Shuhan

The news that Junyi was captured by the Han army quickly penetrated every corner of Luoyang City like a cold wind in winter.

For the people of Luoyang, this news was just another piece of bad news, as if they had never heard any exciting news since the war.

Since when, news from the outside world always carries the weight of blood and tears, just like the continuous wars that devour people's hopes bit by bit.

During the cold winter months, heavy snow was floating in the sky, covering the entire Luoyang city in a blanket of white. However, it could not cover up the undercurrents surging beneath the city.

Snowflakes fell on the bluestone slabs, making a subtle and crisp sound, which intertwined with the occasional sound of war drums coming from afar.

A little noisy.

People are hurrying in the streets, and everyone's face is filled with worry and uneasiness, as if the wind and snow in the sky cannot freeze the panic in their hearts.

In a small tavern in the south of the city, the fire was burning brightly and the steam was rising, forming a sharp contrast with the cold outside.

Inside the tavern, various people were sitting around a few shabby wooden tables. Some were ragged civilians, some were soldiers in tattered armor, and there were a few who looked like scholars. They all gathered together because of the sudden news and were discussing the matter.

Their faces were filled with sorrow, resentment, or confusion, and everyone's eyes revealed deep worry about the future.

"Alas, once Junyi is lost, Luoyang's eastern line will be cut off!" An elderly man beat his chest and stamped his feet. His face was full of wrinkles, his hair was gray, and his eyes were flashing with helplessness and despair.

"The food from the three states of Qing, Xu and Yan can no longer be transported in. How can we survive?"

A young soldier next to him, with a thin face and two traces of frostbite on his cheeks, tightly grasped the wine glass in his hand and said in a low voice: "Yes, without food, life in this city will be even more difficult. I have old people and young children to take care of, what should I do?"

At this time, a middle-aged man with relatively neat clothes and cunning eyes came closer and said in a low voice: "Everyone, I heard that someone plans to surrender to the Han army and become the guide in order to save the lives of his family after the Han army captures Luoyang."

As soon as these words were spoken, the tavern instantly became quiet and everyone's eyes were focused on him.

Seeing this, the middle-aged man smiled smugly and continued, "Who doesn't want to find a way to survive in this chaotic world? Our Wei State is in a bad situation right now, why don't we plan for ourselves?"

A young man who looked like a scholar, with a frown on his face, was wearing an old scholar's robe and playing with a brush in his hand. He shook his head and said, "That's wrong! Every citizen has a share of responsibility for the fate of a country. Although we are civilians, we cannot do such treacherous things when the country is in crisis. Besides, it is still unknown whether the Han army will really treat those who surrender well."

In the corner of the tavern, sat a haggard-looking woman, holding a sleeping child in her arms, staring at the snow outside the window with empty eyes.

Her husband died in a battle a few months ago. Now she is alone, filled with fear and helplessness about the future.

Hearing everyone's discussion, she hugged her child tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, but she tried hard not to let them fall.

At this moment, the door of the tavern was suddenly pushed open, and a gust of cold wind mixed with snowflakes blew in. A traveler in a cloak walked in. His face was tired from the journey, but his eyes flashed with determination.

"No food has been shipped into Luoyang for three months. The court is planning to requisition land in Luoyang to plant crops. Everyone, you should think more about yourselves!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes flickered.

Everyone has his own thoughts.

now.

Inside the Luoyang Imperial Palace, the wind was raging like a ferocious beast, blowing up snowflakes that danced wildly in the air, and the sky and earth looked vast.

The palace is majestic, but it also looks particularly lonely and deserted because of the wind and snow.

The news that the northern part of Junyi City was breached was like a sharp blade in the cold wind, ruthlessly piercing the heart of Emperor Cao Rui of the Great Wei.

Recently, bad news has been coming like a tide, one wave after another, so that when this crucial news reached Cao Rui's ears, he just frowned slightly, and a trace of imperceptible pain flashed in his eyes, but he was not as angry as usual, as if he had suffered too many and too heavy blows in his heart, so that he had become numb to it.

Inside the hall, the candlelight flickered, illuminating two solemn faces.

The emperor's teacher Zheng Cheng had white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and his eyes sparkled with wisdom and worry; the Minister of the Chancellery Chen Qun wore court robes, a jade belt around his waist, and his brows were filled with concern for the country and the people.

Both of them knew that the loss of Junyi would be like adding insult to injury for Luoyang.

Luoyang, the once prosperous capital, is now facing a food shortage crisis.

Chen Qun stepped forward, bowed, and spoke in a calm voice, but his worry could not be concealed: "Your Majesty, the people of Luoyang are in a panic now. Many people want to leave but cannot, and there are many people with ulterior motives. In addition, the food reserves are decreasing day by day. If no measures are taken, something unexpected may happen. I think it is better to lift the ban and let those who want to leave leave Luoyang to relieve the pressure in the city."

