The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 385 How many people are like Prime Minister Li, who dare to retire after achieving success, seek immortals and visit Taoist temples, and indulge in the beauty of nature?

On the north bank of the Yangtze River, the Han army camps stretched for hundreds of miles, their imposing presence like a rainbow.

Unlike the gloomy atmosphere in the Wu region on the south bank,

Here, banners blotted out the sun, and the sounds of drums and horns filled the air, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere as a great battle was about to begin.

However, in the past few days, some unusual "guests" have appeared in the camp.

Groups of three or five, dressed in rags, with sallow and emaciated faces, of the people of Jiangnan.

Under the cover of night, they risked being shot by Wu's patrolling soldiers.

They swam across in small boats or even clung to planks, risking their lives.

As soon as they landed on the north bank, they were spotted by Han patrol soldiers.

The soldiers dared not delay and immediately reported the matter up the chain of command, all the way to the central command tent.

When Chen Deng, the commander-in-chief of the Han army, heard the report, he did not regard it as an ordinary spy.

Instead, he ordered people to take good care of them, provide them with food and drink, and personally summoned several of the older ones.

Inside the tent, candlelight shone brightly.

Several people knelt on the ground, soaked to the bone, shivering, and dared not look up.

Upon seeing this, Chen Deng smiled slightly and said gently:
"Gentlemen, there is no need to panic. Now that you are in Jiangbei, you will have a way to survive."

"Rise and tell me in detail about the situation on the south bank."

One of the elderly men, with white hair and tears streaming down his face, kowtowed and sobbed as he said:
"General! When will the heavenly army cross the river?"

"Please, save us, the people of Jiangdong, from this misery!"

His words were incoherent, a mixture of grief and indignation.

Ultimately, it was revealed how Sun Shao, after suffering defeat, became even more tyrannical, practicing the policy of "conscripting two out of three men, or three out of five men."

In the Wu region, fields lay desolate, villages echoed with cries of despair, able-bodied men were all bound and taken to military camps, while the elderly, women, and children suffered from hunger and cold…

The various tragic scenes were described one by one.

Finally, he cried out in a mournful voice:

"That brat Sun Shao only knows how to forcibly conscript soldiers; he has never cared about our lives?"

"In the land south of the Yangtze, everyone longs for the Han dynasty, yearning for the royal army as they yearn for sweet rain!"

"I beg the general to quickly send heavenly troops to relieve the dire straits of the people of Jiangnan!"

Chen Deng listened quietly, his expression calm.

Only in his deep eyes did the light shine even brighter.

After the old man finished speaking, he personally stepped forward to help everyone up and said with great emotion:
"The ruler of Wu is tyrannical, indulging his henchmen and cruelly oppressing the people, arousing the wrath of both heaven and man!"

"Our Holy Emperor's benevolence extends throughout the four seas."

"We have dispatched heavenly troops here precisely to comfort the people and punish the guilty!"

"Fellow villagers, please rest assured for now."

"This hatred and grudge will surely be avenged for you!"

After speaking, he immediately gave the order.

They provided these people who came to seek refuge with clean clothes and plenty of dry food, and settled them properly.

After everyone expressed their gratitude and withdrew, Chen Deng stood with his hands behind his back in front of Jiang Tu.

He couldn't suppress a smile, and clapped his hands, addressing the generals in the tent:

“Sun Shao destroyed his own foundation, and the people of Wu became disloyal and alienated. This is truly the doom of Eastern Wu!”

"With the people's hearts on my side, Jiangnan is already in my grasp!"

Overjoyed, he pondered for a moment, then issued an order:

"Please invite General Zhang He to come see me."

Before long, Zhang He, the commander of the Hebei army, entered the tent fully armored.

"What are your duties, General Zheng Nan Zhao He?"

Chen Deng looked him up and down, then said solemnly:
“Now, righteous people from Jiangnan have come to join us. Their plight is pitiful, and their hearts are commendable.”

"However, they have long suffered under the oppressive rule of the Sun family, and are physically weak and mentally exhausted. If they are left at the front, there may be unforeseen circumstances."

"Junyi's troops were known for their composure and decisiveness."

“I intend to relocate all these people, and those who will come to join me, to Huaibei.”

"So that they may have the means to farm and weave, and be spared the suffering of war."

"This important task of appeasing the people and demonstrating the benevolence of our great Han Dynasty cannot be accomplished by anyone but the general."

"I hope the general will not refuse."

Chen Deng's words were very tactful.

The proposal was made because our Han Dynasty pitied the people of Jiangnan, but at the same time, we were also worried that there might be unforeseen circumstances if they stayed in the army.

That's why they were to be moved to Huaibei.

In reality, it's simply about attracting more people.

Although the conquest of Jiangnan is already half successful

However, we must promptly consolidate our gains and secure the most important resource in ancient times: population.

In this way, even if the army is defeated in the future, at least they can still report back to the imperial court.

however,
This perfectly reasonable arrangement, however, caused Zhang He to pause slightly upon hearing it.

Relocation and resettlement, though a good policy, is not a tough battle to be fought.

At this moment, the army is sharpening its swords, ready to cross the river in full force, and it is the time for military generals to compete for merit.

Such logistical matters were actually entrusted to him, the strongest land force in Hebei?
However, he showed no sign of it on his face and immediately cupped his hands in response:
"Your subordinate obeys! I will make proper arrangements and live up to the trust placed in me for the southern campaign."

