Shuhan

In the hazy morning light, a faint paleness appeared on the horizon, but it seemed unable to dispel the lingering gloom of the night.

This is a land that has been baptized by war, and the air is filled with a strong smell of burning and blood.

As the sky was about to brighten, everything around seemed even more desolate. The camp was in ruins, as if every inch of land was telling of the tragedy of the previous night.

Last night, the Wei army's surprise attack was like a storm, sudden and unstoppable.

At this moment, the camp was littered with corpses, some curled up, some stretched out, in different postures, but all of them revealed the silence of death.

Broken limbs and arms were scattered everywhere, some of which were still covered with broken clothes and armor, which looked particularly shocking.

These once brave warriors have now turned into cold corpses, lying quietly on the land they once swore to defend.

Where the flames shot up into the sky, the tents had been reduced to nothing, leaving only a few charred wooden pillars standing alone, like silent witnesses, telling the story of the raging flames of last night.

Those tents that once provided shelter from the wind and rain for the soldiers are now only ruins, swaying in the wind and emitting mournful sounds.

The wind seemed to still be mixed with the smell of smoke that had not completely dissipated, making people's noses sore and their eyes red.

Amid the devastation, one could occasionally see some flags that had not been completely burned. They fluttered weakly in the morning breeze, their colors dull and lifeless.

Fragments of weapons and armor were scattered all around, and some sword blades still had dried blood on them, telling of the cruelty and ruthlessness of the battle.

In order to prevent the Wei army from launching another surprise attack, Liu Chan, under the escort of his generals and soldiers, had to hurriedly move to Chengde City, dozens of miles south of Shouchun City.

Not long after entering the city, the sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, dappling onto the bluestone paved road. Guan Yinping passed by quickly. Her face was like peach blossoms in spring, bright and heroic, with indomitable spirit and tenacity revealed between her brows, and beneath the light armor was a soft yet tough body.

Guan Yinping has been learning martial arts from her father since she was young. Her character is both gentle like a woman and heroic like a man.

She acts decisively and often speaks frankly, but she can also show delicacy and gentleness at critical moments.

This time she followed the army to serve the saint. After experiencing the danger last night and knowing Liu Chan's location, she was exhausted all the way, her heart full of worry about the monarch and anxiety about the situation.

When she stepped into the hall, her eyes immediately locked on Liu Chan who was sitting at the desk.

Seeing that he was safe and sound, her frown finally relaxed and her heart slowly settled down.

She walked quickly to Liu Chan, and without saying much, she leaned gently in his arms, as if she had found the most solid support.

At that moment, all her fatigue and tension seemed to disappear with this leaning, and she actually fell into a deep sleep in this peace. Obviously, she did not close her eyes that night.

When Liu Chan saw this, he felt a complex emotion in his heart.

He gently stroked Guan Yinping's hair, his eyes full of tenderness.

At the same time, he also felt scared!
Fortunately, it was Guan Yinping who came to serve me last night.

If it were Zhen Mi or Sun Luyu, these weak beauties, they would probably have died last night.

As Guan Yinping fell asleep peacefully, the atmosphere in the hall gradually eased. A gentle ray of light passed through the window lattice and sprinkled on the bluestone floor, adding a bit of warmth to this quaint space.

At this moment, the sound of light footsteps broke the silence, and Zhen Mi, Sun Luyu, Hu and other concubines walked into the hall one after another, like flowers blooming in spring, each with her own beauty and charm.

Zhen Mi is tall and has a mature temperament. The exquisite palace dress outlines her plump figure perfectly, as if every piece of clothing was tailor-made for her.

Her skin is whiter than snow, with a faint blush, just like a plump peach, tempting to be picked.

The eyes are deep, as if hiding endless stories. At first glance, one can't help but want to explore the secrets behind them and conquer the heart that seems strong but is actually soft.

Sun Luyu is completely different from Zhen Mi. She gives people the feeling of a beautiful girl from a small family. She has a bit of baby fat on her face. Her smile is like the warm breeze of spring, blowing across the heart, making people involuntarily feel pity for her.

Her figure, however, is a different story. Although she looks petite, she actually has amazing explosive power and curvy figure that is not inferior to anyone else.

Her eyes are clear, filled with curiosity and innocence about the world, as if all the good things belong to her, making people want to protect this innocence.

And Hu’s is another kind of extreme beauty.

She always has an indescribable charming temperament, as if she was born to attract attention. The clothes she chooses are always so perfect, showing her graceful figure and revealing a touch of snow-white skin, which arouses endless reverie. Her smile is a bit mysterious and teasing, as if she can weave an intoxicating dream at any time, making people willing to step into it and explore the unknown sweetness and danger.

