Zhu Nao

Two flowers bloom, one branch each.

This side of Sun Xiang's Changsha army was beaten back again and again, and the Central Plains army over there was not idle, and had been on the road day and night, trying to get to Jingzhou as soon as possible.

This time the Central Plains Army was led by Tao Bei himself.

The little emperor Zhu Xin had just ascended the throne, and Tao Bei spent a lot of manpower and material resources, originally wanting to create a grand event to earn prestige.But because Jun Nao took the lead, he almost didn't achieve the desired effect in the end.The little princes from all walks of life are still swaying left and right, and even more are leaning towards Zhu Nao.

Under such circumstances, Tao Bei really urgently needs a victory to win over people's hearts.

The Changsha army took the initiative to come to the alliance at the right time, and Tao Bei really didn't have any intentions.He attached great importance to this battle. Although it took some time, it was also because he tried his best to mobilize the most elite soldiers and raise as much food and grass as possible.Along the way, he worked hard to inspire the army, almost coming with the determination to win.

Originally, Tao Bei really thought that this opportunity was God's favor for him, but he didn't know until the army was on the road that he had stepped into a deep pit.And it was none other than his ally Sun Xiang who dug this hole for him.

They were just halfway there when news came that the Changsha army had been defeated in Jingzhou.

Tao Bei knew that Sun Xiang had selfishness towards Jingzhou, but he didn't expect Sun Xiang to be so impulsive, launching a strong attack before the allies arrived.To put it bluntly, Sun Xiang was afraid that he would compete with him for Jingzhou!Before dealing with the enemy well, let's calculate the allies first!

Tao Bei was very disappointed with Sun Xiang, but with the overall situation in mind, he still had to suppress the news and only let a few of his officers know about it, but kept the army from knowing, lest the soldiers be shaken by dissatisfaction with the Allies military spirit.

As a result, within a few days, news came that Sun Xiang's grain and grass had been burned in Gong'an County. He slaughtered Gong'an County and retreated to Yueyang.

This news made Tao Bei almost spit out a mouthful of old blood!

He understood Sun Xiang's unpopular suffering in Gong'an County, and he also knew how angry he would be if the food and grass were burned.But... massacre the city!

They are not bandits who intend to grab a fortune and leave. They clearly plan to seize Jiangling and rule it for a long time!Didn't this massacre lift a rock and shoot it in the foot?In the future, the people of Jiangling will definitely help Shu fight against Hunan even more!And Tao Bei, as an ally of the Changsha Army, will also be implicated!

However, no matter how frustrated Tao Bei was, things had already happened.He can only comfort himself: Anyway, the situation is already like this, and it will not get worse.

So he urged the army to speed up the advance, so as to reach Jingzhou as soon as possible, break Sun Xiang's siege as soon as possible, and capture Jingzhou as soon as possible...

=====

The river is rolling and the waves are surging.

Tao Bei stood by the river, looking at the plain on the other side of the river with a solemn expression.Beside him, the army was pulling iron locks and building rafts, making preparations before crossing the river.

As long as they cross this river and travel for another two days, they will be able to reach Jingzhou.

at last……

Tao Bei had already tried his best. On the way, he expected that Huang Dongxuan might send troops to intercept him. He also calculated that Huang Dongxuan's ambush might be in the Xiangfan area. He sent people to investigate in advance, and it was exactly as he expected.So he decisively let the army bypass the Xiangfan waters, and successfully passed Huang Dongxuan's ambush without wasting unnecessary time.

Three days ago, he sent people to Yueyang to send a letter to inform Sun Xiang that his army was about to arrive, and at the same time, he also asked people to find out what was going on in Yueyang.I heard that Huang Dongxuan led his troops to chase after Yueyang. If Sun Xiang was not extremely stupid, he should close the gates of the city and thank the war to avoid further deterioration of the situation.And if he can successfully hold Huang Dongxuan in Yueyang, then after he arrives, he can cut off Huang Dongxuan's retreat and give Huang Dongxuan a back and forth attack!

No matter how incompetent Sun Xiang is as the governor of Changsha, he should still have this knowledge.He can't even close the gate of the city, can he?

