Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3651: The moon and stars are dim in front of the military fortress, and the conspiracy in the eunuch's tent is deep

Han Hao's eagerness and the importance of his statement not only failed to impress Cao Yi and Xun Yun, but instead strengthened their rejection.

What does it mean to be based on the "Battle of Hedong"?
Spicy guy, isn't this a blatant mockery of the Cao and Xiahou families' disastrous defeat in Hedong?

"General Han!" Cao Yi's voice was filled with a hint of impatience and severity. "How can you be so careless about a military matter? I have my own ideas! Your troops are exhausted after coming so far. Go down first to settle the troops and prepare the equipment, and wait for your orders!"

He waved his hand, his tone unquestionable.

Xun Yun also added calmly: "General Han is loyal and brave, but he needs to be cautious in his overall planning. The Prime Minister often says that a general should remain calm even when facing a huge challenge. Why are you so impatient over a mere abandoned military fort? Leave."

"..." Han Hao looked at the two people's expressions that did not allow any arguments, and he felt a lump in his chest. He opened his mouth, but swallowed back the more intense words. His fists trembled slightly, and he took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I obey your command!"

Han Hao turned around and strode away, the armor leaves clanging, and his back seemed to reveal an indescribable depression and disappointment.

Silence returned to the hall.

Cao Yi looked at the "nail" on the map occupied by Sima Yi, and felt inexplicably irritated.

If Han Hao is really so generous and righteous, doesn't he have any selfish motives at all?

This question lingered in Cao Yi's mind, making it difficult for him to calm down.

Xun Yun picked up an old inkstone that his father Xun Yu had used, and rubbed the cold edge with his fingertips, as if he could absorb a bit of his father's wisdom and calmness to soothe his aggrieved mood due to being "offended". The original illusion of "relaxation" had long gone, replaced by a burning feeling of being roasted on the fire, and a faint disgust for Han Hao, the "untimely" veteran.

Cao Yi and Xun Yun did not intend to specifically target Han Hao. They also did not ignore the overall situation for their own selfish desires. They also understood that if Sima Yi was allowed to repair the military fort, it would be like Sima Yi planting a nail on the flank. If this nail was not dealt with, not only would their connection with Jingxiang be threatened, but it might also...

But that doesn't mean they have to listen to Han Hao's "command"!
Cao Yi and Xun Yun looked at each other and fell silent.

They rejected Han Hao's proposal, but the two of them could not think of a solution.

Xun Yun held the gold-painted fan tightly.

Cao Yi could not think of a solution, after all, he had to lead the troops in battle, and Xun Yun, as a military advisor, could not have no solution when faced with a problem!

Moreover, with the name of "Xun family", if he can't come up with any strategy when encountering a difficult problem, then how can he be called "smart"? Even if he can survive this battle, then by then I'm afraid everyone will know that there is a fool among the Xun family!

"Yun...I thought of a plan..." After a long silence, Xun Yun said slowly.

Cao Yi's eyes lit up, "Chang Qian, please speak!"

……

……

Han Hao strode out of the depressing government office hall. The cold night wind could not blow away the depression in his chest.

The seemingly reasonable but actually cowardly "prudence" of Cao Yi and Xun Yun sounded like a death knell in his ears.

That seemed to be the death knell of Cao's army...

Han Hao let out a long sigh.

Is Sima Yi’s military fort important? Yes, it is important!

Is Han Hao's suggestion really completely and totally for the overall situation?
That’s not the case either.

As a veteran, he also wants to "improve".

He understood Cao Jun's predicament and saw Cao Jun's strange path...

But he had been tied to Cao's army for too long and too deeply.

The golden age of military generals is not long.

Human beings are a short-lived species, so twelve years is basically a boundary. What is done in the first twelve years determines the state of the next twelve years.

The attitude and accumulation of knowledge before the age of twelve determine whether one will continue to study or work in the society in the next twelve years, and the next twelve years determine the gains and growth in the next twelve years...

Han Hao doesn't have many twelve years left.

If it were twelve years ago, he could still generously say that there is always a place for me in the world!
But it’s no longer possible now. He is already well over thirty-five and will be fifty in a few years.

But his rank is still not high.

