Liu Qi blocked the news of Jianmen Pass, and Deng Xian persuaded the prisoners to surrender. The army already had 30,000 soldiers, who were being reorganized and trained in the camp.
The next day, grain and grass arrived from Chengdu. The grain transport team entered the camp in a mighty manner, but they saw that the soldiers were all dressed as soldiers from Jingzhou, and they were instantly shocked.
Deng Xian and Lei Tong came forward to persuade and appease the people, and all the civilians were released. Those soldiers escorting grain who were willing to surrender were kept in the army, and those who were unwilling to surrender were released together, in order to publicize Liu Qi's name of benevolence and righteousness.
With all the troops and food supplies ready, Deng Xian immediately led his troops to Zitong. The prefect of Zitong heard the news of the defeat and was puzzled. When he saw Deng Xian's troops arriving and explained the pros and cons, he opened the city and surrendered.
In half a month, Liu Qi led his troops from Langzhong into Shu and reached Fu Shui Pass. When the news spread, Shu was shocked.
At the same time, urgent reports from Deyang, Han'an, Jiangyang and other places flew into Chengdu like snowflakes. Liu Zhang was on pins and needles and was completely confused.
Zhang Song watched coldly from the side. He was only responsible for the allocation of food and fodder, and pushed all military affairs to the pro-war factions such as the chief clerk Huang Quan and the attendant Wang Lei.
Since you want to fight, come up with a strategy to fight the enemy. Just shouting slogans will not stop Liu Qi's army!
As the saying goes, if you know yourself and your enemy, you can fight a hundred battles without danger. The officials in Shu overestimate their own abilities and are trying to stop a chariot with a mantis arm. Let them know the strength of the Jingzhou army.
Liu Qi not only had brave generals like Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun under his command, but also Pang Tong and Fa Zheng as his advisers. Zhang Song could not find anyone in Shu who could compete with these two in intelligence.
What's more, Liu Qi himself was very wise, willing to accept advice and decisive in killing people, which was incomparable to Liu Zhang.
"A man who knows the current situation is a hero. Am I the only hero in Shu?"
From top to bottom, from the ruler to the ministers, no one in Yizhou could find any chance of winning except for the geographical advantage. Zhang Song could only sigh for the blind loyalty of these people.
They discussed the matter for more than half an hour, but could not come up with any solution except to send more troops to various important roads.
Liu Qi was organizing his troops in Zitong and before he knew it, it was already winter. Even in Sichuan, the chill was gradually setting in. Fa Zheng had been feeling unwell for the past two days and was bedridden.
In addition to Fushui Pass ahead, there are also Mianzhu and Luocheng. Liu Bei encountered many setbacks here, suffered heavy casualties, and spent more than a year. Now the situation is under control and he hopes to win the battle quickly.
When everyone discussed taking Fushui Pass, Pang Tong said, "Yang Huai and Gao Pei are famous generals in Shu. Zhao Yun and Gan Ning are both leading troops outside our army. I'm afraid only General Deng can take on this battle."
Deng Xian's face changed slightly. Yang Huai and Gao Pei were equally powerful as himself. Pang Tong said this. Could it be that he didn't trust him and wanted to kill him with a borrowed knife
As his mind turned, Zhang Fei clasped his fists and said loudly, "Why do you underestimate me, Advisor? How am I, Zhang Fei, inferior to Generals Zhao and Gan?"
Pang Tong shook his head and said, "Yide is brave, but he is hot-tempered and reckless. He can only charge into battle. Fushui Pass is strategically located and heavily guarded. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack. It is difficult for the general to take on this task!"
Zhang Fei was furious and said, "I ask for your order to take the pass. If you fail to take Fushui Pass, I will offer my head as a sacrifice!"
Pang Tong sighed: "This time we are going deep into Shu, with the intention of winning a quick battle..."
"Within ten days, I will take Fushui Pass!" Zhang Fei clasped his fists towards Liu Qi and said, "General, please pass on the order. I am willing to sign a military order."
Liu Qi said: "Fushui Pass is a dangerous place. Ten days may be difficult. Let's take half a month. General Deng is familiar with the terrain. We can go together to take the city."
"Ten days is enough. There's no need for half a month!" Zhang Fei called Deng Xian and took three lieutenants to check the troops.
Liu Qi asked: "What is the meaning of the military advisor's provocation to get the three generals to fight?"
Pang Tong smiled and said, "Fushui Pass is easy to defend but difficult to attack. If the general's army comes in person, the garrison will surely defend it tightly. It is better to ask Yide to go there, maybe it will be effective."
