Three Kingdoms: Heir of Wolong, my father-in-law is Guan Gong

Chapter 142 King vs. King: Liu Bei rushes to Fancheng, Cao Cao leads troops to Luyang (Pursuit)

Luoyang.

Cao Cao was recuperating in the palace, and people reported that Cao Zhen had sent his eldest son, Cao Shuang, to arrive.

"Amo is here." Cao Cao smiled upon hearing this.

Cao Shuang and Cao Rui are similar in age, and Amo is Cao Shuang's nickname.

This nickname was given by Cao Cao.

Cao Shuang didn't like to talk when he was a child, and he was dull and clumsy when he met Cao Cao, so Cao Cao gave Cao Shuang the nickname "Amo".

After hearing this, Cao Zhen felt very ashamed and threw eight-year-old Cao Shuang into the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry that day.

After several years of military experience, Cao Shuang's character has become no longer dull and clumsy. In addition, the experience of riding a tiger and leopard has made Cao Shuang braver than ordinary people, and he has the momentum of a grandson of the Cao family.

Cao Cao also liked Cao Zhen, his eldest son, and often said to his left and right, "My grandson Amo has the qualifications to be a general."

"Amo came to see me. Did he bring any good news?"

Cao Cao put on his fur coat and sat on the bedside, looking at Cao Shuang with admiration.

Cao Shuang, a young man wearing armor, also looked majestic: "To the King of Wei, my father has conquered Nanxiang City, and he has specially ordered me to deliver the good news."

Cao Cao laughed.

Sima Yi, who was standing by the side, stepped forward to receive the good news and handed it to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao did not read the content of the good news, but handed it to Sima Yi: "Zhongda, take a closer look, there is something weird."

Happy to be happy, Cao Cao was not negligent because of this.

Sima Yi carefully unfolded the victory report and read down word by word.

When he saw that it was Meng Da who opened the city gate that allowed Cao Zhen to break into Nanxiang City, Sima Yi frowned subconsciously.

Cao Cao, who noticed the change in Sima Yi's expression, instantly squinted his eyes and frowned: "Zhongda, what's so weird about this good news?"

Sima Yi carefully gathered the news of victory: "King Wei, the guard general was able to break through Nanxiang City because Meng Da, the Shangyong guard under Liu Bei, opened the city gate in the middle of the night."

"Meng Da?" Cao Cao rubbed his eyebrows, without any memory in his mind: "Who is this?"

Sima Yi said: "Meng Da was originally from Fufeng County, Sili, and was the son of Meng Ta, the former governor of Liangzhou." "Later he followed Meng Ta into Shu and served Liu Yan and Liu Zhang's father and son. When Liu Bei entered Sichuan, Meng Da carried Liu Zhang on his back. Surrender to Liu Bei."

"A few months ago, Meng Da returned from Zigui to Fangling and captured the three counties of Fangling, Shangyong and Xicheng without a single blow."

Cao Cao finally had some impressions in his mind: "Meng Da had the merit of welcoming Liu Bei into Sichuan, and he also captured the three Shangyong counties for Liu Bei. How could he open the city gate to welcome Zhen'er into the city?"

Sima Yi said: "The general guarding the army mentioned in the battle report that Meng Da was instigated by Pan Jun, a newly appointed literary man by the prince, to rebel and wanted to lead troops to Wancheng to help the prince. Pan Jun's son Pan Zhu is also in the army."

"While passing through Nanxiang County, Mengda heard that the general of the guard army was unable to attack Nanxiang City for a long time. In order to claim credit from the prince, he helped the general of the guard army to deceive Liu Feng."

"Afterwards, when the general guarding the army asked why he had deserted Liu Bei, Meng Da claimed that Liu Bei was nepotistic and only believed in Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and did not recognize the true talents. However, the prince's talents were attracted by thousands of miles away, so he was willing to surrender to the prince."

Cao Cao couldn't help but sneer: "This Meng Da is dissatisfied with Yun Chang. How can I understand what a loyal and good general is in this world?"

