The Yellow Scarf: Chapter 27 - Discussing and Laughing Set Military Strategy

  To the west of the city, a group of robust soldiers were setting up camp. Probably due to their confidence in their own military strength, the Han army's camp had relatively few defensive fortifications. A man wearing a conspicuous "red scarf" on his head, with his hands behind his back, was watching the movements on top of Shanfu City against the backdrop of the setting sun in the west.

  The so-called "red scarf" is a red leather headscarf.

  "It seems that this 'moth bandit' leader still has some material."

  The man looked for a while, turned around and said to his close attendant beside him.

  "What do you think, Da Rong?"

  That close attendant, eight feet tall, with a majestic appearance, just looking at his figure and back, was nine points similar to the man wearing a "red scarf". He didn't hesitate, opened his mouth and replied:

  "No matter how many troops you have, in the face of our lord's bravery, they are nothing but a bunch of clay chickens and tile dogs!"

  "Haha, it's not the time for flattery now. In the midst of war and danger, my ancestors emphasized in 'The Art of War' that one must know oneself and know the enemy to win all battles! Moreover, among those 'bandits', there are also brave warriors. Last time I single-handedly chased after the enemy, I almost lost my life!"

  The attendant who was standing by reached out and touched his nose, saying:

  "Our army has just arrived and is not clear about the enemy situation. I heard that General Bao had a battle with this group of bandits yesterday and suffered some losses. Why don't you go ask him? It's likely that General Bao is more familiar with the strength of these 'bandits'."

  "It's a great honor, but one mustn't mock others behind their backs. This Bao Dun, I've heard Cao Mengde mention him before, saying he's a man of 'great integrity, kindness and generosity, calm and wise'. Cao Mengde has high standards, and doesn't easily praise people. Since this Bao Dun is someone Cao Mengde looks up to, he mustn't be an ordinary person."

  The attendant who was standing by looked down on him and curled his lip, saying:

  "No matter how 'benevolent and wise' Shen Yi is, wasn't he still defeated by this gang of only two or three thousand bandits? In my opinion, those people from high-ranking families, apart from being able to talk big, the actual work they do is mostly mediocre."

  "Bao's troops are mostly new recruits, so it's normal to lose a few rounds at first. When I was fighting against the 'bandits' at the beginning, I also lost a few rounds."

  Although he said so in his mouth, the man's face also revealed a hint of disdain. Due to his humble origin, the man was often looked down upon in official circles, and even if he had a generous heart, he couldn't help but feel some resistance towards officials from high-ranking families.

  Besides, Bao Xin and Bao Yunchen, although their official positions were "Zhoubing Duhou", but before the word "Duhou", they had to add a "Jia" character. If only considering the rank, as a male, being a Bi Bu Sima, with a rank of Qian Shi, his position was not lower than Bao Xin's "Jia Duhou".

  "What is meant by 'acting major' is a temporary agent. In later generations, 'acting major' means 'deputy major'."

  At this time, a Han army scout came forward and reported:

  "Sir, the wealthy citizens of the city have already withdrawn from the east gate. The rebels have now closed the city gates."

  "You've worked hard. But you can't rest yet. Tonight, you'll have to work even harder and keep a close eye on these bandits so they don't sneak out. After tomorrow, Commander Zong will give you three days off!"

  "Thanks, Sire! I'll go and make arrangements."

  As soon as the Han army scouts retreated, those close to him could no longer hold back their questions:

  "My lord, since the rebels are releasing the elderly and weak from within the city walls, why don't our troops take advantage of this opportunity to attack? We can capture the city in one battle, and tonight we can directly enter the city without having to set up camp. Isn't that great?"

  The man wearing a red turban shook his head and said:

  "In front of us are these 'bandits', who must be the elite among bandits. Our army has come from afar, and today we marched thirty miles, our strength is insufficient. Looking at the enemy, they are well-prepared and on high alert. If our army launches a strong attack, it would be no different from letting the bandits wait for us to tire ourselves out. In this battle, even if we succeed, we will inevitably suffer great losses. It's not worth it."

  The man paused for a moment and thought to himself:

  These powerful and influential clans, if they suffer any damage due to our military's strong attack, will be unable to vent their anger on the Yellow Turbans, and will surely direct their wrath at me. These aristocratic families of the Central Plains have extensive connections, and have always been closely related; when the time comes, the troubles that arise may give people a great headache...

  Of course, these words cannot be spoken out loud.

  At this time, a fully armed officer walked out of the Han army camp. Seeing this officer, he was about 30 years old, and his gestures were majestic. If it weren't for the man wearing the "red scarf" on the scene, he would have been the most eye-catching person in the whole scene.

