Chapter 22: Three Thousand Defeat Six Thousand! Cao Bao: Did I Just Kneel to Liu Bei?

The six thousand soldiers of the Yuan-Lu coalition forces were suddenly thrown into a state of panic and disarray. They came to a halt, crowding into the narrow valley path.

Just as Cao Bao and Li Feng stood there in bewildered confusion, countless sharp arrows soared from the dense forest.

A rain of arrows descended.

Cao Bao and Li Feng’s expressions shifted drastically; they hurriedly swung their weapons, creating a wall of iron to deflect the barrage. While their martial arts were merely average, the density of the volley was not enough to harm them.

The coalition soldiers around them, however, were not so fortunate. Caught in their shock, they were utterly defenseless against the sudden onslaught.

Countless sprays of blood erupted into the air in an instant. A chorus of agonizing screams immediately filled the valley. Men and horses collapsed, and the scene descended into a cacophony of wails.

Within a single volley, thousands of the coalition soldiers were pinned to the ground in heaps. Chaos ensued.

As the arrow rain ceased, the signal flags atop the ridge waved once more. Guan Yu, Xu Sheng, Mi Fang, and other commanders charged out with their troops. Two thousand soldiers descended like celestial warriors, swarming from all sides toward the panicked coalition forces in the valley.

At the front, Zhang Fei—who had served as the bait—led his one thousand rearguard troops in a ferocious counter-attack. The three wings of Liu Bei’s army had effectively cut off and surrounded the coalition.

Though the coalition forces were numerous, their morale shattered under the sudden ambush. Without waiting for orders, they began to retreat, scrambling over one another as they fled toward the eastern mouth of the valley.

"Liu Bei’s ambush?"
"Is the 'Big-Eared Thief' and his entire army here?"
"This, this, this..."

Watching the "Liu" banners appearing from every direction, Cao Bao’s face twisted in endless shock and terror. From Chengfu County to this point, had they not seen discarded baggage, flags, and armor along the way? Did that not prove that Liu Bei’s army had disintegrated and was fleeing in a panic?

How had Liu Bei suddenly transformed his entire force into an ambush, striking from both flanks? And how were they as spirited as tigers and wolves, showing not the slightest sign of a collapsed army?

Cao Bao was stunned.

"Brother Cao, we must have fallen for the Big-Eared Thief’s trap to lure the enemy!"
"The provisions and baggage along the road were discarded by him on purpose, just to make us think he was fleeing in desperation."
"Zhang Fei’s unit was also feigning defeat, all to draw us into this valley and lure us into his snare!"
"We’ve been tricked!"

Li Feng was the first to realize the truth, his voice trembling with agitation. Cao Bao’s head buzzed, and he suddenly awakened to the reality.

"Could there be some brilliant strategist in Liu Bei’s ranks who devised such a cunning ploy?"
"Cao Bao, why didn't you warn me!" Li Feng complained bitterly, shouting at Cao Bao.

Cao Bao, helpless, put on a bitter face. "Liu Bei is but a mediocre lord, and his subordinates like Mi Zhu and Sun Qian are men of average wit. How could they possibly conceive such a devious plan?"

Li Feng, however, remained unconvinced and questioned him further: "If not for them, who else could have thought up such a treacherous, venomous scheme? Is it possible that the Big-Eared Thief has a brilliant strategist under his command that you don't know about?"

Before he could finish, Cao Bao shook his head like a rattle. "No one knows the ins and outs of the Big-Eared Thief better than I do. He only has those few advisors; there are no other brilliant minds among them!"

Li Feng fell silent, his eyes filled with profound confusion. If Liu Bei had no superior strategist, how could he have devised such an interlocking scheme, playing them like fools and leading them step-by-step into this trap?

While the two argued, the Liu forces on both flanks had already descended. With a flurry of slaughter, the six thousand coalition soldiers were carved into seven or eight segments like a long serpent. The vanguard and rear lost contact immediately, scurrying about like headless flies.

"Brother Li, never mind that! Survival is paramount—break through to the east immediately!" Cao Bao was the first to regain his senses; he shouted, turned his horse, and fled.

Li Feng stood frozen in place, hesitating. Cao Bao could afford to flee—it was just a defeat after all. But Yuan Shu had ordered him to bring back Liu Bei’s head, or forfeit his own. If he returned as a fugitive, would Yuan Shu spare him?

"Zhang Fei is here!"
"Where is that dog Cao Bao? Surrender your life!"

The black-clad tiger general from the front roared like a god of war, charging forward. The coalition soldiers in his path were mowed down like grass.

"Zhang Fei?" Li Feng gasped. His remaining hesitation was shattered by Zhang Fei’s appearance.