"Yun Chang has a bravery that is unworthy of ten thousand men. When he was a fighting general, he was able to stab Yan Liang to death in the midst of ten thousand soldiers, which shows his bravery."

"Yun Chang has the air of a general. He can be friendly to the soldiers and is highly loved by them."

"When he was a general, he could command the cavalry, the infantry, and the sailors. He could defeat his sons and filial piety, and he could capture Wen Ze. This shows his ability in using troops."

"In the past, I treated Yunchang well. However, when Yunchang heard about Liu Bei's whereabouts, he put a seal on him and sent him thousands of miles to chase Liu Bei."

"Who wouldn't admire such loyalty?"

"Since ancient times, virtuous people have not avoided relatives and enemies. Yun Chang is brave, good at fighting and unparalleled in loyalty. How could Liu Bei not use Yun Chang?"

"Who is Mengda? He deserves to be compared with Yun Chang!"

This person always misses the past when he is approaching his twilight days.

Especially for those who don't get what they ask for, they will miss them even more, and they will not tolerate any minor malice.

If you agree with Meng Da's remarks, it is equivalent to saying that Cao Cao is dim-sighted and has been thinking about an incompetent person for more than 20 years.

Sima Yi did not dare to say anything. Sima Yi, who had served Cao Cao for a long time, naturally knew how much Cao Cao cared about Guan Yu, so he suggested: "Meng Da was instigated by Pan Jun to rebel, so it is better to summon Huan Shangshu to discuss it."

Cao Cao nodded and summoned Huan Jie.

Huan Jie carefully read Cao Zhen's victory report and immediately said: "King Wei, since Meng Da wants to surrender to the crown prince, he should change his banner in Shangyong."

"Now I'm helping Cao Zhen break through Nanxiang City, and then go to Wancheng via a different route. His behavior is suspicious!"

"Pan Jun has an impure mind to begin with, and now he adds Meng Da who is acting suspiciously. I think there must be a conspiracy."

"You can send people to Wancheng to tell the prince to be wary of Mengda!"

Cao Cao thought for a moment, then shook his head: "If Pi'er has to send someone to tell me about this trivial matter, then he is no longer worthy of being the heir apparent."

"What I'm worried about is whether Meng Da went to Wancheng with Liu Bei's permission."

Sima Yi muttered: "King Wei, I don't think Liu Bei is so stupid."

"Liu Feng lost Nanxiang City, Meng Da led his troops to Wancheng, Guan Yu was also blocked in Fancheng, and the three counties of Shangyong were left undefended."

"Even if Liu Bei's purpose is to attack Xudu by surprise, how can Mengda's lone army defend Xudu?"

"After Liu Bei captured Hanzhong, he rushed to seize the three counties of Shangyong and ordered Guan Yu to send troops to Xiangfan. The strategic purpose was very clear, that is, to capture the Han River!"

"By setting up defenses along the Han River, Liu Bei can attack as he advances and defend as he retreats. This will give him the real qualification to compete with the King of Wei."

"Pan Jun also proposed that the prince lobby Sun Quan to attack Jiangling City. This move also undermined Liu Bei's strategic purpose of fully occupying the Han River."

"So I thought that Liu Bei must be unaware of Meng Da and Pan Jun's actions."

"The real purpose of the two of them should be to induce the King of Wei, Liu Bei and Sun Quan to fight and profit from it!"

Cao Cao laughed when he heard this: "Pan Jun and Meng Da think of me as Dong Zhuo. They want to imitate Wang Yun and Lu Bu."

"Not only has Yun Chang been underestimated, but I have also been underestimated. Shuzi is so rampant! Ha——"

"Amo, you return immediately. Let Zhen'er lead the troops to seize Shangyong Sanjun. This is God's help to help me regain Shangyong Sanjun. How can I not take it?"

Cao Shuang looked troubled: "Father is not in Nanxiang City."

Cao Cao frowned: "Not in Nanxiang City? Where did Zhen'er go?"

Cao Shuang said quickly: "Father went to Fancheng."

Cao Cao's brows tightened: "Zhen'er's mission is to break Liu Feng's blockade of Danshui. Don't go to Fancheng alone just for military glory. Why do you want to disobey my order?"

