The three hundred black-armored knights successfully repelled Huang Zu's pursuing troops with just one charge, and then protected Madam Ding and others behind them.

Hundreds of people were wearing armor and were silent. Only murderous eyes were revealed through the tiny gaps in their masks, and their aura was sinister in the cold moonlight.

Huang Zu was extremely shocked to see that his opponent was so well-trained.

Before he came, he had never heard that Cao Cao had such a terrifying elite cavalry stationed in Xu County. Although the 300-odd cavalry may not seem like a large number, the heavy armored cavalry in front of him was well-equipped, and the horses they rode were extremely majestic. The combination of the two made it a nightmare for the enemy.

Perhaps with just a few more charges, the thousands of Jingzhou soldiers he brought with him would be crushed to pieces by the enemy's iron hooves.

At this moment, Huang Zu was in doubt: "My Lord, didn't you say that Cao Mengde couldn't even afford to support his soldiers and had to send people to dig wild vegetables every day to fill their stomachs? Where did he get so much money to equip such a heavily armored elite army?"

"Do you dare to announce your name?"

Huang Zu did not dare to launch an attack without knowing who was the enemy. He put his hand on his sword and asked tentatively, "Is His Royal Highness Prince Chen here?"

"Haha, King Chen? My master is the general of the Imperial Guard!"

The twelve Xuanlin guards roared in unison, and the sound was heard for miles. Huang Zu, who had heard of Wang Jing's name, was so frightened that his heart started beating wildly and his face was filled with horror.

Not only him, but even the Jingzhou cavalry behind him changed color when they heard the name Wang Jing. They were frightened and uneasy, and began to have the idea of ​​retreating.

The reputation of Qi Hou Wang Jing was well known to everyone, even in Jingzhou.

He quelled the rebellion in Hedong, executed Dong Zhuo in Luoyang, and defeated the coalition forces of princes outside Hulao Pass. He then seized Yanzhou and used the strategy of the genius Guo Jia to thwart Yuan Shao's ambition to seize Jizhou.

Who would want to be an enemy of such a wise and brave man?

In front of the two armies, Wang Jing stood out from the crowd, took off his helmet and held it in his arms. The fire cloud cloak behind him fluttered in the wind. Under the moonlight, his handsome and resolute face was revealed, and he exuded a tremendous domineering aura: "Huang Zu, I'll give you one stick of incense to disappear from my sight."

Wang Jing looked at Huang Zu with disdain and didn't take him seriously at all.

"you!"

Huang Zu was, after all, a descendant of a famous family in Jiangxia and the Anlu Huang clan. Even when facing Liu Biao, he was treated with courtesy. When had he ever been ordered around like this?
He was about to say a few polite words, but he heard Wang Jing sneer: "If you dare to say 'no', I will make you lose your head."

The tone was calm, but it was filled with murderous intent.

Huang Zu's hands and feet were already cold just by hearing it. He didn't dare to say a word and immediately ordered: "Withdraw!"

However, at this time, Mrs. Ding spoke up: "Wait, where is Ang'er!?"

"Ah, this..."

Huang Zu subconsciously glanced behind him and saw Cao Ang being trapped by one of his personal soldiers, still unconscious.

In the light of the fire, Mrs. Ding recognized her adopted son at a glance and cried out loudly, "Ang'er, Ang'er, what's wrong with you?"

Only then did Wang Jing know that Cao Cao's eldest son Cao Ang had been captured alive by Huang Zu.

Since they wanted to save people, they had to do it to the end, so they led the Twelve Xuanlin Guards to stop Huang Zu and said, "Put the person down, you can go."

"Wang Yuanxu, don't go too far!"

Huang Zu was extremely angry, his hand on the hilt of the sword, looking as if he could not bear the humiliation.

It would be difficult for him to report to Liu Biao if he failed to capture Mrs. Ding and others. If he let Cao Ang go, wouldn't he return empty-handed?

Huang Zu found it hard to accept this kind of thing no matter what. He had just joined Liu Biao not long ago. If he couldn't make any meritorious service, how could he be promoted in the future?
Seeing Huang Zu's hesitation, Wang Jing smiled coldly and threatened: "Think carefully, which is more important, merit or your life."

Wang Jing's eyes were like swords, and his sharp gaze fell on Huang Zu's neck, making him feel as if the tip of a knife was scratching his skin, and even his breathing stopped.

The fear of death is instinctive. Huang Zu struggled for a moment, but finally roared unwillingly: "Let him go!"

