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

Chapter 351 Sun Quan: Hefei, I've arrived!
The study in the Prime Minister's residence was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense.

Li Yi sat at the table, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in his hands, but his gaze was fixed on Li Yan, who was standing below the hall.

Li Yan remained composed and unassuming, as if he had anticipated today's conversation.

"You've gone to so much trouble to come see me, so tell me your demands."

Li Yi spoke slowly, his tone flat, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Li Yan bowed deeply, then looked up, his gaze resolute:
"Your Excellency, I have heard that General Ma Chao has recovered three counties in Liangzhou for the court, but the court has yet to appoint a governor for Liangzhou."

"I, Li, am not very capable, but I am willing to volunteer myself to take on this important task!"

Li Yi put down the bamboo slips, raised his eyebrows slightly, and tapped the table lightly with his fingers, as if he was thinking.

"You are honest."

Li Yi said calmly, "However, the position of Governor of Liangzhou is no small matter, and the court has its own considerations."

What makes you think you're capable of doing this?

Li Yan was prepared and immediately replied:
"Liangzhou is located in a remote area, and many officials in the court are unwilling to take up the post."

"Those who are willing to go are mostly sons of powerful and wealthy families who want to use this opportunity to gain prestige and get promoted when they return to the capital in the future."

"However, Liangzhou is a strategically important border region, inhabited by Qiang and Hu peoples. If we are not careful, there could be further unrest."

"What the court needs is not a mediocre talent who can only talk big."

"But rather, he is someone who can govern a region and reconcile the relationship between the barbarians and the Han people."

The implication was that he was putting down all the high-ranking officials in the capital.

The saying "difficult to be familiar with, Li Yan is like a scathing blade" describes Li Yan as not only shrewd but also someone who desperately desires "progress".

When Zhuge Liang was alive, he repeatedly requested to establish his own government.

He even demanded that five counties be separated to form Bazhou, and that he be appointed as the governor of Bazhou.

Of course, Zhuge Liang rejected all of these impolite requests.

Thinking of this, Li Yi then spoke up to him, saying:

"You've got some nerve, daring to criticize high-ranking officials in the court."

"Who are you, an official from out of state, to comment on personnel transfers?"

Faced with Li Yi's reprimand, Li Yan's heart skipped a beat, but he observed that Li Yi did not fly into a rage.

If he is truly displeased, how could he tolerate me behaving so presumptuously here?

Therefore, Li Yan persisted in his opinion and mustered his courage to continue:

"It is not that Yan is making unwarranted comments about high-ranking officials in the court, but rather that he is thinking of the future of the Han Dynasty."

Li Yi nodded slightly, a hint of approval appearing in his eyes, but his tone remained calm:
"So, is this person you?"

Li Yan remained calm and composed, cupping his hands in greeting:

"Although I dare not compare myself to the Prime Minister, I believe I am better than many of those in the court who are merely armchair strategists."

Li Yi chuckled lightly, seemingly amused by his confidence, then pulled a document from the table, opened it, and said:
"I have seen your resume. You did indeed make great contributions in the defense of Jiangling back then."

"Liangzhou... really needs someone who can keep the situation under control."

Li Yi pondered for a moment, then finally nodded slowly:

"Alright, I'll give you that chance."

"However, the situation in Liangzhou is complex. If you take office, you must keep three points in mind—"

"First, we must not escalate the conflict between the Qiang and Han people."

"Secondly, one must not embezzle military pay."

"Third, any unusual activity must be reported to the imperial court immediately."

Li Yan was, after all, one of the only two ministers in history who were recognized by both Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang and who were entrusted with the care of Liu Bei's son.

Their abilities and methods are certainly remarkable.

His greatest strength was his ability in domestic affairs, and he can basically be considered the best person under Zhuge Liang in Shu Han.

In addition, Li Yan is also an infrastructure construction fanatic.

For example, when Zhuge Liang launched his Northern Expeditions, Li Yan always returned to Yong'an and built a large city there.

They built the Azure Dragon Gate and the White Tiger Gate.

In addition, the Tongtianshe Mountain in Jianwei County was excavated to connect the roads and bridges, saving the cost of crossing the three rivers.

