Shuhan

The next day, as the morning light began to break, the sky turned pale, then light blue, and finally clear.

The sunlight shines gently onto the earth through the sparse clouds, as if it were nature's most delicate brushstroke, covering this land that has suffered from the severe cold of winter with a layer of soft golden gauze.

The snow had completely melted away, leaving only mottled traces of water, sparkling with silver light in the morning light.

Among the withered yellow grass, the tips of tender green buds can be vaguely seen. They are the earliest messengers of spring, announcing the return of vitality.

The gentle spring breeze not only blows away the dullness of winter, but also brings the fragrance of flowers and soil, making people feel relaxed and happy.

After a long winter of silence, Cloud City finally reached a turning point in its destiny.

The city gates were wide open, like open arms, welcoming the incoming new owner.

Liang Xi, the governor of Bingzhou, stood at the city gate, wearing a wolf-fur coat on his shoulders, surrounded by a group of generals.

His eyes were complex, showing both the struggle and unwillingness before surrendering, as well as expectations and relief for the future.

The decision to surrender not only concerns personal honor and wealth, but also affects the safety of all the people in the city.

In the distance, a thin black line gradually emerged on the horizon, like an ink mark on the horizon, slowly approaching the City in the Clouds.

As the distance shortened, the black line gradually became clearer and turned into a mighty cavalry team with flags waving, thundering horse hooves, flying dust, and a magnificent momentum.

This is the Han army.

When the Han cavalry was only five hundred steps away from Yunzhong City, the team suddenly stopped, the horses neighed, and the dust settled.

A great general rode out on his horse. He was Jiang Wei. He was riding a tall black horse. His armor gleamed brightly in the sun. He held a spear in his hand and looked very heroic.

He looked down at Liang Xi with a sharp gaze, and said in a loud voice: "Mr. Liang is willing to surrender, and the Han Dynasty will naturally treat him with courtesy. He will be granted the title of marquis, and wealth and glory will not be lacking."

The voice penetrated the sky and echoed across the empty plain, allowing everyone present to feel the kindness and power coming from the big man.

Upon hearing this, Liang Xi became respectful, and his inner struggle turned into calm.

The wheel of history rolls forward, and individual power cannot stop it.

He bowed deeply to Jiang Wei and said sincerely, "The Mandate of Heaven is with the Han Dynasty. We should respect the Han Dynasty as the legitimate government. A banquet has been prepared in the city. We are willing to welcome you, General."

Liang Xi's attitude is both a submission to reality and a relief to himself.

However, Jiang Wei waved his hand gently, with a hint of caution in his eyes: "Your Majesty has said that we should not enter Jiangcheng lightly. It will not be too late to enter after my army has taken over Yunzhong City."

After saying this, he slightly turned sideways, signaling the soldiers behind him to start taking action.

Seeing this, a trace of embarrassment flashed across Liang Xi's face, but he quickly covered it up with a smile, secretly admiring the rigor and discipline of the Han army.

Afterwards, the Han army poured into Yunzhong City like a tide, but did not disturb the people. Instead, they quickly and orderly occupied various key positions to ensure that there were no ambushes in the city.

The soldiers were well-trained and agile, demonstrating the Han army's strong combat effectiveness and efficient organizational capabilities.

The people in the city were terrified at first, but when they saw that the Han army had not harmed a single person, they gradually calmed down. Some even quietly opened the door, stuck their heads out, and looked at this legendary victorious army with curiosity.

After making sure everything was safe, Jiang Wei finally entered the city with Liang Xi and officials from Bingzhou.

He has a tall and straight stature and walks steadily, and every step he takes reveals the confidence and composure of a winner.

Liang Xi and others followed closely behind, feeling mixed emotions, including anticipation for the future but also a little bit of loss.

The lobby of the government office in the city had already been decorated magnificently, and a grand banquet was awaiting the arrival of distinguished guests.

Although Jiang Wei declined several times, he finally took the main seat at Liang Xi's insistence.