Hearing this, Cao Rui sneered, with helplessness and determination in his smile: "Leave? Humph, we can let them go to Xingyang. However, we are not really setting them free, but conscripting them as laborers to assist our army in resisting the Han army. On the surface, we are giving them a way out, but in fact, we are letting them work for me and contribute to my country!"

The emperor's words were cold and decisive, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Chen Qun was shocked when he heard this. He knew very well how ruthless and decisive this young emperor was, but he couldn't help but feel a little sad for those innocent people.

He was silent, his eyes lowered, as if thinking about something.

At this time, Zheng Cheng slowly spoke, his voice gentle but firm: "Your Majesty, the situation on the eastern front is deteriorating. If it is not reversed in time, our Great Wei will fall into an unprecedented crisis. The four states of Qing, Xu, Yan and Yu are the foundation of our Great Wei. If they are cut off by the Han army, our military strength, material resources and people's strength will be greatly reduced, which is equivalent to losing half of the country. Therefore, we must protect this lifeline at all costs."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui looked at Zheng Cheng fiercely, his eyes flashing with determination and expectation: "Mr. Zheng is right. I also know this. However, the situation is critical now. Does Mr. Zheng have a good plan to solve this dilemma?"

Zheng Cheng pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Majesty, I think the current urgent task is to stabilize the people's hearts and strengthen the defense of the eastern front. On the one hand, we can send envoys to the four states to inform them of Luoyang's plight and request them to urgently allocate food and military support; on the other hand, we need to strengthen the defense of Luoyang City and look for opportunities to counterattack the Han army to boost the morale of the army and let the people see hope."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui frowned slightly, as if he was weighing Zheng Cheng's strategy.

He knew very well that each step was full of risks and challenges, but the situation was now critical and he could not afford any hesitation or delay.

He took a deep breath and said with a firm look, "Okay! Let's follow Duke Zheng's plan. Chen Qun, you will immediately make preparations and send envoys to the four states to ask for help; Duke Zheng, you will be responsible for strengthening the defense of Luoyang City and looking for opportunities to counterattack. I will personally supervise the battle and fight the Han army to the death!"

After saying that, Cao Rui stood up, his figure straight, like a sword drawn from its sheath, exuding indomitable fighting spirit and determination.

He looked at the wind and snow outside the window, with a determined light in his eyes, as if to say: No matter how difficult the road ahead is, he will lead the soldiers of the Wei Dynasty out of this predicament and usher in the dawn of victory.

At this time, Chen Qun walked to the center of the hall, bowed, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, the current situation is critical. If you want to command the troops of Qing, Xu, Yan, and Yu, you must have a person of high moral character and prestige.

I dare to make a suggestion: why not employ Cao Zidan?

This man has a great reputation in the army, and he is both wise and brave. Only he can lead the soldiers of the four states to work together to overcome the difficulties. If it were someone else, I'm afraid it would be difficult to convince the people, let alone take on this important task. "

Cao Rui sat on the dragon throne with a furrowed brow and deep eyes, as if through those eyes one could glimpse all the past unpleasantness between him and Cao Zhen.

He was silent for a moment, feeling mixed emotions.

To be honest, he didn't like Cao Zhen.

However, at this moment when the country is in danger, what does personal grudge matter?
He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to suppress all his personal emotions, leaving only a pure heart for the country and the people.

"Alas, Lord Chen, what you said makes sense." Cao Rui finally spoke. Although his voice was soft, it revealed his firmness.

"I know that Cao Zhen and I have a grudge, but the country is in crisis, so I must put the overall situation first and put aside personal feelings. Pass on my order to re-employ Cao Zhen and appoint him as the general commander, commanding the military of Qing, Xu, Yan, and Yu, and fully responsible for the war on the eastern front. Tell him that, at all costs, he must capture Junyi, open up the eastern route, and ensure that food and grass can be transported to Luoyang continuously.

This is a matter of national survival. If he cannot accomplish this, he will be beheaded!"

After saying this, a look of determination flashed in Cao Rui's eyes. It was the responsibility and courage that an emperor showed at the critical moment.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Cheng and Chen Qun were delighted and immediately knelt down, shouting, "Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is wise!"

The sound echoed in the empty hall, seeming particularly loud.

The news spread quickly throughout the capital city as if it had wings, and finally reached Xingyang.

At this time, Cao Zhen was living at home, accompanied by books every day. He seemed to be leisurely and contented, but in fact he was always concerned about the safety of the country.

