Farmers of Shu Han

Chapter 1501: Assassin the King and Killing the King

January of the eighteenth year of Yanxi.

After the snow cleared, the Wei River froze over.

Ten miles outside Chang'an City, the newly built martial arts training ground was surrounded by flags, with imperial guards stationed every three steps.

On the high platform, Emperor Liu Shan and Empress Zhang Xingcai sat in the center, with civil and military officials lined up on the left and right.

A hundred paces in front of the platform, ten enormous bronze statues covered with red brocade, shaped like giant tripods.

This is the "National Guardian Round Cauldron" specially commissioned by Grand Marshal Feng. It is larger than the one used in the Huai River Basin, with a mouth diameter of six inches, a length of eight feet, and a weight of over a thousand catties.

Grand Marshal Feng Yong stood before the platform, wearing a black court robe with a white fox fur over it, and bowed to the throne:
"Your Majesty, these ten round tripods were cast using the new method of 'iron core and copper body,' and are even more powerful than those used by the Crown Prince when he crossed the Huai River. Please take a look."

Fatty Liu stared intently at the ten cannons and asked curiously:
"So this is the round cauldron..."

Since the artillery made its debut on the banks of the Huai River, the Crown Prince has been proclaiming its power in military reports sent to Chang'an.

This round tripod truly lives up to its name, for it can stabilize the world.

Now that I've seen this round cannon with my own eyes, I'm extremely curious about its power.

"Mingwen, then hurry up and let me see what kind of method the Crown Prince means by 'establishing the empire'."

Grand Marshal Feng accepted the order and turned to bow to Crown Prince Liu Chen, who was standing beside the throne.
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince once personally supervised the artillery fire against the Wu navy on the Huai River, and is well-versed in the intricacies of firearms. Today, for the test firing, may His Highness give the order?"

Liu Shan clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Chen'er, you may do it!"

Liu Chen solemnly accepted the order and steadily descended the steps.

He walked to the artillery position, and the ten artillery captains knelt down on one knee in unison: "Please give your orders, Your Highness!"

These were all former troops of the Huai River Army, who followed Liu Chen across the Huai River and captured Jianye.

Liu Chen raised his hand: "Please rise, gentlemen. Today is not a battlefield, so there is no need for such formalities."

His gaze swept over the ten giant cannons covered in brocade, and his voice was clear and resonant:

"As per protocol—solid shot for rangefinding, grapeshot for clearing the area, and explosive shells for obstacle breaching. Three rapid shots in quick succession; are all artillery ready?"

"Ready!"

Liu Chen received the command flag, turned around and bowed to the high platform, then waved the flag.

The first shot was a solid iron bullet.

The cannon spewed out a tongue of flame more than ten feet long, and the deafening roar was like the collapse of the sky and the splitting of the earth.

The high platform trembled, and snow accumulated on the eaves fell in a flurry.

The iron bullet streaked across the sky and struck the earthen hill three hundred paces away, blasting open the frozen soil on the hillside and sending soil and rocks flying like rain.

Although everyone had been given prior instructions, what they saw and heard still caused a great uproar.

An old minister dropped his official tablet to the ground without even noticing.

Some of the more timid ones even collapsed to the ground, their legs giving way.

Fatty Liu's round face twitched incessantly. Luckily, he was sitting down; otherwise, he might have accidentally fallen backward.

The second shot was fired in a volley.

Ten cannons fired simultaneously, their sounds overlapping and creating a buzzing sound in people's ears.

The storm of iron sand spewed from the cannon covered the straw doll formation within a hundred paces. In an instant, all three hundred straw dolls were reduced to dust, the straw fragments mixing with the frozen soil.

The third shot, a bursting shell.

The bullet struck a pre-positioned wooden watchtower three hundred paces away.

The explosion was blindingly white, the enemy tower disintegrated like paper, burning wood fragments were scattered thirty paces away, and black smoke rose like a wolf's smoke.

After firing the three shots, Liu Chen lowered the flag, turned around and reported to the high platform: "Your Majesty, I have completed the test firing. Please inspect it."

The whole place was dead silent.

Only the acrid smell of gunpowder remained, and the cold wind swept across the scorched earth.

On the high platform, the Empress's face was deathly pale.

Over the years, Feng has held military power, controlled finances, and won the hearts of the people. After the conquest of Wu, he had the power of a prime minister without the title.

But she always believed that with the world at peace, the time for civil administration would come next.

As the empress, with the emperor as her husband and the crown prince as her son, she could always find a way to gradually divide their power in the future.

But today...

