I, Zhou Cang, am the number one tank in the Three Kingdoms.

"Prime Minister, Yancheng is a city with walls on three sides, except for the north side which directly reaches the Ru River. In the past, the Prime Minister used the Ru River as a moat for this city."

"Now Liu Bei is holding the river. If our army forces a crossing, we will be unable to defeat him if we attack him while he is halfway across."

Jia Xu spoke eloquently, then suddenly looked at Cao Cao and asked, "My lord, why not borrow your water?"

Cao Cao shook his head and laughed, "How could I not know to dig up your water and flood you? It's just that it's almost winter, not the flood season, so this plan is not feasible."

Jia Xu shook his head and said, "Prime Minister, what I meant by 'borrowing your water' was not flooding the city."

Cao Cao asked in surprise, "What are you talking about, sir?"

Jia Xu said, "The Ru River serves more than just the defense of Yancheng; it is also the lifeblood of the soldiers and civilians within the city."

"At this time, the cold disease is raging in Xuchang. I think it would be better to place the corpses of the people who have died from the disease on the upper reaches of the Ru River. In a few days, the soldiers and civilians of Yancheng will all be infected with the disease, and then the city can be captured."

Jia Xu finished speaking expressionlessly, and the hall was unusually quiet. Guo Jia, who was not far from him, had just recovered from a cold. Hearing his wicked plan, his face turned pale.

Cao Cao also fell silent. He hadn't expected that Jia Xu's suggestion of "borrowing the Ru River" was actually about using it to spread a plague...

"But if that's the case... the area south of Yancheng and downstream of the Ru River will hardly escape unscathed, this..." Xun Yu warned.

"Wenhe's plan is indeed a brilliant one to defeat the enemy, but if we carry out such an immoral act, it will affect millions of innocent people, which may offend the will of Heaven..." Guo Jia couldn't help but stand up and advise him.

"If we want to quickly capture Yancheng, I'm afraid this is the only way. As for whether to adopt it or not, I ask the Prime Minister to make the decision."

After Jia Xu finished speaking lightly, he respectfully withdrew, as if the treacherous plot that had shocked everyone had nothing to do with him.

"Prime Minister, please be extremely cautious about this matter..." Xun You glanced at Jia Xu and advised Cao Cao.

Cao Cao held up one hand to support his throbbing head, still hesitant to make a decision.

The words "it is against the harmony of Heaven" that Guo Jia had spoken still echoed in his mind.

"This matter...we'll discuss it again. Besides this, do any of you gentlemen have another way to quickly capture Yancheng?" Cao Cao pondered for a long time before looking at the crowd below.

The civil and military officials were clearly still reeling from the shock of Jia Xu's treacherous scheme, and remained completely silent.

"Boning has been at the front lines for several days. Wenruo, may I write a letter to seek Boning's wise advice? Let's leave it at that for today."

Unfortunately, Cao Cao ultimately did not dare to approve Jia Xu's plan rashly, and instead sent Xun Yu to consult Man Chong, who was already at the front line in Yancheng.

The phrase "offends the natural order" struck a nerve with Cao Cao. His headaches had already left all the physicians in Xuchang, including those in the palace, helpless.

Even though Cao Cao believed in himself and not in fate, he was still somewhat worried about whether he would be punished if he did something like causing a calamity for thousands of people because of the enemy in one city.

The next day, Cao Ren, the vanguard, along with Li Dian and Xu Huang, led 5,000 men to Ye County, spreading the news along the way that Cao Cao was about to personally lead an expedition against Liu Bei.

Cao Cao continued to wait in Xuchang for three days before finally receiving Zhang Liao's report of victory.

Under the combined attack of Zhang Liao, Zang Ba, and Dong Zhao from the east and west, Yuan Shao's generals Zhang He and Gao Lan were defeated and fled back to Hebei.

"Yuan Shi's military tactics are nothing special, hahaha!" Cao Cao laughed as he handed the letter to Xun Yu.

After reading it, Xun Yu asked, "Prime Minister, after General Zhang Liao returned in triumph...?"

Cao Cao nodded and said, "Once Wen Yuan returns with his troops, order him to lead his forces to join Yuan Rang and make sure we capture Yancheng!"

"I understand," Xun Yu said, watching Cao Cao lead his army away from Xuchang.

