Shuhan

After a night of fierce fighting, the sky gradually turned pale.

The first ray of morning light is like a shy girl, gently poking her head out and shining softly on Bagong Mountain.

However, this tranquility and beauty formed a sharp contrast with the Wei army camp at the foot of the mountain.

Inside the camp, there were shocking scenes everywhere.

The bodies lay in all directions on the ground, some curled up in a ball, others with their limbs spread out, as if telling of the pain and despair they had experienced in life.

Broken limbs and arms were scattered all over the ground, and some hands were still tightly holding weapons, as if they were unwilling to let go until death.

The blood dyed the ground red, forming into thin streams that flowed slowly, covering the entire camp in a sea of ​​blood.

The air was filled with a strong smell of blood, reaching straight into the sky, as if even the sky was shaken by this tragic atmosphere.

Occasionally, a gust of wind blew, bringing more smell of blood, which made people feel moved.

In this dead silent camp, only a few low howls could be heard occasionally. They were the survivors looking for their relatives or comrades, and their voices were full of grief and helplessness.

The cruelty and ruthlessness of war are undoubtedly revealed.

The armies of Han and Wei had been fighting for a whole night at the foot of Bagua Mountain, and now they finally stopped their attacks.

Although the night has faded, the cruelty and brutality of the battlefield are like a brand, deeply engraved on every inch of land.

In the battle last night, although the Han army was extremely brave, they suffered heavy losses in facing the tough nut of the Wei army's middle camp, and they were still unable to conquer it.

Every charge and every fight was like using one's flesh and blood to hit an indestructible wall of steel.

Hu Zun's attempt to lead his troops to attack the lower camp also failed.

They originally wanted to drive the Han army out of the lower camp, but they did not expect to suffer heavy casualties themselves. In the end, they had to retreat to the middle camp and formed a confrontation with the Han army.

At this time, the lower camp of Bagua Mountain had been occupied by the Han army.

The Han army began to build simple defensive facilities between the lower and middle level forts to consolidate their positions.

Although these facilities were simple, they were enough for the Han army to form an effective line of defense in a short period of time to resist the attack of the Wei army.

The entire battlefield was littered with ruins and scorched wasteland. The air was filled with the strong smell of blood and gunpowder, making people suffocate. In this deadly battlefield, only a few low howls and painful groans occasionally broke the tranquility.

It is obvious that it would be difficult for either the Han or Wei army to make a breakthrough in a short period of time.

Both sides have paid a heavy price in last night's fighting and now need time to rest and recover.

The outcome of this battle may require more time and more lives to be determined.

In the Han army camp outside the Weijun camp in Bagua Mountain, the central army tent stood majestically, and the atmosphere inside the tent was solemn.

Fei Yi had not slept all night, his eyes were bloodshot, but his expression remained firm.

He walked up to Liu Chan with heavy steps, holding the damage report that had been compiled overnight in his hand.

"Your Majesty, the casualties of the Tianxiong Army have been counted." Fei Yi's voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from the bottom of his heart: "More than 1,800 dead, more than 3,200 injured."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan remained expressionless and just nodded slightly, as if these casualty figures were just ordinary numbers on the battlefield and could not disturb his mind.

However, no one knew what was going on in his heart.

Hey ~
The strength of the middle-level camp in Bagua Mountain is beyond imagination, and it is almost impossible to capture it in a short period of time.

"Should we replace the Tianxiong Army?" Fei Yi asked tentatively.

Although the Tianxiong Army was brave and could be considered the elite of the former Wu State, they had suffered heavy losses after a night of fierce fighting. If they continued to attack the middle-level camp, they would probably suffer even greater losses.

Liu Chan was silent for a moment, his eyes deep, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

The Tianxiong Army is an elite division with a strength of 20,000 soldiers. Although the loss of these people is not a big deal, we cannot give up easily.

What's more, he had a more far-reaching plan in mind.

"The Tianxiong Army is still capable of fighting." Liu Chan finally spoke, his voice cold and firm: "The Tianxiong Army has 20,000 soldiers, what does the loss of these people mean?"

Attacking the Wei army camp at Bagua Mountain might be an opportunity to consume the old troops of the Wu army.

After all, they are surrendered troops, so having more losses is always a good thing.

I, Liu Gongsi, still need to learn some of Chiang Kai-shek’s old traditions.

This battle was not only to capture Bagua Mountain, but also to weaken the power of the old Wu army and consolidate his own rule.

In his heart, these surrendered troops were always a potential threat, and only by letting them shed more blood and sacrifice more could he make them completely submit to him.

Rather than letting the Han army bleed, it is better to let these surrendered troops bleed more.

Only those who remain will transform into real Han army.

When Fei Yi heard this, he was startled.

He understood the Emperor's intention, and Fei Yi, with a red face and a black heart, immediately stopped talking.

