Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

"That son of a shoe seller has insulted me far too much! I swear to kill him!"

Although it was just a classic provocation tactic, Cao Zhang still fell for it.

Besides Cao Zhang's own dissatisfaction with Liu Feng, the most important factor was the deaths of Guo Huai and Fei Yao, which severely damaged Cao Zhang's military prestige.

They lost right from the start.

The one who died was a heavyweight like Guo Huai.

Doubts about Cao Zhang also arose along with the rumors.

There were even rumors that "Cao Zhang and Guo Huai were at odds, and Cao Zhang deliberately sent Guo Huai to his death."

Cao Zhang had to use swift and decisive measures to stabilize the morale of his troops, and the most direct and effective way to do so was to accept Liu Feng's challenge.

Once Liu Feng is defeated head-on, all rumors and slander will vanish.

Cao Zhang's decision did not receive unanimous support.

You Chu, the former governor of Longxi Commandery, advised: "General Who Conquers the West, this is probably a trick by Liu Feng. We must be cautious. It would be better to return to Linjin for the time being and make further plans."

Hu Zun also said, "Now that Governor Guo has died in battle, the morale of the army is unstable. At this time, it is difficult to predict the outcome of a battle with Liu Feng. It would be better to temporarily avoid the enemy's advance and retreat to Linjin to wait for an opportunity."

Many of the officers and soldiers echoed his sentiments.

Seeing this, Cao Zhang angrily said, "You men are cowardly like women? Victory and defeat are common in war. Liu Feng won a battle by chance. Do you think I should avoid his sharp edge?"

Cao Zhang's imposing manner was terrifying. Although You Chu and the others tried to persuade him, they could not change Cao Zhang's determination to fight. He even sternly ordered everyone, "Anyone who dares to talk about retreating again will be executed!"

Outside the account.

You Chu and Hu Zun traveled side by side.

“General Zhengxi has been blinded by anger. If we cannot stop him, our lives may be in danger,” You Chu said worriedly.

For a general, the worst thing is to act impulsively.

Although Cao Zhang had a good track record in the past, his current opponent is Liu Feng, who has won many battles in recent years and is invincible.

Facing such a formidable opponent, we cannot afford to be careless in the slightest.

Hu Zun sighed: "General Zhengxi has always been autocratic. When Governor Guo was alive, he could still offer advice based on his seniority and prestige. Now that Governor Guo has unfortunately died in battle, neither you nor I have the right to offer advice."

Guo Huai was the former governor of Yongzhou and made many military achievements while serving under Cao Cao, which made him quite different from mid-level officials like You Chu and Hu Zun.

"What can be done about this?" You Chu sighed, looking up at the sky.

long silence.

Hu Zun suggested, "Why not send someone to deliver this information to the Left General of Tongguan? If the Left General remembers the past recommendation of Governor Guo, he might be able to avenge Governor Guo."

You Chu lowered his head in thought.

Zhang He was originally a surrendered general. Although he had followed Cao Cao in his campaigns, he had almost always served as a deputy general before the Battle of Hanzhong.

Xiahou Yuan died in the Battle of Hanzhong. It was Guo Huai who overruled objections and recommended Zhang He, which gave Zhang He the opportunity to take command independently.

When Cao Zhang stationed his troops in Linjin, it was Guo Huai who shuttled between Linjin and Tongguan to maintain communication.

Now that Guo Huai has died in battle, Zhang He should not remain indifferent no matter how you look at it.

You Chu agreed with Hu Zun's suggestion: "At present, it is impossible to directly advise the General Who Conquers the West. Let's follow General Hu's plan and secretly ask the General of the Left for assistance."

Because Cao Zhang refused to back down from Liu Feng's challenge, the challenge was quickly sent to Weinan City.

Upon seeing Cao Zhang's challenge, Liu Feng merely glanced at it before replying with his own letter accepting the challenge.

Guan Yu was puzzled: "Our army is currently in the upper hand, why should we engage Cao Zhang in a duel on the battlefield?"

Liu Bei smiled but remained silent.

