Shuhan

Sima Yi stood on the high ground in northern Ji, gazing deeply at the smoke rising in the distance, his heart filled with uneasiness.

He originally thought that the solidity of the aristocratic family fort would be enough to resist the Han army for several days, or even longer.

These forts, with high walls and large courtyards, were well-equipped to defend the city, and the guards were ready for battle. They must have been a huge obstacle in the Han army's advance.

However, reality slapped him hard in the face - in just one day, three aristocratic family fortresses were breached by the Han army, a speed far beyond his expectations.

Sima Yi was shocked by the strength of the Han army's equipment.

The gunpowder was so powerful that even an iron door could collapse with a loud bang.

He looked at the ruins in the distance and felt a chill in his heart.

These aristocratic fortresses were once the pride of the Jibei families, but now they have become ruins under the iron hoofs of the Han army.

There was a tense and depressing atmosphere in the air of northern Hebei, and the noble families who built the fortresses were all in danger.

They originally came for the land and population of northern Ji and to expand their family's influence, but now, the strength of the Han army made them feel unprecedented fear.

They began to doubt whether they could really withstand the attack of the Han army and whether they could really gain a foothold in this land.

Sima Yi knew very well that if the momentum of the Han army could not be stopped as soon as possible, these aristocratic families would most likely become fence-sitters and turn to the Han Kingdom.

By then, the situation in northern Hebei will become even more critical, and his plan will be completely ruined.

He must think of a way and must find a way out of the predicament as soon as possible.

Just then, the sound of hurried horse hooves interrupted his thoughts.

A scout came running over, knelt before him with sweat on his forehead, and reported breathlessly: "General, the Han army... the Han army has breached two more forts!"

When Sima Yi heard this, his face turned pale instantly.

He swung his sleeves and shouted angrily, "Waste! All waste! How come these forts are so vulnerable?"

The scout was so frightened that he lowered his head and dared not speak. Sima Yi took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He knew that now was not the time to get angry, he had to calm down and think of a solution.

He turned to look at the counselors behind him and asked in a deep voice: "Everyone, do you have any good ideas?"

The counselors looked at each other and no one answered for a moment.

Sima Yi became even more anxious. He understood that the longer the time dragged on, the more unfavorable the situation would be for him.

At this time, an elderly counselor stepped forward and said, "General, in my opinion, it would be better to leave a small number of people to guard the fort and concentrate our forces to fight the Han army."

Sima Yi frowned slightly when he heard this.

He pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Decisive battle? Our current military strength is not superior. If we fight a decisive battle, the outcome is unpredictable."

The counselor smiled and said, "General, although we don't have the advantage in terms of military strength, we have the advantage of terrain and people. With the fort in northern Ji, the terrain is complex and we can use it to delay the Han army. Moreover, although these noble families fight on their own, if they can unite, their strength should not be underestimated."

When Sima Yi heard this, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

He thought about it carefully and felt that what the strategist said made sense.

Concentrating our forces for a decisive battle might really be able to turn the situation around.

of course
He now has no choice.

If the troops in the aristocratic forts are not concentrated, these forts will not be able to stop the Han army's offensive.

The key is
Faced with desperation, these families are likely to surrender.

If we concentrate our forces, there will be no such problems.

So he decisively ordered: "Pass the order down, all the sons of the noble families will assemble immediately and prepare for a decisive battle with the Han army!"

The order quickly spread throughout northern Hebei, and the children of noble families responded one after another. In less than ten days, they quickly gathered in Beixin City.

Although they were nervous, they also knew that this was a matter of life and death and they could not afford to retreat.

Sima Yi stood in front of the army, looking at these young men from noble families who were ready to go. He felt mixed emotions, but he still forced himself to cheer up.

He said loudly: "Everyone, although the Han army is powerful, we are not soft persimmons! Now, let them see how powerful the Wei is!"

Upon hearing this, the young men from the noble families raised their arms and shouted, their morale greatly boosted.

Outside Beixin City, the autumn wind was bleak and the fallen leaves were flying, adding a bit of desolation and solemnity to the battlefield.

Zhao Yun, wearing silver armor and holding a spear, stood on a high ground outside the city, gazing into the distance with his eyes as sharp as torches.

A faint smile appeared on his face, as if everything was under control.

"It is just as Your Majesty expected. By concentrating our forces to break through several aristocratic family strongholds, we will be able to force Sima Yi to concentrate his forces for a decisive battle." Zhao Yun stroked his long beard, his tone full of confidence and composure.

Tuoba Liwei, who was standing beside him, was dressed in Hu clothing, with a resolute face and a fighting spirit in his eyes.

"Since the army has gathered and intends to fight a decisive battle, let's issue a declaration of war and choose a date for the decisive battle with Sima Yi!" Tuoba Liwei said in a deep voice.

If he could perform meritorious service to the Han Dynasty this time, he might be able to convince the Han Dynasty to deal with Ke Bineng.

Only then could he become the master of the grassland.

