Shuhan

The eunuch took the order and left, and Cao Rui sat back on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.

The Han army's coming this time was fierce and it was by no means an ordinary provocation. If Luoyang was lost, the foundation of Wei would be shaken.

Soon, the Sili Xiaowei and the Zhonglingjun hurried to the imperial study, knelt on the ground, and said in unison: "Your Majesty, we are here to see you!"

Cao Rui waved his hand, signaling them to stand up, and then asked in a deep voice: "How is the defense of Luoyang City? Is the imperial guard ready?"

The lieutenant of the imperial court stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the defense of Luoyang City has been strengthened. All four gates are heavily guarded, and archers have been deployed on the city walls. However... the Han army is so powerful that I am worried that the city defense will not last long."

The commander of the army also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the imperial guards have been assembled and are ready to go into battle at any time. However, the Han army has too many people, and if we fight head-on, I'm afraid we won't have a chance of winning."

Cao Rui frowned even more when he heard this. He lowered his head and thought for a moment, then raised his head and asked, "My dear ministers, do you have any good ideas?"

At this time, an official stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have a plan. General Xiahou Xian's troops are currently fighting outside. If we can recall them to rescue Luoyang, we will be able to resolve this crisis."

When Cao Rui heard this, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes.

Xiahou Xian's troops were the main force of Wei State. If they were recalled, it would indeed strengthen Luoyang's defense.

However, he also knew that Xiahou Xian was currently confronting the Han army, and if he was recalled rashly, it might affect the battle situation on the front line.

He murmured in a low voice: "When a general is away from home, he may not obey the orders of the king... Moreover, the Wei Kingdom is now in a precarious situation. If we don't take some risks, we will not be able to defeat the Han Kingdom."

Seeing Cao Rui's hesitation, the official said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, Luoyang is the foundation of the country. If it is lost, the consequences will be disastrous! Please think twice!"

Cao Rui was silent for a long time, and finally shook his head slowly, and said in a deep voice: "There is no need to recall Xiahou Xian. The defense of Luoyang City can be strengthened, and the imperial guards are on standby at any time. I believe that Xiahou Xian knows how to act."

When the official heard this, a trace of disappointment flashed across his face, but he didn't dare to say anything more and had to retreat.

Cao Rui stood up, walked to the window, and looked out of the city. His eyes were deep and solemn, as if he could see through the clouds and see the battlefield in the distance. He knew that this battle was related to the survival of Wei State, and he could not retreat at all.

"Pass the order down, the whole city is under martial law, and no one is allowed to enter or leave without permission. Anyone who violates the order will be killed without mercy!" Cao Rui turned around and gave orders to the Inspector of the Capital and the Commander-in-Chief, with a hint of majesty in his voice.

The two men took the order and left, while Cao Rui sat back on the dragon throne, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

His heart was filled with worries and uneasiness, but he knew that as the king of a country, he must remain calm and make the most correct decision.

No!

We have to go to the city gate and check. If a large army is really approaching, we should save our lives first.

The cold wind blew up the dead leaves and dust on the ground. The sky outside Luoyang City was covered with thick dark clouds, as if a snowstorm was about to come.

The Han army's flags fluttered in the wind, and their armor flashed coldly in the dim sky.

Their team was so huge and powerful, it seemed as if there were tens of thousands of people.

However, this Han army actually consisted of only 3,000 elite soldiers, led by Zhang Yi, who were ordered to bluff outside the city of Luoyang in an attempt to use the strategy of "besieging Wei to save Zhao" to force the Wei army in Luoyang to send reinforcements, thereby lifting the siege of Ping County.

Zhang Yi rode on a tall warhorse, wearing silver armor and a white cloak that fluttered in the wind, making him look particularly heroic.

His face was resolute, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and he held a spear in his hand, the tip of which flashed coldly in the cold wind.

He looked up in the direction of Luoyang City, frowned slightly, and secretly planned his next move in his mind.

"General, the eight gates of Luoyang City are closed, and there is no intention of sending scouts to ask for help." A scout rode over, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported to Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi heard this and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He murmured in a low voice: "Sure enough, Cao Rui is not a mediocre ruler and will not fall for the trick easily."

He turned to the deputy general beside him and said, "Pass the order down. The whole army should continue to march forward and create momentum. We must make the defenders in Luoyang think that we have tens of thousands of people."