Not long after the news reached Wancheng, Liu Bei felt a little uneasy. It had been almost a year since the defeat in Xuzhou, and the chaotic scene was still vivid in his mind.

"Strategist, Cao Cao has personally led a large army here. What are the chances of victory?" Liu Bei asked.

Xu Shu laughed and said, "If Cao Cao hadn't come in person, our chances of winning would probably only be 40%. Now that Cao Cao has gone in person, our chances of winning are already 80%!"

"Oh? What is the reason for this? Are you perhaps joking, strategist?" Liu Bei asked in confusion.

"No, Cao Cao had many fierce generals under his command, such as Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun, who were brave enough to fight ten thousand men. However, they all lacked the talent of a commander, were short-sighted, and only cared about winning or losing."

"Therefore, even if I try every possible means, they will not dare to take risks and advance rashly."

"On the other hand, Cao Cao is suspicious in his military strategy. He is not only concerned with the success or failure of a single battle, but also with the overall situation. Therefore, his chances of winning are actually greater."

Xu Shu calmly explained the situation to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei asked thoughtfully, "Now that Cao Ren has arrived, I fear that Cao's army will also be stationed in Ye County within ten days. What do you think Cao will do in his campaign?"

Xu Shu walked up to the map and demonstrated it to Liu Bei, saying, "Huangcheng Pass and Xiaoguan Pass are connected to the ancient Wanluo Road, and to the east, a small road connects to Ye County."

"Cao Cao has repeatedly attacked Zhang Xiu, so he must know this small road. Therefore, he will surely station a large army at the front of the Wanluo Ancient Road to attack the pass, while sending out a surprise force through the small road."

"At that time, two out of the three passes of Fangcheng Pass will be attacked from both sides, and our army will likely be unable to withstand it."

Liu Bei nodded and said, "What the strategist says is true. So, does the strategist intend to cede these two passes and annihilate the enemy at the major pass?"

Xu Shu shook his head and said, "No, although the pass is easy to defend and difficult to attack, if we keep Cao Cao's army outside the pass, our army will also find it difficult to defeat them. A prolonged stalemate will not benefit our army."

Liu Bei exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be that the strategist intends to surrender three passes in succession? And annihilate the enemy at Bowang? I know that there is a slope at Bowang, the path of which is narrow, and it can be used as an ambush site!"

Xu Shu fell into deep thought, and after a moment said, "If Cao Cao's troops are arrogant and advance hastily, Bowangpo is indeed a good place to ambush them. If Cao Cao advances cautiously and slowly, I'm afraid they won't be able to stay at Bowangpo for long either."

"Could it be that the strategist intends to lure Cao Cao's army to Wancheng?" Liu Bei was shocked by Xu Shu's audacious idea, which resembled a gamble.

"It is still unknown." Xu Shu shook his head.

Xu Shu was indeed unsure where to hold the decisive battle. Bowangpo was indeed a good place for an ambush, but after all, he had not yet fought against Cao Cao himself since he raised his army.

It was unknown what Cao Cao would do after surrendering the three passes. If the ambush at Bowang failed and the main force was lost, all the hard-earned resources would be gone.

Conversely, if we were to hold the decisive battle in Wancheng now, what would Liu Biao think if he learned of the plan? The alliance between our lord and Liu Biao might be affected.

Another crucial piece of information is: what kind of answer will Sun Qian and Zhang Quan get from Ma Teng?

How long can the Xiliang troops' supplies sustain their attack on Chang'an?

Faced with a series of questions for which the answers are not yet known, all Xu Shu can do is prepare for the worst and then adapt to the changing circumstances.

As the two were talking, a soldier rushed into the tent—

"Report! A spy reports that Zhang Liao and Zang Ba have repelled Zhang He and Gao Lan, and the Hebei troops have withdrawn from Baima!"

Upon hearing this news, Liu Bei's already worried expression darkened further.

Yuan Shao's campaign didn't even last a month, and it was unclear how long the Western Liang region could hold out. Suddenly, a profound sense of loneliness enveloped Liu Bei.

"My lord, do not worry. This is only natural. Remember when we were in Runan, all the generals thought that Lord Yuan would win the Battle of Guandu, but you and I disagreed."

