Shuhan

In Zhuo County, the winter sky seemed to be shrouded in endless leaden clouds, and heavy snow fell like thousands of feathers scattered from the sky, covering every corner of this ancient city.

Although the New Year has passed, the cold does not seem to have subsided at all. Instead, it has become more severe, indicating that the long and harsh winter will continue.

The houses on both sides of the street were covered with snow.

In this ancient city carved out of ice and snow, the Zhao Mansion in the center of the city is brightly lit.

Zhao Yun, wearing a thick sable fur coat, sat upright on the main seat, with a calm face and sharp eyes, as if he could penetrate the wind and snow in front of him and look directly at the unknown battlefield.

There were a few unmelted snowflakes in his hair, but they did not diminish his majesty at all. Instead, they added a bit of indomitable heroism.

Below him, a middle-aged man in iron armor and with a resolute face was standing respectfully. This man was the head of the spy army in the Youzhou area, responsible for collecting and transmitting important intelligence from the front line.

He clenched his hands into fists, clearly feeling heavy over the news he was about to report.

"General, the coalition forces of Cao Zhen and Gongsun Yuan have launched a fierce attack on the valley north of Ji County for ten consecutive days, but have not been able to capture it so far."

The voice of the head of the Jianjun Division was low and powerful, and every word clearly struck the hearts of everyone present.

"Now, they have changed their strategy and are moving towards Zhuo County. At the same time, Jizhou's troops have also begun to gather towards Zhuo County. It seems that Cao Zhen has no intention of giving up Youzhou. Instead, he has mobilized more troops and is preparing for a life-and-death battle."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun curled up the corner of his mouth into a sneer, a smile that contained both contempt for the enemy and confidence in his own troops.

"Cao Zhen has no food or grass, yet he still dares to attack. He really doesn't know his own limitations."

His voice was not loud, but it was full of unquestionable firmness.

"We just need to hold on to Zhuo County and wait for them to tire themselves out. Within a month, they will surely retreat due to lack of food. If they still don't retreat after a month, they will be courting death. Our army will definitely annihilate the invading enemy!"

After saying this, Zhao Yun swept his gaze over every general present. His eyes contained both encouragement and irresistible commands.

When the generals heard this, they were all cheered up, as if Zhao Yun's words had ignited their fighting spirit. They all nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense and heated.

Zhao Yun stood up, walked to the window, stared at the heavy snow outside, but his heart was clear.

This battle not only concerns the safety of Youzhou, but also provides important support for the Han Dynasty's Northern Expedition.

"Pass the order down, strengthen the city defense, and all soldiers enter wartime status. There must be no slackness." Zhao Yun's voice penetrated the wind and snow, spread throughout the government office, and reached the hearts of every soldier.

He turned around, his eyes sharp, and said to the person in charge of the Inter-military Department: "Continue to pay close attention to the enemy's movements, and report any signs of movement immediately."

The head of the spy army took the order and left, while Zhao Yun stayed where he was, silently thinking about the next strategic layout in his mind.

"Since we have to hold on, the fortifications are our lifeline." Zhao Yun thought to himself. Although his voice was light, it revealed an unquestionable firmness.

He turned around and said to the generals around him in a steady and powerful tone: "Before the Wei army arrives, we must race against time and use this cold winter day to pour water into ice and build two citadels to form a horn with Zhuo County and protect each other."

Zhao Yun took action immediately and personally commanded the soldiers to act quickly.

They wore thick cotton clothes and held wooden buckets, drawing clean water from the wells in the city and splashing it along a pre-planned route.

The wind was freezing cold, and as soon as the water droplets hit the ground, they mixed with soil and rocks and quickly froze into ice, forming solid ice walls.

Zhao Yun shuttled back and forth, checking the thickness and solidity of the ice wall from time to time. His face was red from the cold, but there was an unyielding light in his eyes.

"General, can this ice wall really withstand the attack of the Wei army?" A young soldier revealed a hint of doubt in his eyes.

Zhao Yun patted his shoulder, his tone gentle but firm: "Don't worry, although this ice wall is not a solid fortress, it is enough to serve as a barrier for us in the severe cold. What's more, we have other strategies to defend the city."

Under the leadership of Zhao Yun, the soldiers began to build equipment to defend the city.

They cut down trees to make arrows; they smelted iron to forge swords and spears.

The entire Zhuo County seemed to have turned into a huge arsenal, and every corner was filled with a tense and orderly atmosphere.

Zhao Yun personally supervised to ensure that every weapon was in optimal condition. His figure appeared particularly tall in the firelight, as if he was an unshakable monument.

At the same time, Zhao Yun knew very well that the battle to defend the city was not only a military contest, but also a game of public opinion and logistics.

He mobilized the people of Zhuo County and promised them rewards.

