Shuhan

Yecheng seemed even heavier in the afterglow of the setting sun.

The temporary palace is located in a corner of the city. It has red walls and green tiles and is magnificent, but at this moment it is shrouded in an lingering haze.

Inside the palace hall, the candlelight flickered, and the light and shadows were mottled, reflecting on the magnificent beams and pillars, but it seemed unable to dispel the chill that arose from the heart.

The Han Emperor, Liu Chan, was wearing a dragon robe and sitting on a high throne with a haggard face.

His hands were tightly clenched with a battle report from the front line. The paper was slightly wrinkled due to excessive clenching, as if carrying an unspeakable weight.

On the battle report, the glaring words "Zhang Bao was defeated and died in battle" were written in large letters. It was like a bolt from the blue, and Liu Chan was filled with indescribable grief and anger.

Zhang Bao, the queen's biological brother, was a rare military talent in the court and a solid barrier in Liu Chan's heart.

Now, he actually died in Luoyang, a place that was once prosperous but is now ravaged by war.

Liu Chan couldn't help but think of Zhang Bao's heroic figure and the determined look in his eyes before he left, and his heart ached.

At this moment, an eunuch hurried into the hall, holding a sealed letter in his hand. It was sent by the prince from Wude County.

The eunuch carefully presented the letter to Liu Chan, who took it with trembling hands and slowly opened it.

In the letter, the prince described in detail the unpredictable situation in Luoyang and the various concerns of the army about it. Finally, he pleaded with his father to make a decision as soon as possible to reassure the people of the country.

After reading the letter, Liu Chan's expression became even uglier, his brows were furrowed, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, as if he could not bear the blow that followed.

He looked up at the ministers in the hall, his eyes revealing helplessness and confusion.

At this moment, the hall was so quiet that even the sound of a pin drop could be heard, and everyone felt the heaviness in Liu Chan's heart.

Fei Yi was wearing purple official uniform, but he looked calm.

He walked out slowly, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the death of General Zhang Bao is a great pain for our Han Dynasty. However, a country cannot be without a king for a day, and an army cannot be without a commander for a day. Although the situation in Luoyang is chaotic, our army still has elite soldiers and strong generals. As long as Your Majesty cheers up, we will be able to overcome the danger."

Fei Yi's words were like a warm current, slowly flowing into Liu Chan's heart, making him feel a little more at ease.

However, Dong Yun looked worried. He was wearing a green official robe, and his young and handsome face was full of worry.

He stepped forward, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the defeat in Luoyang was probably not accidental. It was caused by arrogance. Our army should quickly reorganize its military to defeat Luoyang. At the same time, the people in the court must also stabilize their hearts to avoid chaos."

Dong Yun’s words made Liu Chan frown even more. The situation in Luoyang was far more complicated than he had imagined.

At this moment, Sima Yi, who was standing aside, had deep and cold eyes, as if he could see through everything.

He was originally a minister of Wei. After being captured by Liu Chan, he did his best to offer advice to the Emperor of Han. Now he has a place in the Han Dynasty.

of course
The emperor always looked at him with a teasing look in his eyes, which made him unable to understand.

The vague murderous intent made his spine chill. He could only wonder if his value had not been fully realized, so he had been working like a slave for Liu Chan all this time.

now.

He did not speak immediately, but waited quietly for Liu Chan's signal.

Liu Chan took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He looked around and slowly said, "My dear ministers, I am deeply saddened by the death of Zhang Bao. However, state affairs are of paramount importance and I cannot sacrifice public affairs for personal reasons. The situation in Luoyang is complicated and confusing, and our army needs to respond as soon as possible. Mr. Fei, you are responsible for reorganizing the armaments and ensuring that our army can fight at any time; Mr. Dong, you are responsible for stabilizing the situation in the court and do not let rumors spread; Mr. Sima..."

Sima Yi immediately took a step forward with a steady body, his deep eyes flashing with determination and wisdom.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, clearly illuminating his slightly weathered but still majestic face. He stroked his long beard and offered advice to Emperor Liu Chan in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, now that the war has begun in Luoyang, it is like an arrow on a string that must be shot. If you choose to retreat now, not only will all your previous efforts be wasted, but it will also chill the hearts of the pro-Han people in Luoyang.

They are the backbone of our Han Dynasty and the internal support and hope of our army in Luoyang City.

Once we retreat, they will face brutal suppression and purge from the Wei emperor.

Cao Rui was a cruel and ruthless person who would never leave any hidden dangers that might threaten his rule.

By then, the pro-Han people will have been killed or forced into hiding, and it will be very difficult for the Han State to attack Luoyang again, or even to have no chance at all. "

Speaking of this, Sima Yi's tone was a little heavy, and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes, but was quickly replaced by determination.

