Shuhan

At Chenggao Pass, the soldiers defending the city were wearing heavy armor, and the icicles on the armor were shining brightly in the sun.

They stood on the top of the city wall, staring intently at the movements in the Han army camp.

As the cold wind blew, the battle flags fluttered, as if to boost the morale of the soldiers.

The deputy general defending the city was a burly man with a firm face and an indomitable spirit between his brows.

At this moment, his brows were furrowed and there was a gleam of hesitation in his eyes.

He turned and looked at the commander beside him. The commander had a tall and straight figure, a calm face, and his eyes revealed a deep wisdom.

The deputy general hesitated for a moment, and finally asked: "General, the Han army is now short of food and retreating. Should we take the opportunity to launch a surprise attack and catch them off guard?"

There was a hint of expectation in the deputy general's words. He hoped to hit the morale of the Han army through a surprise attack and further consolidate the defense of Chenggao Pass.

However, the commander shook his head, his movements were slow and firm, as if every move contained careful consideration.

The commander's eyes never left the Han army camp. He said slowly, "No. Our mission is to defend Chenggao Pass and ensure its safety. Although the Han army is short of food, they are a well-trained army after all, and Zhao Yun is extremely brave. We must not act rashly."

The commander's voice was steady and powerful, and every word seemed to hit the deputy commander's heart.

The deputy general was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting the commander to make such a decision.

He couldn't help but ask, "But General, the Han army is weak right now. If we launch a surprise attack at this time, we will surely win a great victory."

The commander smiled slightly, and his smile revealed a calm confidence.

He turned around and looked at his deputy general, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "You only saw the weakness of the Han army, but ignored the traps they might have set."

The commander said slowly, "The Han army has always been good at using strategies. Their retreat this time is probably a deliberate attempt to show weakness and lure us into attacking. If we fall into their trap, Chenggao Pass will be in danger."

Upon hearing this, the deputy general suddenly felt enlightened.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil, and then said firmly: "General, you are right. I was too impatient. We must hold on to Chenggao Pass and not let the Han army take advantage of the opportunity."

The commander nodded with satisfaction, a gleam of approval flashing in his eyes.

Although the deputy general is young and energetic, he has a brave and determined heart.

As long as he is given enough trust and guidance, he will definitely become an outstanding general.

The commander looked around, and seeing the determined eyes and high morale of the soldiers, his heart was filled with relief.

The outcome of this battle depends not only on the contest of military force, but also on the contest of wisdom and perseverance.

He took a deep breath and said loudly: "Brothers, although the Han army has retreated, we cannot let our guard down. We must always remain vigilant, defend Chenggao Pass, and ensure the safety of the pass. Only in this way can we win the final victory!"

The Han army's retreat in front of Chenggao Pass was quite orderly. At first, the infantry phalanxes moved slowly backwards like a tide, while the cavalry cruised on both sides, ready to respond to emergencies at any time.

The sunlight shone obliquely on the ancient city walls. The golden light and the cold light of the soldiers' armor complemented each other, adding a touch of strange magnificence to this tense battlefield.

Chenggao Pass, this strategic pass, seems unusually quiet at this moment, like a sleeping giant beast, quietly watching everything in front of it.

The army's retreat was commanded by experienced generals, and the orders were clear and powerful.

Although the soldiers looked tired, their eyes revealed determination and indomitable spirit. Their steps were steady without any panic.

However, as the retreat progressed, some chaos began to occur in the rear of the team.

Some wounded soldiers fell behind the team due to their mobility problems. Their groans mixed with the neighing of war horses, making the originally orderly retreat a little noisy.

The Wei army in Chenggao Pass seemed to be under a spell and had no intention of pursuing the enemy.

On the city wall, the flags of the Wei army fluttered in the wind. The soldiers under their flags were either standing or watching, with solemn expressions, but no one stepped out of the city gate.

This abnormal calmness made Zhao Yun and his soldiers who were lying in ambush on the south bank of the Yellow River feel very sorry.

Zhao Yun was hiding in a dense forest at this moment.

He was wearing silver armor, holding a spear, looking heroic, with a look of majesty between his brows.

His eyes were as bright as torches as he stared at the gate of Chenggao Pass, his heart filled with anticipation and anxiety.

Originally, they planned to take advantage of the Han army's retreat, lure the Wei army out of the city to pursue, and then take the opportunity to capture Chenggao Pass.

