"Woo…Woo…" A shrill horn sounded in the sky. The new cavalrymen of Cao Cao, equipped with 'double stirrers' and 'warhorse sabers', were ready for battle. They seemed to be calm as the mournful clouds in the sky. Cai Mao's heart tightened, and he shouted,"Cao Cao's cavalry is coming! Archers, get ready!" In order to fight against the Yanzhou Cavalry that had swept through the Central Plains and shocked the world, Cai Mao had specially prepared a large number of bows and crossbows before coming to Wan City. Now was the time for the two armies to compare, so all preparations depended on today!
At this moment, Xu Huang had already returned to his formation. Cao Ang cupped his fists at Xu Huang and said,"General Xu, please!" "Don't worry!" Xu Huang said in a deep voice. Then, he turned around and raised his axe, shouting,"Forward!”
Cao Ang believed that if he were to hand over this hardened cavalry to Xu Huang, they would definitely be much more powerful than him. What he needed to do was to wait calmly, command and dispatch the troops from the center, and find an opportunity to deal a heavy blow to the enemy.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!" With three furious roars, thousands of well-prepared cavalry charged at the Jing State soldiers under Xu Huang's command. Dust flew into the air as they formed an arrow formation. All the cavalry were in the shape of arrows, and their horses trampled on the dust as their aura resounded through the air.
"Archers, get ready!" Seeing the approaching cavalry, Cai Mao's eyes became even colder. He waved his spear, and tens of thousands of crossbow bolts mercilessly shot towards the cavalry. The cavalry at the very front fell off their horses like wheat being cut.
"Beat the drum!" Xu Huang did not panic at all as he shouted at the messenger. Then, he turned around and raised his axe, shouting at the cavalrymen behind him,""Get ready! Charge with me!"
After Xu Huang finished speaking, he immediately mounted his horse and brandished his broad-handled axe, leading the rest of the cavalry in the formation to rush out. The cavalry in the front instantly changed formation after hearing the sound of the drum. The two wings of the running cavalry suddenly spread out, and the arrow formation cavalry that had been running in a straight line suddenly changed to attack the two sides. The speed of the cavalry and the speed of the change surprised Cai Mao.
Not to mention Cai Mao, even Xu Huang was greatly surprised to see such a quick change of steeds. The Double Stallions were a good weapon! It was very useful for the cavalry's charge to switch to imperial horses! Although he had predicted that the enemy would change their formation, the fact that the cavalry could change their formation so quickly in the middle of a charge was beyond Cai Mao's expectations. Instantly, Cai Mao panicked. "Archers! Scatter! Scatter!"
Amidst the deafening sounds of the horses stepping on the ground, the Jing State army fired wave after wave of arrows at the cavalry. Having experienced this for the first time, the cavalry led by Xu Huang constantly changed their formation, making it difficult for the Jing State archers to receive the arrows.
"Boom!" Finally, the first cavalry charged into the camp of the Jingzhou soldiers with a thunderous momentum. The clashing sound of the broadsword and the shield was deafening. Then, one after another, the Yanzhou cavalry finally killed their way into the inner army of Cai Mao's army!
"Good!" Looking at the cavalrymen who were waving their warhorse sabers as if they were all slaughtering, Cao Ang slapped his thigh and said,""Cavalry, enter the formation! This battle was decided! The entire army! Those who want to follow me, abandon your life and follow me! Beat the drum!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!" The cavalry had completely broken through the formation of the Jingzhou army. It was time for the infantry to go and receive them. Under the leadership of Cao Ang, Dian Man, and Xu Yi, the Cao army charged towards the enemy like a ferocious beast. Their spears, sabers, podaos, and hook spears trembled under the scorching sun.
In an instant, the Jingzhou army was shrouded in smoke and was in a mess under the charge of Cao Cao's army. Cao Ang, under the protection of Dian Man and Xu Yi, brandished his three-pointed double-edged sword and relied on the spear techniques taught by Xiahou Yuan to kill the enemy first to motivate his soldiers. Xu Huang, Zhang Xiu, Hu Che 'er, and the others also rushed back and forth, their courage unstoppable. In an instant, the Jingzhou army's decline was extremely obvious, and the signs of defeat were revealed.
Cai Mao's younger brother, Cai Zhong, was fighting with the rebels when he met Zhang Xiu. Cai Zhong panicked and shouted,"Zhang Xiu, you bastard! Betraying an ally, defecting... Join Cao... Cao Cao! That traitor is a sinister and vicious person. Do you think Cao Cao will treat you sincerely? If I die in the future, I will regret it!"
"Humph!" When Zhang Xiu heard this, his eyes flashed." I know what kind of person Lord Sikong is. I don't need you to give me advice. You should save your own life first!"”As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Xiu jumped on his horse and pulled out Cai Zhong.
When Zhang Xiu was young, he had been taught by the spear master Tong Yuan and Tong Xiongfu. He had mastered the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear. He had once followed his uncle Zhang Ji in the northwest and earned the title of " Northern Spear King." Zhang Xiu's spear dance was so secretive that it could shake people's minds. After ten rounds, Cai Zhong let out a howl and his weapon fell to the ground. Blood flowed from his wrist. Then, he was swept to the ground by Zhang Xiu's spear and was defeated!
