Late Han Zhao Tang

As the sun rises in the east, a thin mist hangs over the river.

On the riverbank, the Tang army set up camps along the water. Infantrymen climbed high to observe, while naval soldiers patrolled by boat. The camps, both on land and water, were layered with defenses. The strictness of their defenses demonstrated Wen Ping's military prowess.

As wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, a soldier was suddenly seen pole-pushing a raft through the thin mist. After being questioned by several soldiers, he quickly disembarked and entered the camp.

"Report!"

Inside the large tent, Wen Ping had breakfast, eating hot rice cakes. On the table was a bowl of salted meat and rice porridge, and an open map of the Yangtze River.

“Cao Ren is stationed at Gong’an. Now that he sees the Yidao Pass in crisis, he will surely send troops to attack us. How should I defeat him?” Wen Ping pondered to himself.

"General, a scout from Jiangbei reports that there is an urgent military matter," the attendant said, rushing into the tent.

"Recruit immediately!"

A short while later, a scout came running up and said urgently, "Reporting to the commander, a large force of Cao Cao's army has landed and is heading straight for Jiangling City."

Do you know the number of people?

The soldier said, "The sky is hazy and the fog is thick. I can't count the number of banners, but they stretch for several miles and there are many soldiers and horses. Their numbers are quite large."

The attendant said worriedly, "The troops in Jiangling number only a few thousand old and weak. Cao Ren will surely send his elite troops to attack Jiangling if he sees that the city has few soldiers. If Jiangling falls, our army will be in grave danger!"

Wen Ping composed himself and said, "Summon Generals Huang Zhong and Gao Xiang to the tent for a meeting!"

"promise!"

As he spoke, Wen Ping noticed the soldier glancing at the meat porridge on the table and said, "He's been rushing here reporting something and is exhausted. He hasn't had any meat porridge yet, so I'll serve it to him first. If the military situation is accurate, there will be further rewards later!"

"Thank you, Governor!"

The soldier was starving, and when Wen Ping offered him minced meat, he thanked him and happily took the meat and left.

Seeing this, Wenxiu said, "Should we ask the cook to prepare another batch of minced meat?"

Wenxiu was Wenping's adopted son in his early years. Because of his bravery and military knowledge, Wenping kept him in the army to help him manage troops.

While Wen Ping was strict in disciplining his troops, he differed from Xu Huang in that he showed more care and concern for his subordinates, as many of his soldiers were from the same hometown.

"No need, rice cakes will suffice!"

Wen Ping's expression turned slightly serious as he said, "Cao Ren has suddenly launched an attack on Jiangling, and our army will surely send troops back to reinforce it. Now that a major battle is about to begin, we can discuss the matter of the meal later!"

Before long, Generals Huang Zhong and Gao Xiang entered the tent.

"Captain!"

Before Wen Ping could exchange pleasantries, he asked, "Military intelligence has just arrived. Cao Ren has suddenly launched an attack on Jiangling, with his troops stretching for several miles. Judging from their numbers, they are quite large. I am worried that Jiangling has many elderly and weak people, and we need to send troops back to reinforce it. I am thinking of leading troops there. What do you think?"

"inappropriate!"

Huang Zhong objected, saying, "The Commander-in-Chief has been entrusted with a great responsibility, commanding the troops in Jiangzhu and Jiangbei. It is not appropriate for him to personally lead the troops to reinforce Jiangling. I am willing to lead the troops back to reinforce Jiangling, while the Commander-in-Chief remains stationed at the Jiangzhu camp. This way, if any changes occur, it will be easier for the Commander-in-Chief to make arrangements."

"it is good!"

Upon seeing Huang Zhong requesting reinforcements, Wen Ping replied without hesitation, "General, lead four thousand troops back to reinforce Jiangling. Do not engage Cao Ren in battle yet; observe his movements first. If the enemy outnumbers you, defend; if they outnumber you, attack. I will send a messenger to inform him of any other military matters."