"So, what about the main city of Shouchun?" Liu Chan suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Has Sima Yi made any moves? The Wei army camp at Bagong Mountain is a tough nut to crack. I still have the idea of ​​surrounding it and attacking the reinforcements."

When Fei Yi heard this, he was moved.

Fei Yi was aware of your majesty's strategy of besieging a point and attacking its reinforcements, and he also understood the importance of this strategy.

If Sima Yi really went out of the city to rescue Hu Zun on Bagua Mountain, then they would have the opportunity to intercept the Wei army halfway and inflict heavy damage on it.

However, to Liu Chan's disappointment, Fei Yi shook his head and said, "In Shouchun City, the Wei army did not leave the city to rescue Hu Zun on Bagong Mountain."

Liu Chan frowned when he heard this.

This Sima Yi is really cautious.

Belongs to the turtle.

This meant that their strategy of besieging the city and attacking the reinforcements had failed. The Wei army did not leave the city to rescue as they had hoped, but chose to hold on to the main city of Shouchun.

"It seems that Sima Yi is not planning to send out troops easily." Liu Chan said after a moment's silence: "He may be waiting for the right time, or waiting for our next move. However, no matter what he plans, we must not take it lightly. Pass the order down, strengthen the vigilance, and prevent the Wei army from launching a sudden attack."

After receiving the order, Fei Yi immediately obeyed it.

Liu Chan looked around at the generals in the tent and asked, "What should my army do next?"

After this question was asked, there was a moment of silence.

When everyone was silent, Ah Huinan stood up resolutely.

His eyes were as firm as iron, as if he was ready to face all difficulties.

The outcome of the Battle of Bagua Mountain was not only related to the current battle situation, but also to the success or failure of the entire Northern Expedition.

Therefore, Ah Huinan made his suggestion without hesitation: "If Sima Yi dare not rush to help, we will attack Bagong Mountain. No matter how much it costs, we must bite off this hard bone. Once Bagong Mountain is conquered by us, Shouchun's defense will be like a person losing an arm, and it will become much easier to deal with."

At this time, Yu Jin also stood up. As the military commander of the Guiyi Army, he knew that he had to express his position at this time. Although the Guiyi Army had been affiliated with the Han Kingdom for many years, it had always maintained an independent military system and combat effectiveness and was an indispensable part of the Han Kingdom.

Now, facing the solid defense of Bagong Mountain, Yu Jin expressed his determination without hesitation: "If the Tianxiong Army can't hold on, my Guiyi Army can also hold on and attack the Bagong Mountain camp."

Yu Jin's voice revealed confidence and courage, as if he was ready to fight to the death with the Wei army.

The outcome of this battle will be directly related to the success or failure of the entire Northern Expedition, and will also determine the life and death of countless soldiers.

After Liu Chan pondered for a moment, he said slowly in a deep and powerful voice: "First send someone to persuade Hu Zun to surrender, and then attack. If that doesn't work, we can only let the soldiers shed more blood and sacrifice more."

If Hu Zun is unwilling to surrender.

This battle will be a bloody one, and countless soldiers will pay the price with their lives.

However, he also understood that these sacrifices were necessary for the great cause of the Northern Expedition and unification of the country.

Following Liu Chan's order, Ah Huinan, Yu Jin and others immediately took the order and left. They began to prepare for the plan to attack Bagong Mountain and prepare for this life-and-death decisive battle.

The entire military camp was filled with a tense and solemn atmosphere, as if everyone was making final preparations for the battle.

In Shouchun City, in the lobby of the General's Mansion, the atmosphere was so tense that it seemed as if the air was about to freeze.

At this moment, Cao Xiu's face was red and his eyes were wide open, and he was obviously furious.

He almost roared at Sima Yi, who was sitting on the main seat, "The importance of Bagong Mountain to Shouchun should be well known to the general! If Bagong Mountain is conquered by the Han army, Shouchun will become an isolated city on the south bank of the Huai River! How can we defend Shouchun then?"

Cao Xiu's words were full of anxiety and anger, and his hands were clenched into fists, as if he wanted to pour out all his dissatisfaction and worries.

His expression revealed a determination and resolve, and he was ready to argue with Sima Yi.

Sima Yi's face turned pale when he heard this, as he knew very well the importance of Bagua Mountain.

The Baguashan camp, Shouchun main city, and Huaishui fortress supported each other and formed a solid defense line for the Wei army in Huainan.

At this point, we should support each other.

However, Sima Yi was aware of the cunning and scheming of the Han army.

News came from the School Affairs Office that the Han troops attacking the Baguashan camp were only a few in number, and more Han troops were in the process of preparing. Once the Wei army rushed to Baguashan to provide support, they would most likely be ambushed by the Han army.

Sima Yi's heart was full of contradictions and struggles.

He marched cautiously and had to take this into account.

However, Cao Xiu's anger and anxiety also made him feel stressed.

Once Bagua Mountain is lost, Shouchun will be isolated and helpless, with disastrous consequences.

Shangshu Cui Lin watched the argument between the two and was extremely anxious.

