Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3844 Caution
When Ma Yue's head was lifted high by that heavy iron halberd, tracing a dark arc in the air, the entire battlefield was instantly stirred up by violent ripples.

Ma Yue's eyes were still wide open, as if he couldn't believe that he would be defeated so easily.

The spear that had accompanied him in battle for many years was broken in two and scattered a few steps away. The red tassel on the spearhead was soaked with blood and stuck to the cold ground.

"General!"

General Ma is dead?!

Exclamations burst from different throats, broken syllables squeezed out by fear and panic.

The cavalrymen, having lost their commander, began to panic.

The general is the courage of the soldiers, but now, after witnessing their commander being killed by the seemingly superhuman Cao army giant in just a few rounds, their courage has been severely damaged, and they are finding it difficult to regain their spirits for a while.

Moreover, with Ma Yue's fall, the Cao-character banner that had just represented retreat and luring the enemy returned!
Not only did Cao's banner return, but due to the shift in morale, Cao's cavalry returned with an even more frenzied momentum.

The torchlight formed a moving band of light in the night, and the sound of horses' hooves thundered across the ground.

Cao Cao personally led his cavalry in a frontal assault!

On one side was Dian Wei, a ferocious giant who had just slain a general and whose murderous aura seemed to have crawled out of hell; on the other side was the elite iron cavalry personally commanded by Cao Mengde. In addition, the sky was gloomy, and although the rain had stopped, the dark clouds had not yet dispersed, obstructing visibility. The cavalry could not judge how many cavalrymen Cao's army had committed. They only felt that enemies were coming from all directions, and that the chilling shouts of battle and the sound of horses' hooves were everywhere.

Even the seasoned elite cavalry, after being hit by a series of blows, were momentarily bewildered and at a loss.

Some instinctively wanted to charge forward to avenge the general; some wanted to retreat to avoid the deadly attack; and many more stood frozen in place, their minds blank, unsure how to deal with this rapidly deteriorating situation.

Immediately, a military academy student spoke up, issuing an instinctive command.

Return to base!

"Retreat! Retreat to General Hao's location!"

"Find General Hao! Quickly!"

In the midst of the chaos, this shout seemed to ignite a glimmer of hope.

The habits cultivated through the daily military drills of the Flying Cavalry played their most basic yet crucial role at this moment.

The manual clearly stipulates that when a senior military officer is killed in action or loses his command ability, soldiers should immediately find surviving military academy officers of the same or next rank and reorganize and rebuild the command system on the spot.

The instinct for survival and the habitual adherence to the manual overcame the initial panic.

The scattered cavalrymen began to move. They no longer tried to charge at the seemingly invincible Dian Wei, nor did they confront Cao Cao's cavalry torrent head-on. Instead, like iron filings attracted by a magnet, they began to desperately flee towards the camp, towards the central and rear camp where Hao Zhao was located.

Cao Jun's cavalry naturally wouldn't let this opportunity pass. Like a pack of wolves hunting, they charged left and right, trying to cut off the escape route of these "iron sands".

The sharp lances and ring-pommel swords gleamed coldly in the night, each swing potentially bringing forth a shower of blood.

Screams, the clash of weapons, and the neighing of warhorses mingled together.

Cao's soldiers shouted and yelled, their momentum was overwhelming, and they hacked and slashed indiscriminately.

However, because Ma Yue had already scattered his formation in pursuit of the retreating Cao army, and the cavalry were now dispersing in different directions and along different paths with large gaps between them, although the pursuit by the Cao army cavalry caused continuous casualties, the actual number of people killed in the pursuit was not as concentrated and devastating as the losses caused by the initial direct confrontation between Ma Yue and Dian Wei, which was like a thunderbolt.

The cover of night, which had served as cover for Cao Cao's earlier surprise attack, now also provided cover for the retreating Flying Cavalry.

Cao Cao stood on a small earthen mound, coldly watching the rear camp of the Flying Cavalry Army, where the firelight flickered and figures rushed about.

Dian Wei's slaying of Ma Yue and the routing of his pursuers was undoubtedly a brilliant victory, enough to boost morale.

However, Cao Cao's face did not show much joy, nor even a hint of relief.

His gaze, like that of the most experienced and patient hunter, pierced through the chaos and clamor before him, meticulously searching for any possible weakness in the rear camp of the cavalry...

However, the rear camp of the Flying Cavalry did not fall into disarray despite the loss of their commander!
One of the cavalry generals is dead, but there are clearly other commanders in the rear camp of the cavalry!
And the response is rapid!
Even witnessing it with his own eyes again, Cao Cao couldn't help but feel a complex mix of emotions.

