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

Chapter 431 The Emperor's empire was indeed won on horseback, but Emperor Hui and Emperor Ming were not necessarily skilled in martial arts, were they?

Thirty miles west of Xiegu Valley, the remnants of the Wei army, defeated and routed, marched on in a sluggish manner.

The banners were askew, and the armor was incomplete.

Han De's helmet was missing, his hair was disheveled, and the arrow wound on his shoulder was still bleeding.

This once spirited and valiant general of Wei now had a vacant look in his eyes and kept muttering to himself:

“My four sons…my four sons…”

"They were all killed by Zhao Yun."

When the remnants of the army reached the walls of Hanzhong, the defending soldiers, seeing that it was Han De's banner, hurriedly opened the gate.

Han De went straight to the government office and saw Lü Yi discussing matters with his generals in the hall.

He then knelt down with a thud and burst into tears:

"My lord! Han De is incompetent; all four of his sons have perished at the hands of Zhao Yun!"

"Of the three thousand men, not even one in ten survived!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole hall was in an uproar.

The bamboo slip in Lü Yi's hand fell to the ground. He quickly stepped down from the platform and helped Han De up.
"General Han, please rise. What has happened?"

Han De wept uncontrollably as he recounted the battle in broken sentences.

When they heard that Zhao Yun had single-handedly killed four generals, all the generals in the hall turned pale.

Cheng Wu, who joined the army, was the son of Cheng Yu, a strategist of the State of Wei.

He frowned and said:

"Zhao Yun was over seventy years old, yet he was still so brave; he was truly an extraordinary man."

Lü Yi pondered for a long time, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up:

"Although Zhao Yun is brave, he has few soldiers."

"I shall personally lead the army to avenge General Han!"

Han De kowtowed until his head bled:

"I will lead the vanguard and take Zhao Yun's head to appease the spirits of my four sons in heaven!"

Cheng Wu urgently advised:

"Your Excellency, please reconsider! Zhao Yun has won, and the morale of the troops is at its peak."

"It would be better to hold our ground and wait for reinforcements."

Lü Yi waved his hand to interrupt:

"If Zhao Yun is allowed to roam freely in Xiegu, Hanzhong will be in grave danger."

"I have made up my mind, we will send troops tomorrow!"

At dawn the next day, Lü Yi personally led eight thousand elite troops out of the city.

He wore a golden helmet and rode a white horse, carrying a large cleaver.

Han De and Cheng Wu accompanied him on either side.

Scouts arrived at Han Village early in the morning, and Deng Zhi, upon hearing the news, was filled with worry:

"The general fought valiantly yesterday, and with Lü Yi arriving in person today, a fierce battle is likely to ensue."

"It would be better to temporarily avoid their attack and wait for the Prime Minister's army to arrive."

Zhao Yun laughed loudly:

"Why is Bo Miao so timid!"

"Only when we have him come out in full force can we defeat him in one fell swoop!"

He then donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led over a thousand soldiers out of the camp to form ranks.

Both sides are stubborn.

One refuses to admit he's getting old, the other is eager to make a name for himself.

The two armies faced each other. Lü Yi saw Zhao Yun under the banner, who, though his hair and beard were all white, was still awe-inspiring.

With his silver spear and white horse, he seemed like a god descending to earth, prompting a silent sigh:

"People say Zhao Yun is a hero, and that's certainly true!"

Han De, unable to contain himself any longer, spurred his horse into battle and shouted sharply:

"You old scoundrel! The hatred for killing my son is irreconcilable! Today I will take your life!"

Zhao Yun coldly replied:
"I spared your life yesterday, but why do you not repent?"

"Today you're mustering your troops, only to send them to their deaths again?"

Han De's eyes were completely split:

"You old scoundrel who wiped out my entire family, yet you still dare to speak nonsense!"

After saying this, he swung his great axe and charged straight at Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun sighed:

"Stubborn and obstinate!"

He then drew his spear to meet the attack.

Han De was eager for revenge, and his axe technique became disordered; he was defeated in no more than three exchanges.

He was pierced through the throat by Zhao Yun's spear and fell off his horse.

Seeing Han De dead, Lü Yi was about to go into battle when Cheng Wu urgently stopped him:

"Your Excellency, you mustn't! Zhao Yun is at the height of his power; we must use a plan to defeat him!"

While Lü Yi hesitated, Zhao Yun had already spurred his horse and charged forward, so he hurriedly slipped into the formation.

Seeing the opportunity, Deng Zhi led his troops in a surprise attack, and the Wei army suffered another defeat, retreating more than ten miles to set up camp.

That night, Wei Village was brightly lit.

Lü Yi gathered his generals for a meeting, his face showing worry:
"Zhao Yun is brave and invincible, what can be done?"

Cheng Wu offered a plan:
"In my opinion, although Zhao Yun is brave, he is old after all."

"Today's winning streak will surely breed arrogance."

"We can set up an ambush tomorrow to lure them deep into our territory, and then we can attack them."

Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly arose outside the tent.

