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

The opportunity was fleeting. Zhang Liao's eyes narrowed, and he immediately seized the opening, launching a fierce attack with his sword.

"Swipe!"

The blade flashed like lightning, and six swift slashes were delivered in quick succession, the wind whistling as they aimed directly at Gongsun E's vital face.

Gongsun E was already at his limit, and faced with this thunderous attack, he had no power to resist at all.

"Crack!"

With a muffled thud mixed with the cracking sound of bone breaking, Gongsun E's shoulder was struck by the blade. Instant pain swept through his body, and with a muffled groan, he could no longer grip the hilt of the sword.

"Clang!"

The long sword slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.

With his weapon out of his hand, Gongsun E's fighting spirit crumbled instantly. He dared not linger in battle any longer, turned his horse around, and tried to flee to the rear of the formation.

"Where to escape?!"

Zhang Liao's voice boomed like thunder. He spurred his horse forward, and his sword swept diagonally.

"Crack!"

After the loud crash, the horse's hoof was severed, and blood gushed out.

The warhorse neighed in pain and collapsed to the ground, throwing Gongsun E off its back.

With a "thud," Gongsun E fell to the ground.

"I was actually knocked off my horse?"

"Impossible... How could I possibly lose to this guy surnamed Zhang..."

Overwhelmed by grief, anger, and humiliation, Gongsun E gritted his teeth and struggled to get up.

But as soon as he straightened up halfway, a dark shadow loomed over him.

"The general is defeated!"

Zhang Liao reined in his horse and stopped, his tone full of disdain.

Gongsun E looked up angrily and shouted:
"You only managed to defeat me by a single move; what real skill do you possess? If I hadn't been careless for a moment, the outcome would have been uncertain!"

"Insanity!"

Enraged by his words, Zhang Liao lowered his wrist, his sword about to fall and take his life.

Just then, the deputy general's voice came from behind:
"General Zhang, Gongsun E is a core general of the Gongsun family. Capturing him alive and bringing him back to camp is far more useful than killing him. I urge you to reconsider!"

The killing intent in Zhang Liao's eyes gradually subsided as he pondered to himself:

"Capturing the enemy general alive would not only demoralize the enemy army but also bring greater merit. Why rush to kill him?"

Thinking of this, Zhang Liao slowly sheathed his sword and coldly shouted:

"Tie this fellow up and keep him under strict guard. After the city falls, hand him over to the Grand Marshal for disposal!"

Several Han soldiers immediately rushed forward, tied up Gongsun E who was still struggling and cursing, and dragged him to the back of the formation.

Having dealt with Gongsun E, Zhang Liao did not delay any longer. He turned his horse around and led his army to attack the main force of the Liao army once again.

The morale of the Han soldiers soared, and they followed Zhang Liao into battle.

The battle lasted from dawn until noon, and the Liao army's resistance gradually weakened and eventually fell silent.

The blood mist that had been hanging over Liaodu City slowly dissipated.

Looking at the four gates of the Liao city now, the Liao army flags that were originally hanging there have long been cut down and replaced by Han army battle flags.

Liaodu City, the gateway to the Liao Kingdom, was officially incorporated into the territory of the Han Kingdom.

Zhang Liao rode his horse up to the city wall, looked down at the Han soldiers gathering below and the enemy corpses scattered all over the ground, and exhaled a long breath.

"Somebody come!"

Zhang Liao turned around and shouted:

"Send a messenger south overnight to report the victory, informing the Grand Marshal that our army has captured Liaodui City and taken Gongsun E prisoner, ordering him to quickly bring the main force to join us!"

...

On the other side, outside Yuncheng in the northeast of Youzhou.

The main force of the Han army is marching north in a mighty wave, and has now reached the westernmost end of the coastal road.

East of Yuncheng lies the coastal road controlled by the Liao army; beyond the coastal road lies Liaocheng, the target of Zhang Liao's surprise attack.

Before the central command tent, Guan Ping reined in his horse and stopped, gazing at the eastern horizon with a slight frown.
"Grand Marshal, I wonder if General Wen Yuan's surprise attack on Liaodui City went smoothly? Liaodui City is an important town of Liao Kingdom, heavily guarded. I hope he can succeed."

Xiao He's lips curled slightly as he countered with a question:

"Tanzhi, you've followed me for years. When has my plan ever failed?"

