Chapter 57

In the 24th year of Jian’an (219 AD), March.

After completing the defense of Jing Province, Guan Yu embarked on the long-awaited northern expedition.

The 30,000-strong army, departing from Gangnyeong Castle, advanced unhindered to Yangfan.

Yangfan referred to the twin cities of Yangyang and Bansheng, built facing each other across the Han River, forming an inseparable pair.

Thanks to their unique structure, Yangfan was considered an impregnable fortress. Before the advent of siege cannons, the primary strategy in siege warfare was to encircle and starve the enemy. However, this was not easy in Yangfan.

Even if the cities were besieged by land, supplies could still be transported via the Han River. If Yangyang was in danger, Bansheng could provide support, and vice versa.

Yet, Guan Yu successfully encircled Yangfan completely using his independently trained naval forces.

Despite this, Cao Wei could not muster its full strength to defend Jing Province. It wasn’t that they wouldn’t, but that they couldn’t.

While Guan Yu attacked Jing Province, Ma Chao advanced toward Tianshui. Moreover, although Liu Bei had retreated to Yi Province, his main forces remained in Hanzhong.

And most importantly, the one appointed as the Hanzhong Commander was none other than his father. In the original history, Wei Yan became the Hanzhong Commander, but here he was only a deputy commander.

If Liu Bei had intended to focus on recuperating, he would have entrusted Wei Yan and sent his father to the frontlines. Entrusting his father was meant to bolster Guan Yu’s northern expedition.

Ma Chao in Wudu, Zhang Fei in Hanzhong, and Guan Yu in Jing Province.

Just hearing this formation would send shivers down Cao Wei’s spine.

If they rashly moved troops from Chang’an to Jing Province, his father would cross the Jin Ling Mountain Range and, together with Ma Chao, target Guanzhong. Blindly pulling reinforcements from the northern front or the frontlines with Sun Quan was also highly risky.

Cao Cao, who had already squeezed the Central Plains’ manpower dry during the Hanzhong campaign, had reached the limits of his mobilization capacity, especially after his defeat.

Of course, after secretly allying with Sun Quan and recovering somewhat, he would once again demonstrate his monstrous mobilization capabilities.

Although it didn’t perfectly align with Zhuge Liang’s proposed “Double Pincer Strategy,” a scaled-down version was in effect, giving Guan Yu a clear advantage on the Jing Province front.

In Tianshui, Ma Chao was engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Yang Fu, so from Cao Wei’s perspective, while they were pressured on both fronts, they seemed to be holding their ground.

Moreover, the one responsible for Yangfan was none other than Zhao Yun. Praised as a heaven-sent general, Zhao Yun alone was formidable enough to face Guan Yu, and with Man Chong by his side, they were a strong match.

In Nanyang, the rear of Yangfan, the famous general Zhen Ye was stationed, making the Jing Province defense line objectively very solid.

Even with the fierce general Pang De gone and replaced by Wang Shuang, Yangfan remained steadfast against Guan Yu’s attacks.

“General Guan has reportedly dealt a heavy blow to Wang Shuang.”

Of course, it was unrealistic for Wang Shuang, let alone Pang De, to stop Guan Yu.

“What is Cao Cao’s reaction?”

“I heard he is preparing reinforcements. It seems Hou Yin has recently shown his resolve.”

Despite the stellar lineup defending Jing Province, Cao Cao couldn’t be entirely at ease, not knowing what might happen internally.

The collapse of Wang Shuang, who had been conducting guerrilla warfare outside Bansheng, likely further fueled this anxiety.

“It seems we’ve gained all we can for our country.”

As Wang Sha said, Guan Yu’s initial attempt at the northern expedition was far from the grand ambition of capturing Yangfan and reclaiming Jing Province.

Seeing Zhao Yun stationed in Yangfan and subtly pressuring southward, Guan Yu’s intention was to strike first. A kind of preemptive war, you could say.

But as everyone knows, human affairs never go exactly as planned.

“General, didn’t you say the battle in Jing Province would escalate?”

“That’s right.”

“If Cao Cao sends reinforcements, General Guan alone will face a difficult situation. Should we intervene then?”

In response to Wang Sha’s question, I glanced at the axe beside me.

“Yes. That’s what this is for.”

“So you’ve been planning this from the start.”

Volunteering to capture Shangyong.

Receiving the axe from Liu Bei.

Stationing in Shangyong while constantly monitoring the situation in Jing Province.

All of it was in preparation for the turmoil that would come to Jing Province.

No, even before that.

Ever since saving Pang Tong, I had been waiting for this moment.

