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

The one left to guard the main camp was Wei general Hao Zhao.

Because of his calm and composed personality, he was highly regarded by Cao Zhang and appointed as the military commander of the garrison.

Although Deng Ai and Shi Bao's surprise attack was not expected by Hao Zhao, it is the basic duty of the camp commander to remain vigilant when the main general is away.

Hao Zhao did not panic despite Deng Ai and Shi Bao's surprise attack, but instead organized a defense in an orderly manner.

"The Xianbei are not good at attacking fortified villages, and most of Kebineng and Budugen's elite cavalry have been wiped out. The rest are no longer a threat. Guard the gate carefully and do not underestimate them."

Under normal circumstances, Hao Zhao's response would be fine.

The analysis and understanding of the Xianbei people are also reasonable.

however.

Liu Feng has never followed the usual path.

Why did Liu Feng not choose the stronger and better-skilled Xianbei people who were better at riding and archery, but instead specifically choose the lower-class Xianbei people who were considered "lower people"?
the reason is simple.

If the lower-class Xianbei people wanted to rise up, they had to first get rid of the humiliating status of being "lowly people".

Liu Feng gave the lower-class Xianbei people the new identity they most desired: the Tuqi Yicong (a type of elite cavalry), who were subordinate to the Prince of Yan's palace!

From being the lowest of the Xianbei people to becoming the direct retainers of the Prince of Yan's mansion, this change of status meant that this group of cavalrymen, who had both Han and Xianbei blood, were no longer at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

When Liu Feng was establishing the ideology for the Tuqi Righteous Cavalry, his core message was directed at the hearts and minds of the Tuqi Righteous Cavalry: I cannot change your origins; but I can change your future.

Those who walk in darkness are the ones who yearn for light the most.

The appearance of Liu Feng was a beacon of hope for the elite cavalry.

Although their physique and archery skills were inferior to those of the superior Xianbei, their ruthlessness far surpassed that of the superior Xianbei.

Why was Zhang Han able to achieve such amazing results using the prisoners from Lishan?
The biggest reason for this is that they are already at the bottom of the social hierarchy, with no room for regression. As long as they make even a little progress, they can live better than before!

In large-scale battles, the morale and will of the soldiers have a far greater impact on victory or defeat than individual bravery.

Hao Zhao not only misjudged the fighting strength of the Tuqi Righteous Cavalry, but also misjudged the leadership abilities of Deng Ai and Shi Bao.

Were the Xianbei people not good at attacking fortified villages?
It seems to make no mistake.

However, Deng Ai and Shi Bao were not Xianbei people.

The two were not only exceptionally talented, but also received meticulous guidance from Liu Feng.

Although he did not formally become Liu Feng's disciple, he was essentially already Liu Feng's student.

"Shizai, I'll hold them off from the front, you go for the flank and break through."

Seeing that Hao Zhao was defending the camp effectively, Shi Bao immediately suggested changing tactics.

Deng Ai did not hesitate and replied succinctly, "Okay," before leading his elite cavalry to make a flanking maneuver.

The Tuqi Yicong were of lowly origin among the Xianbei people and suffered humiliation from a young age.

Deng Ai and Shi Bao were of low social standing among the Han people and suffered the same humiliation.

If we disregard ethnicity and focus solely on class, Deng Ai and Shi Bao share many similarities with this group of Turkic cavalry.

This is also one of the reasons why Liu Feng appointed Deng Ai and Shi Bao as the commanders of their respective elite cavalry units.

Just like the line from the TV series "Three Kingdoms," "Being born into poverty is not a disgrace; being able to bend and stretch is what makes a true man," it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Deng Ai, Shi Bao, and their group of elite cavalry.

The ferocity of the elite cavalrymen terrified Hao Zhao and the Wei soldiers who remained at the main camp.

Neither Hao Zhao nor the Wei soldiers had ever seen such fierce Xianbei people before. Even the Xianbei cavalry brought by Kebineng were not as imposing as the Xianbei people in front of them.

Deng Ai and Shi Bao's on-the-spot response alarmed Hao Zhao even more: This was definitely not a Xianbei commander leading troops!

