Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3764 I am old and frail, and incapable of doing anything more.

The autumn wind swept across the banners at Yique Pass, bringing a chill and stirring Cao Cao's empty robes.

Cao Cao has lost a lot of weight.

He was short and stocky, but at least he could hold up the robes.

Now that I've lost weight, I look even smaller, and my clothes are hanging loosely on me.

At the critical moment of his independence, he gazed at the northern land of Heluo, where the smoke of war was gradually rising. His shadow stretched long and thin in the setting sun, which made him appear even more lonely and thin.

He's old.

Cao Cao himself could feel his energy irresistibly draining from his body. The former "hero of a chaotic era" was now more like a "bear of a chaotic era."

An old man, drained of his life force by immense pressure, is left with only a skeletal frame and a heart still frantically calculating, unwilling to accept his fate.

He really doesn't have many cards left in his hand.

Emperor Liu Xie was a trump card, but this card was more like a flag, capable of rallying some people's hearts, but unable to be directly converted into victory on the battlefield.

Moreover, this kind of "human psychology" is more like bluffing at a gambling table, showing that you can put together a strong hand and easily defeat your opponent.

And the other one, the last card...

He held it tightly in his hand, his palms even sweating slightly from the force, but he hesitated and could not easily strike.

He knew the rules of the gambling table very well.

The reason why a trump card is a trump card is because of its unknown nature.

Whoever reveals their move first loses the initiative and hands over the strategy to the opponent.

He wanted to hide until the very end, until the decisive moment or the moment of turning the tide.

Whoever reveals their hand first is at a disadvantage, but to avoid revealing it too early, they must have enough chips to withstand the pressure.

But now Cao Cao's health bar is almost empty.

He doesn't have many chips left.

His health bar had been nearly depleted by years of warfare, internal strife, and the constant strategic pressure exerted by Fei Qian.

Especially Jizhou.

As autumn winds blow, horses grow fat and strong.

Mutinous soldiers and bandits.

Rebel bandits and mutinous soldiers.

I can't tell the difference.

Cao Cao threw away this lucrative piece of land, Ji Province, which was almost completely unsuspecting, with the aim of luring Zhao Yun and others to scramble for it.

And then there's the empty Yuzhou and Xuzhou...

Cao Cao had experienced far too much.

Based on his past experience, no one could resist such a temptation.

Especially those Hu cavalrymen who did not understand Chinese characters or the Chinese language.

It could be said that looting is an instinct ingrained in their bones.

Because the Hu people's living environment was one of plunder and survival of the fittest. On the vast grasslands, sheep grazed and wolves ate; there were no means of communication, and the only effective means were their weapons. This was a completely different living environment from that of the Han people, which resulted in laws and moral concepts that were entirely different from those of the Han people.

The Hu people can warmly welcome strangers from afar, even offering their best to strangers they don't know at all. Of course, they can also casually pick up a small knife and slit a stranger's throat as if slaughtering a sheep.

In the eyes of the Hu people, hospitality and killing were not contradictory.

Therefore, Cao Cao knew that, just like a cat that has been stealing fish can never control its claws, once Zhao Yun got his hands on the riches of Ji Province, it would not be so easy for him to control his Hu cavalry.

Once that breach is opened, allowing the barbarian hooves to trample into Ji Province and the blood of the Han people to stain their swords, then all so-called alliances and disciplines will vanish.

The blood of the Han people is not so easy to wash away.

At that time, the Northern Army will no longer be a disciplined army, but will revert to a swarm of uncontrollable locusts.

They might be able to severely damage Ji Province, but they will also completely lose the hearts and minds of the people of Hebei and drag themselves into the quagmire of war from which they will find it difficult to extricate themselves.

Cao Cao was all too familiar with this tactic; he himself was a master at manipulating people's hearts and exploiting desires. He was like a skilled angler who cast out the sweetest bait, waiting for the fish to take the bait, waiting for the Northern Army system to begin to collapse from within.

Moreover, even if the cavalry under the General of the Flying Cavalry could control the troops, Cao Cao also had ways to make the Flying Cavalry "uncontrollable," just like the Emperor at Sishui Pass...

However, Zhao Yun's reaction was completely beyond his expectations.

stable.

It was so stable it was suffocating, so stable it was baffling.

Faced with the almost undefended temptation of Ji Province, especially after Cao Chun's death, Zhao Yun not only did not rush to attack, but instead tightened the control over the Hu people.

Contrary to what some people thought, Zhao Yun did not rush south with his army. Instead, he sent, or rather forcibly repatriated, the most restless and unruly Hu tribes back to the northern desert.

Those who remained, though few in number, were the forces that were more obedient to orders and better integrated into the military system.