Guan Ping was speechless, then bowed and apologized:
"Grand Marshal, please forgive me. I misspoke. Your planning and strategy are impeccable, but this surprise attack is extremely risky, and I cannot help but worry."

Before the words were finished, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar:

"Grand Marshal! Good news! General Zhang Wenyuan has reported a victory!"

The cavalrymen galloped up, dismounted, and held up the victory report:

"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, General Zhang, following your plan, has successfully captured Liaodui City and taken Liao general Gongsun E prisoner. He has specially dispatched me to report this victory and requests that the Grand Marshal quickly join the main force!"

The generals on either side were taken aback at first, but then they were all excited and overjoyed, and the solemn look on their faces disappeared.

Upon hearing the news, the soldiers cheered quietly, their morale soaring.

Guan Ping felt a huge weight lifted from his heart and immediately bowed deeply to Xiao He:
"The Grand Marshal's military strategy is truly divine; his plans are indeed flawless!"

Xiao smiled and helped Guan Ping up:

"Tanzhi, there's no need for further formalities. Now that the good news has arrived, there's no need to worry anymore."

Having said that, he turned to face the generals:

"Order the entire army to immediately break camp, accelerate their advance, and rendezvous with Wen Yuan!"

"Here!"

The generals responded in unison.

Upon receiving the order, the main force of the Han army immediately regrouped, abandoned their rest, and marched towards Liaodui City.

Within just a few days, the outline of Liaodu City could be seen in the distance.

At this moment, the city gates of Liao City were wide open, and Zhang Liao had already led several thousand elite soldiers to line up outside the city gates to wait.

Seeing the main force of the Han army appear in the distance, Zhang Liao's spirits lifted, and he stepped forward to meet them.

As Xiao He's central army approached, Zhang Liao immediately knelt on one knee, and thousands of soldiers behind him also knelt down with a roar, shouting in unison:

"Liao has successfully launched a surprise attack on Liao City. We respectfully welcome the Grand Marshal into the city!"

The shouts were deafening, echoing across the open fields in front of the city.

Xiao He dismounted, stepped forward, personally helped Zhang Liao up, patted him on the shoulder, and praised him:

"Wen Yuan, your surprise attack was an unparalleled achievement. You successfully opened the western gate of the Liao Kingdom, clearing the biggest obstacle for our army's northward advance."

"I will certainly report this achievement to His Majesty truthfully and request commendation for you!"

Zhang Liao rose, bowed, and clasped his hands in a self-deprecating manner:
"Grand Marshal, you flatter me. I have no merit whatsoever. It was all thanks to your brilliant planning and foresight that you devised the surprise attack. I was merely following the plan."

Upon seeing this, Xiao He laughed loudly:
"You don't need to be so modest. You've done your part. Come, follow me into the city!"

Zhang Liao rose to his feet, turned to lead Xiao He, and together with the other generals, escorted him as they led the army slowly into the city.

After entering the city, Xiao He did not go to the mansion immediately, but first inspected the city's defenses.

After the inspection was completed, Zhang Liao had already prepared a welcoming banquet in the military headquarters in the city to entertain Xiao He and the other generals.

During the banquet, everyone toasted and drank, creating a lively atmosphere.

After a few drinks, Zhang Liao put down his cup, stood up, and walked over to Xiao He:
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, in this surprise attack, I captured the Liao general Gongsun E alive. He is currently imprisoned in the dungeon of the mansion, awaiting the Grand Marshal's judgment!"

Xiao He put down his wine cup, his eyes darkened, and he said in a deep voice:

"Guards, bring Gongsun E to the main hall!"

Upon receiving the order, Zhang Liao immediately turned around and instructed the guards beside him.

In a short while, two guards dragged the bound Gongsun E into the main hall.

Gongsun E still bore the scars from the fight, yet he still held his neck high, displaying an arrogant and unruly demeanor.

He looked up and saw Xiao He in the main seat. Instead of being afraid, he raised his head and refused to kneel.

Xiao He frowned instantly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and slowly glanced at Chen Dao beside him.

Chen Dao understood immediately and stepped forward, shouting sternly at Gongsun E:
"Gongsun E, my Grand Marshal is here! You are a prisoner, how dare you not kneel? Quickly kneel down and confess your crimes!" (End of Chapter)