章 433: 419. Runan Surrendered
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Reports of Cao Cao's Army movement that was sent to counter them were also updated to Lie Fan every hour, and it kept getting closer and closer to each town including Qiao, where according to the information Lie Fan received the general that led the Army attacking Qiao was Xiahou Dun accompanied by Yu Jin, which complements both power and strategy for the army to lay siege on Qiao.
Meanwhile, in Tianshui, scouts that Jia Kui send had returned with reports on Wang Yi's movements. They had tracked her to a small village, where she had taken refuge with her loyal followers. Jia Kui received the news and immediately relayed it to Cao Ren and Han Sui.
"We have located Lady Wang Yi," Jia Kui announced. "She is in a village not far from here. We must decide our next course of action."
Cao Ren's eyes flashed with determination. "We will bring her back to Tianshui. Her departure and potential alliance with our enemies cannot be allowed."
Han Sui nodded in agreement. "We must proceed carefully. She is a formidable opponent, and any misstep could be costly."
Jia Kui considered their options. "We will send a diplomatic envoy first, offering her a chance to return peacefully. If she refuses, we will take more decisive measures."
Cao Ren shook his head firmly. "No, Master Jia Kui, we don't need to send an envoy! What we need is a small contingent of elite soldiers to pursue her and capture her by any means necessary!"
Jia Kui frowned, his voice growing tense. "Lady Wang Yi is a formidable strategist with a strong following. A peaceful approach might convince her to return willingly, avoiding unnecessary bloodshed."
Cao Ren's eyes narrowed. "And if she refuses? We cannot afford to let her join our enemies. Capturing her swiftly ensures she cannot become a threat."
The argument between the two intensified rapidly, their voices echoing through the grand hall. Jia Kui emphasized the need for diplomacy and careful handling, while Cao Ren insisted on the urgency and direct action required to neutralize Wang Yi's potential threat.
Zhang Ji, Xu Huang, and Cao Hong watched the heated exchange with growing concern. Finally, Zhang Ji stepped forward, raising his hands to calm the two men. "Everyone, please. We must remain united in our approach. This discord will only weaken our efforts."
Xu Huang nodded, his deep voice carrying authority. "Master Jia Kui and General Cao Ren, both of you have valid points. But we need a plan that balances caution with decisiveness."
Cao Hong added, his tone conciliatory, "Let us consider General Cao Ren's proposal. A small, elite force could capture Lady Wang Yi swiftly and effectively. We can plan this operation meticulously to minimize risk and ensure success."
Jia Kui took a deep breath, his eyes meeting those of his colleagues. He saw their united front and felt the weight of their collective judgment. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Very well. We will proceed with General Cao Ren's method. But we must ensure that this mission is carried out with precision and care. No unnecessary violence."
Cao Ren, his expression determined, acknowledged Jia Kui's concession. "Agreed. I will personally oversee the selection of the elite soldiers and the planning of the mission. We will leave no room for error."
The tension in the room eased as the decision was made. The officials and generals quickly moved to implement the plan, their focus now on the successful execution of the mission.
Cao Ren handpicked a contingent of elite soldiers, each one skilled and loyal, ensuring they were fully briefed on the importance of capturing Wang Yi without undue harm.
As night fell, the small contingent of elite soldiers set out from Tianshui, their movements swift and silent. They navigated the rugged terrain with practiced ease, their eyes sharp and senses alert. The mission was clear, to capture Wang Yi and bring her back to Tianshui, ensuring she could not become a threat to their plans.
Back in Tianshui, Jia Kui, Cao Ren, and the other officials awaited news of the mission's success. The stakes were high, and the outcome of this operation would significantly impact their strategic position.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi, unaware of the impending pursuit, continued her journey with her loyal followers. Her determination to seek justice for her husband and her distrust of Cao Cao's cooperation with Ma Teng fueled her resolve.
On the other hand, in Runan, the sounds of battle reverberated through the air. The Qinlong Army, led by Huang Zhong and Liu Ba, was relentlessly pressing their attack on Runan's defenses.
Each clash saw the defenders of Runan being pushed back, only to regroup and hold their ground once more. It was a brutal and exhausting struggle, with neither side willing to concede an inch.
Huang Zhong, his glaive flashing in the sunlight, drove his men forward with fierce determination. "Press the attack! We must break through their lines!"
Liu Ba, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield, directed the movements of the troops with precise commands. "Maintain the pressure! Do not let them regroup!"
The defenders of Runan, though outmatched and weary, fought with a desperate resolve. They knew that the fall of Runan would spell disaster for their people and their families.
Among them, Grand Administrator Qin Xie from Wan, appointed as Runan's Governor by Cao Cao, stood as a beacon of hope and leadership for Runan's Defense Army, as he had experience in fighting a defensive war in the past during the Yellow Turbans Rebellion.
Qin Xie moved through the ranks, rallying his soldiers. "Hold the line! For Runan, for your homes, we must not falter!" Qin Xie's words caused the defender's spirits to rise slightly, increasing their will to protect their home.