Zhao Yun shook his head and looked into the distance with deep eyes: "Sima Yi is cunning and scheming, I'm afraid he won't fight easily. We just need to proceed according to the previous plan. If he wants to fight, we will fight; if he doesn't fight, Jibei will be conquered by us sooner or later."

Time flies, and ten days have passed in the blink of an eye.

The Han army's offensive remained fierce, like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, and one after another, the aristocratic fortresses were captured by the Han army.

In the Wei army, more and more aristocratic families began to question Sima Yi's strategy. They hoped that Sima Yi could send troops to fight a decisive battle with the Han army to save the situation.

Sima Yi sat in the tent, holding reports from various places in his hands, his brows furrowed.

He knew very well that the Han army was at its peak and its morale was high, so it was not wise to engage in a decisive battle with them at this time.

However, opinions from the camp came flooding in, making him feel under great pressure.

"General, the Han army's offensive is fierce. If we don't send troops to fight a decisive battle, I'm afraid all of northern Hebei will be lost to us!" A representative of a noble family said anxiously, his eyes full of worry about the future.

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi just smiled faintly and said nothing.

He knew in his heart that the reason these aristocratic families were eager for a decisive battle was because they were afraid that the Han army's offensive would affect their interests.

However, as the commander-in-chief of the Wei army, Sima Yi had to consider the overall situation and could not ignore the entire battle situation due to momentary impulse.

At this moment, an imperial edict from Luoyang was delivered to Sima Yi.

Sima Yi opened the imperial edict and saw that it read: "Zhen of Zhongshan wrote to us, saying that the Han army's offensive is fierce and northern Hebei is in danger. I hope the general will quickly send troops to fight a decisive battle to protect the territory of our Great Wei."

After reading the imperial edict, Sima Yi couldn't help but smile bitterly.

This Zhen family of Zhongshan was so impatient to send troops just because two of their forts were captured by the Han army.

He is simply a spy of the Han Dynasty.

But that's it.

Sima Yi knew that he had to fight this battle.

However, he did not order troops to go out immediately, but instead summoned all his generals to discuss countermeasures.

We must fight, but if we can delay it for a while, then do it for a while!
"Generals, the imperial edict from Luoyang has arrived. We have no choice but to fight a decisive battle with the Han army." Sima Yi said in a deep voice, his tone revealing helplessness and determination.

Upon hearing this, all the generals looked solemn.

They were well aware of the strength of the Han army and the difficulty of this decisive battle.

However, as generals of the Wei army, they had to obey orders and fight to defend the territory of Wei.

"General, we are willing to obey your orders and fight to the death with the Han army!" A young general stepped forward and said passionately.

Sima Yi looked at his generals and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

He knew that these soldiers were loyal and brave warriors who were willing to fight for the glory of the Wei Dynasty.

He nodded and began to plan for the final battle.

"Pass the order down, the entire army is ready to get ready for a decisive battle with the Han army!" Sima Yi gave the order in a deep voice, his voice revealing unquestionable majesty.

As Sima Yi's order was issued, the Wei army began to prepare for the decisive battle in full swing.

Soldiers were sharpening their swords, horses were neighing, and the whole camp was filled with a tense and solemn atmosphere.

Outside Beixin City, the Han army was also preparing for war.

Zhao Yun looked at the Wei army camp in the distance, his eyes flashing with fighting spirit.

"Pass the order down, the whole army should be ready for battle and wait for the moment of decisive battle!" Zhao Yun ordered in a deep voice, revealing firmness and confidence. As Zhao Yun's order was issued, the Han army also began to prepare for the decisive battle. The soldiers were ready to go, morale was high, and the whole barracks was filled with the belief that they would win.

The day of the decisive battle has finally arrived.

Outside Beixin City, the two armies confronted each other and the atmosphere was extremely tense.

The autumn wind is still bleak and the fallen leaves are still flying.

Sima Yi rode on his horse, looking at the Han army opposite with deep eyes.

This decisive battle will determine the fate of northern Hebei and his personal destiny.

However, he did not show any fear or retreat, because he knew that as the commander-in-chief of the Wei army, he must shoulder this responsibility and honor.

"Soldiers, fight bravely for the glory of Wei, for our homes, and our wealth!" Sima Yi shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, the Wei army soldiers shouted and rushed towards the Han army.

The two armies soon became entangled and engaged in a fierce fight.

With swords flashing and blood flying everywhere, the entire battlefield seemed to have turned into a hell on earth.

Zhao Yun also rode on a horse and rushed into the enemy camp with a spear in hand.

He was agile and had superb marksmanship, and he quickly killed several Wei army soldiers.

Seeing this, the morale of the Han army was greatly boosted and they fought bravely against the enemy.

now.

The sky of Beixincheng was covered by thick dark clouds, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.

Sima Yi stood on the top of the city wall, his eyes as sharp as an eagle, scanning the Han army formation in the distance.

When the two armies met, the situation was tense.

There was a sneer on his lips, and a determined light flashed in his eyes.

"Pass the order down, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry of the rear army, immediately go around from the side and rear and attack the left side of the Han army's formation!"

