allonlinenovel Chapter 1036: Guan Yu kills his generals and approaches Wancheng
Chapter 1036: Guan Yu kills his generals and approaches Wancheng
Liu Bei quietly broke camp and left. His movements were so quick and secretive that Lu Bu was caught off guard. When he realized what was happening, he saw only an empty camp, leaving him confused. He stood in front of the camp with a look of astonishment and confusion on his face.
After carefully verifying that Liu Bei had truly escaped without incident, Lü Bu fell into deep thought. The current situation was complex. A large swath of land to the north had been occupied by Yuan Shao, a powerful and well-equipped army. Lü Bu knew he could not currently contend with him. As for Liu Bei, despite their previous conflicts, he was a man of great integrity and generosity, enjoying widespread popularity. With formidable generals like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun at his command, and the resourceful Pang Tong as his assistant, he was no match for them.
Lü Bu's current position was separated from Xuzhou by Runan County, Qiao County, and the state of Lu. These barriers acted as barriers, hindering his effective control even if he desired. With Liu Bei's departure, the situation became even more delicate. For the sake of his own survival and advancement, Lü Bu deliberated and decided to advance towards Runan County.
Lü Bu reasoned that Runan County was strategically located. If he could capture it, he could expand his sphere of influence and strengthen his own strength. Secondly, it could serve as a springboard from which to explore the surrounding areas and secure more opportunities for future development. So, Lü Bu gave his orders, assembled his troops, and marched towards Runan County in a mighty force.
Along the way, Lü Bu's army kicked up clouds of dust. Astride his Red Hare, clad in armor, his gaze betrayed a resolute determination and ambition. He knew that in these turbulent times, only by constantly striving and carving out a foothold could he survive amidst the strife of various factions. However, Lü Bu also understood that Ru'nan County would be no easy task and would undoubtedly face numerous obstacles and challenges. But he was determined to persevere, no matter the hardships and perils that lay ahead.
After intensive preparations in Yingchuan, Liu Bei successfully assembled his army. With Wen Pin's arrival, Liu Bei's strength was greatly enhanced. He now commanded 6 troops, their morale high, ready to launch an attack on Nanyang County.
Liu Bei stood at the podium, his expression dignified. His gaze swept resolutely over the neatly arrayed soldiers below, and he began methodically assigning battle missions. He called out in a clear voice, "Guan Yu, listen to my command!" Guan Yu stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and clasped his fists in response, "I am your general!" Liu Bei then said, "I command you to lead 10,000 troops and take Fangcheng. Fangcheng is a vital gateway to Nanyang County, and its terrain is formidable. The enemy will undoubtedly be heavily guarded. You must proceed with caution, relying on strategic strategies to achieve victory, and avoid rash, forceful attacks." Guan Yu accepted the order and said, "I obey! I will fulfill my mission!"
"Wen Pin, listen!" Liu Bei shouted. Wen Pin quickly stepped out of the line, knelt, and clasped his fists. "My Lord!" Liu Bei said, "You are familiar with the terrain and military affairs of Jingzhou. Lead 10,000 troops to She County. She County may not be a major town, but it is crucial to the security of our flank. You must cut off any possible enemy reinforcements and consolidate our flank defenses." Wen Pin said firmly, "My Lord, rest assured. I will do my utmost!"
"Zhang Fei, listen!" Liu Bei looked at Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei strode forward, knelt on one knee, and shouted, "Brother, I'm here!" Liu Bei said, "I order you to lead 10,000 soldiers to attack Ye County. Ye County is where the enemy's food and fodder are transported. Capturing Ye County will cut off their supply and disrupt their morale. Don't act rashly. The overall situation is the most important." Zhang Fei patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, brother. I, Zhang, will complete the mission!"
After arranging the three divisions, Liu Bei turned to Pang Tong and Zhao Yun beside him and said, "Military Advisor, Zilong, we will lead the army to attack Wancheng. Wancheng is the seat of Nanyang Commandery. Liu Biao must have deployed heavy defenses here. This will be a tough battle. But with our united forces, we will surely conquer Wancheng!" Pang Tong nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, "Rest assured, my lord. Our army will surely be victorious this time." Zhao Yun also said with a firm expression, "I am willing to charge into the battle for you, my lord, and I will not hesitate to die!"