Despite the Qinlong Army's superior tactics and relentless assault, the defenders of Runan managed to regain their foothold time and again. The battle seemed to reach a stalemate, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory.
However, the tides of war are ever-shifting, and the unexpected can change the course of battle in an instant. As dusk began to fall, a shadowy figure moved through the ranks of Runan's defenders, unnoticed by all but a few.
This figure, an Oriole agent, had infiltrated the Runan disguised as a refugee from a nearby village with a singular purpose which was to create chaos and weaken Runan's defenses from within.
Under the cover of darkness, the agent sabotaged key fortifications and spread disinformation among the defenders. Confusion and panic began to spread as false reports of breaches and enemy infiltrators took their toll on morale.
Qin Xie, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, moved quickly to try and restore order. "Stay calm! These are lies meant to sow discord among us!"
But the damage was done. The defenders, already exhausted and strained, found it increasingly difficult to maintain their positions. Sensing an opportunity, Huang Zhong and Liu Ba coordinated a renewed assault, targeting the weakened points in Runan's defenses.
As the Qinlong Army surged forward with renewed vigor, they finally broke through the lines. The once steadfast defenders began to falter, unable to withstand the combined force of external attack and internal sabotage.
Huang Zhong, leading the charge, shouted triumphantly. "Forward! Take Runan! For Lord Lie Fan"
Liu Ba, observing the unfolding chaos, directed the troops to secure key positions within the city. "Focus on the gates and the main thoroughfares! Do not let them regroup!"
Qin Xie, realizing the gravity of the situation, coordinates valiantly to hold the remaining defenses. But despite his best efforts, the defenders of Runan were overwhelmed.
In just a matter of hours, the Qinlong Army had already secured around 80% of Runan. The remaining district, fiercely defended by Governor Qin Xie and his loyal soldiers, held out against the overwhelming Qinlong Army.
Despite his advanced age, Qin Xie led the resistance with unwavering resolve, determined to protect his people and Runan knowing that his resistance would only delay the inevitable.
Huang Zhong, now overseeing the final stages of the assault, paused as he recognized the man leading the resistance. It was Qin Xie, his former lord during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
Memories of their past service together flooded Huang Zhong's mind, and he felt a deep sense of respect and loyalty toward the aging governor, not expecting that he could still lead at such an advanced age.
Turning to Liu Ba, Huang Zhong spoke earnestly, "Liu Ba, I need your help. Qin Xie was once my lord, and he owes a life-saving debt to Our Lord. We must try to persuade him to surrender peacefully. I believe we can avoid further bloodshed."
Liu Ba nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Very well, General Huang Zhong. Let us use our words before resorting to further violence."
Together, they approached the heavily fortified district where Qin Xie and his men were holding out. Under a flag of truce, they requested a parley with the governor. After some tense moments, the gates opened slightly, and a small group of defenders led Huang Zhong and Liu Ba to Qin Xie.
The old governor, standing tall despite his age, eyed them warily. "Huang Zhong, Liu Ba, what is it that you seek? We will not yield our city to invaders."
Huang Zhong stepped forward, bowing deeply in respect. "Governor Qin Xie, it is I, Huang Zhong. I served under you in Wan during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. We have come not as enemies but as friends. I implore you to listen to our words."
Qin Xie's expression softened slightly as he recognized Huang Zhong. "Huang Zhong, it has been many years. What brings you here, and why should I listen to your plea?"
Liu Ba, sensing the opportunity, began to speak with eloquence and conviction. "Governor Qin Xie, we do not seek to destroy Runan or harm its people. my Loed, Lie Fan, who you owe a life-saving debt, has sent us to bring peace and stability to this land. He saved Wan from the Yellow Turbans, and now he seeks to protect Runan from the ravages of war."
Huang Zhong added, "Governor, you know My Lord's honor and integrity. He desires to unite the land and bring an end to the chaos. Surrendering peacefully will spare the lives of your soldiers and the citizens of Runan. We can work together to rebuild and strengthen our land."
Qin Xie remained silent, his eyes searching their faces. He remembered the young Lie Fan, who had bravely fought to save Wan and its people. The memories of that time, combined with Huang Zhong's presence and Liu Ba's persuasive words, began to sway him.
After a long pause, Qin Xie spoke, his voice tinged with resignation. "I have fought and lead many battles in my life, and I have seen enough bloodshed. For the sake of Runan and its people, I will yield. But know this, Huang Zhong, Liu Ba, I do this not out of fear, but out of hope that Lie Fan's vision for the future is one of peace and prosperity."
Huang Zhong bowed deeply again. "Thank you, Governor Qin Xie. Your wisdom and sacrifice will not be forgotten." With the surrender of Qin Xie, the remaining defenders laid down their arms, and the Qinlong Army swiftly secured the last district of Runan. The city, now fully under their control, began the process of healing and rebuilding under the leadership of Huang Zhong and Liu Ba, assisted by Qin Xie who hold large sway over the officials in Runan.
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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
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