Chapter 3461 Persistence


    Fei Qian is not a large-scale group force now, but similarly, Lu Chang does not have a large number of dense formations here. Even the vehicle formations are very small and are only arranged in the core.


    Therefore, when the hussars looked at Lu Chang''s troops, there was a bit of contempt in their eyes.


    In the eyes of the hussars, these Cao army troops are no longer a problem, but a dying prey.


    Following Fei Qian''s order, the hussars quickly moved into action.


    Huang Xu still doesn''t know Li Li''s close-range archer tactics, but the traditional cavalry tactics are still very sharp.


    "Attack from the flank first!" 』


    Huang Xu shouted.


    The flag was waved and the horn was blown. The cavalry suddenly split into two, turned their horses'' heads, and ran wildly to the left and right sides.


    Cao Jun thought that there were few hussars, so he did not dare to attack directly and could only attack from both sides.


    But Cao Jun soon realized that even if there were few hussars, they were not necessarily weak...


    The first thing to break the deadlock was the roaring arrows.


    The long arrows fell on the head of Cao Jun on the hill like raindrops.


    In the blink of an eye, the arrows crossed the distance between the two armies and penetrated into Cao''s army''s array from both sides. Cao Jun''s array suddenly felt like it was being pulled hard by an iron rake. Many Cao Jun soldiers howled miserably and were hit by arrows.


    There was something wrong with the infantry array after all.


    There is no doubt that the front of the infantry array has the strongest defense, but once there is negligence on the flanks, or the shield is not held at a good angle, problems like this will arise...


    But this problem should not have arisen in the first place!


    Just like Lu Chang and the others shouldn''t have appeared here in the first place!


    Lu Chang looked at the damage caused by the falling arrows, with a strange expression on his face, mixed with anger and helplessness, as well as some worry and fear.


    Cao''s army occupies a relatively high hill, shouldn''t it have the advantage of bows and arrows, but now it is suppressed by the hussars'' cavalry bows? How can this be justified?


    "Raise your shield!" 』


    "Counterattack, counterattack!" 』


    "Cum!" Cum back! 』


    Hearing the chaotic shouts from Cao''s army, Fei Qian knew that there was no suspense in this battle.


    War is never sudden, but the outbreak of long-term accumulation in a short period of time.


    Fei Qian may not be very clear about specific combat tactics, but when it comes to his academic understanding of war, he is unparalleled in the world.


    In Fei Qian''s view, no matter how outrageous a war is, it actually has a very clear context.


    Sanctions and restrictions may seem irrelevant and not urgent, but in fact they are all preparations, or accumulations, before a real war. After reaching a certain level, they will evolve into fierce wars. war.


    "It''s a pity that the ballista, artillery car and rocket car didn''t have time to catch up. 』


    Fei Qian said softly.


    The form of war will change as the tools of war evolve. The old tactics of using dense arrays to defend and counterattack, such as Cao''s army, will eventually become flesh and blood sandbags in the face of new weapons.


    The arrows fell like hailstones, and some problems in the array of Cao''s soldiers were revealed under this intensive attack. Even though Lu Chang shouted for archers to fight back, Cao Jun''s archers were unable to hit the running cavalry.


    Occasionally, a cavalryman would be shot, but the injuries would not be serious.


    "General, this won''t work..." Lu Chang''s guard said, "The soldiers have suffered a lot of damage!" Let''s withdraw now! 』


    "We can''t withdraw now!" Lu Chang stared and pointed at the sunset glow on the horizon, "Wait for another hour or two!" Wait until dark before retreating! Isn’t it just courting death to withdraw now? ! 』


    That was the shout, but Lu Chang had a vague feeling in his heart that he might not be able to leave.


    Surrender?


    Lu Chang quickly gave up this idea.


    You can survive by surrendering, but that''s all.


    His family business and his family are all in Shandong!


    And unlike those ordinary generals with different surnames, he is too closely linked to the Cao family...


    Others might have made a profit by surrendering to Hussar, but for Lu Chang, it would be a pure loss if he surrendered!


    Unless he can start a new "stove" in the middle of the pass, buy more property, marry a wife and have children...


    If you were an ordinary person, this kind of thing would be nothing. It’s hard to say that there are still people who are happy. After all, getting promoted, getting rich, and killing your old wife may be considered a great joy in life...