Hao Zhao was startled, but it did not affect Deng Ai and Shi Bao's fierce offensive in the slightest.

Whether it was Deng Ai, who joined Liu Feng earlier, or Shi Bao, who joined Liu Feng less recently, both had an ambition to improve themselves and a strong desire to prove their abilities to Liu Feng.

Upon arriving in Weinan City, the two met Wang Ping and Li Ping, the highest-ranking military officers under Liu Feng.

One was the General of Valiant Might, and the other was the General of Valiant Might.

Wang Ping and Li Ping were not much older than Deng Ai and Shi Bao, but their military ranks were vastly different from Deng Ai and Shi Bao's.

This made Deng Ai and Shi Bao extremely envious.

For those at the bottom to rise in society, they have to risk their lives.

Although it sounds unfair, there is no absolute fairness in the class hierarchy itself.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, it's better to risk everything.

Either you die and become a handful of dust, or you live to enjoy wealth and honor.

"boom!"

The sound of bowstrings rang out.

Deng Ai shot and killed the military commander at the gate of the village with an arrow.

Subsequently.

Deng Ai suddenly cracked his whip, and his warhorse leaped high into the air, jumping over the deer antlers.

Then Deng Ai thrust his spear into the gate, and with the help of the horse's strength, he forced the gate open.

He led from the front and was incredibly brave.

The elite cavalry behind Deng Ai were also filled with admiration.

Several fearless elite cavalrymen also followed Deng Ai's example, leaping over the deer antlers on their horses and then using the momentum of the horses to forcefully push open the gate with their long spears.

Such a fearless fighting style startled the Wei soldiers at the gate of the camp, causing them to tremble.

"The gate has been breached, we can't hold it anymore!"

The Wei soldiers cried out in alarm.

Just as the junior officer was about to give the order, another arrow came flying, startling him so much that he rolled on his hands and knees to barely avoid it.

"Charge into the South Gate!"

Ignoring the junior officer who had dodged the arrows, Deng Ai issued a new military order.

Hao Zhao and Shi Bao are both at the South Gate!
To completely break through the Wei army's main camp, Hao Zhao at the south gate must be defeated first. This is the core of Shi Bao's tactic of flanking breakthrough.

The elite cavalry filed in, their entire bodies radiating a terrifying aura.

The general is the courage of the soldiers.

A military general's leadership is important, but his martial prowess is even more important.

"The West Gate has been breached?"

Upon receiving this news, Hao Zhao was so shocked that his brows trembled uncontrollably.

"Retreat to Zhongzhai!"

Hao Zhao hurriedly gave the order.

If they continue to confront Shi Bao at the South Gate, they will inevitably be attacked from both sides.

Hao Zhao reacted quickly.

Deng Ai reacted even faster.

Before Hao Zhao could issue his military order, Deng Ai had already charged in on horseback.

"Deng Ai is here! Surrender and you will not be killed!"

As always, Deng Ai's shout was concise and to the point, and his gaze fell upon Hao Zhao's banner.

"How brave!"

When Hao Zhao saw Deng Ai charging towards him, he knew he couldn't retreat to Zhongzhai. His mind raced, and Hao Zhao's spirits tightened. He quickly ordered his soldiers to divide their forces to resist.

Both are outstanding individuals among the younger generation.

In particular, Deng Ai was good at attacking and Hao Zhao was good at defending.

Which is more powerful, the spear or the shield?

Without natural fortifications, Hao Zhao's skill in defense is useless.

Even with fortified cities and natural defenses, Deng Ai dared to climb the wooden cliffs and even roll down dangerous slopes wrapped in felt. Such ruthlessness should not be underestimated in any era.

In this situation, whether the spear or the shield is stronger depends on who is more courageous, more resolute, and who can hold out until the end.

This is a fierce battle in which neither side is willing to give up.

Hao Zhao has his own principles.

Deng Ai had his own principles.

Even the elite cavalry following Deng Ai changed the Xianbei's usual tendency to run away when they couldn't win. People who had been oppressed for many years could become very fierce once their fighting spirit was ignited.

This cavalry force, composed entirely of Xianbei commoners, was now united as one under Deng Ai's influence.

"Is this still a Xianbei person?"

The Wei soldiers' fear intensified.

