vstars Chapter 1021: Dongjun Falls, Xiahou Remains
Chapter 1021: Dongjun Falls, Xiahou Remains
In Dongjun, Cao Cao was locked in a bitter battle, oblivious to the unfolding events in Xudu. He and Yuan Shao had been locked in a prolonged standoff there, the situation becoming increasingly dire and precarious. Yuan Shao, with his four generations of three high officials, possessed a deep pedigree and commanded numerous troops and generals. By comparison, Cao Cao's situation was far more difficult.
In order to deal with the situation on all sides, Cao Cao had to divide his troops into three routes, which made his military strength in Dongjun seem stretched.
Yuan Shao's men, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, were exceptionally brave. Even the brothers Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun were no match for their ferocity in a duel, which demoralized Cao Cao's army. As the war progressed, Cao Cao's territory was repeatedly overrun by Yuan Shao, leaving him with only his one remaining stronghold, Dongjun, which was already in imminent danger.
Cao Cao had been fighting for days, his situation becoming increasingly difficult under Yuan Shao's fierce offensive, and his forces were stretched thin. Yuan Shao's men, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, were exceptionally brave, and even the brothers Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun were no match for their ferocity in a duel, demoralizing Cao's army. As the war progressed, Cao Cao's territory was repeatedly overrun by Yuan Shao, leaving him with only his remaining stronghold, Dongjun, which was already in imminent danger.
Inside the tent, the atmosphere was oppressive, like the sky before a storm. Cao Cao forced himself to steel himself, scanning the crowd with a determined gaze. He spoke first, "Everyone, our army is in a critical situation, but we must not panic. Our most pressing task is to decide where to retreat: Yuzhou or Yanzhou. Everyone, please feel free to speak your mind."
Xiahou Dun, his expression grave, spoke first, "My lord, Yanzhou is our army's stronghold. The people are loyal to us, and we have abundant reserves of food and fodder. If we retreat to Yanzhou, our army can quickly rest and recuperate before advancing again."
Xiahou Yuan nodded in agreement, "Brother, you are absolutely right. Yanzhou's terrain is flat, making it ideal for our cavalry to maneuver. If Yuan Shao pursues us, we can use our cavalry's superiority to quickly counterattack or escape."
Xun You stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then said, "What Yuan Rang and Miao Cai say makes sense, but Yuzhou also has its advantages. Yuzhou is located in the Central Plains, well-connected and strategically important. If our army occupies Yuzhou, we can attack or defend, and we can also check and balance the surrounding forces."
Guo Jia narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke slowly, "What Xun Gongda said does make sense. However, Yuan Shao has long coveted Yanzhou. If our army retreats to Yanzhou, he will surely pursue us relentlessly, and our army will face endless trouble. Meanwhile, with various forces currently intertwined in Yuzhou, Yuan Shao is wary and won't venture too far into the region. This way, our army will have more room to maneuver in Yuzhou."
Cao Cao listened to everyone's analysis and nodded slightly, already making a plan in mind. At this moment, a soldier hurried in with a report: "My lord, scouts ahead have reported that Wen Chou and Yan Liang are leading Yuan Shao's elite troops, advancing aggressively towards our army."
Cao Cao's expression froze, knowing full well that Yuan Shao was planning to take advantage of his retreat and annihilate Cao's army in one fell swoop. He looked at Xiahou Yuan and said solemnly, "Xiahou Yuan, listen to my orders!"
Xiahou Yuan immediately clasped his fists and shouted, "I am here!"
Cao Cao said solemnly, "I order you to lead the elite troops to cover the rear. You must stop Wen Chou and Yan Liang's pursuit and buy enough time for the main army to retreat. You are well aware of the strength of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. You and your brother have both been slightly outmatched before. You must be extremely careful this time. Do you have the confidence?"
Xiahou Yuan's eyes were determined as he shouted, "Rest assured, my lord. I will not fail in my mission! Even if it means my last man, I will not let Yuan's army advance a single step!"
Cao Cao patted Xiahou Yuan on the shoulder and said, "Good! Your journey will be extremely dangerous, so be careful. I will have Xiahou Dun support you from the flank in case of any accidents."
After arranging the rearguard matters, Cao Cao looked at everyone again and said, "In my opinion, we should retreat to Chenliu. The emperor is in Xudu, and this is the top priority. After our army gains a foothold in Yuzhou, we will fight Yuan Shao to the death! Although this retreat is helpless, we will never admit defeat. I, Cao Cao, will definitely come back!" Everyone responded in unison, their eyes full of trust in Cao Cao and determination to follow him.
The atmosphere in the tent was oppressive and suffocating. Cao Cao's face was gloomy, his eyes filled with worry and reluctance. He slowly walked towards Xiahou Yuan, his eyes fixed on the fierce general who had followed him for many years.
Cao Cao reached out his hands, firmly grasped Xiahou Yuan's arms, and said in a low, slightly trembling voice, "Miaocai, this time, covering the rear is a dangerous undertaking, with a high risk of death. You and I have fought together for many years, through thick and thin, through life and death. We are as close as brothers. I really don't want you to face this danger."
Xiahou Yuan's eyes were determined, and he spoke without hesitation, "My lord, I, Xiahou Yuan, am deeply indebted to you for your kindness. Even if I die, I will never be able to repay you. Cao's army is in dire straits now, and only I can cover their retreat and ensure their safe retreat. Please rest assured, my lord, I will do my utmost to stop the Yuan army."
Cao Cao shook his head slightly and sighed, a trace of regret flashing in his eyes. "Miaocai, I know you're brave and fearless. But you and I have both experienced the ferocity of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. This time, you're outnumbered, and the situation is extremely dangerous. If you can't hold out, don't be stubborn; saving your life is the most important thing. There's no need to fight to the bitter end. Find an opportunity to retreat quickly. I don't want to see you make any mistakes."