Liu Feng then revealed his pre-thought-out reason: "Cao Zhang's duel with the enemy generals is an attempt to stabilize the morale of the army. If Cao Zhang fails to win, the morale of the army will collapse even further, at which point we can launch a surprise attack and achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Guan Yu looked suspicious.

Guan Yu's intuition told him that Liu Feng was lying.

These are all seasoned generals who have led troops for many years; Liu Feng's words can only fool newcomers in the army.

In particular: Liu Feng was always good at deception.

It's illogical that Liu Feng would obediently engage in a duel with Cao Zhang at this point.

If we consider Liu Feng's past military style: "I am a great general of the Han Dynasty, and a mere pseudo-Wei general dares to challenge me one-on-one? Don't I have any dignity?"

Guan Yu then looked at Liu Bei, about to ask a question, but Liu Bei spoke first: "Yun Chang, the Prince of Yan is brave and will certainly not lose to Cao Cao's son."

Upon hearing Liu Bei's words, Guan Yu stopped asking questions and understood: it wasn't Liu Feng who wanted to fight Cao Zhang one-on-one, but Liu Bei who wanted Liu Feng to fight Cao Zhang one-on-one.

Guan Yu wasn't entirely clear on Liu Feng's current personal martial prowess.

Individual combat strength is not static.

As people age and gain experience, they reach their peak in their prime.

Just like Guan Yu in the Battle of Baima, who was in his prime and experienced, he set a record as the only time in the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period that he could take the head of a general from among ten thousand troops as easily as taking something out of a bag.

True.

Due to a lack of historical records, Yan Liang's personal martial prowess has never been directly demonstrated, but someone who could be entrusted with such an important task by Yuan Shao must not have been someone with low martial prowess.

If Yan Liang's martial prowess was low, Cao Cao wouldn't have specifically assigned Guan Yu to be the main attacker while also having Zhang Liao play a supporting role.

Liu Feng is now in his prime, and in terms of experience, he has spent the last seven years traveling between battlefields.

A first-rate military general must have first-rate horsemanship, and first-rate horsemanship takes time to hone.

The longer you ride, the more skilled you become.

Similarly, archery and spear skills also require time to hone.

Practice makes perfect; only when you are proficient can you know how to use skill.

Liu Feng was not afraid to fight Cao Zhang.

Seven years ago, when Liu Feng rescued Jingzhou, he was able to fight the elderly Xu Huang to a standstill.

Liu Feng himself was not even sure how much his martial arts skills had improved.

The older generation of the Han Dynasty, such as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Ma Chao, were never fought by Liu Feng. Even if they did fight, it was only because Guan Yu and the others were old.

The new generation isn't as good at fighting as Liu Feng.

Although it was Liu Bei's wish, Liu Feng also wanted to know who was the strongest among the younger generation, compared to Cao Zhang.

On the battlefield.

It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to use your brain without resorting to force.

Avoiding war is cowardice.

Once you become afraid to fight, it can easily affect your mindset.

Confidence comes from results.

Since his time in Shangyong, Liu Feng had won every battle, both large and small, and his long-cultivated confidence made him unafraid of any challenge.

One-on-one is one-on-one.

Liu Feng wouldn't be preparing for just a one-on-one duel.

Although Guan Yu was in command of the Han army in Weinan City, they were actually all Liu Feng's loyal followers.

Generals such as Wang Ping and Li Ping, as well as dozens of other generals including Li Fu, Deng Xian, Wang Dang, Luo Xin, and Shu Heli, were all elite troops brought by Liu Feng during his surprise attack on Chang'an.

They are all loyal soldiers, so it's naturally easier to use them.

No matter how Liu Feng planned to fight, all the generals could accurately understand his intentions.

Guan Yu handed over direct command of battle deployment to Liu Feng, which was also Liu Bei's intention.

What Liu Bei wanted to see was not only a contest of personal martial prowess between Liu Feng and Cao Zhang, but also a contest of military command skills.

What Liu Bei wanted to see was Liu Feng completely overwhelm Cao Zhang.

