The Xu City outskirts, the land of Rangshan.
Not a wisp of cloud adorned the sky, and a blazing sun hung overhead. Not a breath of wind stirred, and all the trees stood listlessly, lazily in place.
Liu Bei and Guan Yu, leading their vast army, had arrived at Rangshan. On the forehead of every armored soldier, large beads of sweat could be clearly seen.
"Elder Brother… your younger brother has a request!"
Guan Yu, astride his horse, seemed troubled.
"Yun Chang, speak freely!" Liu Bei waved his hand, signaling him not to conceal anything.
Guan Yu paused, hesitated for a moment, and then finally spoke, "Though this surprise attack is to uphold the Han, it is ultimately not entirely righteous. I hope, Elder Brother, that you will escort the Emperor away and not harm the innocent common people!"
Liu Bei, who established his reputation on benevolence and righteousness, how could he harm the populace?
It was just that the so-called "common people" in Guan Yu's words referred to something else.
"Yun Chang speaks of Cao Cao's family and Yin Lin's family, does he not?" Liu Bei retorted.
Guan Yu opened his mouth, but swallowed his words, ultimately falling silent.
Liu Bei understood this expression. Guan Yu was grateful for Cao Cao's past kindness towards him, and also grateful to Yin Lin for yielding credit to him and letting him return south.
"Alas…" Liu Bei sighed inwardly.
"Second Brother, what are you saying? Am I, Liu Bei, such a villain who would abduct wives and daughters?"
In truth, Liu Bei's established persona did not permit him to abduct Cao Cao's family or Lu Yu's family. Doing so would significantly diminish his so-called "benevolence and righteousness."
Guan Yu looked up, his eyes filled with gratitude.
At this very moment.
"Dada da…"
A cavalry of several thousand was galloping towards them.
Upon clearly identifying the approaching figures, both Liu Bei and Guan Yu narrowed their eyes. Was this not their Third Brother, Yide?
They were instinctively alarmed. By rights, Third Brother Zhang Fei should have collaborated with the internal forces to breach Xu City!
How could it be…
Before Liu Bei could inquire further, he noticed the wounds on Zhang Fei's shoulders and arms. Bloodstains permeated the areas, and the color had gradually turned black. Clearly, Third Brother had been shot, and with a poisoned arrow at that.
"Third Brother? Why are you so gravely injured?"
Liu Bei immediately dismounted and walked to Zhang Fei's front, carefully supporting his arm, fearing… to cause him pain!
"Ai ya…"
Zhang Fei carelessly waved his hand and then blurted out, "Damn it all, I don't know what these Dragon Cavalier Battalion used! There was no warning at all. Only within a hundred paces… did they suddenly unleash countless extremely fine crossbow bolts. I couldn't dodge them and suffered a hidden loss…"
This…
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu's eternally impassive face twitched. He gazed at Zhang Fei's wounds. The scratches left by the crossbow bolts were utterly shocking!
"Elder Brother, when I was in Cao's camp, I heard that… within the Dragon Cavalier Battalion managed by Lu Yu in Cao's camp, there was a workshop called the Forging Workshop, which was extremely mysterious…
The impenetrable armor, the battle halberds that could slice iron like mud, all originated from this Forging Workshop. I heard that the person in charge of the Forging Workshop was Cao Cao's most beloved eldest daughter, Cao Mu… It is likely that this time… something new has been developed by the Forging Workshop, causing Yide to be hit!"
Guan Yu's words spilled out.
"Alas…" Zhang Fei sighed deeply. "If I had known they were so dishonorable, I would have been more careful and not charged so far ahead. Now look… it has ruined Elder Brother's grand plan!"
"It is nothing…" Although Liu Bei felt regret, his bond with Zhang Fei was "true love." Immediately… he called out, "Quick, quick, summon the accompanying physician to detoxify my Third Brother!"
Speaking of this.
Guan Yu raised his eyes. "Elder Brother? Is Xu City still to be attacked?"
"Elder Brother… Second Brother!" Hearing about the city's assault, Zhang Fei started blustering again, "If you are to attack the city, you must be careful of those crossbow bolts. I heard the Dragon Cavalier Battalion say that Lu Yu had long predicted Elder Brother's surprise attack and specifically prepared three thousand crossbow bolts, waiting for us to attack the city!"
Hmm…
Liu Bei and Guan Yu exchanged glances.
Liu Bei continued to question Zhang Fei, "Yide? Did the Dragon Cavalier Battalion soldiers really say that?"
"Absolutely true…" Despite being injured and poisoned, Zhang Fei's robust health made him seem as if nothing was wrong. In reality, he was in pain, but he could still endure this discomfort!
Hearing the affirmative answer.
