binnovel Chapter 1324 Cao Cao and Ma Chao are caught in a dilemma during the battle.
Chapter 1324 Cao Cao and Ma Chao are caught in a dilemma during the battle.
Cao Ren, determined to defend Dingtao to the death, gradually began to see the signs of trouble. The Xiliang army merely arrayed themselves in a show of force each day, occasionally sending small detachments to feign attacks and probe the defenses, but there was never any real sign of an attack. Suspicion grew in his heart, but he dared not relax his vigilance in the slightest, continuing to strictly order his soldiers to strengthen the city's defenses and patrol day and night. However, his tense nerves gradually began to feel weary from the daily standoff.
The two sides remained locked in a stalemate. The Xiliang army outside the city stood as solid as a rock, their banners fluttering in the wind, silently proclaiming their absolute strength; the defenders inside the city, on the other hand, were like a fully drawn bowstring, teetering between despair and a glimmer of hope.
Occasionally, Ma Chao would climb to the high platform of the camp and gaze at the Cao banner fluttering precariously atop Dingtao City. He knew that this stalemate wouldn't last long; either Zhou Yu would bring back news of Cao Ang, or Cao Cao's reinforcements would arrive. Either way, the current peace would be shattered.
At this moment, Dingtao City is like a weight suspended in the middle of a scale, one end connected to Xuzhou's probing and the other to Xudu's reaction, quietly waiting for the final tilt in the winds of chaos.
When Cao Anmin rode into Qiao County, his horse was so exhausted that it was foaming at the mouth. He tumbled off the saddle and staggered toward Cao Cao's residence, his battle robe covered in dust and sweat.
Inside the mansion, Cao Cao was leaning against his couch, his face pale from illness. Hearing hurried footsteps outside the courtyard, he knew there was an urgent report from Jiyin. When he saw Cao Anmin stumble in, he struggled to sit up, ignoring the servants' attempts to dissuade him, and grabbed his nephew's wrist: "Anmin, has Ma Chao sent troops to attack Jiyin?"
Cao Anmin, panting heavily, said in a trembling voice, "My lord... it's not that he's sending troops... it's that Ma Chao has personally led an army of 100,000 into Jiyin County! All the counties have fallen, and now 100,000 troops have besieged Dingtao. Uncle Cao Ren... I'm afraid he won't be able to hold out!"
"Ma Chao has personally arrived?" Cao Cao's brows furrowed sharply, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes, but he remained calm. He had fought for half his life and seen all kinds of storms, but Ma Chao personally leading his main force to press on the border clearly meant that he was serious.
Cao Pi, who was standing to the side holding a bowl of medicine, trembled upon hearing this, and the celadon bowl fell to the ground with a "clatter," splashing the medicine onto his clothes. He was completely unaware of this, his face full of fear. Over the years, the prestige of the Xiliang army had long been etched into the bones of the warlords of the Central Plains, especially the momentum of Ma Chao sweeping across Hebei, which made him even more apprehensive.
"What's the panic!" Cao Cao glanced coldly at Cao Pi, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority. "It's just Ma Chao, not some heavenly army. Go, issue my order to summon the civil and military officials for an immediate meeting!"
Cao Pi then came to his senses and hurriedly replied, "Yes, Father." As he bowed and retreated, his steps were still somewhat unsteady.
Cao Cao watched his retreating figure, sighed softly, and then turned to Cao Anmin: "How is the defense of Dingtao? Has Cao Ren gone out to fight?"
“Uncle Cao Ren has been holding firm and has not dared to send troops,” Cao Anmin said urgently, “but Ma Chao’s army of 100,000 men is in grave danger if no reinforcements are sent soon!”
Cao Cao tapped his fingertips lightly on the edge of the couch, his gaze drifting to the window as he pondered, "Ma Chao's move is aimed at Xuchang." He slowly rose, and a servant hurriedly handed him a brocade robe. "It seems this illness can no longer be cured."
"My lord, your health..." Cao Anmin said worriedly.
"It's alright." Cao Cao waved his hand, a familiar sharp glint in his eyes. "Now that Ma Chao has arrived, I'll go and meet him. He wants to take Jiyin, but I'll show him that the land of Yanzhou isn't so easy to tread."
