Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3792 What you begin with, you will end with.

wind.

Night wind.

A cold autumn night.

A few lonely stars dotted the sky, sparingly casting their faint light.

This is perfect weather for murder...

Cao's scout, Li Qi, lay prone on his horse, letting it slowly travel along the familiar path, but his whole body was as tense as a fully drawn bow.

The cold wind swept across his tattered leather armor, taking away his already thin body warmth, but it couldn't blow away the bitterness in his heart.

Even that couldn't dispel his confusion.

The world is changing too fast...

Not everyone can scroll through short videos like they do, where if they're unhappy, they can simply swipe to the next video.

A few years ago, even a year ago, Cao Cao's scout Li Qi still believed that Shandong, the land east of the Han Dynasty, was still powerful, wealthy, and had the aura to dominate the world...

But why did it turn out like this?
He was terrified, confused, and scared, but he didn't know what to do or what he should do.

A cold wind blew by, sounding like ghosts groaning in the darkness.

Many of Cao Cao's scouts have died, including his mentor.

Zhao Laosan, once the most experienced scout in the army, lost his life in the darkness of this area at the end of last year.

When he went to search again the next day, he only found a cold corpse with a crossbow bolt shot through its throat.

From then on, every time Li Qi went on patrol, he felt his master's unclosed eyes watching him from behind...

Or perhaps it wasn't the master's eyes, but the eyes of the cavalry scouts?
The scouts of the Flying Cavalry were well-equipped, with fast horses and sharp swords. A small squad worked together seamlessly, almost like a single person.

Their crossbowmen, especially those capable of precise sniping in the dark, were a nightmare for all of Cao Cao's scouts.

The scout team that Li Qi was in was a full-strength elite force of 100 men at the beginning of the year, but now, including the wounded and disabled, less than 40 are still able to ride.

"Seventh Brother, this time... I'm afraid we won't be coming back, will we?"

Before setting off, the skinny monkey in his tent helped him check the horse tack while muttering under his breath, his eyes filled with a sense of desolation and sorrow.

A suffocating despair permeated the camp, much like the increasingly cold weather, with no end in sight.

Privately, everyone cursed the prime minister for his extravagant military campaigns, his superiors for embezzling rations, and the endless, damned war.

Despite the cursing, when dawn breaks and the whistle blows, they still have to get up and put on their cold armor.

Where can I go?
My hometown was already in ruins, and the taxes were even heavier than before the war.

To the General of the Cavalry?
Who knows if I would have been mistaken for a spy and beheaded in the past?

Just as the camp commander said, they are Cao Cao's soldiers. Once they've worn this uniform for so long, they can't take it off. They can only go down this path to the end.

They don't have many choices left.

Or rather, from beginning to end, they had no choice but to passively and habitually follow Cao's chariot, racing along. They were unclear about the future and the overall situation.

They live forever in the present, lamenting the past, but have no tomorrow.

"After this fight... can we go home?"

Before setting off, Skinny Monkey in the team asked Li Qi a question.

Li Qi remained silent, offering no reply, unsure how to respond.

When they joined Cao Cao's army, Cao Cao's army claimed that they wanted to restore the country, pacify the world, and allow the people to live a good life again...

To be fair, Cao Cao wasn't lying. After defeating the Yellow Turbans and the two Yuan brothers, Li Qi and his men were indeed better off than during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. At least they had food to eat, unlike during the Yellow Turban Rebellion when they had to eat dirt and rat meat.

But the good times don't last long.

I don't know when it started, but money just disappears so quickly.

From being able to eat meat regularly, to only being able to eat meat occasionally, and then not being able to afford even normal meals...

Some people say it's Li Qi and his friends' own problem, because they don't work hard, don't strive, don't save money, and so on. Li Qi thought about it again and again, but couldn't figure it out. Perhaps it really is Li Qi and his friends' own problem.

The military officer who recruited Li Qi and his men back then said it would only take three years!
Three years later, the world will be at peace, and everyone can go back to their own homes!
Three years later, another three years.

Then three more years...

So now, faced with the monkey's question, Li Qi didn't know how to answer. He simply slipped him a well-worn silver coin, which he had kept close to his body, saying, "Stay behind me, don't rush too far ahead... If I don't make it back, take this money... to my mother."

The skinny man took the money, his hand trembling slightly. "I'll keep it for you, you can have it when you come back!"

Military orders are absolute. The target of Li Qi and his men's reconnaissance was the large camp that the Flying Cavalry had been operating for several months on the west side of Sishui Pass.