I hope everything goes well, that daring Huang Dongxuan should pay for his arrogance...

The army prepared for a while, and the leading troops began to cross the river.One by one the rafts were pushed down the river, and the soldiers dragged their iron locks and carried the wind and waves with difficulty to move towards the opposite bank.

About a few hundred people passed by, and tens of thousands of troops lined up behind them. The spies sent by Tao Bei to Yueyang also came back from the river in a wooden boat.

"General!" The spy staggered up the shore, rushed to Tao Bei, and shouted: "General, it's not good! Yueyang's Changsha army has withdrawn yesterday!!"

Tao Bei: "..."

Perhaps it was because Sun Xiang had heard too much of his coquettish operations during this period, but he was not annoyed, but just asked numbly, "Retreat again? Why? Where did you retreat this time?"

The spy said: "Fang Ji, the general of the Changsha Navy, was ambushed by Huang Dongxuan, and was forced to lead two thousand sailors to surrender to Huang Dongxuan! Sun Xiang led the army back to Changsha!"

Tao Bei: "!!!"

Now Tao Bei was no longer numb, he gasped, and the surrounding guards all changed their colors: "What, withdraw to Changsha?!"

This withdrawal meant that Sun Xiang had completely given up on Jiangling!They rushed here all the way, and were preparing to attack Jiangling together with Sun Xiang, but Sun Xiang withdrew at this critical moment? !are you crazy? !

In fact, the Central Plains Army did not know that the decision to withdraw to Changsha was extremely difficult for Sun Xiang, and he was more reluctant than anyone else to withdraw at this time.But if he doesn't withdraw, it's too late.

After Fang Ji surrendered, the army in Yueyang City was in an uproar.The morale of the Changsha army was already extremely low, and this incident happened again at this time, which cast a shadow over Yueyang City.Although Sun Xiang repeatedly suppressed the news, the news that "the governor refused to save Fang Ji and Fang Ji was forced to surrender" still spread throughout the army.

The officers blamed Sun Xiang for not sending troops to rescue Fang Ji, and the soldiers blamed Sun Xiang for not sending troops in the first place. Coupled with the dwindling food and grass, Huang Dongxuan intercepted the food delivery team and couldn't get in. The city was full of resentment.

Sun Xiang retreated at this juncture, and he refused to wait for the last few days because he really couldn't wait for a day.If they don't withdraw anymore, it's not a matter of low morale, but a problem of soldiers gathering to mutiny!In this case, he had no choice but to think about other things besides self-protection.

……

Not long after, Tao Bei's staff and several military officers were gathered together.

"The Changsha army has withdrawn???"

Hearing this news, someone immediately jumped into a rage: "The bastard didn't make a game with the Shu army, and joined forces to trick us?!"

It's no wonder that some people think so, they traveled here at Sun Xiang's invitation, and after traveling for several months, it's impossible for them to run away when they arrived at Sun Xiang.

Some people want to hurry up and send more people to patrol around to see if the Shu army is ambushing nearby.

After the spies' explanation, everyone knew that Sun Xiang's withdrawal was indeed forced, and it was not planned beforehand.Even so, the officers were still furious with Sun Xiang, and severely scolded Sun Xiang and the Changsha army.

"General, what should we do now? Are we going to attack Jingzhou City before Huang Dongxuan can return from Yueyang?"

Tao Bei looked calm, shook his head and said: "No. I heard that Ge Lingcha is now guarding Jingzhou City. This person was once a powerful general under Han Fengxian's command. Back then, even Huang Dongxuan couldn't attack him. Go, may not be able to succeed."

Their original plan was to team up with Sun Xiang of Yueyang to pinch Huang Dongxuan after arriving in Jingzhou, leaving Huang Dongxuan in a dilemma.But when Sun Xiang withdrew, they were the ones who were attacked head to tail.Unless they can take Jingzhou quickly, they can take the initiative, but can they do it?

Tao Bei didn't have the confidence.Originally, he thought that his infantry and cavalry were strong, and the Changsha army was good at water warfare. The two sides joined forces to defeat the enemy.Now he is the only one left. The soldiers are tired from the journey and are still not acclimatized. The chances of winning this battle are really low.