The officials and people of Jianwei County were overjoyed.

Li Yan also built government offices and temples, and the city and its buildings were magnificent, making it a scenic spot in the prefecture.

Therefore, in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms game, Li Yan has the characteristic of "building cities".

Of course, Li Yan's fondness for construction is also related to his strong vanity.

Often, people build large houses to satisfy their own selfish desires.

Even so, until Liu Bei's death, he had a very good impression of Li Yan.

Li Yan did three things right.

The first thing is that when Li Yan was a local official, his political achievements were outstanding, and he was deeply loved by Liu Bei.

Liu Bei actually always greatly admired officials with outstanding local achievements.

What I hate most is the inaction of local officials.

The second matter was that Gao Ding, the Yi chieftain of Yuexi County, rebelled, and Li Yan went to quell the rebellion and succeeded.

There is another premise to this matter: Liu Bei once sent Ma Su there to serve as the governor.

Actually, the intention was to train Ma Su and temper the young man's character.

However, Ma Su felt that the place was too remote, and going there would be a waste of his youth.

So I kept putting it off.

It was this incident that made Liu Bei extremely disappointed in Ma Su.

This young man is considered to lack responsibility and accountability.
That's why he said to Zhuge Liang, "Ma Su's words are exaggerated; he should not be given important responsibilities."

On the other hand, what about Li Yan?
Both were remote prefectures in the southwest, but Liu Bei appointed Li Yan as the governor of Jianwei, and Li Yan went without hesitation.

No one said that going here meant there was no hope of ever getting ahead.

This also shows that Li Yan had far more political experience than Ma Su.

Why are you going against your boss?
If your boss tells you to go, then go. Are you really afraid that your boss will forget about you?

If you refuse to go, what will your superiors think?
Is it that my words don't work?

This brings us to the third thing Li Yan did right.

That is, he was the first among the local officials to realize that Liu Bei was only one step away from the throne after becoming the King of Hanzhong.

At this time, how could you, as a local official, not offer auspicious omens?
Auspicious omens are meant to legitimize those in power, proving their divine authority and divine mandate.

This will help them gain the support and trust of the people.

Therefore, Li Yan became the first local official to present auspicious omens to Chengdu.

When Liu Bei saw it,
Wow, this young man not only has outstanding local achievements, but he's also so sensible.

Not long after, Li Yan was transferred back to the central government and appointed as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

Li Yan bowed deeply:
"Your humble servant will keep in mind the Prime Minister's teachings and will certainly live up to the trust placed in him by the court!"

Li Yi waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.

At this moment, Zhen Mi emerged from behind the screen and said:
"The Prime Minister is quite generous, directly granting him the position of Governor of Liangzhou this time."

Li Yi said, "Someone has to take office eventually. Li Yan is a promising talent. It wouldn't hurt for him to go to Liangzhou to gain experience."

Zhen Mi chuckled:

"How could it be a hardship for those who lined up for miles outside the door to give gifts?"

Li Yi then said:

"I didn't ask them for gifts, so let them wait."

Some people may be curious about why Li Yan went through all that trouble.

He accepted all the gifts from everyone, made a fortune, and successfully obtained the position of Governor of Liangzhou.

Would the person delivering the gift outside the door be happy about it?

They were certainly not happy about it.

But the key point is that they can't blame anyone.

After all, they were the ones who took the initiative to give gifts to Li Yan, this shady intermediary.

Are you going to find Li Yi?
I didn't even let you in the door, who are you to come looking for trouble?
Are you going to find Li Yan?
He's about to take up his post in Liangzhou, and he has tens of thousands of troops under his command. Come and find him.

So everyone had no choice but to suffer in silence.

As night deepened, the imperial city of Luoyang was enveloped in tranquility.

The imperial guards, holding halberds, stood ready and bowed to make way for Prime Minister Li Yi as he approached under the moonlight.

"Your Excellency, His Majesty is already waiting in the inner palace."

The eunuch bowed and led the way, the palace lanterns casting swaying shadows under the corridor.

Inside the inner hall, Liu Bei was reading a scroll while putting on his robe. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Li Yi. He smiled and said:

"Ziyu's late-night visit to the palace must mean something important."

