Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3715 Naiqierfu
Under the scorching sun for days on end, the city walls of Zhuyang County seem to be so hot that even the blue bricks and yellow skin are being baked, curled, and peeled off.

From a distance, the entire county town resembles a weary, charred, yellowish-brown python, struggling to coil on the ground, awaiting its death.

The atmosphere in the city was even more somber and oppressive than the weather.

Cai Mao originally wanted to stay by Zhuge Liang's side, but Zhuge Liang said that it was enough to have Shamoke as his bodyguard.

Old Cai glanced at Sha Moke's arm, then at his own thigh, and silently gave up on insisting on anything, instead following Liao Hua to Zhuyang.

Cai Mao reported the relevant military situation to Liao Hua, and then silently withdrew.

Cai Mao was much older than Liao Hua, but he was still very respectful to him.

On the one hand, Cai Mao has now come to terms with reality.

After all, older people are more likely to accept the pressures of reality.

The rough edges on my body were all smoothed out when I was young.

On the other hand, Zhuyang faced the direct threat of Cao Cao's army.

Cai Mao isn't stupid; why would he do something that harms others and doesn't benefit himself at this time?
As Cao Cao led his troops south, the Cao army in Jingzhou switched from defense to offense, and the pressure fell on Liao Hua and Li Dian.

Liao Hua was in a relatively better position, but Li Dian's soldiers were in a bit of a predicament.

Although the straight-line distance from Hanzhong to Jingbei is not too far, it is not easy to travel. Moreover, there are many Di and Cong people in Li Dian's army. Having been away from their hometown for a long time, it is inevitable that some resentment will arise, and even the soldiers in Hanzhong are somewhat weary of war.

Of course, this "war weariness" is related to the success of the war. The more successful the war, the more spoils there are, and the less of a problem there is, just like with companies. During the growth phase, benefits are good, attendance is flexible, and reimbursement is smooth, so employees are all highly motivated. But when a company starts to decline, everything is reversed, and employees become increasingly disheartened.

Cao Cao's generals and cavalry are all human, and they would all do the same.

When Cao Cao came to Jingzhou, it was like giving Jingzhou a little "blue pill" (a metaphor for a powerful force), making them feel strong and capable again. However, in reality, their foundation was still weak, and their ability to urinate was still weak.

Now Cao Cao's urine sprayed all over Liao Hua's face.

Not everyone has a god's-eye view. Even Liao Hua couldn't understand the whole situation. He could only judge the changes in the battle based on the current situation and Zhuge Liang's analysis. As for ordinary soldiers, it was even more difficult for them to know about the changes in the world.

Liao Hua, his hand on the ring-pommel sword at his waist, stood in the shadow of the city tower, his gaze sweeping over the endless camps of Cao Cao's army outside the city.

Those camps, like a constantly spreading scab, layered upon layer, increasingly encircled Zhuyang.

This made Liao Hua feel that these Cao troops were like duckweed and algae in sewage, which spread and multiplied in just a few days and then covered the entire pond.

Old Cao is actually quite capable...

Cao Cao's banner did not appear, but the omnipresent, overwhelming pressure, like a mountain collapsing, weighed heavily on the hearts of every soldier defending the city with each of Cao's tentative attacks.

Even though Lao Cao is not doing well now, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.

Although they couldn't defeat Fei Qian's main force on the front lines, Cao Cao's army, with Cao Cao's support, still demonstrated a certain level of combat capability against Liao Hua and Li Dian, especially Li Dian's detached army which had a large proportion of Di and Cong people.

Looking at the sprawling Cao Cao camp, Liao Hua pondered the things Zhuge Liang had told him...

Are people more important, or is the city more important?
"Yuanjian," Pang Shanmin's voice was filled with worry. He walked to Liao Hua's side, his robes and beard fluttering in the hot wind, "Although Cao Cao's offensive these past few days hasn't been fierce, their relentless harassment, day and night, has exhausted our soldiers. The city is running out of arrows, and the logs and stones are dwindling..."

He didn't continue, but just sighed heavily.

Liao Hua did not turn around, but continued to stare outside the city.

This was not the first time he had faced a fierce attack, nor was it the first time he had been forced to the city walls by Cao Cao's army.

But this time, the opponent is Cao Cao.

Liao Hua desperately wanted to find a weakness in Cao Cao's camp on the other side, or to find an opening to attack by observing the movements of the soldiers there, but he failed.

There were flaws, and gaps were once in front of Liao Hua, but Liao Hua was on high alert, feeling that if he really led his troops to attack, he would suffer heavy losses!

This pressure is far beyond what is usually expected.

