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

At that time, Liu Zhang was immersed in a strange sense of relief.

However, a rapid and heavy thud of hooves, like rolling thunder, approached from afar, instantly shattering the peace.

Two magnificent horses galloped towards the south gate at breakneck speed. The figures on their backs gradually became clearer in the swirling dust, revealing Wu Yi and Huang Quan.

The two of them looked hurried, their brows furrowed with anxiety and worry.

It turns out that Zhang Song knew Wu Yi and Huang Quan were very likely to oppose his plan.

In order to successfully deceive Liu Zhang and ensure the success of his plan, he deliberately avoided the two of them.

He was eloquent and persuasive, and persuaded Liu Zhang to make a hasty decision without giving it sufficient consideration.

It wasn't until Zhang Song left on his mission that Huang Quan and Wu Yi learned of the news from snippets of conversation from others.

They were extremely anxious, knowing that this matter concerned the life and death of the Shu region, and dared not delay for a moment, so they hurriedly rode their horses over.

"King of Shu, why did you send Zhang Song to welcome Wei Yan?"

As soon as Wu Yi dismounted, he forgot to bow and asked Liu Zhang a question as if he were questioning a decision that might push Shu into an abyss.

Liu Zhang frowned, a look of displeasure on his face, and said coldly:

"Is there a problem? Do I need to ask for your consent? As the ruler of Shu, I have the right to make my own decisions!"

Wu Yi was speechless for a moment after being choked by Liu Zhang's words. He opened his mouth but did not know how to respond, and his heart was full of grievances.

"King of Shu, General Wu did not mean that."

Seeing this, Huang Quan quickly stepped forward and said earnestly:
"We believe that inviting the Han army into Shu is like inviting a wolf into the house. Liu Bei has already destroyed countless warlords and has now declared himself emperor. His ambition must be to unify the world."

How could he allow you to peacefully occupy this corner of Shu?

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhang was startled, and his expression turned solemn, as if a shadow had fallen over his heart.

Seeing that Liu Zhang was moved, Wu Yi quickly added:
"If Wei Yan leads his army to easily cross the natural barrier and enter Baiguan City, it would be equivalent to entering the heart of Shu."

"Baiguan City is the vital passage to Shu. Once it falls, Chengdu will be defenseless. If he suddenly changes his mind and attacks Chengdu directly, how will we defend ourselves?"

"At that time, Chengdu will be in imminent danger, and the people of Shu will be plunged into misery. Rivers of blood and widespread suffering will be inevitable!"

Liu Zhang felt a chill run down his spine and couldn't help but shiver.

He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head:
"I think your worries are unnecessary. Zhang Yongnian went to Jingzhou in person to find out Wei Yan's intentions."

"He has promised Wei Yan that his entry into Shu is merely a means to attack Jiaozhou, and he has no other intentions. Your suspicions are truly those of petty people. I have always trusted Zhang Yongnian, and he would never deceive me."

Huang Quan and Wu Yi felt deeply aggrieved upon hearing this.

They were wholeheartedly concerned for the Shu region and offered loyal advice, but Liu Zhang not only ignored their suggestions but also mocked them, which made them feel extremely disheartened.

"King of Shu, even if the Han emperor does indeed want to use this route to attack Jiaozhou, who knows if he might change his mind and try to seize the land of Shu after entering it?"

"Human hearts are unpredictable. Things in this world are often unpredictable. We must be on guard. How could Liu Bei's ambitions be satisfied with just Jiaozhou?"

Huang Quan continued to offer his advice, speaking earnestly in an attempt to persuade Liu Zhang to change his mind.

Wu Yi also nodded in agreement:
"It will be too late if Wei Yan suddenly launches an attack. King of Shu, please think carefully! Once war breaks out, it will be the millions of people in Shu who will suffer. We must not be careless."

"We cannot allow the Shu region to fall into an irrecoverable state because of a moment's negligence."

Liu Zhang found the two men's advice reasonable and well-founded, and a few more guesses arose in his mind.

Having ruled the Shu region for many years, he naturally understood the wickedness of human nature and the unpredictability of life.

The possibility that Wei Yan might suddenly launch an attack and seize Shu territory cannot be ruled out.

However, that suspicion was fleeting. Liu Zhang dismissed it, saying:

"I still think you are overthinking things. Wei Yan entered Shu with 60,000 troops, and the food and fodder needed by these troops will all be supplied by our army."

"Moreover, all the strategic passes and fortresses in Shu are in my hands. If he breaks his promise and tries to seize Shu, how could he possibly have a chance?"

"I believe that Wei Yan will not dare to act rashly."

Liu Zhang said confidently, firmly believing that even if Wei Yan wanted to seize Shu, he would not have enough conditions or opportunities.

Huang Quan and Wu Yi wanted to refute again, attempting to further persuade Liu Zhang.

But Liu Zhang waved his hand and said resolutely:

"Alright, all of you need not say any more. My mind is made up. I trust Zhang Yongnian's judgment, and I also trust that the Emperor, who shares the same surname as me, will not lay a hand on me!"

"This matter is settled and there is no need for further discussion."