A guard reported:

More than a hundred of Han De's men, dressed in white robes and armor, knelt before the gate of the village, requesting an audience.

Lu Yi went out of the tent to look at them and saw that these brave soldiers from Xiliang were all wounded, but their eyes were resolute.

The leading captain kowtowed and said:
"General Han has treated us with kindness as heavy as a mountain, and now his entire family has died for the country."

"We are willing to be the vanguard, and we swear to kill Zhao Yun!"

Moved by his loyalty and righteousness, Lü Yi gently comforted him:

“The loyalty of all the brave warriors is commendable.”

"However, the matter of revenge should be considered in a long-term manner."

"Fu Jun!"

The captain raised his head and said, "Zhao Yun has been fighting for two days, and both men and horses are exhausted."

"If we raid the camp tonight, we will surely succeed!"

Cheng Wu said urgently:

"No! Zhao Yun is a veteran general; wouldn't we be wary of a raid on our camp?"

The captain wept and said:

"Even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, we will not hesitate!"

"If I cannot avenge myself, how can I face General Han in the afterlife!"

Seeing the crowd's agitated state, Lü Yi pondered for a moment:

"In that case...we can send a small group of elite troops to harass them and prevent them from getting any rest."

"We'll proceed with the grand plan tomorrow."

"This is Peng Yue's method of harassing Chu."

That night, the Wei army harassed the Han camp several times.

Although it did not cause major losses, it kept the Han army on high alert all night.

The next morning,

Following Cheng Wu's plan, Lü Yi ordered Dong Xi to lead 3,000 troops to ambush on the left, while Xue led 3,000 troops to ambush on the right.

He led the army into battle.

In the Han village, Deng Zhi saw that Zhao Yun's eyes were bloodshot and advised him:

"General, you have been fighting for days. Today, I would like to lead the battle."

Zhao Yun shook his head:

“Lu Yi has just suffered a defeat, yet he dares to come again; he must have a treacherous plan.”

"I'm just about to see what he's capable of!"

When the two armies faced off, Wei general Pan Sui stepped forward to challenge them.

After less than three exchanges, he turned his horse and fled.

Zhao Yun wanted to give chase, but Deng Zhi urgently called out:

"General, beware of an ambush!"

Zhao Yun laughed loudly:
"Even if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, what do I have to fear!"

He then spurred his horse and gave chase.

Eight generals from the Wei army came out together, let Lü Yi go, and fought and retreated.

Zhao Yun, caught up in the heat of battle, ventured deep into enemy territory.

Suddenly, the signal cannons fired in succession, and the ambushing troops from all sides emerged.

With Dong Xi on the left and Xue Ze on the right, Zhao Yun was completely surrounded.

Deng Zhi led his troops to the rescue, but they were blocked by numerous obstacles and could not advance.

Zhao Yun was trapped in the core area, and Wei soldiers surged in from all sides like a tide.

The old general brandished his silver spear like pear blossoms in flight, causing chaos and defeat wherever he went.

However, the Wei army advanced wave after wave, and the encirclement grew ever thicker.

On the hillside, Lü Yi waved a flag and gave instructions.

When Zhao Yun moved east, the red flag pointed east; when he moved west, the white flag pointed west, leaving him constantly constrained.

The old general was furious and led his troops to the hillside to capture Lü Yi.

Halfway up the mountain, logs and rocks rained down like rain, preventing the Han army from advancing.

The Wei soldiers on the mountain laughed in unison:
"Zhao Yun is old! Can he still fight?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun's silver beard bristled, and he roared:
"How dare you, you scoundrels, bully my old age!"

After saying that, he braved the rolling logs and rocks and rode up the hillside alone.

When Lü Yi saw the old general descending like a god, he was so frightened that he fell off his horse.

They urgently ordered a stronger defense, which finally stopped Zhao Yun.

From dawn to dusk, Zhao Yun fought until his robes were stained with blood, and his mount was wounded in several places.

Seeing that it was getting late, they had no choice but to order a temporary rest.

The remaining soldiers retreated to a small hill, and after counting their numbers, they found that only about 700 men remained, most of whom were wounded.

Everyone was exhausted, so they took off their armor and rested.

Zhao Yun sat leaning on his spear, gazing at the rising moon, and suddenly recalled the Battle of Qinghe in the thirteenth year of Jian'an.

At that time, he led his troops and charged into the enemy lines alone, which was extremely dangerous!
They truly moved through the Wei army's ranks as if they were in an empty field.

We can no longer come and go as freely as we used to.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yun couldn't help but let out another long sigh.

Indeed:
Heroes and beauties are like ancient heroes, destined not to grow old together in this world.

"General," a guard handed him a water bag, "have some water."

Zhao Yun took it and saw that the personal guard was only sixteen or seventeen years old, with a youthful face, but had already experienced many battles.

Then he asked gently:

"Is the young man afraid?"

The young man raised his head and said:
"To fight alongside the general, I would die without regret!"

Zhao Yun stroked his beard and sighed deeply:

"Excellent! With such a young man, how can the Han Dynasty not prosper!"

