Shuhan

The next day, as the dawn broke, Luoyang City gradually woke up in the mist.

Outside the Taiji Hall, the morning glow is like a web, and the magnificent palace looks even more solemn and majestic in the morning light.

There are long stone steps in front of the hall, and stone pillars with carved dragons and painted phoenixes on both sides stand tall, as if telling the glory and vicissitudes of the Wei Dynasty.

A breeze blew by, and the copper bells under the eaves rang softly, adding a bit of liveliness to this quiet morning.

Inside the Tai Chi Hall, candles were lit brightly, illuminating every inch of the space.

In the center of the hall, a dragon throne hangs high, on which is carved a five-clawed golden dragon, which looks lifelike and demonstrates the supremacy of imperial power.

At this time, the Wei Emperor Cao Rui sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression and a hint of imperceptible worry between his brows.

He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with intricate cloud patterns and dragon and phoenix designs, with gleaming gold threads, highlighting the royal dignity and majesty.

Cao Rui's hands were lightly folded on his knees, tapping his fingertips gently, as if he was thinking about some important decision.

Your Highness, the ministers were standing or sitting on both sides, all with solemn expressions.

The civil officials were dressed in flowing clothes, wearing black gauze hats on their heads, holding tablets in their hands, with different expressions; the military officers were wearing armor, with swords hanging from their waists, standing tall and with great momentum.

There was a tense and depressing atmosphere in the air, as if even breathing had become heavy.

"Your Majesty, although Zhang Bao did not advance immediately after breaking through Hangu Pass, the crisis is imminent." An old minister in a purple robe stood up, his voice steady and powerful. He was the emperor's teacher Zheng Cheng, and there was a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

"Once Hangu Pass is lost, the Han army can march straight in, and Luoyang City will be in danger."

Cao Rui nodded slightly, glanced at the ministers, and thought secretly in his heart.

He knew very well that the city of Luoyang at this moment was like a lone boat in a storm, which could capsize if not handled with care.

His fingers unconsciously increased the force of the tapping, and an inexplicable irritation surged in his heart.

"My dear ministers, do you have any good strategy to repel the enemy?" Cao Rui finally spoke. Although his voice was calm, it carried unquestionable majesty.

There was a burst of discussion in the hall, and the ministers expressed their own opinions. Some advocated sending troops to fight, while others suggested holding their ground and waiting for the opportunity.

However, these suggestions did not seem to satisfy Cao Rui. He frowned and his expression became more solemn.

At this time, a young general stood up. He was wearing silver armor, holding a spear, and looked heroic. It was Cao Rui's cousin Xiahou Xian.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops to fight and swear to keep the Han army out of Luoyang!" Xiahou Xian's voice was loud, and his tone was full of firmness and determination.

Cao Rui looked at Xiahou Xian, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, but then he shook his head.

"Brother Xian, your courage is commendable, but this matter concerns the safety of the country and we must not act rashly." He said slowly, with a hint of helplessness in his tone.

At this time, Zheng Cheng spoke again: "Your Majesty, I think that the current plan is to strengthen the city defense while sending envoys to negotiate peace with the Han army to buy time for the enemy to counterattack after our army is fully prepared."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui pondered for a moment and finally nodded.

"Teacher's words are exactly what I want. Let's act according to this plan." His tone was firm, as if he had already seen the future victory.

However, not everyone agrees with this decision.

An old general with white hair and beard stood up. He was a veteran figure of the Wei State. He had fought with Cao Cao in many campaigns and made great achievements.

"Your Majesty, peace talks are only a temporary measure, not a long-term strategy. How can the soldiers of Wei be afraid of the mere Han army? I am willing to lead the troops to fight and defend Luoyang to the death!" The old general's voice was excited, and his expression was full of desire for battle.

Cao Rui looked at the old general and felt a surge of respect in his heart.

He knew that the veteran's loyalty and courage were precious assets to the State of Wei.

However, at this moment, he must make the most rational decision.

"I am very pleased with the old general's heart. But the peace talks are related to the overall situation of the country and cannot be taken lightly. I have made up my mind, and you don't need to say more."

The hall suddenly became quiet. All the ministers bowed their heads in silence, each with their own thoughts in their minds.

They knew that the emperor's decisions often affected the fate and future of the country.

At this moment, they can only choose to believe and support.

Cao Rui stood up and looked at his ministers with a firm gaze.

"I know that the State of Wei is facing unprecedented challenges at this moment. But I believe that as long as we unite as one and overcome the difficulties together, we will be able to overcome this difficulty." He spoke in a loud voice, and his tone was full of confidence and expectations for the future.

Upon hearing this, all the ministers looked up at Cao Rui, with determination flashing in their eyes.

They knew that the emperor needed their support and trust at this moment.

So, they all nodded, expressing their willingness to swear allegiance to Wei and defend Luoyang.

