Shuhan

Outside Guangcheng Pass, under the vast sky, the Han army's array was like a tide, a black mass, like a dark cloud pressing down, which made people feel chilly.

In that array, flags fluttered, weapons and armor were bright, cold lights flashed, and the majestic figures of siege equipment cast long shadows, like moving mountains. The sense of oppression was overwhelming, making the Wei army soldiers who were closing the pass feel suffocated.

The battering ram was huge and heavy. Every time it was pushed forward by the strong men of the Han army, it seemed to shake the mountains and rivers. The ladders were towering, pointing directly to the wall like a ladder to the sky. The brave Han army warriors were ready to go on top, waiting for an order, and then they would pounce on the wall like a tiger descending from the mountain.

However, this feeling of oppression is far from the most suffocating aspect.

Luoyang, the prosperous capital, is now heavily besieged by the Han army, like a trapped beast, struggling powerlessly.

Guangcheng Pass, as an important barrier to Luoyang, had its logistical supply lines cut off by the Han army half a month ago.

Now the food and grass inside the pass are running out, morale is low, the soldiers look pale, and their eyes are filled with uneasiness and anxiety.

Xuanyuan Pass, one of the eight passes in Luoyang, was now on the verge of collapse under the fierce siege of the Han army.

Xuanyuan Pass, with its strategic location, was supposed to be an easy place to defend but difficult to attack. However, the Han army attacked in wave after wave like a swarm of locusts, and the Wei army soldiers on the wall were exhausted.

Although there was no trace of the Han army at Dagu Pass, it was probably not long before the city was attacked by the Han army.

Once these two passes are breached, Guangcheng Pass will be surrounded by the Han army and become a place where the army will fight alone.

As the main general guarding the pass, Guo Huai was under tremendous pressure at the moment.

He stood on the wall, wearing armor and holding a sword. His eyes were deep and firm, but there was a trace of worry between his brows.

His face looked a little thin, with a few stubbles on his chin, making him look a little haggard.

He was well aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Once Guangcheng Pass was lost, Luoyang would completely fall into the hands of the Han army.

What made Guo Huai even more troublesome was that the three major families, the Yingchuan Zhong family, the Yingchuan Xun family, and the Qinghe Cui family, actually surrendered to the Han Dynasty!
The news was like a bolt from the blue, leaving him uneasy.

Many of the middle-level military generals under him have close ties with these three families.

After all, most of his soldiers were from Yingchuan, and their families and friends were mostly in Yingchuan. Now that the three families had surrendered to the Han, it was inevitable that they would feel shaken.

Guo Huai thought to himself, "What should I do if they rebel? Am I really going to watch Guangcheng Pass fall into the hands of the Han army?"

Sweat seeped out of his palms as he gripped the sword tightly. He glanced at the soldiers on the wall, trying to find any sign of abnormality in their expressions.

However, although the soldiers looked tired, their eyes were still determined.

They knew that this was a do-or-die battle, and only by fighting to the death could they save Guangcheng Pass and preserve Luoyang's last line of defense.

A young Wei army soldier straightened his back and shouted loudly: "General, we are not afraid of death! As long as we have a breath left, we will never let the Han army pass Guangcheng Pass!"

His voice was hoarse but full of firmness and determination.

Hearing this, Guo Huai felt a little relieved.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil, and then shouted loudly: "Brothers, our Wei army has always been a force of steel and blood. We have never been afraid of anyone. Although the situation is critical now, as long as we unite as one and defend Guangcheng Pass to the death, we will be able to repel the Han army and defend Luoyang!"

His voice was sonorous and powerful, like a warm current flowing into the hearts of the soldiers, rekindling their fire of hope.

At this moment, a scout came running over and shouted in panic: "General, it's bad! The Han army has begun to attack the city!"

When Guo Huai heard this, his heart tightened and he quickly looked outside the pass.

In the Han army camp, war drums thundered, trumpets blew, and the attacking soldiers rushed towards the wall like a tide.

Pushed by the strong men, the battering ram slammed into the wall of the city, making a loud "boom" that hurt the eardrums of the Wei army soldiers on the wall.

Ladders were set up like ladders to heaven, and the Han army warriors climbed up like monkeys, shouting and rushing towards the wall.

Seeing this, Guo Huai was extremely anxious, but he did not panic.

He quickly ordered his soldiers to take their positions and prepare to meet the fierce attack of the Han army.

He stood at the forefront of the wall, holding a long sword, and stared at the Han warriors rushing up. He had only one thought in his mind: "Defend Guangcheng Pass to the death and never let the Han army take a step forward!"

Encouraged by Guo Huai, the Wei soldiers on the wall straightened their chests and gripped their weapons tightly.

This is a matter of life and death. Only by fighting to the death can we save Guangcheng Pass and protect our homes and loved ones.

So, they shouted and rushed towards the Han army warriors, and started a desperate fight.

