Shuhan

In early autumn, the sky is high and the clouds are light, and the air is fresh and the wind is clear.

A vast field stretches out across the Luoyang Plain.

The crops grow vigorously and luxuriantly in this fertile land. The green leaves sparkle in the sun, and the heavy ears hang their heads as if paying tribute to Mother Earth.

It is harvest time and the farmers should be full of joy and look forward to the arrival of a good harvest. However, inside and outside Gu County, there is a solemn atmosphere, which forms a sharp contrast with the quiet and peaceful fields.

Gu County, a small town located in the heart of the Luoyang Plain, became the frontline position for the confrontation between the Han and Wei armies.

On the city wall, the flags of the Wei army were fluttering. The soldiers were wearing iron armor, holding spears, and their eyes were firm and sharp.

They stood upright, like unshakable sculptures, guarding the land and people behind them.

Below the city, the Han army camps were connected in an endless stream, with flags flying, horses neighing, and high morale. Although no large-scale battles had yet broken out between the two armies, small skirmishes were constant, with scouts moving around the battlefield like ghosts, sometimes clashing, sometimes testing each other.

In this tense atmosphere of confrontation, Han army general Zhang Bao, wearing armor, stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant Gu County city with sharp eyes.

He was a big man with a broad back and a full beard, looking extremely powerful.

At this moment, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed a hint of worry and determination.

This war concerns the rise and fall and survival of the Han Dynasty. As a general, I must shoulder the heavy responsibility of restoring the Han Dynasty.

"General, the Wei army has been conducting frequent scouting activities in recent days, and it seems they are testing our defense line." A deputy general walked up to Zhang Bao and reported respectfully.

Zhang Bao snorted coldly upon hearing this, "Humph! The Wei thieves are cunning, trying to disrupt our army's morale with a small-scale conflict. Pass the order down, strengthen patrols, and kill any Wei scouts immediately if they are found!"

The deputy general took the order and left, while Zhang Bao continued to stare at Gu County in the distance, secretly thinking of countermeasures in his mind.

The Wei emperor Cao Rui should not be underestimated. He is both wise and brave and will never launch an attack easily.

Both sides are accumulating strength, intending to decide the outcome with a single battle, and this war is destined to be a brutal one.

In Gu County, Cao Rui, wearing a gorgeous battle robe, sat upright in the commander's tent.

He had a thin face, deep and cunning eyes, and a faint smile on the corners of his mouth.

At this time, he was discussing the strategy of attacking the city with his advisers.

"Your Majesty, the Han army has tight defenses and the city walls are strong. A frontal attack may not be effective." An adviser said with a bow.

Cao Rui nodded slightly and said, "Well, that makes sense. Although the Han army is brave, Zhang Bao has a violent temper and is easily provoked. We can send a small force to pretend to attack the city, lure Zhang Bao out of the city to fight, and then set up an ambush and capture him in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing this, all the counselors nodded in praise. Cao Rui continued to ponder for a moment, then gave an order: "Pass the order down, prepare the troops immediately, and pretend to attack the city tomorrow morning. At the same time, send scouts to closely monitor the movements of the Han army, and report immediately if they find Zhang Bao leaving the city."

As night fell, the Luoyang Plain fell into silence.

The lights were on above the Han army camp, and the soldiers took turns on duty, watching vigilantly the movements in the distance.

In the Wei army camp, the lights were also dim, and the soldiers were preparing intensively for tomorrow's battle.

After Zhang Bao inspected the village wall, he returned to his tent.

He sat at his desk, staring at the map, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.

Cao Rui has many strategies, so we must always be vigilant and not give the enemy any chance to take advantage.

At the same time, he was also thinking about how to break the deadlock and deal a heavy blow to the Wei army.

At this time, a personal soldier walked into the tent and reported: "General, there is a scout outside who wants to see you and says he has urgent military information to report."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bao immediately stood up and walked out of the tent.