After leaving the command tent and returning to his own camp in Hebei, Zhang He's generals had already gathered around him upon hearing the news.

The impatient Sun Li couldn't contain himself and complained in a low voice:
"General! A great battle is imminent, and the victory over Wu is within our grasp!"

"But Chen Yuanlong has ordered us to do some trivial relocation work!"

"Isn't this blatantly a way to get rid of us so that his elite troops can monopolize the credit for crossing the river?"

Xu Huang, standing to the side, stroked his beard in thought, a look of doubt on his face:

“Junyi, could it be that Chen Deng is wary of the sharpness of my Hebei army?”

"Are you afraid that if we advance first and achieve victory, we will overwhelm their troops in Jingzhou and Huainan?"

"So this is the plan to undermine our foundation?"

Upon hearing this, most of the Hebei generals in the tent showed expressions of indignation and resentment.

They were all seasoned warriors, eager to capture enemy generals and flags in the decisive battle.

Now they are being ordered to escort the people, which is no different from a tiger being ordered to drive sheep. How can they accept this?

Zhang He's gaze swept over the assembled generals, his face darkening as he growled, and he barked:
"Stop talking nonsense! Have you all forgotten how the Prime Minister repeatedly gave you instructions before we set out on the expedition?"

"All actions are to be directed by Chen Yuanlong. The overall situation is paramount. We must unite to defeat Wu and avoid causing trouble!"

These words still echo in my ears; how could I possibly forget them?

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an air of authority.

"Marshal Chen is the commander-in-chief personally appointed by the emperor. He is well-versed in military strategy. There must be a profound reason for this arrangement."

"Appeasing the people and winning their hearts is no small matter."

"This is a strategy to consolidate the foundation, even better than beheading generals and capturing flags!"

"If the hearts of the people of Jiangnan are with me, then the Wu region can be pacified without a fight!"

"How can we let our desire for personal gain cause us to neglect the affairs of the nation?"

Zhang He may not have been the most capable among the generals of Hebei, but he was certainly the most adept at handling affairs.

This is one of the reasons why, among all the generals, Li Yi ultimately decided to appoint him as the commander-in-chief.

After being reprimanded by Zhang He, the generals, though still somewhat resentful, dared not openly question him anymore.

Seeing this, Zhang He softened his tone slightly:
"Immediately assemble the troops and prepare vehicles and provisions."

"When receiving people from the south, we must ensure their safe arrival in Huaibei."

"If anything goes wrong, military law will be merciless!"

The generals of the Hebei army bowed in agreement and dispersed to make their own preparations.

However, the atmosphere in the camp was inevitably somewhat somber.

at the same time,

Chen Dengsheng issued an order from his tent: the three armies slaughtered cattle and sheep, and warmed wine to prepare a banquet.

For a time, the aroma of meat and the smell of wine filled the air at the Han camp on the north bank.

The soldiers in each battalion ate their fill of battle food and drank plenty of wine to ward off the cold, their morale soaring to its peak.

When Chen Deng inspected the camp, wherever he went, the soldiers shouted "Victory is certain!" like a tidal wave.

Knowing that the army's morale was high, he returned to his command tent and stared at the rushing river on the map, his gaze sharp as a knife.

Tomorrow will be the day for the full-scale crossing of the river.

The east wind seems to be ready as well.

……

On the south bank of the Yangtze River, the Wu army camp.

Although the conscription had been carried out by force and the camp appeared to be full, a sense of despondency permeated the air.

The new recruit looked pale and his eyes were filled with fear.

During drills, their steps were disorderly and they ignored commands.

Veterans often wore numb expressions, or concealed resentment or helplessness.

The former vigor has long been burned away by the great fire on the river.

Inside the command tent, the atmosphere became even more tense.

Sun Shao sat high in the main seat, still clad in silver armor, but could not hide the anxiety and unease between his brows.

He glanced around at the generals under his command, while veteran generals such as Zhu Ran and Ding Feng remained silent.

The other officers either looked down at the ground or their gazes wandered, none of them making eye contact with him.

"Generals," Sun Shao said, trying to remain calm, but his voice was hoarse.

"Scouts frequently report that the Han army on the north bank has been rewarding its troops for days, and ships are being moved around frequently."

"I predict that Chen Deng will soon launch a major crossing of the river!"

"Ruxukou is the gateway to Jianye and the most important part of the river defense. We need a wise and brave general to guard it."

"Deploy an army to garrison the area and halt the enemy's advance!"

"I wonder which general is willing to take on this important task?"

As soon as he finished speaking, you could hear a pin drop inside the tent.

Only the mournful river wind outside the tent added to the chill.

Who doesn't know?

The purpose of defending Ruxukou at this moment is to use an exhausted army to meet the Han army's imminent and powerful attack head-on.

It's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—a near-certain death!
Silence, like a rock, weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, and also on Sun Shao's increasingly grim face.

Just as Sun Shao was about to lose his temper and explode,

One of the men stepped forward without hesitation; his voice, though not loud, was clear and firm:

"The general will go where he wishes!"

The crowd recognized him as Lieutenant General Chen Xiu.

Beside him, his younger brother Chen Biao hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"This humble general is willing to accompany you, brother!"

