Shuhan

"Brother Ziwen, please stop!"

Cao Zhang rode a majestic warhorse and slowly passed through the gate of Yecheng. His figure was elongated in the afterglow of the setting sun, appearing particularly resolute.

He said to Cao Zhen: "Can you let me see the situation in the city?"

Cao Zhen's eyes flashed. If it were anyone else, he would certainly refuse. However, if Cao Zhang saw the situation in the city, it would discourage him from persuading the enemy to surrender and would also make the Han army outside the city retreat.

He immediately said, "Brother, please do as you please."

After saying this, he took the lead and entered the city.

Cao Zhang followed closely behind, slowly observing the situation in Yecheng.

On the city wall, soldiers were busy shuttling back and forth, some were reinforcing the city defenses, some were carrying rolling logs and arrows, and others were adjusting gold juice and other city defense equipment.

The air was filled with a tense and orderly atmosphere, as if even the wind carried a sense of solemnity.

Cao Zhang looked at this scene, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

This war has cost Yecheng a huge price. The people in the city were conscripted as laborers and worked day and night just to protect the city.

Their faces were filled with fatigue, but there was an unyielding light in their eyes, which was a glimmer of commitment to their homeland and hope for the future.

Cao Zhang dismounted, handed the reins to the attendant who came towards him, and walked towards the general's mansion.

His steps were steady and powerful, and every step seemed to speak of his inner determination.

Along the way, he saw many wounded people, some lying on simple stretchers, some being supported to walk, but even so, there was no fear or despair on their faces.

Cao Zhang couldn't help but feel heavy in his heart. He came here today to persuade the enemy to surrender, but he was afraid that it would not be very smooth.

It was thanks to these tenacious soldiers and civilians that Yecheng was able to stand firm under the fierce offensive of the Han army for ten days.

This is Cao Zhen’s reliance!

Walking into the lobby of the General's Mansion, Cao Zhang saw that Cao Zhen had been sitting in the main seat waiting for a long time.

Cao Zhen was wearing armor, his face was stern, and his eyes revealed an unquestionable firmness.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and Cao Zhen spoke first, his voice low and powerful: "Brother Ziwen, are you here to persuade us to surrender?"

Cao Zhang was slightly startled when he heard this, then nodded and said, "The situation in the world is now very clear, why is Zidan still resisting? The Emperor of the Han Dynasty is a wise ruler. If you can surrender with the city this time, His Majesty will surely use you."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhen sneered, his laughter was full of sarcasm and disdain: "I am a minister of Wei, how can I surrender to the enemy? Brother Ziwen, there is no need to say more. You and I are now serving our respective masters, and there is no need to talk about the past friendship. You have just seen that Yecheng can still be defended. If that little Liu Chan wants to take Yecheng, he will have to sacrifice the lives of tens of thousands of Han soldiers. Please go back!"

When Cao Zhang listened to Cao Zhen's words, he couldn't help feeling sad.

He knew Cao Zhen's character very well. Once he made up his mind about something, he would never change it easily.

Moreover, Cao Zhen's loyalty to Wei was unquestionable, which made it difficult for him to persuade Cao Zhen to surrender.

Cao Zhang sighed, shook his head helplessly, and said, "In this case, Zidan, take care!"

After saying this, Cao Zhang turned and left.

His back looked particularly lonely and desolate in the afterglow of the setting sun.

He knew that this meeting might be the last one between them.

Cao Zhang prayed secretly in his heart, hoping that Cao Zhen could survive this war, but he also understood that this was only a slim hope.

After walking out of the General's Mansion, Cao Zhang looked around the familiar city again.

At this time, Yecheng no longer had the prosperity and tranquility of the past, but was replaced by a tense and solemn atmosphere.

But even so, Cao Zhang could still feel the tenacity and indomitable spirit contained in this city.

He knew that as long as the soldiers and civilians here were still alive, they would never easily give up protecting their homes.

Cao Zhang mounted his horse and slowly drove away from Yecheng.

With Cao Zhang's departure, Yecheng returned to its former tranquility.

But this calm was only temporary, because the flames of war were still burning, and Yecheng, as one of the important cities of Wei State, was destined to become the focus of this war.

The next day.

Cao Zhen stood on the city wall, looking into the distance with a firm gaze. The Han army was like a dark mass, foreshadowing the coming storm.

He took a deep breath, feeling both determination and helplessness.

His refusal to surrender was a sign of his loyalty to the State of Wei and his responsibility to the military and civilians of Yecheng.

This battle will determine the fate of Yecheng and the life and death of countless people.

Outside Yecheng.

Zhao Yun stood on a high platform and looked out at Yecheng.

The sun rises in the east.

The temperature in midsummer is starting to rise.

Zhao Yun turned around and ordered his deputy general beside him: "Prepare siege equipment. In three days, we will launch a full-scale attack on the city."

