Shuhan

Chaoge, this ancient city bearing countless historical vicissitudes, has now once again become the front line of the confrontation between the two countries.

It was once the glorious capital of the Shang Dynasty and the glorious place of the Wei State. The old course of the Yellow River meanders past it, witnessing the rise and fall of countless dynasties.

The walls of Chaoge City are tall and solid, as if they can withstand all the winds and rains in the world. But at this moment, they are facing an unprecedented test - the massive invasion of the Han army.

The summer sun gradually became hotter, and a sense of unease filled the air.

In the fields outside the city, a few birds can occasionally be seen flying by, and their chirping sounds particularly desolate in this land that is about to be engulfed by war.

The scouts of the Han army appeared silently around the city of Chaoge like ghosts. They were dressed in light armor, had sharp eyes and agile movements. They constantly shuttled between the grass and woods, collecting all the information about the city of Chaoge.

Their figures cast long shadows under the scorching sun, like a foreshadowing of death, making people feel cold.

On the top of Chaoge City, Sima Yi was wearing heavy iron armor. Under the sunlight, the armor shone with a cold light.

His face was gloomy, his brows were furrowed, and there was a hint of imperceptible worry in his eyes.

The years have left deep marks on his face, but his perseverance and decisiveness remain the same.

He knew very well that he was a criminal at the moment. If he could not defend Chaoge, not only would his own life be in danger, but the entire Sima family would also face a devastating disaster.

This pressure, like a heavy burden, weighed on his heart.

"Father, where is the Han army?" Sima Zhao's voice broke the silence.

He stood beside Sima Yi, his young face full of nervousness and anticipation. Compared with his father, his armor was more splendid, but his eyes were less calm.

Sima Yi turned his head and looked at his son with a sharp gaze, and said in a deep voice: "Three days ago, the Han army had already left Yecheng. I'm afraid they will reach Chaoge tonight."

Although his voice was calm, the anxiety and uneasiness contained in it was difficult to conceal.

Sima Zhao was shocked when he heard this, and he immediately replied, "I understand, son. We will strengthen the city defenses, prepare siege equipment, and block the three city gates, leaving only the south gate for exiting the city."

After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave, but was stopped by Sima Yi.

"Zhao'er, this battle concerns the life and death of our Sima family. You must be careful." Sima Yi's tone was full of concern and instructions.

He knew very well that although he was the commander, it was these young soldiers who actually charged into battle.

Sima Zhao turned around and looked at his father's eyes full of trust and expectation. An inexplicable power surged in his heart. He nodded firmly and said, "Father, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission."

After saying this, he strode away with big strides, his back looking particularly tall and straight.

Sima Yi watched his son go away, feeling mixed emotions.

He turned and looked into the distance, only to see the flags of the Han army fluttering faintly in the sky. He knew that the real battle was about to begin.

As night fell, there was silence inside and outside the city of Chaoge, with only the occasional chirping of insects breaking the tranquility.

The soldiers on the city wall were ready for battle, with fear and determination in their eyes. They knew that this battle was not only for the country, but also for the future of themselves and their families.

Sima Yi stood at the highest point on the city wall, overlooking the entire Chaoge City.

His eyes looked particularly deep in the night, as if they could penetrate all the darkness. His heart was filled with complex emotions, including worries about the future and desire for victory.

At this moment, a roar suddenly came from the distance, followed by a deafening explosion.

The Han army began to attack the city!

They used powerful gunpowder in an attempt to break through the city gate of Chaoge in one fell swoop.

Sima Yi looked solemn. He quickly gave the order: "Quick! Block the three city gates! We must not let them succeed!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers took action. They brought stones, wood and other items to block the city gate tightly.

The explosions continued, and each one was terrifying.

But the city gate of Chaoge was as solid as a wall of iron and steel, standing firm.

Although the Han army's gunpowder was extremely powerful, it failed to play its due role under Sima Yi's careful deployment.

In the darkness of night, the Han army's offensive became more and more fierce. They rushed towards Chaoge City like a tide, trying to overwhelm everything with their numerical advantage. But the soldiers of Chaoge were not afraid. They fought bravely and protected this ancient city with their flesh and blood.

Sima Yi stood on the top of the city wall, watching this brutal battle, his heart filled with emotion.

He knew that this battle was not only a test for Chaoge, but also a test for himself.

He must hold on until the very end.

Time passed quietly in the war, and when the first ray of dawn penetrated the clouds and sprinkled on the earth, the battle finally came to an end.

Although the Han army attacked fiercely, they failed to break through the city gate due to the tenacious resistance of the soldiers in Chaoge. They could only retreat temporarily and wait for the next attack.

Sima Yi looked at the exhausted soldiers and felt heavy in his heart.

It was the bravery and sacrifice of these people that brought temporary peace to Chaoge.

He took a deep breath and said to everyone, "Although we won today's battle, the crisis has not been resolved. Everyone must remain vigilant and prepare for more intense battles."

Upon hearing this, the soldiers raised their arms and shouted: "We swear to defend Chaoge to the death!"

