In order to distinguish the priorities of various letters. Liu Xin classified the letters reported from various places. The general letters are all handled by the ministries. The letter with chicken feathers is an emergency military situation. Need to be handled by the Cabinet. The reason for choosing chicken feathers instead of other feathers. It's just because chicken feathers are easier to get. It's not because Liu Xin watched the movie "Jie Maoxin" when he was a child. He also uniquely dyed chicken feathers in various colors. Red belongs to the highest level of Hundred Thousand Urgent. It needs to be reported directly to him for processing.
Although Yang Biao could not see the content of the letter. But you can guess Liu Xin's face. Something important must have happened. He wanted to share the worries for Liu Xin. Can't help taking a step forward. Asked: "Dare to ask your lord. What happened?"
The red chicken feather letter just represents a military emergency. It's not that the content of the letter is so confidential. Hear Yang Biao's inquiry. Liu Xin threw the letter in front of him. Shen Sheng said: "Master Yang, see for yourself. The Huns dare to harass me on the border of Liangzhou."
Yang Biao picked up the feather letter and read it hastily. Stop laughing. He folded his hands and said: "My lord calms down. Every winter and spring. The grassland tribes. Such as the Huns, Qiang, Xianbei, and Wuhuan. They will all harass our Han border. Such incidents happen from time to time in the Liang, Bin, and You prefectures. . But. These Yi Di just robbed them. They will retreat on their own. There is no serious harm. The lord need not worry."
For many years. Tribes on the grassland harassing the Han border is almost common practice. Even when Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty defeated the Xiongnu. The entire Xiongnu tribe is divided into two. The Southern Huns were attached to the Han Dynasty. But it is still inevitable that they often rob the border people. Not to mention the emerging grassland tribes such as Xianbei. Yang Biao was in the center of the court. Many military reports of this kind are received every year. I've become accustomed to it.
but. Most incidents of harassment of the border occurred in the early spring. This is because. After the winter. The heavy snow in the north will hinder the horse's running. All the tribes on the grassland are ethnic groups living on horseback. Leaving the housekeeping skill of riding and shooting. It is difficult for them to get a bargain. Like this year. It didn't take long before winter came to disturb Liangzhou. It rarely happens.
past. Whether it is Liu Hong being the emperor. Dong Zhuo is still in power. Everyone is accustomed to turning a blind eye to the harassment of grassland tribes. Anyway, the victims are only the poor people. There is not much influence on those upper-class nobles. in contrast. Most of these nobles had some secret trade with these grassland peoples. I don't even want to engage in evil with these grassland tribes.
but. Jia Xu is now in charge of Liangzhou's government affairs. Guarding there was the Fifth Army led by Huang Zhong. Needless to say Huang Zhong. All of these generals under Liu Xin had a passion. How can you tolerate bullying by foreign races on your own head. Jia Xu was originally from Liangzhou. He hated the fact that the Xiongnu attacked the border. Especially after a long talk with Liu Xin. Jia Xu could already feel that Liu Xin was looking far away. Has begun to pay attention to the ethnic groups on these grasslands. So he used the red chicken feather letter representing the most urgent military situation.
Liu Xin comes from later generations. He knows more about the long years to come for more than a thousand years. The tribes on these grasslands are the greatest threat to the Han people. He even pushed the Han people to the edge of the dead a few times. therefore. Liu Xin was very dissatisfied with what Yang Biao said. "Slap" on the table. Angrily said: "Liangzhou was not under Liu's rule in the past. Even if Liu wanted to control it, he couldn't control it. But now it's different. How can Liu sit and watch them being bullied by foreigners and ignore it."
Yang Biao just said this just to relieve Liu Xin. Unexpectedly, it aroused such a big response from him. He hurriedly said: "The adults are dedicated to the people. I admire the officials. It's just that these grassland tribes are coming and going in a hurry. When the adults' army rushes over. They are long gone. How about sending an envoy to the Southern Huns. Yes. They reprimanded them so that they could restrain themselves."
these years. Although the Han Dynasty was not as strong as before. But in front of those grassland tribes. Still a behemoth. sometimes. The words of the imperial court can still help a little bit. and so. Dong Zhuocai was able to easily help the Huns in the battle after summoning Qiang. In addition to Xu Yizhong profit. These grassland peoples still fear the big Han is also an important reason.
Talking. Ju Sui hurried in. See Liu Xin's expression. He folded his hands and asked: "Does the lord have to use soldiers against the Xiongnu?"
Among the counselors under Liu Xin. Jushou is definitely not the best. But his loyalty and character are the one that makes Liu Xin most assured. otherwise. Liu Xin would not give him an important organization like the Phantom Spy. and so. Even the red chicken feather letter directly to Liu Xin. A separate copy will also be reported to Jushou. So he already knows the content of this letter.
Liu Xin nodded. Said: "Yes. Liu wants to teach the Huns a lesson."
Jushou groaned: "Now the army is closing the road. It is inconvenient for the team to advance. Replenishment is also very difficult. I am afraid it is not a good time to use troops."
Yang Biao also echoed: "Yes. Soldiers and horses have not moved. Food and grass go first. If Mrs. Liu decides to use soldiers against the Xiongnu. Why not wait for the next spring..."
