Three Kingdoms: Heir of Wolong, my father-in-law is Guan Gong

Zhuge Ke's proposal made Cao Rui fall into deep thought again.

a long time.

Cao Rui asked: "How to test it?"

Zhuge Ke carefully observed Cao Rui's expression and chose his words carefully: "He who saves the emperor is loyal!"

Cao Rui's eyes turned cold: "How dare you, generals, come here without my order?"

Zhuge Ke shook his head slightly: "Your Majesty is the emperor of Wei. Your Majesty's interests override everything else."

"The generals did not come. They seemed to be obeying your majesty's order, but in fact they were not loyal to your majesty."

"A truly loyal general will not fear the punishment of His Majesty, because His Majesty is the only one in their hearts."

"Those who are afraid of the imperial edict and dare not send troops to rescue are only loyal to your position, not to you personally."

"King Wuling of Zhao was so proud in the past, but he eventually starved to death in the palace because the generals of Zhao State only knew how to be loyal to the people in their positions, but not to their king."

"Right now, the noble families in the Wei Dynasty hold official positions and keep saying they are loyal to the Wei Dynasty. But how many of them are truly loyal to Your Majesty?"

"Your Majesty is still alive and can suppress them; but if Your Majesty is a hundred years away, how can Your Majesty's descendants suppress them?"

"So I think that those who can come to save Your Majesty will be the most important ministers of the Wei Dynasty in the future. Even if they are of low rank now, they should be used."

"If he does not come to rescue your majesty, your majesty must use him with caution, no matter how high his position is."

Under Zhuge Ke's instigation, Cao Rui decided to adopt Zhuge Ke's proposal and take the opportunity to test the reactions of the generals.

The next day.

Wang Ping led the Wudang flying army to Juancheng.

Almost all the important transportation routes around Juancheng were destroyed by Wu Dang's flying army.

Cao Rui, the fake emperor of Wei, was besieged in Juancheng.

The news is out.

Except for Cao Zhang who was attacking Hedong and was unaware of the situation because he was far away, Zhang He who was attacking Luoyang had almost no hesitation and immediately ordered his deputy general to lead troops to rescue Juancheng.

Cao Zhen, who attacked Yingchuan, and Cao Xiu, who attacked Chenxian, also sent their generals to rescue Juancheng.

Only Sima Yi in Chenliu was still hesitating.

Sima Shi advised: "Father, Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu are from the royal family. Whether they send troops or not, there will not be much punishment."

"Zhang He is a veteran general left by Emperor Wu, with three generations of loyalty. He is only a left general, so he will not be punished too severely."

"But it's different for you, father. You are now the General of the Army, a position equal to that of the Three Dukes. If you mobilize troops without an imperial edict, I'm afraid you will be criticized."

"What's more, Juancheng is strong and can be defended by a few thousand soldiers."

"Unless Zhuge Qiao leads a large army, there is no need to send reinforcements."

"If I were Zhuge Qiao, I would pretend to besiege Juancheng and actually defeat the reinforcements."

Sima Shi was young and energetic, and he analyzed the battle situation very well.

Sima Yi did not respond to Sima Shi's analysis, but paced back and forth thinking.

Compared with Sima Shi, Sima Yi thought further.

To mobilize troops without an imperial edict is an overstepping of authority.

Not saving Cao Rui would be disloyalty.

Why is the strategy of besieging Wei to save Zhao a strategy that will last forever?
If a minister does not save the king from crisis, he is deceiving the king. This is something any foreign general must think carefully about.

Even a military genius like Han Xin was hated by Liu Bang because he did not save him.

Many times, the military serves politics.

He pondered for a long time.

Sima Yi stopped and said, "Ziyuan, lead a group of soldiers back to Juancheng. If you see Zhuge Qiao's troops, don't fight them. Just raise your flags to Juancheng."

Sima Shi's face changed: "Father, if I go, I'm afraid that His Majesty will be suspicious."

Sima Yi shook his head: "Ziyuan, you don't quite understand His Majesty; in terms of scheming, His Majesty is no less scheming than Emperor Wu Cao Cao."

