Shuhan

Shouchun City looks particularly peaceful under the warm autumn sun.

The General's Mansion in the city is even more magnificent, with high walls and strict guards, fully demonstrating the majesty of the important city of Wei State.

At this time, a sumptuous lunch was taking place in the main hall of the General's Mansion.

On the desk, there are various exquisite dishes, which are colorful, fragrant and delicious, making people salivate.

The dishes of carefully cooked fish, fresh vegetables and pastries were arranged in an orderly manner. The steamed sea bass was especially delicious, with tender fish meat and fragrant aroma.

To match it, there are pots of fine wine. The wine is clear and transparent, exuding an attractive aroma. A sip of it is sweet with a hint of spiciness, which instantly makes people feel relaxed and happy.

General Sima Yi sat in the main seat, wearing a luxurious brocade robe, with a smile on his face, looking particularly relaxed.

He held the jade cup in his hand, gently shaking the wine inside, his eyes occasionally sweeping over the delicacies on the table, his heart filled with joy.

During this period, he was very pleased with the stability of Shouchun's defense line, which proved that his decision to spend huge amounts of manpower and material resources to build the defense line was correct.

Even though the Han army had previously used a trick to cause heavy losses to the Wei army, as long as they held on to the forts and cities, the Han army would be helpless.

This sense of accomplishment made Sima Yi feel particularly happy.

Also present were several important officials such as Sima Shi and Cui Lin. They were all immersed in the enjoyment of delicious food and wine, with satisfied smiles on their faces.

Such moments are rare for those of them who are usually busy with government and military affairs.

The fact that they can enjoy such delicious food proves that they are still able to handle this war with ease.

Right now.

A steward hurried into the hall, holding a secret report in his hand and looking nervous.

He walked quickly to Sima Yi's side and whispered, "This is a secret report from the School Affairs Office. Please take a look, General."

Sima Yi frowned slightly when he heard this, then he took the secret report, opened it, and his expression gradually became solemn.

Seeing this, Sima Shi, Cui Lin and others present also cast inquiring glances.

"The Han army requisitioned the navy five days ago, and they are nowhere to be found." Sima Yi slowly read out the contents of the secret report, with a hint of uneasiness in his tone: "According to the analysis of the School Affairs Office, it is possible that they went out to sea."

"Going out to sea?" Sima Shi was stunned for a moment, then he reacted: "Could it be that the Han Kingdom wants to land behind Shouchun to bypass the Shouchun defense line?"

Sima Yi nodded, his expression grim: "It is possible. We must immediately report this secret to Luoyang."

Having said that, Sima Yi quickly stood up and ordered the steward to immediately arrange a messenger to deliver the secret report to Luoyang.

At the same time, he began to think about how to deal with this sudden threat.

Although he was not very familiar with the strength of the Han army's navy, he understood that once the Han army successfully bypassed the Shouchun defense line and landed in the heart of Wei, the consequences would be disastrous.

Sima Yi asked Tian Yu in front of him, "How far can our Wei Donglai navy go without supplies?"

Tian Yu knew the situation of the Donglai navy and said immediately: "Without supplies, they can travel 300 miles, at most 600 miles."

Three hundred miles, six hundred miles?
Sima Yi nodded and said, "Then the Han army is about to land in Xuzhou. Immediately let the governor of Xuzhou take strict precautions against the Han navy landing in Xuzhou."

At this moment, Sima Yi's heart was filled with anxiety and uneasiness.

However, just when Sima Yi was extremely anxious, he overlooked an important fact: the Han army's large ships were much more advanced than those of the Wei State, and there was sufficient food, grass and water on the ships to support them sailing thousands of miles.

This was something Sima Yi had not anticipated.

He thought that the Han army's navy could only sail a few hundred miles at most, but he didn't expect that they already had the ability to sail long distances.

This oversight may become a major variable in future wars.

But at this moment, Sima Yi was still immersed in thinking about how to deal with the current crisis and had no time to take care of these things.

As the messenger hurriedly left, the atmosphere in the general's mansion became tense.

Sima Shi, Cui Lin and others gathered around Sima Yi to discuss response strategies.

This war has just begun, and the real test is yet to come.

And the Han navy outside Shouchun City, just as Sima Yi had guessed, was quietly moving towards the heartland of Wei.

Their goal was to bypass the Shouchun defense line, land in Donglai, Qingzhou, and deal a fatal blow to the Wei State.

Outside Bagua Mountain, the Han army’s camps were endless, with flags fluttering and morale high.

In a tent deep in the camp, Liu Chan sat at a desk with a solemn and focused expression.

Huo Yi stood aside, reporting the latest news from the military department in a steady and powerful voice.

