The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 245 Ma Mengqi's Might Shakes Bingzhou, Cao Cao Cuts Off His Beard and Discards His Robe

July, 204 AD.

In the sweltering summer, the horses on the grasslands are at their fattest.

A large contingent of Xiongnu cavalry slowly approached the border of Zhao County.

As dusk settled, the sandstorm gradually subsided.

The Xiongnu Chanyu Huchuquan sent an envoy to the city of Zhao County to invite the governor out for a talk.

At that time, the Prefect of Zhao Commandery was Cheng Yu.

Zhao County was originally the State of Zhao. After Cao Cao and Liu Bei divided up Ji Province, they abolished the State of Zhao and made it a county.

Because Zhao Commandery was located above Wei Commandery, the capital of the region, it held an extremely important strategic position.

Therefore, Cao Cao sent his trusted aide Cheng Yu to guard Zhao County.

Cheng Yu was quite surprised to see a large number of Xiongnu cavalry outside Zhao County.

It should be noted that Ji Province and Bing Province are separated by the Black Mountain.

It also passes through Taiyuan, the territory of Ma Chao, the governor of Bingzhou.

In other words, Hu Chuquan led so many people and brazenly passed through the territories of Ma Chao and Zhang Yan.

Suspicious, extremely suspicious!

Cheng Yu then ordered the garrison commander to strengthen defenses and personally went to the city gate to question him.

"Your tribe doesn't graze livestock in the Hetao region, so what are you doing here in my Zhao territory?"

The messenger called out loudly:
"Our caravan of eighty men, leading a thousand head of cattle and sheep, traveled south from Yinshan and has not yet returned!"

"I fear we may be robbed by bandits. Please open the city gates and allow me to search inside!"

The commander guarding the city wall at that time was Cai Yang.

Cai Yang drew his sword and shouted:

"What business is it of my Zhao County that your caravan has not returned?"

"Why did you bring so many troops with you?"

Before he could finish speaking, Prefect Cheng Yu had already climbed the city wall, stroked his beard, and said sternly:
"Zhao County has its own laws and regulations; how can we allow barbarian cavalry to enter without permission?"

"If your troops have indeed lost any men, you can submit a report to the authorities, and officers will search for them."

Cheng Yu's approach was much more prudent than Cai Yang's.

Be neither arrogant nor humble, and act in accordance with the rules.

Cai Yang couldn't help but sneer from the side:
"The Hu people are cunning; how can we trust them so easily?"

"If a caravan has truly gone missing, it should be searched for during the day."

"Why have they come to knock on our gates under the cover of night? What is their purpose?"

"Retreat quickly, or we'll be met with a hail of arrows!"

The messenger feigned grief and indignation, and cried out in a mournful voice:
"Han officials are heartless! Our wounded are bleeding to death; how can they wait for official documents for so long?"

Cai Yang was furious, "How dare you, you scoundrel, speak so rudely!"

So he nocked an arrow and shot it at the messenger.

The messenger was unable to dodge in time and was shot off his horse by an arrow.

The Xiongnu delegation was shocked and scattered in panic.

Just then, a cloud of dust suddenly rose from the north.

Huchuquan personally led five thousand Xiongnu cavalry to press on the border, shouting loudly on horseback:

"Wei officials killed my envoy!"

"We can attack the city immediately!"

Cai Yang on the city wall urgently ordered arrows to be fired, and the Hu cavalry retreated to outside the firing range.

Hu Chuquan sent someone to shout:

"But after searching the north gate for two hours, Xiao Wang left."

"If we do not allow it, it may damage the harmony between the two sides."

Cheng Yu frowned and said to Cai Yang beside him:

“The Hu people are up to no good; we should report to Lord Wei immediately.”

He then sent a messenger to Wei Commandery overnight to inform Cao Cao.

On the one hand, they strengthened the defenses of Zhao County and resolutely refused to let Huchuquan enter the city.

Hu Chuquan then reorganized his troops and decided to seize Zhao County by force.