Maybe when you are young, you can say that you still have time and need to accumulate experience, and see that other senior people have not yet been promoted, and always have to rank and judge by seniority, etc...

But now he feels that there are only four words left: "Time waits for no one"!
So at this moment, the abandoned military fort occupied by Sima Yi was lingering in Han Hao's mind, making him feel uneasy.

This military fortress, like a cancer, threatens the safety of the entire flank.

Han Hao has been a soldier for half his life and knows that the battlefield is ever-changing.

What kind of person is Sima Yi?

Giving him time to gain a foothold would only serve to encourage his arrogance, and would also provide the Hussars, who have traveled a long distance, with a rare area to rest!
Recapture the abandoned military fort, remove this nail, ensure smooth communication between this place and the rear, and prevent the army from being attacked from both sides. This is a strategic point that concerns the overall situation!
This is his loyalty to the Cao family's foundation, and also his responsibility as a veteran...

However, beneath this public spirit, Han Hao was also filled with unspeakable indignation.

Cao Yi and Xun Yun, these young men who were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, relied on the influence of their fathers to occupy high positions of command, but they were timid, despised his experience, and trampled on his advice!

All they care about is their own power and their pitiful "respect". Have they ever really put the country and the lives of their soldiers first? !
A strong urge to prove himself burned in Han Hao's chest!

He wants to show these arrogant second-generation officials what a true veteran of the battlefield is!

He wants to take back the Haunted Castle with his own hands and slap them hard in the face with an irrefutable victory!

This unwillingness and desire to prove himself drove him strongly.

Han Hao did not follow Cao Yi's instructions and go back to sleep, but summoned his trusted military school and scout captain. He spread out a simple map, pointed to the location of the abandoned military fort, and said in a low voice with unquestionable determination, "This fort must be recaptured! Delay will cause changes! Generals Cao and Xun... have many concerns... but the military situation is urgent, so they can't care! I have made up my mind, and we will launch a surprise attack that night!"

The confidants looked at each other, and one of them hesitated and said, "General, our troops are less than a thousand, and most of them are infantry. If we travel a long distance and attack the fortress by force, I'm afraid... I'm afraid..."

"It's not a strong fortress! But if we delay any longer, it will become even stronger and harder to conquer!" Han Hao slammed the table with a gleam in his eyes, "The Sima clan has not yet established a firm foothold, their fortifications are still in their infancy, and the defenders are not their main elite! This is the only chance to fight! We will lead the way with our death squads, take them by surprise, and attack them when they are unprepared. We still have a chance of winning! If we wait until their fortress is strong, even thousands of troops will find it difficult to shake it! Are you willing to follow me and take this risky move to repay the lord's kindness? !"

Han Hao's prestige and determination infected everyone, especially his tragic feeling of "repaying a favor".

The confidants of the military academy responded loudly: "We are willing to fight to the death with the general!"

……

……

Han Hao once again asked to see Cao Yi and Xun Yun. This time he did not make an impassioned speech, but directly requested: "I am willing to issue a military order! I will personally lead 800 elite soldiers of my own army to raid Sima Junbao at night! If we cannot conquer it, I will be subject to military law!"

Cao Yi and Xun Yun looked at each other with complicated expressions.

Deep down in his heart, Cao Yi was afraid that Han Hao would succeed in stealing the limelight and make him appear incompetent; but he also secretly hoped that Han Hao would win and solve this thorny problem for him.

Maybe it's because he is afraid that his brother will suffer, and he is even more afraid that his brother will drive a Land Rover.

After all, if Sima Yi was allowed to repair the military fort on the flank, if something went wrong, Cao Yi would also have to bear some responsibility...

Therefore, when Han Hao came again and firmly expressed his determination to capture the military fort, letting Han Hao "give it a try" became the most favorable option for Cao Yi. If it succeeded, he would have the merit of dispatching; if it failed, it was Han Hao's own request, and the military order was here, so it had nothing to do with him.

What's more, there is Xun Yun's "strategy"...

Cao Yi glanced at Xun Yun and did not express his opinion immediately because he knew that Xun Yun would speak first.

Xun Yun looked at Han Hao with a condescending indifference and a hint of barely perceptible malice.

In his eyes, Han Hao's persistence was just stubbornness and a challenge to their authority.

