Chapter 34: Liu Bei is so bold? Zhang Xiu was confused: Our army is in chaos without fighting?

Mi Zhu followed closely and presented the information on the silk book in his hand.

However, Xiao Fang did not pick it up, as if he had never doubted his own judgment.

The only person he was concerned about was one person.

Xiao Fang turned his gaze to Mi Zhu and asked, "Zi Zhong, is Jia Xu in Zhang Xiu's army?"

This question confused everyone present.

As the war was approaching, Xiao Fang was not concerned about Zhang Xiu who was leading his troops approaching, nor was he concerned about Zhang Ji who was in Wancheng. Instead, he was concerned about Jia Xu, who had nothing to do with him.

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and others looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

Mi Zhu was startled at first, then hurriedly said:

"Zhu has already followed the military advisor's instructions and sent spies to conduct a thorough investigation. Jia Xu is not in the Xiliang army."

"At this time, the poisonous scholar should still be under the command of Duan Wei in Guanzhong."

A stone fell from Xiao Fang's heart.

Although Zhang Xiu was a fierce general of the time, it was not difficult to defeat him with strategy.

If Jia Xu were there, the plan he planned for Lao Liu to defeat the enemy would be in danger of being discovered by the poisonous scholar.

However, Xiao Fang vaguely remembered that Jia Xu should have switched from Duan Wei to Zhang Xiu's army after Zhang Ji was shot to death and Zhang Xiu inherited his troops.

At this moment, Jia Xu should still be in Guanzhong.

Just to ensure that everything was foolproof, he had instructed Mi Zhu to send spies to conduct strict investigations to ensure that Jia Xu's timeline did not deviate.

Mi Zhu's intelligence showed that his concerns were unnecessary.

"With Jia Xu away, this strategy is enough to deal with Zhang Xiu!"

"My lord, Zhang Xiu should reach the Biyang line by tomorrow morning at the latest. Let's defeat him tomorrow."

Xiao Fang's understatement revealed an absolute confidence.

Liu Bei's spirits lifted, and he glanced at all the generals, with a fierce fire burning in his eyes.

"Generals, listen!"

"Tomorrow we will follow the military advisor's plan and prepare to line up with the rest of you to fight Zhang Xiu to the death!"

"Life and death depend on this battle."

"I'm begging you all to fight with all your strength!"

Liu Bei looked generous and solemn, and bowed to his generals.

"We are willing to fight to the death for our lord!"

"We are willing to fight to the death for our lord!"

All the generals bowed and responded enthusiastically.

...

The next day.

The east was getting light and the sky was getting bright.

The west gate of Biyang was opened wide and the drawbridge was lowered.

Liu Bei rode out on his horse, holding his sword, and walked out first. Behind him, 8,000 soldiers of Liu's army marched out of the city in an orderly manner.

When the first ray of dawn rises.

Eight thousand generals lined up with their backs to the city, forming dozens of military formations of varying sizes.

Outside the city, the Liu-shaped flag was flying in the morning light.

Xiao Fangze and a group of advisers stood on the west gate tower, looking at the end of the avenue in the distance.

When the sky brightened, a thin black line rose at the end of the horizon.

a certain moment.

Countless soldiers, countless swords and guns, countless battle flags rose on the horizon.

Led by the "Zhang" flag, the Xiliang Army, also consisting of 8,000 soldiers, rushed towards Biyang City like a tide.

"Brother-in-law, Zhang Xiu is here!"

Zhuge Liang focused his eyes and pointed his finger forward.

Mi Zhu, Jian Yong and others also became nervous.

They are people who have experienced many ups and downs and have seen all kinds of enemies.

But the approaching enemy was the legendary Xiliang Legion.

That group, led by Dong Zhuo, was brutal and bloodthirsty, as ferocious as beasts, and terrified people all over the world.

Among all the princes in Guandong, except for the deceased Sun Jian, no one has ever been able to defeat him.

A legion that can be called the strongest in the world!

Although since the fall of Dong Zhuo, its strength has been greatly reduced.

Although among the 8,000 enemy troops, there were only 3,000 real Xiliang soldiers at most, and they were no longer as brave as they used to be.