Liu Zhang's decision was made, as firm as iron, and there was no turning back.

Wu Yi shook his head helplessly, slowly closed his mouth, his eyes filled with disappointment and helplessness.

Huang Quan's eyes flickered, and he secretly pondered that since he could not stop Liu Zhang from welcoming Wei Yan into Shu, he could only settle for second best and try his best to take preventative measures.

So he cupped his hands and said:
"Even if the King of Shu wants to welcome Wei Yan into Shu, he cannot let his guard down. The King of Shu can send a loyal general to Baiguan City to guard against Wei Yan's evil intentions."

"Baiguan City is an important town in Shu, with an extremely important strategic location. If we can defend this city well, even if Wei Yan causes trouble, Shu will not easily fall."

After listening, Liu Zhang pondered for a moment and felt that Huang Quan's words made sense, so he said:
"Then let us choose a loyal man to guard Baiguan Pass. Who do you think is suitable?"

Wu Yi and Huang Quan exchanged a glance. They knew in their hearts that they bore the heavy responsibility of protecting the Shu region and could not act rashly.

Otherwise, if something happens in Chengdu, no one will be able to stabilize the situation.

So, the two exchanged glances and already had a suitable candidate in mind.

"Your Majesty, Yang Huai is loyal and upright, and his loyalty to Your Majesty is unwavering. We believe that sending him to guard Baiguan City is the most suitable course of action."

The two recommended it in unison.

Liu Zhang granted their request and immediately ordered Yang Huai to be transferred to Baiguan to guard the city.

Wu Yi and Huang Quan breathed a sigh of relief, as if a huge weight had been lifted from their hearts.

They secretly swore in their hearts:
"Liu Bei, with the two of us here, we will never let you swallow up the Shu region."

...

In Jingzhou, thousands of miles away, the tranquility of the naval camp was broken by a series of low bugle calls.

Inside the Jiangling naval camp, banners fluttered in the wind, and even before the war drums sounded, a chilling atmosphere permeated the air.

Wei Yan and Xiao He gathered on the pier, their eyes fixed on the river.

A gentle breeze from the river brought a touch of coolness, but it couldn't dispel the anticipation on everyone's faces.

Several warships, riding the wind and waves, slowly sailed into the Jiangling naval camp and finally docked.

On the boat, a scholar-like man, dressed in a blue robe, walked lightly down the pier first.

Xiao He recognized him at a glance; it was Zhang Song who had returned.

"Yongnian, you've finally come again." Xiao
He quickly stepped forward, grasped Zhang Song's hand, his eyes filled with the joy of reunion.

"Brother Zhang, you must be tired from your journey."

Wei Yan also stepped forward with a smile, his voice loud and clear, and said:
"I have prepared a small feast to welcome you, wash away the dust of your journey, and reminisce about the past."

Thus, led by Xiao He and Wei Yan, Zhang Song entered the city.

After entering the city, the group went straight to the mansion.

Inside the mansion, a sumptuous banquet had already been set out, with delicious food and fragrant aromas filling the air.

Xiao He and Wei Yan took turns offering drinks and comforting Liu Bei to this distinguished guest who had come from afar.

Under the influence of alcohol, Zhang Song's spirits rose higher and higher. After a few drinks, he stood up, faced the direction of Xuchang, and bowed deeply.

"Your subject Zhang Song has finally met a wise ruler!" "Your subject will go through fire and water for the Emperor, assisting the Grand Marshal in recovering the Shu region and working together to achieve great things!"

Wei Yan and Xiao He exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly.

"Yongnian, what are your best strategies for conquering Shu this time?"

Xiao He put down his wine cup and changed the subject, returning to the important matter of conquering Shu.

After all, his ultimate goal was to help Liu Bei conquer Shu and realize his ambition of unifying the world.

"In my opinion, the biggest obstacle for General Wei in taking Shu is Yang Huai!"

Without hesitation, Zhang Song went straight to the point.

Upon hearing this, Wei Yan put down his wine cup and focused his gaze on Zhang Song.

Zhang Song slowly unfurled a map of Sichuan, pointed to Baiguan City, and began to explain:

"When the Han army enters Shu, it must pass through the natural barriers of the gorges, which is the first major obstacle. Now that Liu Zhang is welcoming our army into the city, our army will surely be able to pass through the gorges smoothly."

"However, if we want to truly conquer Shu, we must first capture Baiguan City. Otherwise, our army's supplies will be cut off by Baiguan City, and we will be in trouble."

Xiao He nodded slightly, secretly praising Zhang Song's analysis as being in complete agreement with his own.

"The original commander of Baiguan City was mediocre and not worth fearing, but Huang Quan and Wu Yi were wary and had recommended Yang Huai to guard Baiguan."

"This man is loyal, steady, and resourceful, a true threat to our army. I believe the key to this battle lies in how to deal with Yang Huai and capture Baiguan City!"

Zhang Song continued his analysis.

Upon hearing Zhang Song's words, Wei Yan closed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought.

Xiao He's original plan was to have Liu Zhang allow his army to pass through the gorges smoothly, and then capture Baiguan City.