"Tie him up!" Zhang Xiu had a smug look on his face as he commanded his soldiers to capture Cai Zhong. After which, he continued to turn his horse around and kill his way to another place. All of this had already fallen into Cao Ang's eyes. After watching for a long while, Cao Ang sighed softly and thought in his heart, Tong Yuan was indeed a martial arts expert. Zhang Xiu was mediocre, but his spear skills were actually so powerful.
The Jingzhou army was first broken by the Yanzhou cavalry, then slaughtered by Cao Cao's army, so their defeat was inevitable. "General! Retreat!" Looking at the defeated soldiers on his side, Cai Mao only nodded in response to the deputy general's shouts. Then, under the protection of his personal guards, he turned around and fled. The moment the commander left, the soldiers 'momentum dissipated like rain. At this moment, Cao Ang had already stopped his charge and was carefully observing everything from the sidelines. Sima Yi walked forward on his horse and whispered to Cao Ang,""General, the enemy's retreat is obvious now. Why don't we pursue them?”
Cao Ang smiled." A cornered dog will jump over a wall. I still have important matters to discuss with Cai Mao, so we can't be too hasty. Zhuo, order the entire army not to pursue. Surrender and save your lives. Collect the weapons on the battlefield, and then return to Wan City.”
This battle could be considered a great victory for the Cao army. Although the troops were injured, they seized a lot of horses, swords, spears, and weapons. Nearly ten thousand soldiers surrendered. In addition, Zhang Xiu, the prefect of Wancheng, also captured Cai Mao's younger brother, Cai Zhong, alive in the chaotic battle. This harvest was unexpected for Cao Ang. Looking at Cai Zhong, who was dejected and silent in front of his horse, Cao Ang shook his head with a smile and continued,"Take General Cai to Wan City to treat his injuries. Remember to take good care of him.”
Looking at Cai Zhong being escorted away by the soldiers, Cao Ang couldn't help but smile."The heavens are really helping me! Zhong Da, now that Cai Zhong is in my hands, what do you think the chances of Cai Mao negotiating with me are?”Sima Yi glanced at Cao Ang lightly and said in a low voice,"" If Cai Mao is as you expected and is not a loyal and virtuous official, then there should be an eighty percent chance of the peace negotiations. However, if Cai Mao is a loyal official, then..."
"It's impossible, right?" Cao Ang slowly continued Sima Yi's words, then turned to look at Sima Yi with a meaningful gaze." Sima Zheng Guan doesn't believe me?”Sima Yi's body trembled slightly, then he hurriedly lowered his head and said,""I dare not."
A gentle breeze blew across the battlefield that was being cleaned up by the soldiers. The two men who were standing on their horses were silent for a long time. After a while, they heard Cao Ang laugh. He turned around and patted Sima Yi on the shoulder, saying happily,""To be honest, I can't say for sure, but now that things have come to this, for the future of our army, let's just try our best.”
"Damn horse…A living horse…" Sima Yi did not know if Cao Ang had said it casually or on purpose, but the tone of these two words sounded a little heavy in Sima Yi's ears. However, his young and handsome face was still calm as he said with a faint smile,""That's right, General."
After returning to Wancheng, Cao Ang had obtained the remaining troops of Jingzhou, the Matun Division, and the counties of Wannan. It seemed that Cai Mao was in a dilemma. After this battle, Cai Mao knew how powerful Cao's army was, but he was unwilling to retreat without success. Thinking of this, Cao Ang couldn't help but laugh. He then placed the battle report on the table and smiled at Zhang Xiu."I'm afraid Cai Mao can't eat right now and can't sleep at night.”
Zhang Xiu, who had followed them, smiled and said," Eldest Young Master, you are right. I am willing to lead an army to pacify the people. We will completely expel the Jingzhou army so that they will not dare to come again!"”Cao Ang shook his head." Cai Mao and I still have something to discuss, so we can't do this. However, we can still harass him and make him suffer a little. Why don't we ask General Zhang to lead his troops and find an opportunity to attack Anzhong County every day? But remember not to get entangled. Just let him suffer a little."”Although Zhang Xiu was puzzled, he still accepted the order.
"Let's go!" Cao Ang stood up and patted the dust off his body. He smiled at Sima Yi, Dian Man, and Xu Yi,""Let's go and see General Cai Zhong. No matter what, he's still our guest.”
After Cao Ang's instructions, Cai Zhong was no longer like a prisoner, but had been properly arranged, with sufficient food and wine. Cao Ang arrived at the place where Cai Zhong was imprisoned. He saw that the room was clean and tidy. A man in white clothes and no armor was sitting on a couch in a daze. When he saw Cao Ang and the others enter, Cai Zhong's face became flustered. Cao Ang smiled and found a place to sit down. He smiled and said,"General, are you still used to living here?”