Cao Ang was carefully placed on the ground, and then Huang Zu stared at Wang Jing with anger in his eyes.

Wang Jing ignored Huang Zu's anger and hatred and waved his hand impatiently: "Go away."

"Hmph, let's go!"

Huang Zu led his men and fled as fast as he could, fearing that Wang Jing would go back on his word.

Jiang Qin, who had followed him into battle, stepped forward and asked, "My lord, Huang Zu is a general under Liu Biao of Jingzhou, and he is also the governor of Jiangxia. Why don't we take this opportunity to kill him here and cut off Liu Biao's arm?"

Wang Jing obviously had other plans: "Huang Zu's ability is limited, and Liu Biao actually has other brave generals under his command, such as Liu Biao's nephew Liu Pan, who is extremely brave in battle and the best in the six counties of Changsha. In addition, there is also the veteran Huang Zhong who is also from the Anlu Huang family, who is also no ordinary person. Now that a mediocre person like Huang Zu has usurped a high position, it is difficult for these brave generals to make a name for themselves. If I kill Huang Zu, wouldn't I be shooting myself in the foot?"

Jiang Qin understood instantly, and said with sudden realization: "No wonder we have to let Huang Zu go back. If we kill him here, it will give Liu Pan, Huang Zhong and others a chance to come to the fore. The lord is indeed far-sighted and prudent. I admire him!"

This was not flattery; Jiang Qin really admired him.

Wang Jing's wisdom and strategy really impressed Jiang Qin, as he was able to analyze the situation so thoroughly and come up with the best solution in such a critical battlefield after just one encounter. Jiang Qin felt that following such a lord would give him a bright future.

There was another reason why Wang Jing did not kill Huang Zu. He had no intention of helping Liu Biao eliminate the bad policies in Jingzhou.

People like Huang Zu occupy high positions and represent the aristocratic families and powerful clans of Jingzhou. They still hold a lot of power. Their existence is the biggest constraint on Liu Biao.

By killing Huang Zu, Wang Jing would not gain any benefits. Instead, he would help Liu Biao clear a mountain stronghold of the Jingzhou army, allowing him to calmly arrange his own people to take over the aristocratic family forces represented by the Anlu Huang family. By then, the military power would be concentrated in Liu Biao's hands, and if he could lead them, there would be chaos in the south.

Wang Jing naturally was unwilling to do such a losing business.

After driving Huang Zu away, Wang Jing returned Cao Ang to Mrs. Ding.

Mrs. Ding, who just turned 30 this year, does not look old. She lives a life of luxury and has fair skin, a slender waist, and a beautiful appearance. She is a beautiful woman with great charm.

Seeing Wang Jing looking at her unscrupulously, Madam Ding felt uneasy, but she had to step forward and greet him: "I greet Marquis Qi."

"Haha, please get up quickly, sister-in-law. Brother Meng De and I hit it off right away. It's rare to have a close friend in life. If anything happens to him, I will take care of his wife and children."

When he said this, for some reason, Wang Jing's heart was filled with evil amusement.

Madam Ding also felt uncomfortable listening to this, but she couldn't really tell what was wrong, so she could only smile and say, "Then I would like to thank Marquis Qi for his great kindness."

"Now the soldiers in Xu County are in danger of war, there are powerful families rebellion inside, and powerful enemies attack outside. It is not a place to stay for a long time. I wonder if my sister-in-law is willing to go with Jing to Chenliu to settle down for a while?"

Wang Jing's invitation was full of sincerity.

After listening to this, Madam Ding hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and agreed: "Since Marquis Qi has invited me so kindly, how dare I refuse? I will bother you more in the future."

"You're too polite, sister-in-law."

Wang Jing had long known that Mrs. Ding actually had no choice.

The closest force to Xu County is King Chen Liu Chong.

Although Chen Wang Liu Chong was very close to Tao Qian, he never formed a formal alliance with Yuan Shu and refused to provide money and food to Yuan Shu on many occasions. The relationship between the two sides was always unfriendly, and they were almost at odds with each other.

Since Cao Cao and Yuan Shu were secretly joining forces, Prince of Chen Liu Chong would certainly not give Cao Cao's people a good look.

If Mrs. Ding hadn't been desperate, she wouldn't have been willing to try her luck with Chen Wang Liu Chong.

On the other hand, as for Wang Jing, although the two sides had fought against each other on the battlefield before, Cao Cao admired Wang Jing very much in private and praised him every time he mentioned him.