The people responded positively. They either carried supplies or built fortifications. Everyone contributed to the defense of the city in his own way.

Zhao Yun felt a warm feeling in his heart as he watched this scene. He believed that with the support of the people, Zhuo County would be able to hold on to the end.

In order to ensure that the Wei army could not get supplies, Zhao Yun decided to implement the strategy of "building walls and clearing the fields".

He sent elite scouts deep into enemy territory to investigate the movements of the Wei army. At the same time, he cleared all supplies that could be used by the Wei army, including food and fodder, within a ten-mile radius of Zhuo County.

All the people within a radius of fifty miles were also moved into the city to ensure their safety and cut off the Wei army's logistical supply lines.

This decision undoubtedly brought great inconvenience to the people of Zhuo County, but Zhao Yun knew very well that it was for the overall situation.

Anyone who dares to disobey can only respond with weapons.

As time went by, Zhuo County's defense system gradually improved.

The two Acropolis were like two huge arms, tightly guarding the county town. The people in the city, under the leadership of Zhao Yun, united as one to resist the coming storm.

Zhao Yun stood on the top of the city wall, looking at everything in front of him, his heart filled with pride and confidence.

However, he knew that the real test was yet to come.

The iron hooves of the Wei army will soon break through the snow and arrive at the city of Zhuo County. Only then will the real contest begin.

But Zhao Yun was not afraid. He believed that as long as he had firm beliefs, the support of the people and the bravery of his soldiers, Zhuo County would be able to hold on to the end and welcome the dawn of victory.

The cold wind was still howling and the snow was still falling, but inside Zhuo County, there was a steaming scene.

Zhao Yun stood on the top of the city wall, his figure looked particularly tall in the wind and snow, and his eyes revealed his firm belief and indomitable will.

All matters concerning the defense of the city were gradually settled under Zhao Yun's meticulous arrangement. The solid ice wall, complete city defense equipment, and soldiers ready for battle, everything was ready, waiting for the unknown sound of war drums.

Just as Zhao Yun was standing on the city wall, gazing into the distance and thinking about his next strategy in his mind, a personal guard walked up quickly. His steps were steady and his eyes revealed awe for Zhao Yun.

The guard saluted Zhao Yun and announced in a loud voice, "General, Liu from Zhuo County wants to see you."

When Zhao Yun heard this, his eyes lit up instantly, as if a ray of winter sunshine penetrated the thick clouds.

The Liu family of Zhuojun, a clan with close ties to the Han royal family, is of self-evident importance.

The late Emperor Liu Bei, the great monarch who was famous for his benevolence and founded the Han Dynasty, was from the Liu family of Zhuo County.

Zhao Yun thought to himself that perhaps among these Liu clan members who came to visit, there was an old man who had witnessed the late emperor with his own eyes.

"Please come to the hall quickly." There was a hint of urgency in Zhao Yun's words.

He then turned around and strode towards the lobby.

After returning to the lobby, Zhao Yun quickly changed into formal clothes, which was a battle robe embroidered with cloud and dragon patterns. Wearing it, he looked more heroic and majestic.

Not long after, the representatives of the Liu family of Zhuo County slowly walked into the hall. The leader was an old man, wearing a Confucian robe, with fluttering sleeves, white hair and beard, a kind face, and eyes that revealed a kind of wisdom and calmness after experiencing vicissitudes of life.

Behind the old man were several younger clansmen, who were also well-dressed and well-mannered, and were obviously well-educated children of the aristocratic families.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun hurried forward, clasped his hands together, and said respectfully, "Mr. Liu, I am Zhao Yun, honored."

His attitude was sincere and he was not at all arrogant.

The old man smiled and said in return, "General Zhao, you are too polite. We, the Liu family of Zhuo County, have been waiting for the royal army for a long time. Now that the royal army has finally arrived, we are very pleased."

As he spoke, he pointed to the tribesmen behind him and continued, "This is Liu Li, who has a blood relationship with the late emperor. We are here this time, firstly to express our welcome to the Han Dynasty's imperial division, and secondly to discuss major plans with the general."

Upon hearing this, Liu Li took a step forward and said, "General Zhao, my Liu family in Zhuo County is one of the clans that have been passed down from the Han Dynasty. Although we have experienced many ups and downs, we have always been concerned about the Han Dynasty. This time, the Wei army is approaching, and although we are a noble family, we are willing to contribute to the Han Dynasty. I have already communicated with the noble families in Zhuo County. If the Han Dynasty can treat them well and guarantee their power and status, they will definitely serve the Han Dynasty and sacrifice their lives without hesitation."

As Zhao Yun listened to Liu Li's words, a warm feeling surged in his heart.

With the support of the Zhuo County gentry, not only can people's hearts be greatly stabilized, but it can also add a force that cannot be underestimated in future battles.