Before long, all the civil and military officials of Qiao County had gathered in the mansion. Upon hearing that Ma Chao had personally led an army of 100,000 to the border, the tent erupted in an uproar. Some advocated for war, while others advocated for peace, and the discussions rose and fell.
Cao Cao sat upright in the main seat, his piercing gaze sweeping across the tent. He spoke in a deep voice, his tone carrying the resolute confidence of someone who had been through countless battles: "Now that we've reached this point, are we still debating war and peace? Ma Chao is leading an army of 100,000 to press on our borders, clearly intending to break off all pretense of civility. Is there any way out but to fight?"
These words struck like a hammer blow, silencing the entire tent. The officials who had previously advocated for peace turned pale and dared not utter another word. The atmosphere in the council hall instantly became as heavy as iron.
Cao Cao nodded slightly and continued, "As before, I will leave the second son to oversee the affairs of Qiao Commandery. Yuan Rang, you stay here to assist him and make sure to safeguard the rear."
Xiahou Dun stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a booming voice, "This humble general obeys your command!"
Cao Pi couldn't help but step forward, his face full of worry: "Father, your health... do you really have to go to the front lines yourself?"
Cao Cao looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, before he coughed violently, his body trembling slightly. His attendant quickly stepped forward and gently patted his back, and it took him a long while to calm down. He gasped for breath, his voice hoarse but unusually firm: "Now is a time of life and death; how can I sit idly in the rear?"
“Ma Chao is different from Liu Bei,” he paused, his gaze sweeping over the people in the tent. “He is now riding high on the momentum of his great victory in Hebei, and he has already occupied most of the world. His power is at its peak. I have long been mortal enemies with Liu Bei, and I have no allies left to help me. He has come here to completely annihilate my Cao family. If I do not go and meet him in person, even if I am defeated, I will be defeated clearly and decisively!”
A deathly silence fell over the tent; even breathing seemed frozen. All the generals knew Cao Cao's words were true. Ma Chao's attack was fierce, clearly indicating a willingness to fight to the death. This battle was destined to be unwinnable. A tragic atmosphere permeated the hall, weighing heavily on everyone's heart.
Xiahou Dun hesitated before speaking, "Mengde, should we send a letter to Zixiu (Cao Ang) and ask him to raise troops in Xuzhou to provide support? At least we can divert some of the Xiliang army's forces."
Cao Cao looked at Cao Pi and said in a deep voice, "Yes, send a letter to your brother." His tone was somewhat cold, "Ma Chao is related to my family by marriage, yet he didn't hesitate to lead his troops to invade our borders. He should see Ma Chao's true colors and know how foolish he has been all these years of 'considering friendship'!"
He paused, then emphasized, "Tell him to immediately raise an army from Xuzhou and rush to Jiyin County to join forces with our army to fight the enemy!"
Everyone in the tent lowered their heads and remained silent. Everyone knew the delicate kinship between Cao Ang and Ma Chao, and the resentment and resolve in Cao Cao's words were like a thorn in everyone's heart. But now that their commander had made up his mind, no one dared to object; they could only silently accept the order and turn to arrange the troop deployment.
Outside the council chamber, the autumn wind swirled fallen leaves, creating a desolate sound. A decisive battle that would determine the fate of the Cao family was imminent, like an arrow on a bowstring, and had to be released.
Cao Cao acted swiftly and decisively, making arrangements overnight. Before dawn the next day, bugles pierced the morning mist in the camp, and the soldiers, armored and armed, quickly assembled. Cao Cao, clad in armor, though his face still showed signs of illness, possessed eyes as sharp as an eagle. As he mounted his horse, his movements were slightly slow, yet he exuded an undeniable air of authority.
"set off!"
With a command, the army, like a long black dragon, galloped towards Jiyin. The dust kicked up by the horses' hooves mingled with the pale light of dawn, exuding a resolute and chilling aura.
After the army left, Cao Pi handed a warrant to Cao Anmin, ordering him to go to Xuzhou and ask Cao Ang to send troops. After all, Cao Anmin had just returned from the front lines and knew how urgent the situation was.
Cao Anmin accepted the order, solemnly clasped his hands, and said, "Second Young Master, rest assured, this humble general will certainly not fail in his mission!" After saying that, he mounted his horse, turned it around, and galloped away towards Xuzhou. The sound of hooves gradually faded into the distance on the open field and disappeared into the morning light.