But his remaining power was still there, enough to make Mi Zhu and others secretly sweat.

Xiao Fang swallowed his saliva and nudged Zhuge Liang with his elbow:
"Aliang, I'm a little hungry. Did you bring any Hu bing?"

"Ok?"

Zhuge Liang was stunned and looked at Xiao Fang with wide eyes.

The war is imminent and everyone's nerves are on edge, but your brother-in-law suddenly says he's hungry?

And you still ask him for some Hu Bing?
Besides, I had already had breakfast. It’s still early before noon, so why am I hungry?
Xiao Fang, however, had a hard time expressing his grievances.

A little separation makes the heart grow fonder...

Last night I reunited with Zhuge Lan and his wife. We were so affectionate and close that I almost forgot the time.

So he got up late in the morning, ate a few mouthfuls of food in a hurry, and rushed to the top of the city.

"Military advisor, give it to me!"

Xu Chu took out a piece of Hu pancake from his arms and handed it over.

Xiao Fang's eyes lit up, he took it in his hand and began to chew it with relish.

Mi Zhu and others, seeing that he had a good appetite, began to relax.

"The military advisor's move must be to imitate the ambush of Yuan and Lu's pursuing troops last time. He deliberately ate Hu Bing so that the soldiers would know that he had a good chance of winning and thus stabilize the morale of the army."

"Even though the enemy is at hand, the military advisor can still remain so calm. This level of composure is truly extraordinary..."

Everyone was guessing this in their hearts and couldn't help but nod secretly.

Whether it was the counselors such as Mi Zhu or the soldiers along the city line, they all gradually felt at ease when they saw Xiao Fang, the military advisor, eating Hu Bing leisurely.

West of the city.

The eight thousand Xiliang Legion is still advancing.

"Father, Liu Bei is actually lining up his troops with his back to the city!"

A young general suddenly widened his eyes and pointed forward and shouted.

Zhang Xiu suddenly reined in his horse and looked into the distance.

Just as his son Zhang Quan had said, nearly 8,000 soldiers of Liu's army lined up outside the city, as if they were ready to fight to the death with their backs to the city.

"How could Liu Bei have such courage?"

A strange look flashed in Zhang Xiu's eyes.

It was originally thought that Liu Bei's men were just a motley crowd, and were afraid of the power of his Xiliang Legion, so they would retreat to Biyang City and wait for the enemy to tire themselves out, holding their ground without fighting.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei did the opposite and dared to go out of the city to fight!
I'm really brave...

After Zhang Xiu was surprised, a sneer appeared on his face:
"This Liu Bei is really arrogant. He doesn't take me seriously at all. No wonder he dared to issue us an ultimatum, claiming that he would destroy Wancheng."

"Very good, he dares to fight. This is exactly what I want. We can defeat him outside the city in one fell swoop, thus saving us the trouble of attacking the city!"

Zhang Xiu's fighting spirit was aroused, and he immediately ordered the entire army to form a battle line and prepare for a decisive battle.

"If father wins this battle, not only will it enhance our army's prestige, but it will also solve our army's food and grass shortage problem. His reputation will surely surpass that of my uncle."

"Father has the military power in his hands and his reputation has been greatly enhanced. Why don't you take this opportunity to take over the Zhang family army and invite my uncle to live out his days in peace?"

When the battle was about to begin, Zhang Quan suddenly lowered his voice.

Zhang Xiu's face changed, and he glared at his son:
"Are you crazy? What nonsense are you talking about!"

Zhang Quan's face was filled with indignation, and he said in a deep voice:
"Uncle made many stupid moves. Under his leadership, our Zhang army was first driven out of Guanzhong and relocated to Hongnong. Now we are forced to flee to Nanyang and have fallen to the point of having to make a living by looting."

"Originally there were tens of thousands of Xiliang veterans, but now there are less than 3,000 left."

"If our uncle continues to be in power, I'm afraid our Zhang family army will be destroyed sooner or later."

"Father, can you really watch your uncle lead our Zhang family army to destruction?"

Zhang Xiu's expression froze and he fell silent.

Obviously, his son's words touched his heart and touched him.

Seeing Zhang Xiu's heart shifting, Zhang Quan continued to advise him, "Father, my uncle is old, and it's time for him to step down and let others take over."

