Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3875 Taking an Unconventional Path
The gap between cognition and action often stems from conflicts of interest and dilemmas in collective action.

Will you learn from your mistakes?
And won't!
All we'll see is history repeating itself!

At most, it's just a different shell and a different name...

Even when the rulers of feudal dynasties, such as the one in the late period of the "Big-Eyed Cute Girl" era, knew that their system had problems and that increasing taxes would cause suffering to the people, they still chose to impose temporary taxes such as the Liaodong tax and the anti-suppression tax when the existing tax system of the court could no longer cope with sudden and long-term wars. They held onto the wishful thinking of solving the immediate crisis first and then appeasing the people, and repeatedly chose to make the common people suffer and endure.

Does Cao Hong not realize that the morale of his ordinary soldiers is low and they are overwhelmed?

I understand!
Most collectives in the world are makeshift operations.

For example, listed companies.

Then there was a bunch of lackeys who, in order to curry favor with the higher-ups, looked down on the lower-ups and declared that they could do it or not, and get out, just like Wang Sima, Li Xiaowei, Zhao Duwei, Hao Quzhang...

Most of the exploited old men, including Wang, silently endured it until...

"Boss, this...this is clearly sending us to our deaths!"

A young team member's voice was trembling with tears.

Why doesn't Hao the Skinflint go and investigate himself?

Another team member gritted his teeth.

Captain Wang gazed at the pitch-black city outside, then looked back at the brightly lit yet suffocating city inside, and a certain thought began to grow wildly in his mind.

He lowered his head again and silently led his team into the darkness.

After walking a short distance, the team members refused to go any further and urged Old Man Wang to come up with a solution.

Indeed, even at times like these, the herd mentality still exists.

Most of the members of this scout team already had their own ideas, but they still needed a leader…

Old Wang looked around, lowered his voice, and said to his men, "Brothers, this city... we can't hold it. General Cao is in dire straits, and that scoundrel Hao Bapi only wants to use our lives to gain credit. Going any further... we'll surely die. Even if we manage to get back... tomorrow, the day after, we'll be forced to go and die again..."

Old Wang paused, his voice even softer, "Either I die or not, I might as well... take a gamble. The other side is the Flying Cavalry; I've heard they... don't indiscriminately kill prisoners, and even..."

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone understood.

Rather than being driven to death by your own people, it's better to defect to the other side; perhaps there's still a way out.

The group exchanged glances and nodded silently.

Having made up their minds, the group continued on their way.

This time, they left with exceptional determination and without hesitation.

They headed straight towards the Gongshui River and found a section of the river with a relatively gentle current.

The river water was icy cold in early winter, but a fire burned in their hearts.

They discarded the uniforms and flags that represented Cao Cao's army, tied their swords and bows to their heads with belts, and, supporting each other around their thin warhorses, gritted their teeth and waded into the dark river, struggling to swim to the other side.

In the distance on the opposite bank, the campfires of the cavalry could be faintly seen flickering.

Just like their unknown fate...

But in any case, it's better than going back to that city filled with oppression and despair.

……

……

The next morning, Hao Quzhang waited and waited, but Wang's team did not report back. Feeling uneasy, he sent people to search their possible hideouts, but they were nowhere to be found.

By noon, there was still no news. Hao Quchang finally became anxious and sent more men out of the city to search along the route indicated yesterday. In the end, they only found Cao Jun's squad flag and a few tattered uniforms, water bags, and other discarded items in a patch of grass not far from Gongshui.

"Report—Commander Qu! Captain Wang's squad... has vanished without a trace, only these abandoned items were found! It seems... it seems they were ambushed by the cavalry last night and were completely wiped out... or..."

The soldiers who had been searching returned and reported back with trepidation.

"What?!" Hao Quzhang jumped to his feet, his face instantly filled with shock and utter indignation. "Such a thing?! That old codger Wang, who always seemed so honest, actually dared... dared to betray us and defect to the enemy?! He's utterly disgraced by the nation, worse than a pig or a dog! Quick, come with me to report to General Cao! This must not be allowed to continue!"

Ok?
Why did none of the soldiers searching say "defected to the enemy," but Hao Quchang insisted on it?
Hao Quzhang obviously wouldn't explain anything to the bewildered soldier. Instead, with a 'sorrowful' expression and the 'seized' evidence, he hurriedly went to report to his superiors, characterizing Captain Wang's squad as 'cowardly defecting to the enemy.' He was implying that any troops leaving the city were beyond control, and whether they defected or not was beyond the control of Hao Quzhang, Commandant Zhao, or any other higher-ups...

