Shuhan

Mengjin Ferry is now shrouded in the smoke of war.

The Wei army's attack had lasted for half a month, but during this long half month, the Wei army was unable to break through this rock-solid fortress.

Mengjin Ferry was like a stubborn nail, deeply embedded in the Wei army's route of advance, and its two citadels were like two iron clamps, tightly guarding this strategic location.

The cold winter wind was as sharp as a knife, blowing across the desolate battlefield and stirring up gusts of yellow sand.

The battle flags fluttered in the wind, and the Wei army's tents were densely packed outside Mengjin Ferry, like a black ocean.

However, this ocean has not been able to create enough waves to submerge the isolated island of Mengjindu for a long time.

At this moment, Xiahou Xian was standing outside the tent with a frown on his face, staring at the Mengjin Ferry that stood tall in the distance.

He was tall and strong, and his armor gleamed coldly in the sun, but there was a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

He knew very well that the battle had been delayed for too long, the morale of the Wei army was gradually eroding, while the Han army was still holding on as before.

"General, we have failed in the siege again." A soldier covered in blood hurried over and knelt in front of Xiahou Xian, his voice full of frustration.

His armor was badly damaged, his face was covered in smoke and blood, and he looked extremely exhausted.

Xiahou Xian was silent for a moment, his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

He turned around and looked at the battlefield filled with smoke, and a nameless anger surged in his heart. He knew that there must be a master in defending the city among the Han army, otherwise Mengjin Ferry would not be so impregnable.

"Every time we attack a city, we suffer heavy losses, but we can't even take down a single Acropolis." Xiahou Xian whispered to himself, his tone full of helplessness and unwillingness.

He recalled every siege over the past half month. The Wei soldiers rushed to Mengjin Ferry like a tide, but were blocked by the Han army's tenacious resistance and ingenious layout.

After each siege, thousands of Wei soldiers' bodies were left on the battlefield, but Mengjin Ferry remained standing.

Xiahou Xian took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner restlessness.

He knew that as a general, he could not lose his composure.

He must find a way to break the impasse, otherwise the battle will continue to drag on, which will be a fatal drain on the Wei army.

He walked into the tent and summoned his generals.

The flickering candlelight in the tent illuminated the tired yet determined faces.

Xiahou Xian looked around at everyone and spoke slowly: "Everyone, we have been attacking the city for half a month, but we have not been able to capture Mengjin Ferry. There must be a master in defending the city among the Han army. We can't attack the city blindly like this anymore."

A young general stood up. There were still traces of childishness on his face, but there was a firm light in his eyes.

"General, I think we should change our siege strategy. The Han army defended the city well, but our Wei army is not a pushover. We can try to flank the city or launch a surprise attack at night."

Xiahou Xian nodded in agreement.

But then he shook his head and sighed, "We have tried all these methods, but the Han army always seems to be able to predict our actions. Their defense is impenetrable, and it is difficult for us to find loopholes."

At this time, an old veteran spoke slowly.

His beard was already gray, but his eyes were extremely sharp.

"General, I think our problem lies in morale. The soldiers have been fighting for half a month and are exhausted both physically and mentally. Moreover, they suffer heavy losses every time they attack the city. Their hearts are filled with fear and anxiety. We need to find a way to boost morale and let the soldiers regain their confidence in fighting."

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Xian fell into deep thought.

He knew that the veteran was right. Morale was one of the key factors in determining the outcome of a war.

If the soldiers lose confidence, even the most powerful army will become vulnerable.

As night falls, Mengjin Ferry appears even more mysterious under the moonlight.

The lights in the Wei army camp were on. Xiahou Xian sat alone at his desk, staring at Mengjin Ferry on the map.

His eyes were deep and complex, and his heart was filled with anxiety and confusion.

Suddenly, he stood up abruptly and decided to go to the front line to inspect it in person.

He put on his armor, walked out of the tent, mounted his horse, and headed towards Mengjin Ferry.

The cold wind whistled past, making the battle flags flutter.

Xiahou Xian rode on his warhorse, staring at the smoke-filled battlefield ahead.