So in this situation, Mrs. Ding is more willing to trust Wang Jing more. After all, when Cao Cao was in Luoyang, he had always been on good terms with Wang Jing, and the two sides had fought side by side.

In this way, Mrs. Ding accepted Wang Jing's invitation and headed north towards Chenliu County with her family.

With Wang Jing personally escorting them, no petty thief dared to cause trouble. Five days later, Madam Ding and the others finally arrived at Chenliu City. The moment they entered the city, their nervous mood finally relaxed completely.

…………

Nanyang County, Chaoyang County.

The sun rises and the morning breeze blows across the earth. Large patches of charred marks can be seen on the mottled city walls, seemingly silently telling how fierce the war not long ago was.

After taking Xinye, Cao Cao continued to march his troops southward, captured Chaoyang, and continued to approach Xiangyang and Fancheng.

In the rear, Yuan Shu personally led an army of 50,000 to come to the rescue. The two sides have now joined forces, pointing their swords at Xiangyang. Once Xiangfan is broken, they will be able to dominate the entire Jingzhou. By then, they will be able to look north and south, and it may be possible to stabilize the world.

Cao Cao had finally gotten out of the haze that Wang Jing had left him. He looked more confident and said as he looked at the map: "I have ordered the craftsmen to use local materials to make enough catapults. Even if Xiangyang City is strong, I can still take it down in one fell swoop!"

The catapult, which was based on the principle of lever and counterweight, was definitely a powerful weapon for siege warfare in the era of cold weapons.

Any solid city wall will be vulnerable to this kind of war weapon. At most it can withstand two or three hits. As long as the bombing continues, even the strongest turtle shell will be smashed to pieces sooner or later.

For Cao Cao's army, which had mastered this powerful weapon, siege warfare, which had once made people shudder, became extremely easy. All they had to do before the battle was to line up the catapults outside the city and bombard the city continuously.

It’s a fool-proof operation, yet simple and crude, with outstanding results.

There is no need to pile up lives to attack the city. The army can even take its time and wait for the defenders in the city to tremble in fear and lose morale under the huge sound of the catapults.

As soon as a gap was blasted in the city wall, they rushed in one after another and started a massacre.

This is how Cao Cao’s army captured Xinye, and this is also how they captured Chaoyang. Next, they will continue to attack until they capture Jingzhou.

"My lord, wait until our army enters Xiangyang and see how that old villain Liu Biao will kneel down and beg for mercy, hahahaha."

Around Cao Cao, Cao Hong, Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun and other generals were also delighted and laughed.

In their hearts, victory seemed to be right in front of them and within their grasp.

Unfortunately, happiness is always short-lived. Before Xiangyang was captured, an urgent letter from the rear made Cao Cao feel like he was falling into an ice cave: "Xu County has fallen!"

The person asking for help was one of Cao Ren's personal soldiers. Looking at his disheveled appearance and miserable fleeing appearance, one could tell that he had suffered a lot along the way.

The news that Yang Yi, together with Huang Zu, had captured Xu County by cooperating inside and outside forces made Cao Cao furious. Veins were bulging on his forehead, indicating anger, but deep in his eyes, there was more fear.

The army is outside and the rear is attacked. What does this mean? Cao Cao is well versed in military tactics, so how could he not know?
It can be said that once this news spreads, the troops around him will immediately mutiniate, especially the soldiers whose entire families are in Xu County.

No!

This news must not be leaked!
Cao Cao was also a ruthless man. He immediately figured out what he should do and shouted, "Come here, this man is talking nonsense. Drag him out and chop him up!"

The personal soldier who had risked his life to come and report the news showed an expression of disbelief after hearing Cao Cao's words, and immediately cried out: "General, I am telling the truth! I am telling the truth!"

I want to kill you just because you are telling the truth!

Cao Cao had a blank expression on his face, and his heart became more and more cruel. To achieve great things, he had to avoid being soft-hearted. When he decided to participate in the battle for hegemony, he had already told himself to have a heart of stone. Even though he knew that Cao Ren's personal soldiers were loyal, he did not hesitate at all: "Shut up this man, so that he won't talk nonsense again."

“Let go… mmm… mmm…”

This personal soldier of Cao Ren, who didn't even have time to say his name, was dragged out of the camp with a pout on his face, his eyes full of anger, confusion and despair.

Then there was a snap, and his head and body were separated.

"General, the man has been executed."