Li Yi bowed in greeting:

"It is my fault for disturbing Your Majesty's peaceful repose."

"However, I have already had someone recommend me for the position of Governor of Liangzhou, so I dare not delay."

Liu Bei put down the bamboo slips, gestured for a seat, and asked who it was.

Li Yi then recommended Li Yan to Liu Bei.

Li Yan?

Liu Bei stroked his beard:

"I have also heard of this young man's achievements in Jingzhou; he is diligent and pragmatic."

"But Liangzhou is bitterly cold, unlike the prosperous Luoyang and Jingzhou. Is he really willing to go there?"

Li Yi stroked his beard and chuckled:

"Your Majesty is wise. This young man is ambitious and wants to use Liangzhou to make a name for himself."

"Judging from his ambition, I believe he is not content with being merely the governor of a single prefecture."

"Oh?"

A glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. "Youthful impetuosity is not necessarily a bad thing."

"Although Liangzhou is remote, it is an important border town. Ma Chao has just pacified three counties and needs a capable minister to govern them."

Li Yi bowed his head:

"Your Majesty's decision is wise."

"In my opinion, Li Yan is good at mediating between various ethnic groups and is also knowledgeable in military affairs. He is capable of fulfilling this role."

The biggest problem in Liangzhou was actually mediating the conflicts between the Di and Qiang people and the Han people.

Since Li Yan in history was able to mediate the conflicts among the various Rong tribes in the southwest, he should also be able to mediate the conflicts between the Qiang and Di tribes in Liangzhou.

As we left the palace gates, the eastern sky was already turning a pale white.

Li Yi looked up at the sky, when he suddenly heard the eunuch behind him whisper:

"Your Excellency, Li Yan is waiting outside the palace."

Li Yi's lips curled up slightly:

"Tell him to come to the Prime Minister's residence to collect his official seal after the morning court session."

……

The Palace of the King of Wei, Chengdu.

As dusk settled, the candlelight flickered inside the hall.

Cao Cao sat high on his throne, holding a secret letter in his hand, his brows furrowed in deep thought.

Below the steps, civil and military officials stood solemnly, awaiting the king's command.

"My lords, I have recently received a letter."

“It was the various barbarian tribes of Jingnan who sent envoys to surrender, willing to become our internal allies, to jointly attack the Han army and seize the four commanderies of Jingnan.”

Cao Cao spoke slowly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "This is a golden opportunity, and I intend to seize it. What do you all think?"

For a long time, the Han-barbarian conflict has been a problem plaguing the border regions.

In fact, such border rebellions have always been recorded in historical books.

However, they were not really able to cause any real trouble, and historical records usually just write "So-and-so pacified" and then gloss over it.

History is ultimately written by the victors.

However, the reason for the large number of such rebellions was that the barbarians felt that the Han people had taken over their living space, but they were unwilling to integrate into the Han cultural sphere.

The Han people, by their very nature, discriminate against barbarians. They think it's good enough that you can live with me, how dare you talk to me about living space?

The Jingnan region was home to many ethnic minorities, making the problem the most severe.

They contacted Cao Cao not because they thought he could give them a fair deal.

Rather, they simply wanted to provoke infighting among the Han people so that they could seize the opportunity to declare independence.

But no matter what, this is an opportunity that cannot be missed.

After all, Jingnan was inconvenient to travel to, and the Han army stationed in each prefecture was no more than five thousand men.

If local barbarians cooperate, there is a great chance of seizing it.

As soon as Cao Cao finished speaking, a discussion broke out in the hall.

General Cao Ren stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said loudly:
"Your Majesty is wise! The Han army in Jingnan numbers only a few thousand, and their defenses are lax. If our army launches a surprise attack, we will surely take them in one fell swoop!"

"At that time, we will be able to control Jiaozhou in the south and threaten Jingzhou in the north. Liu Bei will surely be terrified!"

"Our chance to counterattack the Central Plains has arrived!"

Strategist Cheng Yu shook his head slightly and stepped forward to offer his advice:

"Your Majesty, although Jingnan is weak, Chen Yuanlong has the overall control of Jiangnan."

