Chapter 8 Final Deployment!

  These past few days, Liu Bei and Li Yu have been busy, with various lords arriving one after another. Whenever someone came, Liu Bei would let Li Yu entertain them. When Sun Jian arrived, the first thing he did was to ask Li Yu to teach him a couple of moves in Go. He had to admit that Sun Jian's skills in Go had improved rapidly, and although he had only just started learning this technique, he could already play against Li Yu with a score of three to two! Cao Cao's visit ended with a draw of three to three against Li Yu! Later on, when Yuan Shao and others played against Li Yu, Li Yu won every single game.

  Li Yu's reputation as a genius spread far and wide, but what Li Yu was most worried about was this Cao *, who had great ambitions! He used troops in a clever way and repeatedly suggested to Li Yu that they should surround Zhang Jue without attacking him, cut off his supply lines, and win without fighting after a long time! Sun Jian also suggested digging tunnels, directly connecting to the city of Guangzhou, using the tactic of internal and external pincer attack!

  Liu Bei, the supervisor of the army, and Jian Yong, the officer in charge of supplies, were having a hard time. Some of the lords had plenty of food but still wanted to use Liu Bei's army's supplies. It was all because of that scoundrel Yuan Shu. Jian Yong complained to Li Yu about this. Li Yu became enraged and said on the next day at the morning assembly: "A big battle is imminent, we should gather all the supplies together for easier management!" Before He Jin arrived, he used his commander's seal to concentrate all the supplies on Liu Bei's side! Li Yu thought to himself: I'm not even taking advantage of you, but you still want to take advantage of me? It's not that easy to take advantage of my brother!

  Li Yu continued to use the strategy of constantly harassing the Guangzhou city Zhang Jiao army, on the one hand sending Sun Jian to dig a tunnel to prepare for an internal and external pincer attack! On the other hand, quietly waiting for the arrival of this stupid and pig-like great general - He Jin! Li Yu knew that without He Jin, he would have already won the battle! He Jin's arrival was only to share the credit, but Li Yu had to give half of the credit for this victory to He Jin in order to plan for the long-term prospects of Liu Bei's army.

  Liu Bei has been appointed as the King of Hanzhong, with Yizhou as his territory. Yizhou is a land of abundance and prosperity, with fertile soil and rich resources. It was here that Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, rose to power and defeated Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu. If we can maintain stability and security in this region, pacify the neighboring tribes, and implement good governance, then when there is a change in the situation, we can lead our army to capture Hanzhong and march straight to Chang'an! Li Yu's vision has become even broader! He dreams more! The Buddha said that for every "if", there is another outcome. So Li Yu truly hopes that there won't be so many "ifs". Let us proceed steadily and surely! Because Li Yu believes that only when Liu Bei unifies the world will it be the best outcome for the people.

  In the end, it was proven that Li Yu's choice was correct!

  Within three days, He Jin led his army to arrive. Look at He Jin's formation, He Jin's plump body, round big head wearing a commander's golden helmet, wearing iron chainmail armor, riding a white dragon horse in the front, with dozens of deputy generals behind him, majestic and proud! Closely following behind were 200,000 strong troops, an endless sea of people! The commander's flag was waving high in the wind! How magnificent! Along the way, He Jin didn't rush, he had fully shown off his power!

  Liu Bei and Li Yu led all the troops to welcome He Jin outside the camp! Along the way, Li Yu ordered the streets to be cleaned with water, and yellow earth was laid on the road. The welcoming ceremony for He Jin was raised to the highest level, firecrackers were ringing, drums and music were loud! On both sides of the road, people and horses stood upright, welcoming He Jin from a distance of thirty miles! He Jin was originally a man who loved grandeur and showiness. Seeing Liu Bei and Li Yu attach such importance to his arrival, how could he not be delighted?!

  He Jin and Liu Bei met, and He Jin praised Liu Bei, saying: "Xuande is a top pillar of the Han court, since the destruction of Huangjin, he has been invincible in battle, and wherever he goes, he is victorious!"

  Liu Bei said: "How dare I, how dare I! It's all the great general's credit!" Look at He Jin's arrogance, he didn't even dismount his horse and spoke to Han Xing Wang Liu Bei like that, without even paying respects to His Majesty!

  He Jin said to Li Yu: "General Li, your military strategy is impressive! In the battle of Zhuo County, you defeated 50,000 with only 20,000 troops. In Qingzhou, you defeated 200,000 with just 40,000 troops! You turned the tide in Guangzhou and defeated Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang's army! When Dong Zhuo's army was being rude, you were surrounded by Zhang Jue's Yellow Turban Army, but you launched a surprise attack and turned the tables! In Guangzhou, you faced off against Zhang Jue's and Zhang Liang's armies for months, with tens of thousands of troops on both sides. It wasn't until then that the imperial court was able to regain control! That's no easy feat! Your name is now famous throughout the land! Let's play a game of Go later!"