It is said that the place was once shrouded in banners and smoke from cooking fires that stretched for miles, a sharp sword hanging over the heads of Cao Cao's army.

But recently, the sentries observing the area have noticed that the activity there is getting quieter and quieter, and the smoke from the chimneys is becoming sparse.

The higher-ups suspected that the main force of the Flying Cavalry had already been transferred elsewhere, but having suffered enough from Fei Qian's cunning schemes, none of the high-ranking officers in Cao Cao's camp dared to easily believe this seemingly tempting opening.

Thus, scouts like Li Qi became pebbles used to test the waters, risking their lives to verify a hypothesis.

Li Qi shook his head, trying to clear his mind of distractions, and lowered his body even further, almost touching the horse's neck. He chose an extremely secluded route, bypassing the usual paths that might be treacherous, and instead choosing the difficult back slopes of hills and the edges of woodlands.

Every so often, he would stop, press his ear to the ground, and carefully distinguish any unusual sounds other than the wind.

His hand remained pressed against the ring-pommel sword at his waist, his palms covered in cold sweat.

The key points my master had taught me kept flashing through my mind: watch out for birds taking flight, look for fresh hoofprints or signs of human camouflage on the ground, and be wary of any reflective points in the darkness...

That might be the cold glint of crossbow bolts or swords.

They proceeded cautiously in the dark for almost half the night, but the scouts that Li Qi had anticipated never appeared.

This unusual silence only made Li Qi more uneasy. He would rather face a fierce battle than endure this unknown, suffocating wait.

Finally, through the sparse trees, the outline of the cavalry camp in the distance faintly appeared in the night.

Li Qi dared not go any further.

Li Qi abandoned his horse, tethered it to a hidden ditch, and then, like a raccoon, used the terrain and shadows to silently creep forward.

He surveyed the area for a long time before preparing to head to a high outpost on the outskirts of the Flying Cavalry camp.

Normally, there should be at least one squad of sentries on duty there.

Li Qi's heart was pounding like a drum.

He was practically glued to the ground, moving inch by inch.

Finally, the wooden outline of the sentry post came into view.

He held his breath and observed carefully...

The gate to the checkpoint was ajar, and it was pitch black inside, with no sound from the outside.

He carefully circled around to the side, looking for a climbing spot.

There were no warning shouts, no sound of crossbow bolts piercing the air.

Only the creaking sound of the wind blowing through the wood sounded particularly jarring.

Li Qi gritted his teeth, risked sticking his head out, took out his bow and arrow, and aimed at the top of the sentry post.

The next moment, he froze, his pupils dilating in disbelief.

On top of the sentry post, there was not a living person, but a dummy made of straw and dressed in a tattered cavalry uniform!
Held on a wooden pole, it swayed stiffly in the night wind, occasionally making a creaking sound.

The mannequin wore a straw hat askew on its head, casting a distorted and eerie shadow under the starlight.

Li Qi was stunned for a while before he suddenly came to his senses.

He put away his bow and arrows, climbed into the sentry post, and found it empty and unguarded.

He suppressed his shock and quickly left the sentry post to carefully observe the interior of the cavalry camp from his vantage point.

By the faint starlight, one could see that most of the cavalry's tents were intact, but silent. The obstacles at the gate were neatly arranged, but there were only a few signs of patrolling soldiers... The entire massive camp seemed to have been drained of all life, becoming an empty shell.

Li Qi dared not linger. Filled with immense confusion and a sliver of relief at surviving such a close call, he retreated silently back to where he had hitched his horse, even faster than he had come. Then, he spurred his horse and galloped towards Cao Cao's camp. He needed to report this astonishing discovery as soon as possible.

……

……

Inside Cao Cao's army camp, the central command tent was brightly lit by candlelight.

Cao Cao was discussing military matters with Han Hao and Dian Wei. A map of the Heluo region was spread out on the table, with dense markings indicating the enemy's and our own positions.

Cao Cao originally intended to send Han Hao to defend several crossing points on the Yellow River, but after Xun Yu gave some reasons, he changed the assignment to Xun Yu instead…

Han Hao frowned, his brows furrowed with lingering weariness and worry. Like Li Qi, he was not optimistic about the upcoming battle between the Heluo and Luo rivers. But his opinion didn't count, so he couldn't say anything.

Han Hao also felt that Shandong Province in the Han Dynasty had many problems, but he didn't have the ability to talk about them or do anything to change or correct them.

As for Dian Wei, he didn't think about these things at all; he only wanted revenge.