As military orders were issued, the Han troops in Weinan City began to be rapidly mobilized and deployed.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu did not intervene at all.

On the day of the duel, the day arrived.

Liu Bei and Guan Yu set out fine wine on the city wall.

They watched the game while drinking.

And below the city gate.

Liu Feng then led 10,000 of his elite troops to form a battle formation and await their arrival.

From the perspective of the defending side:

Venturing out of the city to fight would mean giving up the city's defensive advantage, which is not normal.

However, if they are convinced that they can fight outside the city and defeat their opponents, the defending general will also lead his troops out of the city to defend against the enemy.

On the opposite side of the military formation.

Cao Zhang also led 10,000 troops into battle formation, with generals such as Yang Qiu, Zhou Tai, and Hu Zun all wearing armor and riding horses.

In a solemn atmosphere.

Liu Feng, carrying a bow and spear, rode out into battle.

"I am Liu Feng, King of Yan of the Great Han Dynasty, holding the official title of Grand General, Governor of Xu Province, and authorized to command the military affairs of Yong, Jing, and Yang Provinces. Who is this general?"

A standard self-introduction: Liu Feng from Changsha is here!

Liu Feng's self-introduction: Prince of Yan, Grand General, Governor of Xu Province, and holder of the imperial axe.

If the opponent were someone else, it wouldn't really make a difference.

But if the opponent is Cao Zhang, then it's a different story.

Despite being members of the imperial family, Liu Feng and Cao Zhang received vastly different treatment.

One was on friendly terms with Liu Shan, while the other was vying for power with Cao Pi.

Liu Feng was able to hold the positions of Grand General, Governor of Xu Province, and enjoy the power of imperial authority while serving as the King of Yan.

Cao Zhang had been kept under Cao Pi's control for several years, but after a series of defeats, he had to be reinstated. In order to avoid being kept under Cao Pi's control again, he initially resorted to the trick of "raising a bandit to enhance his own power."

Liu Feng's opportunity to march south to Jiangnan and destroy Sun Quan was actually aided by Cao Zhang's divine assistance.

If Cao Zhang hadn't played the trick of nurturing bandits to enhance his own power, he would have directly fought Liu Feng back in Chiyang.

Liu Feng could not possibly destroy Sun Quan; in fact, Sun Quan might even join forces with Cao Wei again to launch a counterattack on Jingzhou.

sometimes.

A regime's breakthrough victory is not necessarily due to a sudden improvement in its civil and military affairs; it is more likely that the opposing regime has become less capable.

Just like those five golden words: Our competitors are idiots.

If the three brothers Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, and Cao Zhi had been able to be friendly and respectful to each other, with Cao Zhang being a military leader and Cao Zhi a civil official, and both respecting Cao Pi, their elder brother from the same father and mother, Liu Feng would have had a much harder time achieving his current military success.

however.

There are no "what ifs" in reality.

The main reason why Liu Feng was able to be a brother to Liu Shan and a father to Liu Bei was that he knew when to advance and retreat. He spent seven years working hard to create the current good situation, which even impressed Guan Yu, a general who often referred to Liu Feng as "adopted son".

Zhuge Liang, who historically advised Liu Bei to kill Liu Feng, now greatly admires Liu Feng's virtue.

The well-behaved Liu Shan, influenced by his surroundings, developed a great respect for his elder brother Liu Feng.

The three Cao brothers' inability to be friendly and respectful to each other is no one's fault but their own. They were unwilling to share benefits and lacked basic trust in their own brothers.

In other families, the princes who fought for power were mostly half-brothers. The situation of Cao Pi and his two brothers is rare in the entire history of the dynasty.

Cao Zhang was naturally aware of Liu Feng's sinister intentions.

Cao Zhang did not introduce himself like Liu Feng did.

A mere Prince of Rencheng and General Who Conquers the West is not worthy of being compared to Liu Feng, the Prince of Yan and Grand General.

"That old man selling shoes is nothing but a monkey in a crown," Cao Zhang said as he rode out into the fray, his words filled with sarcasm and insults.

Compare identity?
I won't compare myself to you!

I'm launching a direct personal attack against you.