The Xiongnu cavalry, like a dark cloud pressing down on the border, swept across the land.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and swords and spears stood in stark array.

Cheng Yu was now completely certain that Hu Chuquan had ill intentions, but he didn't know why.

Given the current strength of the Southern Xiongnu, who gave them the audacity to provoke the State of Wei?

With a formidable enemy at hand, Cheng Yu didn't bother with further details, but simply stroked his sword and said to the defending general:
"The barbarians are rampant, but our city is well-defended and our food supplies are plentiful."

"But if we hold out for ten days, Wei's reinforcements will surely arrive!"

He then led his soldiers to close the gates and hold the city, with archers lined up on the battlements, and logs and stones piled up like mountains.

Huchuquan dispatched Liu Bao, the Left Wise King, with a troop of light cavalry to circle the city and shoot arrows.

In an instant, arrows flew like locusts.

The Wei soldiers all lay prone behind the parapet, not daring to make a move.

Seeing this, Cheng Yu sneered:

"That's all the barbarian's skill can offer!"

He then ordered his crossbowmen to secretly fire their crossbows from the corners of the city, and arrows rained down like rain.

More than a hundred Xiongnu cavalrymen were hit by arrows and fell from their horses, while the rest fled in disarray.

Huchuquan was furious and personally led his iron cavalry to storm the city.

They then erected dozens of cloud ladders and ordered their fierce soldiers to climb up them.

Cheng Yu's eyes widened as he thought to himself, "Where did these barbarians get Han siege equipment?"

The siege equipment that Huchuquan brought out was quite advanced.

It's basically equivalent to the highest level of this era, which greatly puzzled Cheng Yu.

On the one hand, he urged the Wei army to quickly ascend the city walls and defend against the powerful enemy.

The Xiongnu people used siege ladders to swarm the city like ants.

The Wei soldiers on the city wall stabbed them with spears and poured boiling oil on them.

The Xiongnu soldiers screamed and fell to the ground, their corpses piling up like hills.

The Xiongnu attacked for three days without success, leaving corpses strewn across the city walls and rivers of blood flowing down.

The Xiongnu suffered heavy casualties, but Cheng Yu defended the city effectively, and reinforcements were gradually approaching.

Hu Chuquan then summoned the generals to discuss the matter:

"Cheng Yu is cunning and shrewd; Zhao County is truly difficult to conquer."

Left Wise King Liu Bao said with some concern:
"If we withdraw our troops now, I fear we will be unable to explain ourselves to Prime Minister Li."

"Before the battle, Prime Minister Li provided our army with a large amount of food, fodder and equipment."

"If we can't even get an inch of land, wouldn't that make us look incompetent?"

Hu Chuquan pondered for a moment, then came up with a plan and said to everyone:

"If Cheng Yu holds firm and doesn't come out, we might as well abandon the siege."

"It is better to use one's strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses."

Everyone hurriedly asked, "What does it mean to use one's strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses?"

Hu Chuquan grinned and explained:
“Our cavalry and archers are not good at attacking cities.”

"Today, we are only wasting our strength by blocking the city walls. It would be better to abandon this isolated city and plunder the countryside instead."

"Burn their fields and houses, and capture their people."

"If Zhao County loses its people and food, even with high walls and deep moats, it will become a wasteland!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bao clapped his hands and laughed loudly:
"Good! Even if old man Cheng Yu can defend the city, how can he protect all the people in the surrounding fields?"

They then lifted the encirclement, divided their troops into several routes, and plundered the counties of Zhao Commandery.

The Xiongnu light cavalry swept across the land like a whirlwind, and wherever they went, smoke and fire rose everywhere.

Upon receiving the report, Cheng Yu slammed his fist on the table in fury:

"The barbarians dare not attack the city, and instead resort to this tactic of exterminating their entire population!"

Just then, Cao Cao's reinforcements arrived, and Cheng Yu immediately mustered his troops and took the initiative to leave the city to attack Huchuquan's tribe.