His voice was calm and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

The three days of preparation passed in a flash.

In front of the Han army, rows of Wei army prisoners were driven out. Their faces were pale, their eyes were empty, and their morale was extremely low.

These captives were originally soldiers of the Wei army, but now they have become the vanguard of the siege. Their fate seems so insignificant on the scale of war.

"Forward!" At the command of the Han army general, the Wei army prisoners were forced to rush forward, their steps staggering, their eyes full of fear and despair.

However, under the supervision of the Han army, they had to bite the bullet and rush towards the gate of Yecheng.

On the city wall, the Wei army archers had already been ready for battle. Arrows poured down like raindrops. The Wei army prisoners fell one after another, and their blood dyed the ground red.

Although the morale of the Wei army prisoners was low, their presence helped the Han army consume the city's defensive equipment.

Rolling logs, boulders, gold juice and other weapons for defending the city were gradually consumed in the continuous sieges.

Although the Wei army prisoners of war fled several times, they were quickly driven back to the battlefield under the severe suppression of the Han army and continued to serve as cannon fodder in the siege.

Immediately afterwards, the troops of the Jizhou aristocratic families were sent to the battlefield.

These Jizhou aristocratic families' troops were the capital of the Jizhou gentry, and the Han Dynasty wanted to take this opportunity to weaken their strength.

The Jizhou nobles and Wei army captives attacked Yecheng for ten days.

Yecheng was not conquered.

Following the aristocratic families' troops, the elite Han army finally launched a general offensive.

They were like a tiger descending from the mountain, unstoppable.

On the city wall, the Wei soldiers fought desperately, but the Han army's offensive was too fierce and they gradually felt overwhelmed.

Yecheng, this sturdy city, seemed to have turned into a meat grinder at this moment, constantly devouring the lives of the soldiers.

Half a month passed in a flash, and the city of Ye was already a river of blood and a sea of ​​corpses.

The Han army's offensive did not weaken at all, but intensified. The Wei army soldiers were exhausted, but they still held on to the city wall, using their flesh and blood to build an indestructible defense line.

Cao Zhen stood on the city wall, looking at the tragic battlefield in front of him, feeling mixed emotions.

The fate of Yecheng was hanging by a thread, but he still did not give up hope. As long as reinforcements arrived, there would still be a chance.

However, Wei's reinforcements were slow to arrive.

Cao Zhen was extremely anxious. He knew that without reinforcements, it would be difficult for Yecheng to hold on.

He sent people to the Wei court for help, but received no response.

Cao Zhen felt a sense of despair, but he still did not give up resistance.

The Han army generals looked at the solid walls of Yecheng and the tenacious defenders, and felt helpless.

The siege had lasted for half a month, but Yecheng had not yet been breached.

Today, the outcome of this war no longer depends solely on the balance of forces and the use of tactics by both sides, but more on their will and determination.

As time went on, the situation on the battlefield became more tense, and the Han army and the Wei army launched a fierce offensive and defensive battle under Yecheng.

Every charge and counterattack was accompanied by tragic casualties.

The war has entered a stage where it relies entirely on instinct.

In mid-August of the ninth year of Tianming, the summer heat in Luoyang City gradually dissipated, and the autumn wind gradually rose, bringing a hint of coolness.

However, in this seemingly peaceful imperial city, undercurrents are surging, and a discussion about the fate of the country is about to begin in the Taiji Hall.

In the imperial city of Wei, the majestic Taiji Hall is resplendent and solemn.

Emperor Cao Rui was wearing an imperial robe embroidered with dragon patterns, a crown symbolizing imperial power, and sitting upright on a high dragon throne.

His face was serious and his eyes revealed his worry about the current situation.

"Ye City is in danger, what can we do?"

Cao Rui's voice echoed in the empty hall, sounding unusually heavy.

He glanced at His Highness's ministers, hoping to find a clue to solving the problem from their faces.

Upon hearing this, Shangshu Ling Chen Qun immediately stepped forward, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, although there are strong soldiers and horses within the eight passes of Luoyang, there are only 100,000 troops available.

These 100,000-strong army not only had to guard the imperial city, but also had to guard against the Han army from Hongnong County and Zhiguan.

Once the army is sent to Yecheng, if the Han troops on both sides take the opportunity to attack the city, Luoyang will be left with no troops to defend, and the consequences will be disastrous.

Your Majesty, please do not mobilize the soldiers in Luoyang."

As soon as Chen Qun finished speaking, many officials immediately echoed him.

"Minister Chen is right. Luoyang is the foundation of the country. Once it is lost, the whole situation will be in danger. Although Yecheng is important, the safety of Luoyang is more urgent."

The young upstart Xiahou Xuan, with a handsome face and a look of wisdom in his eyes, echoed: "Mr. Chen is a man of foresight, and we are ashamed of ourselves. Indeed, if Luoyang is lost, Wei will have no place to stand. Therefore, I think we should hold on to Luoyang and not easily mobilize troops."

