"Young Tao Ying, how dare you take my name, cheat, and ruin my reputation. You and I are at odds with each other!"

Lu Bu's temper was notoriously bad. When he heard that Tao Ying had sent people to pretend to be his envoys, he was like a spark flying to a powder keg, and it exploded, carrying Fang Tian with him.

Huaji jumped up and yelled, "The whole army will obey the order and immediately go south to Xiaopei to find Tao Ying to settle the score!"

"No!" The officers and soldiers of Lu Bu's army behind him agreed loudly, and they all mounted their horses and prepared to set off. However, Zhang Liao was calmer and quickly grabbed Lu Bu and advised: "Please be patient, my lord, Xiaopei has fallen, and our army has no foothold in the south. What's more,

There is no food and grass available, and if Xiaopei remains impatient, our army will be in danger. My lord, please suspend your anger and wait for the arrival of the infantry group led by Mr. Gongtai, and then we can discuss other matters."

"There is no need to discuss it. Tao Ying's son has ruined my reputation. I have no sworn relationship with him!" Lu Bu pushed Zhang Liao away, jumped on the red rabbit horse and shouted: "The whole army will set off immediately, take Tao Ying's son to establish a stable foothold in Xiaopei.

, go and kill him by surprise! Wen Yuan, send someone to send an order to Chen Gong, asking him to speed up too. The infantry brigade must arrive at Xiaopei for me before this evening! Xuande, your team will also follow and lead the way for me.

!”

Having said that, Lu Bu no longer ignored Zhang Liao's persuasion and led his three thousand Bingzhou cavalry to the south. Zhang Liao had no choice but to lead his troops to follow him and send a fast horse north to report the news to Chen Palace. Over there, Liu Bei's three brothers were

They were overjoyed - the three Liu Bei brothers would not consider whether Lu Bu had a foothold, so they quickly led hundreds of defeated troops to follow Lu Bu's team and attack Xiaopei again.

He hurriedly walked for more than twenty miles. Chen Gong was chasing after him on horseback alone. He shouted from a distance: "My lord! My lord! Wenhou! Stop! Stop!" Lu Bu had to stop when he heard the shouting.

, turned around and saw Chen Gong abandoning the infantry and chasing after him alone, he was immediately angry again. As soon as Chen Gong rushed in front of him, Lu Bu shouted angrily: "Gongtai, why are you chasing alone? Infantry brigade.

What to do? Don’t forget. My daughter is still in the infantry!”

"Don't worry, my lord, I have temporarily handed over the infantry to Generals Hao Meng and Cao Xing. There will be no problem." Chen Gong panted and explained in a hurry. Then he quickly grabbed Lu Bu's horse rein and said anxiously:

"Lord, our army only has ten days of food. Liu Xuande has lost Xiaopei, our army has no food and grass in Xuzhou, and Tao Ying's treachery is not inferior to Cao's thief. It is really difficult to defeat Xiaopei in one battle.

If we run out of food and fodder, our army will undoubtedly be defeated, so it is better to retreat quickly and seek revenge another day."

"What are you afraid of? Just ask Gao Shun to send grain to Changyi and go south?" Lu Bu shouted angrily: "Tao Ying's son has ruined my reputation. If I don't take revenge, it will be difficult to eliminate the hatred in my heart!"

"My lord, please think twice!" Chen Gong cried loudly, and quickly advised: "My lord, it is indeed hateful for Tao Ying to cheat in your name, but our army offended Yuan Shao and forged a deadly feud with Cao Cao.

If we continue to enmity with Tao Ying, a traitor who is loyal on the outside and cunning on the inside, then our army will be surrounded by enemies on all sides and helpless! It is better to take advantage of Tao Ying to attack Xiaopei. Tao Qian is critically ill, and Xuzhou does not dare to make enemies at will, and fight with Tao Qian.

Father and son send envoys to communicate with each other. Turn enemies into friends and relieve the pressure on the rear!"

Hearing Chen Gong's words, the expressions of the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang beside him immediately darkened, but fortunately, Marquis Lu Wen was also a very loyal person, so he threw Chen Gong away and roared: "No! Tao Tao

Ying Xiao'er took my name to cheat and ruined my honor. If I don't avenge this revenge, it's hard to eliminate the hatred in my heart! I have made up my mind. I don't need to persuade you anymore. I will go back to command the infantry as soon as possible. If Gao Shun is ordered again, I will be given food.

, help me attack Xuzhou!"