Suddenly, flames shot into the sky from all sides, and the sound of drums shook the earth; the Wei army attacked under cover of night.

Arrows flew like locusts, and the Han soldiers raised their shields to block them.

Lü Yi shouted from afar:
"Zhao Yun, surrender now! I'll spare your life!"

Zhao Yun mounted his horse, his silver spear pointing to the sky:
"Zhao Zilong of the Han Dynasty is here! Who dares to fight him!"

The Wei army swarmed forward.

Zhao Yun charged left and right, killing countless people with his spear.

However, the Wei army advanced in layers, and they could not kill them all.

The sounds of battle echoed through the valley.

Zhao Yun was trapped in the core area, his silver spear stained with blood, and his battle robe torn.

The Wei troops surged in like a tidal wave, and the old general, though brave...

After all, he was over seventy years old and had been fighting for two days straight, so his strength was gradually waning.

"Protect the general!"

The captain of the personal guards shouted, and more than ten Han soldiers formed a protective formation around Zhao Yun, but they fell one after another under the rain of arrows.

Zhao Yun's eyes were bloodshot, and his silver spear danced like the wind.

He killed several Wei generals, but the enemy forces on all sides continued to gather in greater numbers.

Lü Yi waved his flag and directed the Wei army from the mountain. The Wei army changed its formation and surrounded the remnants of the Han army.

Just when things were at a critical moment, a loud shout suddenly came from the northeast corner, throwing the Wei army into chaos.

A troop of soldiers charged into the encirclement like a sharp sword, led by a general in black armor and robes, wielding a ten-foot-long steel spear.

Wherever they went, Wei soldiers fell to the ground.

A bloody human head hung from the horse's neck, a truly horrifying sight.

"Zhang Bao is here! Wei traitor, do not harm my Uncle Zhao!"

The general's voice was as loud as a bell, and in the blink of an eye, he was upon them.

Zhao Yun looked closely and, sure enough, it was Zhang Fei's son, Zhang Bao. He was overjoyed.

"Nephew, how did you come to this?"

Zhang Bao reined in his horse and bowed:

"The Prime Minister feared that the old general might be in danger, so he specially sent his nephew with five thousand soldiers to provide support."

"Hearing that the old general was trapped, he fought his way through the encirclement."

"Just now, we encountered Wei general Xue Ze blocking our way, but he has already been killed by my nephew!"

Having said that, he pointed to the severed head on horseback.

Zhao Yun clapped his hands and laughed:

"Like father, like son! Truly a descendant of Zhang Yide!"

The two were talking.

Another commotion broke out in the northwest corner, as Wei soldiers abandoned their weapons and fled, and yet another troop of troops arrived.

The leading general wore a green robe and golden armor, carrying a Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and a human head was also hanging on his horse.

"Guan Xing has arrived! Where is Uncle Zhao?"

Zhao Yun was overjoyed:

"To meet my two virtuous nephews today is truly a blessing from Heaven for the Han Dynasty!"

Guan Xingchi rode up to him and dismounted.
“I have been ordered by the Prime Minister to come here with five thousand soldiers, fearing that the old general may be in danger.”

"We just encountered Wei general Dong Xi on the battlefield, and he has already been beheaded here!"

Seeing the two young generals' spirited demeanor, Zhao Yun was suddenly filled with emotion:
“In the past, I served His Majesty alongside your father. Seeing you all today feels like it was just yesterday.”

Zhang Bao raised his spear and said:
"Uncle Zhao, the Prime Minister's army will arrive shortly."

"Why not seize Lü Yi today and settle the important matter in Hanzhong?"

Guan Xing also said:

"I am willing to serve at the front!"

Zhao Yun's heroic spirit surged:

"Excellent! I shall join forces with my two virtuous nephews to defeat the enemy!"

Zhang Bao and Guan Xing each led their troops in two separate groups to attack.

Zhao Yun looked around and saw that although the soldiers were tired, their eyes were resolute. So he raised his arm and shouted:
"Gentlemen! Even the sons of Generals Guan and Zhang are vying for the lead, how can we fall behind?"

"Today we shall risk our lives for our country and vow to capture Lü Yi!"

The soldiers responded in unison, their voices echoing through the valley.

The old general pointed his silver spear and led his remaining troops straight to the central army.

It was dusk, and fires were lit up in the valley.

The three Han armies surged forth like dragons emerging from the sea, traversing the Wei army's ranks with incredible speed and agility.

Zhang Bao took the lead, his eighteen-foot spear wielding like the wind, and killed seven Wei generals in succession.

Just then, Wei general Li Bie led his troops to block him. After less than three exchanges, Li Bie was stabbed off his horse by Zhang Bao with a spear.

The Black Flag Army advanced with unstoppable momentum, heading straight for the left flank of the Wei army.

Guan Xing's Green Dragon Crescent Blade gleamed coldly, and his swordsmanship was a true inheritance from Guan Yu.

Wei general Wang Dan came to fight, wielding a halberd.