Upon seeing this, Sun Shao was overjoyed, as if he had grasped a lifeline, and hurriedly said:
"Excellent! Excellent! General Chen and Young General Chen are commendable for their loyalty and bravery!"

"Truly a pillar of the nation!!"

"Your father, General Chen Wu, sacrificed his life for the Wu dynasty; the whole family is loyal and righteous."

"Today, you two have inherited my will and will surely be able to defeat the enemy and defend Ruxu!"

Fearing that the two might change their minds, he immediately ordered the mobilization of 30,000 troops, placing them under the command of Chen Xiu.

However, of these 30,000 "troops," only about 10,000 were regular soldiers capable of fighting.

The remaining 20,000 were all newly conscripted soldiers who had been forcibly brought in recently, carrying crude weapons and looking fearful.

The brothers Chen Xiu and Chen Biao received their orders, left the tent, mustered their troops, and departed from the main camp.

Head west towards Ruxukou.

Upon reaching the Niuzhu area, seeing the mighty river and the treacherous terrain, the two brothers ordered a temporary rest.

Standing atop a high slope overlooking the river, gazing at the endless lights of the Han army on the north bank, my heart was heavy with sorrow.

Looking at his soldiers, whose morale was low and who were whispering amongst themselves, Chen Biao said to his elder brother with deep concern:

“Brother, the Han army has been building up its navy in Huainan for more than a day. Now that the whole country is coming, we are bound to win.”

"They will surely send their Jingzhou navy downstream to attack our upstream."

“Our armies upstream have just suffered a defeat and are unprepared; I fear they will be unable to withstand our attack.”

"As for Jiangdong... since the battle of crossing the river, many famous generals have died out."

"Now that a young boy is in charge of military affairs, I fear that the cities along the river will be unable to defend themselves."

"The Han army is advancing by land and water, and its final strike will surely be aimed at this place!"

"In my humble opinion, it would be better to concentrate our forces at the strategic location of Caishiji, and build deep trenches and high walls."

"Wait until the Han army crosses the river and has not yet established a firm foothold, then we will wait in comfort and engage them in a decisive battle."

"If we win, we can stop the enemy from advancing south, and even recover lost territory to the west."

"If... if we rashly cross the river to seek battle, and suffer a defeat, then all will be lost!"

"It's completely beyond saving!!"

Chen Biao clearly analyzed the situation and believed that their wisest course of action was to wait for the enemy to tire themselves out.

Once the Han army lands, we will strike them before they have a firm foothold.

Of course, this was because the cards the brother had were really bad.

This was the best solution Chen Biao could think of.

Even the most skillful cook can't cook without rice.

Chen Xiu remained silent for a long time, his gaze sweeping over the fearful and uneasy soldiers at his feet, and then looking towards the massive camp on the north bank of the river that seemed capable of swallowing everything.

After a long while, he slowly shook his head.

His voice carried a poignant sadness, as if he had seen through everything:

“Your words are a prudent strategy, but you fail to see how perilous the situation is.”

"The fall of the Wu kingdom is something we only realize today."

Everyone knew the truth perfectly well, and they were already terrified.

"If we wait for the Han army to press on our borders, we will come with great fanfare."

"How could our soldiers not collapse when they see such a display of force?"

"By then, the camp may already be empty before any battle even begins!"

He turned around, looked intently at his younger brother, and sighed:
"The only plan now is to take advantage of the fact that the Han army has not yet fully mobilized."

"Our army still has a shred of fighting spirit, so we took the initiative to cross the river and seek out their vanguard for a decisive battle!"

"Perhaps we can win by sheer courage."

"If Heaven does not protect Wu, my brother and I will die on the battlefield..."

"Alas, he died a worthy death, having served his country faithfully."

"I have lived up to my late father's expectations, and I have lived up to the expectations of the Wu region!"

"If...if Heaven takes pity on us, we can actually defeat their army."

"Then the Han army will flee north, and our army's morale will surely be greatly boosted!"

"At that time, we can return with a victorious momentum and once again confront the enemy coming from the west to Jingzhou. Perhaps then we can achieve something!"

Once Chen Deng's main force has completed its crossing of the river, it will join forces with Huang Zhong's Jingzhou army coming from the west.

At that point, Wu Jun would have absolutely no chance of winning.

Chen Xiu's tone became increasingly impassioned, yet it was tinged with endless desolation.

"If we follow your strategy, brother, we can sit back and wait for the enemy."

"I fear that before the enemy arrives, our army will have already scattered like birds and beasts."

"At that time, the only option for the emperor and his ministers will be to surrender with their bodies bound, and if not a single person in the country dies, that will be a true disgrace!"

"We, the descendants of the Chen family, would rather die in battle than live in dishonor!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Biao's face showed pain:
"Brother! Do you think I'm afraid of death?"

"However, looking at our army, the veterans are broken and the new recruits are afraid of battle."

"To send this rabble across the river to fight the mighty Han army is like throwing an egg against a rock."

"If we are defeated, my brother and I will die."

"But to become a prisoner, to suffer the humiliation of having one's body struck by sword and axe, wouldn't that be..."

"shut up!"

Chen Xiu shouted resolutely, his eyes already showing a resolute will to die.

"To be defeated is to be imprisoned, which is indeed a disgrace."

