“An utter defeat for the Long Xiao Camp!”
“An utter defeat!”
These words, this phrase… when uttered, no matter by whom, no matter where… it struck like a thunderclap.
Once upon a time, there were indeed lords who attempted to shatter the Long Xiao Camp's undefeated legend, to utterly annihilate them from the world.
But… what was the outcome?
They all became mere stepping stones, each more pathetic than the last, beneath the Long Xiao Camp’s awe-inspiring reputation that echoed throughout the nine provinces.
First, the Young Hegemon Sun Bofu;
Then, the peerless God of War Lu Bu;
Followed by Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao…
Not to mention the detachment led by Zhang Wenyuan, who first cut off the head of the Wuhuan Chieftain Tadun on Mount Langya, and then, with eight hundred men, routed a hundred thousand, striking fear into Jiangdong and silencing children's cries.
It was no exaggeration to say that the mere mention of the Long Xiao Camp's name now struck fear into countless hearts, causing many to instinctively avoid their sharp edge, to refrain from direct confrontation.
Wasn't life good?
But somehow…
Yan Xing’s declaration of “an utter defeat for the Long Xiao Camp”…
It was indeed audacious.
After all, the current Long Xiao Camp was no longer the same as it once was.
Zhang Liao of Yanmen’s Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, Qu Yi of Hebei’s Elite Vanguard, Gao Shun’s finely equipped Camp of the Vanguard, and Gongsun Zan’s newly formed White Horse Volunteers.
These, and not just these…
Were all legions within the Long Xiao Camp… each formidable, each legendary in its own right!
“Uncle, your son-in-law certainly has a big mouth!”
Ma Chao frowned, remarking with emotion…
Han Sui remained noncommittal, gesturing with his hand, “Mengqi and everyone else might as well listen to my son-in-law’s thoughts!”
At this…
All eyes turned towards Yan Xing.
Yan Xing’s eyes were deep as he immediately explained, “Indeed, the Long Xiao Camp is formidable, undefeated to this day. But I dare to ask, did the previous lords not evade and retreat when facing the Long Xiao Camp? Heh… it wasn’t that they didn’t, but that the Long Xiao Camp gave them no opportunity to retreat or evade!”
“The current Long Xiao Camp can stealthily infiltrate the rear of our An Ding City, with the aim of cutting off our army’s supply lines. In such a scenario, even if our Xiliang soldiers numbered a hundred thousand, they would be starved and worn down to death… Lu Yu has grasped us by the throat. While Sima Zhongda’s deployment is not bad, and Xiahou Dun is a weakness, it is precisely because he is a weakness that we must eradicate the Long Xiao Camp in a more fierce and aggressive manner!”
“If the Long Xiao Camp is destroyed, the Cao army will be defeated without a fight… If the Long Xiao Camp is not destroyed, even if we defeat Xiahou Dun? Then what? Do you all truly believe that the Long Xiao Camp, which holds our army by the throat, will retreat?”
Yan Xing’s tone was chilling…
Of course, this was an analysis from a strategic perspective.
In reality, beyond the strategic level… Yan Xing was considering another factor!
The intelligence transmitted by the scouts moments ago – they had found an external support…
Heh, a massive external support, one that could pull the rug out from under them!
However…
This could not be said in front of so many people.
“Instructor Yan’s words have some merit.”
Beside Ma Chao, a burly general frowned and spoke. He was Pang De… possessing genuine courage, while others feared the Long Xiao Camp and Lu Ziyu, he never did.
“There is no escaping, so why not follow Instructor Yan’s advice, to make a decisive effort and exterminate the Long Xiao Camp with all our might! The Long Xiao Camp is indeed an undefeated army, but the more undefeated they are, the more they cannot afford a defeat. If they suffer even one loss, then the entire Great Wei will be shaken, Cao Cao will undoubtedly be terrified, the morale of the Great Wei troops will plummet to the ground, and our army’s morale will soar to its zenith. Their decline is our growth, this is the path to certain victory!”