Guan Xing shouted loudly, and with a flash of his blade, he cut the man and his halberd in two.

The Green Standard Army was unstoppable, and the Wei army on the right flank collapsed in an instant.

Although Zhao Yun was exhausted, seeing the two young generals so brave, his heroic spirit was rekindled.

The gleaming silver spear, like a dragon emerging from the sea, sought out Wei generals to fight.

He killed twelve Wei generals in succession, and was invincible.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Lü Yi on the mountain hurriedly ordered the gong to sound and retreat.

However, defeat was inevitable, and the Wei army fled for their lives, ignoring orders.

Seeing the Wei army in disarray from the outside, Deng Zhi immediately led his troops to launch a counterattack.

The Han army attacked from both inside and outside, slaughtering Wei soldiers and leaving corpses strewn across the fields and rivers of blood.

Screams echoed endlessly through the sloping valley.

Night came,

Seeing that the army's morale had collapsed, Lü Yi had no choice but to lead a hundred or so of his valiant generals, abandon the main army, and flee towards Nanzheng.

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, caught up in the heat of battle, heard that Lü Yi had fled and immediately led their light cavalry in pursuit.

Zhang Bao, riding swiftly, was the first to catch up with a remnant of the Wei army, and shouted:

Where is Lü Yi?

The defeated army's guide:
"The governor has already gone to Nanzheng!"

Guan Xing arrived from behind:

"Brother, we must not let Lü Yi enter the city!"

The two joined forces and pursued the enemy relentlessly throughout the night.

Lü Yi fled to the city of Nanzheng and ordered the garrison to open the gates.

Just as the city gate opened, they suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves behind them. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao had already caught up to within a hundred paces.

"Close the city gates!"

Lü Yi exclaimed in surprise and spurred his horse into the city.

The city gate was barely closed when Guan Xing's Green Dragon Blade struck the gate, sending splinters flying.

"pity!"

Zhang Bao stamped his foot, "That old thief got away!"

Before long, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi arrived with their troops.

Seeing the heavy defenses on the city wall, Zhao Yun gave the order:

"Surround the city on three sides, awaiting the arrival of the Prime Minister's army."

……

Let me talk about two things.

Inside the Wei King's Palace in Chengdu, candlelight blazed brightly.

Cao Rui held the urgent military report, which was delivered over 800 li, his fingertips trembling slightly.

The civil and military officials stood with their heads bowed in solemn silence, and the hall was so quiet that the dripping of the water clock could be heard.

"Hanzhong...is in imminent danger."

General Cao Rui slammed the report heavily on the table, his voice hoarse.

"Lü Yi was trapped in Nanzheng, and Zhao Yun repeatedly defeated our army."

"Gentlemen...what good strategies do you have?"

Huang Quan stepped forward and reported:

"Your Majesty, Hanzhong is the throat of Yizhou, and it must not be lost."

"Reinforcements should be sent immediately to support Hanzhong."

"Reinforcements? Where can we find reinforcements?"

Cao Rui suddenly stood up and paced back and forth on the steps.

"Deng Ai's army confronted Jiang Wei in Tazhong, while Cao Xiu defended against the enemy in Jingzhou and Xiangyang in the southeast."

"In the court...who else in the court can lead troops?"

An awkward silence followed.

The veteran minister Zhao Yan stepped forward, trembling:
"This old minister is willing to go..."

Cao Rui smiled wryly and waved his hand:

"Minister Zhao is getting on in years, how could I bear to do this?"

Suddenly, Xun Yun, the Tiger-like General of the Central Army, stepped forward from the crowd.

He was the eldest son of Xun Yu, the former Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

"I recommend someone who can repel Zhuge Liang's army."

"Oh? Who is it! Tell me quickly!"

"Marquis of Jiangyang, Cao Zhang".

As soon as this statement came out, the whole palace was in an uproar.

Cao Rui's expression changed slightly, and he slowly sat back on the throne:
"Uncle Ziwen..."

It turns out that when Cao Pi ascended the throne, Cao Zhang still held military power.

Furthermore, he led his army into Chengdu and once had the opportunity to seize the throne.

However, at that time, Cao Pi used his ministers to put pressure on Cao Zhang and also played the emotional card.

This led Cao Zhang to ultimately give up his claim to the throne and return to his fiefdom.

Throughout Cao Pi's reign, Cao Zhang was never reinstated.

Now that the country is in trouble, it is indeed difficult to ask Cao Zhang for help.

Xun Yun said with emotion:

"The Marquis of Jiangyang is the son of King Zhuang, and is exceptionally brave and skilled in martial arts."

"If we could get him to come out of seclusion, why would we worry that Zhuge Liang wouldn't retreat?"

Cao Rui remained silent for a long time, then sighed:
“When my late father was alive, he treated Uncle Ziwen very well.”

"In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he almost got punished because he mobilized troops without authorization... How could he possibly help me now?"

"Your Majesty!"

Xun Yun knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "The Cao family is of the same blood and lineage."

"The Marquis of Jiangyang is a man of great principle and will certainly not stand idly by while the country is in peril."