Liao Hua vaguely understood that this was the boost that Cao Cao himself brought to Cao Cao's army.

Just like Fei Qian in the army, even if he does nothing, he still has an invisible buff...

"Lord Pang," Liao Hua exhaled and said slowly, "Cao Mengde doesn't want to forcefully breach the city; he wants to wait for us to fall into disarray."

Liao Hua paused, then turned his gaze northwest, "Has any news come back from Yin County?"

"No news yet," Pang Shanmin shook his head, then suddenly said with some surprise, "Scouts report that Cao Cao's scouts are active frequently and have clashed multiple times... Kongming has few men, making communication difficult... Could it be..."

Liao Hua was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Kongming said that if Cao Cao's army launches a major offensive, he will definitely abandon Yin County and retreat... He also told me to abandon Zhuyang..."

"Give up Zhuyang?!" Pang Shanmin was stunned for a moment.

Just then, a commotion broke out outside the city!
A group of Cao army soldiers, about five hundred men, actually broke away from Cao army camp and arrogantly charged to the edge of the archery range below the city!

The leading general, clad in a gleaming silver helmet and armor, was none other than Wang Ping, a general in Cao Cao's army!

He reined in his horse, pointed at the city wall, and his voice boomed with undisguised provocation: "Liao Hua, you coward! You coward! Do you dare to come out of the city and fight Grandfather? Have you been terrified by the Prime Minister's might and are only trembling behind the city walls? Hahaha!"

"You cowardly scoundrels! Come out and face your death!"

"The Flying Cavalry is nothing special!"

The insults and laughter from below the city walls carried clearly up to the city walls.

The soldiers guarding the city were so angry that their faces turned red. They gripped their weapons tightly and turned their eyes to Liao Hua.

"This humble general requests permission to fight! To chop off that traitor's dog head!" A young, hot-blooded military academy student couldn't contain himself and clasped his hands in a gesture of defiance.

"No!" Liao Hua shouted decisively, his voice stern. "This thief's arrival is not a simple matter of a duel! This is bait! A tactic to provoke him!"

Wang Ping was so arrogant in front of them, while behind the seemingly peaceful hills to the north of Cao Cao's camp, countless Cao soldiers were lying in ambush, waiting for them to open the city gates and fight, and then they would swarm in!

Liao Hua coldly shouted, "Give the order! Aim the ballistae! Fire! Drive them away!"

"Buzz—!"

The powerful ballistae on the city wall roared with a deep, muffled sound, and the thick bolts shot fiercely toward Wang Ping's location with a piercing whistling sound!

Wang Ping was clearly prepared. He let out a strange cry, turned around, and left with incredible speed.

The heavy crossbow bolts sank deep into the ground where they had just stood, kicking up clouds of dust.

The Cao army soldiers scattered, then darted back and forth like they were jumping on a red line. The thrill of courting death excited them greatly, and they continued to provoke them with foul language.

After another round of shouting and cursing, the loud voices of Cao's soldiers gradually fell silent under the scorching sun.

Wang Ping led Cao's soldiers away triumphantly, much like a Pekingese barking wildly through an iron gate.

The cavalry garrison on the city wall were so frustrated they almost vomited blood, but Liao Hua remained unmoved.

In the midst of this oppressive and suffocating standoff, as dusk approached, a blood-stained and exhausted scout was helped up the city wall.

"Captain!" the scout's voice was hoarse. "Towards Yin County...we've spotted...a large contingent of Cao Cao's troops! Their banners...the banners are those of that old scoundrel Cao Cao!! We...we've also spotted...black smoke rising from the direction of Yin County..."

"What?! Cao Mengde has arrived in person?! Black smoke is rising?!" Pang Shanmin exclaimed in shock, his face turning deathly pale instantly.

Liao Hua also felt a pang of anxiety. "What about Zhuge Liang?!"

Zhuge Liang did not have many soldiers at his disposal; they were only used to guard and guide the "sick soldiers and civilians." Unexpectedly, Cao Cao's army bypassed Zhuyang and attacked Yin County!
Although Zhuge Liang had warned in advance that Cao Cao's army would make such a move, and emphasized that if Cao Cao's army attacked, Zhuge would abandon Yin County and retreat to Wuguan Pass, Liao Hua was still nervous when he heard the scouts' report.

The scout shook his head. "I haven't seen Zhuge... Should we go and investigate further?"

Liao Hua instinctively wanted to nod, but the words Zhuge Liang had given him when they parted flashed through his mind...

