Shuhan

Luoyang gradually wakes up under the warm spring sun.

In the streets and alleys, the tender green willow branches sway gently, and the peach and apricot blossoms bloom, creating a vibrant scene.

However, in this spring season, the atmosphere in the city was extremely tense.

Previously, in the Battle of Junyi, the army led by Cao Zhen was defeated by the Han army, and all of Henei fell into the control of the Han army.

This news came like a bolt from the blue, causing panic among the people in Luoyang City.

Cao Rui was sitting in the study at this moment, his brows were furrowed and his face was pale.

His heart was filled with anxiety and fear. The previous defeat made him feel uneasy and unable to sleep at night.

Whenever it was late at night and everyone was asleep, he would dream of the Han army surging across the Yellow River like a tide and approaching the city of Luoyang. That scene made him terrified.

These past few days, he couldn't even eat. He just felt a tightness in his chest, as if a huge rock was pressing on his heart.

"Will the Han army take this opportunity to capture Luoyang in one fell swoop?" This thought kept circling in Cao Rui's mind and could not be shaken off.

He knew very well that once Luoyang was lost, not only would his throne be in danger, but even his life would be in danger.

Therefore, he sent people out every day to inquire about the movements of the Han army, hoping to get some comfort.

Finally, on this day, good news blew into Luoyang City like a spring breeze.

Spies reported that all the Han army's ships on the north bank had been burned and they would not be able to cross the river in a short time.

This news made Cao Rui feel a little relieved, but his years of experience in political struggles told him that things were far from that simple.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the study, his eyes sometimes solemn, sometimes flickering.

He knew that Liu Gongsi was a cunning and resourceful man and would never easily give up the opportunity to attack Luoyang.

Thinking of this, his eyes involuntarily fell on Xiahou Xuan who was standing beside him.

Xiahou Xuan was wearing a gorgeous court robe and a jade belt around his waist, looking heroic.

He had a handsome face and a heroic look between his brows, but at this moment there was also a hint of worry in his eyes.

He was well aware of Cao Rui's concerns and also understood the responsibilities he shouldered.

"Xiahou Xuan, have you figured out the strength of the Han army?"

Cao Rui's voice was a little hoarse, but his tone revealed an unquestionable majesty.

His eyes were fixed on Xiahou Xuan, as if he could see through him.

Xiahou Xuan bowed slightly and answered, "Your Majesty, I have sent people to investigate and confirmed that the Han army's ships on the north bank have been burned and cannot cross the river in a short time. But..."

He paused and continued, "But Liu Gongsi is extremely cunning. I am worried that he may have other tricks."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui frowned slightly and motioned Xiahou Xuan to continue.

Xiahou Xuan took a deep breath and continued, "I think the Han army will either mobilize ships from the south to try to cross the river again; or they will choose to break through Hangu Pass, Chenggao and other places and attack Luoyang by land. For both possibilities, we need to prepare early."

After listening to Xiahou Xuan's report, Cao Rui's expression relaxed a little, but the worry in his eyes had not completely disappeared.

He was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. Then, he spoke slowly, with a hint of fatigue in his voice: "Xiahou Xuan, you did a good job. But this matter is of great importance, and we cannot relax at all. You must immediately send down the order to strengthen the defense of Luoyang City, and at the same time send people to closely monitor the movements of the Han army. If there is any movement, report it immediately."

Xiahou Xuan took the order and left, while Cao Rui stayed alone in the study, lost in thought.

He knew that the battle with the Han army was far from over and the road ahead would be even more difficult.

But no matter what, he must stay in Luoyang and protect the land and people that belong to him.

As night fell, the lights in Luoyang City dimmed. Cao Rui stood on the city wall, looking at the turbulent Yellow River in the distance, feeling mixed emotions.

He recalled that the moment he inherited the throne, he had vowed to protect this land and let the people live and work in peace.

However, the reality is so cruel, wars continue and people are living in misery.

He knew very well that only with great strength could he protect all of this.

"I, Cao Rui, will never let Luoyang fall into the hands of the Han army!" He swore secretly in his heart, his eyes became more determined.

At this moment, the spring breeze blew across his face, bringing a hint of coolness, but also blew away the haze in his heart.

He knew that as long as he had faith and courage in his heart, nothing could stop him from moving forward.

The urgent military issues came to a temporary end. Cao Rui's gaze shifted from the map and the military tokens to the Shangshu Ling Chen Qun, who was standing beside him, wearing court robes and with a solemn expression, and the imperial teacher Zheng Cheng, who had white hair and beard and deep eyes.