"But to sit idly by and wait for the country to perish, to bow down and submit to the emperor, would that not be even more humiliating?"

"My mind is made up! There's no need to say more!"

"Order the entire army to prepare boats immediately and cross the river to attack the enemy before dawn!"

Looking at his brother's resolute yet sorrowful profile, Chen Biao knew that further persuasion would be useless.

He could only sigh deeply, tears welling in his eyes, and bow with his hands clasped, saying:

"Brother...I am willing to follow you by your side, to live and die together!"

Upon receiving the order, the 30,000 Wu soldiers were thrown into turmoil, and panic spread like a plague.

However, under Chen Xiu's strict orders and the supervision of his personal guards, they were eventually driven onto ships of various sizes.

The night was deep, and the river was shrouded in mist.

Countless boats left the south bank and sailed towards the dark, unknown, and treacherous north bank of the river.

Chen Xiu stood at the bow of the ship, his armor icy cold.

He gripped his spear tightly, gazing at the endless darkness ahead, and the faintly visible torches of the Han army patrolling the river.

My heart was filled with only a cold, resolute determination.

This journey is not one of victory.

Just to preserve Wu's last shred of dignity, and to seek a fitting end where he dies on the battlefield.

The setting sun over Jiangdong seemed to sink prematurely into the rolling river during this tragic crossing.

……

Jiangbei, within the territory of Yanghe County.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the sound of the river lapping against the shore was mixed with the sounds of hurried footsteps and the clatter of armor leaves.

After a night of anxiety, the 30,000-strong Wu army led by the brothers Chen Xiu and Chen Biao finally set foot on the northern shore.

The soldiers were still in shock, their ranks were loose, and they looked around the unfamiliar enemy territory with fear.

At this moment,

A patrol force of about three thousand Han soldiers, led by General Xu Sheng, was patrolling along the river.

Suddenly, from where the dust rose ahead, a large contingent of Wu army banners appeared.

Xu Sheng reined in his warhorse and gazed into the distance.
His face first showed great surprise, which then turned into deep solemnity.

"The Wu people... dare to cross the river and launch a counterattack?"

The deputy general beside Xu Sheng exclaimed in shock, almost unable to believe his eyes.

In the battle of crossing the river, Wu's elite troops were almost completely wiped out, and a large number of veteran generals died in battle.

At that time, Chen Deng was only forced to order a retreat back to the north bank of the Yangtze River because he was worried that his troops might be surrounded and annihilated.

They needed to reorganize a large-scale crossing of the river, otherwise Wu's army would have been wiped out long ago.

Everyone was in disbelief at what they were seeing; they actually dared to cross the river to challenge the Han army.

You should know that the main force of the Han army is all in Jiangbei!
Xu Sheng's face remained calm, but his heart was in turmoil.

“They outnumber us, and their numbers are several times greater than ours.”

"Although their strength is exhausted, they are like a cornered beast that will fight back; we should not rashly confront them."

He quickly surveyed the terrain and found that his position was flat and not conducive to holding the position.

Meanwhile, Wu Jun was pressing in from the beachhead, forming a semi-encirclement.

"General! The Wu bandits are closing in!"

A scout arrived on horseback with urgent news.

Xu Sheng looked around and saw that his soldiers were not panicked.

They all looked fearful, knowing they could not defeat him.

Indeed, it was a good thing that Wu Jun landed and went to his death.

But it was Xu Sheng's small force of three thousand men who happened to be the one to encounter them.

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse; Wu Jun's desperate counterattack should not be underestimated.

Moreover, the enemy forces outnumbered them tenfold.

Xu Sheng's eyes flashed, and he made up his mind. He said in a deep voice:

"All soldiers, listen to my command! The Wu army is powerful; let us temporarily avoid their attack."

"My idea is to offer surrender to delay their advance."

"Once Chen Zheng's army arrives, we can launch a coordinated attack from within and without and defeat the enemy!"

"Only in this way can we protect ourselves and live up to the trust placed in us for the southern campaign!"

The soldiers felt humiliated upon hearing this.

However, seeing the enemy army advancing across the fields, they knew this was their only way out, and they all agreed.

Xu Sheng immediately ordered the troops to shrink and retreat into a makeshift camp built to the side.

They raised a white banner and sent envoys to Chen Xiu's army to surrender.

When Wu's army saw that the Han army had surrendered before the battle, some of the generals and officers showed joy.

The strategist Quan Cong frowned and hurried to Chen Xiu's horse, advising him:

"General Chen! Xu Sheng is no coward!"

"Their sudden surrender must be due to a lack of troops and fear of battle, and they are trying to delay the inevitable."

"They intend to buy time, waiting for Chen Deng's main force!"

"Our army should take advantage of their isolated position and quickly attack and defeat them."

"Quickly annihilate this force to boost the morale of our army!"

"If we hesitate, it will be too late to regret it when the Han army arrives in force!"

As Chen Xiu rode on his horse, gazing at the seemingly isolated Han village, doubts also filled his heart.

But at this moment, his thoughts were much more far-reaching.

After pondering for a long time, he shook his head and sighed:
"While what the general said makes sense, Xu Sheng's troops are nothing more than a minor ailment."

"The real enemy is the main force of the Han army led by Chen Deng!"

"What we seek when we cross the river is to fight them to the death!"