Xu Shu comforted him, saying, "Although I am dull-witted, I foresaw Zhang He and Gao Lan's defeat when we raised the army. This matter has no impact on my grand plan."

Liu Bei nodded and said, "I hope so."

After comforting Liu Bei, Xu Shu quickly wrote three letters, put them in three brocade pouches, and sent them to Fangcheng Pass by messengers.

At this time, Xu Shu's deployment at Fangcheng Pass was as follows:

Zhang Fei led a thousand iron cavalry and a thousand surrendered soldiers of Li Tong, and set up camp west of Huangcheng Pass, guarding the ancient Wanluo Road from the front.

Zhao Yun led 1,000 garrison troops and 1,000 surrendered soldiers of Li Tong to guard Huangcheng Pass.

Mi Fang led a thousand soldiers to guard the small pass.

Liu Yan led two thousand troops to garrison the Daguan Pass.

Zhou Cang led a thousand armored soldiers to garrison Bowang.

The remaining troops remained stationed at the northern camp of Wancheng.

Xu Shu intentionally placed all of Li Tong's surrendered soldiers, who lacked fighting spirit, at the front line to achieve the effect of a feint.

Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Mi Fang all received brocade pouches from Xu Shu, and were instructed not to open them until the battle began.

Facing Zhang Fei's camp from afar was Cao Ren.

Cao Ren arrived in Ye County several days ago, but Liu Bei's army did not come to attack. So he advanced ten miles every day and finally set up camp between Ye County and Fangcheng Pass.

"Report! The Prime Minister has given an order!"

Cao Ren was in his camp when he heard a loud shout outside his tent. He hurriedly led Li Dian and Xu Huang to greet the messenger.

"The Prime Minister's army has arrived at Ye County, and he has already dispatched Yu Jin with 3,000 troops to bypass Huangcheng Pass via a side road. Tomorrow at noon, they will attack the pass from east to west. General, please launch a frontal assault to coordinate with this!"

The messenger succinctly conveyed Cao Cao's orders.

Cao Ren looked at Li Dian and Yu Jin and said, "The Prime Minister truly has a brilliant plan. We will set out at 9:00 AM tomorrow. You two should go and prepare immediately!"

Yu Jin and Li Dian accepted the order and left.

The next morning, Cao Ren launched a full-scale attack, leading 5,000 men straight to Zhang Fei's camp.

Zhang Fei had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Cao Ren's menacing approach, he quickly opened the brocade bag to check and then summoned his men.

"Cao Cao's army is numerous; quickly go to Huangcheng Pass and request Zhao Yun's reinforcements!"

After speaking, Zhang Fei mounted his horse with his spear, deployed the thousand iron cavalry he had brought to the left and right flanks, and led a thousand infantrymen to guard the central army.

The messenger arrived at Huangcheng Pass and informed Zhao Yun of Zhang Fei's request for help. Zhao Yun quickly dismissed his attendants and opened the brocade pouch to check.

"Cao Cao's army is numerous. I am going to provide support. You all guard the pass well; anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

After handing over instructions to the guards, Zhao Yun led his troops away from Huangcheng Pass.

"Zhang Fei, do you dare to fight me?" Xu Huang shouted in front of the two armies, wielding a large axe.

Xu Huang still harbored resentment about the time he feigned battle with Zhang Fei at Bowang.

If it weren't for the need to conserve strength at the time, Xu Huang would have preferred to go all out and fight Zhang Fei to the death.

This time, all the elite troops have been mobilized, and even the Prime Minister himself has come. It's a real battle, and they're absolutely determined to take Zhang Fei's head!

"What's there to be afraid of?!" Zhang Fei roared in response.

"Boom boom boom boom!" The war drums sounded, and Zhang Fei spurred his horse to meet Xu Huang.

"Clang!" Zhang Fei swung his spear and struck heavily. Xu Huang raised his great axe to parry. The weapons clashed, and Xu Huang and his horse were shaken back a step by Zhang Fei.

This person possesses immense strength; we must outsmart them...

As Xu Huang thought this, he dodged Zhang Fei's second thrust.

The two horses crossed paths and met again. Xu Huang seized the opportunity and swung his great axe horizontally.

Zhang Fei raised his spear to block, but saw his opponent nimbly lift his great axe upwards and then chop it down straight down.