After a moment of silence, Zhang Xiu sighed:

"The Zhang Family Army was established by your great uncle. Even if he is old, it should be his son who takes over. I am just a nephew, so how can I have the right to inherit."

Zhang Quan frowned and said in a deep voice:
"My uncle's sons are all young. Although my second uncle is older, he broke his leg and cannot ride a horse to lead the troops. Who among the soldiers will obey him?"

"The Zhang Family Army has been able to survive all these years thanks to my father. It is only natural for my father to take over the Zhang Family Army!"

The second uncle mentioned by Zhang Quan is Zhang Ji’s eldest son Zhang Yan.

Zhang Xiu fell into silence again.

Seeing that his father seemed moved, Zhang Quan pretended to persuade him again.

at this time.

War drums sounded.

The Liu army that was lined up in front of the city suddenly moved and began to approach them.

Liu Bei actually took the initiative to attack?

How much they look down on Zhang Xiu!
"Liu Bei, how dare you look down on me, Zhang Xiu?"

Zhang Xiu was immediately enraged and ignored his son's advice.

With the silver spear in hand, he pointed it forward fiercely and said sternly:
"We must win this battle first and teach Liu Bei a lesson before we talk about other things!"

"Beat the drums, attack with all your might!"

Zhang Quan had no choice but to concentrate, be in high spirits, and issue orders.

The sound of war drums shook the sky.

Eight thousand infantry and cavalry moved forward with a roar and advanced towards the oncoming Liu army.

The two armies advanced towards each other, and a battle in the wilderness seemed imminent.

Although the troops were of equal strength, Zhang Xiu's face was burning with determination to succeed.

Because he has a killer weapon.

Eight hundred Xiliang cavalry!

As soon as the two armies are close enough, the eight hundred cavalrymen will rush forward and will be able to crush Liu Bei's army with a devastating force.

At that time, the infantry will rush forward and victory will be certain.

And on the top of Biyang City.

Seeing that the two armies were about to engage in battle, Mi Zhu and others on the city wall became nervous again.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Xiao Fang.

Xiao Fang swallowed the last bite of Hu Bing, patted the crumbs on his palm, and said slowly:
"It's almost time. Light the beacon and release the bait."

As the order was given, a column of wolf smoke instantly shot up into the air.

A moment later, in the north of Bi Yang City, a grain transport team led by Mi Fang suddenly appeared on the edge of the battlefield.

Dozens of grain carts loaded with food and nearly a thousand cattle and sheep soon came into everyone's sight.

Naturally, this also includes the eyes of the Xiliang people who are advancing.

The Xiliang army's eyes immediately became bloodshot and they were in an uproar.

They have been short of food for more than one or two days. The food ration has been reduced to 70% of the original amount, and they have not had meat for several months.

We came all the way from Wancheng to Biyang, wasn't it just to steal food and eat our fill?

There is so much food and so many cattle and sheep right under our noses. Wouldn't it be stupid not to grab them?
Why fight? Just rob him!

The Xiliang army on the north wing immediately ignored the general's orders, broke away from the formation, and rushed towards the food, fodder, cattle and sheep.

First there were hundreds, then thousands, and in the blink of an eye half of the Xiliang army ran away.

Everyone was scrambling to get ahead, and they were afraid to take even a half step back and grab one less cattle or sheep.

"what happened?"

"Where did the cattle and sheep food cart suddenly come from?"

The confidence on Zhang Xiu's face was instantly replaced by shock and astonishment.

Liu Jun’s formation is ahead.

Seeing that the Xiliang army was in chaos, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Just a few carts of food and a few cattle and sheep have caused the fierce Xiliang people to fall into chaos without a fight."

"Jinglue is right. The weakness of the Xiliang people is indeed the lack of food..."

Liu Bei looked back at the top of the city wall where Xiao Fang was, and exclaimed in admiration.

Then he took a deep breath, put away his emotions, and a fighting spirit burned on his face.

He drew his double-edged sword and pointed it fiercely at the chaotic Xiliang army:
"All troops are on the move, and we will wipe out the Xiliang army in one fell swoop!"

(End of this chapter)