The roar of the ten "round cauldron cannons" shattered all the calculations.

This is no ordinary weapon.

This is divine might.

It was Feng Yong who casually displayed an absolute power capable of crushing any political enemy.

He did it on purpose!

on purpose!
Zhang Xingcai's gaze fell on the figure standing not far ahead.

Their eyes were filled with fear and hesitation...

Feng Mingwen, this disciple of the mountain sect, indeed holds the power to change the world.

In a daze, I felt a gaze fall on me.

The Empress snapped out of her daze and noticed that Grand Marshal Feng was looking up at the high platform.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Mr. Feng smiled slightly.

His smile was gentle, yet it sent a chill down her spine.

That wasn't the respect a subject showed to the empress, but rather... a reminder.

Remind her: All schemes are child's play in the face of the Zhenguo Round Cauldron.

"Your Majesty!" Grand Marshal Feng spoke up, "May I ask what you think of this great cauldron?"

Liu, who had been slumped in his seat, stunned by the sound of the cannon fire, snapped back to reality after being reminded by Feng Da Sima and quickly said:
"Good! Good! Good!"

He suddenly stood up, disregarding etiquette, and strode down the steps to Grand Marshal Feng. He grabbed Feng's hand, his eyes gleaming.

"Mingwen! With this divine artifact, who in the world can rival our Great Han? We should immediately send troops to pacify Liaodong and capture Sima Zhao!"

Seeing that the emperor had completely lost his imperial dignity, the empress held her forehead and sighed almost inaudibly.

Feng Yongren held his hand and said gently:

"Your Majesty, although the round tripod is advantageous, the army must move first, and supplies must be prepared before any action is taken."

"Qing and Xu prefectures have only recently been annexed, and the people of Hebei have suffered from years of war and urgently need to recuperate."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Furthermore, the Governor of Youzhou, General Tian, ​​has passed away, and the new Governor, Huo Yi, also needs time to reorganize Youzhou."

"Your Majesty, please be patient and wait another two years. Once the land reclamation is complete and the granaries are full, then..."

He paused, then looked towards the northeast:
"Two years later, we can divide our forces into two routes: one route will cross the sea from Qingzhou and attack them by sea."

"We will advance from Youzhou through Lulong Pass, using both land and water routes. With this combined attack, Liaodong can be taken in one fell swoop."

Liu Shan paused for a moment, then remembered the situation in Hebei and Qingxu:

"Very well, Mingwen is still the most experienced and shrewd in governing the country! So be it. Two years! I'll wait another two years."

He turned and addressed the assembled officials in a loud voice:

"Did you all hear that? Two years! Two years from now, the world will be unified, and all under heaven will be at one!"

"At that time, I will follow the example of Emperor Guangwu and drink with all of you at the summit of Mount Tai!"

The assembled officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Amidst the clamor, Feng Yong stood with his eyes lowered and a slight smile playing on his lips.

The world?

The world is vast.
-
In the third month of spring in the twentieth year of Yanxi, in Jicheng, Youzhou.

General Jiang Wei established his own headquarters and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the military affairs of You and Ji provinces.

Beneath the commander's banner, 50,000 elite Han soldiers lined up in the southern suburbs of Jicheng, their black armor reflecting the remaining snow, their spears and halberds like a forest.

Thirty national treasure cauldrons stood before the battle, pointing directly towards Lulong Pass.

The soldier reported: "The Xianbei Buyou tribe boasted that 'if the Han army comes, we will follow the example of Maodun.'"

Jiang Wei, sword in hand, sneered: "Modu? That fellow doesn't even deserve it!"

Turning to Zhao Guang, he said, "Order the vanguard battalion: If you encounter any Xianbei troops, do not ask for permission; wipe them out immediately!"

With the command flags waved, the army set off.

As dust rose, the Han army's iron hooves once again trampled towards Liaodong.

In the same month, at Donglai Port in Qingzhou, the sea breeze was blowing fiercely.

General Zhang Bao, who was conquering the east, climbed the observation deck on the ship.

Behind him, generals Fu Qian, Luo Xian, Du Yu, and Wang Jun stood solemnly.

Zhang Bao's gaze fell upon the vast Bohai Sea:
"Sima Zhao established three ports in Liaodong: Tazhu, Pingguo, and Wenxian."

"The most dangerous port is Tazhu Port, which has dozens of catapults with a range of 250 paces, specifically to defend against our attack from the sea."

Du Yu pondered: "We can first break through Pingguo and Wenxian to cut off their flanks, and then surround Tazhu."

“No.” Zhang Bao shook his head. “We will go straight for Tazhu. Since they rely on their catapults as their courage, we will crush their courage first.”

