Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3909 Political, legal, and civil punishments are exempt from punishment, yet shameless.

Liu Ye's troop deployment order was perfectly justifiable from a military perspective. It was to concentrate superior forces to extinguish the immediate crisis and suppress the riot as quickly as possible to prevent the incident from escalating and affecting more areas.

Unfortunately, this is not just ordinary people making a fuss!

For a long time, the people of Xuxian, or rather Yingchuan, have been more tolerant, cooperative, and willing to abide by more rules compared to people in other areas.

This led to a fixed mindset among Liu Ye and the old Han Dynasty officials in Shandong and the Central Plains.

The people of Xuxian are very easy to 'manage'!
They don't seem like unruly people from remote, impoverished areas...

However, Liu Ye and many officials in Shandong and the Central Plains did not realize that the reason why the people in Xu County were easy to "manage" was because Xu County had been able to eat for a considerable period of time!
That's right. The demands of ordinary people have always been very low. As long as they can eat, they can endure and abide by the rules!

Now, the people of Xuxian County are starting to go hungry...

These days, there are no refrigerators to refrigerate greenhouse vegetables. Ordinary people's families don't have much food stored. Once they run out of food and fuel, these people will face the threat of death!

These old friends of Kong Rong who stirred up trouble in the city took advantage of this!
Liu Ye attempted to mobilize troops to suppress the riot, and this was precisely the opportunity they had been waiting for!

Just as the soldiers Liu Ye dispatched were entangled with the civilians, several other groups that had been lurking in the shadows launched attacks at several key locations in the city!
These people may not be very strong in direct combat, but their ability to sabotage from the shadows is definitely not bad.

The first to suffer was the imperial palace.

Since Emperor Liu Xie was not in Xuchang, the eunuchs and palace maids in the palace naturally had little "enthusiasm." In addition, it was winter, and most of the eunuchs and palace maids did not have a large fur coat like in TV shows and movies, so they were basically curled up to keep warm.

This gave these former associates of Confucius an opportunity to cause trouble. They threw torches into the palace walls, setting fire to the thatched huts and piles of firewood below, instantly creating billowing smoke that was quite frightening!

Although the piles of firewood around the palace walls might not reach the inner palace, it was, after all, the last vestige of dignity for the Han imperial family!

This immediately caused even more officials and soldiers to shout and yell, and the palace and its surroundings were thrown into chaos.

While a group of soldiers were drawn by the fire and rushed to the palace to try to put it out, another group launched a surprise attack on a government granary that was poorly defended due to the redeployment of troops...

The soldiers guarding the granary were ambushed and killed, and the heavy granary doors were cleaved open with axes by these men...

"Grain looting! The government granaries are open!"

"If we don't loot, they'll burn everything down!"

"Grab food to survive!"

The chaotic shouts rang out again.

The allure of "zero-dollar purchase" was like a devil's whisper, tempting the people of Xuxian County who had not participated in the riot.

The people who were disturbed by the riots at the city gates were already suffering from hunger and cold. In addition, the invincible man took the lead in moving, which mobilized even more people, who poured into the opened granaries like a flood breaking through a dam.

They looted grain, cloth, copper coins, and anything else they could use...

The free "zero-dollar purchase" unleashed even more animalistic instincts. Some local ruffians, having arrived a step too late and missed out on grabbing anything good, couldn't help but set their sights on the nearby shops and residences.

Order began to crumble.

This group of Kong Rong's old friends showed a more cunning side than simple thugs. They did not indulge in robbery and wealth. Instead, in the chaos, they distributed the stolen grain to other people in Xu County who came after hearing the news!
Those poor people, dressed in rags and with green eyes!

"Take the grain, hide it quickly, and go home!"

"Don't let those treacherous soldiers take it back!"

This move was ruthless to the extreme.

On the one hand, it broadened the scope and duration of the chaos, drawing more people, especially the poorest at the bottom, into it, making it extremely difficult to identify or investigate and hold those responsible accountable afterward.

On the other hand, these people cleverly disguised acts of inciting riots, robbery, and murder as acts of righteousness such as "robbing the rich to help the poor," which greatly reduced the participants' sense of moral guilt and even gave them a kind of distorted "legitimacy," making riotous behavior easier to imitate and spread.

It's like the heroes of Liangshan going to kill people...

Xu County, the capital of the Han Dynasty that Cao Cao had cultivated for many years and that Xun Yu had painstakingly maintained, seemed to have fallen into a terrifying chaos interwoven with riots, burning, looting, and killings...