Huang Zhong's slash not only injured Dian Wei's arm, but also damaged his reputation. So now, all Dian Wei is thinking about is when he can cut off Huang Zhong's head so that Dian Wei can regain his composure.

Therefore, Dian Wei's so-called discussion of military affairs in the military tent was more like a formality; he was just waiting for Cao Cao's order to capture Luoyang and cut off Huang Zhong's head...

Dian Wei didn't say much, and Han Hao didn't know what to say openly either.

In fact, not only Li Qi and Han Hao, but even Cao Cao himself felt that something was wrong...

At this point, we can only focus on the present.

When Li Qi was led in by his personal guards, he nervously reported what he had seen, including the empty camp, sentry posts, straw men, and deathly silence. A moment of deathly silence fell over the tent.

"Investigate further! Report back!"

Cao Cao was the first to react.

"The General of the Cavalry isn't at Sishui Pass?" Han Hao asked incredulously.

"The Fei thief escaped?" Dian Wei's eyes widened. "Truly a coward!"

Soon, Cao Cao's scouts, who were sent out again, brought back more detailed information: the main force of the Flying Cavalry was indeed no longer at the Sishui Pass camp.

There were only a small number of cavalry troops inside the Sishui Pass camp, and they didn't even notice Cao Cao's scouts.

This news was both within Cao Cao's expectations and unexpected.

As expected, Cao Cao had already confirmed through various channels that Fei Qian's main cavalry force had indeed marched north, conquering Hanoi and occupying Chaoge, and even generals such as Zhang Liao had appeared on the battlefield in Ji Province.

Fei Qian was always adept at maneuvering his opponents. His decision to abandon the feint camp outside Sishui Pass and concentrate his forces to strike at Ji Province, a strategic stronghold of Cao Cao's army, was consistent with his usual style.

Therefore, Cao Cao had anticipated that Fei Qian's army was not at Sishui Pass...

Unexpectedly, Fei Qian withdrew so "thoroughly" that he didn't even bother to set up a symbolic garrison, only using some straw men and empty camps to make a show of force.

Even though Cao Cao's scouts reported that there were still scattered patrols inside the camp, Cao Cao believed that these "scattered" cavalry units were probably just "scattered" and were only used to maintain the outer shell of the camp.

This is a bit embarrassing.

It's important to know that Cao Cao was already prepared to "devour" these cavalry units at Sishui Pass...

After all, Luoyang was besieged, and the closest reinforcements to Luoyang were naturally the Flying Cavalry's camp at Sishui Pass.

In Cao Cao's original plan, this part of the cavalry would most likely turn back to rescue Luoyang after learning that it was besieged, which would give Cao Cao an excellent opportunity to ambush and surround it.

The remaining one or two percent are hesitant and dare not attack. In that case, Cao Cao could directly send fierce generals such as Dian Wei and Han Hao to use the terrain to block the Flying Cavalry's branch at Sishui Pass in front of the pass, and then defeat and capture it.

In this way, on the one hand, it can boost morale and obtain some rare warhorse resources among Cao Cao's army; on the other hand, it can once again demonstrate the strength of Cao Cao's army in front of the Han emperor and his subjects at Sishui Pass...

All of this was originally a wonderful plan, like a promise that Shandong made to its people.

But now, yet another problem has arisen.

Logically speaking, Cao Cao and other people from Shandong should be used to the occasional unexpected problems that arise. However, the almost "abandoned" attitude shown by the Flying Cavalry at the Sishui Pass camp made the naturally suspicious Cao Cao feel uneasy.

Could this be another, deeper trap?

I deliberately feigned weakness to lure him into launching a full-scale attack on Luoyang, and then...

Cao Cao's gaze fell on the map again.

However, now Cao Cao has sent Xiahou Wei to block the Tongguan Pass and Xun Yu to ambush at the Dahe Ferry. It seems that the only remaining cavalry force in the Heluo region is the one in Luoyang. The main force of the cavalry has indeed gone to Jizhou. So, after learning about the incident in Luoyang, can they fly back to Heluo from Jizhou in an instant?

Obviously not.

So, what gives Fei Qian his confidence?

Did they return to Guanzhong?

That's not right. Xiahou Wei reported that no large-scale cavalry movement was found around Tongguan Pass...

Have we crossed the river?
Xun Yu's side also found nothing unusual.

Or are they both lying?

Or perhaps the Flying Cavalry did something to cover it up?
Cao Cao's eyes flickered, but after a moment he put aside his suspicions about Xiahou Wei and Xun Yu.

