Shuhan

In recent days, smoke billowed and war drums thundered on the top of Zhuo County City. The warriors under Cao Zhen's command attacked the seemingly indestructible city walls again and again like a tide, but were repeatedly repelled by arrows and rolling logs and stones that rained down from the city.

Ten days of fierce attack resulted in only piles of corpses outside the city and the exhausted faces of the soldiers.

Zhuo County seemed to be guarded by a mysterious force. No matter how hard the Wei army fought, it remained standing.

The atmosphere in Cao Zhen's tent was so solemn that it was almost suffocating.

The flickering candlelight illuminated his face, which looked a little haggard from days of fighting, and his brows were filled with deep worry.

He sat at his desk, tapping the table lightly with his fingers, and every tap seemed to tell of his inner anxiety and uneasiness.

Outside the tent, the occasional neighing of war horses and whispers of soldiers could be heard, adding to the tense wartime atmosphere.

"Send it to the grain and fodder officer."

Cao Zhen gave the order in a deep voice. Although his voice was not loud, it revealed unquestionable majesty.

Soon, an official in armor and with a look of panic on his face hurried into the tent and knelt on the ground. He was the grain and fodder officer in charge of the supply of grain and fodder.

He was trembling, his hands clenched into fists, and he seemed to lack the courage to even look up at Cao Zhen.

"How much food and grass are left?" Cao Zhen's voice was calm, but it carried an irresistible force.

The grain officer swallowed his saliva and spoke with difficulty: "Reply...Reply to the general, the grain and grass...are not enough for one month."

When Cao Zhen heard this, his expression changed slightly and his brows furrowed, as if a huge rock was pressing on his heart.

One month is too short for a large army, especially when they are facing a protracted siege.

If he wanted to retreat, it would take at least half a month to prepare, which meant that he only had half a month left to capture Zhuo County, which was almost an impossible task.

"Go away." Cao Zhen waved his hand, signaling the grain officer to leave. Then his eyes fell on a burly and resolute-looking general in the tent - Gongsun Yuan.

Although this man was not a native general of the Wei State, he was brave, good at fighting, and had extraordinary wisdom, and was an important helper in Cao Zhen's expedition to Zhuo County.

"General Gongsun, stay, and the rest of you leave." Cao Zhen's words were brief and powerful. The other generals and staff in the tent bowed and left, leaving only Gongsun Yuan.

When there were only two of them left in the tent, Cao Zhen slowly stood up and walked in front of Gongsun Yuan, his eyes deep, as if he could see into people's hearts.

"General Gongsun, the situation is tense and time is running out. It is difficult to break the impasse without extraordinary measures. My idea is to pretend to retreat, lure the Han army out of the city for a field battle, and then annihilate them. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yuan was silent for a moment, frowning, obviously weighing the pros and cons.

The city of Zhuo County is strong and the defenders are tenacious. A forced attack on the city will only increase casualties, and the lack of food and fodder is the army's fatal weakness.

Gongsun Yuan thought for a moment, and finally nodded slowly, his voice low and firm: "General, what you said is very true. At present, this is the only feasible strategy. However, how to implement it still requires careful planning to prevent the Han army from seeing through it."

Cao Zhen nodded with satisfaction. He was well aware of Gongsun Yuan's wisdom and caution. With his help, the possibility of success of this plan would greatly increase.

So, the two began to discuss in detail the retreat route, time and how to set up an ambush, and they repeatedly considered every detail to ensure that there would be no mistakes.

As the night deepened, the firelight outside the tent became increasingly sparse, while the discussion inside the tent became more intense.

The figures of Cao Zhen and Gongsun Yuan flickered in the candlelight. Their faces were sometimes solemn and sometimes excited. Every decision they made was filled with a desire for victory.

Finally, a detailed plan took shape through the joint efforts of the two.

Cao Zhen decided to implement the retreat plan the next day. At the same time, he sent elite troops to ambush in the mountains and forests near Zhuo County. As soon as the Han army left the city to pursue, he would immediately launch a surprise attack and annihilate them in one fell swoop.

The next morning, the flags in the Wei army camp suddenly flew down, the war drums stopped, and the soldiers began to dismantle the tents and load supplies in an orderly manner, as if they were about to retreat.

