Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3677 Hidden Fire Burns Golden Scales, Greedy Bait Falls into Dark Pool (Bonus Chapter)

Cao Hong kept Cai's minor official alive, without touching him, all for this very moment.

Of course, Cao Ren was not entirely certain that the minor official from the Cai family was an internal traitor. Even as recently as the last moment, he still harbored most suspicions about Cai Mao and the Cai family as a whole. After all, it was not uncommon for communication and transportation to be disrupted once a war broke out. Perhaps Fangling was besieged, or Cai Mao had heroically sacrificed himself, and so on.

But after the minor official Cai revealed the name...

Everything is different.

In the Han Dynasty, even suspicion without evidence could lead to death. Now, with just one word from a minor official like Cai, it's almost certain that Cai has conclusive evidence of treason!

The name mentioned by the minor official Cai was actually that of a military commander surnamed Cao who was in charge of the armory in Xiangyang!
Cao Ren knew the military officer in that armory.

The military officer was old and had been wounded and crippled in the battle against the two Yuan brothers, losing a hand. Therefore, he could not go to the battlefield and could only guard the armory...

Unexpectedly, he was bribed by the Cai family and became a messenger!
At the same time, Cai, the minor official, also revealed a possible location where a secret passage might be hidden...

Inside an abandoned temple dedicated to the god of the Han River in the south of the city!

"very good."

Cao Ren released his grip as if discarding a piece of trash.

He turned and ordered the commander of his personal guards: "According to the list, according to the newly confessed names, continue the arrests! Take that Cao Junhou down immediately in secret! Search the River God Temple immediately! As for these people…"

His gaze swept over the desperate prisoners on the rack. "Continue the torture! Squeeze out every piece of information, every name! And then..."

Cao Ren stepped out of the dungeon and calmly ordered, "If there's nothing left... then kill them all, including their families. Their heads should be hung at the city gates for three days as a warning to others!"

"Yes, sir!" The guards obeyed, their eyes fixed on the cold execution.

A moment later, an even more piercing scream came from the depths of the dungeon, penetrating the sound of the rain.

The rain continued to relentlessly pound the ground, as if trying to wash away the bloodshed of this hell on earth, but to no avail.

The sergeant at the armory was quickly captured and readily confessed everything, asking only for a final "quick" death.

According to Cao's military comrade's account, after arriving in Xiangyang, he was quickly won over by the Cai family. He had lost his hand, was old, and wanted to enjoy a comfortable life but lacked the money, while the Cai family undoubtedly had plenty to offer him. At first, it was just small favors; he could easily earn large sums for doing them casually, such as giving Cai's soldiers priority in distributing military rations. Later, things started to get a little strange, but by then he had already taken far too much money…

Cao's military commander said that Cai wanted him to burn down the armory, but he didn't dare to do it. Of course, it's also possible that Cao Ren acted first, and he didn't have time to react. But in any case, this almost certainly confirms that Cai Mao had long harbored treacherous intentions.

Meanwhile, at the Han River God Temple in the south of the city, Cao Ren's personal guards led a team to pry open the base of the dilapidated statue and found a tunnel underneath that connected to the city's underground water channel.

This confirms the partial truthfulness of the previous official's confession.

Upon receiving the news, Cao Ren felt no joy at finding a clue, only a chilling murderous intent and uncontrollable rage.

"Cai Mao...he really is...that old thief...how dare he..."

Cao Ren gritted his teeth, and a vicious plan immediately popped into his mind.

Since Cai Mao of the Cai clan started the first act, don't blame Cao Ren for doing the fifteenth! If the Cai clan wants to rebel and seize the city through internal and external collusion, then give them that chance!
This is an opportunity that will ensure his and his cronies' one-way trip!
Cao Ren ordered his men to imitate the coded signals Cai Mao had left at the armory's command post, used to transmit secret information, and sent a carefully crafted false intelligence message towards Cai Zhou: "The secret sluice gate of the West Gate waterway is now under control, to be opened at 1:45 PM! Signal: three lanterns are hung on the city walls! Quickly lead elite troops into the city, launch a pincer attack from within and without, the city is about to fall!"

The intelligence was quickly delivered to Cai Zhou through a secret channel originally located outside the city.

