Shuhan

Zhang Bao had a very smooth life during this period, as if it was destiny and he had good luck in battle.

Since he led his troops to the battle, there have been frequent reports of victory. First, he led his troops to break through the dangerous Hangu Pass.

After breaking through Hangu Pass, Zhang Bao did not slack off, but instead pursued the victory and marched straight into the heartland of Wei State.

In the confrontation with Wei Emperor Cao Rui, he demonstrated extraordinary military talent.

When the two armies faced each other, Cao Rui personally led a large army with a huge formation and fierce momentum.

However, Zhang Bao remained calm and composed. He knew that the Wei army's food and grass were its lifeline, so he secretly sent scouts to investigate the places where the Wei army stored food.

Scouts were sent out to burn the crops. Within a few days, flames shot up into the sky and smoke filled the air around Gu County, and the Wei army's food and fodder were reduced to ashes.

The food and grass were burned, the morale of the Wei army plummeted, and Cao Rui was also extremely anxious.

Zhang Bao took advantage of this opportunity to intensify the offensive against the Wei army, making the Wei army restricted everywhere and losing ground.

At this moment, Zhang Bao was in the tent, discussing the next strategy with his generals.

Inside the tent, the flickering candlelight illuminated every determined face.

Zhang Bao sat at the desk, wearing armor, looking heroic, with an aura of majesty revealed between his brows.

He pointed at the map and discussed the attack route and troop deployment with the generals, his voice steady and powerful.

"In this battle, we must make a concerted effort to strike directly at the heart of the Wei army, only then can we completely defeat the Wei army." Zhang Bao said, with a firm light flashing in his eyes, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

All the generals nodded in agreement, expressing their willingness to follow Zhang Bao's command and serve him until death.

The atmosphere in the tent was warm and morale was high, and everyone was full of desire for victory.

At this moment, hurried footsteps were heard outside the tent, and a Han envoy hurried into the tent, reporting that Wang Shuang, the defender of Gu County, wanted to surrender.

The messenger looked exhausted, obviously in a hurry. He knelt on one knee, presented Wang Shuang's letter of surrender with both hands, and said respectfully: "General, Wang Shuang, the commander of Gu County, is willing to lead his troops to surrender. This is his letter of surrender. Please take a look."

Zhang Bao was delighted when he heard this, but he remained calm. He took the letter of surrender, examined it carefully, and after confirming that it was correct, a smile appeared on his lips.

He looked up at the messenger, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and said, "You have worked hard, go down and rest first."

After the messenger left, Zhang Bao placed the letter of surrender on the table, looked around at the generals, laughed and said: "Wang Shuang is willing to surrender, this is a godsend! Gu County is an important town in Wei State. If we take this city, our army can attack or defend, which will pose a greater threat to the Wei army."

After saying that, he stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the tent, thinking about his next plan in his mind.

However, taking over Gu County is not an easy task and we must proceed with caution to avoid complications.

After a moment, Zhang Bao stopped, turned around and looked at the generals, and said seriously: "Send people to take over Gu County, and be careful. Satisfy all of Wang Shuang's conditions. As long as he surrenders sincerely, I, Zhang Bao, will not treat him unfairly."

Upon hearing this, all the generals took orders and left.

Zhang Bao stood in the center of the tent, looking at Gu County on the map, with a surge of ambition in his heart.

If they win this battle, the Han Kingdom will have a chance to unify the world, and Zhang Bao will also go down in history.

Thinking of this, Zhang Bao couldn't help but laugh out loud, his laughter was full of confidence in victory and longing for the future.

His figure appeared exceptionally tall and mighty in the light of the candlelight, as if he was a natural god of war, leading the Han army to victory.

At the same time, a sense of emotion welled up in Zhang Bao's heart.

War is cruel and ruthless, and every victory is accompanied by the loss of countless lives.

I hope this war can end soon so that people all over the world can be freed from the suffering of war and live a peaceful and prosperous life.