Hao Zhao also became increasingly alarmed as the battle progressed.

If the Tuqiyi were to answer, the answer would certainly be: We are the Tuqiyi of the Prince of Yan's Palace, do not insult us with the term "Xianbei"!
With Deng Ai and the Tuqi Righteous Cavalry attacking from both sides, Shi Bao successfully led his troops to break through the gate of the stockade.

With attacks from both sides, the Wei soldiers could no longer withstand the onslaught.

Even with Hao Zhao, who was good at defense, the formation was gradually breaking down.

"I have failed the General Who Conquers the West!"

Hao Zhao cried out in sorrow.

Hao Zhao did not flee like the routed Wei soldiers.

Even with only a few dozen people left around him, Hao Zhao never considered abandoning the village and fleeing.

As the camp commander appointed by Cao Zhang, his duty was to stay with the camp as long as it existed, or to die if the camp fell.

"I am Hao Zhao, the General of Hengye of the Great Wei! Who dares to step forward and die!"

Hao Zhao's eyes turned bloodshot as he glared fiercely at the surrounding elite cavalry.

"kill!"

Deng Ai and Shi Bao did not stop their attack despite Hao Zhao's desperate struggle. Since Hao Zhao was willing to be loyal to the puppet Wei regime, Deng Ai and Shi Bao would not show him any mercy.

Liu Feng knew Hao Zhao's reputation in historical records, but Deng Ai and Shi Bao did not, and even if they did, it wouldn't change their mind about killing Hao Zhao.

The most crucial military objective was to completely destroy the Wei army's main camp before Cao Zhang returned to base.

The merciless arrows struck Hao Zhao and the dozens of Wei soldiers who stubbornly resisted beside him with a series of "bangs".

"ignition!"

Deng Ai brandished his spear and issued another military order.

Not long after.

Fires blazed across Cao Zhang's camp, the raging flames shining brightly in the cold wind.

"Now that the main camp has been breached, we should quickly attack Cao Zhang and cut off his retreat!"

Originally, Deng Ai and Shi Bao did not intend to launch a swift attack on Cao Zhang's military. Shi Bao believed that after Cao Zhang's camp was burned, Cao Zhang would not return to the camp and would more likely go directly to Tongguan.

Deng Ai agreed with Shi Bao's assessment.

The two abandoned their occupation of Cao Zhang's camp and left no soldiers to garrison it, instead heading straight for Cao Zhang's rear.

At this moment, Cao Zhang was being held back by Liu Feng and unable to withdraw his troops.

Liu Feng is no pushover.

After so many years of military campaigns, his deception skills have become incredibly refined.

A duel with Cao Zhang?
That's right!

Liu Feng did indeed engage in a one-on-one duel.

Available at the same time.

Liu Feng once again employed his usual tactic of "using himself as bait," solely to create an opportunity for Deng Ai and Shi Bao to achieve merit. Other commanders, however, only used their deputy generals to bluff and intimidate.

Liu Feng's military campaign involved a show of force, which he personally deployed to create a bluff.

What is true may be false, and what is false may be true.

As long as the deception succeeds, the specific process is irrelevant.

Amidst the fierce fighting.

Scouts discovered that flames were shooting into the sky in the direction of Cao Zhang's camp.

Liu Feng immediately broadcast this message to the battlefield in order to boost his own morale and demoralize the enemy.

Such methods of disrupting the enemy's morale are always effective.

When the Wei soldiers learned of the danger to their camp, they panicked even more.

Before Cao Zhang could react, Liu Feng had already issued a new military order.

"Send a signal to order the Yuzhu Jianbu to enter the battlefield."

Yu Zhujian also led a contingent of Xianbei soldiers to wait outside the battlefield.

Liu Feng initially prevented Yu Zhujian from entering the battlefield because he felt Yu Zhujian's combat strength was too low. He believed that entering the battlefield too early would ruin the plan and even embolden Cao Zhang.

The purpose of sending Yu Zhujian into the battlefield now is to use him to boost our prestige and to beat a dog when it's down.

Although Yu Zhujian's combat strength is too low, he can still be used in battles where the situation is favorable.