He continued, "Your Majesty, you must know that Luoyang is the center of the world, with a strategic location and abundant resources. Whoever controls Luoyang controls the world, and this is true. Although Wei is strong now, after this battle, its remaining troops are few. Although our army has also suffered some losses, its morale is high. It is the best time to attack from all sides and defeat the enemy in one fell swoop."

Sima Yi said this, raising his hand and pointing to the map in the center of the hall. The map clearly marked the terrain and troop distribution of Luoyang and its surrounding areas.

He went on to say: "Your Majesty, please look, although there are strategic locations around Luoyang City, the Wei army is scattered and it is difficult to form an effective defense. If our army can attack from all four sides at the same time, we will be able to break their defenses and go straight to Huanglong. As long as our army can win once, we will be able to dampen their spirit and disrupt their military morale. By then, Wei will be defeated, Luoyang will be taken, and the world will be unified!"

Liu Chan had already been burning with war flames in his heart regarding Luoyang.

This ancient city is not only the center of the world, but also the key to the revival of the Han Dynasty.

Therefore, after listening to Sima Yi's words, he immediately ordered the Han army to attack the three key points of Hangu Pass, Guangcheng Pass and Chenggao Pass to break the blockade of the Wei army.

Liu Chan stood in the main hall of the palace, wearing a dragon robe, majestic and firm.

There was a gleam of determination in his eyes, as if he had already seen the moment when the Han army would break through Luoyang.

He shouted loudly: "Pass the order, all Han troops take action immediately and attack Hangu Pass, Guangcheng Pass, and Chenggao Pass! We must break the Wei army's defense line and clear the obstacles for our army to attack Luoyang!"

Following Liu Chan's order, the generals in the hall took orders and left one after another.

This battle concerns the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty, and no one dares to slack off.

Liu Chan continued in a deep voice: "At the same time, order E Huan's troops in Mengjin to continuously cross the river to provide support and attract the main force of the Wei army. Even if we want to use the tactic of adding fuel to the fire, we must consume the strength of the Wei army bit by bit until they are exhausted and can no longer fight!"

At this point, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in Liu Chan's eyes.

He knew that this battle would be extremely brutal, but for the future of the Han Dynasty, he was willing to pay any price.

He turned to look at the counselor beside him and asked, "Sima Qing, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This is a great plan. Hangu Pass, Guangcheng Pass, and Chenggao Pass are the gateways to Luoyang. As long as we break through these three key points, Luoyang will be within our grasp. And the crossing of the river by E Huan's troops can attract the main force of the Wei army and create favorable conditions for our army."

After hearing this, Liu Chan nodded with satisfaction.

So he ordered again: "Send a message to E Huan, tell him to fight bravely and attract the main force of the Wei army at all costs. At the same time, the generals of all units must cooperate closely, form a joint force, and jointly attack Luoyang!"

As Liu Chan's order was passed down, the various Han troops took quick action.

They were ready to go, with high morale, as if they had already seen the dawn of victory.

Liu Chan was going to Wude County in person to take charge of the overall situation and command this decisive battle that would determine the fate of the Han Dynasty. When he arrived in Wude County, Liu Chan specially summoned the prince. He looked at the prince's young and resolute face, and felt relieved.

He knew that although the prince was young, he had already demonstrated extraordinary talent and leadership.

However, he decided to personally fight the final battle to destroy Wei.

Liu Chan said to the prince earnestly, "Son, although you are capable, your reputation is not enough. This battle is related to the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty. I must go out in person to stabilize the army and boost morale. You stay in Yecheng, assist in handling government affairs, and provide strong logistical support for the front line."

When the prince heard this, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly became firm.

He knew that his father's decision was wise and necessary.

So he replied respectfully: "I obey your command and will do my best to provide strong support to the front line."

Liu Chan looked at the prince's determined eyes and felt a surge of pride in his heart.

My son has grown into a real man and can stand on his own.

He patted the prince on the shoulder and said, "Good son, I believe in you. When I return triumphantly, we will celebrate the unification of the Han Dynasty together!"

. . .

Chenggao Pass, this ancient and dangerous pass, is also known as Hulao Pass. Its reputation was known throughout the world during the late Han Dynasty.

At that time, the eighteen princes met here to fight against Dong Zhuo. For a time, heroes and heroes gathered here and the momentum was high.

The battle between the three heroes and Lu Bu that shocked the world took place on this land, leaving behind a story that will be passed down through the ages.

However, with the passage of time, Chenggao Pass is now a solemn and solemn scene.

