Chongzhen: Why is the emperor's head square?

Chapter 28 Li Zicheng VS Cao Bianjiao

However, it was ultimately a gift from the emperor.

better than nothing.

Just as Hong Chengchou, Cao Bianjiao, and others were preparing to return to their respective duties.

The scout spurred his horse and stopped in front of the camp, dismounting abruptly.

He strode up to Hong Chengchou and reported to Governor Hong that Gao Yingxiang, the rebel leader, and Li Zicheng's troops have appeared in the Lintong and Weinan area. He requested that the governor go to their aid as soon as possible.

Upon hearing the news, the generals put away their smiles.

Cao Bianjiao's face darkened, and he hurriedly stepped forward: "Governor-General! This humble general requests permission to lead the vanguard to reinforce you!"

Gao Yingxiang was the one who plotted to kill Li Zicheng's uncle.

This is an irreconcilable enmity.

They knew that Cao Bianjiao was seething with anger.

Hong Chengchou did not refuse, but instructed: "When you come to our aid, remember not to linger in battle, and do not pursue a desperate enemy."

The primary strategy is resistance, with annihilation as a secondary measure.

Avoid it if possible before winter arrives.

Cao Bianjiao nodded: "This subordinate understands."

Having received permission, Cao Bianjiao immediately mounted his horse and headed to his post.

……

It's about fifteen miles from Weinan, by the river.

A camp was located there.

I've been staying here for a few days now.

After we've plundered the surrounding area for food, we'll head to Lintong to meet up with my uncle.

Just as Li Zicheng was pondering his plans for the next few days...

A scout rushed into Li Zicheng's tent.

He knelt on one knee and reported: "General, something bad has happened! A Ming army has appeared from the east."

So fast?

Li Zicheng was well aware that wherever he was, Hong Chengchou would follow.

However, this speed is a bit too fast.

It seems they were the vanguard.

The main force will probably have to wait another two or three days to arrive here.

By then, I'll have long since left.

The generals under Li Zicheng were all somewhat worried.

"What should we do next? To be able to get here so quickly, this Ming army must be the elite of the Ming army."

"We probably can't compete with them on our own."

Li Zicheng smiled dismissively.

"Generals, please calm down. So what if it's the Guan Ning Iron Cavalry of the Imperial Court?"

"The commander of the Guan Ning Iron Cavalry, Cao Wenzhao, died by my hand. Why should I be so afraid of them?"

"Besides, it's just a vanguard army, what's there to fear?"

The generals still had some concerns.

"General, although the Ming court is incompetent and corrupt, we currently only have a batch of newly recruited soldiers under our command."

"The elite troops are all in the hands of the rebel leader, how can we possibly contend with him?"

Li Zicheng looked toward the scout.

"Who is this person? Have we found out?"

The scout nodded: "It is the three thousand cavalrymen led by Cao Bianjiao."

Cao Bianjiao? Li Zicheng felt the name was vaguely familiar.

"Is that Cao Bianjiao, the one who served as the vanguard under Cao Wenzhao?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Li Zicheng's lips curled up slightly.

If it were someone else, then I really need to consider whether or not to confront them head-on.

But if Cao transforms into a dragon, then there's no need to consider it.

He was naturally aware of the relationship between Cao Bianjiao and Cao Wenzhao.

Since he was able to devise an ambush against Cao Wenzhao, he could naturally devise an ambush against Cao Bianjiao as well.

Li Zicheng immediately prepared to lure his enemy into a trap.

After selecting a relatively dense forest, Li Zicheng mobilized his generals to prepare for battle.

As time went on.

soon.

Cao Bianjiao arrived at the place where Li Zicheng was stationed.

By the time he arrived, the place was already deserted.

Just when Cao Bianjiao thought that Li Zicheng had escaped.

A figure appeared in the distance.

Cao Bianjiao stared at the distant flag and the figure, his eyes turning bloodshot.

"Li Zicheng!"

Recalling the scene of his uncle's death in battle, Cao Bianjiao felt a burning hatred.

The adjutant beside him quickly advised, "General Cao! The Governor-General said, 'Don't pursue a desperate enemy!'"

