Reborn Liu Bei: I'll lead this Three Kingdoms to victory!

Chapter 45 The Phoenix's First Cry

On the 19th day of the second month of the seventh year of Jian'an, in Xiapi, Xuzhou.

Guan Yu stood on the city wall, gazing at the billowing dust and smoke coming from the north.

Twenty thousand troops were assembling. Banners blotted out the sun, spears and halberds stood like a forest, and the square formation of the Mo Dao (陌刀) troops gleamed coldly in the sunlight. These were the elite troops he had transferred from Qing and Xu provinces, veterans who had followed him in battle for many years, and killing gods who had left no survivors under the Mo Dao.

"General!" Lieutenant Zhou Cang hurried up from below the city wall. "Our lord has arrived."

Guan Yu turned around, a strange light flashing in his phoenix eyes.

The eldest brother came in person.

He knew better than anyone what this meant.

This performance is going to be real.

---

When I rode into the city, Guan Yu was already waiting at the city gate.

"Brother," he said, clasping his hands in a low voice, "the 20,000-strong army is assembled. When shall we cross the river?"

I dismounted and patted him on the shoulder.

"Yun Chang, no rush." I looked at the faintly visible river to the north. "Let's build up our momentum first. We need to let Cao Cao's men see our banners, see the gleam of the Mo Dao troops, see... that I, Liu Bei, have personally come to Xuzhou."

Guan Yu nodded.

"When will we move?"

"Wait for my command." I paused. "Yun Chang, in this play, you have to act convincingly, but you can't actually cross the river."

He looked at me.

"What my brother means is..."

"Cao Cao has been fighting at Ruxu for twenty days, suffering heavy losses and making no progress. What he fears most now is me stabbing him in the back." I looked north. "So I want him to see this knife. See it, but don't strike."

Guan Yu remained silent for a moment.

"The eldest brother wants to force him to divide his forces."

"Yes." I nodded. "If he divides his forces, Hefei will be vulnerable; if Hefei is vulnerable, Zhongda can then close the net."

Guan Yu did not ask any further questions.

He simply clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice:

"This subordinate obeys."

---

At noon on the same day, thirty li outside Hefei city.

Sima Yi squatted in the abandoned hunter's hut, staring at the secret report that had just been sent from Xuzhou.

"Our lord has personally arrived at Xiapi, and 20,000 troops have been assembled."

He folded the secret report and put it in his sleeve.

"Military Commander!" Wang Wu burst in from outside, his face beaming with excitement, "It's done!"

"explain."

"Li Dian's men did indeed run into our shipment. They chased for five miles but couldn't catch up, so they took the whole shipment back." Wang Wu grinned. "The troop mobilization order was hidden in the shipment; they must have found it."

Sima Yi did not laugh.

He closed his eyes, mentally rehearsing each step that would come next.

Upon seeing the troop mobilization order, Li Dian will undoubtedly become suspicious. Given his cautious nature, he will certainly send someone to verify it. Verification will take time—at least three days.

Three days later, Cao Ren's second batch of reinforcements should arrive at Ruxukou. Li Dianhui became even more convinced that the "Xuzhou is in dire straits" was true.

By then...

He opened his eyes.

"Wang Wu."

"exist."

"Send men to keep watch on the gates of Hefei. Report to me immediately once Li Dian's troops leave the city."

"promise!"

---

At Shenshi (3-5 PM) on the same day, at Ruxukou.

The atmosphere on Zhou Yu's warship had become extremely tense.

After the fall of Wuhu, Cao Cao's army pressed in relentlessly from the west. Dangtu was in dire need of reinforcements, and its commander sent messengers for help; Liyang was also in dire need of reinforcements, and its commander abandoned the city and fled. With the flank of Ruxu exposed, Cao Cao's warships began to attack from both sides.

When Lu Su rushed into the cabin, Zhou Yu was staring blankly at the map.

"Gongjin! We have news from Liu Bei's side!"

Zhou Yu suddenly turned around.

"What news?"

"Urgent report from Xuzhou—Guan Yu has assembled an army of 20,000, and Liu Bei has personally arrived at Xiapi; they may cross the river at any moment!"

Zhou Yu's eyes lit up.

"Good!" He struggled to his feet, walked to the window, and gazed at the endless Cao Cao army camps on the north bank. "Cao Cao, do you see that? Your backyard is on fire!"

Lu Su walked up to him.

"Gongjin, do you think Liu Bei will move?"

Zhou Yu remained silent for a moment.

"He can move," he said, "but not now."

"When was that?"

Zhou Yu turned to look at him.

"Wait until Cao Cao divides his troops."

---

At 5 PM, Cao Cao's army camp.

Cao Cao stared at the urgent report that had just been delivered on his desk, his face turning ashen.

Cheng Yu stood to the side, not daring to breathe.