Pouring my personal wealth into increasing the cavalry ratio of the Lanling Army, risking the leakage of stirrups to Cao Wei to develop cavalry, and gaining experience through the Hanzhong campaign.

All of it, all of it was for this moment.

To calm my emotions, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Not yet. I must remain composed.

As I blocked my vision and steadied my emotions, a faint sound reached my ears.

Tap, tap, tap.

“It’s raining.”

The sound of raindrops intermittently hitting the window. A light drizzle.

“It must be summer.”

At Wang Sha’s mention of rain, Zhang E spoke up.

Perhaps it was the sentiment of summer, or the fresh scent of summer rain. Zhang E’s tone was unusually gentle.

I opened my eyes and stood up.

Reaching my hand out the window, fine raindrops tapped against my palm.

“Yes. It’s going to rain.”

“Huh? It’s already raining.”

As Wang Sha said, it was already raining.

But the rain I was waiting for wasn’t this gentle rain.

A torrential downpour that would sweep the world away. A flood that would submerge the entire world.

“No. A bigger rain is coming. Yes, a very big rain.”

Already soaked by the rain, I continued to feel the cold touch of the water droplets.

It seemed Zhang E wasn’t the only one enchanted by the magic of summer rain.

“Good rain knows the season.”

A line from Du Fu’s poem I once read came to mind, and I hummed it softly.

“In summer, it startles the world.”

I clenched my fist, which had been open.

Instead of welcoming the rain, enjoying the rain, I prepared for the storm clouds and the impending war.

“Knowing the timing and geography.”

I withdrew my arm from the window and flicked the water droplets off my clenched hand.

“All that’s left is to align with human harmony.”

§

The battle for Bansheng, which began in April, was already entering its third month.

The impregnable Yangfan, with Zhao Yun and Man Chong, the renowned generals. Even Guan Yu, one of the two most resourceful men in the world, couldn’t easily take Yangfan, which even the Mongols struggled with.

The initial intention was more about taking the initiative rather than capturing Yangfan. Although Guan Yu showed fierce prowess by defeating Wang Shuang, it wasn’t enough to dramatically change the situation.

Of course, it wasn’t something to be ignored, so Cao Cao sent reinforcements led by Yu Jin.

The solid defense of Yangfan and the dispatch of additional reinforcements. Guan Yu’s momentum, riding on the success of the Hanzhong campaign, was also beginning to wane.

“Father, shouldn’t we retreat?”

Guan Ping expressed his concern to Guan Yu, who was steadfastly maintaining the siege of Bansheng.

With Zhen Ye stationed in Wan and Yu Jin, one of Cao Wei’s famed generals, leading a large army, the outcome of a direct battle was all too clear.

Although Guan Ping trusted and respected his father, some things were simply impossible.

Yet, Guan Yu remained silent. He couldn’t be unaware of Guan Ping’s anxious heart, but Guan Yu remained composed.

“Yuan Jian, how far has Yu Jin advanced?”

Yao Hua, who held the position of Chief Clerk, pointed to a corner of the map.

“He has now entered Nanyang Commandery.”

“It will still take some time for him to reach Bansheng.”

Guan Yu’s words implied his intention to maintain the siege of Bansheng, startling Guan Ping.

“Father!”

“Be quiet, Tan Zhi. Even if they all gather, it won’t be a problem. We have Mingjing in Shangyong.”

Shangyong wasn’t far from Yangfan. Especially with the Lanling Army, which boasted the highest cavalry ratio in Liu Bei’s forces, thanks to Chang-ran’s personal wealth. They could reach Yangfan in no time.

“And in Dangyang and Qingni, Fang Yingming and Fang Junshi are holding the line. Retreating won’t be an issue.”

“But isn’t staying here just a waste of resources?”

He had a point. Having fought consecutive battles at Chibi, Nanjun, Yi Province, and Hanzhong, they had already consumed a lot of supplies. Holding out this long was solely due to Zhuge Liang, a genius in governance.

Guan Ping’s argument had merit. Yet, Guan Yu didn’t respond directly and instead walked out of the tent.

Following Guan Yu, the officers swarmed out. It seemed Guan Yu wasn’t planning to inspect the battlefield, as he simply stood in front of the tent, gazing at the sky.

Thick clouds covered the heavens.

“It’s going to rain.”

The gloomy sky signaled the rainy season. The officers were inwardly skeptical, thinking that if it rained, the battle might fizzle out, so it was worth waiting a bit longer.

But Guan Yu’s deeply contemplative eyes seemed to be waiting for something else, quietly shining.