Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3780 Soldiers are like fire; if not controlled, they will burn themselves (Bonus Chapter)
As midnight approached, the north wind grew stronger, whipping up sand and gravel that tumbled and swished across the armored vehicle, making a rustling sound.

Under the cover of night, Zhang Liao reined in his horse on a high slope on the side of the Zhang River and surveyed the area near the water gate of the south city of Ye.

Above the water gate of Ye City, the flames representing the 'signal' remained condensed and did not dissipate.

Was this fire a deliberate flaw, or an unintentional result?

A military officer in Cao Cao's army, let alone whether he has the ability to maintain the strength of "rebellion" in the city after his own escape, even if he does, is he afraid that the Flying Cavalry will not see the signal, or does he think that Cao Pi and Chen Qun in the north city will not see it?
Zhang Liao didn't think Wei Yan was unaware of these things; he just felt that Wei Yan was too impatient.

General Fei Qian dispatched Zhang Liao as the vanguard to join the Northern Army, not to urge Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to attack Ye City as soon as possible. Although Zhang Liao didn't tell anyone this, he knew it perfectly well.

Zhao Yun has served as the Protector-General of the Northern Regions for quite some time now...

"General, everything is ready!"

Zhang Liao's soldiers and officers came to report, interrupting Zhang Liao's thoughts.

"Act according to plan."

Zhang Liao gave the order.

The military academy officer responded and immediately relayed the order.

Moments later, Zhang Liao's troops split into three parts.

Team A, numbering around two hundred, galloped to the city gate near the water gate, lit torches, and spread them out in large numbers, shouting loudly as if thousands of cavalry were surging in to attack the city gate.

The Cao army garrison on the city wall was naturally attracted by the soldiers of the Jia team and gathered at the city gate.

The city gate, not the water gate.

Zhang Liao stared intently at the flames on the city wall...

When Zhang Liao saw the firelight on the city walls, he first moved slightly towards the city gate, and then retreated back. Zhang Liao was now completely certain that the so-called "secret passage" at the water gate was a trap.

This confirmed Zhao Yun's judgment: the enemy was laying a trap.

The next step is to lure out the enemy troops around the trap...

Zhang Liao waved his arm, and the second part of the troops charged forward.

Around five hundred cavalrymen emerged from the shadows of the earthen slope and headed straight for the water gate. They galloped along the dry riverbed of the Zhang River, trampling the still-weak riverbed back into a pulp.

"Kill them!"

"Charge!"

They appeared to be charging aggressively, but when they actually reached the water gate, this cavalry unit quietly dropped their torches, turned their horses around, and emerged from the reeds on the side of the Zhang River...

Of course, it was thrown into the Zhang River.

If you stand on the city wall of Ye City, you can see the cavalry of the Flying Cavalry coming along the Zhang River like a fire dragon, and then disappearing into the water gate right under your nose.

"Ouch! I'm hurt!"

"There's an ambush!"

Suddenly, cavalrymen at the water gate roared, followed by a cacophony of shouts: "We've been tricked! Retreat! Retreat! Retreat now!"

The figures and flames atop the city walls of Ye City became somewhat chaotic due to the cacophony of shouts, before someone yelled, "Fire arrows! Fire arrows!"

Rockets roared down from the city walls!

The dry reeds in the riverbed in autumn were quickly ignited by the rocket, and the flames roared up, illuminating the surroundings.

"Retreat! Retreat!"

It hardly needs to be emphasized again that this part of the cavalry along the river was "scattered and fled" in the firelight, seemingly "in a sorry state" from the fire.

Meanwhile, the cavalry that had been feigning an attack at the city gate also threw away their torches and retreated at the same time.

As the tide turned, a gong sounded atop the city wall of Ye, the drawbridge crashed down, the city gates opened, and hundreds of Cao Cao's soldiers charged out of the city with shouts...

Upon seeing this, Zhang Liao's face lit up with joy. Could it be that his plan had succeeded?
However, Zhang Liao immediately realized that things might not be so simple.

Because the pursuing Cao army soldiers did not form a line, but rather spread out into a surface.

If the only objective was to pursue, then the torches of Cao Cao's soldiers would have moved forward like a snake, instead of spreading out to the flanks as soon as they left the city gate, as if they were wary of something and unwilling to cross the range of the city walls' arrows and crossbows.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Liao immediately realized that the enemy commander might be Chen Qun. He was extremely cautious and did not fall into the trap.

However, now he could only try anything, so he ordered the first two teams to feign panic and retreat to Wei Yan's ambush position. Then he led the third team to wait on the earthen slope to see if they could lure out the Cao army soldiers below the city.

