Chapter 59

After the Hanzhong Offensive and Defense Battle, the eight subordinates under Chang-ran, who performed remarkably in the Yangfan Battle, were collectively referred to as the Eight Wings of Lanling (鸞綾八翼). Later, historian Chen Shou, when compiling the Records of the Three Kingdoms, grouped them in the eighth volume under “The Biographies of the Eight Wings of the Horse King,” and unlike the fictional Eight Swordsmen created by Luo Guanzhong, the term “Eight Wings” seems to have been used since that era.

Despite the name “Eight Wings of Lanling,” which was the nickname of Chang-ran’s army, they only fought together with Chang-ran three times. However, their bond lasted until death, and like the soldiers of the Lanling Army, they considered it a lifelong pride.

Amusingly, despite their camaraderie, they reportedly engaged in subtle competition over who was the top wing whenever they met. According to Chen Shou’s biographies, the order was Ma Chong, Wang Ping, Gu Bu, Zhang E, Yu En, Ma Dai, Wang Sha, and Bu Chuan, but even then, there was much debate over who was the most outstanding and favored by Chang-ran.

This ranking debate continues to this day and remains a topic of gossip among Romance of the Three Kingdoms fans.

Some even argue that the Eight Wings of Lanling should be expanded to include the “One Cap of Lanling” and the “Two Bridges of Lanling,” collectively called the Eleven Feathers (or Eleven Friends) of Lanling.

(Excerpted from the ‘Eight Wings of Lanling’ document on Muna Wiki)

§

When heavy rain began to fall in the Yangfan region, I ordered the mobilization of troops, including those stationed in Shangyong and Fangling, such as Wang Ping and Ma Chong.

The 5,000 Lanling Army I originally commanded, plus 1,000 private troops seized from the Xin brothers, and the 2,000 soldiers each that Wang Ping and Ma Chong received from Liu Bei upon their promotions—totaling 10,000 troops—gathered in Shangyong.

“Finally, I can execute my own military operations.”

I caressed the crescent blade at my waist, lost in emotion.

Ten years since I realized I had been reborn as Chang-ran, I finally became a commander with military authority. The sense of achievement, the exhilaration—

“General, everyone is assembled.”

“Good.”

Zhang E, the Middle Cavalry Commander, reported that the troops I had summoned were fully assembled. The sight of eight officers standing in full armor on either side of me filled my chest with pride.

I examined each of their faces.

On the right, closest to me: Wang Ping, Ma Dai, Yu En, and Wang Sha.

On the left: Ma Chong, Gu Bu, Zhang E, and Bu Chuan.

It felt like I was full without eating. Just looking at them made me smile with satisfaction.

“As you all know, the situation in Yangfan is unusual.”

By now, the Han River should have begun to flood.

I had already sent word to Guan Yu, through Pang Tong. There are many allies in Jing Province. They created the conditions for Guan Yu to maintain the siege of Fancheng, and Guan Yu trusted them to hold out until the rainy season.

Bringing them to the water’s edge makes drinking easy. Guan Yu is not only skilled with land forces but also has expertise in naval operations.

Even in the original history, where he didn’t foresee this situation, Guan Yu seized the opportunity to achieve earth-shattering feats. With my and Pang Tong’s advice, and with preparations made in advance, how much more could he accomplish?

He might even break through Zhao Ren’s resistance and capture Yangfan.

However, regardless of Guan Yu’s preparedness, the limits of this northern expedition are clear.

There is a concept called the “culmination point of offense,” the point at which an offensive can no longer be sustained. As the offensive continues, the inevitable depletion of forces means this point will eventually be reached.

The Thirty-Six Stratagems include the strategy of “awaiting the exhausted at ease,” which targets enemies at this culmination point, highlighting its military importance.

In the original history, Guan Yu’s death was not only due to Sun Quan’s betrayal but also his defeat by Xu Huang after nearing this culmination point.

And after this great victory following the Han River flood, Guan Yu’s forces are likely to reach their culmination point. Capturing prisoners from the Seven Armies will strain his resources—food, manpower for guarding—all losses for Guan Yu’s army.

Even with Pang Tong and Bang Deok joining, and despite dealing greater blows to Wei than in the original history, the siege of Fancheng has also dragged on longer. It wouldn’t be surprising if resources are running low.

Thus, we step in.

Guan Yu is likely already moving swiftly with the flooding Han River.

Although Liu Bei and Guan Yu haven’t requested reinforcements, it doesn’t matter. I have the crescent blade. If necessary, I can independently launch military operations.

This is the so-called “act first, report later.”