Their voices echoed in the morning light, sounding particularly firm and powerful.

Sima Yi stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the rising sun in the distance, but he was not optimistic.

He had just gone to see the damage to the city gate, and the situation could only be described as not optimistic. Even with the Han army's tentative attack today, Chaoge was in danger of not being able to be defended. If a large-scale attack was really launched, it would only be a matter of time before Chaoge fell.

The next morning, as the dawn broke over the horizon, the Han army's camp outside the city of Chaoge had become like a huge military fortress. The flags fluttered in the wind, and the colorful banners looked like surging waves.

Tents were densely packed, war horses were neighing, and soldiers were busy shuttling between them. Some were sharpening their weapons, while others were carrying supplies. It was a scene of order and intense preparation for war.

In the distance, the outline of Chaoge City gradually became clear in the morning light. The city walls were tall and majestic, like a sleeping giant, quietly guarding this ancient land.

As a result of the preparations over the past few days, almost all the trees within a radius of fifty miles of Chaoge were cut down. Some were made into sturdy siege ladders and battering rams, some were used to build fortifications, and some became fuel for the firearms' cooking.

The earth is bare and bleak, and the shadow of war hangs over this once peaceful land.

Zhao Yun, wearing silver armor and holding a spear, stood on the high platform with a heroic look, his eyes like torches, scanning the Chaoge City ahead.

His face was resolute, and his brows revealed a majestic aura. In the sunlight, his armor flashed a cold light, as if he himself was the god of war on the battlefield.

Beside him, a group of generals stood solemnly, and the atmosphere was solemn.

"How was the siege last night?" Zhao Yun's voice was steady and powerful, penetrating the morning mist and reaching everyone's ears.

Upon hearing this, Deputy General Ma Su immediately stepped forward and replied with a folded hand: "General, our army's attack is fierce, but the city is heavily guarded. Even with the use of gunpowder, we were unable to blow open the city gate. It seems that they have blocked the city gate corridor tightly with boulders and sandbags."

Ma Su spoke a little faster, his eyes flickering with the aftermath of last night's battle. Zhao Yun heard this, nodded slightly, frowned slightly, and turned his gaze to the doctor of the Academy of Sciences standing not far away.

The doctor was wearing a Confucian robe and a square scarf on his head. He had a gaunt face and a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

"Doctor, with the current gunpowder in the army, how long will it take to blow up this city?" There was a hint of urgency in Zhao Yun's voice.

The doctor thought for a moment and replied, "General, if the army's gunpowder is used together, it is more than enough to blow up the city. However, considering the solidity of the city wall and the special structure of the city gate, it is conservatively estimated that it will take ten days of uninterrupted bombardment. However, the subsequent supply of gunpowder has been produced in Chang'an because it is complicated to make and is a state secret. In addition, the Han Dynasty is now at war on all sides, and the demand for gunpowder is huge. The amount allocated to our army is limited. I am afraid that the next batch of gunpowder will not arrive until three months later."

After hearing this, Zhao Yun was silent for a moment, his eyes becoming even more profound.

In war, time is often sharper than the sword.

While he was thinking, Ma Su added: "General, the commander of this city is Sima Zhongda. He is cunning and resourceful and should not be underestimated."

"Sima Yi..." Zhao Yun repeated the name in a low voice, his eyes slightly narrowed, a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth, and there was a hint of coldness in his voice.

"The defeated general may have been lucky in the past, but today, Yun will take his head as a sacrifice to the Han army flag!"

After saying this, he turned around suddenly, his eyes like lightning, scanning every general present. It was a kind of silent encouragement and a firm belief in victory.

At this time, a gust of wind blew, rolling up the dust on the ground and blowing Zhao Yun's hair on his forehead. He raised his hand and gently wiped it, looking back at Chaoge City, thinking secretly in his heart. He knew that Sima Yi was not an ordinary person, and this battle would be extremely difficult. But Zhao Yun had never been afraid of challenges in his life. From his bravery and fearlessness in his youth to his calmness and sophistication today, every battle was his interpretation of loyalty and courage.

"Pass the order down. The entire army will rest for a day. Starting tomorrow, we will besiege Chaoge City around the clock. At the same time, send scouts to scout everywhere and look for possible breakthroughs or weak links."

Zhao Yun's voice was firm and powerful, and every word was like a war drum beating on everyone's heart, stirring up their blood and fighting spirit.

In the following days, the Han army surrounded the city but did not attack, while Zhao Yun personally led the elite troops to scout the city defenses many times to find the best siege strategy.

As night fell, the camp was brightly lit. Zhao Yun discussed tactics with the generals in the tent. His figure looked particularly tall in the candlelight. His calmness and wisdom made everyone admire him.

In Chaoge City, Sima Yi was also not idle. He knew very well how powerful Zhao Yun was, so he strengthened the city's defenses and sent out spies to try to find out the movements of the Han army.

As time went on, the confrontation between the two armies became more tense and the air was filled with the smell of war.

