Chapter 66

In the south, the fierce battles around Gangnyeong Castle were reported to Yangfan almost every moment.

Even if we hold Yangfan, if Nan Commandery falls to Sun Quan, we’ll be caught between Sun Quan and Cao Cao, forcing us to relinquish Yangfan.

Thus, both our kingdom and Cao Wei were more focused on Sun Quan’s movements than on fighting each other.

Of course, we weren’t just sitting back and watching.

When Cao Cao quietly pushed his troops to besiege Bansheng, we sent a naval force through Hanshui to Sazhong to counterattack and relieve the pressure, and we dispatched reinforcements to confront Sun Quan’s general Zhang Qin at Qingni.

We were also on edge, dealing with both Cao Cao and Sun Quan.

Until Sun Quan, with the momentum of Gu Qian, took Gong’an, Gangnyeong, Yidao, and Zhijiang, our army’s morale was very shaky.

In contrast, Cao Cao and Zhang Qin seemed to seize the opportunity and went wild.

But now, that too has ended.

“Good news! General Fang has recaptured Gong’an! Ban Zhizhong has also retaken Gangnyeong Castle!”

The messenger’s voice was filled with excitement.

And rightly so. For a while, it was always about who lost where, but now we’re counterattacking smoothly, how delightful.

“Indeed, it’s Fang Shiyuan.”

Guan Yu also smiled contentedly, stroking his beard.

“Victory was also part of the plan. His contribution is significant.”

“Ahem.”

When I mentioned Ban Jun and praised his contribution, Guan Yu’s expression soured. Guan Yu, who had a strained relationship with Ban Jun, might not have been entirely pleased with his great achievement.

As I silently looked at Guan Yu, he reluctantly spoke.

“Fine. You’re right. I’ve been blaming him for neglecting his duties, but this was a desperate plan for this day, so I admit I underestimated his abilities.”

However, Guan Yu added a caveat.

“But unlike you, who have been recognized by His Majesty with an independent position, Ban Zhizhong is my subordinate. Hiding strategies from a superior is wrong.”

Perhaps sensing the tension between me and Guan Yu over Ban Jun, Guan Ping intervened with a friendly smile.

“Now, now, why all this on such good news? Please calm down, both of you. You are both generals under His Majesty, the King of Hanzhong. Instead of discussing merits, let’s talk about how our army should proceed.”

“Hahaha, did it seem that way? What do I have to argue with Zhang Zhenbei about? We were just sharing opinions, don’t worry too much.”

As Guan Yu said, what’s there to argue about? Anyway, Guan Ping is right. The issue of Ban Jun’s treatment can be addressed later.

First, we need to focus on the immediate task.

“It’s time to bring Cao Cao to the negotiation table.”

“Right. Listen, generals. Feed the soldiers well, spread this news, and let them cheer. And tell the naval forces to be ready to deploy at any time.”

Guan Yu’s orders were a declaration of our will to fight, trusting our rear. Indeed, continuing this stalemate with Cao Wei was a burden for us.

The instability of supplies due to chaos in the rear. The physical exhaustion of soldiers from continuous battles. While the victory reports would boost morale, there were still many adverse factors scattered around.

However, rumors spread that Guan Yu planned to go further, even killing prisoners like Zhao Yun and Man Chong to solidify our resolve for a decisive battle.

If Cao Cao were to go all out, it would be hard for us to guarantee whether we could hold Yangfan.

Yet, Guan Yu’s strong stance had three reasons.

If we lose Bansheng, we can retreat to Xiangyang and use our naval superiority on Hanshui for a second battle.

Even if both Yangfan and Bansheng fall, we have a retreat route through Shangyong.

Lastly, we’re not the only ones suffering losses.

If Cao Cao tries to retake Yangfan, even if we suffer great losses, we only lose half of Jing Province, but Cao Cao might lose everything he has built.

“The uprising in Ye City has been suppressed.”

The rebellion of Wei Feng, which also occurred in the original history, proceeded without fail this time as well. Perhaps because our prestige was even higher than in the original history.

Unlike the original, where the rebellion fell apart due to internal betrayal, Wei Feng successfully raised his troops as planned.

However, Wei Feng was mistaken in thinking he could overthrow Cao Cao’s regime so easily.

Before Cao Pi messed things up, Cao Wei, even in a situation of repeated defeats, still had considerable strength.

The capable and loyal founding heroes who built Cao Wei with Cao Cao were still alive and vigilant.

