Super Cultivation System of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1001: Retreating Liu Bei
Licheng is a city located at the junction of Qingzhou, Yanzhou and Jizhou. It is under the jurisdiction of Jinan County of Qingzhou. To the north is Jizhou and to the south is Yanzhou. It is a very important strategic road.

However, it was only when Yuan Shao sent troops to invade Qingzhou that Licheng was fought over fiercely by Jizhou and Qingzhou. Since Yuan Shao was defeated by the current emperor Liu He, Qingzhou has been very stable. Naturally, the strategic fortress of Licheng was no longer useful. Instead, it gradually became a transit hub for merchants and travelers to and from Ji and Yan states, or to Luoyang and Chang'an. It has become very prosperous over the years.

However, in recent months, a large army suddenly moved into this prosperous city. As soon as the army came in, they closed the four gates and cut off all entry and exit, forcing the caravans to take a detour.

In the largest building in the city, Liu Bei was discussing military affairs with Tian Feng and Shen Pei when he saw Jiang Huan hurriedly walking in.

"Big brother, third brother, two military advisors."

When Liu Bei saw him, he hurriedly asked him to sit down and asked, "How is it? Have you heard any news?"

Jiang Huan took a sip of water and said, "As the military advisor predicted, the armies of Cao Cao and Sun Jian were all defeated. In the battle of Ancheng, Cao Cao lost many soldiers and generals, and his general Dian Wei was defeated and captured by the emperor himself. Thanks to Xiahou Dun's timely capture of Shenyang City, Cao Mengde fled to Shenyang and joined forces with Xiahou Dun's tens of thousands of troops to restore military prestige and temporarily protect himself."

"As for the battle of Hefei, it was even more tragic. Sun Ce was ambushed and seriously injured, almost losing his life. Xu Sheng and Quan Cong died in the battle. Sun Jian had already entered the city gate, but was attacked from the rear by the Divine Tiger Cavalry, causing great chaos in the army. Qian Zhao and Xu Huang immediately counterattacked. The Jiangdong soldiers and horses abandoned their armor and weapons, losing more than 20,000 people."

"Okay, okay." Liu Bei looked happy.

Zhang Fei, who was standing aside, was somewhat surprised and said, "Brother, although I have always disliked that thief Cao and Sun Jian, they are our allies after all. Why are you so happy about the news of their defeat?"

"Uh...hahaha..." Liu Bei, Jiang Huan and others burst into laughter.

"Third brother, third brother, have you forgotten that although we have temporarily formed an alliance with these two, they are ultimately rebels against the court and traitors to the Han Dynasty. If they are defeated, the court will naturally win. We are clearing the court of the emperor's side in order to support the government, not to rebel. How can we not be happy that the traitors have been defeated?"

Zhang Fei understood after hearing this: "Ah, yes, yes, I was confused. It should be like this. It's worth being happy. It's worth being happy. Hehe."

Jiang Huan asked: "Since both of them have been defeated, it is now our army's turn to attack."

"That's natural."

Liu Bei responded and looked at Tian Feng and Shen Pei: "I wonder where you two military advisors think our army should attack first?"

Tian Feng said without hesitation: "What our army is aiming at is not to overthrow the imperial court, but to arouse the emperor's attention. Now that the emperor is in Yuzhou and leading the army in person, we should naturally march southward as well, so that we can meet the emperor as soon as possible and offer our loyal advice."

Liu Bei nodded repeatedly after hearing this: "Hmm... Yuan Hao's words make sense. Most of the troops in Yanzhou are now being sent to fight Cao Cao. If our army marches south now, it will surely be unstoppable and shock the court and the public. In this case, the emperor will surely come in person to question us. Then I can give you a good advice, and it will be effective."

His words were full of conviction and sincerity, and he seemed to be a loyal minister who was willing to sacrifice his own life for the Han Dynasty.

Jiang Huan was deeply moved when he heard this: "Brother, you are loyal and faithful, and the sun and the moon can testify to that. The emperor is a rare wise ruler in the history, but he was temporarily deceived by treacherous ministers and acted too hastily. Brother, as the emperor's elder brother, you can personally go and persuade His Majesty to abandon evil and do good, which will be a blessing for the country and the people."

"Report..."

In the Taishan County Governor's Mansion, a soldier ran over in panic.

The governor of Mount Tai was none other than Zhao Jin, the eldest son of the Shangdang Zhao family, and the elder brother of Zhao Ying, the wife of Deng Yuan who had died in battle not long ago.

Zhao Jin is now a middle-aged man in his thirties with a two-foot long beard. He looks elegant and capable. He is currently playing chess with another middle-aged man, Chen Gong.