The officers, already aware of my plans to advance to Jing Province, asked with expressions that said, “The time has come.”

“Shall we advance to Yangfan?”

“No.”

Yangfan is enough for Guan Yu. With Wang Shuang’s external guerrilla forces and Yu Jin’s reinforcements already crushed, Zhao Ren in Yangfan cannot break through Guan Yu.

So our target is…

“We head to Wan.”

Xu Huang in Wancheng.

§

The core of Napoleon’s military strategy was undoubtedly the concept of “divide and conquer.”

Even if the enemy’s total forces were larger, splitting them and turning a small force into a majority in battle was an art form.

In one anecdote, when a subordinate remarked that Napoleon always fought the many with the few, Napoleon replied, “No, I always fought with the majority and won.”

Though the total numbers across the theater might be fewer, the forces deployed in battle were always maintained as a majority to divide and conquer the enemy.

Why am I telling this story?

Because I intend to follow Napoleon’s example.

“I will divide the army into three.”

Splitting an army is heavily frowned upon in military strategy, as it increases the risk of being divided and conquered.

However, Napoleon overcame this risk by maintaining distance between units and regular communication.

“General Pingxi, General Pingbei, and I will command the three armies, with Zhang E, Wang Sha, and Gu Bu as deputies.”

To compensate for Ma Chong’s lack of military prowess, I assigned the knowledgeable Zhang E to him. For Wang Ping, who is rigid but has excellent leadership, I assigned Wang Sha to soften his edges.

And Gu Bu, a versatile officer who can serve as my vanguard, is placed under my command.

With the army’s structure set, the next step was to discuss the route of advance. Using my command baton, I pointed to a location northwest of Fangling, between Wancheng, where Xu Huang was stationed, and Yangfan.

“Advancing northward to the south will allow us to cover both Fancheng and Wancheng.”

Napoleon dispersed his forces across the battlefield at the start of a war, confusing the enemy about the main attack and objectives, then exploited their confusion to divide and conquer.

But since the enemy is already split between Yangfan and Wan, we don’t need to lure them into dispersing. We can simply intercept and crush their fragmented reinforcements as they try to regroup.

“It’s a simple task.”

Wancheng is defended by formidable generals like Xu Huang and Zhen Ye, but they will surely come out.

Cao Cao, who cannot afford to lose Yangfan, will order them to do so. If they refuse, I can simply head to Yangfan to assist Guan Yu in capturing Zhao Ren.

It’s no different from Zhengjun Mountain. Forcing them into a dilemma. If they come out for reinforcements, they’ll be divided and conquered. If not, Yangfan falls. A classic catch-22.

“If the enemy comes out of Wancheng, I will face them. Meanwhile, General Pingbei will block the route to Wancheng, and General Pingxi will contain other Wei reinforcements.”

Departing from Fangling, passing through the southern army, and joining forces with our troops holding Yancheng between Xiangyang and Wancheng, we will form a pincer. Of course, if Xu Huang or Zhen Ye comes out of Wan, we’ll deal with them as mentioned.

“After defeating Wancheng’s reinforcements, we will sweep through Nanyang Commandery, cutting off all additional enemy reinforcements.”

Wang Ping, who had been listening, raised a concern.

“The enemy won’t just sit still. After being divided and conquered a few times, they will unite and come at us. Will we engage in a full-scale battle then?”

A valid point. The Wei army isn’t foolish, and even in an era of slow information, they won’t just take repeated losses.

The benefits of divide and conquer are limited to the first few attempts. Cao Cao, having lost several relatives, will not abandon Zhao Ren and will scrape together reinforcements at all costs.

Moreover, if Sun Quan’s secret agreement allows him to redirect defenses from Hefei, we may also face the terrifying Zhang Liao.

With the situation with Sun Quan already tense, engaging in a full-scale war with Wei and risking a two-front war is certainly undesirable.

But the side fearing a prolonged war is not us.

“Don’t worry.”

Defeating Wancheng’s reinforcements alone is enough. It’s a catalyst—a spark to draw out Cao Cao’s true intentions and force him to act.

And the moment Cao Cao leaves Ye, those eyeing his vacant seat will surely rise.

The rebellion of Wei Feng. If a revolt against Cao Wei breaks out in Ye, Cao Cao cannot remain calm. Even if he successfully suppresses Wei Feng’s rebellion, the fear of a second or third Wei Feng will linger in his mind.

In the original history, Sun Quan successfully raided the empty house, putting Guan Yu in crisis with a single move. But this time, I bet it will be different.

“The first to speak of ending the war will be Cao Cao.”