Upon hearing this…
Ma Chao found it reasonable and quickly pressed further.
“Then… in your opinion, how many troops should be deployed? Enough to break the Long Xiao Camp?”
Ma Chao’s question was not directed at Han Sui or Yan Xing, but at Pang De… this demonstrated Ma Chao’s trust in this formidable general under his father.
Pang De pondered for a moment, then spoke, “Currently, An Ding City has assembled twelve thousand troops from General Han and various Guanzhong generals. To deal with the Long Xiao Camp, even a full-scale assault might not guarantee victory? To quote Han Xin, the more the better, so what does the number matter?”
A full mobilization?
Ma Chao was taken aback… Ma Chao never imagined that Pang De’s suggestion would be a complete departure.
“Then… what about An Ding City?” Ma Chao immediately asked urgently.
“An Ding City?”
This time, before Pang De could speak, Yan Xing interjected, “If we trade An Ding City for the defeat of the Long Xiao Camp, haha, that would be a very profitable deal!”
This…
Ma Chao frowned again. Who would have thought that a single Long Xiao Camp would push the Xiliang army to such a desperate state.
His eyes flickered, and Ma Chao fell silent for a moment.
Han Sui did not forget to add fuel to the fire, “My brother Shoucheng died a tragic death! Humph, this Lu Ziyu and that Cao Cao are in cahoots. Can he escape responsibility for Brother Shoucheng’s demise?”
As these words left his mouth, Ma Chao clenched his fists abruptly, his brows furrowed…
“Good, I, Ma Chao, will risk my life to ensure the Long Xiao Camp suffers its first defeat!”
“Issue the order, all troops abandon An Ding City, and with one concerted effort, rush to the Long Xiao Camp’s encampment. This Lu Ziyu has his flying balls, there’s no hiding it, so let’s just… charge with ten thousand horses. After today… across the nine provinces, there will only be the invincible Xiliang Cavalry, and no legend of the Long Xiao Camp!”
Upon these words…
“Yes…”
Various generals received their orders!
Twelve thousand Xiliang Cavalry… abandoning An Ding, staking everything to deliver the Long Xiao Camp – its first defeat!
This was… resolve!
This was… courage!
…
…
On this side, within An Ding City, crowds surged, and countless soldiers assembled.
On that side, Han Sui beckoned Yan Xing and Sima Yi to gather…
“Zhongda, this time it is not that your strategy was poor, but that the situation has changed…”
Clearly, Han Sui still placed absolute trust in Sima Yi, and although his strategy was not used, he still appeased him warmly.
“General Han…” Sima Yi was about to ask a question.
Yan Xing had already explained in advance, “Zhongda, just now… I received a message from Wang Yue. He has found us an external support in Great Wei! A helper! Haha, to be precise, perhaps not external support, but an inside man!”
“An inside man?” Sima Yi’s eyes widened… and he quickly asked, “Who is this person?”
“It is…”
Han Sui was about to blurt it out, but Yan Xing interrupted him midway.
“Zhongda, that is not important. What is important is… that this person’s identity is the son of King Cao Cao of Wei. He has been privately corresponding with Wang Yue, pointing out that King Cao Cao of Wei has recently been suffering from severe headaches, to the point of unbearable pain, and for this reason, he is even willing to undergo treatment by forcibly opening his skull with an axe. Forcible trepanation, haha, from ancient times to the present, has anyone survived such a procedure? In my opinion, Cao Cao will likely not make it.”
Yan Xing paused here.
Sima Yi countered, “It seems this has no bearing on making a desperate gamble to attack the Long Xiao Camp, does it?”
Sima Yi was so intelligent that he captured the crux of the matter from the words spoken.
Yan Xing’s eyes fixed as he continued, “But what if there is a Great Wei Crown Prince within the Long Xiao Camp?”
