On the imperial road from Chen to Shouchun City.
Cao Cao's army of one hundred thousand marched at a moderate pace.
In fact, the front line, which was originally supposed to be reached in three days, had Cao Cao ordering that it must take a full five days.
Since five enemy generals who commanded troops had already been successfully instigated to defect.
Then...
The next step was to lure out the enemy's main force, the ironclad soldiers of Grand General Zhang Xun, and then... have the vanguard cooperate with the five routes of Yuan's army to annihilate him completely.
This was the strategy discussed by Cao Cao and Lu Yu over dumplings more than ten days ago.
It was very secret...
Apart from Cao Hong and Yue Jin, no one else was told.
Of course, since it was a conspiracy, the fewer people who knew, the better.
So...
The immediate priority for the vanguard was to draw the enemy out.
Therefore, Cao Cao wanted to march slowly!
If the hundred thousand strong army arrived too early, Yuan Shu might just hunker down.
Thirty thousand men, as bait, was just right, not too much, not too little!
Moreover, this was also the reason why Cao Cao specifically appointed the young man Xiahou Mao as the vanguard general. It was to make Yuan Shu underestimate them and be careless. As long as Yuan Shu could perform normally, it would be enough.
"Cao Sikong appears quite composed..."
Xi Zhicai, sharing the same carriage, saw that Cao Cao was in a good mood and spoke proactively. Da Feng Novel
"Haha..." Cao Cao laughed in response. "Zhicai, I tell you, my previous strategy in warfare was 'speed is of the essence.' This is the first time I've marched this slowly, as slow as a snail."
"But I'm not worried at all; instead, I'm even a little happy. I predict that news of a great victory on the front lines will arrive within a day."
Cao Cao's words were full of confidence.
*Hiss.*
Xi Zhicai's eyes darted around, seemingly understanding something. "Mastering strategy within the command tent and winning battles a thousand miles away. It seems Cao Sikong had already laid out a game board."
Seeing Cao Cao's rare confidence, Xi Zhicai smiled and echoed his sentiment.
"No..." Cao Cao waved his hand. "Mastering strategy and winning battles a thousand miles away refers to 'attacking strategy first.' However, above 'attacking strategy first,' there is another layer, and that is 'attacking the heart'! Haha, Zhicai... do you know now whose game board this is?"
*Whoosh...*
Hearing this, Xi Zhicai let out a soft sigh. Good heavens, Cao Sikong was practically writing Lu Yu's name on his face.
Attacking the heart...
Wasn't this what Lu Sinong was most skilled at? However, if one really considered it, attacking strategy might indeed be inferior to attacking the heart!
"Haha..." Xi Zhicai chuckled lightly. "Then Zhicai will accompany his lord in eagerly awaiting the victorious report from the front lines."
Just then...
Xu Chu rode his horse to the side of Cao Cao's carriage and said through the window, "Cao Sikong, that matter has been clarified!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Cao Cao's spirits immediately lifted.
That matter naturally referred to Xiahou Mao's spear technique, and... the wooden pole spear in Xiahou Mao's hand.
Logically speaking, a few days would have been enough to investigate this minor matter. However... with the campaign imminent, Xu Chu had to arrange many security matters for Cao Cao, which caused delays.
Just a moment ago, he had heard the Tiger Guards report that the Tiger Guards stationed in Xudu City had clarified the origin of this matter.
"Halt!"
Cao Cao shouted...
The entire army stopped. Cao Cao instructed Cao Ren, who was accompanying him.
"Pass an order to the entire army to rest for a moment. We will set up camp here today!"
Since there was no rush to reach the front lines, Cao Cao alighted from the carriage to listen carefully to Xu Chu's report.
Cao Cao and Xu Chu went behind a tree root together.
Cao Cao pulled down his pants and urinated. He wiped his hands on his clothes. Cao Cao was one of the few people in the camp who paid attention to hygiene.
Then, he slowly sat on the stone steps and asked, "What did you find out? Tell me everything?"
Xu Chu paused for a moment and reported truthfully.
"The long spear used by Young Master Mao is called the 'Red Plume Spear.' Unlike the usual Ma Suo, this Red Plume Spear has a tip forged from fine steel, sharp as can be, while the shaft is made of bull tendon wood, which is extremely tough..."
"Although such a weapon is light, its lethality is concentrated at one point, making it exceptionally agile! And as Cao Sikong expected, this Red Plume Spear was indeed forged by Miss Mu from the forging workshop..."
He spoke at length.
It was not easy for Xu Chu to remember so much.