  "See Sima!"

  The officer saluted and immediately stood up automatically. The attendants nearby were displeased in their hearts, thinking to themselves:

  "This guy with the surname Cheng is really arrogant. Just a mere 'False Military Marquis', yet he's so domineering..."

  The so-called "acting marquis", this "acting" is the same as Bao Xin's "acting commander", also means temporary agent. In later words, "acting marquis" is "deputy marquis".

  "Cheng Junhou, have all your troops arrived?"

  The man did not mind the other's slight impertinence and asked gently. The officer answered loudly:

  "Headquarters 462 people, all personnel present!"

  "Then you can set up camp in the south of the city. Tomorrow at noon, start cooking, and at 3 o'clock, send out troops to gather here with me, and together we will conquer Single Father City!"

  "No! Withdraw!"

  The officer bowed again and withdrew on his own initiative. The attendants waited until he was far away before speaking in a low voice:

  "This person is so arrogant, really infuriating..."

  The man wearing a red turban said with a sigh:

  "Cheng Demou's majestic demeanor was self-respecting, and he looked down on others. He was a hero among the northern troops. Although he was appointed by Zhu Zhonglang (Zhu Jun) to follow me on this expedition, how could he easily submit because of a slight difference in official rank? Even I, if assigned to serve under some unknown person, would not be able to bow my head and obey blindly."

  The man paused for a moment and then continued:

  "However, Cheng Demou is a hero. As long as he follows our army and fights on the battlefield for several rounds, with his insight, I don't believe he won't be convinced by my son Sun Jian's demeanor! By that time, there will be no worry that Cheng Demou won't lend his full support!"

  These words are indeed arrogant. However, when spoken from Sun Jian's mouth, they make the people who hear them feel that it is only natural. The attendant surnamed Zu, named Mao, and styled Daren, was an old man who had followed Sun Jian for many years. When he thought of his own family, wasn't it also being subdued by his lord's grandeur, thus willing to follow him through life and death? At this moment, he felt a sense of relief.

  Cheng Pu and Cheng Demou, let's see how sharp your eyes are. Can you recognize the master's demeanor?

  The next day at dawn, Sun Jian's Han army was fully prepared and gathered outside the west gate of Shangfang City, starting the battle to capture the city.

  Due to the urgency of time, Sun Jian's army did not have enough siege equipment and only temporarily made a few rough ladders. However, thinking that the Yellow Turbans had always been simple and crude in their equipment, Sun Jian did not think that the Yellow Turban soldiers on the city wall would pose any great threat to his side.

  However, no matter when, attacking a city is always a headache. Even the city walls of Jianye, which are only two and a half zhang high, cannot compare to some large fortresses in terms of defensive strength. The process of transporting people to the top of the city wall is also a troublesome project. Sun Jian tilted his head and said to Cheng Pu:

  "Cheng Junhou, our army's bows and crossbows are not many. We need you to lead your troops forward to suppress the 'bandit' arrows. Can you do it?"

  "Obey orders!"

  Cheng Pu made a bow and turned to enter the army barracks. Under the shining morning sun, his majestic "Xuan Tie Yu Lin Armor" reflected dazzling brilliance, making him appear even more heroic and brave.

  PS: Character - Sun Jian.

  As the ancestor of Jiangdong Sun's Wu State, Sun Jian's bravery is recorded so prominently in both "Records of the Three Kingdoms" and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". On the battlefield, Sun Jian lived up to his self-proclaimed identity as a descendant of Sun Tzu.

  So, as a member of the Southerners, let Sun Jian, in the following sections, freely show off the majesty of "Jiangdong's Fierce Tiger"!

  Character - Cheng Pu.

  A northerner, why would he willingly follow a southern clan family, in the midst of epidemic and pestilence, to strive tirelessly for the great cause of the Sun family?

  The author sets it, Cheng Pu and Sun Jian's fate, originated in the years of fighting side by side against the Yellow Turban Army. From Zhongyuan to Xiliang, Sun Jian used the heads of the Yellow Turban Army and the Qiang people's rebels to finally subdue the brave and determined Cheng Pu.

  This is Sun Jian's pride and Cheng Pu's good fortune.

  Zu Mao

  Sun Jian's sworn brother and personal bodyguard, who can also serve as a substitute when necessary.

  In fact, if he hadn't died at the hands of Hua Xiong, Zu Mao would have had a brighter future. He wasn't an ordinary general.

  Person - Sun Jing.

  Actually, Sun Jing was not an ordinary general. The tragedy of Sun Jing lies in the fact that he had a brother who was too outstanding.