If the squad leaves, they will naturally be punished.

But when Hao Quzhang returned, limping, and dismissed everyone else, leaving only his two trusted confidants, the grief and pain on his face immediately vanished. Instead, he revealed a relieved, even somewhat triumphant, smile.

One of his trusted men whispered, "Chief Qu, Old Wang and his men... really surrendered?"

Hao Qu chuckled, groaning as he fetched a cushion to place under his bottom. He then took a sip of water brought by his trusted aide and drank slowly. "Nine times out of ten... going out is suicide. They're not stupid..."

He put down his cup, a sly glint in his eyes. "It's better if they surrendered."

"Huh?" the confidant asked, puzzled.

"Think about it," Hao Quchang said in a low voice, with a hint of calculation, "Wang Laokou's defection has blown things up. What's General Cao most afraid of right now? He's most afraid of morale collapsing and soldiers deserting! Now that even the entire scout squad has defected, do you think he'd dare to pressure us into sending people out of the city to their deaths so easily? If we send more, who will we send? Who would dare to go? They might just head straight for the other side!"

Hao Qu smirked smugly. "That's good. We don't have to confront the higher-ups anymore. Once they get this news, they'll have to think twice. If they push too hard, will everyone run away? This reconnaissance mission… Hmph, I think we should just go through the motions from now on. General Cao himself will have to turn a blind eye. We've escaped a disaster for now."

The two trusted confidants suddenly realized their mistake and quickly flattered him, "Master Qu's strategy is brilliant! Truly... there's always a way to overcome difficulties!"

Hao Qu waved his hand with a long laugh, but there was little smile in his eyes.

Only the selfishness and indifference of low-ranking officers seeking survival in chaotic times.

Damn it, he wanted to vote too...

The only question is what kind of incentive the Flying Cavalry will offer.
If his salary isn't as high as Cao Cao's, what's the point of joining him? It's said that the General of the Cavalry is not allowed to bully ordinary soldiers without cause? So all his hard work to become a squad leader was for nothing?
Who cares? I'll just take it one day at a time!

The defection of Captain Wang's squad became Hao Quchang's shield against pressure from higher-ups, and also a cold testament to the complete disintegration of morale in the crumbling Gongxian town.

……

……

At the beginning of midnight, at the east gate of Gong County.

The night was as dark as ink, and the starlight was dim.

The Cao army soldiers guarding the east gate tower hunched their shoulders in the cold wind, barely managing to maintain their vigilance.

When news of Captain Wang's scout squad defecting to the enemy spread, Cao Hong was furious, but he also knew that the morale of the army was no longer reliable. He dared not send any more squads out of the city, and could only strictly order all gates to strengthen their defenses, especially the east gate, which Captain Wang and his men were familiar with and might be used by the Flying Cavalry.

The night wind howled.

Suddenly, a very faint sound came from the darkness outside the city, followed by a more intense rustling sound, as if many raccoons were rapidly approaching!
There's movement!

A sharp-eared soldier from Cao's army whispered.

Almost at the same time that Cao's soldiers whispered a warning, two or three cold stars whistled through the darkness!

With muffled thuds, two Cao army sentries peeking out from behind the battlements were struck in the throat by arrows and fell to the ground without uttering a sound.

"Enemy attack!!"

The Cao army commander on the city wall was so frightened that he quickly hid his head behind the battlements and shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Clang clang clang!"

The urgent alarm gong instantly shattered the tranquility of the night.

A commotion broke out on the city wall of Gongxian, torches were lit one after another, and figures moved about.

Under the officers' orders, Cao's soldiers hurriedly took their positions, nocked their bows and crossbows, and pushed the logs and stones to the edge of the battlements.

Illuminated by the firelight atop the city walls, one could see about a hundred cavalrymen in black armor, who, like ghosts, had crept to the moat and were attempting to climb the walls using grappling hooks and ropes. Meanwhile, dozens of archers were firing arrows from the shadows in the distance, suppressing the defenders on the city walls.

"Shoot arrows! Throw stones! Don't let them get up there!"

Cao Jun's commander gave a stern command.

Arrows and stones rained down on the city walls, and several cavalrymen who were climbing the walls fell with screams.

However, the cavalry's crossbow counterattacks were also exceptionally accurate and sharp, with Cao's soldiers constantly falling to the ground from being hit by arrows.

The battle suddenly broke out at the East Gate.

The news quickly reached Cao Hong.

"East Gate? How many people have arrived?" Cao Hong asked urgently.