There was no time to think. He had to save his life first. Li Feng turned his horse and tried to follow Cao Bao, but it was too late. Zhang Fei, who had been searching for Cao Bao, locked his eyes on him. Clad in iron armor and mounted on horseback, this had to be the Yuan commander, Li Feng.

"Rat, where are you fleeing!" Zhang Fei’s eyes were bloodshot as he roared and charged.

Li Feng whipped his horse frantically, but before he could build up speed, Zhang Fei was upon him. A blood-stained spear pierced through the air with the force of a thunderclap. Li Feng was horrified and hurriedly turned to block with his blade.

Before his strike could land, the lightning-fast spear had already pierced his back. With a scream, Li Feng tumbled from his horse. Zhang Fei decapitated him and continued his pursuit.

In the valley, blood flowed like a river.

On the ridge, Liu Bei was filled with excitement, his fighting spirit irrepressible.
"Strategist, watch the battle from here. I shall descend to command the troops!"
After giving brief instructions, Liu Bei leaped onto his horse and charged down the hill with a squad of his personal guards.

"Strategist Xiao!" Wei Yan, itching for action, turned to look at Xiao Fang. In such a great battle, this was a golden opportunity to earn merit, and he could not sit still.

Xiao Fang, knowing his eagerness, smiled and waved his hand. "Go, Wenchang. Have a good fight. I suggest you head straight to the eastern mouth of the valley to intercept them; you might just get an unexpected surprise."

Wei Yan was overjoyed; he mounted his horse and galloped toward the east with his blade in hand.

On the ridge, only Xiao Fang and a few advisors like Mi Zhu remained. They watched the battle in the valley with intense focus.

Xiao Fang, however, looked up at the sun, which was approaching its zenith.
"Time to eat."
"A-Liang, tell them to light a fire. Let's roast some meat and have it with flatbread."
Xiao Fang found a cool, shaded spot and sat down.

"Brother-in-law, is it appropriate for us to eat now?" Zhuge Liang glanced down the mountain. The battle below was still raging, and they were here eating and drinking; it seemed somewhat out of place.

"Of all the important things, eating is the most important!"
"The outcome is already decided. They fight their battle; we eat our meal. It won't change the results."
"We shall have the meat roasted and the wine warmed. When the Lord returns, we can call it a victory feast."
Xiao Fang spoke with a serious expression.

Zhuge Liang let out an "Oh" and had no choice but to call the guards to light a fire.

"Miss Mi, would you mind having a sheep slaughtered for us?" Xiao Fang asked with a smile toward Mi Zhen. Since the Mi family provided the money and supplies, Mi Zhen was in charge of logistics.

Mi Zhen, who had been focused on the battle, was stunned for a moment before she reacted and hurriedly ordered her servants to slaughter a sheep.

A moment later, fresh slices of lamb were placed over the fire, sizzling as the fat dripped down.

"Hmm, it's fresh, but it's a pity that chili hasn't been introduced yet. Roasted meat without chili lacks soul."
"Oh well, I'll make do..." Xiao Fang muttered softly. Seeing that it was roasted to perfection, he began to eat with great relish.

A bite of roasted meat, a chew of flatbread, followed by a gulp of fine wine—truly delightful!

*The battle below is raging, and everyone is focused on the outcome, yet he is so relaxed and carefree, and has such a good appetite.*
*Such composure is truly extraordinary.*
*This Xiao Jinglue is indeed a remarkable man...*

Mi Zhen watched Xiao Fang quietly, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and curiosity, her heart churning with turbulent thoughts.

Unknowingly, the sounds of battle faded away. The fighting had finally ended.

"Jinglue!"
"We wiped out over four thousand enemies in this battle and captured countless weapons and flags. Yide even slew the Yuan commander, Li Feng!"
"If not for your brilliant plan, how could I have enjoyed such a satisfying and thorough victory!"
Liu Bei, full of excitement, rode his horse up the hill, calling out joyfully from afar.

Xiao Fang, full of food and wine, rose with a bowl of wine and offered it, saying with a smile:
"Then I shall toast you, my Lord. Congratulations on this total victory, which will surely strike fear throughout Runan!"

Liu Bei laughed heartily, took the bowl, and drained it in one gulp.

Just as he finished, the sound of hooves returned. Wei Yan rode up the mountain, holding a captive under his arm.
"Reporting to my Lord, I have captured the enemy commander Cao Bao. Please decide his fate!" Wei Yan declared his merit and tossed the prisoner down.

"Thud!"
Cao Bao fell heavily to the ground, getting a mouthful of dirt. When he endured the pain and tremblingly lifted his head, he realized, to his horror, that he was kneeling at the feet of Liu Bei.