At Liu Bei's command, the army marched out. Guan Yu, Wen Pin, and Zhang Fei each led their own troops, advancing swiftly along the designated route. Liu Bei, Pang Tong, and Zhao Yun led the main force, advancing majestically towards Wancheng. Dust billowed in the sky, and the sound of horses' hooves thundered.
When Liu Biao of Jingzhou heard that Wen Pin had actually surrendered to Liu Bei, he was furious. His face turned red, his eyes were wide open, and he roared: "Wen Pin is a traitor! How dare he betray me and surrender to Liu Bei! I will execute his entire family to vent my hatred!" After saying that, he was about to give the order.
Cai Mao and Kuai Yue hurried forward to stop him. Cai Mao bowed and said, "My lord, wait a minute! The Wen family is a prominent family in Jingzhou, with deep roots and complex connections. If we rashly touch their family members, we may arouse the dissatisfaction of the Wen family and other aristocratic families, and cause chaos."
Kuai Yue also advised, "My lord, the situation is critical now. Liu Bei is coming with such force that we need to stabilize the internal situation. We should not rush into the affairs of the Wen family. It would be better to ask the Wen family to give up some of their interests as a punishment. This would calm my lord's anger without causing internal unrest."
Liu Biao was secretly furious, but he also knew that what the two men said was reasonable. He really couldn't let his impulse ruin the overall situation at this moment. He could only suppress his anger and said through gritted teeth, "Hmph! Those traitors of the Wen family have gotten away with it. After we defeat Liu Bei, we'll settle the score with them!"
By this time, Wancheng was filled with the tense atmosphere of an impending battle. Huang Zhong, ordered by Liu Biao to garrison Wancheng, was a veteran general. Though his hair and beard were white, his gaze remained sharp, and he exuded the composure and authority of a seasoned warrior. He understood the importance of Wancheng. If it fell, Nanyang County would be in jeopardy, and the gates of Jingzhou would be wide open.
Meanwhile, Yi Ji was dispatched to Wancheng to assist Huang Zhong. Yi Ji, a man of exceptional intelligence, and Huang Zhong, one a scholar and the other a warrior, prepared to jointly resist Liu Bei's attack. Throughout Wancheng, soldiers intensified their drills, and the city's defenses were reinforced. The civilians were in a state of panic, sensing a ferocious battle was imminent.
After receiving the order, Guan Yu led 10,000 elite soldiers and marched non-stop towards Fangcheng. Along the way, Guan Yu's expression was stern, and the yellow horse under his crotch galloped with the wind. The soldiers behind him marched in step, and their morale was high.
Fangcheng, with its strategic location and towering, fortified walls, served as a crucial barrier for Nanyang County. The defending commander, Guo Sheng, was a formidable general under Liu Biao, known for his cautious and skilled fighting style. Upon learning of Guan Yu's approach, he fortified the city's defenses, sealing the gates and preparing for battle.
When Guan Yu's army arrived at Fangcheng, they found the gates tightly shut and the enemy heavily guarded on the walls, so they didn't rush in. He rode his horse around the city, surveying it for a moment, and a plan came to mind. Returning to his tent, Guan Yu summoned his lieutenant and gave him some instructions.
That night, the sky was pitch black, pitch black, and the sight of one's hand in front of one's face was almost impenetrable. After a long period of intense tension, the defenders of Fangcheng gradually relaxed their stance. Suddenly, shouts of battle erupted outside the city walls, and torches lit up like stars. Guo Sheng, horrified, believed Guan Yu's army was assaulting the city, and he hurried up the tower to investigate. He saw Guan Yu leading the charge, wielding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, looking majestic in the firelight. Guo Sheng, fearing no delay, quickly commanded his soldiers to resist.
However, this was just a feint by Guan Yu. Just as the enemy troops on the city walls were distracted by the city walls, a group of elite soldiers, led by Zhou Cang, quietly scaled the walls from a hidden corner behind the city walls using ladders. Each of these elite soldiers was agile and insidious, sneaking into the city like a ghost, they quickly eliminated the defenders near the city gate and opened it.