The importance of Bagua Mountain is self-evident, but he also understands Cao Xiu's anger and anxiety.

Cui Lin tried to ease the atmosphere and said, "What is the general worried about? Are we just going to watch Bagong Mountain fall?"

Sima Yi sighed, his heart filled with helplessness and heaviness.

He said slowly: "I am worried that once we send troops to rescue Bagong Mountain, we will be ambushed by the Han army. The Han army is cunning and Liu Gongsi is cunning. We have to be on guard."

Cao Xiu sneered and said, "If you don't go to rescue, you won't fall into the ambush of the Han army! But are we going to watch Bagong Mountain fall? If Bagong Mountain is lost, neither you nor I can bear the responsibility!"

Sima Yi shook his head, his heart full of helplessness.

He said slowly: "The Bagongshan camp is extremely strong, and the Han army cannot take it down in a short time. Instead of rushing to send troops to rescue, it is better to respond to changes with the same attitude. We only need to hold on to the main city of Shouchun, and it will not be too late to attack when the Han army is exhausted."

Cao Xiu was furious when he heard this. He slammed the table and stood up and shouted, "Sima Yi! How can you accomplish anything if you are so timid? If Bagong Mountain is lost, you and I will both be sinners! I have made up my mind to send troops to rescue Bagong Mountain immediately!"

Sima Yi felt helpless when he saw Cao Xiu's angry expression.

Cao Xiu was a man of sentimental character, and devoted to his country, so he could not help but be extremely anxious at this moment.

As a colleague, Sima Yi still understood.

He tried to calm Cao Xiu's emotions and said slowly: "General Cao, please be patient. I am not a coward, but we need to be cautious about war. Bagong Mountain is important, but we cannot send troops blindly. Wouldn't it be worse if we were ambushed by the Han army?"

Cao Xiu's anger did not subside as he listened to Sima Yi's words.

He glared at Sima Yi and shouted, "Be cautious? Can being cautious help us defend Bagong Mountain? If Bagong Mountain is lost, how can you and I explain to Your Majesty? How can we explain to the people of the world?"

The atmosphere in the lobby became increasingly tense and the argument between the two became increasingly fierce.

Shangshu Cui Lin was watching from the side and was also extremely anxious.

cough cough.

He coughed lightly to try to attract the two's attention. Then he said slowly: "Both generals, please calm down. We all know the importance of Bagong Mountain, but we can't send troops blindly. Perhaps we can send a small force to investigate the situation first before making a decision."

Cui Lin's words were like a stream of fresh air that slowly flowed into the tense atmosphere in the hall.

Cao Xiu and Sima Yi both stopped arguing and looked at Cui Lin, waiting for his next words.

Cui Lin continued, "We can first send an elite force to Bagong Mountain to investigate the Han army's strength and defense. Then we can decide whether to send troops to rescue them based on the results of the investigation."

A gleam of light flashed in Sima Yi's eyes, as if he had found a best of both worlds strategy after a moment of thought.

He slowly raised his head and looked at Cao Xiu firmly, with a tone of compromise and determination: "If the general still feels that he must rush to Bagong Mountain for assistance, I can allocate 5,000 troops to you, and the general will lead them personally."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xiu curled his lips into a sneer. He was obviously dissatisfied with Sima Yi's previous hesitation.

He snorted vigorously and said, "I don't want ordinary soldiers, but five thousand elite soldiers! Only elite soldiers can exert the greatest combat effectiveness on the battlefield!"

Sima Yi nodded and said, "You can choose the soldiers in the city! I believe in your vision and judgment. There is indeed a risk of being ambushed by the Han army when we go to support them, but since you insist on coming to help, I, Sima Yi, will naturally support you with all my strength."

However, in Sima Yi's heart, there was another deep calculation hidden.

Cao Xiu, relying on his clan status, had always disagreed with him and had many disagreements with him on military matters. If Cao Xiu could be eliminated by the Han army this time, the probability of holding Shouchun would undoubtedly increase greatly.

This thought flashed through Sima Yi's mind, and a barely perceptible gloom flashed in his eyes.

But Sima Yi also understood that such thoughts should not be expressed easily.

He must remain calm and rational, and not let personal grudges affect his judgment of the entire battle situation.

hiss~
He took a deep breath, suppressed the distracting thoughts in his mind, and continued: "General, please be careful when you go to support us this time. I will make all preparations in the city and wait for your triumphant return."

Cao Xiu looked at Sima Yi. Although Sima Yi seemed overly cautious at times, he finally took a step back at the critical moment. Cao Xiu's attitude towards Sima Yi changed slightly: "Thank you, General! I, Cao Xiu, will not fail in my mission and swear to defend Bagong Mountain! If I fail, I, Cao Xiu, am willing to pay with my life!"

Sima Yi looked at Cao Xiu deeply.

Bagong Mountain must be defended.

You Cao Xiu.
It's better not to come back alive. (End of this chapter)