However, the Wei army's caution was beyond their expectations.

"Why are the Wei army so cowardly?" A soldier beside Zhao Yun complained in a low voice.

He showed a pair of bright eyes, holding the bow tightly in his hand, with the arrow on the string, ready to shoot at any time.

Zhao Yun frowned and said nothing, just stared at the city gate more intently.

He was also thinking in his heart: "Why are the Wei army so cautious? Did they see through our plan? Or is there something else going on?"

A feeling of regret surged in Zhao Yun's heart, but it was immediately replaced by a firm belief.

He turned around and said to the deputy general beside him: "You see, the Wei army is indeed cautious and dare not leave the city easily. However, this is not a bad thing. All is fair in war. If our army retreats, the Wei army in Chenggao and Guanzhong will definitely go to support other places. After all, there are not many Wei troops in Luoyang, and they cannot set up defenses everywhere."

Upon hearing this, the deputy general showed a trace of doubt on his face. He stepped forward, clasped his hands and asked, "General, what should we do next? Are we just going to watch them withdraw?"

Zhao Yun shook his head, a glimmer of wisdom flashed in his eyes. He said slowly: "No, we can't just give up. Although the Wei army is cautious, it is not invulnerable. You see, the troops in Chenggao and Guanzhong have been dispersed. We just need to wait patiently and look for an opportunity. Once they show a flaw, it's time for us to attack."

When the deputy general heard this, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

He nodded and said, "Great idea, General. I will arrange it right away."

Zhao Yun nodded and looked towards Chenggao Pass again.

At this time, the sun was gradually setting, and its afterglow was shining on the Yellow River, making the waves sparkle and beautify the scenery.

However, behind this beautiful scenery lies an impending fierce battle.

Zhao Yun stood at the edge of the woods, the breeze blowing across his battle robe. He took a deep breath, as if he could smell the coming gunpowder on the battlefield.

His eyes became more determined, and he silently said in his heart: "Wei army, Wei army, do you think that being cautious can save Chenggao Pass? Little do you know that all is fair in war, and I, Zhao Yun, will make you pay the price!"

The heavy snow was flying like goose feathers, covering the entire school ground.

In the cold winter, the wind is as biting as a knife, making people's cheeks hurt.

However, in this icy and snowy place, there was a man with his upper body bare, performing martial arts on the training ground. That man was Zhao Yun.

Although Zhao Yun is no longer his young and frivolous self, time seems to be particularly kind to him, and his body is still as strong as before.

The muscles in the upper body are like a coiled dragon, bulging and full of power.

On that cold winter day, he was not afraid of the cold at all. Instead, he was sweating all over. The sweat slid down his determined face, dripped onto the snow, and instantly melted into a small pit.

He held a spear in his hand and danced with it tightly. The tip of the spear drew silver tracks in the air, as if it could tear the cold air apart.

Every time he thrust forward, it carried with it a fierce momentum, as if it could penetrate all obstacles.

His eyes were firm and sharp, as if he could see through all illusions.

Just then, a steward in black came hurriedly. He was wearing a black robe and his steps were brisk and steady.

He walked to Zhao Yun's side and reported quietly, "General, someone from the secret military department is here to see you."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun immediately stopped his martial arts performance, gripped his spear tightly in his hand, and stared towards the entrance of the parade ground with a sharp gaze.

I saw a man wearing the standard uniform of a military commander, his clothes were neat and tidy, and his expression was solemn.

He walked slowly, his steps steady and powerful, and every step seemed so firm.

Judging from his rank and attire, he is at least at the level of a pacification commissioner.

Zhao Yun narrowed his eyes and looked at the person coming carefully.

When he saw the man's resolute face and a shrewd and capable look in his eyes, he knew that this man was no ordinary person.

He thought to himself, "The sudden arrival of the people from the Military Affairs Department must be an important matter for them to discuss. Could it be related to the spies from the Wei Kingdom's School Affairs Office?"

The man walked up to Zhao Yun, bowed respectfully, and said, "General Zhao Yun, I am the governor of the Jianjun Division, and I have come here to pay my respects to you."

Zhao Yun nodded and asked directly, "Why did the pacification envoy come here? Is it about the news about the spies of the Wei Kingdom's School Affairs Office?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration flashed in the pacification envoy's eyes.