"The night was dark, but judging from the movements, there seemed to be several hundred people, and their attack was quite rapid!"

The messenger was panting heavily.

Hundreds...

Cao Hong's eyes flickered.

East Gate...

It was indeed those traitors who led the way!

They were familiar with the terrain and paths outside the East Gate.

Cao Hong felt both anger at being betrayed and a sense of smug satisfaction that it had all come true.

He strengthened the defenses at the East Gate in advance, and it seems he made the right bet.

"Order the garrison at the east gate to hold it at all costs! Send a reserve detachment to reinforce them! Tell Lieutenant Li to proceed according to plan, hold the position, and there's no need to pursue them outside the city!"

Cao Hong confidently gave the order.

He deduced that the cavalry's night attack on the east gate was either a genuine attempt to probe for a breakthrough from there, or simply a feint to draw his attention.

Regardless of the situation, he needs to stabilize the situation first...

Hold on!

The battle at the East Gate did not last long.

The cavalry's offensive appeared fierce, but they did not commit more troops. After discovering that Cao Cao's army was prepared and had reinforcements, and that the climbing assault was ineffective and the arrow exchange did not yield much advantage, these attacking cavalrymen retreated swiftly like a tide amidst a sharp copper whistle. They did not linger in battle and quickly disappeared into the darkness, leaving only a few corpses and swaying grappling hooks below the city.

"Refunded? Just like that?"

Commander Li, guarding the east gate, was somewhat taken aback, but then thought it made sense. "The night raid failed, and seeing I was prepared, they naturally retreated. It seems it really was a probe or a feint. Ah, hahaha, hahahaha! I held the line! Hahahahaha!"

Lieutenant Li immediately put his hands on his hips and burst into laughter.

While ordering the wounded to be treated and security to be strengthened, he also sent someone to inform Cao Hong...

Of course, the main purpose was to report one's achievements.

This shows that in the critical moment when the lives of Cao Cao's army and ordinary soldiers were threatened, he stood up bravely and fearlessly, demonstrating with his resolute actions what it truly means to be a person of great integrity and responsibility in the Han Dynasty...

……

……

At the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), a breach appeared in the west city wall of Gong County.

The commotion at the East Gate had barely subsided when suddenly, thunderous war drums and battle cries erupted again at the dilapidated breach west of Gong County, which had been fiercely attacked by the Flying Cavalry!
This time, the fire was bright, and the scale of the attack far surpassed the previous night raid on the East Gate!

Huang Cheng personally supervised the battle, and a large number of cavalry soldiers, carrying torches, ladders, and hastily made ramming siege engines, surged toward the breach like a raging tide!
The crossbows fired in unison, arrows raining down like locusts, suppressing the Cao army soldiers behind the breach and on both sides of the city wall, preventing them from raising their heads!
The alarm sounded once again throughout Gongxian County!
"Report—General! West City! A breach in West City! The main force of the Flying Cavalry is launching a fierce attack! The banners of the Huang clan generals have appeared!"

The messenger rushed over, stumbling and crawling, and hurriedly reported the news.

Cao Hong was still pondering the true intentions behind the night raid on the East Gate when he heard the report. He was initially startled, but then a smug look of "I knew it" appeared on his face, even with a hint of mocking joy!
"Hahaha!" Cao Hong laughed loudly. "A feint attack?! Do they think I'm a fool? A feigned attack on the east gate to draw my attention and divert my forces; their real killing move is this breach in the west gate! Too bad, too bad, they've run into me!"

Cao Hong abruptly stood up, his armor plates clattering loudly. A fierce glint, mixed with anticipation, flashed in his eyes. "Send the order! The garrison of the western city, according to the pre-arranged plan, will use the remaining walls and ramparts to resist step by step, making sure to lure the Flying Cavalry into the pre-planned streets and alleys behind the breach! Tell Wang Sima to prepare the oil and fire arrows! Once their main force surges in and is trapped in the streets and alleys, I'll burn them mercilessly! I, Cao Zilian, am not so easily outmaneuvered!"

Cao's army had long prepared a trap behind the breach in the western city.

Now that Cao Hong's order has been delivered, the Cao army guarding Xicheng is proceeding according to the original plan.

Cao's soldiers resisted the fierce attack of the Flying Cavalry, fighting and retreating, deliberately leaving several narrow streets leading into the city open.

The vanguard of the Flying Cavalry was about to surge in along these passages, stepping into the trap set by Cao Cao's army...

Chaotic roars, shouts of killing, and screams echoed through the streets and alleys of Gongxian County, drawing everyone's attention and masking some commotion from other directions...

