Cai Yan, also known as Cai Zhaoji.
Before Zhuge Jun and the other imperial students stood Cai Yan, the Director of the Imperial Academy.
At this moment, she was dressed in white, her jet-black hair cascading down like a waterfall, reaching her slender waist. Her delicate and beautiful face was filled with a moving, ethereal aura.
Her eyes flickered, holding within them a deep melancholy, and faint traces of tears could be seen in the corners of her eyes.
"Director Cai..."
The imperial students spoke in unison.
Cai Zhaoji had already walked before them. "I already have a younger brother venturing into danger, making me restless and unable to sleep. You... you also wish to go into that dangerous place, making me worry?"
Her words were not long, but the distinct melancholy could not be hidden within them.
This...
The imperial students exchanged glances. Zhuge Jun was the first to step forward. "We imperial students are disciples of Master Cai and Master Lu. Having been guided by the two masters for so many years, even if we cannot match Master Lu's wisdom even by a fraction, yet... today, when Xudu City is in peril, it is our duty to step forward. How can we wisely preserve ourselves and become shrinking turtles? Is this not precisely what the two masters taught us?"
A breath.
As the words left his mouth, Cai Zhaoji's heart trembled.
Following that, Cao Ang uttered, "Master Cai always reminds us imperial students to remember the words on the Imperial Academy's stone inscriptions – 'Pillars of the Emperor, Beams of the State!' Today... are we not embodying the meaning of these eight characters inscribed on stone with our very bodies!"
A sigh...
Cai Zhaoji felt her heart surge like waves. These... these imperial students were taught by her and her brother. Over the years, Yu Di's teachings and example had influenced their characters to a certain extent!
To persuade them... would definitely be impossible.
"Then..."
Cai Zhaoji paused, then opened her mouth. "Your Master Lu always mentioned, 'Complete' victory is the greatest victory. No matter what, you must preserve yourselves... After a few days, the Imperial Academy will reopen. All of you must return on time... report back on time!"
"..."
After a brief silence, the imperial students cupped their hands and recited.
"Yes... We shall obey our master's command!"
With that, they no longer hesitated and quickly ran out of the medical hall...
The vast hall of the medical center was suddenly empty, with only Cai Zhaoji remaining. Her eyes flickered, and her pearly white teeth bit down on her crimson lips.
"What you can do, you certainly can do!"
"You are all... you are all Yu Di's most treasured disciples!"
As she spoke, Cai Zhaoji's teeth, biting her lip, instinctively tightened even further.
"Zhuge Kongming, Cao Ziyou, Cao Anmin, Huang Xu, Dian Man, Xu Yi...
"He Ping Shu, Qin Yuanming, Xiahou Boquan, Xiahou Zhongquan... you all must... must come back alive!
"And Yu Di... you... you must also be well!"
With these thoughts, a stream of tears welled up in Cai Zhaoji's eyes. Soon, these tears flowed down like a spring, and even her retreating figure as she walked out of the medical hall seemed so melancholy and solitary!
...
...
Rang Mountain. Guided by the Dragon Roaring Camp guards, they skirted around several peaks.
Zhuge Jun, He Yan, and the others had already rendezvoused with Xiahou Juan and Xiahou Ba. Indeed, as they passed a steep cliff and looked down from above, Rang Mountain truly held a world of its own within.
"Screech..."
"Screech..."
They could faintly hear the "screeching" sounds from within the caves, like the sharpening of blades on a whetstone.
And this sound had been ongoing for a long time.
This was enough to confirm that Liu Bei's troops were indeed here... Perhaps, by dawn, after replenishing their strength, they would launch a full-scale attack on Xudu City!
Time was running out for these imperial students.
"There are as many as ten thousand men..."
Xiahou Heng was skilled at analysis. Judging from the number of cave entrances, stoves, and the sounds of weapons being whetted, he could roughly estimate the number of enemy soldiers within the caves.
Five men in a squad, ten men in a group. A group meant ten people sharing one pot...
Xiahou Heng continued to observe the stoves.
"Piles of stones forming over a thousand stoves. With such a number of pots and stoves, there must be at least tens of thousands of men!"
This time, Xiahou Heng's tone was extremely confident.
Hearing this, Zhuge Jun looked up at the sky. "It's so late, and still in the valley... it's so stuffy. What a 'ghostly weather,' what a weather that aids us!"
As Zhuge Jun said, the weather during the late Han Dynasty, during the Little Ice Age, was unpredictable.