There was a subtle hint of fatigue in his tone, but more of a concern for the next matter: "How is the spring ploughing in Luoyang going?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qun immediately stepped forward and respectfully held a scroll in both hands, on which were densely recorded data and conditions of spring plowing.

He said softly, "Your Majesty, I have done my best, but the amount of land requisitioned is still far from what we expected. The lands that have been requisitioned have all been cultivated as planned, but..."

At this point, Chen Qun's voice unconsciously lowered, and he seemed to be finding it difficult to speak.

Seeing this, Cao Rui's brows unconsciously frowned, forming a deep "川" character.

At this critical moment when Luoyang was besieged by the Han army, ensuring sufficient food supply in the city and achieving self-sufficiency was the key to holding the city and waiting for reinforcements.

Any negligence or slackness may make the situation more critical.

His face was dark, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light, as if he could see through the secrets in people's hearts: "Who dares to disrupt the overall situation when the country is in danger?"

Chen Qun felt the powerful aura emanating from Cao Rui and was at a loss for a moment.

This matter is complicated and involves a wide range of issues. It cannot be explained clearly in just a few words.

Just as he was hesitating, the imperial tutor Zheng Cheng stood up slowly. Although his voice was soft, it carried a kind of majesty that could not be ignored: "Your Majesty, there are many manors scattered around the outskirts of Luoyang. Most of these manors are places for aristocratic families and royal nobles to go out for outings and play. Among them, Yan Wang Cao Yu owns five manors in the outskirts of Luoyang. They... are not willing to donate the manors, so the officials below are helpless."

Zheng Cheng's words were like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui's face became even gloomier. He snorted coldly, his voice full of dissatisfaction and anger: "At a time when the country is in danger, as a royal noble, you should take the lead and serve the country. But now you are so selfish and disregard the overall interests of the country. It's really hateful!"

His eyes revealed a strong determination and murderous intent, as if he wanted to eliminate those who stood in the way of the overall situation one by one.

"Pass on my decree." Cao Rui's voice was sonorous and powerful, echoing throughout the palace.

"All manors outside the city will be confiscated and used for spring ploughing and military supplies. Anyone who dares to disobey, no matter how noble their status, even if they are kings, princes, generals or ministers, will be executed first and reported later!"

His tone was full of unquestionable majesty and determination, making people dare not disobey in the slightest.

Chen Qun stood aside and witnessed Cao Rui's firmness and decisiveness, and couldn't help but admire him secretly in his heart.

He knew that with the emperor's determination, the military farming project in Luoyang would be carried out smoothly.

At the same time, he also felt sad for those selfish aristocratic families who only cared about their own interests but ignored the danger of the country.

There are no eggs under the covering nest.

These people did not understand this truth. As Cao Rui's edict spread throughout Luoyang, a vigorous farming movement quickly began.

Those manors that originally belonged to aristocratic families and royal nobles were confiscated one by one and turned into fertile farmland.

Under the leadership of officers and soldiers, the people wielded hoes and sickles and worked diligently on the land, providing a solid material foundation for Luoyang's defense.

After learning of Cao Rui's strict order, King Yan Cao Yu and others, although dissatisfied and resentful, did not dare to openly disobey.

They could only sigh secretly, lamenting that they had lost the estates and wealth that originally belonged to them.

However, in the face of the overall national situation, personal interests seem so small and insignificant.

The north bank of the Yellow River.

Zhao Yun stood on the loess slope in Hanoi, looking at the Yellow River flowing eastward with a frown.

Behind them was the Han army ready to go, their eyes full of anticipation and anxiety.

In the distance, the outline of Luoyang City is looming in the mist. The ancient and majestic city now looks like an old man trapped in heavy chains, waiting for the judgment of fate.

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"General, how can we cross the river without boats?" a deputy general asked in a low voice, revealing a hint of helplessness in his tone.

Zhao Yun took a deep breath, his eyes firm: "I have already reported this matter to His Majesty, and His Majesty has made his own arrangements."

In the temporary palace in Chaoge, Liu Chan was sitting on the dragon throne with a huge map spread out in front of him, which was densely marked with military deployments in various places.

Although his face is handsome, his eyes reveal a calmness and wisdom beyond his age.

He slowly raised his hand, and lightly ran his fingertips over several key points on the map, thinking silently in his mind.

"Your Majesty, General Zhao Yun sent a telegram saying that there are no boats in Henei and it is difficult to cross the river." An eunuch hurried into the hall and presented an urgent report.