    But for people like Lu Chang, a wife is not only a spouse, but also a member of the same clan!


    If Lu Changyi surrenders, not only the members of Lu Chang''s family will be affected, but also a large group of people from his wife''s family!


    Putting aside everything else, just talking about the guards around you, I''m afraid they won''t allow you to surrender!


    The more he thought about it, the more desperate Lu Chang became.


    Why are you here?


    Why not just retreat when there is a problem with the soldiers?


    It''s a pity that in this world, what the world longs for the most, but can never get, is the regret medicine.


    Lu Chang''s heart was already sinking, but he still showed calmness on the surface. The reason why he shouted that everyone should wait until dark before retreating was to give himself and the soldiers a way to persevere. Start from the beginning, otherwise it might collapse right now!


    …


    …


    Cao''s army reached Hedong, and it should be said that they gained ground. As a result, everyone from top to bottom is now thinking about withdrawing their troops.


    It''s not because Cao''s army is weak, but because it encounters hussars!


    Cao Cao led his men and retreated to the south of Zhongtiao Mountain, even at the expense of a lot of sacrifices. The greatest significance was to get rid of the siege and pursuit of the Hussars first.


    The hussars are indeed moving faster, but no matter how fast they are, they can''t cross Zhongtiao Mountain directly. This gives Cao Cao a very short opportunity. He only needs to face Pang Tong''s troops at Tongguan.


    This wave of bets to attack Guanzhong is undoubtedly a big loss.


    But losing these chips may not be a bad thing for Cao Cao, or in Cao Cao''s mind.


    Because among these chips, not many really belong to Cao Cao.


    However, Cao Cao also knew that his remaining troops were at the end of their strength, and now they could only fight one more time, and they could not lose, otherwise they might collapse completely.


    It''s like a long-distance run. The more tired you are, the harder it is to stop. Once you stop, you no longer have the energy to run.


    Attack is a great science, and so is retreat.


    Cao Cao can retreat first, but he cannot retreat too far, otherwise the morale of the army will be unstable, and the retreat may even turn into a rout.


    Although the current military morale is no longer very good...


    But isn''t this the reason why Cao Cao couldn''t directly withdraw to Heluo?


    The same was true when Cao Cao fought against Xiliang in history. At that time, the Xiliang army raided Cao Cao''s army. Cao Cao knew the danger, but he pretended not to care. He even moved out the bed and performed a "sleep at ease" in front of the entire army. Of course, the effect was there, but Lao Cao was almost killed by the Xiliang Army.


    Cao Cao''s current situation is actually similar to that in history. It''s not that he doesn''t know the danger, but he can''t retreat in one breath. He must maintain the order of the entire army by himself until everything is basically the same, then he can move.


    Classmate Lao Cao insisted in history, and Prime Minister Cao is also insisting today.


    Stick to his true intentions.


    It can also be said to be his ambition.


    But no matter what, Cao Cao hopes that the Han Dynasty can be unified.


    Even if not under his rule...


    As night fell, the messenger rushed over in a hurry. "Prime Minister!" Tongguan...Tongguan was defeated again, and the Niutouyuan camp was lost! Now we have retreated to Yanxiang..."


    Cao Cao was silent for a moment and said, "I understand." Go down and rest. 』


    After all, Tongguan Camp failed to hold on.


    The military academy officers beside Cao Cao were worried that Cao Cao would suddenly become angry, but when they took a sneak peek, they found that Cao Cao''s face was calm.


    Ah, yes, the fall of the Tongguan camp was actually expected, wasn''t it?


    After all, the Zhongtiao Mountain Camp will be abandoned and the troops will be withdrawn. Is it any wonder that the Tongguan Camp cannot hold up the front?


    Mao Jie stepped forward and carefully reported: "My lord, those at Tongguan are the troops commanded by Pang Shiyuan and Zhang Wenyuan... Pang Shiyuan has a deep friendship with the Hussar, but Zhang Wenyuan was Lu Fengxian''s subordinate at the time... Now Lu Fengxian..."