Liu Qi frowned and said, "I'm afraid Third Uncle is helpless, why don't we go with the military advisor?"
"No need!" Pang Tong waved his hand and said with a smile: "Although Yide seems reckless, he is actually just impatient. He has wisdom and strategy, but he won't use it until the time comes. This time, we will challenge him within a certain time limit and see what the result will be!"
Liu Qi nodded and said, "Military Advisor is right. In extraordinary times, extraordinary people should be used!"
Zhang Fei led his troops out of the city and approached the Fu River. He asked Deng Xian, "How does your martial arts compare to those of General Yang and General Gao?"
Deng Xian was afraid that Liu Qi had some tricks up his sleeve, so he didn't dare to brag. He replied, "Although I haven't fought with them, they are quite famous in Shu and are Liu Zhang's confidants. I'm afraid they are only superior to him."
Zhang Fei said, "In that case, you should go to the pass and persuade the two men to surrender, then lead them out of the pass and let me deal with them."
Deng Xian took the order and led 3,000 troops straight to the pass, asking Yang Huai and Gao Pei to open the gate and surrender.
Ever since they learned that Liu Qi had turned against them and that troops from Jingzhou had entered the country, Yang Huai and the other two had been on high alert all day, issuing strict orders that the gates must not be opened or closed without permission and that they must guard the place strictly.
When the enemy arrived, scouts had already reported it. Yang Huai was frightened when he saw the well-organized troops of Jingzhou, and hurriedly ordered the entire army to be on alert, but he saw that it was Deng Xian who came to persuade them to surrender.
Gao Pei pointed at Deng Xian and cursed, "How dare you, a traitor, speak nonsense here?"
Deng Xian laughed and said, "Liu Zhang doesn't know how to employ people, and you are willing to be gatekeepers. How foolish are you?"
Gao Pei was furious and said, "How dare the traitor be so arrogant? If I don't kill this thief, I will never be able to relieve my hatred."
Yang Huai advised: "We are ordered to guard the pass. Our lives are related to the safety of Shu. We must not leave lightly."
Gao Pei said in a cold voice: "This thief let the wolf into the house, and he deserves to be put to death. If he is not beheaded, I am afraid that others will follow in his footsteps. It is just right to send his head to Chengdu as a warning to others."
Yang Huai also knew that a big victory was needed to boost morale, so he clasped his fists and said, "Yesterday someone shot a wild deer from the mountains. It seems that God is helping us to achieve success. General, you have won, and we should celebrate with deer antler wine."
Gao Pei laughed and said, "Deer penis wine is better!"
Yang Huai ordered his men to beat drums to cheer, and Gao Pei led his troops out of the pass, pointing at Deng Xian and shouting, "Traitor, come and die!"
Deng Xian laughed and said, "You can be the commander only because you are close to Liu Zhang and his son. You are just a dog that relies on the power of others. You can only bark wildly, right?"
"If I don't kill this bastard, I will not be a human being!" Gao Pei was so angry that he shouted and urged his horse to charge forward.
Deng Xian brandished his sword to meet the attack, but after more than ten rounds he could no longer hold out and hurriedly turned his horse and rode away. Gao Pei was not willing to give up and led his troops to chase after him.
"Don't chase!" Yang Huai shouted loudly on the city wall, but how could he stop them
He hurriedly ordered the troops to retreat, but Gao Pei was focused on getting rid of the bandits and proving his own strength, so he turned a deaf ear to the sound of the horn and kept his eyes on Deng Xian, chasing him.
"The big deal is over!" Yang Huai stamped his feet anxiously. He wanted to send troops to rescue, but he was worried about an ambush outside the pass and hesitated.
Deng Xian pretended to be defeated and ran away. When he turned around the mountain, he saw Zhang Fei leading his troops towards him, and he hurriedly shouted for help.
Zhang Fei rode forward and shouted, "Who are you? How dare you bully my generals?"
Gao Pei didn't take it seriously and said in a deep voice: "Get away from me, you black charcoal head, or I'll kill you too!"
“Hahaha, what a big tone!” Zhang Fei laughed up to the sky, “I, Zhang Fei, just like arrogant opponents!”
Zhang Fei
Gao Pei was suddenly startled, and only became alert when he saw the snake spear in the black-faced man's hand.
But at this time, the warhorse was galloping, and the two men were already close. It was too late to avoid him. He made up his mind and laughed sternly:
"So what if I'm Zhang Fei? I'll let you know how powerful I am... Ah—"