Cao Shuang did not dare to hide it: "Father said that although Nanxiang City was obtained, it was thanks to Meng Da's internal response."

"Liu Bei's pretender Liu Feng ran away again; if Liu Feng is not killed to bring joy to the king of Wei, it will not be enough to claim credit."

Cao Cao said he was worried: "Then Liu Feng is Liu Bei's fake, how can Yun Chang not save him even if he is killed? Go to Fancheng quickly so that Zhen'er can no longer fight with Yun Chang."

Wait for Cao Shuang to leave.

Cao Cao summoned Cao Xiu again and ordered Cao Xiu to lead an army of five thousand to seize the three counties of Shangyong.

After pondering for a while, Cao Cao felt unsure about this, so he discussed with Sima Yi and Huan Jie: "If Meng Da and Pan Jun have different intentions, they will definitely join hands with Xu Du and those Xiaoxiao Confucian scholars in Yecheng to cause chaos."

"If Pi'er leaves Wancheng, there will be no one to restrain everyone in Fancheng; if they fight on their own, Yun Chang will find a fighting opportunity."

"I want to go to Fancheng in person!"

When Huan Jie saw that Cao Cao was going to fight again despite being sick, he quickly admonished him: "No, King Wei!"

"Now that all our armies are near Fancheng, General Zhengnan in Fancheng will definitely defend Fancheng. If Fancheng is not lost, Guan Yu will not be able to break Xiangyang guarded by Lu Chang."

"Moreover, Sun Quan is plotting to attack Jiangling City. Guan Yu will definitely return to Jiangling City after hearing the news. By then, the crisis in Xiangfan will naturally be resolved."

"There is no need for King Wei to go to Fancheng in person!"

"The King of Wei is already sick, and the soldiers are worried. If he is frightened on the front line of Fancheng, his condition will definitely be aggravated."

"Please, King Wei, think twice!"

Cao Cao hesitated.

Sima Yi also advised: "Guan Yu is brave, and the King of Wei is a man of gold, so he cannot compete with the generals. If the King of Wei is worried about the war in Xiangfan, it is better to send his troops to Luyang."

"If Sun Quan's sneak attack on Jiangling fails, King Wei can also command the generals who conquer the south in Luyang."

After carefully considering the opinions of Sima Yi and Huan Jie, Cao Cao gave up the idea of ​​going to Fancheng and ordered all the troops to break up camp and head for Luyang.

Wancheng.

Mengda Military Camp.

Pan Jun came wearing a black robe.

"Brother Chengming, what's the situation now? Does the plan need to be changed?" Meng Da got straight to the point, and his tone was a little more solemn.

Pan Jun didn't answer and asked instead: "I also want to ask, why did General Meng help Cao Zhen to defeat Nanxiang City? Did you know that if Nanxiang City was lost, Cao Cao would be able to lead troops to seize Shangyong County."

"If Liu Bei cannot defend Shangyong County, we will be alone even if we win Xudu."

"Could General Meng be thinking that if my plan fails, I, Pan Jun, will use my head to claim credit from Cao Pi?"

When Meng Da saw that Pan Jun had exposed his thoughts, he stopped pretending: "Brother Chengming, I'm waiting for chestnuts from the fire. If I'm not careful, I will get burned."

"Brother Chengming offered advice to Sun Quan to attack Jiangling, and I helped Cao Zhen break Nanxiang City. What's the difference?"

"I just want to ask now, can those in Xudu and Yecheng help me win Xudu?"

Pan Jun was silent.

Meng Da sneered: "It seems that I guessed it right. Brother Chengming, you are not completely sure at all; otherwise, you wouldn't have asked Pan Zhu to urge me to march."

"You are asking me to play with fire and gamble with your life! Brother Chengming, you and I are just grasshoppers on a rope now. It is not a good thing to plot against each other."

Pan Jun said solemnly: "General Meng misunderstood. There was nothing wrong with my plan."

"I was just thinking about how to adjust the plan now that Nanxiang City has been captured by Cao Zhen and Shangyong is about to face Cao's army."