Jia Xu, Hua Xin, Zhong Yao… Wei Feng’s fervor was too light to breach their fortress.

“But this is a signal.”

“As you said, this is clear evidence that Cao Cao’s regime is shaking.”

Cao Cao’s overwhelming dominance and thorough control of the regime are beginning to waver.

And this small crack will quickly grow while Cao Cao is stuck in Yangfan, eventually splitting the massive wall that is Cao Wei.

Cao Cao, with his innate political talent, must know better than anyone that his seemingly strong empire is rotting from within.

And he also knows the most efficient solution.

Just a day after we showed a mix of bluff and genuine military display, a messenger with a white flag appeared from Cao Cao’s camp.

It was a symbolic moment, showing that our positions had reversed.

Yes, in the truce negotiations, we are now the superior, and Cao Cao the inferior.

“Hu Jun, Zhang Ji, at your service.”

“Enough with the formalities. Deliver your message.”

“His Majesty, the King of Wei, wishes to meet with the general for talks.”

Looking down at Zhang Ji, the messenger, Guan Yu leisurely stroked his beard.

With Sun Quan’s secret move not paying off, it’s Cao Cao who’s getting anxious, not us, and Guan Yu has noticed.

“Say it again. Talks or negotiations? Choose your words carefully. My answer will depend on what you say.”

Sweat dripped down Zhang Ji’s forehead.

Perhaps the aura of Guan Yu, in his divine state, was overwhelming even for Cao Cao’s close aide.

Or perhaps Cao Cao’s condition is so bad that it feels like a huge threat to Zhang Ji himself.

Zhang Ji, sweating cold sweat, answered without faltering.

“Negotiations, it is.”

“Continue.”

“His Majesty, the King of Wei, proposes to end this futile war through negotiations at Yancheng.”

Yancheng was originally ours, but now, with our forces concentrated at Bansheng, it has fallen to Cao Cao.

Guan Yu’s answer was firm.

“Impossible.”

“…Why? Do you not trust His Majesty, the King of Wei? Have you forgotten? His Majesty kept his promise when you left to meet Liu Xuande!”

“I know. I remember. But it’s impossible.”

“Please tell me the reason.”

“Because this is a matter of national importance.”

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh. I understand why Guan Yu said that.

We can’t appear to be bending under favorable conditions. It’s a kind of image battle.

But that statement, it feels more like something the listener would say, not Guan Yu.

Guan Yu’s words didn’t end there.

“Go and tell His Majesty. Withdraw the troops to Yanglingpi and vacate Yancheng. If he does, I am willing to hold negotiations at the empty Yancheng. I will allow some officials and a small guard for the negotiations.”

“…I will convey that.”

Guan Yu’s conditions were immediately accepted. Zhang Ji, returning to inform us that Cao Cao had accepted the conditions, revealed the urgency of Cao Wei by announcing when the withdrawal would begin and the date for negotiations.

The sight of Cao Wei’s troops surrounding Bansheng disappeared in no time.

After our scouts confirmed the retreat to Yanglingpi, north of Yancheng, Guan Yu prepared to depart in full attire.

Just as Cao Cao kept his promise, Guan Yu also kept his.

There was no thought in Guan Yu’s mind of secretly attacking Yancheng to kill Cao Cao. I don’t have such thoughts either.

No matter how much Cao Cao is a traitor to us, using such underhanded methods would only tarnish our cause and likely give the shaky Cao Wei regime a reason to unite.

“Ran, are you prepared?”

At the front of Yancheng, Guan Yu asked me.

Although I had fought Cao Cao in Hanzhong, I had never met him face to face. This would be my first time seeing Cao Cao.

“Yes. I am prepared.”

Living as Zhang Ran, I wonder if there was ever a day as tense as this. If I had to pick, it would be similar to the first time I met the three brothers and Zhuge Liang ten years ago.

But there’s a big difference between the 9-year-old Zhang Ran who knew nothing of the world and the 19-year-old Zhang Ran, a general who has experienced countless battles and commands the realm.

Thinking of that, today must be the most nerve-wracking moment of my current life.

Passing through the open gates of Yancheng, we entered the official residence.

Unlike the emptiness outside, inside the residence, Cao Wei’s elite soldiers, left to guard Cao Cao, stood in formation, exuding a formidable presence.

And beyond the wide-open doors of the residence, sitting on the platform and looking at us, was him.

Cao Cao.