"Liu Bei has personally come to Xiapi," Cao Cao said through gritted teeth, "and has assembled an army of 20,000. What does he intend to do?"

Cheng Yu said softly, "Prime Minister, could this be a feint?"

"A feint?" Cao Cao sneered. "Was it a feint when he seized my three counties in Hebei?"

Cheng Yu dared not speak further.

Cao Cao stood up and walked to the map.

Xuzhou, Hefei, Ruxukou... these three lines form a triangle.

Liu Bei was in Xiapi.

There are 20,000 troops stationed in Hefei.

He had an army of 100,000 at Ruxukou.

"Prime Minister!" came the messenger's voice from outside the tent. "General Li Dian reports urgently!"

Cao Cao took it, unfolded it, and took a look.

His expression changed drastically.

"I intercepted an envoy from Xuzhou outside Hefei and found a troop mobilization order, stating that Xuzhou was in dire need and requesting the immediate dispatch of 5,000 troops as reinforcements. The mobilization order bears the official seal of Xuzhou and has been verified as genuine. I have already dispatched 3,000 troops, who are rushing to Xuzhou."

Cao Cao's hand was trembling slightly.

He handed the urgent report to Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu's expression changed after reading it.

"Prime Minister, this..."

"You mean it's a feint?" Cao Cao said, emphasizing each word. "Li Dian has already dispatched his troops!"

He turned around abruptly and strode to the map.

"If Hefei divides its forces, the garrison will only have 15,000 men left. If Guan Yu really crosses the river, Hefei will be in danger; if Hefei is in danger, my supply lines will be cut off!"

Cheng Yu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't say anything.

Cao Cao stared at the location of Hefei on the map, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"Send the order to Cao Ren."

"exist."

"Transfer 10,000 troops from Ruxukou to reinforce Hefei immediately."

Cheng Yu was alarmed: "Prime Minister! Ruxu is under immediate threat; if more troops are mobilized..."

"Hold on even if it's tough!" Cao Cao roared. "If Hefei falls, we'll all die here!"

Outside the tent, a messenger rushed off.

Cheng Yu stood still, motionless.

He suddenly remembered Xun Yu's words.

"Regardless of victory or defeat, the Prime Minister has already lost this battle."

---

At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), in Xiapi, Xuzhou.

I am playing chess with Guan Yu on the city wall.

His hand, which was about to place a piece, suddenly paused.

"Big brother, look."

I looked in the direction he was pointing.

Dust and smoke were faintly rising from the official road to the north.

How many people?

"About three thousand," Guan Yu said, squinting. "It's in the direction of Hefei."

I laughed.

"Li Dian has indeed taken the bait."

I put down the chess piece in my hand and stood up.

"Yun Chang, it's your turn to perform."

Guan Yu stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"This subordinate understands."

He strode down the city wall.

A moment later, the thunderous sound of war drums came from below the city.

The square formation of the Mo Dao (陌刀) troops began to move forward. Banners fluttered, and spears and halberds stood like a forest, gleaming coldly in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Three thousand Cao army reinforcements happened to witness this scene.

They stopped.

The captain standing at the front was deathly pale.

"Retreat...retreat! Retreat now!"

Three thousand people turned tail and ran.

Guan Yu stood on the city wall, watching the fleeing troops in disarray, a hint of a smile flashing in his phoenix eyes.

"Big brother, they've escaped."

"Good riddance." I watched the dust and smoke gradually receding to the north. "Only by running back can we deliver the message to Cao Cao."

---

At 10 PM, thirty li outside Hefei city.

Sima Yi received the latest secret report.

"Cao Ren has mobilized 10,000 troops and is on his way to Hefei. Li Dian's 3,000 reinforcements have been frightened away by Guan Yu."

He burned the secret report on the fire.

"Military Commander!" Wang Wu's voice trembled with excitement. "It's done! Cao Cao really did mobilize his troops!"

Sima Yi stood up, walked to the entrance of the shack, and looked out at the pitch-black night.

"Wang Wu."

"exist."

"Send a message to the lord: Hefei is undefended; it is ready to be taken."

"promise!"

Wang Wu turned and disappeared into the night.

Sima Yi stood alone at the entrance of the shack.

An eighteen-year-old boy gazes at the brightest star in the north.

That's the direction of the Big Dipper.

That's the direction of Xiangping.

That's... the direction of home.

---

At midnight, in Xiapi, Xuzhou.

I received a secret letter from Sima Yi.

Only six characters:

"Hefei is underdeveloped, so it's a good option."

I handed the letter to Pang Tong, who was standing next to me.

He glanced at it and grinned.

"My lord, it's time to move Zhao Yun."

I nodded and picked up my pen to write down another order:

"Zilong, Shouchun is vulnerable; it is a good place to go."

The messenger rushed out.

Pang Tong stood beside me, gazing at the pitch-black night outside.