Compared to the sweltering summer, hailstones could fall as large as quail eggs... Now, the air at midnight was unbearably hot, which could only be considered ordinary, truly ordinary!
"Ping Shu? Won't that powder ignite prematurely?" To ensure no mistakes, Zhuge Jun asked He Yan.
He Yan shook his head. "Impossible. Although the weather is hot now, it's far from enough to make 'white phosphorus' spontaneously combust. Kongming, you can rest assured!"
That's right. This time... the imperial students and over thirty Dragon Roaring Camp soldiers who rushed to Rang Mountain had brought something besides their brains – white phosphorus!
Speaking of which, ever since Lu Yu established the refining workshop and appointed He Yan as its manager, besides burning down a cowshed, it seemed... the refining workshop had not had much presence otherwise.
Because of this, even Guan Yu, who had been in Cao Cao's camp for many months, was unaware of this refining workshop.
"Miss Xiahou? Does this cave have any other exit?"
Zhuge Jun continued to ask Xiahou Juan.
Xiahou Juan replied without hesitation, "Only this one. I often enter this cave... the other side of the cave is a sheer cliff. If one were to escape from there, it would inevitably involve rock climbing and traversing mountains..."
Speaking of which, Xiahou Juan added, "There are hoof prints along the path, indicating... these enemy soldiers have a large number of cavalry. Even if the men can traverse the mountains, the horses certainly cannot!"
A sharp mind...
Xiahou Juan was a thoughtful young lady, and moreover, she was too familiar with Rang Mountain. Her words were very useful to Zhuge Jun!
"Then it's simple."
Zhuge Jun looked around at Cao Ang, Cao Anmin, Dian Man, and Xu Yi... "Brothers Cao, Brother Dian, Brother Xu... I'll trouble you to lead the Dragon Roaring Cavalry according to the original plan. The ambush site should be a thousand paces away from the cave!"
Zhuge Jun looked at the sky.
"There are still two hours until dawn. Time is very tight."
"Okay..." Cao Ang and the others agreed and immediately went to do it...
At the foot of Rang Mountain, the cavalry had dozens of bags of white phosphorus, and in addition to that, there was a lot of fierce fire oil...
Cao Ang, Cao Anmin, Dian Man, Xu Yi, and a group of Dragon Roaring Camp soldiers quickly carried this white phosphorus up the mountain and scattered it among the grass a thousand meters outside the cave entrance!
Because they dared not mobilize too many people, so as not to alert the enemy, the speed of their actions was not fast.
In the pitch-black night, only faint figures moved among the grass. Because they were too far from the cave entrance, they were not detected.
Zhuge Jun and Huang Xu and others closely watched the cave entrance, for fear that someone would suddenly rush out and discover their plan.
Fortunately... everything went quite smoothly.
Even so, Zhuge Jun's heart was pounding, and the pressure was immense.
His heart was too nervous, especially in this hot temperature, the sweat beads on his forehead dripped like rain.
In fact... let alone Zhuge Jun, even Xiahou Juan at this moment... her delicate shoulders and her back were also covered in sweat.
But she still remembered to comfort Zhuge Jun and the others.
"Father mentioned that no matter when, you must... keep yourself calm, with a heart as still as water... Only in this way can you make the clearest judgment! The commander of the army absolutely cannot be nervous!"
As expected, Xiahou Juan's words did indeed help Zhuge Jun relax a lot.
He turned his head to look at Xiahou Juan. "Miss Xiahou, I've heard someone say this before..."
Hmm...
Before Xiahou Juan could speak, Zhuge Jun whispered, "It was Master Lu. Master Lu also always warned us not to get angry or nervous at any time, because anger and nervousness both reduce our wisdom. Similarly, we should always be grateful for anger and nervousness... it is precisely these emotions that can bring out the strongest in us!"
As he said this, he smiled slightly and stopped speaking, but the inexplicable tension seemed to vanish all at once.
A sigh...
Xiahou Juan let out a sigh of relief. This was the countless time she had heard "words" about Master Lu, Commander Lu, Young Master Lu.
Lu Yu? Young Master Lu? Master Lu?
What kind of person... was he?
With Lu Yu's name appearing again and again, her curiosity about this man grew stronger.
Often...
A woman's admiration for a man begins with so-called curiosity!
Of course, Xiahou Juan would not know that in the future... her address for Lu Yu would be different from any of these.
Not long after.
"It's done..."
Cao Anmin ran up again to the high ground. Zhuge Jun nodded, then looked at He Yan.
"Everything is ready on my end."
