My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 662 The Decisive Battle on Japan
Sima Yi was well aware of this and immediately advised, "Now is the time to work together to overcome this difficulty. If you, my lord, go and borrow some money in the name of the Grand General, I'm sure Liu Yizhou will not refuse."

Cao Ang frowned. This was no small sum of money, and he was unsure whether he should agree to it.

Sima Yi guessed Cao Ang's concerns and inwardly scoffed at them, but outwardly said seriously, "General, if we succeed, what do a mere hundred million in wealth matter? If we fail, what do we care about owing trillions?"

Cao Ang was jolted awake: "If it weren't for Zhongda, I would have almost lost my mind."

Therefore, Cao Ang immediately agreed to Sima Yi's suggestion.

After the meeting, Cao Ren immediately led his personal guards toward Guandi, preparing to depart the next day and return to Fancheng as soon as possible to reunite with Cao Ang.

Sima Yi then made arrangements, dispatching a force of 2,000 soldiers from Hanzhong Commandery to garrison Guandi and protect the remaining supplies.

In reality, these county soldiers were called guards, but they were only there to protect against powerful local tyrants and commoners. If they really encountered the Left Army, what good would a mere two thousand county soldiers do?

As for Cao Ang, he went directly to Liu Zhang.

Just as Cao Ang had suspected, Liu Zhang only had so little money left, so how could he easily lend it out? Moreover, Liu Zhang, as the governor of Yizhou, had been driven out of Chengdu and was now living in Fancheng, unable to even go to Luocheng or Fucheng. He was already seething with resentment.

Even deep in Liu Zhang's heart, a trace of regret would occasionally rise up. If he had listened to Zhang Song and others' advice and maintained friendly relations with the Left Army, would he still be in a high position in Chengdu Prefecture now?
Although Liu Zhang was very reluctant, he eventually paid the money.

This was not just Cao Ang persuading the other party with the principle of "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold"; at a deeper level, it was actually the sunk cost theory.

Liu Zhang has already placed too many bets on the Cao family and Cao Ang. Not only is he unable to let go of these sunk costs, but like a gambler, he also hopes to recoup his losses on Cao Ang. If Liu Zhang cannot wake up in time and decisively withdraw to cut his losses, he may not be able to stop until he has nothing left.

Given Liu Zhang's vision, ability, and wisdom, it would be very difficult for him to break free.

Liu Zhang paid the money, and with Yang Xiu's various efforts, they finally managed to put together a decent reward.

Each soldier in the allied forces would receive one thousand copper coins, one bolt of hemp or cotton, and four feet of silk, while officers and soldiers would receive double the reward. In addition, before the official start of the war, there would be a grand feast for the entire army, with each soldier receiving one pound of meat, half a pound of wine, and plenty of new rice and wheat.

Hearing that the army was about to be rewarded and that a grand feast was imminent, the morale of the allied forces was indeed boosted to some extent, which finally allowed Cao Ang, Sima Yi and others to breathe a sigh of relief.

Time passed quickly, and by evening the next day, Cao Ren had already led his army to the outskirts of Fancheng County.

Sima Yi, Yang Xiu, and others had already prepared a camp for Cao Ren's army, and even prepared firewood, hot meals, and hot water.

This greatly pleased Cao Ren's army from top to bottom. Even the resentment of being forced to get up early and travel more than 50 miles a day by Cao Ren was dispelled. Ordinary soldiers are so easily satisfied; the secret to many victories is actually hidden in a mere basin of hot water for washing feet at night.

The next day, Cao Ang rewarded the entire army and distributed all the rewards. The allied camp erupted in cheers, and even the Shu army and the Dongzhou soldiers were no exception.

A day later, the vanguard of the Left Army had reached thirty miles south of Fancheng, and the situation suddenly became tense.

By the eighth day of the sixth lunar month, the main force of the Left Army had officially arrived south of Fancheng County. The army numbered over 60,000 and stretched for more than ten miles. From Fancheng, it was almost impossible to see the end of the camp.

The next morning, the envoys of the Left Guard Army rushed into Fancheng County, met with Cao Ang, and presented him with a letter inviting battle.

Cao Ang immediately agreed, and they agreed to a duel on the plains south of Fancheng County two days later.

After the envoy left, Cao Ang inquired about Sima Yi's preparations.

In the past few days, Sima Yi mobilized more than 6,000 laborers to reinforce the military camp on the hill south of the city. He not only set up double-layered fences, but also built more arrow towers and trenches. He also allocated hundreds more crossbows and a large number of arrows to Shi Huan's troops stationed there.

Finally, Sima Yi said to Cao Ang in a regretful tone: "I am only worried that the Left Guard Army will not dare to attack."

Sima Yi's words were not entirely boastful. The battlefield was entirely flat, and although the small hills here were somewhat high, they were only thirty or forty meters high, and their radius of influence was not very far.

Therefore, the Left Army also had ample room to avoid this area and choose a better battlefield.

