Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3861 A Good Plan Comes True

A Cao family battle flag hung listlessly in front of the ranks.

The atmosphere in the group was so oppressive it was suffocating.

The military academy officers remained silent, and the soldiers hung their heads in dejection. Only the chaotic footsteps, the occasional groans, and the creaking of wheels rolling over the frozen ground seemed to tell of the army's decline.

During a break in the march, Cao Ren and Cao Zhen rode side by side, exchanging silent glances and wry smiles.

They lost.

Fiasco.

The key is that some...

Cao Ren has been reflecting on his actions for the past two days.

Indeed, if Cao Ren hadn't been greedy and had chosen not to "cooperate" with Liu Bei, Xiangyang might not have been seized upon by the Cai and Kuai clans, who then colluded from within and without to cause its fall.

But if we think about it the other way around, if Liu Bei and Xu Huang's plan failed, they simply joined forces to attack Xiangyang. Could Cao Ren really stop them?
It's still difficult.

It's easy to look back after something has happened, but it's not so simple to predict what will happen before it occurs...

"Uncle," Cao Zhen interrupted Cao Ren's thoughts, his voice filled with worry and unease, "this crushing defeat...the loss of Jingbei...how can we explain this to our lord?"

Cao Ren raised his head, gazing at the gloomy northern sky, and sighed deeply. "Report the truth... I will bear the blame alone. You are still young..."

Cao Ren paused, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes, "But after this battle, my Cao family... alas..."

Cao Ren let out a long sigh.

During a brief rest during the march, Cao Ren summoned a relatively calm and capable confidant and handed him a weighty report detailing the defeat at Jingzhou. He solemnly instructed the confidant: "Take a few fast riders, break away from the main force, and travel day and night to deliver this letter to the Prime Minister! Also, report in detail… the defeat in Jingbei, the fall of Xiangyang and Fancheng, and our retreat to Yingchuan! Please, Prime Minister… devise a response plan as soon as possible!"

The confidant received the report and seemed to sense the defeat and humiliation it contained. He solemnly bowed, turned around and called to a few knights, spurred their horses, broke away from the main force, and galloped northward, soon disappearing at the end of the official road.

As Cao Ren and Cao Zhen watched the messenger's departing figure, their hearts felt heavier than ever, instead of lighter.

Their fate, and the strategy of the Cao regime, would be turned around as a result.

The cold wind whipped up dust, which lashed against the faces of the two defeated generals.

They embarked on their march once more, leading this army whose morale had plummeted to rock bottom, trudging arduously across the early winter wilderness towards Yingchuan, towards the unknown punishment and future.

……

……

A detailed report of the defeat at Jingzhou was delivered to Cao Cao's desk by express courier.

The twilight of winter offered almost no warmth.

The sun, as if eager to sleep, only symbolically struggled on the horizon before pulling off its blanket and sealing itself away.

Inside the large tent, the charcoal brazier crackled and glowed red, emitting a persistent warmth, yet it still couldn't dispel the thick chill in the surroundings.

Cao Cao sat upright behind his desk, slightly raising his head to gaze at the setting sun, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

When Cao Cao turned his gaze back to the report on the table, although his expression remained calm, his beard trembled slightly.

With the fall of Xiangyang and the surrender of Fancheng, Cao Ren, unable to regain his footing after his defeat, could only join forces with Cao Zhen and retreat to Yingchuan...

Cao Ren was careless!
Cao Zhen was careless!

Each message was like a cold dagger, stabbing into the strategic blueprint that Cao Cao had painstakingly pieced together.

The strategic depth of Jingbei, which he had placed high hopes on to support the Songshan defense line and deal with the Flying Cavalry, collapsed in such a short time!
Without the support of Jingbei and Nanyang, the Songshan area became isolated!
A surge of intense anger, almost bursting through my chest, accompanied by a betrayal-like disappointment, instantly welled up in my heart!

Cao Zixiao! Cao Zidan!
How could someone he trusted so much hand over Jingbei to others so easily?!
However, this anger only burned for a moment in Cao Cao's eyes before being suppressed by a stronger sense of reason.

Cao Cao took a deep breath, a long and deep breath that seemed to suppress all his restlessness deep within his lungs.

The muscles on his face tensed slightly, but then relaxed again, restoring his calm demeanor.

calm.

Not being swayed by emotions is a principle that leaders must always adhere to.