When Cai Mao, who was hiding in Caizhou, received this secret report, he was so excited that his hands trembled slightly!
For days, he had traveled all the way from Fangling. Since surrendering to Zhuge Liang, although he had been treated with courtesy, he had not achieved any merit, and he had always harbored a burning desire to succeed. If he could personally open the gates of Xiangyang and hand over this most important town in Jingbei, what an immense achievement that would be! It would be enough to establish an unshakeable position for him in the new dynasty of the Flying Cavalry!
"Heaven is helping me! This is truly heaven's help!"

Cai Mao's eyes gleamed with fanaticism as he immediately gathered his trusted henchmen, preparing to infiltrate Xiangyang through the secret waterway, as indicated by intelligence.

"De Gui, wait!" Zhuge Liang's cold voice rang out. He carefully examined the intelligence report, his brow furrowed. "This letter is suspicious."

"Strange?" Cai Mao was taken aback.

Zhuge Liang nodded.

Zhuge Liang and Cai Mao led their soldiers to hide in Caizhou, but Cao Ren had strict control over the defenses of Xiangyang. For a time, Zhuge Liang and Cai Mao could not find a way to sneak in without alerting the defending soldiers.

Although Xiangyang City still opens its gates at set times to allow residents to go outside to gather firewood, only one gate is open each hour, and only residents from one market area are allowed to leave the city. This means that whether leaving or entering the city, everyone is from the same market area, and the presence of even slightly unfamiliar faces will trigger an alarm.

Unless Zhuge Liang and Cai Mao can bribe everyone in a market at the same time, don't even think about getting a large number of people into the city...

Therefore, it is permissible to send messages outwards.

However, it would be very difficult to take the city gate and break through Xiangyang's defenses by coordinating efforts from both inside and outside.

Just when Cai Mao was at his wit's end and extremely embarrassed, this 'news' reached him...

"This..." Cai Mao looked at it again, "What's strange about this?"

What Cai Mao couldn't see, Zhuge Liang saw as flaws.

With Cao Ren's city defenses so tight, how could he possibly remain inactive inside the city?

At such a critical juncture, how did this Cai family insider manage to send out intelligence safely?

Cao Cao's army has a large number of troops stationed in Xiangyang, and the gateways and waterways are of utmost importance. How could they easily control the secret sluice gate of the West Gate waterway?
Furthermore, if the dark gate is opened at 11:45 AM, and the three lights signal is so clear, wouldn't it be self-exposing if the message were intercepted halfway?
"This is likely a treacherous plot by Cao Zixiao!" Zhuge Liang said, pointing to the report. "De Gui, it would be best to be cautious."

Cai Mao was not listening to any of this at that moment.

Cai Mao, blinded by the illusion of "first merit," hastily retorted: "Kongming, you're overthinking it! Even if Cao Zixiao guards the city gates with all his might, how can he possibly eliminate all the spies my Cai family has cultivated over the years? The location of the hidden sluice gate in the West Gate waterway is secretive and its structure complex; it was discovered years ago, and only a core member of my Cai family would know it! This intelligence is detailed and the code is accurate; it must have been delivered at the risk of a trusted confidant! This is a golden opportunity; how can we let it slip by?"

Zhuge Liang looked at Cai Mao's face, which was flushed with excitement, and knew that he could no longer persuade him.

People always like to hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see.

If Zhuge Liang had already achieved great success, or had commanded some major events, and had been given an official position far superior to Cai Mao's, then Cai Mao might have listened to his advice.

But now...

Cai Mao has been "enduring" for a long time.

From Fangling onwards, Cai Mao had been searching for an "opportunity." Of course, this "opportunity" didn't mean Cai Mao wanted to do anything to Zhuge Liang, but rather that he wanted to surpass Zhuge Liang and seize command of the troops.

Throughout the journey, although Cai Mao consistently displayed humility and obeyed Zhuge Liang's every command, it was only to personally assess Zhuge Liang's capabilities. He also ostensibly intended to fill any gaps in Zhuge Liang's plans, letting this young man learn from experience.

But unfortunately...

Throughout this journey, Cai Mao has not received any opportunity to "show his abilities"!
This left him feeling so frustrated that he could only swallow his bitterness!
Now, facing the strict defenses of Xiangyang, Zhuge Liang is at a loss. Cai Mao has received this "intelligence" and this "message". If it succeeds, wouldn't it prove that the old fox is still the most cunning? Zhuge Liang can only deal with small situations, while he is the big guy who can make a decisive move!
"Nephew Kongming..." Cai Mao chuckled, "Look..."

