Chapter 103: The Battle of Guandu (Part Two)

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By the banks of the Guandu River, within Cao Cao’s main camp.
“Lord, Yuan Shao’s entire army has arrived at Guandu!”
Cao Cao slightly lifted his head and smiled softly. “Yuan Benchu has indeed come. Come, follow me outside to take a look.”
Cao Cao donned his armor, with his generals trailing behind him.
Across the Yellow River, Yuan Shao sat astride his warhorse, surveying the opposite shore where a dense mass of figures stood.
“Bring the messenger!”
Soldiers behind pushed a wooden platform forward, and Yuan Shao stepped onto it, smiling as he called out, “Cao Ahman, how have you been lately? Pass the word!”
The messenger shouted loudly, and dozens of soldiers echoed in unison, “Cao Ahman, how have you been lately?”
On the opposite bank, Dian Wei glared fiercely. “That Yuan Shao dares to be so disrespectful to our lord!”
Beside him, Cao Cao’s face broke into a broad laugh. “No matter, Yuan Benchu has called me that since childhood. It sounds almost endearing. Messenger!”
“I am in good health. If Benchu is concerned, I’ve heard the young lord of Yuan Shao has fallen ill. Our Central Plains physicians are many; I can send someone to take a look.”
“Our lord says he is in good health, but hears Yuan General’s young lord is unwell. He offers to send someone from our camp to help.”
Yuan Shao’s expression slowly calmed. “This campaign is toward the south. Cao Ahman, if you are wise, surrender immediately. For old friendship’s sake, I will spare your entire family. Otherwise, when we break through Guandu, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”
“Our lord says, if Cao Ahman surrenders now, his life will be spared. If not, once we conquer Guandu, there will be no mercy!”
“Heh, still fond of threats, are you? That hasn’t changed,” Cao Cao chuckled, glancing at his generals. “Let’s go, return to camp.”
Yuan Shao narrowed his eyes, noticing the opposing forces gradually thinning out. He snorted coldly. “Order troops to cross the river stealthily at midnight and seize his old stronghold at Xuchang!”

In Liangzhou, Tianshui, Jia Xu stroked his beard while Zhang Liao respectfully saluted. “Greetings, Chancellor.”
“Should we follow my advice and let Cao Cao take Chenliu and Xuchang?”
“Lord has already withdrawn, but he remains puzzled. Please enlighten us, Chancellor.”
Jia Xu smiled. “Yuan Shao’s army moving south must pass Guandu. If we hold Chenliu and Xuchang, it will be our forces facing Yuan Shao. Then, Cao Cao will be the one who benefits.”
“Inform the lord to prepare for confrontation with Yuan Shao. If we can defeat him and unify Hebei, destiny will be ours.”
“Yes!”

Night fell as bamboo rafts entered the river. Several thousand soldiers boarded them. Before reaching the shore, the buzz of drawn bowstrings and the whistle of crossbow bolts filled the air.
Soldiers aboard felt sharp pains in their sides; screams pierced the night as many fell into the Yellow River, swallowed by its waters.
“Ah!”
“Retreat quickly!”
“Stop!” Cao Ren signaled, and soldiers immediately halted. “Issue orders: tonight’s patrols increase from five units to ten, shifts shortened from five hours to three!”
“Yes, General!”

Back at Cao Cao’s camp, Cao Ren entered smiling. “Strategist Guo predicted this well; there truly was a surprise attack tonight.”
Guo Jia smiled. “Yuan Shao knows our forces are insufficient. He must use a surprise force to cross the river and bypass Guandu to strike directly at Xuchang.”