"Your family is in the military, and my family is in Xudu. I care more about the success of the plan than you do."

Meng Da stared at Pan Jun: "Brother Chengming, do you mean that I ruined your plan? Now the plan can no longer succeed?"

Seeing the change in Meng Da's tone, Pan Jun frowned and said, "General Meng, what do you want to say?"

Meng Da's words were cold: "I won't hide it from you! If I think the plan will fail, I will help Cao Pi put down the rebellion!"

Pan Jun was startled: "General Meng, if you are really like this, your reputation will be ruined from now on. How can you stand in the world without a reputation?"

Meng Da chuckled: "Reputation? That's what you and other famous officials will care about! The power that our Meng family has today is all because of my father's efforts to please Zhang Rang."

"What kind of reputation do I care about? All I care about is who can make me successful and who can make me gain power."

"Brother Chengming, I helped Cao Zhen destroy Nanxiang City to give myself a way out; as for ruining your plan, that has nothing to do with me."

"You'd better come up with a way to break the situation, otherwise don't blame me for being unkind!" Pan Jun was furious: "Meng Zijing, do you know what you are talking about? Are you threatening me?"

Meng Da sneered: "You said I have Le Yi's ability, but don't forget, Le Yi is not from the Yan country."

"I just want to keep my useful life. One day, my Fufeng Meng family will be famous all over the world. As for whether I threaten you or not, that's up to you."

"I will give you a definite answer within three days!" Pan Jun snorted coldly and walked away.

Looking at Pan Jun's leaving figure, Meng Da's eyes became determined: "Three days? It's strange that I believe you. Do you think I came to Wancheng just because of your plan?"

"My guess is good. Cao Pi not only has the ambition to replace the emperor, but also has the magnanimity to tolerate others. He is not as narrow-minded as the rumors say."

"If I become a minister of Conglong, I will be able to lead an army like Le Yi and wipe out disobedience."

"Who is the emperor and what does it have to do with me?"

"I will serve whoever can make me enjoy great achievements, achieve great achievements in the world, and be famous for thousands of years."

"Fame? What is that!"

"Power! Is the only criterion for survival in troubled times!"

Take a deep breath.

Meng Da summoned the deputy general: "Go and invite General Cao from outside the camp to come into the camp. I just said that I have a gift for Cao Rui, the eldest son of the Crown Prince. Please deliver it on my behalf."

Fancheng front line.

Cao Ren defended Fancheng, while Xu Huang and Cao Zhen set up two camps.

Although Guan Yu was brave, he did not have enough troops to win.

Cao Zhen and Xu Huang are not trash like Fu Fang and Hu Xiu. They are both experienced generals.

"Mengda is a traitor, he hurts his nephew, he hurts his brother, and he does bad things to his brother. If I don't get rid of Mengda in this life, it will be hard to let go of the hatred in my heart!"

Seeing that the strategy to capture Xiangfan was about to fail, Guan Yu couldn't hide his anger.

Thinking of the unconscious Liu Feng again, Guan Yu felt even more angry.

True.

Guan Yu used to look down on Liu Feng and always felt that Liu Feng was just pretending to enjoy the care and expectations that Adou should enjoy.

Now that Adou has become the crown prince and Liu Feng has adjusted his position, Guan Yu's attitude toward Liu Feng naturally becomes more of an uncle-nephew relationship.

In addition, Liu Feng resisted Cao Zhen in Nanxiang City, which took a lot of pressure off Guan Yu, and his contribution was not small.

Zhuge Qiao also received good news that Lu Xun was defeated and Lu Meng retreated, which made Guan Yu more confident in taking Xiangfan.

What was originally a good situation turned into crisis due to Meng Da's wanton behavior.

"Father, Brother Xing is back." While he was thinking, Guan Ping introduced Guan Xing to come.

Guan Yu's eyes flashed: "Xing'er, brother, how do you reply?"

Guan Xing couldn't care less about being tired: "My uncle is about to arrive in person. I have been specially ordered to come first, so that my father will not underestimate the enemy and advance rashly, and be careful not to fall into Cao Cao's tricks."

