I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 735 Huangfu Song Goes Out

Huangfu Song was one of the three great men of the late Han Dynasty.

Throughout his life, he was a cautious and diligent person. He submitted more than 500 memorials to the emperor on issues of benefit and benefit, all of which were written by hand, and the drafts were destroyed without being made public.

He also did not have any close confidants or subordinates, and never kept any guests at his door. People of his time all praised him for his loyalty, virtue, and integrity.

He served three emperors, Ling, Shao and Xian, and was always loyal to the court. He made many military achievements, quelled rebellions and maintained stability. Although he was framed many times, he was upright and did not participate in party imprisonment. He also advised for pardon.

He was concerned about the country and the people, and his virtue spread throughout the world, making significant contributions to his country and the world.

However, it was precisely because of this character that when Dong Zhuo held the emperor hostage to control the princes, Huangfu Song did not resist, but surrendered obediently before an imperial edict and was almost beheaded by Dong Zhuo.

Now, Su Yao has killed Dong Zhuo, liberated the imperial court, and revitalized the government. Although Huangfu Song was not Su Yao's confidant, Su Yao still appointed people based on their merits and entrusted him with important tasks.

Just when Su Yao appointed Lu Bu as the Cavalry Commander and ordered him to lead the army out of the capital and head straight for Li Ru's army in the north, Huangfu Song was able to be reappointed as the Left General and led some of Su Yao's cavalry, the surrendered soldiers from Xiliang in the city, and some of the remnants of the Northern Army's Xiyuan to form an army, march west to Meiwu, and destroy Dong Zhuo's last stronghold.

However, compared to Lu Bu and others who led elite cavalry to gallop on the battlefield, General Huangfu Song's troops were mostly remnants with limited manpower. When facing the fortified city of Meiwu, he naturally did not launch a strong attack, but decided to use other methods to capture the city.

When Huangfu Song led his army to the city of Meiwu, it was almost dusk.

Meiwu, the fortress that Dong Zhuo painstakingly built over many years, is nestled in the mountains and beside the water, with tall and thick walls and extremely strong fortifications. Dong Zhuo also stored huge reserves of food and supplies here that could support the army for thirty years, preparing it as a last resort when the situation is unfavorable.

Huangfu Song stood at the foot of the city, looking at this majestic fortress, and a feeling of respect welled up in his heart.

Although Dong Zhuo was cruel and ruthless, Huangfu Song had to admit that his military talent should not be underestimated. This Meiwu was the crystallization of Dong Zhuo's wisdom and ambition.

Huangfu Song knew very well that if he attacked such a city by force, he would pay a heavy price.

Therefore, after some observation, Huangfu Song did not rush to attack the city, but gave the order to rest and siege the city:
"Pass the order down, the whole army will rest and regroup, siege but not attack."

Upon hearing this order, Huangfu Song's nephew Huangfu Li immediately expressed his opposition, leaving aside other people's opinions:
"Uncle, why should we be so conservative?"

"The traitor Dong has been executed, and his followers have either died or surrendered. The overall situation in Guanzhong has been decided."

"Although Meiwu has high walls and strong defenses, it is an isolated city. Apart from the members of Dong's family and some loyal generals, there are not many soldiers available."

"Now that you are in charge of the army again, you should take this opportunity to achieve great military exploits and rebuild your prestige."

"Although it is safe to surround without attacking, if we delay for too long, even if we win, we will be overshadowed by those youngsters who are trying to attract bait."

Huangfu Li spoke in a hurried voice and with an excited expression. He was extremely puzzled by his uncle Huangfu Song's decision.

The so-called young man who was being used as bait naturally refers to Lu Bu of the Northern Army.

The two armies set out almost at the same time, shouldering the mission of clearing out the remnants of Dong's bandits.

Compared to Lu Bu, who was only a cavalry captain but led two thousand cavalry, Huangfu Song, although he was the left general, only led more than three thousand remnant soldiers.

This naturally made Huangfu Li compete secretly, hoping that Huangfu Li could achieve more brilliant military exploits than Lu Bu and restore the prestige of the Huangfu family.

Huangfu Song frowned slightly when he heard this. He understood Huangfu Li's feelings, but he was more aware of the current situation.

Huangfu Song sighed softly and said earnestly:
"Li'er, you don't know that the art of deploying troops is extraordinary. You must judge the situation and know both yourself and the enemy before you can win every battle." "Cavalry Commander Lü Bu is a fierce general who is good at breaking through enemy lines. He is facing Li Ru's troops who are also camping in the wild and confronting the Xiongnu cavalry. Therefore, the Champion Marquis sent him more cavalry to increase mobility in order to make the battle quick and decisive."

"As for our army, our mission is to attack and break through the city. We are facing the impregnable Meiwu City. Although there are not many defenders in the city, they have the advantage of the terrain, perfect fortifications, and sufficient food and grass, which is enough to hold out for a long time."

Huangfu Song looked deeply at the defenders on the city wall who were ready for battle, and continued:
"Under a strong attack, our army will suffer heavy casualties. Even if we can finally capture the city, it will be a tragic victory and the loss will outweigh the gain."

"Well, then, isn't this Champion Marquis bullying people?"

Huangfu Li was immediately furious:
"He only sent us this small group of remnants, and asked us to fight such a difficult enemy. Could it be that he wanted to kill someone with a borrowed knife and let our Huangfu family die?!"

Huangfu Song's face darkened when he heard this, and he sternly stopped Huangfu Li's nonsense:

"Shut up! Li'er, how dare you slander the Marquis of Guanjun like this?"

Huangfu Li was startled by his uncle's harsh rebuke, but he was still indignant in his heart and muttered softly:

"Uncle, nephew is just discussing the matter, isn't that right?"

"We can't force an attack. The besieged city has what is said to be 30 years of food. If we just stay outside the city, do we have to wait for a lifetime?"

"If the battle drags on for too long, I'm afraid the Marquis of Guanjun will find a reason to take away your military power even if he doesn't want your life. Wouldn't that mean we've worked in vain?"

"How dare you talk nonsense, kid!"

Huangfu Song immediately scolded his nephew upon hearing this:

"Although the Champion Marquis has few troops now, his power is still three times greater than that of the thief Dong, and he has always done what he wants, not caring about the world's opinion."

"If he wanted to kill us, why would he go to such lengths and send troops to help us?"

"Marquis Guanjun allowed your uncle to lead the troops to attack Meiwu because he believed that I, Huangfu Song, could break the city." Huangfu Song spoke in a steady voice, his eyes revealing firm trust. "He certainly has his reasons for doing so. We just need to do our best to complete the mission."

Huangfu Li was speechless after hearing his uncle's words. He lowered his head. Although he was still unwilling in his heart, he did not dare to refute.

Huangfu Song saw this and softened his tone, and continued:

"Li'er, you are young and energetic. It's a good thing to be aggressive, but you must not act rashly."

"The way to use troops is not just to act brute force, but also to use wisdom. This is what the ancients called the best strategy of attacking the enemy's plan."

"Even though the walls of Meiwu are high and strong, I think it is not difficult to conquer. As long as we use some tricks, the city will be conquered in less than ten days!"

Huangfu Li's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he bowed respectfully and said:

"Uncle taught me a lesson, and I know I am wrong."

"If you really have a plan to defeat the enemy, please tell your nephew as soon as possible!"

Huangfu Song stroked his beard and smiled after hearing this. He patted Huangfu Li on the shoulder and said:
"If we want to win this battle, we must first attack the enemy's heart, attack from all sides, and break the morale of the defenders. Then, this city can be conquered without attacking."

(End of this chapter)