Kapitel 456: 441. Cao Cao's Daring Decision
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Meanwhile, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai stepped forward, their faces reflecting the seriousness of the moment. Guo Jia spoke first, his tone measured but urgent. "My lord, we have devised a plan that could potentially turn the tide of this conflict. However, it will require significant concessions." Hearing what Guo Jia had just said, Cao Cao raised his eyebrows and then furrowed them as he was interested and dreaded to hear what Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai had in mind.
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed and his finger did a rhythm of light knocking on the table in front of him. "What kind of concessions are we talking about, Fengxiao and Zhicai?"
Guo Jia exchanged a glance with Xi Zhicai before continuing. "In order to draw Lie Fan into a position that he wouldn't expect, we propose a strategic withdrawal from several key locations."
As Guo Jia was talking, he kept tabs on the expression on Cao Cao's face. "By abandoning several of our key locations, we can consolidate all of our forces in one location and lure Lie Fan into a big ambush. This will create an opportunity for us to launch a decisive counterattack."
Xi Zhicai nodded in agreement and added some words of himself. "So My Lord, we must be prepared to offer temporary territorial concessions to Lie Fan, making it appear as though he has gained an advantage. Once he is overextended with his army and supplies, we lure him into our ambush and launch a concentrated attack on him, delivering a crippling and swift blow to his army."
Cao Cao considered their words carefully. The plan was risky, involving significant sacrifices in the short term that he felt wouldn't return any benefit in the long term as Lie Fan is flying under the banner of justice in the eye of the commoners now.
Cao Cao's voice was filled with skepticism as he addressed Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai. "Is this truly the only way forward? The risks are substantial, and the potential long-term consequences are concerning. Lie Fan's charisma and reputation as a leader will make it difficult to regain control of any territories we concede, even temporarily. Once he consolidates his hold, it will be nearly impossible to uproot him."
Guo Jia nodded, acknowledging the validity of Cao Cao's concerns. "You are correct, my lord. The plan is not without its risks. However, we believe it presents the best opportunity to disrupt Lie Fan's current momentum. By forcing him to overextend, we create vulnerabilities that we can exploit."
Xi Zhicai added, "Lie Fan's strength lies in his ability to maintain a unified front and a sense of invincibility among his troops. If we can fracture that image, even temporarily, it may sow doubt and discord within his ranks. This, combined with a decisive counterattack, could shift the balance in our favor."
Cao Cao remained contemplative. "But what if this plan fails? What if Lie Fan sees through our strategy and fortifies his gains? We would be left weaker, with fewer resources and even more of our territory under his control."
Guo Jia sighed, "There is always the risk of failure, my lord. War is an unpredictable endeavor. However, doing nothing or continuing with our current strategy is equally perilous. Lie Fan is advancing, and we cannot afford to let him continue unchecked. This plan, though risky, offers a chance to change the current dynamics."
As Cao Cao heard Guo Jia's words, he could only nod to himself, acknowledging the inherent truth in his advisor's counsel. War, as history has shown time and time again, was a realm of uncertainty. Even the legendary Sun Tzu, the philosopher of The Art of War, could not claim infallibility in his strategies.
Turning to Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, Cao Cao posed the critical question, "Which of our territories must we cede for now?"
Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai exchanged a glance before Guo Jia replied, "We must relinquish all territories in the Central Plains My Lord except for Xuchang. Where Our armies will regroup here."
"Once consolidated," Xi Zhicai added, "we will then abandon Xuchang and retreat to Hulao Gate. We must bring the entirety of our personnel and their families to Luoyang, mirroring the strategy Dong Zhuo employed."
Cao Cao listened intently to Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, his face a mask of resolve. The suggestion to cede all territories except for Xuchang, then abandon it and retreat to Hulao Gate, mirrored the drastic measures taken by Dong Zhuo's retreat to Chang'An years earlier. The comparison was not lost on him, and the weight of the decision pressed heavily on his shoulders.
"I see," Cao Cao finally said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "We will regroup at Xuchang and prepare for a strategic withdrawal to Hulao Gate. Ensure that all our personnel and their families alongside the royal family and the entire imperial court are moved safely to Luoyang. This is not a decision I make lightly, but it is one that must be made for the greater good."
Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai exchanged glances, relieved that Cao Cao had accepted their advice despite the immense risks involved for Cao Cao, and the audacity that the two of them suggested this strategy.
"We will begin preparations immediately, My Lord." Xi Zhicai said. "Every detail will be meticulously planned to ensure a smooth transition. The evacuation of personnel and their families will be our top priority, continued by the Royal family and the Imperial Court."