"If we get entangled with this detachment, the main force of the Han army will arrive before the outcome is decided."

"Our army's morale has been shattered; how can we possibly withstand them?"

"The art of war says, 'Strike while the iron is hot.' How can we afford to lose sight of the bigger picture for the sake of small gains?"

“Since they have requested to surrender, I will accept it. Considering their mere three thousand men, they would not dare to change their minds so easily!”

Despite Quan Cong's earnest pleas, he accepted Xu Sheng's surrender.

He left only a small number of soldiers to monitor the surrendered troops, while he led the main force of the army.

They continued to advance northward, seeking a decisive battle with the main force of the Han army.

However, news of Wu's army crossing the river had already reached Chen Deng, the commander-in-chief of the Han army, as quickly as it appeared. Upon hearing the news, Chen Deng was not alarmed but rather delighted:
"Did Sun Shao send no one here? He actually sent a lone army across the river to their deaths!"

"This is a golden opportunity! Annihilate them on the north bank!"

He immediately took up his tent and issued orders frequently.

Upon hearing the news, the various Han armies sprang into action, like wolves sniffing blood, converging on Chen Xiu's army from all directions.

Chen Xiu's army had not gone far when
Then they saw on the horizon ahead, Han army banners like a forest, their armor gleaming in the sun.

A large contingent of elite infantry and cavalry has been arrayed and is ready to go.

Beneath the central banner, the "Chen" banner fluttered in the wind, marking the main force of Chen Deng!
Seeing this, Chen Xiu was not afraid at all; instead, he was filled with grief and indignation. He turned to his men and shouted:

The time for the decisive battle has come!

"The fate of the Wu Kingdom rests on this one battle!"

"Gentlemen, follow me to kill the enemy!"

He then personally led five thousand elite vanguard soldiers, carefully selected, straight into the Han army's main formation!
In an instant, the sound of drums shook the heavens and the shouts of battle echoed across the earth.

Chen Xiu took the lead and spearheaded the charge.

However, the Han army's formation was well-organized.
Bows and crossbows fired in unison, and spears formed a forest, like an impregnable wall.

The Wu army soldiers were mostly newly recruited and filled with fear. Although they charged forward with momentary courage, they could not shake the Han army in the slightest.

One charge was met with a hail of arrows.

The second charge collided with a gun emplacement, resulting in heavy casualties.

After three charges, the Han army's cavalry on both flanks broke through and cut off the Wu army.

In the midst of the melee, two of Wu's vanguard generals were killed by the Han army and their heads were displayed on poles!
Wu Jun's morale was shattered, with heavy casualties and his formation thrown into chaos.

Chen Xiu was also struck by a stray arrow, his battle robe stained with blood. He could only sigh and order a retreat.

...The army collapsed like a house of cards!

Wu Jun lost his formation and retreated in disarray.

How could Chen Deng, the commander-in-chief of the Han army, let such a good opportunity slip by?

He immediately ordered Generals Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin to each lead an army to launch a surprise attack!

The Han army, having long been rested and prepared, charged like tigers descending a mountain, plunging straight into the ranks of the routed Wu army.

They slashed and thrust with knives and spears as easily as chopping melons and cutting vegetables.

At that moment, Xu Sheng's troops, who had previously "surrendered," saw that the time was right and immediately tore down their surrender flag.

They mustered three thousand soldiers and suddenly charged out from behind the Wu army!
Facing formidable enemies ahead and a counterattack from behind.

Wu Jun was immediately plunged into a desperate situation and completely collapsed.

The soldiers trampled each other, discarding their helmets and armor, and scrambled to escape to the riverbank.

They were pursued and killed by the Han army, and the river water turned red with their blood.

Chen Biao fought bravely and died in the chaos of battle to protect his elder brother.

Chen Xiu, wounded multiple times and seeing that the situation was hopeless and his brother had also died in battle, cried out in grief:
"Heaven has forsaken Eastern Wu!!"

He tried to draw his sword and commit suicide, but his personal guards held him back and forced him to retreat towards the riverbank.

Seeing that there was no way to reverse the situation, the strategist Quan Cong wept bitterly.

They could only gather a few hundred remaining soldiers, seize some boats, and flee back to Jiangnan in a sorry state.

The 30,000 Wu troops who crossed the river were almost completely wiped out.

On the riverbank north of the river, corpses lay strewn everywhere, and countless people surrendered.

The Han army won a great victory, and the sound of war drums and cheers resounded through the sky.

Xu Sheng joined forces with Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin, and they looked at each other and laughed heartily.

The people of Jiangnan were terrified upon hearing of this defeat.

The clouds of doomsday completely shrouded the sky over Jiangdong.

……

North of the river, the Han army camp.

Banners fluttered in the breeze, and triumphant songs were sung.

In the Battle of Yanghe, the 30,000-strong Wu army led by Chen Xiu was completely annihilated.

More than 8,000 were beheaded, and the rest either surrendered or scattered.

They claimed to have annihilated 130,000 enemy troops.

The morale of the domestic population has been greatly boosted.

The Han army's advance reached the riverbank, and the southern mountains could already be seen across the river.

The morale of the entire camp was soaring.

Everyone was eager to get started, just waiting for the commander's order so they could set sail and head straight for Jianye.

Inside the central command tent, the atmosphere was completely different from the enthusiastic and passionate atmosphere outside.

