Chapter Eight, parting for three days
Without mentioning how Jiang Wei dealt with the Wei army's attack, it is stated that Zhao Guang led over 1,600 troops of the Shu army to retreat south along the Yinping Road to the area around the ancient state of Guji, which belonged to the state of Guanghan
Xun Xu did not continue speaking; Zhuge Liang had already passed away for over twenty years. No one could predict what would have happened had he still been alive
This also gave him a new understanding of Zhao Guang's abilities
According to the historical records of the "Records of the Three Kingdoms": The journey from Tazhong to Jiange was quite perilous for Jiang Wei. When the Shu army reached Baishui Pass, Zhuge Xu and Deng Ai joined forces and urgently led their troops in pursuit. The two armies were only a day's march apart, and Jiang Wei dared not linger at Baishui Pass; otherwise, the Shu army would face attacks from two large forces of the Wei army.
Yangping Pass is the closest to the southern administrative center of Hanzhong Prefecture, Nanzheng. Nearby, Dingjun Mountain controls the throat of the Han River, where the Cao Wei general Xiahou Yuan met his demise. Yang'an Pass is located on the eastern side of Yangshui (Western Han River)
The situation at Yang'an Pass is urgent; under the fierce assault of the Wei army, no one can predict how long Fu Qian can hold off the enemy. The sooner reinforcements arrive, the greater the chance of victory.
On the high platform, the three elderly generals of Shu Han, with their white hair, are bidding farewell
A separation of three days makes a great difference
Zhang Yi is not an incompetent person. In terms of ability, he is indeed somewhat inferior to Zhang Yi, who commands the Flying Army, but he still possesses a basic level of strategic insight
Xun Xu paused for a moment and sighed, "The General of the Teeth Gate, Yuan Zhong is a pity. If only the Chancellor were still here"
Han River, Min Mountains, Hanzhong, Longxi
In front of the Bai Shui Pass
Upon hearing Jiang Wei's words, Zhang Yi felt a chill in his heart and repeatedly responded, "I will do my utmost to defend the Sword Pass, please rest assured, General."
Zhao Guang supported Xun Xu and inquired, "The Chief Minister holds a position in the palace, with high rank and great power, yet Yin Ping is merely a corner of the realm. Aside from the Qiang people's horses, there is nothing else. How could it trouble the esteemed Chief Minister?"
The position of the Chief Shepherd is indeed an official title within the palace; however, Zhao Guang is not so naive as to be completely unaware. Based on his calculations, the true background of Gou Xiu should not be Liu Shan, but rather another figure within the palace: Empress Xiao Zhang
Jiang Wei shook his head with a bitter smile and said: "Borgon, you often advise me that the people of the Shu Han are weary and that we should not misuse military force. It is not that I, Jiang, am unaware, but rather that there is a significant difference between Wei and Shu. While offensive actions may be manageable, if we pause, the Wei army will complete their rest and inevitably counterattack. This is precisely the situation we face now. The Sword Pass is of great importance to our Shu Han, and I hope Borgon will keep this in mind"
The potential of Shu Commandery is limited, and there are very few knowledgeable individuals among the Han people. Furthermore, due to the discord between Zhuge Liang and Li Yan's Eastern State faction and Qiao Zhou's local power faction, the generals that the Shu army can rely on are primarily defectors like Jiang Wei and Xiahou Ba, as well as the original followers left by Liu Bei, such as Zhao Guang and Fu Qian.
collectively known as the Three Passes into Shu
Liao Hua's hair had turned completely white, yet his spirit remained vigorous. This time, he took the initiative to request reinforcements for Yang'an Pass. As long as Yang'an Pass could be held, the Shu army would be able to engage in a protracted battle, exhausting Cao Wei's forces in Hanzhong
Zhao Guang, Liu Lin, Chen Shou, and Xun Xu supported each other, and their friendship continued to deepen
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The banners of the Shu army fluttered, and the soldiers bore serious expressions. The unfavorable state of the battle weighed heavily on each soldier, and their gazes turned towards the general standing high above.
Zhao Guang arrived here and temporarily rested the troops
Yangping Pass, Yang'an Pass, Jianmen Pass
Regarding the events surrounding Zhao Guang during the Battle of Tazhong, Xun Xu inquired meticulously about every detail, including Zhao Guang's killing of Tufa Shujineng, the decisions made for layered ambushes, and even the formula and usage of cement, all of which were thoroughly questioned. He also instructed Chen Shou to create written records and illustrations.