The problem now is that although they can pass through the gorges smoothly, the garrison commander of Baiguan City has been replaced by Yang Huai, a troublesome character.

So, how can we take Baiguan City by surprise?

"Grand Marshal, I did not expect Liu Zhang to still be wary, and actually sent Yang Huai to guard Baiguan."

Wei Yan sought advice from Xiao He.

Xiao He already had a plan in mind, but he didn't rush to reveal it. Instead, he turned his attention to Deng Ai.

"Shizai, do you have a good plan?"

He wanted to give Deng Ai a chance to showcase his talent.

After pondering for a moment, Deng Ai cupped his hands and said:
"Grand Marshal, General Wei, if we want to take Baiguan City, a direct assault is clearly not the way to go. I believe that a clever strategy is the best course of action..."

As he spoke, Deng Ai lowered his voice and began to explain his plan in detail.

Upon hearing this, Wei Yan's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in praise:
"Shi Zai's plan is ingenious! It is truly a superior strategy!"

Wei Yan's praise surprised Zhang Song as well.

"General Deng is so young, yet he came up with such a brilliant plan. He is truly a promising young man."

Zhang Song remarked with emotion:
"Under the Emperor's command, extraordinary talents abound. No wonder all the feudal lords under heaven have been defeated by the Emperor. It seems that our decision to offer the Shu region to the Emperor was the right one."

Zhang Song was secretly shocked.

Xiao nodded in satisfaction.

The plan Deng Ai proposed coincided with his own, and even exceeded his expectations in some details.

"Yongnian, what do you think of Shizai's plan?"

Xiao He turned to Zhang Song.

After all, the most crucial implementer of this plan was Zhang Song.

Zhang Song suppressed his emotions, cupped his hands, and said:

"Grand Marshal, General Wei, this is the best strategy to capture Baiguan. I am willing to implement this plan, to share the Emperor's burdens, and to serve the great cause with utmost loyalty!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao He nodded to Wei Yan.

Wei Yan raised his cup and laughed:

"Come, let's drink until we drop today! Tomorrow, our army will march west, pass through the gorges, capture Baiguan Pass, and together we will achieve great things!"

The next day.

Wei Yan decisively ordered the Han army to advance westward up the Yangtze River, marching in a mighty force towards Shu.

At the same time, Zhang Song, holding the order of the King of Shu personally bestowed by Liu Zhang, traveled swiftly, and wherever he went, he ordered all the counties along the way to let him pass without any obstruction.

When the officials of the various counties saw that it was an order from the King of Shu and heard that it was to welcome the Han army into Shu, although they had their doubts, they dared not disobey the order and had no choice but to obediently open the city gates and let the Han army pass through smoothly.

The Han army, like a winding dragon, moved through the mountains and rivers of Shu without hindrance.

Within a few days, they easily crossed all the gorges.

It was late summer, and although the summer heat had gradually dissipated, a hint of dryness still lingered in the air.

The Han army fought its way through thorns and brambles and finally reached the walls of Baiguan.

Wei Yan stood on high ground, surveying Baiguan City.

If one wants to enter Sichuan smoothly, Baiguan City is a difficult obstacle that must be overcome.

After careful consideration, he decisively ordered the Han army to halt its westward advance and set up camp east of Baiguan City on the north bank of the Yangtze River.

For several days in a row, the Han army lingered and did not advance.

Inside Baiguan City, the atmosphere was unusually tense.

Yang Huai ordered the Shu army throughout the city to be on high alert at all times, strengthen patrols, and guard against any possible changes in the Han army's plans.

As the sun sets, its afterglow shines on the city walls.

Yang Huai, dressed in armor, patrolled the city wall.

While urging his soldiers not to let their guard down, he carefully observed the situation outside the city.

Standing on the city wall,

Looking into the distance, the outline of the Han camp could be faintly seen in the twilight.

Fifty thousand Han soldiers set up camp, their encampments standing like a forest, orderly and disciplined, their banners fluttering in the wind.

"Wei Yan, why have you stopped here and not moved forward?"

Yang Huai frowned, his eyes filled with worry.

Logically, after Wei Yan's army passed through the gorges, they should have stayed for at most one day before continuing their journey to Jiangzhou.

After all, Jiangzhou was an important stronghold for entering Shu, and it held crucial strategic significance for the Han army.

However, Wei Yan stayed in Baiguan City for several days without making a move. How could such unusual behavior not make Yang Huai uneasy?

He immediately sent someone to report the unusual movements of the Han army to Liu Zhang, providing a detailed account of the situation and requesting instructions from Liu Zhang.

On the one hand, we must take strict precautions, strengthen the defenses within the city, increase the number of defensive weapons, and ensure that Baiguan City is absolutely safe.

Just as Yang Huai was lost in thought and suspicion, suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats broke the tranquility outside the city.

A group of people came rushing in like a whirlwind.

"Where is Yang Huai? I am Zhang Song! Open the city gates and let me in!"

The scholar stood at the foot of the city wall, shouting at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing in the night sky, sounding extremely urgent. (End of Chapter)