Seeing the city gates wide open, Guan Yu shouted, "Kill!" and led his army into the city like a tidal wave. Guo Sheng, realizing he had fallen for a trap, yet unwilling to accept defeat, reeled in his horse, spear in hand, and charged towards Guan Yu. A fierce battle ensued within the city walls, a flash of swords and the clatter of horses' hooves. Though Guo Sheng was valiant, Guan Yu's martial prowess was unrivaled. After a few rounds, Guan Yu seized an opening, raised his sword, and with a flash of cold light, he struck Guo Sheng's head, sending it tumbling from his horse.
"Guo Sheng is dead. Those who surrender will not be killed!" Guan Yu shouted loudly, his voice shaking the whole area. When the defenders in the city saw their leader was killed, their morale was immediately shaken, and they all laid down their weapons and surrendered.
Guan Yu successfully captured Fangcheng, quickly pacified the inhabitants, and stabilized the situation. He then sent a swift message to Liu Bei. Overjoyed, Liu Bei immediately led his army from Fangcheng, marching towards Wancheng.
Liu Bei led his army to Wancheng. After surveying the surrounding terrain, he ordered his soldiers to set up camp, ensuring it was strong and well-defended. Once everything was arranged, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhao Yun rode their horses to the city.
Guan Yu urged his horse forward, holding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in one hand, and shouted to the top of the city wall to challenge him: "Listen up! I am Guan Yu, Marquis of Han Shou Ting. You rats, do you dare to come out of the city to fight?" The voice resounded like a bell, echoing for a long time.
However, what Guan Yu received in response were the tightly closed city gates and soldiers on the city walls, all with tense expressions, armed with bows, crossbows, and spears, vigilantly watching every move below the city.
At this moment, an old general slowly emerged from behind the battlements, accompanied by Yi Ji. It was Huang Zhong. Though advanced in years, he was vigorous, his gaze piercing, and he exuded the dignity of a veteran. Beside him, Yi Ji, dressed in Confucian robes, looked calm, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
Huang Zhong, holding onto the city wall, shouted back, "Guan Yu, you and I each serve our respective masters. Today, I am under Liu Jingzhou's orders to defend Wancheng. How could I possibly fall for your provocation? If you know what's good for you, retreat now, or you'll be beheaded!"
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu laughed heartily, "Huang Zhong, I've heard of you long ago. You once wounded Sun Ce, so you're quite capable. But today, I, Liu Bei, am raising an army of justice to punish Liu Biao's unjust actions. If you persist in your wrongdoings and continue to aid and abet his evil deeds, don't blame me for being merciless!"
Yi Ji spoke up from the sidelines, "General Guan, Liu Bei controls Jingzhou and protects the people. How can this be unjust? It's you, the people, who have launched an invasion without cause, who are truly violating the peace. I urge you to reconsider and not allow the people to suffer for the sake of Liu Bei's ambitions."
Liu Bei shouted from the side, "Mr. Yi Ji, Liu Biao, a relative of the Han Dynasty, has not sought to restore the Han dynasty, but has colluded with traitors to harm the orphan of the previous emperor. Such evil deeds are intolerable to heaven! I, Liu Bei, have raised an army solely to seek justice and restore order to the world!"
Yi Ji's expression was solemn. He bowed to Liu Bei and the others below the city and said, "Your Excellency, we each serve different masters and have different positions. Wancheng is a key location in Jingzhou. General Huang and I are responsible for defending the city. I regret that we cannot obey your order. I hope you will withdraw your troops and avoid unnecessary casualties."
Liu Bei frowned slightly. Although he felt somewhat helpless at Yi Ji's stubbornness, he patiently persuaded him, "Mr. Yi Ji, I have no choice but to raise an army. Liu Biao has colluded with treacherous individuals to harm the orphan of the late emperor. Such actions are outrageous to both heaven and man. You are a wise man. Can't you see the right and wrong in this? If you can work with me to uphold the Han Dynasty, you will surely leave your name in history and work for the well-being of the people of the world."