Since this old man insists on attacking the military fort, let him go!

Even if Han Hao lost, he could prove to Prime Minister Cao that he had "excellent foresight". At least it proved that he had encountered the danger beforehand and gave warnings and suggestions, but Han Hao just didn't want to listen!

It's not that I'm timid and afraid of fighting, but that Han Hao is incompetent!

Moreover, Han Hao's defeat could better highlight the correctness of their "steady defense" strategy.

"General Han is loyal and brave, and is truly a role model for our army!"

Xun Yun spoke first, with a tone of false approval, "Since General Han is determined to do so, and is willing to issue a military order... Brother Cao, why don't you agree to General Han's request? It will also help us find out the truth about Sima..."

Cao Yi hesitated for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "Well! Since General Han has this intention, I will grant your request! But..."

He changed the subject, with obvious evasion and restriction, "In order to prevent Sima from making a feint to the east and attacking in the west, the main force cannot be moved lightly. The general can only lead 800 soldiers from his own army. In addition, I will assign you... 200 newly recruited civilians to be responsible for carrying equipment and filling trenches to prevent the general's soldiers from getting tired... Remember, you must be careful and cautious. If you can't do it, retreat quickly! Preserving strength is the most important thing!"

Han Hao sneered in his heart, knowing the intention of "limited support" and "remember to do so". This was the unspoken rule of Shandong Zhongyuan.

Just like the "in principle" in feudal dynasties.

In principle, it is not allowed.

But actually...

If there is a problem, since it is not allowed "in principle", it must be that the person who did the job was not meticulous, rigorous, or standardized. If there is any follow-up, go to that person.

And now, Han Hao is the "Big Who"!
Because Cao Yi has already said "Remember to do it"!
However, this was not the first time that Han Hao had to be the "big boss", so he just clasped his fists and said solemnly: "I will obey your orders!"

He saw through the two men's minds, but his public interest in retaking the abandoned military fort and his selfish desire to prove his ability overwhelmed his anger at unfair treatment. He needed this opportunity, even if the price was huge.

Han Hao signed the military order, looked at Cao Xun and the others in silence, then bowed and left.

Cao Yi and Xun Yun watched Han Hao leave and fell silent.

There are some things that need no elaboration, everyone actually knows them well...

It's like an unspoken rule.

Can't say it, but can do it.

To some extent, the two of them are now "accomplices", and their relationship seems to be even closer than before.

"This Han Yuansi is exactly as Chang Qian expected..." There were complex emotions hidden in Cao Yi's voice.

There seems to be a subtle...

easy?

After all, Han Hao had signed the military order himself, so even if there were losses, they were only two hundred civilians.

And if Xun Yun's plan could succeed...

Xun Yun forced himself to remain calm. After all, he still had to maintain the image of a wise man who was "planning strategies from the tent", even though he was secretly happy and wanted to stand up and wave his fists, or twist his hips and sing a song.

Xun Yun coughed, his tone carrying a deliberate heaviness and "wisdom", "Alas! General Han... is too stubborn! He doesn't listen to good advice! Now... we will definitely fail! Brother Cao! The little thief Sima will probably set an ambush at the military fort, and the place of Guikuai must be empty! When the fire breaks out at General Han's military fort, Sima will inevitably send reinforcements. This is a godsend opportunity for you and me!"

Cao Yi listened and closed his eyes. He imagined the possible scenarios...

The fire from the abandoned military fort was like a bright light in the night, attracting the attention of countless people, including Sima Yi's troops.

Sima Yi's arrangements in the military fort were consumed and collapsed in the bloody fighting.

The bodies of Han Hao's soldiers lay cold on the battlefield.

The night wind blew across the battlefield, bringing with it a strong smell of blood and a deeper chill.

However, Cao Yi and Xun Yun successfully captured Guikuai and cut Sima Yi's troops into two parts!
Sima Yi hurried back from the military fort, and could only see him and Xun Yun standing at the mountain pass, helplessly retreating...

Loyalty and ambition, responsibility and selfishness, have never been clearly distinguished in the melting pot of this troubled times.

Cao Yi opened his eyes and said in a deep voice: "Follow Chang Qian's plan, mobilize the troops! Attack Guikuai!"