Despite their victory and the joy on their faces, the generals each harbored their own thoughts.

The commander-in-chief of the Henan army stepped forward first, bowed to Chen Deng on the command post, and spoke in a loud voice, filled with barely suppressed excitement:
"General! Chen Xiu has been beheaded, and 30,000 Wu soldiers have been annihilated."

"Jiangdong is shaken; their courage has vanished!"

"Furthermore, the mighty General Huang of Jingzhou has already conquered Chaisang."

"Marching eastward with the current, wherever the army's advance points, the Wu bandits are routed!"

"The entire Wu Kingdom is on the verge of collapse!"

"This is a golden opportunity!"

"This humble general humbly requests that the general immediately lead the troops across the river and, taking advantage of the victory, march straight to Jianye!"

"The sudden arrival of a large army at the city gates will surely terrify the people of Wu."

"Sun Quan, that brat, might be captured without a fight!"

"Now is the time to achieve our goal in one decisive battle!"

Upon hearing this, many generals in the tent nodded in agreement, eager to try.

Who wouldn't want a quick victory?
However, one person stepped forward from the crowd, his voice steady, yet it was like cold water poured into a boiling cauldron:

"Generals, please wait!"

Upon closer inspection, everyone recognized him as Zang Ba, the commander-in-chief of the Qingxu Army.

His expression was calm as he glanced over the generals in the tent, finally settling on Chen Deng, and he slowly said:

"The matter of crossing the river concerns the fate of the nation; how can it be decided so lightly?"

"Our five-pronged army to attack Wu is directly commanded by the General Who Conquers the South."

"But in essence, they all received orders from the imperial court and were controlled by Prime Minister Li."

"All five armies are under the command and control of the Prime Minister, and should not be moved lightly."

"Although we have defeated the enemy in one battle, should we immediately launch a full-scale crossing of the river?"

"First, submit a memorial to the cabinet in Luoyang, detailing the battle situation and the advantages and disadvantages."

"It is best to wait for the Prime Minister and the court to make a decision."

He paused briefly, his tone becoming more forceful, his words carrying a hidden meaning:
"In the past, the imperial edict only ordered us to send troops to the north of the Yangtze River."

"After repelling the invading Wu army, we must first stabilize the border defenses."

"As for the next steps, the cabinet has not issued any instructions."

"If we rashly attempt to cross the river in its entirety, we would be overstepping the emperor's command and violating the court's strategy!"

"Even if we win by chance, can the crime of overstepping our bounds be offset by our merits and demerits?"

"If...if the crossing of the river is lost, resulting in the loss of soldiers and generals, it will damage the prestige of the nation."

"At that time... hehe,"

He sneered twice, "I fear that even if we have a hundred mouths, we will not be able to escape our guilt! I urge you, Zheng Nan, to reconsider!"

These words, like an icicle, instantly pierced the intense atmosphere in the tent.

The numbers "disobeying the king's orders" and "the crime of usurpation" weighed heavily on everyone's minds.

The expressions on the faces of all the generals changed.

Those who had been most eager to volunteer earlier subconsciously withdrew their steps.

Their eyes flickered, exchanging complex glances.

The tent fell silent for a moment, and the initial momentum of their attack on the enemy's capital dissipated almost entirely in an instant.

Instead, an atmosphere of caution and even fear prevailed.

Everyone began to weigh the allure of conquering a nation.

However, if this angers the prime minister in the court, or even arouses the emperor's suspicion, then it would be a terrible disaster.

Especially now, with so many meritorious officials in the country, it is the most sensitive and suspicious time.

On his command seat, Chen Deng's face was ashen.

He was a very ambitious man and knew that the opportunity to fight was fleeting, so crossing the river was the best option at the moment.

However, Zang Ba's words precisely hit the nail on the head regarding his concerns.

Although he was appointed governor of the front-line military, he had the authority to "act as he saw fit".

However, the nature of "crossing the river in full force" and "defending against the enemy north of the river" are completely different.

However, it has already touched upon the very foundation of the imperial court's strategy.

The court was divided into numerous factions, each with its own agenda.

Before the southern expedition, Li Yi had made it clear that he would not interfere too much with the military decisions made at the front.

Because they were afraid that micro-management would affect the battle situation.

However, major military decisions had to be reported to the cabinet and made by Yi Ik.

The "full-scale crossing of the Yangtze River" was a major military decision that required reporting.

It could even be said to be the biggest military decision in the entire Southern Expedition.

Chen Deng and his Huainan army, in particular, were a thorn in the side of the imperial court.

If those in power in the court were to label him as "possessing military power" and "acting arbitrarily"...

After much deliberation, his ambition to gallop across the Jiangnan region was ultimately suppressed by political caution.

He spoke slowly, his voice regaining its usual calmness:

"General Zang's words... his wisdom in governing the country is not without reason."

"The task of destroying Wu requires a comprehensive approach."

"Although General Huang of Jingzhou is making good progress, our troops also need to provide support."

"For now... let's stick to the original strategy and consolidate the gains in Jiangbei."

"Clear out the remaining enemy forces, and await General Huang's eastward march to join forces."

"Whether or not to cross the river, I will report to the court in detail and ask Prime Minister Li and His Majesty to make a decision before proceeding."

Upon hearing this, all the advocates for war in the tent showed disappointment.