Arrows flew like rain, swords flashed and blood dyed the walls of the pass red.

Guo Huai brandished his sword, dodging left and right, killing one Han army warrior after another.

His armor was splattered with blood, but his eyes remained firm.

As the commander-in-chief, I have a heavy responsibility and must lead by example and inspire my soldiers to fight bravely.

During the fierce battle, Guo Huai looked around from time to time, paying attention to the progress of the battle.

He saw that a part of the wall was shaking due to the battering ram of the Han army, and he quickly ordered his soldiers to go for support; he also saw that some Han warriors had climbed to the top of the wall on a ladder, so he personally led his troops forward and killed the Han warriors one by one.

However, the Han army's offensive was as fierce and unstoppable as the tide.

They charged in wave after wave, seemingly never tired.

Although the Wei army soldiers fought bravely, they gradually lost their strength.

Guo Huai was extremely anxious. He knew that if things continued like this, Guangcheng Pass would be breached by the Han army sooner or later.

At this moment, a Wei army soldier suddenly shouted: "General, look! There seems to be some commotion in the Han army's camp!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Huai hurriedly looked towards the Han army camp.

There was indeed a commotion in the Han army camp, and the soldiers retreated one after another, as if they were frightened by something.

Guo Huai was delighted and immediately seized the opportunity to command his soldiers to launch a counterattack.

Under the command of Guo Huai, the Wei army soldiers rushed towards the Han army camp like a tiger descending from the mountain.

They shouted and waved their weapons, forcing the Han soldiers to retreat step by step.

Guo Huai also personally led his troops into the Han army camp, wielding a long sword and killing the enemy generals.

His figure moved like a ghost in the Han army camp, leaving blood and corpses everywhere wherever he went.

However, the good times did not last long.

The Han army quickly stabilized its position and launched another fierce attack.

They didn't seem to care about the previous riots, but instead charged towards Guangcheng Pass even more frantically.

Guo Huai knew in his heart that this was just a temporary retreat of the Han army and the real battle had just begun.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner turmoil.

Then he shouted loudly: "Brothers, don't be afraid! Kill them all and don't let the Han army look down on you!" His voice was sonorous, powerful, full of passion and determination.

Encouraged by Guo Huai, the Wei army soldiers on the wall straightened their chests again and clenched their weapons.

They knew that this was a matter of life and death, and only a desperate fight could protect Guangcheng Pass, their homes and loved ones. So they shouted and greeted the Han warriors who rushed up, and continued a desperate fight...

The battle lasted until dusk, and both sides were exhausted.

Outside Guangcheng Pass, the corpses of the Han army piled up like mountains, and the Wei army soldiers on the wall also suffered heavy casualties.

However, they still held on to the wall and refused to move. Guo Huai stood at the forefront of the wall, holding a long sword and looking firmly at the Han army camp.

He had only one thought in his mind: "As long as I am still alive, I will never let the Han army pass Guangcheng Pass!"

. . .

Outside Guangcheng Pass, the Han army camp stretched for several miles, with flags flying and tents arranged in an orderly manner. Soldiers shuttled back and forth, busy and orderly.

At this time, it was almost dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the camp, giving this solemn place a layer of golden glow.

Inside the central military tent of the Han army camp, the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

The soldier was dressed in military uniform with a serious face. He was holding a battle report and informing Guan Ping of the latest number of casualties.

His voice was low but clear, and every number hit Guan Ping's heart like a hammer.

Guan Ping stood in front of the case, wearing armor, with gloomy eyes and a furrowed brow. Listening to the heartbreaking number of casualties, his heart was in turmoil.

"Our army has suffered nearly five thousand casualties, and most of them are elite soldiers..." The soldier's voice trembled a little. He was well aware of the heavy meaning behind these numbers.

Guan Ping was silent for a moment, looking towards the direction of Guangcheng Pass with a sharp gaze.

The Guangcheng Pass stands majestically, with solid walls. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack, and is truly a natural fortress.

The general guarding the pass, Guo Huai, was a brave general in the Wei army. He was both wise and brave and was difficult to deal with.

Guan Ping knew in his heart that if he wanted to break through Guangcheng Pass, the price he would have to pay would be high.

It was precisely because of the continuous siege that there was almost a camp riot in the military camp today. Fortunately, he suppressed it in time and no riot was caused.

At this time, the military commander came forward. He was tall and strong, with a resolute face and a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

He glanced at Guan Ping and saw that Guan Ping looked serious, so he said, "General, since the cost of breaking through Guangcheng Pass is too high, why don't you take Dagu Pass first, and then attack Guangcheng Pass from both sides?"

The military commander's voice was steady and powerful. His proposal was like a flash of lightning that cut through the sky, making Guan Ping's eyes light up.

Guan Ping turned around and looked at the military commander with a sharp gaze, thinking to himself: "This is a great plan! Dagu Pass and Guangcheng Pass are linked together. If we take Dagu Pass first, we can cut off their arm, and then attack Guangcheng Pass from both sides, greatly increasing our chances of winning."