I saw a scout kneeling on the ground covered in dust and with a tired face, and said in a trembling voice: "General, there are signs of large-scale mobilization of the Wei army tonight, and it seems that they are preparing to attack the city tomorrow morning."

After hearing this, Zhang Bao was startled, but then he calmed down.

This might be a trick of Cao Rui, trying to lure him out of the city to fight.

So, after thinking for a moment, he gave the order: "Pass the order down, the whole army should remain vigilant and strengthen defense. Tomorrow morning, no matter how the Wei army provokes, they must not leave the city to fight. At the same time, send scouts to closely monitor the movements of the Wei army, and report immediately if there is any abnormal situation."

The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight shone across the Luoyang Plain, the Wei army indeed launched a feint attack.

They shouted and rushed towards the Han army wall, arrows falling like raindrops.

However, the Han army held their ground and fought back only with bows and crossbows.

After attacking for half a day, the Wei army was unable to break through the Han army's defense line and had to retreat in disappointment.

Cao Rui was watching the battle from a distance, and seeing that the Han army did not fall into his trap, he couldn't help feeling annoyed.

It seems that this war will be a long battle, requiring great efforts and sacrifices from both sides.

This confrontation lasted for another three days.

Zhang Bao did not send troops to fight the Wei army in the field, not because he was afraid of the bravery of the Wei army, but because he was well versed in the art of war and had grasped the lifeblood of the Wei army - that is, food and grass! On the battlefield, food and grass are the lifeline of the army and the source of strength that supports the soldiers to continue fighting. At this moment, the crops on the Luoyang Plain are lush and full of vitality. They are not only the gift of Mother Earth, but also the light of hope in the eyes of the Wei army.

Zhang Bao stood on a high platform in the Han army camp, gazing at the scene of the harvest with sharp eyes.

He was a burly man with a resolute face, and his brows revealed a heroic spirit that was intimidating without anger. His armor gleamed coldly in the sun, as if he was ready for a life-and-death fight at any time.

However, Zhang Bao was extremely calm in his heart. He knew very well that a head-on confrontation with the Wei army was not the best strategy and that only by using wisdom could he win.

"General, the Wei army has sufficient food and grass, and its morale is high. When should we send out troops to fight?" A deputy general walked up to Zhang Bao and asked anxiously.

Zhang Bao smiled slightly, looked into the distance with deep eyes, and said slowly: "Why are you in such a hurry? Although the Wei army is strong, their lifeline is in our hands. Look at that piece of crops, that is their hope. As long as we cut off their food supply, how long can they hold on?"

The deputy general suddenly realized what was going on and praised Zhang Bao's brilliant plan. However, Zhang Bao just smiled faintly, having already figured out his next plan in his mind.

As night falls, the Luoyang Plain is silent, with only the occasional chirping of insects breaking the tranquility.

Zhang Bao summoned his elite soldiers and secretly arranged a difficult task - burning the crops of the Wei army. He knew that this task was dangerous and difficult, but as long as it succeeded, it would deal a fatal blow to the Wei army.

"Brothers, the Wei army's food and grass depends on those crops. If we burn them, the Wei army will lose the capital for a protracted war. This is a battle that concerns the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty, we must not fail!" Zhang Bao's tone was firm, and his eyes revealed his determination to win.

The soldiers heard this and straightened their heads, with a determined look in their eyes. They knew very well what kind of responsibility they were shouldering and the importance of this battle.

On a dark and windy night, Zhang Bao personally led an elite force and quietly sneaked into the Wei army's fields.

They were dressed in black, with black ash on their faces, like ghosts in the night. Along the way, they carefully avoided the sentinels of the Wei army and quietly approached their target.

When Zhang Bao saw the golden crops, he couldn't help but feel an inexplicable impulse in his heart.

The destruction of this crop would mean the demise of the Wei army. He waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to start moving.

