Shuhan

It was late at night, and the last ray of light in the sky had sunk into the horizon, shrouding the entire earth in deep darkness.

However, in this supposedly peaceful moment, Valley County is far from peaceful.

In the city, seriously wounded Han soldiers lay in simple tents. Their groans came one after another, like elegy drifting in the night wind, heartbreaking.

These brave soldiers were seriously injured in the fierce fighting during the day, and now they could only lie there helplessly, enduring the pain.

There were very few supplies left in the city, and medicine was even scarcer.

Many soldiers with broken limbs didn't even have bandages or hemostatics on their wounds. They could only watch helplessly as the blood oozed out and dyed the cloth beneath them red.

Their eyes were filled with despair and helplessness, and their originally resolute faces were now distorted by pain.

Zhang Bao stood at the top of Gu County, his posture as straight as a pine tree, but his brows revealed a heaviness that was difficult to conceal.

He was wearing armor, and the mottled marks on the armor recorded the hardships and glory of countless battles.

The night wind blew past, ruffling the hair on his forehead, but it couldn't blow away the gloom in his heart.

He gazed at the Wei army camp in the distance with his sharp eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of the enemy's movements in the darkness.

The Wei army camp appeared looming in the night, with sparse lights and it seemed that there were fewer people.

Zhang Bao murmured to himself, could this be a strategy of the Wei army?
Did they deliberately show weakness to lure the Han army out of the city and then set up an ambush to annihilate them in one fell swoop?
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but shudder, and an inexplicable fear surged in his heart.

However, as a brave general, he knew that he could not just sit there and wait for death, and he had to make a decision as soon as possible.

For three consecutive days, Zhang Bao stood on the top of the city wall like a statue, observing the movements of the Wei army camp intently.

He found that although the number of Wei army's stoves did not decrease, the supplies and personnel in the camp seemed to have decreased a lot.

what on earth is it?

Could it be that the Wei army was really dealing with other Han troops that had crossed the river to the south?

Or are they secretly planning some conspiracy?
On the first day, when Zhang Bao first discovered this abnormality, his heart was filled with confusion and uneasiness.

He frowned, his eyes flashing with vigilance, as if he could see through the dark camp.

He whispered to himself, "What on earth are the Wei army doing? Are they really planning something?"

His fingers unconsciously clenched the bricks on the top of the city wall, and his joints turned white due to the force.

On the second day, Zhang Bao observed every detail of the Wei army camp more carefully.

He found that the Wei army's patrol teams were much sparser than before, and the soldiers' pace seemed a little hurried, as if they were busy with something.

This discovery made him even more uneasy.

He turned to the deputy general behind him and said, "You see, there must be something wrong with the Wei army. They are either preparing to attack us or they are dealing with other Han troops. We have to be careful."

The deputy general nodded, with worry in his eyes.

By the third day, Zhang Bao had almost confirmed his guess.

The abnormality in the Wei army camp became more and more obvious. He could even vaguely hear the faint shouting and killing coming from afar.

Although the shouts and cries were faint, they shook his soul like a bolt from the blue.

He knew very well that this was definitely an opportunity for a fight, but it could also be an ambush.

If a wrong decision is made, the consequences will be disastrous.

Zhang Bao's eyes became more determined, but the wrinkles between his brows became deeper.

He pursed his lips tightly, as if he wanted to swallow all his worries into his stomach.

His fingers tapped lightly on the top of the city wall, making a rhythmic sound, which was a reflection of his inner struggle.

He silently considered various possibilities and countermeasures in his mind, trying to find a foolproof plan.

Just then, a scout hurried over and reported the latest enemy situation to Zhang Bao.

The scout's face was pale and he was panting, obviously he had been running all the way here.

He said in a trembling voice: "General, the Han army that crossed the river to the south was ambushed by the Wei army and suffered heavy losses. The Wei army seems to be mobilizing its forces and preparing to launch a general attack on our Gu County."

Zhang Bao was shocked when he heard this.

He turned around suddenly, stared at the scout with his eyes as sharp as torches, and asked in a deep voice: "Are you serious?"

The scout nodded, his expression firm. Zhang Bao took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner turmoil.

Now is the moment of decisive battle and he must make a choice.

He once again looked at the Wei army camp in the distance, with a determined look in his eyes.

He whispered to himself: "Whether it is a battle or an ambush, I can't just sit back and watch. For the glory of the Han army and for those injured brothers, I must fight!"

In the autumn of the twelfth year of Tianming, the autumn wind was bleak, yellow leaves were flying, and a solemn and murderous atmosphere filled the sky and the earth.

In Gu County, Zhang Bao had been observing for three consecutive days. He stood on the top of the city wall, his eyes as sharp as torches, piercing through layers of fog, staring at the Wei army camp in the distance.

Over the past three days, Zhang Bao's heart was like surging waves, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

Every failed night attack was like a heavy hammer, hitting his heart hard.

However, he did not retreat at all, but instead became more determined in his belief.