Under the protection of his personal guards, Cao Hong climbed a tall building near the western city to observe the battle situation.

The flickering firelight suggested that the cavalry was heading deeper into the pre-set "trap" area.

Cao Hong estimated the time in his mind, waiting for the moment the fire would start, imagining the tragic scene of the Flying Cavalry being engulfed by flames in the narrow streets, and a cruel smile couldn't help but curl up at the corner of his mouth.

However, before Cao Hong could even manage a slight smile, just when he thought victory was assured, the cavalry outside the western city launched an attack...

But it inexplicably weakened?
The raging, noisy waves suddenly quieted down, just as the surging waves turned into a misty drizzle in the blink of an eye.

"What's going on?" Cao Hong frowned. "This is..."

An extremely ominous thought suddenly flashed through his mind!

Cao Hong suddenly turned his head and looked towards the East Gate, which had just calmed down!

Almost at the same moment he turned his head—

"Report—!!!"

A Cao army soldier, his helmet askew and his face filled with terror, rushed in, shouting, "General! The East Gate! The fighting has broken out again at the East Gate!"

"What is Lieutenant Li doing?!" Cao Hong roared. "What is he doing?!"

"Li...Lieutenant Li was..." A Cao soldier swallowed hard. "Lieutenant Li was ambushed and shot by the Flying Cavalry, and died on the spot...This time...this time it's a real attack! The enemy is countless, with siege ladders like a forest and arrows like rain! We can't hold on much longer! We request reinforcements! Please, General, send reinforcements immediately!"

"What? ! 』

Cao Hong felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head!
Was Lieutenant Li shot?
He died on the spot?
Who shot it?
How can it be?

East Gate? East Gate again?!

The Flying Cavalry actually launched a counterattack?!

No! wrong!

Cao Hong understood instantly!
The "fierce attack" in the west city just now was actually a feint!
It's bait to attract his attention and mobilize the reserve forces!

As for the East Gate, the first night raid was a probe and a way to lull them into a false sense of security, but this second...

That was the real fatal blow to the Flying Cavalry!
He fell into a trap!

Make a sound in the east and attack in the west!

No, it's a feint to the west while attacking the east!
The Flying Cavalry had calculated that Cao Hong would consider the West City the main target, thus concentrating his forces and attention there, and possibly even diverting other garrison troops to the West City to "encircle and annihilate" the Flying Cavalry entering the city...

After a failed night raid on the East Gate, Cao Cao's garrison would inevitably become complacent and their strength might be weakened. At this point, a swift and decisive attack with the main force would be the perfect opportunity...

"What a brilliant feint attack!"

Cao Hong was instantly drenched in cold sweat, his inner shirt soaked through.

If the East Gate is lost, not only will the city be in danger of being defended, but his escape route to Sishui Pass will also be cut off!

At that time, he and all of Cao Cao's troops will be trapped like turtles in a jar!

What a vicious plan!

What a huge appetite!
"Quickly! All troops in the west city, except those required for defense, shall follow me to the east gate! Quickly!"

Cao Hong, no longer caring about the "trap" in Xicheng or the potential gains, roared, "Tell Commander Wang that Xicheng's strategy is primarily defensive, focused on delaying the enemy. Avoid reckless fighting! Everyone who can move, get to the East Gate! Drive down the Flying Cavalry! If the East Gate falls, we will all die a horrible death!"

Cao Hong personally led the newly assembled reserve force, originally intended for the encirclement and annihilation of the enemy entering the western city, as well as troops hastily drawn from other areas, and rushed frantically towards the eastern gate as if their backsides were on fire.

The battle at the East Gate was indeed extremely fierce.

Sima Yi personally oversaw the battle, deploying his true elite forces.

Braving a hail of arrows and rolling stones, the fierce cavalrymen bravely climbed the steep slope.

Cao Cao's troops on the city walls were insufficient in number, and many parts of the defense line were under attack.

Just when things were at a critical moment, Cao Hong arrived with his troops. He personally rushed to the front line, brandishing his sword to suppress the attack of the Flying Cavalry, and roaring to drive Cao's soldiers to launch a counterattack.

The two sides engaged in a fierce and protracted battle on the east gate of the city wall, with corpses constantly falling from the wall and blood staining the bricks.

Perhaps Cao Hong knew this was a matter of life and death, or perhaps the Cao army knew this was their only escape route. After Cao Hong arrived, they managed to temporarily suppress the attack of the Flying Cavalry and barely stabilize their position...

(End of this chapter)