Not only did he not have the confidence, he was also unwilling to take the risk.Under the current situation, if he loses the battle, not only will his prestige be greatly damaged, but he will also build a ladder to pave the way for Zhu Nao, such an unprofitable business, he would not do it.

After a while, Tao Bei gritted his teeth. Although he was reluctant to give up, he still ordered: "Notify the army to stop crossing the river."

When this statement came out, everyone was shocked.

"General, are we not going to Jingzhou?"

"We came all the way here, do we give up now?"

"If you go back without doing anything, the soldiers will definitely feel resentful!"

"Yeah... so much effort, but nothing..."

Tao Bei said coldly, "Who said we'll just go back like this?"

Everyone was slightly startled, and hurriedly asked: "What is the general's plan?"

Tao Bei squinted his eyes, a sharp cold light flashed in his eyes, and said slowly, "Since I'm here, I can't come in vain... I want to take Changsha, what do you think?"

These words were like a thunderstorm, instantly blasting the crowd into pieces!Take Changsha! !

Tao Bei also understood that it would be too forceful to attack Jingzhou now, but he couldn't just go back.He has already spent a lot of money and money to get here, and if he goes back home, people will laugh at him, saying that he is afraid of Huang Dongxuan and that he is not as good as Junao.

But you must know how to be flexible, and any change has opportunities.Jingzhou is not easy to fight. Isn't Changsha not easy to fight with the defeated soldiers?Such a good opportunity, don't miss it!

As for Sun Xiangben being his ally... what kind of bullshit ally, Sun Xiang is unkind first, how can he be blamed for being unrighteous?As long as he passes on the news, the soldiers who have been fooled will grit their teeth with hatred for the Changsha Army, and there is no need for him to have other ideas to boost morale!

His words also reminded everyone, the officers quickly took out the map to check, and soon found that this is indeed a brilliant idea!

The journey from here to Changsha is not too far away. If you go down the river and go fast, if it goes well, you may be able to bite the tail of the Changsha army before they return to Changsha;

In terms of military strength, the Changsha army suffered heavy casualties, and they were strong and strong, occupying an absolute advantage; in terms of morale, not to mention, the Changsha army is like a prodigal dog.

What they need to worry about most is whether there will be other people who have the same thoughts as them and are also thinking about Changsha.The small princes around Changsha Mansion are nothing to worry about. As long as their own army suppresses the border, the small princes will not make fun of themselves; First occupy the surrounding area of ​​Yueyang; it will be too late for Zhu Nao to send troops over temporarily.

It can be said that as long as they make up their minds, they should be determined to occupy Changsha this time!

Immediately someone came up with an idea: "Fu Yin, we might as well send a fast cavalry to chase after the Changsha army. The Changsha army still regards us as allies, so naturally they lack defense. After we get close, we can use the excuse of the Changsha army to break the alliance agreement." If they are in trouble, they will be caught off guard. If Sun Xiang can be captured alive, Changsha will already be in his pocket."

"Good plan!" Tao Bei was overjoyed, and hurriedly said, "Hurry up and select the elite from each battalion, and we must take down the Changsha Army!"

As the old saying goes, the prosperity of the world is all for profit; the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit.A few months ago, Tao Bei and Sun Xiang were concubine-like allies, but a few months later, they were separated from each other, plotting against each other, and even turned against each other.

The officers of the Central Plains Army hurriedly called back the army that was still crossing the river, and immediately began to select men.

=====

Hanzhong.

Zhu Nao walked out of the yard, only to see Wu Cong standing in the yard lost in thought.

When Wu Cong saw Zhu Nao coming in, he quickly knelt down and saluted, "See Your Majesty."

Zhu Nao supported his arm and asked, "Is General Xie inside?"

Wu Cong nodded.

Zhu Nao didn't go in immediately, and asked, "What happened recently? Is he in a bad mood?"

Wu Cong let out an "uh" and said in embarrassment, "Why does your majesty ask such a question?"

There was a hint of grievance in Zhu Nao's tone, "General Xie hasn't come to see me for two days."

Wu Cong: "..."