"Brother Yuanjian, the loss or gain of cities and fortifications in Jingzhou and Xiangyang is not of great importance... As our lord said, if we lose land but save people, we can save both! If we fight for land with people, we will lose both! We must not contend with the traitor Cao for a moment's gain!"

"If Zhuyang cannot be defended, retreat when necessary; do not make unnecessary sacrifices!"

retreat!

These two words carry immense weight for a military general, even a hint of humiliation, but at this moment, they are the right choice.

Cao Cao wanted to force Fei Qian to fight in an area where his cavalry was at a disadvantage. The best way to do this was to kill Liao Hua, Li Dian, Zhuge Liang and other troops stationed in Jingzhou!
Could Cao Cao stay in Jingzhou for long?

Did Cao Cao want the empty city of Zhuyang?
give him!

He wants to annihilate my entire force? No way!

Liao Hua suddenly opened his eyes, the momentary confusion and struggle in them replaced by calmness.

He surveyed the somewhat panicked faces around him, his voice steady and firm, giving the surrounding soldiers and officers renewed strength. "Order the entire army! Prepare immediately! After nightfall, open the north gate, feign an advance along the Zhu River towards Yin County, then turn back towards Fangling halfway!"

"Captain! We...we're going to abandon the city?" a military academy officer exclaimed incredulously.

"Yes!" Liao Hua shouted sternly, "Cao Cao has personally led his army here! Zhuyang is a tiny place; defending it is pointless! Rather than waiting to be killed, we should preserve our strength and plan for the future! Zhuge Liang must have already withdrawn from Yin County; even if we go to his aid, we will fall into Cao Cao's trap! General Li has already retreated to the upper reaches of the Dan River! The battle of Jingbei is not a matter of a day! We can afford to drag it out and move nimbly, but Cao Cao's army cannot escape or move at all!! When Cao Cao's army is exhausted, that will be their end! Pass down the order! There must be no delay!"

The military order is like a mountain!

Although some people may not understand or be willing, the order was carried out swiftly.

The entire city of Zhuyang immediately sprang into action, preparing for the evacuation amidst a tense and busy atmosphere.

Night fell as expected, thick and dark as ink.

The north gate of Zhuyang was quietly opened amidst the deathly silence.

There were no lights, no noise.

Liao Hua personally led his elite troops to cover the rear, while Cai Mao and Pang Shanmin led their soldiers and the wounded, like a silent serpent, swiftly and orderly slipping out of the city and advancing northward along the Zhushui River.

The group marched silently through the darkness, the only sounds being the heavy footsteps, suppressed breathing, and the dull murmur of the Zhushui River.

In terms of concealment, Liao Hua and his men did their best to remain hidden, but it was clearly impossible for so many soldiers and mules to make absolutely no sound.

However, the Cao army east of Zhuyang City seemed to be deaf and heard nothing.
This unusual phenomenon intensified Liao Hua's unease.

Cao Cao will never let them off easily!
This calm is more like the stillness before a storm!

"Turn around!" Liao Hua ordered, "Turn around and head southwest!"

As the troops turned, the sounds became even more chaotic.

Liao Hua frowned slightly and looked around.

Sure enough, a moment later, the scouts who had gone ahead reported back, their voices tinged with panic, "Captain! Five li ahead, at the bend in the waterway, we've spotted Cao Cao's army! They've formed ranks on the open riverbank, blocking our path!"

Liao Hua's eyes sharpened.

Cao Cao not only laid an ambush on their way to Yin County, but also accurately predicted their retreat route.

Are these Cao Cao's troops trying to entangle them, slow them down, and wait for the main force to arrive and annihilate them on the banks of the Zhu River?!
"How many people are there?" Liao Hua asked in a deep voice.

"Judging by their numbers, there are about two or three thousand men!" the scout replied.

"Form ranks!" Liao Hua commanded without hesitation, "Wedge formation! Prepare to break through! Only by charging through will we have a chance to survive!"

Under Liao Hua's leadership, the Flying Cavalry quickly formed ranks in front of the narrow riverbank, their sharpness aimed directly at the Cao army blocking their path!

The war drums thundered!

Wang Ping, mounted on his horse and brandishing his sword, glared at the approaching cavalry with a ferocious grin: "You little thieves! The Prime Minister's strategy is brilliant; you have no chance of escape! Men, slaughter them all! Leave no one alive!"

Wang Ping had been defeated by Liao Hua before and had long harbored resentment in his heart. Today, seeing his enemy, he was extremely jealous!
"kill--!"

Cao Jun erupted in a deafening roar, like a black tide, fiercely surging towards Liao Hua's troops!

The battle instantly reached a fever pitch!

