Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3650: The ghosts on the tower cry at night, but the advice is too late, the rotten wood cuts the weapon and the plan is left

April, the tenth year of Taixing.

The detachment led by Sima Yi encountered Cao's army deployed in the valley.

The Cao army in the second line repaired a watchtower from the early Eastern Han Dynasty and expanded it into a defense line between the valleys, controlling the narrow mountain roads.

This watchtower may be a "legacy" left to Cao's army by the Eastern Han Dynasty, an unexpected treasure.

Rebuilding is certainly easier than building a new one. In addition, Cao's army also attached great importance to the Runan and Nanyang areas, so the defensive power of the rebuilt watchtower was also quite good.

Of course, this is also an area that Cao's army has to pay attention to. After all, it not only connects Jingzhou and Yuzhou, but was also the former imperial capital. Therefore, Cao's army has built some defense lines on the mountain roads in the past few years, and even set up some transit bases in the south of Xu County to reduce the difficulty of supply.

Although these defense lines were not large, they were a rough outline of the Hussar Army's defense line in Wugu Pass. There were earth walls and trenches in front of the defense line, and there were some large catapults and crossbow carts on the earth walls. There were also many shield carts as backup behind the defense line. If the front line of defense was breached, the shield carts could also be used to quickly counterattack.

Of course, Sima Yi’s mission was not to directly capture Runan and Nanyang using his soldiers.

In other words, he wanted to fight Cao's army to the death. His attack on Cao Yi was actually just a feint, mainly to support the actions of the General of Cavalry and confuse Cao's army. But it did not mean that Sima Yi could just sit there and do nothing. He still had to fight, and he had to fight properly.

So under the command of Sima Yi, a three-day attack was launched on the mountain road watchtower.

The soldiers brought by Sima Yi fought with the defending Cao army on the mountain road and in the mountains on both sides of the road, and also used catapults to counter the catapults and crossbows of Cao army on the watchtowers.

However, I don’t know whether Sima Yi’s luck ran out or Cao’s army’s luck got better. Anyway, Sima Yi’s catapults did not knock down the catapults on the watchtower as expected. Instead, two of them were smashed by Cao’s army…

Cao's army's defense was firm, and seemed to have a sense of defending the country.

This may be understandable.

After all, this time, it can be said that Sima Yi has reached the doorstep of Cao Jun’s army…

On the other hand, in the scout battle in the mountains and forests, the cavalry had an overwhelming advantage, but in the battle for the watchtower, Sima Yi was at a relative disadvantage due to the geographical advantage. On the third day, Sima Yi organized a multi-army assault and broke through a trench wall, but was immediately beaten back by a counterattack by Cao's elite armored soldiers.

After completing this step, Sima Yi believed that the purpose of the feint attack and diversion had been achieved, so he led his troops to slowly withdraw from Cao's watchtower area.

Less than a hundred people were killed in this attack by the Cavalry Army, while the casualties of Cao's army were probably two to three times that of the Cavalry Army.

After Sima Yi evacuated, Cao's army immediately sent scouts to track him, but found that the Hussars had not withdrawn completely. Instead, they began to build fortifications near an abandoned military fort 50 miles northeast of Guikuai, apparently to store food and fodder and rest.

This fortification prevented Cao's scouts from exploring the north, and also caused the two sides to enter a brief period of stagnation.

Sima Yi then quickly changed direction and sent soldiers to bypass Yique Road and attack Cao's army in the direction of Yique.

The remaining Cao troops in the southern section of Yique Pass retreated one after another. Xiahou Xian led the remaining Cao troops and tried to resist using some mountain forts and military camps on the mountain.

But it was obvious that he was no match for Sima and Xiahou was defeated.

At this time, although Runan, Nanyang and other places were the imperial capitals of the Eastern Han Dynasty and were once the most prosperous areas, their actual importance was far less than that of Xu County, Yecheng and other places, and they had more political significance.

Sima Yi showed an attitude of going through Ruyang, and even opening up Wancheng in Nanyang, and connecting with Wugu Pass, to sweep away the remaining Cao army camps in the mountains. After successively breaking through several small Cao army camps, Xiahou Xian could no longer hold the mountain line.

The news was passed back to Cao Yi.