Scouts had already informed Hu Chuquan, who immediately ordered a retreat.

They retreated to Bingzhou.

Cheng Yu's army left the city but failed to capture Hu Chuquan's main force.

All that could be seen were corpses of the starving, and flocks of crows circling overhead.

Therefore, Cheng Yu addressed the crowd:
“If we withdraw our troops now, the barbarians will surely return.”

"You can lead your troops to pursue them and behead them all."

Following his words, the crowd pursued Cheng Yu's army relentlessly.

On the other hand, he sent an envoy to inform Ma Chao, the governor of Bingzhou, instructing him to block the route to Huchuquan.

The army followed the trail of the Xiongnu's burning and looting, pursuing them all the way to Taiyuan, determined to capture and kill the Xiongnu chieftain.

Suddenly, a cloud of dust rose ahead, and a troop of soldiers blocked their path.

The armor was as black as ink, and the banners fluttered in the wind, bearing the four large characters "General Who Conquers the West".

The first general, dressed in white robes and silver armor, had eyes as bright as stars.

It was Ma Chao, the governor of Bingzhou.

Cheng Yu had no choice but to rein in his horse and whip it, demanding an answer:
"General Ma!"

"I am acting on the orders of Duke Wei to pursue and annihilate the barbarians. Why are you obstructing me?"

Ma Chao held his spear and sneered:

"Huchuquan has long since submitted to the Celestial Dynasty and is now in Bingzhou, a subject under my rule."

"Lord Cheng, if you intend to cross the border to arrest someone, have you even asked about this tiger-headed golden spear in my hand?"

Ma Chao was telling the truth; the Southern Xiongnu had long been recognized as an internal vassal state by the Han Dynasty.

Huchuquan was indeed protected by officials in Bingzhou, though this was only nominal.

Cheng Yu scolded:

“Hu Chuquan condoned his subordinates’ encroachment on my land and abduction of my people.”

"The crops in the fields and the grain stored by the government were all reduced to ashes."

"General Ma keeps saying that this Hu chieftain is a subject under your rule, so should I, Cheng, ask you for a fault in not managing your subordinates properly?"

Oh?
Ma Chao raised an eyebrow and chuckled coldly:

"If this is true, then I did indeed do it."

"But if we are to discuss the crime, it should be the emperor who should be held accountable."

"You are merely a prefectural governor; how dare you punish me, a state official?"

"I will personally write to the Emperor to plead guilty later."

"There's no need for Lord Cheng to go to such lengths."

Cheng Yu knew this was Ma Chao's perfunctory response; he had never intended to hand over the person in the first place.

He then drew his sword and shouted:
"Ma Mengqi, don't try to block my way with your strength!"

"Huchuquan's looting of Zhao County is a crime deserving of death."

"If you insist on protecting him, you will be making an enemy of Duke Wei!"

Clearly, Cheng Yu did not want a direct conflict with Ma Chao.

Otherwise, they would have led their troops there long ago.

Firstly, Cheng Yu was wary of Ma Chao's powerful troops.

Secondly, Ma Chao was nominally a regional warlord.

At present, Cao Cao's biggest enemy is Liu Bei. As the governor of a prefecture, Cheng Yu dares not offend a local warlord.

This would damage Wei's foreign policy.

Therefore, Cheng Yu merely invoked the name of Wei and Cao Cao to put pressure on Ma Chao.

Hopefully Ma Chao will back down.

Unexpectedly, Ma Chao burst into laughter upon hearing this, and with a mighty shake of his tiger-headed golden spear, his voice booming like thunder:

"Cheng Zhongde! My spear has not tasted blood for a long time. Today I'll see who among you dares to cross the line!"

Before he finished speaking, Ma Chao suddenly appeared, leading several valiant cavalrymen, like a white lightning bolt.

They charged forward, heading straight for the Wei army.

Cheng Yu was shocked, never expecting Ma Chao to make a sudden move, and hurriedly ordered the arrows to be fired.