Liu Bei used to be a straw sandal seller, and you're not his biological son. It's like a monkey wearing a hat to pretend to be a human—all show and no substance. Cao Zhang was trying to use this method to balance the gap between him and Liu Feng in terms of rank and official position.

On top of the city.

Guan Yu's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and the veins on the back of his hand bulged out.

If you want a one-on-one fight, then fight one-on-one. Why are you insulting the spectators?

"Yun Chang, don't be angry. Just hand him over to the Prince of Yan." Liu Bei smiled kindly, not taking Cao Zhang's insults to heart at all, and instead looked at Liu Feng below the city.

Guan Yu snorted coldly, his gaze toward Cao Zhang quite unfriendly.

If Liu Feng weren't the main character right now, Guan Yu would have wanted to personally take up his sword and fight Cao Zhang, to show Cao Zhang what it meant to be a sword that is still sharp.

Liu Feng is not one to suffer a loss.

Especially verbally.

Since Cao Zhang has resorted to personal attacks, Liu Feng will not tolerate it.

"Yellow-bearded boy, you son of bones in the tomb, how dare you bark so arrogantly in front of me?"
Although I am the Emperor’s adopted son, he treats me like his own son; although I am not of the same blood as the Crown Prince, he treats me like a blood brother.

In contrast, Cao Pi treated you, his own brother from the same father and mother, like a wild dog kept in captivity. He would call you a good brother when he needed you, but discard you like a worn-out shoe when he didn't.

It's a pity that you, a young and valiant warrior, despite your achievements that shook the frontier, were suspected by Cao Pi. I wonder if Cao Cao, if he knew this in the afterlife, would beat his chest in despair and weep bitterly?

Liu Feng's words were sharp, each one hitting Cao Zhang's sore spot, making Cao Zhang so angry that the veins on his hand holding the gun bulged.

"You scoundrel, stop your arrogant words and fight me!" Cao Zhang roared, pointing his spear at Liu Feng.

Liu Feng laughed loudly: "Don't be in such a hurry, I haven't finished yet! Cao Pi is suspicious of his own brothers, but you have lost the army and disgraced the country, so you are no different from Cao Pi."

Cao Zhang wanted to fight Liu Feng directly, but Liu Feng remained unmoved.

Before Cao Zhang could react, Liu Feng continued to shout: "You boast that you are the bravest in the army, yet you play that despicable trick of raising bandits to enhance your own power, allowing me to sweep through Jiangnan and pacify Eastern Wu."

Cao Pi sent men to lure Kebineng into attacking Chang'an, but you killed Kebineng for your own selfish reasons. Now, 30,000 Xianbei on the banks of the Wei River are under my control, and Guo Huai has also lost his life because of this.

"These methods of eliminating dissidents truly astound me."

Cao Zhang's expression changed drastically.

We agreed on a one-on-one fight, but you're resorting to divisive tactics at the last minute?
"Nonsense!" Cao Zhang dared not let Liu Feng continue speaking.

It is a fact that they harbored bandits to enhance their own prestige.

It is a fact that Ke Bi Neng was killed.

It is a fact that Guo Huai is dead.

When there are too many facts, even if Cao Zhang did not intend to eliminate dissidents, it will be misinterpreted as eliminating dissidents.

In Cao Cao's army formation.

Seeing Cao Zhang angrily charging straight at Liu Feng, Yang Qiu and the others' expressions changed drastically.

Whether it's a one-on-one duel or a group brawl, the worst thing you can do is to strike in a fit of rage.

When people get angry, they easily lose their normal rationality, making it easier for others to find their weaknesses.

"Everyone be careful, lest you fall into Liu Feng's trap," Yang Qiu warned those around him in a low voice.

In the field.

Seeing Cao Zhang arrive in anger, Liu Feng gestured to Wang Ping and Li Ping in his own camp, signaling the two generals to act according to the plan.

Subsequently.

Liu Feng also spurred his horse and brandished his spear, heading straight for Cao Zhang.

The two guns clashed.

Cao Zhang's angry curses followed: "Imposter, die!"