Cai Zhong didn't recognize Cao Ang, but judging from his appearance, he knew that this young man was not someone to be trifled with." It's alright. I'm used to it, very used to it."”Looking at Cai Zhong who was as cold as a cicada, Cao Ang smiled and said,""It's good that you're used to it. However, I don't understand. Liu Jingzhou is the backbone of the Han Dynasty. Why would he send troops to invade the territory of the emperor? It's really puzzling."
When Cai He heard this, he burst into tears." I'm just a deputy general. I'm not very clear about this. Please show mercy. Cai Zhong is willing to surrender!"”Cao Ang chuckled." No matter what, my father and I still admire the Cai Clan of Jing Xiang. We have no choice but to become enemies with the Cai Clan."”
"This Cao, my father?" Cai He was stunned when he heard that. Then, he asked foolishly,""May I know who you are?" Cao Ang slapped his head." Heh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Cao Ang, the son of the current Sikong Cao Cao. I'm the current general of the Great Han Dynasty."”
Cai Zhong had also heard about Cao Ang being conferred the title of Marquis in Xiangyang. Hearing this, he hurriedly said,"So you are the Marquis Champion! Lord Marquis, please don't blame me for my disrespect. Please don't blame me!”Cao Ang smiled and waved his hand." General Cai, you don't have to be so polite. In fact, my father and I admire your brother and the Cai family very much. It's a pity that we didn't have the chance to meet you. It's a pleasure to be able to meet you today." General, why don't you go back to Xudu with me to show your respect?”
"Ah?" When Cai Zhong heard the words " return to Xu City ", his waist went soft and he almost fell. Looking at his sorry state, Dian Man and Xu Yi couldn't help but show a deep look of disdain. Only Sima Yi's eyes were bright and he didn't seem to notice.
"If General is unwilling…In the future, I will send someone to send you back to Anzhong. How about meeting General Cai Mao?”Seeing Cai Zhong acting like a coward, Cao Ang was too lazy to tease him and went straight to the point. Cai Zhong felt as if he had returned to the sky from the ground when he heard this. He didn't care about his posture and hurriedly bowed his head. He stared at Cai Zhong with a pair of bull eyes and said anxiously,"Is Young Master serious?"
Cao Ang leaned back slightly and escaped Cai Zhong's foul mouth without leaving a trace." Of course it's true. Although I'm young, I know that a man's words carry weight. I just have a letter that I hope General Cai can pass to your brother. I wonder if General Cai is willing?”
"I'm willing! He was willing! If Young Master is willing to let me go, I will do anything!”Cai Zhong was so excited that he was spitting saliva. Cao Ang frowned and forced a smile,"In that case, please rest for a few days. I will fulfill my promise.”After saying that, he couldn't care less about his manners and immediately stood up to leave. He just wanted to get as far away from this disgusting fellow as possible.
After leaving the room, Cao Ang gently wiped his wet face and retched twice. Dian Man, who was behind him, couldn't help but cover his mouth and giggle. Even Xu Yi, who had always been silent, had a smile in her eyes.
"Yes…" When he turned around, Cao Ang's face couldn't help but turn slightly red. He then pursed his lips and said,""Zhong Da, when General Zhang Xiu returns, let Cai Zhong go back. Also, those ten thousand captured Jing state soldiers, if they are willing to stay, let them go. Also..." After thinking for a moment, Cao Ang finally said softly,""Let General Xu lead his troops to ambush at the main road leading to Jingzhou. If Cai Mao is unwilling to see me…We will leave behind all the troops of Jingzhou!”
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There was no news from Cai Zhong. It was a blow to Cai Mao's head. His heart ached so much that he couldn't even breathe. In the past few days, Cai Mao couldn't advance or retreat. He was also repeatedly harassed by Zhang Xiu. He was extremely vexed. At this time, the moon was bright, Cai Mao was in the tent singing bitterly, just when he was drunk, he saw his bodyguard enter the tent to report: "Commander-in-chief, the Second General has returned.”
Cai Mao was still unmoved at first, as if he did not hear it. After a while, he finally reacted and stood up."You... You said... Say what?"
"Big brother!" Before the guard could reply, Cai Zhong barged into the tent like a headless fly, hugging Cai Mao's thigh and crying as he bowed to the ground,""Big brother! It's me!"
Cai Mao looked at Cai Zhong who was kneeling on the ground and stood there in a daze for a while. Suddenly, he cried tears of joy,"Brother! It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back!" At this moment, Cai He, who had heard the news, also rushed to the main tent. The three men hugged each other and cried. Their cries shook the sky. Although it was touching, it was also somewhat unbearable. The bodyguard trembled and hurriedly turned around to leave the tent.
After a while, when the three of them had cried enough, Cai Mao comforted Cai Zhong to sit down and asked him in detail. Cai He sobbed as he told him everything that had happened in Wancheng and handed Cao Ang's handwritten letter to Cai Mao to read.
After Cai Mao finished reading Cao Ang's letter, his expression became serious. He slowly went down with a pensive look. Cai He hurriedly said,"Big brother, what did Cao Ang say?”Cai Mao pondered for a long while before slowly saying,""Cao Ang asked me to meet him in An Le three days later.”
November Book Group
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