Xiahou Yuan was deeply moved, but remained steadfast, saying, "My lord, I understand your intentions. However, as a general in Cao's army, it is my unshirkable responsibility to share your worries and to cover the retreat of the army. I will do my utmost to stop the Yuan army and buy enough time for them to evacuate. If the situation becomes absolutely imperative, I will adapt to the situation. But until then, I will fight the Yuan army to the death!"
Cao Cao patted Xiahou Yuan's shoulder heavily, tears glistening in his eyes. "My dear brother, if you can return safely, I, Cao Cao, will get you drunk for three days and share our glory. You must remember that your life is of vital importance to me and to the Cao army. If the situation is critical, do not fight hard; saving yourself is the most important thing. I, Cao Cao, will take good care of your family and will never let them suffer the slightest injustice."
Xiahou Yuan knelt on one knee, clasped his fists in salute, and said passionately, "My lord, you are so kind to me. I will do my best to fulfill your mission."
Cao Cao hurriedly helped Xiahou Yuan up, his eyes filled with expectation and reluctance. "Miaocai, be careful. I'm eagerly awaiting your return in Yuzhou."
Xiahou Yuan turned and strode out of the tent with resolute steps, leading his elite troops resolutely to the dangerous rearguard battlefield to face the ferocious Yuan army. Cao Cao stood at the tent door, gazing at Xiahou Yuan's retreating figure for a long time, praying silently in his heart, hoping that Xiahou Yuan would successfully complete his mission and return to him safely.
On the road to Chenliu, Cao Cao rode his warhorse, his expression heavy and filled with worry. Ever since parting with Xiahou Yuan, his heart had been hanging in the balance, as if gripped by an invisible hand. Throughout the journey, Cao Cao remained restless, his eyes constantly glancing back, as if he could peer through the dust to see Xiahou Yuan engaged in a bloody battle with Yuan's army.
Every now and then, he would rein in the reins and turn to the soldiers behind him, asking, "Have General Xiahou's troops caught up?" His anxious tone seemed to carry every word with a heavy weight of worry. The soldiers responded quickly each time, but their answers always made Cao Cao frown, and his uneasiness grew stronger.
Seeing this, Guo Jia rode forward and whispered, "My lord, General Miaocai is incredibly brave and resourceful. He will definitely complete the important task of covering the rearguard and return safely. You've been working hard these days, so please take care of yourself and don't worry too much."
Cao Cao nodded slightly, but his eyes still showed worry. "Fengxiao, how can I not be worried? Miaocai faced Yuan Shao's elite troops alone for the safety of the army, and his life or death is uncertain. I just hope he can catch up as soon as possible, so that I can feel at ease."
Xun You also said, "My lord, General Xiahou is renowned for his formidable reputation. He will not let us down. Right now, we should focus on the march, ensuring the army's safe arrival in Chenliu and preparing for a future counterattack."
Cao Cao took a deep breath and said, "You two are absolutely right. But I really can't feel at ease knowing that Miaocai is in danger." Having said that, Cao Cao still cheered up and continued to lead the army forward.
Xiahou Yuan, who remained behind to cover the retreat, knew the mission was arduous and time was running out, so he dared not slack off. He quickly gathered his elite troops, scanning them with a sharp gaze. He declared, "Brothers! This time, we shoulder the heavy responsibility of covering the rearguard. This is a matter of life and death for the entire army. We cannot afford to be careless! The Yuan army is advancing with great force, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou are exceptionally brave. But I firmly believe that as long as we work together, we will accomplish our mission!"
Xiahou Yuan paused briefly, unfolded the map, pointed to the key terrain and said: "We set up ambushes on both sides of the valley ahead. When Yuan's army pursues here, the ambushes on both sides will rush out at the same time and catch them off guard. The valley is narrow, and Yuan's cavalry can hardly deploy. This is our opportunity! But everyone must remember, don't fight to the death. The primary goal is to stop Yuan's army from advancing and buy time for the army!" The soldiers accepted the order in unison, with determination and fearlessness in their eyes.
Soon, dust billowed in the distance as Yan Liang and Wen Chou led Yuan Shao's elite cavalry, sweeping in like a whirlwind. Xiahou Yuan, sword in hand, shouted, "Brothers, follow me and kill!" He charged at Yuan's army. A chaotic battle ensued, the clash of weapons echoing through the valley.
Yan Liang and Wen Chou proved to be formidable, overwhelming Cao's forces wherever they went. Xiahou Yuan led the charge, engaging Yan Liang in a fierce battle. Swords flashed, and the two sides exchanged blows in a ferocious exchange. However, Yuan's superior numbers, coupled with the ferocious offensive of Yan Liang and Wen Chou, gradually put Xiahou Yuan under immense pressure, realizing he could not hold out for long.
At this moment, ambushes emerged from both sides of the valley, raining arrows like rain, throwing the Yuan army into disarray. Seeing this, Xiahou Yuan, energized, seized the opportunity to command Cao's army in a fierce counterattack. However, Yuan's troops, well-trained after all, quickly stabilized their position and began organizing a counterattack. While Xiahou Yuan's ambush was effective, it ultimately failed to hold off the enemy for long.
Seeing the situation becoming increasingly critical, Xiahou Yuan knew that the stalemate could not continue. He made a decisive move and ordered, "Brothers, retreat! Retreat according to the plan!" The Cao army fought and retreated, chasing in the direction of Cao Cao's retreat.
Yuan Shao's army, brimming with morale, followed closely behind like a surging tide. Yan Liang and Wen Chou, even more so, spurred their horses and whipped them, eager to catch up with Cao Cao's army and claim the top spot.