……

……

The autumn wind carried a touch of bleakness, swirling up dust from below the city walls and sweeping across the eaves of the city gate tower, bringing with it an aura of iron and blood, which made Cao Pi somewhat nervous.

The city gate tower is built with thick blue bricks, and some parts of the wall are mottled, revealing the yellow soil inside, as if it is still trying to present its former majesty.

Cao Pi, dressed in full military attire, gripped the city gate railing with slightly white fingers. "They...saw it?"

The autumn wind made his clothes flutter, and it also brought a sense of disappointment.

Chen Qun smiled slightly, unable to hide the arrogance in his eyes, "Your Highness, this strategy was originally designed to address both internal and external threats... What is lost on one front can be gained on another..."

"Sangyu?" Cao Pi blurted out instinctively, "Where is Sangyu?"

Chen Qun pointed, not towards the outside of the city, but towards the inside, "Your Highness, please observe... what do you see?"

Cao Pi turned to look at the city, pondered for a moment, and thought, "Does the long passage mean... these lowly people in the city?"

"Although we mustn't let the cavalry fall into our trap, how could the people in the city know the details? They only know that the cavalry, with their large army, came with great fanfare, but returned empty-handed..."

Cao Pi nodded. "That's true... but what can we do about it?"

Chen Qun laughed, "This is naturally due to the 'cowardice' of the Flying Cavalry and the 'fierceness' of our army! The Flying Cavalry are afraid to fight and cower; they flee at the sight of our formidable formation. Tomorrow, let a few 'wounded soldiers' at the soup kitchen in the street recount how the Flying Cavalry used the surrendered soldiers and fleeing commoners from the south city as shields against arrows… What do you think those foolish people will think, Your Highness?"

Cao Pi suddenly understood, and burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Brilliant!"

"Your Highness," Chen Qun said, "the common people in the city are all as insignificant as ants, not worth mentioning. In the time of King Zhou of Shang, the people were controlled by the torture of burning alive, and they dared not speak out. Now, I bestow a small favor upon them, and they are already grateful. Is this not foolishness?" He waved his arm as if wielding an invisible blade. "When King Wu of Zhou attacked King Zhou, though he claimed to be punishing the guilty and comforting the people, if the people had any wisdom, why did they not resist when the Shang dynasty fell? Even if they had grievances, it was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; what is there to fear?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Pi felt greatly relieved. "Having Changwen here is truly a blessing for me! With a simple trick, Changwen can make these people submit to his will, hahaha..."

Chen Qun nodded in agreement, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes. "These common people are short-sighted, only concerned with immediate gains. They come when called and leave when dismissed, like pigs and dogs. Today, the cavalry's efforts have been in vain, and this has instilled fear in these people… Your Highness can rest assured."

Cao Pi bowed respectfully to Chen Qun, saying, "Many thanks for your guidance, Changwen! I can finally sleep peacefully thanks to your help!"

As the autumn wind blew again, the people below the city gate were unaware that two powerful figures on the gate tower were contemptuously discussing their ignorance and gloating over how easily they could fool them.

The flags still fluttered in the wind, as if witnessing this moment.

……

……

Wei Yan lay in ambush on one side of the Zhangshui River. Listening to the deafening shouts of battle from the direction of the water gate and watching the flickering firelight in the distance, he couldn't help but stroke the Yazi Swallowing Mouth on the hilt of his sword again and again.

In the shadows, Wei Yan no longer wore his mask of "recklessness".

Why have Zhang Liao and Zhang Wenyuan come here?
They claimed to be providing support, but they didn't bring many troops. They claimed to be launching a joint attack on Ye City, but under Wei Yan's probing, they didn't show much eagerness to capture Ye City.

So what was Zhang Liao's purpose in coming here?
The commotion at the water gate of Ye City mirrored the doubts in Wei Yan's mind at that moment.

Why did Zhao Yun have him set up a trap in the south of the city, and then capture Cao Cao's military officers, but instead show no joy?
Even if there are some problems with Cao Cao's military academy, shouldn't we be delighted at first sight and then be puzzled by doubts later? Why is it said that there are problems with Cao Cao's military academy right from the start?
Is this Zhao Yun's innate ability to see things so clearly, or did he already have some kind of "conclusion" in his mind?
Was the attack on Ye City due to Zhao Yun's lack of urgency, or Zhang Liao's reluctance to fight?
Protector-General of the Western Regions, Protector-General of the Northern Regions... Wei Yan grinned coldly from the shadows.

Do they all think I'm stupid?
Wei Yan recalled some rumors he had heard in Ji Province...

