Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 39 You got the benefit, but I'm the scapegoat?

"You lowly wretch, how dare you humiliate me like this!"

Guan Yu flew into a rage, his eyes bulging, and pointed his Green Dragon Crescent Blade: "All troops, attack the city! Raze Hulu City to the ground!" The sound of war drums shook the heavens.

Four thousand Liu soldiers surged forward with overwhelming killing intent, advancing towards Hulu City. Eight hundred against four thousand—a battle of vastly unequal strength had begun.

A hundred miles away, in Xiaopei City. Inside the main hall of the prefectural government.

Liu Bei's eyes remained gloomy, and his anger had not subsided.

"Don't worry, elder brother! With my second brother leading the charge, we'll definitely kill that Gu Cheng and bring back our sister-in-law!" Zhang Fei exclaimed optimistically. Sun Qian also cupped his hands and laughed, "General Guan's four thousand troops are ten times the size of the garrison at Hulu. Victory in this battle is assured. Perhaps they've already breached the city walls and beheaded Gu Cheng."

After the two men took turns comforting him, Liu Bei's anger gradually subsided. His face immediately showed remorse, and he sighed, "I was also angry and impulsive in the moment. For my own selfish reasons, I caused the people of Hulu City to suffer from war. I am truly ashamed."

"My lord, there is no need to blame yourself. If anyone should feel guilty, it is Gu Cheng who should feel guilty for needlessly implicating the people of the city," Sun Qian comforted him.

Zhang Fei scoffed, "In this chaotic world, what does it matter if a few civilians die? Brother, why trouble yourself over such a trivial matter?" "Yide, you are mistaken!" Liu Bei's face darkened, and he said solemnly, "What I have done is for the sake of the Han Dynasty and the people of the world. How can you say that the people are nothing?"

Zhang Fei was scolded again, and could only lower his head sullenly. At this moment...

Zhao Yun cupped his hands and said, "My lord, our main force has gone to attack Hulu, leaving only a thousand or so soldiers to defend Xiaopei. I am worried that if Lü Bu finds out that our army is weak, he may take the opportunity to lead his army to attack us. What should we do then?"

Liu Bei's expression tightened slightly.

Zhang Fei, however, disagreed, saying, "Xiapi is hundreds of miles away from here. Even if Lü Bu wanted to attack us, by the time his army arrives, my second brother will have already returned victorious. Are we afraid of that treacherous traitor?"

Zhao Yun remained silent.

Sun Qian also laughed and said, "We have reduced our troops and are no longer a threat to Lü Bu. What reason does he have to attack us?" Liu Bei breathed a sigh of relief and nodded slightly: "You two are right. Lü Bu is indeed—" Before he could finish speaking...

The guard rushed in, shouting, "Reporting to the lord, dust and fog are obscuring the sky south of the city! A large army is approaching. Judging from the banners, it seems to be Lü Bu leading his troops!"

"What?!" Liu Bei's face changed drastically, and he jumped up.

Without a second thought, Liu Bei spurred his horse straight to the city wall. Zhang Fei and the others were also surprised and followed him to the city wall.

Everyone looked into the distance and, sure enough, saw billowing dust rising from the direction of the main road to the south. It would take at least a thousand troops to create such a spectacle. Within the billowing dust, the banner bearing the character "吕" (Lü) was faintly visible. Without a doubt, it was indeed Lü Bu's attack. Liu Bei gasped, a dark cloud instantly settling on his face.

"No way, Zilong, you really have a jinx! You actually hit the nail on the head! That traitor who served three masters really came to attack my Xiaopei?" Zhang Fei's eyes widened as he shouted at Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun frowned and said, "Strange, we also placed spies in Xiapi City. Why didn't they give any warning when Lü Bu's army attacked?"

"This must be Lü Bu. Knowing that Xiaopei was undefended, he led a light army to take a shortcut and launch a surprise attack, which is why the spies did not have time to report."