"As ordered!"

Huang Zhong bowed and took his leave, then mustered his troops and sailed to the north bank of the Yangtze River to return to reinforce the city.

Not long after Huang Zhong left the camp and crossed the river, Cao Cao's scouts discovered this and secretly reported it to Cao Ren downstream.

Around noon, Cao Ren figured Huang Zhong had gone far enough and it would be difficult for him to return quickly, so he led his troops by boat and sailed upstream to attack the Tang camps on both the riverbank and the north bank.

Ling Cao and Li Yan each led 5,000 elite troops as the vanguard, while Cao Ren led 10,000 as reserves. As Cao's ships approached the main camp on the riverbank, the patrolling soldiers on the outer perimeter of the camp hurriedly reported back.

"Urgent report!"

The patrolman rushed into the tent in a panic and saw Wen Ping sitting comfortably on a stool. He said anxiously.

"Commander, something terrible has happened!"

"Why are you so panicked?"

The patrolman said, "Cao Cao's ships are floating on the river, intending to attack our main camp directly."

"Didn't Cao Cao's army attack Jiangling City?" Wenxiu asked in shock.

Upon learning that most of Cao Cao's army was attacking and that half of the troops in the camp were now gone, the clerk was so frightened that he accidentally dropped the official document he was about to hand over to Wenping.

Seeing this, Wen Ping regained his composure and said, "Present the official documents!"

"promise!"

The clerk, realizing his rudeness, picked up the official document and handed it to the desk.

Wen Ping pondered for a while, his face serious, and said, "This is a feint attack. Cao Ren knows the distribution of our troops, so he specially sent troops to attack Jiangling to force us to withdraw our troops to reinforce Jiangling. While the main camp is empty, he actually led his elite troops to attack the Jiangzhu and Jiangbei camps. Most of the ships are in the two camps. If the two camps are lost, the navy will be reduced to ashes, and Cao Ren will be able to relieve the siege of Yidao to the west."

Wen Ping paced back and forth, his hand on his sword, pondering a suitable solution for the present situation.

Wenxiu said, "General Huang has led four thousand troops out of the camp, while our army only has six thousand troops in the camp. If Cao Ren's army attacks, I don't know if we can win. It would be better to urgently summon General Huang back to reinforce, while our army first defends the camp."

Gao Xiang entered the tent at some unknown time. Upon learning of Cao Ren's army's attack, he asked anxiously, "The main force of the enemy is pressing in, intending to seize the two camps. I wonder what strategy the Commander-in-Chief has?"

Wen Ping stopped and said in a deep voice, "Since Cao Ren wants to attack us, then let's settle this with him."

"Father, our army is outnumbered, how can we abandon our camp and fight?" Wenxiu asked, unable to understand.

Wen Ping remained calm and said, "Cao Ren knew our camp was undefended, which is why he led his troops to attack. If we close the gates and refuse to fight, wouldn't that be exactly what he wants?"

"In any battle between two armies, victory or defeat depends on the bravery of the soldiers and generals, not on the number of soldiers. You gentlemen have heard of Cao Ren's military tactics and discipline; ask him how his troops compare to ours?"

"The Art of War says, 'Seize the opportunity when the enemy is unprepared and strike unexpectedly.' Therefore, Cao Ren will lead his elite troops to attack, and he will certainly not expect us to meet him head-on. This is the key to victory or defeat. Cao Ren is not a wise and brave general, while our soldiers are valiant and skilled in battle. Are we not a match for Cao Ren's troops?"

"Therefore, in my opinion, we can take advantage of Cao Ren's laxity, ambush him with hidden flags and troops, and lure him in. When Cao's army attacks the main camp, our ships will rush out and severely damage the vanguard. Going down the river, we can advance fearlessly and defeat Cao's army!"

Wen Ping looked around, feigning doubt, and asked, "Could it be that you gentlemen are afraid of war?"

"General, do not underestimate me!"