"This man is well-versed in military strategy. If he returns to reinforce our troops, I fear our army will find it difficult to achieve a swift victory."

"Furthermore, if Liu Bei sends a large army to rescue us, the war will be prolonged, which will be disadvantageous."

Cao Cao pondered in silence, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, and turned his gaze to Sima Yi, who had been standing silently.

"Zhongda, do you have a good plan?"

Sima Yi's lips curled slightly as he slowly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Your Majesty, Jingnan can be taken, but we need to leverage external forces."

"Oh?" Cao Cao's gaze sharpened. "How can we leverage their strength?"

Sima Yi calmly replied, "Although Chen Deng is in charge of Jingzhou, his main force is stationed in Huainan to guard against Sun Quan."

"If our army attacks Jingnan alone, Chen Deng will surely return to its aid."

"However—"

A glint of light flashed in his eyes. "If we first invite Sun Quan to join us in attacking Hefei, where the Han army is stationed, then Chen Deng will be preoccupied with the east and will have no time to provide assistance to the west."

"At that time, our army will take Jingnan as easily as taking candy from a baby!"

"Our army might as well invite Sun Quan to join us in attacking the State of Qi."

"Once our army has taken Jingnan, we will grant Guiyang and Changsha to Sun Quan."

"Firstly, to get him to send troops, and secondly, to get him to turn against Liu Bei."

"And I occupy Lingling and Wuling, guarding the vital passage to Jingnan."

"Then we can attack or defend, achieving two goals at once!"

Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table and rose to his feet, his heroic spirit rising within him:
"Excellent! We shall follow Zhongda's plan!"

He immediately ordered: "Send a secret envoy to Jiangdong immediately to arrange a joint attack on Hefei with Sun Quan!"

He also ordered Cao Ren and Li Dian to prepare troops and, as soon as Sun Quan made a move, to march south and take Jingnan.

The generals responded in unison, "We will obey Your Majesty's command!"

……

In Jiangdong, a light drizzle falls.

Sun Quan stood before the palace, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Suddenly a servant came to report:

"Your Majesty, an envoy from the State of Wei has arrived, saying that he has important matters to discuss."

Sun Quan's eyes flashed, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly:

"Oh? Cao Cao has sent an envoy? Summon him!"

Before long, the envoy from Wei entered the palace, bowed respectfully, and presented a secret letter.

Sun Quan opened the letter and read it carefully, a look of joy gradually appearing in his eyes.

"Cao Cao invited me to join him in attacking Hefei, promising me the two commanderies of Guiyang and Changsha after the victory..."

He slowly closed the letter, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials below. "What do you all think?"

Lü Fan stepped forward, bowed, and said:
"Your Majesty, this is a golden opportunity!"

"Hefei is the gateway to Huainan. If we capture it, the defense line north of the Yangtze River can be secured!"

"Moreover, Cao Cao is willing to give us the two commanderies of Jingnan, so our army can expand our territory without lifting a finger!"

"This is a good strategy to strengthen the nation's power."

Zhang Zhao, however, frowned and stepped forward to offer his advice:

"Your Majesty, Cao Cao is cunning and may be plotting something."

"If our army attacks Hefei, but Cao Cao's army does not take Jingnan, and instead causes us to become enemies with Liu Bei, wouldn't that be a loss outweighing the gain?"

Zhang Zhao was considered a conservative in the country.

Now everyone knows that after Liu Bei became emperor, he would eventually eliminate these "rebels".

Now it remains to be seen who Liu Bei will eliminate first.

If a war were to break out, the ministers of Wu would certainly hope that Liu Bei would attack Shu first.

Therefore, they all hoped to avoid direct border conflicts with the Han army as much as possible.

Sun Quan was still pondering when he suddenly heard a clear laugh coming from outside the palace.

"Your Majesty, do not worry, I have a plan that can guarantee your safety!"

Everyone turned around and saw Lu Xun, dressed in a green robe, slowly enter and bow with his hands clasped in greeting.

Sun Quan exclaimed with delight, "Boyan, what brilliant plan do you have? Tell me quickly!"