Zhang Fei quickly turned his horse to avoid it, and his axe blow missed by only a fraction of an inch.

Seeing that Zhang Fei had lost his balance, Xu Huang swung his great axe repeatedly. Zhang Fei pretended to be unable to parry and then rode away.

"Kill them!" Seeing Xu Huang gaining the upper hand, Cao Ren quickly ordered his army to launch a full-scale attack.

Zhang Fei shouted, "Retreat! Retreat!" and charged back.

Before the infantry in the central army could react, Cao Cao's army had already reached the front lines.

The already demoralized soldiers surrendered to Cao Ren one after another, while Zhang Fei and the cavalry on the left and right wings retreated all the way to Huangcheng Pass.

"General! Huangcheng Pass is just ahead. The enemy general may be plotting something. We must not advance rashly!" Li Dian advised Cao Ren.

Cao Ren said, "The Prime Minister's surprise attack is already at the pass; what is there to fear?"

After saying that, he ignored Li Dian and urged the soldiers to advance.

Xu Huang was chasing Zhang Fei and was about to catch up when a rider suddenly appeared from the direction of Huangcheng Pass and intercepted Xu Huang.

"Don't be arrogant, you treacherous general! Zhao Zilong is here!"

Zhao Yun intercepted Xu Huang with his spear. Seeing this, Cao Cao's army also stopped their pursuit and formed a battle formation to prepare to meet Zhao Yun's troops who were coming from the middle of the road.

Xu Huang and Zhao Yun fought seven or eight rounds, but neither could gain the upper hand. Suddenly, a series of rapid drumbeats came from the direction of Huangcheng Pass.

Hearing the sound, Zhao Yun feigned an attack and turned to look. Xu Huang laughed and said, "The Prime Minister has already surrounded Huangcheng Pass with a surprise attack. Why not surrender now and not lose your title of marquis?"

Zhao Yun angrily raised his spear and thrust it at Xu Huang's cheek, but Xu Huang dodged it by spurring his horse.

Zhao Yun said, "Hmph, I'll spare your life today." With that, he waved his spear, signaling the soldiers to retreat.

Xu Huang gave chase for three miles. Zhang Fei, who had retreated ahead, let Zhao Yun's troops go and then caught up with Xu Huang to fight again.

Seeing that Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun's troops were no match for Xu Huang, yet they were taking turns intercepting and counterattacking the pursuing troops, Cao Ren feared a trap along the way. So he called Xu Huang back and together they besieged Huangcheng Pass.

At this time, the remaining garrison at Huangcheng Pass was also Li Tong's surrendered soldiers, and they had no choice but to fight because of Zhao Yun's threat.

Therefore, upon seeing that both sides of the pass were surrounded by Cao Cao's army, they immediately gave up resistance and surrendered.

In less than an hour, Cao Ren had recaptured Huangcheng Pass, the northern gateway of the Fangcheng Pass Three Passes.

After some discussion and repeated reconnaissance by scouts, Cao Ren pressed his advantage and led his army to a place less than five miles from the small pass at dusk, where they set up camp and awaited Cao Cao's arrival.

"We finally managed to capture this pass, and it's been lost so easily. Sigh... How am I going to explain this to our elder brother?" Zhang Fei said to Zhao Yun, Liu Yan, and the others with a hint of helplessness at the pass.

"Brother, don't panic. Since the strategist instructed us to feign defeat, he must have made arrangements beforehand," Zhao Yun reassured him.

As expected, when Wancheng learned of the fall of Huangcheng Pass, Xu Shu immediately sent a letter, which also told the generals not to be too concerned about the gains and losses of a single city or place.

That evening, Cao Cao entered Huangcheng Pass and, after learning about the battle from Cao Ren, turned to Li Dian and asked, "Mancheng, do you think the enemy army is using a trick?"

Li Dian thought for a moment and said, "When Zhang Fei was defeated by General Xu Huang and retreated, I also suspected that he was bluffing. As for his later defeat of Zhao Yun and recapture of the pass, I think there was no bluff."

Cao Cao walked to the edge of the arrow-shaped wall, touched the almost intact city wall, and gazed towards the direction of the major and minor passes.

A gust of cold wind blew by, and Cao Cao's headache flared up again. He quickly reached out and covered his head.

"Men! Investigate tonight and report back immediately, without fail!"