Xu Prefecture, Xiapi City.
When Tao Qian's eldest son, Tao Shang, came to pay his respects to his father, he was surprised to find that his father, who had been ill for several days, was now enjoying the flowers and feeding fish in the courtyard…
His face showed no trace of illness, and his mood seemed to be greatly improved.
"Has Father recovered?" Tao Shang stepped forward and stood beside Tao Qian.
"Haha…" Tao Qian chuckled lightly and did not answer. After finishing feeding the fish, he turned around, patted Tao Shang's shoulder, and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, a person in good spirits when encountering happy events feels invigorated. Although the illness is not gone, there is happy news to celebrate… These legs and hands are restless, and I want to come out for a walk."
Happy news?
Tao Shang's eyes darted around. Recently, Cao Cao had been pressing hard, conquering three cities in a row. Pengcheng was about to fall, and the next… would be Xiapi City? Where was there any happy news?
If one were to really count, the greatest happy news would be… Liu Bei of Pingyuan leading Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun to assist in the battle. But in reality, they only had a thousand troops, which was like a drop in the bucket. How could they stop Cao Cao?
"May I know what happy news Father mentioned?" Tao Shang asked curiously…
"Haha…" Tao Qian waved his hand, signaling the servants to withdraw. Only the father and son were left by the water pavilion.
Only then did Tao Qian deliberately lower his voice and say with a smile, "Cao Cao is about to retreat…"
Ah… retreat?
Tao Shang was stunned. The Cao army was unstoppable. Not to mention breaking Pengcheng, even breaking Xiapi and taking Xu Prefecture in one go was not a problem? Retreat… unless Cao Cao's head was kicked by a donkey, or the Buddha… how could they possibly retreat?
"Father, this…"
Before Tao Shang could ask, Tao Qian's words came first.
"Shang'er, five days ago, Father received an urgent dispatch from Yan Prefecture. This was sent by our spies stationed in Yan Prefecture…" Tao Qian's mouth was always curved, and his words carried a slight smile.
He emphasized the crucial part, "Lü Bu has launched a surprise attack on Yan Prefecture with his Bing Province Wolf Cavalry. The entire Yan Prefecture is in chaos. I heard that Chen Gong, under Lü Bu, has colluded with the local clans in Yan Prefecture and even invited Guo Gong, the Governor of Yu Prefecture, to lead an army of a hundred thousand to attack Yan Prefecture. Hahaha… Yan Prefecture is currently in turmoil, how can Cao Cao not retreat?"
What… Tao Shang was stunned. Is this true?
"Father… Since it was a letter from five days ago? Why are you only telling me now…"
"Haha…" Tao Qian flicked his sleeves. "I just want to see how many people in our Xu Prefecture are two-faced…" As he spoke, Tao Qian took out a bamboo slip from his embrace and handed it to Tao Shang.
When Tao Shang opened it, he saw many names recorded on it, as well as… the times of their correspondence with Cao Cao. These names were not unfamiliar to him; most of them were officials of Xu Prefecture.
Hoo… Tao Shang let out a long sigh. He did not expect his father to have calculated these things. So… he was faking his illness?
"Father, so… you are not sick!"
“…Some people are sick, and we need to treat them properly after Cao Cao retreats,” Tao Qian narrowed his eyes slightly.
Admittedly, he was not an excellent military strategist, but in governing prefectures and understanding people's hearts, he had unique insights.
Ever since the urgent dispatch arrived five days ago, Tao Qian had predicted that Cao Cao would definitely return for reinforcements.
And with his return, not only would the siege of Pengcheng be lifted, but the cities that had already been conquered could also be easily retaken.
Moreover, Tao Qian still had the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang. The situation in Xu Prefecture had suddenly become much clearer.
"Hahahaha…" Tao Qian laughed again. "I predict that Cao Cao will retreat in the next two days. Shang'er, prepare a banquet to celebrate our Danyang soldiers and Liu, Guan, and Zhang!"
Just as he was laughing…
“…My Lord, a dispatch from Yan Prefecture has arrived!” a voice came from outside the water pavilion. Tao Qian and Tao Shang were no strangers to this voice. It was Chen Deng, Chen Yuanlong, whom Tao Qian had promoted as the Colonel of Agriculture, responsible for the agricultural production of the prefecture.
Besides this position, he was also the leader of the literati faction in Xu Prefecture.
It should be known that Xu Prefecture was not as simple as it appeared on the surface. The factions here were intricate, divided into three core factions: the literati faction led by Chen Deng, the commoner faction led by Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, and the Danyang faction led by Cao Bao, a general from Tao Qian's hometown.
