Chapter 76 of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" in vernacular Chinese

But Mi Fang was worried and had no idea what to do after hearing that Jingzhou was lost. Suddenly someone reported that public security guard Fu Shiren had arrived. Mi Fang hurriedly entered the city and asked him the purpose of coming. Fu Shiren said: "It's not that I am not loyal to the King of Hanzhong, but the situation is critical and I cannot support it. I have surrendered to Soochow, and it is better for the general to surrender as soon as possible."

Mi Fang said: "We are all favored by the King of Hanzhong. How can you betray us?" Fu Shiren said: "Guan Yu hated both of us before he left. If one day he comes back victorious, he will not let us go lightly. If you calculate it carefully, we brothers will follow the king of Hanzhong. After so many years, how could he betray immediately because of a momentary defeat?"

While hesitating, someone suddenly reported that the envoy sent by Guan Yu had arrived, and he hurriedly received it in the hall. The envoy said: "Guan Junhou is short of food in front of the army. He specially came to Nanjun and Public Security Bureau to get 100,000 shi of white rice. I order you to escort the food overnight to deliver it in front of the army. If there is delay, he will be executed immediately."

Mi Fangda Shocked, Fu Shiren looked back and said: "Now that Jingzhou has been captured by Soochow, where can we raise this grain and rice?" Fu Shiren said sternly: "You don't have to hesitate anymore!" He pulled out his sword and beheaded the envoy in the hall. Mi Fang hurriedly asked: "Why did you kill the envoy?" Fu Shiren said: "Guan Yu's intention this time was to kill the two of us with the help of food. How could we two die without help? If you don't return to Soochow, , will definitely be killed by Guan Yu." As he was talking, someone suddenly reported that Lu Meng was leading troops to the city, so Mi Fang and Fu Shiren went out of the city to surrender. Lu Meng was overjoyed and recommended him to Sun Quan. Sun Quan rewarded the two men heavily and settled the people, and then rewarded the three armies.

At this time, Cao Cao was discussing matters in Jingzhou with his advisers in Xuchang. Suddenly someone reported that Soochow sent an envoy to deliver a letter. Cao Cao summoned an envoy to see him, and the envoy presented a letter. Cao Cao opened the letter and read it. The letter stated that the Wu army was preparing to attack Jingzhou and asked Cao Cao to join forces to attack Guan Yu. The information must not be leaked to make Guan Yu take precautions. Cao Cao discussed the matter with his advisers. Dong Zhao, the chief secretary, said: "Now that Fancheng is trapped and we are waiting for help, it is better to have people shoot letters into Fancheng to stabilize the morale of the army, and then deliberately let Guan Yu know that Soochow is going to attack Jingzhou. Guan Yu is worried that Jingzhou will be lost, so he will retreat quickly. At this time, if you order Xu Huang to take advantage of the situation, you will gain great success." Cao Cao adopted Dong Zhao's plan and sent people to urge Xu Huang to go to war quickly.

But Xu Huang was sitting in the big tent when someone suddenly reported that the envoy of the King of Wei had arrived, and Xu Huang came in to inquire. The envoy said: "The King of Wei has now led his troops through Luoyang, and ordered General Xu to quickly attack Guan Yu to relieve the siege of Fancheng." While he was talking, Tan Ma came to report: "Guan Ping's troops are stationed in Yancheng, and Liao Hua's troops are stationed in Yancheng. There are twelve strongholds in front and behind the four tombs, with continuous communication. "Xu Huang immediately sent his lieutenants Xu Shang and Lu Jian under his own banner to go to Yancheng to fight Guanping, and then personally led five hundred elite soldiers. , after going along the Mianshui River to attack Yancheng.

When Guan Ping heard that Xu Huang had arrived in person, he led his troops to meet the enemy. When the two battles were facing each other, Guan Ping came out to fight with Xu Shang. After only three rounds, Xu Shang was defeated and retreated. Lu Jian fought again, but was defeated after five or six rounds. Guan Ping took advantage of the victory and pursued him for more than 20 miles. Suddenly someone reported that there was a fire in the city.

Guan Ping knew that he had been tricked and hurriedly sent troops back to rescue Yancheng. Encountering a group of soldiers and horses, Xu Huang immediately shouted under the gate: "Nephew Guan Ping, I don't know whether to live or die! Your Jingzhou has been captured by Soochow, and you still dare to act recklessly here!"

