Zhang Lu sent the Grand Priest Yang Songwai to gather reinforcements, and ordered his brother Zhang Wei to go to Yangping Pass to resist the enemy.
At the same time, official documents were sent to all counties to recruit soldiers, horses, and food. Each charity house issued an imperial decree to summon believers and lay Buddhists to fight against the Western Liang army in an all-out manner.
Since Dong Zhuo's chaos in Guanzhong, many people fled to Hanzhong to avoid the chaos. Zhang Lu influenced the people with his teachings, and the people lived in peace.
They had finally managed to live a peaceful life, and when they heard that the enemy was invading, they were all indignant and responded one after another to resist the enemy. Within half a month, 50,000 people were gathered.
Zhang Lu ordered General Yang Ang to select 10,000 strong men and send them to Yangping Pass. He also selected 20,000 soldiers to train in Baozhong and Mianyang respectively. The remaining applicants were incorporated into the logistics department, responsible for transporting grain and inspecting, and actively preparing for war.
Zhang Wei led his troops to Yangping Pass and set up more than a dozen camps on the mountains on both sides of the pass, leaning against the mountains and forests, to support each other and prepare to fight against the Western Liang army.
After the camp was established, there was no sign of the Western Liang army coming. Zhang Wei was puzzled and sent scouts to investigate along the mountain. However, they reported that the Western Liang army was moving slowly, only four or five miles a day, and were grazing along the mountain and cutting grass to feed the horses.
Deputy General Yang Ren laughed and said, "I heard that Cao Cao ordered Ma Teng to attack Hanzhong last year, but the attack was delayed until now due to lack of food and grass. Although a batch of food and grass has been transported from Chang'an, it is probably useless. The Xiliang army is actually feeding horses on the road, so there is no need to worry."
Zhang Weiyan said: "All is fair in war. Be careful of Ma Teng's deception. All camps should strengthen patrols and make sure there are no mistakes."
Two days later, scouts came to report that no one was seen on the mountain road, and the Xiliang army had retreated to Sanguan.
Zhang Wei became more and more suspicious and asked doubtfully, "Could it be that seeing the danger of Yangping Pass, Ma Teng retreated?"
Yang Ren sneered, "Could it be that the troops haven't arrived yet, but the food and grass have already been used up? Ma Teng has been in battle for a long time, but he made such a big mistake. Wouldn't he be laughed at by the world?"
"Could it be?" Zhang Wei's face changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice: "General, do you still remember that on the day of the expedition, the chief priest burned incense and offered sacrifices in the city. Could it be that Master showed his power and scared away the Xiliang army?"
"This..." Yang Ren frowned. He dared not comment on such a thing. He sighed, "If this is true, Hanzhong will be a pure land in troubled times!"
Zhang Wei was cheered up and immediately ordered someone to report the news to Zhang Lu. At the same time, he sent scouts along the mountain to gather information and closely monitor the movements of the Xiliang army.
In fact, as early as when Hanzhong was preparing for war, Ma Teng had already withdrawn his troops. Some of his elite troops hid in Sanguan, and some retreated to Chencang overnight to recuperate and wait for news from Chang'an.
The soldiers and horses on Chencang Road were all old, weak and disabled soldiers, as well as some old horses and foals. The soldiers were bluffing and seemed to be advancing, but in fact they were no different from grazing as usual.
That day, Ma Teng learned that Cao Hong had captured Taohua Station and was about to attack Wuguan. Ma Teng knew that the time had come, so he and his two sons reorganized the army after dark, and waited for orders after eating a full meal.
At three o'clock in the morning, they imitated the Qiang cavalry tactics, with one man riding two horses, moving forward alternately, and headed straight for Chang'an.
From Chencang in the east to Chang'an, the road is flat. After passing Fufeng is Ma Teng's fiefdom Huaili. Someone had secretly supported them. After a short rest, the troops were divided into three groups to surround Chang'an City.
At this time, it was still dark and the defenders on the city were drowsy. They were awakened by the sudden sound of horse hooves and started beating drums in panic.
Zhong Yao is working hard in the mansion. He is almost sixty years old and has no children yet. He is under a lot of pressure.
A few days ago, I found a miraculous prescription from a Taoist priest in Zhongnan Mountain. I was trying it out with two maids, and I was so frightened when I heard the drum sound that I almost collapsed.
He hurriedly put on his clothes and went out, then saw his personal soldiers coming to report that the Western Liang army was approaching. Zhong Yao staggered and realized that the situation was extremely serious.