All the beauties gathered together, the flickering candlelight in the hall illuminated their beautiful faces, each with her own style and charm.

Seeing this scene, Liu Chan's heart was like a surging river and sea. The life and death experience he had last night made it difficult for him to calm down his anger.

He stood up suddenly, his eyes sharp as torches, scanning the women in front of him.

His breathing was heavy and his chest heaved, and it was obvious that he was trying hard to suppress the excitement in his heart.

He needed to vent his anger, and the women in front of him were undoubtedly the best targets.

"You all, come here!" Liu Chan's voice was low and powerful, with irresistible majesty.

When the women heard this, they were all stunned, then they all stood up and walked in front of Liu Chan.

At this time, Liu Chan needed their company and comfort. No matter what kind of excitement he had in his heart, they would bear it silently and use their tenderness and warmth to resolve his anger.

"Your Majesty, what are you looking at?" Zhen Mi asked softly, with a gentle smile on her lips and a cunning light in her eyes, as if she had already seen through Liu Chan's thoughts.

Liu Chan smiled slightly and said, "Of course I look at my concubines. Each of them has their own merits and they are all stunningly beautiful."

Sun Luyu's cheeks flushed slightly when she heard this, and she said in a delicate voice, "Your Majesty, how can we accept such praise?"

Mrs. Hu smiled gently, with a hint of pride in her eyes. She slowly stood up, walked to Liu Chan's side, and whispered softly: "Your Majesty, I have prepared a pot of good wine for you, and I am willing to relieve your fatigue."

"How can alcohol relieve fatigue? I want you to relieve my fatigue!"

There is no need to say much about the scene that followed. Even Guan Yinping, who was in a coma, was not spared.

Afterwards, Liu Chan finally felt relaxed.

of course
It's not entirely easy.

My waist feels a little sore, and my legs and feet feel a little weak when I walk.

The more fun you had playing, the more empty you feel now.

Liu Chan slept soundly and did not wake up until the sun set.

Liu Chan slowly woke up from his sleep, and his consciousness gradually recovered from the haze. He felt a gentle breath around him. It was Zhen Mi and Hu who were waiting for him.

The drunkenness from last night had not yet completely dissipated, but a fresh fragrance wafted into my nose. It was the sobering soup that Zhen Mi had brought.

Zhen Mi, wearing a gauze dress, walked lightly to Liu Chan's bedside, holding a bowl of steaming hangover soup in her hand.

Her face looked even more beautiful in the morning light, and her eyes sparkled with care and tenderness.

Zhen Mi said softly, "Your Majesty, drink some hangover soup, you will feel better."

Liu Chan nodded slightly, took the sobering soup, and felt the warm liquid sliding down his throat, bringing a sense of relief.

He looked at Zhen Mi, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. Her careful care made him feel extremely at ease.

At the same time, Mrs. Hu also walked into the house with a basin of hot water and a towel.

She had a plump figure, and her body trembled slightly when she walked, like a willow branch in the spring breeze, exuding endless charm. She walked to Liu Chan's side, handed him a hot towel, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I will help you wash up."

Liu Chan took the hot towel and felt the warm touch gently wiping his face, as if taking away the fatigue of the night.

He looked at Mrs. Hu and saw that she was wearing a tight dress that outlined her graceful curves. Her face was flushed, and it was obvious that she had just been watered and her face was radiant.

Zhen Mi's gentleness and Hu's charm form a sharp contrast, yet they blend together so harmoniously.

Liu Chan felt their warmth and tenderness, and an inexplicable impulse surged in his heart.

He took a deep breath, smelling their fragrance, his heart filled with satisfaction and happiness.

"You are truly my treasures." Liu Chan whispered, his voice a little hoarse and excited.

Zhen Mi and Hu also snuggled tightly in Liu Chan's arms, feeling his warmth and strength.

of course
Although beautiful women are beautiful, you should not drink too much.

Liu Chan is definitely not going to do it now.

Besides
Shouchun has just been conquered, and there are still many things that need his approval!

With the careful service of the beauty, Liu Chan slowly put on the emperor's winter robe, which was embroidered with a flying golden dragon, demonstrating the majesty and dignity of the royal family.

After getting dressed, Liu Chan also walked into the hall.

In the hall, candles were brightly lit, and all the ministers and generals had been waiting for a long time.

They were actually very worried last night after learning that the emperor had been attacked and even fought with Wei generals and defeated Wei generals guarding Shouchun.

If His Majesty the Emperor gets injured, wouldn’t that be a disaster?

You know, even if you are wounded by swords, spears, or halberds, you may lose your life if you are not careful.

At this moment, they saw Liu Chan appear in front of them in his entirety, and the stone in their hearts finally fell to the ground.