Sun Qian frowned and guessed. "Bang!" Liu Bei punched the battlement, angrily saying, "Lu Bu, I've already reduced my troops by half and pose no threat to you whatsoever! Why won't you let me go?!"

Zhang Fei, who was standing beside him, suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but shiver.

He hesitated for a long time, then stammered, "Brother, Lu Bu's attack on Xiaopei is most likely because of me... because of me."

"What do you mean by that, Third Brother?" Liu Bei looked at Zhang Fei with suspicion.

"A few days ago I received news that Lü Bu sent someone with a cart of gold to the north to buy horses. I thought that my elder brother was short of money, so I thought of taking this money back."

"So I took it upon myself to disguise myself as a bandit and ambush Lü Bu's caravan on the lake and land border."

"I suspect that Lu Bu, that traitor who served three masters, was probably angered by this, which is why he sent troops to attack Xiaopei," Zhang Fei said, scratching his head and stammering. "Is that so?"

"No wonder Lü Bu suddenly raised a large army to attack us!" Liu Bei exclaimed in realization, stamping his foot in exasperation. "Third brother, how could you be so foolish? Why did you offend Lü Bu and provoke his army to attack us?"

Zhang Fei looked ashamed and lowered his head, not daring to utter a sound.

Sun Qian sighed, "That explains why Lü Bu still led his army to attack when our lord posed no threat to him." "You!" Liu Bei poked Zhang Fei's forehead hard, but said, "What about the gold we robbed? Hand it over quickly so I can return it to Lü Bu and appease his anger."

"I went to rob it, and I was about to succeed when that kid Gu Cheng suddenly appeared out of nowhere." "His subordinate Xu Chu is quite skilled in martial arts, almost on par with me. I was caught off guard and had to retreat."

"I didn't even manage to snatch that gold!" Zhang Fei gritted his teeth, his hatred evident as he mentioned Gu Cheng. "Gu Cheng? It's this Gu Cheng again?" Liu Bei asked, his eyes filled with suspicion and disbelief.

Zhang Fei cursed, "That's right! I'm furious too! That brat always ruins our plans. I think he'll probably steal the gold and get all the benefits!"

Liu Bei gritted his teeth and said, "You, Gu Cheng, you stole the gold, and now Lü Bu is coming to settle accounts with me. You certainly know how to scheme!" "My lord!"

Zhao Yun said solemnly, "Things have come to this point; Xiaopei should be the priority. I urge my lord to immediately summon General Guan to lead the army back to the city." A hush fell over the city walls. All eyes turned to Liu Bei. Liu Bei's face was ashen, his fists clenched, and deep resentment flickered in his eyes. If he didn't kill Gu Cheng and retrieve Mi Huan, what would become of his reputation as a member of the Han imperial family? But if he didn't recall Guan Yu, how could the thousand or so soldiers of Xiaopei possibly withstand the attack of Lü Bu's tens of thousands of troops? Liu Bei was caught in a dilemma.

"My lord, a small act of impatience can ruin a great plan. It's not too late to deal with Gu Cheng after we've defeated Lü Bu," Sun Qian advised in a low voice. A helpless sigh followed.

Liu Bei waved his hand weakly: "Quickly send someone to Hulu City to order Yun Chang to lead the army back to Xiaopei City immediately." Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Immediately, a rider galloped north, heading straight for Hulu City.

Liu Bei then deployed all 1,000 troops along the southern city line, keeping the city gates tightly closed and daring not to send a single soldier out of the city. The city was five li south of the city.

Zhou Tai led more than thirty riders, each carrying a battle flag bearing the character "Lü," galloping back and forth across the open field. Each horse had a large tree branch tied to its tail, which swept the ground like a broom as it galloped. It was because of this that the thirty-odd riders stirred up towering clouds of dust.

"Young master, you're truly amazing! To come up with such a method must have terrified Liu Bei by now." Zhou Tai turned back to look at the branch on the horse's tail, clicking his tongue in admiration. Then...

He cracked his whip and laughed loudly, "Brothers, get running! Don't stop! Give that big-eared thief a good show!"

