Shuhan

It was not until late at night, after pacifying the defeated soldiers, that Sima Yi dragged his tired body and slowly walked into the tent, finding a quiet place where he had time to rest.

At this moment, the night wind was cold. The autumn wind made the tent rustle and also made his heart as cold as ice.

The battle was a defeat, a great defeat, and the tragic battlefield scene still lingers in his mind.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his heart.

Outside the tent, the flickering firelight illuminated his weather-beaten face, which was full of wrinkles and wrinkles, showing the vicissitudes of life.

He slowly opened his eyes, and his eyes revealed an indescribable complex emotion - unwillingness to fail, confusion about the future, and deep worry about the fate of the Wei State.

A simple headcount has been compiled, showing that the Wei army suffered at least 10,000 casualties, with even more missing.

These numbers were like sharp knives, cutting his heart and making him feel miserable.

Morale was low, and the soldiers' eyes had lost their former light, replaced by fear and despair.

Sima Yi looked at all this and couldn't help feeling powerless.

He already had the idea that Jibei was difficult to hold on to, but as an important official of the Wei State, how could he give up so easily?

Just then, Sima Zhao walked slowly forward.

He was wearing armor and was covered in blood, obviously having been at the front in the previous bloody battle with the Han army.

Despite such a fierce battle, he still seemed calm and composed, with a determined light in his eyes.

"Father."

Sima Zhao's voice was low and powerful.

"The Han army's swords are sharper than ours, and their armor is stronger than ours. No wonder we are no match for them in this battle."

As he spoke, he handed Sima Yi a Han army ring-handled sword and a set of armor that he had snatched from the battlefield.

Sima Yi took the ring-handled sword and looked at it carefully.

The blade was slender, flashing with cold light, and exuding a captivating murderous aura.

He gently stroked the blade, feeling its icy texture, and couldn't help but marvel inwardly.

He drew the sword from his waist and slashed fiercely at the ring-handled knife.

There was a loud "clang" sound, and the ring-handled sword did not move at all, but there was a hole in the sword in his hand.

Sima Yi was shocked and looked at the ring-handled sword in disbelief.

He used his sword to stab the Han army's armor again, but found that the sword could only leave a shallow mark on the armor.

Seeing this scene, Sima Yi's face became extremely solemn.

He finally realized that the gap between Wei and Han was not only in military tactics, but also in weapons and equipment, and even more in national strength.

"It seems." Sima Yi sighed and said slowly: "We have indeed fallen behind the Han Kingdom."

There was a deep sense of helplessness and sadness in his voice.

Sima Zhao frowned slightly when he heard this, but soon regained his composure.

He looked at his father's old face and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

My father has worked hard for the State of Wei all his life, but at this moment he seems so helpless and confused.

"Father," Sima Zhao said in a low voice, "Although we lost this battle, we have not completely lost hope. As long as we can learn lessons, improve our weapons and equipment, and strengthen the training of our soldiers, we may be able to compete with the Han Kingdom in the future."

Sima Yi was slightly stunned when he heard this, then looked up at Sima Zhao.

He found that his son's eyes were full of determination and confidence, a kind of belief that he had long missed.

Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers!
A warm feeling surged in his heart, as if he saw the future of Wei State.

"Zhao'er."

Sima Yi said softly: "You are right. We cannot be defeated by a temporary failure. As long as we work together, the Wei Kingdom will surely rise again."

. . .

Sima Yi wanted Wei to catch up with Han little by little, but some people did not think so.

In Wuji County, Zhongshan, Zhen's Fortress stands surrounded by mountains, as if it is the guardian god of this land.

It was late at night, and the moonlight filtered through the sparse clouds, shining onto the dark green bricks and tiles of the fort, adding a sense of tranquility and mystery.

Deep in the fortress, in the master's study, the flickering candlelight illuminated Zhen Xiang's slightly tired but resolute face.

He was wearing a plain robe, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed deep worry.

The news that the Wei army had just been defeated at the front line was like a heavy hammer, hitting his heart hard and making him feel unprecedentedly heavy.