Lu Xun smiled slightly and said:
"Now Liu Bei has ordered Zhu Guang, the Prefect of Lujiang, to garrison troops in Wancheng, open up rice paddies, and send grain to Hefei to replenish the army's supplies."

"If our army takes Wancheng first and cuts off its supply lines, Hefei will fall into chaos without a fight."

"At that time, we will join forces with Cao Cao's army to attack from both the east and the west, and Hefei will surely fall!"

Sun Quan clapped his hands and laughed: "Boyan's plan is exactly what I wanted!"

He slammed his fist on the table and stood up, "Issue the order! Immediately assemble the army, take Wancheng first, then attack Hefei!" Sun Quan had always wanted Huainan, but dared not attack Chen Deng alone.

Now Cao Cao has offered to help contain the main force of the Han army.

Sun Quan, of course, would not let this opportunity pass him by.

Therefore, Sun Quan showed a remarkably decisive attitude in the face of the olive branch extended by the State of Wei.

They mobilized troops without hesitation.

Outside Moling City, war drums thundered.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and armored soldiers stood like a forest.

Sun Quan, dressed in military attire and with a sword at his waist, stood on a high platform, his eyes piercing.

Below the steps, a host of generals, including Ling Tong, Chen Wu, He Qi, Dong Xi, Pan Zhang, Huang Gai, and Han Dang, stood solemnly awaiting orders.

"Ling Tong, Chen Wu!" Sun Quan shouted in a deep voice.

The two men stepped forward, clasped their hands in greeting, and replied, "Your subordinates are here!"

"I hereby appoint you two as vanguards, leading 5,000 elite troops straight to Wancheng!"

"Here!"

"Dong Xi and Pan Zhang!"

"The general is here!"

"I hereby order the two of you to join forces and lead the army to provide support, in order to prevent the Han army from launching a surprise attack!"

"Here!"

"Huang Gai, Han Dang!"

"The general is here!"

"Following me, commanding the central army, we march straight towards Hefei!"

"Here!"

The three armies shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

Sun Quan drew his sword and pointed it to the sky, his heroic spirit soaring to the heavens:
"In this battle, we must take Huainan!"

The Wu army roared in unison:
"We must win! We must win!"

Under Sun Quan's military mobilization, Jiangdong, which had been conserving its strength for many years, went into full swing.

Military mobilizations began in various counties.

Large quantities of military supplies, provisions, warships, and laborers were sent to the front lines.

More than 100,000 people were mobilized!
Just as Sun Quan mobilized the entire nation, Cao Cao immediately responded.

He kept his promise, reorganized the army, and personally led an expedition to Jingnan.

He also sent people to contact the various barbarian tribes in Jingnan and agreed to launch a joint uprising.

Jingnan, Lingling County.

As night deepened, the bonfires of the barbarian tribes illuminated half the sky.

The barbarian chieftain, holding a long sword, stood on high ground and shouted loudly at his gathered people:
"The Han people have oppressed us for many years. Today, King Cao Cao of Wei is personally leading the expedition. This is the time for us to turn the tables!"

"Kill Han officials and seize cities."

"kill--!"

The barbarian soldiers roared, their voices echoing through the mountains and forests.

That night, rebellions broke out simultaneously in the four prefectures of Lingling, Guiyang, Wuling, and Changsha.

The barbarian soldiers stormed the county government office, killed Han officials, and burned down the treasury.

The four prefectures of Jingnan were instantly engulfed in blood and fire.

News of the large-scale rebellion that broke out in southern Jingzhou quickly reached Jiangling in northern Jingzhou.

Ma Liang and Yi Ji reported the matter to Chen Deng in Huainan overnight.

When Chen Deng received news of the rebellion in Jingnan, he was reviewing military affairs.

Because he had already learned in advance that Sun Quan was preparing to attack Huainan.

Upon hearing the news of the rebellion in Jingnan and Cao Cao's personal expedition to Jingzhou, his expression changed drastically, and he slammed his fist on the table, saying:

"Wu and Wei have conspired to make it difficult for me to defend myself from both sides!"

So they gathered their generals to discuss the matter.