Tao Qian favored the literati faction and the Danyang faction the most, and he somewhat neglected the commoner faction…
Furthermore, Chen Deng, due to his considerable insight, had been placed by Tao Qian's side during this turbulent time to have someone to discuss matters with.
"Yan Prefecture dispatch?" Tao Qian paused slightly and then beckoned Chen Deng into the water pavilion.
Chen Deng quickly handed over the letter, and Tao Qian motioned for him not to bother, asking him to read it aloud directly… There were no outsiders present, so Tao Qian saw no need to hide anything.
Moreover, he could probably guess that this letter would at most discuss how chaotic the Yan Prefecture was currently.
And which cities were loyal to Cao? Which cities had changed allegiance to Lü? Which cities were loyal to Guo?
Of course, these were all things that Tao Qian was happy to hear…
Chen Deng did not hesitate. He immediately unfurled the bamboo slip and slowly read, "My Lord, I have obtained intelligence from Yan Prefecture. Lü Bu, in collusion with the clans of Yan Prefecture, ambushed Chenliu Commandery. A fierce battle took place at the south gate of Chenliu Commandery. Lü Bu fell into an ambush, and his Bing Province troops suffered more than half their losses, fleeing in disarray!"
What…
As these words fell, Tao Qian suspected he had misheard.
Ambush… and even with inside help, they couldn't even take a small Chenliu Commandery?
Tao Qian's expression froze. He felt a bit dizzy… He had a sense of not understanding the situation.
A bad premonition arose in Tao Shang's heart. Then, he felt a heavy hammer strike his chest.
It hurt… It didn't hurt yet, but there was a sense of inexplicable worry and fear.
Chen Deng continued, "The Bing Province troops advanced in five routes to attack the various commanderies and counties in the hinterland of Yan Prefecture. They were intercepted in Fan County and Dong'e. Cao's army was well-prepared, and the Bing Province troops were defeated with heavy losses! The commanderies and counties in the hinterland of Yan Prefecture are all safe…"
The hinterland of Yan Prefecture is also… also safe?
As soon as these words were spoken, Tao Qian's legs went weak. He was old and his health was not good. With a "plop," one leg directly knelt on the ground.
But he forcibly supported himself against the wall and stood up. He mumbled something, but found his throat choked and unable to make a sound. An indescribable feeling surfaced in his mind.
Tao Shang frowned heavily. He found the matter too strange…
It was one thing that Chenliu Commandery was not captured, but all the commanderies and counties in the hinterland of Yan Prefecture were defended? Wasn't it a surprise attack? Wasn't it a sneak attack? What kind of sneak attack was this?
Besides, Cao Cao had attacked Xu Prefecture with all his might, and there didn't seem to be many troops left in Yan Prefecture?
Tao Shang still couldn't believe it. He shook his head as if to say, this is fake, this is all fake.
Chen Deng's words continued. This time, not only Tao Qian and Tao Shang's faces turned grim, but even Chen Deng's words became hesitant.
"Guo Gong, leading an army of a hundred thousand, reached Juancheng. Xun Yu, who was stationed in Juancheng, personally came down from the city and had a long talk with Guo Gong. The ten thousand Yu Prefecture troops immediately… immediately withdrew and retreated back to Yu Prefecture, without offending Yan Prefecture at all!"
Ah…
Tao Shang felt like he was about to wet himself.
What was going on? Ten thousand troops reached the city… and they just retreated without offending? He felt Guo Gong was a scam, and he felt the ten thousand Yu Prefecture troops were even more of a scam… simply a bottomless pit of a scam!
At this moment, Tao Qian was stunned. He thought further: if… Chenliu Commandery was safe, Juancheng was safe, and those commanderies and counties were safe… why would Cao Cao need to retreat?
If Cao Cao didn't need to retreat… then… then… wasn't the fall of Pengcheng a foregone conclusion?
And the fall of Xiapi City seemed only a matter of time.
Tao Qian's eyes widened. His gaze lost its spirit at this moment. The water pavilion was very warm, but it seemed that these streams of warmth could not dispel the coldness in his heart.
Because of the dramatic reversal of the situation… and foreseeing the fall of Xu Prefecture, Tao Qian's tears could no longer be held back, falling "plop, plop" like beads from a broken string.
He felt his heart bleeding, and he felt his heart being scraped away by Cao Cao, piece by piece…
Finally, unable to bear such a blow, Tao Qian "poof," spewed out a mouthful of blood, and his whole body collapsed to the ground like a soft pile of mud.
"Father, Father…"
Tao Shang hurried to help him…
Chen Deng also intended to help, but he saw the last item on the bamboo slip, or rather, the only "good" news.