Thinking of this, Guan Ping immediately said, "Let's do this! The military commander's plan is very good. I will immediately order the troops to attack Dagu Pass."

After saying that, Guan Ping turned and walked to the desk, picked up a pen, and quickly wrote down the military order to attack Dagu Pass.

His writing is powerful and vigorous, and every stroke reveals his firm determination and belief in victory.

After writing, he handed the order to the messenger and instructed: "Quickly pass this order to each camp and order them to prepare immediately and attack Dagu Pass at dawn tomorrow!"

The messenger took the order and left.

Guan Ping turned and looked at the military commander again, his eyes gleaming with approval.

He patted Jun Sima's shoulder and said, "Jun Sima, if we can successfully capture Dagu Pass in this battle, you will be credited with the first merit!"

The military commander smiled modestly, cupped his hands and said, "General, thank you for your praise. This is my duty."

At this time, a counselor came forward. He was dressed in scholar's clothes, had a thin face, and his eyes sparkled with wisdom.

He glanced at Guan Ping and said slowly, "General, the Zhong and Xun families of Yingchuan have surrendered to the Han. Why not use their influence to persuade the young men of Guangcheng, Guanzhong and Yingchuan to surrender? This way, we can not only weaken their fighting spirit, but also cut off Guo Huai's wings and completely open up the passage to the south of Luoyang."

Guan Ping was moved when he heard this. He knew very well the status and influence of the Yingchuan Zhong and Xun families in Wei State. Their surrender to Han State undoubtedly dealt a great blow to the morale of the Wei army.

There are many Yingchuan people in Guangcheng and Guanzhong. If we can use their connections to persuade them to surrender, it will undoubtedly achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Thinking of this, Guan Ping immediately said: "This is a very good plan! You should immediately go to the Zhong and Xun families in Yingchuan and discuss with them about persuading them to surrender. Be sure to explain the pros and cons to them and let them serve our army wholeheartedly."

The counselor took the order and left. Guan Ping looked at the generals in the tent and said loudly: "Everyone, this battle is related to whether our army can successfully capture Luoyang and open up the southern passage. I hope everyone will work together to overcome the difficulties. In three days, we will attack Dagu Pass. I will lead the army in person and we must win the battle!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals stood up and bowed, saying, "As you command!"

There was a determination gleam in their eyes and their hearts were filled with the belief that they would win.

Guan Ping looked at them and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

With these brave and capable soldiers around him, he was fearless.

As night fell, the Han army camp was brightly lit.

Guan Ping walked out of the central military tent, looked up at the starry sky, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

Three days later.

At dawn, the Han army camp was silent, with only the occasional neighing of horses and the low voices of soldiers talking, foreshadowing that a great battle was about to begin. Guan Ping stood in front of the tent, staring at the Dagu Pass in the distance with a sharp gaze, and had a careful plan in mind.

With an order, the Han army rushed out of the camp like a tide, quickly organized themselves into formations, and marched towards Dagu Pass.

They have strong postures, firm steps, and their eyes are shining with desire for victory.

Guan Ping led the charge, holding a spear and riding at the forefront. His figure looked particularly heroic in the morning light.

Inside Dagu Pass, the Wei army garrison was still immersed in the peace of the past and was completely unaware of the approaching Han army.

They originally thought that the Han army would attack Guangcheng Pass first, so the defense of Dagu Pass was relatively lax.

However, Guan Ping took the Wei army by surprise and chose to launch a surprise attack on Dagu Pass, which caught the Wei army off guard.

When the Han army's shouts of killing were heard, the Wei army's defenders suddenly realized what was happening, but it was too late.

The Han army was like a tiger descending from the mountain, unstoppable, and broke through the Wei army's defense line in an instant. The Wei army in the city was in chaos, some fled in panic, and some fought back, but none of them could stop the fierce offensive of the Han army.

At this time, Jianjunsi also started their actions.

They had already been lurking in the city and had established contact with some soldiers who were dissatisfied with the Wei army.

At the critical moment of the Han army's siege, these instigated soldiers turned against the Han army and joined forces with the Han army, making the Wei army's defense even more vulnerable.

The stubborn commander of Dagu Pass was also isolated and helpless under the fierce attack of the Han army and the instigation of the spy army.

He originally wanted to fight back, but was eventually assassinated by a rebellious soldier.

His fall marked the complete collapse of the Wei army's defense at Dagu Pass.

The Han army pursued the victory and captured Dagu Pass in one go.

The Wei troops in the city were either captured or fled without a trace.

Dagu Pass was captured by the Han army in less than three days. The news quickly spread throughout the battlefield, boosting the morale of the Han army and frightening the Wei army.

Guangcheng Pass, or the Luoyang wing, has been cut off by the Han army! (End of this chapter)