He looked at Wang Jun and said, "General Hengjiang, I entrust you with the vanguard of the navy. If the enemy does not surrender, then let Tazhu Port be set on fire."

"The last general takes command!"

The news that the Han army was about to attack Liaodong reached Xiangping at top speed.

Upon hearing this, Sima Zhao immediately summoned Zhong Hui, Jia Chong, Wang Hai, and others to discuss the matter.

"The Han army is advancing in two columns." Sima Zhao looked at the group. "Jiang Wei has marched out of Lulong Pass, and Zhang Bao is crossing the sea. Gentlemen, what is your response?"

The group looked at each other.

Although they had long anticipated that the Han army would not let Liaodong go, they were still somewhat alarmed when they suddenly heard the news.

Zhong Hui pondered for a moment and said, "I have three plans."

"speak."

"The best course of action is to abandon Xiangping and flee to Fuyu."

“King Wei Qiutai of Fuyu has received favors from Wei. We can use his strength, along with the remnants of the Xianbei, to plot against Goguryeo and observe the internal changes in the Han court.”

"The middle strategy: defend the Liao River."

"The Liao River is wide, so we can attack them while they are crossing it. Even if we cannot win, we can still buy time until the weather turns cold and the Han army will retreat on its own."

"The worst option is to defend Xiangping to the death. Xiangping is a high city with deep moats and enough food to last for two years. However, the Han army has powerful weapons to breach cities, and a prolonged defense will surely lead to its loss."

A long silence followed.

Sima Zhao then slowly said:

"To abandon the city and flee is no different from a stray dog; to defend a lonely city to the death is to sit and wait for one's demise."

He stood up, walked to the map of Liaodong, looked at the Liao River, remained silent for a while, and then spoke:

"Take the middle course. Hold the Liao River and defend it. If Heaven blesses Great Wei, we may be able to defeat the Han army in one battle."

Zhong Hui bowed and said, "The General is wise."

"Zhong Hui".

"The minister is here."

"I hereby appoint you as the Governor of Liaoshui, leading 30,000 infantry and cavalry to defend along the Liaoshui River. When the Han army crosses the river, you must strike them halfway across."

"promise!"

"Wang Hai."

"Your subordinate is here!" Naval Commander Wang Hai stepped forward.

“Tazhu Port is the gateway to Liaodong. If it is lost, the Han navy can reach Xiangping City directly. You must defend it to the death.”

Wang Hai's lips twitched slightly: "This humble general will certainly not fail in his mission."

Sima Zhao turned to look at him, "Don't worry, I won't let you fight alone."

"At that time, I will send Yang Yi and Ma Jun with all the counterweight catapults in the army to Tazhu Port to help you defend the port."

"If the Han navy arrives, use stone projectiles to strike their ships. Stone cannons can fire projectiles nearly three hundred paces away, which should be enough to help you defend the port."

The Han army could travel by sea much faster than by land.

Wang Jun led the vanguard of his navy and was the first to arrive at Tazhu in Liaodong.

He stood at the bow of the ship, and through his monocular telescope, the outline of Tazhu Port gradually became clear.

There were about a hundred Wei warships in the harbor, mostly fighting ships and warships, with no more than ten large tower ships.

But the stone cannons on the shore were somewhat daunting.

"Order: Fire Dragon Ships advance, target the enemy's catapult positions, fire three rounds in a row, then the main force rushes into the harbor."

Command flags fluttered in the wind.

Twenty "fire dragon ships," modified from Wu state vessels, sailed out in formation.

The bows of these ships have undergone significant modifications.

The original angle of attack was removed and replaced with a triangular reinforced platform.

On the platform, a dark-colored "sea-suppressing cannon" is pointed forward at a 30-degree angle.

The gun barrel is reinforced with seven wrought iron hoops, and the multiple layers of shock-absorbing wood between the gun mount and the deck are clearly visible.

Inside the harbor, Yang Yi personally oversaw the battle.

Seeing the strange ships of the Han army advancing, he hurriedly ordered: "Catapults, aim at those lead ships—fire!"

The boulder roared out.

Unfortunately, most of the stones landed on the sea, creating towering columns of water.

Occasionally, a hit would occur, damaging the ship but preventing it from sinking.

Wang Jun's side used flag signals to relay the order: "Target enemy trebuchets, fire two rapid rounds of incendiary bombs! Wait for the ship to reach the trough of the wave before engaging!"

The ten fire-dragon ships were the first to fire.

The cannon spewed out viscous incendiary shells.