But it seemed…
Even this good news could not compensate for the sorrow brought by the previous three bad news! Nor could it reverse the situation!
Admittedly, Lü Bu had captured Puyang City…
But the generals and soldiers originally stationed by Cao's army were not harmed in the slightest. In other words, Cao's army's strength in Yan Prefecture was currently well-preserved.
On the contrary, Lü Bu… with repeated defeats, losses of troops and generals, coupled with Guo Gong's withdrawal, he had become a lone fighter. All he had gained was a city…
Who won and who lost? It was clear at a glance…
The situation in Yan Prefecture had miraculously stabilized!
"Someone… Someone…"
"Quick, quickly send for the imperial physician, quickly send for the imperial physician!" Tao Shang was still shouting, hoarsely.
Tao Qian struggled to open his eyes and, with his last ounce of strength, ordered, "Quick… quickly send an envoy… and… and invite Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Liu Biao, Gongsun Zan to rescue Xu Prefecture."
"They… they all… all covet Xu Prefecture, and they will definitely… definitely not watch Cao Cao take Xu Prefecture and remain indifferent!"
His faint voice could only be heard by his son, Tao Shang.
"Alas…"
"Alas… Good… Good!" Repeated sighs. Tao Shang agreed on the surface, but in his heart, he knew very well.
Envoys had already been sent to those who should have been sent.
Moreover, Cao Cao was avenging his father and had not harmed the common people. Righteousness… righteousness was on his side.
Now… there would be no reinforcements… Xu Prefecture was finished!
Here, Tao Qian and his son were shedding tears…
In contrast, Chen Deng's eyes narrowed tightly.
He was a smart person, and his father, Chen Gui, the Prefect of Pei, was also a smart person. Now that Tao Qian's influence was waning, it was a foregone conclusion that Xu Prefecture would change hands.
At this time, it was crucial for their Chen family. It was time to choose a new master…
"Cao Cao…"
Chen Deng murmured in his heart…
Yan Prefecture, being able to turn danger into safety under extremely unfavorable circumstances, Cao Cao's camp was full of hidden talents, not simple at all… Perhaps, it was time to contact Cao Cao's camp.
With this thought, Chen Deng's eyes slowly lifted, and he gazed out the window towards Pengcheng in the west.
Presumably, Pengcheng would soon change its surname to "Cao," right?
…
…
Five li outside Pengcheng, Cao's army had already retreated their camp five li. All the armored soldiers were ready. As soon as the order was given, they would abandon Xu Prefecture and return to Yan Prefecture.
This was Cao Cao's thorough preparation. Before this, he had received two letters from Xun Yu. In the first letter, handwritten by Xun Yu, many sentences repeatedly appeared in Cao Cao's mind.
– "In the past, Emperor Gaozu secured Guanzhong, and Emperor Guangwu occupied Henei. Both deeply rooted themselves to control the realm. They advanced to defeat the enemy and retreated to defend. Thus, despite hardships and defeats, they ultimately achieved great success!"
– "General, you first took action in Yan Prefecture and pacified the difficulties in Shandong. The common people are all loyal and admire you. Moreover, He and Ji are important strategic locations in the world. Although they are now ravaged, they are still easy to defend, which is also your Guanzhong and Henei. You cannot fail to return and reinforce."
Although the language was formal, Xun Yu's first letter basically meant: The situation in Yan Prefecture is unclear, Old Cao, you must make the worst possible plan, abandon Xu Prefecture, and return to reinforce Yan Prefecture!
… "Yan Prefecture is your base, and it is also a strategic location. Even if you abandon Xu Prefecture, you must secure your rear to achieve great things!"
Cao Cao had originally planned to do so and had already gathered troops, preparing to abandon Xu Prefecture and return to Yan Prefecture.
However… a few days ago, he received Xun Yu's second letter. Upon opening it, he saw that the situation in Chenliu was stable, and Lu Yu had turned the tables to defeat Lü Bu.
The most exaggerated thing was that Cheng Yu, who had been tomb raiding, heard that the situation had changed. He decisively killed a county magistrate and persuaded a county governor, establishing a bloody defense line, and for a time, the entire hinterland of Yan Prefecture was as solid as a rock!
With the stabilization of most of Yan Prefecture, this also gave Cao Cao more time… Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh, Lu Yu, Cheng Yu, Cao Chun… the Dragon Cavalry had all made great contributions this time…
Xun Yu's letter also pointed out his latest view: "Wait and see!"