The Left Guard Army could choose to evade, but Cao Cao's army had no choice but to defend it. Moreover, this place had the advantage of being on high ground. Even if the Left Guard Army evaded, they would inevitably be threatened from the flanks, thus hindering their movements.

Cao Ang was not disappointed at all; on the contrary, he thought Sima Yi had done a good job and praised him.

Afterward, the two discussed other matters.

At this very moment, in the open fields outside the city, Liu Feng was leading his men back and forth across the designated battlefield, observing the terrain.

Almost simultaneously, everyone's gaze fell upon the small hill where Shi Huan was stationed.

Looking at the Cao army camp atop the small hill, Liu Feng frowned and asked, "Where is this place?"

Upon seeing this, Huang Quan stepped forward and replied, "Reporting to the general, this place is called Fandunqiu."

Liu Feng suddenly realized that this hill was a protrusion on the plain, isolated from other hills on the left and right. At the same time, the hill was circular in shape, with gentle slopes on all sides.

The ancients habitually called this kind of isolated round hill "Dunqiu".

This hill is located south of Fancheng, so it is normal for it to be called Fandunqiu by the locals.

"This hill is likely to become a battleground."

Lu Xun suddenly spoke, and everyone's eyes turned to him.

Ling Tong frowned, gripped his sword, and pondered, "This humble general is foolish and begs for your guidance, General! This place is flat and open, while the military camp on Fandun Hill is as solid as a rock, with deep moats, strong fortifications, and numerous arrow towers, making it heavily fortified. If we forcibly attack the camp, it will only damage our morale and deplete our strength. Why not choose another battlefield, avoid the enemy's strength and attack their weakness, instead of trying to break through this iron-porcupine-like fortress head-on?"

Ling Tong's concerns were not unique to him; other officers such as Zhang Nan, Feng Xi, Xi Zhen, and Fu Tong shared similar ideas. Conversely, figures like Sun Ce, Lü Meng, Wen Pin, and Wei Yan fell into deep thought, their eyes revealing a deeper understanding.

Lu Xun glanced around at his generals, one hand on his hip and the other on his sword hilt, and explained, “General Ling’s words are tactically sound, but strategically flawed. Cao’s main force is now stationed at Fandun Hill, with deep moats, high walls, and a forest of arrow towers. They have also set up inner and outer camps, with double-layered wooden palisades on the outer walls—they have done everything they can to build. The fact that they built such a formidable fortification in such a short time shows how much effort they put into it.”

His voice suddenly sharpened, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Liu Feng, as if offering him advice: "But precisely because of this, the allied forces' courage rests entirely on this stronghold, regarding it as an impregnable fortress. Yet!"

Lu Xun suddenly paused, his gaze shifting to the distant Fandun Hill. After a moment, he continued, "If our army were to breach this fortress in one fell swoop, the enemy's morale would crumble like an avalanche! A full-scale attack on Fandun Hill today is truly a strategy of capturing the dragon and choking it. Perhaps General Ling has already considered..."

With a slight upturn of his lips and a hint of mockery in his voice, he deliberately asked, "Can't take down this mere mound?"

Upon hearing this, Ling Tong bristled, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Liu Feng, and shouted, "My lord! This humble general is willing to lead the vanguard, to raze the enemy camp to the ground, and to present Shi Huan's head to you. If I fail to achieve complete victory, I will offer my own head as atonement!"

"Ling Gongji, you're so cunning!"

Wei Yan scoffed coldly, strode to Liu Feng's side, knelt on one knee, and bowed, saying, "My lord! Ling Gongji and Lu Boyan are in cahoots, trying to monopolize this great achievement! This humble general is not convinced! I beg my lord to see the truth—if this task is entrusted to me, I will surely break through the enemy camp within half a day. If I fail to do so, I am willing to be punished according to military law!" Wei Yan's words caused an uproar throughout the tent.

The generals suddenly realized: if Lu Boyan's plan came true, Fandunqiu would be the key to the decisive battle and the throat of the enemy!
Whoever captures this stronghold will surely achieve great and extraordinary feats in this battle.

In an instant, the generals swarmed out, clasping their fists and volunteering for battle, their voices echoing across the wilderness:

"This humble general commands four thousand elite troops; victory will be assured within half a day!"

"With just three thousand men, I can break through the camp in half a day!"

"I am willing to lead 2,500 men, and I also request 200 armored soldiers and 400 crossbowmen!"

"This humble general only needs two thousand soldiers, two hundred armored soldiers and three hundred crossbowmen, which will suffice!"

The area around Liu Feng suddenly erupted into a bustling marketplace, with the generals blushing and vying for the vanguard title, each unwilling to yield. Warriors seek fame and glory on horseback, and now that the key to defeating the enemy was within reach, who wouldn't want to wield the blade of victory and achieve unparalleled merit?
Seeing that even Sun Ce, who commanded the cavalry, and Gan Ning, who commanded the navy, were getting restless, Liu Feng glanced at Lu Xun and had no choice but to step forward.