When Liu He learned that Liu Bei was about to join forces with Cao Cao, he transferred Chen Gong to be the prefect of Le'an County in Qingzhou. However, like Xu Shu, before Chen Gong could take office, Liu Bei had already stationed his troops in Qingzhou and seized control of Qingzhou. As a result, Chen Gong had to temporarily retreat to the nearby Taishan County.

Zhao Jin looked up at the person who came and slowly made another move: "Why are you so panicked?"

The soldier looked pale and panicked: "Report...Report to the governor...Liu Bei led an army of 100,000...150,000 soldiers and is less than 30...30 miles outside the city..."

"Hmm?" The chess piece that Zhao Jin was about to place down again was suspended in mid-air.

"Liu Bei invaded my Taishan County?"

Chen Gong on the opposite side said, "After Liu Bei raised his army in the name of 'clearing the emperor's side', he has been stationed in Licheng. Cao Cao and Sun Jian were fighting hard with the imperial army, but he never moved an inch. I thought he was just sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight. But now he suddenly attacks, and he doesn't go to Jizhou, but comes to our Yanzhou. It's a bit unexpected."

"Yes, Zhao originally thought that Liu Bei had ulterior motives. Even if he marched forward, he would stay away from the imperial army of Yuzhou and would only go to Jizhou to capture cities and expand his power. For this reason, in addition to the memorial to Your Majesty, I also wrote a letter to Cui Fuping, the brother of Cui Junshi, the current governor of Jizhou, to remind him to be more cautious. However, I didn't expect that Liu Bei would still come to my Taishan County."

Zhao Jin also seemed a little surprised, but not too panicked.

Chen Gong stroked his beard and stared at the chessboard, not looking away: "Come if you want. Since you are here, let's make the best of it. Although he has many soldiers and horses, can he still eat you and me?"

Zhao Jin looked at him helplessly and said, "Gongtai, do you have any plan to repel the enemy? I am just a civil servant, I don't know military strategy, nor martial arts. There are only more than 10,000 soldiers in the city, and you borrowed 3,000 soldiers from me half a month ago, saying that they were for your moving. You must come up with a clever plan no matter what."

"Haha, you, a prefect of a county, are still calculating the small account of these three thousand troops. Don't worry, I have calculated it, and there should be news about the three thousand people today."

Chen Gong did not answer, but took a chess piece, thought again and again, and then placed it in a corner.

"Hahaha...you lost this round again."

Zhao Jin looked at the chessboard and said, "Well, I am not as good as you in chess, so I lose. Gongtai, judging from your expression, you seem to have made up your mind. If you have any good plan, can you tell me about it? It will also put my mind at ease."

Chen Gong looked at him calmly and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Ziyu, I have my own way to withdraw the troops and keep your Taishan County safe."

"Oh, really?"

"Haha, why should I lie to you? Let's go up to the tower together."

The two men immediately left the government office, mounted their horses, and galloped towards the city gate.

Not long after, Liu Bei's army arrived outside the city.

"Where is the governor of Zhao?" Liu Bei shouted with his fist clasped.

Zhao Jin stepped forward and replied, "I am Zhao. Lord Liu, we haven't seen each other for many years. I recall the days when we fought against the enemy together and served the country. My family, Zhao, has been blessed with your care and teachings. I never thought that you would become a rebel against the court. It's really unpredictable."

Liu Bei said, "Your Majesty, you are wrong. I am raising an army this time not for personal honor or disgrace, but because Xun Yu, Qian Li and others took advantage of Your Majesty's seclusion to monopolize power and instigate politics. They instructed the cruel official Man Chong to persecute the gentry and use harsh laws to harm the people. In just a few months, they killed more than 200 gentry families. Not long ago, Man Chong, under the pretext of Your Majesty's order to inspect the local areas and rectify public order, confiscated the homes of more than 80 gentry families in Ji and Bing, and hung their heads outside the city gates in various places, and left their bodies exposed in the wilderness. Even the old, young, women and children were exiled. Such tyrannical acts are not only contrary to the way of saints, but also completely contrary to the concept of our Han Dynasty to rule the country with benevolence and righteousness."

"Such an act will inevitably anger the heavens and the people, and alienate the people. Your Majesty has been prejudiced against the aristocratic families for many years. Now he has been deceived by the treacherous ministers and made a big mistake. As a relative of the Han Dynasty, I have received a lot of support from Your Majesty. How dare I not devote all my energy to supporting the country? Since Your Majesty has made a mistake, we, as your subjects, should advise you well, which is the way to be loyal."