  Li Yu bowed and said: "The great general has approved! The subordinate's achievements today are all thanks to the great general's support! And the destruction of Zhang Jiao's army is all thanks to the great general's strategic planning and the emperor's heavenly power!"

  He Jin burst out laughing! He Jin had not dismounted until now, and except for Liu Bei and Li Yu, others such as Huang Pu Song, Sun Jian, Ma Teng, Cao *, Tao Qian, etc. were still kneeling, showing how great He Jin's power was and his arrogant momentum! Li Yu thought to himself: Let you be proud of yourself, but your good days won't last long! And what are you proud of? You didn't rise up through military achievements, it's just that your sister is the empress, isn't it? This is something to be proud of?!

  He Jin has been here for several days, entangling Li Yu in a game of chess all day long. Li Yu is so angry! With such people around, it's no wonder the Han Dynasty is on the verge of collapse. The army is stationed outside, wasting one more day's worth of money and provisions every day! Clearly, they could have won the battle in one move, but now he refuses to fight! And to make matters worse, He Jin is a terrible chess player, yet Li Yu still can't beat him! It's infuriating!

  "This day, Li Yu said: 'The great general can fight a decisive battle with Zhang Jue today! The time has come! One battle can settle it!'"

  He Jin, however, cupped his hands and said: "Alright! You go then! Go ahead and command! I'll quietly await good news! I'm tired, let me rest for a bit!" After that, he turned around and went back to the inner hall to play with the singing girls.

  Li Yu saw He Jin giving him the power, then let's have a decisive battle! The sooner we finish fighting, the sooner we can return to Yi Province, and that will be like birds flying high in the sky and fish jumping freely in the sea.

  Li Yu walked out of He Jin's large tent and returned to the main hall with Wang Xue. He ordered the herald officer to beat the drum and raise the flag!

  Li Yu sat in the handsome seat, with Wang Xue on his left and Lord Liu Bei on his right.

  The soldiers were led by the small captain, gathered in the drill ground. Li Yu was fully armed, wearing a commander's golden helmet, an iron chain mail, holding a command flag, sitting high in the middle, majestic and solemn. With one order: "Roll call!" The central military officer held up the name list, calling out each name, all present: "Report to the general, all present!" "Step aside!" After the central military officer stepped down.

  Liu Bei asked: "Fourth brother, at this time you beat the drum and set up your tent, has General He Jin already handed over the great power to you?"

  "Generals, behold! The Tiger Tally is here! We will defeat the enemy this very morning! I hope you will all unite and work together! Listen to my orders!"

  On the left side of the lower seat, there were Huang Pu Song, Zhu Xie Lu Zhi, Cao *, Tao Qian, Kong Rong, Sun Jian, Ma Teng, Gongsun Zan and several other lords.

  Guān Yǔ and Zhāng Fēi sat on the right side of the emperor, along with other vassal lords.

  The two sides parted and replied: "I will be there!"

  "Generals, today we will defeat Zhang Jue's Yellow Turban army! The outcome of this battle is crucial, and I will not take it lightly. Our military has 17 rules and 54 punishments for disobedience. Anyone who disobeys will be punished without mercy. My orders must be followed, do not take them lightly!" The generals all shouted in unison: "General, rest assured! We are willing to follow your orders, even unto death!" Li Yu said, "Very well, I will not hold back." He reached out and took the first command arrow: "Where is Sun Jian?"

  "I am here!"

  Li Yu said "Sun Jian obeys orders!"

  "Ah!" Sun Jian truly admired Li Yu's talent, and today Li Yu had sent a single arrow to his head, he felt that this was a sign of respect for him, and he was extremely delighted. He hastily stepped forward and saluted: "Your subordinate awaits your orders!"

  "General Sun! I know you have a brave and powerful army, with the courage of a thousand men. Now I give you an imperial arrow, ordering you to lead your cavalry out of the underground tunnel, open the city gate, and cooperate with me inside and outside, to win the battle in one go! You must carefully survey the terrain, understand the enemy's situation, use fewer troops to defeat more, and succeed in one battle. Victory is allowed, but defeat is not. We will be waiting outside the city, waiting for your generalship, do not make any mistakes!"

  "Got it!" Sun Jian took over the command arrow and returned to his own team, preparing to lead the army to attack the city.