    At this point, Mao Jie glanced at Cao Cao quickly, worried that Cao Cao would be a little displeased. Seeing that Cao Cao was still calm, he continued, "Is it possible for me to... use some means of alienation?" 』


    "Zhang Wenyuan..." Cao Cao pondered, and after a moment he asked, "This person also knows a thing or two... But what''s the plan?" 』


    Zhang Liao was just a little-known general under Lu Bu back then. Who would have thought that today he would become an important general who gave Cao Cao a headache?


    "I heard that when Lu Fengxian left Guanzhong for Shandong, he either did not get along with Zhang Wenyuan, or he felt that he was very close to the Hussar and did not like him, so he abandoned him..." Mao Jie said, "Nowadays, under the Hussar, if one talks about martial arts, Zhang Wenyuan should be the one The list above is still far away if we follow the time, but now this post is far away..."


    This is a very simple strategy, but the simpler it is, the more direct it is to people''s hearts. Most people in the world cannot escape "greed, laziness and greed", cannot let go of "craziness, anger and hatred", and rarely can "love peace".


    Mao Jie was not familiar with Zhang Liao, but he was very familiar with the human nature of ordinary people.


    In the land of Shandong, there are many conflicts between the old and the newcomers. The Jizhou faction and the Yuzhou faction are trying to undermine each other. Could it be said that the Qiaoqi men can be in harmony and have no thoughts about each other?


    As long as there is a crack, seeds can fall, and as long as seeds fall, they will take root and sprout one day!


    Let’s hope so…


    Cao Cao quickly nodded and said, "Maybe you can give it a try." 』


    Mao Jie was ordered to retreat.


    Cao Cao stood in the dark shadow, looking north.


    That is the north of Zhongtiao Mountain, and that is the direction of Qiao Qi Fei Qian.


    "What I encountered back then... now it''s your turn..." Cao Cao''s voice was very soft, as if he was narrating to the wind. "There are always stupid people who think that the world is about fighting and killing, or occupying cities... It should be noted that this city is easy to occupy and people''s hearts are It''s rare... I support the poor family and promote the army... But these people, if they get one, they want two, and if they get two, they want three, five, ten... If you don''t give it, you are evil to these people... The poor family is like this, the nobles are like this , why is the emperor not like this? 』


    "You want to change, but the world remains unchanged. How can you change?" 』


    "You want to change, but if your heart doesn''t change, how can you change it?" 』


    "Now I have lost, but you may not win..."


    "hehe…"


    Cao Cao looked at the dark night, but his eyes reflected the light of the lights beside him.


    The firelight on the torch was dancing hard, as if it was trying its best to illuminate everything around it, but there were still many places that were plunged into darkness, chaotic and unclear.


    …


    …


    The war horses galloped.


    Cao''s army on the small mountain was shrouded in darkness and it became increasingly difficult to see the direction in which the arrows were coming, and flaws in the array gradually appeared.


    Huang Xu seized this opportunity. He began to lead the men, bent down, lowered his head, and began to charge upward with the men and horses.


    Some soldiers of Cao''s army noticed the actions of Huang Xu and others, screamed loudly, and tried to shoot arrows in an attempt to delay the attack of Huang Xu and others.


    The arrows landed on Huang Xu''s helmet, shoulder armor, shield, and back armor, making a clanging sound.


    Under the darkness of night, Huang Xu couldn''t see clearly the arrows fired from the opposite side, so he couldn''t dodge them. He just held his shield to block the vital points and rushed forward!


    Most of the other hussars are the same as Huang Xu. Not only do they have iron armor on their bodies, but their horses are also covered with horse clothes. Although it is impossible to be completely immune to damage, for ordinary arrow rain, there are still some. Good defensive effect.


    The key is that the horses of Huang Xu and others are relatively strong horses, with good explosive power and negative gravity. Therefore, when Huang Xu suddenly led the men to charge upward, Lu Chang and others were caught off guard.


    Huang Xu''s tactic is very common, but still very effective.


    The previous barbarians from the North and the Bingliang cavalry basically followed this tactic.


    The cavalry pulled the two wings, fired and harassed, and then found some flaws in the enemy''s formation, and then seized the opportunity to attack, widening the cracks in the enemy''s formation, until the entire enemy array was destroyed.


    Even Huang Xu''s new gunpowder and new tactics were of no use, but these Cao soldiers still couldn''t withstand it.


    An arrow flew over and hit Huang Xu''s shoulder.


    Huang Xu''s body swayed slightly.