With the addition of Yu Zhujian's troops, the already fearful Wei soldiers lost all will to fight, and soldiers began to scatter and flee.

In a short while, Cao Zhang was no longer able to reverse the trend of his soldiers' collapse.

In terms of combat experience, Cao Zhang, who had been kept in captivity by Cao Pi for several years, was ultimately no match for Liu Feng, who had been fighting non-stop for seven years and had expanded the territory of the Han Dynasty to the five provinces of Yong, Liang, Yi, Jing, and Yang.

Although Cao Zhang was fierce, even the fiercest person will lose the initiative if he stands still, just like the rabbit in the tortoise and the hare race who takes a nap.

Moreover, Liu Feng is not a slow-moving tortoise, but a strong and fierce rabbit.

Seven years is enough time to widen the gap to the level between the mountaintop and the foot of the mountain.

On the city wall.

Liu Bei had a big smile on his face.

"Cao Cao's yellow-bearded son is ultimately no match for my son, ha ha—"

Laughter echoed across the city walls, and Liu Bei's mood became exceptionally excited.

Guan Yu, standing to the side, stroked his magnificent beard and exclaimed, "With the Prince of Yan here, the Crown Prince has nothing to worry about."

Liu Bei slammed his hand on a brick in the city wall and said, "Yun Chang, come with me out of the city."

Guan Yu was slightly taken aback: "With the Prince of Yan here, why does Your Majesty need to leave the city?"

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "The King of Yan once quoted a poem to me: 'We should pursue the fleeing enemy with our remaining strength, and not seek fame like Xiang Yu.' Now that we have defeated Cao Zhang, we must utterly crush him!"

Watching Liu Bei turn and walk downstairs, Guan Yu's lips twitched involuntarily.

Your Majesty, if you want to experience the thrill of the battlefield, why bring up the Prince of Yan and even recite poetry?
Worried about Liu Bei's safety, Guan Yu also hurriedly went down from the city wall.

After a while.

A cavalry force of over a hundred men emerged from Weinan City, the Emperor's great banner fluttering in the wind.

"It's your Majesty!"

"His Majesty has personally taken to the front lines!"

With the Emperor's Great Banner raised, the Han army on the battlefield became even more ferocious.

The defeat was swift and devastating; the already demoralized Wei soldiers were no match for the ferocious Han army.

Without any choice.

Cao Zhang could only flee towards Tongguan with several hundred cavalry.

Liu Feng refused to let Cao Zhang go, so he personally led several hundred cavalrymen in hot pursuit.

Cao Zhang had traveled only a few miles when he suddenly heard horns sounding from both sides, and saw a dense barrage of arrows coming from both flanks.

It was Deng Ai, Shi Bao, and the elite cavalry who had been lying in ambush.

There were ambushes ahead and pursuers behind.

Cao Zhang was both angry and distressed.

"First, I miscalculated and lost Guo Huai and Fei Yao. Now I've fallen into Liu Feng's trap. My life is over!" Cao Zhang struggled left and right but couldn't break through the encirclement, and he felt dejected.

This time, Liu Feng had no intention of persuading Cao Zhang to surrender.

The opportunity has been given, and since Cao Zhang is unwilling, Liu Feng will naturally not show any mercy.

"Cao Zhang, today I'll send you to see Cao Cao! Another day I'll let you and your brothers reunite!" Liu Feng's fierce spear thrust straight at Cao Zhang, his killing intent equally ruthless.

In terms of martial prowess, the two were actually evenly matched.

In terms of morale, Liu Feng is now full of confidence and invincible, while Cao Zhang is demoralized and can only be forced to fight.

Amidst the fierce fighting.

A troop of soldiers came from the direction of Tongguan; it was Zhang He.

After receiving You Chu's secret letter, Zhang He had been closely monitoring the movements of Cao Zhang's army, and even personally led his cavalry to wait thirty miles behind Cao Zhang's camp.

Upon seeing the fire at Cao Zhang's camp, Zhang He sensed something was wrong and quickly gathered his troops to head towards Cao Zhang's camp.

Hearing that the defeated soldiers claimed that the Han troops had broken through the camp, killed Hao Zhao, and then left the camp, Zhang He concluded that the Han troops were going to cut off Cao Zhang's return route. So he rushed over and happened to run into Cao Zhang who was trapped.