Ma Chao wielded his spear in a flurry, and arrows rained down on the ground.

In the blink of an eye, he was in front of the Wei army's formation. With a sweep of his spear, three Wei generals fell from their horses.

He then spurred his horse and trampled through the Wei army's front lines, causing men and horses to fall wherever he went.

Cheng Yu was shocked and immediately ordered a change of formation.

Suddenly, a loud "crack" was heard, and Ma Chao cleaved the Wei army's banner in two with a single spear thrust.

The flagpole crashed to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.

Cheng Yu still needs to organize his troops to come and encircle and surround the enemy.

But then they saw that Ma Chao and several other riders had already returned to the front lines after beheading the enemy.

Ma Chao reined in his horse, his spear pointing directly at Cheng Yu:
"how?"

"Old Cheng! Do you still want to fight?"

"If it's a fight, Ma Mengqi will fight to the bitter end!"

Well……

Cheng Yu gritted his teeth and glared fiercely at Ma Chao.

In fact, with the two armies locked in a stalemate, Cheng Yu had even brought up Cao Cao.

He simply wanted a way out, to give his subordinates an explanation.

After all, everyone has come out in such a big way, how can we convince the public if we don't get an explanation?

It's not that Ma Chao absolutely has to hand over the person.

But Cheng Yu never expected that the horse would be so fierce, breaking through the last layer of pretense.

They immediately started fighting.

Although Ma Chao stopped in time, preventing the conflict between the two armies from escalating.

But Ma Chao presented Cheng Yu with a difficult problem.

Should we fight to the bitter end, or give in?
If we're talking about a direct confrontation, everyone just witnessed Ma Chao's bravery.

They are really difficult to deal with.

Moreover, Wei Commandery had just suffered from the Hu invasion, and the morale of its soldiers had not yet recovered.

If a battle is forced, the outcome is unpredictable.

Those around Cheng Yu stepped forward to persuade him:

"Zhao County has just been plundered and its vitality has been greatly damaged."

"Even if we were to defeat Ma Chao now, we would be powerless to advance into Bingzhou."

"We might as well give Ma Chao some face for now and keep him calm."

"Then report to Lord Wei, and let him decide the matter."

Cheng Yu had no choice but to suppress his anger and said to Ma Chao in a deep voice:

"General Ma is indeed incredibly brave."

"I will remember what happened today!"

Ma Chao sheathed his spear and sneered, "Farewell, Lord Cheng, I won't see you off!"

As the army retreated, Cheng Yu turned back to look at Ma Chao and uttered a harsh remark.

"I'm giving you, Ma Chao, face today, but please tell Hu Chuquan—"

"If they dare to invade Wei territory again, they will be punished no matter how far away they are!"

You still have to throw in some trash talk, otherwise you'll lose face.

Cheng Yu led his troops away, and Ma Chao, watching his retreating figure, laughed to his men:

"Cheng Yu is indeed a cunning old fox; he can really keep his cool."

He paused slightly, then continued:

"Quickly report to the Prime Minister that Chao has already secured the gateway to Bingzhou!"

Cheng Yu suffered a setback at Ma Chao's hands, and he was quite unhappy.

After returning to Zhao County, he reported the matter to Cao Cao.

The book states briefly:

"The Xiongnu Huchuquan, who was originally taught by the Duke of Wei, has inexplicably raised an army this year and wreaked havoc in Zhao County."

“When I led my troops in pursuit, we were threatened by Ma Chao, the governor of Bingzhou, who then released the tiger back into the mountains.”

"Upon closer examination, there is something fishy about this."

“Last year, the Xiongnu still sent envoys to pay tribute, but this summer they suddenly sent troops to invade our borders.”

"Their marching route deliberately avoided our key strongholds and targeted the weak points of Zhao County."

"If someone hadn't opened the door wide for him, how could he have done this?"