Valley County.

On the city wall, the mottled moss tells of the vicissitudes of time, and the moat under the tower flows quietly, as if witnessing countless historical changes.

At this time, part of the Han army was ready to go and was waiting quietly outside Gu County. The troops were in neat order and their morale was high.

The soldiers were either standing or sitting, but their eyes revealed a determination and expectation.

They looked at the tightly closed city gate, secretly wondering what was happening inside the city.

Some soldiers held spears in their hands, tapping the spear shafts with their fingers, looking a little anxious; others lowered their heads in thought, as if silently praying that the reception would go smoothly.

As a breeze blew by, a flag on the city wall swayed gently, making a rustling sound, as if it was nature's whisper of this historical change.

At this moment, a dull creaking sound broke the tranquility of the early morning, the gate of Gu County slowly opened, and a heavy and solemn atmosphere blew in.

Inside the city gate, Wei general Wang Shuang, wearing armor and a battle robe, led the military officers of Gu County out of the city gate.

His steps were steady and powerful, but his eyes revealed a complex emotion - both helplessness in surrendering and expectations for the future.

Wang Shuang had a resolute face and a slightly messy beard, which showed that he had been preparing for surrender overnight.

His hands were tightly clenched on the hilt of the sword at his waist, his knuckles turned white from the force, showing his inner tension and anxiety.

The generals and officers following behind Wang Shuang all had solemn expressions. Some bowed their heads and remained silent, while others secretly glanced at the Han army outside the city, with curiosity and anxiety flashing in their eyes.

They knew that the arrival of this moment meant that they would bid farewell to their past identities and embark on a new and unknown path.

Upon seeing this, the Han general immediately stepped forward, saluted and said, "General Wang, we have been ordered to come to take over Gu County. I hope you can keep your promise and work together to maintain order in the city."

Wang Shuang nodded slightly when he heard this, and said in a low and firm voice: "Since I have decided to surrender, I must abide by the agreement. I am willing to work with the Han army to seek great plans and seek the welfare of the people of the world."

There was a flash of determination in his eyes, as if he was telling himself that this was the best choice.

Upon hearing this, the Han general smiled with relief. He patted Wang Shuang on the shoulder and said, "General Wang is very righteous and we admire you. Please rest assured, the Han army will uphold the tradition of a benevolent and righteous army and will not deprive you of your military power. You will still be allowed to lead your troops."

Wang Shuang felt relieved when he heard this, and a hint of gratitude appeared on his face.

He knew very well what it meant to retain military power in troubled times.

This is not only a trust in him personally, but also a respect for his subordinates.

He took a deep breath, bowed to the Han general and said, "Thank you for your consideration, General. I will do my best to serve the Han army."

Following Wang Shuang's statement, the military generals and officers in Gu County also stepped forward and expressed their intention to surrender to the Han army.

Some of them knelt on one knee, some bowed, but their eyes revealed an expectation and yearning for a new life.

Seeing this, the Han army soldiers cheered.

They knew that the taking over of the city meant they had taken another step forward.

They cheered and poured into the city, but in an orderly manner without any panic or looting.

In accordance with the prior agreement, they quickly took over various key departments in the city and ensured stability and security in the city.

Wang Shuang led his troops and, in accordance with the Han army's arrangements, garrisoned in the designated area of ​​the city.

He stood on the city wall, looking at the busy Han soldiers in the city, feeling filled with emotion.

He thought of his previous vows and ideals, and now he has come to this point.

But he also understood that the wheel of history rolls forward, and personal destiny is often unable to resist the tide of the times.

He turned around and looked at the generals around him. Their eyes were also full of confusion and anxiety. Wang Shuang took a deep breath and said in a firm voice: "Brothers, although we have surrendered to the Han army, our mission is not over. Just wait and see."

After Wang Shuang surrendered, the Han army became more powerful and quickly took control of the strategic location of Gu County.

