Overthrowing Wei: Starting with Cao Cao's "I'd rather betray the world than surrender

The drumbeats abruptly stopped.

The second volley of arrows fell, specifically targeting those carrying torches.

The firelight in the forest suddenly became chaotic.

Xu Huang gave them no time to react, raising his hand and sending his cavalry flanking them.

The three hundred cavalrymen split into two groups. One group advanced along the edge of the forest, forcing back the archers; the other group charged straight at the flank of the river mouth, tearing open the gap that was about to be closed in.

The Yi Cong Battalion's tactics were swift and decisive.

Do not linger in battle, do not pursue too deeply, only cut off the commander and the flag.

After the Yellow Turbans lost their drums and bugles, their formation quickly collapsed. They had relied on the cover of night and the terrain to gain an advantage, but once they faced a well-organized cavalry force head-on, their morale was instantly shattered.

When Chen saw that familiar flag, his heart skipped a beat.

"Now's the time! Break through!"

Chen Jun seized that brief opening and charged out from the muddy river mouth. The volunteer cavalry passed them side by side, not forming a line, but tacitly guarding their respective sides.

The firelight reflected off the armor plates, making them shine coldly.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, a stray arrow flew from the depths of the forest, striking General Chen squarely in the gap of his shoulder armor. He staggered half a step, but did not fall. He gritted his teeth, pulled out the arrow, and continued to hold the line.

Seeing the situation reverse, the Yellow Turbans scattered and retreated into the forest.

Xu Huang did not pursue, but stopped at the edge of the forest and ordered his men to block the intersection of the river mouth and the supply route. Only after confirming that Chen's army had broken free of the encirclement did he slowly withdraw his troops.

Only embers and charred wood remained in the forest.

The sky gradually brightened.

Dust rose again from the south, and another large contingent of infantry and cavalry, numbering over a thousand, arrived in formation. This was the newly dispatched reinforcement from Runan.

Chen Jiang stood on the riverbank, his shoulder stained half-red with blood. He looked at Xu Huang and slowly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Thank you.

Xu Huang's expression remained calm: "The troops of Tongzhou should be like this."

A moment later, another rider came from the south.

Lü Ding was not wearing armor; he simply stood in front of his horse.

The smoke still lingered on the riverbank, and charred wood and ashes mingled with mud and water, with the smell of burnt grain still lingering in the air.

The soldiers of Chen's army sat or stood, their expressions blank, both relieved to have escaped death and unsure of what lay ahead.

The cavalry of the Righteous Cavalry had dispersed and occupied key points at the river mouth and forest edge, their horses facing north, yet no one dared to make a move.

Han Chang stood rooted to the spot, blood still seeping from the wound on his shoulder. He didn't look at the burnt-out granary again, but instead looked at the banner of the militia. Just last night, he had been facing that banner for over a month; now, he would stand guard with it on the same front line.

Lu Ding did not rush to speak, but only instructed his attendants: "First, stop the bleeding for the captain."

The army medic stepped forward and gave Han Chang a simple bandage.

Han Chang neither declined nor expressed his gratitude. After the bandaging was completed, he straightened his clothes, clasped his hands, and bowed again.

"Han Chang, Colonel of the Eastern Camp of the Chen State, greets the Acting Commander."

This time, I'm introducing myself.

Lu Ding nodded: "If it weren't for Colonel Han's desperate defense of the river mouth last night, the Yellow Turbans would have already broken through the camp and entered."

Han Chang gave a wry smile: "What we're guarding is the grain, not the camp. If the grain runs out, the camp will be empty."

Upon hearing this, several of Chen Jun's lieutenants looked somber. The three stockades of the northern granary were completely destroyed, and the rear camp had also suffered damage; the remaining military rations amounted to only three days' worth. If the situation dragged on any longer, morale would surely collapse.

Lü Ding did not respond immediately, but turned to look at the terrain on both sides of the river mouth. The treeline had not been completely cleared, and the Yellow Turbans could harass them again at any time. If the two battalions fought separately, they would only be dragged down.

"The name of joint defense is not empty words," Lü Ding said slowly. "From today onwards, the river mouth will be guarded by the Yi Cong Camp, while Chen's army will continue to guard Dongpo and Qianhe. The grain will be transferred from Runan and will be provided for three days."

Han Chang looked up: "Three days later?"

"Let's discuss it again," Lü Ding said calmly.

These two words both make a promise and leave room for interpretation.