"Therefore, I sent men to Changshan to investigate, and they reported that the Black Mountain bandits under Zhang Yan had opened the pass to allow their supplies to pass through."

"Zhang Yansu had a secret relationship with Li Yi, and last year he was given a false position by Liu Bei."

"The collusion of these three traitors is blatantly obvious!"

"Therefore, I dare to assert that this was all the scheme of Qi Chancellor Li Yi."

Its scheme has three poisons:

"They drove out the barbarians and damaged our borders, making Wei exhausted from dealing with them."

"Using Ma Chao's momentum, we can test the strength of our army." "If our army fights to the death with the Xiongnu, they can reap the benefits!"

"I humbly request that Duke Wei be wise enough to swiftly execute this scoundrel!"

—Cheng Yu, bowing respectfully.

Cao Cao read the memorial and was furious, throwing the scroll to the ground:

"Li Yi, you brat, how dare you do this!"

"You bullied me too much!"

So he summoned his ministers to the Duke's residence to discuss matters.

Inside the mansion, candlelight blazed brightly.

Civil and military officials stood separately on the steps, the atmosphere heavy.

Cao Cao distributed the letter presented by Cheng Yu to everyone for them to read.

Then he addressed the crowd:
“Li Yi, you little brat! You instigated the Xiongnu to plunder our territory and colluded with Ma Chao to humiliate my soldiers.”

"If I do not avenge this grudge, I will have failed as the Duke of Wei!"

He immediately threw down the command arrow:

"Order Xiahou Dun to muster 30,000 troops and march on Qi in three days!"

With the signing of the Chu-Wei alliance, Cao Cao gained more confidence in his actions.

His strength was only slightly inferior to Liu Bei's, so Cao Cao dared not easily start a full-scale war with Liu Bei.

But if Liu Biao were added, Cao Cao's confidence would increase even more.

"Please calm down!"

The speaker was Guo Jia, the military advisor and general.

Guo Jia methodically analyzed the situation for Cao Cao:

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I have observed that Li Yi's actions are highly suspicious."

"If Li Yi really wants to start a war, why not just send the troops from Ji Province to press on the border?"

"Why must they use the Xiongnu and Ma Chao to spare my borders?"

After Guo Jia's reminder, everyone realized that this matter did indeed seem a bit strange.

After all, Liu Bei had entrusted Li Yi with full authority over the military and political affairs of the north.

Li Yi could directly lead the northern troops to unilaterally declare war on foreign powers.

If Li Yi really wanted to start a war, there was absolutely no need to resort to such roundabout methods.

Guo Jia stroked his beard and paced back and forth.

"In my opinion, this is why Li Yi did this."

"Firstly, they use the barbarians as a front instead of coming out themselves, leaving our Wei state without a legitimate reason to attack them."

"Secondly, Liu Biao controls Jingzhou and Xiangyang. If I rashly start a war, I fear he may not be willing to send troops to help, but instead will sit and watch the outcome."

"Thirdly, I have recently heard that Sun Quan has been frequently interacting with Xuzhou."

"Eastern Wu is making great strides in reorganizing its navy in Lujiang. If it sees chaos in the Central Plains, it may attack Huainan..."

"Our army must first avoid Liu Biao's hesitation, second, avoid launching an attack without a just cause, and third, avoid fighting on two fronts."

"There are three taboos, and I hope that Your Excellency will carefully consider them."

Cao Cao's brow furrowed with worry as he lowered his head and fell into deep thought.

Guo Jia astutely pointed out a key issue.

That means Cao Cao and Liu Biao signed a "mutual protection" treaty.

This means that when the national security of one party is threatened, the other party will unconditionally join the war.

But now that Cao Cao is the one who wants to launch an attack, given Liu Biao's personality, would he be willing to send troops to help him?
In particular, Cao Cao wanted to attack Ji Province.

Ji Province was wealthy, so it was certainly necessary for Cao Cao to attack it.

But Liu Biao was a shrewd man, and he couldn't get any benefit from it.