An inexplicable urge surged in his heart, and he wanted to rush forward personally to fight the Han army.

However, when he arrived at the front line, he saw a heartbreaking scene.

The Wei soldiers huddled in the camp, their eyes full of exhaustion and fear, their armor was badly damaged, their faces were covered in smoke and blood.

Seeing Xiahou Xian coming, they all stood up and saluted.

But their movements seemed so weak, as if they didn't even have the strength to stand.

Xiahou Xian felt a sharp pain in his heart.

These soldiers have sacrificed so much for this battle.

What they need is rest and encouragement, not endless fighting and sacrifice.

He jumped off his horse, walked up to the soldiers, and said loudly: "Brothers, I know you are very tired. But we can't give up! Mengjin Ferry is the key to our advance, we must take it! I believe in you, you are all warriors of the Wei army! As long as we unite as one, nothing can stop us!"

When the soldiers heard this, a gleam appeared in their eyes.

They looked at Xiahou Xian's determined eyes and felt an inexplicable power surge in their hearts.

They knew that the general truly cared about them and was willing to do everything for them.

Xiahou Xian continued, "From now on, we have to change our tactics. We will no longer attack the city blindly, but find ways to find the flaws of the Han army. At the same time, I will also ask the court for reinforcements and material support. We must ensure that the soldiers are well fed and clothed, recuperate, and prepare for the final decisive battle!"

After hearing this, the soldiers cheered.

There was a glimmer of hope in their eyes, as if they saw the dawn of victory just ahead.

As Xiahou Xian looked at these high-spirited soldiers, an inexplicable power surged in his heart.

In the following days, Xiahou Xian began to adjust tactics and deployment.

He sent scouts to the area around Mengjin Ferry to investigate the terrain and enemy situation, and at the same time strengthened ties with the court to request reinforcements and material support.

Under the leadership of Xiahou Xian, the Wei army soldiers began to train actively in preparation for the final decisive battle.

Their morale gradually rose, and their eyes were filled with determination and courage.

However, the Han army was no pushover.

They noticed the movements of the Wei army and began to strengthen their defense and patrols.

On the city wall of Mengjin Ferry, the Han soldiers were on high alert, staring intently at the Wei army camp in the distance.

A fierce decisive battle is about to take place at Mengjin Ferry.

Both the Wei and Han armies will fight to the hilt for their respective beliefs and territories.

As the days passed, the Wei army's preparations were gradually completed.

Xiahou Xian stood outside the tent, staring at the smoke-filled battlefield in the distance.

His heart was filled with anticipation and nervousness. He knew that this decisive battle would determine the fate and future of the Wei army.

Finally, the day of the decisive battle arrived.

The Wei army soldiers were ready to go and walked out of the tents with high morale.

There was a determination gleam in their eyes, as if they had seen the dawn of victory.

Xiahou Xian rode on his warhorse, waving the banner in his hand. He shouted, "Brothers, today is the day of our decisive battle! We must fight with all our might for the honor and territory of the Wei army! Charge!"

Following Xiahou Xian's order, Wei army soldiers rushed to Mengjin Ferry like a tide.

They shouted and charged, as if they were going to crush all the enemies that stood in their way.

The Han army was not willing to be outdone. They held their ground on the city walls, stubbornly resisting the Wei army's attack with bows and arrows and stones.

The battlefield was filled with smoke, flames and deafening shouts.

Xiahou Xianshen led the troops, waving the sword in his hand and rushing to the front of the team.

His eyes were full of murderous intent and determination, as if he wanted to capture Mengjin Ferry in one fell swoop.

However, the Han army's defense remained tenacious.

They took advantage of the terrain and city walls to repel the Wei army's attacks time and time again.

The battlefield was littered with corpses and rivers of blood, it was extremely tragic.

Xiahou Xian watched this brutal battle and felt an inexplicable grief in his heart.

This war has caused too much sacrifice and suffering.

But he also understood that only by persisting can he achieve ultimate victory.

So he waved the flag in his hand again and shouted loudly: "Brothers, don't retreat! We must fight to the end for the honor and territory of the Wei army! Charge!"

Inspired by Xiahou Xian, the Wei army soldiers regained their spirits.