……

……

The night is as dark as ink and the mountains and forests are dead silent.

Han Hao, with his eight hundred veteran soldiers and two hundred trembling civilians, sneaked forward.

Han Hao was an old soldier and knew that Sima Yi was cunning in his tactics, so he had to be prepared.

He sent out his most elite scout team, which, like a cheetah, quietly and stealthily eliminated several obvious Hussar outposts and patrol teams on the periphery.

Han Hao was a general who had been active on the battlefield before Yuan Shao fully rose to power. When he was young, he fought against Dong Zhuo, defeated Heishan, and served as a general under Yuan Shao. After surrendering to Cao Cao, he never stopped fighting even when he served as the Colonel of Tuntian and the General of the Central Army. His experience in clearing and strangling the bandits hiding in the mountains made Han Hao's early progress quite smooth when attacking the military fort.

Han Hao's elite scouts acted cleanly and efficiently without alerting anyone inside the fort.

Han Hao led his men and gradually approached the military fort that Sima Yi had renovated. But for some reason, the closer Han Hao got, the more uneasy he felt.

"General, what should we do now?" A confidant approached Han Hao. He noticed Han Hao's hesitation and asked, "Should we charge or retreat? What's wrong?"

"It's too quiet..." Han Hao whispered, "Take two people and go over there... throw some rocks and test it..."

The confidant nodded, and immediately took two or three people to the other side.

Han Hao hid in the shadows, looking around.

The forest was dark, and the shadows of the trees swayed in the moonlight. When the night wind blew past, the leaves rustled.

But apart from these sounds, there was no other movement.

Of course, it is also possible that Sima Yi's soldiers have been active here too much in the past few days, scaring away all the surrounding birds and beasts.

So Han Hao sent someone to test it.

"Knock..."

Small rocks fell.

Han Hao stared at the military bunker closely.

There were two or three more sounds of falling stones, but the castle was completely silent, as if no one noticed and was completely defenseless.

"General...what should we do now?" the confidant asked in a low voice behind him.

There was no time to delay, Han Hao made up his mind.

attack!

But he still had a trick up his sleeve.

Instead of rushing forward all at once, he divided his troops into several groups, which used the terrain for cover and slowly and cautiously approached the trenches and stakes under the fort wall from different directions.

Everything seemed to be going too smoothly.

Han Hao's heart became heavier.

This silence is so unusual!

At the same time, Sima Yi, who became famous in Hedong, could not be so lax!
Just as the vanguard soldiers sent by Han Hao were about to approach the trench and prepare to set up a simple ladder, suddenly a flash of fire appeared above the military fort!
"call out!"

A flaming arrow whistled and shot into the night sky!

Immediately, on the military fort, balls of brightly colored light and fire suddenly burst out!

"Not good! Secret sentry! There's an ambush!" Han Hao's pupils suddenly shrank, and he screamed, "Form a formation! Prepare for defense!"

His reaction was quick and his orders were decisive.

That blast of arrows was Sima Yi's signal to launch the attack!

In an instant, torches suddenly lit up behind the seemingly silent earthen walls and stone piles of the military fort, illuminating the area below the military fort as if it were daytime!
On the military fort, the powerful crossbows that had been prepared long ago released a dense rain of arrows!

What was even more deadly was that from the originally silent forests and mountains on the flanks and rear of Han Hao's troops, deafening shouts of killing suddenly erupted!
Han Hao looked back in horror and found that in the distance behind the flank, there were countless black shadows swaying, accompanied by hussars charging towards him with swords and guns in hand!

This is Sima Yi's ambush!

He fell into a trap!

But why didn't the scouts detect these hussars when they passed by just now?

The next moment, Han Hao suddenly realized that in order to avoid being detected by his scouts, these Sima Yi's ambushes were ambushed at a relatively far distance.

These ambushes have not yet come into contact with Han Hao's troops, but the shouts and cries of killing have already shaken the mountains and fields, as if even the heavens and the earth are trembling, and the stars and the moon are dimmed!

Sima Yi wanted to encircle Han Hao's troops in the narrow area in front of the fort and strangle them!

"General!" Han Hao's confidant shouted anxiously, "Retreat! Let's retreat!"

withdraw?
Just retreat like this?