"The land of Jingzhou and Xiangyang is crisscrossed by waterways, and the gentry are deeply entrenched... It cannot be conquered by force alone," Cao Cao muttered to himself, as if trying to convince himself. "Zixiao (Cao Cao's courtesy name) is no mediocre talent. While the defeat at Jiangling may have been due to oversight, the successive falls of Xiangyang and Fancheng... are largely related to the downfall of Cai and Kuai, internal strife, and the cunning tactics and multifaceted support of the General of the Cavalry... It was not a failure in battle, but rather the inevitable course of events."

Cao Cao analyzed the situation calmly.

Cao Cao himself suppressed the forces in Ji Province and the local magnates, and even then, he could not command them with complete loyalty. How could he expect Cao Ren to have the absolute support of the natives of Jing Province?

This can be considered a reason, an excuse, but it is also a fact.

The important question is, what should we do next?
Anger and rebukes are useless; they will only make the defeated generals more fearful and worsen the situation.

Cao Cao picked up his pen and spread out a new sheet of paper.

The brush tip dipped and lingered in the inkwell, paused briefly in mid-air, and then fell firmly.
The handwriting is strong and powerful, showing no sign of weakness.

In his letter, Cao Cao did not harshly criticize Cao Ren and Cao Zhen. Instead, he offered gentle words of comfort, saying, "The loss of Jingbei was not your fault, but rather due to the overwhelming strength of the enemy and the presence of internal collaborators. You have fought valiantly to this point, and you have endured much hardship."

Immediately, Cao Cao also emphasized that he instructed Cao Ren and Cao Zhen not to rush to apologize, but to focus on gathering the defeated troops in Yingchuan, restoring order, pacifying the local population, and stabilizing morale. "To be defeated but not chaotic, to be routed but not scattered, is the mark of a great general. Yingchuan is the heart of the Central Plains; it must be held steady for future plans."

After writing the letter, Cao Cao affixed his seal.

After sealing the letter, Cao Cao summoned Dian Wei and ordered him to select a capable guard to immediately deliver the letter to Cao Ren in Yingchuan.

Cao Cao handled every move with perfect composure and stability.

After the messenger left, the night, like ink, slowly seeped into everything around them.

Cao Cao did not order any more candles to be lit. He sat quietly in the deepening darkness, with only the occasional crackling of the charcoal brazier breaking the suffocating silence.

A huge map slowly unfolded in his mind.

Songshan defense line...

Without the support of Jingbei, this defensive line is like a giant whose support has been cut off; it looks strong, but in reality, it is teetering on the brink of collapse.

After capturing Xiangyang and Fancheng and controlling the Han River, the cavalry could easily advance north to threaten Nanyang, or even directly penetrate the flanks and rear of the Songshan defense line!

The original evacuation plan was no longer feasible.

but……

Cao Cao's eyes narrowed slightly in the darkness, a sharp glint flashing within them.

"Jingzhou has fallen... but the news will take time to spread... The main force of the Flying Cavalry may not immediately know the detailed battle situation in northern Jingzhou, let alone instantly perceive the change in our army's strategy..."

Cao Cao pondered, and a bold idea sprouted in his mind: 'What if I feign a retreat to Jingbei as before? Could I then make a grand show of retreating towards Songshan… Could this feint draw the attention of the Flying Cavalry and buy time for my true intentions?'

The transmission of messages always takes time.

The message traveled from Nanyang in Jingzhou to Cao Cao in a straight line, but to reach Fei Qian, it had to go through Guanzhong and Hedong!
There is a time difference!
Cao Cao opened his eyes and quickly began to make calculations.

However, the key to carrying out this feint lies in the fact that the feinting force must not only act convincingly, but also be able to hold out!

We must convince the cavalry that this is Cao Cao's "main force"!
Moreover, they must be able to hold out for a period of time under the probing or even fierce attacks of the Flying Cavalry, so as to truly play a role in restraining and confusing the enemy.

Otherwise, if they are defeated in a single encounter, all their plans will become a joke.

Who can shoulder this heavy responsibility?

It requires not only courage, but also quick wit on the spot...

Several names flashed through Cao Cao's mind, but finally two figures settled on one of them.

Han Hao, also known as Han Yuansi. This general is calm and steady, skilled in military operations, and proficient in defensive tactics. He is the best candidate to rely on the strategic advantage of Mount Song for blocking and defense.

Xun Yu, also known as Xun Wenruo. Although he was not a general, his prestige was enough to stabilize the morale of the army, and his wisdom was enough to deal with complex situations. With him around, this feint force was more like the main force.