They shouted and charged, engaging in a desperate fight with the Han army. The situation on the battlefield changed rapidly, with both sides fighting back and forth, neither side giving in. Three days later.

Mengjin stands as strong as ever.

The situation was still at a standstill, and Xiahou Xian stood on a high platform in the Wei army camp, his brows furrowed, his eyes fixed on the Mengjin Ferry in the distance.

The Wei army had suffered heavy casualties in the days of siege, but the Han army at Mengjin Ferry still held on as strong as ever, like an insurmountable wall of steel.

"General, if this continues, our morale will be exhausted." A deputy general stepped forward, with a hint of worry in his voice.

His armor was covered in dust and his face was filled with fatigue.

Xiahou Xian was silent for a moment, then slowly turned around, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

"We can't keep wasting time like this. We have to find another way." His tone was firm, as if he had made up his mind.

Afterwards, Xiahou Xian began to adjust his tactics.

He ordered the Wei army on the front line to slow down the pace of the siege, making the momentum of the siege weaker and weaker, as if they were already unable to do it.

At the same time, he ordered the defense from Chenggao Pass to Mengjin Ferry to be dispersed, deliberately exposing loopholes and making it appear that the Wei army was short of manpower.

Inside the Wei army camp, the soldiers were busy.

Some of them were dismantling siege equipment, while others were packing their luggage, as if they were really preparing to retreat.

Xiahou Xian stood aside, observing all this coldly, secretly planning his next move in his mind.

At this time, on the Han army tower at Mengjin Ferry, defending general Zhao Yun was staring at the Wei army camp in the distance.

Seeing that the Wei army's offensive was gradually weakening and its defense seemed loose, he couldn't help but feel a little confused.

"Is it true that the Wei army is no longer able to cope with the situation?" he said to himself, but then shook his head.

"No, Xiahou Xian is a cunning man and cannot be trusted."

However, Zhao Yun's caution did not prevent the optimism of some Han army soldiers.

As they saw that the signs of the Wei army's retreat were becoming more and more obvious, they couldn't help but feel a little lazy.

Some soldiers even began to relax their vigilance and chatted on the city wall.

At the same time, in the Han army camp at Chenggao Pass, the commander defending the city was also paying close attention to the battle situation at Mengjin Ferry.

Seeing that the Wei army's offensive had weakened, he couldn't help but want to provide support.

"If we send troops to Mengjin now, we will be able to defeat the Wei army in one fell swoop." He thought to himself, and then ordered the army to be ready to go.

However, what he didn't know was that all this was Xiahou Xian's plan.

He deliberately showed weakness in order to lure the Han army at Chenggao Pass to come to support Mengjin Ferry.

At this time, Xiahou Xian had been secretly accumulating strength, preparing to launch a surprise attack on Chenggao Pass when the Han army supported the Mengjin Ferry.

As the night deepened, the Wei army camp was completely silent.

Xiahou Xian stood outside the tent, staring at the darkness in the distance, his heart full of anticipation and nervousness.

He knew that the key to the success of this strategy lay in whether the Han army at Chenggao Pass would be fooled.

Finally, late at night, the Han army from Chenggao Pass set out.

They quietly headed towards Mengjin Ferry along the winding path.

Xiahou Xian had already secretly arranged an ambush and was ready to attack as soon as the Han army fell into the trap.

Under the moonlight, the figures of the Han army were looming on the mountain road.

They walked carefully, fearing that they would be discovered by the Wei army.

However, they did not know that they had already fallen into Xiahou Xian's trap.

When the Han army reached a steep valley, suddenly, deafening shouts of killing rang out all around.

The Wei army's ambush troops emerged from all directions and rushed towards the Han army like a tide.

The Han army suddenly fell into chaos and fled in all directions.

The generals at Chenggao Pass were horrified when they saw this.

He brandished his crescent-shaped sword and fought bravely, trying to keep his position.

However, the Wei army's offensive was so fierce that the Han army was unable to resist.

After a while, the Han army was defeated and surrendered one after another.

At this time, on the Han army tower at Mengjin Ferry, Zhao Yun also discovered the defeat of the Han army at Chenggao Pass.