Many military forces in Shandong and the Central Plains, even the so-called elite troops, would generally fall into a state of leaderlessness once their commander was killed in battle. Their collapse was often inevitable, and it would be difficult to reorganize an effective resistance.

But this Flying Cavalry, let alone the main force personally led by the General of the Flying Cavalry, was merely a detachment. Even after its commander was killed, it was able to be defeated but not routed, and the soldiers could even subconsciously look for a new command center...

This is not just a matter of the soldiers' bravery, but also a deeply ingrained discipline and system at work.

Cao Cao looked up at the banners bearing the surnames of the generals fluttering in the Flying Cavalry camp.

Besides the "Ma" flag that had just fallen on the battlefield, there was also a "Hao" flag standing firmly in the sky above the rear camp of the Flying Cavalry.

"The Hao family?" Cao Cao quickly searched his memory for information about generals with the surname Hao in the Flying Cavalry, his brows furrowing slightly.

The intelligence and memories seem somewhat hazy.

This person was not among the most illustrious members of the General of the Cavalry.

It seems like I've seen him before on the battlefield east of the river?

But none of that matters now...

Cao Cao focused his attention on the rear camp of the Flying Cavalry.

Under the command of General Hao, the cavalry of the central and rear camps were moving quickly and in an orderly manner.

They relied on makeshift fortifications and even pushed some damaged shield carts to the outer perimeter to form a circular defensive circle that concealed deadly dangers.

Especially since the rear camp was on slightly higher ground, Cao Cao, using the firelight from the camp, could also see the outline of the trenches that had been dug in advance and the chevaux-de-frise and deer antlers set up around them...

Tsk tsk.

It is loose on the outside but tight on the inside; there is a difference between the inside and the outside.

The lights were on and people were numerous, yet the scene was busy but orderly.

Cao Cao frowned slightly.

"My lord, why not seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack and wipe out their camp in one fell swoop?"

Dian Wei, carrying his still-dripping halberds, strode up to Cao Cao's horse and asked in a gruff voice. He exuded a murderous aura; the killing of Ma Yue seemed merely a warm-up, far from satisfying him. In his simple, straightforward mind, the Flying Cavalry had just suffered heavy losses, their commander dead, and their morale at its lowest and most chaotic. A single charge from his thousand-odd elite cavalry could easily crush them like dry leaves, expanding their gains.

Cao Cao slowly shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the well-organized defensive positions of the Flying Cavalry's rear camp. He said in a deep voice, "The Flying Cavalry's rear camp is not in disarray… Judging from their arrangement, their fortifications are complete, their barricades are tight, and under the lamplight, the crossbows reflect a chilling glint. If we launch a strong attack now, they will rely on their fortified positions, waiting in ambush. Even if our army wins, it will be a Pyrrhic victory, a waste of our strength."

Cao Cao paused, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Moreover, we are deep in enemy territory, our forces are precious, and we cannot afford to fight recklessly."

Cao Cao's eyes darted around, his gaze growing even colder. "Men! Drag the corpses of the rebel general and the other cavalrymen to the front of their camp! Send men to hurl insults at them!"

Cao Cao remembered his spies reporting that the General of the Cavalry often preached the motto of "Never abandon, never give up," emphasizing camaraderie. Now, he deliberately displayed the corpses of these fallen soldiers, especially Ma Yue's remains, in front of the rear camp. He wanted to see whether the camp's commander, faced with such blatant provocation and the remains of his comrades, would choose to hold fast to the cold fortress or follow that seemingly passionate but potentially deadly creed!

"Is our lord trying to provoke them out?"

Dian Wei seemed to understand Cao Cao's intentions.

"Exactly!" Cao Cao nodded, stroking his beard. "If they send troops out of their camp to rescue the corpses, rally the routed soldiers, or launch a furious counterattack to restore morale, their formation will surely be thrown into disarray! Once their camp gates open and their ranks shift, that will be the moment their weaknesses are exposed! At that time, we can seize the opportunity, find their weak points, and defeat them in one fell swoop!"

Cao Cao's orders were carried out swiftly.

The main force of Cao Cao's cavalry began to retreat, but did not go far. Instead, they regrouped in the darkness, like lurking beasts waiting for their prey to reveal its weakness.