This ammunition was designed specifically for naval warfare, filled with thickened, highly flammable oil that is inextinguishable when exposed to water.

Incendiary bombs streaked across the sea, some landing in the water and hissing as they burned, while others struck the catapult positions.

The wooden catapults caught fire instantly, and the Wei army panicked and tried to put out the fire, but their formation was already in disarray.

However, the Han army also paid a price: one of the fire dragon ships was forced to withdraw from the battle because the recoil was too great and the reinforced part of the bow cracked, allowing seawater to rush in.

"Continue!" Wang Jun said without changing his expression. "Second round, release!"

This time, all nineteen ships fired simultaneously.

Incendiary bombs rained down on the port like meteors, and more catapults were engulfed in flames.

"Charge to port!"

Wang Hai's face turned ashen as he watched the coastal defenses crumble and Han army warships flood into the harbor.

He turned to look at Yang Yi: "Military Advisor Yang, the port cannot be defended."

Yang Yi hissed, "The General ordered us to hold our ground! Commander Wang, if you dare to retreat..."

"Withdraw?" Wang Hai suddenly laughed, a sinister smile. "I, Wang, have never intended to withdraw."

He slowly drew his sword. "One person is enough to guard the port."

Upon seeing Wang Hai's knife, Yang Yi couldn't help but take a step back: "What are you going to do..."

The light of the knife flashed.

Yang Yi clutched his neck and collapsed, blood splattering onto the deck.

Wang Hai sheathed his sword and said to his personal guards, "Cut off his head, hang his body on the mast, and put his head at the bow of the ship!"

"It just so happens that we're heading out to sea, and we're missing a head at the bow to see where we're going."

The body was dragged onto the mainmast and hung in mid-air, swaying in the sea breeze.

Wang Hai straightened his armor and said to the helmsman, "Order all ships to follow me in breaking out of the encirclement and heading north to Pingguo."

“Naduzhu Port…”

“Abandon it.” Wang Hai looked at the Han army warships surging in from outside the harbor and sneered, “Sima Zhao wants us to be buried with him, but I, Wang, will live to show him.”

Taking advantage of the chaos, the remaining Wei warships rushed out of the harbor and fled north.

As they passed the mainmast, Wang Hai looked up at Yang Yi's swaying corpse and spat, "A corrupt scholar ruins the country."

When Sima Zhao of Xiangping learned that Tazhu had fallen and Wang Hai had fled with his old pirate crew, everything went black!
"That scoundrel has ruined me!"

"General, we should think of a solution quickly! If all else fails, perhaps we should do as Zhong Shiji suggested and go to Fuyu..."

Once Tazhu is lost, the Han army will be at the gates of Xiangping by the day after tomorrow at the latest.

Having no other choice, Sima Zhao ordered his men to pack their belongings and prepare to leave Xiangping.

When the news reached the palace, Cao Mao donned armor and wore a long sword at his waist.

Kneeling before him were only a handful of officials, including Wang Jing, a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate; Wang Shen, a Minister of the Imperial Secretariat; and Wang Ye, a Palace Attendant.

"Have you all heard?" Cao Mao said angrily, "Sima Zhao is going to escape again!"

"He abandoned Qing and Xu, ceded Liaoxi, and now he's even willing to abandon Xiangping. In his eyes, the entire Wei empire is nothing more than a worn-out shoe that can be discarded at any time!"

Wang Jing kowtowed and wept, saying, "Your Majesty, the Han army is powerful. We should temporarily avoid their sharp edge and wait for the opportune moment..."

"What time is it that I'm waiting for!" Cao Mao suddenly drew his sword, the blade reflecting the light in his bloodshot eyes. "Sima Zhao's intentions are obvious to everyone!"

"He abandoned Xiangping today, and tomorrow he will abandon me! My ministers—"

He pointed his sword toward the palace gate, "Are you willing to follow me to execute this traitor and restore order to the nation?"

Wang Shen and Wang Ye lowered their heads, not daring to speak.

After a long silence, Wang Jing said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty... the palace guards are all trusted confidants of the Sima family."

"Your Majesty has only a few hundred servants and slaves by your side, their armor is incomplete, and their bows and crossbows are rotten. How can you possibly defeat the rebels?"

Cao Mao gave a bitter laugh:

"So, you all want me to follow the example of Emperor Xian of Han, clinging to life and watching the country crumble?"

His gaze swept over the three of them, and he said, word by word:

"My mind is made up. Today, I would rather shed blood five steps away to let the world know—Cao Wei still has an emperor who would rather die than surrender!"

