Three Kingdoms: The Kingdom Cannot Be Partial

Chapter 257 A Secret Maneuver, Known to All, the Method of Breaking the Awl
Amidst everyone's suspicions.

Lu Xun bowed to Sun Quan again.

He then pointed to the void and pointed north.

"Zhao Yun".

"Zhao Yun?"

Sun Quan hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Upon seeing this, Lu Xun nodded and spoke:

"Your Majesty, after Zhao Yun captured Xicheng and Shangyong, he has been stationed at Fangling, confronting Cao Wei. It seems that his military strength is exhausted and he has no energy to spare for anything else."

"However... Zhao Yun is a veteran general of Western Shu, feared by the world. How could he sit idly by and watch the war between Wu and Shu?"
"What worries me is that while they seem unable to conquer Wei, they are actually waiting for an opportunity to strike."

"On one hand, it serves to contain the Shu army and hinder our Great Wu."

"On the other hand... the battle in Wuxian is currently at a stalemate, and they may abandon Wei and head south to attack our river defenses!"
"If they send several thousand elite troops to sneak through the dense forest paths to the southwest."

"We marched straight to Zigui and Wuxian."

"Then the rear of our western army is in grave danger."

“Wuxian will also be completely isolated.”

Sun Quan's expression hardened.

Lu Xun had already mentioned this matter.

But things are different now.

Pan Jun suffered a crushing defeat and was trapped in Wu County, which greatly shocked the morale of the troops along the Wu County, Zigui, and Yiling lines.

The possibility that Zhao Yun suddenly abandoned Fangling and headed southwest has greatly increased.

"Boyan's concerns are absolutely correct! Lü Yi!"

Lu Yi, the secretary of the Imperial Secretariat who had been standing respectfully by Lu Xun's side, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, immediately stepped forward and said, "Your subject is here."

"Draft an imperial edict immediately!" Sun Quan declared decisively.

"Order General Pan Zhang to strictly guard Fangling and Linju, and send out more scouts to thoroughly investigate the mountain passes and valleys to the north!"

"If any Shu troops come from the direction of Fangling, no matter how many or how few, we must intercept and annihilate them, and not allow a single soldier to threaten the grain supply route back to Wuxian!"
"Issue another order to Zhou Fang: be extra careful with the defenses of Zigui, especially in the northern mountains and forests, and make sure to set up more outposts and beacon towers!"

“Yes!” Lü Yi quickly noted it down.

"As for reinforcements," Sun Quan said, looking at Lu Xun.

"Boyan, you shall continue to oversee the westward advance."

"Speed ​​up, we must get this done as soon as possible..."

“Yes, sir!” Lu Xun bowed and accepted the order.

...

Two days later.

Lu Xun's flagship, the "Chang'an," with its sails fully raised, led the fleet westward slowly, taking advantage of the rising river wind.

It is 80 li away from Wuchang.

The river was wide open, with boats lined up one after another.

Lu Xun stood alone at the bow of the ship, his gaze calmly fixed on the western horizon where the sea met the sky, his mind still replaying the situation on the western front.

Although Pan Jun was defeated, Wu County still stands, and the Iron Chain Pass cannot be breached in an instant. As long as we hold our ground and await reinforcements, the situation has not yet reached a point of no return.

His biggest worry was still Zhao Yun, who was being monitored by Pan Zhang…

Just as he was deep in thought, a rapidly moving red shadow on the river surface to his side caught his attention.

Gazing intently into the distance.

A nimble red-horse boat disregarded the massive fleet formation, weaving nimbly through the waves and hurtling straight toward the flagship of the "Chang'an".

The messenger on the ship frantically waved a small red flag in his hand, symbolizing an urgent military situation.

"Hmm?" Lu Xun frowned.

Another urgent report?

Pan Chengming has another urgent report?

How long has it been since the last urgent dispatch?
The red horse boat quickly approached the "Chang'an".

A messenger was quickly pulled onto the deck. Upon seeing Lu Xun, he immediately knelt on one knee and presented a letter from Bai Yu with both hands:

"General Shang!"
Is His Majesty here?!

"Pan Taichang's urgent message!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xun's heart sank slightly.

