420. Situation At Jibei

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Huang Zhong bowed deeply again. "Thank you, Governor Qin Xie. Your wisdom and sacrifice will not be forgotten." With the surrender of Qin Xie, the remaining defenders laid down their arms, and the Qinlong Army swiftly secured the last district of Runan. The city, now fully under their control, began the process of healing and rebuilding under the leadership of Huang Zhong and Liu Ba, assisted by Qin Xie who held large sway over the officials in Runan.

The news of Runan's fall spread swiftly across the land, reaching both Lie Fan in Qiao and Cao Cao in Xuchang who had a very different reaction when they received the news.

In Qiao, Lie Fan was meeting with Jia Xu, Xun You, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun when the messenger arrived. As the details of Runan's surrender were relayed, a smile spread across Lie Fan's face.

"Excellent work by Huang Zhong and Liu Ba," he said, nodding in approval. "And to think it was Qin Xie, an old acquaintance who facilitated this victory. His surrender will undoubtedly ease our transition and administration in Runan."

Jia Xu, standing by Lie Fan's side, nodded thoughtfully. "This strengthens our position considerably, My Lord. With Runan under our control, we have a solid foothold to launch further operations. The Qinlong Army also had a defensive foothold when Cao Cao's army arrived to siege Runan."

Lie Fan turned to his advisors. "Prepare a message of commendation for Huang Zhong and Liu Ba. They have done well. Also, extend an invitation to Qin Xie to join our administration formally. His influence and experience will be invaluable to consolidate Runan."

Meanwhile, in Xuchang, Cao Cao was in the middle of a council meeting when the news arrived. His expression darkened as he read the report, and seeing the dark expression on Cao Cao's face everyone in the room knew that it wasn't something good.

Slamming the scroll onto the table, he stood abruptly, his voice thunderous with anger. "Qin Xie, that old fool! He surrendered without a fight? This is a disgrace! I shouldn't have reinstated that old fool!"

His advisors, including Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, and Cheng Yu, exchanged uneasy glances. They knew how much the loss of Runan would impact their strategic position.

Xun Yu stepped forward, trying to calm Cao Cao. "My lord, we must focus on our next moves. Runan's loss is a setback, but not the end. We still have other towns under our control in the central plains that needed protection."

Guo Jia added, "We should analyze Lie Fan's movements and prepare our counter-strategy. Perhaps we can exploit any overconfidence on their part following this victory, especially since Beihai and Jibei are still holding on."

Cao Cao took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "You are right. We must not lose our composure. Order our army to reach their assigned town as soon as possible. And send word to the towns under our domain in the Central Plains, they need to bolster their defenses and ensure that their town doesn't fall into Lie Fan's hands."

As the council resumed its discussions, Cao Cao's mind raced with thoughts of revenge and retribution. He knew that the war with Lie Fan was far from over and that he needed to strike back decisively to regain the upper hand.

He had lost two towns in a matter of weeks since the surprise attack Lie Fan had launched against him, costing him Runan and Qiao which opened a direct path to Xuchang, his seat of power.

Even though he was angry and humiliated at his defeat at the hands of Lie Fan, there's also a pleasant feeling inside him which mixed with his anger and humiliation.

He feels like that because what he predicted was correct, that Lie Fan become his most dangerous adversary. Yuan Sho to his north is nothing in his eyes, especially when he managed to gain Ma Teng's cooperation.

As for Liu Bei, in the past, he thought he would become a great adversary as well but it turns out he predicted wrong since Liu Bei had proven himself only as an opportunist and had heaven defying luck.

Cao Cao's mind raced with strategies and countermeasures. He knew he needed to bolster his defenses and carefully plan his next moves. The thought of Lie Fan's growing power gnawed at him, and he resolved to redouble his efforts to outmaneuver this rival.

Meanwhile, at Jibei, the Baihu Army, led by Dian Wei and Chen Deng, had taken a different approach to their campaign. Dian Wei, known for his aggressive and head-on battle tactics, had been persuaded by Chen Deng to adopt a more cautious strategy.

This change in tactics was driven by intelligence reports indicating that Cao Cao's reinforcements were on their way to Jibei, to bolster its defenses and if they didn't change their strategy, they could be attacked from behind by soldiers that were exhausted.

As the Baihu Army continued their cautious suppressing attack on Jibei, the tension in the air was palpable. Their methodical advances were steadily wearing down Jibei's defenses without overextending their forces.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, a messenger hurried into Chen Deng's tent. "Master Chen Deng, urgent news from our scouts," the messenger panted, handing over a scroll.

Chen Deng unrolled the scroll and quickly scanned its contents. His eyes widened slightly as he read the report, telling him that several kilometers from Jibei, a substantial force led by Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian was advancing to reinforce the city's beleaguered defenders.

Chen Deng immediately sought out Dian Wei, who was overseeing the troops on the front lines. "General Dian Wei," Chen Deng began, "our scouts report that Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian are leading a reinforcement army towards Jibei. They are several kilometers away, but if we continue our attack without adjusting our strategy, we risk being caught between Jibei's defenders and the approaching reinforcements."

