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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Silverriver
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I prepared for our withdrawal, following Cao Cao’s orders.
“He took all the heavy cavalry I used yesterday, so it’s going to be quite a battle.”
Cao Cao had gathered all the cavalry in the army and personally led them against Gongsun Zan. I could see dust clouds rising in the distance, and the drums of war sounded.
“It’s begun.”
“Young Master, this is no time to be watching the lord’s battle. Prepare for our withdrawal.”
“Ah, right.”
Cheng Yu’s words snapped me out of my trance, and I began organizing the remaining troops and packing our belongings. Our “belongings” mostly consisted of dismantling the tents and gathering the lumber, canvas, and remaining grain supplies from Yan Province.
“Anyone who can still move, lend a hand. Once this is done, we’ll be leaving tonight.”
Most of the men here were wounded, but we still needed their help. As we prepared for our departure, I looked towards our rear, where Yuan Shu’s army was stationed.
“Young Master, what are you doing?”
At Cheng Yu’s question, I pointed towards Yuan Shu’s army.
“We’re openly packing our bags. Do you really think they won’t make a move?”
“Hmm?”
“We need to ensure a safe retreat. I’m not sure Yuan Shu will just stand by and watch.”
Cheng Yu, his eyes narrowed, looked towards our rear and nodded.
“I’ve already sent messengers to observe Yuan Shu’s army. They’re to report back every two hours, so we should hear from them soon.”
Cheng Yu, as the chief strategist, had made thorough preparations. Meanwhile, the sounds of clashing weapons and drums grew louder, indicating the battle against Gongsun Zan was intensifying.
“Young Master, as you can see, Tao Qian’s forces haven’t emerged from Xiaopei.”
“Ah, I see. Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shu are supposedly here to rescue Xu Province, but they’re not actually helping.”
“They’re all acting in their own self-interest. Tao Qian has lost the will to fight, so Yuan Shu won’t actively participate either.”
It wasn’t just because his son was injured. He was simply using that as an excuse to avoid fighting. And once Cao Cao defeated Gongsun Zan and retreated, they would simply return to their own territories, claiming they had successfully defended Xu Province against Cao Cao.
“Then, could it be that Uncle anticipated all this…?”
“He intends to win battles against those who lack the will to fight and then retreat, demonstrating that we are not defeated. I’ve advised against this several times, but…”
When Cao Cao declared he would defeat Yuan Shu, Tao Qian, and Gongsun Zan before retreating, I was worried. But now, I was starting to understand warfare.
And I realized the importance of having a justifiable cause and a determined commander.
“If you understand, then let’s finish packing.”
“Yes.”
Despite his complaining, Cheng Yu had a good grasp of the situation. That was why he, along with Xun Yu, was one of Cao Cao’s most trusted advisors.
And although I hadn’t met them yet, I knew there were many other talented advisors in Cao Cao’s army, and I looked forward to speaking with them.
“Come on, hurry up! We don’t know when the lord will return.”
We continued packing, and by afternoon, we had gathered most of our belongings. Just then, a messenger arrived.
“Reporting!”
“Yes, what news of Yuan Shu’s army?”
“They are currently focused on treating their wounded. Word has spread that the general Young Master Wenlie injured yesterday is Yuan Shu’s son, Yuan Yao, and their morale has plummeted.”
“Good.”
“Yuan Shu’s army is holding its position, but their generals are nowhere to be seen. They seem to be discussing something in their tents.”
Cheng Yu nodded, as if he understood the situation.
“They don’t want to suffer unnecessary losses in Xu Province. So, they’re just waiting and watching. We should be able to retreat safely.”
I cautiously asked,
“Master Zhongde, what if it’s a trap? What if they attack our rear?”
“If that were their plan, they would have attacked as soon as they saw us packing.”
“Ah, I see.”
“And we’re not retreating with our tails between our legs. We’re leaving after winning battles, so we have the momentum. Yuan Shu’s army won’t dare to make a move.”
So even retreating involved strategic considerations. Reassured by Cheng Yu’s words, I focused on preparing for our departure.
Soon, the trumpets of victory sounded. Cao Cao was indeed Cao Cao.
He had declared he would win this battle and then leave, and he had done just that, defeating Gongsun Zan’s renowned cavalry.
“Look! We’ve won! The lord returns victorious!”
Cheng Yu shouted, waving his arms in the air. He was signaling the remaining troops to cheer and celebrate Cao Cao’s victory, demoralizing Yuan Shu and Tao Qian’s armies.
Cheers and applause
The soldiers, both wounded and those waiting in reserve, cheered loudly.
“See? As I said, I’ve defeated Tao Qian, Yuan Shu, and Gongsun Zan!”
“Congratulations on your victory, my lord!”
Cao Cao raised his arms in the air, a triumphant smile on his face. However, his red robes and armor were spotless, suggesting he hadn’t personally participated in the fighting.
“My valiant soldiers, you’ve done well. We return to Yan Province!”
The soldiers cheered even louder at the mention of returning home.
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That evening,
As the sun began to set, Cao Cao ordered the retreat. The soldiers, already packed and ready, moved efficiently, with Cao Cao leading the way.