Zhen Xiang was in charge of the defense of the two counties, and most of his sons were sent out to contribute their efforts to the peace of Wei's border.

However, at this moment, he felt that the future was dark.

The strength of the Han army made him wonder whether Sima Yi was really their opponent, whether the Jibei family could withstand the iron hoof of the Han army, and even whether the entire Wei Kingdom could still compete with the Han Kingdom in terms of national strength?

He slowly stood up, walked to the window, looked at the dark night sky outside, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

Just then, his eyes fell on the desk drawer, where a secret letter lay quietly.

This letter was sent by his aunt Zhen Mi.

Originally, he had no intention of opening it and reading it, nor did he intend to betray Wei and follow Han.

But at this moment, facing the defeat of Wei, he began to waver.

The roots of Zhongshan Zhen family are in Jizhou. If Wei State cannot keep Jizhou, what should they do?
Zhen Xiang took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind. He slowly walked to the desk, stretched out his hand, and gently opened the secret letter.

The letter was unfolded and Zhen Xiang looked at its contents carefully.

He was shocked by the news that Zhen Mi had given birth to a prince for the Han emperor.

What is even more shocking is that the letter mentioned that if the Zhen family of Zhongshan was willing to submit to the Han Dynasty, they could become imperial relatives and their influence could spread throughout Jizhou.

This is undoubtedly a huge temptation for the Zhen family.

Thinking that the Han was no match for him, Zhen Xiang began to waver.

He knew very well that Wei was doomed to fail. If he did not make a choice in time, the Zhen family would probably be wiped out in this chaotic world.

Thinking of this, he suddenly raised his head, with a flash of determination in his eyes.

"Someone come here!" Zhen Xiang shouted in a deep voice.

Soon, a trusted aide pushed the door open and walked in, bowed and asked, "What do you want, Master?"

Zhen Xiang looked at his confidant and said firmly, "Send someone to contact the people from the Jianjun Division. I am willing to restore order and take Jizhou for the Han Dynasty!"

When the confidant heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He knew what the master's decision meant, and he also understood his responsibilities at the moment.

So he responded respectfully, turned around and left to carry out Zhen Xiang's order.

The study returned to peace again, but Zhen Xiang couldn't calm down for a long time.

He sat at his desk, looking at the secret letter, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

He knew what kind of changes his decision would bring to the Zhen family, and he also knew what kind of infamy he would bear.

But at this moment, he could no longer care about so much.

For the future of the Zhen family and the peace of Jizhou, he must make this choice.

As the night deepened, Zhen Xiang had no desire to sleep.

He walked out of the study and came to the courtyard of the fort. The moonlight shone on him, covering him with a layer of silver gauze.

He looked at the dark night sky and prayed silently in his heart: I hope the Zhen family can survive this crisis.
In the following days, Zhen Xiang began to secretly contact people from the Jianjunsi and made preparations to join the Han Dynasty.

This is a gamble, but he has no way out. He must go all out to win a glimmer of hope for the Zhen family.

In October of the eighth year of Tianming, fine snowflakes began to float in the sky of Beixin City. At first, there were only a few scattered snowflakes, but gradually, the snowflakes became larger and larger, like countless white flowers blooming in the sky, eventually dressing the entire world in a world clad in silver.

The cold wind blew over the city walls, making a whimpering sound, as if even nature was lamenting the fate of this lonely city.

On the city wall, Sima Yi was wearing a thick sable fur coat, with a stern face and staring deeply into the distance.

There were a few strands of silver in his hair, and the traces of time had carved deep wrinkles on his face, but his eyes still sparkled with an unyielding light.

His hands tightly grasped the battlements of the city wall, as if he wanted to pour all his strength into this crumbling city. "Father, although the food and grass supplies are still sufficient, the morale of the army has been weakened. If this continues, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold out for half a year."

Sima Zhao walked slowly to Sima Yi's side. His voice was low and worried, and there was a hint of barely perceptible anxiety between his brows.