In Yuan Shao’s camp, he listened to the battle reports.
“We lost over a thousand men this time. The general was struck by an arrow and is likely unable to fight.”
Ju Shou spoke from the side. “My lord, Henan troops are strong and adept at rapid strikes, while those from Hebei favor slower campaigns. You might consider garrisoning to wear the enemy down. Cao Cao cannot match us in supplies or manpower and will collapse eventually.”
“Nonsense!” Yuan Shao roared. “Our army boasts two hundred thousand. Losing a thousand means nothing. Even a single urination per soldier could drown them. Cao Cao is a mere eunuch’s son; I, Yuan Shao, descendent of four generations of grand ministers, should be the one to wage a war of attrition. We must strike swiftly!”
Tian Feng interjected, “Cao Cao garrisons ten thousand at Baima and fifty thousand at Guandu. Though fewer in number, his troops are well-supplied. Ju Dudu’s advice is sound. If we station troops at Liyang, waiting for Cao Cao’s supplies to run dry, victory will be easy. Though my lord schemes for the realm, please do not rush.”
Yuan Shao’s expression twitched. “What did you say just now?”
“Please, my lord, do not be impatient.”
“No, what about Baima?”
“Baima… ten thousand troops garrisoned there.”
“Good!” Yuan Shao beamed. “I never expected Cao Ahman to take me so lightly. This is a chance to seize victory. Only ten thousand troops! I will take Baima first!”
Tian Feng’s face darkened. “My lord, this is reckless. Our chances would be slim; a war of attrition is best.”
“Tian Feng, my lord is wise and decisive. He has his own reasons—no room for your babble here,” Guo Tu chuckled. “My lord’s plan is excellent. We must seize this golden opportunity!”
“Guo Dudu’s words align with mine!” Yuan Shao declared. “My decision is made. Where is Yan Liang?!”
A tall, muscular general stepped forward, his face marked by a large scar dividing it into light and dark halves—an uncommon yin-yang visage.
“At your command, my lord!”
“You lead fifty thousand elite soldiers to capture Baima. If you fail, do not return!”
“Yes, my lord!”
“Ah!” Tian Feng sighed deeply, while Ju Shou closed his eyes in helplessness.

Guandu, Cao Cao’s camp.
“Report, my lord! Baima sends word: Yuan Shao dispatched Yan Liang with troops against Baima. General Yu Jin requests reinforcements!”
Cao Cao’s expression grew serious. “How many troops?”
“Fifty thousand!”
“Fifty thousand? That’s... difficult to handle.”
“Our forces number only fifty thousand as well. Baima has ten thousand. Rescue will be tough...”
Dian Wei stepped forward, his fierce gaze intimidating. Holding a great axe, he said, “Grant me twenty thousand troops, my lord. I will surely repel Yan Liang!”
“Wait, General,” Xun You stepped forward. “I have a plan.”
“Speak, Strategist Xun!” Cao Cao urged.
Xun You approached the map. “Yuan Shao now camps at Yanjin, with Wuchao as his supply base. My lord can lead thirty thousand troops to feign an attack on Wuchao, drawing Yuan Shao’s army there to defend. Then, dispatch ten thousand light cavalry directly to Baima to strike Yan Liang’s rear!”
Guo Jia nodded. “Strategist Xun’s plan is sound—an excellent stratagem!”
Cao Cao nodded. “Cao Ren, Xu Chu, take heed!”
“Yes, my lord!”
“Cao Ren, you command as general; Xu Chu, deputy. Lead thirty thousand troops to feign assault on Wuchao. Once Yuan Shao’s forces arrive and hold position without fighting, retreat slowly.”
“We obey!”
“The other commanders follow orders accordingly!”

Yuan Shao’s camp.
“Report! Cao Cao leads troops to attack Wuchao!”
Yuan Shao laughed heartily. “Generals, see how desperate Cao Ahman is! Using fifty thousand troops to raid our supply base is a suicide mission!”
“Order Yan Liang to attack Baima swiftly. I will hold off Cao’s fifty thousand troops!”
“Generals, act immediately!”
“We obey!”
Tian Feng said cautiously, “My lord, this may be Cao Cao’s ruse. Please act prudently!”
“Oh? If it’s Cao Cao’s scheme, then tell me what it is.”
“I do not know yet, but Cao Cao is no fool. He would not rashly lead a large army to attack Wuchao. Please see clearly, my lord.”
“That’s enough. Guards, take Tian Feng away and keep him under strict watch. No release without my order!”
“My lord, you are being foolish!”

Dian Wei led troops across the Yellow River and advanced toward Wuchao.
“Report, my lord! Scouts say Cao Cao’s army is fifty li away!”
“Good! Prepare yourselves. If Cao Ahman dares attack Wuchao directly, we will let him come but not return!”

Outside Baima’s outskirts, soldiers reported to the mounted Cao Cao.
“My lord, Yuan Shao leads troops toward Wuchao!”
“Good! Army, follow my command—march swiftly to Baima!”

Inside Baima, Yu Jin had fortified defenses. Troops gathered, and more soldiers arrived beneath the city gates.
“Soldiers inside, if you surrender now, I will spare your lives. If not, once the gates open, all inside—civilians and soldiers alike—will be slaughtered!”
“The city’s commander is your grandfather! If you have the guts, then attack the city!”
“Light cavalry, advance!”
“Prepare for battle!”

Chains rose from the ground, horses’ hooves crushed them, causing mounts to stumble and soldiers to fall, trampled beneath hooves.
“Kill!”
From the gate, burning oil rolled down. “Throw!” Horses and corpses quickly caught fire, flames spreading fiercely.
“Bring up the battering ram!” Yan Liang roared. Massive boulders smashed the battlements, collapsing eaves. Shards pierced soldiers, causing screams.
“Ah!”
“Get out of the way!”
“Help!”