Liu Feng sneered disdainfully: "I've heard you can fight wild beasts with your bare hands, but your strength doesn't seem like you could kill a tiger with your bare hands. Could it be that you've been kept in captivity for too long and have lost your strength?"

Cao Zhang was slightly startled.

That shot he fired in a fit of rage was actually easily blocked by Liu Feng?
Normally, people don't have the energy to talk while fighting. Those who can talk are usually in a very good position.

The clashing spears did not retract, and they continued to vie for strength like arm wrestling.

After a few breaths, the two simultaneously released their strength and created distance between them.

"Come again!"

Cao Zhang's anger subsided after the clash of spears, replaced by solemnity and calmness.

Liu Feng did not back down and continued to charge head-on.

Back and forth they went, each with their spears like dragons, powerful and heavy, yet also agile and unpredictable.

The soldiers on both sides were all terrified.

On the city wall.

Guan Yu, stroking the magnificent beard, praised, "The King of Yan's martial arts have improved once again."

Liu Bei's smile widened: "Cao Cao's yellow-bearded fellow is nothing special. He can't defeat the Prince of Yan, so today Cao Zhang will have to suffer."

Before the duel, Liu Bei was actually a little apprehensive, fearing that Liu Feng would be no match for Cao Zhang.

At this moment, Liu Feng and Cao Zhang had fought for more than a dozen rounds without a clear winner, and Liu Feng even seemed to be getting stronger as the battle progressed.

In the field.

Liu Feng fought fiercely, and while fighting, he also used words to try to sow discord among Cao Zhang's mindset: "Cao Zhang, if I were you, I would never risk my life for Cao Pi."

Cao Pi sent you to Guanzhong only to take the opportunity to get rid of you. Why would you do the work for a villain who doesn't even trust his own brother?
I have heard that your ambition is to emulate Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, leading an army of 100,000 to roam the northern deserts and drive out the barbarians. Why don't you surrender to the Han Dynasty and I will guarantee you the position of General Who Conquers the North?
Rest assured, Father Emperor has always been benevolent, and the Crown Prince of the Han Dynasty is also a righteous man. He will not be like Cao Pi, who only suspects members of the imperial clan.

"Speaking of which, you are a distant relative of the Crown Prince of the Han Dynasty, and the current Crown Princess is the daughter of Xiahou Yuan's niece. If you are willing to surrender, it wouldn't be a disgrace to you."

Cao Zhang felt frustrated and annoyed.

Let's fight, why waste so much time talking?
But Liu Feng had a mouth, and Cao Zhang couldn't stop him from speaking.

Seeing that he couldn't defeat Liu Feng with a long weapon, Cao Zhang simply hung up his spear, took out his bow and arrow, and aimed at Liu Feng.

See this.

Liu Feng also took out his bow and arrow and shot one at Cao Zhang.

Both sides dodged arrows while shooting, demonstrating their skillful archery techniques.

Subsequently.

The two sides crossed paths again, each trying to seize the other's spear.

During the tug-of-war.

The two men fell off their horses, tumbled a few times, and then closed in, beating each other with their bare hands.

In the midst of the tearing.

Both sides had each other by the throat and their breastplates.

These are all underhanded tricks commonly used by veterans on the battlefield. By exploiting gaps in the armor, they can suffocate their opponents.

Simultaneously.

Their knees and feet were also busy, ramming into each other hard.

At first, it looked like two generals were dueling, but now it looks more like two idlers are fighting.

After a brief struggle.

Both men pulled down each other's helmets, facing each other like tigers.

After a while.

They simultaneously threw their helmets at each other, taking the opportunity to snatch the spears that had fallen to the side.

After picking up their spears, the two did not fight again, but instead stood facing each other with their muscles tense.

"Cao Zhang, consider my proposal. You have no future following Cao Pi, but if you follow me, I can let you roam freely in the northern deserts and leave your mark on history like Wei Qing and Huo Qubing."

While searching for Cao Zhang's weaknesses, Liu Feng also used rhetoric to manipulate Cao Zhang's mentality.