By the time he was dressed and took a sedan chair from the government office to the west gate, it was already daybreak. Zhang Ji, Zhong Jin and others were all on the city wall, and the defenders looked panic-stricken.
When Zhang Ji saw Zhong Yao rushing over, he cursed, "Ma Teng, you bastard, turned the tables and tried to take Chang'an. You are such an ungrateful bastard that you can't be tamed."
Zhong Yao came to the top of the city wall to look, and saw that the Western Liang army was in full force, with restless cavalry all over the mountains and plains, and the neighing of war horses was like waves on the river, rising one after another.
Zhong Yao shouted, "General Ma, I have already appointed you as the governor of Hanzhong. Why are you not going to take up the post but instead attacking Chang'an? What's your intention?"
Ma Teng stood up with his gun in hand, cursing: "You old thief Zhong Yao, you are still determined to kill me. I swear to avenge you. Open the city gates quickly, or you may be spared. If you are killed by me, I will kill everyone in the city."
Zhong Yao sighed and said, "General Ma, there must be a misunderstanding here. Can you withdraw your troops for now? I will send someone to the camp to meet with you and discuss the matter carefully?"
"Bullshit!" Ma Teng was furious. "You and Zhang Ji have repeatedly plotted to harm me. First, you tricked me into going to the capital to see the emperor and wanted to use me as a hostage. When that plan failed, you tried to kill someone with a borrowed knife. Do you really think I'm a three-year-old child?"
Zhong Yao advised: "General, since you are a descendant of a loyal and righteous man, you should work with the Prime Minister to fight against the rebellion and protect the emperor. Now you have started a rebellion. You should not ruin your reputation for a lifetime because of a momentary impulse."
"Hahaha, Cao thief bullies the emperor, how is that different from Dong Zhuo?" Ma Teng laughed loudly and shouted, "Since I received the imperial edict, I have vowed to fight against the thief. Unfortunately, Dong Cheng is dead, Xuande was murdered, and I am the only one in the world who is loyal to the emperor. I am going to carry out the will of my ancestors and kill you traitors. Don't say anything more, open the city quickly."
Seeing that his persuasion was futile, Zhong Yao turned around and asked, "Is there anyone willing to fight?"
Zhang Ji sighed, "General Cao has mobilized all his troops. Ma Teng must have gotten the news and is here prepared. I have already sent someone to report this to General Cao. I am afraid..."
Zhong Yao looked solemn. He pointed at the enemy troops under the city and looked at Zhong Jin, cursing, "You dogs really messed up my plan. You previously inquired about the strength of the Xiliang army and said that Ma Teng and his son were grateful. How do you explain this?"
Zhong Jin was already confused by this time. Feeling guilty, he hid behind the city wall and dared not answer.
Zhang Jiyan said: "Ma Teng, this old wolf, treated us with hospitality, but he had evil intentions. General Zhong was deceived by him, but it is not entirely his fault. The most urgent task is to discuss how to resist the enemy."
Zhong Yao took a deep breath and said, "Although no one can go out to fight the enemy, Chang'an is the imperial capital, the city walls are strong, and the trenches are deep. Ma Teng's cavalry is rushing in and cannot attack the city. There are sufficient food and equipment in the city. We can summon all the officers, soldiers and strong civilians to defend the city. General Cao will be back in three or two days. Ma Teng will retreat when he is attacked from both sides."
Zhang Ji immediately ordered the entire army to defend the city, move equipment, and prepare arrows and other supplies. Separated by the wide moat, the Xiliang army was helpless and could only wander and shout in the distance.
Ma Teng and his two sons surrounded one gate each, leaving only the east gate open for the defenders to escape. However, after waiting for a whole morning, they found that the city gate was closed and did not move at all.
Ma Teng ordered his cavalry to shoot arrows, but to no avail. By dark, they hadn't even reached the gate of Chang'an. After a brief panic, the defenders gradually calmed down.
Ma Teng summoned his two sons to discuss the matter and said, "We should launch a surprise attack on Chang'an and take the city by surprise. However, Zhong Yao is as steady as an old dog and cannot be taken down even if we attack him urgently. Cao's army will arrive in ten days. What should we do?"
The three of them were at a loss, and Ma Xiu suddenly said, "Before Sun Qian left a brocade bag for father, why don't you open it and take a look."
Ma Teng no longer cared about his face and hurriedly said, "Take it out!"
Ma Xiu took out the brocade bag, and Ma Teng snatched it and opened it. He took a look and slapped his thigh and laughed, "So that's how it is. Chang'an will definitely belong to me!"