Three Kingdoms: Fusion of Entries, Change of Destiny

Chapter 219 Cao Cao is in the north, Sun Ce is in the south, and Ji Ling is in the middle.

Xiapi City.

After defeating Yuan Shu, Lü Bu seized a large amount of grain, supplies, weapons, and flags.

By incorporating surrendered soldiers and recruiting new troops, he now has nearly 20,000 soldiers under his command.

Originally, Lü Bu planned to take advantage of Yuan Shu's defeat and seize Guangling County, but Cao Cao's arrival made him dare not act rashly.

In the governor's mansion, Lü Bu summoned everyone to discuss matters.

However, Chen Gui, the strategist whom Lü Bu trusted most, had not arrived yet, which made Lü Bu somewhat anxious.

Just as Lü Bu was pacing impatiently in the hall, Chen Gong suddenly rushed to his side and whispered in his ear, "Chen Gui has disappeared without a trace, and the Chen family's old residence is empty. They have probably already left!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu asked in confusion, "They've left? Where could they have gone?"

"West!" Chen Gong said only two words.

Lu Bu wasn't stupid; upon hearing the word "west," he immediately thought of "Cao Cao!!"

Lu Bu was both shocked and furious. He said angrily, "I have always been very respectful to Chen Gui and listened to his advice. Why did he betray me and go to Cao Cao?"

Chen Gong sighed, "The Prefect of Pengcheng is Chen Gui's son, Chen Deng. According to the news sent back by our scouts, Pengcheng has already fallen into Cao Cao's hands. Presumably, Chen Deng has already surrendered to Cao Cao, which is why he notified his family to flee Xiapi overnight."

"I'm going to kill them!" Lu Bu felt betrayed and immediately raised his halberd to slaughter the entire Chen family.

However, the Chen family was deeply rooted in Xuzhou, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they had connections everywhere.

They received news of Chen Deng's defection to Cao Cao two days in advance, so how could they let Lü Bu capture him?
By the time Lü Bu realized what was happening, Chen Gui was already almost at Pengcheng.

……

Pengcheng.

After the banquet, Cao Yan had a private chat with Chen Deng.

Tomorrow, Cao Yan will leave Pengcheng to go to Longkang to meet Cao Cao, and then head south to attack Yuan Shu.

That evening, the two had a very in-depth conversation.

The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including politics, military affairs, and business, but more importantly, it provided an opportunity for Chen Deng to gain a deeper understanding of Cao Cao's camp's strategies and future plans.

Chen Deng had a remarkable vision; unlike many people who only cared about immediate gains, he focused more on the long term.

While immediate gains are important, future opportunities are even more crucial.

Chen Deng understood this, which meant that if he could seize the opportunity, he would definitely have a good future.

Of course, that's assuming he lives to see that day...

After finishing their business, Cao Yan glanced at Chen Deng, whose face was slightly flushed, and couldn't help but remind him, "Yuanlong, you should eat less sashimi in the future. I will find a doctor to diagnose you and help you cure your current illness."

The two were having a pleasant conversation.

Unexpectedly, Cao Yan suddenly said, "You're sick," which was like a bucket of cold water being poured over Chen Deng's head, leaving him somewhat stunned.

"I'm sick? I've always been healthy, what illness could I possibly have?" Chen Deng was completely bewildered and still felt a little uncomfortable, so he asked in return, "General, how did you know that I like to eat raw fish, and even concluded that I'm sick?"

"I once taught myself some medical skills, and observing Yuanlong's complexion, I noticed something amiss," Cao Yan casually made up a reason.

"General Hou is also skilled in medicine! You are truly multi-talented! I admire you!" Chen Deng replied casually.

He felt fine and had no idea that he was sick.

Seeing that Chen Deng didn't take it seriously, Cao Yan knew that there was no point in saying anything more.

Moreover, he currently has no way to cure the parasites in Chen Deng's stomach; he can only wait until he finds Hua Tuo to see if there is any hope of a cure.

Early the next morning, Cao Yan led his army away from Pengcheng, leaving Pengcheng temporarily under the defense of Chen Denglai.

He himself will lead a large army to Longkang to join Cao Cao, and then together they will advance straight to the border.

The news of Cao Cao's army marching south shocked Yuan Shu's puppet court.