"Well, it's okay, go down."

Cao Cao pretended to be calm and acted decisively, killing the man who came from the rear to ask for help, and quickly stabilized the morale of the troops on the front line.

Once again, only three senior military leaders, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan, were left in the tent.

Cao Hong walked up to Cao Cao and said anxiously, "My lord, this matter cannot be concealed for long. We must make plans early."

Xu County has fallen, which means that the food and grass from the rear have been completely cut off. Although it can be provided by Yuan Shu, this news is indeed difficult to conceal for long and will soon be exposed.

"We should keep it a secret for as long as we can. Otherwise, the army will lose its morale and be defeated. We will all die without a burial place."

Cao Cao knew the seriousness of the problem, so he had to stabilize the morale of the army at all costs, and then find a way to retreat before the news spread. Otherwise, once the morale collapsed, the defenders in the city took advantage of the situation to launch a counterattack, how could he resist?

What gave Cao Cao a headache was who he should turn to now?
Cao Hong suggested: "How about going to Chen Wang Liu Chong?"

Cao Cao shook his head and said, "It's not appropriate. Liu Chong already has the Prime Minister Luo Jun by his side. He won't really accept our army's surrender. Moreover, the territory of Chen State is right next to Chenliu. If we go there to surrender, wouldn't we be walking into a trap? Instead of wasting this effort, why don't I surrender directly to Yuanxu? It's a one-step process and saves trouble."

Cao Hong suggested: "Why not surrender to Liu Biao?"

Cao Cao still shook his head: "It's not right. Liu Jingsheng seems to be in control of Jingzhou, but in fact he is controlled by the local noble families and powerful clans. If I go to him, wouldn't it be like a tiger entering a cage? What's more, our army massacred the city of Xinye, and the whole Jingzhou is extremely hostile to our army. If I really go, I'm afraid I will never come back."

Although the crisis of defeat was imminent, Cao Cao's mind remained clear and calm, and he did not try any desperate measures to save his life.

The more critical the moment, the more you need to stay calm, think about the pros and cons, and weigh the gains and losses.

Cao Hong was helpless and said, "If not, I might as well surrender to Yuan Shu."

Cao Cao was cooperating with Yuan Shu at this time. Although he was asking for help, at least his status was that of an ally rather than a subordinate.

But once they surrender, the status of master and servant is established, and the meaning will be completely different.

Cao Cao thought about it, his expression solemn, and finally decided to give up: "Yuan Gonglu is busy taking care of himself. If we go to him, will we be buried with him? It's not appropriate."

The capture of Xu County was like a knife cutting between Runan County in Yuzhou and Nanyang County in Jingzhou, severing the transportation and supply routes between the two places.

Most of Yuan Shu's food and grass supplies relied on the generations of accumulation of the Yuan family of Runan. That's why he was able to recruit soldiers on a large scale and spend money like water when many princes were poor and miserable.

There's nothing I can do. My family has money and food, so I can be so willful!
But once the supply line is cut off, Yuan Shu will be immediately cast down to the mortal world, or at least he will not be able to stay in Nanyang County.

After losing Nanyang County to Yuan Shu, even if Cao Cao went to join him, he would be like a stray dog ​​with his family, without territory or people, and he would have to be on guard against Yuan Shu's attempt to make up for his losses.

Why bother?

Therefore, it is absolutely impossible for Cao Cao to surrender to Yuan Shu now. That would be the stupidest choice. It would be better for him to surrender to Liu Biao.

"Alas, what should we do in this situation?"

Cao Cao's face was full of melancholy and he looked extremely confused.

Cao Hong was very upset and said angrily: "This is not possible, and that is not possible. Do you want us to go to Wang Yuanxu for help?"

This was originally a statement made out of anger, but the speaker had no intention of saying it, and the listener took it to heart. Cao Cao's eyes lit up instantly when he heard it, and he suddenly realized: "This is a good idea!"

Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun were shocked: "My lord, is this a joke?"

"A wise bird chooses the right tree to roost in. Yuan Xu and I are close friends. Although we have had conflicts, our friendship is still there. Why can't I go and join him?"

The more Cao Cao thought about it, the more he felt that going to Wang Jing now was the least bad option among all the worst options.

He explained with a wry smile: "Besides, do we have any other way out now? The retreat is cut off, and the road ahead is not open. If we withdraw our troops, we can only retreat to Xinye, be trapped in the city of Sorrow, and put an end to our own death." (End of this chapter)