“Raise the ladders!”
“Kill!”

Below the gate, siege engines pushed forward. Giant hammers struck the gates.
“Fire!”
From the towers, volleys of arrows rained down, piercing the heads of attackers.
Gan Ning grabbed a greatsword and beheaded a soldier before him. “Roll the boulders!”
“Kill!”

Soldiers storming the battlements toppled over defenders, but their blades were quickly met with fatal wounds, blood spurting.
“Kill!”
Gan Ning swung his greatsword fiercely, slicing from left to right, cleaving into enemy bellies, spilling entrails. He kicked a soldier off the battlements, the man crashing down broken.
“Hold the line! Our lord will soon send reinforcements!”

Beneath the city, Yan Liang led with a light smile as more troops surged onto the battlements.
“Charge!”
Light cavalry raced along the path, gaining speed.

Behind Yan Liang’s forces lay the camp’s supply depot.
A young officer yawned, watching and listening to the siege sounds, already certain of their victory. He had ordered the cooks to prepare a feast.
“Kill!”
“General, the city gates are well-defended. Prolonged assault will not succeed!”
“Press on! Our lord holds Cao Cao’s forces at Wuchao. The city has only ten thousand troops, we have fifty thousand. How can I face my lord if we fail?”
“General, our supply depot is on fire; enemy forces have launched a surprise attack. Large numbers are approaching!”
“What?!”

Yu Jin looked toward the distance and saw a force charging. Drawing his greatsword, he said, “Our lord has sent reinforcements. Open the gates, let us in!”

Yan Liang turned his horse, glancing behind. A fierce-looking general was riding alone toward him.
“Ugly ghost, do you recognize me? I am Dian Wei!”
“Your appearance is terrifying, but you’re hardly worthy of calling me an ugly ghost!”
Dian Wei raised his great axe and swung fiercely at Yan Liang. The axe was broad and heavy, wielded as if cleaving mountains and rocks.

Dian Wei’s attacks were ferocious, without hesitation or feints. Each blow seemed to draw Yan Liang in, overwhelmed by the terrifying force.
The horse neighed repeatedly; Yan Liang’s arm was numb. Dian Wei’s strength far exceeded expectations.
“Damn it!” Yan Liang’s horse shuddered; his body lost balance. The axe cleaved a deep wound, pain searing through him. He then lost consciousness.

Dian Wei roared, lifting Yan Liang’s severed head. “Your general has fallen! Surrender now!”

In Yuan Shao’s camp, he watched the bustling scene with disdain. “Cao Ahman leads his army but does not attack us directly. Such cowardice!”
“Report! From Baima: Cao Cao led ten thousand light cavalry to strike Yan Liang’s rear. Of fifty thousand troops, only ten thousand escaped; the rest were killed or surrendered. Yan Liang was slain!”
“What?!” Yuan Shao stared at the camp. Ju Shou spoke, “General, now that Cao Cao has appeared at Baima, why not advance immediately to attack his troops? Victory is certain.”
“Cao Cao is at Baima. Capture the leader first! Send orders—light cavalry advance at once to Baima to kill Cao Cao!” Yuan Shao ignored advice. Ju Shou bit his lip anxiously. “My lord, the opportunity is divine! The enemy’s main general is gone!”
Yuan Shao stormed out of the camp, ignoring Ju Shou, heading straight for Baima.

Cao Cao occupied Yan Liang’s camp, surveying the abundant supplies. He laughed heartily. “Though only half the supplies were burned, Yuan Benchu truly is Hebei’s overlord. His stores are rich!”
“Report, Yuan Shao dispatched Wen Chou with light cavalry, now fifty li away. It’s too late to transfer supplies!” Xiahou Yuan saluted.
Xun You narrowed his eyes and approached Cao Cao. “My lord, I have another plan!”
“How so?”
“Supplies first, troops follow.”
“Explain.”
Xun You said, “My lord could send troops escorting the supplies. If Yuan’s forces appear, abandon the supplies and flee. Yuan’s army will likely give chase, allowing my lord to lead the main force in a counterattack.”
“Strategist Xun, if this succeeds, you shall receive the highest honor!”

Wen Chou led troops pursuing to Baima’s outskirts. Seeing the large force outside, he said, “Advance quickly! Cao’s troops are moving supplies. Let’s use this chance to strike a heavy blow!”
“The Yuan army approaches! Everyone, flee quickly!”
“General, such a large loss of supplies would be grievous. Please pursue; if we retrieve the supplies, our losses will be minimized and my lord will be pleased!”

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