The deputy general took the order and left, and the Han army continued to patrol outside the city of Luoyang. The shouts of killing shook the earth and the drums beat like thunder, as if they would launch an attack at any time.

However, Zhang Yi knew clearly that their military strength was far from enough to capture Luoyang, and this action was only to tie down the Wei army and buy time for Zhao Yun's battle in Pingxian.

Inside Luoyang City, Wei Emperor Cao Rui stood on the city wall, looking grimly at the Han army outside the city.

He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a golden crown on his head. He had a thin face and a look of fatigue and worry in his eyes.

His fingers tightly grasped the railing of the city wall, and his knuckles turned slightly white due to the force.

"Your Majesty, the Han army is very powerful and it seems that there are really tens of thousands of them. Should we send out scouts to ask for help?" A minister stepped forward and asked respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui sneered with a hint of disdain in his voice.

The smoke and dust did indeed show the presence of tens of thousands of people, but the Han army that was seen only had a few thousand people. There must be a trick!
"The Han army's move is nothing more than a bluff, an attempt to lure our army to send reinforcements and thus lift the siege of Ping County. How could I be fooled?"

He turned to the Sili Xiaowei beside him and ordered: "Pass the order, the whole city is under martial law, and the eight gates are closed. No one is allowed to enter or leave without permission. At the same time, gather the surrounding imperial guards and prepare to go out of the city to test the strength of the Han army."

The Inspector of the Imperial Guards took the order and left, while Cao Rui continued to stand on the city wall, looking deeply at the Han army outside the city.

His heart was filled with vigilance and doubt.

Soon, the imperial guards in Luoyang City had assembled, the city gates slowly opened, and an elite Wei cavalry rushed out of the city gates and headed straight towards the Han army.

Zhang Yi saw this, his eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, and he whispered to his deputy general beside him: "The Wei army didn't fall for the trick. Pass the order down, the whole army retreats, and must maintain the formation, and don't panic."

The Han army began to retreat slowly, but still maintained a neat formation. The sound of drums and shouts of killing were still deafening, as if they were not retreating, but luring the enemy deeper.

Seeing this, the Wei cavalry did not dare to pursue rashly, and could only cruise outside the city, trying to test the strength of the Han army.

Zhang Yi rode on his warhorse, looking grimly at the Wei cavalry behind him, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Although this action failed to fully achieve its goal, it at least tied down part of the Wei army's forces and bought time for Zhao Yun's battle in Ping County.

"General, what should we do next?" The deputy general rode his horse to Zhang Yi and asked in a low voice.

Zhang Yi pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Pass the order, the entire army will turn to Ping County, and must arrive before Xiahou Xian captures Ping County and meet up with General Zhao Yun."

The deputy general took the order and left, and the Han army began to retreat at an accelerated speed, heading straight towards Ping County.

In the wind and snow, their figures gradually disappeared on the distant horizon, leaving only the Wei cavalry outside the city at a loss.

On the city wall of Luoyang, Cao Rui looked at the receding Han army with a frown on his face, his heart full of doubt and uneasiness.

He murmured in a low voice: "What exactly is the purpose of the Han army's move?"

At this moment, a scout came hurriedly, knelt on the ground, and said breathlessly: "Your Majesty, the Han army has completely withdrawn and seems to be heading straight for Ping County!"

Cao Rui heard this, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and then he sneered: "Sure enough, the Han army's action this time is just to contain our army and buy time for Zhao Yun's battle in Ping County. Pass the order down, the whole army is on alert, and we must prevent the Han army from attacking again."

The scout took the order and left, while Cao Rui continued to stand on the city wall, gazing deeply into the distant sky.

This battle is far from over, and the future of Wei is still full of unknowns and challenges.

In the wind and snow, Luoyang City still stands, but everyone in the city knows that the war is far from over.

now.

Outside Ping County, the sky was getting darker and dark clouds were hanging low, as if a storm was about to come.

Xiahou Xian's army was already preparing to attack the city. Their soldiers and horses were like a forest, their flags blocked out the sun, their armor was armored, and they were shining with cold light, exuding a murderous aura.

The Wei army's tents were endless, with smoke rising from the chimneys, contrasting with the city walls of Ping County in the distance, forming a picture of tense confrontation.

At this time, the atmosphere in Ping County was extremely tense.