"The enemy is going to take a detour?" A young civil servant with some traces of a beautiful beard muttered to himself while looking at the map, and then said to Cao Yi in front of him, "This round trip is at least a thousand miles away... If they really take a detour, it will be easier for us..."

This man who looks 70% similar to Xun Yu is Xun Yu's son, Xun Yun. Like Cao Yi and Xiahou Xian, he is a second-generation official. However, his prestige in Shandong is very low, including Cao Yi and Xiahou Xian. Therefore, Xun Yun can't immediately integrate the remaining combat power of Runan and Nanyang to fight against the cavalry army. He can only rely on the reputation of his father to command the elite of Cao's army.

If Xun Yu was in command of this front line, he probably wouldn't say the word "relaxed"...

In history, neither Xun Yun, Cao Yi, nor Xiahou Xian had many highlight moments. Perhaps it was because the situation in the late period of the Three Kingdoms had basically been determined, or perhaps it was because they, as second-generation officials, had already been separated from basic military affairs and were the type who could give orders from the rear without having to fight in the battlefield themselves. Naturally, they lacked some iron-blooded blessing.

Xun Yun's voice fell in the slightly empty hall of the government office, with a hint of the lightness that only young people can use to hide their nervousness. The word "relaxed" in his mouth floated in the air like a feather, but it weighed heavily on Cao Yi's heart on the other side.

Cao Yi, as the second generation of the Cao family, although not the biological son of Cao Hong and Cao Ren, he was also a descendant of the first generation of the Cao family, or a clan son. He bowed down to Cao Ren and was considered a descendant of Cao Ren.

He was frowning at the moment, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the winding ink line between Nanyang and Ruyang on the map, which represented Sima Yi's marching route. He was a few years older than Xun Yun, and had also experienced several battles of varying sizes. His father's mountain-like reputation and achievements were both a halo and a shackle.

"Relax?" Cao Yi's voice was filled with a trace of imperceptible fatigue and irritation. "Chang Qian, Sima is not an easy person to deal with. He pretended to attack the fort for three days, and the casualties were only a hundred, but our army suffered twice as many casualties. Now he is marching through our hinterland as if he were in an empty space... He pretended to go around Ruyang, how do you know that he is not trying to confuse the enemy? How do you know that he is not trying to contain our army here and create an opportunity for the main force of the Cavalry General to advance eastward?"

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Xun Yun's face, which was very similar to his father's, but lacked the calmness and depth that had been tempered by time and turbulent times. "Don't forget, the army of the General of Cavalry is still eyeing us covetously from the west of Sishui Pass! We are the flank here! If we lose the flank, the consequences will be disastrous!"

Xun Yun was somewhat embarrassed by Cao Yi's series of questions, his fair face flushed slightly, and he immediately felt a surge of anger in his heart. He knew in his heart that what Cao Yi said was true, but the pride of being the legitimate son of the Xun family of Yingchuan and the descendant of a famous scholar made him instinctively resist being questioned so directly.

He straightened his back and tried to regain the right to speak: "Brother Cao is right. However, Sima has few soldiers and is deep in our territory, so it is difficult to supply. He bypassed Yique and seemed to be very aggressive, but in fact he was alone. Our army only needs to hold the key pass and wait for his old division to become tired, or wait for the Marquis of Duting to be free on the western front, then we can gather and annihilate him. As for the main force of the cavalry... the prime minister and the general will deal with it head-on. We only need to ensure that the flanks are not broken through, which will be a great achievement."

Xun Yun deliberately emphasized the tone of "a great achievement", as if to cheer himself and Cao Yi up.

Cao Yi glanced at Xun Yun and didn't say anything immediately.

What Xun Yun said is not without reason.

As for Xun Yun's appearance, he does look about 70% like Xun Yu when he was young, but wisdom is something that is difficult to inherit. In addition to his personal talent, Xun Yu's outstanding wisdom was also due to the fact that he was not the head of the family at that time, but was selected from among many Xun family members.

But when it came to Xun Yun's generation, did he need to go through the same fierce competition as Xun Yu?

They enjoyed a good life, a comfortable environment, ample material goods, and daily flattery. If it weren't for the massive cavalry army approaching, they would even be living a leisurely life, singing and dancing to their heart's content.