Seeing that morale was high, Cao Rui continued:

"The situation is like this now. I want to lead the army in person to boost morale, recapture Hangu Pass at lightning speed, and attract the Han army to attack." Cao Rui's voice was sonorous and powerful, and every word hit the hearts of his ministers like a hammer.

With his hands behind his back, he stood tall and straight, like an unshakable mountain, demonstrating the majesty and determination of an emperor.

As soon as these words were spoken, the court was in an uproar.

The court officials came forward one after another, with different expressions, some were anxious, some were worried, and some were full of disbelief.

The first person to stand up was the imperial tutor Zheng Cheng. He was wearing a purple robe, his hair and beard were all white, and his face was calm and profound.

He walked forward slowly, bowed, and spoke with a tone of earnestness and worry: "Your Majesty, leading the army in person is no small matter. This move concerns the safety of the country. Please think twice before acting. Hangu Pass is in a dangerous position. Since the Han army has occupied it, it must be heavily guarded. If our army attacks rashly, it may be difficult to win, and it will put Your Majesty in danger."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui frowned slightly, but the determination in his eyes did not waver at all.

He looked at Zheng Cheng and said firmly, "Teacher, I know what you said. But as the ruler of Wei, how can I sit back and watch the country fall? I will personally lead the army. First, it can boost morale, second, it can help us adapt to changes, and third, it can show the power of Wei. I have made up my mind, so there is no need for you to say more, Prime Minister."

Seeing this, Zheng Cheng knew that it was useless to persuade him further, so he could only sigh and return to his original position.

At this time, another old minister stood up. He was Taiwei Hua Xin. He had white hair and beard and a kind face, but at this moment his face was full of worry.

He stepped forward tremblingly, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, leading the army in person can boost morale, but on the battlefield, swords and guns are merciless. Your Majesty is worth a million gold. If something goes wrong, where will our Great Wei go? I hope Your Majesty will put the country first and think twice before acting."

Cao Rui looked at Hua Xin, a touch of emotion flashed in his eyes.

He knew that these old ministers were truly concerned about the country and were worried about his safety.

But his determination was even stronger. He said slowly, "I appreciate the commander's wishes. But as an emperor, I should share the joys and sorrows with the soldiers. I will lead the army in person not only to recapture Hangu Pass, but also to demonstrate the military power and morale of the Wei Dynasty. I believe that as long as I lead the army in person, the soldiers will fight bravely and move forward."

At this time, Xiahou Xian stepped forward, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to follow Your Majesty in the expedition, swear to protect Your Majesty's safety to the death, and recapture Hangu Pass!" Cao Rui looked at Xiahou Xian, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes.

He knew that Xiahou Xian's courage and loyalty were impeccable.

But he still shook his head and said, "Brother Xian, I appreciate your kindness. But I have made up my mind to lead the expedition personally this time, so there is no need to say more. You stay in Luoyang and assist the Queen Mother, the teacher, and the Minister of the Chancellery in handling government affairs and ensuring stability in the rear."

Upon hearing this, although Xiahou Xian felt somewhat unwilling, he still bowed and obeyed the order, returning to his original position.

At this time, court officials in the court came forward one after another, some of them tried to dissuade him earnestly, while others put forward various suggestions, but Cao Rui rejected them one by one. His determination was as firm as iron.

Just then, a middle-aged man dressed in civil servant clothes came forward. He was the Shizhong Liu Ye, with a thin face and wise eyes.

He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Cao Rui looked at Liu Ye, nodded and said, "Whatever you think, please feel free to speak up."

Liu Ye cleared his throat and said, "Your Majesty wants to lead the army in person to boost morale, which is certainly advisable. But I think that Your Majesty does not need to lead the army to attack Hangu Pass in person. Your Majesty can stay in the rear and select a brave general to lead the army. Once the news of Your Majesty's personal expedition spreads, it will surely boost the morale of our army, and the Han army will certainly be cautious when hearing the news."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui pondered for a moment.

He had to admit that Liu Ye's suggestion did make sense.

But his determination was not shaken. He said slowly: "I have kept in mind what the Minister said. But I have made up my mind. I must personally lead an expedition to Hangu Pass to fight the Han army. I believe that as long as the soldiers of the Great Wei work together, we will be able to defeat the Han army and recapture Hangu Pass!"

Seeing how determined Cao Rui was, the courtiers in the court shook their heads and sighed.

They knew that the emperor's determination was unshakable and it would be useless for them to persuade him.

So, they could only quietly retreat back to their original positions, worrying about the emperor's safety.

Cao Rui looked at the courtiers in the court and felt inexplicably moved.

He knew that these court officials were truly concerned about the country and were worried about his safety.

But he also understood that as an emperor, he had to shoulder his responsibilities and obligations.

He took a deep breath and said slowly: "My dear ministers, I have made up my mind. There is no need to say more. I will personally lead the army to Hangu Pass to fight the Han army. I believe that as long as the soldiers of the Great Wei work together, we will surely win!"