He even established military settlements and garrisoned farms on the northern borders of Youzhou and Jizhou, and maintained order, displaying an attitude of long-term planning and gradual expansion.

Now Cao Cao was at a loss. He couldn't very well say that the cavalry hadn't come and that the shopmen had smashed the porcelain themselves, could he?

why?
Why is this happening?

Cao Cao frowned, his confusion almost overflowing.

Why were you able to endure it?
Fei Qian could hold back, which Cao Cao could understand, but why was Zhao Yun also so composed?
How can you see so clearly?
Could it be that he was completely unmoved by the merits that were within his grasp and the land and wealth that were within his easy reach?

Zhao Yun was like a seasoned hunter. Even though he could see that his prey had walked into the trap, he still waited patiently for the best opportunity. Or perhaps, he had seen through the trap itself.

He simply watched coldly, unhurried and unmoved.

This stability put even more pressure on Cao Cao than the direct impact of a massive army.

This means that his carefully crafted decoy has failed, and the core objective of his strategic deception has been thwarted.

Jizhou is too rich; trying to swallow it whole would only choke you. But nibbling on it little by little is the most nourishing way...

If Zhao Yun did not panic, and the Northern Army did not panic, then Ji Province became a boon for the Flying Cavalry.

Meanwhile, Wei Yan, like a slippery eel, darted back and forth in northern Ji Province, striking here and there with a stick, seemingly without any rhyme or reason, yet he was truly causing chaos and unrest in northern Ji Province...

They complement each other and work together seamlessly.

How could a general of this rank possibly employ such tactics?
Cao Cao took a deep breath of the cooled hot and sour soup, but he felt no relief in his lungs, only a heavy, sluggish feeling.

Now that Zhao Yun has stabilized the rear, the army, and the pace, no one can stand against him as he slowly advances south...

Ye City...

It almost became the last point of defense.

General Fei Qian is probably heading straight for Ye City now.

Although Cao Jun's small-scale raids on Heluo were interrupted these past few days, it also proved that Fei Qian's main cavalry force was indeed not in Heluo.

Emperor Liu Xie of Han played a "very good" role in obstructing progress.

This was also within Cao Cao's expectations...

However, once the card of the Han emperor was played, it became an "open card".

Some cunning and opportunistic ministers and officials also followed Liu Xie to Sishui Pass.

Cao Cao had imagined more than once what would happen if Fei Qian really acted impulsively and launched an attack on Sishui Pass, where the Han emperor was located.
Deposed emperor.

In the Han Dynasty, this was almost the most forceful way for a powerful minister to show his ultimate trump card.

For most Han officials, "deposing the emperor" was a heinous act, but it was still vastly different from "murdering the emperor."

The emperor's deposition challenged the imperial order, but did not completely negate the Han dynasty.

Killing an emperor is a complete trampling of political bottom lines. Especially the murder of a deposed emperor who is powerless to resist is considered an unforgivable act of culpability in ancient Chinese political culture. This is no longer merely an operation within the power game, but a devastating destruction of the rules themselves.

Fei Qian's various new systems, laws, and positions implemented in Guanzhong and Hedong, in a sense, still fell within the sphere of influence of powerful officials. Therefore, even though some people in Shandong were dissatisfied with Fei Qian's actions, they were still able to attract a group of people to join his cause.

However, if Fei Qian had actually committed 'regicide,' it would have meant that he completely disregarded all political rules and Confucian ethics, becoming a pure and naked violent butcher.

Cao Cao once hoped that Fei Qian would not be able to "hold on," just as he also hoped that Zhao Yun would not be able to "hold on."

Most people in this world are not able to "stay calm," so they cannot control windfall gains or hold onto sudden wealth.

If Fei Qian fails to control his temper and tries to take shortcuts, the consequence will be the complete loss of his legitimacy.

If Fei Qian were to commit regicide, none of his actions would be morally justifiable. He would transform from an "overbearing and powerful minister" into a "traitor condemned by both gods and men." This would give all those who opposed him not only a reason to oppose him, but also a moral obligation to eliminate him.

This will also accelerate internal disintegration. Even Fei Qian's own subordinates will become divided due to differing opinions, leading to discord, instability, and infighting. Just like Dong Zhuo's murder of the emperor, which caused serious moral anxiety and instability within Dong Zhuo's group.

Fei Qian already has the "great power," so there is absolutely no need for him to risk "killing the emperor."

Historically, the Sima clan killed the Cao clan because Cao Cao's regime was established single-handedly during a chaotic era, boasting illustrious achievements and loyal subordinates. Sima Yi, on the other hand, seized power through a palace coup like the Incident at Gaoping Tombs. His power base relied more on intrigue and ruthless purges, lacking the illustrious achievements and personal prestige of Cao Cao to command respect. Therefore, the Sima clan was far more sensitive to and fearful of internal opposition.