As for Xun Yun in history, I don’t know whether it was because he had a grudge against Cao Cao or he had some other ideas. Anyway, after Xun Yu died, although Xun Yun inherited Xun Yu’s title, he was not careful and cautious in his words and deeds. Instead, he was friendly with Cao Zhi and not on good terms with Xiahou Shang, which caused Cao Pi’s great dissatisfaction, so Xun Yun also "died early"...

At this time, the guards passed on the message: "Report! General Han, the General of Agriculture, is leading his troops to help!"

Xun Yun and Cao Yi looked at each other, and a complicated light flashed in their eyes. Han Hao, the General of Agriculture, was also a veteran.

However, Han Hao was from Henei, not from the core circle of the Cao, Xiahou or Yingchuan top aristocrats, but he was an old general of Cao Cao when he started his army. He was experienced in military affairs, especially good at farming and logistics, and was known for his fortitude and courage and outspokenness. This time, he was ordered to lead troops and some food and fodder from the rear to support Cao Yi's flank front.

Not long after, Han Hao strode in. Although he was already over 40 years old, with gray hair on his temples, his body was still as straight as a pine tree, his armor was covered with traces of dust, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle. He saluted with his fists and said in a loud voice, "I am Han Hao, the last general, and I have been ordered to come here to listen to your orders!"

Although Han Hao called himself "the lowest general", in fact, Han Hao's combat experience was more than that of Cao Yi and Xun Yun combined, even if doubled. However, due to the characteristics of Cao Cao's political group, Han Hao's promotion speed was far inferior to that of Cao or Xiahou's personnel.

"Thank you for your hard work, Brother Yuansi!"

As the nominal supreme commander here, Cao Yi hurried forward and saluted.

However, Xun Yun, as the military advisor, nodded slightly and bowed his hands in a reserved manner.

After a few pleasantries, Han Hao went straight to the point and asked about the current battle situation.

Cao Yi briefly introduced Sima Yi's feint attack on the watchtower, the elimination of the outer military camps, the suspected detour, and his own defensive deployment.

After listening to this, Han Hao frowned and walked to the map to examine it carefully. His rough fingers traced Sima Yi's route of advance, and finally stopped at the abandoned military fort that Sima Yi occupied and began to build fortifications, and then looked at the military camp that was attacked in the direction of Yique.

"You two, please forgive me for being blunt..." Han Hao's voice was steady, but it carried an unquestionable weight, "I think Sima's intention is not just to take a detour or open up Wuguan. He occupies this place..."

Han Hao pointed at the location of the abandoned military fort on the map. "This place controls the key point. If Sima repairs the fortifications and completes the defense, it is likely that they intend to establish a base here and carry out long-term harassment... or even cut off the communication between our army and Jingxiang and Xu County! This fort is in a tricky position. If managed properly, it can become a nail inserted into our flank! The attack from the direction of Yique is more like a move to cover this place, and further compress our army's space for activities and create panic. Our army's top priority is to take back this fort while they are not yet firmly established and their fortifications are not solid, and quickly send elite troops to remove this nail! If we wait until they have stored food and grass and completed their fortifications before trying to remove it, I am afraid we will have to pay ten times the price!"

Han Hao's analysis was sharp and to the point. The strategy he proposed was also in line with the common sense of military tactics, taking the initiative to attack while the enemy was not yet firmly established.

However, these wise words of statecraft caused different ripples in the ears of Xun Yun and Cao Yi.

You are a General of the Central Army with a different surname, and after you come here, you start to make decisions before you even have time to warm up your seat?

What does this mean?
In his heart, Cao Yi secretly agreed with Han Hao's judgment. He longed to win a beautiful victory to prove that he was no less capable than his father.

But...

Han Hao's words "quickly dispatch elite troops to recapture" not only meant wasting the few elite Cao troops he had, but also meant taking the risk of failure. What if it failed?

Who will take the responsibility for the loss of troops and strongholds?
He had experienced Sima Yi's cunning.

The last time we rescued Xiahou Xian, we were ambushed halfway. What about this time?

Can you ensure that Sima Yi does not set up any more ambushes?
If the troops are depleted and the elite are lost, how is he going to defend here?

The terrain of that military fort is important, but is the old watchtower here not important?

He, Cao Yi, can't afford to lose!

This fear of failure is infinitely magnified under the halo of the parents, overwhelming the desire to win.