“Miaocai, Zixiao. Make sure no one tries to attack our rear.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Zilian, keep an eye on Yuan Shu’s army. If they make a move, give them a piece of your mind.”
“Understood.”
Cao Cao remained vigilant even as we retreated. But as Cheng Yu had predicted, and with Cao Cao leaving as a victor, no one dared to challenge us.
Although we hadn’t captured Xu Province, we had achieved much.
We had defeated elite troops from three powerful warlords: Tao Qian, Gongsun Zan, and Yuan Shu. We had devastated the forts and villages around Xiaopei and relocated their inhabitants to Yan Province.
“Wenlie.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“What are your thoughts on this battle?”
“Well, I…”
“Speak freely.”
“I’ve learned a great deal.”
“Then tell me. What have you learned?”
Cao Cao wanted me to analyze the battle and share my insights. So, I spoke my mind.
“Although we failed to capture Xu Province, your name will spread throughout the land, Uncle.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“Wasn’t the purpose of this campaign to punish the bandits of Xu Province and seek revenge? You’ve devastated the forts and villages around Xu Province and taken their people to Yan Province. Xu Province will face famine next year, unable to harvest enough crops.”
“Hmm.”
“And you’ve achieved great victories against three powerful warlords. Who would call this a defeat? Even a stray dog in Yan Province knows what would have happened to Xu Province if this had become a protracted war.”
“AHAHA!”
Cao Cao laughed heartily and patted me on the back.
“I’ve also discovered your martial prowess and strategic mind in this battle, Wenlie. That’s a significant gain for me.”
“Thank you, Uncle.”
“As soon as we return to Yan Province, we’ll gather supplies and conscript able-bodied men from among the people of Xu Province.”
“What?”
“I’ll conquer Xu Province next year.”
So, the second invasion of Xu Province was decided. And the next phase would be crucial.
The key would be how effectively Cao Cao could utilize the large number of people from Xu Province to build fortifications, cultivate the land, and generate revenue.
It was time to see the skills of not “Cao Cao, the General,” but “Cao Cao, the Administrator” of Yan Province.
We left Xu Province that night, camped, and then resumed our march early the next morning.
“We’ll reach Chenliu in two days. Keep up the pace!”
“My lord, my lord!”
A scout rushed towards us. It was Yue Jin, the short, stocky officer with the halberd.
“My lord, I have a report.”
“Your name is…?”
“Yue Jin.”
“Ah, yes. Yue Jin. What is your report?”
“My lord, I’ve scouted the road ahead, and there’s a large procession of refugees.”
“What?”
“They’re displaced people from Xu Province, fleeing the war.”
“Oh? We can’t ignore that.”
Cao Cao immediately increased our pace and caught up with the refugees. There was no need to panic.
The “filial piety incident” was long gone from Cao Cao’s mind.
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“Everyone, stop!”
“Gasp”
The refugees outnumbered Cao Cao’s retreating army. They carried their belongings, searching for a place to live, and their faces paled as they saw us.
“M, my lord.”
An old woman, presumably the village elder, approached Cao Cao and bowed deeply.
“Where are you going?”
“We’re fleeing Xu Province. There’s a great war there.”
“Do you have a destination?”
“The people from the surrounding villages have gathered, and we’re each searching for a place to live. Please, have mercy on us.”
“Mercy? Hahaha, do you think I’m going to kill you?”
“Oh, my lord!”
They didn’t even know who Cao Cao was and simply bowed before him.
“I have a proposition. I am Cao Cao, Governor of Yan Province. In Yan Province, there are people like you from Xu Province, cultivating the land and raising livestock. Would you like to join them?”
The refugees murmured amongst themselves, and then someone shouted,
“We’ll go! As long as we have food and shelter!”
“I’ll go too! I’ll carry bricks, plow fields, anything!”
“Excellent! You’ll all come to Yan Province.”
Cao Cao looked at the long procession of refugees and chuckled. But then he stopped.
“Hmm?”
“Uncle, what is it?”
“Well, well, what do we have here?”
Huh?
Cao Cao suddenly dismounted. He walked towards the refugees, and they parted nervously as he approached. I quickly dismounted and followed him.
Cao Cao stopped in front of…
“M, my lord. Why are you…?”
“Beautiful. Truly beautiful!”
Cao Cao had spotted a beautiful woman among the refugees and approached her.
“What is your name?”
“Huan… Huanyin.”
“Huanyin! A silver (yin) child of the Huan family! I like you. I’ll take you in.”
Seriously… even in this situation, Cao Cao was looking for a new concubine among the refugees…
The woman’s family rushed over.
“M, my lord! This is our only daughter.”
“And does she have a husband?”
“N, not yet.”
“Well, it wouldn’t have mattered…”
Cao Cao took out a pouch from his pocket, pulled out a handful of gold coins, and tossed them at Huanyin’s family.
“Come to Chenliu and ask for Cao Cao. I’ll provide your family with a house.”
“What?!”
He then embraced the young woman from the Huan family in front of her family and walked away. He placed her on his horse and then ordered the army to continue marching.
What Cao Cao had truly gained from this battle… hmm.
I had a feeling Lady Ding would be furious when he returned with another concubine.
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