Three Kingdoms

Cao Zhen was originally very sure that Pang Tong would take the Wuguan Road, and he came to the conclusion after comprehensive consideration.

Or a prediction.

This is a conclusion drawn after combining various information.

It's like speculating that the national football team will not qualify.

It is an absolute, iron-clad, and unquestionable conclusion.

However, in Cao Zhen's mind, he did not completely rule out the worry that Pang Tong might go to Heluo. This worry is invisibly amplified during the anxious waiting.

When you are busy, you don’t have time to think about everything. The more grassroots people are, the busier they are to survive and take care of their families. They work every day when they open their eyes and can only rest when they close their eyes. Therefore, generally such hard-working people do not suffer from depression, mental illness, etc. They won't suffer from insomnia or anything like that, because they have no time to think about anything. They fall asleep as tired as dogs every day. If they don't get a good rest, they won't be able to work the next day, and the whole family will starve...

Survival comes first after all, this is human nature.

When Cao Zhen was free, the trace of worry in his heart was gradually amplified.

Since Pang Tong has already made a test, it means that he must be aware of it, so will he do the opposite? Thoughts like this will become more and more confusing, making Cao Zhen's original conclusion shaky.

Therefore, when Cao Zhen received the news that Huang Zhong was leading his troops to leave Wancheng and headed for Heluo, his original persistence suddenly collapsed. He believed that Pang Tong, in order not to take risks for himself, actually dragged Huang Zhong to act with him and put the safety of Wancheng at risk. Regardless!

Pang Tong is so selfish!

Everyone knows that Wancheng with and without Huang Zhong garrison are completely different concepts.

Just like Cao Ren could not leave Jingzhou Xiangyang easily, Huang Zhong could not leave Wancheng easily, but he never expected that Pang Tong would sacrifice the safety of Wancheng in order to protect himself!

Without Huang Zhong, Wancheng is just a sieve!

As long as Huang Zhong is not here, Cao Zhen dares to guarantee that Wancheng will be captured within ten days!

There are insiders in Wancheng...

The reason why Cao Jun could not move Wancheng before was not because of how high the walls of Wancheng were or how deep the ditches were, but because Huang Zhong was there in Wancheng!

Huang Zhong and his relatives are like the magic needle that fixes the sea. As long as he is there, Wancheng will not be able to make any big waves.

But now, Huang Zhong actually left Wancheng to escort Pang Tong!

Is Pang Tong really not afraid, or does he not care?

Cao Zhen suddenly thought of a possibility.

Because Pang Degong passed away, did Pang Tong, his subordinate, have a conflict with Pang Shanmin? Perhaps the two parties broke up because they couldn't compete for the position of the head of the Pang family?

The possibility of Pang Tong and Pang Shanmin breaking up is not completely impossible.

Cao Zhen has also seen too many brothers and sisters tear each other apart and beat each other to death in order to fight for inheritance or important items after the death of their parents. What's more, today's Pang family is not the same as those in Lushan. The side appearance is so great, it would be an understatement to say that it is half the city!

It is indeed possible for such huge interests to compete with each other...

Cao Zhen narrowed his eyes. If he were to deduce this, then Pang Shanmin used his direct status to seize the interests of Wancheng and forcibly expelled Pang Tong, and then Pang Tong simply took Huang Zhong away?

this……

A sneer appeared on Cao Zhen's face. If this is true, it would be a godsend!

The people of Pangshan are seeking their own death, and they cannot blame others!

Only when Huang Zhong is here can Wancheng be there. Otherwise, the so-called neutral status and the so-called covenant are nothing but a piece of paper!

Is this considered as losing something and gaining something in the east?

I didn't expect it, I didn't expect it, Cao Zhen sneered. If he really couldn't catch up with Pang Tong, even if he didn't capture Pang Tong, Cao Zhen could still find a way to activate the internal response in Wancheng and take advantage of the emptiness left by Huang Zhong's departure. Take the gap and capture Wancheng!

And if we catch up now, it's hard to say that both Pang Tong and Wancheng can get it!

Cao Zhen became energetic.

Before Pang Degong's body was cold, the two brothers separated and broke up, resulting in the loss of Wancheng! Hahaha, this is really a big joke, and it will definitely make everyone in the world laugh at the Pang family!

This also achieved the effect of Cao Zhen following Pang Tong's incident to exert influence on Guanzhong Chang'an. I don't think it will be better now!

Pang Tong was not loyal to his own family, and selfishly took Huang Zhong away, causing Wancheng to fall. Will such a person be loyal to others? If the Pang clan weakens because of this, how many people will rush to fight for the vacant seats left?

