My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 606 Post-War Recruitment
After a headcount, Zhao Wei's army suffered a total loss of over 12,000 men, including over 2,800 killed in action and over 9,000 captured. At the start of the war, Zhao Wei's army numbered over 53,000, of which over 4,000 were seriously wounded and incapable of fighting. Only 49,000 men were still available, of whom 10,000 were conscripted young men from Shu Commandery, making their fighting strength extremely weak.

Even so, Zhao Wei's army's performance in this battle was nothing short of disastrous.

No matter how much Lu Xun looked down on Zhao Wei's army's strength, he really couldn't believe they had become so weak that in less than two hours they had almost lost their entire camp.

After this battle, Zhao Wei's army suffered a quarter of its losses, and its combat strength was reduced by more than half.

If Lu Xun had not arrived with his troops in time, even if it had been just an hour later, Zhao Wei's army would have been completely annihilated, and probably only one in ten would have survived.

Therefore, when Lu Xun incorporated Zhao Wei's army, he showed no mercy and began a sweeping down of its ranks.

Apart from the wounded, Zhao Wei's army still numbered over 37,000, including more than 5,000 Ba soldiers, over 8,000 able-bodied men from Shu Commandery, and the remaining 24,000 were Zhao Wei's retainers and soldiers from Ba Commandery.

First, Lu Xun selected 10,000 men from the remaining 30,000-plus men of Zhao Wei's army, divided them into ten groups of 1,000 men each, then drew officers and soldiers from the Left Guard Army to incorporate them, and finally distributed these other troops to his various camps.

In this way, Lu Xun's generals, along with Lü Dai's troops in Guangdu, will have an additional 1,000-strong Shu army, increasing their strength by tens of thousands.

Subsequently, they recruited a thousand elite soldiers from among the Ba people and formed an independent tribe.

Next, Lu Xun selected the able-bodied men of Shu County to form an independent army, which was organized into the rear army and was responsible for transporting grain, fodder and military supplies. He promised them that they would be released immediately once the war was over.

Finally, Lu Xun began to send the remaining 10,000 or so people back to Jiangzhou, where they were placed under the command of Zhuge Liang.

In this way, Lu Xun not only effectively expanded his own forces, increasing his total strength from 28,000 to over 40,000, but also had a rear guard of over 6,000 men to transport grain and supplies.

This doesn't even include the four thousand Ba soldiers who were detained at the front lines.

Compared to Zhao Wei's troops, the Zong soldiers were the most formidable, even surpassing some of Zhao Wei's main force. However, their discipline was extremely poor; they were fond of burning, killing, and looting, making them deeply hated by the people of Shu.

Fortunately, after this battle, both sides will likely enter a period of rest and reorganization, giving them ample time to train the soldiers and enforce discipline.

As for Zhao Wei, Li Yi, Pang Le, and others, Lu Xun placed them under house arrest, awaiting Liu Feng's decision.

**
After Cao Ang and his men retreated, they did not return directly to Luocheng, but stopped in Xindu.

The allied forces won a great victory in this battle. Although they failed to completely annihilate Zhao Wei's troops, the blows dealt to them left Zhao Wei's forces with little fighting power, even though the main force remained.

Cao Ang temporarily stationed himself in Xindu for two reasons: firstly, to facilitate the receipt of supplies and rewards from Liu Zhang, and secondly, to allow his troops to rest and reorganize.

These days, the allied forces have been traveling by day and night, covering more than 60 li in a single day and night. The soldiers are very tired and eager to rest.

Although Xindu was a small city, it was quite fortified. Moreover, due to the war, most of Xindu's residents had fled, freeing up houses for the allied forces to rest in. In addition, the battle had resulted in a large number of prisoners, nearly eight thousand of them, and it would take time to sort them out.

Another major reason was that Cao Ang's confidence was greatly boosted after the successful campaign against Zhao Wei. Coupled with the changing situation, Cao Ang even began to consider taking action against Lu Xun's forces.

This was not due to Cao Ang's blind arrogance or reckless expansion.

The Allied forces suffered only a little over a thousand casualties in this battle, and half of the wounded have been successfully brought back to Xindu. The truly irreversible losses were only a few hundred, making it a resounding victory.

Zhao Wei's troops suffered heavy losses and were completely rendered incapable of fighting. They would not be able to fight again without several months of recovery.

As a result, the situation for Lu Xun's troops immediately deteriorated.

The first thing they will face is isolation and helplessness.

Lu Xun had less than 30,000 men under his command, while Cao Ang's allied forces numbered over 30,000. In addition, there were tens of thousands of Hanzhong troops who could be reinforced at any time, as well as Liu Zhang's troops in Chengdu, who had 30,000 to 40,000 men. Their total strength was two to three times that of Lu Xun.

Moreover, news came from the rear that Cao Ren's reinforcements had entered Hanzhong and taken over the defense of Hanzhong. The army was accelerating its southward march and would arrive at the front line of Xindu in just over a month.