He is nearly fifty years old, and his hair and beard are already graying, but his figure is still upright, and his eyes reveal an unyielding light.

One day, he was studying the art of war in his study when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Then, a servant hurried in, holding a secret letter in his hand and looking nervous.

"General, there is urgent news from the capital!" the servant said as he handed over the letter.

Cao Zhen took the letter, opened it and saw his appointment letter written on it, as well as the heavy responsibilities and expectations.

Read more latest popular novels at 6.9*shuba!

After reading the letter, he was silent for a long time, feeling mixed emotions.

There is both joy at being re-employed and worry about the arduous tasks that lie ahead.

But more than that, it is a feeling of being trusted and a determination to serve the country.

"Okay!" Cao Zhen stood up suddenly, his eyes determined, as if he had returned to the great general who bravely killed enemies on the battlefield and was invincible.

"Since Your Majesty trusts me so much, I, Cao Zhen, will complete the mission even if it costs my life, and live up to Your Majesty's high expectations!"

Cao Zhen had already seen clearly how corrupt the situation was.

The fall of Junyi City was like a sharp blade that pierced deeply into the chest of the Qingxu land, causing the Qingxu army, which had originally been in high spirits, to fall into depression in an instant.

The wind was cold and the snow was falling heavily. The sky and the earth were covered in silver, but it could not cover up the heavy shadow of defeat.

Cao Zhen knew very well that if he failed to boost morale in time and lost this battle again, Qing and Xu would be in an irretrievable situation.

He stood in the snow, his eyes sharp and his furrowed brows revealing his inner anxiety and determination.

Cao Zhen turned around abruptly and shouted to the soldiers around him: "Hurry to Chenliu and take back Junyi! We must race against time!"

His voice echoed in the wind and snow, with unquestionable firmness.

Then, Cao Zhen, along with his personal guards, seemed to have transformed into an unstoppable gust of wind and ran wildly in the snow regardless of everything.

For five days and five nights, he hardly slept, but kept running forward relying on the faith and responsibility in his heart.

In the wind and snow, his figure appeared particularly lonely and resolute. The stubble on his face was covered with frost, but his eyes sparkled with an unyielding light.

Finally, one morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds and shone on the land of Chenliu, Cao Zhen also arrived at his destination.

His arrival was like a shot in the arm, instantly bringing new vitality to the Qingxu army, which had originally had low morale.

The general in charge of the army was an old subordinate of Cao Zhen who was promoted when he was in Qingzhou. When he saw Cao Zhen, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he quickly stepped forward and shook Cao Zhen's hand tightly.

"General, you are finally here!" There was some excitement and awe in the leading general's voice.

"The current situation of the army is not optimistic. The Han army has occupied Junyi and their morale is high, but we..."

Cao Zhen gently patted the general's shoulder and interrupted him: "No need to say more, I know everything."

His eyes were deep, as if he could see through everything.

"Now, give me the command of the army. I want to meet the Han army in person."

The general handed over the command to Cao Zhen without any hesitation, and briefly reported the situation in the army and the deployment of the Han army in Junyi City.

Cao Zhen listened carefully, frowned, and nodded from time to time to show his approval.

He knew very well that this battle was related to the survival of Qing and Xu, and the situation on the eastern front of Luoyang, and could not afford to be careless in the slightest.

After listening to the report, Cao Zhen fell into deep thought.

The Wei army was short of food and had low morale, which was its biggest weakness.

But at the same time, he also keenly realized that the Han army was also unable to transport supplies and baggage due to heavy snow, which was also their weak point.

Cao Zhen's mind suddenly became clear. He understood that he had to take advantage of this critical window of time to completely defeat the Han army in Junyi City. Otherwise, when the Han army reinforcements arrived, he would have no chance!

Thinking of this, a hint of determination flashed in Cao Zhen's eyes.

He stood up and said loudly to the soldiers: "My fellow soldiers, I know you are suffering and tired now, but we can't just give up! The people of Qing and Xu are watching us, and the country is watching us! We must cheer up and fight for our homes and our country!"

His voice was passionate and powerful, like a warm current flowing into the hearts of the soldiers.

They looked at Cao Zhen with determination in their eyes.

They knew that this great general was the one who could truly lead them out of their predicament.

Cao Zhen began to formulate a detailed battle plan.

He knew very well that this battle must be fought quickly and the Han army must not be given any chance to breathe.

He personally led the elite troops and marched towards Junyi City in the heavy snow.

Along the way, he constantly boosted morale and shared the joys and sorrows with the soldiers.

His figure became the most dazzling presence in the army.

This battle is dangerous, but he has no choice.

Now he, and the Wei Kingdom, have no choice but to do whatever it takes! (End of this chapter)