At the same time, dozens of loud-voiced, fierce soldiers of Cao Cao's army rushed to the palisade of the Flying Cavalry camp, within easy range of arrows, and seized several blood-stained and tattered Flying Cavalry banners, some tattered armor and broken weapons left behind in the melee, and most strikingly—

The bodies of some fallen cavalrymen, including Ma Yue, were roughly dragged to the rear camp of the cavalry.

These Cao soldiers shouted and cursed at the camp with all sorts of foul language.

"Does this child only know how to hide his head and stay inside like a turtle?"

"Look! Here are the heads of your generals! What lousy valiant generals, nothing but clay chickens and earthen dogs! utterly vulnerable!" "Your comrades' bodies are not yet cold, their blood not yet dry, yet you bear to let them lie exposed in the wilderness, suffering the torment of wind, rain, birds, and beasts? Is this what camaraderie in the Flying Cavalry is all about!"

"Hahaha! What a powerful army! I think it's all hype! They just cower behind the barricades, trembling with fear!"

These sounds, along with the particularly tragic remains and artifacts illuminated by the torchlight, were like poisoned needles, piercing the hearts of every cavalryman in the camp.

Especially those defeated soldiers who followed Ma Yue into battle and managed to escape back to camp, most of them were wounded and their armor was stained with blood. When they saw the belongings of their former comrades being trampled and insulted by the enemy, and heard the extremely arrogant taunts, their eyes turned red, the veins on their foreheads bulged, their teeth were grinding, their fists were clenched tightly, and their nails were almost digging into the flesh of their palms.

Grief, humiliation, hatred...

A torrent of intense emotions surged and clashed within them.

Their gazes turned in unison toward the central army, toward the banner bearing the character "Hao," their eyes filled with an almost overflowing desire to fight.

Those gazes converged, seemingly transforming into an invisible yet incredibly heavy mountain, pressing down on Hao Zhao, who stood in the center of the army with his hand on his sword.

Hao Zhao stood on the roof of a reinforced supply wagon, a position that allowed him to better observe the movements of Cao Cao's troops outside the camp and the situation of various units within the camp.

His face was ashen, his lips were pressed into a hard line, and the muscles in his cheeks twitched.

He heard every curse coming from outside the camp clearly.

The deliberately discarded military flags and the remains of his comrades stung his eyes in the firelight.

He could clearly feel the heavy breathing of the soldiers around him, as well as their almost tangible angry gazes.

Ma Yue...

That colleague, who was somewhat impatient and sometimes argued with him, but who also fought for the honor of the Flying Cavalry, now lies in the cold mud outside the camp, his head severed from his body, unable to find peace even in death, being used as a tool for mockery by the enemy.

A fiery rage, like magma, mixed with deep sorrow, surged within him, threatening to breach the dam of reason.

Gather the troops!

Fight out!

Destroy these damned Cao army!
Reclaim the remains of Ma Yue and his brothers!
Wash away this deep-seated shame with the blood of the enemy!

The idea was incredibly tempting, like the devil's whisper, screaming wildly in his mind.

Hao Zhao's hand gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist several times uncontrollably. Each time he gripped it, he almost blurted out the order to attack.

But in the end, he forced himself to slowly let go, again and again.

Don't be impulsive!

Never act impulsively!
Hao Zhao took a deep, slow breath.

The cold winter night air, thick with the stench of blood and burnt flesh, filled his lungs, stimulating his nerves and helping him suppress the rage that threatened to consume everything. He struggled to calm his mind, which was almost scorched by emotion, as if he had been immersed in ice water, and clearly analyzed the situation before him.

Cao Cao's purpose in doing this was all too obvious!
He wanted to provoke him, to lure him into abandoning the hard-won, solid fortified camp, and to engage him in battle under the unfavorable conditions of darkness, unclear enemy situation, and dispersed forces!
The banner with the character "Cao" that was faintly visible was bait, the arrogant soldiers who were cursing were bait, and even the remains of his comrades became bait in Cao Cao's hands!
But the giant who had killed Ma Yue in such a short time vanished from sight...

Leaving the camp at this moment is exactly what Cao Cao wanted!

Not only will they be unable to save their fallen comrades, but they may also perish along with the remaining thousands of soldiers in the camp!
Tongguan may be threatened at that time, and the flank of Guanzhong will be wide open, with unimaginable consequences!
Which is more important, personal feelings and honor, or the safety of the entire army and the overall strategic situation?
Hao Zhao's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed the rusty-tasting saliva. His eyes, initially filled with grief and indignation, gradually hardened into a cold, hard gaze.

"Someone come here! Pass on the order!"

Hao Zhao's voice was somewhat hoarse and dry, but firm and powerful.

