Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3874 A Good Plan Leads to Success
Outside Gong County, inside the vanguard camp of the Flying Cavalry.

Upon receiving the order from the General of the Cavalry, Huang Cheng and Sima Yi returned to the front line in Gong County and immediately summoned all military officers, including sergeants of the rank of battalion commander and above, to the central command tent.

Huang Cheng's move served two purposes: firstly, it was a pre-battle deployment, and secondly, it subtly conveyed his intention to demonstrate the strength and capabilities of his forces to Sima Yi.

It wasn't exactly a show of force.

It's more like flexing muscles.

Inside the tent, the armor clanged, and the gazes were intense. Most of the military academy students exuded the fierce and valiant air of seasoned warriors, but there was also a subtle scrutiny of Sima Yi, a man known for his wisdom and strategy... well, perhaps something else entirely.

Huang Cheng briefly introduced the current situation of the enemy and ourselves, and pointed out that the collapsed part of the west wall was the best breakthrough point, expressing his determination to win the victory in Gongxian.

Huang Cheng spoke with great enthusiasm, filled with unwavering confidence in victory.

The soldiers responded with a resounding roar, their morale soaring.

After all the generals and soldiers had expressed their opinions, Sima Yi calmly rose, first bowing to Huang Cheng in greeting, then facing the remaining military officers, surveying them with a warm smile. He did not immediately discuss tactical details, but instead began to speak…

"It is truly my great fortune to have been ordered by the General to assist General Huang and everyone here," Sima Yi said, his voice clear and steady. "Even before arriving at the camp, I had long heard of General Huang's elite cavalry, renowned for their swift attacks and decisive victories. Seeing them today, I can confirm their extraordinary bearing."

Sima Yi paused, his gaze falling on several particularly robust-looking military officers. "If my memory serves me correctly, these were the vanguard when we broke through Cao Cao's army camp in Hedong last year, leading the charge, capturing flags, and beheading generals..."

The military academy student who was called out straightened his chest a little, a smug look on his face, and his comrades around him cast admiring glances at him.

Sima Yi recounted the details with great familiarity, mentioning the outstanding performance of Huang Cheng's troops in several tough battles. His words were sincere and full of praise, not just empty flattery, but specific details about a particular raid and a certain steadfast defense...

"General Huang is a skilled commander, his soldiers are courageous and loyal, his discipline is strict, and orders are obeyed without question. He is truly a model for our army," Sima Yi concluded sincerely. "With the Grand General's strategic planning and with such a tiger general and elite troops as General Huang, what city cannot be conquered? What enemy cannot be crushed? The Cao army at Gong County is a defeated and terrified force, like birds startled by a bow. Judging from their perfunctory and sloppy repairs of the city walls, it is clear that their morale and fighting spirit have long since vanished. This battle will undoubtedly be won!"

His words ignited the enthusiasm of the generals in the tent, filling them with pride. The slight estrangement or doubt that might have arisen due to Sima Yi's arrival unknowingly melted away.

Immediately, a harmonious atmosphere filled the tent.

Even Huang Cheng himself felt proud and his opinion of Sima Yi improved considerably.

Just as the atmosphere in the tent reached its peak, with the generals rubbing their hands together, eager to pounce on the city and break through, Sima Yi subtly changed the subject, his tone still calm: "However, you gentlemen must understand, even a cornered beast will fight… Cao Cao's army currently lacks both a formidable battle formation and the fighting spirit of its soldiers. Given all this, why is Cao Cao's army still stationed at Gong County, refusing to withdraw? What is it that they rely on?"

Sima Yi paused briefly, his eyes gleaming as he looked intently at the crowd. "It's nothing but demons and monsters, conspiracies and tricks! How can we, these valiant soldiers, easily fall into Cao Cao's trap, only to invite ridicule and lose innocent lives? Wouldn't that be a tragedy that would make even heroes sigh with regret?"

Upon hearing Sima Yi's words, the expressions of everyone in the tent gradually became serious, and they all nodded in agreement.