The generals from Huainan quickly gathered, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Xu Sheng clasped his hands in greeting first:
"General, Sun Quan is personally leading the expedition, and his army is at its strongest. If we do not retreat quickly, Huainan will be in danger!"

"First, we must defeat the Wu army, then we can rescue Jingnan!"

Gan Ning slammed his fist on the table and agreed:

"General Xu is absolutely right! If Sun Quan captures Hefei, the gateway to the north of the Yangtze River will be wide open."

"By then, it will be too late to save Jingnan!"

Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin also volunteered for the battle:

"This humble general is willing to be the vanguard and will surely defeat the Wu army!"

Chen Deng's gaze was calm as he slowly shook his head.

"I am well aware of the bravery and valor of the generals."

"Although Sun Quan attacked Huainan, it was only to contain our army."

"The real threat is Cao Cao!"

All the generals were astonished.

Chen Deng stood up, pointed to the map, and said in a deep voice:
"If Jingnan is lost, Jingzhou will be attacked from both sides, and our lord's foundation will be in danger!"

"Huainan is a city with high walls and deep moats, and has ample food supplies. Even if Sun Quan attacks, it can still hold out."

"The barbarian tribes in Jingnan have rebelled, and the four prefectures are without a ruler. If this is not quelled quickly, it will surely become a great calamity!"

Gan Ning said urgently:

"But what if Huainan is lost and the court holds us accountable? What will we do then?"

Chen Deng smiled calmly:
"I have already submitted a memorial to the court, explaining the danger of the allied forces of Wu and Wei attacking us."

"Your Majesty is wise and surely knows what is important."

Therefore, Chen Deng overruled the objections of others and decided to prioritize the rescue of Jingzhou.

However, the defense of Huainan should not be ignored.

Chen Deng surveyed his generals and resolutely declared:

"I, the Governor, will personally lead 20,000 elite troops to reinforce Jingnan!"

"Gan Ning and Zhou Tai, listen to my command!"

"The general is here!"

"I hereby order you two to command the land and naval forces of Huainan, and to defend Shouchun and Hefei to the death. You must not allow Sun Quan to advance an inch!"

"As ordered!"

"Xu Sheng, Jiang Qin!"

"The general is here!"

"Follow me south to pacify Jingnan!"

"Here!"

That night, Chen Deng led his troops away from Shouchun and traveled day and night towards Xiangyang.

The Huainan defense line was then entrusted to Gan Ning and Zhou Tai for defense.

Inside the Chongde Hall of the Southern Palace in Luoyang.

Liu Bei held Chen Deng's urgent dispatch letter, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force he exerted.

The civil and military officials stood in rows, all holding their breath in anticipation.

"Chen Yuanlong reports urgently: Wu and Wei have conspired to attack. Three counties in Jingnan have already been lost, and Huainan is in dire need of help!"

Liu Bei slammed the letter down on the table, his voice booming like thunder, "What do you all think we should do?"

Guan Yu opened his phoenix eyes wide, stepped forward, and clasped his hands in a fist salute:

"Your Majesty! The cowards of Eastern Wu have repeatedly broken their alliance."

"Your Majesty, I request to lead 50,000 elite troops south, first to defend Hefei, then cross the Yangtze River and take Moling directly!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole palace was in an uproar.

Lu Su hurriedly stepped in to dissuade him:
"Hey! No way!"

"General Guan is indeed brave and fierce, but the war to destroy a country is no small matter."

"The war in Yongliang has just ended this year, and the treasury is not yet full, so it is not advisable to launch a major war."

Pang Tong echoed:

"General Guan, Sun Quan has ruled Jiangdong for three generations."

"Now we have 100,000 armored soldiers and 1,000 ships."

"Even if our army marches south, the outcome is still uncertain."

Xun You also offered advice:
"The grain was transported from Luoyang to Jiangdong, a journey of a thousand miles, with a yield of one in ten units."

"With Li Xiang's new policies just being implemented, if a large army is suddenly mobilized, it may cause unrest among the people."

"I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Clearly, everyone agreed that the country had only recently regained stability and did not yet possess the strength to launch a war of annihilation.

Moreover, the manpower, supplies, and provisions required to march south from the Central Plains would be astronomical.