Guan Ping was furious and took Xu Huang directly with his horse and sword. After fighting for less than three or four rounds, the three armies shouted together and the city was ablaze. Guan Ping did not dare to fight, so he headed straight for Sizhong Village through the road. Liao Hua had already welcomed him into the village. Liao Hua asked: "People are rumoring that Jingzhou has been attacked by Lu Meng, and the army is panicked. What should we do?" Guan Ping said: "This must be a rumor, and the sergeants will spread it again."

Suddenly, Meteor Detective Horse arrived and reported that the first village in the north was attacked by Xu Huang's troops. Guan Ping said: "If something goes wrong in the First Tunnel, how can other camps be peaceful? This place is close to Mian River, and the thieves will definitely not dare to come here. I will go with you to rescue the First Tunnel." Liao Hua summoned his generals and gave instructions. He said: "You must stick to the camp. If there are thieves coming, immediately raise a fire to signal." All the generals said: "Sizhong Village has ten layers of antlers. Even birds cannot enter, so there is no need to worry about thieves!"

Guan Ping and Liao Hua gathered all the elite soldiers from Sizhong Village and rushed to the first camp to set up camp.

Guan Ping saw that Cao's army was stationed on a hill and said to Liao Hua: "Xu Huang's troops did not know the location. We can lead the troops to rob the camp tonight." Liao Hua said: "General, you can divide half of the troops to rob the camp. I still guard it carefully." It’s better for this village.”

That night, Guan Ping led an army into Cao’s village, but found no one. Guan Ping knew that he had fallen into the trap and quickly retreated. Xu Shang on the left and Lu Jian on the right attacked together. Guan Ping was defeated and returned to camp. Cao Jun took advantage of the situation to pursue him and surrounded him on all sides. Guan Ping and Liao Hua couldn't hold on any longer, so they abandoned the First Village and went to Sizhong Village.

Guan Ping saw a fire breaking out in the stronghold from a distance. When he hurried to the front of the stronghold, he saw all the flags of Cao's army. Guan Pingping hurriedly retreated along the main road of Fancheng. A group of troops and horses in front blocked them, led by general Xu Huang. Guan Ping and Liao Hua fought to the death before retreating. He returned to Dazhai and reported to Guan Yu: "Xu Huang captured our Yancheng and other places. Cao Cao personally led the army in three groups to rescue Fancheng. Many people said that Jingzhou has been attacked by Lu Meng." Guan Yu shouted: "This is the enemy. The rumors are a ploy to confuse the morale of our army! Lu Meng of Dongwu is critically ill, and the boy Lu Xun has just replaced him, so there is no need to worry about it." Before he finished speaking, someone suddenly reported that Xu Huang led his troops to attack, and Guan Yu ordered to prepare. The horse fights. Guan Ping dissuaded him and said, "My father has not recovered yet and cannot go out to meet the enemy." Guan Yu said, "Xu Huang and I are fellow villagers. We used to have a good relationship. He knows what I am capable of. If they don't know how to advance or retreat, I will kill them first." To warn other Wei generals." So he put on his sword and mounted his horse, and went out angrily. Cao's troops were all frightened when they saw it.

Guan Yu reined up his horse and asked, "Where is Xu Gongming?" When the banner of Cao Ying Gate opened, Xu Huang stepped out of his horse, leaned down and replied, "It has been so many years since I left Xuchang. The prince's hair and beard are all pale! I remember how grateful I was for the prince's teachings when we were together. Now that your fame has shocked China, I am so envious that I am lucky enough to be able to meet you today. "Guan Yu asked: "You and I have a deep friendship, far more than others. Why are you chasing my son now?"

Xu Huang did not answer, turned around and looked around the generals and shouted loudly: "Today we can obtain Guan Yu The head will be rewarded with a thousand gold coins!" Guan Yu was surprised and asked, "Why did you say this?" Xu Huang said, "Today is a matter of state, and I don't dare to destroy the public for personal reasons." After saying this, he swung his ax and attacked Guan Yu. .

Guan Yu was furious and waved his sword to attack. After more than eighty rounds of fighting, Guan Yu's martial arts skills were outstanding, but he still had little strength in his right arm. Guan Ping was worried that Guan Yu would make a mistake, so he quickly called for gold, and Guan Yu rode back to the stronghold. Suddenly I heard loud shouts of killing from all directions. It turned out that Cao Ren from Fancheng heard that Cao Cao's reinforcements had arrived, and he personally led his troops to fight out of the city. He joined Xu Huang and attacked from two sides. The Jingzhou army was in chaos. Guan Yu mounted his horse and led his generals towards the upper reaches of the Xiangjiang River, with Cao Jun chasing closely behind him.