"That's not right." Cao Cao shook his head. "Even if Mu'er has some talent in forging, she wouldn't have such great initiative. It's fine for her to forge it, but she could never have invented this 'Red Plume Spear.' It's likely related to Lu Sinong again, isn't it?"
As soon as he said this...
Xu Chu was slightly surprised. Cao Sikong had actually guessed it.
It was not surprising. Whenever there was anything peculiar, Cao Sikong would subconsciously think of Lu Sinong. It seemed... in his eyes, Lu Sinong always had countless surprises.
"I haven't finished speaking yet, and Cao Sikong has already finished my report for me." Xu Chu scratched his head...
"It's not finished!" Cao Cao continued to ask, "What about the spear technique? The spear technique displayed by Er is mainly focused on agility and change, completely different from the fierce spear techniques typically used by generals."
This...
Xu Chu paused slightly, recalled for a moment, and then continued, "This spear technique is called the 'Thirty-Six Forms of the Yang Family Spear,' also taught to Young Master Mao by Lu Sinong. It seems... because Lu Sinong helped Miss Mu break off her engagement a few years ago, he left it for Young Master Mao as compensation. I never expected that Young Master Mao would refine it to this extent."
Xu Chu had witnessed the sparring between Xiahou Mao and Cao Hong more than ten days ago.
The layman watched for the excitement, while the expert observed the skill. Xu Chu could naturally see the exquisite nature of Xiahou Mao's spear technique.
Of course, Xu Chu did not think Xiahou Mao was his opponent. After all, Cao Hong was a weakling in his eyes... like killing a chicken!
In the face of absolute strength, Xiahou Mao's agility would be completely suppressed.
However...
With Xiahou Mao's current skill, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he could definitely defeat a second-rate general, or at least not be at a disadvantage.
And the most crucial point was that Xiahou Mao was only seventeen years old!
His spear technique was far from its peak state.
It was precisely for this reason that Xu Chu was particularly curious about this "Thirty-Six Forms of the Yang Family Spear" and specially sent the Tiger Guards stationed in Xudu City to investigate it thoroughly.
*Hiss... Wait a minute... This is not right...*
Hearing this, Xi Zhicai, who was beside Cao Cao, discerned something different.
"General Xu, are you serious?" Xi Zhicai asked incredulously. "Lu Sinong doesn't practice martial arts! How could he have written such an exquisite spear technique? This completely defies common sense!"
This question was also Cao Cao's question...
Xu Chu scratched his head. "I don't know about that, but... remembering a spear manual doesn't necessarily require mastery of martial arts. With Lu Sinong's photographic memory, as long as he has seen it once, it shouldn't be difficult for him to remember one or two martial arts manuals."
*Heh...*
This was a very unique understanding.
Cao Cao pondered for a moment, and then "Haha... Haha," he burst into laughter.
Did it matter if Yu'er knew martial arts?
—It didn't matter at all!
Of course, it was an unexpected surprise that Yu'er could write this "Thirty-Six Forms of the Yang Family Spear" and even teach such a young and highly skilled Xiahou Mao.
This was also not important...
The important thing was that Yu'er's Yang Family Spear technique and the Red Plume Spear invented by Yu'er could be used to form a surprise force centered around the Red Plume Spear!
Based on Cao Cao's understanding of this Red Plume Spear, it could be used for close-quarters combat, mid-range throwing, and long-range ambush surprise attacks...
Once such a troop type was formed, it would play a significant role on the battlefield!
And precisely, there was no lord in the entire Han Dynasty who possessed such a troop type, and such a troop type would surely produce miraculous effects in a major battle!
This was the principle of winning by surprise...
"I understand." With this thought in mind, Cao Cao nodded. "By the way, Zhong Kang... what has Lu Sinong been busy with during our campaign?"
"Workshops!" Xu Chu explained everything he knew. "It seems Lu Sinong intends to build a workshop within the Imperial College, considered as part of the 'Hundred Crafts,' specifically woodworking. These days, he is accelerating the training of imperial students!"
Workshop?
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed slightly. The conventional meaning of a workshop was the production of siege engines like battering rams, trebuchets, and siege towers.
And these siege engines, without exception, required highly skilled craftsmanship to complete.
Even artisans of more than ten years might not be competent.
But... building a workshop in the Imperial College?
This was a bit...
What could these inexperienced youngsters produce?
Just as Cao Cao thought this, before he could ponder it further...
"Dada da..."
A fast horse galloped from the southeast, its rider, coming from the direction of Shouchun City, looking particularly spirited.
"Reporting to Cao Sikong, urgent dispatch from the front lines!"
"Speak!"