After that, Lu Bu ignored Chen Gong's repeated persuasion and rushed out as soon as he slapped the red rabbit horse. The red rabbit horse was so fast that Chen Gong couldn't catch up. He also knew that Lu Bu had a hot-tempered and stubborn personality and was difficult to persuade, so he had no choice but to restrain him.

The war horse secretly sighed, "Oh no, this time it's really hard to steal the chicken but lose the rice. I just hope that Tao Ying's son can also understand that an all-out war with our army now will be harmful to him and will only benefit Cao Cao's traitor in vain. Calm down and exercise restraint."

Give me time to persuade my lord."

No matter how fast Lu Bu's red rabbit horse is, it is impossible for him to kill Xiaopei City and challenge tens of thousands of Xuzhou troops alone. After getting rid of Chen Gong, he must have the Bingzhou cavalry behind him to accompany him. Because of this, he ambushed Xiaopei.

The Junzi Army Qingqi near Pei County was able to return to Xiaopei first, and Lu Bu's army, which had joined Liu Bei's defeated army, joined forces and headed south to Xiaopei City, and delivered it to Tao Ying, who had just entered the city.

"Lü Bu came so fast." After marveling at the maneuvering speed of Lu Bu's cavalry, Tao Ying quickly ordered: "Quickly, let our soldiers speed up and break out of camp and enter the city. Within an hour, all the troops must enter the city, except for food, grass, and weapons.

Except for tents and tents, throw away everything else if you don’t want it!”

Zang Ba, Sun Guan and other generals agreed and quickly sent people down to deliver the order. Tao Ying quickly asked Zang Ba: "Brother Xuan Gao, how much food, ordnance and troops do Liuxian have?"

"Not much left." Zang Ba replied: "In order to help the young master attack the city, the general brought all the weapons and food he could bring. Now he only has 500 infantry, 2,000 grains and a small amount of weapons."

"Very good, there is no danger to defend the city of Liu County. Since our army already has the strong city of Xiaopei, there is no need to divide the troops and garrison them in Liu County." Tao Ying nodded, then turned to Xu Sheng next to him and ordered: "Wen

Xiang, immediately lead me your 1,500 infantry troops south to Liuxian County, assist the army there in transferring grain and military supplies, and return to Xuzhou. When you return to Xuzhou, do not come back, but stay in Xuzhou and assist me in defending the city with General Cao Bao.

.”

"No." Xu Sheng agreed with clasped fists, and asked tentatively: "Young master, can you change someone to carry out this military order? The general wants to stay and help you fight against Lu Bu."

"No!" Tao Ying waved his hand decisively and shouted angrily: "Fighting Lu Bu? I went crazy to start a full-scale war with Lu Bu. Now that I'm fighting with Lu Bu, the old thief Cao Cao can smile crookedly. Go!

, time is precious, don’t waste it!” Xu Sheng, who wanted to gain some more military exploits, had no choice but to clasp his fists and sing his promise again, and hurriedly took the order and left.

After making these arrangements, Tao Ying led the Xuzhou generals to hurriedly climb the Xiaopei city wall, personally supervising and urging the army to enter the city, but it was okay. The pampered Xuzhou soldiers disliked the heavy wind and snow in the winter field, so they captured Xiaopei last night.

The transfer to Xiaopei City has already begun, so there are not many troops and food and baggage left outside Xiaopei City that need to be transferred. At this time, Tao Ying ordered the entire army to enter the city quickly, and the speed of camp transfer was also greatly accelerated.

It would be estimated that they would all be able to move into the city in less than half an hour. Tao Ying's voice was raised in his throat and his heart finally returned to his stomach - although the Junzi Army is not afraid of fighting with Marquis Lu Wen in the field, there is probably no other team in Xuzhou who is not afraid.

of.

It was also at this time that Lu Su, who was also relieved, asked Tao Ying tentatively: "Master, look at it. Do you want to use the strong city to defend yourself until Lu Bu runs out of food and retreats?"

"Of course." Tao replied: "Not to mention that most of Xuzhou's army in the field is either not Lu Bu's opponent, or they can deal with Lu Bu. The only ones who take advantage of fighting will be Cao Cao's old thieves, so the best way is

Just defend, avoid unnecessary consumption of troops, and wait until Lu Bu runs out of food, and the enemy will retreat."

"Young Master, I admire you for your high opinion." Lu Su nodded and agreed with Tao Ying's conservative tactics. Then Lu Su said with confusion: "But I am also a little unclear. The two generals Nian Bin and Gao Chong have already reported clearly.