Before Cai Mao could finish speaking, Zhuge Liang shook his head, interrupting him, "Please forgive my bluntness. De Gui's actions are highly risky, and I cannot entrust my troops to him. Please understand!"

"You..." Cai Mao's eyes widened, increasingly convinced that Zhuge Liang was petty and couldn't bear to see his side achieve merit. He gritted his teeth and said, "Since Kongming is unwilling, then so be it! I have the Cai family's elite troops, which is more than enough!"

Zhuge Liang looked at Cai Mao and sighed inwardly. He knew that Cai Mao was blinded by ambition and couldn't see this almost blatant trap. However, Zhuge Liang had no right to force Cai Mao to cancel the operation, because that would inevitably cause resentment in Cai Mao's heart, and who knows what might happen later.

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment, then settled for second best, saying, "If De Gui insists on going, I cannot stop him. But you must be extremely careful! After entering the city, do not go straight to the west gate, and do not trust any signals! You must first lie in wait and observe, and only act after confirming everything is safe. I will personally lead troops to meet you outside the city gate, in case of any unforeseen circumstances." "Haha, haha! I understand!" Cai Mao laughed loudly.

Cai Mao believed that Zhuge Liang's good intentions were actually Zhuge Liang trying to steal credit!
"Since my nephew is unwilling to hand over his soldiers, there's no need for any 'support'!" Cai Mao waved his arm, appearing quite spirited. "As the saying goes, 'An army is raised for a thousand days to be used for one!' Today, I'll show my nephew my skills!"

Zhuge Liang was helpless and could only watch as Cai Mao mustered three hundred of his most elite private soldiers, armed with sharp blades and short crossbows, and quietly boarded a small boat under the cover of night, disappearing without a trace.

According to Cai Mao's "plan", there was actually no major problem. As long as Cai Mao could open the city gates and cause internal strife in Xiangyang, Li Dian and Liao Hua's vanguard troops in the north of Xiangyang would definitely receive the news. Therefore, Cai Mao felt that Zhuge Liang's "support" was completely unnecessary!
Moreover, Cai Mao was familiar with the terrain of Xiangyang City and knew that the city had a large population and soldiers. As the saying goes, one person starts a rebellion, and a thousand follow. If this caused a disturbance in the city, and there was a mutiny or something, even if Li Dian and Liao Hua's troops didn't come, Xiangyang City might have its four gates breached, and tens of thousands of people would flee, and there would be no way to stop them!
Cai Mao, carrying the dream of turning his life around, entered the secret passage.

That's right, he didn't enter the waterway, but instead went into the secret passage of the river god temple.

According to Cai Mao's plan, even if Cao Cao's army discovered him at the water gate, he could have two plans!

After all, Cao Cao's army had very strict defenses over the city gates and waterways, and if anything went wrong, his own life was also very important.

The passageway was narrow and winding, filled with the damp, musty smell and the stench of earth.

Cai Mao and his group groped their way forward in the darkness. The torchlight could only illuminate a few feet away, casting distorted and swaying shadows on the stone wall. Even though Cai Mao and his companions moved carefully, their footsteps inevitably echoed in the dark passage, creating a tense and oppressive atmosphere.

Finally, Cai Mao and his men found the exit.

Beyond the exit, there was only deathly silence.

Cai Mao waited quietly near the entrance of the secret passage.

The exit is right in front of us!

The credit for breaching the city is within our grasp!
Cai Mao felt his lips and tongue were dry.

Suddenly, a clamor arose from the west of the city, making Cai Mao's heart pound. He waved his arms, shouting, "Now is the time to make a name for yourself!"

At a command, Cai's elite private soldiers lifted the cover of the secret passage and rushed out in single file!
Everything was fine. Just as Cai Mao was about to lead his men to the West Gate to join forces with the Cai family's private soldiers in the waterway, Zhuge Liang's cold warning suddenly popped into his mind as he looked at the empty and dark street corner. A veteran general's intuition about the killing intent made Cai Mao feel a strong sense of unease.

Cai Mao abruptly stopped and raised his hand to stop the guards behind him.

The street corner was quiet.

It was pitch black.

Not even a single insect chirp could be heard.

Cai Mao turned his head and looked to the west.

Perhaps it was because he was closer, or perhaps it was his heightened awareness that made him listen more carefully, but Cai Mao discovered that the clashing of metal in the drums at the west gate was not the clanging of metal, but only the frantic shouting of people...

"not good!"

Cai Mao's heart sank, and he was just about to sound the alarm...