They all nodded, indicating their agreement with Chen Qun's opinion.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense, and an invisible pressure filled everyone's heart.

However, at this moment, the imperial teacher Zheng Cheng stood up.

He was dressed in a simple and elegant Confucian robe, holding a jade sceptre, with a resolute expression on his face.

He stepped forward and said to Cao Rui: "Your Majesty, if Yecheng is lost, Jizhou will be lost. And the Henei area has no mountains and rivers to defend. Once the Han army breaks through Yecheng, the army will head straight to Luoyang.

By then, it will be too late for us to keep the enemy out of the country. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to send a large army to Yecheng to support us and protect the safety of our country. "

Zheng Cheng's words were powerful and resounding.

The ministers of his faction also stood up and echoed, expressing their support for Zheng Cheng's proposal.

"Mr. Zheng is right, and Mr. Chen is right, but if Yecheng is lost, Jizhou will not be safe, and Henei will also be in danger. At that time, the Han army will march directly to Luoyang, how will we defend it?
"We must keep the enemy out of Luoyang. How can we let them enter Luoyang?"

"Mr. Chen, this is a strategy that will lead to the destruction of our country. It is absolutely unacceptable!"

The atmosphere in the hall changed again, and a hint of dispute and gunpowder was added to the originally tense atmosphere.

Seeing this, Chen Qun frowned and stepped forward again and said, "Although what Duke Zheng said makes sense, can sending troops to Yecheng really solve the problem?
The Han army is powerful, and the reinforcements we sent can only hold out for a few more days.

Moreover, if the reinforcements were defeated, Yecheng would still be difficult to defend.

By then, how should Luoyang defend itself?

Your Majesty, please think twice!"

Chen Qun's words once again sparked a heated debate. The officials in the hall were divided into two factions, one supporting the dispatch of troops to support Yecheng, and the other opposing this approach.

They expressed their opinions and argued fiercely, causing chaos in the hall.

Emperor Cao Rui sat on the dragon throne, watching the dispute among his ministers, and felt very annoyed.

He was well aware of the importance of this dispute because it concerned the life and death of the Wei State.

However, faced with the fierce disputes among his ministers, he found it difficult to make a decision.

"You can discuss this matter after the court session and make a decision tomorrow." Cao Rui finally spoke. Although his voice was not loud, it was full of unquestionable majesty.

After saying this, he stood up and left the Tai Chi Hall without looking back.

Upon seeing this, His Highness and his ministers stopped arguing and looked at each other.

They knew that the emperor had lost his patience and that it would be useless to continue arguing.

So they had to disperse, their hearts filled with worry and anxiety about tomorrow's decision.

Peace gradually returned to the Tai Chi Hall, but this peace was only temporary.

After returning to the harem, Cao Rui sat in the pavilion of the imperial garden and drank tea alone.

His eyes were deep, as if he was thinking about some important problem. The autumn wind blew, bringing a burst of coolness, and also blew away some of the irritability in his heart.

"Your Majesty, are you still worried about the affairs of Yecheng?" A gentle voice sounded in his ears. Cao Rui looked up and found that it was Queen Guo.

Queen Mao had a dignified and beautiful face, like a newly blossoming peony, her skin was as white as cream with a hint of pink, like the gentlest ray of sunshine in spring.

Her eyebrows and eyes are picturesque, with long and thin eyebrows gently raised, like a distant mountain covered with smoke, and a pair of bright eyes like a deep pool of water, flashing with wisdom and gentleness, as if they can see through people's hearts, yet gently tolerate everything. Her nose is straight, her lips are rosy, and the corners of her mouth are slightly raised, with a perfect smile, which makes her look both kind and lovely, and she has the demeanor of a mother of the country.

Her figure is plump, but not bloated, but a healthy and vital plumpness.

As she walked, her palace dress swayed gently, and her steps were steady and light, and every step seemed to speak of her inner determination and calmness.

Her fingers are slender and graceful, and she wears exquisite jade bracelets. Her every move reveals nobility and elegance.

When he saw Queen Mao, Cao Rui's mood unconsciously relaxed a little.

He sighed softly and said, "Your Majesty, you don't know that the matter of Yecheng concerns the safety of Wei. How can I not be extremely worried?"

Upon hearing this, Queen Mao stepped forward, gently held Cao Rui's hand, and said, "Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, so you should naturally put national affairs first. But I believe that as long as Your Majesty is open to all opinions and pools of wisdom, you will definitely find a solution."

Cao Rui felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this. He looked at Queen Mao with gratitude and said, "Your Majesty is right. I will definitely call all the ministers together tomorrow to discuss this matter again. I will definitely find a perfect plan."

Things always need to be resolved.

Want to destroy Wei?

It depends on whether you have the ability to do it! (End of this chapter)