He resisted the urge to twitch the corners of his mouth, hesitating and not knowing what to say.

Seeing his expression, Zhu Nao knew something was wrong, and asked, "What's the matter?"

Wu Cong was forced to ask, but he had no choice but to ask honestly.

It turned out that after Xie Wuji came to Hanzhong, he and Zhu Nao went in and out of the same car, and shared the same bed, and when someone with a heart met, it was inevitable that they would have something to say.In fact, in the past, it was common for emperors to be masculine or feminine. Throughout the dynasties, there have always been some emperors who were both male and female, and there were also very few emperors who were only fond of masculinity.

However, although Xie Wuji made great military exploits in the north and his reputation spread far and wide, he did not make any military exploits before and after Junao's ascension to the throne. The southerners didn't know him well, and seeing that he was young and handsome, some people doubted his achievements.There are rumors that his reputation in the past was due to his birth from the Xie family, but his current status is due to Zhu Nao's preference.There are also bold ones who jokingly call him "Concubine Xie", which is more or less joking and contemptuous.

Rumors spread into Xie Wuji's ears, and he was inevitably displeased.

After listening to Wu Cong's words, Zhu Nao nodded thoughtfully, and went in to thank Wuji.

Xie Wuji was reviewing military affairs in the house, when he heard footsteps, he looked up and saw Zhu Nao coming, he put his pen aside, but he didn't see any displeasure: "You are here."

Zhu Nao walked to his table and sat down, said with a smile, "Yes, I'm here to visit my concubine."

Xie Wuji: "..."

His eyelids twitched a few times, resisting the urge to throw Junao out.

Zhu Nao thought for a while, and asked curiously, "But why is it the imperial concubine? Isn't the latter position still vacant?"

Xie Wuji: "..."

He said unhappily: "I also want to know, who do they think the second place should be reserved for? Yu Changming?"

Zhu Nao smelled a sour smell, and hurriedly said: "If you don't like it, I'll be the general's wife. But——you have to be the wife."

Xie Wuji rolled his eyes.

These are just jokes, Xie Wuji doesn't really mind the gossip of these ignorant villains.If he cared about other people's eyes, he would not have made it to today.He felt a little uncomfortable, and it wasn't because of the imperial concubine or the general's wife.

After a while, he asked: "Is there any new news from Yue Yang?"

Zhu Nao nodded: "I just received the news this morning that Huang Dongxuan has surrendered two thousand naval troops in Changsha, and Sun Xiang has led his troops back to Changsha."

Xie Wuji was slightly surprised: "Sun Xiang withdrew?" He hurriedly asked again: "Where is the Central Plains Army?"

Zhu Nao said: "It should not be far from Jingzhou, but it hasn't arrived yet."

Xie Wuji immediately pulled out the map to look at it.

He studied the map carefully for a moment, then thoughtfully said: "If Sun Xiang really has withdrawn, Tao Bei may not insist on attacking Jingzhou."

In the past few years, he has also paid attention to Tao Bei's movements, and has a better understanding of Tao Bei's personality.Generally speaking, Tao Bei is not an adventurous and aggressive person, he knows how to stop when it is time to stop.

Zhu Nao nodded in agreement: "However, he has brought troops all the way here, so he shouldn't just go back like this. If you were him, what would you do?"

Xie Wuji thought for a while, and said: "Since I can't get Jingzhou, then I will go straight to Changsha."

Zhu Nao said, "It is indeed possible."

In fact, now that the Changsha army hastily withdraws, it is also a good opportunity for Zhu Nao to seek Changsha.But he didn't expect Huang Dongxuan to do this beforehand. It's too late to send troops now, so he can only miss this good opportunity.

Zhu Nao said again: "But there is another possibility."

Xie Wuji was slightly startled: "What?"

Zhu Nao said: "He came here for me, so naturally he was unwilling to go back empty-handed like this. If he doesn't get Jingzhou, he might try to get my other towns."

Xie Wuji was slightly startled again, and looked at the map again.After a while, he regained his energy and said with a light smile, "I haven't set out for a long time, and I'm bored. You must leave this matter to me. If he comes, I will let him go and never return."