Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3857 Unfit for His Position

Were Cao Ren and Cao Zhen incompetent?

No.

They will do very well if they are in the right place.

Just as Cao Cao would have done a good job if Cao Ren had been in Jingzhou without the interference of the Flying Cavalry.

Jingzhou is important, but its importance is relative to the south.

Especially during the feudal period of division between North and South, Jingzhou was of paramount importance. This is a major reason why Sun Quan of the Three Kingdoms period always kept Jingzhou in mind.

Historically, any attempt by the South to establish a separatist regime had to rely on the Yangtze River, which served as the last line of defense for the survival of Southern powers.

If the Yangtze River falls, then the collapse of the southern regime will not be far off.

In ancient feudal dynasties, without steam engines or mechanization, a large number of ships, or a large-scale navy, were required to cross the Yangtze River with a large army.

It was obviously unrealistic to build a navy once they reached the north bank of the Yangtze River. Even the most foolish ruler of a southern regime would know what it meant to have an enemy navy on their doorstep. They would do anything, even sell their possessions, to wreak havoc on the enemy ships on the north bank of the Yangtze.

The Battle of Red Cliffs is a case in point.

Therefore, if the northern regime wanted to conquer the area south of the Yangtze River, it needed a safe waterway to build ships and train troops in peace. Once the ships were built, it could launch a large-scale battle and cross the Yangtze River.

There are only two and a half safe waterways on the north bank of the Yangtze River...

The first is the Han River, and the second is the Fei River.

The other half is the Grand Canal, which was built after the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Feishui was the location of Hefei, the new city Cao Cao chose. The area was crisscrossed by rivers and dotted with numerous marshes; the Yunmeng Marsh had not yet completely dissipated, posing a significant disadvantage to northern armies that relied heavily on cavalry. Furthermore, its proximity to the southern ruling center made it vulnerable to constant harassment from the southern regimes, preventing peace and stability. Even during the later Mongol Yuan dynasty, such a place saw little progress despite over a decade of fighting, demonstrating its formidable nature.

Therefore, Jingzhou was the most suitable point of reference for preparing for a southward advance.

From the Han River, one can sail eastward into the Yangtze River and travel downstream, which is advantageous.

The Han River is far enough from the Yangtze River that it would be difficult for the southern navy to advance upstream to Xiangyang. Furthermore, being located in the Nanyang Basin, food supplies were not a concern. Surrounded by mountains, the region also had a much larger supply of timber for shipbuilding compared to the Jianghuai region. Therefore, throughout history, many wars of unification in which the north conquered the south have chosen the Han River as their route.

Xiangyang is located right on the banks of the Han River.

Whoever controls Xiangyang can stockpile grain, cut timber, build ships, and train a navy there, and then sail down the river to destroy Jiangdong.

To attack Xiangyang, one must first attack Fancheng.

Fancheng and Xiangyang are connected across the river, two sides of the same coin.

But here's the problem...

We must defend against the north of Fancheng, resist the southeast of Xiangyang, and put out the fire in the city!
If Cao Ren hadn't led his troops away from Xiangyang, things would have been somewhat better. Cao Zhen was stationed in Fancheng, while Cao Ren was in charge of Xiangyang. Each could manage one side, supporting each other. There were also pontoon bridges across the Yangtze River for rapid reinforcement, plus years of reserves and fortified defenses…

However, now that Fancheng and Xiangyang are entirely under Cao Zhen's command, it is inevitable that he will be somewhat stretched thin.

Cao Cao's soldiers attempted to stop and identify the rioting civilians in the eastern market of Xiangyang, but this often led to even greater unrest and disruption.

Sometimes, just as they apprehended a suspicious person, several "commoners" would suddenly erupt in protest!
The short blade pierced out from an unexpected angle, taking the lives of Cao Cao's soldiers while also making them even more suspicious.

Left with no other choice, Cao Zhen's orders naturally became distorted during their execution.

Cao Zhen's intention was to kill the "bandits" who were causing the chaos, but in this situation, in order to protect themselves and to quell the chaos as soon as possible, Cao's soldiers launched an indiscriminate attack, regardless of whether they had just arrived to provide support or were already blinded by rage!

The blade slashes at anyone who tries to approach or block their path, regardless of whether they are male or female, young or old!
"The soldiers are killing people!"

