Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Eight Regional Lords Respond, On the Eve of the Final Battle

Year Two of Jian’an, winter, tenth month.

After the imperial court session, Emperor Liu Xie decreed to the realm: General of Pacification, Chu Feng, was suspected of plotting rebellion. He specially ordered Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, Sun Ce, Zhang Xiu, Liu Biao, Liu Bei, and others—eight lords in total—to campaign against Chu Feng.

Rumor spread that Cao Cao, leading an army of one hundred thousand, marched personally against Chu Feng. It was said in his ranks: “Ten days to break Shouchun, half a month to pacify Jiangbei”—his momentum was overwhelming.

This was the first time since Cao Cao seized the emperor that he mobilized his forces on such a grand scale, drawing the attention of all under heaven. Every warlord sent envoys to probe his intentions.

This battle would likely reshuffle the powers of the Central Plains.

With the decree issued, Liu Bei of Xiaopei, Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, and others answered the summons but did not dispatch troops. Only Sun Ce of Jiangdong responded, claiming to muster an army of one hundred thousand, setting out from Niuzhu to seize Shouchun.

Two forces converged, countless observers watched.

———

Jiujiang, Shouchun.

In the command hall, as scouts reported, the faces of the generals were troubled; whispers filled the air, uncertain expressions abounded.

Chu Feng slowly set aside the document in his hand, his expression calm as he looked at his officers. “Heh, you are commanders, and yet you panic so easily?”

“If that’s the case, why not tie me up and deliver me to Cao Mengde? Perhaps you’ll win yourselves a future.” As he spoke, Chu Feng slammed the document onto the table with a rebuke.

The generals, stung by Chu Feng’s sarcasm, lowered their heads in shame, but the alliance of Sun Ce and Cao Cao marching so grandly was enough to worry anyone.

“Where is Cao Cao’s army now?” Chu Feng asked with a cold snort.

“My lord, Cao’s forces have reached northern Runan, at the border with Chen,” the scout replied, bowing.

“Cao Cao has only just entered Runan? This edict was issued more than ten days ago. The ever-astute Cao Mengde is advancing so slowly?” Chu Feng picked up the anti-insurgent proclamation from the table, pondering aloud.

“My lord, Cao Cao is cunning. Clearly, he wants our army to relax its vigilance. He’ll wait until Sun Ce engages us in Yuzhang, then rush forward to strike the city,” Yan Xiang explained anxiously.

Chu Feng nodded in approval. He remembered clearly that, historically, this was the time when Cao Cao was obsessed with eliminating Zhang Xiu; he ignored even Yuan Shu’s claim to the throne.

If Yuan Shu hadn’t provoked him, Cao Cao wouldn’t have acted. But now, with such a grand display, Chu Feng couldn’t help but be suspicious.

“Have we learned the size of Cao Cao’s forces?” Chu Feng asked skeptically.

“My lord, their banners blot out the sky, their camps stretch over ten miles at night. There must be tens of thousands,” the scout explained.

———

“Besides the banners, did you see the actual scale of their marching troops?” Chu Feng pressed.

“This... My lord, their cavalry patrols the periphery. It’s hard to approach, only a rough estimate is possible,” the scout replied.

“Zhao Fan, go yourself and investigate. I want accurate information on their strength,” Chu Feng ordered sternly, his brows furrowed.

“Yes!” Zhao Fan nodded.

His special operations unit was equipped with telescopes, far superior to the naked eye.

Below, Lu Su frowned and asked curiously, “My lord, do you suspect it isn’t actually Cao Cao?”

“There’s a chance. The emperor has only recently arrived in Xuchang. Loyalty to the Han is still strong, yet Cao Cao openly marches out—surely it raises questions,” Chu Feng shared his suspicions.

With his words, everyone fell into thought. There was logic to it; Cao Cao was a formidable leader. After losing Yanzhou before, would he risk repeating the mistake now?

