NOVPUB"Alright, Lord, if there is no outcome within an hour, Zijian and I will lead troops out of the camp to the rescue," Jia Xu said with his head lowered. Perhaps in Liu Bei’s view, this level of risking one’s life is insignificant, especially since Liu Bei is protected by Xuu Chu and Wuu Anguo. Even if the night attack is a complete failure, he would emerge unscathed, not to mention that Liu Bei doesn’t necessarily expect a defeat.
[Risking one’s life, eh? Lord Xuande, this time you could really be in some danger. You are a Feudal Lord who started from scratch, you need to show your mettle. Although we definitely won’t lose, I am entrusting the greatest glory to you. Your boldness will determine the course of this war!] Jia Xu thought carefully about Liu Bei’s every move, his head still lowered.
After Liu Bei ordered the entire army to rest, all the soldiers knew that there would inevitably be a clash that night, so after eating lunch, they all entered the camp to rest.
"Gong Da, will Liu Xuande come tonight?" Cao Cao paced back and forth inside his own tent. Although he was certain that Liu Xuande would return, he became somewhat restless after Liu Bei had crossed the Jig River.
"He will come. Whether it is Liu Xuande himself or his group of Strategists planning for the future, tonight’s battle is inevitable. Whether we can defeat Liu Bei with minimal losses depends on tonight," Xun You said impassively. 𝚗ov𝚙𝚞𝚋.c𝚘m
"I think Liu Xuande’s side is also prepared to launch a strong attack on our army. But this time, we must not only crush the Night Assault Army with the force of thunder but also press the entire army forward. Even if we lose thousands, we must take Liu Bei’s main camp in one fell swoop. Victory or defeat must be decided before crossing the Jig River," Xun You stated flatly.
"A Back-to-Water battle?" Cao Cao furrowed his brows. "Considering Liu Xuande’s treatment of his soldiers, if he fights to the death, the likelihood of a Back-to-Water battle is high, and by then we would be put in a passive position."
"It’s nothing to worry about. If it comes to what the Lord has described after approaching the Jig River, then we’ll just retreat. With the confusion of the night, our numbers are greater, the Rear Army can switch with the Vanguard, and we can retreat while fighting without much effort. Even if we can’t crush Liu Xuande, we can still inflict heavy damage on them," Xun You replied calmly.
Xun You also speculated that Liu Bei camping with his back to the Jig River would mean a battle where victory or defeat is decided by a hair’s breadth, which is hardest to control. Perhaps a step forward could have crushed the enemy, but after reaching the Jig River, Liu Bei’s Army, fighting for survival, might erupt with a will to live and potentially overturn the situation.
As for this kind of battle, where there’s a chance of being turned around, Xun You would rather avoid it. To him, if Liu Bei isn’t dealt with before reaching the Jig River, then tonight’s battle will only be a minor victory.
"That’s fine. Night battles are confusing, and it’s better to withdraw once we reach the Jig River. I’m just worried that Liu Xuande might pursue us," Cao Cao sighed.
"Then leave a detachment close to the Jig River to intercept. If Liu Xuande stubbornly refuses to give in, we will strike him head-on," Xun You said coldly.
"Good, it should be so. Victory or defeat hinges on tonight! If Liu Bei sends reinforcements, then Cheng Zhongde will lead troops out of Pengcheng to strike from front and rear with me!" Cao Cao commanded Cheng Yu.
"Understood!" Cheng Yu clasped his fist in salute, for he is a Strategist capable of being a general, and his martial prowess refined through Qi Refining to Gang is not to be taken lightly.
"Has there been any progress with the Danyang Troops?" Cao Cao changed the subject and asked Cheng Yu, who was handling this matter.
"Although they have surrendered to our army, it’s clear that the morale and enthusiasm of the majority of the Danyang Troops aren’t too high. Up to now, there are barely five thousand men who have reluctantly joined our forces," Cheng Yu sighed, "To fully subdue them will likely take another month."
"Five thousand is five thousand, we’ll take it slow," Cao Cao sighed.
As the setting sun sank in the west and darkness enveloped the sky, Zhang Fei and Wei Yan, who according to Cao Army intelligence should have been in Liu Bei’s camp, followed Guo Jia across the Jig River with five thousand infantry and cavalry under the cover of dusk. Meanwhile, Li Youu led Zhao Yun, and Chen Dao also led the same number of troops across the Yellow River. Following them, Liu Ye took Gan Ning and Taishi Ci across the Wen River with an equal number of men, and finally, Guan Yu led Guan Ping towards the outskirts of Pengcheng.
"Military Advisor Guo, where are we headed?" Zhang Fei whispered to Guo Jia after handing over his liquor flask.
"We’re going to put an end to Cao Cao. The crux of this plan lies in a Back-to-Water battle and the coordination among the generals. Jia Wenhe intends to decide the battle in a single fight, and only a few of us can seize the right moment. As for the Back-to-Water, Jia Wenhe has calculated that our adversary definitely does not want to bet on the chance of us turning the tables. With this in mind, the most critical aspect of this battle is our collaboration," Guo Jia said seriously after downing the liquor from Zhang Fei’s flask.
[There should be no way out for Cao Mengde. It’s a pity that Zichuan has to deal with the epidemic in the rear, otherwise we wouldn’t need to keep Yunchang stationary near Pengcheng.] On the other side, Li Youu silently calculated directions, ordering Zhao Yun and Chen Dao to conceal their troops well in the night.
[Infantry and cavalry, the cavalry intercepts while the infantry attacks. After forming a Back-to-Water formation, we’ll lay ambushes on all sides. Other than the direction guarded by the White Horse Righteous Followers, each of our troop divisions will also have their backs to the river. Cao Mengde won’t stand a chance of escaping alive, even if he breaks through. His only chance lies in defeating the Lord in the Back-to-Water battle, but unfortunately for him, Xun Gongda, Cheng Zhongde, and Gong Da are all rare talents of this world. They will never bet against the Lord at that time.]
