Chapter 25: News of Victory Arrives

In the fifth year of Jian'an, at the dawn of a new century, the territory of China was destined to face a year of tumult and uncertainty.

Cao Cao's feigned attack deceived Yuan Shao, who promptly dispatched a large contingent westward upon hearing news of the Cao army's approach to Yan Jin, seeking to prevent their crossing of the river. This was precisely the situation Cao Cao wished to create. The forces heading to Yan Jin were merely a diversion, while Cao Cao himself, with a command, sent Zhang Liao and Guan Yu, accompanied by over a thousand cavalry, directly toward the location of Yan Liang to break the siege at Bai Ma.

Cao Cao followed closely behind with Xu Huang and the remaining cavalry. Regardless of the outcome for Zhang Liao and Guan Yu, the siege at Bai Ma had to be lifted; Yan Liang and his troops must be defeated. Both Guan Yu and Zhang Liao understood the implication of being sent as vanguards.

On horseback, they could not compare to Yan Liang's forces. Their only advantage was the element of surprise, combined with a small number of cavalry skilled in stealth and mobility. In other words, for the two of them, this battle was a gamble; if they succeeded, they succeeded, but if they failed, not only would they lose most of their thousand-strong cavalry, but their own survival would also be in jeopardy.

“Yun Chang, do you have any good strategies for this surprise attack on Yan Liang?”

Zhang Liao was not an impulsive person; he had a good understanding of Guan Yu. As they marched, noticing Guan Yu's silence, Zhang Liao took the initiative to speak.

With nearly fifteen hundred cavalry, their numbers were indeed not large, but both Guan Yu and Zhang Liao understood that these fifteen hundred were not a hodgepodge of temporary soldiers under other warlords, but rather a well-trained force cultivated by Cao Cao. Across the entire Han territory, they were an army capable of fighting.

Cao Cao only provided them with fifteen hundred men, not because he wanted to put Guan Yu and Zhang Liao, who had just pledged allegiance to him, in danger, but because that was all he had. In this regard, there was nothing underhanded about Cao Cao's decision.

“There are two paths we can take. The two of us should proceed slowly and not rush, ensuring we don’t distance ourselves too far from the forces of the Minister of Works. After reaching Bai Ma, we should first wear down Yan Liang's morale. Once the Minister of Works and Xu Huang arrive, we can launch a pincer attack on Yan Liang and hopefully achieve victory.”

After hearing Guan Yu's plan, Zhang Liao nodded slightly and continued to inquire, “And what is the second path?”

“We march at the fastest speed under the cover of night, taking them by surprise and directly assaulting Yan Liang's main camp. You will provide a distraction while I take down Yan Liang, and the enemy will naturally collapse.”

When Guan Yu articulated these two strategies, there was no change in his expression, clearly not viewing the formidable Yan Liang as a significant threat.

“Which path does General Yun Chang prefer?”

“Keep it simple, let’s take the straightforward approach!”

Upon hearing Guan Yu's words, Zhang Liao showed a look of sudden realization.

Cao Cao, following behind with the remaining cavalry and some main forces, was also moving with urgency. He had his own reasons for this arrangement; although Zhang Liao had only recently defected, Cao Cao was aware of his capabilities and felt that pairing him with Guan Yu would at least prevent Guan Yu from doing anything reckless.

Moreover, Cao Cao was curious to see if Guan Yu, in taking on the role of a general in his campaign, was hiding any ulterior motives.

Cao Cao trusted Guan Yu's abilities; having both Guan Yu and Zhang Liao, it should not be difficult for them to defeat Yan Liang before his own arrival. With the strategies laid out by Xun Yu, once the two of them appeared before Yan Liang, it would undoubtedly catch the enemy off guard.

“Feng Xiao, do you think Yun Chang will go all out in this battle?”

Even though the brilliant strategy had come from Xun Yu, it was still Guo Jia who accompanied Cao Cao in the carriage during the expedition.

“When the Minister of Works appointed him as the vanguard for this battle, he must have had his answer in mind. The significance of this battle should be clearer to the Minister of Works than to me.”

Had anyone else spoken to Cao Cao in such a cryptic manner, he would have drawn his sword long ago, or perhaps even taken their life in a dream. However, Guo Jia was an exception, and after hearing his words, Cao Cao chuckled and remarked, “Feng Xiao understands me!”

He then ceased to pursue that topic further.

After two days of marching, night fell, and Cao Cao ordered the troops to dismount and set up camp for the night, feeding the warhorses and ensuring that the soldiers were well-fed and rested. In less than a day, they would reach the outer circle of the Bai Ma siege and engage in battle with Yan Liang.

“At this moment, Yun Chang and Wen Yuan should have already clashed with Yan Liang...”

Preparations were indeed established to determine the outcome only after the main forces arrived, but in Cao Cao's heart, he was considering a different result.

That night, just as Cao Cao had just fallen asleep, he was suddenly awakened by hurried footsteps outside the tent, followed by the sound of heavy breathing.

“I am a soldier from the vanguard camp, sent by General Zhang Liao to report to the Minister of Works!”

“Quick! Let him in!”

After Cao Cao set out, Xuchang fell into a deep slumber. As war approached, no one involved could foresee whether they would emerge victorious or suffer defeat.

Many officials standing in the Han court had long since packed their belongings at home, ready to flee at the first sign of Yuan Shao's army entering the city. After all, regardless of whether Yuan Shao acknowledged the Han dynasty, he would certainly not recognize Liu Xie as the emperor, nor would he acknowledge the officials appointed by Cao Cao.

The only ones feeling somewhat secure were Cao Cao's loyal supporters. Though he was facing a stronger opponent in this battle, they were not worried, as Cao Cao had built the territory through such strategies.

The court that day remained bleak and lifeless; aside from a few obligatory remarks, no one wished to linger even a moment longer.

Just as Liu Xie was about to announce the court's dismissal, Xun Yu, who had not been present, suddenly strode into the hall.

“Your Majesty! Good news! Good news!”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie's previously expressionless face brightened. He had already risen halfway from his throne when he quickly sat back down.

“Read it!”

“The Minister of Works, Cao Cao, has led troops to relieve the siege of Bai Ma. The vanguard, Guan Yu and Zhang Liao, seized the cover of night to bravely storm the enemy camp. General Guan Yu engaged in fierce combat with the enemy's commander, Yan Liang, and has slain him! The Yuan Shao troops besieging Bai Ma, upon seeing their commander’s head, have already retreated, and the siege at Bai Ma is lifted!”

This scenario had long been playing in Liu Xie's mind, yet he feigned excitement, pointing at Xun Yu and declaring, “When will the Minister of Works return to court? I must personally greet him at the city gate!”