Having witnessed Cao Mao's rebellion, Sima Yan, after accepting the abdication, harbored doubts about retaining the deposed Cao Wei emperor. While Cao Huan might be harmless, who could guarantee he wouldn't become a figurehead for the former dynasty's attempts to restore its rule? The Sima clan themselves had usurped the throne through powerful ministers, and they were acutely aware of the threat posed by such ministers. To eliminate future troubles, murdering the former emperor or causing his "sudden death" became a "safer" option. This marked a further decline in political morality from the late Han dynasty to the Wei-Jin period, with power struggles becoming increasingly brutal and unscrupulous.

Does Fei Qian need to strengthen his internal control by 'killing the emperor'?

Obviously, it is unnecessary, so "killing the emperor" would be entirely detrimental to Fei Qian, and the best course of action for Fei Qian is to "avoid" it.

"To retreat three steps away"

But simply avoiding it is undoubtedly passive and self-imposed constraint...

Therefore, if Fei Qian really moves his main force into Ji Province and joins forces with the Northern Army to attack Ji Province, or even if he sends light cavalry to break into Cao Cao's heartland, then Cao Cao can then unleash his true power.

Cao Cao communicated with Fei Qian through the cards played at the "card table".

The outcome was within Cao Cao's expectations.

But is that really the case?

Should I reveal the card I'm holding in my hand?
The autumn wind blew, causing Cao Cao's robes to flutter loudly.

Cao Cao sat alone from dusk until dawn.

When he tried to give the order, he found that his whole body was stiff and he had to catch his breath for a long time before he could catch his breath...

Cao Cao realized that his own body, the physique of the Han Dynasty, and the entire Cao family political group were all aging and stiffening, and their time was running out...

"Pass on the order!"

Cao Cao's voice remained steady.

"Cease all squad attacks! All troops, regroup and assemble at the pass!"

The generals were alarmed, knowing that the Prime Minister was about to make a big move.

Although Cao's chariots were dilapidated, they still rumbled forward with inertia.

Don't assume that a beat-up tricycle won't kill anyone.

"Send word to Lord Xun," Cao Cao said, standing before his soldiers, his former imposing presence restored. The chill of the previous night seemed to have vanished, replaced by the radiant light of the rising sun. "Quickly lead the army at Taigu Pass westward to join forces with me!"

Cao Cao raised his hand, pointing towards Luoyang. "Full army, assemble! Advance steadily, straight to the walls of Luoyang! I want to see if that Zao Zijing still dares to leave Huang, Zhang, and the others scattered outside! If they don't retreat, I will crush those small groups of their troops one by one with the force of Mount Tai!"

If they retreat, then the land outside the city will be at my mercy!

The military academy students readily accepted the order.

This is a conspiracy.

By assembling a large army, they created irresistible frontal pressure, forcing the Flying Cavalry to abandon guerrilla tactics and retreat all their forces to the fortified city of Luoyang for defense.

In this way, Cao Cao's army could regain the initiative on the battlefield and, during their advance, calmly and thoroughly implement the initial scorched earth policy, leveling all villages, towns, and fields along the way.

However, this decision also carries enormous risks.

Upon receiving the military order, Xun Yu immediately rode at full speed from Taigu Pass to Cao Cao's camp at Yique Pass.

"My lord," Xun Yu said, his face filled with deep worry. He didn't even bother with pleasantries, cutting straight to the point, "Isn't this move too risky? With the army leaving the passes and penetrating deep into the heart of the Heluo region, our supply lines will inevitably be stretched. Although Luoyang lacks a main force, its city walls are fortified, and Zao Zijing is no ordinary man; it will likely be difficult to capture in the short term. If we linger beneath its fortified walls for too long… then the General of the Cavalry's main force will return, leaving our army vulnerable from both sides—we will be in grave danger!"

Xun Yu's concerns hit the nail on the head.

Cao Cao's move was tantamount to abandoning the advantageous position of holding the pass and exposing his entire army to open battle.

Although the main force of the cavalry is currently absent, Luoyang is not an easy nut to crack.

If the battle becomes stalemate, and Fei Qian's main force returns to reinforce the enemy, Cao Cao's army, deep in enemy territory, will face the extreme danger of being attacked from both inside and outside.

Moreover, the grain transport route from the two passes of Songshan is long and vulnerable, and can be easily cut off. At that time, Cao's last batch of troops may very well be in dire straits.

