Shuhan

In the magnificent and solemn Governor's Mansion, under the dim lights, a battle report broke the originally heavy silence.

Sima Yi was standing in front of a huge military map at this moment. His eyes were deep and solemn, as if he could penetrate the layers of paper and look directly at the smoke-filled battlefield in Hebei City.

He held the battle report tightly in his hand, his fingertips turned slightly white, which was a sign of excessive force.

His face was pale, as if he had aged ten years overnight.

"Thunderbolt, thunderbolt, what on earth is this?"

Sima Yi's eyes were filled with shock and unwillingness, and it was a deep sense of powerlessness that made even this wise and brave strategist feel unprecedented pressure.

When it comes to wisdom and strategy, Sima Yi claims that he is no worse than anyone else.

But
What the hell is this Thunderbolt?

Because of this thunderous bomb, the originally solid city turned into a joke.

Before, they felt safe because they were defending the city. They thought the Han army could not attack it, and even if they did, it would cost a huge price. But what about now?
Even in the city or fortress, there was no sense of security at all, as if one was in a big coffin.

The morale of the army is in turmoil, and the people's hearts are in turmoil!

If they continue like this, how can they stop the Han army?
No matter how wise Sima Yi was, he was powerless against the "magic" of the Han army!

Beside him, Xiahou Shang, the garrison commander of Hongnong, also had a stern expression on his face, his brows furrowed as if he could pinch a fly to death.

now.

Xiahou Shang's eyes were filled with anger and unwillingness, which was an intolerance for failure and helplessness for the deteriorating situation.

Xiahou Shang looked at Sima Yi, his eyes full of doubt, as if asking: "What should we do?"

Sima Yi did not answer. He just looked at the map silently, sliding his fingers gently on the map, as if looking for a glimmer of hope.

Finally, he took a deep breath, turned around, and said to Xiahou Shang: "Hebei has been lost, the situation is bad, but we are not defeated yet. We must cheer up and regroup, then we can turn the tide."

The situation is bad enough indeed.

But now their army is still there, and since the outcome is uncertain, there is hope for everything!
"Captain, now that Hebei City has been breached, the Han army is advancing like a broken bamboo. We must respond quickly. I propose that we abandon the forts and cities north of the Yellow River and relocate the people of Hebei to the south of the Yellow River. This will not only protect the lives of the people, but also prevent our army from being attacked by the Han army."

The cities in Hebei were broken, and it was difficult for the Wei army to defend the cities and forts in Hongnong County and north of the Yellow River.

If the Han army instigated the Han army in Hedong County to move south, forming a double-sided encirclement situation, then the Wei army north of the Yellow River would not be able to escape.

While the Han army has not taken any action and there is still time to escape, we should quickly withdraw the Wei army and civilians north of the Yellow River and rely on the defense in the south to hold out longer.

"Commander-in-chief, it's time to make a decision!"

His words were full of determination, but Sima Yi did not immediately agree. He stared at the Yellow River on the map with deep eyes, as if looking for some kind of answer. His finger gently slid across the map, and finally stopped at the border between Hebei and Hongnong County.

"Boyan, your idea makes sense, but I think this is too risky." Sima Yi's voice was steady and powerful. He turned his head and looked directly into Xiahou Shang's eyes.

"If we withdraw the people and troops to the south of the Yellow River, there will be no defenses to the north of the Yellow River, and the Han army can prepare to cross the river and go south at any time. By then, the defense of key places such as Hu County will be useless, and our defense line will be easily torn apart."

The Yellow River, which stretches for hundreds of miles, also has dry seasons and freezing seasons.

With such a long area, the Wei army could not build a defense line in a short time.

In fact, even if there is time, it cannot be built.

Every word in Sima Yi's words hit Xiahou Shang's heart like a heavy hammer.

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Shang couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

He understood that Sima Yi's concerns were not groundless, but the current situation left them with no choice.

"So, what does the governor think?" Xiahou Shang finally asked, his tone full of anticipation.

Sima Yi smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with wisdom: "We must hold on to Hebei and delay the attack of the Han army. The power of the thunder bomb is probably a rumor. If the Han army really has such a powerful weapon, why would they let the people of the spy army spread the news of the thunder bomb? Instead, they hid this news and let us not know about the thunder bomb so that we can quickly get down from the Hongnong defense line. Don't you think the Han army's move is a bit strange?"

By now, the news about the Han army's thunder has become legendary.

It is said that a thunderbolt from the sky could blow up an entire city gate, and that it was so powerful that it was like a punishment from heaven.

Thunder bombs were thrown onto the city walls, and in an instant, hundreds of people were blown into a bloody mist.