Cao Bianjiao angrily retorted, "The governor said not to pursue a desperate enemy. We haven't even fought yet, how can I be considered to be pursuing them?"

Cao Bianjiao eventually caught up with him.

Seeing this, Deputy General Long Zhaiwen had no choice but to follow closely behind.

Li Zicheng looked at the Ming army charging towards him and smiled calmly.

Sure enough, they caught up with us.

Li Zicheng immediately fled.

soon.

Just as Li Zicheng had predicted, Cao Bianjiao walked into his encirclement without the slightest suspicion.

With Li Zicheng's order.

The ambush troops were all brought out.

But Cao Bianjiao was not afraid of the ambush.

He was a vanguard officer by birth and never feared death.

Even when surrounded, Cao Bianjiao kept his eyes fixed on the enemy's central banner.

The two sides immediately engaged in battle.

Even though they fell into an ambush, the Ming army led by Cao Bianjiao still held the upper hand.

Ultimately, Li Zicheng's forces were simply a group of unarmed civilians who had been armed.

The equipment and training are not keeping up.

Their combat strength is not strong.

Li Zicheng's gradually collapsing army looked solemn.

"General, if this stalemate continues, I'm afraid we'll lose."

Li Zicheng was naturally aware of this.

After some thought, Li Zicheng said, "Only by beheading the enemy general can we turn the tide of the battle!"

Once Cao Bianjiao dies, the group will be leaderless.

Just like Cao Wenzhao back then.

Li Zicheng prepared to repeat his old trick, leading his elite troops to kill Cao Bianjiao in the chaos of battle.

Cao Bianjiao was a veteran of countless battles. He could easily kill an army of refugees with a single spear thrust.

However, as time went on, Cao Bianjiao gradually noticed...

The enemy forces surrounding us have significantly increased their combat effectiveness.

In terms of both equipment and combat strength, they are no less than his personal guards.

They might even be able to draw.

Just then, a figure darted out from behind him.

He thrust his spear at Cao Bianjiao.

Fortunately, they dodged in time and were unharmed.

Cao Bianjiao's eyes turned cold as he stared at the person who had ambushed him.

Li Zicheng.

Li Zicheng, however, looked calmly at Cao Bianjiao.

They looked at each other without saying a word.

They immediately engaged in combat.

After only fifteen rounds, Li Zicheng was already panting heavily.

If another fifteen rounds were to occur, I would definitely be speared off my horse.

Li Zicheng realized he had underestimated Cao Bianjiao's martial prowess, glancing at his slightly worn armor.

If it weren't for the armor I was wearing, I would have been speared off my horse in five rounds.

Li Zicheng immediately began to flee.

If you can't beat them, can't you at least outrun them?

"Trying to run away?!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Cao Bianjiao reined in his horse and gave chase.

The two moved through the chaotic army.

You chase me, I chase you.

Just then, Li Zicheng suddenly tightened the reins, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips as he looked back at Cao Bianjiao, who was chasing after him.

For a general, being swayed by emotions is a major taboo.

Cao Bianjiao immediately sensed something was wrong and quickly reined in his horse.

Looking around.

Only then did he realize that he had fallen into a trap.

He was surrounded by enemy soldiers, while his personal guards had long been left behind.

No matter how strong one person is, they can't beat a group of people.

"Cao Bianjiao, you are still as reckless as ever. In the battle of Qiutou Town, if you hadn't been lured away from your uncle, would Cao Wenzhao have been isolated and helpless, fighting to the point of exhaustion and committing suicide?"

The Battle of Qiutou Town.

Cao Bianjiao was appointed as the vanguard officer and lured away from the main battlefield, while Cao Wenzhao led the infantry behind.

This is why Cao Wenzhao died after fighting to the point of exhaustion; his elite cavalry was not by his side.

Cao Bianjiao trembled all over.

He gripped the red-tasseled spear tightly and glared angrily at Li Zicheng.

Seeing Cao Bianjiao's furious outburst and his charge towards him, Li Zicheng naturally dared not confront him head-on.

He immediately ordered an attack to surround and kill Cao Bianjiao.