Cao Zhang was not fooled and sneered, "Although I am not convinced by Cao Pi, Cao Pi became emperor, and the world belongs to Cao. I am also a king. But if I follow you, I will at most be a marquis."

Liu Feng chuckled: "If you follow Cao Pi, you, as a king, could die suddenly at any time. Cao Pi cannot tolerate a king with courage and strength. If you follow me, although you are only a marquis, you don't have to worry about dying suddenly."

Father and Crown Prince are both benevolent men. They can tolerate even me, so how could they not tolerate you? Think it over and surrender to the Han Dynasty.

This world is vast, encompassing not only the northern deserts but also the western regions, and fertile lands to the south.

We are both in the prime of our lives, the time to achieve great things and leave our mark on history. There's no need to fight to the death to determine victory or defeat. The Cao and Liu families were sworn brothers during the reign of Emperor Gaozu; why should we kill each other and bring shame upon our ancestors?

Cao Zhang thrust out his spear, making his stance clear: "Absolutely impossible!"

"Alas! I kindly advised you, but since you don't appreciate it, don't blame me for playing tricks. You who stayed behind to guard the main camp, are you good at defending it?" Liu Feng dodged Cao Zhang's spear and sighed regretfully.

Cao Zhang was taken aback, then exclaimed in shock: "You actually sent troops to raid our camp?"

"All's fair in war. Besides, my duel with you was only to fulfill my father's wish. I never said I wouldn't use deception. After all, you, Cao Zhang, are not Duke Xiang of Song." Liu Feng's tone was tinged with amusement, but to Cao Zhang it sounded like the whisper of a devil.

In shock.

Suddenly, the sound of gongs rang out from the Wei army formation, which startled Cao Zhang even more.

"Quickly reacted! Who's left to guard the main camp? Is it that young general named Hao Zhao?" Liu Feng's tone held a hint of admiration.

Cao Zhang had no intention of arguing with Liu Feng at this moment, and hurriedly returned to the army formation: "Why is the gong sounded?"

Yang Qiu said urgently, "The Han traitors are shameless! They actually sent men to raid our camp. It was Xianbei cavalry!"

Xianbei cavalry?

Cao Zhang's anger flared up again.

One step wrong, step by step wrong.

Cao Zhang felt as if he had been led by the nose by Liu Feng.

"If I hadn't killed Kebineng back then, perhaps things wouldn't be like this today." Cao Zhang couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed.

If Kebineng hadn't been killed, Budugen, who was pro-Wei, wouldn't have died, Guo Huai and Fei Yao wouldn't have died, and the camp wouldn't have been attacked by Xianbei cavalry today.

"withdraw troops!"

Cao Zhang gave the order through gritted teeth.

however.

Once a turtle is trapped, it can't just come and go as it pleases.

Cao Zhang wanted to withdraw, but Liu Feng did not want him to.

Even before the duel, Liu Feng had already instructed his generals Wang Ping and Li Ping to prepare.

The end of the duel with Cao Zhang was the signal for the entire army to charge.

"kill!"

A deep horn sounded.

Without a moment's hesitation, the Han army, arrayed in formation, charged into the Wei army's ranks, shouting as they did so.

"What a quick response!"

"Liu Feng, you treacherous dog, is utterly despicable!"

Cao Zhang understood perfectly well that Liu Feng had no intention of letting him return to camp.

If we retreat now, Liu Feng will lead his troops to ambush and kill us, and retreating will turn into defeat.

Without any choice.

Cao Zhang could only trust Hao Zhao and other generals who were left to guard the main camp, and ordered his soldiers to block Liu Feng first.

Meanwhile, in the Wei army camp.

Deng Ai and Shi Bao each led a detachment of elite cavalry, fiercely attacking the Wei army camp.

Although these volunteers were all Xianbei people, different people have different combat abilities when leading troops, especially since these volunteers were carefully selected by Liu Feng.

Shi Bao, brandishing his spear, shouted, "Take down the camp before Cao Zhang returns, and His Highness the Prince of Yan will personally award you with your merits!" (End of Chapter)