He strode towards the palace gate and addressed the hundred or so servants, eunuchs, and young officials gathered outside:

"I, the fourth emperor of Cao Wei, am here today to punish the traitors! Those who wish to follow, take up arms! Those who do not wish to, may leave!"

The crowd was in commotion.

A moment later, Cao Mao led his entourage out of the palace.

The group numbered less than two hundred, their armor and clothing in disarray, yet they held aloft faded imperial banners.

People along the way were terrified and had to give way.

The message was rushed to the General's Mansion.

Sima Zhao only asked one question: "How many men did Your Majesty bring?"

"More than a hundred people, mostly servants and eunuchs."

"Can I wear armor?"

"Half of them were unarmored, and their weapons were old and worn."

Sima Zhao said calmly, "Tell Jia Chong to stop him at all costs."

“Remember, do not harm His Majesty… but if His Majesty insists on entering the palace,” he paused, “then escort him back to the palace.”

"What if...what if we can't stop them?"

Sima Zhao raised his eyes, his gaze cold: "That is because Jia Chong is incompetent."

At this moment, on the main street of Xiangping City, Jia Chong led three hundred armored soldiers to form a battle array in the center of the street.

Upon seeing the enemy formation, Cao Mao reined in his horse and stopped.

"Jia Chong!" Cao Mao shouted, brandishing his whip. "I am the Emperor of Great Wei! How dare you obstruct my imperial carriage?!"

Jia Chong dismounted, bowed respectfully, and gave a formal greeting.
"Your Majesty, the Grand General has ordered: the Han invaders are approaching. For Your Majesty's safety, Your Majesty is requested to return to the palace for temporary refuge. We will discuss the matter again after the Han army has been defeated..."

"Repel the Han army?" Cao Mian laughed. "If Sima Zhao could truly repel the Han army, why would he need to abandon the city and flee? You lot—"

He pointed his sword at the armored soldiers behind Jia Chong:
"You are all soldiers of the Great Wei, eating the Wei's food and receiving the Wei's favor! Today, are you willing to follow me to punish this treacherous and corrupt official who has harmed the country and restore the glory of the Great Wei?!"

Among the armored soldiers, some had shifty eyes, while others lowered their heads, none daring to meet Cao Mao's gaze.

Jia Chong's face darkened, he straightened up, and whispered to Cheng Ji beside him:

"Sima Gong has been supporting people like you all for this day. You should know what to do."

Cheng Ji understood and placed his hand on the hilt of the knife.

Seeing that no one responded, Cao Mao smiled bitterly, then suddenly spurred his horse forward: "Today I will see who dares to murder the emperor!"

Cheng Ji roared, "Protect the Emperor!"

At the same time, draw your sword and point it forward.

Chaos erupted suddenly.

Swords clashed, and screams filled the air.

Cao Mao was, after all, the emperor of a country. With the emperor taking action personally, the armored soldiers sent by Sima Zhao were inevitably somewhat apprehensive and fearful, and most of them dared not fight back.

Cao Mao swung his sword and killed two people in succession, his body splattered with blood.

Seeing that the armored soldiers dared not attack him, he raised his sword and charged straight at Jia Chong.

Jia Chong's face turned ashen, and he instinctively shouted, "Cheng Ji!"

Hearing Jia Chong's call, Cheng Ji braced himself and replied, "Your subordinate is here!"

But then Cheng Ji suddenly appeared from the flank, his long spear aimed straight at Cao Mao's back!
Time seemed to freeze.

Cao Mao looked down at the blood-dripping spear tip on his chest, then looked up towards the direction of the General's Mansion in the distance.

His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but only blood and foam came out.

Then, he slowly fell off his horse.

The emperor's banners fell to the ground.
-
Zhong Hui led a large army to defend the Liao River, knowing that he could not stop the Han army at all.

Upon learning of Cao Mao's death, he simply surrendered before Jiang Wei could launch a formal attack.

With this, the Han Dynasty officially recovered Liaodong.

But given Feng's deep scheming and foresight, the fact that he waited so many years before launching his attack was certainly not for the sake of the mere Liaodong region.

After Jiang Wei and Zhang Bao joined forces in Xiangping, they questioned Goguryeo about its past dealings with the puppet state of Wei, citing the pretext of "colluding with the rebels."

Knowing that the Han Dynasty wanted to annex Goguryeo, Goguryeo planned to deploy troops on the border to guard against the Han army.

However, how could Goguryeo's mere border troops possibly withstand the well-prepared Han army?
Within a few months, Goguryeo was destroyed, and the Han Dynasty established Xuandong Commandery to govern it.