The soldiers quickly dispersed, lit the torches in their hands, and threw them into the fields.

Suddenly, flames shot up into the sky, lighting up the entire night sky.

The crops crackled in the blazing fire and emitted a burning smell. After the Wei army sentinels discovered the fire, they blew the alarm in panic.

There was chaos in the Wei army camp, and the soldiers ran out of the camp to try to put out the fire.

However, the fire was out of control and could not be put out.

Upon hearing the news, Wei Emperor Cao Rui walked out of the tent with a grim face, looked at the burning fields, and a trace of anger and anxiety flashed in his eyes.

"Zhang Bao, how dare he be so bold!" Cao Rui said with gritted teeth.
This fire will deal a fatal blow to the Wei army.

The shortage of food and fodder will make it impossible for the Wei army to continue a protracted war, and the Han army can take advantage of this opportunity to find the flaws of the Wei army and deal a fatal blow.

Under the command of Zhang Bao, the Han army did not take the opportunity to launch an attack, but quietly waited for the Wei army to panic.

They knew that the Wei army was now like a frightened bird, and any disturbance might cause them to panic.

What Zhang Bao wanted was the panic and weakness of the Wei army. As expected, the Wei army showed its weakness in the panic. There were loopholes in their defense line, and the morale of the soldiers was severely hit.

Zhang Bao was overjoyed when he saw this and immediately ordered the Han army to launch an attack.

The Han army surged towards the Wei army like a tide, and the shouts of killing shook the earth.

Zhang Bao led the charge, holding a spear in hand. His figure on the battlefield was like a flash of lightning, invincible.

When the Wei soldiers saw Zhang Bao's bravery, they couldn't help feeling fear in their hearts and retreated one after another.

Zhang Bao led the Han army in pursuit, fiercely tearing apart the Wei army's defense line.

They pounced on the Wei army soldiers one by one like hungry tigers, and the battlefield was covered with blood and corpses, a horrible scene.

However, Zhang Bao did not have the slightest mercy.

This battle concerns the rise and fall and survival of the Han Dynasty, so I must give it my all.

He waved the spear in his hand and continuously attacked the Wei army, his heart full of the belief that he would win.

Under the leadership of Zhang Bao, the Han army finally succeeded in tearing off a piece of flesh from the Wei army.

They defeated a unit of the Wei army and seized a large amount of weapons, equipment and food.

The Wei army suffered heavy losses in this battle and its morale was at its lowest point.

Cao Rui looked at the disastrous defeat on the battlefield, his heart filled with helplessness and anger.

He knew that he had to readjust his strategy in order to reverse the defeat.

The next day.

Cao Rui stood on the watchtower at the top of Gu County, his brows furrowed, his eyes flashing with flames of anxiety and anger.

He looked at the crops outside the city that were about to mature. They were the result of the hard work of the Wei State in cultivating crops here and were important supplies to support the war.

A small part of the crops were burned last night. Now that the Han army is coming, I'm afraid they will burn the rest of the crops as well.

The tranquility at this moment foreshadows the coming storm.

"Your Majesty, the Han army is moving!" A scout covered in dust hurried up the watchtower, knelt on the ground, and panted in his voice.

"Zhang Bao is leading the Han army and is approaching our farming area!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white from the force.

Zhang Bao was a man of both wisdom and courage. Under his leadership, the Han army was as slippery and elusive as a loach.

But at this moment, he could not sit idly by. If the crops fell into the hands of the Han army, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Immediately order the elite cavalry to go and fight the Han army!" Cao Rui's voice was low and firm, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

He turned and walked towards the parade ground in the city, where the elite cavalry of Wei had already gathered. The horses were neighing, and the soldiers were wearing iron armor and holding spears, with high morale.

Cao Rui walked up to the high platform on the parade ground and looked around. His eyes were as sharp as torches, as if they could penetrate the hearts of every soldier.