By then, the allied forces would be at least three times the size of Lu Xun's troops, and Lu Xun was on a plain with no defensible terrain except for Guangdu County.

Cao Ang did not seek a complete victory, but only to repel Lu Xun. If he could drive Lu Xun away from the walls of Chengdu and recapture Guangdu, things would be much easier to deal with regarding Liu Zhang.

Not to mention Cao Cao, even Cao Ang, with Sima Yi's reminder, could guess seven or eight parts of Liu Zhang's thoughts.

The reason why Liu Zhang still dared to hold the idea of ​​using Cao Cao's army to counterbalance the Left Guard Army was entirely due to the balance of power.

However, if Cao Ang really drives Lu Xun away, the situation will change. It will be much harder for Liu Zhang to shirk responsibility for Cao's army's deployment, and Cao Ang might even be able to enter Chengdu.

Sima Yi held a conservative attitude towards Cao Ang's opinion, but since Cao Ang's plan was to wait for Cao Ren's reinforcements to arrive before taking action, he felt there was little problem. Moreover, in case of any setback, they could retreat to Luocheng.

In addition, Cao Chun and Cao Xiu were very supportive of Cao Ang's ideas, especially Cao Chun. The cavalry made great contributions in defeating Zhao Wei this time, but suffered very few casualties.

However, the arrival of the Left Guard Army wiped out an entire cavalry unit, with casualties several times greater than those suffered when Zhao Wei was defeated.

Although Cao Cao was located in the Central Plains, it was much easier for him to procure warhorses than for Liu Feng.

After all, Hanoi and Hedong were located north of the Yellow River, and Chang'an had been occupied by Cao Cao.

After the successful establishment of the Yingchuan military colony, coupled with the tribute of grain from various regions, Cao Cao had much more money in his pocket and was able to purchase a considerable number of warhorses.

Although the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry wasn't trained on a grand scale like in the original timeline, several thousand additional cavalry units were indeed added. For this southward campaign, Cao Cao generously provided a full-strength cavalry battalion, demonstrating his affection and high expectations for Cao Ang.

In this victory over Zhao Wei, Cao Cao's army suffered a total of only one thousand casualties, half of whom were cavalry. This was a great humiliation for Cao Chun, who commanded the cavalry.

After discussion, the group decided to temporarily reside in Xindu. They also sent a document to Liu Zhang, detailing the course and results of the Battle of Zhao Wei, and finally attaching a request to enter Chengdu to assist in its defense.

Liu Zhang was both surprised and delighted upon receiving the document. He had not expected that Cao Cao's army would so cleanly and efficiently eliminate Zhao Wei's army outside Chengdu.

Despite the fragility of Zhao Wei's army against Cao Cao's forces, they inflicted heavy casualties and immense pressure on Liu Zhang and the Shu army within Chengdu during the previous siege.

This victory led Liu Zhang to overestimate the strength of Cao Cao's army, and also caused him to make a misjudgment. When Liu Zhang saw Cao Ang's request to enter Chengdu at the end of the document, his expression changed instantly.

Although Liu Zhang was somewhat weak and lacked great wisdom, he was well aware of the consequences of allowing Cao Cao's army to enter Chengdu. The next step would likely be forcing him to go to Luoyang.

After much deliberation, Liu Zhang made up his mind not to let Cao Ang enter Chengdu. However, how to refuse him without angering him was another headache for Liu Zhang.

**
At this time, Liu Feng was on the boat receiving Fa Zheng and Meng Da.

After leaving Chengdu, Fazheng and Mengda first went to the Guangdu camp and were received by Lu Xun.

After learning of Fa Zheng and Meng Da's purpose, Lu Xun decisively sent them on their way, ordering Gan Ning to prepare two warships and ten small boats to escort them down the river to meet Liu Feng.

Fa Zheng and Meng Da sailed down the Yangtze River and encountered Liu Feng's fleet on the section of the river between Jiangyang and Bodao. After announcing their identities and handing over Lu Xun's documents, the two were taken aboard Liu Feng's flagship.

Liu Feng had never met Fa Zheng and Meng Da before, and there was no historical description of their appearances. However, when Fa Zheng and Meng Da appeared before Liu Feng, he recognized them at a glance.

This is not only because Liu Feng is quick-witted, but also because the two men's personalities are so distinct.

Fa Zheng is strong-willed, clear about right and wrong, ruthless and resourceful, decisive and bold, and his face carries a complex expression of both pride and inferiority.

Fa Zheng's ancestor was a famous recluse in Guanzhong at the time, admired by the major clans of Yong and Liang, and repeatedly recruited by the imperial court. His father entered officialdom as a clerk under the Minister of Works, a position recruited by the Three Dukes.