Cao Rui looked around at his ministers and saw that they all hung their heads and remained silent. Knowing that he had no other choice, he could only say:
"Very well, draft the edict."

The land of Bashu is covered with verdant mountains.

Outside Jiangyang City, in the hunting grounds, horns sounded and banners fluttered in the wind.

Cao Zhang galloped on his horse, drew his bow like a full moon, and shot an arrow that hit a deer a hundred paces away.

cheers erupted from both sides:

"Lord Marquis, your archery is superb!"

Nearly forty years old, Cao Zhang remained robust, his beard like a halberd, his eyes sharp as lightning. He stroked his bow and laughed:
"Compared to shooting eagles in the northern desert back then, this is nothing but child's play."

Just then, a fast horse galloped up.

The messenger immediately knelt down, rolling off the saddle.
"My lord! An urgent imperial edict from Chengdu!"

Cao Zhang unfolded the imperial edict, his expression gradually hardening.

Upon seeing this, his trusted confidants quickly gathered around.

"That brat Cao Rui, now he knows to come begging to the Marquis?"

General Xiahou Heng sneered.

"When King Zhuang passed away, it was still unknown to whom he would pass the throne."

"If it weren't for Cao Pi forging the imperial edict..."

Upon hearing this, the military advisor quickly stopped him, saying:
"General, be careful what you say!"

Another general said:
"The Marquis has been stationed in Jiangyang for more than ten years, and has never received a single grain or salary from the imperial court."

"Now that you're in trouble, you've thought of the Marquis?"

Cao Zhang remained silent, his gaze fixed on the north.

After a long silence, he said in a deep voice:
"Ready your horse."

"Master Hou!"

Cao Zhang suddenly turned around, his bushy beard bristling and halberd erect:
Do you want me to be an unfaithful and unjust person?

"With the nation in peril, how can I stand idly by?"

Xiahou Heng said urgently:

"My lord, please reconsider! If we succeed, our achievements will be so great that they will threaten the emperor's authority."

"If we lose, our lives will be in danger."

"It's better to stand by and watch, and wait for the right price."

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in shock.

What does it mean to wait for a higher price to sell?

Isn't that just making Cao Zhang a swingman between the two sides?
After all, Cao Zhang had troops under his command.

As mentioned before,

Throughout history, those who brought their own capital to join a group have always received excellent treatment.

If someone like Cao Zhang, who has troops under his command, could defect to the Han army at a crucial moment...

They are 100% guaranteed to receive preferential treatment.
There is no doubt about this.

Because anyone with even a modicum of political acumen would inevitably treat such powerful and symbolically significant surrendered members of the imperial family with preferential treatment.

Therefore, Cao Zhang's decision could greatly influence the course of the war.

"My mind is made up; there is no need for further discussion!"

Cao Zhang said decisively:
"Quickly muster 10,000 elite troops and set out tomorrow!"

Three days later, at the Chengdu Imperial Palace.

Upon receiving news that Cao Zhang's army was approaching, Cao Rui personally led his officials to welcome them.

It was the height of summer, and the sun was blazing overhead.

Cao Zhang led his troops to form a battle array outside the city, their black armor gleaming in the sunlight.

Seeing the king's entourage leave the city, he dismounted and knelt on one knee:

"Your subject Cao Zhang pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Cao Rui hurriedly stepped forward to help him up:
"Uncle, please get up!"

Holding his hand and looking closely, I saw that Cao Zhang was travel-worn, his armor still covered in dust from the battle, and I couldn't help but choke up:
“My nephew is incompetent, causing his uncle to suffer.”

Seeing Cao Rui's eyes filled with tears, Cao Zhang thought of his elder brother Cao Pi and was overwhelmed with mixed emotions:
"...Your Majesty is too kind."

"Serving the country is a subject's duty."

Uncle and nephew entered the city hand in hand.

During the banquet, Cao Rui personally served the wine:
"I heard that my uncle is preparing his troops in Jiangyang, and today I see that his army is indeed well-disciplined."

Cao Zhang raised his glass and said:
"I have been in Jiangyang for more than ten years, and I have never forgotten the late king's will."

"Now that Zhuge Liang has invaded our borders, it is time to serve him."

After several rounds of drinks, Cao Rui sighed:
"To be honest, Uncle, there are very few generals in the court who are skilled in battle."

"Unless absolutely necessary, I would not want to trouble my uncle."

Cao Zhang put down his wine cup and said seriously:

"Does Your Majesty know why Zhuge Liang sent Zhao Yun as the vanguard?"

"Please enlighten me, Uncle."

“Zhao Yun is over seventy years old. How could Zhuge Liang not know that he is old? This is a tactic to provoke him.”

Cao Zhang's eyes gleamed. "What he wants is for our army to underestimate the enemy."

"I am certain that there is more to the story than meets the eye in the war in Hanzhong."

Cao Rui suddenly realized:

"What does Uncle mean...?"

"Zhuge Liang openly attacked Hanzhong while secretly plotting to capture Chengdu."