Ah…
The Great Wei Crown Prince?
Sima Yi was stunned, “You mean, Nan Shouhou Lu Yu is the Great Wei Crown Prince? This… how is this possible?”
“Not him!” Yan Xing waved his hand. “It is Cao Cao’s most beloved son – Cao Chong! He is currently with the Long Xiao Camp! Lu Yu specifically brought him this time, seeking some merit, and thus competing for the position of Crown Prince.”
Speaking of this, Yan Xing’s lips curved, revealing a faint smile.
“If Cao Cao cannot overcome the headache, he will inevitably choose to let Cao Chong succeed him. But what if Cao Chong is gone? And with him, Lu Yu, who supports Cao Chong, is also gone? The entire Great Wei will inevitably fall into disarray…”
Oh…
Hearing this, Sima Yi finally understood.
No wonder…
Yan Xing proposed a desperate gamble…
Even Sima Yi could be certain of the identity of this young master who was secretly corresponding with Wang Yue!
But…
Sima Yi still had doubts. “If Great Wei falls into disarray? Then… how can that young master ascend to the throne of King Wei?”
“Zhongda worries too much.” Yan Xing waved his hand…
Han Sui continued, “Why should we care whether he can ascend to the throne of King Wei? We only need to ensure that after the Long Xiao Camp’s defeat, our Xiliang reaps the greatest benefits. Even if we cannot capture Xuchang or abduct the Emperor, at least we must incorporate the Sanfu region into our territory. Then we can advance offensively and retreat defensively, and I, Han Sui, will be invincible!”
Concluding his remarks, Han Sui seemed quite excited, reaching out and patting Sima Yi’s shoulder heavily, then Pang De’s shoulder.
“In Great Wei, the only ones I worry about are Cao Cao and Lu Yu. The rest are insignificant. Son-in-law, Zhongda, when our Xiliang rises, you two will be my left and right arms! Haha…”
Accompanied by confident laughter.
Han Sui strode out and mounted his horse…
Ma Chao had already mustered the troops, with the vanguard of seven thousand men led by Ma Dai galloping away.
According to Han Sui’s deployment, the Long Xiao Camp would soon face waves of attacks, the relentless charge of endless cavalry…
Heh…
Is the Long Xiao Camp so powerful?
We will wear them down and kill them on this battlefield!
– “For Xiliang!”
Han Sui let out a fierce roar…
In truth, the words in his heart were: – All for my ambition, Han Sui!
The bright moon hung high in the sky.
The earth began to tremble violently, the sound of horses’ hooves breaking the stillness of the night. A glint of spearheads, plated in moonlight, pointed towards the camp, charging rapidly.
Twelve thousand cavalry… led by Han Sui, Ma Chao, Ma Dai, Pang De, and others, galloped towards the Long Xiao Camp’s encampment.
The sound of one horse was a clip-clop…
The sound of a hundred horses was a rhythmic thudding…
But the sound of twelve thousand horses was a resounding “Dong di, dong di…”
This wave of sound was like a mountain’s roar, like the earth splitting open…
So loud that even the Wei army’s camp far from An Ding could hear it clearly!
…
…
At the Great Wei’s main army camp.
Xiahou Dun stared blankly at the scout who had just reported. He felt that the entire Xiliang had gone mad.
Abandoning An Ding…
Mustering twelve thousand troops to launch a night raid on the Long Xiao Camp!
This… this is simply…
“Have these Xiliang rebels gone mad? They don’t even want their city!”
With a bang… Xiahou Dun slammed his fist on the table.
Beside him, Xun You also wore a stern expression, sighing repeatedly… “Terrifying, truly terrifying… Facing the deterrence of the Long Xiao Camp, the Xiliang army not only did not avoid their sharp edge, but chose to go all in. This… this is far beyond my expectations!”