Cao Anmin rode at breakneck speed, enduring wind and rain along the way, hoping to reach Xuzhou as soon as possible and deliver Cao Pi's order to Cao Ang. He knew that Xuzhou was like a crucial weight on a scale, and Cao Ang's attitude could significantly influence the course of the battle at Jiyin.
But to his utter surprise, just as he left Qiao County and rode his horse into Pei State, another group of people arrived at Xiapi, the capital of Xuzhou.
Zhou Yu, accompanied by Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai, and a thousand light cavalry, arrived in Xiapi three days earlier than him. The city gate guards, seeing the Jiangdong banners and verifying Zhou Yu's token, dared not delay and quickly led them to the governor's mansion.
Inside the governor's mansion, Cao Ang was deep in thought, staring at the map. He had already heard that Ma Chao had personally led a large army into Jiyin, and he was feeling extremely anxious. On one side was his father and clan, with whom he shared blood ties, and on the other side was the Xiliang forces with whom he had marital ties. Caught in the middle, he was in a dilemma. For the past two days, he had been avoiding Ma Yunlu and dared not see her. He was extremely distressed.
"Report! General Zhou Yu of Jiangdong requests an audience!" The guard's report interrupted his thoughts.
Cao Ang was taken aback, then stood up: "Please come in quickly!"
Zhou Yu, dressed in a plain brocade robe, holding a feather fan, entered the mansion with a calm smile. Upon seeing Cao Ang, he cupped his hands and said, "Brother Zixiu, how have you been?"
"Brother Gongjin, you've come from afar, I'm so sorry I didn't greet you properly." Cao Ang quickly returned the greeting, but his eyes were full of doubt. "May I ask what brings you here, brother?"
After Zhou Yu sat down, he didn't get straight to the point. Instead, he chatted casually about the old days when he and Cao Ang were neighbors in Jiangdong. His tone was relaxed, as if it were just a routine visit. Although Cao Ang was anxious, he patiently entertained him. It wasn't until after several rounds of tea that Zhou Yu changed the subject and looked at him sincerely: "Brother Zixiu, I have come today to deliver a message to you on behalf of the King of Liang."
Cao Ang's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the main topic had arrived, and he said in a deep voice, "Brother Gongjin, please speak."
"The King of Liang has personally led an army of 100,000 to Jiyin, and Dingtao City has been besieged." Zhou Yu's tone was calm, but carried an unavoidable weight. "He knows you are caught in the middle and is in a difficult position. He specifically asked me to ask you a question: Now that the situation in the world has reached this point, there will inevitably be a war between Xiliang and your Cao family. Do you want to be an enemy of the King of Liang, or do you want to find a safer path for the sake of the people?"
Cao Ang's hand tightened slightly around the teacup, his fingertips turning white: "Brother Gongjin, do you want me... to betray my father?"
“No.” Zhou Yu shook his head. “The King of Liang said that the bond between father and son is hard to break, and he does not want to force you to make such a choice. It’s just that Cao Cao has been fighting with Liu Bei for many years, and his national strength is exhausted. In addition, Cao Cao’s health is not good. Although he has fierce generals under his command, he cannot hide the decline. On the other hand, Liang has conquered Hebei and destroyed the Yuan family. The people’s hearts are with Liang, and it has become an inevitable trend.”
He looked at Cao Ang and said slowly, "Brother Zixiu is a kind-hearted man. Over the years, he has promoted agriculture and sericulture and cared for the people in Xuzhou, and his reputation is excellent. You should know that what the people of the world want is not endless war, but a peaceful life. The King of Liang's troops have come to Jiyin this time not because of personal grudges, but to establish the Central Plains as soon as possible and stop the war."
"If you wish to return, the King of Liang will allow you to continue guarding Xuzhou, with the army and people remaining undisturbed and taxes reduced; if you still think of your father, the King of Liang will not force you, and you should not be concerned about the marriage between the Cao and Ma families, but follow your own heart."
Cao Ang remained silent. Zhou Yu's words were like a stone thrown into a still lake, stirring up ripples in his heart. He looked out the window at the bustling streets of Xuzhou, where people lived in peace and contentment—a sight he had earned through years of hard work. He knew all too well the weariness his father had endured in his campaigns, and he was well aware of the unstoppable advance of Xiliang. But that word "Father" remained a thorn in his side.