The cold wind of late autumn blew by, bringing with it a bit of biting chill, blowing up the dead leaves on the ground, making a rustling sound.

The sky was gray, as if covered by a thick lead curtain, with not a single ray of sunlight visible.

In front of Chenggao Pass, the Han army had already prepared the siege sequence, with troops in good order and great momentum.

At the front was a row of Wei army surrendered soldiers. They were wearing tattered armor, their faces were haggard, and their eyes revealed a bit of helplessness and fear.

These soldiers who once served the Wei State are now on the side of the Han Army and are about to face their former comrades-in-arms.

They have mixed feelings in their hearts, including confusion about the future and desire to survive.

A little behind these surrendered soldiers were the miscellaneous soldiers who came from various places. Some were volunteers composed of refugees, some were small groups of bandits who surrendered, and some were private soldiers recruited by local tyrants.

Their equipment varied, but there was a determination gleam in their eyes.

They knew that this battle was about their own future and destiny.

And at the end was the elite division of the Han army.

They were dressed in bright armor, holding sharp weapons, their horses were fat and strong, and their morale was high.

Their eyes revealed a belief in victory, as if they had already seen the moment of breaking through Chenggao Pass and attacking Luoyang.

At this moment, the sound of war drums suddenly rang out, dull and powerful, echoing on the battlefield like thunder.

The siege began immediately, and the Han soldiers shouted and rushed towards Chenggao Pass like a tide.

Some of them held ladders, some carried battering rams, and others brandished spears. They bravely took the lead and were unstoppable.

The Wei army guarding the city gate fought desperately. They knew the importance of Chenggao Pass and that if it was lost, the consequences would be disastrous.

Therefore, they all fought bravely and never retreated. The generals of the Wei army stood on the city wall, holding long swords, commanding the soldiers to fight.

There was a resolute look in his eyes, as if he was ready to live and die with Chenggao Pass.

"Shoot!" The Wei army general gave an order, and the archers on the city wall pulled their bowstrings to their full potential, and arrows shot towards the Han army like raindrops.

The Han army soldiers raised their shields to block the rain of arrows.

However, many soldiers were hit by arrows and fell in a pool of blood.

"Charge!" The Han generals waved their swords and shouted as they led their soldiers to charge towards the tower. They fought bravely, regardless of life or death. For a moment, blood and flesh flew all over the battlefield, and screams rang out one after another.

Under the fierce attack of the Han army, the Wei army's defense line gradually collapsed.

However, the Wei army soldiers did not give up resistance. They still held their ground on the city walls, using their flesh and blood to block the Han army's attack.

There was a determination in their eyes, as if they were ready to sacrifice their lives for their country.

As the war continued, Chenggao Pass became a meat grinder and countless lives were lost again.

The Han army attacked the city for three days and three nights. The sound of war drums, shouts, and weapons clashing never stopped. Thousands of bodies of brave soldiers were left at Chenggao Pass.

The setting sun was like blood, sprinkling on the land ravaged by war, adding a bit of desolation to this tragic scene.

Chenggao Pass still stands tall, and the solid city walls seem to be mocking the Han army's weakness. The reality that it is difficult to conquer makes every soldier feel heavy in their hearts.

Zhao Yun, the leader of the army, stood in front of the formation with a frown on his face and a look of deep worry in his eyes.

Zhao Yun looked at the towering tower and thought to himself, "We can't go on like this. Our army has suffered heavy casualties, but Chenggao Pass is still as strong as a rock. This place is in a dangerous position. One man can hold the pass against ten thousand. If we attack head-on, I'm afraid it will be difficult to succeed even if we attack for several days."

He knew very well that war was not only a contest of courage, but also a game of wisdom.

At this time, an evening breeze blew, bringing a hint of coolness and also blowing the hair at Zhao Yun's temples.

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze passed through the smoke of the battlefield and fell on the rear of Chenggao Pass.

There is a rugged mountain road, winding and twisting. If we can go around and cut off the enemy's retreat, causing the Chenggao Guanzhong defenders to panic, we might be able to capture this fortified city.

Once this thought came into my mind, I could never get rid of it.

"General, what's your plan?" Upon seeing this, the deputy general hurried forward to ask.

Zhao Yun said in a deep voice: "Chenggao Pass is in a dangerous position, and a frontal attack will not be effective. I plan to send an elite force to go around the pass, cut off their food supply, harass their rear, and make the defenders panic. You and I will continue to make a feint attack from the front, and attack from both inside and outside, so that we can break through this pass."

After hearing this, the deputy general also understood the feasibility of this strategy.

So, he clasped his hands and said, "General, you are wise. I am willing to lead my troops to attack from behind." (End of this chapter)