Liu Bei mused, "It seems Xu City truly has no defenses."
"Ah… what?" Zhang Fei asked in surprise.
Guan Yu stroked his beard and nodded, "Third Brother, think about it. If Yin Lin truly anticipated our surprise attack on Xu City, he would have made secret arrangements and lured us into a trap. How could he have told you, Yide? This is the Dragon Cavalier Battalion's cavalry deceiving you to make you retreat!"
Oh…
Only now did Zhang Fei realize that he had been too foolish and too naive.
At that time, he should have continued the assault!
Now it was too late; the best opportunity had been missed.
"Elder Brother? Are we still attacking?" Guan Yu asked again.
Liu Bei, however, shook his head. "Third Brother's vanguard army has been blocked. It is certain that… the rebellion within the city has been quelled. The attack must proceed, but it will no longer be a surprise attack to achieve victory!"
"The immediate plan is to hide here in Rangshan. Firstly, to allow the soldiers who marched rapidly to rest for half a day. Secondly… after half a day, when our army's logistical supplies, siege ladders, and other siege equipment arrive, then it will be not too late to forcefully attack Xu City!"
"Then…" Guan Yu asked again, "What if Cao's army from Guandu returns to reinforce?"
"They will not!" Liu Bei narrowed his eyes and spoke with certainty. "I have calculated the time for Cao Du to reinforce Xu City. Furthermore, the decisive battle of the Guandu campaign is currently raging… Cao Cao cannot return so quickly. We have ample time!"
Speaking of this, Liu Bei paused.
"Second Brother, you must exercise some patience. The urgent matter is to heal Third Brother, and also… to keep these thirty thousand troops concealed in Rangshan so that Cao's scouts cannot ascertain our position! We will attack at dawn tomorrow!"
"I understand!" Guan Yu nodded and went to make arrangements.
In the aspect of commanding the army, Guan Yu was extremely outstanding. As long as Liu Bei assigned him a task, no matter how difficult, he could accomplish it.
It was just…
Vaguely, Guan Yu had an ominous premonition in his heart: delay breeds complications!
He truly worried that delay would breed complications!
However, at least… Yin Lin was not present. If he were, this night… might claim the lives of tens of thousands!
…
…
Xu City, Xiahou Manor!
Xiahou Juan had just returned when she was surrounded by her two elder brothers, Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba.
—"Juan sister, this time… how perilous was it? Do you know?"
—"How many times have I told you, during these times of war and chaos, even Xu City should not be taken lightly? You are forbidden from gathering firewood in the future!"
—"It's just some firewood, our Xiahou Manor is not short of it… If anything were to happen to you, Juan sister, how would we explain ourselves to Father and Mother?"
Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba spoke, one after another.
They had repeatedly told Xiahou Juan not to go gather firewood in Rangshan.
However, Xiahou Juan was accustomed to it. She had come from difficult times. If she were like the young ladies of noble families, doing nothing, she would feel uncomfortable!
Precisely…
It was precisely because of Xiahou Juan's obedient nature and thrifty disposition that even though she was not Xiahou Yuan's biological daughter, almost all the Xiahou family's young men treated her like a real sister.
Thinking back, the rebellion at the south city gate, the doors flung open, Zhang Fei leading a cavalry attack…
What if, what if sister Juan was captured by Zhang Fei then… then…
Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba dared not think about it…
The consequences were simply unbearable for them.
—"Eldest and Second Brothers, please don't scold me. Juan knows she was wrong…"
—"However, you two brothers need to thank Sister Mu properly, and… and that young master named Zhuge Kongming. I heard he is a student at the Imperial Academy with you two brothers!"
What…
Zhuge Kongming!
At the mention of this name, Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba were stunned. They exchanged glances… and an involuntary sense of disbelief washed over them.
They had heard about the situation outside the city…
Over ten Dragon Cavalier Knights had repelled Zhang Fei's several thousand cavalry!
Considering the divine might and fame of the Dragon Cavalier Camp, even though this matter seemed somewhat unbelievable, it was ultimately acceptable.
But… the one who saved their sister?
Was it "Zhuge Kongming"?
As students of the same cohort at the Imperial Academy, they were all too familiar with "Zhuge Kongming." Apart from being skilled with his hands and proficient in woodwork among the "hundred crafts," he seemed otherwise unremarkable in all other aspects!
Even… in terms of martial arts, Xiahou Ba felt he could defeat a hundred of him!
Him?
He saved sister Juan?
Xiahou Ba's eyes darted around. "Juan sister? The debt of saving a life is not a joke…"
"It was indeed him…" Xiahou Juan's tone was quite certain. "He saved me and Sister Mu at Rangshan. Just as we were about to reach the south city gate, he led over ten Dragon Cavalier Knights to cover our retreat… If… if it was the Dragon Cavalier Camp repelling the enemy, then… it must be related to this Zhuge Kongming!"