Cao Zhang gripped his wine cup tightly. "I am certain that Zhuge Liang will launch an attack on Yangping Pass."

Everyone in the room was shocked.

The jade chopsticks in Cao Rui's hand fell to the ground:

"What...what should we do?"

Cao Zhang rose and bowed:

"Your Majesty, please grant me full authority. I am willing to personally lead the elite troops to reinforce Hanzhong and defend Yangping Pass."

There will be a meeting the next day.

Cao Rui appointed Cao Zhang as Commander-in-Chief, granting him the authority to command troops and oversee military affairs in Hanzhong.

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Qiao Zhou stepped forward to object.

"Your Majesty! Although Marquis Jiangyang is brave, he has been away from court for a long time, and I fear he will find it difficult to win the hearts of the people."

"and……"

"And what?"

Cao Zhang's bushy beard trembled slightly.

Qiao Zhou raised his head and said:
"Furthermore, during the Jian'an era, the Marquis mobilized troops without authorization, and the late king issued an edict to reprimand him."

"Today, I have been entrusted with a large army, and I fear that unforeseen events may occur."

Cao Zhang was furious and about to lash out when suddenly a man stepped forward from the crowd:

"Doctor Qiao, you are mistaken!"

Everyone looked and saw that it was General Wu Yi.
Wu Yi bowed to Cao Rui and said:

"In the past, when Chu and Han were fighting, Emperor Gaozu employed Han Xin without doubt."

"When Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty, he confided in the generals of Yuntai."

"Now that the country is in peril, it is the right time to employ people without doubt."

"The Marquis of Jiangyang is loyal to the country, and Heaven and Earth can bear witness to this!"

"This old minister is willing to go with you, my lord, to Hanzhong to defeat the enemy."

Cao Zhang gave Wu Yi a grateful glance, then unfastened his sword and presented it with both hands:
"If Your Majesty doubts my loyalty, please take back this sword."

Cao Rui rose from his seat and personally fastened Cao Zhang's sword back on.

"If I were to doubt my uncle, Heaven and Earth would not tolerate it!"

Then he spoke to Qiao Zhou.

"...Doctor Qiao is overthinking it."

"How could my uncle be a traitor?"

Cao Zhang was then appointed as the commander-in-chief, and Wu Yi as the deputy commander-in-chief.

Chengdu dispatched 5,000 troops, along with Cao Zhang's 10,000 troops.

A total of 15,000 people were rushed to Hanzhong to provide support.

Not to be discussed.

……

In the rear garden of Luoyang's Southern Palace, the spring sunlight shines through the newly sprouted willow branches onto the bluestone-paved training ground.

Liu Bei, dressed in casual clothes, sat on a folding chair and watched his two old comrades sparring in the arena.

Guan Yu held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, while Zhang Fei gripped the Eighteen-Foot Serpent Spear.

Although it was a drill, it was still very impressive.

Amidst the flashing blades and clashing spears, the two veteran generals, their hair and beards white, remained remarkably agile.

"Second brother, third brother, let's rest for a while." Liu
He coughed twice, took the medicine bowl from the eunuch beside him, and drank it all in one gulp.

Guan Yu stood with his sword sheathed, his magnificent beard fluttering in the spring breeze:
"Brother, you look much better today."

Zhang Fei planted his spear in the ground and wiped away his sweat.

"The medicine prescribed by the imperial physician is finally working."

"My brother's illness has dragged on for half a year, which has worried me to death."

Liu Bei smiled slightly and turned to his son standing to the side:

"Adou, how are your two uncles' martial arts skills?"

Liu Shan, dressed in his crown prince's everyday robes, bowed upon hearing this and said:
"My two uncles are as brave and fierce as ever."

"Then why don't you learn some martial arts?"

Liu Bei asked, "I ordered you to come here every morning, not so you could just stand there and watch."

Liu Shan hesitated for a moment, then looked up and asked:
"Father, there is something I do not understand."

"What's the point of learning martial arts?"

Liu Bei was taken aback, then laughed:

"Why do you say such things, my son? Emperor Gaozu started a rebellion after slaying the white snake, and Emperor Guangwu restored the Han Dynasty."

"And what about the empire that you and your two uncles conquered? Wasn't it all won on horseback?"

Liu Shan calmly replied:
"But Father, Emperor Hui of Han and Emperor Ming of Han, were they not necessarily skilled in martial arts?"

"you!"

Liu Bei suddenly stood up, followed by a violent coughing fit.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rushed forward to help him up.

"Your Majesty, calm down."

Guan Yu advised.

Liu Bei pushed their hands away and pointed at Liu Shan:

"I ordered you to study, but is the only thing you've studied to talk back to me?"

Just as the atmosphere was tense, a hearty laugh came from outside the garden gate.

Everyone turned around and saw an old minister approaching with his hands behind his back, surrounded by eunuchs.

Why must Your Majesty be angry?

The old minister smiled and bowed, saying, "I heard everything outside the garden."

When Liu Bei saw the newcomer, his expression softened slightly:
"Why is Ziyu here?"