He was wearing a tight battle armor and a cloak embroidered with golden cloud patterns. He looked heroic, but at the moment, he seemed a little overwhelmed.

Sima Yi frowned upon hearing this. He turned around slowly, stared at Sima Zhao with a sharp gaze, and said in a deep voice, "Before the war, the Zhen family might have been loyal to Wei, but now that the Wei army has been defeated, they may have had other intentions."

Sima Zhao nodded, his expression becoming more serious: "Not only did the Zhen family not send any soldiers to support us, they even stopped sending food and supplies. This clearly shows that they are disloyal."

Sima Yi pondered for a moment, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Summon Zhen Xiang to Beixin City. If he dares not to come, he is plotting treason!"

His voice was as cold as ice, revealing an irresistible majesty.

Immediately, Sima Yi ordered the messenger to rush to the Zhen family to convey his order.

The messenger took the order and left in a hurry, leaving a series of footprints of varying depths on the snow.

The atmosphere in Beixin City became increasingly tense.

The soldiers gathered in groups of three or five, discussing the current situation in low voices.

Their eyes were filled with confusion and fear, and the uncertainty about the future made them uneasy.

Although some children of aristocratic families were controlled by Sima Yi, their hearts were also filled with anxiety and doubts.

Inside the Zhen residence, Zhen Xiang's expression suddenly changed after receiving Sima Yi's order.

He was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe and a jade crown on his head. He had a handsome face, but at the moment he seemed a little anxious.

He paced back and forth in the study, thinking about how to deal with the situation.

"Brother, Sima Yi summoned us to Beixin City. This clearly shows that he is suspicious of our Zhen family." Zhen Xiang's younger brother Zhen De said anxiously.

He was about twenty years old, with a handsome face, but there was a heroic look between his brows.

Zhen Xiang pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Sima Yi is a shrewd man. If we don't go, I'm afraid we will be accused of treason. But if we go, there's no guarantee that he won't take the opportunity to attack us."

Zhen De frowned when he heard this: "What should I do?"

Zhen Xiang thought for a long time and finally made up his mind: "I will take some confidants and guards with me and go to Beixin City. The most dangerous place may not be the safest place. If I can gain Sima Yi's trust, I may be able to achieve great success!"

So, Zhen Xiang led a team of trusted men and guards and set out for Beixin City.

The snow fell heavier and heavier, and the road became extremely difficult to travel on, but they still moved forward firmly, with their hearts full of uncertainty and anxiety.

At the foot of Beixin City, Sima Yi stood on the city wall and looked at Zhen Xiang and his group slowly approaching from afar.

His eyes revealed a complex emotion, both anticipation and vigilance.

He was well aware of the Zhen family's enormous power, and if this matter was not handled properly, it might cause even greater turmoil.

Zhen Xiang and his group finally arrived at the foot of Beixin City, where they were stopped by the soldiers guarding the city.

Zhen Xiang stepped forward and shouted to the soldiers on the city wall: "I am Zhen Xiang, the head of the Zhen family, and I am here on the orders of Sima Yi!"

Upon hearing this, the soldier immediately went to report.

Not long after, Sima Yi personally went down to the city to welcome Zhen Xiang.

He was wearing heavy armor and holding a long sword, looking heroic, but his eyes revealed a hint of fatigue and worry.

"Master Zhen, you have come from afar and you must have worked hard." Sima Yi said politely, but there was a barely perceptible coldness in his tone.

Zhen Xiang bowed and saluted: "General Sima, you are too polite. I am also concerned about the safety of the Great Wei."

Sima Yi smiled slightly, but there was a deep chill hidden in his smile: "It is a blessing for the Wei Dynasty that the head of the Zhen family can be so righteous. However, the situation is critical now. Is the Zhen family willing to lend a helping hand to the Wei Dynasty?"

When Zhen Xiang heard this, his heart tightened. He knew that Sima Yi was testing his attitude.

He replied calmly, "The Zhen family will do their best to serve the Wei Dynasty."