  Li Yuzhen stretched out his hand and picked up the second token arrow: "Cao * listen to the order!"

  Cao Cao hastily stepped forward and saluted: "Your subordinate is here!" "Now, I order you to lead your troops out of the city in three directions, leaving one gate open for Zhang Jue to escape. This will prevent him from defending the inner city to the death! I'll block his way myself, then coordinate with General Sun Jian to take down Guangzhou City and meet up with me, forming the final encirclement against Zhang Jue's Yellow Turban army! Once the final encirclement is formed, the Yellow Turbans will be doomed. When the battle begins, you must quickly cooperate with General Sun Jian to capture Guangzhou City, no mistakes allowed!"

  "Got it!" Cao said, then returned to his own army and prepared to lead the troops in attacking the city.

  Li Yu picked up the third command arrow: "Huang Pu Song, Zhu Xie, two old generals listen to orders!"

  "In!" General Huang Pu Song, Zhu Xie busily stepped forward to pay respects. The two old generals were loyal and devoted to the Great Han court. Now seeing Li Yu's young and talented appearance, they thought highly of the two old generals and hastily stepped forward to pay respects: "Your subordinate awaits your orders!"

  Li Yu continued, "Huang Pu Song, Zhu Xie two old generals! I know you are brave and heroic, with your horses and swords in hand. Now I give you a commanding arrow, ordering you to lead your troops to cooperate with Cao Cao and Sun Jian to capture Guangzhou City, then quickly cut off Zhang Jue's army's retreat route!"

  "Yes! Your orders!" Huang Pu Song and Zhu Xie, the two old generals said, then returned to their troops, preparing to lead the army in attacking the city.

  Li Yu picked up the fourth command arrow: "Ding Yuan and Tao Qian, two old generals, listen to the order!"

  "We'll be there soon!" said Ding Yuan and Tao Qian, the two old generals.

  "Order the two veteran generals to lead their troops to see Zhang Jue's army retreat from the city, and quickly attack from the left side, striking at his waist, making it impossible for him to defend himself! Then, seeing Ma Teng and Kong Rong's actions, immediately launch a counterattack against the rear enemy, and join forces with Cao Cao and Sun Jian!"

  "We will follow your orders!" said Ding Yuan and Tao Qian, the two old generals, before returning to their own troops to prepare for action according to plan.

  "Kong Rong, Ma Teng, listen to the order!"

  "Ah!" Kong Rong and Ma Teng heard this, and there was still our matter, hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.

  Li Yu said: "Two generals, when we meet the Zhang Jiao army retreating out of the city again, quickly attack its flank from the left side and let it be unable to take care of its head! After succeeding, launch an attack on the vanguard and meet with me!"

  "Got it!" said Kong Rong and Ma Teng. Then they returned to their own team, preparing to act according to plan.

  Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, listen to the order!

  "We will be there!" Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu stood up and replied!

  Li Yu said: "After the city is attacked, the remnants of Zhang Jiao's Yellow Turban army will definitely attack our main camp from both sides. You must ambush many archers on both sides, wait for them to come over, and lure them into the center of your formation. Don't let a single soldier escape! Also, don't let them charge into the main camp. At this time, the main camp only has your two battalions. If you fail, the consequences will be unbearable! After seeing the enemy's Guangzhou city fall to our army, we must also advance steadily and cautiously! Remember not to let the enemy see that our main camp is empty. Before departing, spread flags and banners throughout the camp to make the enemy think that our main force is still in the camp!"

  Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu received their orders and left!

  Li Yu picked up the seventh command arrow: "Dong Zhuo, listen to the order!"

  "Present!" Dong Zhuo stood up and responded, "General Dong Zhuo! You lead the troops under your command. After taking Guangzhou City, immediately occupy it to prevent Zhang Jue's Yellow Turban Army from returning with reinforcements after discovering the trick. Remember! There must be no mistake!"

  Dong Zhuo rose and responded: "Yes, Your Excellency!"

  Li Yu added: "General Dong Zhuo, you should set up ambushes with archers on the city walls and prepare many rolling logs and stones. When they enter our shooting range, we will kill them all at once."

  Dong Zhuo obeyed and left.

  "The rest, listen to orders!"

  "Those below, rise!" The remaining people stood up and said "Everyone prepare for the celebration banquet, this battle must be won! After this war, the Yellow Turban thieves will have no chance to stir up trouble again!"

  "Got it!" The rest of the generals stood up and said to Li Yu: "My troops can set out for the North Gate immediately, General, I'll take 100,000 soldiers with me!"