This is the capital of the Han Dynasty!

Before the enemy troops even arrived, internal strife had already broken out.

The poisonous flames surging from within fiercely burned and devoured the body and soul of the city.

These saboteurs, who were old friends of Kong Rong, didn't care about the Han Dynasty, nor about Cao Cao, and they didn't even care how many people in Xuchang died or were injured in this chaos...

They only thought that if they couldn't get high-ranking positions and generous salaries from Cao Cao, they would sell out Cao Cao and maybe get a good future under Fei Qian, the General of the Cavalry!

Although the Xu County riot was quickly quelled, its impact went far beyond being just a simple disturbance!
When the news reached Xun Yu, the entire Yingchuan region underwent a transformation...

When a series of alarming military reports, such as "Fire breaks out in the palace, suspected arson," "Multiple government granaries attacked, rioters loot, and guards collapse," and "Riots break out in many parts of the city, with countless dead and wounded," were delivered to Xun Yu's desk, even this "talented advisor to a king," who had just experienced a battlefield defeat and was struggling to maintain the precarious situation, could no longer hold on...

Xun Yu felt a chilling cold rush from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. The ink characters in front of him appeared as double images, swaying and twisting, like termites gnawing at everything in front of him!
Xu County!

He desperately wanted to protect Xu County!

Great Han!

This is the dignity of the Han Dynasty that he strives to maintain!
The foundation and spiritual symbol behind all his plans and perseverance!

They actually dealt him a heavy blow in such a despicable, even humiliating way!
Even if the Yingyin defense line can be held at this moment, what is the point?
Moreover, if the rear base of Xu County falls into disarray, the source of food supplies may be cut off!

At that time, the morale of the troops will inevitably suffer a devastating blow, and no matter how well Yingyin does, it will be useless!
"Withdraw...the entire army will withdraw in stages, retreating back to Xuchang!"

Xun Yu practically gritted his teeth to utter the command through trembling teeth.

He must return immediately and, like putting out a fire, stabilize public sentiment and restore basic order as quickly as possible; otherwise, all his political ambitions will vanish into thin air!

Only with Xu County existing did Xun Yu's actions gain meaning...

As for Yingyin...

We just have to bear with it.

Moreover, from a certain perspective, these local militias who returned from their crushing defeat might not have much courage to face Guan Yu's army again. It would be better to vacate Yingyin, leaving an empty city to extend Guan Yu's supply lines...

Thus, Xun Yu led the local militia of Yingchuan, who had not yet recovered from their crushing defeat and had just heard of the unrest in Xu County, and hastily retreated from Yingyin City. They crossed the Ying River, burned the ferry crossing, and headed towards Xu County.

Like a pack of stray dogs.

An uncontrollable anxiety and fear began to grow in Wang Zuozhi's heart.

What if...

What should I do?
But what can we do?
……

……

Along the Lin'ying line, lies Guan Yu's main camp.

Xun Yu's actions in Yingyin were quickly detected by the scouts of the Flying Cavalry at the front lines and relayed back to Guan Yu.

Guan Yu was taken aback upon hearing the news, initially overjoyed, "Xun Yu, that brat! He's nothing special! His scheme failed last time, so he just retreated to avoid battle! Hahaha! Truly an incompetent fool!" But after mocking Xun Yu, Guan Yu also remembered something…

Previously, the captain of the Flying Cavalry had reminded Guan Yu of some things, but Guan Yu did not pay attention and was even somewhat disgusted.

Until the Han poisoning incident occurred...

If it weren't for the timely discovery by the cavalry officer, Xun Yu's plan might have succeeded.

After much deliberation, Guan Yu smiled, but he still specially summoned the cavalry captain who had previously advised him to be cautious.

That was just Guan Yu's personality.

He is arrogant and looks down on most people because he thinks most people are inferior to him.

But when Guan Yu discovered that some people truly possessed certain skills, he was willing to humbly ask them for guidance...

Whether Guan Yu listened or not is another matter entirely.

"Commander Zhao, in your opinion... how should we deal with this?" Guan Yu asked, stroking his beard, his phoenix eyes gleaming.