After the dissolution of the Chancellor's Office, officials like Xun Xu lost their positions, making the family of Liu Shan's empress the most suitable target for service
Jiang Wei is already sixty-two years old. His long years in the military and relentless campaigns have left deep lines on his once handsome face, as if each line represents a mark from his expeditions to the Central Plains.
To the west of it lies the tributary of the Bailong River, the Baishui River. After Jiang Wei's troops broke out of the encirclement at the Yinping Bridge, they advanced to Baishuiguan. From here, to the northeast is the Yang'an Pass, which is held by Fu Qian, and to the southeast is the last pass of Shu Han—Jianmen Pass
Zhao Guang, on this journey, traverses through desolate areas, undertaking a long march
When looking at something with renewed respect
The main force of Jiang Wei's army, excluding the 5,000 troops of Zhao Guang, also included approximately 40,000 soldiers advancing eastward for rescue
Upon hearing the deeds of their forebears, Zhao Guang and Liu Lin also felt their eyes welling with tears. The present of Shu Han is now in their hands, and the weight of this moment is a thousand pounds.
Xun Xu, an official of Shu who joined the team midway, was of the same generation as Zhao Guang and others, and can be considered a figure of Zhuge Wuhou's era. Speaking of the time when Liu Bei entered Shu, he had civil officials such as Pang Tong, Fa Zheng, Li Yan, and Fei Guan assisting him, while brave generals like Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Zhao Yun, and Liu Feng charged into battle. It truly evokes a multitude of emotions and deep sighs
Watching Liao Hua depart, the cavalry commander Zhang Yi listened intently and, filled with doubt, asked: "General, with Liao Youqi commanding 10,000 soldiers, along with the troops of Fu Qian stationed at Yang'an Pass, and having the advantage of a fortified position, how can we not withstand the Wei army?"
The conversation between Zhao Guang and Xun Xu, as they tested each other, was quite interesting at the outset
In this context, General Liao Hua, the Right Cavalry General, commanded an army of 10,000 troops, while General Zhang Yi, the Left Cavalry General, had approximately 6,000 men under his command. The remaining forces consisted of veterans who had fought alongside Jiang Wei for many years. Although this strength was somewhat lacking in the face of Zhong Hui's army of 100,000, the over sixty-year-old Jiang Wei did not fear.
The difficulties and hardships are evident.
Jiang Wei grasped Liao Hua's hand and earnestly instructed him, "Old General, as you head to Yang'an Pass, if the pass remains intact, you must order Fu Gongji not to engage in a hard fight, but to preserve our strength as a priority. If the Wei army launches a full-scale attack, you should retreat to Jian Ge and reassess our strategy; if the pass cannot be held, then you must ensure that Gongji's life is preserved and he returns safely."
Liao Hua led a contingent northward to Yang'an Pass to rescue Fu Qian, while Zhang Yi's unit moved southward, arriving first at Jian'ge to construct defensive facilities. Meanwhile, Jiang Wei remained stationed at Baishui Pass, coordinating the entire defense line of the Shu army
Whether it is a conspiracy or a trick in a book, or great storms and waves, Jiang Boyue has experienced much. Not to mention Zhong Hui, even if Sima Zhao were to come personally, Jiang Wei would dare to meet him.
Jia State, one of the many small states during the Spring and Autumn period
The mountains, rivers, high slopes, and steep cliffs here, as well as the local customs and traditions, are all vividly present in Jiang Wei's mind
Under the command of Jiang Wei, the Shu army adjusted its deployment and reconstructed the northern defense layout in front of Baishui Pass
Having said that, Liao Hua did not linger and immediately ordered his troops to head north
Compared to the mediocre eldest brother Zhao Tong, the second son Zhao Guang is far more outstanding
This time, due to significant losses, Deng Ai retreated his troops to Tazhong, while Zhuge Xu was stripped of his military authority by Zhong Hui. The Wei army had effectively neutralized two of the three major forces, which made Jiang Wei much more proactive in considering the overall defensive strategy.
Liao Hua nodded and said: "General, please do not worry. Although I am old, I still possess the courage of Lian Po. No matter how many troops Zhong Shiji has, I am not afraid."
The exact time of the founding of the state is no longer traceable. The destruction of the state occurred around the time when Sima Cuo entered Shu, and it is estimated that the Qin army passed through and conveniently eliminated this small state.
Hanzhong and Longshang have fallen, and although the Wei army's western and central forces have suffered casualties at the hands of Zhao Guang, their vitality remains. If Deng Ai were to regain his strength, the Baishui Pass is not like Yang'an or Jianmen; it cannot be held through mere endurance.