The seat, made of precious mahogany and covered with soft tiger skin, symbolized nobility.

After Jiang Wei sat down, he glanced around and secretly admired Liang Xi's pomp and taste.

As Jiang Wei took his seat, the banquet officially began.

The beautiful girls in thin clothes moved lightly among the banquet. They had graceful figures and their every move revealed endless temptation.

Especially when they poured wine for Jiang Wei, their unintentional movements showed off their plump figures and seductive curves to the fullest.

The beauties have charming smiles and alluring eyes, as if they can see into people's hearts, yet they keep just the right distance, making people yearn for them yet unable to reach them.

In the hall, dancers were dancing gracefully. They were dressed in colorful clothes and held their long sleeves in their hands. As the soft music played, they spun and jumped lightly, like blooming flowers, shining brilliantly under the lights.

The music included both passionate war songs and graceful sounds of the zither and the harp, interweaving into one moving piece of music after another, which made people indulge in it and forget the troubles of the world.

Various delicacies were brought up one by one by the maids in red. They were colorful, fragrant and delicious, making people salivate.

There is the roast duck that is roasted to golden and crispy, with crispy skin on the outside and tender meat on the inside; there is the lamb that is stewed until it is soft and tasty, with a fragrant aroma and melts in your mouth; there are also a variety of seasonal vegetables that are fresh and refreshing, and can relieve greasiness and stimulate the appetite.

Each dish embodies the chefs’ hard work and wisdom, allowing people to experience the customs and culture of Bingzhou while tasting the delicious food.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

Liang Xi expressed his thoughts to Jiang Wei under the influence of alcohol: "General, you are leading the Han army, Bingzhou no longer needs me. I would like to go to Chang'an and pay my respects to Your Majesty to show my submission."

He looked at Jiang Wei with burning eyes, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

He had thought about it carefully before. Jiang Wei was unwilling to let him surrender Bingzhou, perhaps because he was afraid that he would take the credit.

In this case, it would be a wise choice for him to take the initiative to leave Bingzhou and go to Chang'an to become a rich man.

However, Jiang Wei laughed and broke the silence: "Mr. Liang has been in charge of Bingzhou for several years and knows this place very well. To recapture Bingzhou this time, we still need Mr. Liang's help. How can we leave so easily?"

His voice was loud and firm, as if it could penetrate people's hearts.

When Liang Xi heard this, a hint of surprise and expectation flashed in his eyes.

He didn't expect Jiang Wei to value him so much, which made him realize his own value again.

So Liang Xi informed Jiang Wei of the situation in each county of Bingzhou one by one.

He described in detail the population distribution, powerful forces, troop deployment, and temperamental characteristics of various places, without leaving out any detail.

Jiang Wei listened carefully and nodded in agreement from time to time.

He had already begun to plan a strategy to recover the remaining counties in Bingzhou.

To truly unify Bingzhou, not only military conquest is needed, but also wisdom and strategy.

And this information from Liang Xi undoubtedly provided him with valuable reference.

As the conversation deepened, Liang Xi gradually relaxed his guard and began to give Jiang Wei advice sincerely, hoping to contribute his own strength to the recovery of Bingzhou.

Since he has surrendered to the Han Dynasty, he has become a Han minister. Why not climb to a higher position in the Han court?

Jiang Wei also responded to Liang Xi with a more sincere attitude, and the relationship between the two men underwent subtle changes unknowingly.

They were no longer enemies, but allies working together towards the same goal.

The banquet came to an end amid laughter and joy, but the conversation between Jiang Wei and Liang Xi continued.

the other side.

In the vast land of Hongnong County, spring has quietly arrived, and all things are reviving and full of vitality.

Liu Chan, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, has been staying in the palace in Huayin City for several months.

Here, far away from the smoke of battlefield, military intelligence from all directions is gathered.

