Chapter 9: Breaking Through the Enemy

Liu Zhan and his two companions rode fast horses and soon arrived near Zhongshan City, hiding in a concealed position to observe the enemy.

Looking up, they couldn't help but gasp in astonishment. The attacking forces numbered nearly twenty thousand, a crowd so dense that their own hundred or so troops would be completely overwhelmed and quickly swallowed up.

What to do? Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun both looked at Liu Zhan, who was frowning deeply. While observing the Yellow Turban army's formations, his mind raced to devise a strategy to defeat the enemy.

"Lord Sima, the disparity in strength between us and the enemy is too great to risk an attack!"

Seeing the situation, Zhang Liao realized that with only a hundred or so men, such a battle was unfeasible. He worried that Liu Zhan, in a moment of recklessness, might lead their troops into a situation where they would be crushed by the twenty thousand enemies.

"Let's be cautious. How about we beat the drum from a distance to scare them and let the enemy know that Yuan Bian is coming?"

Zhao Yun's suggestion was conventional. Creating a diversion with some deceptive tactics could be effective. But what they didn't know was that Liu Zhan had grand ambitions and was determined to fight this battle, even if it meant taking risks.

Liu Zhan's eyes gleamed as he observed the situation, and a smile appeared on his face. He had an idea for defeating the enemy.

"Heh, although the enemy has a vast number, they are not to be feared. We may be fewer in number, but our troops are elite. With the right tactics, we can definitely defeat them. Look, those on the west are mostly old and weak, which is the Yellow Turban army's weak point. We should strike from this position, scatter these old and weak Yellow Turbans, causing them to disrupt their own formation. Even though the enemy is numerous, once their army is in chaos, their defeat is inevitable."

"Excellent, Lord Sima. This is a brilliant strategy. We should proceed as you suggest."

"Indeed, a brilliant strategy. Lord Sima's foresight is extraordinary. The enemy may be many, but they are not to be feared."

"Now is not the time to rush. Wait until Gao Shun arrives with the troops, rest briefly, and then we'll make our plans."

Soon, Gao Shun and his troops arrived. Ten miles was nothing to this well-trained army; they had marched for months along the border and were accustomed to such distances.

After settling the troops, Gao Shun came forward and, upon seeing the enemy forces, also gasped in amazement. He had never encountered such a large-scale operation since joining the military.

"Lord Sima, our numbers are too small to shake such a massive force."

"Gao Shun, although the enemy is numerous, they are not to be feared. After the soldiers rest, you will lead the troops to attack from the west side of the city wall towards the east. We three will use fast horses to create a diversion. Let these old and weak troops charge into their own formation. This will help us break the enemy."

"This plan is excellent. It will surely defeat the enemy."

"This battle must be fierce and full of momentum. Tell the soldiers that the nation is in danger and this is our chance to make achievements. Encourage them to fight with all their might."

"Yes, my lord. This assault must be executed with the utmost vigor; otherwise, the consequences would be dire."

These principles were well understood by the soldiers, so there was no need for Liu Zhan to emphasize them further. After a while, the situation at the front changed; the Yellow Turban army's assault on Zhongshan City became even more intense. The city, already low and made of earth, was now on the brink of collapse.

Seeing this, Liu Zhan realized that they couldn't delay any longer. If the city fell, it would be too late to save it. Immediate action was needed to rescue Zhongshan from its peril.

"Zhongshan City is in danger. We must attack immediately. Gao Shun, lead the troops to the west. We're starting the operation."

"Understood. I will act immediately."

After Gao Shun left, the others stood up and led their warhorses westward.

Although the Yellow Turban army was numerous, its elite forces were not many, with only five or six thousand young and strong soldiers concentrated at the south gate. The other flanks were mostly filled with old and weak soldiers. Despite the Yellow Turbans' varied military strength, the power of a breached city would become apparent. The sheer number of the enemy was an advantage, and in the face of such a human tide, everything would be overwhelmed. Clearly, the Yellow Turban army had also calculated their advantage.