Liu Chan waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet. His eyes swept across everyone present. It was a deep and powerful look, as if he could see into people's hearts.

He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a majesty that could not be ignored: "How is the battle situation ahead?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin took a step forward. He was wearing armor, standing tall, with a look of determination on his face.

He bowed respectfully, and then said: "Your Majesty, Shouchun has been captured. The Wei army was defeated and scattered, with more than 10,000 dead and more than 14,500 prisoners. There are countless food and weapons. Now the Wei army is holding the Huai River fort, but it is just struggling to survive."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan's face showed joy.

He nodded slightly, then asked, "How long can the food and grass in Shouchun last?"

Upon hearing this, the military grain and forage officer stepped forward immediately.

He was wearing a scholar's robe, had a gaunt face, and his eyes sparkled with wisdom.

He held the tablet in his hand, bowed to Liu Chan, and said, "Your Majesty, half a year is not a problem."

Liu Chan was stunned for a moment when he heard this. His brows slightly furrowed, as if he was a little puzzled.

He asked, "Only half a year? What's going on?"

You know, according to the news from the Secret Military Department, Shouchun City has enough food and grass to support the expenses of tens of thousands of people for several years. How come it has become half a year now?
Ah Huinan took a step forward at this moment. He was wearing armor, had a burly figure, and had a simple and honest look on his face.

He bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, before Sima Shi left, he burned most of the food and grass, so these are all that are left."

Liu Chan was solemn when he heard this. He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Half a year is not a long time, but it is enough for us to make some preparations. Pass my order to immediately mobilize troops and prepare to attack Huaishui Fort. We must let the Wei army know that even if they hold Huaishui Fort, they will not be able to survive!"

Liu Chan immediately stood up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and his words were filled with an unquestionable firmness: "Quickly capture the Huaishui Fort, advance to Huainan, and advance to Yingchuan, and take the land of western Henan into your pocket! How can we tolerate the invasion of Wei thieves in our great land of Han!"

However, just when Liu Chan was about to show his strength, Guan Xing stepped forward. He was wearing armor, standing tall, with a look of worry on his face.

He bowed respectfully, and then said, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid we'll have to stop fighting after we take down Huaishui Fort. In a few months it will be spring ploughing time, and the people's labor has been wasted too much. If we don't let them go back to farm, it will definitely affect the spring ploughing time."

Guan Xing's words stunned Liu Chan for a moment. His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes.

Spring ploughing is of vital importance to the country. If spring ploughing is delayed due to war, the foundation of the country will be shaken.

Liu Chan was silent for a moment, as if thinking about something.

Seeing that Liu Chan didn't say anything, Guan Xing continued, "There have been frequent disturbances in the four counties of southern Jing and the old land of Wu over the past month. My army has gone to war, and we have recruited too many people and wasted too much manpower. In addition, the soldiers have already complained about the winter expedition. They are far away from home, fighting on the battlefield, and are already exhausted physically and mentally. If they miss the spring ploughing, I am afraid it will cause even greater dissatisfaction."

Guan Xing's voice became louder and louder, his tone filled with urgency and worry.

If he didn't say these words to Liu Chan, then no one else would tell Liu Chan.

He hoped that Liu Chan could distinguish right from wrong and make the right decision.

Liu Chan looked solemn when he heard this.

What Guan Xing said made sense, but he didn't want to give up this rare opportunity.

Now that the Wei army has suffered a crushing defeat, it is time to achieve results.

However, he also knew that people's strength was the foundation of a country. If the people's strength was exhausted due to war, the country would fall into crisis.

He thought for a moment, then laughed: "Hahaha~"

After he finished laughing, Liu Chan said, "We have severely damaged the Wei army. We should use our remaining courage to pursue the enemy instead of seeking fame by imitating the Overlord. Attack for another month, then cease fire!"

Faithful words are good for deeds.

Guan Xing's words at this time did make Liu Chan alert.

Destroying Wei is not an easy task.

The State of Wei is still a giant. If you want to bring it down, you have to cut flesh and bleed day and night without recovery.

Shouchun was a big piece of his flesh, and Liu Chan wanted to make him bleed more.

As for the rear
Let the people suffer a little more!

According to Liu Chan's understanding, the rear would not collapse if they fought for another month.

But it won’t work any longer.

It will take at least a year to restore the country's strength.

The five-pronged attack on Wei was a drain on the country's national strength.

But between attack and defense, the Han State undoubtedly suffered greater consumption.

Cao Rui suffered a disastrous defeat just after he ascended the throne, and he appointed Shouchun to guard it. I'm afraid he will need to spend a lot of effort to consolidate his throne. (End of this chapter)