"exist!"

The messenger beside Hao Zhao had been waiting for a long time. When he heard Hao Zhao speak, he perked up, thinking that Hao Zhao was finally going to give the order to attack.

However, Hao Zhao's next words were like a bucket of ice water poured on the hearts of the messenger and all the soldiers nearby who were listening intently for orders.

"Issue my order! All units must strictly hold their designated positions. Without my personal command, no one is to leave the camp even a step! Anyone who disobeys will be executed according to military law!" Hao Zhao's voice was firm and powerful, each word like iron. "Archers, all advance! Take cover in the fortifications, divide your forces into sections, and cover the area in front of the camp! If any Cao troops approach, kill them without mercy!"

Hao Zhao's gaze swept across the more distant area, and he continued issuing orders, "Use the gongs and drums to send a message! All scattered cavalry outside are forbidden from attempting to charge Cao Cao's ranks, nor are they to rush directly to the rear gate! Immediately detour around the camp, circle around to the rear fortifications, and assemble to rest! The rear camp garrison must remain on high alert, and must not open the gates to allow the fleeing soldiers to enter, nor should they launch any preemptive attacks! Simply ensure the camp remains intact and provide shelter for the regrouping brothers!"

"This... General?!" The messenger was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard.

Not attack?
Should we just let Cao Cao's army run rampant outside the camp?

Should we allow the bodies of our comrades to be left exposed to the elements?

Why are we not allowed to open the rear gate to receive the defeated soldiers?
This……

"Go and relay the order!" Hao Zhao turned his head sharply, his gaze like lightning, glaring at the messenger. The cold pressure and unquestionable authority contained in his eyes made the messenger shiver instantly.

"Yes, sir!"

The messenger dared not hesitate any longer, clasped his hands in acceptance, and turned to relay the order.

Before long, the rapid and rhythmic sound of drums and gongs rang out again in the cavalry camp, penetrating the shouts and curses outside the camp and clearly entering the night.

Hao Zhao's strategy was now clearly revealed...

No matter how much you provoke or humiliate me, I will remain unmoved.

The cavalry's vanguard and even parts of the central camp were like a buffer zone that was deliberately abandoned, used to attract and deplete Cao Cao's attention and manpower.

The core rear camp was designed as an incredibly strong shield and safe haven. It not only had to protect the existing forces within the camp, but also act like a magnetic core, systematically accommodating and integrating the scattered forces that had returned, maintaining the army's backbone and regrouping its fighting power.

The core of all tactics is to avoid engaging in open field battles with Cao Cao's cavalry at night when their forces are dispersed, their command is ineffective, and the terrain is unfavorable, as they are in high spirits and have powerful generals lurking nearby.

In short, we will not do what the enemy wants us to do.

It's easier said than done.

Otherwise, Ma Yue wouldn't have suffered such a loss...

The commotion in the rear camp of the Flying Cavalry gradually subsided, while the Cao army soldiers outside the camp who were cursing each other also noticed something was wrong.

Faced with such a humiliating provocation, although countless angry eyes could be seen and suppressed breathing could be heard behind the fences and fortifications, no one from the cavalry camp rushed out.

When they tried to get any closer, or to do something even more outrageous, such as stabbing the corpse with spears, they were met with deadly crossbow bolts.

A fully drawn crossbow!

*Whoosh whoosh whoosh—*

Dozens of crossbow bolts shot out, covering an area in front of the camp.

Although the accuracy wasn't 100% due to the darkness and distance, the sharp whooshing sound and the image of a reckless Cao army soldier being instantly pinned to the ground clearly conveyed the message...

The camp was well-defended, the archers were well-prepared, and the command structure remained stable.

What made Cao Cao, who was observing from a distance, feel uneasy was that the routed cavalrymen who were originally scattered all over the battlefield, either running around like headless flies or being chased by his cavalry squads, were now beginning to exhibit an organized and directional movement under the guidance of the specific rhythm of the drums and gongs in the rear camp.

These scattered cavalrymen cleverly used the darkness and terrain to maneuver and weave, eventually converging at the rear of the cavalry's rear camp...

All of this shows that the Hao-surname garrison commander in the camp still has a strong control over the army!
He not only stabilized the troops within the battalion, but also effectively gathered the defeated soldiers and integrated their forces.

The rear camp of the Flying Cavalry was like a wounded hedgehog curled up, seemingly passive, but in reality, it had all its quills pointed outwards, making it difficult to attack.

How to do?
Cao Cao couldn't help but let out a deep breath...

He made a decision.