And Zhao Yun, through day after day of waiting and planning, gradually found the key to defeating Sima Yi.

At dusk on the third day when the Han army set up camp, the setting sun was as red as blood, dyeing the sky red, as if foreshadowing the upcoming fierce battle.

Inside the camp, various siege equipment has taken shape, with catapults, battering rams, ladders, etc. lined up like a steel forest, emitting a cold light.

Soldiers were busy shuttling back and forth, some were tightening ropes, some were checking wheels, and others were carrying heavy stones and gunpowder, preparing for the upcoming decisive battle.

As night fell, the camp gradually became quiet, with only the occasional sound of iron clashing and soldiers' whispers breaking the silence. Zhao Yun stood on the high platform, staring at the towering Chaoge City in front of him with a sharp gaze.

His silver armor shone dimly in the moonlight, and he held his spear tightly, as if ready to charge into battle at any time. In his heart, he was eager for victory, but also worried about the safety of his soldiers.

The next morning, just as the sky was turning pale, deafening horns and drums were heard in the camp.

This is the signal to attack and also the battle song in the hearts of the soldiers.

The Han army soldiers quickly assembled, each with a resolute look on their faces and an unyielding light in their eyes. They knew that at this moment, they were not only fighting for themselves, but also for the glory of the country and the dignity of the nation.

The catapult started first, and huge stones, accompanied by the whistling sound of the wind, cut through the sky and headed straight for the city of Chaoge.

Some of the stones were cleverly tied with gunpowder bags. When they were smashed against the city wall, the gunpowder exploded instantly, and the stones flew everywhere like flowers scattered from the sky, but with deadly lethality.

The rubble fell like raindrops, and the city was suddenly in chaos. Cries and screams were intertwined, and almost no one within three to five meters was spared.

The battering rams followed closely behind, and they roared towards the city gate like giant beasts.

The soldiers used all their strength to push the battering rams against the heavy city gates again and again. Every impact made the city gates tremble, as if they would collapse at any time.

Finally, after a violent collision, the soldiers buried gunpowder in the gap of the city gate, and the fuse burned quickly. With a loud "bang", the city gate was blown into cracks and was shaky, as if it would collapse at any time.

The Han army's offensive was as surging as the tide, one wave higher than the other.

However, the Wei army was no pushover, and they used the defensive equipment on the city walls to put up a tenacious resistance.

Arrows flew out like raindrops, each one carrying a deadly threat.

The rolling logs and rocks were like a disaster from heaven, smashing down fiercely on the attacking Han army. Some Wei soldiers even poured gunpowder on the city walls, which, once ignited, became a sea of ​​fire, burning the Han soldiers to the point of crying out in pain.

In this brutal battle, soldiers from both sides fell continuously, blood dyed the battlefield red, and the air was filled with a strong smell of blood.

However, neither the Han army nor the Wei army retreated. They used their flesh and blood to interpret loyalty and courage.

Zhao Yun led the charge, holding a spear.

His figure was like a flash of lightning on the battlefield, and wherever he went, the Wei army soldiers retreated. However, even as strong as Zhao Yun was, he could not completely avoid all dangers.

A sharp arrow suddenly flew at him. Zhao Yun was quick-eyed and quick-handed, and shot the arrow down with his spear. However, the tip of the arrow still cut a deep gash on his shoulder armor, and blood instantly dyed his battle robe red.

Zhao Yun seemed unaware of anything. He roared and rushed towards the enemy camp again.

His bravery inspired the soldiers around him, and they followed suit, rushing forward regardless of their own safety.

Under the leadership of Zhao Yun, the Han army's offensive became more fierce and gradually gained the upper hand.

At this moment, a burst of rapid drumbeats suddenly rang out in Chaoge City.

Immediately afterwards, the city gates opened wide, and an elite Wei cavalry rushed out of the city. Holding spears and wearing heavy armor, they rushed straight towards the Han army like an unstoppable torrent.

Faced with this sudden change, the Han soldiers couldn't help but feel a little panicked.

But Zhao Yun was not afraid at all. He raised his spear high and shouted loudly: "Soldiers, don't be afraid! We are the Han army, the invincible warriors in the world! As long as we are united, nothing can stop us!"

Zhao Yun's voice resounded across the battlefield like thunder, and the Han soldiers cheered up upon hearing his words.

They reorganized their troops and met the charge of the Wei cavalry.

Under the leadership of Zhao Yun, the Han army and the Wei army fought a desperate battle.

The battlefield was filled with swords flashing, blood and flesh flying, and every moment was filled with a struggle of life and death.

As time went on, casualties on both sides became increasingly severe.

However, the Han army gradually gained the upper hand with its tenacious perseverance and firm belief. The Wei cavalry was forced back step by step by the Han army and finally had to retreat back into the city.

Sima Yi looked around and saw that the city was damaged and the soldiers suffered heavy losses.

He once again witnessed the strength of the Han army.

If we continue to defend, I'm afraid the city will be destroyed and the army will be defeated soon. (End of this chapter)