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out from the street corner: "Kill!!!"

The deafening shouts of battle erupted suddenly, like thunderclaps from a clear sky!

Dozens of torches lit up one after another from the rooftops, alleyways, and even the abandoned houses on both sides of the secret passage they had just emerged from. They were thrown out and landed on the street, illuminating the small area as bright as day and exposing Cai Mao and his companions to the light!
*Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!*

A dense rain of arrows, accompanied by the shrill screams of death, came hurtling in from all directions!

The target was Cai's private army, exposed in the middle of the street!

*Puff puff puff!*

The sound of arrows piercing flesh was incessant!
Caught completely off guard, Cai's personal guards fell one after another like wheat being cut down, their screams filling the air!
These elite private soldiers of the Cai family, unable to display their martial arts skills at all, were struck by several arrows, their eyes wide with resentment, before collapsing to the ground, their blood quickly staining the bluestone slabs beneath them.

"There's an ambush! Retreat!"

Cai Mao was so frightened that he scrambled to his feet and fled!
Fortunately, Cai Mao still harbored some resentment towards Zhuge Liang's "warning" and did not rush to the front line; otherwise, he would have been lying dead in the street by now!
The second volley of arrows quickly rained down. Cai Mao's personal guards risked their lives to cover him as he retreated into the secret passage. Every now and then, someone would be shot down, screaming as they fell to the ground.

"Chase them! Don't let a single one escape!"

Cao Ren's icy voice rang out at the street corner. Clad in heavy armor, he stood like an iron tower, protected by a squad of shield bearers, commanding his soldiers to pounce on the River God Temple like wolves and tigers.

Cai's elite private soldiers tried to block the way at the entrance of the dilapidated River God Temple, but Cao's soldiers not only rushed in through the main gate, but also through the back gate and the courtyard wall. Under the long spears and sharp blades, the Cai private soldiers who stayed behind to cover the retreat were quickly wiped out.

The dilapidated river god temple was instantly transformed into a bloody slaughterhouse!
"Chase after them!"

Cao Ren ordered a military officer to lead Cao soldiers into the secret passage, and then dispatched another group of men to leave the city and head directly for Caizhou.

Although Cai Mao slowed down at the last moment and did not fully enter the ambush area, and was shot dead at the crossroads, it doesn't matter. Now that the operation has been launched, after tonight, there will be no more Cai family in Xiangyang!

Besides, where could Cai Mao possibly escape to?
One team went into the secret passage to pursue and kill, while the other team went to Caizhou to intercept him. That scoundrel Cai Mao will never escape alive!

Cai Mao and the remaining dozen or so guards fled frantically through the secret passage.

Three hundred elite private soldiers of the Cai family were reduced to just a dozen or so in the blink of an eye!
Just as Cai Mao had barely escaped the secret passage outside the city and thought he was out of danger, he heard shouts from Cao Cao's soldiers not far away: "Found them! They're here!!"

With the torches flickering, Cao's soldiers charged forward like wolves and tigers!

Cao Cao's army is in front, and pursuers are behind!
Cai Mao suddenly remembered that he had refused Zhuge Liang's offer of "support"...

Boundless regret surged into my heart.

"It's over... I'm going to die!"

Cai Mao collapsed to the ground, his face ashen.

At this critical moment, a burst of extremely accurate and powerful arrows suddenly shot from the side at the Cao army soldiers who were charging towards Cai Mao!
Among Cao's soldiers, those in charge, those holding torches, and those giving orders all became targets of the first volley of arrows!
"Ahhhhh..."

The Cao army soldiers, caught off guard, experienced a small commotion.

"Come here quickly!! Son of Cai, come here quickly!"

A clear and urgent voice pierced through the chaotic sounds of fighting and reached Cai Mao and the others.

It was Zhuge Liang!

Like someone grasping at a straw, Cai Mao's survival instinct kicked in. He roared, "Quick! Charge! Charge!!"

The remaining Cai family guards mustered their last strength, taking advantage of the moment when Cao army's formation was slightly disrupted, using the corpses of their comrades as cover, braving the rain of arrows, and rushed across the dangerous open area, running desperately towards the direction where Zhuge Liang had spoken...

Cai Mao appears to have been temporarily saved.

However, the danger to Caizhou of the Cai clan was not eliminated as a result.

The glorious years forged a brilliant future; forging ahead with determination creates a better tomorrow. In remembrance of the revolutionary martyrs who fought and sacrificed for their great beliefs!