There were only a small number of Han troops in the city. They were holding their ground at various key points, with determination and indomitable spirit in their eyes.

Most of the Han army was still on their way, with dust flying and the sound of horses' hooves, but it was obviously too late.

Zhao Yun stood on the city wall, looking at the Wei army's formation in the distance, his brows furrowed, secretly thinking of a countermeasure in his mind.

Xiahou Xian had already ordered his men to ambush and block the oncoming Han reinforcements.

He knew very well that time was the key to victory. He had to capture Ping County within three days and open the gateway to the south for the Wei army.

Xiahou Xian stood in front of the central army tent, wearing armor, holding a long sword, his eyes were as sharp as torches, revealing an unquestionable determination.

He shouted loudly: "Pass the order, the whole army is ready to attack the city, we must break the city within three days!"

The sound of war drums then rang out, boom, boom, deafening, as if it was the pulse of heaven and earth, urging the Wei army soldiers to charge forward.

The Wei army soldiers, carrying all kinds of siege equipment, including ladders, battering rams, and catapults, marched towards Ping County in a mighty force.

Their steps were in unison, their momentum was unstoppable, and their shouts of killing were so loud that they seemed to shake the crystal palace of Ping County to pieces.

On the city wall of Ping County, Zhao Yun commanded the small number of Han troops to defend the city.

He was wearing silver armor, holding a spear, and looked heroic, like a god descending from heaven.

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

Zhao Yun's voice pierced through the noise of war and resounded through the sky: "Brothers, if you want to enfeoff your wives and children, you must defend the city! If you succeed in defending the city and enter Luoyang, you will be allowed to plunder for one day! Holding on to the city is our only choice!"

Upon hearing this, the morale of the Han soldiers was greatly boosted. They gripped their weapons tightly, with a determined look in their eyes.

They knew that this battle was a matter of life and death, of their country and the world.

Although they are not many in number, each of them is an elite soldier and a hero who is willing to shed his blood and sacrifice his life for his homeland.

There were many defensive tools in the city, including crossbows, rolling logs, stones, etc. However, there were too few people defending the city.

Zhao Yun knew this very well. He personally took part in the battle and commanded the troops with confidence, making the best use of the limited military force.

He sometimes appeared at one end of the city wall and sometimes flashed at the other end, as if he was everywhere and omnipotent.

His figure shuttled through the fire and smoke, like a flash of lightning, cutting through the night sky.

The Wei army's offensive was extremely fierce. They came like a tide, one wave after another, as if they would never stop.

Ladders were placed on top of the city walls, battering rams were used to ram the city gates, and catapults threw huge rocks at every corner of the city.

Although the Han soldiers fought bravely, their manpower was limited and they gradually became overwhelmed.

In just two hours, some Wei soldiers actually rushed onto the city wall, waving their weapons and shouting as they charged towards the Han army.

The Han soldiers were not afraid at all. They stepped forward and fought a desperate battle with the Wei army.

Amid the flashing of swords and the shadow of sabers, blood splattered and corpses lay everywhere.

On the city wall of Ping County, there was a tragic scene.

When Zhao Yun saw this, his heart tightened.

If the Wei army were allowed to break through the city tower, Ping County would be in danger.

He shouted loudly, rushed out with his spear, and went straight for the leading Wei general.

The Wei general saw this and did not show any weakness, he swung his sword to meet the enemy.

The two men fought each other in an instant, weapons clashed, sparks flew.

Zhao Yun is agile and has superb spear skills.

He dodged left and right, stabbed from above and below, and forced the Wei general to retreat step by step.

However, the Wei army was large in number and kept coming.

Although Zhao Yun was extremely brave, he gradually felt that he was unable to cope with the situation.

He was secretly anxious, but refused to give up easily.

Just then, a burst of hurried horse hoof sounds was heard.

It turned out that the reinforcements of the Han army had finally arrived.

They rushed into the battlefield like a whirlwind and engaged in a fierce battle with the Wei army.

Zhao Yun was overjoyed when he saw this.

His spirits were lifted, and his shooting skills became even more fierce.

When the Wei general saw the Han army reinforcements arriving, he became panicked.

As soon as he hesitated, Zhao Yun seized the opportunity and stabbed him in the throat.

The Wei general screamed and fell to the ground dead.

When the Wei army soldiers saw this, they were horrified.

