The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 89 The real battle has just begun

That night, dozens of light boats quietly sailed to the waters upstream of Yicheng.

To ensure the stealth of the raid.

Miwei's advance was halted and its momentum waned.

Only light boats and fast ships were dispatched.

The larger ship was left to be escorted by Xi Hong to ensure a smooth rearward route.

This is not just to leave oneself a way out in case the raid fails.

Furthermore, this was to facilitate the rapid northward advance of Guan Yu and Guan Ping's army after the successful surprise attack, sending troops to Xiangyang.

Miwei understood perfectly.

With only the few soldiers at his disposal.

It was insufficient to defend a large city against tens of thousands of Cao Cao's elite troops.

All he has to do tonight is drive away the enemy troops that are burning the city.

After that, they tried their best to hold out for two or three days to buy time for their main force to march north.

His confidence stemmed from the fruits of his labor over the past six months.

While pondering, the fleet arrived near a sandbar called "Caizhou".

This islet is located on the east bank of the Han River. Cai Mao, Liu Biao's brother-in-law, lived on it back then.

It is said that its houses are very magnificent, with walls made of bluestone.

I wonder how much of its color is left now.

However, Miwei had no time to look eastward.

Soon, the fleet turned west and sailed into a large lake on the opposite shore of Caizhou.

“This is Huihu Lake, and my ancestral home is located on the shore of that lake.”

Yang Yi gave Mi Wei a direction.

However, it was already dark, and there were hardly any signs of human habitation or lights, so it was impossible to make out any shape.

However, the outline of Mount Xian in the background could be faintly seen, like a giant crawling on the earth.

Once the fleet had completely entered the waters south of the mountain, a late summer evening breeze blew, and the mountains were instantly filled with a rustling sound, like waves crashing.

It turned out to be a bamboo forest swaying in the wind.

As Mi Wei stood by the water listening to the waves, a sudden realization dawned on him.

The bamboo forest is so dense.

No wonder Huang Zu's men were able to hide among them and shoot Sun Jian, achieving such a great feat.

This would provide better cover for his fleet.

They remained silent as usual, but no longer cared about making any noise, and ordered all the boats to row faster.

Afterward, the boat turned from the estuary into a large, continuous lake, and then arrived at a deep pool called "Baima Pond".

陂 means pond.

The words "white horse" naturally reminded Mi Wei of Liu Bei's famous horse, Lu.

After all, not far north of Baima Pond is the famous Tanxi River.

In reality, Baimabei has nothing to do with Luma; its name comes from the nearby Baima Mountain.

The terrain of Yicheng is characterized by being higher in the west and lower in the east.

The same applies to Xiangyang.

After passing Baima Slope, the fleet turned north.

Xiangyang City is right in front of us.

But at that moment, a ship fully loaded with cargo suddenly sailed out from the side of the waterway ahead.

Amidst the torches, the banners of Cao Cao's army fluttered prominently.

The ship's officers quickly noticed the commotion, cautiously hiding among the cargo, and shouted loudly:

"Who comes here, and why are you traveling by boat to this place at night?"

Mi Wei tightened his grip on his bow and sword, and looked at Yang Yi.

The latter, understanding intuitively, responded in a local accent similar to the one opposite:

“My master wants to transport some valuables to the north bank, but he is worried that they will be robbed by rioters on the road, so he ordered his servants to move them overnight.”

"But I don't know which official is on board. If he would be so kind as to do me a favor, my master is willing to give me half of his wealth!"

Upon hearing this, the ship fell silent, as if whispering among itself.

A quick response:

"We don't want your goods, and don't come any further. The Tanxi River ahead is blocked."

"If you want to cross the river, go to the pontoon bridge in the north of the city!"

After saying that, he turned and headed north.

Is there a traffic jam on the Tanxi River?

Mi Wei and Yang Yi exchanged a glance, a surge of joy in their hearts.

It seems that Cao Cao's army's retreat was quite hasty and disorderly.

After the enemy ships had sailed away, Mi Wei simply ordered everyone to disembark and form a battle formation.

Before dawn, we were about to boost morale.

Yang Yi interjected from the side, "Is the Commandant going to say, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained'?"

Mi Wei thought to himself, "Your name is Yang Yi, not Yang Xiu."