After saying this, Cao Rui turned and left, his dragon robe fluttering in the wind. His figure appeared particularly tall and firm in the candlelight, as if he had already seen the future victory and glory.

The courtiers in the court looked at his back, with complex expressions in their eyes, including admiration, worry and expectation.

After properly entrusting the political affairs of Luoyang to the empress dowager, the highly respected imperial teacher Zheng Cheng, and the cautious and steady Shangshu Ling Chen Qun, Cao Rui felt an unprecedented sense of determination and pride in his heart.

He knew very well that this trip not only concerned the destiny of the Wei State, but also his dignity and courage as a king.

Under the city of Luoyang, the troops have been assembled. The 30,000 cavalrymen are like a steel torrent, and their armor shines with a cold luster in the sun.

Cao Rui was wearing golden armor and a dragon helmet, with an upright posture and a firm and deep look in his eyes. He held a long sword in his hand, and the tip of the sword gently touched the ground, as if at this moment, the whole world was under his control.

"I will personally lead the expedition this time and I will definitely take down Hangu Pass in one fell swoop, so that the people of the Han Dynasty will know that the dignity of the Wei Dynasty cannot be violated!" Cao Rui's voice was loud and powerful, penetrating the morning mist and echoing in the ears of every soldier. Upon hearing this, the soldiers' morale was high and they shouted, "Long live! Long live!"

With the order given, 30,000 soldiers and horses attacked Hangu Pass like arrows from a bow at lightning speed.

The sound of horse hooves was like thunder, dust was flying, and the flags of the Wei army fluttered in the wind, like a giant dragon galloping across the wilderness.

Along the way, wherever the Wei army passed, the people gave way, with both awe and expectation in their eyes.

They knew that the young emperor was using his actions to prove the strength and inviolability of the Wei State.

At this time in Hangu Pass, Zhang Bao was immersed in daily military affairs and had no idea that the crisis was approaching.

Hangu Pass is strategically located and one man can hold off ten thousand. He thought that with the help of the natural barrier, it would be difficult for the Wei army to break in easily.

However, when the scout came to report that the Wei Emperor Cao Rui had led a large army to approach Gu County, Zhang Bao was startled and his eyes suddenly lit up.

He stood up suddenly, his body was burly, his muscles bulging, and his armor made him look even more powerful.

There was a hint of surprise on Zhang Bao's face, but more of excitement and anticipation.

If Cao Rui could be killed in a field battle, Luoyang would surely fall, and Zhang Bao would be the first to achieve such a feat and his name would go down in history!

"Quick! Quickly pass the order down, gather the elite cavalry, and follow me out of the pass to fight!" Zhang Bao's voice was hurried and firm, and his eyes were flashing with a fiery fighting spirit, as if he had already seen the glorious moment of killing Cao Rui with his own hands and returning in triumph.

The soldiers acted upon hearing the order and quickly assembled an elite cavalry.

Each of them possesses unique skills and excellent riding skills, and is Zhang Bao's capable general.

Zhang Bao mounted his warhorse, holding a spear, the tip of which flashed coldly in the sunlight.

He looked around and saw that the cavalrymen were all in high spirits and morale, and he couldn't help feeling a sense of pride.

"Brothers, today's battle is about the honor and survival of our Han Dynasty! Although the Wei army is strong, we have the strategic location of Hangu Pass and our elite troops. What is there to be afraid of? Follow me out of the pass, kill Cao Rui, and enhance the prestige of our country!" Zhang Bao's voice was passionate and powerful, inspiring every soldier.

Upon hearing this, the cavalry shouted, "We are willing to follow the general to kill Cao Rui and enhance our country's prestige!" Their voices resounded through the sky, and their momentum was like a rainbow.

With an order, Zhang Bao led the elite cavalry and galloped towards Gu County like a gust of wind.

The sound of horse hooves was deafening, dust was flying, and the cavalry's flags fluttered in the wind, like a group of tigers galloping through the mountains and forests.

Along the way, Zhang Bao felt both nervous and excited.

This battle was of great importance. If we won, the Han Dynasty would gain great prestige; if we lost, the consequences would be disastrous.

But he believed more in his own strength and the courage and determination of his soldiers.

He gripped the spear tightly in his hand, as if he had already felt the moment of the decisive battle with Cao Rui.

When the Wei army was about to reach Gu County, it was almost dusk.

The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the earth, covering the battlefield with a layer of golden gauze.

Zhang Bao led the cavalry and galloped over. From afar, they saw that the Wei army was well-organized and had a great momentum.

But Zhang Bao showed no fear. There was a determination in his eyes and his heart was filled with the belief that he would win.

"Cao Rui, you are finally here! Today is the day you die!" Zhang Bao said silently in his heart. He waved his spear and led the cavalry to charge towards the Wei army camp.

A thrilling decisive battle is about to begin on this land... (End of this chapter)