My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 676 Liu Feng Persuades Surrender
"boom!"

Three gatekeepers who couldn't dodge in time were sent flying and crashed heavily against the screen wall, their fates unknown. Zhang Liao charged into the front courtyard without stopping, his spear moving like a venomous dragon emerging from its lair, thrusting left and right, instantly felling two more Cao soldiers who tried to stop him.

"Anyone who stands in my way will die!"

Zhang Liao roared, his voice shaking the roof tiles. A chilling killing intent, accompanied by the stench of blood, filled the air, causing the Cao army soldiers who rushed out from the side rooms to gasp in shock.

"Form ranks! Form ranks quickly! Spearmen, advance!"

The Cao army strategist had obviously heard the commotion and was now standing on the steps in front of the main hall, shouting orders at the top of his lungs. A dozen personal guards and dozens of garrison soldiers quickly gathered around him, most of whom were veterans of the Cao army with some combat experience, and they barely managed to form a defensive formation.

Zhang Liao's twenty cavalrymen had all rushed into the front courtyard. Although they were few in number, they were all elite warriors who had fought many battles. Taking advantage of the momentum of their cavalry charge, they gained the upper hand against the numerically superior but hastily engaged Cao army.

"Dismount! Seize the court on foot!"

Knowing that cavalry would be unable to maneuver effectively in the courtyard, Zhang Liao immediately gave the order. He was the first to dismount, his movements swift and clean, and with a swing of his spear, he charged towards Cao Cao's cavalry commander on the steps.

"Protect Sima!"

Cao's personal guards shouted and thrust their spears forward.

Zhang Liao neither dodged nor evaded; his spear drew an arc, accurately deflecting several thrusting spears. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the spear tip, like a venomous snake's tongue, instantly pierced the throat of a personal guard.

He moved without stopping, like a tiger among sheep, his spear sweeping, thrusting, and parrying, each strike bringing down a Cao soldier; he was unstoppable.

The cavalry behind them dismounted and formed ranks of three, covering each other as they advanced steadily forward, forcing the Cao army that was trying to surround them back step by step.

Seeing Zhang Liao's ferocity and how quickly he had closed the distance, Cao Cao's strategist was terrified. He retreated while brandishing his sword and shouting, "Fire arrows! Fire arrows at him!"

A few arrows shot out from the main hall, but Zhang Liao was prepared and deflected them with his spear without slowing down. He seized an opening, suddenly lunged forward, and thrust his spear straight at the chest of Cao Cao's commander.

Sima was no novice either; in the critical moment, he raised his sword to parry.

With a sharp clang, sparks flew. He felt a tremendous force coming from the sword, his hand split open, the sword almost slipped from his grasp, and he staggered backward.

Zhang Liao, seizing the advantage, pressed forward, sweeping his spear horizontally and slamming it heavily into the back of his opponent's leg.

"Ah!" Cao Jun's Sima cried out in agony and fell to his knees. He tried to struggle, but Zhang Liao's spear tip was already pressed against his throat. The cold touch made him freeze instantly, and he dared not move an inch.

"The commander has been captured! Those who surrender will not be killed!"

Zhang Liao's voice was like a booming bell, resounding throughout the entire county.

Seeing their commander captured like a chick, the remaining Cao soldiers immediately lost their will to fight. They looked at each other in bewilderment, and soon, the clanging of weapons filled the air as most of them chose to surrender.

A few loyalists tried to resist, but were quickly dealt with by Zhang Liao's personal guards.

At the same time, deafening shouts and cheers erupted from the city gate. Clearly, the deputy's eighty men had successfully captured the city gate and lit the signal, allowing the main force of the Left Guard Army outside the city to swarm in.

Zhang Liao had the ashen-faced Cao army commander bound tightly and held aside. Standing on the steps of the county government hall, watching the resistance fires in the city gradually subside, a great weight was lifted from his heart.

Duyang, a strategic location guarding the northeastern passage of the Nanyang Basin, has changed hands!

He immediately ordered: "Clear out the remaining enemy forces, pacify the people, close all four gates, and send out more scouts! Report the victory to General Taishi immediately!"

"Here!"

His soldiers responded with a resounding roar, their morale soaring.

Taking Duyang was tantamount to driving a solid thorn into Cao Cao's heartland in the southwest. It could threaten Yingchuan if advanced, and serve as a shield for Nanyang if retreated, making its strategic significance extremely important.

In this battle, Zhang Liao displayed both boldness and meticulousness, acting decisively and swiftly, securing the top victory. He could easily imagine the joy General Liu Feng felt upon receiving the news of the victory. And with this battle as a prelude, the magnificent panorama of the Central Plains War was slowly unfolding.

After capturing Duyang, Zhang Liao did not stop.