But… then the news of Lü Bu's attack on Puyang City and Guo Gong, the Governor of Yu Prefecture, leading a hundred thousand troops to attack Juancheng, arrived again. This cast a shadow over Cao Cao, who had just breathed a sigh of relief.
Puyang, Juancheng… If these two cities were lost, then Yan Prefecture would fall into chaos again.
If it weren't for Xun Yu's firm mention of "wait and see," Cao Cao would have already abandoned Xu Prefecture and led his army back to reinforce.
Pengcheng was indeed important, and Xu Prefecture, which was within easy reach, was also important, but… as Xun Yu said, Yan Prefecture was the rear, the crucial point, and it could not afford to be lost.
Finally…
The messenger from Yan Prefecture appeared at the end of the official road. Cao Ren immediately reported to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao could not wait to go out to meet him personally. From afar, Cao Cao could clearly see the messenger's appearance. This time, it was none other than his nephew, Cao Anmin.
Since Xun Yu sent Cao Anmin to deliver this letter, it was expected to have deep meaning, and this letter must be extremely urgent!
"Nephew Anmin, did Wenruo bring any letters?"
Cao Cao personally helped Cao Anmin lead his horse… Cao Anmin dismounted and quickly took out a bamboo slip from his embrace and handed it to Cao Cao, "The letter is here…"
Cao Cao eagerly opened it…
Cao Hong, who was impatient and did not recognize many characters, asked, "Anmin, what is the situation in Yan Prefecture?"
"The situation is stable… Guo Gong, the Governor of Yu Prefecture, led an army of a hundred thousand to retreat. Lü Bu attacked and captured Puyang City, but his troops suffered losses. The remaining cities and counties are still in our hands. We do not need to worry about Lü Bu's invasion in the short term," Cao Anmin tried to shout as loudly as possible, despite his fatigue… but he knew that news from Yan Prefecture could boost the morale here!
"Then… what about Yuan Rang?" Hearing that Puyang City had fallen, Xiahou Yuan hurriedly asked, his brows filled with worry.
"General Xiahou is also fine…" Cao Anmin replied truthfully. "He was previously tricked and lost Puyang City, and was captured by Lü Bu's subordinates due to carelessness. It was Young Master Lu Yu who saved him. Now… General Xiahou and the Qing Prefecture troops are stationed in Juancheng, and there have been no casualties!"
Hoo…
As soon as these words were spoken, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong breathed a sigh of relief.
Lü Bu's surprise attack, losing a city, they could accept, but… if Xiahou Dun had a mishap, it would not be something they could bear.
Here… everyone was asking Cao Anmin questions, one after another…
On the other side, Cao Cao had already read the entire bamboo slip.
When he finished reading the last word, Cao Cao's gloomy face instantly cleared up, and the long-lost demonic laughter reappeared.
"Hahahaha… Hahahaha…"
As the laughter erupted, Xi Zhicai, who was beside him, repeatedly asked, "My Lord, why are you laughing?"
Cao Cao replied while laughing, "Lü Bu, that brat, foolishly tried to plot against my Yan Prefecture, but he didn't expect that I had Wenruo and Lu Yu stationed in Yan Prefecture. Haha, Lü Bu, that brat, was meticulous in his calculations, but in the end, he only managed to capture one city despite his losses!"
Cao Cao laughed heartily, his voice growing louder and louder…
Losing Puyang City was already a blessing in disguise. Cao Cao could accept it… Moreover, Lü Bu's army had suffered losses, and they must also be in a difficult situation now.
This time… besides Xiahou Dun, Xun Yu, Cao Chun, and especially Lu Yu, had all earned a string of merits… Good, very good!
Cao Cao clenched his fist fiercely, and his eyes suddenly turned towards Pengcheng on the other side.
With a stable rear and no worries about the future, Cao Cao was formidable. He could concentrate his efforts on dealing with Pengcheng… With a "swoosh," the Yitian Sword at his waist was drawn from its sheath.
"Order the entire army to prepare food immediately. Three hours later, surround three sides and leave one open, and launch a general assault on Pengcheng!"
"Yes!" As these words were spoken, all the generals saluted in unison. After days of fear and trepidation, they had forgotten that there was still a precarious Pengcheng in front of them.
Heh heh…
Finally, it was time to attack Pengcheng…
In this battle, Cao Cao's army's morale was like a rainbow. In this battle, Pengcheng's populace was scattered. This was a battle whose outcome was decided before it even began. Pengcheng, and even Xu Prefecture, was bound to fall!
…
…
"Kill!"
Dark clouds pressed down. This time, Cao Cao was the hunter!
In Cao Cao's opinion, this was a long-awaited clearing of the clouds and the appearance of the sun.
…
…