Dian Wei, though brimming with the desire to press the attack, understood the gravity of the situation. "What do you suggest, Master Chen Deng?"

"We should temporarily halt our assault and head to the west of our current positions," Chen Deng advised. "Ensure our soldiers are well-rested and prepared. We need to strengthen our defenses and be ready to face the reinforcements head-on. This way, we can avoid exhaustion and maintain the upper hand."

Dian Wei nodded, respecting Chen Deng's strategic foresight. "Very well. We'll fortify our positions and rest the troops. Prepare them for the reinforcements."

Orders were quickly disseminated throughout the Baihu Army to head west. After arriving at the location, the soldiers, though eager to continue the assault, began constructing defensive fortifications around their location.

Trenches were dug, barricades erected, and watchtowers set up to keep a vigilant eye on the surrounding area, to see whenever Cao Cao's reinforcement would arrive.

As night fell, the Baihu Army remained alert but took the opportunity to rest and resupply. Chen Deng and Dian Wei, meanwhile, pored over maps and devised strategies for the impending clash with Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian. They knew that the coming battle would be crucial in determining the fate of their attack on Jibei.

In the early hours of the morning, scouts reported the sighting of dust clouds on the horizon, the first sign of Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian's approaching forces. The Baihu Army braced themselves, ready for the confrontation.

Chen Deng addressed the assembled officers, his voice calm and resolute. "Remember, our goal is to maintain our position and prevent the reinforcements from reaching Jibei. Use the terrain to our advantage and stay focused. We have the upper hand in preparation and positioning."

Dian Wei, his formidable presence bolstering the soldiers' morale, added, "Fight with the strength of a tiger! We will not let Cao Cao's Army break through. Today, we stand firm and show them the might of the Baihu Army!"

Several minutes after Dian Wei's rousing speech, the scouts' reports became reality. The distant rumble of marching feet and the shimmering dust clouds on the horizon signaled the arrival of Cao Cao's reinforcement army, led by the seasoned generals Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian.

As Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian approached the fortified encampment, they exchanged surprised glances. They had expected to find Lie Fan's forces fully engaged in the siege of Jibei, not a heavily fortified position awaiting their arrival.

Xiahou Yuan dismounted and approached Li Dian. "It seems Lie Fan's General is more cautious than we anticipated. They've halted their assault on Jibei to face us directly."

Li Dian nodded, his eyes scanning the fortifications. "Their preparations are formidable. We'll need to be strategic in our approach. A head-on assault would be costly."

Xiahou Yuan considered their options. "We need to probe their defenses, find a weakness. Send out skirmishers to test their fortifications. We'll need to coordinate with Jibei's defenders as well. If we can pressure the Baihu Army from both sides, we might force them into a disadvantageous position."

Li Dian agreed. "I'll lead the skirmishers. We'll test their lines and report back on any vulnerabilities. We must be careful not to overcommit until we have a clearer picture of their defenses."

As Li Dian rallied a contingent of skirmishers, Xiahou Yuan began organizing the rest of the troops, preparing for a more significant engagement. They would need to be patient and methodical if they hoped to break through the Baihu Army's fortifications.

Back in the fortified camp, Chen Deng and Dian Wei watched the enemy's movements closely. Chen Deng turned to Dian Wei. "It seems they've decided to test our defenses. We must be vigilant. Ensure that our soldiers are prepared to repel any probing attacks. This will give us a chance to assess their strategies as well."

Dian Wei grinned, his confidence unshaken. "Let them come. We'll show them that the Baihu Army is not to be trifled with. Our fortifications are strong, and our soldiers are ready."

The first skirmishers from Xiahou Yuan's forces advanced cautiously, testing the Baihu Army's defenses. Arrows flew, and small skirmishes erupted along the fortifications. The Baihu soldiers held their ground, repelling the initial attacks with discipline and precision.

As the skirmishes continued, Chen Deng and Dian Wei observed the enemy's tactics. Chen Deng noted the methodical approach of the skirmishers and the coordination between their movements. "They're testing for weaknesses. We must be careful not to overextend our defenses."

Dian Wei nodded, his eyes sharp and focused. "We'll hold them off and keep our lines intact. If they push harder, we'll be ready to counterattack and drive them back."

The skirmishes dragged on, neither side gaining a significant advantage. Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian regrouped their forces, analyzing the results of their probing attacks. They realized that a direct assault would indeed be costly and likely ineffective.

Xiahou Yuan called for a strategic meeting with his officers. "We need to change our approach. A prolonged siege might be our best option, coupled with coordinated pressure from Jibei's defenders. We'll wear them down over time and force them into a vulnerable position."

Li Dian agreed. "We'll need to maintain constant pressure, harassing their lines and preventing them from reinforcing their location. This will require patience and persistence." As the day turned into night, both armies prepared for the long struggle ahead. The Baihu Army fortified their positions further, ready for whatever the next day would bring. Meanwhile, Xiahou Yuan and Li Dian began their siege preparations, knowing that the battle for Jibei would be a test of endurance and strategy.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0