Taishi Ci had previously stated that Duyang was the most meritorious, but wasn't Ye County also credited?
If Zhang Liao wants to take the city, he should take the whole city. What is the small city of Duyang worth mentioning?
**
It was the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) south of Fucheng.

Liu Feng and Cao Ang each brought a dozen or so personal attendants and met on a high ground south of the city.

After the two groups of men approached each other, they stopped 150 meters apart. Liu Feng and Cao Ang then rode forward alone, each accompanied by only two personal guards.

This arrangement is based on the established security model.

The two sides were 150 meters apart, and the meeting point would be 70-80 meters away. At this distance, crossbows were no longer very effective against armored soldiers, and there was ample time to react. One of the two guards carried a shield and was ready to protect their lord at any moment. In case of any emergency, at a distance of 100-80 meters, cavalry could arrive in a flash and reach the battlefield in time.

"Zixiu, it's been many years since I last saw you, but your charm remains unchanged."

When the two met, Liu Feng, who was younger, appeared more mature.

Cao Ang gave a bitter smile: "A defeated general has no reputation for his prowess. In the past, I thought the Left Army was elite, but not invincible. Now, after meeting in Shu, I realize the difference."

Cao Ang frankly acknowledged the disparity between the two armies, but then changed the subject, saying, "Although our army has been defeated, we are determined to fight to the death. If General Zuo wishes to persuade us to surrender, you should abandon that idea as soon as possible."

Looking at Cao Ang's expression, Liu Feng realized that the other party was determined and that what he said was obviously not false.

Then, Liu Feng suddenly asked, "Zixiu, do you perhaps wish to make me and the General a mortal enemy?"

Cao Ang was taken aback and instinctively wanted to shake his head.

Liu Feng's current influence and strength far surpass those of the Cao family. Cao Ang must be insane to want to find such a mortal enemy for his father.

Soon, Cao Ang realized what Liu Feng meant and understood the unspoken meaning in his words.

Clearly, Liu Feng was still trying to persuade Liu Feng to surrender.

Cao Ang was Cao Cao's eldest son and heir. If he had died in Fucheng, the hatred between Cao Cao and Liu Feng would have been extremely deep, which would have fit the meaning of Liu Feng's words.

Cao Ang was initially surprised, then delighted. He was surprised by the implied threat in Liu Feng's words, but delighted that Liu Feng could say such a thing, clearly indicating that he did not want to be irreconcilably opposed to the Cao family. "Zixiu, if you are willing to surrender today, I will surely protect the Cao clan in the future."

Liu Feng waited for a moment, but saw Cao Ang's expression change, but he remained silent. He gradually lost patience: "But if you resist to the end, then don't blame me for disregarding our past camaraderie. At that time, I will be irreconcilably opposed to the Cao family and will first kill Cao Ren to show my determination."

Cao Ang was immediately shocked and hurriedly looked up at Liu Feng, only to see that the other party's expression was solemn, which showed that what he said was true.

For a moment, Cao Ang felt a surge of panic, completely losing his previous composure.

Before coming, Cao Ang had carefully discussed the matter with his confidants, including Sima Yi, Cao Chun, Yang Xiu, Cao Xiu, and Li Zheng, and they all felt that surrendering might not be an impossible option.

Cao Cao's army has suffered several defeats in a row. Sixty thousand elite troops entered Shu, and nearly twenty thousand more were later added. Now, only thirty thousand remain. Morale is low, and the soldiers are weary of war.

Although Fucheng is fortified, how can it compare to Chengdu?

When Liu Zhang was defending Chengdu, the city walls were swept away in a single day. Although Cao Ang and others did not witness this event firsthand, they did see the aftermath of the battle.

I still haven't forgotten that scene of devastation.

Although it is unknown how Zuo Mujun managed to do it, if he could do it in Chengdu, he could certainly do it in Fucheng, and do it even more easily and even more ruthlessly.

Sima Yi advised Cao Ang to buy time in Fucheng, emphasizing that the primary objective was time, not battle. Battle was merely one method to gain time; naturally, it would be even better to gain time without fighting.

Now Liu Feng has set a price, forcing Cao Ang to make a choice.

Surrendering would preserve the Cao family and leave them a way out. Even if his father was defeated in the future, as long as Liu Feng kept his promise, he would not have to worry about the Cao family being wiped out again.

If he does not agree, it is foreseeable that Fucheng will be subjected to a fierce attack by the Left Army at all costs, and once defeated, the Cao family will have no chance of escaping.

At that point, even if Liu Feng was merely trying to maintain his image as someone who always keeps his word, he would still try to wipe out the Cao family.

As for whether Liu Feng was telling the truth, Cao Ang had no doubts, because Liu Feng's reputation was still extremely good, and he was a man of his word.

Cao Ang's expression kept changing, and finally he gritted his teeth and said, "If I am willing to surrender, can General Zuo grant me a few requests?"