Liu Bei's remnant army has already joined Lu Bu. Why does Lu Bu insist on going south to attack Xiaopei? There is a grain shortage in Yanzhou, and Lu Bu's military rations are already stretched thin. Now that Liu Bei's grain garrison, Xiaopei City, has fallen into the hands of our army, Lu Bu

Attacking Xiaopei would do a lot of harm but nothing good, so why did he insist on attacking Xiaopei? Even if Lu Bu had no plans, Chen Gong shouldn't have made such a big mistake? Didn't Chen Gong go out with the army this time?"

"I don't know if Chen Gong went out with the army." Tao Ying shook his head and said with a wry smile: "But I know very well why Lu Bu insisted on fighting Xiaopei."

"Why?" Lu Su asked curiously.

"Because of me." Tao Ying pointed to his nose and said with a wry smile: "I know Lu Bu's temper very well. He is capricious and irritable. Although Chen Gong is his think tank and an excellent counselor, Chen Gong's words

Lu Bu may not listen to everything, so after hearing that I sent someone to pretend to be his envoy to deceive yesterday, with his temper, even if Chen Gong breaks his voice, he will insist on coming to beat Xiaopei and settle accounts with me."

"If this is the case, then it will not be difficult for Lu Bu to defeat him." Lu Su said confidently: "Raising an army out of anger has been a taboo for military strategists since ancient times. Lu Bu went south in anger, and there are constant hidden dangers in the rear. Given time, if something happens in Yanzhou, Lu Bu will be defeated.

"

"But I don't want Lu Bu to be defeated." Tao Ying shook his head and sighed: "The most dangerous enemy of our army is still Cao Cao. At this time, our army is going into full-scale war with Lu Bu. Cao Cao can smile crookedly, even if

We defeated Lu Bu, and the only one who took advantage was that old traitor Cao Cao."

"In that case, why don't you send an envoy to Lu Bu to ask for peace?" Lu Su suggested: "Our army has no enmity with Lu Bu. Lu Bu's attack on Liu County was Liu Bei's deliberate attempt to lure a wolf into the house. Now, Sir, you have sent someone to pretend to be Lu Bu's envoy to deceive Liu Bei.

Tit-for-tat is even. As long as our army explains our strong relationship to Lu Bu, Lu Bu will not hesitate to consider it carefully. If you think it is feasible, I would like to be an envoy."

"No, Zijing, you absolutely can't go." Tao Ying waved his hand and said with an even more bitter smile: "Zijing, you don't understand Lu Bu's temper. He is a child who is so angry that he won't consider the gains and losses at all.

There is Liu Bei, the traitor, who is fanning the flames of evil. No matter how good your eloquence is, Zijing, if you don't convince Marquis Lu Wen, who is a bit of a fool, your life will be in vain."

Lu Su was a little hesitant, but Lu Su also knew that Tao Yingsu could recognize people. Since he made such a comment about Lu Bu, there must be a reason for him, so Lu Su thought about it again and again and finally decided that it was more important to save his life and no longer insisted on being an envoy to contact Lu Bu.

At this time, Tao Ying suddenly said this again, "However, if there is one person in the world who has hope of persuading Lu Bu to retreat, that person is none other than me."

"Sir, don't do this nonsense." Lu Su was shocked and said quickly: "Sir, don't you imagine that you went deep into Lu Bu's camp to negotiate with him alone like you did last year under Xuzhou City?"

"Of course not. I took the risk to Cao Ying last year because no one in Cao Ying knew me." Tao Ying denied it, and then smiled and said: "Even if I want to negotiate with Lu Bu, I will definitely take the Junzi Army with me. Even if I want to negotiate,

If you fail, you can still compete with Lu Bu's Bingzhou cavalry."

"Since you have this intention, please make up your mind as soon as possible." Lu Su warned: "Xiaopei is surrounded by water on three sides, which is not conducive to the battle of the gentleman's army. If you want to leave the city, you must hurry up, otherwise, once Lu Bu's army arrives in Xiaopei,

, blocking the only way out to the west of Xiaopei, it will be difficult for the Junzi Army to even get out of the city."

Tao Ying nodded. After careful consideration for a long time, Tao Ying finally decided to lead the Junzi Army out of the city. Because the battlefield of the Junzi Army was in an open area, it would be useless to stay in Xiaopei City. At the same time, Xiaopei was surrounded by water on three sides.