Li Yi also devoted himself to national reform, which cost a great deal of money.

In these turbulent times, it's best to avoid causing trouble.

Upon hearing this, Li Yi looked up, his blue robe and jade belt swaying slightly, but ultimately he remained silent.

Liu Bei's gaze swept over the crowd, and he said in a deep voice:

"Even so, Huainan cannot be left unrestrained."

"Gentlemen, which general do you think should be sent?"

Li Yi slowly stepped forward, holding his tablet, and offered his advice:
"Former General Zhang Liao is currently stationed in Yingchuan."

"His troops are only three days' journey from Huainan, so we can order them to rush to his aid overnight."

Liu Bei agreed and immediately issued an edict ordering Zhang Liao to rush to Huainan to provide relief overnight.

When Zhang Liao received Liu Bei's edict, he prepared to send troops to provide assistance.

The advisors on either side said:
"Sun Quan's attack is fierce; we need at least 10,000 elite troops to fight him!"

Zhang Liao shook his head and said in a deep voice:
"Speed ​​is of the essence in war! If we wait until the army is fully assembled before slowly advancing south, Hefei may have already fallen!"

"So, what does the general mean...?"

Zhang Liao suddenly stood up, his gaze resolute:
"I will personally lead eight hundred elite troops, lightly equipped and swiftly, to rush to their aid under the cover of night!"

"The main force will follow!"

The generals were all shocked upon hearing this.

"Eight hundred men?!" the lieutenant exclaimed anxiously. "General, I've heard that Sun Quan has personally led an army of at least one hundred thousand this time. How can eight hundred men possibly stand against him?!"

Zhang Liao smiled coldly: "It's not about the quantity of soldiers, but their quality! Eight hundred elite troops are enough to intimidate the Wu army!"

So they mustered eight hundred elite troops and set off for Huainan day and night.

The remaining army advanced slowly.

In the fifth month of summer in the fourth year of Zhangwu (1268).

A thousand warships from Jiangdong came, covering the river.

Sun Quan personally led a large army across the river, with banners obscuring the sun and drums thundering through the sky.

Wu Jun's vanguard, led by Commander Ling, marched straight to He County, where the county officials surrendered without resistance.

Zhu Guang, the prefect of Wancheng, climbed the city wall and looked out over the river. He saw boats on the river as numerous as ants and immediately summoned his generals to discuss matters.

The registrar advised:
"Wu's army is too powerful; it would be better to surrender soon."

Zhu Guang slammed his fist on the table and roared:

"I have received great favors from the Han Dynasty; how can I kneel and serve a traitor!"

He then executed the chief clerk to demonstrate his resolve.

On one hand, he sent a fast horse to Hefei to ask for help, and on the other hand, he ordered his soldiers to prepare more rolling logs and stones to hold their ground and wait for reinforcements.

Sun Quan personally went to the city to observe the battle, when suddenly a clapper sounded from the city wall, and arrows rained down like locusts.

The guards on either side quickly raised their shields to protect him, and an arrow struck Sun Quan's banner squarely.

Quan was so startled that he retreated several miles and returned to his stronghold to gather his men and ask for their advice.

Dong Xi stepped forward and said:
“Wancheng is well-fortified; we can build an earthen mound to surround it and attack from the high ground.”

Strategist Lü Fan offered a plan:
"Why not build a cloud ladder and rainbow bridge to overlook the city's realities and illusions?"

Lu Xun stroked his long beard and said:
"Although the two men's plan is good, it takes a long time."

"The reinforcements from Hefei will arrive soon; we should seize the opportunity and launch a swift attack."

"Advance at dawn tomorrow, and we will surely break through by noon."

Sun Quan clapped his hands in approval:

"Boyan's plan is the most appropriate. If we want to take Hefei, we should fight a quick battle and finish the job quickly."

"If we cannot take the city for a long time, it would be better to retreat and return to Jiangdong."

The army was ordered to rest early, and the decisive battle was to be fought the next day.

The next day at dawn, before the smoke from the cooking fires had even cleared, the war drums had already sounded.

Wu's army attacked the city in three routes, and arrows and stones rained down from the city walls.