After thinking for a while, Cao Yi was more inclined to Xun Yun's previous strategy of "steady defense" -

At least it's less error prone.

Cao Yi glanced at Xun Yun and asked, "Military Advisor, what do you think?"

Xun Yun frowned and looked at Han Hao. The dissatisfaction he had felt at being questioned by Cao Yi was now transferred to Han Hao.

It would be fine if Cao Yi blamed him, after all, who made Cao Yi's surname Cao?
But what is your last name, Han Hao?
Who is your father?

Xun Yun's inner instinctive reaction directly reflects the arrogance of the children of feudal dynasty families.

For the second or third generation like them, greeting the other party's father first when meeting is not an insult, but a way to determine the level of their relationship with the other party. If the other party's father is of a higher rank than their own father, then they are just the other party's errand boy, serving tea and water, and vice versa.

As for ability, it occupies a relatively secondary position in the feudal officialdom.

Even if the radish pit attracts ginseng, it is better to destroy the radish pit dug in advance than to allow ginseng to mix in with the radishes.

Han Hao's outspokenness, especially his unquestionable tone, made Xun Yun feel that his authority was challenged. He was the military advisor! He was the real strategic and tactical planner!
It would be fine for Xun Yun to obey Cao Yi's orders, after all, Cao Yi was the commander-in-chief. But why did Han Hao, an "old soldier" who was not from the core circle or the top aristocratic family, give orders to these descendants of famous families?

It seems as if these young masters in charge of the command have no knowledge of military affairs!
What's the use of talking about military strategy? It's so funny!

Could it be that you, Han Hao, have read more military strategies than those in my family?

Therefore, in their eyes, Han Hao's talk of "experience" became "the stubbornness of an old soldier" and "prejudice of not understanding the overall situation."

Xun Yun even wondered if Han Hao was so eager to attack in order to steal the credit.

Xun Yun looked back at Cao Yi, and at this moment the two seemed to be in sync. Han Hao's mission was to bring troops and food to support them, to listen to their commands, not to teach them how to fight!
Han Hao just needs to follow orders, and forget about making comments or anything like that!
Xun Yun coughed lightly and waved the gilded fan in his hand. "General Han's words are not without reason. However, this Sima family is extremely cunning. How do we know that this is not a trick to lure the enemy? Our army has just suffered a setback and lost the Taigu Pass. The morale has not recovered. If we force an expedition, I am afraid we will not be able to do it. Moreover, the terrain of this fort is dangerous, and a strong attack may cause too many casualties. For the sake of safety, I think we should strengthen the defense lines everywhere, closely monitor their movements, and wait until their true intentions are found out and reported to the Prime Minister for a decision before making a decision."

Han Hao frowned, but he couldn't say anything wrong about "reporting to the Prime Minister", so he could only say more tactfully: "The military situation is urgent now, so report to the Prime Minister..."

Cao Yi immediately joined in, his tone was slightly cold and condescending: "The military advisor is right. The Lieutenant General has been exhausted, and his soldiers also need to rest. The priority now is to stabilize the existing defense line and ensure that the food supply route is unobstructed. As for the abandoned military fortress... If Sima really thinks he can gain a foothold here, it is too naive. When our army gathers or when their supply lines are extended, they will reveal their flaws. Then we can strike them with thunder, which is the best strategy."

"A large army gathers"?
"Thunder Strike"?
Han Hao was dumbfounded and speechless for a long time.

There is no way Cao Jun could have any "large army gathering" or "thunderous attack" at the moment. It would be good enough if they could "mend the fold after the sheep have been lost" to fill the hole!
Han Hao looked at the two young commanders in front of him, one was hesitant, the other was arrogant.

He had been in the military for a long time, so how could he not see the cowardice and arrogance behind their words?
A surge of blood rushed to his heart. Han Hao took a step forward and said in a deeper voice, "You two! The opportunity for battle is fleeting! Based on the battle in Hedong, we know that Sima's use of troops has always been unpredictable. If we wait for them to gain a foothold and contact Wuguan or Wancheng, the gate will be wide open and our flanks will be in danger! If the main force of the cavalry takes advantage of the situation and moves south, our army will be attacked from both sides and it will be too late to regret! I am willing to lead my troops in person to launch a surprise attack at night and recapture this fort!"