Gao Xiang, provoked and indignant, said, "We have been fighting for so long, how could I be afraid? Now that we want to fight the enemy, I am willing to be the vanguard."

"it is good!"

Wen Ping was greatly impressed and said, “You shall lead eight hundred elite troops as the vanguard, while I shall lead the large ships as cover. If the situation becomes critical, you shall lead your troops back to shore to welcome my troops ashore.”

"As ordered!"

In fact, it might be safer to concentrate troops and defend the camp. However, Wen Ping had to consider the special terrain of Jiangzhu, which was surrounded by the river on all sides and only accessible by boats. If he simply defended the camp, Wen Ping worried that he would be surrounded by Cao Cao's army.

If his plan had been followed, taking advantage of the Cao army's vanguard's laxity before their advance, he could have launched a counterattack, defeated the Cao army's vanguard, and perhaps temporarily changed the situation, forcing the Cao army's follow-up troops to retreat.

Not to mention that, according to Wen Ping's plan, the Jiangzhu camp lowered its flags and drums, and the soldiers boarded ships and boats, hiding in the harbor above Jiangzhu.

As noon approached, the chill of the river dissipated, and the oars cut through the waves as Cao Cao's army advanced upstream. The river wind howled, and the banners fluttered in the wind.

Cao Ren, clad in armor and holding his sword, stood at the bow of the boat, gazing at the riverbank with great excitement.

The Prime Minister is currently tied down at Xiakou by Zhang Liao, while Yidao is besieged by Gao Shun's troops. If he can defeat Wen Ping, he will be able to turn the tide. At that time, who would still think he is inferior to Zhou Yu?
Although Zhou Yu had only served Cao Cao for a short time, his outstanding abilities quickly made him a highly valued general. In subsequent military campaigns, Zhou Yu was almost invincible. Therefore, when he was appointed commander-in-chief of Jingzhou, the generals surprisingly recommended him, which made him somewhat resentful. However, if he could turn the tide of the war, he could become a renowned general through this victory.

"Send word to Ling Cao, ordering him to advance by boat at full speed. Instruct Li Yan to break through the northern camp immediately, without fail!"

"promise!"

With the command flags waving, Ling Cao's five thousand troops quickened their pace and soon approached the Jiangzhu camp. Li Yan, urged on by Cao Ren, reluctantly disembarked. Looking towards the Jiangzhu camp, he saw the water fortress gates tightly shut, banners fluttering within, but few Tang soldiers, making it seem like an empty city.

"Report!"

The scout returned in a warship and said, "General, the Jiangzhu camp is empty. We can send troops to attack now!"

Seeing that the Jiangzhu camp was empty, Ling Cao stood at the bow of the boat and said excitedly, "Commander Wen Pingzhong's plan to lure the tiger away from the mountain is now being used to launch a fierce attack. Whoever breaks through the camp first will be credited with the first victory."

Although Ling Cao was not punished by Cao Cao for having his supplies looted and burned by Wen Ping, he considered it a disgrace and was determined to avenge himself. Now, seeing that the Jiangzhu camp was deserted, Ling Cao did not suspect anything amiss and led his troops straight into the Tang camp.

"kill!"

With a command given, drums sounded, and Ling Cao led his boats toward the water fortress.

When they were about thirty paces from the Tang camp, suddenly the drums of the water fortress sounded loudly, as if a thousand troops were emerging. The hidden boats burst out from the bay and reeds.

With the banners "Wen" and "Gao" forming arrowheads, the Tang army's ships sped forward like lightning to the beat of drums, charging straight towards Cao Cao's navy.

Everyone had assumed the Jiangzhu camp was deserted, but now they saw Tang army ships charging out. The Cao army soldiers on the river were greatly shocked and momentarily at a loss, their ships falling into disarray. Some followed orders and charged towards the water camp, while others, fearing the enemy, slowed their speed.