Commandant Zhao bowed respectfully, pondered for a moment, and then said, "General Guan, Xun Yu is the foremost strategist in Cao Cao's camp, deeply versed in tactics, and also known for his cunning and treachery. Xun Yu's hasty retreat—who knows if it's not another trap to lure the enemy? Perhaps he's deliberately feigning weakness to induce our army to underestimate us and rashly attack Xuchang. Xuchang is, after all, a heavily fortified city, built up by Cao Cao over many years, and difficult to conquer quickly. Our forces are few; if we remain stationed beneath this strong city and fail to achieve our goal, and if our rear is compromised, our army will be in grave danger."

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu immediately felt somewhat displeased.

He enjoys flattery.

Even though Guan Yu knew in his heart that those flattering words might not be true, he still liked to hear them.

As for Zhao Duwei's discouraging remarks...

However, Guan Yu restrained himself and did not immediately lose his temper. He believed that Commandant Zhao was quite capable, so Guan Yu pondered for a moment, "Then... what plan should we devise?"

After a moment's thought, Commandant Zhao suggested, "In my humble opinion, the best course of action now is to proceed cautiously and steadily, taking a cautious and methodical approach."

Commander Zhao first looked up at Guan Yu, and seeing that although Guan Yu's expression was not good, he did not fly into a rage or reprimand him, he continued, "We can send elite scouts forward to thoroughly investigate the strength and weakness of Yingyin City. If the Xun clan has indeed retreated entirely, leaving the city defenses undefended, we can check if there are any traps set within the city, then advance and occupy it to consolidate the battle line."

Guan Yu nodded slowly and stroked his long beard.

"At the same time, we must immediately begin to secure our army's rear and eliminate any potential threats! The Han family of Wuyang is fickle and treacherous," Commandant Zhao continued. "Since this villain dared to poison General Guan, he may have other schemes at play! We must urgently dispatch an army back to Wuyang to swiftly investigate and exterminate the entire Han family, eliminating this thorn in our side!"

"Furthermore, we should send more messengers to contact Jingzhou, detailing the current battle situation and requesting reinforcements and increased supplies. Only in this way can our army proceed with a steady advance and remain invincible."

Commandant Zhao's words were clear and well-thought-out, prioritizing prudence and stability in every aspect, which is indeed the prudent approach expected of an experienced military officer.

However, Guan Yu listened, his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and he had a different plan in mind.

While Zhao Duwei's words were indeed wise and insightful, Guan Yu was so proud and arrogant that he would never be willing to "act cautiously".
In particular, when Commandant Zhao mentioned the "Han family of Wuyang," it was as if he was saying that Guan Yu couldn't control his son and had caused such a mess, which naturally made Guan Yu very resentful.

More importantly, Guan Yu had written a pledge beforehand!

Requesting reinforcements now would be tantamount to surrendering to that Zhuge Liang fellow.

With Xun Yu's recent defeat, Cao Cao's army must be shocked and demoralized. This is the perfect opportunity to launch an attack!

If we proceed step by step, first securing our rear and waiting for Jingzhou to recover, perhaps Cao Cao's army will be able to catch its breath!

By the time everything is arranged properly on my side, Xun Yu may have already reorganized the defenses and even called in reinforcements. At that time, it will be much more difficult to make any progress.

Upon considering this, Guan Yu said proudly, "Commander Zhao's words are prudent and comprehensive, indeed a sound strategy. However, military strategy dictates that speed is of the essence in warfare, not protracted tactics. Now, the Xun clan has suffered a crushing defeat, their morale is low, and Cao Cao's army is far away, leaving their heartland vulnerable and their people filled with fear. This is the perfect opportunity to defeat them; how can we let it slip by? If we wait for them to regroup, it will be difficult for our army to launch another attack!"

However, Han's actions were tantamount to defecating on Guan Yu's head...

Guan Yu could not tolerate it either.

Therefore, Guan Yu made a compromise decision: "As for the Han family of Wuyang... I will entrust them entirely to Commandant Zhao! You may lead your own troops, and I will also provide you with two hundred elite soldiers. Return to Wuyang immediately! Execute the Han family, pacify the surrounding area, and ensure the supply lines are secure!"

Guan Yu paused, his gaze turning towards Xuchang. "As for Xuchang… I will personally lead eight hundred elite cavalry, departing immediately and heading straight for its walls! Even if we don't immediately launch an attack, we will still display our overwhelming force, showcasing our thunderous might, intimidating the enemy, and demoralizing their soldiers and civilians!"