After he said this, many generals behind him, including Tian Feng, Shen Pei, and Chen Deng, nodded frequently. Although Zhao Jin and others did not agree, they did not refute for a while, but just lowered their heads and remained silent.

Liu Bei sighed, his face showing a look of pain and confusion.

"Today, I have no choice but to resort to military remonstration. It is truly a helpless move. As long as Your Majesty can remove the treacherous ministers and issue an edict of self-blame, I will immediately withdraw my troops and personally go to Luoyang to plead guilty. Even if I have to be tortured to death or have my body torn to pieces, as long as it is beneficial to the Han Dynasty, I will never back down."

Zhao Jin frowned slightly when he heard this. He whispered to Chen Gong beside him, "Liu Bei's words are sincere and full of emotion. He really doesn't seem to be a hypocritical person. In addition, he didn't attack Jizhou, but came to our Taishan County. Is it true that he just wants to see Your Majesty and persuade him as he said?"

Chen Gong sneered, "How could Ziyu be so trusting? Liu Bei looks honest, but he is cunning at heart. He has been a treacherous man who appears loyal since ancient times. Otherwise, why would even Your Majesty have been deceived by him for so many years?"

"Then...how should we deal with it now?"

Chen Gong waved his hand and said, "Don't worry. Although Liu Bei has a strong army, he has a fatal weakness." Zhao Jin was immediately interested when he heard it: "What weakness is it? Tell me."

"Haha, the secret cannot be revealed, Tzuyu just watch."

Chen Gong left this puzzling remark, then went down the city wall, opened the city gate, and walked out alone.

"Hey...Gongtai..." Zhao Jin was in a hurry. Seeing that he couldn't get help by calling Chen Gong, he ran down himself.

The two men stood side by side, only thirty or forty steps away from Liu Bei.

"My greetings to both gentlemen." Liu Bei bowed again, but Zhao Jin waved his hand impatiently.

"Your Excellency, there is no need to be so polite. The two of us have been ordered to guard Taishan County. Although what you said makes some sense, we have a mission and cannot let you enter the city."

At this time, Zhang Fei started to yell: "Who asked you to let me go? I will lead my army into the city and there will be no need for all this talk."

"Yide, shut up. If you dare to talk nonsense again, you can go back to Xuzhou by yourself."

Liu Bei shouted at him harshly, and Zhang Fei quickly shut up.

"My third brother has a reckless temperament, please don't blame me." Liu Bei saluted again.

"Let's forget about these empty formalities. We two have not avoided the axe and sword, and have come out of the city to see you, because we care about your bloodline and want to give you one last chance. As long as you withdraw your troops immediately, we will report to the emperor and never pursue your crime. How do you think?"

Liu Bei heard this and looked at Chen Gong, saying, "Your Excellency's good intentions are deeply appreciated. However, for the sake of our great Han country and the people of the world, I must act this time. Now that the Cao and Sun families have been defeated by Your Majesty, I will not harm the foundation of the imperial army if I advance now. I only hope to meet with Your Majesty. Why are you two trying to stop me?"

"Hmph, that's a nice thing to say." Zhao Jin snorted coldly, "Although Cao Cao and Sun Jian were defeated, they were not seriously injured. If you march your army south, they will surely come back and attack from three sides. Your Majesty will probably be killed by you. And the princes are all young. By then, your brother, the current emperor, will arrive in Luoyang with the power of a great victory. Hmph, won't the court be in your hands?"

"How dare you! My elder brother is a loyal man. How dare you slander him like this?"

Jiang Huan and Zhang Fei shouted angrily at the same time, but Zhao Jin just glanced at them coldly and did not take them seriously. Zhang Fei immediately became furious and was about to explode, but was forcibly suppressed by Liu Bei again.

Liu Bei stared at Zhao Jin and Chen Gong, his face still full of pleading and sorrow: "You two really won't let me go? You two gentlemen are both great talents of the time, and the backbone of the court. Since there are treacherous people in the court, I don't ask you to go to the emperor with me to give me advice, I only ask you to let my army go. If there is any guilt in the future, I will bear it all. How do you think?"

"It's easy for you to say." Chen Gong showed disdain, but then changed his tone.

"There are ways for us to give way. Unless you take off your armor, dismiss the army, and enter the city alone, we can escort you to see His Majesty. His Majesty is kind and loving, and may redeem your crime. In the future, we can work together and serve the court. Isn't that wonderful?"

Liu Bei's expression turned slightly grim. He stopped answering the two and asked directly, "So, you two are determined to fight me?"