Run!

Blood and flames mingled, cries and screams echoed.

This indiscriminate killing did not quell the chaos; instead, it was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a boiling oil pan, triggering an even more violent explosion!
The fear of the surviving civilians reached its peak. They no longer trusted any order and only wanted to desperately escape this death zone. This caused Cao's army's lines to become even more shaky and completely blocked the roads leading to the fire, making it an impossible task to organize the people to fight the fire.

Without the help of the common people, how could Cao Cao's soldiers, armed with swords and spears, possibly put out the fire?

Ha ha.

As the fire spread, Cao Cao's soldiers could use their swords and spears to cut down civilians, or what they saw as "bandits," but could they use their swords and spears to extinguish the raging flames?

When Cao Zhen received the report that the situation in the East City market area was out of control and the fire was escalating, his face turned ashen.

Cao Zhen realized that it was no longer realistic to try to identify and eliminate the enemy in the chaos, and if the fire was allowed to spread, the entire eastern city and even most of Xiangyang could be reduced to ashes!

Cao Zhen gritted his teeth and could only issue a helpless order: "Stop the fire from spreading at all costs! Order! Immediately demolish all houses along the edge of the fire! Clear a firebreak! Anyone who obstructs this, whoever they are, will be considered a traitor and executed without mercy!"

This is the most basic, and often the most effective, method of fire control.

In cases where the fire cannot be extinguished, some buildings are sacrificed to preserve the rest.

Instead of trying to rush into the fire to put it out, Cao's soldiers brandished axes, knives, spears, and even their bare hands, and began to forcibly demolish the wooden houses on the edge of the fire that were not yet on fire but were likely to be ignited.

Crying, cursing, pleading...

All sounds were drowned out by the roar of collapsing buildings and the howling of flames.

A charred and ugly firebreak, like a scar, began to spread across the eastern part of Xiangyang.

It successfully contained the fire from spreading to the city center, but it also sacrificed a large area of ​​the East City and surrounding areas, along with some residents who had not yet escaped, to the raging flames.

Flames and thick smoke billowed into the sky, and the smell of burning permeated the entire city.

……

……

Southwest of Xiangyang City lies Bianshan Mountain.

This not-so-tall mountain, like a silent giant, overlooks the western city wall of Xiangyang and the winding tributary of the Han River.

In the darkest hour before dawn, a bright red flag was silently raised in a spot with an excellent view on Bianshan Mountain, fluttering in the rising morning breeze.

Most of the Cao army soldiers west of the city were drawn to the flames and smoke from the eastern city, and few went to check the situation on the flat mountain. But for certain people, that red flag was the long-awaited signal...

Not far from the red flag on the mountain, two people stood.

One was Kuai Yue, who had previously escaped Cao Ren's clutches by cleverly maneuvering, while the other was Liao Hua, a general under the General of the Cavalry who came from Fangling.

Behind the two of them were eight hundred soldiers from Liao Hua's main force.

Looking at Xiangyang City in the distance, which was clearly showing signs of chaos after being hit by multiple attacks, the two couldn't help but smile.

However, the meaning behind their smiles was somewhat different.

In the process of human evolution, the evolution of brainpower is undoubtedly a major physiological transformation.

The evolution of human brainpower is not merely a major physiological transformation, but a landmark event in the entire history of life on Earth. It has fundamentally changed the fate of the human species and reshaped the face of the planet.

Although the brain accounts for only about 2% of body weight, it consumes 20%-25% of the body's energy and oxygen at rest. Mental power will always be greater than physical strength; this is the path humanity has chosen.

In the Three Kingdoms period, a general who could defeat ten thousand men died from a bowl of wine, a fierce general who charged into battle often met a tragic end, and a general who only thought of conquering the world by force often died from the backlash of violence.

This strategy for conquering Xiangyang demonstrates the importance of the wisdom of non-violence.

The Kuai and Cai families joined forces and sold off Xiangyang completely.

Without resorting to a large-scale siege, Cao Zhen was already thrown into disarray...

Cao Ren fell for the feint attack, while Cao Zhen fell for the diversionary tactic.

Could it be that Cao Ren and Cao Zhen never studied military strategy and didn't know what "luring the tiger away from the mountain" or "feinting to the east while attacking the west" meant?

"The time has come, General Yuanjian."