"As the saying goes, it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark," Sima Yi continued, raising his voice slightly. "The Cao army knows the city walls are difficult to defend, so they are very likely to have secretly set traps in these seemingly weak points! Such behavior is not that of a true hero; it is nothing but a petty trick!"

"Our valiant cavalry, a righteous and honorable army, clad in armor and wielding sharp weapons, are invincible. How can we allow them to suffer even the slightest loss due to such petty tricks? How can we allow Cao Cao's army to tarnish our victory in capturing the city with such despicable methods?" Sima Yi's voice carried a powerful charisma. "You are all seasoned veterans, capturing the city will naturally be as easy as taking candy from a baby. However, since we have already seen through their treacherous schemes, we should be prepared, lest Cao Cao's army's elaborate plans become a laughingstock!"

Sima Yi no longer reminded "be careful of traps" in his capacity as "assistant military advisor," but internalized "seeing through and thwarting Cao Cao's conspiracy" as part of Huang Cheng's troops' sense of honor and desire to win.

It's as if being cautious and checking for traps is no longer an external constraint or a doubt about one's own capabilities, but an inevitable step to prove one's superiority and comprehensiveness, and to instill despair in the enemy...

As a result, the generals in the tent were indeed filled with enthusiasm and responded enthusiastically.

"The military advisor is absolutely right! We must not let Cao Cao's treacherous scheme succeed!"

We must make sure their trap falls through!

"The day we breach the city will be the day Cao Cao's army despairs!"

Huang Cheng nodded and said to Sima Yi, "Military Advisor Sima, your considerations are thorough! Let's follow your advice. Before attacking, send out elite scouts to carefully search inside and outside the breach. Mark any suspicious areas clearly! We must not give Cao Cao's army any opportunity to take advantage!"

With the general direction set, the desire to breach the city grew even stronger. However, a pragmatic strategy was still needed to determine the specifics of how to attack the seemingly weak but potentially deadly breach in the city wall.

However, some impatient military academy students raised new questions...

"Lieutenant General, Military Advisor, this search for traps...should proceed..." a military officer stood up and said, "However, if we delay, wouldn't that give Cao Cao's army leeway to make arrangements?"

“Yes,” another military academy officer chimed in, “if there are traps at the breach in Gongxian, then we can only attack other parts of the city wall. But… without siege equipment, relying solely on infantry to charge and swarm, even if Cao Cao's army has no will to fight… the casualties will likely be considerable… So what should we do?”

"Then let's build some siege weapons!"

"Easy for you to say! Outside Gongxian city, as far as the eye can see, all the trees have been cut down by Cao Cao's army, even the roots have been dug up. Where would we find any wood to forge weapons?"

"What if we wait... wait for the General's central and rear armies to arrive with siege equipment?"

"Waiting for the General to arrive? What use are we then?"

The military academy students, one after another, laid out all the questions.

The meaning is quite obvious...

If the main force of the army arrives with heavy equipment, the credit for breaching the city may not go to Huang Cheng and his vanguard.

Asking questions is easy, but solving them is not so simple.

The military officers glanced at Huang Cheng, and finding that he didn't seem to have any ideas either, their excitement subsided, and they looked at Sima Yi.

Sima Yi remained calm, as if he had anticipated the question from the military officers. Without any preamble, he stated directly: "Gentlemen, please be patient. It is currently a winter drought, and the water level of the Gong River has dropped significantly, exposing the riverbed in many places, resulting in a slow flow."

Sima Yi raised his hand, gesturing, "Although there are no trees around Gong County... there are still forests in the distance that can be used. Now that the Gong River is calmer in autumn and winter, it's perfect for making rafts to travel down! Firstly, they can be used to make simple tools, and secondly, they can be used to build a pontoon bridge to bypass Gong County..."

"After detouring through Gongxian?" Huang Cheng repeated, frowning, as if he had thought of something.