"General Zhang He of the Left of the Great Wei is here. Is General Who Conquers the West also present?"

Shouts rang out on the battlefield.

Holding a long spear, Zhang He led his cavalry swiftly through the elite cavalry led by Deng Ai and Shi Bao.

Shi Bao rode his horse to fight Zhang He, but was stabbed by the enraged Zhang He. If Deng Ai hadn't come to his rescue in time, Shi Bao would have died before achieving any merit in battle.

The changes on the battlefield also attracted Liu Feng's attention.

"That old scoundrel Zhang He actually possesses such fighting prowess." Liu Feng exclaimed with a hint of sneer.

Of Cao Cao's five elite generals, only Zhang He and Xu Huang remain, both of whom are now very old.

By eliminating all the henchmen of the Cao family cultivated by Cao Cao, Cao Pi, the usurper emperor, would have few capable men left.

"Issue my order: let Cao Zhang leave, and focus all your efforts on surrounding and killing Zhang He!"

In the blink of an eye, Liu Feng had a new plan.

Cao Zhang can be killed at any time, but opportunities to kill Zhang He are rare.

When Cao Zhang died, Cao Pi only lost a younger brother with whom he had a strained relationship; but when Zhang He died, Cao Pi lost a trusted general who controlled the army.

This is a good opportunity to sow discord between Cao Zhang and Cao Pi.

Upon receiving the order, the Han army abandoned Cao Zhang without hesitation and turned to surround Zhang He.

Liu Feng even personally rode his horse straight to Zhang He.

"You old fool, you've fallen for my trap."

With a powerful thrust of his spear, Liu Feng's shouts reached Zhang He's ears along with the spear.

Seeing the Han army surging around him, Zhang He was so frightened that his soul almost flew away.

Too much!
Everyone surround me, what if Cao Zhang runs away?
Before Zhang He could think further, Liu Feng's spear fiercely lashed out at him, and the cavalry Zhang He had brought were also surrounded.

In contrast, consider Cao Zhang.

With Zhang He sharing the burden, Cao Zhang was able to break through the encirclement.

"General Conquering the West, General Zuo is still trapped."

"General Zuo risked his life to save me; I will never forget this kindness. Head to Tongguan immediately!"

Cao Zhang glanced at Zhang He, then abandoned him and headed straight for Tongguan without looking back, much like a teammate betraying you when you're surrounded in a game.

"You didn't expect that, did you? Cao Zhang escaped. Why did you risk your life to save Cao Zhang? Cao Zhang was already at odds with Cao Pi. If you die, Cao Zhang will take over your post and guard Tongguan. Cao Pi won't dare to utter a single word."

Seeing Zhang He panting heavily, Liu Feng once again launched into a mocking mode.

Zhang He was both angry and furious.

The sudden turn of events on the battlefield left Zhang He momentarily bewildered. He couldn't understand why Liu Feng would let Cao Zhang go to ambush him, nor could he understand why Cao Zhang would abandon him and flee for his life alone.

Zhang He's strong sense of pride prevented him from bowing his head before Liu Feng: "I received great favor from the late emperor, and I died to save his son. My death was worthy!"

But the next second, Liu Feng shattered Zhang He's "loyalty and courage": "I remember that you initially followed Han Fu, but later when Yuan Shao became powerful, you followed Yuan Shao. I have never seen you die for Han Fu."

During the Battle of Guandu, you betrayed Yuan Shao and surrendered to Cao Cao, yet you didn't die for Yuan Shao; now you say you'll die for Cao Cao's son. This sounds very strange to me.

Zhang He's breath hitched, and he angrily retorted, "Han Fu surrendered Ji Province himself, and he betrayed Yuan Shao because Guo Tu slandered me."

Liu Feng chuckled: "So, if Cao Zhang abandons you, you can also abandon Wei and join Han?"

Zhang He remained silent.

When it comes to sophistry and rhetoric, ten Zhang Hes would be no match for Liu Feng.

"Kill me if you want, why waste words!" Zhang He's eyes were bloodshot as he gripped the spear tightly.