One of the valiant generals couldn't help but step forward again; it was Gao Shun.

He was upright and outspoken, and said in a clear voice:

"Chen Zhengnan! Have you not heard the saying, 'When a general is in the field, he may disobey the emperor's orders'?"

"General, as the supreme commander of the three armies, is granted the authority to lead expeditions."

"We should act according to circumstances and make decisive decisions when the time is right!"

"If we wait for imperial orders in Luoyang for everything, traveling thousands of miles back and forth, we will miss opportunities to fight!"

"Prime Minister Li also made it clear before the expedition that he would grant the general the authority to 'act as he sees fit'."

"Crossing the river and defeating Wu is the perfect opportunity."

"How can we hesitate and not move forward because of fear of slander and defamation?"

We earnestly hope that the General will make a wise decision!

Zang Ba immediately retorted, his voice cold and hard:
"General Gao! 'Acting expediently' is for responding to the enemy on an ad-hoc basis, not for condoning reckless actions!"

"To cross the river in full force and destroy a nation is a momentous decision that shakes the very foundation of the country."

"Can we really just brush this off with a simple 'let's do it as it comes'?"

"If something goes wrong, can General Gao bear the responsibility for this crime for all eternity?"

Gao Shun was speechless, his face turning red with embarrassment, and he glared angrily at Zang Ba.

But he knew that this matter was of great importance and that he could not bear the possible consequences.

In the end, he could only stomp his foot heavily, look up to the sky and sigh, his voice echoing through the tent, full of regret and helplessness:
"Alas! A golden opportunity has been missed! A golden opportunity has been missed!"

"What a pity! What a pity!!"

Even if we are able to cross the river in the future, who knows if the Wu of today still exists?

"Even if it exists, how many more soldiers' blood will it take to save it!"

His sighs echoed in the tent, but no one answered.

Chen Deng remained silent, Zang Ba looked smug, and the other generals all lowered their heads and remained silent.

The proposal to cross the river was thus shelved.

The Han army's advance came to an abrupt halt on the north bank of the Yangtze River, as they watched helplessly as the Wu people on the south bank, having recovered from their shock, reorganized their defenses.

The easily attainable victory in defeating Wu slipped away quietly due to the suspicion in the imperial court and the scheming within the army.

Only the mighty river continues its eastward flow, indifferently observing the gains and losses of humankind.

……

Inside the commander's tent, the candlelight flickered.

The shadow of Chen Deng stretched long and thin, swaying slightly as it was projected onto the military map.

He removed his armor, wearing only a dark robe, yet the weariness and melancholy between his brows were still undeniable.

The fierce argument that had taken place in the tent during the day still bound his mind like an invisible shackle.

The curtains fluttered slightly, and Xu Sheng quietly entered, carrying a wooden table.

On the table was a plate of extremely thinly sliced, translucent white raw fish.

It is served with bright green smartweed and mustard sauce, and has a refreshing aroma.

"General."

Xu Sheng gently placed the small table on the desk and said in a low voice.

"Today, the fishermen by the river offered us fresh fish. I saw that they were plump and delicious, and I know that you, General, have always loved this taste."

"I have specially ordered the kitchen to prepare sashimi. General, please have some to relieve your fatigue."

Chen Deng glanced at the exquisitely presented fish dish, but shook his head, showing no appetite whatsoever.

He raised his hand to rub his temples and sighed:
"Wenxiang is very thoughtful."

"But... I have something on my mind, so I can't enjoy my food."

Xu Sheng stood silently to one side, and after a moment, asked cautiously:
"General... are you still pondering the conflict between Generals Bai Rizang and Gao?"

Chen Deng let out another long sigh, a sigh filled with endless entanglement and helplessness.

“Wenxiang, do you know what happened in the tent today?”

“What Zang and Gao said is both reasonable, and there is no absolute right or wrong.”

He stood up, walked to the huge river painting hanging on the tent wall, and traced his finger across the rushing river.

"Gao Shun is right; now is indeed the perfect opportunity to cross the river."

"The people of Wu have just suffered a defeat, and their hearts are filled with anxiety."

"With the momentum of our great victory, our army will strike with lightning speed and Jianye will fall!"

"At that time, our names will be recorded in history."

His fingers pressed heavily on the land south of the Yangtze River, a burning glint flashing in his eyes, but it quickly died down.

"Of course..."

He changed the subject, withdrew his fingers, and placed them behind his back.

“What Zang Ba said was a mature and prudent opinion.”

"A war that destroys a nation is no small matter."

"How can we launch this operation without reporting to the court and consulting the Prime Minister?"

"I……"

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of self-deprecation and caution.

"I have relied on my close brotherly relationship with the Prime Minister and have been acting arbitrarily in Jiangnan for so long that I have almost forgotten about it."

"For a subject, there are certain rules, ironclad laws! They cannot be violated."

Xu Sheng frowned and couldn't help but say:
"But the general also knows that waiting like this would mean missing a golden opportunity!"

"If we cross the river again in the future, and the river defenses are rebuilt, who knows how many more lives will be lost!"

"How could I not know?!"

Chen Deng turned around abruptly, his voice rising several decibels, filled with suppressed pain.

"I know it better than anyone! But that's just how it is!"

"If we cross the river now, even if we win and destroy Eastern Wu, we will still be able to win."