"Warriors, the Han army is trying to burn our crops and cut off our food supply. This is a battle that concerns our survival. Are you willing to fight alongside me and protect our homeland?"

"Yes!" the soldiers shouted in unison, their voices were deafening, their eyes were full of determination and courage.

Cao Rui nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand to signal the soldiers to set off. The elite cavalry poured out of the city gate like a tide, the sound of horse hooves was deafening, and the dust was flying. They galloped towards the direction of the Han army.

At this moment, Zhang Bao was leading the Han army and lurking in a forest outside Gu County. He was wearing armor, holding a spear, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle.

He looked at the golden crops in the distance and thought secretly in his heart.

This crop is the lifeblood of the Wei army. Once burned, the Wei army will be in trouble.

"General, the Wei cavalry has left the city!" A scout hurried over and reported to Zhang Bao.

Zhang Bao smiled slightly, with a hint of cunning in his eyes.

"You've come just in time. Let them have a taste of our power." He waved his hand to signal the Han army to get ready. The soldiers quickly dispersed and hid in various places in the woods, waiting for the Wei army to enter the ambush circle.

After a while, the Wei cavalry entered the Han army's ambush circle.

At Zhang Bao's command, the Han army rushed out of the woods like a tiger descending from the mountain and engaged in a fierce battle with the Wei army.

Spears were clashed against spears, the sound of horse hooves and shouts were intertwined, and the battlefield was filled with smoke.

Zhang Bao led the charge, spear in hand. His figure on the battlefield was like a flash of lightning, invincible.

Although the Wei cavalry was brave, they were caught off guard by the sudden attack of the Han army. They fought hard, but the Han army was in high spirits and had strong fighting power.

However, the Wei army was no pushover. They quickly adjusted their tactics and engaged in a desperate battle with the Han army.

The battlefield was a river of blood and corpses were everywhere. Soldiers on both sides fought with all their might.

Zhang Bao moved freely on the battlefield, his eyes full of determination and courage.

At this moment, Zhang Bao suddenly discovered a flaw in the Wei army.

His eyes lit up and he was secretly delighted. He quickly ordered the Han army to adjust its tactics and concentrate its forces to attack the weaknesses of the Wei army.

Upon hearing this, the Han soldiers straightened their chests and raised their heads, with a determined light flashing in their eyes. They knew that this was the crucial moment to win.

Under the leadership of Zhang Bao, the Han army surged towards the Wei army's weak points like a tide.

They shouted, waved their weapons, and knocked the Wei soldiers to the ground one by one.

Although the Wei cavalry was extremely brave, they gradually fell into trouble under the fierce attack of the Han army.

At this time, Zhang Bao suddenly came up with a brilliant idea. He waved his hand to signal some Han soldiers to withdraw from the battlefield and quietly go around to the place where the Wei army was farming.

The soldiers followed the order and soon disappeared in the smoke of the battlefield.

At this moment, the Wei cavalry was fully engaged in a battle with the Han army and had no time to take care of other things.

They only knew that the Han army before them was an enemy they must defeat.

However, they did not know that a greater disaster was quietly approaching.

After a while, the sound of raging fire was heard outside Gu County.

The crops grown by the Wei army were instantly reduced to ashes by the torches of the Han army.

The fire spread across the prairie and thick smoke billowed. Upon hearing the news, the Wei army soldiers couldn't help but feel a surge of despair in their hearts.

They knew that the crops were their lifeline and the source of their strength to continue fighting.

However, at this moment, the crops were burned to ashes by the Han army.

They looked at the sea of ​​fire, their eyes filled with helplessness and anger.

Cao Rui looked at the sea of ​​fire from the watchtower, his heart filled with pain and helplessness.

They have already lost this battle.

But we didn’t lose on the front battlefield!

Since they cannot fight, they can only resort to sneak attacks and ambushes.

Zhang Bao, what kind of hero are you? (End of this chapter)