After listening to Huo Yi's report, Liu Chan nodded slightly, frowning slightly, his eyes revealing deep thought. He slowly asked: "Has the Wei State School Affairs Office learned about the Han navy's voyage?"

There was a hint of barely perceptible worry in Liu Chan's tone.

Huo Yi nodded, his expression stern: "Yes, Your Majesty. The defense along the coast of Xuzhou has been strengthened. A Wei army of 10,000 people is heading to Xuzhou to reinforce it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.

He said in a deep voice: "Let Nanyang, Hongnong, Hedong, and Runan make some moves to attract the defense of the Wei army. Of course, if there is an opportunity, we can also attack Wei and do it at our convenience."

His voice was not loud, but it revealed an unquestionable majesty.

Huo Yi nodded immediately, his expression firm: "I will send a messenger to inform them."

After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave, his movements quick and efficient.

Liu Chan watched Huo Yi leave, a complicated look flashing in his eyes.

Since he was stationed in Shouchun, the Wei State would definitely think that Shouchun was the main attack direction of the Han army.

However, in reality, the Han Dynasty's main offensive and defensive line was not in the south.

This is a strategy, a tactic, and a way to mislead the enemy.

However, the Northern Expedition was not as simple as imagined.

He sighed softly, then stood up, walked to the entrance of the tent and stared at the distant horizon.

The clouds there rolled, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.

Combining the regular and the uncanny, the strategic deployment of the Han State was like a clever move on the chessboard. The regular strategy firmly established itself in Shouchun, waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out, while the uncanny strategy was like a hidden dragon emerging from the sea, attacking Shandong directly!

Although Wei strengthened the defense of Xuzhou, it was like a blind man touching an elephant and had no idea of ​​Han's true intentions.

Their eyes were fixed on Xuzhou, but they never expected that the Han State's target had never been Xuzhou, but the two counties of Beihai and Donglai in the distant Qingzhou. These two places were like two key chess pieces on the Han State's chessboard. Once the pieces were placed, the situation would change drastically.

Above the sea, the water is endless and sparkling, as if it is connected to the horizon.

However, beneath this seemingly calm sea surface, there are endless storms.

The huge waves several meters high surged like ferocious beasts, hitting the ships again and again with roaring sounds.

The ship swayed in the wind and waves, like a lonely leaf struggling in a storm.

Although the sailors on the ship were not seasick, it was extremely difficult for them to have a good rest in such a harsh environment.

They clung to the side of the boat, their faces pale, their eyes revealing fatigue and tenacity.

The huge sea ships look particularly spectacular in the wind and waves. One ship can accommodate five thousand people.

This is a huge ship that was built with great national strength. It has a solid hull and thick canvas, and is fearless even when facing the wind and waves of the sea.

In comparison, those converted river vessels pale in comparison.

They were swaying in the wind and waves of the sea. One of them was unfortunately swallowed by the huge waves and sank into the boundless sea. The soldiers on the ship also died and became sacrifices to the sea. Zhao Yun also looked a little tired at this time. He was pale and frowned. He felt exhausted physically and mentally after sitting on the boat for several days.

He suppressed his discomfort and asked Wen Pin beside him, "How long will it take to reach Donglai Bay?"

Wen Pin was in much better condition than Zhao Yun. He had a smile on his face and his eyes revealed determination and confidence.

He patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder and said with a smile: "It will take another ten days. But don't worry, General, we will arrive safely."

Zhao Yun nodded. Ten days was not a short time for him, but when he thought about being able to make great achievements and expand the territory for the Han Kingdom, what did this little bit of hard work matter?
He took a deep breath and tried to adjust his mentality.

The ten days passed in a flash, like a white horse passing by, making it almost impossible to feel the passage of time.

However, to the soldiers on the ship, these ten days seemed as long as ten years.

They battle the raging waves and unpredictable weather every day, and are exhausted both physically and mentally.

But at this moment, when they saw the outline of the coast in the distance, all their fatigue seemed to be swept away.

In the morning light, the coast looks hazy and mysterious, like an ink painting slowly unfolding.

The soldiers couldn't help cheering when they saw the long-lost land. Their faces were filled with joy and excitement, as if they saw the hope of returning home.

After floating on the boundless ocean for so many days, they couldn't help feeling a little fear and uneasiness in their hearts, but now that they saw the coast, they finally felt relieved.

However, the joyous atmosphere did not last long.

Soon, the military order prohibiting noise spread throughout the ship.

This time they were launching a surprise attack on Donglai. If their whereabouts were discovered by the Wei army on the other side of the river, all their efforts would be in vain.

Wen Pin immediately ordered: "Rest on the deserted island for a day, and launch a surprise attack on Donglai Bay at night to completely annihilate Wei's Donglai navy, and take over the two counties of Donglai and Beihai as quickly as possible!"