Although the decoration inside the palace is not luxurious, it is unique and fully demonstrates the style of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne, wearing a yellow robe and a crown, with a look of emperor between his eyebrows. His eyes were deep, as if he could penetrate the layers of fog and look directly into the unknown future.

At this moment, he was staring down, waiting for Prime Minister Zhuge Liang's answer.

Zhuge Liang, the wise man known as "Wolong", wore the prime minister's robe and held a feather fan, but his brows could not hide his sadness.

The current situation is extremely serious.

The army that marched eastward to Hongnong was originally supposed to be the main attack direction, but due to the rapid advancement of the northern front, it became a side force.

Sima Yi, who was guarding Hongnong, was known for his prudence. His way of using troops was as solid as a rock. In a short period of time, there was no possibility of taking Hongnong.

"Your Majesty, we are running out of food and grass." Zhuge Liang's voice was low and heavy, and every word was like a hammer, hitting Liu Chan's heart.

Food and fodder are the lifeblood of the army. Once they are cut off, the consequences will be disastrous.

At this moment, it is the spring ploughing season, and the Guanzhong area needs a large amount of labor. If the war continues, it will not only affect the spring ploughing, but may also cause public resentment.

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan nodded slightly with a serious expression.

He naturally knew that what Zhuge Liang said was true. Although the rapid progress in the north was encouraging, it also lengthened the grain routes and increased the loss of food and fodder.

In addition, with spring plowing approaching, the livelihoods of the people in Guanzhong cannot be ignored.

However, if he withdrew his troops at this time, the 100,000 Wei troops attracted to Hongnong would be like wild horses that had broken free from their reins, and might move to Youzhou or Bingzhou. At that time, the situation might change drastically again.

Liu Chan's gaze lingered on Zhuge Liang's face for a moment. He saw the determination and wisdom in Zhuge Liang's eyes, as well as the worry about the future.

At this time, he had to make a decision, a decision that could ensure the supply of food and grass without affecting the war situation.

"Take the Wuguan Road and transfer grain from Jingzhou." Liu Chan's voice was firm and powerful, as if every word contained infinite power.

"Women and children in Guanzhong can all do spring ploughing. This campaign is the time to reap the fruits of our labor. Let the people suffer! But for the sake of the Han Dynasty and the well-being of the people, we have no choice."

Zhuge Liang had a different opinion at this moment.

"Your Majesty, even if we withdraw our troops, the 100,000 Wei troops in Hongnong County will not be able to easily move to Youzhou or Bingzhou."

Zhuge Liang's voice was low and firm, as if it could penetrate the fog of the battlefield.

"Wei is now surrounded by enemies on all sides. Qingzhou has been turned upside down by General Zilong and cannot be self-sufficient. Instead, it needs food and grass support from other states and counties in Wei. The food and grass requisitioned by Jizhou was burned by General Zilong in Zhuo County. Cao Zhen's army of tens of thousands is already short of food and grass. If he sends more troops, he will probably starve."

At this point, Zhuge Liang paused slightly, his eyes were sharp, he scanned the generals present, and continued: "As for the road to Bingzhou, it is tortuous and dangerous, and it will not be achieved in a day. Your Majesty has successfully tied down the main force of the Wei army. Now retreating is not only for the spring plowing plan, but also for preserving strength. Spring plowing is related to the foundation of the country. Although the people will suffer a little, there is a long way to go. If we exhaust the national strength for the current war, I am afraid that we will really have no food and grass to conquer Wei and restore the Han Dynasty next year."

Liu Chan listened to Zhuge Liang's analysis with a frown on his face, nodding from time to time, and sometimes thinking.

His heart was full of contradictions and struggles: on the one hand, he was well aware of the importance of food and fodder, and also understood the significance of spring plowing to the country's future; on the other hand, as the king of a country, he was unwilling to easily give up the results of the war that had already been obtained, and even more unwilling to let the people suffer too much.