Liu Feng silently watched Cao Ang until the latter began to panic, then slowly nodded: "Tell me what happened."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ang felt somewhat relieved, only then realizing that his inner garment was soaked with cold sweat and clung to his back. However, his thoughts shifted, and his fighting spirit rekindled. He then loudly replied, "General Zuo, you are wise. Firstly, the soldiers in the city have all been favored and cared for by the Cao family. A sudden change of allegiance would likely cause panic and unrest. I humbly request a seven-day extension to allow me to appease my troops and hand over the seals of office. Once everything is settled, I will personally lead my generals to open the city gates and surrender!"

"Three days."

Liu Feng bluntly held up three fingers: "Forget seven days, I'll only give you three days. When the time comes, those who are willing to surrender will leave the city with you, and the rest will be dealt with by my subordinates!"

Cao Ang hesitated, understanding that this was Liu Feng's threat and warning against his delaying tactic. The fate of the remaining men was obvious.

As long as Cao Ang is willing to die, Liu Feng is willing to bury him.

"Could soldiers who are unwilling to surrender be allowed to leave Shu with their weapons?"

Seeing Liu Feng's determined expression, Cao Ang had no choice but to bite the bullet and propose a second condition.

Liu Feng looked at Cao Ang as if he were an idiot, wondering if the other party hadn't grasped the current situation.

Although Cao Cao's army had less than 30,000 men left, at least 20,000 of them were his elite troops, including more than 8,000 cavalrymen. How could Liu Feng possibly agree to let these men go?
Liu Feng has now completely broken ties with the Cao family. Cao Cao is attacking Xiangyang, and the Left Army is about to sweep across the Central Plains. A full-scale war between the two sides has broken out.

At this critical juncture, sending eight thousand elite cavalry back to the Central Plains, even if they were to seize all the warhorses, would be a grave act of aiding the enemy.

In response to Cao Ang's probing or threats, Liu Feng simply replied with eight words: "The best course of action now is for those who do not surrender to die."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ang's face turned ashen. After a long silence, he forced himself to argue, "If General Zuo presses us like this, with the deadline so short, I fear... I fear it will be difficult to win over the generals. What if there is a mutiny in the army?"

Liu Feng's gaze was sharp as he stared directly at Cao Ang, and he solemnly said, "To fight or to surrender? It all depends on your decision, Zixiu. But since you have pledged allegiance, sincerity is paramount. If you waver and harbor other schemes..."

At this point, Liu Fengsheng's voice turned serious and resolute: "Although I am not talented, I am not a fool. How could I not see the truth?"

Cao Ang looked as if struck by lightning, lowered his head, and said nothing more.

The heated exchange on both sides caused tension among the armored cavalrymen, each gripping their reins and constantly peering at the situation.

Having noticed this, Liu Feng decided to end the conversation.

As they parted, Liu Feng sighed deeply and earnestly advised, "Zixiu, you are now trapped in an inescapable net. Our 100,000 elite troops surround Fucheng like an iron barrel. Even if you had wings, you could not fly across. If you surrender now, you can save your lives and leave a way out for your clan. But if you insist on fighting, we will all perish, and it will be too late to regret it!"

As he spoke with emotion, Liu Feng's expression turned solemn: "Although I often cherish the memory of standing with your father to welcome the emperor in the past, and the friendship of old friends in Luozhong, as the commander of an army, I must also be responsible for the lives of the soldiers under my command. I hope you, Zixiu, will carefully consider and make a wise decision. I await good news."

After speaking, Liu Feng immediately turned his horse around and led Sun Yi and Zhou Jun toward his personal guards. Seeing that Cao Ang was unharmed, they naturally did not have any excessive reaction.

The atmosphere eased again.

When Liu Feng was received by his personal guards and they retreated in a protective circle, Cao Ang was also surrounded by his own personal guards.

Cao Ang stood frozen in place, seemingly lost in thought, and did not leave immediately. It was only after Liu Feng returned to his main force that Cao Ang moved, turning back to Fucheng.

Upon returning to Fucheng, Cao Chun, Sima Yi, and others immediately surrounded them, wanting to inquire about the content of their meeting and conversation.

Seeing Cao Ang's gloomy face, the group held back their words and led Cao Ang into the back hall.

After all the bystanders had left, Cao Ang slowly recounted the contents of their meeting that day.

After hearing this, Cao Chun, Sima Yi, and the others all looked rather grim.

It was no secret that Liu Feng would try to persuade Cao Ang to surrender during their meeting today. Even a shrewd man like Sima Yi, or a thoroughly military man like Cao Gong and Li Mu, could have guessed this. However, the severity of Liu Feng's attitude and the intensity of his pressure were something even Sima Yi hadn't anticipated.

The group exchanged glances, forming a general impression of Liu Feng and Zuo Mujun's attitude.

(End of this chapter)