"My lord," he suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

"Do you know what makes me happiest today?"

I turned to look at him.

He smiled.

"It's not that the plan succeeded, nor that Hefei was undefended," he said. "It's that you have someone like Sima Yi under your command."

I remained silent for a moment.

"Zhongda is indeed quite good."

"Not bad," Pang Tong shook his head, "It's terrifying. He's only eighteen, and he can set up such a scheme. Ten years from now..."

He didn't continue.

I finished speaking for him.

"In ten years, he will be the second Cao Cao."

Pang Tong turned to look at me.

"Is Your Excellency not afraid?"

I gazed at the northern night sky.

"I'm afraid," I said, "but what's the use of being afraid?"

"Then you..."

"I hired him not because he was obedient," I turned around, "but because he's smart. Smart people know what they want."

Pang Tong seemed to be deep in thought.

"What does he want?"

I did not answer.

I just gaze at the brightest star in the north.

---

At the fourth watch, thirty li outside Shouchun City.

Zhao Yun reined in his horse and gazed at the faintly visible city in the distance.

Five thousand White Horse Cavalry had been lying in wait for three days and three nights.

Horses with gags in their mouths, men clad in armor, all without a sound.

The scout emerged from the darkness and knelt on one knee.

"General, the garrison at Shouchun has indeed dwindled. There are only three thousand men on the city walls, and the city gates have been renovated. The commander is Cao Ren's cousin, Cao Anmin. This man is ignorant of military affairs and only knows how to drink and make merry."

Zhao Yun nodded.

"Pass down the order: attack the city at dawn."

"promise!"

The scout disappeared into the night.

Zhao Yun looked up at the few lights on the city wall of Shouchun.

He recalled the scene from many years ago when he was just a boy and first went on a campaign with Gongsun Zan.

At that time, he didn't know what the world was or what the common people were; he only knew to follow that person, charging and fighting.

That person later died.

Later he met his lord.

Later he learned what "all under heaven" meant.

"General Zilong."

The deputy general's voice came from behind.

Zhao Yun turned around.

"What's wrong?"

The lieutenant pointed into the distance.

Suddenly, the few lights on the city wall of Shouchun went out.

Then, the city gate slowly opened.

A figure slipped out from under the door and ran this way.

"General, they're one of ours!"

The man ran up and knelt on one knee.

"General, Cao Anmin is drunk, and the garrison is all asleep. The night watchmen have already taken control of the city gates!"

Zhao Yun's eyes lit up.

"good!"

He mounted his horse and drew his longsword.

"White Horse Cavalry, follow me into the city!"

Five thousand iron cavalry surged toward Shouchun like an avalanche.

There were no shouts of killing.

Only the sound of horses' hooves rolled across the night sky like thunder.

---

At dawn, at Ruxukou.

Zhou Yu stood on the top deck of the warship, gazing at Cao Cao's camp on the opposite bank.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

"Zijing, look."

Lu Su looked in the direction he was pointing.

Suddenly, the lights in Cao Cao's camp went out of control. Some people were running, some were shouting, and some troops were hurriedly assembling.

"Are they...withdrawing their troops?"

Zhou Yu did not answer.

He just stared intently at the chaos.

A moment later, a torch flew up from the camp, pierced the night sky, and landed on the river.

That was a signal from Cao Cao's army.

A signal to withdraw troops.

Zhou Yu swayed and grabbed the gunwale.

"Gongjin!"

"I'm fine." He took a deep breath, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "Lu Zijing, did you see clearly?"

Lu Su nodded.

"That's a signal to withdraw troops."

"It's not a withdrawal," Zhou Yu shook his head. "It's a rout."

He looked at the increasingly chaotic camp and spoke slowly and deliberately:

"Liu Bei has made his move."

---

Dawn breaks.

Xiangping Governor's Office.

I stood before the map, unable to sleep all night.

Xun You stood beside me; he too hadn't slept all night.

The first piece of good news came from Shouchun.

"Zhao Yun has captured Shouchun, beheaded Cao Anmin, and captured 300,000 shi of grain."

The second piece of good news came from Xuzhou.

"Guan Yu made a feigned move, and Cao Cao's three thousand reinforcements scattered, and the garrison of Hefei dared not leave the city."

The third piece of good news came from Hefei.

Sima Yi reports: Cao Ren's reinforcements are on their way, but Shouchun has fallen and the supply lines to Hefei have been cut off. Cao's army will surely retreat.

I placed the three reports of good news on the table.

Xun You looked at them and remained silent for a long time.

"Gongda".

"Your subject is here."

"What do you think Cao Cao is thinking right now?"

Xun You remained silent for a moment.

"He's thinking..." his voice was very soft, "How could he have lost?"

I laughed.

"Let him think about it."

I walked to the window and opened it.

The morning sunlight streamed in, warm and cozy.

"Gongda".