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

Cheng Gongying's words were sincere and heartfelt.

After hearing this, Cao Pi remained silent and pondered.

The seemingly contradictory choice between dignity and survival has put him in a dilemma.

Hu Zun, standing to the side, was also extremely nervous, muttering to himself:

“I, Hu Zun, will never leave my homeland… I must think of another plan…”

As he spoke, Hu Zun's gaze began to sweep across the map, his eyes revealing a sense of anxiety, as if he were trying to find a way to save them on this small map.

Suddenly, his gaze fixed on the three words "Zhang Beihe," as if struck by lightning, a flash of inspiration striking him.

"Your Majesty, I have come up with a plan that may allow Zhang Fei to annihilate the Han army!"

Hu Zun shouted excitedly:
"If this plan succeeds, we won't have to flee to the north and live under someone else's roof!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Pi was overjoyed and eagerly asked:

"What brilliant plan do you have? Tell me quickly!"

At this moment, Cao Pi seemed to have grasped at the last straw and was full of expectations for Hu Zun's plan.

Seeing this, Hu Zun quickly dismissed the people around him, then lowered his voice and explained his plan in detail.

Cheng Gongying listened quietly to Hu Zun, and after he finished speaking, he slowly shook his head:

"This plan of yours is one that Xiao He used before, in the battle of the Luan Bird. Have you forgotten it?"

"We suffered the same loss back then, and if we use it again now, wouldn't we be repeating the same mistake?"

Cheng Gongying's words were like a bucket of cold water, pouring it down on Cao Pi's newly ignited flame of hope and instantly bringing him to his senses.

The scene of the phoenix's crushing defeat slowly unfolded before my eyes.

At that time, they attempted to "plagiarize" Xiao He's strategy.

He naively believed that with this stolen plan, he could burn the phoenix and annihilate Zhang Fei's troops in one fell swoop, thus making an unparalleled contribution to Cao Wei.

Just when he thought victory was assured, Zhao Yun's cavalry descended like divine soldiers, storming into the battlefield with lightning speed.

The Cao Wei ambush troops were instantly thrown into chaos.

In this battle, Hu Zun's troops suffered heavy losses, with half of his soldiers killed in action.

The loss of these 10,000 troops was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Cao Wei.

It is precisely because of this lack of crucial troops that Cao Pi has fallen into his current predicament of being unable to move forward.

That devastating battle seems like it happened just yesterday.

Unexpectedly, just a few days later, Hu Zun brought up the old matter again, attempting to use Xiao He's strategy to deal with the Han army once more.

Upon hearing this, Cao Pi felt a surge of fear and hesitation.

The previous crushing defeat is still fresh in our minds, so how dare we try again so easily?

The atmosphere was solemn.

Hu Zun said with a sincere but somewhat helpless expression:

"Your Majesty, I truly have no better plan to help you turn the tide, but if Xiao He's plan succeeds, it will certainly be a good strategy."

"I believe this is our last chance, and it's worth a try. If Your Majesty doesn't want to be dependent on others, you have no choice but to take a gamble. Whether Xiao He can see through this plan depends on fate!"

His words conveyed both helplessness about the situation and a resolute determination to burn one's bridges.

Hu Zun admitted to "plagiarizing" Xiao He's strategy.

He made it clear that success or failure was entirely up to fate.

He wanted to entrust his own fate and that of Cao Wei to the elusive will of Heaven.

Cao Pi remained silent, his eyes revealing a deep struggle.

After a long while, he took a deep breath, as if gathering all his strength, and then Yi said:
"I will never submit to others until the very end! I do not believe that Heaven truly intends to destroy me, Cao Pi! I will use Xiao He's plan to deal with the Han army! Success or failure is up to fate!"

Hu Zun resolutely declared that he was willing to fight to the death with Cao Pi, as if he was prepared to perish together with the Han army.

Cheng Gongying had nothing to say, and could only let out a soft sigh.

...

Five days later, a great battle is about to begin seven miles south of Zhangbei City.

Fifty thousand Han troops, like a surging torrent, were marching along the main road toward Zhangbei City.

Under the guidance of the "Han" flag, the Han army was in high spirits.

After capturing Zhangye County, Zhang Fei and Xiao He barely rested for a moment.

The opportunity to strike is fleeting; we must press our advantage and pursue the enemy to completely annihilate Cao Wei.

So they led the Han army northward, advancing with unstoppable momentum.

Looking into the distance, a city comes into view.

The city stood in the distance, like a sturdy fortress, guarding the last line of defense for Cao Wei.

Ma Chao pointed his spear forward and shouted:

"Grand Marshal, General of the Flying Cavalry, the city on the north bank of the Zhangbei River ahead is Zhangbei City."

As a native of Liang, Ma Chao was very familiar with the topography of Liangzhou.