As a famous general, perseverance is an essential quality. Only in this way can one fight a bloody battle for the Han Dynasty in these troubled times.

That night, the moon was dark and the wind was strong. Dark clouds obscured the stars and the entire Gu County was immersed in darkness.

Zhang Bao stood on the parade ground in the city, surrounded by three thousand elite soldiers who were good at breaking formations. They were all agile and their eyes revealed a firm will to fight.

These soldiers were all hand-picked by Zhang Bao himself. After countless rigorous trainings, they had already become an invincible iron army.

Zhang Bao looked around. His voice was deep and powerful, reverberating in the night sky like thunder: "Brothers, tonight we will break out again and head north to join the Han army that has crossed the river to the south. I know that the previous night attacks have failed, but we cannot give up. We are the sons and daughters of the Han Dynasty, and the fate of the world rests on our shoulders. As long as we unite as one and move forward courageously, nothing can stop us."

His words were full of encouragement and inspiration. After hearing them, the soldiers' eyes sparkled with even more burning fighting spirit.

They gripped their weapons tightly, as if they couldn't wait to rush to the battlefield and fight the Wei army.

Zhang Bao felt a warm feeling in his heart as he looked at these brave soldiers.

This battle concerns the future of the Han Dynasty and the life and death of each of them.

But he believed that as long as they worked together, they would be able to break through the blockade of the Wei army and join forces with the Han army crossing the south.

Before setting off, Zhang Bao made careful arrangements.

He pointed to the map of the city and explained in detail to the soldiers the route and tactics of breaking out.

He ran his finger over the map, knowing every route and every stronghold clearly. His eyes revealed wisdom and courage, which filled the soldiers with confidence.

"Tonight, we will split our forces into two groups," Zhang Bao said in a deep voice. "I will personally lead 3,000 elite soldiers to break out from the north gate. The rest of you, hold on to Gu County and make sure you defend this city. Don't let the Wei army take advantage of you. We need to attract the Wei army's attention and buy time and space for the Han army to cross the river to the south."

After hearing this, the soldiers nodded to show that they accepted the order.

This battle was of great importance and could not afford any negligence. Zhang Bao looked at their determined eyes and felt relieved.

These soldiers were all loyal and brave men of the Han Dynasty. They were willing to go through fire and water for the sake of the Han Dynasty.

As night fell, Zhang Bao, wearing armor and holding a spear, stood at the foot of the north gate tower.

His eyes revealed firm determination and endless fighting spirit.

He took a deep breath and shouted loudly: "Brothers, are you ready?"

"We're ready!" Three thousand elite warriors shouted in unison. Their voices shook the earth and seemed to tear the night sky apart.

Zhang Bao nodded, waved the spear in his hand, and shouted loudly: "Let's go!"

In an instant, the north gate opened wide, and three thousand elite warriors rushed out of the city gate like a tide, rushing towards the north. Their figures were looming in the night, like a group of brave warriors, rushing towards the battlefield fearlessly.

Zhang Bao took the lead, riding on his warhorse, his posture as straight as a pine tree.

His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and he was always alert to the movements around him. He swung his spear tightly in his hand, as if he wanted to kill all the enemies who blocked his way. In the night, the camp of the Wei army was brightly lit, and they seemed unaware of the Han army's surprise attack.

However, when Zhang Bao led 3,000 elite troops to attack the Wei army, the Wei army was thrown into chaos. They picked up their weapons in panic and tried to resist the Han army's offensive.

But Zhang Bao had already made full preparations, and the elite troops he led were well-trained. They were like a sharp blade, fiercely piercing the Wei army's position. For a time, the battlefield was filled with the sound of killing and blood splattering. Zhang Bao led the way, wielding his spear, charging left and right, and was invincible.

However, the Wei army was no pushover and they quickly organized an effective resistance.

Seeing this, Zhang Bao frowned and a strong desire to fight surged in his heart.

He shouted loudly: "Brothers, don't be afraid! Disperse them!!"

His words were like a warm current, flowing into the hearts of every soldier.

They all cheered up and rushed towards the Wei army more bravely.

On the battlefield, the Han army and the Wei army fought a desperate battle, and both sides suffered heavy casualties.

Zhang Bao fought bravely on the battlefield. His figure was like a flash of lightning, moving freely among the Wei army.

He wielded his spear tightly, his heart filled with desire for victory.

This battle concerns the future of the Han Dynasty and his personal honor and disgrace.

He must give his all and not let down his guard at all.

After several hours of fierce fighting, Zhang Bao finally led his elite troops to break through the blockade of the Wei army.

They rushed towards the north like an unstoppable torrent.

Zhang Bao broke out and headed north. The night was as dark as ink and the moonlight was dim, only dimly illuminating the rugged mountain road ahead.

He led the Han army, with an unyielding fire burning in his heart, and vowed to break through the Wei army's blockade and join forces with the army that was crossing the south.

In this strategic location between Gu County and Pingyin, Xiahou Xian had already received the message and led the elite troops of Wei Army to ambush in the valley, waiting for Zhang Bao's arrival.