He took the urgent dispatch but did not open it. Instead, he asked in a deep voice, "What is the matter that is so urgent? The military report just arrived the day before yesterday."

The messenger, having caught his breath, hurriedly replied:

"Reporting to the General!"

"The day before yesterday, several soldiers who had been captured by the Shu rebels managed to escape from the Shu army and risked their lives to swim back to Wu County! They brought back the latest information about the Shu army's movements!"

"The surrendered prisoners escaped?" Lu Xun repeated.

His voice was calm, but his eyes instantly sharpened like a hawk's. "How many people? How did they escape? Tell me in detail."

The messenger dared not conceal anything and reported the truth:
"There were about thirty escapees, most of whom were personal guards under Pan Taichang."

"They claimed that they took advantage of the Shu army's early morning mobilization and the thick river fog to knock down the guards, seize the small boat, and row back at all costs."

"They were pursued by the Shu army on the way, and most of them were killed or wounded."

"But in the end, a few people successfully reached the Tiesuojiang Pass in Wuxian County."

"When the people of Shu saw that our great Wu fleet was coming against the current to rescue them, they finally abandoned their posts and fled."

Lu Xun listened quietly.

His expression remained calm.

Countless thoughts had already crossed my mind.

The escape of prisoners is a common occurrence on the battlefield.

This is not surprising; in fact, it's good news.

Because they often bring back intelligence from the enemy camp.

But... the timing is too coincidental.

Pan Jun's previous proclamation clearly stated that Liu Shan, the ruler of Shu, would once again personally lead the expedition, and the banner of the Golden Guard had even circled in front of Yanyu Pass, seemingly intending to use himself as bait to lure Pan Jun into an attack.

Since the Shu ruler personally led the expedition, the Shu army's tactics have been unpredictable and eccentric.

The slaying of Cao Zhen, the execution of Zhang He, the defeat of Sima Yi, and the recapture of Guanzhong—which of these battles wasn't a combination of feints and real attacks, employing both orthodox and unorthodox tactics?

Although it may not have been the Shu ruler's plan, how could Liu Shan not have people around him who were plotting?
Chen Dao was no ordinary man; how could he be so lax in his military discipline, allowing dozens of prisoners to easily escape from the main force's water fortress?

Thinking of this, Lu Xun glanced at the urgent dispatch in his hand, then looked up at the vast river and sky to the west.

An indescribable doubt welled up in my heart like an undercurrent at the bottom of a river.

He couldn't help but be vigilant; in the midst of a great battle, any seemingly illogical detail could conceal a deadly trap.

In the blink of an eye, the decision was made.

He turned around and gave a stern order to Liu Zan, who was following closely behind him:

"Zhengming, you and Chengyuan (Ding Feng) will immediately lead the troops to the front and advance westward at full speed. Starting today, the rest period will be reduced by one hour."

"The Grand General?" The deputy general looked slightly taken aback.

Lu Xun's tone left no room for argument:
"Go quickly, and prepare another small boat. I need to return to Wuchang immediately to meet the Emperor!"
"This matter is far more complex than it appears on the surface. I need to discuss it with His Majesty and my ministers!"

"Yes!" Liu Zan said no more.

The drums beat loudly, shaking the rivers and the sky.

The command flags on the "Chang'an" were waved.

The massive fleet began to accelerate forward.

On land, infantry, laborers, livestock, and carts also quickened their westward advance.

Lu Xun and several messengers from the red horse boat quickly transferred to a light and swift small boat.

The small boat, swift as an arrow, cut through the river, carrying the deep doubts of the Grand General of Eastern Wu, and sped back towards the capital, Wuchang.

...

In less than half a day, Lu Xun arrived in Wuchang.

The palace guards were all surprised to see the Grand General return. They dared not be negligent and immediately led him into the palace.

Sun Quan was discussing the canal transport with his close ministers in a side hall when he heard Lu Xun suddenly return, which caused him to rise from his seat in surprise.

Lu Xun, travel-worn, strode forward.

Sun Quan was both surprised and suspicious:

"Boyan...what happened?"

Lu Xun, without even completing the full ceremony, spoke in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, Chengming has sent another urgent dispatch!"

"An urgent dispatch?!" Sun Quan's mind, which had just calmed down a little today, tensed up again, and his face suddenly changed, losing all color.