"I can be demoted, but I must show my loyalty."

"With my talent, I will be valued even if I am demoted; but if I do not show my loyalty, even if I am talented, I will be suspected by your Majesty."

"I'd rather learn from Wang Jian than from Han Xin!"

Seeing Sima Yi's insistence, Sima Shi gave up persuading him and led an army to Juancheng.

Sima Shi’s guess was not wrong.

Although Wang Ping surrounded Juancheng, he did not attack it, but instead focused on the reinforcements.

Cao Xiu's reinforcements arrived first and fought hard to enter the city.

Cao Zhen's reinforcements arrived later and still fought hard to enter the city.

Only Sima Shi was the most unlucky.

They were ambushed by Wang Ping thirty miles away from Juancheng and were killed by Wang Ping. Even Sima Shi almost lost his life.

a few days later.

Zhang He's reinforcements arrived and fought hard to enter the city.

Three of the four reinforcements fought hard to enter the city, but they didn't even see their shadow in the other direction.

In the heart of Juancheng Cao Rui, the seeds of suspicion towards Sima Yi began to sprout.

Cao Rui, who was already dissatisfied with the Sima clan's annexation of land and population in Henei, became even more dissatisfied with Sima Yi this time.

The reinforcements from Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu entered the city, and even the reinforcements sent by Zhang He, who was the farthest away, entered the city, but Sima Yi didn't receive any reinforcements at all?

Zhuge Ke did not mind the big deal and deliberately excused Sima Yi: "It is probably because Wang Ping failed to intercept the reinforcements twice and became angry and ambushed the reinforcements of General Fujun."

"With three reinforcements entering the city, Juancheng is safe. Wang Ping will be at a loss."

Cao Rui agreed on the surface, but in his heart he became even more suspicious of Sima Yi.

outside the city.

Zhuge Qiao's main force arrived.

Wang Ping reported to Zhuge Qiao on the defensive strength of Juancheng and the arrival of the pseudo-Wei reinforcements.

Upon learning that Sima Yi's reinforcements were almost wiped out, Zhuge Qiao praised Wang Ping generously.

"Zijun's intention is enough to make Cao Rui suspicious of Sima Yi again."

"No matter whether this battle is won or lost, Cao Rui and Sima Yi will never be able to be close to each other again."

Wang Ping said modestly: "It is all because the general has commanded the troops well. I am just following orders."

Zhuge Qiao smiled and said, "Zijun, there is no need to be so modest. Although I have issued the military order, it is up to you, Zijun, to decide how to carry it out."

This time when he came to attack Yanzhou, Zhuge Qiao brought 30,000 troops, including 10,000 Wudang Flying Army, 5,000 Cang Yi Army, 5,000 Jie Fan Army, as well as Zhuge Qiao's personal soldiers and Zhao Lei's navy.

Most of them are good fighters.

Obviously.

Zhuge Qiao's purpose of coming to Yanzhou was not just to encircle and attack the reinforcements.

"Although there are nearly 20,000 people in Juancheng, I brought 500,000 arrows and crossbows this time, as well as crossbow carts, catapults and other siege weapons."

"I have only one goal, even if Juancheng is stronger than Jiangling, I have to take it down."

“When attacking a city, it is not the number of troops that matters, but the quality of their weapons and the bravery of their officers that matters.”

"The military order has been issued. When and how to attack the city is up to you to decide."

Compared with the last attack on Hefei, Zhuge Qiao did not assign specific siege tasks to the generals this time.

Zhuge Qiao had prepared armor and weapons for all the generals.

To capture Juancheng, there is no need to dig tunnels or open rivers, just a direct and rapid advance is enough.

The fierce attack of the Han army surprised Cao Rui and others in the city.

There were nearly 20,000 people in the city, with sufficient money, food and military equipment. Zhuge Qiao actually chose to attack by force when he had little advantage in terms of military strength?
Is there no one left in Juancheng?

What Cao Rui didn't know was:
On the one hand, the weapons are sophisticated and the soldiers are brave.

On the other hand, Zhuge Qiao really thought that there was no one in Juancheng.