At the bow of the ship, Ling Cao's expression was extremely grave. He understood that the reason the Jiangzhu camp was empty was probably a ploy to lure him into attacking. And to devise such a plan, it must be that Wen Ping had seen through Cao Ren's scheme to lure the tiger away from the mountain.

The more Ling Cao thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. Suspecting a trap, he hurriedly said, "The military intelligence reports to the commander-in-chief that the Tang army has set up an ambush on the riverbank to lure our troops into attacking."

"Order all troops to withdraw!"

"promise!"

Under Ling Cao's orders, the boats turned around and retreated, intending to temporarily avoid the Tang army's advance.

However, large boats are difficult to turn around, especially when going upstream. While Cao's boats were frantically turning back, Tang's boats, taking advantage of the wind and current, suddenly surged forward.

The lead ship was the warship that Wen Ping was riding, and it charged towards the enemy ship that was turning. The sharp bow of the ship rammed into the side of the enemy ship's stern, and the heavy impact almost caused the enemy ship to list, and Cao's army swayed.

"shoot!"

Tang soldiers fired a volley of arrows at close range, and dozens of arrows fell. Cao soldiers on the deck were hit by arrows and screamed in pain, falling into the river and staining the river surface with blood.

"Crench!"

Many of Cao's soldiers were injured and fell into the water. Their boats were continuously rammed by the warship that Wen Ping was riding, and eventually they capsized and were gradually submerged by the river.

Destroying one enemy ship could not satisfy Wen Ping's ambition, so he stood at the bow, holding a bow and shouting.

"Break through the enemy ships!"

"kill!"

When Wen Ping rammed the enemy ship, his troops were greatly encouraged by their commander's bravery. Under the rapid turbulence brought by the wind and waves, the Tang soldiers shouted with passion and each sought out their opponents to fight.

Even more extreme, some broke through the outer perimeter of Cao Cao's ships and stormed into the enemy's interior. Taking advantage of the enemy ships' confusion, they either rammed or boarded the enemy ships, engaging in fierce battles with Cao Cao's navy.

When Cao Cao's navy saw the Tang army charging like ferocious tigers, they assumed that the Tang army outnumbered them and dared to pursue them. As a result, the morale of Ling Cao's fleet was low, and the soldiers had no will to fight, so they retreated in a panic.

Looking up from the sky, Wen Ping's fleet was no larger than Ling Cao's, yet he had managed to ambush and deceive Ling Cao. Furthermore, with the wind and current at their backs, the Tang army fought with increasing ferocity, their ships advancing relentlessly. Cao Cao's army was thrown into disarray, their ships fighting independently.

Seeing that the Tang army was in hot pursuit and had suffered heavy losses, Ling Cao gritted his teeth, drew his sword, and ordered his men, "Raise the flag to engage in battle and cover the rear for the main force."

"promise!"

Ling Cao's troops were all brave men. After receiving Ling Cao's order, they all turned their boats around again.

Wen Ping, who was leading the pursuit, spotted Ling Cao's boat, which was flying a general's flag. Seeing that Ling Cao intended to cover the rear for his unit, he commanded his boat to meet him.

As Wen Ping faced the enemy, more Tang ships came from all sides to surround and attack several of Cao Cao's ships.

Soon, the two armies' ships met in a narrow passage, and arrows flew through the air. Wen Ping, knowing he had more ships, ordered his troops to ram Ling Cao. Ling Cao, however, wanted to engage the Tang army and wait for Cao Ren to lead his navy to reinforce him.

Ling Cao gripped his shield, deflecting stray arrows from the air while directing his men to counterattack and dodge the ramming of Tang army ships.

Ling Cao was from Yuhang in Wu County. He and his men were all skilled boatmen, and they managed to maneuver with ease despite being surrounded by several Tang ships.

It's easy to hide from open guns, but hard to guard against hidden arrows!
When Wen Ping's warship was only thirty paces away from Ling Cao's boat, Wen Ping stood behind the rudder, holding a longbow, his body swaying with the boat's rocking and undulating, his aim directly at Ling Cao.