Even if we disregard the offensive for now, Cao Cao's focus remains on Yique Pass and Taigu Pass, two routes of retreat leading to Yingchuan in Yuzhou, which are currently firmly in the hands of Cao's army.

This is the source of his confidence.

If we advance, we can attack Luoyang; if we retreat, we can defend the pass. With these two escape routes, the cost of taking risks seems to be within a controllable range.

Is that really the case?
"That brat Fei Qian is truly arrogant!" Dian Wei couldn't help but exclaim, his voice tinged with inexplicable anger. "He dares to humiliate our army with an empty camp! My lord, this is a golden opportunity! Inside Luoyang City, so-and-so only knows how to farm, and Huang Zhong is old and frail, and those Du and Cong clans have never been known to have any military achievements! The city's forces are now devoid of capable generals, numbering only a few thousand! If our army launches a full-scale attack, we can surely take it in one fell swoop! At that time, even if Fei Qian's main force returns to reinforce, our army will have secured the fortified city, able to fight and defend, and we can also destroy all the grain reserves and farmland in the Heluo region before retreating, rendering him unable to look eastward for several years! My lord, give the order!"

Han Hao, however, appeared more cautious. "My lord, you are wise. Fei Ziyuan's military tactics are unpredictable and treacherous. His abandonment of the empty camp without destroying it likely has a deeper meaning. Perhaps he is luring us into a hasty attack on Luoyang, exhausting our forces, and then launching a surprise attack when our troops are weary and worn out? Or perhaps… he has another ambush in Heluo? I believe we should send more scouts and spread our intelligence network to thoroughly investigate the exact movements of the main force of the Flying Cavalry, only then can we be absolutely certain."

Cao Cao remained silent, his mind racing with weighing the options.

Han Hao's concerns were not unfounded; Fei Qian was indeed adept at striking after the opponent had made their move.

But the opportunity is fleeting!
If we wait for a definitive answer, the cavalry might already be on their way back.

At that point, not only will it be difficult to subdue Luoyang, but even escaping unscathed may become challenging.

Destruction, utter destruction, turning the Heluo region back into a wasteland—this is his core, and almost the only, strategic objective that could be achieved, in this military campaign.

As for possessing the Heluo region...

Cao Cao may have had such a plan before, but after the deaths of Man Chong and Cheng Yu, it became an unrealistic fantasy.

His current goal is to destroy Fei Qiandong's springboard and delay his progress in unifying the world.

Risk and reward clashed fiercely in Cao Cao's mind.

Ultimately, the desire for strategic objectives and the sense of security derived from having two escape routes, Yique and Taigu, outweighed any doubts.

Cao Cao raised his head and slowly said, "Yuan Si's words are wise and insightful in governing the country. However, speed is of the essence in war! Since the main force of the Generalissimo's cavalry is not in the He-Luo region, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! How can we let hesitation cause us to miss it?"

Cao Cao's voice gradually rose, his imposing manner increasing, "Issue the order to the entire army! Effective immediately, cease the mopping-up operations against the surrounding villages and towns. All units should gather their forces, forge siege equipment, and prepare to capture Luoyang!"

That's right, Luoyang has never been fully repaired, so if we launch a strong attack, there's still a chance...

Opportunity, the most important thing now is to seize the opportunity!
Moreover, if Luoyang cannot be severely damaged or crippled, then the Flying Cavalry will still have a chance to recover in the Heluo region!
Besides, Cao Cao still harbored a glimmer of hope in his heart!
If we can mobilize a portion of the cavalry and eliminate a portion of them, it will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the future battle situation!
If Fei Qian is temporarily attracted by the riches of Ji and Yu provinces, that would be even better, as Cao Cao would gain more time and might even be able to use a base-swapping tactic to launch another attack on Hedong!
The gears of war began to turn once again.

Cao Cao was racing against time to carry out a devastating operation before Fei Qian returned with his troops, thus completing his strategic plan.

The deafening war drums shattered the silence of dawn.

Cao's army finally got going and launched a fierce attack on Luoyang.

The dark mass of Cao Cao's army surged toward the ancient capital from all directions like a flood bursting its banks.

Banners filled the sky, swords and spears were like a forest, and the dust raised obscured the sun, even eclipsing the color of the rising sun.

Cao Cao immediately mounted his horse under the central banner, determined to destroy Luoyang and its surrounding area as quickly as possible, at all costs.

In this way, the Heluo region will lose its support and will be completely destroyed!

However, for some reason, when Cao Cao gazed at Luoyang, he always had a feeling that he was not only going to destroy this ancient capital, but also something else entirely...