The valley was silent, with only the occasional chirping of insects and the faint sound of wind in the distance breaking the depressing tranquility.

The Wei army soldiers hid among the mountains and forests, wearing dark armor and blending into the night. They even controlled their breathing to be extremely light for fear of revealing the slightest flaw.

Xiahou Xian stood on a high ground, his eyes as sharp as an eagle, staring straight ahead, waiting for the decisive moment.

Zhang Bao's Han army marched forward in the darkness of the night. The soldiers walked with firm steps, but their faces showed signs of fatigue.

They had gone through several days of arduous journeys and several fierce battles, and their bodies and minds had been stretched to their limits.

However, Zhang Bao had no intention of slacking off. He rode on his warhorse with an upright posture and a firm light flashing in his eyes, as if he could penetrate the night and see the hope ahead.

At this moment, the earth suddenly shook, and a dull sound of horse hooves and shouts of killing came from afar.

Zhang Bao's heart tightened, he knew that this was an ambush by the Wei army.

He immediately waved his hand to signal the team to stop, and he rode forward, carefully observing the surrounding terrain.

However, it was too late. Xiahou Xian had already set up a tight net, waiting for Zhang Bao to fall into it.

Xiahou Xian stood on the high ground and saw Zhang Bao gradually approaching the encirclement, and he couldn't help feeling proud.

A sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth, and there was a cruel light in his eyes.

This battle concerns the honor and disgrace of the Wei army and the future war situation. He must not let Zhang Bao leave alive.

"Kill!" Xiahou Xian suddenly shouted, and his voice echoed in the valley like thunder.

Immediately, the Wei army ambushed in the valley rushed down like a tiger descending from the mountain.

Arrows fell like raindrops, and boulders and logs rolled down the hillside continuously, making a deafening roar.

Zhang Bao's eyes were red with anger. He had never expected that the Wei army's ambush would be so clever and so sudden.

A strong sense of anger and unwillingness surged in his heart, but he had no time to think about it at this moment.

He gritted his teeth, brandished the spear in his hand, and rushed forward.

His figure shuttled through the rain of arrows, as fast as lightning.

However, the Wei army had already set up a tight net, so how could Zhang Bao escape?

Arrows kept shooting at him, some grazed his armor, making a harsh metal collision sound; others pierced deeply into his flesh, causing him excruciating pain.

But he seemed to feel no pain. He just waved his spear wildly and fought a desperate battle with the Wei army.

Zhang Bao's appearance looked particularly heroic at this moment.

His armor was already covered with bloodstains, but his eyes were even more determined and more ardent.

His face was distorted into a hideous shape due to anger and exertion, but the corners of his mouth were raised in an unyielding smile.

He seemed to be using his life to interpret what a true warrior is and what is the pride of the Han army.

Xiahou Xian stood on the high ground, watching all this coldly.

An inexplicable pleasure surged in his heart, and he felt extremely satisfied watching Zhang Bao struggling under the siege of the Wei army.

He shouted loudly: "Zhang Bao, you will never leave alive today!"

When Zhang Bao heard this, a strong anger surged in his heart.

He suddenly raised his head and stared at Xiahou Xian with sharp eyes, as if he wanted to eat him alive.

He shouted loudly: "You rat, don't be so arrogant! Even if I die on the battlefield today, I will never surrender to you!"

As he spoke, Zhang Bao waved his spear again and rushed towards the Wei army's line.

His figure swept across the battlefield like a whirlwind, and wherever he went, Wei soldiers fell one after another.

However, his strength was gradually being drained away, and his wounds continued to bleed, making him feel increasingly weak.

Seeing this, Xiahou Xian couldn't help feeling a little anxious.

If Zhang Bao continues like this, the Wei army's ambush will probably fail.

So he shouted again, ordering the Wei soldiers to intensify the attack and kill Zhang Bao here.

Upon hearing this, the Wei army soldiers accelerated the pace of their attack.

They charged towards Zhang Bao like crazy.

Arrows, boulders, and rolling logs fell continuously, enveloping Zhang Bao and the Han soldiers in a web of death.

Zhang Bao was exhausted at this moment, but his eyes were still extremely firm.

Although he could no longer escape this disaster, he was absolutely unwilling to surrender to the Wei army.

He gripped the spear tightly, as if he wanted to merge it into his body, preparing for the final decisive battle.

At this moment, an arrow suddenly shot out and hit Zhang Bao's chest accurately.

He felt a sharp pain and his body shook. However, he did not fall down, but used his spear to support the ground and stood firmly.

He raised his head and stared ahead with sharp eyes, as if to prove his indomitable spirit and bravery to the heaven and earth.

However, fate did not give him more opportunities.

Seeing this, the Wei soldiers rushed forward and surrounded Zhang Bao.

They brandished their weapons and attacked Zhang Bao frantically.

Although Zhang Bao fought hard, he was ultimately unable to withstand the siege of the Wei army.

Finally, he fell in a pool of blood.

There are just too many regrets in his eyes.

I am sorry to Your Majesty! (End of this chapter)