Liu Xin waved her hand. Said: "Since the Huns have come. Then how can I go as the elite soldiers. Liu wants to see. How powerful these Huns are on the grassland."
During the Northern Expedition Dong Zhuo. The cavalry under Liu Xin had already fought against the Huns. And killed them in a big defeat. Almost an entire 100,000 Huns cavalry was wiped out. He really didn't pay attention to these Huns cavalry. therefore. Liu Xin had confidence in his cavalry. These cavalry are equipped with stirrups. Riding can definitely surpass those grassland tribes who have grown up on horseback since childhood. And he must take advantage of the time when the grassland people have not yet mastered the stirrups. Offset their advantages in riding. Defeat them completely. Create a relatively peaceful environment for the development of the Han nation.
Jushou is naturally very clear about the situation in the battle of Guanzhong. But he did not have the confidence of Liu Xin. He leaned quickly and said, "Go back to the lord. It's not just a matter of supply. My subordinates are also worried about the vast grasslands. I'm a Chinese cavalry. I don't know the path. It's hard to find the enemy. It's better to follow the words of Master Yang. Wait next spring. Please think twice."
Liu Xin laughed and said: "The public is too worried. Although this world is big. But there is no place where my big men can't go. What's more. Liu used troops this time. It is not to wipe out the Huns. It is just to teach them a little lesson. That's it."
There was a pause. Liu Xin said in a deep voice: "Gongyou. Pass my order. The cavalry of the First Army, the Second Army and the Sixth Army will go to Liangzhou today."
The Sixth Army is the All Cavalry Army. There are fifty thousand people in total. The cavalry in the 1st and 2nd corps is more deployed than other corps. There are 20,000 people each. In addition, the 10,000 cavalrymen of the Fifth Corps originally stationed in Liangzhou. The Han cavalry assembled in Liangzhou will reach one hundred thousand. Jushou couldn't help being taken aback. This is a lesson to the Xiongnu. Obviously, it's going to be a big fight.
Early the next morning. A large group of cavalry from all parts of Jingzhou successively marched northward. And this time. Liu Xin sent Xu Huang, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Pound, Ma Chao, and Sun Cequan to Liangzhou. Such a strong lineup. Dong Zhuo didn't even show up during the Northern Expedition.
Yang Biao also went north with these cavalry. He offered it. Several of my family members have been to the Southern Huns. Know a thing or two about the geography there. Willing to let them serve as guides for the army. Yang Biao has figured it out now. Regardless of the future. His son is now working under Liu Xin's hands. He helped Liu Xin. It can be regarded as earning points for his son.
When Liu Xin mobilized the cavalry brigade northward. Cao Cao also started to act. He is not worried about Yuan Shao. This man has thousands of troops. But indecisive. As long as you move fast enough. After taking Xuzhou. I am afraid that Yuan Shao's men have not yet started to move. The only thing he worried about was Liu Xin. Although Liu Xin promised not to use troops on him for two years. But he did not believe in Liu Xin. Because he can feel it. Liu Xin is not a gentleman. And he doesn't pay much attention to his reputation. A person who will not be dragged down by his own fame. Why would you care about a verbal agreement? and so. Learned that Liu Xin's army went north to Liangzhou. Regardless of what happened there. Cao Cao thought it was a good opportunity.
Since the defeat of Xiangyang City. Cao Cao also began to attach importance to the cavalry. In particular, I realized the benefits of tying an iron ring under the saddle. The combat power of his cavalry quickly increased. This time. Cao Cao let Xiahoudun and Xiahouyuan brothers lead 10,000 elite cavalry as the vanguard. All heads are wrapped in white cloth. Raise a big flag. The letter "revenge and hate" four characters. Kill Xuzhou mightily.
Liu Bei killed Sun Guan. Drove away Zang Ba. Under the guise of his two connecting Cao Cao. Accounted for Langya. Successfully took over the thirty thousand army horses in the city. but. Liu Bei knows too. These people obey themselves on the surface. Not necessarily so obedient secretly. So stayed in Langya and didn't leave. and. Except Guan Yu, his subordinates. There is no other useful person to command this army.
I heard that Cao Cao's army had killed him. Guan Yu raised the Qinglong Sword. Arched his hands. Said: "Big brother. Soldiers will come to block. Water come to cover the earth. Cao thief dares to invade my border. Wait for the younger brother to lead the army and kill him."
Liu Bei shook his head. Said: "Now the three armies are newly attached. The hearts of the people are not stable. In addition, the Cao army is strong. Don't underestimate the enemy. It is better to abandon Langya. Take the soldiers from all counties in Xuzhou. Xuzhou City is high and deep. You can hold fast enough. Wait for Cao Jun to attack for a long time. Yuan Shao Liu Xin will definitely hear the wind. At that time, Cao Jun can retreat without fighting."
Guan Yu is not without his own opinions. But he respected Liu Bei too much. Liu Bei's horse has always been the head of the horse. Never violated his meaning. So the promise stepped aside.
then. Liu Bei abandoned Langya without a battle. With the 30,000 horses snatched from Zang Ba and Sun Guan. Evacuate to Xuzhou in a hurry.