"Our vanguard of 30,000 men engaged in battle with Yuan's army's six routes, totaling 120,000 troops, outside Shouchun City. Five routes of Yuan's army defected before the battle, and Yuan's army was routed! Over 17,000 enemies were killed... and over 30,000 were captured!"
"Grand General Zhang Xun, under the rebel Yuan Shu, was captured. The rebel Yuan Shu, leading 30,000 remnants, retreated to Shouchun City... raising a flag of non-engagement, daring not to fight further."
As soon as this was said...
"Good!" Cao Cao sprang up.
Although it was expected, the news of victory still made him quite excited.
The significance of this battle was profound. This was a decisive battle that would determine the hegemonic position in the Central Plains! The opportunity to dominate the Central Plains by possessing Si, Xu, Yan, and Yu was within sight!
How could Cao Cao not be excited?
"Pass an order to the entire army to march at full speed. We must reach Shouchun City before sunset tomorrow!"
This...
Xi Zhicai was stunned. He reminded him, "Cao Sikong just said we would camp here tonight?"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao showed a surprised expression.
"Did I say that? I don't recall, did I? Military Advisor Zhicai must have misheard..."
Speaking of which, Cao Cao waved his hand. "Pass the order immediately. Travel day and night. Do not sleep until we reach Shouchun City!"
Cao Cao's tone was exceptionally urgent!
The first battle was a victory, and Yuan Shu was severely crippled.
Then, the offensive against Shouchun remained.
Now, Yuan Shu had only 30,000 remnants left, and their morale was low. Taking advantage of the enemy's weakness to strike them was an opportunity right before them, and Cao Cao did not want to miss it...
"Heh heh, Skull King of Huainan, your death is near."
Cao Cao cried out in his heart...
What could be more unbearable than this?
Saying this, Cao Cao abandoned his carriage and mounted his warhorse "Jueying"... and rode forward.
As for Xi Zhicai, his eyes darted back and forth...
After a moment, his eyes fixed!
"Cao Sikong intends to finish this quickly!"
How could Xi Zhicai not understand Cao Cao? It was the rainy season now... Shouchun was a low-lying area, where water easily accumulated!
Lord Xun had previously mentioned that with waterlogging and shallows everywhere, grain might not be delivered immediately.
And the grain road and grain under the waterlogged areas were a huge hidden danger for Cao's army.
He hoped... it would go as planned... to achieve a swift victory in one go!
Xi Zhicai thought this, but reason told him that perhaps... the fall of Shouchun City was not as simple as imagined. As the saying goes—a centipede dies but never stiffens!
Moreover, this centipede was the direct descendant of a four-generation noble family, Yuan!
*Whoosh...* Xi Zhicai exhaled, praying in his heart—please, let it not turn into a protracted war!
...
...
A crushing defeat, a devastating defeat!
Tens of thousands of Cao's troops, including the newly surrendered 60,000 of Yuan Shu's soldiers.
They surrounded Shouchun City.
With the army at the city gates, Yuan Shu was dumbfounded...
This decisive battle had left an indelible shadow on his fragile psyche.
In one battle, he had lost dozens of generals and hundreds of thousands of soldiers!
Yuan Shu was on the verge of collapse...
"Why are there... only you people in the court? Where are the others? Where are my generals?" Yuan Shu roared in anger, looking at the empty court.
"Father..." Yuan Yao reported, "They fled. They... they all fled Shouchun City with their families amidst the chaos. Many... many..."
"Many what?" Yuan Shu asked loudly.
"Many civil and military officials have defected to Cao Cao!" Yuan Yao's face was as bitter as a bitter melon.
He was the crown prince of the Zhong family, but... he seemed destined to be a "fake" crown prince, and a short-lived "fake" crown prince!
"Why? Why do you all abandon me! Why..." Yuan Shu roared, each cry louder than the last. "I... I haven't treated you badly, have I? Why... why..."
Just as Lu Yu had said when talking with Cao Cao earlier.
Yuan Shu had usurped the throne, and before the battle even began, he was already abandoned by all his followers.
Now... the only usable general under his command was Ji Ling, and the only civil official was Yang Hong!
At this moment, Yuan Shu felt like an orphan, neglected, betrayed, and abandoned by all... a despair that held no hope.
"What about the Taoists? The Taoists I believed in? Where... where are they?" In the magnificent imperial palace hall, Yuan Shu was still shouting... his voice echoing!
Incredibly cold, incredibly mournful!
This...
Yuan Yao hesitated for a moment. "Your Majesty, the Taoists... the Taoists have all left. They... they left a message when they departed."
"What message?" Yuan Shu asked urgently.
"Your son dares not speak!" Yuan Yao lowered his head, looking extremely ashamed.