Guan Yu hurriedly crossed the Xiangjiang River and retreated towards Xiangyang. Suddenly, Meteor Detective Horse arrived and reported: "Jingzhou has been captured by Lu Meng, and all his family members have been captured." Guan Yu was shocked and did not dare to go to Xiangyang anymore. He led his troops straight to the police. Tan Ma came again and reported: "Public Security Fu Shiren has surrendered to Soochow." Guan Yu was furious. Suddenly he urged the grain and grass officer to come back and report: "Fu Shiren, a public security officer, went to Nanjun to kill the envoy and recruit Mi Fang to surrender to Soochow." After Guan Yu heard this series of bad news, he was filled with anger, his sores burst open, and he fell unconscious on the ground. The generals rushed to save him. Awake.

Guan Yu turned around and said to Wang Fu, "I regret not listening to what you said. This is indeed happening now!" He then asked Tan Ma, "Why don't people up and down the river raise fire to send signals?" Tan Ma replied, "Lü Meng sent The sailors all put on white clothes and crossed the river disguised as merchants. They ambush the elite soldiers in the boats and captured the soldiers guarding the platform first, so they could not raise fire."

Guan Yu stamped his feet and sighed: "I fell into the traitor's plan. ! Why should I go to see my brother now? " Zhao Lei, the governor of grain management, said, "The situation is critical. We can send people to Chengdu for help while we go to recapture Jingzhou via the dry road." After hearing this, Guan Yu sent Ma Liang and Yi. Ji took three urgent documents and rushed to Chengdu overnight to seek help. At the same time, he led the troops to recapture Jingzhou and personally led the front team, leaving behind Liao Hua and Guan Ping.

But after the siege of Fancheng was resolved, Cao Ren led the generals to see Cao Cao and cried on the ground to plead guilty. Cao Cao said: "This is just the number of days, not your fault. You should be commended for being able to hold on for such a long time." After Cao Cao rewarded the three armies, he personally went to inspect the area around Sizhong Village. Looking back at the generals, he said: "Jingzhou Army Encirclement The antlers were heavy, and Xu Gongming was able to penetrate deep into it, march straight in, and finally win a complete victory. I have been in the army for more than 30 years, but I have not dared to march straight into the enemy's siege.

Gongming is really brave and intelligent! "All the generals were impressed, and Cao Cao's squadron returned to Mobei to garrison.

After Xu Huang returned to the army, Cao Cao personally came out of the stronghold to greet him. He saw that Xu Huang's soldiers were marching in line without any confusion. Cao Cao said with great joy : "General Xu is really like Zhou Yafu! So he named Xu Huang General Pingnan, and ordered Xiahou Shang to guard Xiangyang to guard against Guan Yu's troops. Since Jingzhou had not yet been pacified, Cao Cao continued to station troops in Mobei, waiting for news.

But Guan Yu said Unable to advance or retreat on the Jingzhou road, he said to Zhao Lei: "We have Wu troops in front of us and Cao troops behind us. We are caught in the middle. Reinforcements will not come for a while. What should we do?" " Zhao Lei said: "When Lu Meng was in Lukou, he sent a letter to the prince, saying that the two families had agreed to fight against Cao Cao's thieves. Now he helps Cao Cao attack us. This is an act of betrayal of the alliance. The princes and princes are stationed here for the time being. They can send people to send letters to question Lu Meng and see how he responds. "Guan Yu had no other choice, so he wrote a letter and sent an envoy to Jingzhou.

But it was said that Lü Meng issued an order in Jingzhou: In all counties in Jingzhou, the homes of soldiers who followed Guan Yu on the expedition were not allowed to be disturbed by the Wu army. Food and rice were provided, and military doctors were sent to treat those who were sick. The families of the soldiers were grateful for the kindness, and they were all safe.

Suddenly someone reported that Guan Yu's envoy had arrived, and Lu Meng went out to welcome him and treated him as a distinguished guest. , the envoy submitted the letter to Lu Meng. After reading it, Lu Meng said to the envoy: "I had a good relationship with General Guan back then. It was just a private matter between us. What happened today was dispatched by orders from the top, and it was not up to me. I would like to ask your envoy to go back and report to General Guan and express your kind regards. So he held a banquet in honor of the envoy and sent the envoy back to the post to have a rest.