Why would they help Cao Cao attack Ji Province?
"...that's fine."

After listening to Guo Jia's analysis, Cao Cao changed his approach.

"He immediately ordered Cao Hong to lead 20,000 troops out of Huguan and advance on Jinyang."

"Then Yu Jin was ordered to lead 10,000 infantry and cavalry to guard Hanoi and cut off their retreat."

"I will personally lead an army of ten thousand men and then march north!"

Since Cao Cao's campaign against Qi was without justification, there must be a reason for attacking Ma Chao.

Let's see if Li Yi will intervene. If he does, it will be a declaration of war against Wei.

In this way, he could also bring Liu Biao into the fray.

Neither Cao Cao nor Jingzhou sought to participate in the war.

As long as Jingzhou is willing to provide him with money, grain, and equipment.

Cao Cao had the confidence to challenge the State of Qi.

Therefore, the State of Wei mustered its troops and prepared to attack Ma Chao.

Bingzhou was in dire straits, and Ma Chao, who had heard the news early on, hurriedly sent an envoy to Bohai.

He informed Li Yi of this matter, saying:
"Wei launched a full-scale attack, and Chao could not withstand it alone."

"If the Prime Minister does not come to the rescue, Bingzhou will surely fall, and the gateway to Hebei will be wide open!"

Following Li Yi's instructions, Ma Chao provoked war on the border of Wei.

Now, Wei Guo is giving you a real-life example, and Ma Chao is still a bit timid.

After all, Bingzhou's strength was simply no match for Wei's all-out attack.

Faced with Ma Chao's request for help, Li Yi did some work.

First, we must submit a memorial to the imperial court, requesting the emperor to issue an edict.

They claimed that the Xiongnu had already been granted amnesty and had long since become a vassal state of the Han Dynasty.

They condemned Cao Cao's army for attacking Wang Hua.

Second, the Zhen family was dispatched to organize a caravan to secretly transport grain, fodder, and equipment to Bingzhou.

Third, he sent Zhang Yan of Heishan to raise an army in response.

To assist Ma Chao in defending against the Wei army.

Condemning Cao Cao's actions was merely a pretext.

The latter two items are the real help that will benefit Ma Chao.

They received financial and food assistance from Li Yi.

With the help of the Black Mountain Army, Ma Chao's confidence immediately increased.

He now not only has to defend Bingzhou, but also take it all in one fell swoop and reclaim Shangdang from Bingzhou.

When the territory was divided up earlier, Shangdang was occupied by Cao Cao's troops first, so Li Yi readily ceded it to Cao Cao.

Now that war has broken out, Ma Chao wants to take back Shangdang.

It wasn't because Shangdang was particularly wealthy, but because Huguan Pass in Shangdang was a crucial strategic pass.

It was said that Ma Chao led his troops in a proactive attack, and the news reached Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was furious:

"I didn't go looking for him, yet he dared to come looking for me!"

Therefore, troops were immediately dispatched to repel the enemy.

The two sides fought in Shangdang.

Ma Chao led an army of 15,000 men, a mighty force that swept across the mountains and plains.

Cao Cao personally led his troops to attack Huguan Pass and instructed his men to cut down trees.

They erected fences and divided the area into three villages.

Cao Ren was stationed on the left, Xiahou Yuan on the right, and Cao Cao himself was stationed in the central camp.

The next day, Cao Cao led his generals and officers from the three camps out of Huguan Pass, where they encountered Ma Chao's forces.

Cao Cao had long admired Ma Chao's reputation, having previously inflicted a major defeat on Guo Yuan's forces in Bingzhou.

He then rode out from under the gate flag to observe Ma Chao's troops.

Indeed, everyone was brave and strong, and every one of them was a hero.

Ma Chao was even more powerful and imposing.

He stood with his spear held high at the front of the battle line, loudly calling for Cao Cao to come out and challenge him to battle.

Cao Cao then stepped forward under the protection of Li Dian and Yue Jin.