However, if Zhao Yun had any plans in mind earlier, he could have done them in Youzhou instead of waiting until he came to Jizhou. But on the other hand, if he wanted to do something that could only be done in Jizhou, what would it be?
An autumn wind howled past, and some dust flew into Wei Yan's nostrils. "Achoo!"

"General! It seems Cao Cao's army hasn't arrived..."

The report came from the nearby cavalry academy.

Wei Yan's face once again contorted with rage. His eyes darted around, and he slammed his fist into the ground, sending dirt and sand flying. "Damn it! Damn it!"

Wei Yan, breathing heavily like an enraged bull, shouted, "Withdraw the troops!"

On the way back to camp, Wei Yan's face was ashen, and he didn't say a word.

Inside the central command tent, Zhang Liao first reported to Zhao Yun, calmly stating, "The enemy did indeed have an ambush, but not all of their troops have come out. Their general is cautious; after leaving the city, he didn't rush to pursue our feigned attack force, but instead focused on controlling the flanks and clearing the outer perimeter of the battlefield. It seems they anticipated that we might have a backup plan. I fear that a prolonged battle would be disadvantageous and we might fall into their trap, so I ordered a retreat."

Wei Yan's face remained flushed with anger. "I laid an ambush for nothing, gaining nothing! Since Cao Cao's army attacked, Wen Yuan, you could have easily made contact with them and drawn them into the ambush! Such a crucial opportunity was wasted!"

Zhao Yun calmly looked at Wei Yan, "Wen Chang, if the defending troops were merely cowardly, they would have held fast to the city walls upon seeing our attack, and would never have opened the gates to send troops out. The fact that they have come out of the city yet are so cautious, controlling both flanks and not rushing to pursue, shows that this is not cowardice, but rather careful preparation. Wen Yuan's order to retreat was precisely because he saw through this opportunity; the retreat was not inappropriate."

Zhao Yun further analyzed: "Judging from the enemy's actions, it shows their meticulous planning; they don't rely on luck, but seek absolute certainty in their schemes. Such an opponent will not easily fall for a trap. Seeing that our army has not been lured, they will surely seek other methods, either to undermine our morale or to sow discord among our soldiers and civilians. If we are angered and launch a campaign, we will fall right into their trap. Therefore, the most urgent task at present is not a full-scale attack, but to continue maintaining stability, especially to guard against their psychological warfare tactics."

Upon hearing this, Wei Yan's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Zhao Yun, then at Zhang Liao, and feigned annoyance, bowing respectfully and saying, "Since the Protector-General is so, I have nothing more to say! Let's see what kind of psychological warfare they have!"

He immediately turned and left the tent.

……

……

Wei Yan returned to his tent, covered in dew. He waved to his guards to go and rest, and sat alone at the table.

The ambush along the Zhangshui River yielded nothing, but that's not the problem.

Even the best hunters cannot guarantee a successful hunt every time they strike.

What unsettled Wei Yan were the things outside the battle.

Wei Yan disliked these things; he preferred fighting on the battlefield.

Inside the central command tent, Zhao Yun's composure served as a mirror, reflecting not only Wei Yan but also Zhang Liao.

Zhang Liao's arrival and Zhao Yun's attitude both carried an unusual significance.

Wei Yan subconsciously stroked the hilt of his ring-pommel sword, the uneven pattern seemingly reflecting his current state of mind.

The autumn wind howled outside the tent, causing the tent curtains to sway from time to time.

Just then, a hesitant report came from outside the tent: "General, there's a man outside the camp... outside the camp, claiming to be an 'old friend from Nanyang,' who wishes to see you."

Wei Yan paused abruptly, his brows furrowing instantly.

An old friend from Nanyang?

Where did he meet this old friend?
Although Wei Yan's troops were indeed positioned south of Ye City, the appearance of this "lone wolf" "old friend from Nanyang"...

This title stirred a ripple in Wei Yan's mind, followed by a deeper sense of vigilance.

He was born in Yiyang, not into any prominent family. In his early years, he merely made a living by leading his fellow villagers and followers. His so-called "old friends" were either former wandering knights who had once mingled with him but were now dead in some unknown ditch, or former neighbors from the village who were now reduced to ashes...

As for distant relatives...

It's even less likely.

Now that he has risen to the rank of General of the Cavalry and is leading troops to besiege Ye City, a strategic location, a "former friend from Nanyang" suddenly appears?
This is too much of a coincidence. It's unsettlingly coincidental.

Wei Yan almost immediately thought of the "strategy of winning hearts and minds" that Zhao Yun had mentioned earlier!
Chen Qun's tricks have come out so quickly?

Moreover, they came for Wei Yan.