Xiao He glanced at the city a few times, then asked:

"Any updates from the scouts?"

"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, the scouts report that Cao Pi is fortifying the city day and night. Judging from the formation, Cao Pi intends to hold Zhangbei City."

Upon hearing Ma Chao's report, a hint of doubt flashed in Xiao He's eyes.

Cao Pi intends to defend Zhangbei City to the death?!
This was completely unexpected.

According to Xiao He's assessment, Cao Pi is now in dire straits, with only two paths left to take.

They could either flee westward to the Western Regions to seek a glimmer of hope;
They could either head north to Zhangbei and rely on Budugen to fight against the Han army.

These are the only two paths that might save his life.

Now this kid dares to defend Zhangbei City to the death, what does that mean?
Is he going to fight to the death for dignity and honor?
Xiao He couldn't help but feel suspicious.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei burst into laughter:

"Cao Pi does have some backbone, daring to fight to the death. Then I will grant his wish. Order the army to build rafts, cross the river immediately, and wipe out Zhang Beicheng!"

Once the order was given, the Han soldiers were quickly mobilized.

Fifty thousand men rushed to the south bank of the Zhangbei River and began to build rafts in preparation for a forced crossing of the Zhangbei River.

But when they arrived at the banks of the Zhangbei River, the soldiers couldn't help but laugh.

It turned out that the river was too shallow, with the water level not even reaching the knees, so there was no need for a raft.

Standing in the water, looking at the crystal-clear river, they couldn't help but feel a little amused.

"The water...is so shallow?"

Zhang Fei looked at Ma Chao, his eyes full of doubt.

Ma Chao said, "Liangzhou is often arid, and most rivers are not deep, so it's normal for the Zhangbei River to be shallow. But it's really strange that it's this shallow!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao He instantly became alert, his mind racing.

Zhang Fei, without giving it much thought, slapped his thigh and shouted:
"That saves us the trouble of building rafts. Pass down the order for the vanguard to cross the river immediately and set up camp on the north bank."

Zhang Fei's order was given, and the command was transmitted swiftly like a gust of wind.

Upon receiving the order, Zhang Bao, the commander of the vanguard, immediately led 8,000 infantrymen to slowly cross the river.

The water level of the Zhangbei River was knee-deep. The Han soldiers carefully made their way through the water, and in less than half an hour, they successfully reached the north bank of the Zhangbei River.

After Zhang Bao landed on the north bank, he immediately followed orders and commanded the troops crossing the river on the north bank to quickly cover the main force of the rear army crossing the river.

He stood on the riverbank, gazing at the opposite bank, and loudly commanded the remaining 30,000 troops to begin crossing the river in an orderly fashion. Squads of Han soldiers stepped into the river one after another, marching towards the opposite bank.

If all goes well, all the Han troops will be able to land before sunset, at which point they can set up camp on the north bank.

At this moment, on the south gate tower of Zhangbei City, the atmosphere was completely different.

Cao Pi stood with his hand on his sword, his eyes slightly narrowed as he looked down at the Han army crossing the river, a hint of smugness and cunning in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, the Han army is indeed crossing the river. It seems our plan has a chance today!"

Hu Zun shouted excitedly, his face beaming with excitement.

Upon hearing this, Cao Pi was delighted and said:

"Our Great Wei's fortune has indeed not run out. Heaven has blessed us! I, Cao Pi, will immediately light the beacon fire to send the signal!"

His voice carried a hint of ecstasy, as if he had already accepted victory in this battle.

As soon as the order was given, smoke billowed into the sky from the city tower, and black smoke filled the air.

Cao Pi's eyes were ferocious as he stared intently at the Han army crossing the river, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"Xiao He, you didn't expect me to use the same trick against you again, did you?"

He could almost see the Han army being swept away by the flood and routed.

On the banks of the Zhangbei River, 30,000 Han soldiers were focused on crossing the river and did not notice the smoke signals in the sky.

The billowing smoke spread wildly in the sky, but failed to attract the attention of most people.

"Grand Marshal, General of Chariots and Cavalry, there is beacon fire!"

Just then, Ding Feng suddenly noticed something unusual about the enemy city. His eyes widened, and he pointed to the sky and shouted.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei and Xiao He both looked up and gazed north.

Sure enough, several plumes of smoke rose from the city walls, standing out conspicuously against the blue sky.

"A few smoke signals, what's so strange about that?"

Zhang Fei frowned, dismissively saying, and continued urging his soldiers to cross the river, as if the smoke signals were just a trivial matter.

Zhang Fei was always decisive and didn't like to waste energy on such trivial matters. He was only focused on getting the army across the river as soon as possible.

But Zhang Fei didn't take it seriously, while Xiao He couldn't.

If it were only Cao Pi, then the beacon fire might not be a problem.