When the Han army on the city wall of Zhuo County saw this, they were skeptical at first, but as time went on, the Wei army's "retreat" became more and more realistic.

On the top of the city wall of Zhuo County, the wind was cold and the snowflakes were flying, like thousands of silver arrows falling from the sky, mercilessly piercing every inch of exposed skin.

Zhao Yun was wearing heavy iron armor. The cold light on the armor contrasted with the white snow around him, making him look particularly cold.

His eyes were like those of an eagle, fixed on the Wei army that was retreating in an orderly manner in the distance. There was a complex light flashing in his eyes - relief at the enemy's retreat, and deep thought about the future situation.

Over the past ten days, the Wei army has been attacking the city gates of Zhuo County like a tide, and Zhao Yun has always been at the forefront, personally commanding every battle.

His figure was looming in the wind and snow, as if he had merged with this fortified city, becoming the most solid support in the hearts of the soldiers.

Under the armor, sweat and snow mixed together and soaked his clothes, but he didn't care at all, only because of his loyalty to the country and his desire to repay the kindness of the late emperor.

Deputy General Li Gan stood beside Zhao Yun, looking at the Wei army's gradually receding backs, feeling unwilling.

He is young and energetic, and his brows reveal a stubborn and unyielding spirit.

Seeing Zhao Yun remained silent, Li Gan could not help but take a step forward, with a bit of urgency in his voice: "General, how can we just watch the Wei army retreat? If we go out to intercept them now, we may be able to kill the Wei army and disperse them, and then seize Jizhou. This is a God-given opportunity!"

Hearing this, Zhao Yun frowned slightly, and withdrew his gaze from afar to Li Gan's face full of fighting spirit.

He knew Li Gan's bravery and loyalty, but sometimes in a war, bravery alone is not enough.

Zhao Yun shook his head slowly, his voice steady and firm: "We have limited soldiers under our command. It is not easy to digest Youzhou this year. Jizhou is also an important place for the Wei army. How can we take it easily? This time we hold Zhuo County and wait for the Wei army to withdraw. Our goal has been achieved. There is no need to take risks for a momentary impulse."

When Li Gan heard this, a trace of unwillingness flashed across his face, but due to Zhao Yun's majesty, he could only swallow back the words that were about to come out of his mouth, but there was still a gleam of unwillingness in his eyes.

He understood Zhao Yun's considerations, but as a military general, the passion in his bones made it difficult for him to accept such a conservative strategy.

At this time, on the streets under the city wall of Zhuo County, soldiers were busy carrying supplies, reinforcing the city walls, and preparing for the next possible round of attacks.

Although the Wei army has withdrawn, the shadow of war still looms over this land, making it impossible for people to completely relax their vigilance.

Outside Zhuo County, the footprints on the snow were gradually covered by newly fallen snow, and the retreat of the Wei army appeared to be both rapid and orderly.

Cao Zhen hid in the snowy forest, waiting for the Han army to attack.

His face was covered with fine beads of sweat. Although the weather was cold, his inner anxiety made him unable to calm down.

The original plan was to use the retreat to lure the Han army out of the city to pursue, and then use ambush troops to counterattack and defeat the Han army in one fell swoop, but now it seems that all this has come to nothing.

Plan closely.

But the Han army did not come out.

The plan was aborted.

Cao Zhen's gaze pierced through the dense forest and looked at the indestructible city wall of Zhuo County, and he couldn't help feeling a little annoyed.

Zhao Yun, this name is like an insurmountable mountain in his heart. No matter how he plans, the opponent can always see through it and remain unmoved.

He sighed and thought to himself, "Having a general like Zhao Yun in the Han army is a great threat to me."

As time went by, the Wei army had retreated almost completely, but the gates of Zhuo County remained closed, with no sign of leaving the city.

Cao Zhen's hope gradually faded, and he realized that the Han army would never fall into his trap.

He clenched his fists, digging his nails deep into his palms, but he didn't feel any pain at all, because the frustration in his heart was far greater than the physical pain.

"Retreat!" Cao Zhen finally gave the order, his voice deep and powerful.

If they do not retreat at this time, morale will only drop further, and they may even face a counterattack from the Han army.