"call!"

As the wind blew by, Wenping's bow and arrow shot out.

With the help of the wind, the arrow was fast and fierce, and with a sharp sound of it piercing the air, it went straight for Ling Cao's face.

"Pfft!"

While Ling Cao was giving orders, he suddenly felt an arrow coming straight at him. Caught off guard, the arrowhead struck his cheek and penetrated his nasal cavity, causing blood to gush out. He then collapsed in pain.

"General!"

Ling Cao fell to the ground, wounded by an arrow, and his men on the ship cried out in grief.

With their commander seriously wounded, morale plummeted. Ling Cao's troops, devoid of any will to fight, broke free of the Tang army's encirclement and retreated hastily down the river. The retreat of Ling Cao's ships triggered a wave of routs among his troops.

Under Wen Ping's charge, the Tang army advanced rapidly.

At that time, Cao Ren led his troops downstream and was now at a loss due to a series of bad news. First, Wen Ping feigned weakness and laid an ambush, and then Ling Cao was seriously injured while covering the rear.

"General, Wen Ping knew of my feint attack strategy and deliberately laid an ambush for our army. Now General Ling is seriously injured and has suffered a great defeat. What should we do?" the subordinate general asked.

Cao Ren, his face full of worry, said, "The main camp at Jiangzhu only has ten thousand troops. This morning, some troops were sent to reinforce Jiangling, so their camp should be empty. Judging from Wen Ping's military strategy, his main force is still intact. Now that Ling Cao has been defeated and killed, our military momentum has been thwarted, and our plan is unlikely to succeed!"

As he spoke, Cao Ren, unwilling to give up, pounded the ship's bow and said, "Order the troops to retreat and defend Gong'an!"

"promise!"

Because the fate of Jingzhou was at stake, Cao Ren saw that the situation was unfavorable and had no choice but to retreat. If he were to fight to the death with the Tang army and suffer a crushing defeat, he would be guilty beyond redemption.

As the bugle sounded to signal the retreat, Cao Cao's ships withdrew like a receding tide.

On the north bank, Li Yan was leading his troops to attack the northern camp. When he saw Cao Ren order a retreat, he was furious.

Li Yan threw his helmet to the ground and cursed, "Cao Ren, you scoundrel! I warned you long ago that it was not advisable to send troops, but you wouldn't listen to me. If Cao Cao appoints Cao Ren as commander, Jingzhou will surely fall into the hands of the Tang!"

"The military situation is critical; please withdraw the troops!" the officers said.

Li Yan angrily said, "Cao Ren's army has been defeated and is returning. Yidao will surely fall into the hands of the Tang army. If we retreat to the southeast now, wouldn't that be courting death?"

"Besides, I have a grudge against Cao Ren. If he returns defeated, he will surely take his anger out on me!"

As he spoke, Li Yan looked around and said, “The Han dynasty is in decline, and the Zhang family is rising to power. To protect your wealth and status, we should surrender to the Tang army.”

Before setting out on the expedition, Li Yan had already considered surrendering to the Tang Dynasty. Now, seeing Cao Ren's defeat, how could Li Yan, with his abilities, not know that Cao Cao's power was waning and that the disintegration of the Jingnan prefectures was only a matter of time before the fall of Yidao City!
Therefore, in order to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, Li Yan exaggerated his conflict with Cao Ren in order to find an excuse for himself.

When Li Yan proposed surrendering to the Tang people, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

After a long silence, seeing that Li Yan was not lying, and realizing that Cao Cao had no future, the crowd said in unison, "We are willing to obey the general's orders!"

"Come out holding a white banner to surrender Wenpin!"

"promise!"

It's not hard to guess that Li Yan's surrender today is like the first domino to fall, which will inevitably trigger a chain reaction!

P.S.: Something came up today, so I'll only be posting 4.4k words per update for now. I'll make up for it with three updates the day after tomorrow. (End of Chapter)