Sima Yi, Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu and Zhang He were all away, and the remaining Zhuge Ke was still the internal response.

As for generals such as Cao Tai and Le Chen, Zhuge Qiao did not take them seriously.

A good father and a good son, what is there to worry about?

Less than half a day into Zhuge Qiao's attack, Cao Rui felt the pressure.

Originally thinking that Juancheng could be defended casually, Cao Rui then decided to test the loyalty of Sima Yi and others.

Unexpectedly, Zhuge Qiao's offensive was far beyond expectations!
"Yuanxun, how many days can Juancheng be defended?" Cao Rui threw the battle report on defending the city to Zhuge Ke.

The usually calm and composed Pseudo-Wei Emperor also showed signs of panic at this moment.

There are nearly 20,000 people in Juancheng!
We had enough money, food, and weapons! But we were unable to hold out after only half a day!

even.

Zhuge Qiao has not yet sent warriors to climb the city walls. He is only using powerful bows, crossbows and catapults to attack from a long distance!

How many arrows did he bring?
Is the Han Dynasty’s military workshop capable of producing so many arrows?

Cao Rui didn't understand.

How strong is the productivity of a military workshop under large-scale collectivized production.

Cao Rui didn't understand either.

Arrows and crossbow bolts are manufactured on the assembly line at such a fast speed!
Ever since he took charge of Jingzhou, Zhuge Qiao's military focus has been on the manufacture of weapons and equipment.

Whether it is the Blue Wing Army composed of chariots that was built at great expense, or the arrow and crossbow production line on the assembly line.

Or it could be lamellar armor which is slightly inferior to the infantry armor.

Everywhere.

in short.

Zhuge Qiao no longer wanted to play military conspiracy with the Pseudo-Wei.

Is there anything more trustworthy than crushing with weapons and equipment?
fear?

There is only fear when there is not enough firepower.

Just two days.

About 100,000 arrows and crossbow bolts, as well as 3,000 catapults, rained down from the top of Juancheng City.

No matter whether they were generals or soldiers, the pseudo-Wei soldiers would be killed instantly as soon as they showed their heads.

"The Han dogs' arrows and stones are very powerful. Your Majesty, you must send an envoy to ask for help as soon as possible." Cao Tai's face was pale and his right hand dropped.

On the first day of Zhuge Qiao's siege, Cao Tai and Le Chen were released from prison.

however.

Under the rain of arrows and stones from the Han soldiers, even fierce generals like Cao Tai and Le Chen had to be treated like small soldiers.

Just seconds after showing up!

Cao Tai showed his hand and it was broken.

Cao Rui gritted his teeth.

Nearly 20,000 people defended Juancheng, and asked for reinforcements after only two days, which made Cao Rui lose face.

However, the Han army's offensive was too fierce, and Cao Rui had to succumb to reality.

"Pass on my order to quickly recall the four armies of Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, Zhang He, and Sima Yi."

Five routes to attack Han.

They were forced to withdraw their troops hastily before they could even achieve any results.

For Cao Rui, this is a shame!
Taking a deep breath, Cao Rui punched the desk to vent his resentment.

Cao Rui’s response this time was problematic in itself.

If Zhuge Ke had not instigated Cao Rui to test the generals, Zhuge Qiao would not have been able to attack Juancheng so easily.

There is a huge difference between sending reinforcements in an orderly manner and hastily withdrawing troops to rescue Juancheng.

Liu Bei's army is still there!

It’s not easy to retreat!
Liu Bei had already been keeping a close eye on the pseudo-Wei army.

As soon as Cao Zhen's generals withdrew their troops, Liu Bei urged his troops to join in. He didn't seem like the defender at all, but more like the attacker!
"What a tight bite!"

Cao Xiu cursed.

After receiving Cao Rui's urgent edict, Cao Xiu set up fake flags in the camp that night to conceal the truth from Guan Yu.

But never thought about it.

Guan Yu had already deployed a large number of spies in Chen County. As soon as Cao Xiu left, Guan Yu led his troops to follow and killed Cao Xiu all the way.