The terrain also makes it inconvenient to communicate with the outside world. If Lu Bu's army, which has superior military strength, besieged the city and also divided its troops to attack other Xuzhou cities, then Tao Ying, who was blocked in Xiaopei City, would not be able to cry. Instead of that, Tao Ying would not be able to cry.

To be passive, it is better to let the Junzi Army leave the city in advance to guerrilla. It can not only exploit its strengths and avoid weaknesses, but also contain Lu Bu from behind and on the flanks, reducing Xiaopei's frontal pressure. At the same time, it can also respond at any time to prevent Lu Bu from dividing his troops to attack other cities.

As for the supply of grain and arrows for the Junzi Army, Tao Ying need not worry about this. Even if Lu Bu blocks the Junzi Army's return to Xiaopei, Xiaopei is only more than 140 miles away from Pengcheng.

For the Junzi Army equipped with stirrups and high-bridge saddles, the distance is less than a day's journey. When necessary, they can return to Xuzhou at any time to replenish food, grass and arrows, or they can also get sufficient rest and recuperation in Xuzhou City.

After weighing the pros and cons, Tao Ying immediately made arrangements and decided to let Zang Ba, Sun Guan and Lu Su stay in Xiaopei City. Zang Ba took the lead, Sun Guan and Lu Su assisted, and stayed in Xiaopei to consume Lu Bu's food and grass and attract Lu Bu's main force. Tao Ying

Ying himself led Chen Dao, General Xu Chu and more than 900 gentlemen's troops out of the city, bringing more arrows, crossbows and supplies to fight Lu Bu's guerrillas. Zang Ba, Lu Su and others knew that the gentlemen's army was good at running for their lives, so they did not object.

. He just told Tao Ying to be careful, and then sent Tao Ying and others out of Xiaopei City.

When all the Junzi troops left the city, it was already close to Shenshi, and the scouts also reported that Lu Bu's army was less than fifteen miles away. Tao Ying thought about it and simply led the Junzi troops north in battle formation to meet Lu Bu. At the same time,

Tao Ying made some adjustments to the Junzi Army, so that the Junzi Army's heavy cavalry, Li Ming's team, which was equivalent to his own soldiers, were all equipped with powerful crossbows, and he repeatedly told the soldiers of Li Ming's team, "Remember, we will face Lu Bu later."

At this time, your crossbows must be fully loaded with arrows and aimed at Lu Bu at all times. Once he charges, I will immediately fire a volley of crossbows at him. Remember, you are specifically dealing with Lu Bu. Don't wait for orders. Fire at me as soon as he charges.

Shoot the arrow!"

"Sir, why is this?" Li Ming and other soldiers asked in confusion.

"Because of his red rabbit horse." Tao Ying replied confidently: "The red rabbit horse is too fast. Once it charges, if you listen to my order and fire arrows, it may be too late. Lu Bu may have already charged.

My head is cut off in front of me, so don’t hesitate, just shoot arrows for me as soon as he charges, don’t be afraid of wasting arrows.”

Li Ming and other soldiers suddenly realized this and quickly nodded in agreement. Xu Chu, who was standing next to him, said dissatisfiedly: "My lord, you are with me at your side. Even if Lu Bu rushes in front of you, he will never hurt you." Tao Yingda said

He joked that it was, but for the sake of his own precious life, Tao Ying still did not take back the order - Deputy Director Tao's life was very valuable.

He led the Junzi Army northward for seven or eight miles. Flags were flying in the snow in front of him, and about three thousand cavalry swept in. The Junzi Army soldiers lined up in an orderly manner and fired arrows to block the formation. The cavalry of Lu Bu Army on the opposite side also quickly lined up.

In a good charging position, Lu Bu came out of the battle surrounded by the three brothers Zhang Liao, Liu Guan and Zhang. He pointed his square halberd at Tao Ying, who was under the banner of the Junzi Army, and yelled, "Tao Ying, kid, get out and answer!"

Marquis Lu Wen took the initiative to ask for an answer in front of the battle. Deputy Director Tao, who was planning to negotiate with Lu Bu, certainly couldn't ask for it. However, this was also Tao Ying's first meeting with Lu Bu. He found that Lu Bu was about thirty or forty years old, with a rather handsome face and a majestic body.

Extraordinary, with a majestic demeanor, he was not someone to be trifled with at first glance, so Tao Ying did not dare to neglect, and led two thugs, Xu Chu and Chen Dao, before he dared to go out into the battle, and bowed his hands to Lu Bu in front of the battle, politely
To be continued...