    Armor-piercing arrow!


    However, due to the relationship between the armor and the angle, the armor-piercing arrow did not penetrate deeply into the flesh.


    Huang Xu swept along the direction of the arrow and locked on a military academy who was waving a bow and seemed to be shouting something, commanding Cao''s soldiers.


    "Don''t panic!" No mess! 』


    The Cao Jun Military Academy was still loudly ordering the soldiers to stay where they were and defend themselves.


    Infantry battle formations against cavalry were of course dominated by clustered battle formations in the cold weapon era.


    When being attacked by cavalry, the infantry should use their spears and shields to force the cavalry to slow down, and then surround and strangle them.


    But the problem now is that the soldiers of Cao''s army no longer have much confidence in their **** bravery. When faced with the collision of the hussars, most of them chose to instinctively dodge instead of dying on the spot.


    Huang Xu rushed forward, and the surrounding Cao soldiers ducked to avoid Huang Xu''s impact.


    The Cao Jun Military Academy stepped forward and tried to stab Huang Xu with a spear, but Huang Xu seized the momentary opportunity, thrust out his long spear, and stabbed the Cao Jun Military Academy through the neck with a light and skillful thrust.


    When Huang Xu first followed Fei Qian, his charge and fight were all about "fierce". He would often pierce people through with great force and then fly them away, thereby taking away the enemy''s momentum.


    But now Huang Xu has gradually begun to use some fighting skills. He is not using brute force blindly, but controlling his strength so as not to use up all his strength, so that he can retract his sword faster and thrust out again.


    As more and more outstanding military generals are under the command of the Hussars, military academy generals like Huang Xu who were originally in the second-rate, or even less than the second-rate, are also learning and progressing, growing and improving.


    At the same time that Huang Xu entered Cao''s army, other hussars also arrived.


    "assault! assault! 』


    shouted the hussars.


    "Defense!" Defend! 』


    Cao Jun''s soldiers were also shouting.


    The cavalry was charging, crushing, and trampling.


    The weight of the hussar cavalry, coupled with the horse clothing and armor, coupled with the speed, it is really like an ancient ferocious beast rushing into the sheep, killing wantonly.


    The defensive soldiers in the inner circle of Cao''s army tried to use arrows to help the outer defense, but the arrows hit the hussars. Some of them could break the armor, but the damage was slowed down by the inner cushions, and some arrows simply The armor was broken open, and just a spark proved that the arrow had been there.


    The hussars continued to charge in, and more Cao soldiers fell.


    Flowers of blood bloomed in the dark night. One after another, Sergeant Cao''s soldiers were hacked and knocked over, and screams could be heard one after another.


    Lu Chang clutched the sword tightly, feeling that his throat was so dry that it was about to smoke.


    He raised his head and looked at the battle flag behind him swinging feebly in the night sky, showing a helpless smile.


    Maybe he was unwilling to fail, maybe he believed Dong Zhao''s clever plan, or he was in that position, or...


    Before actually fighting the hussars, they didn''t seem to think there was anything special about the hussars.


    This inexplicable confidence eventually led to Lu Chang being trapped here.


    And this kind of confidence comes out of nowhere and goes away without a trace.


    Under Huang Xu''s charge attack, Lu Chang''s position could not hold out at all!


    Perhaps, when we set out, we should have fought hard and brought more food and grass, instead of listening to Cao''s generals who said it was fast and enough, so that the current situation would be different.


    Lu Chang has already sensed the dangerous undercurrent hidden in that desperate atmosphere...


    Now it looks like he''s going to lose.


    The hussars came too quickly and fought too hard.


    His men''s hearts were unstable, and they couldn''t count on reinforcements. Now they had to either fight to the death or run away!


    Lu Chang saw that in the distance, there was a group of hussars quietly forming an array, and further away, there were hussars running around, patrolling back and forth.


    Are the hussars so well-guarded?


    God, my life is over.


    Lu Chang turned his head and looked towards the east, suddenly feeling sad in his heart.


    Wandering thousands of miles, maybe I will never see my hometown again in this life...


    "General!" The enemy is coming! 』


    "General, what should I do?" 』


    "Breakout!" Lu Chang gritted his teeth and shouted, "Break out now!" Break out immediately while the night is dark! 』