Swords flashed and spears clashed; blood and flesh flew everywhere!
Both sides fought fiercely, giving it their all!

Liao Hua fought bravely, gradually bending Wang Ping's lines, but time was also slipping away...

Sooner or later, Cao Cao's army, which was lying in ambush on the road to Tongyin County, would discover Liao Hua's troops' change of course and would inevitably pursue them. If Liao Hua could not break through Wang Ping's interception line by then, it would mean that he would be surrounded by Cao Cao's army!

Liao Hua wielded his sword and fought fiercely.

Under Liao Hua's fierce attack, Cao Jun's lines were like a dam being battered by a giant wave, teetering on the brink of collapse!
"Hold on! Hold on with me!" Wang Ping roared, his blade chipped from the blows. "The Prime Minister's army is almost here! Hold on!"

Indeed, it's almost dawn.

Once daybreak, Cao Cao's army will inevitably speed up their search, and Liao Hua's disguise will be exposed!

Liao Hua was also anxious!
However, melee combat is not like firearms combat where you can simply move your fingers...

Running, slashing, parrying.

Whether it was the Flying Cavalry or Cao Cao's army, the physical exertion during the battle was considerable.

Even Liao Hua is now unwilling to use the energy-consuming chopping movements, and prefers to use thrusting and slashing.

Disembowelment is certainly spectacular, but how many entrails could Liao Hua disembowel?
The key issue is that Liao Hua cannot use the remaining gunpowder grenades!
On the one hand, the sound of an explosion would definitely travel farther and be clearer than the sound of shouting. On the other hand, Liao Hua's army had very few firearms left. If they used them now, what would they do if Cao Cao's army caught up and surrounded them? Would they just be left helpless?
There was a sudden commotion in the direction of Liao Huahou's army.

Someone has spotted the vanguard of Cao Cao's army, and they seem to be about to surround Liao Hua and his men!
Wang Ping also noticed this, and shouted loudly that Cao Cao's reinforcements had arrived, which caused the previously wavering lines to hold firm again...

At this critical moment, the distinctive bronze whistle of the Flying Cavalry suddenly came from behind Wang Ping and Cao Cao's army!
Immediately afterwards, a roar like a landslide and a tsunami surged forth!

"Reinforcements! It's reinforcements!"

"General Li! That's General Li's banner!"

On the earthen slope in sight, banners were fluttering, which were Li Dian's banners!

In the blink of an eye, Li Dian's soldiers plunged deep into Wang Ping's exposed chrysanthemum!

"Li Mancheng is here! Traitorous general, prepare to die!"

Li Dian's roar was like thunder, echoing across the riverbank!

Wang Ping was suddenly attacked from both sides!

The smug grin on Wang Ping's face froze instantly, turning into horror!
He never expected that just a moment ago he thought victory was within reach, but the next moment he was attacked from both sides by two men!

"Hold on!! The Prime Minister is almost here! Hold on!"

Wang Ping cried out in terror, trying to urge his soldiers to put up a final resistance.

However, nobody listened to him...

Cao Jun's lines collapsed in the blink of an eye!

The soldiers trampled each other and scrambled to escape!

Under the desperate protection of his personal guards, Wang Ping abandoned his armor and jumped into the water to escape, leaving behind a mess of corpses and wailing wounded soldiers of Cao Cao's army.

The battle ended unusually quickly.

On the riverbank, the corpses of Cao Cao's soldiers lay scattered, and the section where the river was built was stained dark red.

Liao Hua let out a long breath, and a cold, hard smile slowly appeared on his tired face.

Abandoning Zhuyang left them in a rather disheveled state.

But the core strength of this exhausted army is still there!

Cao Cao's plan to crush them with overwhelming force and completely eliminate the future threat in Jingbei ultimately failed.

"Brothers! We're safe!" Liao Hua's voice was hoarse yet resolute, tempered by blood and fire. "Take the wounded brothers and we're out! This quagmire in Jingbei is enough for Cao Mengde to wade through slowly! We... will be back!"

Liao Hua and Li Dian joined forces and quickly withdrew from the battlefield.

Shortly after sunrise, Cao Cao arrived here with his large army.

Looking at the devastated riverbank, Cao Cao remained silent for a long time.

Behind him lay the empty city of Zhuyang, which Cao Cao had just acquired but which was like a chicken rib requiring him to divide his troops to guard, as well as the Jingbei battlefield, which required him to expend more troops to clear and stabilize.

The plan for a swift victory, like the tattered banners of Cao Cao's army on the riverbank, was trampled into the mud.

The noose of war seemed to be tightening again around Cao Cao's neck, which he was eager to extricate himself from...