Fa Zheng's family background was not bad, but by the time he grew up, his family had declined. Moreover, he left his hometown and went south to Shu, where he was not only rejected by the gentry, but even many of his fellow villagers from Dongzhou dared to despise and insult him, making his life in Shu extremely difficult.

Fortunately, Fazheng met Zhang Song, which allowed him to settle down in Chengdu.

Compared to Fazheng, Mengda had a better background. Not only was he exceptionally talented, but his father had also served as the governor of Liangzhou, a high-ranking official. Furthermore, the Meng family was a prominent clan in Fufeng, so their qualifications were naturally quite impressive.

However, Meng Da was not without his troubles. His father was able to sit on the throne of Liangzhou Governor because he was attached to his grandfather Zhang Rang.

During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, the eunuch Zhang Rang held immense power in the court and was addressed as "Grandpa" by the emperor. Meng Tuo, the father of Meng Da, used all his family's wealth to bribe Zhang Rang's servants and establish a close relationship with him.

Subsequently, Meng Tuo deliberately arranged for his servants to bow to Zhang Rang in front of a large crowd in front of Zhang Rang's residence, causing people to mistakenly believe that he had a very close relationship with Zhang Rang, and they all sent him gifts.

Meng Tuo thus obtained a large amount of wealth without any investment. He then gave these gifts to Zhang Rang, who recommended him for the position of governor of Liangzhou.

Meng Tuo was quick-witted and intelligent, adept at scheming, and audacious. His personality was perfectly inherited by Meng Da, and his style of doing things seriously influenced Meng Da. This also caused Meng Da, despite having the talent of a high-ranking official, to repeatedly change masters due to selfishness.

At this moment, Fa Zheng and Meng Da were both in their prime, eager to make a name for themselves.

Under the protection of the soldiers, the two boarded the warship from the main ship. As soon as they looked up, they saw a young man standing in front of them with a smile.

The two were startled at first, but then they realized what was happening and immediately bowed: "The unfilial son of the Fufeng Fa family (Meng family) is trembling with fear and pays respects to the Left General."

Liu Feng walked forward with a smile and first helped Fa Zheng up: "You must be Fa Zheng, Fa Xiaozhi."

Then, without waiting for Fazheng's reply, he helped Meng Da up again: "You should be Meng Da, Meng Zidu."

Finally, Liu Feng, holding one person in each hand, asked with a smile, "I wonder if I guessed correctly?"

Fa Zheng and Meng Da were greatly surprised. They never expected that Liu Feng knew them, let alone that he could recognize them.

A sense of pride welled up between them, but it was quickly replaced by unease.

"We lowly people are not worth mentioning; I fear they would offend the general's tongue."

"Why do you say such things, Xiaozhi and Zidu?"

Liu Feng gently patted their wrists reassuringly, then said, "You two gentlemen are both highly learned and talented. I know you are pillars of society, but I regret that Shu is so remote that I have never had the chance to meet you. Today's meeting is a lifelong wish of mine. I am overjoyed and would never dare to be disrespectful to you."

Even though Fazheng was strong-willed and Mengda was fickle, they were moved by Liu Feng's gentle words and felt a warm feeling in their chests, an indescribable sense of comfort.

The fact that General Zuo was so proud of himself made me realize that I had discovered my own hidden talents.

This not only made Fazheng and Mengda feel proud, but also gave them a glimmer of hope that under General Zuo's command, the other side could use their talents and give them a chance to stand out.

Next, Liu Feng fussed over Fa Zheng and Meng Da, showing them great concern and care. Even Meng Da, known for his fickle and suspicious nature, was deeply moved, while the strong-willed Fa Zheng had long harbored the idea of ​​dying for someone who understood him.

After taking his seat, Fa Zheng could not contain his hope and longing. He immediately straightened up, cupped his hands and said, "General, we have come here with a heavy mission. We have a secret to report to you. Please dismiss those around you."

"Oh?"

Liu Feng replied solemnly, “All of you here are my beloved friends and confidants. Xiaozhi, you can speak frankly without worry.”

On the warship, Xu Shu, Sun Yi, and others are still on board, responsible for paperwork and guard duties. Hearing Liu Feng say this, they are extremely grateful.

Although Fa Zheng was rejected, he couldn't help but admire Liu Feng even more. He felt that Liu Feng was broad-minded and magnanimous, no wonder he had built such a great career at such a young age.

Liu Zisheng was able to gain people's utmost loyalty.

Therefore, Fa Zheng did not make another request, but instead followed Liu Feng's instructions and began to slowly recount the situation in Chengdu.

During Fa Zheng's narration, Meng Da simply sat upright in his seat, and unless Liu Feng asked a question, he did not say much, as if he had handed over all the control of the matter to Fa Zheng.

It can only be said that the relationships between people are quite delicate.

Mencius was by no means a magnanimous person; on the contrary, he was quite stingy.

But when faced with Fa Zheng, Meng Da never clashed with him, and was even willing to play a supporting role. That's how strange things are.

(End of this chapter)