He was shocked and immediately understood Xiahou Xian's plan.

"No, we fell into a trap!"

He shouted loudly, and then ordered the city gates to be closed and the defense to be strengthened.

They could only watch helplessly as the reinforcements at Chenggao Pass were devoured by the Wei army.

. . .

Wude County.

In the center of the city, a temporary palace stands tall. Although it is not as magnificent as the imperial palace, it is also solemn and majestic.

Inside the palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated the map hanging on the wall, which was densely marked with the battle conditions and troop deployments in various places.

At this time, in the main hall of the palace, Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne, his face slightly haggard, and a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

He was wearing a dragon robe with golden dragon patterns embroidered on the lapels, which sparkled brightly in the candlelight, but the royal majesty seemed to be diluted by the sadness between his brows.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn, and even the air seemed to be frozen.

The war reporting officer walked hurriedly into the hall holding a bamboo slip, knelt on the ground, and reported in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, the latest battle report on the Luoyang battle has arrived."

After saying this, he presented the bamboo slips with both hands but did not dare to raise his head.

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan frowned, reached out to take the bamboo slips, and slowly unfolded them.

His eyes quickly scanned the bamboo slips, and his face became increasingly gloomy. Every word in the battle report was like a heavy hammer, hitting his heart.

The battle situation in Luoyang became increasingly unfavorable for the Han army. The enemy was advancing like a hot knife through butter, while the Han army was retreating step by step. The situation was worrying.

After reading the battle report, Liu Chan gently placed the bamboo slips on the table, sighed, and said, "Alas, the situation in Luoyang has come to this! Are our soldiers safe?"

His voice was full of helplessness and worry.

The war reporter bowed his head and replied: "Your Majesty, although our soldiers fought bravely, the enemy was strong and our casualties were heavy."

When Liu Chan heard this, his heart ached. He closed his eyes and thought for a moment. When he opened his eyes again, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.

As the king of a country, you must not panic at this time. You must remain calm and composed in order to stabilize the morale of the army and turn the tide of the war.

At this moment, the quartermaster also hurried into the hall, knelt on the ground, and reported in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, the military's food and grass reserves are not optimistic."

Liu Chan's heart sank, and he asked hurriedly, "What happened? Tell me quickly!"

The quartermaster swallowed his saliva and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, our army's food and grass are not enough to support a long-term war. Now that the situation in Luoyang is unfavorable, the consumption of food and grass has increased. I have tried my best to raise it, but... but I still haven't raised enough."

After hearing this, Liu Chan's face turned pale. He slammed the table and said angrily, "Why haven't we collected enough food yet? Our soldiers are fighting on the front line. If we don't have food, how can we fight? How can we survive?"

His voice trembled with anger, and the whole hall shook.

The quartermaster was so frightened that he trembled all over. He kowtowed and begged for mercy, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I have tried my best, but...but the people in various places have also suffered greatly due to the war, and it is really difficult to collect food and fodder."

Seeing this, Liu Chan's anger subsided a little. He sighed and said, "Alas, I know you are in trouble. But how can we fight without food in the army? You should think of a way to collect enough food and grass as soon as possible."

The quartermaster quickly responded, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my best to collect food and fodder as soon as possible."

Liu Chan nodded and looked at the map on the wall again, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

The battle situation in Luoyang is crucial to the Han army. If the situation cannot be reversed as soon as possible, the consequences will be disastrous.

The shortage of food and fodder in the army made him feel uneasy and unable to sleep at night.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, with his hands behind his back, his brows furrowed, and his eyes revealing deep worry.

He thought to himself: "If this continues, what should we do? Our soldiers are fighting hard on the front line. How can they hold on without food and grass support? And if the situation in Luoyang cannot be reversed as soon as possible, where will the Han Dynasty go?"

Thinking of this, Liu Chan couldn't help feeling heartbroken.

As the king of a country, he was responsible for the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty.

But now, the war situation is unfavorable and food is in short supply, which makes him feel under great pressure.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked outside the hall with a determined gaze.

seem
It's not that there is no solution! (End of this chapter)