His voice was firm and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers stopped smiling and their expressions became serious and focused.

The next battle will be decisive and there is no room for carelessness.

During the day of rest on the deserted island, the soldiers took the time to rest and prepare.

They checked their weapons, sharpened their blades, and repaired their armor to ensure that they could exert their maximum combat effectiveness in battle.

At the same time, they remained vigilant at all times, fearing that their whereabouts would be discovered by the Wei army.

Soon, the sun set.

As night falls, the sea breeze howls, bringing a biting chill.

The ships sailed quietly towards Donglai Bay in the night, like giant beasts lurking in the darkness, waiting for the best time to attack.

After docking, the Han soldiers immediately jumped off the boat, their movements were swift and powerful.

After reorganizing on the beach, they quickly formed into a formation and marched towards the Wei State's Donglai Navy base like a black iron stream.

In the darkness of night, the Donglai Navy’s base seemed unusually quiet, with not even a trace of light.

The Han army crept into the camp quietly. Their steps were light and steady, as if every step was calculated to perfection.

The Donglai navy soldiers who were sleeping were unaware of it. They were immersed in sweet dreams, unaware that death had quietly arrived.

The soldiers of the Han army shuttled through the camp like ghosts. Their eyes were sharp and cold, as if they could see through all the darkness.

They approached every sleeping Wei soldier quietly, and then suddenly attacked and killed them one by one.

The blade flashed cold rays in the air, like the scythe of the god of death, reaping innocent lives.

However, when the Han army began to make noise, the entire camp seemed to be awakened instantly.

The soldiers of the Wei army woke up from their sleep in panic. They stared with wide eyes and fear at the Han soldiers who were like tigers descending from the mountains.

No one could stop the blade. The Han soldiers seemed to have turned into killing machines, their eyes filled with fanaticism and bloodthirstiness.

"Kill!"

With deafening shouts of killing, the Han army's soldiers rushed towards the Wei army like a tide.

Their movements were swift and brutal, and every swing of their swords seemed to chop the enemy into pulp.

The Wei army was caught off guard and they tried to resist in panic, but under the fierce attack of the Han State, they were defeated and surrendered one after another.

Wei's Donglai navy was almost wiped out.

After taking over the Donglai Navy Base, Zhao Yun and Wen Pin did not relax at all.

Although their faces were filled with the joy of victory, there was a hint of solemnity in their eyes.

Going deep behind enemy lines is a clever tactic, but if you're not careful, your entire army may be wiped out.

Now time is life.

The Wei army had not yet reacted at this time, and it was the best time for them to expand their victory.

Zhao Yun said to Wen Pin in a deep voice: "Now, while the Wei army has not yet responded, we must capture as many cities as possible, recruit strong men, and train soldiers. I will manage Beihai County, and Donglai County will be handed over to the general."

Upon hearing this, Wen Pin nodded and said, "Speed ​​is of the essence in war, this is the only way we can do now."

There was a gleam of confidence in Wen Pin's eyes, and he obviously agreed with Zhao Yun's decision.

The division of forces at this time will be a great test for both of them.

Whether or not we can take root in Qingzhou depends on this battle.

The two men quickly split up and went to attack their respective cities.

The war went much more smoothly than either of them had imagined.

In the cities of Beihai County, there were no soldiers from the prefecture or city, only the warriors of Zeicao were guarding the city.

How could these people dare to resist the Han army, which was as fierce as wolves and tigers? Almost wherever the Han army went, the city was destroyed.

Zhao Yun led his troops like an unstoppable torrent, sweeping across a large area of ​​Beihai County.

Wherever the Han army went, the cities were captured one after another. Under the fierce attack of the Han army, the soldiers and civilians in those sturdy cities were defeated and surrendered one after another.

Wen Pin's progress in Donglai County was also extremely rapid.

He led his troops, like a sharp blade, cutting off the land of Donglai County inch by inch.

How to seize the opportunity and how to mobilize the enthusiasm and combat effectiveness of the soldiers.

Both Wen Pin and Zhao Yun were already good fighters in the army, and the soldiers they brought were also elite.

When the soldiers in Qingzhou were almost all drawn away by the Wei State.

In just ten days, most of the cities in Beihai County were captured by Zhao Yun.

At the same time, Wen Pin's progress in Donglai County was also extremely rapid.

He led his troops to capture cities and strongholds with great momentum.

Those Wei army soldiers who had once been brave and good at fighting were defeated and surrendered under the fierce attack of the Han army.

Beihai and Donglai have been taken, and almost half of Qingzhou has been taken. Next, we will digest these two counties and enter the next stage of this surprise attack. (End of this chapter)