More importantly, both men are loyal and reliable, and even knowing the dangers of the mission, they would gladly accept the task.

and……

Mount Song. Cao Cao's gaze seemed to pierce through the darkness, revealing the rugged mountain paths and treacherous passes.

He had secretly transported the gunpowder and planted it at key locations such as passes and strategic points...

Perhaps, this opportunity can be used to teach the eager-to-pursue cavalry a lesson they will never forget!

If we can severely damage their vanguard, or even...

Then the entire battle situation may be completely reversed!

Even if not, it can greatly slow down the pursuit of the Flying Cavalry, creating an opportunity for Xun Yu and Han Hao to retreat.

Cao Cao pondered and pondered.

Is it really safe to place all your hopes on Xun Yu and Han Hao, or on gunpowder?

Originally, Cao Cao's main force was following the gunpowder, which would have ensured that after severely damaging the cavalry command center, he could launch a large-scale counterattack immediately, expanding the breach like a snowball, and eventually creating an effect similar to the Battle of Guandu...

However, now that Xun Yu and Han Hao have become a feint, even if the Flying Cavalry is ambushed, they may not have enough strength to launch a counterattack.

and so……

Cao Cao frowned.

Gunpowder cannot all be given to Xun Yu...

After pondering for a moment, Cao Cao raised his voice and said, "Guards! Light the torches! Summon Xun Yu and General Han to come before me immediately!"

Xun Yu and Han Hao arrived quickly, and without any surprises, gunpowder was available for use as a rearguard. Xun Yu and Han Hao did not ask for anything more and accepted Cao Cao's orders.

Xun Yu and Han Hao barely paused for a moment before taking Cao Cao's banner and flags and heading towards Mount Song.

After Xun Yu and Han Hao left, Cao Cao's core strategy shifted to finding a real way out.

The Songshan line has become a discarded pawn, or at least it cannot be the final destination for the main force.

That leaves only one path.

Gongxian County, Sishui Pass.

With Cao Hong stationed in Gong County, it could barely be considered one...

Okay, a semi-reliable support point.

Therefore, they could only barely hold off the cavalry, and the key was still Sishui Pass!
Moreover, at Sishui Pass, there was also Emperor Liu Xie, whom Cao Cao had previously lured out of Xuchang under the pretense of "the emperor's personal expedition" but in reality, he had half-invited and half-tricked him!
When Cao Cao tricked the emperor to Sishui Pass, Emperor Liu Xie may not have been able to understand Cao Cao's true intentions. However, as time went by, Emperor Liu Xie's thoughts may have become the biggest variable in Cao Cao's retreat!

The emperor was indeed a puppet, but he also had his own ideas. What if something suddenly changed when the cavalry arrived...?

Would Liu Xiehui be willing to retreat eastward with him into an uncertain future? If, at a critical moment, the emperor showed the slightest lack of cooperation, or was even exploited by certain people with ulterior motives, it could lead to disastrous consequences.

We must persuade the emperor, or rather...

The emperor must be made to realize that he has no choice but to follow Cao Cao's lead.

Cao Cao strolled outside the tent, gazed at the night sky, and let the cold night wind caress his face.

This seemed to provide some temporary relief to his throbbing and aching head...

Have it.

Although Fei Qian's system was promoted under the banner of the Han Dynasty, it was essentially a completely new system and new rules. So, how much room did the old imperial power, and Liu Xie, the "old emperor," really have left?
I'm afraid not necessarily.

New leaders often tend to establish new symbols.

"Your Majesty," Cao Cao mentally simulated a conversation with Liu Xie, "Although the General of Chariots and Cavalry professes to be a subject of Han, his actions often violate ancestral rules, the people he employs are mostly of humble origin, and his policies border on tyranny. If Your Majesty falls into his hands... will he still serve Your Majesty as before, or...? I cannot help but worry for Your Majesty..."

Cao Cao knew that Dong Zhuo's act of replacing the young emperor had left a deep psychological scar on Liu Xie. If Cao Cao were to reopen that wound now and rub salt into it...

After all, this is a reasonable speculation.

Controlling the emperor is easier when he is young than when he is an adult.

A young emperor is naturally better than a short emperor...

The Han Dynasty has lasted for three or four hundred years. Are you saying we can't find a young prince of the Liu family?
Even Liu Da'er...

Cao Cao's brow suddenly twitched.

Liu Bei fled from Jiaozhi to Jiangdong, and then, together with Xu Huang, occupied Jingzhou...