Sima Yi nodded, seeming to be satisfied with Zhen Xiang's answer.

He waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to let them pass.

Zhen Xiang and his group were able to enter Beixin City.

In the following days, Sima Yi strengthened his surveillance and prevention of the Zhen family, while also actively preparing to deal with the attack from the Han Kingdom.

Under Sima Yi's encouragement, the soldiers of Beixin City gradually regained their fighting spirit and confidence, and the situation in the city gradually stabilized.

In October of the eighth year of Tianming, the winter in Beixincheng seemed increasingly harsh and unbearable.

Snowflakes were flying and the wind was cold, wrapping the entire city in silver and white.

There were few pedestrians on the streets. Occasionally, a soldier would patrol by. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the silent night, adding a sense of desolation.

For half a month, Zhen Xiang devoted himself to the city defense affairs and arranged a marriage between Zhen's daughter and Sima Zhao. Sima Yi gradually relaxed his surveillance on him.

On this basis, Zhen Xiang frequently communicated with the children of aristocratic families controlled by Sima Yi, and gradually won their trust and support.

His efforts were not in vain. Now these children of noble families are willing to serve the Han army and fight against Sima Yi's Wei army.

On October 20th, the eighth year of Tianming, the crescent moon was high in the sky and the winter wind was howling.

The night in Beixincheng seems exceptionally peaceful, but this peace hides turbulent waves.

Zhen Xiang stood on the city wall, looking into the distance, his heart full of anticipation and nervousness.

He knew that tonight would be a critical moment that would determine the fate of Beixin City.

In accordance with the prior agreement, Zhen Xiang ordered the release of those children of noble families who were controlled by Sima Yi.

They walked out of the cell, regained their freedom, their faces filled with joy of surviving a disaster.

Zhen Xiang looked at them, his heart filled with relief and pride.

The addition of these children from aristocratic families will undoubtedly greatly enhance the strength of the Han army.

Afterwards, Zhen Xiang personally ordered the city gates to be opened to welcome the arrival of the Han army.

The city gate slowly opened with a heavy sound.

Han soldiers swarmed in and quickly took control of the situation in the city.

At the same time, in the General's Mansion, Sima Yi was handling state affairs.

He was wearing a sable coat and his face looked dignified and stern.

However, when his personal soldiers hurriedly came to report the changes in Beixin City, his face instantly turned pale as paper, and a trace of fear and despair flashed in his eyes.

"What? Zhen Xiang dared to betray me?" Sima Yi roared, his voice echoing in the empty hall, sounding particularly harsh.

The guard replied tremblingly, "Yes, General. Zhen Xiang has released the captured nobles and opened the city gates to welcome the Han army into the city."

When Sima Yi heard this, he stood there in a daze as if he had been struck by lightning.

He was well aware of the importance of Beixin City. Once it was lost, it would have an immeasurable impact on the entire war situation.

But at this moment, he was powerless to change the situation and could only watch his hard work go to waste.

After a brief shock, Sima Yi quickly regained his composure.

Escaping was the most important thing at the moment, so he immediately ordered his personal soldiers to gather and prepare to flee Beixin City.

When he walked out of the General's Mansion, he found that the entire city had fallen into chaos.

The Han soldiers searched everywhere in the city for the remnants of the Wei army, with shouts and screams coming one after another.

Sima Yi and his personal soldiers shuttled through the crowd, avoiding pursuit by the Han army.

Their hearts were filled with fear and despair, and they were running around like headless flies.

Finally, under the guidance of a personal soldier, Sima Yi found a secret passage leading out of the city.

They rushed along the passage, not daring to delay for even a moment. When they finally escaped from Beixin City, they looked back and saw that the entire city had fallen into the control of the Han army.

Sima Yi looked at the land that once belonged to him, his heart filled with endless regret and unwillingness.

However, things have come to this point and no amount of regret will help.

Sima Yi could only continue his escape with his remaining troops.

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Although the world is vast, where can he go? (End of this chapter)