He didn't expect Zhao Yun to be so sharp and guessed his purpose at once.

He nodded and said in a deep voice, "General, you are indeed very good at predicting things. I came here this time because of the spies from the Wei Kingdom's School Affairs Office. Didn't the general want to find their whereabouts? I have already found their traces."

Zhao Yun was startled when he heard this.

He knew very well that the spies of the Wei Kingdom's School Affairs Office were cunning and treacherous, and their methods were vicious, which had always been a hidden danger in his mind. Now that he finally had news about them, how could he not be excited?
His hand that was holding the spear trembled slightly, and then returned to normal.

He asked in a deep voice: "Where are they now? What are their plans?"

The pacification envoy said solemnly: "General, they are hiding somewhere in the city at the moment. I have already found out the exact location. Moreover, they intend to assassinate you! Their plan is meticulous and their methods are ruthless. You must be careful and vigilant."

Zhao Yun's eyes flashed with coldness when he heard this. He had never expected that the spy from the Wei State's School Affairs Office would be so bold as to try to assassinate him.

A surge of anger rose in his heart, but then he calmed down.

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, pacification envoy. How can I, Zhao Yun, be so easily assassinated? If they dare to come, I will make sure they never return!"

Upon hearing this, the pacification envoy secretly admired Zhao Yun's courage and spirit.

He nodded and said, "General, you are so brave and invincible. I naturally believe that you can turn danger into safety. However, to be on the safe side, I still hope that you can strengthen your precautions and not give those spies an opportunity to take advantage of us."

Zhao Yun nodded in agreement.

He already had a plan in mind and decided to immediately strengthen the city's defenses and send people to search for the whereabouts of the spies.

He looked at the pacification envoy, with a hint of gratitude in his eyes. He said, "I, Zhao Yun, am very grateful to you for coming to report this time. I will definitely reward you well after I capture those spies."

Upon hearing this, the pacification envoy waved his hands and said, "General, you are too kind. As a member of the secret military department, it is my duty to serve you. Why should I thank you?"

However, at this time.

Zhao Yun changed his mind and suddenly an idea came to his mind.

His eyes were deep, as if he could see through the snow and wind and see the distant Chenggao Pass. He smiled faintly and said immediately: "This group of people are coming to assassinate me, which may be the way to break the situation. If the Wei army at Chenggao Pass knew that I was assassinated and seriously injured, I am afraid they would feel relieved to support other places in Luoyang. In this way, our army can take advantage of the opportunity and catch the Wei army off guard."

At this time, the wind and snow on the parade ground became more and more violent, and snowflakes fell like dancing elves.

Zhao Yun stood in the wind and snow, his posture upright, like an unshakable mountain.

His armor was covered with a thin layer of snow, but it could not conceal his heroic spirit at all.

Upon hearing this, the military governor of Jianjunsi immediately showed a look of worry on his face.

He frowned, his eyes revealing deep worry.

He immediately said: "The assassin's assassination is extremely dangerous. If you are not careful, you will die. The general is of noble status and is the soul of our army. You must not take risks!"

Hearing this, Zhao Yun shook his head and sneered.

There was a determined light in his eyes, as if it could illuminate the snowy sky.

He said: "Assassins are just a bunch of idiots, why should I be afraid of them? I, Zhao Yun, have fought on the battlefield all my life, so I have never been afraid of any danger. Moreover, if this plan succeeds, it will win a precious opportunity for our army to fight. How can I ignore the overall situation for my own safety?"

As he spoke, Zhao Yun straightened his back, put his hands behind his back, and looked into the distance with a determined gaze.

His figure seemed particularly tall in the wind and snow, as if he could carry the entire world.

Seeing Zhao Yun's determination, the military governor of Jianjunsi was worried, but he had to admire his courage and determination.

He sighed and said, "The general is brave and fearless, which is a blessing for our army. However, although this plan is brilliant, we must be cautious. The assassins in the Wei Kingdom's school affairs office are cunning and treacherous, and their methods are vicious. The general must be careful and vigilant!"

Zhao Yun nodded, with a confident smile on his face. He said, "Don't worry, pacification envoy. I am not someone who can be easily assassinated. I know my limits and will be careful. Three days later, I will go to Ao Cang to inspect and inform the people in the Wei State School Affairs Office of this news. I want to see if they dare to assassinate me!" (End of this chapter)