“My lord, what about Jiangdong? Sun Ce knows we’ve taken Yuzhang; he’ll fight to the death. He’s massed heavy troops at Niuzhu. How should we respond?” Liu Ye asked solemnly.

“Ziyang, Sun Ce’s move is merely a feint. His naval forces are limited—how could he cross the river for battle? He likely wishes to strike elsewhere, aiming to seize Yuzhang,” Lu Su observed insightfully.

“Zijing is right. Sun Ce’s real goal is to take Yuzhang and secure the south bank of the Yangtze. The crossing at Niuzhu is just to draw our attention,” Chu Feng said, stroking his chin.

“But since he wants to attack Yuzhang, let’s see whose speed is greater.”

“Send orders to Chen Ji and Hua Xin: they must hold Chaisang and Nanchang at all costs. Also, inform Gan Ning to lead his naval unit downstream immediately, ready to seize Niuzhu,” Chu Feng ordered darkly.

“My lord, you wish to swap offense and defense with Sun Ce? Isn’t that too risky?” Lu Su frowned, anxious.

It was indeed bold. If the main battle failed, Yuzhang could be isolated. It was newly acquired, hardly able to withstand a siege.

“There is no absolute victory in war.”

“The art of war teaches: ‘Victory through orthodoxy, triumph through surprise.’”

“Sun Ce’s fleet is limited. Why not use our strengths against his weakness? Utilize river mobility to wear out his troops!”

———

“If we can’t take Danyang, Yuzhang is in danger, but so is Sun Ce’s army. If he can’t quickly capture Yuzhang, Danyang and even Wu Commandery are at risk.”

“Wu Commandery is his stronghold. Yuzhang is insignificant—if it’s lost, so be it. It’s all about who can hold their nerve longer,” Chu Feng declared forcefully.

“This...” Lu Su hesitated, silent.

What Chu Feng said was reasonable. Lu Su had been too cautious. There is no perfect solution in war.

“My lord, I request to lead the vanguard!” Ji Ling stepped forward, saluting with a shout.

Chu Feng pondered. Compared to Sun Ce, he was more concerned about Cao Cao. Until Cao Cao’s intentions were clear, he couldn’t leave Shouchun. Moreover, he lacked experience in naval warfare; his presence might hinder rather than help.

“Lu Su, take command as Marshal of the armies. You are granted the authority of the imperial staff. Lead all generals to seize Niuzhu,” Chu Feng said, turning to Lu Su.

Lu Su excelled at strategy and was also adept at commanding troops, strict in discipline. Chu Feng felt secure entrusting him with the southern campaign.

Lu Su glanced at Chu Feng and replied solemnly, “I accept the command!”

The imperial staff meant full authority—he could appoint, dismiss, even execute, without consulting Chu Feng. Such trust was extraordinary.

Moreover, Lu Su had yet to prove himself. In this war, Chu Feng had pushed him forward against all objections. He could not let Chu Feng down.

“Ji Ling, Zhang Xun, you are to serve as left and right deputies. Li Feng and Le Jiu will be subordinate generals. All must follow Lu Su’s orders. Any violation will be dealt with by military law,” Chu Feng told his assembled officers.

“Yes!” they nodded.

Though some were dissatisfied—Lu Su lacked prestige and martial prowess, making him Marshal was hard to accept—but the authority of the imperial staff was meant to keep them in line.

“Yan Xiang, make another trip to Xuzhou. Tell Lü Bu, ‘If the lips are gone, the teeth will freeze.’ Have him feign an attack on Chen,” Chu Feng instructed Yan Xiang. He needed to prepare for the worst.

If Cao Cao truly committed all his forces, Lü Bu’s army would be crucial.

“Yes!” Yan Xiang nodded.

“All right, everyone, go and make your preparations,” Chu Feng waved.

Sun Ce was handed to Lu Su; now it was time to investigate Cao Cao’s movements. His threat far surpassed Sun Ce’s.