Cao Cao looked at his most important strategist, a gambler's glint in his eyes: "How could I not know Wenruo's worries? However, if we follow the previous method, we will make no progress, waste money and supplies, and when Fei's army returns, we will still have achieved nothing and returned defeated! Rather than that, we might as well take a risk and gamble!"

Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "The Zao family, though the Grand Minister of Agriculture, are indeed outstanding in agriculture, but they lack a reputation on the battlefield! The reason they can send small teams to put out fires everywhere is because my main force has not moved, so they have no worries about their rear. Now, I will send a large army to press on their borders and strike directly at their lair. They will surely recall all their cavalry and hold their ground, awaiting reinforcements. Our army can then take this opportunity to sweep across the Heluo region! Even if we ultimately fail to capture Luoyang, as long as we can completely turn the area around Luoyang and even the entire Heluo heartland into barren land, Fei Ziyuan's plans for Heluo will be rendered utterly futile! As for Fei Ziyuan's return to the capital then..."

Cao Cao paused, his voice lowered, seemingly brimming with confidence and strategy, "Do I not have a backup plan? We only need to finish this quickly, destroying the Heluo region before their retreat… Then we can either retreat to the Yique and Taigu passes, or we can break through the Sishui camp, enter Sishui Pass, and escort the Emperor back! At that time, Fei Ziyuan will only have ruins left, and any further eastward advance will be virtually impossible! This is the only way to break this deadlock!"

"Furthermore, send men swiftly to Ji Province to find a way to lure the Northern Army south..."

Xun Yu's eyebrows twitched: "My lord!"

Cao Cao waved his hand, "Now... this is the only way..."

Cao Cao wanted Fei Qian to become the second Yuan Shao.

Back then, Yuan Shao never intended to divide his forces to harass and outflank Cao Cao's rear.

Clearly, Yuan Shao had thought of it and did it, but he failed.

So, why?
This is the card Cao Cao hid in his sleeve...

However, no matter how many cards you hide, you still need to lay them out on the gambling table to compare their values.

The Heluo region is a gambling table, and so is the Jizhou region.

Cao Cao planned to first compare the size of Zao Zhi's, and then wait for Fei Qian to return to the capital. Cao Cao could then cross the Yellow River again to attack the counties in Hanoi and Ji Province that had been occupied by Fei Qian, and bring back Cao Pi and the remaining troops in Ye City.

Although Fei Qian had warhorses, the Flying Cavalry had to cross the river and take the outer route, which meant taking a roundabout route, while Cao Cao chose almost all straight lines. In the process, Fei Qian had to divide his troops, garrison troops, secure supplies, accommodate local populations, officials, and those who had changed their names...

Therefore, strategically, it was indeed possible to achieve Cao Cao's predetermined goals.

Xun Yu remained silent.

He acknowledged that this was the only way to break the current deadlock, but being more cautious by nature, he always wanted to minimize the risks.

Cao Cao's plan was nothing short of a gamble, betting that they could sabotage Fei Qian and withdraw safely before he returned.

"Since Your Excellency has made up your mind," Xun Yu finally said slowly, his tone still heavy, "then I will do my utmost to assist you. However, the safety of the supply lines is of paramount importance! A high-ranking general must be dispatched to protect them. The advance must be swift, and the destruction thorough; we must not linger under the walls of Luoyang! When the time is right, we must retreat decisively; we must not prolong the battle!"

"Excellent!" Cao Cao nodded. "What Wenruo says is exactly what I was thinking. I will personally oversee the advance!"

The cards were thrown onto the gambling table.

Cao Cao's war machine began to roar into action. Camps were erected, and the army poured out of Yique Pass to join forces with Xun Yu's troops coming from the direction of Taigu Pass. Together, they began to slowly advance towards Luoyang.

The pressure instantly shifted to Luoyang.

Just as Cao Cao had predicted, facing the full-scale advance of Cao Cao's main force, Zao Zhi had almost no choice but to urgently order all the troops of Huang Zhong, Du Ji, Wang Chang, Cong Lai, and others who were harassing and providing relief outside to immediately abandon their current missions and retreat back to Luoyang City to assist in the defense.

On the vast plains of Heluo, without the checks and balances of the Flying Cavalry and the guerrillas, Cao Cao's sabotage became even more unbridled.

Thick smoke billowed into the sky again, this time on a much larger scale than before.

However, just as Xun Yu had feared, Cao Cao's army was completely separated from the protection of the strong passes, exposing itself to unknown risks.

Every step forward was accompanied by the looming worry of a prolonged supply route; with each passing day, the shadow of Fei Qian's return drew ever closer.

A race against time and destruction, and a grand strategic adventure, are about to begin.

The fate of Luoyang, and even the strategic landscape of the entire Central Plains, hinged on this perilous gamble.