"Could it be... that Wu County has been lost?!"

Before he could finish speaking, he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, his vision went black, and he swayed slightly, almost falling over.

Guli, who was standing by, hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.

“That’s not the case!” Lu Xun immediately shook his head.

"Wu County still exists, and Chengming is holding firm and awaiting reinforcements."

"However, the matter mentioned by this secret envoy is quite strange. I am uneasy and fear that there may be a trap involved. Therefore, I rushed back to report and request Your Majesty's wise decision."

Upon hearing that Wu County had not fallen, Sun Quan finally let out a long sigh of relief, sat down again, and raised his hand to press his throbbing temples.

"What is it that makes Boyan so suspicious?"

Sun Quan's voice and expression, though dignified, revealed a hint of weariness.

Lu Xun then recounted in detail the news sent by Pan Jun's messenger about the captured soldiers escaping back to Wu County under cover of fog.

Finally, he said:
"Your Majesty, it is not surprising that prisoners of war can escape when the two armies are locked in a stalemate."

"However, Chen Dao was no mediocre general, and the Shu ruler was also known for his cunning military tactics."

"I fear this is a scheme by the Shu people to release prisoners of war, intending to use their words to spread falsehoods, disrupt the judgment of Chengming and Gongli, and lure our Great Wu into a trap."

Sun Quan's brows gradually furrowed.

Lu Xun explained it simply, and he immediately realized the key to it.

On the battlefield, truth and falsehood intertwine, and such tactics of "spying" are not uncommon.

"Where is the messenger?" Sun Quan asked after a moment's thought. "And where is Pan Chengming's urgent dispatch?"

"Several messengers accompanied me back to the palace and are awaiting my decree outside the hall. The urgent military report with the white feather attached is here." Lu Xun took out the urgent military report from his bosom and bowed to present it.

The reason he rushed here was that this urgent dispatch was to be delivered to the emperor, and only Sun Quan could read its contents.

Sun Quan took it and quickly opened it to inspect it.

The silk manuscript is undoubtedly written by Pan Jun.

The handwriting is somewhat messy, indicating that it was written in a hurry.

The report detailed the escape of the surrendered soldiers and mentioned that, according to them, the Shu army was recently attempting to clear the hidden cones at the bottom of the river, seemingly indicating active preparations for a continued attack.

When Sun Quan saw the Shu army slowly, almost clumsily, but helplessly removing the river cones from the river, he was instinctively delighted. At this rate, the river cones alone could stop the Shu navy for more than twenty or thirty days.

Even with 100,000 infantrymen, it would be impossible to capture Wuxian and Tiesuojiang Pass.

However… this joy quickly dissipated.

Because... Lu Xun came here for this very reason.

He handed the urgent message to Lu Xun.

Lu Xun finished reading the letter.

His expression darkened further.

"Your Majesty, I am absolutely certain."

"Those prisoners who escaped after a bloody battle were actually released by the Shu people as a scheme to seduce others!"

"The words brought back by these surrendered prisoners that 'the Shu people are very slow to pull out an awl' are actually a feint by the Shu people!"

"They intend to openly repair the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass!"

"Their true intention must lie in the Iron Chain Pass!"

Upon hearing Lu Xun's words, Sun Quan had no doubts and wholeheartedly agreed.

Immediately afterwards, a chill ran down my spine.

If Lu Xun hadn't seen through the Shu people's scheme, wouldn't Wu County have fallen in an instant?!
“Boyan…Boyan, according to the message in the imperial edict, Pan Chengming, Sun Gongli, and the generals of Wuxian have all fallen into the trap set by the Shu people!” At this point, Sun Quan’s vision went black again, and an extremely ominous premonition arose spontaneously.

"Tell me... what exactly was Liu Shan's strategy of secretly crossing the Chencang pass? Did he really have some way to quickly break through my Great Wujiang Cone?"

Lu Xun also sensed something was wrong.

Even if he had already seen through the Shu people's plan, it would take at least twenty days to let Pan Jun and Sun Shao know, and it was impossible to do it any faster.

No clue.

He could only continue speaking earnestly:
"Your Majesty, the most urgent task is not to speculate whether the Shu army has a plan to secretly cross the Chencang pass, but to immediately strengthen the defenses of Xiling in Zigui!"