The visitor was none other than Li Yi, the former prime minister who had already retired from court.

Although he is nearly sixty years old, he is still in good spirits and his eyesight remains sharp.

"This old minister heard that Your Majesty is in better spirits today, so I came to pay my respects."

Li Yi turned to Liu Shan and winked.

"Hearing His Highness the Crown Prince's question just now reminded this old minister of a story."

Liu Bei sat down again:

"The Prime Minister is going to make excuses for this kid again."

"No and no."

Li Yi stroked his white beard and said, "Back when Xiang Yu was learning martial arts from his uncle Xiang Liang, he also said:"

"A swordsman can defeat one person, but that's not worth learning. Learn to defeat ten thousand people."

"In my humble opinion, the Crown Prince's willingness to contemplate the ways of being a ruler is more meaningful than simply practicing martial arts."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan cast a grateful glance at Li Yi.

Liu Bei sighed:

"You, as the prime minister, always spoil him too much."

"This old minister has never indulged the Crown Prince."

Li Yi said solemnly:
"During the past six months that His Majesty has been ill, the Crown Prince has been overseeing the state affairs and has managed them very well."

"The memorial submitted by the Ministry of Revenue yesterday regarding spring plowing, reviewed by the Crown Prince, was so detailed that even this old minister could not find any fault with it."

Liu Shan immediately perked up and asked Liu Bei for credit:
"Father, look, even the Prime Minister says I did a good job!"

Liu Bei snorted coldly:
"That's because you have the chancellor in court to keep those old ministers in check, and you also have Pang Shiyuan and Liu Ziyang share most of the government affairs."

"Otherwise, do you think it would be that easy?"

“Those old ministers who followed me in conquering the world, I sometimes find them difficult to deal with.”

Liu Shan said defiantly:
"But I happen to have a prime minister, while others don't."

The garden was quiet for a moment, with only the rustling of the willow branches in the spring breeze.

Liu Bei gazed at his son and slowly asked:
"What will you do if your father passes away one day?"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing everyone present to change color.

Li Yi was the first to break the silence:

"Your Majesty, although I am old, I can still serve the Crown Prince for another ten or eight years without any problem."

Liu Bei shook his head and said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei:

"Second brother, third brother, take A Dou to the side hall first."

"I have something to say to the Chancellor."

After everyone left, Liu Bei gestured for Li Yi to sit on the stone bench next to him.

"Ziyu, I know my own body well."

Liu Bei gazed at the flying eaves on the palace wall in the distance.

"This serious illness has made me think a lot."

Li Yi said softly:
"Your Majesty need not worry. Although the Crown Prince is young, he is exceptionally intelligent..."

"Zi Yu!"

Liu Bei interrupted him, "You and I both know that A Dou's aptitude... can only be considered mediocre."

"Although he is kind, he is sometimes too slow."

"The current empire was built by you and me together."

"I know how hard-won this empire was."

"You are exceptionally intelligent, and I am willing to trust your judgment."

"After all, you wouldn't want to see the Han dynasty, which we built with our own hands, overthrown, would you?"

Li Yi remained silent for a moment, then finally sighed:
"The Crown Prince is benevolent. If he can obtain the assistance of virtuous ministers, he will be able to maintain the status quo."

"Maintaining the status quo?"

Liu Bei frowned:

As the ancients said, "It is easy to conquer the world, but difficult to maintain it."

"The art of governing the world is a profound subject."

"Can Liu Shan... really do it?"

A spring breeze carries the fragrance of peach blossoms.

The two elderly people stood in silence, as if they were reminiscing about those years of war and conquest.

Li Yi suddenly started coughing violently, and Liu Bei patted his back with concern.

"Your Majesty," Li Yi said, catching his breath, "this old minister has something to say, but I don't know if I should."

"Ziyu, please speak freely."

“What the Crown Prince said today may not be entirely without reason.”

Liu Bei raised an eyebrow:

"What does Ziyu mean?"

Li Yi said solemnly:
"To conquer the weak and attack the ignorant is the best strategy in warfare."

"A ruler should not let petty gains sway him from matters of great principle."

Liu Bei seemed to understand something:
"Ziyu means..."

"Force can conquer the world, but it cannot govern the world solely through force."

Li Yi's gaze was deep. "It's not necessarily a bad thing that the Crown Prince is unwilling to practice martial arts but prefers reading."

"The key is what books he reads and what principles he learns."

Liu Bei pondered for a long time, then suddenly asked:

"Ziyu, what do you think of the books Adou has been reading lately?"

Li Yi smiled with satisfaction:
"This old minister was just about to report."

"The Crown Prince has recently been studying the Records of the Grand Historian in detail, and has gained a lot of insights from the Annals of Emperor Wen of Han."

"Just the other day I was discussing with my old ministers why Emperor Wen of Han, who ascended the throne as the Prince of Dai, was able to create the reign of Emperors Wen and Jing."

"Oh?" Liu Bei became interested. "What did he say?"

