Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 341 A Touch of Familiarity

Soon after, Cao Cao consulted Xun You again, and Xun You also offered his advice:

“What Dezu said makes sense.”

In places like Wuguan and Yanzhou, the weak are using their strength to fight the strong and buy time.

Only because of Yuan Shu's campaign against Qi, we have temporarily gained the upper hand at Huanyuan Pass.

If we don't seize this opportunity to establish a foothold here, things will likely become even more difficult when Yuan Shu's main force arrives in the future.

Cao Cao then took this advice and dispatched 100,000 troops from Huanyuan, intending to fight a decisive battle against the Han State's Northern and Eastern Garrison Army led by Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin before Yuan Shu arrived.

First, create a time gap to dampen the momentum of the pseudo-Han forces and boost morale. Then, wait for Yuan Shu's main force to arrive before defending the city.

The following day, Cao Cao's army lined up to meet the enemy. Below the pass, yellow sand swirled in the west wind. Cao Cao stood on his horse under his banner, with 100,000 Cao soldiers behind him forming an iron wall, arrayed in perfect formation.

Seeing that Cao Cao's army dared to come out of the pass to fight, the Han army did not back down and marched out in formation.

Beneath a large banner with the character "Han" fluttering high to the west stand three striking Xiahou banners.

It was none other than Xiahou Dun, the Heavenly Star Lord and General Who Guards the North; Xiahou Ba, the adopted son of the King of Han and the young commander of the Army Who Guards the North; and Xiahou Yuan, the newly surrendered deputy commander of the Army Who Guards the North.

Those around these three men, such as Chen Dao, Taishi Ci, Xu Sheng, and Ling Tong, did not carry banners. They remained silent and acted as personal guards, leading their personal guards to stand beside the three men, responsible for relaying the three generals' orders and issuing commands to the entire army.

To the east, beneath the same banner bearing the character "Han," stand two large flags, one inscribed with "Le" and the other with "Li," bearing the names of Yue Jin and Li Dian!
Unlike the Xiahou family next door, whose brothers fought side by side and whose father and son betrayed Cao Cao, this was different.

Le Jin and Li Dian: one has a blood feud with Cao Cao that led to the destruction of his family, and the other wears a bronze mask but is actually named Chen Zhang, and is Lu Xun's most trusted confidant.

Therefore, they don't have a bodyguard team protecting them, so they can give orders themselves.

However, Cao Cao had long been troubled by the inside story of the Zhenbei and Zhendong armies. After being surrendered by the Xiahou family, he endured hardship and humiliation, plotted a rebellion, and then repeatedly switched sides with loyal officials of the Han Dynasty. His mysterious actions, a mix of truth and falsehood, were causing him a splitting headache.

Li Dian also went through a cycle of death and rebirth, unsure whether he was alive or dead, or whether it was real or not.

Loyalty? Betrayal? Defection? Turning to the enemy? Or defecting?
He couldn't tell the difference; he really couldn't tell the difference anymore.

But in any case, the truth and mystery that will be buried deep in history is no longer important.

Yesterday, in front of Yang Xiu, he made up his mind, no longer confused or hesitant.

The tears and blood from those repeated acts of trust followed by repeated deception all taught him one lesson.

In this world, everyone except himself is capable of betraying him, and anyone who stands in his way is already an enemy.

Miao Cai, Yuan Rang, Wen Qian, Man Cheng, whatever your reasons for betraying me, and regardless of whether your surrender to Yuan was genuine or feigned, today, only one battle will determine the victor!

"Hahaha"

Under the banner, Cao Cao suddenly looked up and laughed loudly. The complex emotions hidden beneath that laughter resonated deeply with all the Cao soldiers present.

Xiahou Dun! Xiahou Yuan! Yue Jin! Li Dian!
Every name here represents one of the banners under which Cao Cao's army once swept across the land.

In the early days of Cao Cao's uprising, during those most difficult years, the veterans of Cao Cao's camp followed behind these generals, defeating one powerful enemy after another, and defeating countless warlords and Yellow Turban rebels, which led to the current prosperity.

Today, these veterans of Cao Cao's camp, who had fought so hard to build the army, are now lined up one after another in the enemy camp. Who among those present is not filled with resentment?