He immediately said solemnly: "Mr. Liu, Brother Liu Li, rest assured that the Han Dynasty will never forget those brave warriors and loyal nobles who shed blood and sacrificed their lives for the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty will reward all those who have made contributions, preserve their power and status, and let their descendants enjoy the grace of the Han Dynasty."

After saying this, Zhao Yun and the Liu family members looked at each other and smiled. It was a kind of tacit understanding and also a kind of trust.

Afterwards, Zhao Yun asked in detail about the current situation in Zhuo County, as well as the needs and concerns of the gentry.

He listened patiently, nodded from time to time to show his understanding, and occasionally offered some constructive suggestions, making everyone present feel his care.

After the meeting, Zhao Yun personally escorted the Liu family members to the gate of the mansion.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, five days have passed.

The sky was filled with wind and snow, and the world was vast, as if even time was covered by the thick white snow.

In this land shrouded in silver, the allied forces of Cao Zhen and Gongsun Yuan finally arrived. Although their steps were hindered by the wind and snow, their tremendous momentum was like a sharp blade that could break the ice, unstoppable.

The 100,000-strong army, plus the logistics civilians, marched like a giant black dragon, winding forward on the snow, its power unmatched.

Zhao Yun stood on the top of Zhuo County City, looking at the enemy army gradually approaching in the distance, with a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

This battle will be the key to determining the fate of Zhuo County and even the entire Han Dynasty.

He must grasp every detail and take advantage of every possible advantage.

When the allied forces began to surround Zhuo County and the two citadels, Zhao Yun responded quickly.

He sent out a thousand cavalrymen, who, while the Wei army had not yet formed an encirclement, rushed out of the city gate like a storm and attacked the Wei army directly.

These one thousand cavalrymen were all warriors carefully selected by Zhao Yun. They had superb riding skills and strong martial arts. They were like a sharp dagger that instantly penetrated into the Wei army's formation.

The Wei army was caught off guard by this sudden attack and its formation was thrown into chaos.

The cavalrymen waved their spears and hacked at the enemies around them. Their figures appeared and disappeared in the wind and snow, like ghosts.

The Wei army soldiers cried out in surprise and tried to keep their footing, but in the chaos, they were like headless flies, running around in panic.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun nodded secretly in his heart.

This is just the beginning, the real battle is yet to come.

He ordered the thousand cavalrymen to hide in the city quickly after luring the Wei cavalry to pursue them, and use the cover of the city walls to avoid the pursuit of the Wei army.

After several rounds of this, the Wei army was still unable to form an effective encirclement.

Whenever they tried to tighten the encirclement, Zhao Yun would send out cavalry to disrupt their formation.

Although this tactic was simple, it was very effective. It made the Wei army's soldiers exhausted and their morale was greatly reduced.

It was not until the early morning of the next day that the Wei army barely completed the siege of Zhuo County.

After this siege, there was a more intense siege.

The Wei army was obviously well prepared. They brought with them sufficient siege equipment, from ladders to battering rams.

Amid the deafening sound of war drums, the Wei army launched a fierce attack on Zhuo County.

They were so powerful that they seemed to be ready to capture the city in one fell swoop.

Although the Han army defending the city was brave and good at fighting, they suffered heavy losses under the overwhelming offensive of the Wei army.

Many soldiers fell in a pool of blood. Their figures gradually blurred in the wind and snow and became part of the land.

However, Zhuo County also had sufficient city defense equipment.

Zhao Yun had long anticipated that the Wei army would launch such a fierce offensive, so he prepared a large number of rolling logs, stones and other city defense supplies in advance.

When the Wei army tried to approach the city, these city defense equipment fell down like divine soldiers from the sky, smashing the Wei soldiers into pieces.

This offensive and defensive battle was like a huge meat grinder, constantly devouring the lives of both sides.

Every charge and every defense is accompanied by countless casualties.

In this brutal battle, there was no room for either side to retreat.

Zhao Yun stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the tragic battlefield, his heart full of determination.

This battle was not only to defend Zhuo County, but also for the restoration of the Han Dynasty.

If the State of Wei could defeat these 100,000 troops, it would be nothing to mention.

Therefore, he must hold on until the very end.

As time went on, the fighting became more intense.

The Wei army continued to launch offensives, but the Han army relied on its strong city walls and sufficient supplies to repel the enemy's attacks time and time again.

Both sides are trying their best to win this battle.

However, war is cruel and it will not change because of the will of either side.

Both sides paid a heavy price in this battle.

Many brave soldiers fell on the battlefield, their blood dyed the land red, and became the heaviest footnote of this war.

Finally, when night fell, the fighting came to a temporary halt.

Both sides rested in the night and prepared for the next round of battle.

Both parties are gamblers, but there is only one winner! (End of this chapter)