At this time, the families of the soldiers who were accompanying the soldiers came to ask for letters. Some of them had letters from home, and some of them had oral messages. They all said that they were safe and sound at home, and that they had no food and clothing. When the envoy bid farewell to Lü Meng, Lü Meng personally sent him out of the city. When the envoy returned to see Guan Yu, he conveyed Lü Meng's words: "In Jingzhou City, the families of the princes and generals are all safe, and there is no shortage of supplies. "

Guan Yu said angrily: "This is all a traitor's plan! I cannot kill this thief in life, but I will definitely kill him in death. I hate him for his revenge! " He shouted back the envoy. After the envoy left the stronghold, all the generals came to inquire about what was going on at home. The envoy said that all the families were well. Lu Meng was extremely merciful and forwarded the letter to the generals. The generals were very happy and there was no more fighting. Heart.

Guan Yu led his army to recapture Jingzhou. When the army just set out, many soldiers fled back to Jingzhou. Guan Yu was even more angry and urged his troops to advance. Suddenly there was a loud shout of killing, and a group of soldiers blocked the way. , it was Jiang Qin, the leader, who reined up his horse, raised his gun and shouted: "Yun Chang has not surrendered early!" Guan Yu cursed: "I am a Han general, how can I subjugate thieves!" "Clapping his horse and wielding his sword, he attacked Jiang Qin. After less than three rounds of fighting, Jiang Qin was defeated. Guan Yu pursued him for more than 20 miles with his sword.

Suddenly, there were shouts of killing, and the Han Dynasty in the valley on the left was leading the charge. Out of the valley on the right, Zhou Tai led his troops and rushed out. Jiang Qin also returned to fight. Guan Yu hurriedly dispersed his troops and retreated. Within a few miles, he saw a white flag waving at the gathering place on the hill to the south. The four characters "Jingzhou natives" were written on them, and they all shouted to the locals to surrender. Guan Yu was furious and wanted to rush up the hill to kill him. Two more troops came out of the valley: Ding Feng on the left and Xu Sheng on the right, joining Jiang. The troops of Qin and other three groups, with their shouts shaking the ground and their drums and horns noisy, trapped Guan Yu in the core. Guan Yu's soldiers gradually dispersed.

When the battle reached dusk, Guan Yu looked at the surrounding hills. They were all Jingzhou local soldiers, calling for brothers and looking for their sons. Their morale changed and they all responded. Guan Yu couldn't stop shouting. At this time, only more than 300 people were left behind. There were shouts of killing from the east, and it was Guan Ping and Liao Hua who broke into the encirclement in two groups and rescued Guan Yu.

Guan Ping reported: "Now the army is completely disorganized, and we must occupy a place. The city is temporarily stationed and then wait for reinforcements. Although Maicheng is small, it can still be settled. Guan Yu had no choice but to lead the remaining defeated generals to Maicheng, divide his troops to guard the four gates, and gather all the soldiers to discuss together. Zhao Lei said: "This place is closest to Shangyong. Now Liu Feng and Meng Da are guarding it, so you can send people there quickly." Call for help. If Shangyong can send an army and horses to help, and then wait for the Han army to arrive, the morale of the army will naturally be stable. "

During the discussion, someone suddenly reported that the Wu army had arrived and surrounded Maicheng. Guan Yu asked: "Who dares to break out and go to Shangyong for help? "Liao Hua said: "I am willing to go. Guan Ping said: "I will escort you out of the siege." "Guan Yu immediately wrote a letter and asked Liao Hua to hide it on him. After a good meal, he mounted his horse and opened the door to leave the city.

When Wu general Ding Feng was intercepting him, Guan Ping fought hard to kill him. Ding Feng was defeated. Liao Hua took advantage of the situation to break out of the encirclement and went straight to Shangyong. Guan Ping retreated into the city and could not leave the army.

< p> Let us say that after Liu Feng and Meng Da captured Shangyong, the prefect Shen Dan led his troops to surrender, so Liu Bei appointed Liu Feng as deputy general and guarded Shangyong with Meng Da. That day, the detective reported that Guan Yu was defeated. When the two were discussing, they suddenly reported that Liao Hua had arrived. Liu Feng ordered people to come in and inquire. Liao Hua said: "After Guan Junhou was defeated, he was trapped in Maicheng. The situation was critical and reinforcements from Shu could not arrive immediately. Guan Junhou specially sent me to come here to ask for help after breaking out of the encirclement. I hope the two generals will quickly mobilize their superior troops to rescue this crisis." If there is a slight delay, General Guan will definitely be trapped." Liu Feng said, "General Liao rest for now, let us discuss it." Liao Hua rested in the post, waiting for Shangyong to send troops.