Guan Yu, brimming with imposing force, declared, "If their city defenses show any weakness, and their soldiers and civilians lose their will to fight, we might find an opportune moment to deliver a swift and decisive blow! Even if there's no opening, my presence at the city gates will be enough to tie down Cao Cao's army, preventing them from fully consolidating their defenses. This will also intimidate the Central Plains, causing the rebels to lose their nerve and collapse without a fight!"

This is Guan Yu.

If others say a thousand soldiers can accomplish something, he insists on using eight hundred; if others say eight hundred, he'll only use five hundred soldiers...

Guan Yu was unwilling to let go of this great achievement before him, and he could not suppress the strong impulse deep in his heart to win the battle against the enemy.

He decided to use himself as the spearhead in a high-risk, high-reward tactical deterrence operation!
As for whether any derivative problems will arise during this process...

Guan Yu didn't care!
Or rather, Guan Lao Er felt that a real man couldn't say no!
……

……

Outside Sishui Pass, the cavalry camp stretched for more than ten miles, with banners like a forest and fortifications imposing.

During the day, smoke and dust lingered above the camp, accompanied by the sounds of horns and drums. At night, the camp was illuminated by a continuous stream of lights, resembling stars fallen from the sky to earth.

The Flying Cavalry displayed a powerful and imposing energy.

Inside Sishui Pass, however, there was only a growing sense of dread and oppression, almost suffocating.

However, what the emperor and his officials at Sishui Pass, and Cao Cao's army, did not know was that the massive camp below Sishui Pass, which displayed the form of the Flying Cavalry, was merely the tip of the iceberg...

The truly bustling place was the cavalry training ground just outside the house!
It's fair to say that if Cao Cao had truly been willing to leave the pass and meet with Fei Qian, he might have discovered that the Flying Cavalry, besides building a high platform for the meeting, was also constructing other things a short distance away...

A training ground simulating the Sishui Pass!
Cao Cao intended to use the delaying tactic of 'postponing the meeting' to gain a precious respite. It seemed that Fei Qian and the General of the Cavalry were being 'played' around, but in reality, Fei Qian, who was well-versed in modern project management, was taking advantage of the situation and turning the time delayed by the game into systematic training before the decisive battle!
The apparent "holding back" is actually a prelude to that final, decisive, thunderous strike!
To achieve a "thunderous strike" rather than a "second strike" or a "finishing blow," meticulous and comprehensive preparation is essential.

Using the original ditches and earthen plateaus, a "simulated city wall" built with earth, wood, fences, etc., and imitating the height and structure of Sishui Pass, is now witnessing a fierce "battle of attack and defense".

Although the constructed "simulated city wall" is not as sturdy and durable as the real brick and stone walls of Sishui Pass, it is extremely realistic in its form...

The contours of the walls, the protrusions spaced out at intervals, the crenellations on the walls, and even the barbican structure behind the city gates were all constructed.

A simulated moat was also dug at the base of the wall.

No water was poured in, but all the obstacles, such as wooden stakes, antlers, and chevaux-de-frise, were still there.

Of course, to avoid unnecessary casualties, these wooden stakes and antlers were not cut with sharp spikes or blades.

At key locations on the top of the wall, there were piles of "rolling logs and stones" disguised as bundles of straw and cloth bags, as well as various small flags representing the troop strength of the defending army.

During the day, the area is shrouded in smoke and dust, and filled with deafening roars. At night, it is brightly lit by torches and filled with shadowy figures, making it the busiest training ground for the Flying Cavalry Army.

In the previous Battle of Gongxian, the tactics of "artillery coordination, segmented assault, and multi-pronged attack" have been proven to be an extremely effective way to counter traditional strong city defense systems like Sishuiguan, which are characterized by high walls, deep moats, and tight defenses. Now that we are facing another formidable city, there is no reason not to use them.

The Chinese nation has always prioritized pragmatism, using whatever is convenient and useful.

Previously, when multiple military branches cooperated in Gongxian, some people were skeptical. However, after seeing it with their own eyes, almost everyone in the Flying Cavalry Army, from generals to soldiers, said that this method was good!
If it's good, then use it!
This kind of multi-soldier coordination and multi-stage connection tactic can only be executed by professional soldiers, or even professional soldiers with a certain level of cultural knowledge. Only they can break down the complex tactical whole into specific links, steps, and instructions, and then, through preliminary training, penetrate into the soldiers at the bottom level to execute the tactic, and finally integrate them into a smooth and thunderous offensive.

The original inhabitants of the Han Dynasty remained completely unaware of all this, still believing that the Flying Cavalry had been tricked...