Huo… Da Feng Xiao Shuo
This time, Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Heng looked at "Zhuge Kongming" with newfound respect.
They had never expected this young master, who was not tall, not handsome, and appeared rather honest and dull, to burst forth with such energy at this juncture.
"By the way…" Xiahou Heng remembered something. "Recently, at the Imperial Academy, 'Kongming' has taken extended leave from Chief Administrator Cai. It seems… it was to develop a piece of equipment drawn by Chief Lu… I heard he hasn't left the workshop for over a month. Could it be…"
Xiahou Heng mentioned this…
Gu Feng
Xiahou Ba suddenly realized.
So that's how it is…
If… if Chief Lu had given him some blueprints, and Kongming had forged a divine weapon, then… let alone repelling Zhang Fei, even capturing Zhang Fei would not be surprising.
After all… Chief Lu held such a high position in their minds as students of the Imperial Academy.
Just then.
—"Heng'er, Ba'er, Juan'er… hurry over here…"
A crisp female voice came from the direction of the main hall… Xiahou Heng, Xiahou Ba, and Xiahou Juan turned to look. It was none other than their mother, Ding Xiang!
At this moment, this dream girl of Cao Cao, clad in a green dress, strode with purpose…
Her demeanor was one of extreme urgency, and her expression was one of immense tension.
"Mother… what happened?"
Xiahou Heng couldn't help but ask.
"Your uncles just returned from outside the city…" Ding Xiang explained. "They said… they said that Liu Bei, that rebellious scoundrel, brought tens of thousands of troops to attack Xu City, but… but the scouts searched everywhere and… could not find any trace of them. The last known location was Rangshan, and then… they just… disappeared as if into thin air."
What…
As these words escaped, Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba's expressions tensed.
Xiahou Juan, however, rolled her eyes and quickly asked, "Mother? Is finding the trace of these贼兵 very important?"
"Naturally!" This time… before Ding Xiang could reply, Xiahou Ba preempted her explanation. "The sudden disappearance of the賊兵 means they must be in hiding. And the purpose of their hiding is either to rest or to await siege equipment. If… if their location cannot be ascertained, with them in the dark and us in the light… this would be fatal to Xu City!"
Xiahou Ba had diligently studied military strategy and was the most outstanding among the students of the Imperial Academy in terms of troop deployment.
He explained with eloquence, fearing… that his sister Xiahou Juan might not fully understand, thus… he tried his best to simplify it!
"Everyone, stop staring… None of you are allowed to go out now." Ding Xiang issued an order. "At a time like this, absolutely… absolutely do not cause any trouble for Lord Xun!"
In reality…
Ding Xiang was also very nervous. She didn't know how many guards Xu City had, but… a casual thought told her it couldn't be too many!
Danger…
The current situation was as precarious as a single strand of hair!
"Mother, rest assured…" Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba clasped their hands in salute.
Ding Xiang let out a sigh of relief… feeling somewhat more at ease.
Who would have thought that Xiahou Juan's single sentence would make Ding Xiang's heart leap into her throat once more.
—"Mother, Eldest and Second Brothers, if… if the enemy soldiers disappeared in Rangshan, perhaps… perhaps I know where they are hiding?"
Xiahou Juan hesitated for a moment before speaking.
Ah… Ah…
Precisely, this hesitation, this single sentence, caused everyone present to freeze!
Juan'er… knows? The whereabouts of the enemy soldiers?
…
…
Within Xu City, in the medical office.
Zhao Rong, accompanied by Zhuge Jun, guarded Xun Yu's bedside. Xun Yu was already wrapped in thick bandages.
Zhang Zhongjing and Hua Tuo, both possessing miraculous medical skills, worked together to treat Xun Yu, causing him to awaken immediately.
"I have heard everything… Kongming, you have done well… worthy of being a student of Situ Lu!"
A faint voice emerged from Xun Yu's lips. After drinking a bowl of medicinal soup, Xun Yu placed the bowl on the table beside him, constantly praising Zhuge Jun.
"Yes…"
Zhao Rong also couldn't help but praise. "Who would have thought that the one who repelled the enemy this time was a young master who knew no martial arts? Truly astonishing!"
"Lord Xun, General Zhao, you flatter me!" Zhuge Jun cupped his hands in a bow, appearing extremely humble. "The credit for repelling the enemy goes to the blueprint of the 'Zhuge Divine Crossbow' drawn by Master Lu. I merely combined the workshop and forging workshop to build it, and by suddenly deploying it, we caught the enemy off guard!"