As the order was given, the Wei army ambushed in the dense forest quickly took action. They disappeared silently in the snow, leaving behind only a series of footprints of varying depths, which were soon covered by the new snow.

On the city wall of Zhuo County, Zhao Yun looked in the direction where the Wei army had completely disappeared, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

Although this battle has come to a temporary end, there is still a long way to go and the war is far from over.

He turned around and said to Li Gan and the other soldiers: "Although we did not pursue the enemy in today's battle, we have defended Zhuo County, which is the greatest victory. Remember, a true warrior is not only brave enough to charge into battle, but also able to judge the situation and preserve his strength."

All the soldiers nodded when they heard this, their eyes flashing with admiration and trust for Zhao Yun. The snow continued to fall, covering the traces on the battlefield, as if nothing had happened.

But beneath this white snow, buried are the blood and tears of countless heroes.

. . .

Cao Zhen's fake retreat was like a carefully planned drama, but it inadvertently turned into a real strategic shift. This sudden change put Youzhou lord Gongsun Yuan into an unprecedented dilemma.

He stood in the forest, looking at the gradually disappearing figures of the Wei army in the distance, with mixed feelings in his heart, as if being attacked by a cold wind, cold and stinging. Gongsun Yuan was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe and a heavy fox fur coat on his shoulders, but even so, he still couldn't resist the chill that surged from the bottom of his heart.

To go, or not to go?

This question weighed on his mind like a huge rock, making it difficult for him to make a decision. If he left Youzhou, he would be like a tree without roots and water without a source, and the wealth and power in his hands would dissipate like quicksand; if he stayed, facing the covetous eyes of the Han State, how could he guarantee his life?

The Han Kingdom would never tolerate the existence of a disobedient King of Youzhou.

Gongsun Yuan's brows were furrowed, and his eyes were flashing with complex emotions, including unwillingness, fear, and a hint of stubbornness that was barely noticeable.

In the end, Gongsun Yuan decided to return to Ji County, which was his base and his last hope.

After returning to Ji County, he immediately set about strengthening the defense. On the city wall, the soldiers were busy carrying stones to reinforce the wall. On the arrow tower, the archers were on high alert, watching the surroundings vigilantly.

Gongsun Yuan personally inspected the area. Wherever he went, he asked about the defense situation in detail. He seemed extremely busy as he shuttled back and forth on the city wall.

At the same time, Gongsun Yuan also sent envoys to secretly go to the Han army camp, hoping to reach some conditions with Zhao Yun in order to preserve his status, power and wealth in Youzhou.

The messenger, carrying Gongsun Yuan's handwritten letter, carefully crossed the front line of the two armies and came to Zhao Yun's tent.

Zhao Yun was sitting at the desk, studying the map attentively. His face was serious and calm, and his eyes revealed an unquestionable firmness.

When the messenger presented Gongsun Yuan's letter, he just glanced at it and threw it aside.

Zhao Yun had already known about Gongsun Yuan's unreasonable demands. He would never allow a man with two minds to continue to control Youzhou.

So, Zhao Yun sent his brother-in-law Yang Zuo, who had defected from Gongsun Yuan, as an envoy to Ji County to persuade them to surrender.

Yang Zuo was wearing casual clothes and looked haggard, but his eyes were shining with determination. He came to Gongsun Yuan's mansion and met his former master and current opponent.

"Uncle, the Han Dynasty is willing to give you wealth and honor, and can also make you a duke, but military power is impossible." Yang Zuo said straight to the point. Although his voice was not loud, every word was clearly heard by Gongsun Yuan.

Gongsun Yuan's face changed when he heard this. He glared at Yang Zuo and said in a cold voice, "I have tens of thousands of elite soldiers. If we hold on to Ji County, when Wei collects food and grass, it's not certain whether Youzhou will be ours!"

Yang Zuo was not in a hurry. He continued, "Even if Wei occupies Youzhou, your army will be weak. Can you still be the king of Youzhou? How can you know that Wei will not take advantage of your weakness to eliminate you? Brother Gongsun, a man who knows the current situation is a hero. Why don't you obey the will of heaven and submit to the Han Dynasty to protect your life and wealth?"