"Exactly." Sima Yi nodded. "My esteemed advisor, this strategy achieves three goals at once... First, we can cut down trees to quickly construct simple siege ladders and battering rams... Second, after crossing the river, we can advance along the exposed riverbanks in winter towards the rear of Gong County..."

This is something that couldn't be done during the spring and summer when the water flow was high on the Gong River, but it's easy to do now.

"In this way, we can tie down Cao Cao's army inside the city... Cao Cao's army will surely suspect that we intend to flank and attack their rear, or even cut off their return east to Sishui Pass! Regardless of whether it forces Cao Cao's army to divide their forces for defense, it can also shake their determination to defend the city..."

Sima Yi smiled and said, "Furthermore, this detour allows us to effectively scout the situation east of Gong County, to find out if Cao Cao's army has any supply convoys or messengers traveling back and forth, or even... if there are any signs of an early withdrawal..."

"Thirdly," Sima Yi gestured with his finger, "if the time is right, this mobile force can launch a surprise attack from the flank and rear, forming a pincer movement with the main attack from the front... Even if the surprise attack fails, we can still pursue and annihilate the fleeing enemy along the riverbank after Gongxian is captured, expanding our gains..."

Sima Yi surveyed the scene and exclaimed with conviction, "In this way, we can simultaneously engage in logging and weaponry, contain the enemy, scout their retreat routes, prepare for surprise attacks, and prepare for pursuit—each action will be mutually beneficial! How could we possibly fail to conquer this small county of Gong?!"

Sima Yi's plan not only solved the immediate problem of equipment, but also expanded a simple siege into a three-dimensional offensive that included logistics, reconnaissance, psychological warfare, and reserves, demonstrating his broad vision and meticulous thinking.

Upon hearing this, Huang Cheng clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Military Advisor Sima's plan is truly comprehensive and flawless! In this way, felling trees and making weapons will not hinder the attack on the city, and it will also be extremely effective in diverting enemy attention and scouting! Let's do it this way!"

The military academy students were also impressed and echoed their agreement.

Huang Cheng immediately appointed a prudent military officer under his command, known for his steadiness, to lead a thousand soldiers, equipped with axes, saws, and ropes, and to select artisans from the army to accompany them, carrying necessary provisions. They were to secretly set off for the bend in the river indicated by Sima Yi, in order to build a bridge across the river as soon as possible and carry out logging and flanking missions.

Meanwhile, Huang Cheng led his main force and arrayed them in a grand manner at the front of the Gongxian breach, raising many flags and frequently moving them around, making it appear as if he was about to launch a strong attack. Archers took turns going forward to harass and fire at the city walls, both to apply pressure and to cover the actions of the flank troops.

The second battle for Gongxian County thus began.

……

……

"Couldn't that treacherous cavalryman rest for a couple of days?"

Standing atop the city wall of Gong County, Cao Hong cursed inwardly.

These past two days, Cao Hong has been on tenterhooks.

The cavalry force was making noise every day, and although it had not launched a major attack, the pressure of its impending attack was increasing day by day.

What worried Cao Hong even more was an urgent military report that the Flying Cavalry had used wooden rafts on the Gong River to build a pontoon bridge and bypass the river, operating along the east bank of the river.

Flanking danger!

Not only my lower back, but my groin also felt chilly...

Both the kidneys and the groin are very important. Cao Hong intended to send a capable force to patrol along the riverbank and drive them away, or even launch a preemptive strike to eliminate the cavalry unit that had circled around, but...

nobody!
It's not that Cao Cao didn't leave any soldiers for Cao Hong, but rather that Cao Hong couldn't spare any troops and didn't have any trusted lieutenants or deputy generals!

When Cao Hong summoned his military academy officers to discuss the matter, hoping to find a outstanding candidate from among them, he was met with shifty eyes and an awkward silence...

These military academy students who have survived to this day are all somewhat shrewd, and having witnessed firsthand the disastrous defeat of Cao Hong's supposedly "sure-win" tactics at the Gongshui ferry by Huang Zhong, they have long been filled with fear.