Zhuge Divine Crossbow…
This was the nth time Zhuge Jun had mentioned this artifact to Zhao Rong and Xun Yu.
Even Zhuge Jun took it out and carefully explained it to Xun Yu and Zhao Rong.
Zhao Rong observed for a long time and felt that it was truly incredible that such a small black box could release sixteen tail-less crossbow bolts instantaneously, each of which could slice iron like mud and was extremely sharp…
"Master Situ always manages to surprise people!" Xun Yu sighed…
He turned his gaze back to Zhao Rong.
"Kongming repelled Liu Bei's vanguard army, but Liu Bei's army still numbers tens of thousands. This is the real test. Now… where has Liu Bei's army gone?"
This…
Upon mentioning this, Zhao Rong's expression tensed.
"After quelling the rebellion, I immediately dispatched scouts to search for Liu Bei's army's whereabouts. However, when they returned and reported… although nearby villagers had seen a large army appearing in the vicinity of Rangshan, we have searched every road in the area, yet still found no trace of them."
Hmm…
Hearing this, Xun Yu paused.
"Could it be? Has Liu Bei vanished into thin air?"
"Rangshan? Have people searched within Rangshan?"
"Rangshan is too vast!" Zhao Rong replied truthfully. "However, according to the scouts, they have almost searched everywhere… and found no trace of the enemy soldiers."
This…
Xun Yu's expression suddenly tensed. More than the overt crisis, he was more concerned about the hidden dangers. Open attacks were easy to avoid, but ambush was difficult to defend against. Without Liu Bei's location, he, Xun Yu, even if he wanted to deploy forces, would have no target!
"This is not good!" Xun Yu lamented. "If… if the enemy soldiers are merely hiding to recuperate, or to await siege equipment, then it would be terrible…"
Xun Yu was accustomed to thinking of the worst-case scenario.
Hoo…
He let out a soft sigh. Despite his severe injuries, every detail of the current situation flashed through his mind… vividly presented.
Xun Yu said, "At the very least, at the very least, we must hold out until tomorrow evening… If Commander Cao can return to reinforce, he will only arrive tomorrow evening!"
The entire day… twelve hours, dreadful twelve hours!
"Have there been any findings regarding the spies who assassinated me or the rebels at the south city gate…" Xun Yu continued to ask.
"Nothing more than those few groups," Zhao Rong said coldly. "We have handed over the survivors to Lord Man, and he will surely extract the mastermind…"
Alas…
Even though the topic had shifted, Xun Yu's mind was still filled with Liu Bei's location.
Where is he? Where could he be?
Compared to the mastermind, Liu Bei's location was undoubtedly more important!
Just then.
—"Lord Xun…"
A crisp female voice came from outside the medical office…
However, due to the previous assassination attempt on Xun Yu, seeing Xun Yu was no simple matter. The person who had arrived was immediately stopped by the guards.
Who would have thought that the person would not stop?
"I am General Xiahou's wife? I have an urgent matter to see Lord Xun? How dare you block me?"
Saying this, the woman pushed aside the guards' arms and strode directly into the medical office.
Xun Yu turned to look. It was none other than Xiahou Yuan's wife, Ding Xiang!
And accompanying Ding Xiang were Xiahou Yuan's two sons—Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba!
And… a petite, charming, and graceful young lady!
Xun Yu, as the Minister of Personnel, how could he not recognize her?
This was Xiahou Yuan's niece, whom he treated as his own daughter—Xiahou Juan!
It was rumored that when Zhang Fei led the rebels to attack earlier, she was still gathering firewood in Rangshan. How perilous that was…
"I did not expect it to be Lady Xiahou…"
Zhao Rong slightly cupped his hands…
Xiahou Yuan was his immediate superior, and therefore, he dared not slight Xiahou Yuan's wife.
Ding Xiang, holding Xiahou Juan's hand, quickly walked to Xun Yu's front.
—"Lord Xun, General Zhao, my daughter says she can find the enemy soldiers' location!"
Ding Xiang's words were concise…
But when they reached Xun Yu, Zhao Rong, and even Zhuge Jun, they were like thunder striking their ears.
"Cough…"
Xun Yu coughed lightly, and with Zhuge Jun's support, he sat up sideways. "This matter is of great importance, do not speak nonsense!"
In the army, there is no room for jest.
Even for women!
"I… I really can find them!" Xiahou Juan spoke. "For five years, I have gone to Rangshan to gather firewood every day. No one is more familiar with it than I am. In fact… in Rangshan, there is a secret cave hidden by bushes. Father mentioned that in the Qin Dynasty, many mountains had caves for secret military training… If…"
"If they are not found elsewhere, then… then the enemy soldiers must be stationed in that secret cave."
…
…