"Good..." Zhuge Jun handed Xiahou Ba an arrow. Unlike other arrows, the tip of this arrow was coated with white phosphorus powder.
Xiahou Ba understood. For such an important task of arson, who else but him?
"Lure the snake out of its hole..."
With a command... all the imperial students and all the Dragon Roaring Cavalry became serious, entering a state of ultimate combat readiness.
Gu
...
...
At the same time, deep within Rang Mountain, in the secret cave.
Guan Yu was bandaging Zhang Fei's right arm, while Liu Bei was treating his left shoulder wound.
On Zhang Fei's shoulder, the marks left by the crossbow bolt rubbing against it could be clearly seen. It was no exaggeration to say it looked like a "blood hole"!
"Fortunately, this arrow only grazed Yi De's flesh and skin. If it had penetrated the bone, I fear both of third brother's hands would be crippled."
Liu Bei sighed, still feeling a sense of lingering fear.
"Damn it..." Zhang Fei grumbled. "The Dragon Roaring Cavalry is famous throughout the land, hmph... but it's just a joke. Attacking from behind, what kind of skill is that!"
"Third brother..." Guan Yu frowned. "In the future, when leading troops, you must not charge too far ahead. This time... you have suffered a great loss! You must take this as a warning!"
"I know!" Zhang Fei turned his head away, looking unresigned.
Liu Bei's face was like a bitter melon...
What a good opportunity.
He had already sent people to scout and learned that during the day... Fu family's people had successfully captured the South City Gate. If Yi De had not ridden so fast, their army would have already entered Xudu City by now, and they wouldn't be hiding in these deep mountains and old forests!
It's a shame...
Too much of a shame!
However... Liu Bei was not a pessimistic person. The past could not be chased, and one must look forward. At least... Cao's army at Guandu was not yet able to reinforce them, and they still had a chance to escort the Emperor.
In Liu Bei's view.
Escorting the Emperor was a matter of immense importance.
Without the Emperor as a banner, Cao Cao could not command the lords by holding the Emperor. In this way, the situation in Guanzhong, Jiangdong, and even Jingzhou and the northern regions would be completely reversed.
He, Liu Bei, could issue orders in the name of the Emperor, imitating the eighteen lords who attacked Dong Zhuo back then, and form an alliance to gradually nibble away at Cao Cao's power!
The Emperor's golden banner was very useful.
It's just... a pity that his third brother's three thousand cavalry were repelled by over ten Dragon Roaring Cavalry, and the long-planned surprise attack failed at the last moment.
All that was left was to hide here and wait for the siege engines to arrive. The next would be a tough battle!
"Third brother? What exactly is that black box you mentioned? It can shoot over ten tailless arrows in an instant and can fire continuously. Such craftsmanship seems a bit too incredible, doesn't it?"
Liu Bei asked.
"Alas..." Zhang Fei scratched his head. "That thing is so small, how would I know? They all hid such a small box in their hands! And that box can hold hidden weapons? If not for that, I would have already poked a hundred transparent holes in each of those Dragon Roaring Cavalry men."
A stubborn duck's mouth is hard...
Even now, Zhang Fei's attitude could be summarized in two words – unconvinced!
If not for his injuries, he would have immediately picked up his Serpent Spear and gone to reclaim his honor.
"Big brother..." Guan Yu reminded him, "That Hidden Dragon is highly trusted by Cao Cao in the Cao camp. The forging workshop under his Dragon Roaring Camp should not be underestimated. Big brother, have you forgotten the story of Dian Wei, known as 'the Fiercest of Ancient Times,' defeating Lu Bu back then?"
"It was all thanks to the refined steel halberd forged by the forging workshop, which could cut stone and break iron and was as sharp as melting iron. Such divine weapons, if we have a chance, we must also capture some and try to forge them! Otherwise, the soldiers are at too much of a disadvantage in terms of weaponry!"
Guan Yu pointed out the crux of the problem sharply.
The forging workshop was mysterious, and the weapons and armor forged in the workshop were a major challenge for breaking Cao.
However, Guan Yu did not know that under the Dragon Roaring Camp, there was more than just one forging workshop?
A sigh...
After hearing Guan Yu's words, Liu Bei's brow furrowed even tighter.
Just then.
A small soldier reported:
"Reporting... Lord, a Dragon Roaring Cavalry was discovered a thousand paces outside the cave. They have discovered our whereabouts!"
"What?" Liu Bei was startled. "How many people?"
"Over thirty people..." the small soldier reported truthfully. "They are also shouting that they will capture Lord and Generals Guan and Zhang, chop them into pieces, and put them in a pot of oil!"