In Gu County, Han army flags were flying, and soldiers were busy and orderly moving through the streets and alleys, consolidating the newly occupied territory. At this moment, there were two roads leading directly to Luoyang from Gu County, one through Pingyin and the other through Henan. Both cities were heavily guarded by Wei troops and were the only way to Luoyang.

Zhang Bao stood on the city wall of Gu County, gazing into the distance with deep eyes, thinking about the next military action in his mind.

He was dressed in iron armor and a battle robe on his shoulders. He looked heroic, and his expression revealed an unquestionable firmness and courage.

Wang Shuang, who was standing beside him, had just surrendered and seemed a little reserved, but his eyes were shining with loyalty and expectation for his new master.

"General Wang." Zhang Bao turned around and said to Wang Shuang in a steady tone, "You just surrendered to our army. We should have left you in Gu County to rest, but the situation is urgent now. Luoyang is the heart of the Wei army. If we can't quickly cut off its food reserves, our subsequent offensive will be difficult to sustain. I intend to divide the army into two routes, one to attack Pingyin and the other to attack Henan. What do you think, General Wang?"

Wang Shuang was startled when he heard this, and then he saluted and replied: "General Zhang's words make sense. I am willing to lead the troops to attack Pingyin to repay the general for not killing me."

Zhang Bao nodded with satisfaction, secretly admiring Wang Shuang's courage and determination.

He knew very well that although Wang Shuang had just surrendered, his prestige and combat effectiveness in the Wei army should not be underestimated. If this card could be used well, it would be of great benefit to the Han army's offensive.

So Zhang Bao immediately ordered Wang Shuang to lead his troops to attack Pingyin, which was heavily guarded.

He personally led the main force of the Han army, vowing to capture Henan and cut off Luoyang's food lifeline.

After receiving the order, Wang Shuang immediately assembled his army and set out. He was wearing armor, holding a spear, and riding a warhorse, and he rushed out of the gate of Gu County first.

His subordinates followed closely behind, all of them in high spirits and high morale.

They knew that this battle was not only a test of their loyalty to their new master, but also a great opportunity for them to wash away their shame and prove themselves.

At the same time, Zhang Bao also led the main force of the Han army and marched towards Henan in a mighty manner.

Along the way, they saw golden fields of crops swaying in the autumn breeze.

However, Zhang Bao had a blank expression on his face, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Sometimes sacrifices must be made to win a war.

"Pass the order down. Burn any farmland you see along the way!" Zhang Bao gave the order in a deep voice, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Upon hearing this, the Han army soldiers felt a little reluctant, but they had to grit their teeth and carry out the military order as it was heavy as a mountain.

For a moment, flames shot up into the sky, smoke filled the air, and the golden fields turned to ashes in the flames.

Zhang Bao stood on a high place, looking at the land devastated by war, with a complex emotion in his heart. He was saddened by the cruelty of the war, but also determined for the victory of the Han army.

On the way to Henan, the Han army encountered stubborn resistance from the Wei army.

But Zhang Bao led the charge, holding a long sword. His bravery and fearlessness inspired the Han soldiers to fight bravely.

They shouted, waved their weapons, and fought a desperate battle with the Wei army.

On the other side, Wang Shuang also led his men to launch a fierce attack on Pingyin. Pingyin City had high walls and was heavily guarded by the Wei army.

But Wang Shuang was not afraid, he led the troops to attack the city personally. Under his leadership, his subordinates bravely took the lead and fought to the death.

For a moment, the shouts and cries of killing were deafening, and arrows flew towards the top of the city like raindrops.

Wang Shuang stood at the foot of the city, looking up at the Wei army flag on the top of the city, with a determined light in his eyes.

However, the situation during Wang Shuang's attack on Pingyin seemed stable on the surface, but in fact there were undercurrents.

Less than three days later, on a gloomy and foggy morning, Wang Shuang's mind was as clear as a mirror, as he was planning an astonishing plan.