He raised his whip, pointed at Ma Chao, and cursed:
"You are a descendant of a famous general of the Han Dynasty, why do you betray us?"

Ma Chao gritted his teeth and cursed:
"You traitor Cao! You have deceived the emperor and committed a crime deserving of death."

“I am the governor of Bingzhou, appointed by the imperial court. You have violated my borders without cause.”

"You dare to say I'm a traitor?"

Although Ma Chao took the initiative to attack, the two armies clashed in Shangdang.

Shangdang was a prefecture in Bingzhou, so Ma Chao accused Cao Cao of invading his borders.

There really isn't a single problem with it.

Cao Cao was furious and retorted:
"The Emperor appointed me as the Duke of Wei, and Shangdang was incorporated into the territory of Wei."

"When did it become part of your Bingzhou territory?"

Ma Chao spat and shouted sharply:

"You are the descendant of a eunuch, how dare you call yourself a 'sir'?"

So he brandished his spear, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao led his troops in a surprise attack.

Yu Jin went out to meet him, and encountered Ma Chao. The two horses clashed, and they fought for seven or eight rounds.

Yu Jin was unable to withstand the attack, and Cao Hong joined the battle.

Even after more than twenty rounds of fighting, it was still difficult to conceal Ma Chao's might.

Ma Chao, in a display of overwhelming power, led the Xiliang army in a fierce charge.

The Xiliang army had Pang De on the left and Ma Dai on the right.

Their attack was fierce, and none of their generals or officers could withstand it.

Ma Chao, Pang De, and Ma Dai led over a hundred cavalrymen straight into the central army to capture Cao Cao.

Amidst the chaos of battle, Cao Cao heard only the shouts of the Xiliang army:

"The one in the red robe is Cao Cao!"

Cao Cao hurriedly took off his red robe on his horse.

Then a loud shout was heard:
"The one with the long beard is Cao Cao!"

Cao Cao panicked, drew his sword, and cut off his long beard.

Then someone shouted:

"The man with the short beard is Cao Cao!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao immediately tore off a corner of his flag, wrapped it around the back of his neck, and fled.

The Wei soldiers were numerous, and seeing Cao Cao being chased, they all surrounded him.

Fearing he would be trapped in an encirclement and unable to escape, Ma Chao had no choice but to abandon Cao Cao and rejoin the Xiliang army behind him.

The Wei army suffered a defeat and hastily retreated to their camp.

Fortunately, Cao Ren held the fortified camp and prevented the loss of many soldiers.

However, Cao Cao was defeated by Ma Chao during the day, and was forced to cut off his beard and abandon his robe, leaving him in a sorry state.

This deeply humiliated Cao Cao, who said to the crowd:

"I cannot rest easy until the horse dies."

So he ordered his men to gather the defeated troops, hold their positions firmly, build deep trenches and high walls, and forbid them from engaging in battle.

Ma Chao led his troops to the camp every day to insult and challenge them to battle.

Cao Cao only ordered his soldiers to hold their ground and not to engage in battle, warning that anyone who moved would be executed.

All the generals said:

"The soldiers of Xiliang are skilled in using long spears."

“Tomorrow we will select skilled archers to meet the enemy with bows and crossbows, and we can defeat them.”

Cao Cao then said:

"Whether to fight or not is up to us, not the enemy."

"Even if the thief has a long spear, how can he easily stab him?"

The crowd then said that this stalemate couldn't continue.

Cao Cao said:

"Bingzhou is impoverished, and its people are exhausted."

“Ma Chao has raised a large army to confront us, and we cannot hold out for long.”

"When their food supplies run out, they will naturally retreat."

"When they retreat, I will take advantage of the situation to attack them."

"Then Ma Chao can be defeated, and Bingzhou can be recovered."

Therefore, everyone obeyed Cao Cao's orders and held their ground without fighting.

They wanted to slowly wear Ma Chao down.

Half a month passed in a row.

The Wei soldiers gradually realized something was wrong; logically, Ma Chao was the one attacking.