Kuai Yue cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Liao Hua, his voice trembling as if releasing long-suppressed resentment: "The Cao family is tyrannical, treating the people of Jingzhou like straw dogs. Today is the day of their demise!"

Liao Hua nodded without saying anything more, but gestured to Kuai Yue before leading his soldiers like a pack of wolves lurking in the mountains, heading towards the west gate of Xiangyang.

The moat of Xiangyang City was among the top five of all the cities in the Three Kingdoms period. In addition, it was surrounded by water on three sides, making it extremely difficult to take a direct assault. However, even the strongest fortress is vulnerable to internal breaches...

As Liao Hua led his soldiers to sneak towards the west gate of Xiangyang, some shadowy figures were quietly moving about in the market area west of Xiangyang.

Buying things at the market.

There was also a large market in the west of Xiangyang City, which was called the West Market.

The situation in the West Market was slightly better than in the East Market, where some daring vendors still managed to make a living, but it was also a mixed bag, making it easy to hide.

As local strongmen who had cultivated their power for many years, the Kuai and Cai clans naturally had ways to find hiding places and recruit loyal followers even under the high-pressure control of Cao Cao's army...

A dozen or so Kuai clan assassins, dressed in ordinary Cao army uniforms, sprang out from their hiding place in the West Market after receiving the signal. Under the cover of the smoke signals in the east of the city, they quickly moved along the alleys at the foot of the west city wall. Whenever they encountered a patrolling squad of Cao army, they would immediately take the initiative and convey the "urgent military order" in an extremely anxious tone...

"Quickly! The fire in the east city is out of control, and bandits are causing chaos. General Cao has ordered all patrol teams to immediately rush to the east city to assist in fighting the fire and suppressing the bandits!"

"The general has said that the western city is temporarily safe; the priority is to ensure the eastern city's safety! Anyone who disobeys this order will be punished according to military law!"

These orders sound reasonable.

With the towering flames and thick smoke rising from the east of Xiangyang, anyone who wasn't blind could see it.

Moreover, the commotion and shouts of battle could be faintly heard in the east of the city.

Cao Zhen's order to mobilize troops to fight the fire had already been given once...

These circumstances combined meant that upon hearing the anxious cries of these "messengers," the patrolling Cao army soldiers near the west city did not suspect anything and followed the "orders" to head east of the city.

Some people will automatically add to what the 'messenger' didn't mean...

Is the situation in Dongcheng really that serious?

"Absolutely! Look at that fire! Look at that smoke!"

"The general has transferred us there; it seems they really can't hold out any longer!"

"Hurry, hurry! If we're late, we'll be court-martialed!"

Some soldiers, either naive or already confused and fearful about the situation, followed the directions given by the messengers almost without thinking, and ran chaotically towards the east of the city, driven by herd mentality and habitual obedience to military orders.

The defensive forces of the western city were gradually thinned out, as if being peeled away layer by layer by an invisible hand...

However, not everyone is so easily deceived.

The officer stationed at the west gate of the city wall was a captain from the Cao clan named Cao Yan.

This person was not particularly capable, but he was extremely loyal to the Cao family and acted with great caution.

Hearing the commotion outside and the chaotic footsteps of the troops moving around, he suddenly felt suspicious.

"Why the commotion?" Cao Yan stepped out of the city gate tower and shouted sternly, "Who are you? Whose orders are you on?"

Seeing this, a leader of the Kuai clan's private army stepped forward with a stiff upper lip and repeated the same rhetoric, "Reporting to the Captain, the eastern city is in danger. General Cao has ordered that men from the western city be dispatched to provide immediate support!"

Cao Yan frowned, staring at the seemingly anxious 'Cao clan soldier,' and said in a deep voice, 'Mobilizing troops? Do you have any general's tokens or command flags?'

The private army leader's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a calm expression: "The situation has arisen suddenly. There was only a verbal order from the general; there was no time to issue a written command! The military situation is urgent; please, Captain, act immediately according to orders!"

"Only a password?" Cao Yan's eyes showed even more suspicion.

Cao Zhen always emphasized procedures in his military command, especially in such a critical moment. How could he possibly rely on mere verbal orders to mobilize the city wall garrison for such an important matter?
Cao Yan looked them up and down and suddenly noticed that although these "messengers" were wearing Cao army armor, they always had an indescribable tension in their expressions, and their faces were quite unfamiliar, unlike the familiar faces that often came and went to deliver orders.