"All right."

Those two short words immediately calmed the generals present.

The usually fierce and menacing generals now surrounded Liu Feng like loyal dogs, showing utmost respect and daring not to show the slightest disrespect.

Liu Feng's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Lü Meng.

"Ziming, do you dare to take on this task?"

Lu Meng felt as if a pie had fallen from the sky and landed right on his head.

Just now, Wei Yan and others vied to recommend themselves, but Lü Meng remained silent.

It wasn't that Lü Meng didn't want to make achievements, but he knew that he came from a poor background, had little experience, and was deeply indebted to Liu Feng, so he really had no right to compete with others.

Putting aside other things, Wei Yan and Huang Zhong were at least generals of the middle rank, while Sun Ce and Gan Ning were already generals of the lower rank. Although Lü Meng was also the commander of a battalion, he was only a colonel.

Although under the Han dynasty system, a colonel could command generals of various ranks, including those with miscellaneous titles, it required an imperial edict.

Lu Meng never dreamed that the credit he hadn't sought would fall directly on his head, and he was absolutely not going to humbly accept it.

Upon hearing this, Lü Meng knelt down with a thud, his armor clanging, and bowed deeply to Liu Feng, saying, "I am a surrendered soldier, yet I am deeply grateful to General for not abandoning me and treating me equally. Moreover, you have entrusted me with this important task, giving me the key to defeating the enemy. I am deeply grateful for your great kindness and will be even more determined! As long as I have a breath left, I will lead my soldiers to break through enemy lines and raze Fandun Hill to the ground for you! If we cannot succeed, I will shed my blood on the enemy's ramparts to repay your kindness!"

"good!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng was overjoyed. He strode forward and personally helped Lü Meng up, laughing loudly, "In tomorrow's great battle, I will be stationed in the central army and personally witness Ziming break through the enemy camp and display our army's might!"

After speaking, Liu Feng turned his gaze to the generals.

Although the generals did not understand his meaning, they all puffed out their chests and bellies, full of vigor and courage, hoping that Liu Feng would call their names.

Liu Feng looked around at the generals, pondered for a moment, and then called out a few names: "Wen Ping, Quan Cong, Fu Tong."

The three generals whose names were called looked delighted and quickly stepped forward, while the other generals looked disappointed but dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.

After Wen Ping and his two generals stepped forward, their eyes were filled with surprise as they looked at Liu Feng.

"You three will lead your troops under the command of Lü Meng, with Wen Zheng as your deputy. You must capture Fandunqiu for me."

Wen Guosan was overjoyed. He had thought that the credit would not be his, but he did not expect that things would turn out this way. He immediately knelt down and accepted the order: "This humble general will go through fire and water for the general without hesitation."

"Get up."

Liu Feng smiled and gestured for the three generals to stand up.

There were reasons why Liu Feng chose Lü Meng.

Among the generals, there were quite a few who were both wise and brave, such as Sun Ce, Wei Yan, Wen Pin, Quan Cong, and even Lü Dai and Fu Tong.

However, there are few who are as brave and self-disciplined as Lü Meng; at most, there is only one Wen Pin.

Sun Ce and Wei Yan were both too arrogant, which made Liu Feng somewhat uneasy. In addition, he wanted to cultivate Lü Meng, so he appointed him as a general.

Furthermore, the fact that Wen Ping, Quan Cong, and Fu Tong were paired with him also reflects the high expectations placed on Lü Meng and the determination to acquire Fan Dunqiu.

"Sun Ce, Wei Yan, Huang Zhong, Ling Tong, Zhang Nan, Feng Xi."

Liu Feng then called out the names of six more generals, and Wei Yan and the others immediately stepped forward, their eyes filled with surprise and wonder, "Could it be that we also have a chance?"
Unfortunately, Liu Feng could not possibly deploy such a large force on a small battlefield like Fandunqiu and name them; he had other plans.

"Boyan."

Liu Feng turned to Lu Xun and said, "You will lead your troops and these six generals to form the right flank of the main army. I will deploy you on the right flank of Fandun Hill. With you as the hammer, we will crush the enemy in front of us. Are you confident?"

Lu Xun immediately lifted his cloak and knelt on one knee: "Since my lord has entrusted me with such an important task, I will do my utmost and never let my lord down."

"good."

Liu Feng clapped his hands and nodded, saying, "I am well aware of Boyan's strategic acumen. I will entrust the military affairs of the right wing entirely to you, and I will not hinder you in any way. I will only observe the direction of the banners and the reports of victory, and will not ask about the process, but only about the result!"

Lu Xun immediately responded, "Yes, sir!"

After giving his instructions, Liu Feng then called on Huang Quan: "Where is Gongheng?"

Huang Quan quickly stepped forward and knelt on one knee, saying, "This humble general is here."

Liu Feng then said solemnly, "I have entrusted the right wing to Lu Boyan; as for the important task of the left wing, I intend to entrust it to Gongheng. What do you think, General?"

(End of this chapter)