Out-of-town field battle?

No one has the courage or the confidence to do so.

The military academy officers either stated that "the defense of the city is already critical, and it is not advisable to divide the troops," or directly said that "the terrain is unclear, and there is a risk of being ambushed," and so on. In short, no one was willing to take on this dangerous mission.

Cao Hong was so angry that his liver ached, but he also knew that the morale of the army was like this. He wanted to play the lottery again, or forcibly send them out, but seeing that the morale was collapsing and the fighting spirit was low, and knowing that these military officers were slippery, if he really tried to do something, these military officers might immediately turn around and sell to the General of Chariots and Cavalry!
what?
Directly under the Cao family?

I can't tell the difference!

After all, there weren't many people left in Cao's direct command, not to mention that he also had to take care of these military academies of different surnames. It was really difficult to cook without rice.

In the end, Cao Hong could only order some scout teams to be sent out of the city to investigate and assess the situation before making any further arrangements...

……

……

Cao Hong's military order was issued and passed down through the ranks.

Wang Sima pressed down on Li Xiaowei, who then pushed the body onto Zhao Duwei.

Commandant Zhao summoned the military commander.

The military commander turned around and pressed down on Qu Chang.

When the order to monitor the flanks of the cavalry, send more scouts, and keep a close watch was given to a squad leader surnamed Hao, sweat immediately beaded on his forehead.

What is the scene outside the city?
The horrific scene of the bloody battle at the ferry crossing remains fresh in memory, and the ferocity and tenacity of the cavalry scouts are well-known.

Out of the city for reconnaissance?

That's practically like taking offerings from the King of Hell's table...

But he dared not disobey his superior's strict orders.

Hao Quzhang, like an ant on a hot pan, paced around in circles before summoning a scout squad leader with a gloomy expression.

He was called the captain, but he had nothing to do with the team leader. He was just a squad leader, and the team wasn't even full.

It's just that the title sounds nice, much like the "manager" of later generations.

The scout captain was a veteran in his thirties, surnamed Wang, with obvious signs of hardship on his face.

"Old Wang, take your men and leave the city immediately! Investigate along the Gong River to find out exactly how many cavalrymen are cutting down trees in the mountains on the other side, where their camp is located, and whether they show any signs of crossing the river! Report back at least twice a day, without fail!"

Hao Qu spoke very quickly, as if he were throwing out a hot potato, leaving no room for doubt.

Captain Wang's face fell upon hearing this. "Chief Qu, this... the brothers just finished their shift yesterday and are still exhausted. The cavalry outside the city are formidable; they specifically target those of us leaving the city... if we go out, I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?!" Hao Quchang interrupted him, his eyes wide. "The military situation is urgent, who cares about such things? If there are difficulties, find your own way to overcome them! We suffered losses before, so we need to be even more vigilant now! Are we going to cower in the city like blind men just because we're afraid of death, waiting for the Flying Cavalry to sneak up right under our noses?"

"This...method...to overcome? This...is a long story. The area outside the city is flat and the riverbank is wide open. The cavalry scouts are ruthless; it's really hard to hide...I mean, is it possible to..."

Captain Wang tried to ask for some practical support, even just a few more horses.

"Can't you what?" Hao Qu's voice rose, filled with impatience and reprimand. "Who's the scout here, you or me? Huh? Scouts are meant to live a life of danger, gathering intelligence! If everything were peaceful and uneventful, what would be the point of having scouts? Just to eat and do nothing?! There's always a solution to every problem, use your brains! Get out there and prepare; I want to see you out of the city in half an incense stick's time!"

Captain Wang's eyes were filled with helplessness and resentment.

There are always more solutions than problems.
Put lightly!

If you're so capable, come up with some solutions yourself! Don't just leave it to your lowly soldiers to figure things out!
Unfortunately, the upper management of Cao Cao's army felt that they could still put more pressure on them, push them a little harder, and fully squeeze out... cough cough, bring out the initiative of the lower-ranking Cao Cao soldiers...