Hearing that Liu Bei was coming, Guan Yu felt happy, but then he was worried: "My brother is here, how will Sun Quan in the east respond?"

Guan Xing's tone was a little excited: "My uncle put pressure on Sun Quan and asked Sun Quan to burn Lukou Stronghold; Sun Quan is now going to attack Hefei."

"My uncle originally wanted to let Yu Jin return to the north and let Yu Jin convey the news to Cao Pi."

"It's just that the situation is tense now. My uncle is worried that too many Cao soldiers will come and refuses to leave. He asked my father to tell Xu Huang the news quickly."

Guan Yu's expression changed slightly, and his tone became more surprising: "The Lukou stronghold was burned? Is Lu Meng dead?"

Guan Xing shook his head: "Lü Meng is not dead, but Aqiao said that Lü Meng's anger was vented and Lukou Village was burned again, so his life will not last long."

Guan Yu laughed and said, "Lü Meng also has this day! After burning the Lukou stronghold, we won't be afraid of Sun Quan's thieves making sneak attacks again."

"Ping'er, quickly mobilize your troops and go to fight outside Xu Huang's stronghold!"

Guan Ping was also excited after hearing this.

The powerful enemy Lu Meng was short-lived, and the threatening Lukou stronghold was burned down. This was tantamount to getting rid of Guan Yu's serious problem.

Not long after.

Guan Yu led five thousand infantry and cavalry to the outside of Xu Huang's camp to challenge him.

Upon hearing Guan Yu's arrival, Xu Huang hurriedly ordered the troops to guard the camp, and then stood at the gate of the camp with a mountain ax.

"Yun Chang, King Wei's reinforcements are coming. You can't take Xiangfan anymore. Why don't you retreat?" Xu Huang persuaded.

Although each has his own master, Xu Huang doesn't want to fight with Guan Yu in his heart.

If Guan Yu can retreat, everyone will be happy.

Guan Yu laughed when he heard this: "Brother, I'm not here to fight with you today."

"A few days ago, eldest brother told me that Sun Quan was about to attack Jiangling City. Today I also told eldest brother that Sun Quan was about to attack Hefei."

"Although I also want to catch up with Wenyuan, I will feel sorry if Wenyuan loses Hefei."

Xu Huang frowned: "Yun Chang, why do you use this trick to deceive me? Do you think I will believe it?"

Guan Yu reined in his horse and smiled: "Brother, I might as well tell you. Even if you don't tell me about Sun Quan's sneak attack on Jiangling City, I will still be prepared in Jiangling."

"The reason why I have been stalemate with you these days is not because I am afraid of my elder brother, but because I am waiting for Lu Meng to fall into a trap."

"Now Lu Meng is lying in ambush in Jiangling City, and Lukou Stronghold has been burned down. In a short period of time, Sun Quan no longer poses a threat to Jiangling City."

Xu Huang was surprised in his heart, but calm on the surface: "Yun Chang, your main army is in Fancheng, how can you let Lu Meng fall into an ambush and burn down Lukou Stronghold?"

Guan Yu looked proud: "This result is all due to my son-in-law Zhuge Qiao."

"Aqiao entered Gangneung in May, planned for several months, and made mental calculations but was not prepared, and finally achieved this great success."

"Brother, if you don't believe it, you can send someone to Jiangdong to investigate."

"That's all for today, brother, you can make your own decision."

"Eldest brother, you don't have to worry about me coming to challenge you in the next few days. The King of Hanzhong is coming, and I have to go and greet him."

"Goodbye!"

Xu Huang was even more shocked.

Liu Bei is coming to Fancheng?

Is what Guan Yu said true?
  Guan Yu went as quickly as he came.

By the time Cao Zhen arrived with his troops, Guan Yu had already left for two quarters.

"General Xu, I heard that Guan Yu came to attack the camp, so I came to help. Why don't you see Guan Yu's army?" Cao Zhen was surprised when he saw Xu Huang standing alone at the gate of the camp.

Xu Huang heard Cao Zhen's voice and raised his head: "General Cao, Guan Yu just didn't come to attack the stronghold."

