  Cao Ren, Cheng Yu and others were busy patting Boss Cao on the back, and finally stopped the coughing for Boss Cao.

    "I'm fine. Let's go in." Boss Cao pushed aside Cao Ren and others who asked about the situation, and took the lead into the gate of Tongguan. Although Boss Cao tried hard to keep his steps calm and his back straight, he still had a stern expression in his movements.  Endless desolation and loss, as if he aged several years in a moment.

    That night, Boss Cao handed another sealed wooden box to Cao Ren, and also told Cao Ren to wait until the Xuzhou army reached Tongguan City before he opened the wooden box alone, took out the warrant in the box and acted according to the order.  Cao Ren also knelt down and took the wooden box, and then asked doubtfully: "My lord, if the traitor Tao Ying can really attack Tongguan City, then you should withdraw to Tongguan. Why do you still give such an order to the general?"

    "Get ready." Boss Cao showed a smile and said, "The roads east of Tongguan are complicated. Maybe Tao Thief will reach Tongguan before me."

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    Nine days later in Luoyang, when Zhao Yun, the pioneer of the Xuzhou Army's Western Expedition, arrived at Luoyang City with an army of 10,000 people, Cao Jun's Luoyang Order Wei Zhong, who had been well prepared, opened the city gate and led the city defenders to surrender to Zhao Yun's troops. The Xuzhou Army took over the defense of Luoyang City.  , and seized all the money and grain reserves in the city - which were also very pitiful. Zhao Yun followed the order and treated Wei Zhong and other surrendered soldiers kindly, and strictly restrained the troops from harassing the people.  On the same day, the main force of Cao's army led by Boss Cao also arrived at Hangu Pass, and was less than 80 miles away from the vanguard of Xuzhou's army.

    After another five days, the main force of the Western Expedition, led by Deputy Director Tao himself, arrived in Luoyang. Deputy Director Tao appointed Wei Zhong as the Prime Minister of Lu and gave him a generous reward. He also ordered Zhao Yun to lead his army to thirty miles east of Hangu Pass.  Go to the village.  On the same day, the partial division of the Xuzhou Army led by Zang Ba also successfully arrived in Zhi County, which was only sixty miles away from Jiguan. Deputy Director Tao sent people across the river to send an order, ordering Zang Ba to rest temporarily and launch the attack on Jiguan three days later.

    On the same day, Cao Qing's letter of persuasion to surrender to Boss Cao was also sent to Hangu Pass, but Boss Cao just looked at his daughter's handwriting on the envelope, and then threw his daughter's letter intact into the brazier and burned it.  Finally, Boss Cao said to the Xuzhou Army envoy: "Go back and tell Tao Ying that the traitor wants toMy life is easy, my head is waiting for him in Tongguan City.  Want me to surrender and dream!  roll!  "

    At this point, the decisive battle between Cao and Tao's armies has been fully planned. On the Xuzhou Army's side, Deputy Director Tao personally led the main army to garrison in Luoyang, south of the Yellow River. Apart from the teams used to secure grain and protect grain roads, he prepared to use  More than 70,000 troops came to attack Hangu Pass.  On Zang Ba's side of the partial division, because the food routes are under control and the Bingzhou team provides logistical support, Zang Ba's army can invest up to about 40,000 troops in combat - of course, the combat effectiveness of the partial division is naturally impossible to match.  The main force was led by Deputy Director Shangtao himself.

    On Cao Jun's side, due to Wei Zhong's sudden rebellion, the 40,000 Cao troops expected to be used on the battlefield were actually only around 36,000 available. Cao had no choice but to temporarily adjust his strategy and ordered his brother-in-law Ren Jun and Mao Jie.  He led an army of 8,000 to guard the natural dangers of Jiguan. He only guarded the pass and was not allowed to go out to fight. He led his main force of 28,000 to guard Hangu Pass and waited for an opportunity to engage in a decisive battle with the main force of the Xuzhou army. Zhong Yao stayed at Hongnong and Pei Mao guarded Hedong. Although his military strength was completely at a disadvantage.  We are at a disadvantage, but we have an absolute advantage.  A bloody and fateful battle is about to begin on the land of Hangu Pass and Jiguan Pass, the two great passes in the Central Plains.

    Note: Friends who often look at innocent and carefree friends may be surprised. Deputy Director Tao and Zang Ba are stationed on the north and south banks of the Yellow River. Aren't they afraid that Boss Cao will dig up the Yellow River and flood the Xuzhou Army?  Let me explain here. The course of the Yellow River is sandwiched between valleys to the west of Mengjin, Henan. The river surface is lower than the ground and there has been no major change since ancient times. Even if the Yellow River changes its course, the Yellow River flood zone will only reach east of Mengjin in the far west.  In the Zhengzhou and Xinxiang areas, Luoyang, where Deputy Director Tao is stationed, and Zhi County, where Zang Ba is stationed, are both located to the west of Mengjin. At the same time, Deputy Director Tao's grain road runs north-south from Xuchang to Luoyang, and Zang Ba's grain road is also located in Shangdang and Jizhou.  It runs north-south to Zhi County, so even if Boss Cao frantically dug up the Yellow River embankment, he would not be able to endanger the safety of the Xuzhou Army.

    ?????????????????? So, Boss Cao and Guo Qianbing didn¡¯t come up with a desperate plan to dig up the Yellow River. It¡¯s not that the pure wolf gave Deputy Director Tao a protagonist halo, but that it was of no use to Deputy Director Tao.  (To be continued)
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