Liu Chan nodded slightly, a faint smile on his face: "As expected."

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the flying catkins outside, but his heart was calm.

"I just didn't expect that Wei would be so quick and decisive. But this is exactly what I want."

As early as several months ago, Liu Chan had anticipated the current situation, so he had already begun to make secret arrangements.

On the one hand, he ordered the establishment of a shipbuilding department in Yecheng, recruited skilled craftsmen, and built warships day and night.

On the other hand, Liu Chan sent an envoy to Hongnong to urge Zhang Bao to speed up the capture of Shan County.

At the same time, Wei Yan was training his troops intensively in the military camp in Chenliu.

Liu Chan's order came, asking him to rest for ten days and then go down the river to capture the four counties of Jibei, Pingyuan, Jinan and Le'an.

Wei Yan was well aware of the importance of this mission, but he believed more in his own strength and the bravery of the Han army.

And in faraway Yangzhou, Liu Chan's order came: Cross the sea to the north, and drive straight to Luoyang along the Yellow River!

The Han navy is making intensive preparations.

Those sailors were all veterans of battles, their skin was tanned by the sea breeze, but their eyes were shining with the desire for victory.

Liu Chan's order made them very excited. They knew that this journey north would be a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their strength and serve the country.

The warship swayed in the waves, and the sailors skillfully manipulated the sails and rudders, heading north, towards Luoyang, bravely moving forward.

Liu Chan stood in front of the map, silently calculating every move of chess in his mind.

This process may take a long time and may encounter numerous difficulties and challenges.

But he also knew that as long as preparations were made in all aspects, even if something went wrong in any aspect, the Han army would still be able to march to the city of Luoyang.

However, there was a hint of worry in Liu Chan's heart.

Although Sima Yi's strategy of besieging Luoyang seemed safe and sound, it was undoubtedly the most cruel for the people of Luoyang.

What kind of predicament would the people face after the food supply ran out? He dared not imagine the tragic scene of people eating each other, nor did he want to see it.

Therefore, he decided to fight a battle first. If he could successfully capture Luoyang, that would be the best; if not, he would then consider a siege.

As night fell, Liu Chan sat alone in his study, the flickering candlelight illuminating his pensive face.

He picked up the pen and slowly wrote a few big words on Zuo Bo's paper: "The benevolent are invincible."

In Hongnong County, the spring breeze blows across the ancient city walls, bringing a hint of vitality in the coolness.

After a winter of rest, the Han army camp has regained its former hustle and bustle and vitality.

War horses neighed, weapons clashed, soldiers sweated profusely on the training ground, and morale was high.

In the granary, grain from Guanzhong was piled up like a mountain, and the civilians and militiamen were busy carrying it, ensuring the army's logistics were worry-free.

Zhang Bao stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant horizon with a sharp gaze.

He was wearing iron armor, a battle robe on his shoulders, and a long sword hung at his waist. He exuded an aura of majesty without even being angry.

With the arrival of spring, a new round of battles is about to begin.

Just then, a horse galloped over, and the sound of horse hooves broke the tranquility of the early morning.

A messenger holding an imperial edict jumped off his horse in a hurry and knelt in front of Zhang Bao: "General, the imperial edict from His Majesty urging you to capture Shan County and Hangu Pass as soon as possible has arrived!"

Zhang Bao took the imperial edict, read it carefully, and his brows gradually furrowed.

He knew that Shan County and Hangu Pass were the key throats leading to Luoyang, and the Wei army must be heavily guarding them.

But the emperor's order could not be disobeyed, and the desire to fight had already been burning in his heart.

"Okay!" Zhang Bao shouted and held the edict tightly in his hand.

"Order the entire army to get ready immediately. We must take Shan County within ten days!"

Following Zhang Bao's order, the city of Hongnong County suddenly became busy.

The soldiers gathered quickly, the horses were led out of the stables, and food and supplies were loaded onto the vehicles.

Zhang Bao personally selected an elite force, all of whom were brave and good at fighting, and were the best in the Han army.

At sunrise, the army was ready to go.

Zhang Bao stood on the high platform, his eyes sweeping over every soldier. Their faces were filled with determination and resolve.

He took a deep breath and said loudly: "Brothers, we are fighting for the glory of the Han Dynasty! Shan County and Hangu Pass are just ahead, we must take them as quickly as possible! For His Majesty, for the Han Dynasty, and for our families behind us, let's go!"

Following Zhang Bao's order, the army poured out of the city gate like a tide and headed towards Shan County. (End of this chapter)