The superior's orders were absolute, and Old Man Wang and his men had no choice but to accept the equipment.

The equipment they called "equipment" was just some ordinary bows and swords, and they only had two skinny horses...

Currently, Cao Cao's army is short of warhorses. These two horses are not for the few of them to ride together, but are only to be ridden back to report in case of emergency. Otherwise, it would be considered misuse of public horses, and if caught, they would be whipped.

As for Cao Jun's military academy level and above?

Of course, there are horses.

Nominally, it may belong to a certain unit for public use, but in reality, it is a horse for the personal use of military academy personnel, and others are not allowed to touch it.

Once Old Wang and the others went out, they lived in constant fear.

Old Wang dared not approach the area along the Gong River where the cavalry were frequently active. He only dared to hide among the abandoned villages and ruins five or six miles away from the city. When he saw smoke and dust in the mountains and forests on the opposite bank and heard faint sounds, he dared not move an inch.

As for the exact number of cavalry and the details of their camp, how could anyone possibly know that?

Occasionally, they would spot a small cavalry unit, and they would immediately lie low, barely daring to breathe. As dusk approached, the group, like frightened birds, hurriedly took a detour back into the city.

Hao Quzhang had been waiting impatiently, and upon seeing them return, he immediately pressed them for details.

Captain Wang had no choice but to bite the bullet and give a vague report, saying that he had seen smoke and dust on the opposite bank, heard the sound of logging, and had not seen any sign of the cavalry.

"That's all?!" Hao Quchang roared in fury. "Smoke and dust? The sound of logging? Do you need to tell me that? I could see that even with my toes standing on the city wall! I need specific details: how many people were there? How much timber were felled? Were they building rafts? Where is the crossing point? How are the defenses? What the hell have you found out? What kind of intelligence is this? It's utterly useless!"

Captain Wang lowered his head and explained, "Commander Qu, it's not that the brothers aren't trying, it's just that the cavalry scouts are too fierce, we can't get close..."

"Not being able to get close is an excuse? Useless!" Hao Quchang spat almost onto his face. "The Prime Minister... no, General Cao is waiting for accurate military intelligence to make a decision! And you come back with this shoddy nonsense? No way! Get out there immediately! Under the cover of night, sneak up and take a closer look! I need to know the gist of it before dawn!"

Are we going out again?

And it was at night?
Captain Wang's face turned pale.

This pitch-black wilderness is practically the domain of the cavalry, who would dare to roam out at night. Wouldn't going out be suicide?

"Captain Qu! The brothers have been running all day without food or water, and are utterly exhausted... Could we please allow them to rest for one night and continue our journey early tomorrow morning?" Captain Wang pleaded.

"Rest? You want to rest?!" Hao Qu slammed his fist on the table, pointing at their noses and yelling, "The military situation is critical! Is this the time to slack off? Huh? Do you live up to His Majesty's high expectations? Do you live up to the Prime Minister's trust? Do you live up to General Cao's heavy responsibility? We've raised soldiers for a thousand days to use them for one! Now that the city is in grave danger, it is your time to fight to the death! How dare you shirk your responsibilities because of mere fatigue? I think you are all cowards, utterly devoid of loyalty and righteousness!"

One after another, labels of "disloyalty and injustice" and "cowardice" were slapped on Captain Wang and his men, making it hard for them to breathe.

Looking at Hao Quchang's righteous and stern face, as if he were so concerned about the country and its people, the grievances and fears in their hearts were gradually replaced by a cold anger.

To serve one's life?

A heart of loyalty and righteousness?

The official hides in the city and, with just a few words, orders them to go and die in vain. Is this loyalty and righteousness?

"What are you all standing there for? Get out! If you don't bring back any useful information, you'll be court-martialed!" Hao Quchang shouted sternly at the end.

Captain Wang stopped talking, silently saluted, and led his team members away.

As they stepped out of the military headquarters, a cold wind blew, and despair filled their eyes...

(End of this chapter)