Yes, that's exactly what I feel is wronged by.

At that moment, they inexplicably understood Cao Cao's laughter as he looked up at the sky.

Those who frequently serve under Cao Cao know that their lord's favorite response to various situations is to laugh heartily.

This time, however, Cao Cao's laughter was described as: "Unresolved resentment!"

Feeling resentful?
How could he possibly be at peace!

Yuan Gonglu!
Don't you have any generals of your own?

These are all my generals, who have fought alongside me for over a decade in the south and north, fighting against Dong Zhuo, pacifying Qingzhou, defeating Lü Bu, welcoming the emperor, sweeping across the land, and vying for the Central Plains!

They followed the Prime Minister and won countless battles, yet this was only one defeat.

Does everyone become yours just because they lost to you once? Is there any logic to that?
Heaven is blind, allowing traitors to succeed.

Yuan Gonglu, you deserve to die a horrible death!
Damn it, I swear I'll never let you live under the same sky!
That desolate laughter gradually turned into hatred. Cao Cao coldly watched as the 60,000 Yuan troops, under the command of Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, and Li Dian, stood with their banners bright, their spears and swords arrayed, their disciplined and imposing presence well-ordered.

He felt both angry and resentful. Damn it, such a powerful army should clearly belong to Cao Cao's army, which was under my command.

This is intolerable! I laughed, but the more I thought about it, the angrier I got!

Cao Cao then touched his sword and called out, "Where is Yun Chang?"

Guan Yu accepted the order and went out, carrying his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, mounted his yellow horse, and led several followers to meet Cao Cao under the banner of the commander.

Cao Cao said to them: "Miao Cai, Yuan Rang, Wen Qian, and Man Cheng, these four men all have the style of famous generals of the past."

His troops were so powerful, and their deployment and tactics showed a deep understanding of military strategy.

I fear that in a direct confrontation, even if our army wins, casualties are inevitable. When Yuan Shu's main force arrives again, we will have no troops left to resist.

"I have specially requested Guan Yu to discuss whether he possesses the ability to defeat the enemy."

Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes, looked up at Yuan's army formation, stroked his beard and smiled, "In my opinion, they are nothing but clay chickens and earthen dogs!"

Cao Cao pointed to Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, and Li Dian in the formation, and said to Guan Yu:

"Beneath the canopy, adorned in embroidered robes and golden armor, sat a figure of imposing authority—this was Xiahou Dun."

The man holding a sword on horseback, with a bow drawn and an arrow at the ready, is Xiahou Yuan.

He commands all directions, and none disobey him; this is the joy of advancing.

The man with the bronze mask, his face contorted in a ferocious, demonic grimace, was Li Dian.

Guan Yu glanced around and said to Cao Cao, "Looking at them, they seem like mere targets to be sold. What is there to fear?"

Cao Cao hurriedly advised him, "Yun Chang should not be underestimated."

These four men have followed me for many years, and I know their abilities well; they are by no means ordinary people.

Guan Yu stood up and said, "Although I am not talented, I am willing to go into the midst of ten thousand troops and take the heads of four men to present to the Prime Minister, so as to make up for yesterday's achievements."

Cao Cao frowned and stopped him, saying, "I know Guan Yu's strength and bravery, but there is no room for joking in the army. Guan Yu should not act recklessly."

Guan Yu laughed, "A mere traitor, a scoundrel who sold his head for a mere token, trying to bully me with peace talks?"

After saying this, he was about to mount his horse and go into battle when Cao Cao quickly grabbed him. Guan Yu frowned and was about to break free when he saw Cao Cao say urgently.

"In the midst of chaos and unpredictable danger, even Guan Yu, without a fine horse, how could he achieve complete victory?"

As he spoke, he led out his horse and handed the reins to Guan Yu.

"I have heard that Yun Chang once fought Ji Ling and was defeated by Ma Li, which he has felt deeply ashamed of for many years."

Liu Bei had no good horses, but I, the Prime Minister, did.

This horse, named Jueying, has served me for many years. Several times I've faced death, and each time I've escaped thanks to its might. Now, I present this fine horse to the hero, to help Guan Yu achieve his goal.