This is an exaggeration.

Sima Yi had no idea what the thing could be that could blow hundreds of people into a bloody mist.

Among them.

There must be a problem!

After hearing what Sima Yi said, Xiahou Shang immediately discovered something unusual.

"If the Sky-shaking Thunder was really that powerful, the Han army wouldn't have needed to spread the news and would have quietly broken through the Hongnong defense line of the Wei Dynasty. Something must be wrong when things are out of the ordinary. What the commander-in-chief is saying is that the Han army's so-called Sky-shaking Thunder was exaggerated?"

Sima Yi shook his head slightly and said, "I don't think it's an exaggeration, but it's true that there must be something wrong."

But what exactly is the problem.
Sima Yi couldn't say for sure.

"The thunderbolt needs to be delivered to the city gate by the first-line death squads before it can show its power. If we can prevent the Han army's first-line death squads from approaching the city gate, the thunderbolt can't exert its full power, or we can find a way to deal with it."

The thunder bomb is an unknown factor, and now we can only try our best to solve this unknown factor.

"If we can obtain the Sky-shaking Thunder and know how it is made, our Great Wei will also possess it and won't have to be so passive in the battle."

Xiahou Shang sighed.

The weapons and equipment are not good enough, and we are being suppressed and beaten. This feeling is really humiliating.

It's not the war that's disadvantageous, it's the weapons that are disadvantageous!
"There will always be brave men under great rewards. I heard that the Emperor of Han established the Hall of Hundred Craftsmen in Chang'an, appointed a Grand Secretary of the Hall of Hundred Craftsmen, and awarded the title of Marquis to meritorious craftsmen. At that time, everyone in the country laughed at Han, saying that Han was not worthy of being in the upper class, and that people with strange skills and lewd tricks could be awarded the title of Marquis. The country will soon fall."

Outside the hall, Crown Prince Cao Rui hurried in.

"But what about now? The Han Kingdom attached great importance to the Academy of Sciences and obtained the achievement of Thunder Bomb. It can immediately cause a lot of trouble to our Great Wei on the front battlefield. We are even helpless. It's time for our Great Wei to change."

Cao Rui came forward, and Sima Yi and Xiahou Shang both bowed to him.

"Your Highness, how do you think it should change?"

"If the Han Kingdom can reward craftsmen generously, we can also reward those who bring Han's thunderbolt to our Wei Kingdom. Money can make the devil work, and a generous reward will surely attract brave men. If a thousand gold is not enough, then ten thousand gold will be given. If ten thousand gold is not enough, then give him a title of nobility. In short, in an era of great contention, the so-called dignity is out of the question."

Cao Rui looked at Sima Yi and Xiahou Shang with sharp eyes and said, "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures should be used. What do you two think?"

"Your Highness is absolutely right." Sima Yi was the first to express his opinion, and a glimmer of approval flashed in his deep eyes.

"The reason why Wei has suffered repeated setbacks on the battlefield is actually because our equipment is far behind that of Han. The power of the Thunder Bomb has long been proven on the battlefield. If Wei can obtain this weapon, it will greatly enhance our combat effectiveness." Xiahou Shang also nodded in agreement: "Indeed, a big reward will attract a brave man. As long as someone can bring the method of making the Thunder Bomb to Wei, it would not be too much to give him a big reward or even make him a marquis. This move will not only inspire the soldiers to fight bravely, but also quickly improve the equipment level of our army."

After hearing this, Cao Rui smiled with satisfaction: "Since both of you agree, then this matter is settled. From today on, a bounty order will be issued. Whoever can bring the thunder bomb technology of the Han Kingdom to our Wei Kingdom, or provide key production clues, will receive a large reward, and may even be made a marquis."

"I'm afraid this matter will have to go to Luoyang and be done after the emperor issues an order."

"In Hongnong County, there is no time to lose. Just stamp this message with the seal of the Crown Prince's Palace. Outside Hongnong County, wait for the emperor to make a decision before sending out the document. As for the matter in Hongnong County, the court will investigate it. I will take care of it alone. You two don't need to worry."

After Cao Rui said this, Xiahou Shang immediately looked at Cao Rui with new eyes.

"Your Highness is like this, he really looks like the Holy Prince."

Sima Yi also complimented him: "It is a blessing for the country and the people that our Great Wei has His Highness."

After the praise, Sima Yi continued, "In addition to the seal of the crown prince, the seal of my governor's office is also stamped. Your Highness can disregard his own safety for the sake of state affairs, so how can I retreat just to protect my reputation? Now, everyone in Hongnong listens to the orders of my governor's office. Your Highness, the seal of the crown prince's office, they may not recognize it."