With a shield in his left hand and an iron chain in his right, Chen Wu braved arrows and stones to scale the city wall.

Zhu Guang ordered the archers to fire in unison, the arrows raining down like a sudden storm.

Suddenly, a red shadow flashed by, and Ling Tong leaped onto the battlement, deflecting the arrows with his silver spear.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chen Wu swung out the iron chain, which struck Zhu Guang squarely in the chest.

Zhu Guang coughed up blood, yet still shouted:
"As a subject of the Han dynasty, I should die for my country..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ling Tong fired another shot, and Zhu Guang fell to the ground, dead.

Lu Xun personally beat the drums below the city, greatly boosting the morale of the Wu army.

Veteran general Huang Gai led his elite troops to scale the city walls using ladders. Upon seeing that their commander was dead, the defenders of Wancheng abandoned their weapons.

Before the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) had ended, Wu flags had already been planted on the city tower.

Meanwhile, Zhang Liao led eight hundred cavalry to provide reinforcements. Halfway there, a scout rushed to report:

"Wan City has fallen!"

Zhang Liao reined in his horse and pondered, "The Wu army broke through the city so quickly; they must have come out in full force."

"Hefei is vulnerable; we should return to defend it immediately."

He then ordered the entire army to turn back and return to Hefei to discuss the matter further.

Sun Quan entered the city to reassure the people, and seeing the streets solemn and quiet, he sighed:
"Although Zhu Guang was an enemy, he was also a loyal minister."

He was ordered to be given a grand funeral.

Suddenly, a messenger arrived:

"Zhang Liao's reinforcements have retreated."

Ling Tong advised:

"Should we press our advantage?"

Lu Xun shook his head, "Now that we have won, we should first secure Wancheng."

Sun Quan followed his advice and stationed a large army in Wancheng as a base for his advance.

Wu's army entered Wancheng in full force, capturing tens of thousands of men and women.

Sun Quan ordered Cheng Pu to lead an army to escort the men and women across the river and send them back to Jiangdong.

With the fall of Wancheng, the morale of the Wu army was high.

All the generals were eager to press their advantage and advance.

The army will rest for a day.

Sun Quan then discussed the next steps for advancing troops.

"Your Majesty, Hefei is an important town in Huainan."

"If we do not seize it quickly, it will be difficult to defeat it once the Han army's reinforcements arrive in force!"

Ling Tong clasped his hands in a fist and volunteered for battle, saying, "This humble general is willing to lead elite troops as the vanguard and take Hefei directly!"

Lu Xun also stepped forward and said:
"Chen Deng took a large number of Huainan troops to rescue Jingzhou, leaving few troops defending Hefei."

"Our army has just won a victory and its morale is high."

"If we seize the opportunity to advance, we can take it all in one fell swoop!"

Sun Quan pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the generals, and slowly said:
"Boyan is absolutely right."

"However, since Wancheng is newly annexed, the people's hearts are not yet settled, and a general needs to be left to guard it."

He looked at Lu Xun and said, "Boyan, you have always been good at treating soldiers and civilians, so I will leave this city to you to guard."

Lu Xun was taken aback and was about to offer further advice, but Sun Quan raised his hand to stop him and resolutely said:
"The Battle of Hefei, I shall personally lead the expedition!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals fell into a solemn silence.

Lü Fan stepped forward and said in a deep voice:
"Since our lord is personally leading the expedition, we will fight to the death!"

"However, Zhang Liao is a famous general of our time, and we should not underestimate him."

Sun Quan laughed loudly:

"Sir, you are overthinking it!"

"Zhang Liao may be brave, but he is nothing more than a warrior."

"With my 100,000 troops pressing in, what is there to fear?"

Therefore, the order was given:

"Ling Tong and Chen Wu will lead 10,000 troops as the vanguard and advance first!"

"Huang Gai and Han Dang will lead the central army and accompany me on this campaign!"

"Lu Xun will remain in Wancheng to pacify the people and oversee the transport of grain!"

The generals responded in unison, "We will obey Your Majesty's command!"

Hefei, only I can take it.

Sun Quan looked north, his eyes narrowing.

(End of this chapter)