But what troubled him even more was that Sun Ce suddenly launched an attack on Lujiang from the south of Shouchun. With enemies on two fronts at the same time, Yuan Shu was suddenly unable to defend both ends.

Upon learning that Sun Ce had not only broken away from him but had also turned his attention to attacking him, Yuan Shu hurriedly summoned his civil and military officials to the main hall to discuss countermeasures.

Yang Hong, an advisor under Yuan Shu, stepped forward and suggested to Yuan Shu: "Your Majesty! Shouchun has been plagued by frequent floods and droughts in recent years, resulting in a severe food shortage and widespread hunger among the people."

Now the enemy is attacking from two sides again. If our army takes the initiative to fight, I fear we will be unable to resist.

"Then what is your countermeasure?" Yuan Shu asked, sitting on the dragon throne with a dejected expression.

After pondering for a moment, Yang Hong replied, "It would be better to recall all the troops that are out on the move, implement a scorched-earth policy, and defend Shouchun City to the death."

Shouchun City is high and its moat is deep; it is wishful thinking for the enemy to take it quickly.

Cao Cao's supply lines were long and difficult to transport, and Liu Biao, Lü Bu, and Yuan Shao were also watching from the sidelines.

We only need to send out scouts to harass their supply lines, preventing their provisions from being delivered on time.

Once their supplies and provisions are exhausted, Cao Cao's army will surely retreat!

Yuan Shu thought to himself, "This is a last resort, a desperate measure."

“Very well, as you say…” But then Yuan Shu hesitated, “What about me and the court officials…”

"Your Majesty may lead your personal guards eastward to Guangling."

If Shouchun can be defended, then we can come back.

"If we cannot hold out, Your Majesty can head north to Yuan Shao's place. Surely your kinsmen will not stand idly by and watch you perish." Yang Hong's plan was indeed thorough.

"But, going north from Guangling means passing through Lü Bu's territory. Will Lü Bu let us pass?" Yuan Shu asked with some concern.

“Lu Bu is greedy for small gains. If we offer him a large reward, he will definitely let us pass.” Yang Hong’s understanding of Lu Bu’s thoughts was quite accurate.

Yuan Shu thought Yang Hong's words made a lot of sense, so he ordered: "Is General Ji Ling appointed as the commander-in-chief, with Lei Bo, Chen Lan, and Liang Gang as his deputies, to lead 100,000 soldiers to defend Shouchun City to the death!"

"This humble general is willing to swear a solemn oath: I will live as long as the city stands, and I will die if the city is destroyed!" Ji Ling was once again entrusted with a heavy responsibility, and he quickly knelt on one knee to swear a solemn oath.

After being out of contact for more than half a month, Ji Ling finally led more than 20,000 remnants of his army back to Shouchun.

After he recounted the details of the defeat to Yuan Shu and his officials, Yuan Shu only fined him a year's salary and did not impose any further punishment.

It could be said that Ji Ling received great favor under Yuan Shu's command.

Therefore, at this critical moment, Ji Ling was also willing to die for Yuan Shu.

Yuan Shu adopted Yang Hong's strategy.

They looted all the grain they could find in and around Shouchun City, storing it all in Shouchun City.
He left behind Ji Ling, Chen Lan, Liang Gang, and Lei Bo to lead 100,000 troops to defend Shouchun City to the death.

As for Yuan Shu himself and the other civil and military officials, they packed up their hidden gold, jade, jewels, and valuables and fled together towards Guangling County.

Before leaving, Yuan Shu appointed Jin Shang as Grand Commandant and put him in charge of the logistics of Shouchun.

But Jin Shang dared not accept this task.

What good is your so-called Grand Commandant Yuan Shu? Besides bringing about your own death, what else can he bring?
So he declined several times, unwilling to accept.

Upon seeing this, Yuan Shu flew into a rage, feeling that Jin Shang was disrespecting him.

In a fit of rage, he killed Kim Sang as a sacrifice to the flag.

……

After Yuan Shu fled, Ji Ling held Shouchun to the death, keeping the city gates tightly shut and daring not to go out to fight.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu seized the opportunity and led an army of 50,000 to attack Lujiang!
In just three days, Sun Ce easily captured Lujiang County, practically getting the county for free.

Subsequently, he led his army from Lujiang and approached Shouchun from the south.

(End of this chapter)