This is a loyal minister!
Cao Rui looked at Sima Yi, feeling deeply moved.

"The governor is thoughtful."

"Your Highness, the most urgent task is to stabilize the morale of the remaining forts on the Hongnong defense line. After the thunderbolt incident, the people are in a panic. If the Han army persuades them to surrender, I am afraid that the forts we have worked so hard to build will become a wedding dress for the Han army."

Cao Rui clenched his fists hidden in his sleeves.

If you want to put on a show, then do the full package.

"I will go and inspect the forts and strongholds in Henan to boost morale."

Don’t ask why not go to the fortress north of the Yellow River.

Although Cao Rui wanted to put on a show, he still had to save his life.

"Your Highness is wise!"

Sima Yi and Xiahou Shang both bowed loudly to Cao Rui.

In Hongnong County, the situation gradually improved because of the thunder.

On the other hand, the situation in Nanyang County is not so easy.

now.

Ye County.

Autumn is high and fresh.

In the city, Xu Shu, the commander-in-chief of the Yingchuan expedition, frowned. In front of him, Guan Ping, Zong Ziqing, Li Chun, Han Yao and others all looked worried.

"The Jianjun Division is in Yingchuan, but there is no useful news coming?"

In the past, the military commander had always been successful, but now that he had arrived in Yingchuan, it was like he had entered a quagmire.

In addition, the Yingchuan gentry was indeed wealthy, and the cities, forts and roads were well connected, making Yingchuan County almost like an iron barrel.

As for the reasons, Xu Shu also knew a thing or two.

Yingchuan is different from Hedong County and Hongnong County.

This is the absolute heartland of the Wei State.

It is also the absolute base of the Wei State's gentry.

The Yingchuan gentry was the second most powerful force in the Wei court, second only to the Cao and Xiahou nobles.

They are the vested interests of Wei State, which is different from Hedong County and Hongnong County.

The aristocratic families of Hedong County had some influence in the Wei court, but it was limited.

The situation in Hongnong County was even worse.

After Yang Xiu of the Hongnong Yang family was killed by Cao Cao, the Hongnong Yang family was oppressed by Cao Wei and has not yet recovered.

Therefore, in Hedong, the Han army was able to cooperate with the Hedong families.

In Hongnong, he was even able to gain the support of local gentry.

But in Yingchuan, there is no such soil.

Not knowing the situation in Yingchuan, Xu Shu was completely in the dark and had no idea what was going on.

Kunyang and Dingling were the places where Guan Yu was defeated. The Han army lost nearly 10,000 elite soldiers between these two cities.

Nanyang was almost lost.

This time Xu Shu was entrusted with an important task, and he felt both excited and pressured.

Faced with the current predicament, Guan Ping was the first to break the silence. He said with a firm look in his eyes and a loud voice: "General, since we are currently unable to obtain valuable intelligence from the Jianjunsi, we can launch an attack first. Only by really hurting them can we understand the true situation in Yingchuan more intuitively."

These people from Yingchuan need to be beaten up by this big man before they know their own weight.

Although Yingchuan County was heavily guarded, the elite Han army might be able to break through this line of defense.

"No!"

Zong Ziqing looked worried. He shook his head and calmly retorted: "General Guan's words are reasonable, but I think our army still needs to act with caution. Yingchuan is different from other places. A rash attack may make us repeat the mistakes of General Guan Yu. Our army should plan more carefully and make sure that every step is taken steadily."

At this time, Li Chun stood up, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and he slowly put forward his suggestion: "Since the situation in Yingchuan is so unclear, why don't we change our strategy? We can consider attacking southwards, joining forces with General Pang De in Runan, and jointly recovering the land in western Henan. This way, we can avoid the sharp edge of Yingchuan and expand our battle line. Even if Yingchuan is difficult to fight, will it still be difficult to fight if we attack from both sides?"

Han Yao observed silently from the side, nodding and frowning from time to time, as if he was weighing the pros and cons of various strategies.

"Everything you said makes sense."

In fact, Xu Shu already had a plan in mind.

"I suggest that Guan Ping lead his troops with all the thunder bombs to quickly capture Kunyang City and attract the Wei army's forces. Zong Ziqing will lead the main force south to break through Wuyang, Xiping, Zhuoyang and connect to Runan!"

Yingchuan was where the main force of the Wei army was located.

In the south, cities such as Wuyang, which had been harassed by the Han army for many days, did not have many garrison troops.

Moreover, these places had been conquered by the Han army before, but were later taken back by the Wei army.

The Han army had a relatively good understanding of the conditions of these cities.

The breakthrough may be here. (End of this chapter)