As Xun You said…
Normally, the fame of Zhang Liao leading eight hundred Long Xiao warriors to defeat Sun Quan’s hundred thousand Jiangdong troops was still fresh. This battle had only occurred two months ago.
At a time like this, who would willingly become the opponent of the Long Xiao Camp?
Wasn’t this madness, sheer foolishness?
Moreover, on one side was the repeatedly victorious Long Xiao Camp, and on the other, the repeatedly defeated Xiahou Dun. Any normal person would choose to pick on the softest target, wouldn't they?
Therefore… Xun You had specifically set up a hasty ambush in front of this main army’s camp…
As long as Han Sui and Ma Chao dared to come, they would have no return…
But now…
“No…” Xiahou Dun abruptly stood up, “My sworn brother is still in the Long Xiao Camp. The Long Xiao Camp only has three thousand men, how can they withstand Xiliang’s twelve thousand troops? Even one person spitting at them could drown the Long Xiao Camp!”
“I must go save him… I must save him!”
This…
Xiahou Dun was about to walk out when Xun You quickly blocked the door, “General, please remain calm!”
“Ziyu is in such dire straits, and you ask me to remain calm?” Xiahou Dun’s eyes widened with anger…
“This camp is mostly infantry, and the deployable cavalry is less than seven thousand…” Xun You reminded him, “The remaining twenty thousand cavalry are still at Tong Pass and Chang’an City… If we go to reinforce, the infantry is completely unreliable, but seven thousand cavalry…”
Xun You did not finish his sentence…
But the meaning was all too clear… twelve thousand Xiliang cavalry against seven thousand cavalry here? Is this going to rescue someone, or to send them to their deaths!
The Long Xiao Camp was already in a perilous situation. If Xiahou Dun were to meet with any misfortune, then…
“I still have to save him!”
Xiahou Dun was stubborn. Let alone seven thousand troops, for the sake of his good brother Lu Ziyu, he would save him even if he had to go alone!
For a moment…
Xiahou Dun recalled the past… the scene of his first meeting with Lu Yu.
At that time, Lu Yu was still a “Secretary”; the first time they met, this kid almost killed him… Only later did he realize it was a misunderstanding!
The second time they met, he asked Xiahou Dun in a very quiet voice, “General Xiahou, may I have a word in private…”
The words that followed, even to this day, remained vividly in Xiahou Dun’s memory.
– “General Xiahou, I have a folk remedy here, perhaps you could try it… prepare Huang Jing, mulberries, longan pulp… ah, preferably with red dates, and a piece or two of ginseng, then steep them in water and drink as tea!”
The current Xiahou Dun… knew this prescription by heart. He could easily recall the corresponding “money and skills”…
As for that time, he hadn’t realized it at first, but later he learned that it was a very strengthening medicine!
It was also because of this medicine that his body was no longer damp and cold, no longer weak. To the point that after Xiahou Mao, he had four more stout sons. In terms of lineage, he was not inferior to his cousin Xiahou Yuan, truly blessed with many children and much prosperity!
It was precisely because of this that Xiahou Dun, by “forcefully seizing,” compelled Lu Yu to become sworn brothers with him…
He was the elder brother, and Lu Yu was the sworn brother.
So many years… had passed…
He himself repeatedly suffered defeats, and his sworn brother called him to join him in sending him merit;
When he had no heads to claim merit for his brothers, his sworn brother had people cut them off and send them to his camp;
When Xiahou Dun’s old brothers were injured and living in poverty… his sworn brother called upon him, Xiahou Dun, to do business together, allowing him to earn enough money to support these brothers.
Past scenes… flashed before his eyes…
How could Xiahou Dun remain indifferent?
“Xun Gongda, I tell you, my bond with Lu Ziyu… Forget twelve thousand enemy cavalry, even if I have seven thousand cavalry, even if the enemy numbered a million, I would go save him alone!”
“If he dies here in Guanzhong, I will not live either!”
…
…