"Our main force is advancing westward against the current, and it will take at least 40 days to reach Wuxian County."

"However...if the Shu army captures Wu County and then sails eastward down the river, their momentum will be as swift as thunder!"
"If Wuxian is lost, Zigui and Xiling will be the last line of defense for Jingzhou!"

"We must immediately reinforce our defenses and increase troop numbers."

"Send more scouts and set up beacon towers, especially in the mountains and dense forests north of the river. We must be on high alert to prevent Zhao Yun from sending elite troops to infiltrate and outflank the area!"

Sun Quan was startled by Lu Xun's words.

But he quickly regained his composure, waving his hands repeatedly as if trying to convince himself:

"Boyan, do not worry, do not fret too much!"
"Our Great Wu has the cone that can sink into the river, and the iron chain that can cross the river. Even if the Shu army uses the strategy of secretly crossing Chencang, it will not be able to break through in a day or two!"

"As for Zhao Yun, Pan Wengui is stationed at Linju, and he will surely not be lost."

"Right now...right now, we'll send an envoy day and night to Wu County to warn Chengming to be on guard against the tricks of the Shu people."

Even so, Sun Quan was already in a daze as he spoke, and his fingers tapped the table faster and faster involuntarily.

Lu Xun remained silent.

What exactly is the Shu army's intention?
If they truly wish to quickly capture Wuxian, how will they break through the sinking cone and the iron chain across the river?

The question swirls in my mind, but I can't find the answer.

Lu Xun could only cup his hands and speak in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, military situations change rapidly. Even with the best preparations, we cannot afford to be careless. Moreover, the Shu people are cunning, and our Great Wu is no longer completely safe."

"Your Majesty, please immediately strengthen the defenses of Zigui and Xiling to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances!"

"I have urged the westward-bound army to march day and night to provide reinforcements as soon as possible!"

Seeing the worry on Lu Xun's face, Sun Quan finally nodded, his tone heavier than ever before: "Boyan, the western front... is entrusted to you!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Lu Xun bowed deeply, turned and strode away.

His figure quickly disappeared into the deepening twilight outside the hall, leaving Sun Quan alone inside, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

With the mighty river flowing, even the fastest messenger would need more than twenty days to send a message to Wu County.

Anything can happen in these twenty-odd days.

All he can do now is make a wish.

Hopefully, Lu Xun won't overthink it.

We hope that Pan Jun and Sun Shao can defend Wuxian.

Hoping for the Shu army's clumsy method of pulling out the needle was indeed just that—clumsy. Meanwhile, Zhao Yun in front of Fangling would be closely watched by Pan Zhang.

...

Twenty li upstream from Yanyu Pass.

A river bend where the current is relatively gentle.

This area is now under the control of the Han army. The trees along the river have been extensively cut down, exposing large areas of white tree stumps and muddy ground.

Hundreds, nearly a thousand, bare-chested Han soldiers chanted their battle cries.

They are dragging countless large logs from the shore into the water, a truly magnificent sight.

Guan Xing stood atop a towering rock on the bank, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the entire riverbank where the work was being carried out.

Military academy students would occasionally come forward to report on the progress.

He would nod or give brief instructions to ensure that this massive project was carried out in an orderly manner.

The huge logs were rolled into the shallow water, and more soldiers waded in the water to tie the giant logs together tightly with thick hemp ropes.

Water splashed everywhere.

One by one, the giant logs were connected to form a colossal vessel, about a hundred paces square.

On the river, there are already five such enormous vessels.

They are not boats, without rudders, sails, masts, or oars; they are simply giant square rafts made of massive timbers bound together.

Each raft was a hundred paces square, its scale astonishing, far exceeding any warship or tower on the river, something no one had ever seen before.

They float on the river surface, yet have a very deep draft, rising and falling slowly with the river waves.

Zhang Biao stood beside the emperor, gazing at the five terrifyingly large rafts on the river, his eyes filled with undisguised astonishment and doubt.

Finally, unable to resist, he turned slightly to the emperor, who was dressed in ordinary clothes, and asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, is this raft... truly useful?"

Liu Shan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze never leaving the giant raft on the river, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable certainty:

"Of course it works."

(End of this chapter)