Why him?

Instead of the more composed Zhao Yun, or the newly arrived Zhang Liao?
A cold glint flashed in Wei Yan's eyes.

Yes, that's because in the eyes of outsiders, he is that arrogant, impatient, and seemingly the most easily swayed "brute."

Some people felt that there was an opportunity to take advantage of Wei Yan's situation.

But who could this "someone" be?
If it's Cao Cao's side, then the problem isn't too big; if it is...

"Heh," Wei Yan let out a very soft, cold laugh, his reckless mask instantly reappearing on his face. He raised his voice, "Since we're old friends, then please come in! Bring some soup!"

He wanted to see which side the arrival was from!
A moment later, a guard led a man into the tent.

The newcomer was around forty years old, with a lean face, wearing a slightly worn scholar's robe. He looked travel-worn, his eyes holding just the right amount of weariness from his journey and the joy of seeing an old friend. He bowed politely and said, "General Wenchang, how have you been? It has been many years since we last met. General, your bravery and martial prowess are even greater than before, your might resounds throughout Hebei. We, your fellow townsmen, are truly honored!"

Wei Yan sat imposingly behind his desk, not rising, gripping the hilt of his ring-pommel sword. He scrutinized the newcomer with a critical eye, and said gruffly, "Oh? Sir, you look unfamiliar. May I ask which family you are from? And where do you come from?"

Wei Yan deliberately skipped all pleasantries and went straight to the point, displaying the arrogance of a warrior, as if he would immediately turn on the other party and kick them out if they answered even slightly wrong, or even order his soldiers to behead them.

The scholar's smile remained unchanged, seemingly unsurprised by Wei Yan's attitude. He calmly replied, "General, have you forgotten me? My surname is Wu, and my given name is Jing. My ancestral home is in Xishan, Yiyang, which is just across the river from yours, General. Back then, before you joined the General's army, you led the heroes of Yiyang in many righteous deeds. Although I am but a scholar, I deeply admired you… But later, the world became chaotic, and I was displaced… Alas, such is the way of the world…"

These words were spoken flawlessly, and the emotions conveyed were perfectly appropriate.

It highlights the bond between fellow townsmen and mentions Wei Yan's less-than-glorious background as a "hero," but avoids excessive weeping and wailing to prevent alienating military figures like Wei Yan...

It even vaguely mentions the "friendship" between them, even before the time of the cavalry.

This brings the conversation back to an earlier political context, one that did not yet belong to the General of the Cavalry.

Wei Yan's sneer inwardly deepened.

The arrangement is quite thorough.

He was indeed born in Yiyang, and his early activities were also in the Nanyang area. What the other party said could not be immediately disproven.

"So it's Mr. Wu!" Wei Yan feigned surprise, as if he had truly remembered something. He waved for the other man to sit down. "Sit! Please sit! Here! Alcohol is forbidden in the army, so this soup is served in place of wine. Please have a bowl, sir!"

Whether you can afford it or not is another matter; the important thing is what kind of tricks you play.

Wei Yan put down the earthenware bowl. "Where are you now, sir? How did you suddenly end up in this dangerous and war-torn place?"

Wei Yan continued to press on the "current situation," not giving the other party much opportunity to reminisce about the past or get emotional.

Wu Jing sighed, a look of pity on his face. "Alas, I'm just wandering around, barely making a living. Currently, I'm teaching a few children in the home of a wealthy family in the north. This trip was at the behest of the head of the family, to purchase some books… but unexpectedly, I passed through this area and heard that the general's army is here, so I came to pay my respects. Firstly, out of consideration for our shared hometown, and secondly…"

He paused slightly, observing Wei Yan's expression, before continuing, "It's also on behalf of the many scholars in the north who are devoted to the Han Dynasty, to witness the general's demeanor."

"Your heart is with the Han Dynasty?" Wei Yan caught the word, his thick eyebrows twitching slightly. He chuckled, "In this world, who doesn't yearn for the Han Dynasty? Sir, if you have something to say, please speak plainly. I, Wei Yan, am a rough man; I don't understand the roundabout talk of you scholars."

Wu Jing smiled slightly, leaned forward a little, and lowered his voice, "General, you speak frankly. Then I shall proceed with my presumption... Now, everyone knows Cao's ambition to usurp the throne. The siege of Ye City will fall in no time. All eyes are on you, General Zhao, General Zhang, and other pillars of the state." He began with a flattering remark, then continued with a pointed question, "But... after the victory, I wonder if you have considered... what your next move will be?"

Wei Yan raised an eyebrow.

This……

So it's been revealed?

See you at the picture?

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!