Zhao Jin stepped forward and said, "I have no intention of going against Governor Liu. It is Governor Liu who likes to go against us at every turn. If you really want to attack the city, although I am not talented, I will live and die with Taishan County."

He said this in a strong and powerful voice, then drew his sword and glared at Liu Bei.

Seeing this, Liu Bei sighed with great regret: "Alas, it seems that we will have to fight each other in the end. Pass on my order..."

"I will obey your orders." Jiang Huan, Zhang Fei, Taishi Ci and Chen Dao responded in unison.

"All the troops will attack the city. My second brother will attack the east gate, my third brother will attack the south gate, Ziyi will attack the west gate, and Shuzhi will attack the north gate."

As soon as Liu Bei gave the military order, the four generals immediately took it and led their troops to act separately.

Zhao Jin's expression changed, and he pulled Chen Gong and said, "Gongtai, where is your brilliant plan?"

Chen Gong did not answer him. Instead, he pulled Zhao Jin back into the city quickly. Then he stood on the city wall and looked towards the southeast, as if he was waiting for something.

Seeing that the army had already reached the city wall, Liu Bei's eyes and expression changed. He no longer had the kindness he had before, but instead looked a little colder.

At this moment, a soldier hurriedly came from behind.

"My Lord, Xuzhou...something happened in Xuzhou."

Liu Bei, Tian Feng, Shen Pei and others were all excited, especially Chen Deng, whose face immediately became anxious.

"How about Xuzhou?" Liu Bei asked.

"Four days ago, in the middle of the night, a group of soldiers suddenly came from the south and attacked the city of Qi County in Donghai County."

"What?" Liu Bei was surprised.

Chen Deng hurriedly asked: "How many troops does the enemy have? Who is the general leading the troops? What flag do they fly?"

The soldier shook his head. "The enemy didn't light torches, and they quickly retreated when they encountered any resistance. After a few hours, they attacked again. This happened for two consecutive nights. General Chen Shi was worried that this was a trick to lure the enemy, so he didn't dare to go out of the city to pursue them. He only heard the sound of drums from the enemy, but he didn't know how many troops there were. However, the enemy's armor seemed... seemed to be the imperial court's troops."

Shen Pei immediately exclaimed: "Did the imperial court send a large army to attack Xuzhou?"

When everyone was in doubt, Tian Feng said, "In my opinion, they may not be the imperial army."

"Oh? What does this mean?" Liu Bei was puzzled.

Tian Feng explained, "My Lord, think about it. The imperial court has 300,000 or 400,000 troops in Yuzhou. If they really want to launch a surprise attack on Xuzhou, they only need to send a general with 30,000 troops. I dare not say that they can capture the entire territory of Xuzhou, but they can at least capture a few cities and disrupt the morale of our army. How can they launch surprise attacks for two consecutive nights without making any progress? What is the point of doing this, except to alert the enemy and make our army more vigilant?"

"This..." After everyone thought about it carefully, they all felt that it made a lot of sense.

Chen Deng's eyes rolled, and he suddenly thought of something: "The enemy's drums are loud but the attack is small, it seems that they don't have many people. Could it be... could it be that someone is using the imperial army to confuse the public?"

"Who would act like this?" Liu Bei asked.

Chen Deng thought for a moment, "The only troops bordering Xuzhou are from the imperial court, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian. This may seem like a sneak attack on our rear, but the other side must know that. With the abilities of the lord and several military advisors, they will be able to see through the weirdness. A few unusual movements will not cause the army to retreat to rescue. In this way..."

After he said this, everyone seemed to understand a little.

"In this way, once they have established that our army has not returned, and have found out the strength of the Donghai County garrison, they can march in large numbers and attack Donghai. Even if we don't see through their tricks and believe that it is the imperial court's troops that are attacking, the shortest distance from here to Donghai County should be to go south through Yanzhou, not to go around Qingzhou."

"Therefore, the enemy wants to force our army to quickly attack Yanzhou and fight a decisive battle with the imperial army. This way, we can quickly assist the Donghai defenders and even besiege Wei to save Zhao, forcing the so-called imperial army to give up the siege."

After Tian Feng's explanation, Liu Bei suddenly understood.

"Cao Cao... the old villain is abominable. He must have seen that I have not sent troops for many days, so he came to force me with such a despicable means. When my army and the court are in a stalemate, he will come back from Shenyang City. Not only will he have a chance to avenge the defeat in Ancheng, but he can also send troops from Pengcheng and take over Donghai County. He really deserves death."

A 5,000-word chapter. This is yesterday's chapter. I wrote half of it last night and fell asleep on the table, so I posted it today. I will post today's new chapter in the evening.

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(End of this chapter)