He then stepped forward, shook the other's hand, and said, "Everyone admires the words of Marquis Dingyuan, the 'Tiger Cub'."

“But I am more concerned about his later years, ‘I wish to be born and enter the Jade Gate Pass.’”

"While achieving great deeds in foreign lands is commendable, one's homeland is where one's roots lie. If not for compelling reasons, who would willingly leave their homeland?"

"Unfortunately, my ancestral home, Xuzhou, is two thousand miles away. I dare not hope for it in this life. I only wish that Guan can return to his hometown in Hedong in glory after defeating the bandits."

"However, Hedong is still far away, while Xiangyang is right in front of us."

"How about we invite Lord Yang to return home in glory tonight?"

Yang Yi was immediately moved and said in a trembling voice:

"It is regrettable that this old man is too weak to wield weapons, but I am willing to serve as the captain and take charge of the drums and gongs!"

Miwei: "Good!"

A moment later, as dawn broke, the formation was complete.

They marched forward, drums beating.

Boom, boom, boom...

As soon as the drums sounded, the city of Xiangyang, not far away, erupted in chaos.

But it was slightly different from what Miwei had expected.

Although the city's garrison was mobilized immediately, it was not aimed at his group at all.

Instead, after a brief period of chaos, they opened the city gates wide and drove the people toward the pontoon bridge in the north of the city.

Clearly, they didn't want to get entangled with a suddenly appearing enemy army for the sake of a city they were about to abandon.

Every little bit helps to evacuate people.

Miwei clearly saw people carrying large bundles of firewood running around, seemingly preparing to burn the city down first.

Seeing this situation, Mi Wei disregarded the common military principle of "sparse movement in battle and dense fighting in warfare."

They were simply urging their units to advance and capture the city as quickly as possible.

But to be honest, as more and more people were coerced by the enemy into leaving the city...

This led to unavoidable chaos such as stampedes, looting, and conflicts.

The roads into the city were becoming increasingly congested and chaotic.

The defending troops were completely exhausted, but Miwei's side was also unable to advance rapidly.

Seeing this situation, Yang Yi and the others were naturally extremely anxious.

But Miwei recalled all the things he had seen and heard along the way, and all the confusion he had felt.

But then, as if struck by a sudden inspiration, he said to those around him:
"Quickly, change to General Guan's banner, just like when we attacked Ruo County!"

After the change of flags and banners, it was said again:

Shout to those who are blocking your way.

"Let's say that if General Guan Yu of the Great Han Dynasty has conquered Xiangyang, and the people and soldiers abandon the rebels and return to the righteous path, then all past transgressions will be forgiven! Everyone, go back to your homes!"

Yang Yi's eyes lit up when he heard this.

While both involved raising Guan Yu's banner, Mi Wei's actions this time were far more ingenious than his previous strategy in Ruo County.

That incident in Ruoxian was a case of a fox borrowing the tiger's power to intimidate the garrison.

At this time, in addition to scaring away the defending troops, it can also appease the hearts of the people who have nowhere else to turn.

The attachment to one's homeland is a fundamental human sentiment.

Those Xiangyang residents who stayed until the very last moment to retreat were basically the ones who least wanted to leave their homes.

If Cao hadn't threatened to burn the city, forcing them to leave, they might have stayed.

At this moment, Miwei gave them an excuse not to leave.

And as expected.

With this plan in place, the army continued its advance, as if a comb were sweeping through tangled hair.

The crowds shifted their course accordingly, gradually becoming more organized.

In a daze.

Just like the bamboo forest of Xian Mountain in the wind last night.

The branches and leaves swayed in the wind.

Yet it could never shake the roots buried deep in the soil.

When it was fully light, Miwei finally entered the city successfully.

but.

It's too early to celebrate the victory.

Although the enemy forces in Xiangyang were defeated and retreated, the valiant general of Fancheng was still alive.

He immediately sent someone south to deliver the message and call for reinforcements.

At the same time, he, along with Xiang Chong, Pan Mi, Zhan Sifu, and others, separately closed the four gates of Xiangyang to suppress the riot.

He then ordered Yang Yi to lead men to clean up the government offices and inspect supplies and households.

There is no doubt that Cao Cao's army was going to implement a scorched-earth policy.

We will absolutely not stand idly by and watch him acquire an intact city.

A real tough battle, a major battle.

This is just the beginning.

(End of this chapter)