Gongsun Yuan was furious when he heard this. He slammed the table, stood up, glared at Yang Zuo, and said loudly: "Don't say anything more! How can I, Gongsun Yuan, be a coward? Even if I die on the battlefield, I will never bow to the Han Kingdom!"

Yang Zuo looked at Gongsun Yuan's angry expression, but his heart was calm.

Gongsun Yuan has reached a dead end, but he just doesn't want to admit it.

So he said no more, just looked at Gongsun Yuan deeply, then turned and left.

Gongsun Yuan looked at Yang Zuo's back, and an indescribable humiliation and anger surged in his heart.

Although Yang Zuo's words were harsh, they were true.

However, he still refused to give up, as he believed he still had a chance of survival.

He immediately expelled Yang Zuo from Ji County, and also expelled his sister from Ji County, and strengthened the city defenses in preparation for the upcoming battle.

However, Zhao Yun had already seen through Gongsun Yuan's bluff.

If you want to take over Youzhou, you must take over the tough nut of Ji County.

As a result, the Han army began to mobilize troops and prepare to launch a general attack on Ji County.

the other side.

Under the blue sky of Jinyang City in Taiyuan, the sky was filled with blazing fires and the drums of war never stopped. The life of General Tian Yu, who was protecting the Xiongnu, was truly a torment.

Jinyang City had gone through countless storms, but at this moment it was like a small boat, shaking under the fierce offensive of the Han army.

For nearly two months, the Han army's iron hooves have never stopped. They are like a group of hungry wolves, biting Jinyang tightly. The so-called support is like the stars in the sky, which is out of reach.

Tian Yu stood on the city wall, wearing heavy armor. Every wear and tear on the armor recorded the hardships of the battle.

His face was haggard and his eye sockets were sunken, but his eyes were still sharp, revealing an unyielding light.

He tightly grasped the sword in his hand, and the tip of the sword lightly tapped the ground, as if it was the last bit of persistence in his heart.

"No matter how strong a city is, it cannot be defended forever." Tian Yu sighed inwardly.

Food and grass are the key to defending a city, but Jinyang’s granary is becoming increasingly empty.

Fatigue and hunger were written all over the soldiers' faces, and despair began to show in their eyes.

Tian Yu saw it all and felt pain in his heart. He knew he had to find a way to boost morale, otherwise the city would fall without a fight.

A month ago, Tian Yu received news that Liang Xi, the governor of Bingzhou, was coming south to provide support. At that moment, a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart.

He immediately wrote a letter, detailing the plight of Jinyang and requesting Liang Xi to send troops as soon as possible.

However, hope is always short-lived.

Not long after, Liang Xi's reply was like a basin of cold water, extinguishing the fire in Tian Yu's heart.

It turned out that Bingzhou was also attacked by the Han State, and Liang Xi had to return to rescue, and Tian Yu was once again trapped in an isolated situation.

"There's really no hope in defending the city!" Tian Yu looked into the distance, his heart filled with helplessness and sadness.

As night fell, Jinyang City fell into silence.

Tian Yu sat alone on the city wall, staring at the starry sky in a daze.

His thoughts were like drifting clouds and smoke, unable to condense.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps, and a messenger came running in with an urgent letter in his hand.

"General, there is an urgent letter for you!" The messenger's voice trembled a little. Obviously, the content of the letter was unusual.

Tian Yu took the letter, opened it, and his face suddenly changed.

The letter said that the Han army had captured Mayi and taken control of Yanmen County. Liang Xi was seriously injured in the battle and his life or death was unknown.

To make matters worse, the Han army was mobilizing a large army to launch a final offensive against Jinyang.

"This..." The letter in Tian Yu's hand slipped weakly, and an unprecedented fear surged in his heart.

He knew that he had reached a dead end and could no longer turn back.

However, he could not give up just like that; he had to fight for the last glimmer of hope for the Wei Dynasty.

Tian Yu took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner panic.

He summoned all the generals, told them the contents of the letter, and announced a bold plan - a night attack on the Han army camp.

This plan is extremely risky, but it is their only chance to turn the situation around.

Complete his work in one battle.

Win, keep holding on.
lost
He has given some explanation to the Wei Dynasty. (End of this chapter)