"How could those censors and officials in the court let such a good opportunity to attack slip by?"

"Memorials accusing the emperor of 'holding up military power and being arrogant' and 'disrespecting the emperor' can quickly pile up on His Majesty's desk!"

"At that time, merits will be merits and demerits will be demerits; how can merits and demerits offset each other?"

"How will His Majesty and the Prime Minister conduct themselves?"

He walked back to his desk, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the surface, his voice deepening:
"On the contrary, if we adhere to our duties as subjects and report to the emperor for instructions..."

"Even if this delays the battle and makes the pacification of Wu more complicated."

"The imperial court will only reward us for being obedient, cautious, and mindful of the overall situation."

"This is politics, Wenxiang."

Upon hearing this, Xu Sheng's face showed pity, and he murmured:
"Just for this... this unspoken rule."

"But are you going to teach my Han warriors to fill the void with their own blood and flesh in the future?"

Chen Deng closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them again, his eyes now filled with a complex clarity.

"...that's just how politics is."

"I believe that even if the Prime Minister were here, he would want me to act in this way."

"He was in the center, caught between brotherhood and monarchical power struggles."

"The difficulties they face far surpass those I face."

"I've relied on him for most of my life, and now—"

"It's time for me to consider things for him and share his burdens."

Xu Sheng looked at the head coach and sighed:

"This humble general... truly envies the friendship between the general and the prime minister."

"We are loyal and understanding to each other."

"yes……"

A warm smile, reminiscing about the past, appeared on Chen Deng's face.

"Back in Guangling, the Prime Minister and I were both young men who knew no bounds."

"Riding freely across the land, discussing the world at length, what a joy that is..."

"In the blink of an eye, he became the Prime Minister, second only to the Emperor."

"I also became a powerful general who roamed Jiangnan with great influence."

Time flies by so quickly.

A brief silence fell over the tent, broken only by the crackling of the candlelight.

Xu Sheng hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't help but ask in a low voice:

"General... if one day you truly pacify Eastern Wu, the world will be unified."

"General... what are your plans for the future?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Deng was taken aback.

Then a very complex, bitter smile appeared on his face.

That smile held longing, confusion, and an unbreakable entanglement.

"Intend?"

He repeated it and shook his head.

"Wenxiang, your question really hits a nerve."

"To be honest, I... don't know the answer myself."

His gaze became distant, as if piercing through the curtain and looking towards an unknowable future.

Why do I admire the Prime Minister so much?

"Not only because of his exceptional wisdom, but also because he always possessed a kind of unrestrained and heroic spirit that was rare among ordinary people."

"Able to pick up, and able to put down."

“I, Chen Yuanlong, have always been proud of my lofty ambitions, and I can compare to him.”

"It is like the glow of decaying grass compared to the bright moon in the sky."

"I often think of emulating Zhang Liang, the Marquis of Liu, and retiring after achieving success."

"Seeking immortals and visiting Taoist masters, indulging in the beauty of nature, how carefree and unrestrained!"

His tone revealed a sincere longing, but it quickly turned into a deeper sense of helplessness and self-deprecation.

"But...how easy is that?"

"Only when you truly stand at the pinnacle of power will you understand everything you hold tightly in your hands—"

"The power of life and death, the authority of a single word."

"Even mountains of wealth—how intoxicating, and how hard to give up."

"These are the fruits of my more than twenty years of painstaking effort, fighting step by step, with every sword and spear!"

"Take it up, it will be full of difficulties and dangers."

"Letting go... hehe, that's even harder than climbing to heaven."

Throughout history, very few people have dared to relinquish the power and wealth they hold.

The pain is especially intense when you lose something you've already possessed.

Not to mention that the power and wealth in Chen Deng's hands were earned through more than 20 years of hard work and struggle.

How could they possibly accept just one sentence?
Are you willing to sacrifice for the greater good and for the sake of the team, and easily give up your own interests?

Xu Sheng remained silent, his heart filled with mixed emotions, and could only say in the end:

"General... having such thoughts is normal."

"How many people throughout history have been like the Prime Minister?"

Chen Deng said nothing more, but silently took a thick cloak and put it on, then said to Xu Sheng:
"It's stuffy in the tent, come with me for a walk."

The two walked out of the tent, one after the other.

The autumn river wind immediately swept over me, carrying a biting chill and heavy moisture.

The Yangtze River roared and surged under the cover of night, its dark surface reflecting the scattered firelight from the camp, making it appear even more vast and unpredictable.

Chen Deng stood alone by the river, letting the river wind make his robes flutter.

He gazed at the endless eastward-flowing river, remained silent for a long time, and then murmured as if talking to himself:
Winter... is coming soon.

"By the time when the imperial decree finally arrives here, it will surely be the dead of winter."

"At that time of year, the north wind howled, and the weather was cold and the water was frigid."

"If we want to cross this insurmountable chasm again... alas, I'm afraid it will require countless more twists and turns, and add countless more bones to the pile."

His voice blended into the sound of the surging river, carrying a hint of regret for not having achieved his goal and a trace of worry about the future.

There was also a hint of melancholy, a sense of helplessness.

Xu Sheng stood behind him, gazing at the commander's tall but somewhat lonely back, speechless.

Only the sound of the river remains unchanged.

(End of this chapter)