Guo Jia added, "We will also set traps and leave false information to mislead Lie Fan's forces, My Lord. This will buy us time and potentially disrupt their plans."
Cao Cao nodded, his gaze firm. "Good. See to it that our commanders are briefed and that morale is maintained. We may be ceding territory, but this is not a defeat. It is a strategic maneuver. Our time to strike back will come."
As Cao Cao chose to implement the drastic plan devised by Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, far to the east of Xuchang at Jibei, the Baihu Army stood ready, their ranks disciplined and their spirits high. They awaited the arrival of the Zhuque Army, as the two forces would advance toward Puyang together, reducing the time needed to lay siege to the city.
Dian Wei and Chen Deng, as Head General and Strategist of the Baihu Army, surveyed their troops with discerning eyes. Despite the anticipation of battle, their soldiers remained composed, their training and discipline evident in their calm demeanor.
"Any word on the Zhuque Army's arrival?" Dian Wei asked Chen Deng as they were surveying their men, wanting to know if there was any word from the Zhuque Army.
Chen Deng hearing the question, immediately replied to Dian Wei. "They should be here soon, Dian Wei. General Taishi Ci and Master Bu Zhi lead them with remarkable speed and efficiency."
Dian Wei grinned as he heard what Chen Deng said. "Great! Once we join forces, Puyang will fall swiftly. We must maintain our momentum to reach Chenliu and support Lord Lie Fan and the Qilin Army."
As they were talking, they saw the Zhuque Army approaching their location, led by the Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi, Dian Wei ordered the Baihu Army to readied themselves for the march as Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi rode up to Dian Wei and Chen Deng.
"General Dian Wei, it's good to see you after so long" Taishi Ci greeted. "Let's show our combined strength to make quick work of Puyang! Haha!"
Dian Wei let out a loud laugh as he clasped Taishi Ci's forearm in a firm grip. "Haha! Indeed, General Taishi Ci. Let's waste no time. We must march immediately."
With that, the Baihu and Zhuque armies began their advance toward Puyang, their banners flying high and their steps resolute. The united forces moved with purpose, their sights set on Puyang which stood as the gateway to their ultimate goal.
Dian Wei let out a loud laugh as he clasped Sun Ce's forearm in a firm grip. "Haha! Indeed, General Taishi Ci. Let's waste no time. We must march immediately."
With that, the Baihu and Zhuque armies began their advance toward Puyang, their banners flying high and their steps resolute. The united forces moved with purpose, their sights set on Puyang, which stood as the gateway to their ultimate goal.
On the other hand, to the southwest of Jibei at Runan, Huang Zhong and Liu Ba led the Qinglong Army to head toward Wan to siege it. With a disciplined movement and tight formation, Huang Zhong and Liu Ba wanted to take down Wan with a cautious approach.
Meanwhile, Qin Xie stayed behind at Runan to lead its defenses and ensure that the city remained under Lie Fan's control, should Cao Cao send an army to recapture it.
To the north of Runan, at their encampment near Qiao, Lie Fan oversaw the Qilin Army, which was under the command of Zhang Liao and Gao Shun.
The army moved with precision, entering their formation as they prepared for their own strategic maneuvers. As the soldiers positioned themselves, Jia Xu and Xun You approached Lie Fan with the news.
"My lord," Jia Xu began, his tone serious, "the Baihu and Zhuque armies, along with the Qinglong Army, are advancing toward their targets Puyang and Wan as we speak."
Lie Fan nodded, a determined expression on his face. "Excellent. Ensure that our coordination with the three of them remains secure, as it's very crucial for this plan to work. With Chenliu, Puyang, and Wan under our control, Cao Cao's control over Central Plain will be no more."
Xun You added, "I agree My Lord. I will personally ensure it will remain safe with Oriole's help so that our forces remain aware of any changes in Cao Cao's movements."
Lie Fan turned to Zhang Liao and Gao Shun. "Ensure our men are truly ready and prepared. We cannot afford any mistakes."
Zhang Liao saluted sharply. "Understood, My Lord. The Qilin Army will show all of its strength, and march toward Chenliu with full spirit!"
Gao Shun nodded in agreement. "Our preparations are complete My Lord, we await your command to begin our march."
Lie Fan surveyed the field, his mind calculating the next steps. The synchronization of their forces was critical, and every move had to be executed flawlessly to ensure their success.
"Sound the drum for the signal to advance!" Lie Fan ordered. "The time to strike is now! We will show Cao Cao the true might of a coordinated army!" As the Qilin Army continued to hold their formation, they heard the sound of a war drum being sounded, signaling for the Qilin Army to begin their march toward Chenliu. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun lead from the front of the formation, while Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You oversee the army from the center of the formation.
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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
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
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