They originally thought they had a sure win, but they didn't expect to encounter such stubborn resistance.

Zhao Yun took advantage of the victory and led the Han soldiers to counterattack the Wei army.

They were as brave as a tiger descending from a mountain, forcing the Wei army to retreat step by step.

However, the Wei army was large in number and well-trained.

They quickly adjusted their formation and launched a fierce attack on the Han army again.

The battlefield was filled with smoke and flames.

The sounds of shouting, weapons clashing, and horses neighing intertwined together, forming a tragic picture.

Zhao Yun led the troops and fought bravely. His silver armor was already stained with blood, but his eyes were still firm and deep.

This battle is a matter of life and death, of family, country and the world.

He must try his best to prevent the Han army from being defeated again and handing over such a good situation to the Pseudo-Wei.

The Han soldiers were also infected by Zhao Yun's bravery.

They rushed towards the Wei army without hesitation and fought a desperate battle with the enemy.

Their figures shuttled through the fire and smoke, as fast as lightning.

However, the Wei army's offensive was too fierce.

They came like a tide, wave after wave.

Although the Han soldiers fought bravely, they were ultimately unable to withstand the iron hooves of the Wei army.

Gradually, the Han army's defense line began to collapse.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun became extremely anxious.

He shouted loudly, rushed out with his gun, and charged into the enemy camp again.

He was so brave and courageous that he seemed to be in an empty space, forcing the Wei army to retreat step by step.

However, Zhao Yun is also a flesh and blood after all.

After a long battle, his physical strength was severely overdrawn.

His movements began to become slow and his breathing became rapid.

But he still gritted his teeth and persisted, refusing to give up easily.

At this moment, a rain of arrows suddenly fell from the sky.

It turned out that the archers of the Wei army discovered Zhao Yun, an important target, and shot at him one after another.

Zhao Yun was unable to dodge and was hit by several arrows.

He suddenly felt a sharp pain, and blood stained his silver armor red.

But he still endured the severe pain and rushed towards the Wei army with his spear.

His eyes revealed a firm and unyielding light, as if to say: "I, Zhao Yun, will defend Ping County even if I die!"

When the Han soldiers saw this, they were deeply moved.

They all stepped forward and fought alongside Zhao Yun.

However, the Wei army's offensive was too fierce.

They swarmed in like locusts, densely covering the entire battlefield.

Although the Han soldiers fought bravely, they were ultimately unable to withstand the iron hooves of the Wei army.

The Pingxian city wall was shaking under the fierce attack of the Wei army, as if it would collapse at any time.

Zhao Yun looked at the tragic scene before him, his heart filled with helplessness and grief.

I have tried my best.

But fate was irresistible and he could not change the outcome of the war.

He could only watch as the Wei army broke through the city.

Just then, a burst of hurried horse hoof sounds was heard.

It turned out that it was the Wei army's main general Xiahou Xian who personally led his troops to rush onto the city wall.

He waved his sword and rushed towards Zhao Yun shouting.

"Zhao Zilong, accept your fate!"

When Zhao Yun saw this, his heart tightened.

He knew very well that this battle between him and Xiahou Xian would determine the outcome of the war.

The two men fought each other in an instant, weapons clashed, sparks flew.

Their figures shuttled through the fire and smoke, as fast as lightning.

However, Zhao Yun was already seriously injured and severely exhausted.

He gradually felt overwhelmed and was forced to retreat step by step by Xiahou Xian.

Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew across the battlefield.

It rolled up the dust and debris on the ground and came over, covering the sky and the sun.

Zhao Yun and Xiahou Xian were both blown unsteadily by the strong wind.

They all grabbed onto the city walls or weapons around them and managed to keep their balance.

When the strong wind passed, there was a brief silence on the battlefield.

Zhao Yun and Xiahou Xian looked at each other again, both of them filled with murderous intent.

However, at this moment, a burst of rapid war drum sounds rang out again.

It turned out that reinforcements from the Wei army had arrived.

They came like a tide and launched another fierce attack on the Han army.

Zhao Yun felt depressed when he saw this.

If I continue to defend Ping County, I will probably lose my life here.

He immediately shouted: "Retreat! Retreat to Mengjin!"

However.
Xiahou Xian laughed strangely and said, "Want to escape? How can I let you do that?"

"Look at the gun!" (End of this chapter)