The Gu family guards burst into laughter and galloped away on their horses.

Dust and fog billowed, obscuring the sky and the sun.

At dusk, in Hulu County, the sounds of battle shook the heavens, and blood stained the city walls. Guan Yu was urging his army forward, launching another attack towards the south gate of Hulu. Cao Cao's army was ultimately too small; after holding out for three days, they had reached their limit.

Several sections of the city wall had already fallen, and more than ten of Liu Bei's soldiers had scaled the walls and were engaged in fierce fighting with Cao Cao's army. The city was on the verge of falling.

Guan Yu stroked his magnificent beard and sneered, "This Man Chong is indeed quite capable. It would be a pity to kill him after the city falls. Perhaps we could recruit him and have him serve my brother."

"As for Gu Cheng!"

Guan Yu's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he coldly said, "You insulted my brother and stole my sister-in-law. I, Guan Yu, will make you wish you were dead!" He raised his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and shouted, "Pass down the order: whoever captures Gu Cheng alive will be rewarded with a hundred gold pieces!" The reward order was relayed.

Encouraged by hefty rewards, Liu's soldiers launched an even more frenzied attack, as if injected with adrenaline. Lakeland City was already teetering on the brink of collapse. Just then...

A rider galloped from behind the formation and came right up to Guan Yu.

"General Guan, Lü Bu has raised a large army to attack, and Xiaopei is in imminent danger. Our lord has ordered you to return immediately to rescue the city without fail."

a bolt from the blue.

Guan Yu's expression changed drastically; his confident look was instantly replaced by shock.

"I was about to breach the city when that traitor attacked at this crucial moment! How hateful!" Guan Yu was furious, his fingers gripping his sword almost bursting.

"General Guan, we will surely be able to capture Hulu within half a day at most. If we withdraw now, all our previous efforts will be in vain!" Fu Shiren, eager for revenge, pleaded with him.

Guan Yu stared intently at Hulu City, his eyes burning with intense resentment.

After hesitating for a long time, he said bitterly, "Order the army to retreat to camp immediately. Once it gets dark, take advantage of the cover of night and abandon the camp to retreat south to Xiaopei!"

Fu Shiren was greatly surprised and hurriedly said, "General Guan, you mustn't—"

"If we delay for another half a day, even if we break through Hulu, can you bear the heavy responsibility if Xiaopei falls?" Guan Yu glared at him sharply and shouted. Fu Shiren trembled in fear and could only lower his head dejectedly. The sound of retreating bells suddenly rang out. On the south gate, Man Chong and Cao Ang were still fighting side by side.

Soldiers around him fell one by one, and more and more enemy soldiers rushed onto the city walls; the situation was dire. Man Chong knew the city couldn't be held, and pleaded, "Young Master, the three-day deadline is approaching. Guan Yu is about to breach the city and will not retreat. Young Master, please withdraw quickly from the north gate! I will cover your retreat here!"

Cao Ang frowned, surveying the unfavorable situation around him, and his resolve began to waver. "Even the wisest can make a mistake. Could it be that my brother-in-law has truly miscalculated this time?" This thought echoed in Cao Ang's mind. "Clang clang clang!" Just then, the sound of metal rang out from within the enemy ranks.

Upon hearing the sound of the gong, Liu Bei's soldiers, who were fiercely attacking, retreated completely in the blink of an eye. The Cao army soldiers on the city walls, watching the sudden retreat of the enemy, were all dumbfounded, as if they were dreaming. "We were about to collapse, so why did Guan Yu suddenly withdraw?" Man Chong muttered to himself, his eyes filled with confusion. Cao Ang was also bewildered, lost in thought.

Sudden.

He suddenly awoke with a start, his face lighting up with wild joy. He shouted, "Guan Yu will surely retreat within three days! He wasn't wrong! He really wasn't wrong! Hahaha—"

"Young Master is truly a prophet! Guan Yu indeed retreated in three days!" Man Chong exclaimed with admiration, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect. "How did you come to such a prediction? I truly cannot fathom it. Please enlighten me!"