The Crown Prince said that Emperor Wen's ability lay in recognizing and appointing good people, and in governing by doing nothing.

“Zhou Bo, Chen Ping and other veteran officials were all former subordinates of Emperor Gaozu.”

"Emperor Wen was able to make full use of his talents without suspicion or distrust."

Liu Bei nodded slightly, a smile finally appearing on his face.

That's a valid point.

"Therefore, this old minister believes," Li Yi pressed on, "that the Crown Prince should focus on martial arts to strengthen his body, rather than striving to become a warrior capable of defeating ten thousand men."

"The true ruler, the one who can defeat ten thousand men, is here."

He pointed to his head, then to his heart.

Liu Bei finally revealed a genuine smile:

"Ziyu always manages to persuade me."

In the evening, Liu Bei summoned Liu Shan to his bedchamber.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window, casting golden spots of light on the father and son.

"Adou, your father was angry with you today, do you resent it?"

Liu Bei asked gently.

Liu Shan knelt before his father's bed:
"...Your subject dares not."

"Your Majesty's teachings are correct; I should not have contradicted you."

Liu Bei gestured for his son to sit closer:
"I've been pondering your question for an entire afternoon."

Liu Shan looked up in surprise.

What's the use of learning martial arts?

Liu Bei said slowly, "When I was young, I thought that being skilled in martial arts would allow me to pacify the world."

"I only realized later that the real strong ones..."

"It was not Xiang Yu, who was strong enough to lift a tripod, but Emperor Gaozu, who was good at commanding generals."

"Father..."

“However,” Liu Bei changed the subject, “a ruler cannot be completely ignorant of military matters. Do you know why?”

Liu Shan pondered for a moment:

"If one does not understand military affairs, it is difficult to distinguish between good and bad generals?"

"good."

Liu Bei nodded with satisfaction, "I asked you to learn martial arts not so that you would personally fight on the battlefield, but so that you would understand the hardships of soldiers."

"Understanding the cruelty of war."

"Only in this way can we avoid starting a war lightly and avoid sacrificing the lives of our soldiers indiscriminately."

“Look at your father, everyone calls him a god of war.”

"But your father always avoids war and always opposes starting a war lightly."

"For example, during the Xianbei rebellion two years ago, your father strongly opposed launching a large-scale military campaign against them."

"Because he knew that when war breaks out, it is always the ordinary people who suffer."

Liu Shan bowed solemnly:
"My son, I understand."

Liu Bei took a scroll from beside his pillow:

"This is the 'Essentials of Being a Ruler' that I wrote while I was bedridden these past few days."

"It records my experiences in dealing with the senior officials in the court, as well as my insights on military strategy and governance."

"Take it back and study it carefully."

Liu Shan accepted the books with both hands, feeling their weight.

“And also,” Liu Bei gazed at his son, “you should take good care of your father, the Chancellor.”

"He is a true talent, and even more so, a loyal minister who sincerely assists you."

“Serve him as you would serve me.”

"...Your subject obeys the decree."

That night, Liu Bei granted Li Yi permission to stay overnight in the palace.

The two elderly people drank together under the moonlight.

"Ziyu, I have one more thing to ask of you."

Liu Bei finished his drink, his expression solemn.

Li Yi put down his wine glass:

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"If one day...A Dou is truly incapable of shouldering great responsibilities,"

Liu Bei's voice choked with emotion, "Please, Ziyu, do everything you can to save his life."

"This empire... I can give it up, but the Liu family bloodline must not be severed."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi felt a chill run down his spine, wondering if Liu Bei was drunk and had uttered such words.

He then prostrated himself and said:

"Your Majesty, what are you saying! The Crown Prince will surely be able to inherit the throne. This old minister would be willing to give his life for you."

Liu Bei held Li Yi's hand tightly.

"Just take it as me talking nonsense while I'm drunk, but these are my true feelings."

Li Yi finally nodded emphatically:

"This old minister... obeys the decree."

The moonlight, like water, shone down on the two elderly people.

Outside the palace walls, the lights of Luoyang city twinkled like stars.

"Ziyu, do you still remember back in Xiapi?"

Liu Bei suddenly laughed and said, "Back then, we had no more than a thousand soldiers and no more than Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun as generals, yet we still dreamed of restoring the Han Dynasty."

Li Yi also smiled:
"How could I not remember? At that time, Zhuge Liang had not yet emerged from seclusion, and Pang Tong had not yet come to join us."

"It's just a few old guys like us, spending our days indulging in unrealistic dreams."

"But now, we truly have the Han Dynasty."

Liu Bei gazed at the starry sky, his eyes shining.

"Ziyu, do you think I will live to see the day when the world is unified?"

Li Yi did not answer, but simply poured Liu Bei a full glass of wine.

A gentle breeze on a spring night swept through the palace gardens, bringing with it the fragrance of peaches and plums.

In a corner, the young prince was studying the bamboo slips given to him by his father under the lamp.

Sometimes he frowned, sometimes he nodded.

Perhaps, this is hope.

……

(End of this chapter)