"Without official orders, this is a false military command!" Cao Yan abruptly drew his sword, pointing it directly at the private army leader, and shouted sternly, "Who are you? Surrender now!"

This angry shout stunned the surrounding Cao army soldiers, who looked at this side with surprise and uncertainty.

Seeing that his scheme was about to be exposed, the leader of the Kuai clan's private army flashed a fierce light in his eyes, but forced a fawning smile onto his face. His hand stealthily reached for the dagger hidden behind his waist. As he leaned forward, he said, "Captain, please calm down. How could I dare to falsely convey military orders? Perhaps… perhaps I've misremembered. I have a warrant, I have a warrant… I'll ask you to verify it immediately…"

Normally, Cao Yan might have let the leader of the Kuai family's private army step forward, but at this moment, alarm bells were ringing in Cao Yan's mind. Seeing that the other party was advancing instead of retreating, and with a shifty look in his eyes, he immediately realized something was wrong and shouted, "Stop! Don't go forward!"

Cao Yan took two steps back to create distance, and at the same time ordered the surrounding soldiers, "Men! Seize these spies!"

However, something strange happened.

At Cao's command, instead of the surrounding Cao soldiers responding in unison and rushing forward to capture the Kuai clan's private soldiers, there was an eerie silence and hesitation.

The Cao army soldiers around them looked at each other, seemingly waiting for something, or perhaps pondering something. A few moved their feet slightly, but seeing that the others didn't move, they stopped again...

On the faces of these Cao army soldiers, beyond the marks of wind, frost, rain, and snow, lay different emotions: struggle, hesitation, but mostly—

numbness.

Cao Yan's eyes widened in disbelief at what he was seeing.

why?
Why are these soldiers, who usually seem so obedient and submissive, hesitant to move forward now that their superior has given a clear order?
The answer actually lies in the already crumbling credibility and public service of the Cao regime in Jingxiang.

When Cao Cao's army entered Jingzhou, it wasn't due to a complete surrender of popular support; rather, it was largely driven by military intimidation and forceful suppression. To the local soldiers of Xiangyang, Cao Cao's regime appeared more like an outsider, a conqueror wielding a strong and oppressive stance. Such rule, lacking a deep foundation of popular support and emotional bonds, was inherently fragile.

Furthermore, Cao Cao's takeover of Jingzhou did not bring much improvement to the lives of its people. To maintain their war machine, Cao Cao's army levied heavy taxes, forcibly conscripted laborers, and frequently deducted wages from soldiers. The lower-ranking soldiers and their families bore an immense burden and suffered greatly. Meanwhile, members of Cao Cao's clan and outsider generals often occupied high positions and enjoyed privileges, while local soldiers often felt discriminated against and oppressed. This injustice had long since silently accumulated into deep resentment.

Of course, this only affected some of Cao Cao's soldiers from Jingzhou, while Cao Cao's soldiers in other regions were affected because they realized the bleak and hopeless future...

Leaving aside the fact that the Cao army suffered heavy casualties in the previous battles in Jingzhou, and whether the soldiers could receive timely medical treatment, even the compensation money was embezzled. Adding to this, there's the current situation in Xiangyang: harassment from Cai Mao's navy to the south and the advance of the Flying Cavalry to the north. Even though Cao Zhen repeatedly emphasized that it was a feint and that no Flying Cavalry general was in command, wouldn't the rank-and-file soldiers of Cao's army have their doubts?
So, going back to the point, how many of Kuai's private soldiers, under the pretext of the fire in Dongcheng, were actually worried about Dongcheng, or were they just taking the opportunity to escape from the trouble?

But it's hard to say. After all, anyone with eyes can see that Xiangyang is in grave danger. So what future is there in continuing to serve Cao Cao?
Was it for that meager military pay that might be withheld?

Or is it to be a martyr for a regime that treats them like dirt and whose future is bleak?

When the hope of survival becomes slim, the blind obedience to orders from above will naturally weaken.

Simply put, it means "orders from above are disobeyed by those below!"
At this crucial moment in Xiangyang, the hesitation and indecision of these Cao army soldiers ultimately caused the most fatal damage to the Cao army's upper-level rulers in Jingzhou!