  Li Yu ordered: "Immediately prepare food, tell the soldiers that after this battle, we will make a name for ourselves throughout the world! On the day of victory, I will reward the three armies! You must also firm up your minds, this battle will be won!"

  Zuo Guanyu, Zou Jing, Cheng Yuanzhi.

  Zhang Fei, Deng Mao, Jian Yong

  "We will win this battle!"

  Li Yu said: "Get ready to go down, in a moment, the three armies will take action!"

  The crowd on both sides dispersed! The people from all directions have also acted according to orders, and will not be mentioned for the time being.

  Sun Jian led his troops out of the city and into Guangzhou through a secret passage, where they slaughtered their way in. Sun Jian abandoned his horse and wielded his massive sword, which spun like a windmill, ceaselessly reaping the lives of his enemies, leaving countless dead and wounded! Behind him, Zu Mao, Cheng Pu, and four other veteran generals were equally valiant, their armor stained red with blood from battle.

  Can't help but mention one person, killing countless enemies, not old in age, like a small tiger, with a long spear dancing like pear flowers in the rain, also looking dignified and majestic. In the Golden Army, the most dazzling is him - Jiangdong Sun Ce! The Yellow Turban Army has no one who can match him, nor anyone who can stop him, with a single long spear killing countless enemies! He always charges to the front, in the Golden Army like entering an uninhabited land! Fierce and majestic! Sun Jian also sent Han Dang to protect Sun Ce, but which hero needs someone else's protection? Under his command, there is no general who can match him.

  Zhang Jiao watched from the city tower, filled with hatred. He had no choice but to order the abandonment of the outer city and desperately defend the inner city!

  At this time, Cao also made a move. Cao waved his hand and launched a heavy attack, which could have triggered a general offensive. The city was attacked on three sides, except for the north gate, because Li Yu had made arrangements, and the north gate was in Li Yu's hands!

  Clouds and fog shroud the sky, Han officials and soldiers, valiant and unyielding, advance in waves, one after another. Although Zhang Jue's army is fighting to the death, they cannot withstand it. Blood flows like rivers below the city walls, corpses litter the fields above! There are bodies of officials and soldiers, as well as those of the Yellow Turbans. This battle is so tragic! It's a sacrifice of lives! Cao Cao personally beats the drum to boost morale, urging the army to capture the city! The Han officials and soldiers are fierce and fearless of death, arrows and rocks rain down like rain. Zhang Jue, Zhang Bao, and Zhang Liang, the three brothers, personally ascend the city walls to assist in the battle. Seeing that the siege has entered a state of white-hot intensity, while the official army is numerous, the Yellow Turbans also know that this inner city is their last line of defense, and they are fighting to the death! For a time, the two sides are locked in combat.

  Time passed mercilessly for more than a watch, the government army and the Yellow Turbans suffered heavy casualties. Although the Yellow Turbans should not have defended the city so heavily, Sun Jian's sudden raid was too unexpected, and the Yellow Turbans did not anticipate it, resulting in heavy casualties. They were forced to abandon their first line of defense!

  Sun Jian charged down into the inner city, like a mad lion, and the troops followed close behind with battering rams, constantly crashing against the gates of the inner city. Zhang Jiao saw this and had no choice but to send Zhang Liang to lead soldiers in support of the inner city gate! Once the inner city gate was broken through, their time would be up.

  On the other side, Cao Cao's imperial army also made progress, they had already climbed up to the southern city wall. Seeing that the breach in the southern city was about to be opened, Zhang Jiao had no choice but to dispatch his second brother Zhang Bao to lead troops to support! Another fierce battle ensued, with the southern city changing hands several times! However, due to the timely support of Zhang Jiao's Golden Army, they were still able to firmly control the southern city.

  The north wind was howling, the dead bodies were piled up like a mountain, but Cao and Sun Jian did not have any mercy. They both had red eyes, constantly organizing troops to launch attack after attack! Many were killed or wounded, the losses were extremely heavy, this was something that Cao had not anticipated!

  This was Zhang Jue sending Han Zhong to lead the army directly to the main camp of the Han army, but unexpectedly, Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shu had been waiting for a long time, leading their armies out, and Li Yu's arrow tower and bowstrings were like the wind! The enemy suffered countless casualties! Now with the arrival of the three armies' reinforcements, Han Zhong could no longer organize a retreat!

  Gongsun Zan's White Horse Army slaughtered all the way, and in the end, Han Zhong was killed by Gongsun Zan with a single spear thrust!

  Zhang Jiao saw this from atop the city wall and no longer dared to send troops out of the city!

  Love is endless, but it's hard to turn back; yet people don't know where to go!