"Speak, tell it to me!" Yuan Shu strode up to Yuan Yao. "If you don't speak, I'll kill you today!"
With a *thump*, Yuan Yao knelt.
"Your Majesty, they... they said that Your Majesty is a 'dog attempting usurpation, bringing about your own destruction'!"
As soon as he said this... Yuan Shu seemed to have suffered a critical magical attack. He instinctively stumbled back, staggering and falling to the ground.
Had the Taoists, whom he believed in most, also left him?
Even so, he was still roaring.
"Bold, you audacious Taoists! I... I will exterminate your entire family! Your entire clan!"
Yuan Shu tried to support himself, but... his body felt as if it had gone limp. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stand up.
"Wuwu..."
Yuan Shu cried, crying most sorrowfully.
As high-spirited as he was when he declared himself emperor, he was now that desolate and lonely!
"It's over, is my Zhong family's empire over?"
"Your Majesty..." Just then, Yuan Shu's strategist Yang Hong offered his final plan. "Please, Your Majesty, please pull yourself together!"
"Cao's army is strong. We have no chance against them in a head-on confrontation. However... however... it won't be easy for them to break through the city!"
*Hmm...*
Yang Hong's words were like a candle flame seen by Yuan Shu in the darkness. Yuan Shu desperately stood up and quickly walked up to Yang Hong.
"Sir, sir must have a solution, a way... to defeat Cao Cao. Sir, quickly tell me, quickly tell me!"
With urgency, flames seemed to be about to burst from Yuan Shu's eyes, flames of intense desire.
"Your Majesty..." Yang Hong cupped his hands. "There have been frequent rains in Shouchun recently, and the entire road is muddy and filled with dangerous shoals... and Cao's army, although their large army has arrived, their grain and fodder must be obstructed and unable to advance!"
Speaking of this, Yang Hong paused. "Shouchun City has entered the rainy season. It will continue to rain heavily for over a month, and the accumulated water will deepen. The more Cao's army's food cannot be delivered, as long as our army can hold out for a month, I predict Cao's army will run out of food and retreat!"
"Moreover, we still have troops in the southern territories to fight against Sun Ce. If we win, and the army returns to reinforce us, then with an attack from both inside and outside, we might not be unable to defeat Cao Cao! Therefore... the immediate priority is to lock the city, cease engagement, and wait for reinforcements... that is the best strategy!"
As soon as these words were spoken...
Yuan Shu nodded repeatedly. He seemed to have gained a slight surge of intelligence.
"Good, good..."
"Cao Cao has traveled from afar and encountered continuous heavy rain. He is constrained by grain and fodder, which is why he deliberately sent the vanguard to lure me into battle. If... if we can hold on for more than thirty days, Cao Cao will surely run out of food, and then we will fight him with the entire army! We will surely win!"
"I am still the emperor, I am still heaven, I am the true Son of Heaven, admired by all!"
Speaking of this, a beautiful vision arose in Yuan Shu's mind.
Today, Cao Cao used 30,000 troops to defeat his 120,000 men. Tomorrow, he, Yuan Shu, could also use 30,000 troops to defeat Cao Cao's 150,000 men.
Indeed...
After Yuan Shu finished speaking, Yang Hong cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty sees clearly!"
"Haha... Hahaha..." Yuan Shu finally managed a smile at the corner of his mouth. He quickly walked back to the dragon throne, opened the sandalwood box, took out the Imperial Seal, and held it in his hand!
"You all, immediately draft an edict. I... I will enfeoff Military Advisor Yang Hong as the State Minister! State Minister Yang!"
This...
Upon hearing this, Yang Hong's brows furrowed. What time was it now? Still... still State Minister? What use were these empty titles... or even this piece of rock, the Imperial Seal?
Did this piece of rock truly matter more than life to His Majesty?
"Alas... alas..." Yang Hong seemed to foresee something and sighed continuously.
In his opinion, if... if his guess was correct, the Hidden Dragon was indeed in Cao's camp!
Then... with the Hidden Dragon's ability, how could he not break through his simple strategy of guarding the city and locking the gates!
"Alas..."
Now, all he could do was his best and leave the rest to fate.
As for this Zhong family State Minister, it might just be Yang Hong's new "shroud."
Just then...
A guard rushed to report. "Your Majesty, something is wrong... Cao's main army has arrived, and they are about to... about to attack the city!"
"What..."
Yuan Shu mustered his full attention.
At this moment, he personally experienced what it meant—black clouds pressing down under the betrayal of all!
The bloody setting sun filled the sky, about to dye this bloody battlefield...
Could this Shouchun City hold out for a month?
At this moment, even Yuan Shu had doubts.
...
...