When the time comes, if you give me a little provocation, I won’t be able to say...

Hahaha.

Cao Zhen suddenly felt happy and not as anxious as before.

This time, Pang Tong will be allowed to taste the consequences of being selfish at the expense of others!

But what happened next made Cao Zhen's good mood not last long...

Just when Cao Zhen hurriedly led 3,000 troops and passed through Xinye, he encountered Cao Jun's soldiers on duty at Bowang Slope.

Bowang Slope. Yes, it was the Bowang Slope where Liu Bei set fire to Xiahou Dun in history.

This place has Funiu Mountain to the north, Yinshan Mountain to the south, and Baihe River to the west, which is a hilly extension of Funiu Mountain. The terrain is relatively dangerous. The thoroughfare of the Xianghan Pass has always been a battleground for military strategists. Of course, Cao Jun There is a military stronghold here.

However, the military stronghold at Bowangpo failed to stop Huang Zhong...

The military stronghold at Bowangpo was only geographically important and did not have generals stationed there. This was somewhat similar to Wancheng. If there were generals, then Huang Zhong might not be able to pass, at least not so smoothly. But now that there are no generals, ordinary military schools would naturally be unable to do anything against Huang Zhong.

Of course, this cannot be said to be Cao Jun's negligence, because although Bowang Slope is said to be dangerous and a transportation hub, the entire north and south of Bowang Slope belong to Cao Jun's territory, so there is no need to take any special precautions. However, after Huang Zhong's actions this time, perhaps Cao will reconsider this issue.

"Where did Wancheng's army go?" ” Cao Zhen asked who came from Bowangpo.

"Report to General, the Wancheng Army is heading to Wuyang!" ” The soldiers reported back.

"What? Where to go? ! ” Cao Zhen was shocked.

"In the direction of Wuyang!" ” The soldier confirmed.

Cao Zhen's expression suddenly became very ugly.

Because Bowangpo goes north, one direction is to bypass the mountains of Funiu Mountain and go to Luyang, and the other direction is to Wuyang. Although there is only one word difference between the two places, the meanings are completely different.

In the direction of Luyang, that is back to Heluo. Huang Zhong passed five passes and killed six generals to escort Mrs. Pang...er, Pang Lingjun back to Chang'an.

In the other direction of Wuyang, you will travel along the Fengshui River, and then enter the Yingshui area. Not far to the north is Linying, and further north of Linying is Xu County!

There are no dangers to defend in these places!

Cao Zhen was so frightened that he trembled!

Although Huang Zhong's thousand men may not be able to bring disaster to Xu County, and it is impossible to say that Huang Zhong can conquer so many cities in a short period of time, Huang Zhong is leading cavalry, maybe like Taishi Ci. , plundering the prefectures and counties, and then Xu County would be invaded by someone at every turn, which would definitely make the Cao family's majesty fall to pieces again.

"quick! quick! Boost! ” Cao Zhen was very anxious and urged his soldiers to rush forward to pursue him.

After passing Bowang Slope, Cao Zhen discovered the traces left by Huang Zhong and others.

Cao Zhen was overjoyed and immediately frightened. He immediately ordered his soldiers to slow down and sent out a large number of scouts to inquire about the situation ahead.

Because normally, when cavalry chases cavalry, as long as the pace in front does not stop, it is difficult for those behind to catch up. The large number of messy traces left here now shows that the other party stayed here, and stayed for a long time.

Everyone knows that a war horse can only drink water, eat grass, and poop and urinate when its energy and blood have calmed down.

And these feces and urine marks are all fresh...

what does that mean?

Cao Zhen suddenly realized something and his face looked a little ugly.

As expected, the scouts soon came back in panic to report that they had discovered Huang Zhong and others...

Rather than saying it is a "discovery", it is better to say it is an "encounter".

Yes, it was an encounter.

If Cao Zhen hadn't woken up, he would have run into the ambush set by Huang Zhong.

Cao Zhen quickly gathered his soldiers and prepared for them.

Are you having an anal fight with Huang Zhong?

Cao Zhen is not as arrogant as General Bai Di.

After Huang Zhong was discovered by Cao Zhen's scouts, he did not want to confront Cao Zhen's three thousand men head-on, nor did he continue to ambush, but revealed himself behind a hill.

"General Cao, you're fine!" Huang Zhong stroked his long beard and said with a smile, "One winter day, I was hunting in the mountains. Could it be that General Cao is also so elegant? 』

Hunting in the mountains?