In the heat of battle, having a good horse can determine life or death. When fleeing for your life, the phrase "My horse is fast, you can't catch me" is not a joke, but a real lifesaver.

Today, Cao Cao presents Guan Yu with his beloved horse, which he has cherished for many years. How could Guan Yu not be moved?

But thinking of his elder brother, he was about to refuse, "Prime Minister, no, this is too precious." Cao Cao pretended to be stern, "The fate of the nation and the world rests on this battle. Whether we can restore the Han Dynasty and protect the Emperor depends on this one move. Why are you being so pretentious, Yun Chang?"

If today, because you lack this swift horse and fail to slay the enemy general and raise the banner, leading to defeat in this battle, and the four-hundred-year-old destiny of our great Han Dynasty is stolen by that traitor Yuan Shu, your crime will be immeasurable.

Guan Yu remained silent, knowing that today's events were crucial to success or failure, and he could not afford to be coy. So he accepted Ma Jiang's gift and bowed with his hands clasped.

"The Prime Minister's kindness can only be repaid by beheading the general."

As he spoke, he mounted his horse with great determination, ready to charge into battle again, but was stopped by Cao Cao once more.

Guan Yu: "."

Seeing Guan Yu looking at him with a puzzled expression, Cao Cao chuckled and handed him another item.

"This is the finest sword that I commissioned the best blacksmith to forge in Luoyang when I was making heavy armor."

The sword is named Qinggang; it can cut through iron like mud. It will surely be of great help to Guan Yu.

The debt of gratitude was too great to express in words. Guan Yu also knew that by accepting these treasures, he was to help Cao Cao slay generals and raise the banner to secure victory, so he no longer refused.

After accepting the gift, this time he didn't turn around to leave. Instead, he looked at Cao Cao with a suspicious gaze, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Prime Minister, is there any more?

If you have any, give them all to me now, then I'll go get them.

Cao Cao couldn't help but chuckle, "I can only offer you a cup of warm wine."

After speaking, he prepared wine to entertain them, and all the generals stood around and drank it all in one gulp to show their respect to Guan Yu.

"We wish Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion a great success and a prosperous military career!"

Guan Yu looked at the warm wine Cao Cao offered him, suddenly burst into laughter, spurred his horse and turned to leave, a distant shout echoing from afar.

"Pour the wine, I'll be right back!"

Everyone saw him leap out on his horse, his phoenix eyes wide open, his silkworm eyebrows raised, holding the Green Dragon Blade upside down, and charging straight into the enemy formation.

When the Han army saw an enemy soldier descending like a divine warrior, his face flushed red as he charged forward, he let out a loud shout that shook the very soul and made people's livers and gallbladders tremble.

If this were an ordinary military formation, Guan Yu, relying on his fast horse, could suddenly charge into the formation and break through the waves, allowing him to take the head of the general directly.

Unfortunately, the Han army was well prepared for this.

Under the banner bearing the character "Han," Lu Xun and Yang Hong, the true leaders of the Northern and Eastern Garrison armies, were dressed as ordinary soldiers, mingling among the crowd, and talking animatedly as they watched Guan Yu charge straight towards them.

No wonder there's a saying: "He who knows you is your enemy!"
"The person who understands Guan Yu best is indeed General Ji Ling. It was worthwhile for us to send a special letter to General Ji Ling seeking a good remedy."

Yang Hong also laughed and said:
"General Ji has long been familiar with the method of breaking through Guan Yu's defenses and has taught it to the generals."

Previously, he could protect himself while staying at Huanyuan Pass; now that he dares to leave the pass, how can we allow him to act so arrogantly?

As the two men exchanged a smile, their orders were delivered by messengers to Xiahou Dun and others, and then relayed to the three armies by Taishi Ci and others.

As soon as Guan Yu rode up, intending to take advantage of the Yuan army's unpreparedness, he broke through their formation with a single stroke and killed Xiahou Dun to boost morale.

But little did they expect that, no sooner said than done, with a shout of "Fire! That red-faced one is Guan Yu. Whoever kills him will be rewarded with great merit!", thousands of arrows were unleashed in an instant, raining down like arrows.