However, Cao Pi also had two wise men, Cheng Gongying and Hu Zun. These two were resourceful and cunning, and they would not easily let go of this opportunity.

This made him even more vigilant, lest he be tricked.

Staring at the three plumes of smoke, Xiao He's suspicions deepened, and he kept thinking about the traps that Cao Pi might have set.

"Cheng Gongying, Hu Zun, you two shouldn't have let Cao Pi hold out, so you must have come up with some kind of plan!"

Xiao He muttered to himself, continuing to stare at the smoke signals, trying to find a flaw.

Upstream of the Zhangbei River, a thousand Wei soldiers are hiding on the inner side of the riverbank.

Dai Ling shaded her eyes with her hand, constantly looking downstream towards Zhang Beicheng, her eyes filled with anxiety and anticipation.

Beneath his feet, a sandbar made of sandbags blocked the Zhangbei River.

Leave gaps between the sandbags to allow water to seep out slowly, eventually reducing the water level to half of its original level.

It was precisely because of this sandbar that the water level downstream only reached knee-high, creating the conditions for Cao Pi's plan.

"I wonder if Hu Zun's plan will succeed? I don't want to go to the grasslands with His Majesty."

Dai Ling muttered anxiously to herself.

Clearly, he both hoped the plan would succeed and bring glory to Cao Wei, and did not want to follow Cao Pi in fleeing Liangzhou and suffering in the northern frontier.

Suddenly, Dai Ling's eyes narrowed.

Downstream, smoke rises into the sky—that's a signal.

Dai Ling drew his sword and shouted, "His Majesty has given the order to immediately remove the sandbags!"

At the command, the Wei soldiers swarmed forward and overturned all the sandbags blocking the river.

The sandbar was demolished in the blink of an eye.

The water, which had been accumulating overnight, surged downstream like a wild horse.

This torrent carried the last hope of the Wei army as it rushed down, its momentum overwhelming wherever it went.

"The smoke signals have been raised, which means the Han army has fallen into the trap!"

Dai Ling excitedly muttered to herself:

"My flood will surely scatter the Han army! When that happens, the Han soldiers will be scattered and unable to withstand our attack."

"Our army will surely win a great victory, and then we won't have to flee Liangzhou!"

Downstream, on the south bank of the Zhangbei River, Xiao He was staring at the smoke signals, lost in thought.

His intuition told him that Cao Pi was definitely up to something, but he hadn't figured out what the trick was yet.

"Grand Marshal, General Mengqi just mentioned that the water level couldn't be this shallow. I feel there's something unusual about it."

Just then, Ma Su also sensed something was wrong. He walked over to Xiao He and whispered a reminder.

His words struck Xiao He like a bolt of lightning, instantly reminding him.

Xiao He looked at Zhang Beihe, then upstream, his gaze becoming increasingly sharp.

Suddenly, the fog cleared.

"Are you trying to steal my plan again?"

Xiao He sneered and said to Zhang Fei:

"Yide, immediately give orders to your son, instructing his vanguard to move away from the riverbank, and ordering the soldiers currently crossing the river to retreat back to the south bank, immediately!"

Zhang Fei was taken aback, and said blankly:
"Bowen, why did you retreat for no reason?"

He looked at Xiao He with a puzzled expression, not understanding why he would order a retreat at this crucial moment.

Xiao He said in a deep voice, "There's no time. You must immediately withdraw all your troops. Any later and the army will face annihilation!"

Zhang Fei trembled. He immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and shouted:

"Order the troops currently crossing the river to retreat to the south bank! Tell Zhang Bao to have his vanguard move away from the riverbank! Immediately!!"

The scout immediately rushed off.

The Han soldiers who were crossing the river were dumbfounded. They did not understand why they were suddenly being withdrawn, and their faces showed surprise and confusion.

Despite their doubts and resentment, under the absolute authority of military orders, they had no choice but to obey and follow orders unconditionally.

The generals shouted orders to their soldiers, then turned around without hesitation and sped off toward the south bank.

North shore.

Beneath the tranquility, however, turbulent undercurrents lurked.

Zhang Bao stood at the front of the formation, his face filled with bewilderment and confusion.

After a brief internal struggle and hesitation, Zhang Bao finally made a decision and issued an order requiring the vanguard soldiers to immediately move away from the riverbank area to prevent any unforeseen events.

However, this sudden turn of events plunged the 30,000 soldiers into chaos instantly.

There was nothing they could do; the army had been crossing the river at just the right time, and had already crossed halfway.

Suddenly, orders came from above to retreat.

As a result, so many people were stuck in the water in Zhangbei, unable to move forward or backward.

Seeing the retreat was slowing down, Zhang Bao grew anxious and immediately shouted:
"Everyone, listen up! No delay whatsoever! Retreat ashore immediately! Immediately!" (End of Chapter)