Their supply lines were longer than those of the Wei army.

Logically, they should have been in a position to win quickly and wouldn't have dared to engage in a prolonged stalemate with the Wei army.

Why is it that after half a month, the Xiliang soldiers are becoming more and more courageous and spirited?
The group reported the strange phenomenon they had discovered to Cao Cao, who was also surprised.

He immediately ordered someone to inquire where Ma Chao's grain supply came from.

I don't know if I don't ask, I'm startled when I ask.

The Zhen family caravan from Jizhou frequently traded with Bingzhou.

Within a month, more than a hundred trucks were involved in the trade.

Cao Cao was furious:
"I have fought Ma Chao for a long time without success, and now I know his weaknesses!"

“Li Yi, a treacherous villain, secretly sent the Zhen family, under the guise of merchants, from Zhongshan to Changshan, transporting 30,000 bushels of grain to Jinyang.”

"Furthermore, we will exchange Qingzhou salt and iron for Xiongnu warhorses to supply the enemy's troops!"

So he asked everyone what they should do now.

Cheng Yu offered a plan:
"Ma Chao's father, Ma Teng, is currently detained in Ye City."

“You may order Ma Teng to write a letter, demanding that Ma Chao surrender the city.”

“If we offer him a high position, Ma Chao will surely surrender.”

After all, whether one surrenders to Cao Cao or Liu Bei, one can still be granted a title of nobility.

With Ma Teng as a hostage, Cheng Yu didn't believe Ma Chao wouldn't surrender.

Cao Cao then followed Cheng Yu's advice and secretly ordered Ma Teng to write a letter.

Ma Teng was coerced and lured by Cao Cao, and now he is at Cao Cao's mercy.

Ma Teng dared not disobey and had no choice but to write the letter as ordered.

Cao Cao was overjoyed to receive the letter and immediately sent it to Ma Chao.

Ma Chao read the letter, which briefly stated:
"Chao'er is aware—"

"The elders have been captured and are on the verge of death. Lord Cao is merciful and has granted you the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry and the title of Marquis within the Passes."

"The Han dynasty is now in decline, and the Mandate of Heaven rests with Wei."

“You should quickly lay down your armor and return to the Ma family to preserve our bloodline.”

Upon hearing that Ma Teng had been imprisoned in Ye City, Ma Chao was filled with grief and indignation, and cursed Cao Cao as a shameless traitor.

However, Ma Chao was conflicted about surrendering.

Left with no other option, he had to summon Pang Tong for advice.

Ma Chao gripped his sword and roared:

"That traitor Cao insulted my father; this hatred is irreconcilable!"

"I intend to mobilize all the troops in Bingzhou, march straight to Yecheng, and rescue my father from danger."

"What does Mr. Fengchu think?"

Pang Tong shook his head and slowly fanned himself, saying:
"General, please be well. I have two questions for you."

"Which is more important, the general's father or the foundation of Bingzhou?"

"Even if we rescue Ma Gong, could we possibly withstand Cao Cao's entire army?"

Ma Chao fell silent.

This is why Li Yi arranged for Pang Tong to stay by Ma Chao's side.

It is said that Pang Tong was the most ruthless strategist in Shu Han, but that's only because Pang Tong died young.

All the strategies that Pang Tong offered to Liu Bei before his death were treacherous schemes.

He is a very cunning and ruthless person.

Moreover, being trained by Li Yi, he is even more ruthless and cruel.

Ma Chao happened to be a very ambitious person who valued military power highly.

"...What do you mean by that, sir?"

Ma Chao frowned, stared at Pang Tong's face, and asked in a deep voice.

Pang Tong simply sighed and said softly:
"I hope the general will not fail the great trust placed in him by the King of Qi."

King Qi?

Ma Chao was taken aback for a moment before realizing that he hadn't formally met Liu Bei yet.

"What did the King of Qi say?"

Ma Chao asked hurriedly.

(End of this chapter)