Guan Yu's face turned red with fright. He hurriedly urged his warhorse to hurry away. Fortunately, he had changed his horse to the Shadowless Horse before leaving. This horse was intelligent and reacted even faster than him. It carried Guan Yu back to Cao Cao's army as if fleeing.

Cao Cao's men: "."

You really are going to go and come right back?

The generals who had just toasted Guan Yu, and Cao Cao, who was still holding his wine cup with the wine still warm, were speechless as they watched Guan Yu flee back in disarray.

Guan Yu's face also turned bright red, and he said to Cao Cao:
“Yuan Jun has always been shameless, and I, Guan, had long anticipated this, so I am testing him as an example.”

As he spoke, he blushed and looked at everyone with an arrogant expression.

"You all have seen how shameless Yuan Jun is. When you fight him, remember not to be careless and underestimate him like I was just now."

Otherwise, I, Guan, might still have a chance to escape, but you gentlemen will surely die under a hail of arrows.

The generals were speechless, but Cao Cao wholeheartedly agreed.

"Yun Chang is highly skilled and daring, so he was just teasing Yuan's army. Please do not doubt it."

The generals then all praised Guan Yu as "brave!"

The more people praised him, the more ashamed Guan Yu felt, and he hurriedly asked Cao Cao for permission to take over.

"I, Guan, am fully prepared and will surely slay the enemy general on this mission. Please wait a moment, Lord Cao."

Cao Cao was pleased and exclaimed, "Excellent!"

Guan Yu then rushed to the front of the battle formation and challenged the enemy:
Where are Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, and Li Dian?
"Guan Yu is here! Who among you dares to fight me to the death?"

Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan were under the banner when they saw Guan Yu challenge them. They then led Taishi Ci and Chen Dao to fight him.

The two brothers also knew that Yuan Shu had used them to trick Cao Cao too many times before. With the truth and falsehood intertwined, even if they were to return to Cao Cao's camp, they would only be met with suspicion or sacrifice.

Cao Cao could not have imagined their current predicament, nor could he and his brother have foreseen it.

Once inseparable childhood friends, once like-minded comrades who entrusted their lives to each other, I never imagined that we would meet again today, even if we were to face each other as enemies.

It can only be said that once you enter Yuan's camp, it's like entering a deep sea; from then on, your fate is no longer in your own hands.

After a long separation, we were fortunate to meet Cao Xueqin. We disregarded our past feelings and focused only on life and death.

The two men exchanged a glance, both sighed, and then stepped forward to fight Guan Yu.

Guan Yu was overjoyed to see that Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan were truly willing to go into battle.

He had already lost face and didn't take Xiahou Dun and his companions seriously. Even now, seeing the Xiahou brothers with two bodyguards coming to fight, he still didn't take them seriously. Or rather:

This perfectly demonstrates Guan Yu's abilities!

However, when Guan Yu charged in with his sword, he saw Xiahou Dun dragging his sword and running away, leaving Guan Yu bewildered.

Is this some kind of dragging-out tactic?

However, he quickly realized it, because he saw some very familiar hidden weapons!

Xiahou Dun kept throwing iron caltrops on the ground to stop him from pursuing, while Xiahou Yuan drew his bow and shot an arrow at him.

If Guan Yu were to pursue Xiahou Dun, his horse would trample the iron caltrops, and he would be shot by Xiahou Yuan.

However, if he turned his horse to chase Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Yuan would also gallop away, throwing iron caltrops behind him, while Xiahou Dun would fire rapidly with his crossbow, his attack speed even faster than Xiahou Yuan's.

Guan Yu: "???"

You two might as well hide in the army formation and unleash a barrage of arrows!
What drove Guan Yu to despair was that these two were not only using hidden weapons to kite him, but also, whenever he exerted all his strength to dodge countless strange and hidden weapons and finally managed to get close to Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan,

Their two unremarkable bodyguards, Chen Dao and Taishi Ci, began to exert their strength, each protecting one person, which was enough to temporarily delay him. Once Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan had created some distance, the two of them would then withdraw, allowing the Xiahou brothers to continue fighting him with hidden weapons.

Guan Yu: "."

This familiar shamelessness reminded Guan of an old friend.

(End of this chapter)