Upon hearing this...
Zhang Fei, enduring the severe pain, suddenly stood up. His mood was already irritable, and now... hearing about the Dragon Roaring Cavalry, hearing that they dared to speak such wild words and come to their doorstep, Zhang Fei was furious. He didn't know where the strength came from, and he grabbed his Serpent Spear.
"Third brother..."
Liu Bei grabbed him. He felt that this matter was not that simple. When did the Dragon Roaring Cavalry become so careless?
And those wild boasts of "chopping them into pieces and putting them in a pot of oil" were clearly meant to lure them out of the cave.
Liu Bei had to consider more.
Unexpectedly, Guan Yu had already picked up his Green Dragon Crescent Blade.
"Big brother, let me go and experience the skills of these Dragon Roaring Cavalry. Aren't they just attacking from behind? Let's see whose secret arrows are faster, theirs or my Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade!"
Saying this, Guan Yu had already begun to lead his troops out the door...
Liu Bei's eyes, however, remained narrowed. He was thinking, carefully thinking.
This time... the Dragon Roaring Cavalry must be a lure? But... even if it's a lure, so what? Xudu City only has three thousand people? They have thirty thousand!
In the face of absolute superiority in numbers, an ambush... is simply seeking death.
Besides, since the position of the army had been exposed, there was no need to hide anything. A night's rest would be enough for the brothers to annihilate these arrogant Dragon Roaring Cavalry and forcefully attack Xudu!
"Liu Pi, General Xi Du, where are you?"
"Your subordinate is here!"
"Quickly gather the troops. Let's make a concerted effort to first eliminate these Dragon Roaring Cavalry, and then... attack Xudu!"
"Yes!"
Immediately, Liu Pi and Xi Du rallied all the armored soldiers in the cave and pursued Guan Yu.
Speaking of which, these bandits had long been impatient!
Attacking Xudu City, in Liu Bei's opinion, was to escort the Emperor!
But in the eyes of these bandits, it was to rob money, rob food, and rob women!
"Da da da..."
Thirty thousand troops quickly assembled, forming a battle formation, and charged out of the cave entrance!
...
...
"Da da da..."
"Ta ta ta..."
Countless hoofbeats and footsteps echoed in the valley. The sounds of tens of thousands of armored soldiers were earth-shattering, causing the entire mountain range to tremble slightly.
And at this moment, the thirty Dragon Roaring Cavalry were stationed among the bushes a thousand paces away from the cave entrance.
Their eyes were filled with light, incredibly dazzling light!
It was them...
Who used despicable means to wound General Zhang, thus preventing these people from entering Xudu immediately.
Based on this alone, it was enough for the entire bandit army to harbor a common hatred towards the Dragon Roaring Cavalry.
From the secret cave outwards was a vast expanse of lush vegetation.
It was precisely the concealment of these flowers and grasses that made this secret cave difficult to find!
In fact, there were also a thousand Cao army armored soldiers ambushing on the left and right sides of the valley. This was the maximum number of troops Xun Yu could muster!
Zhuge Jun could go all out, but Xun Yu had to consider stability...
If... if this plan went awry, he would have to leave at least two thousand men to defend the city.
"Third brother, are these the scoundrels who injured you?"
Guan Yu raised his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and asked Zhang Fei, who was beside him.
Zhang Fei, with bandages, endured the pain and pointed at them.
"Second brother, those Dragon Roaring Cavalry have black boxes hidden on their right hands. Second brother, you must be careful. The crossbow bolts shot from that thing are fast and powerful. You must not fall for their sinister tricks."
"Hmph," Guan Yu snorted and prepared to lead his troops to charge.
Liu Bei, however, reached out and stopped him.
"Second brother, your martial arts are indeed unrivaled in the world, but the black box mentioned by third brother also requires caution."
"As second brother hears, this black box can only release two rounds. Instead of second brother charging ahead, it would be better for the entire army to advance steadily... This way, we can ensure complete victory."
"Moreover, I can faintly feel killing intent in the valleys on both sides. There must be an ambush. At present, we must prioritize stability!"
With that, Liu Bei waved his hand directly.
Following that, in the army formation... shield-bearing soldiers in front, spearmen behind, cavalry circling to the left and right, all armored soldiers advanced slowly but extremely cautiously towards these over thirty Dragon Roaring Cavalry!
Their speed was not fast, advancing step by step, consolidating each position!
However...
On the surface, over thirty thousand men facing over thirty cavalry, yet advancing so cautiously, was truly laughable!
...
...