He stood at the foot of Pingyin City, looking at the vast sea of ​​fog, with a barely perceptible cunning glimmer in his eyes.

Wang Shuang knew very well that Zhang Bao was leading a large army in Henan to fight against the Wei army at that time, and might have relaxed his vigilance towards Pingyin.

As the vital passage for the Han army to enter and exit Luoyang, Hangu Pass’ strategic position is self-evident.

If we can seize Hangu Pass at this opportunity, it will undoubtedly deal a fatal blow to the Han army.

So Wang Shuang secretly summoned 3,000 cavalrymen, all of whom were his former confidants and loyal to him. They were all wearing armor and had firm eyes. Although they were a little confused about Wang Shuang's sudden decision, they could only silently carry out the military order.

"Brothers." Wang Shuang said in a low and powerful voice, his voice was particularly clear in the fog.

"My Wang Shuang surrendered because he had no choice. Although the Han army is strong, the Wei army is not ordinary. If we continue to serve the Han army, I am afraid that we will not have a good ending. Today, I want to lead you to raid Hangu Pass and block the passage of the Han army in and out of Luoyang, to find a way out for us and for the Wei Dynasty."

The cavalrymen were shocked when they heard this, but looking at Wang Shuang's determined eyes, they knew that this general had never done anything without confidence.

So, they nodded one after another, expressing their willingness to follow Wang Shuang into this unknown battle.

Wang Shuang felt a little comforted when he saw this.

Once you take this step, there is no turning back.

But he also understood that he had to do this for the sake of survival and loyalty.

As night fell, the fog grew thicker, as if swallowing up the entire world.

Wang Shuang led 3,000 cavalrymen and set off quietly. They followed the winding path, bypassed the Han army's checkpoints, and galloped all the way.

The defenders of Hangu Pass were immersed in the peaceful night at this moment, unaware of the approaching crisis.

They were either standing or sitting, some were talking in low voices, while others had fallen into a deep sleep.

However, at this moment, a burst of hurried horse hooves broke the silence of the night, like thunder, shaking the earth.

The defenders were suddenly awakened to see a mass of black cavalry rushing towards them like a tide. They held spears in their hands, wore armor, and had murderous intent in their eyes.

Before the defenders could react, Wang Shuang had already taken the lead and rushed into the pass.

His spear drew an arc in the air, carrying a sharp sword energy, and went straight for the head of the defending general.

The defenders were immediately thrown into chaos, some fought desperately, and some fled in all directions.

However, under the fierce attack of Wang Shuang and his three thousand cavalrymen, they were quickly defeated.

Hangu Pass, the once indestructible fortress, changed hands into Wang Shuang's hands.

Wang Shuang stood on the city wall of Hangu Pass, looking at the vast night, with an indescribable complex emotion welling up in his heart.

He was both happy about his victory and guilty about betraying Zhang Bao.

But he knew that he had already taken this step and he had to continue with it firmly.

At this time, Zhang Bao was leading his army in Henan and fighting a fierce battle with the Wei army.

He had no idea of ​​Wang Shuang's betrayal, nor did he expect that Hangu Pass had changed hands.

When he received the news, he was struck by lightning and froze in place.

"Wang Shuang, how dare you betray me!" Zhang Bao roared, his voice full of anger and unwillingness.

The fall of Hangu Pass meant that the Han army's passage in and out of Luoyang was blocked, and tens of thousands of them would be trapped in Luoyang.

A trace of pain flashed in Zhang Bao's eyes. He recalled the scene when Wang Shuang surrendered. At that time, he thought that Wang Shuang was truly surrendering, but he didn't expect that all this was a false surrender.

He regretted not breaking up Wang Shuang's troops, giving him the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

"Pass the order down, organize troops immediately and retake Hangu Pass!" Zhang Bao ordered in a deep voice, his voice revealing firmness and determination.

He knew that this battle was a matter of life and death for the Han army, and he had to go all out. (End of this chapter)