After Zhou Cheng's army crossed the Yellow River, they headed north and headed straight for Wei County.
Xun Cai had already returned to Cai Shi's ox cart to take care of her.
As for Xun Cai's sacrifice, Madam Cai was still unaware of it. Zhou Cheng and Xun Cai had discussed it before. Madam Cai's body was still very weak at the moment and could not withstand the shock and agitation. Therefore, they had temporarily made up an excuse to deceive Madam Cai.
Meanwhile, Zhou Cheng had also thought of an almost perfect excuse, and that was extortion.
As for the moth bandits taking Xun Cai and Cai as hostages, intending to extort money, grain, and jewelry from the Xun family, Cai believed it.
After all, the Xun family of Yingchuan was an aristocratic family. It was normal for the moth bandits to have designs on money.
Before they got the money, it was reasonable to give some medicine and an ox cart to let Madam Cai and Xun Cai live a little more comfortably.
However, it didn't matter to Zhou Cheng whether the Cai family would see through the lie.
Because what he was concerned about now was to replenish the army's rations as soon as possible.
Although they had lost more than 70,000 old and weak people at the ferry, reducing the burden greatly, there were still nearly 100,000 people.
These 100,000 soldiers and horses were eaten by the humans and chewed by the horses, and they were greatly exhausted in a day.
The warehouse official had just reported to Zhou Cheng that the remaining food would not last until tomorrow.
"Xu Fang!" Zhou Cheng shouted.
Xu Fang rode to Zhou Cheng's side and asked respectfully,"Chief, what orders do you have?"
"You take the light cavalry and scout the Wei County first," said Zhou Cheng.”
"Here!" Xu Fang gathered the light cavalry and rushed away.
……
At the same time.
The governor of Jizhou, Wang Kao, had already received the news that the moth bandits were marching towards Wei County.
Wang Kao was one of the Eight Chefs. The so-called Eight Chefs praised celebrities who could use their wealth to help the world.
Wang Kao took in refugees, pacified the rebellion, governed the army, and did his best, hoping that Jizhou could settle down.
However, the moth bandits had come to harm Jizhou again!
Wang Kao had some ability to appease the refugees and govern the place, but he was not good at commanding troops to fight.
Zhou Cheng had once killed Zhu Xi and defeated Sun Jian. He had also successfully escaped from Huangfu Song's pursuit and crossed the river to the north.
Wang Kao knew his limits. With his abilities, he was definitely not Zhou Cheng's match.
Furthermore, Jizhou had few soldiers, how could they deal with the 100,000 troops of the moth bandits?
Although Wang Kao was one of the eight chefs in history, he had ambitions and even wanted to abolish Emperor Ling of Han. In the end, he went to discuss the plan with Hua Xin, but Hua Xin said,""Wang Kao's character is distant and unmartial. This will definitely not succeed, and disaster will befall the clan.”
As expected, Wang Kao failed and committed suicide.
Seeing Wang Kao pacing back and forth in front of the table, the aide, Li Yan, said," Ming Gong, the bandits are too strong. We must not go out of the city to fight in the wild. We must strengthen the walls and clear the fields. At the same time, order all the counties, generals, horses, and people to move to Ye City. Also, mobilize the people of Ye City to defend the city. The moth bandits have come from Yingchuan, and we don't have enough food and grass. Moreover, it's already winter and the weather is cold. In a few days, the moth bandits will definitely collapse.”
After hearing Li Yan's words, Wang Kao thought for a moment and quickly said,"Great! We'll follow your plan."
"Someone come!"
Wang Kao shouted outside the room.
Soon, soldiers entered the house.
Wang Kao quickly finished writing and said,"Quickly head to Neihuang, Liyang, Fanyang, Yin 'an, Wei County, Yuancheng, Guantao, and the other counties. Take my letter and seal and order the counties to follow the instructions in the letter.”
After the soldiers left, Wang Kao finally heaved a sigh of relief.
As long as they defended Ye City, they could rest easy.
……
"Giddyup!"
"Giddyup!"
On the official road, a fast horse galloped past.
The warhorse sprinted to a distance of several dozen meters in front of Zhou Cheng before pulling on the reins and slowing down.
The cavalrymen jumped down from their horses. One of them hurriedly reported,"Commander-in-chief, Neihuang, Liyang counties, the local soldiers and county soldiers led the villagers and livestock to abandon the city and head to Ye City.”
When Zhou Cheng heard this, the corners of his mouth curled up into a smile.
"Chief, what are the soldiers trying to do?" He Man asked in confusion.”
Zhou Cheng laughed coldly." Fortify the walls and clear the fields. Defend Ye City to the death. They won't give us any food. They want to starve us to death."”
Zhou Cang held his spear and said,"Chief, Zhou Cang is willing to lead an army to kill them first."”
"What's the rush?" Zhou Cheng shook his head and said," Wang Kao is deceiving himself. Originally, I only wanted to plunder a few counties to replenish some military rations and continue north. However, Wang Kao is hospitable and is prepared to give Ye City to me. I can only be impolite.”
"Ye City?" He Man and Zhou Cang were both stunned.
Ye City was a big city. The Yellow Turban Army had too few siege weapons. How could they take it?
Moreover, the rations had already been exhausted, so it was impossible for them to surround the city and attack.
Zhou Cheng didn't believe the two of them. The smile on his face grew wider as he said confidently,"Although Ye City is a big city, there are few soldiers in Jizhou. Wang Kao is not resourceful and is not good at leading troops. There is nothing to fear.”
Seeing how confident Zhou Cheng was, He Man and Zhou Cang's initial disbelief turned into doubt.
At this moment, Zhou Cheng said to He Man and Zhou Cang,"The two of you, lead a hundred elite soldiers, change into civilian clothes, and follow the troops of the counties. When my army reaches Ye City, immediately kill them and seize the city.”
"Here!" He Man and Zhou Cang's eyes lit up as they replied excitedly.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。