The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, the elite division of the Wei Army, are known for their bravery and fighting skills. Today, they will be the key to Sima Yi's turning the tide of the war.

As Sima Yi's order was issued, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry moved quickly, like a group of tigers descending the mountain, quietly approaching the flank and rear of the Han army's military town.

The sound of their horses' hooves was muffled by the thick dust, and only the occasional low neighing revealed their presence.

The atmosphere within the Han army was tense and solemn.

The soldiers were on full alert, looking around vigilantly.

However, when the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry suddenly appeared on their left, it caused a panic.

But the Han army soldiers quickly stabilized their position and quickly organized a defense.

Tuoba Liwei rode a horse, holding a scimitar, and stood at the forefront of the Han army.

His face was firm and his eyes revealed an unyielding fighting spirit.

"My fellow Xianbei, follow me to fight!"

Tuoba Liwei shouted loudly, his voice revealing unquestionable majesty.

The Xianbei elite cavalry moved upon hearing the sound and rushed towards the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry like a strong wind.

However, despite the bravery and fearlessness of the Xianbei cavalry, they were ultimately no match for the Wei cavalry.

The soldiers of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry were all wearing heavy armor, holding long spears and broadswords, and their combat effectiveness was extremely strong.

They collided with the elite Xianbei cavalry and a fierce fight broke out in an instant.

Although the Xianbei cavalry fought hard, they were eventually defeated by the Wei cavalry.

Seeing this, Tuoba Liwei became extremely anxious.

If the Xianbei cavalry were defeated, the left side of the Han army's garrison would be undefended, and the Wei army would be able to march straight in and capture the Han army formation.

If the Han army is defeated, will Tuoba Liwei be able to escape unscathed?

So he tried his best, wielding the spear in his hand, and continuously killing the Wei cavalry that rushed up.

His figure shuttled across the battlefield like a flash of lightning, bringing hope to the Xianbei elite cavalry.

However, individual bravery cannot change the outcome of a battle.

The Xianbei elite cavalry gradually retreated under the fierce attack of the Wei cavalry.

Tuoba Liwei looked at the Xianbei warriors who kept falling, his heart filled with grief, anger and helplessness.

He knew that he had tried his best, but fate didn't seem to be on their side.

Just when the Xianbei cavalry was about to collapse, the Han army's heavy cavalry finally arrived at the battlefield.

They came like a flood, instantly overwhelming the Wei cavalry.

The Han army's heavy cavalry was extremely well-equipped. Their armor was thick and strong, capable of withstanding the fierce attacks of the Wei army's cavalry.

At the same time, the weapons in their hands were extremely sharp and could easily penetrate the armor of the Wei cavalry.

The Wei army's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry were soon in a desperate situation under the fierce attack of the Han army's heavy cavalry.

Their weapons collided with those of the Han army, making a harsh sound of metal clashing.

However, after only a few collisions, the swords of the Wei cavalry broke one after another.

Their armor was as fragile as paper when pierced by the Han army's weapons.

In less than half an hour, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry of the Wei army were severely defeated.

Their soldiers fell one after another, and their blood dyed the battlefield red.

Sima Yi looked at this scene, his heart filled with shock and unwillingness.

He didn't expect that the Han army's heavy cavalry was so powerful that they could defeat his Tiger and Leopard Cavalry in such a short time.

In desperation, Sima Yi had to sound the call and ordered the remaining Wei soldiers to retreat back to Beixin City.

However, the Han army's pursuit did not stop.

They pounced on the defeated Wei soldiers like hungry wolves, continuously killing those Wei soldiers who failed to retreat into the city.

The Wei army soldiers fled everywhere under the pursuit of the Han army, suffering heavy casualties.

Even those Wei soldiers who managed to retreat into Beixin City had extremely low morale.

They looked at the corpses and blood on the ground, their hearts filled with fear and despair.

They knew that they had already lost the battle, and lost miserably.

They don’t know whether they can hold on in the days ahead.

Sima Yi stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the Han army gradually moving away in the distance, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

He didn't expect that this battle would end like this.

He originally thought that with the bravery of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, he could turn the tide of the battle, or at least inflict heavy damage on the Han army.

However, the reality was so cruel that his plan failed completely.

"General, what should we do next?" A general stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

His voice revealed uneasiness and anxiety, and he was obviously worried about the future of the war.

Sima Yi was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Send the order to strengthen the city defense and be ready for battle. At the same time, send people to Luoyang for help. We must hold on until the reinforcements arrive."

Although they lost this battle, they have not yet lost.

As long as they can hold out until reinforcements arrive, there is still hope of turning the tide of the battle.

As Sima Yi's order was issued, the Wei army in Beixincheng began to get busy.

They strengthened the city's defenses, prepared defense equipment, and made final preparations for the upcoming fierce battle.

The Han army was also not idle. They reorganized their troops and rested their soldiers, preparing to launch another offensive.

A more intense battle is about to take place outside Beixin City. (End of this chapter)