Huang Zhong meant to think of me as a roe deer? !

Cao Zhen squinted his eyes sullenly and did not answer immediately, but looked around Huang Zhong.

But Pang Tong was not seen.

Cao Zhen's heart suddenly sank.

"Where is Pang Lingjun?" Cao Zhen shouted and asked, "When I heard that Pang Lingjun had returned to Jing, I originally wanted to invite him at home, but I never thought that Pang Lingjun would leave without saying goodbye, which would be contrary to the way of hospitality. Therefore, I asked Pang Lingjun to come back to Xiangyang to express his friendship as a landlord!" 』

Huang Zhong seemed to have a sarcastic expression on his face, "Pang Lingjun?" Pang Lingjun is not here! 』

Cao Zhen's expression changed, "I heard that General Huang puts loyalty first, so don't lie!" 』

Huang Zhong laughed loudly, then raised his head and shook his chin, "Pang Lingjun is indeed not here." 』

Cao Zhen gritted his teeth, and he suddenly realized that Huang Zhong might be telling the truth!

Pang Tong is not here!

That's right, even if Pang Tong chose to take the Heluo line, he wouldn't have risked his own life to attack Yingchuan or even attack Xu County! After all, Pang Tong was considered an important figure under Qiusi. If he took Huang Zhong to Yingchuan without any particularly good reputation, wouldn't it be the same as rebellion?

You must know that the reason why the Hussars marched back then was because Wang Can paid for it with his life!

Fortunately, the emperor did not nod at that time, otherwise the emperor would be in Chang'an now!

And now if Pang Tong appears near Xu County with his troops, what is the reason? The teacher comes from Wuming! How could a person like Pang Tong do such a thing? It’s just that I was too impatient before and forgot to care about this matter!

Cao Zhen's face was uncertain, and he forced a smile, "Since there is no Pang Lingjun, why did General Huang leave Wan in such a hurry?" 』

Huang Zhong smiled and said, "The dogs and horses have become wilted after living in the pen for a long time, so I took them for a walk. I never thought that General Cao would come after me... If General Cao is interested, how about hunting together?" 』

Does this mean I am a dog or a horse? Cao Zhen gritted his teeth secretly. How could he agree to Huang Zhong's invitation? Instead, he smiled and said, "General Huang is hunting here, so he is not afraid of changes in Wancheng?" 』

Huang Zhong's face turned solemn, "If Xiao Xiao dares to commit murder, don't blame a certain knife for being ruthless!" 』

Huang Zhong's voice fell, but his murderous aura rose, and his eyebrows seemed to move automatically in the absence of wind, and there was actually a sense of desolation in gold and iron.

Cao Zhen laughed forcefully, "Since General Huang is so confident, Wancheng is naturally safe." I won’t disturb General Huang’s hunting. I’ll take my leave! 』

Cao Zhen ordered the entire army to turn around and change their route to pursue Luyang!

Cao Zhen realized that Huang Zhong's presence here must be Pang Tong's plan to seize the opportunity to attack the east and attack the west!

If Cao Zhen was impatient and failed to send out scouts for detection, Huang Zhong would not be so polite, and he might actually "hunt" Cao Zhen and others as if they were prey! Anyway, the worst case scenario was to issue an announcement later, saying that it was Lin... Bah, the trainee scout admitted his mistake, thinking that Cao Zhen and others were bandits or something, and accidentally injured Yun Yun.

Now Huang Zhong sees that he is cautious, so he shows up on purpose, just to entangle and delay!

If he didn't believe what he said, he would definitely stay to see if Pang Tong was hiding in the army, dressing up as a soldier or something. But just like what Cao Zhen had just thought, even if Pang Tong dressed up as a soldier, Huang Zhong and others It is impossible for people to really attack Xu County!

Then there is only one answer left, that is, Huang Zhong and his people attracted the attention of Cao Zhen and others. In fact, Pang Tong secretly went to Luyang!

Huang Zhong's current position is not too far away from completion. If something really happened to Wancheng, Huang Zhong could make it there within one day if he drove too far. But if something really happened to Wancheng, Huang Zhong might not be able to rush back in time if he traveled too far. . And Cao Zhen is planning to trick Huang Zhong in turn...

Cao Zhen lurked in the mountains and forests on the side of the road leading to Luyang.

Just now Huang Zhong was waiting for him, now he is waiting for Huang Zhong!

Now the problem lies in Huang Zhong's hands. Should he return to Wancheng or come to stop him?