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from the south side of the river mouth. Several knights escorted a man who was still wearing his armor and had a sallow complexion.

"Lieutenant General Liang has arrived."

The newcomer dismounted, his steps quickening, and bowed to Lü Ding and Han Chang.

"Ding Song, Deputy General of Beigang of Liang State, greets you all."

Han Chang glanced at him, his gaze darkening slightly. Liang's camp had also caught fire last night, but being further from the river mouth, it hadn't been surrounded at the same time as Chen's army. However, their food losses were equally significant.

When Ding Song spoke, his tone was very low.

"Half of our rear granary has been destroyed, and the grain carts have been wrecked. Although the soldiers have not deserted, morale is wavering. If this drags on for another two days, I fear it will be difficult to stabilize the situation."

He didn't say "borrow grain," but he clearly explained his predicament.

After listening quietly, Lü Dingjing did not immediately express his opinion, but instead asked, "Where is General Liang?"

Ding Song paused for a moment, then said in a low voice, "The general did not leave the camp last night, but personally oversaw the rear. Although the fire has been extinguished, the morale of the troops is still unsettled, and we are currently reassuring the soldiers."

Lu Ding's gaze lingered on the other person for a moment, then he said calmly:

"The Yellow Turbans are not coming as a single force. If Chen and Liang each defend a corner, they will only be attacked separately."

Ding Song looked up: "What does 'acting' mean?"

"The defenses at the river mouth, forest line, and shallow river will be coordinated by the Yi Cong Battalion. Chen's army will guard the eastern slope, and Liang's army will guard the northern ridge. Food will be distributed uniformly from Runan, with three days' worth provided to each of the two battalions in advance."

Han Chang remained silent, and Ding Song also remained silent.

Whoever controls the grain supplies wins the hearts and minds of the army.

No one said it aloud, but everyone understood it in their hearts.

A moment later, Ding Song clasped his hands in greeting and said, "The Liang camp is willing to abide by the joint defense agreement."

Han Chang slowly lowered his head: "The same goes for Chen Ying."

Lu Ding nodded: "In that case, starting this afternoon, the three battalions of sentries will exchange insignia. The grain carts will be escorted by the militia battalion."

"Escort?" Ding Song hesitated for a moment.

"Our supply lines were cut off last night," Lü Ding said calmly. "If anything goes wrong, it will not be the fault of the Yellow Turbans, but ours."

Ding Song said no more.

The river mouth cleanup is not yet complete, but the volunteer battalion has already begun to deploy troops.

Xu Huang personally inspected the forest line, ordering his men to cut down trees, clear obstacles, and remove tripwires. Chen Jun and Liang Jun soldiers stood aside, watching the volunteer battalion take over the key road in an orderly manner, their expressions complex.

The first cartload of grain arrived from the south in the afternoon.

The wheels rolled over the shallow, muddy riverbed with a dull thud. The cavalry of the Righteous Cavalry flanked them, their banners held high.

As Chen Jun's soldiers gazed at the cartload of grain, a certain indescribable emotion appeared in their eyes for the first time.

Han Chang stood on the slope, watching the grain carts enter the camp.

If it weren't for Runan's help last night, he would already be a defeated general. Now that they have food in hand, the camp finally has some confidence.

He suddenly realized that the term "joint defense" was no longer just a name.

Night fell again.

The northern boundary line is no longer as chaotic as it was last night.

With the treeline cleared, scouts were frequently on the move, and torches were neatly arranged on both sides of the river mouth. Although the soldiers of Chen and Liang battalions had returned to their respective camps, they were now taking turns keeping watch according to the arrangements of the volunteer battalion.

Lu Dingli stood on high ground, observing the distribution of the three campfires.

Xun You said in a low voice, "Once the grain is released, the situation will be stabilized for a while."

Lu Ding said softly, "The patrols will eventually disperse, but the border needs to be guarded."

He then turned and left, with the camp gradually returning to order beneath the boundary marker behind him.

That night, the Yellow Turbans did not attack again.

However, the military orders on the northern side of the boundary marker have quietly been merged into one.

Han Chang returned to his tent, and as he sat down, the wound on his shoulder began to bleed again. He didn't have it bandaged again, but just stared at the seal on the table.

Last night, he handed over his seal to seek help, intending to save his life. Now it seems that that step may have changed more than just this one night.

The sound of horses' hooves, a rhythmic clatter, could be heard outside the camp as the volunteer soldiers changed shifts.

He closed his eyes and let out a long breath.