The relentless pursuit of the Han soldiers slowed down the withdrawal of the pseudo-Wei generals.

It is not easy for an army of hundreds of thousands to withdraw.

After finally retreating to Kuangting, Sima Yi, Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu received information that Juancheng had been captured by Zhuge Qiao.

Cao Rui abandoned the city and fled, and Zhuge Qiao's army took advantage of the situation to seize the Baimajin ferry.

With Liu Bei in front and Zhuge Qiao behind, it is still unknown whether Cao Rui is alive or dead.

A mood of panic spread among the pseudo-Wei soldiers in Kuangting.

"Juancheng is a strong city. Even without reinforcements, it can be defended for several months. How could it be breached in just a few days?"

Such news made Cao Zhen unbelievable.

Generals such as Sima Yi and Cao Xiu were also skeptical about the information that Juancheng had fallen.

however.

The spy's answer shocked the generals.

"General, everything I said is true."

"Zhuge Qiao threw countless stones at Juancheng in five days, and arrows and crossbow bolts fell all over the city walls."

"The city wall of Juancheng was destroyed by force!"

"There were no bodies to be seen on the entire tower. All we could see were dense piles of arrows and crossbow bolts."

After hearing the spy's words, the generals remained silent for a long time.

Although arrows and stones were used for cover during sieges, the actual climbing of the city still depended on armored soldiers.

Who would use arrows and stones to attack a city?

Even if you have this idea, you need to have enough arrows and stones to consume them!
If what the spy said was true, Sima Yi and others could almost imagine Cao Rui's "despair" in Juancheng!
Is Juancheng very strong?
Then smash it!
Are there many people in Juancheng?

Then shoot!
This almost barbaric and brutal way of breaking into a city would not even be recorded in ancient books of military strategy.

"Zhuge Qiao, this is really unexpected."

"A large amount of arrows and stones have been consumed, and this is the limit of my skills."

Sima Yi clenched his fists.

Just when he was about to compete with the opponent in intelligence, skills, and military tactics, the opponent directly swung at him with a mace.

"Father, what should we do now?" Sima Shi leaned close to Sima Yi and asked quietly.

Sima Yi did not answer, but looked at Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu.

Cao Zhen said, "Zhuge Qiao seized the white horse because he didn't want us to go to Baimajin to cross the river and return to Jizhou."

"There is only one way to go now, charge to Hanoi and cross the river from Hanoi!"

Cao Xiu asked, "But we don't know whether your Majesty is alive or dead. What if our army goes to Henei and your Majesty is in Yanzhou?"

Cao Zhen was suddenly choked with speech.

With an army of more than 100,000 going to Hanoi, Liu Bei and Zhuge Qiao would definitely not be able to stop them.

However, Cao Rui's life or death is now unknown, and the army has fled to Henei, leaving Cao Rui isolated and helpless in Yanzhou.

"Then what do you think we should do?" Cao Zhen was a little annoyed.

Cao Zhen couldn't understand the current situation.

Cao Xiu remained silent.

He only thought about Cao Rui's safety and didn't think much about anything else.

Seeing that Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu had no good ideas, Sima Yi suggested: "Why not attack Bai Ma for the time being?"

"If His Majesty is still in Yanzhou, he must be near Bai Ma, so we can send troops to search for him."

"If Your Majesty is not in Yanzhou, we will go to Hanoi along the Yellow River."

"With Zhang He's support, Liu Bei can't do anything to us."

"But everyone should consider the worst case scenario."

"What if Your Majesty were to meet with disaster?"

The voice just fell.

Cao Xiu shouted, "Sima Yi, are you cursing His Majesty?"

When Sima Shi saw Sima Yi being scolded, he was furious: "Cao Xiu, my father was just considering this situation, how dare you slander my father?"

Cao Xiu stared at Sima Shi with anger: "How dare you, little boy, call me by my full name? Sima Yi, is this how you teach your son?"

Sima Shi was so angry that his eyes bulged. When he was about to retort, Sima Yi stopped him and said, "My son is so rude. Please, General Zhengnan, please consider his youth and don't argue with him." (End of this chapter)