If he returns to Wancheng, Cao Zhen doesn't care. If he wants to stop and harass him, Cao Zhen plans to ambush Huang Zhong. He may not be able to kill Huang Zhong, but he can also be defeated!

However, not long after Cao Zhen changed his route to Luyang to set up an ambush, the scouts who stayed behind caught up with him, saying that Huang Zhong did not stay in the direction of Wuyang for long, and then the queue went to Wancheng in an orderly manner, not to Luyang. Come……

Cao Zhen was stunned for a moment, "Not coming?" Back to Wancheng? 』

Scout should be.

Cao Zhen suddenly realized that his prediction might be wrong again!

Pang Tong was probably not on the Luyang route either!

If Pang Tong and Huang Zhong played a trick of trying to win in the east and attack in the west, then Huang Zhong knew that Pang Tong had taken the Luyang route, and now that Cao Zhen had changed his route to Luyang, Huang Zhong should have intercepted one or two, or caused some trouble for Cao Zhen. Let's delay for a while. How could you return to Junwan City so easily?

Unless Huang Zhong lied? Is Pang Tong actually hiding in his army? Then Huang Zhong returned to Wancheng, and Pang Tong disguised himself and walked to Yingchuan?

No, Cao Zhen shook his head again.

Cao Zhen recalled Huang Zhong's previous words and attitude.

The current moral standard of the Han Dynasty is not like that of some people in later generations, who regard oaths as food and promises as jokes. Although both sides have their own strategies, they will never tell lies with open eyes...

Huang Zhong didn't seem to be lying.

Huang Zhong did not dodge or cover up at that time. Instead, he had a look that vaguely made Cao Zhen feel that he was watching a joke. He seemed to be very relaxed. As long as he saw Cao Zhen and others, it would be over!

easy……

easy? !

Cao Zhen suddenly figured it out, thought it through completely.

"Alas... gather the soldiers and go back..." Cao Zhen suddenly felt a little tired and his voice became hoarse when he spoke, "All the troops, go back to Xiangyang..."

"What's wrong, General?" Aren't you going to pursue it further? ” asked the guard on the side.

Cao Zhen closed his eyes and sighed, "Pang Shiyuan is not here..."

Huang Zhong turned around and had no intention of stopping Cao Zhen from pursuing Luyang. This meant that either Huang Zhong was convinced that Pang Tong had left first and Cao Zhen could not catch up no matter how hard he pursued, or that Pang Tong was not traveling with Huang Zhong at all. , instead of taking the Heluo line, we still took the Wuguan Road!

The latter one is more likely!

Now Cao Zhen could only rush back and place his hope in the hands of those he had arranged at Wuguandao.

But, it's too late.

Just after Cao Zhen left Danshui in a hurry, a small boat came from the water and swayed along Danshui, taking his time.

Near dusk, we stopped near Cai's merchant ship.

Manager Cai stood respectfully on the shore. When he saw Pang Tong, he was not only a little surprised. He just got Cai Mao's order. In addition to going to Guanzhong to purchase goods, he also needed to wait halfway.

Of course, Cai's manager didn't know who he was dealing with, and even Cai Mao wasn't sure.

Maybe Cai Mao could guess that it was Pang Tong, but Cai Mao didn't dare to gamble with this news.

After all, Cai Mao is not sure whether this request is a loyalty test...

Cai and Qiaoqi are now cooperating in secret, but Cai Mao can't guarantee that Qiaoqi will be at ease with Cai. If the news given to him is false, and someone is watching him, it won't matter if a message is sent to him. He was a little person and was arrested by Cao Jun. Then wouldn’t the relationship that he had finally established in Chang’an be in vain?

Because the order Cai Mao received was that someone might come to ride with Cai's token. If there is still no one waiting by noon of the next day, the merchant ship can leave directly.

Cai Hao didn't dare to take a gamble, and he didn't think that selling this information to Cao would get more benefits than the Hussars, so Cai Hao specially sent his confidants to take charge...

The setting sun shines on Danshui, making the mountains and rivers look golden.

Pang Tong slowly got off the boat and stood on the shore looking around at the scenery.

The robe has big sleeves and a silk scarf with broad belt.

However, Pang Tong did not stay long before he boarded Cai's merchant ship with a few guards.

Manager Cai stood by with his head lowered.

He heard Pang Tong sighing slightly in the mist of Danshui Mountain, which seemed to be mixed with some emotion?

What is this emotion?

Naturally, Cai's manager did not dare to ask any more questions, and even pretended that he had not received Pang Tong and the others at all. Then the merchant ship set off and headed upstream to Danshui River...