Cao Ang shook his head and said, "Magistrate Man, you misunderstand. I don't have such divine wisdom. There must be another extraordinary person who could have predicted that Guan Yu would retreat in three days."

"Is there another extraordinary person?"

"I wonder who this person with such extraordinary wisdom is? I will certainly go and pay them a visit to seek their guidance!" Man Chong pressed.

Cao Ang smiled mysteriously: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. It's not the right time yet, but sooner or later this person will shock the world, and then you, Bo Ning, will know."

Immediately, Cao Ang ordered Man Chong to clean up the mess, then left the city and rode straight to the Gu residence. "Brother-in-law," he said, "I'm also very curious, how exactly did you deduce that Liu Bei didn't even want his own fiancée anymore..."

He was filled with curiosity and lashed his horsewhip, filling the air with the aroma of wine. Diao Chan had already prepared a sumptuous dinner.

Gu Cheng took a bite and couldn't help but praise, "Chan'er's cooking skills are getting more and more skillful, the taste is excellent!" Diao Chan was delighted and busied herself serving Gu Cheng rice and vegetables.

With wine, meat, and beautiful women as company, Gu Cheng thoroughly enjoyed his meal.

"Outside, the fighting is raging fiercely, and the city is on the verge of collapse, yet he still maintains such a leisurely and carefree attitude, showing absolutely no concern. His composure is truly terrifying..."

Mi Huan glanced at Gu Cheng, feeling both puzzled and admiring. "Miss Mi, why aren't you eating? Don't you like the dishes from our Cicada?" Gu Cheng asked when he saw that she wasn't moving.

Mi Huan came to her senses and said with a wry smile, "The battle in Nancheng is fierce, and I'm afraid we won't last until tonight. How can I possibly be in the mood for food?" "So it seems you're on our side and don't want Guan Yu to break through the city?" Gu Cheng understood her unspoken meaning.

Mi Huan blushed and asked in return, "Brother Gu, are you really not worried at all?" "Didn't I say that Guan Yu will definitely retreat within three days? What is there to worry about?" Gu Cheng said dismissively, taking a sip of his wine.

Mi Huan couldn't help but say, "But the three-day deadline is almost here, and Guan Yu is about to break through the city. How could he possibly retreat!" "It seems that Miss Mi still doesn't trust me." Gu Cheng put down his wine cup and looked at her, saying, "Since that's the case, we're just killing time anyway. Do you dare to make a bet with me?" "A bet? What kind of bet?" Mi Huan asked, her eyelashes fluttering.

Gu Cheng said calmly, "Let's bet on whether Guan Yu will withdraw his troops before tonight. If I lose, I'll set you free." Mi Huan's bright eyes flickered; she hadn't expected him to have the leisure to make a bet. "Guan Yu will absolutely not withdraw his troops; I'm sure I'll win this bet..." Her thoughts raced, and she readily agreed, "Alright, Brother Gu, since you're so interested, then I'll take the bet." "Very well, and if I win, what will you do?" Gu Cheng countered. Without hesitation, Mi Huan replied, "If Brother Gu wins, I, Mi Huan, will become your slave, serving you for life!" "Good, it's a deal!"

Gu Cheng smiled and raised his wine cup. Mi Huan also raised his cup, and the two drank it down in one gulp. They had just put their cups down when...

Xu Chu arrived excitedly, cupping his hands and saying, "Young Master, General Wei has arrived. It seems there's good news." "Please invite him in," Gu Cheng said, waving his hand. Mi Huan, standing beside him, felt a slight unease, a sudden sense of foreboding. A moment later, Cao Ang arrived, beaming with excitement.

Upon seeing Gu Cheng, he didn't say a word, but bowed deeply to Gu Cheng. Everyone was bewildered and surprised by this gesture. "General Wei, what is the meaning of this?" Gu Cheng raised his hand to help him up.