Liu Feng asked Meng Da: "My uncle is trapped, what do you think?" Meng Da said: "The soldiers of Soochow are excellent and brave. Besides, all nine counties of Jingzhou have belonged to them, and now only Mai The city is a small area. I heard that Cao Cao personally commanded an army of four to five million and was stationed in Mobei. How could we resist the strong troops of these two families even if we all came out in Shangyong Mountain City? The best thing to do is to attack the enemy." Liu Feng said, "I also know this situation, but Guan Yu is my uncle. How can I bear to sit back and not help him?" Meng Da laughed and said, "The general recognizes Guan Yu as his uncle. I'm afraid Guan Yu is my uncle." He may not regard the general as his nephew. I heard that when the King of Hanzhong wanted to adopt the general as his adopted son, Guan Yu immediately expressed displeasure. Later, after the King of Hanzhong came to the throne, he wanted to establish an heir and asked Zhuge Liang for advice. You can ask Guan Yu and Zhang Fei about your lord's family affairs. The King of Hanzhong immediately sent people to Jingzhou to ask for Guan Yu's opinion. Guan Yu said that the general was the son of a moth and could not stand arrogantly. He advised the King of Hanzhong to send the general to the remote mountain city of Shangyong to avoid future troubles. Everyone knows this, but you don’t know about it, general? Why are you taking the risk to rescue me now in the name of your uncle and nephew?” Liu Feng said, “You are right, but how should I refuse?” Da said: "Let's just say that the mountain city has just surrendered and the people are not stable. They dare not raise troops again. They are worried that Shangyong will not be protected after sending troops." Liu Feng followed Meng Da's suggestion.

The next day, Liu Feng invited Liao Hua to come, saying that this mountain city had just surrendered and he did not dare to divide his troops to rescue him. Liao Hua was shocked and knocked his head and said: "If this is the case, Guan Junhou will not be saved!" Meng Da said: "Even if we go there, we will only have a cup of water. How can we save a load of fire? General, hurry up!" Just go back and wait for the army of Shu soldiers to arrive." Liao Hua cried and begged, and Liu Feng and Meng Da both withdrew. Liao Hua knew something was wrong, so he had no choice but to ask Liu Bei for help. He got on his horse and cursed, then left the city and rushed to Chengdu.

But it was said that Guan Yu was in Maicheng, hoping that Shangyong's reinforcements would arrive, but there was no movement. At this time, he only had five or six hundred men, most of whom were injured, and there was no food and grass in the city. It was very painful. Suddenly he told the people in the city not to shoot arrows, and if he had anything to say, he would report it to the prince in person.

Guan Yu ordered people to put it in, and the one who saw it was Zhuge Jin. Zhuge Jin said: "I am here to advise the general on the orders of Lord Wu. Since ancient times, it has been said that those who know the current affairs are heroes. The nine counties of Han Dynasty commanded by the general have all been owned by others. Only this isolated city has no food and grass. There are no reinforcements outside, and the situation is at stake. The general wants to obey me, Zhuge Jin, and surrender to the Marquis of Wu, which can not only strengthen Jingxiang but also protect his family. I hope you will consider it carefully."

Guan Yu said seriously: " I, Guan Yu, am just a warrior in Xie Liang, and I am treated as a brother by my lord. How can I betray my will and surrender to the enemy? If the city is destroyed, I will have no choice but to die. Jade can be broken but its whiteness cannot be changed, and bamboo can be burned but its knots cannot be destroyed. Although my body is lost, my reputation can be hung on the bamboo and silk. Don't say any more, please leave the city quickly and let me fight to the death with Sun Quan." Zhuge Jin said: "Wu Hou just wants to be with you forever! There is no other intention than joining the Qin and Jin Dynasties, working together to defeat Cao Cao, and supporting the Han Dynasty. Why are the princes so stubborn?" Before he finished speaking, Guan Ping drew his sword and moved forward to kill Zhuge Jin. Guan Yu stopped him and said: "His younger brother Zhuge Liang is in Shu and is assisting your uncle. If you kill him now, it will hurt the brotherhood. Besides, he came to persuade him to surrender out of good intentions." Guan Yu ordered Zhuge Jin to be expelled.

Zhuge Jin looked ashamed, mounted his horse and left the city, went back to see Sun Quan and said: "Guan Yu's heart is as solid as stone, and he cannot be moved.

Sun Quan said: "Sun Yu is such a loyal minister!" So what should we do next? Lu Meng laughed and said: "Although Guan Yu has wings that soar to the sky, he can no longer fly out of my snare!" ”

Huang Qijun

? Written on October 1, 2018 (August 22 in the ancient calendar)

Chapter 75 of the vernacular "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

Chapter 74 of the vernacular "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

Chapter 73 of the vernacular "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

Chapter 72 of the vernacular "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Return

Chapter 71 of the vernacular "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"