My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

Yang Fu spared no effort in persuading Cao Cao to abandon his current aggressive strategy.

However, this time he did not directly advise Cao Cao to abandon Yongzhou, but instead advised Cao Cao to give up the two strategic locations of Weikou and Tongguan.

Yang Fu did not further persuade him to abandon Chang'an and retreat to Liangzhou, a more remote and resource-scarce region.

After all, Chang'an was the capital of the Great Wei Dynasty, and it held great significance, which Cao Cao found difficult to relinquish.

Cao Cao would never give up easily unless absolutely necessary!
At this moment, Cao Cao's expression was unpredictable, as if a huge boulder was pressing on his heart.

He was once again caught in a deep dilemma, constantly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

Sima Yi, however, was extremely anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, restless and uneasy.

This is his last chance; if he fails to seize it, he fears he will face utter ruin.

After all, Cao Cao's patience had its limits.

Upon retreating to Chang'an, Cao Cao would undoubtedly execute him immediately to vent his anger.

This was not only because Cao Cao needed to vent his anger, but also because he needed a scapegoat to take the blame for the defeat in this war.

In Cao Cao's view, Sima Yi failed to accurately predict Xiao He's strategy, which led the Wei army into such a predicament, and he was naturally to blame.

Sima Yi was undoubtedly the most suitable scapegoat.

Sima Yi certainly didn't want to die.

Therefore, in order to survive, he had no choice but to make a last-ditch effort and desperately persuade Cao Cao to follow his advice, lead his army to defeat Zhang Fei, and turn the tide of the battle.

There was no other way but to take the risk!
"His Majesty!"

Sima Yi suddenly stood up, his expression righteous and awe-inspiring, and said with great passion:

"This time, I failed to see through Xiao He's plan to build a pontoon bridge. It was indeed my miscalculation. This was my negligence, and I have failed Your Majesty's trust and expectations."

"Your Majesty, whether you wish to kill me or torture me, I will have no complaints and am willing to accept my punishment to atone for my sins."

"But I still dare to speak out: whether we retreat to Chang'an or Liangzhou, it is a dead end, no different from sitting and waiting for death."

"Retreating only delays the inevitable death."

"Your Majesty, I truly do not wish to see the Great Wei Dynasty perish, which is why I risk my life to offer this advice. I beg Your Majesty not to give up this last hope. I implore Your Majesty to take a gamble; perhaps there is still a chance for a turnaround!"

"As long as we launch a surprise attack and catch Zhang Fei off guard, we can regain the initiative!"

"If I am defeated, I am willing to commit suicide to atone for my sins to Your Majesty!"

"I am willing to wager my head to prove my loyalty to Your Majesty and my commitment to the Great Wei!"

Yang Fu's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.

He never expected Sima Yi to be so reckless, even going so far as to sign a military pledge!

Jia Xu's expression also darkened.

Even Cao Cao was taken aback, never expecting Sima Yi to be so reckless with his life.

He never expected that Sima Yi would risk his life to remonstrate with him!

All eyes, filled with astonishment, were focused on Sima Yi.

Sima Yi actually made a military pledge, guaranteeing it with his own head; this was no joke!

He was risking his life to persuade Cao Cao to send troops to attack Zhang Fei in order to turn the tide of the war!
This determination moved everyone present.

At this point, Yang Fu was speechless and unable to refute Sima Yi's words.

There's nothing you can do; they're willing to risk their lives, but would you?
Faced with life and death, most people would choose to back down, and Yang Fu was no exception.

If you don't dare, then shut up and stop making sarcastic remarks to avoid offending people.

Cao Cao was a gambler by nature, and he gambled countless times throughout his life, experiencing many life-or-death situations.

From his initial uprising against Dong Zhuo to his later victory over Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu, he repeatedly turned danger into safety and achieved great success.

Sima Yi's impassioned remonstrance instantly ignited the gambling spirit in Cao Cao's blood, making him eager to take action.

"He's right. Not gambling is waiting to die, while gambling offers a glimmer of hope. So why shouldn't I gamble?"

Cao Cao clenched his fists, his anger gradually turning into a steely resolve. He understood that in the current situation, if he didn't gamble, only destruction awaited him.

After a long pause, Cao Cao took a deep breath, calmed himself, and pointed his cane forcefully at Sima Yi:

"Sima Yi, I will trust you one more time and give you another chance to make amends."

"This is your last chance. I hope you will cherish it and not disappoint me."

"I will personally lead the army to attack Zhang Fei now!"

"If you win, you will still be my chief advisor. I will appoint you to one of the Three Dukes to recognize your merit in advising me even at the cost of your life!"

"If you lose, bring me your head, and don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Military orders are absolute; you must be held accountable for your words today!"

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi breathed a sigh of relief and secretly rejoiced.

He gambled correctly, but Cao Cao's gambling instincts were still aroused, and he decided to make one last desperate attempt.

Sima Yi dared not show the slightest guilt or hesitation, and said resolutely:

"Your Majesty is deeply convinced that you are blessed by Heaven and will surely win this battle, saving our Great Wei from peril!"

"Your Majesty is wise and mighty, and with the elite troops of our Great Wei, we will surely defeat Zhang Fei and turn the tide of the battle."

"Your Majesty, I will remain here in this camp, awaiting your triumphant return."

"If anything were to happen, I would cut off my own head to repay Your Majesty's kindness and trust, without any complaints!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to give my life to prove my loyalty to you."

Having said all that, no one dared to object or obstruct the proceedings any further. They could only watch as the two gamblers, the emperor and his minister, set up this wager.

They all understood that the outcome of this gamble would determine the fate of the Great Wei Dynasty, and also their own life and death.

At this moment, all they could do was silently pray that Cao Cao would win.

Without further hesitation, Cao Cao immediately ordered the mobilization of 30,000 elite infantry and cavalry.

These 30,000 troops were the last elite force of the Great Wei.

Cao Cao had already gambled everything.

Therefore, Cao Cao personally led his army away from Weikou and headed straight for the upstream pontoon bridge along the south bank of the Wei River, intending to defeat Zhang Fei's army in one fell swoop.

Outside the camp gate.

Sima Yi and other ministers personally saw Cao Cao off as he led his army away, watching the vast procession gradually disappear into the distance.

A glimmer of hope appeared in the eyes of all the ministers.

After seeing Cao Cao off, Yang Fu, Jia Xu, and the others glanced at Sima Yi, shook their heads, sighed, and left.

"Sima Shizhong, why did you have to sign a military pledge? What if—"

Seeing that no one was around, Wang Ji, a trusted confidant, wanted to remind Sima Yi, but he stopped short of saying it directly.

The implication was that he was worried that if Cao Cao failed to defeat Zhang Fei, Sima Yi might really have to commit suicide to atone for his sins.

That would be totally not worth it.

"Boyu, are you willing to stand with me through thick and thin?"

Sima Yi suddenly asked this question, his words carrying a deeper meaning, seemingly testing Wang Ji's loyalty.

Wang Ji was taken aback, then quickly said:

"Sima Shizhong has been kind to me and has helped me in my time of need. I will obey Sima Shizhong's orders without question and will fight alongside him regardless of life or death!"

"If you, Sima Shizhong, have any orders, I will gladly die for you!"

Sima Yi nodded in satisfaction, glanced around to make sure no one was watching, and lowered his voice to say:

"Then you should take a group of trusted men and immediately rush back to Chang'an tonight to bring out my elder brother Sima Jin and my son Sima Zhao, and lead them to the Ziwu Valley to await our news!"

"Remember, be extremely careful and don't let anything slip!" (End of Chapter)