Finally, Liu Chan slowly raised his head and said with a firm look: "What the Prime Minister said is very true, but I have made up my mind. I can transfer 30,000 people back to Guanzhong to cultivate the land and plough in the spring to ensure the foundation of the country. However, I must not return to Chang'an. I want to tour the north to calm the people in the north. What do you think?"

Zhuge Liang was slightly stunned when he heard this, but then fell into deep thought.

He was well aware that Liu Chan's northern tour was of extraordinary significance. It would not only calm the people in the north, but also demonstrate the majesty and determination of the Han emperor.

However, he also understood that the journey was full of unknowns and dangers.

After a moment, Zhuge Liang nodded his head in deep thought and said, "Your Majesty, with your majesty's divine power, Bingzhou and Youzhou will surely be more stable. This is a good move, but Hongnong also needs to be on guard against Sima Yi."

Liu Chan nodded and said firmly, "Leave 20,000 men here to defend the city. Sima Yi is cautious and will not dare to attack. Even if he does, we will have time to react."

When Zhuge Liang heard this, he immediately praised it.

His Majesty's decision was made based on the overall situation, so he naturally could not refuse.

The current situation is favorable to the Han Dynasty, and if appropriate, we can indeed speed up the progress.

Dozens of miles away.

On the city wall of Hongnong County, Sima Yi's figure appeared particularly lonely and determined.

He was wearing a dark grey battle robe, the corners of which swayed gently in the wind, as if blending into the city wall.

Sima Yi had a stern face and deep eyes, as if he could see through all the vanity in the world.

At this moment, he was gazing into the distance, but his heart was like the surging waves, difficult to calm down.

Naturally, Sima Yi could not escape the sight of the Han army's actions.

He had already learned that Liu Chan had decided to withdraw his troops and dispatched some troops back to Guanzhong to cultivate farmland and engage in spring plowing.

In Sima Yi's view, this move was full of cunning and trickery.

Liu Chan was no ordinary person, and this move must have had some profound meaning.

Perhaps, this was a trap set by Liu Chan to lure him to send troops?

Or perhaps, this was a trap set up by Liu Chan to conceal his true intentions?

Sima Yi's heart was full of doubts and anxieties, and he did not act rashly.

His own mission was to defend the Hongnong County City and ensure that Wei's territory was not lost.

In this chaotic world, he does not seek to achieve anything meritorious, but only to avoid making mistakes.

As long as he can defend this city, he will have accomplished a great feat. Why take unnecessary risks?

However, as news from Bingzhou and Youzhou came, Sima Yi's brows furrowed more and more.

The military report said: Wei's war in these two states and counties was not going well, and it could even be said that it was in trouble.

Qingzhou was turned upside down by Zhao Yun and was unable to be self-sufficient. Instead, it needed food and grass support from other states and counties of Wei.

The grain and fodder requisitioned by Jizhou met with an accident in Zhuo County and were completely burned.

The tens of thousands of troops under Cao Zhen were already short of food and fodder, let alone sending more troops to support other battlefields.

This news was like a bolt from the blue, making Sima Yi feel extremely heavy.

He was one with the State of Wei, and the rise and fall, honor and disgrace of the State of Wei were directly related to his future wealth and honor.

Now that the State of Wei is weak, can he really keep his wealth and power?
He couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

As the night deepened, the moonlight sprinkled on the city wall like water.

Sima Yi's figure appeared even more lonely and determined under the moonlight.

He gazed into the distance, but his heart was like the surging waves, difficult to calm down.

You must make a decision, a decision that can ensure your future of wealth and prosperity.

However, this decision is not easy to make.

Once they sent troops to harass the Han army, they might fall into the trap set by Liu Chan.

And if he did not send troops and just watched the Han army retreat calmly, how would he explain to the Wei court?

How to explain to the soldiers who are expecting him to achieve great things?

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

He paced and stopped from time to time, as if he was engaging in a silent battle with himself.

Hey~
Could it be that the three generations of Cao Wei's foundation could not withstand the fate of Han? (End of this chapter)