"Hehe." Cao Cao suddenly chuckled. He didn't believe Fei Qian couldn't see Liu Bei's restlessness. However, the smile only flickered across Cao Cao's face before quickly disappearing.

If Liu Xie were also "restless," it would be even worse than Liu Bei's "restlessness"!
Although Cao Cao was 70-80% confident that he could persuade this intelligent but cowardly young emperor, 70-80% was not enough!
At this critical moment of life and death, Cao Cao needed absolute certainty, at least 90% or more!

How can we compensate for the remaining 10% or 20% uncertainty?
Cao Cao's mind raced as he searched for any leverage he could use.

Suddenly, Cao Cao remembered a seemingly insignificant piece of intelligence he had received earlier…

Regarding the activities of General Wei Yan in Xiaohuang County, Chenliu Commandery, and the Xiaohuang County Magistrate who ultimately committed suicide under pressure.

This incident itself was merely a minor episode in a vast war.

But in Cao Cao's eyes at this moment, it has become a key piece that can be used to make a big difference!
Cao Cao immediately issued a secret order...

He ordered his men to immediately spread the word about Wei Yan's "atrocities" in Xiaohuang County throughout Yingchuan, Runan, and even Qiaojun and Peiguo, the core areas under his control, emphasizing the "loyalty and martyrdom" of the Xiaohuang County magistrate.

At the same time, scholars and literati from all over the country were mobilized to write poems, songs and essays to praise this loyal minister who "sacrificed himself for the country" and to portray him as a model of resisting the "tyranny" of the General of the Cavalry!

These poems, lyrics, and essays must be collected as soon as possible!

Cao Cao summoned Cao Shuo and instructed him, "Send these poems and essays, these discussions from the common people, to His Majesty as quickly as possible."

Cao Cao instructed Cao Shuo, "His Majesty must see with his own eyes and hear with his own ears that wherever the General of Chariots and Cavalry passes, there are not only those who offer food and drink, but also loyal ministers and righteous men who are willing to die for their country! His Majesty must understand that there are still countless people in this world who are devoted to the Han Dynasty and uphold their loyalty! And these people look up to only His Majesty! If His Majesty falls into the hands of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, how heartbroken these loyal ministers and righteous men will be! Who will uphold this glorious Han Dynasty?!"

Cao Cao knew that Cao Shuo was not good at fighting, so this kind of task, which was not a bloody battle on the battlefield but required absolute loyalty, was very suitable for Cao Shuo to do.

Cao Shuo dared not delay and hurriedly accepted the order and left.

This was naturally a strategy of winning hearts and minds. The aim was to make up for the missing one or two percent chance of success, to bind Emperor Liu Xie more deeply to Cao Cao's chariot, and to make the emperor feel a sense of crisis and dependence that "without Cao Cao, the Han Dynasty will perish."

After dealing with the emperor's problem, Cao Cao's thoughts did not stop.

In the midst of the crisis, he was always looking for an opportunity to counterattack and to find the enemy's weaknesses.

The cavalry was formidable, but it was not without its weaknesses.

The biggest problem remains food supplies!

Fei Qian's main force came from Guanzhong and Hedong, and is now about to enter the vast Central Plains of Shandong.

As the battle lines are extended, the pressure on logistical supplies will increase dramatically.

The problems Wei Yan encountered in Xiaohuang County were by no means isolated incidents!
What this exposed was the deep-seated contradiction between the new system of the Flying Cavalry and the old local order. This contradiction might not be obvious under the cover of military victories, but it would inevitably erupt whenever it involved the requisition and transportation of provisions that required the full cooperation of the local authorities!

"The supplies for the General of the Cavalry depend heavily on the transport from Guanzhong and Hedong... If we can cut off their supply lines or burn their stockpiles, their hundreds of thousands of troops will collapse without a fight!"

Cao Cao's fingers moved slightly, as if he were outlining fragile supply lines.

Unfortunately, Cao Cao did not know where the Flying Cavalry would store their main provisions.

I have no idea about the cavalry's transport schedule.

At that moment, Cao Cao suddenly thought of Xu You.

Xu You's contributions in the previous battles against Yuan Shao were indeed considerable. However, he later kept bringing it up, becoming increasingly arrogant and overconfident...

Xu You is dead; the dead cannot be brought back to life.

Moreover, Xu You knew Yuan Shao's true strength and weaknesses. Even if Xu You were to come back to life, he would not know the key to Fei Qian's grain transport strategy.

but……

Is there a second "Xu You"?