Seeing that Zhang He showed no intention of surrendering, Liu Feng's tone turned cold: "As you wish!"

After defeating Sun Quan, Liu Feng became very vengeful towards Wei generals.

Man Chong was killed without hesitation.

Guo Huai, he killed without hesitation.

Zhang He, too, was quick to kill without hesitation.

By killing off all the trusted generals that Cao Cao had left for Cao Pi to guard their respective regions, and leaving only those who died of old age or illness, Cao Pi faced the predicament of having no one to rely on.

With Liu Feng's merciless military order issued, Zhang He could not escape the inevitable end of being shot to death by a hail of arrows.

Apart from Yue Jin, who died young, Zhang Liao, Yu Jin, and Zhang He were either killed by Liu Feng through a borrowed knife, captured alive by Liu Feng, or directly surrounded and killed by Liu Feng. Three of Cao Cao's five elite generals fell into Liu Feng's hands.

Now only Xu Huang remains.

Liu Feng was not worried about Xu Huang. Given Xu Huang's age, he would die of illness or old age even if Liu Feng did not take action.

After killing Zhang He, Liu Feng did not kill the remaining Wei cavalry. Instead, he ordered the Wei cavalry to take Zhang He's body back to Tongguan, and even tried to sow discord among the Wei cavalry:
"Cao Zhang wanted to use me to get rid of Cao Pi's confidants in the army, so I gladly accepted. Now that Guo Huai, Zhang He, and Budugen are all dead, you are not worth killing anymore."

Go back and tell Cao Zhang not to think that he can escape to Tongguan. After a few days of reorganization, I will personally go to Tongguan and take Cao Zhang's head.

Although the Wei cavalry deeply resented Liu Feng for killing Zhang He, they could not bear to leave Zhang He's body exposed in the wilderness. At the same time, Liu Feng had also stirred up their hatred for Cao Zhang.

After careful consideration, a Wei cavalryman carried Zhang He's body on his back and fled to Tongguan under Liu Feng's "farewell".

"I didn't expect Cao Zhang to escape, but instead His Highness killed Zhang He. If Cao Pi finds out, he'll probably be thinking of killing Cao Zhang." Shi Bao understood Liu Feng's intentions and said with a smile.

Liu Feng looked disdainfully toward Tongguan: "Releasing Cao Zhang was like releasing a duck; killing Zhang He was like killing a tiger. Cao Zhang was all talk and no action, and he wasted the lives of Guo Huai, Zhang He, and others."

You two have made significant contributions in this battle, and I have lived up to my expectations of you. In the future, when I launch the northern expedition against the puppet Wei, I will again employ you two; do not become arrogant or complacent.”

Deng Ai and Shi Bao were overjoyed.

Why risk everything to capture Cao Zhang's camp?
Isn't it all for a bright future?

Now that he had received Liu Feng's promise, Shi Bao could not hide his excitement: "Your Highness's instructions will be kept in mind by this humble general!"

Deng Ai also said, "This humble general will obey Your Highness's instructions."

Liu Feng laughed loudly, spurred his horse around, and said, "Pass on my order to return to the city to celebrate our victory!"

Outside Weinan City.

Liu Bei greeted Liu Feng upon his return. Upon learning that Zhang He had been killed while rescuing Cao Zhang, Liu Bei couldn't help but sigh, "I had known Zhang He before when I was in Ye City. It's a pity that such a good general would die in this way."

Guan Yu scoffed, “Zhang He likes to imitate Confucian scholars and feign elegance. He thinks that by surrendering to Cao Cao, he will be valued. Little does he know that Cao Cao dislikes those who surrender voluntarily.”

Both Wen Yuan and Gongming (Zhang He and Cao Cao) have never betrayed their lords, which is why Cao Cao entrusted them with important responsibilities; now Zhang He has died due to Cao Zhang's betrayal, which is a direct consequence of his past betrayal and surrender to Cao Cao.

Liu Bei secretly shook his head, not refuting Guan Yu's contempt for Zhang He, and then looked at Liu Feng: "With Cao Zhang's defeat and Zhang He's death, it is the time to seize Tong Pass. Does the King of Yan intend to take Tong Pass?" (End of this chapter)