Cao Zhen was confused: "I'm not here to attack the stronghold. Are you here to reminisce with General Xu? General Xu, don't get me wrong. I have no other intentions."

Xu Huang shook his head: "Guan Yu said that Sun Quan failed to attack Jiangling, and now he is going to attack Hefei again. Moreover, Liu Bei, the king of Hanzhong, is about to arrive."

Cao Zhen was shocked: "How is this possible! No matter how bad Sun Quan is, he will never be defeated so quickly!"

Xu Huang sighed and told Cao Zhen that Zhuge Qiao went to Jiangling to lure Lu Meng: "I know Yunchang's temper. If Zhuge Qiao was not really talented and meritorious, Yunchang would not make Zhuge Qiao famous like this."

Cao Zhen's eyes also became solemn: "Whether it is true or false, we must inform King Wei and the Crown Prince first before making a decision."

Xu Huang nodded: "You and I will work separately. I will inform the Crown Prince, and you will inform the King of Wei."

a few days later.

Liu Bei arrived at the front line of Fancheng.

Guan Yu was very excited when he learned that Liu Bei had arrived.

Guan Yu has not seen Liu Bei again since their departure four years ago.

Although there is correspondence, how can correspondence compare to meeting in person?
  The two ships met each other. Guan Yu didn't wait for the soldiers to lay the planks. He jumped directly from the bow of the ship. After a few steps, he knelt down on one knee and greeted each other with fists clasped. His eyes were filled with tears: "Brother!"

Liu Bei walked out of the cabin and was surprised to see Guan Yu jumping onto the bow. He couldn't help but feel nervous, fearing that Guan Yu would make a mistake.

Liu Bei first stepped and then ran, and stopped when he was a few steps away from Guan Yu. Time seemed to slow down extremely at this moment.

In the next moment, Liu Bei became extremely agile and agile, and he had already supported Guan Yu in just the blink of an eye.

"Yun Chang!"

Liu Bei also had tears in his eyes.

At this moment, Liu Bei thought a lot. For example, if Lu Meng successfully attacked Jiangling, would they be able to meet again?

"It is the sin of a foolish brother to let my brother travel a long distance!"

"The friendship between me and Yun has been long, and how can it be blocked by thousands of mountains and rivers?"

"."

Zhuge Qiao and others stood at the back knowingly and did not come forward to disturb Liu Bei and Guan Yu's reminiscing.

"If you have a close friend in life, what else can you ask for?"

"How lucky it would be to have a brother who you can trust absolutely through life and death, just like the king and the prince!"

Zhuge Qiao felt both emotion and envy.

Although in this life, Zhuge Qiao has his biological brother Zhuge Ke, although Zhuge Qiao and Zhuge Ke are brothers in name, they do not have a deep brotherhood.

Not to mention absolute trust in life and death.

After a while.

Liu Bei asked about Liu Feng's injury: "Yun Chang, has Feng'er woke up?"

Guan Yu sighed and shook his head: "My nephew paid for his protection and was unable to avoid the critical point in time. Although the military doctors have tried their best to save him,"

Liu Bei clenched his fists: "The one who shot Feng'er was Cao Cao's fake Cao Zhen, right? Very good! Revenge does not last overnight, and we will rob Cao Zhen's camp tonight."

Guan Yu quickly advised: "Brother, I know you are angry, but Cao Zhen is leading Cao Cao's most elite tiger and leopard cavalry, and the Jingzhou soldiers are not good at night fighting and surprise attacks."

Liu Bei said angrily: "Tiger and Leopard Cavalry? That means forgetting all the old and new grudges. It's a pity that Cao Chun died early, otherwise I would have crushed his bones and raised them to ashes."

"Don't worry, Chief Yun. This time I have brought the white soldiers, and Zilong and the dozens of knights are also outside Xiangyang City."

"Since it's a robbery camp, we don't need too many troops. Chief Yun only needs to send the school swordsmen to help."

"Feng'er suffered this hardship all because I mistrusted Meng Da. If I don't let Cao Zhen suffer some pain, I would be unhappy!"

(End of this chapter)