Three Kingdoms: Domination of the World

Tensions intensified on the battlefields of Xuzhou. Han Xin, the renowned general, meticulously planned his strategy and was about to execute the dreaded ambush from all sides. With a single command, he could completely trap Lü Bu's army in Xiapi City, decisively deciding the outcome.

However, man proposes, God disposes. Unexpectedly, something unexpected happened. The friendly army in Jiangdong made a mistake, as if a crack appeared in a solid dam, making the whole plan shaky and unable to trap Lu Bu's army in the city as expected.

Liu Bei was so anxious that he hurried into the military tent. Before he could even stand still, he clasped his fists and reported to Han Xin:

"General, something terrible has happened! Sun Quan's 100,000 troops were completely defeated by Zhang Liao. I'm afraid they will no longer be able to effectively restrain Lu Bu." His voice was filled with anxiety and helplessness, and his eyes were full of worry about the situation.

When Han Xin heard this, he slammed the table so hard that the teacups on the table jumped up and the tea splashed out.

His eyes widened with anger and he said indignantly:

"Bo Fu is a hero in Jiangdong, and Boyi is even more mysterious. Both brothers are heroes, so how could they have a younger brother like Sun Quan who knows nothing about military affairs! Now that Sun Quan has been defeated, my entire plan has been ruined." He paced back and forth in anger, his fists clenched.

Zhang Fei was furious when he heard Han Xin's words. He stood up quickly, his eyes wide open, his face full of contempt, and shouted:

"General, Suo Boyi is just like Lu Bu, a slave of three surnames. He is not a hero at all! If Sun Quan was not incompetent, we would have captured Xia Pi long ago." As he spoke, he waved his fists, as if he wanted to vent all his anger into the air.

Han Xin suppressed his anger and took a deep breath. He glanced at everyone and said in a deep voice:

"General Yide is exceptionally brave, but we must not underestimate the enemy. The situation is critical. Which general is willing to step forward and confront Zhang Liao's forces to buy time for our army to capture Xia Pi?"

Guan Yu had been silent until he heard Han Xin's question. His eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of determination flashed in them, and he clasped his hands together and said loudly:

"Military Advisor, Guan is willing to lead the troops to fight against Zhang Liao, rush to Guangling County, and cut off Lu Bu's retreat." He stood tall and straight, like a green pine or cypress, and his words were loud and clear, revealing full confidence.

Guo Jia's eyes were deep, and he raised his head slightly. He looked at Guan Yu with a bit of inquiry and said:

"Oh? Yunchang, are you sure? I heard that you and Zhang Liao have met before and have a close personal relationship. On this battlefield, don't let personal feelings get in the way."

Guan Yu's face darkened, a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, he raised his head and chest and responded loudly:

"I am willing to sign a military order. If there is any mistake, I will be punished by military law!"

Seeing Guan Yu's determination, Han Xin nodded slightly and gave the order with a serious expression:

"Alright! General Guan, listen up! Lead your 20,000 elite troops and march immediately to stop Zhang Liao in Guangling Commandery. Remember, you only need to buy time for our army to capture Xia Pi. Do not engage in a prolonged battle."

"As you command!" Guan Yu obeyed, turned and strode out of the tent. His armor clashed with the ground, making a crisp sound.

Inside the military tent, Han Xin frowned and continued to say to Guo Jia:

"Military Advisor, everyone knows that Lu Bu is brave and good at fighting. If our army attacks forcefully, it will inevitably increase casualties. However, if we are trapped in Xia Pi for a long time, it will not be a long-term solution and will only lead to a stalemate. Now, our army must end the battle of Xuzhou as soon as possible and march north, otherwise, there will be more variables." His voice was low and firm, and he kept gesturing with his fingers on the map, trying to find a way to break the deadlock.

Guo Jia stroked his beard gently, his eyes following Han Xin's fingers. After a moment, he asked,

"Oh? I wonder what brilliant plan the General has?"

Han Xin narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes, and he spat out four words:

"The water flooded Xia Pi."

Guo Jia's face changed when he heard this. After a long while, he slowly raised his head and said:

"Flooding Xia Pi may provide a temporary relief, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy and putting Lü Bu's army in dire straits. But General, have you ever considered the numerous civilians in Xia Pi, and how innocent people could be harmed? Doing so would undoubtedly harm innocent people and cause great suffering."

Han Xin nodded slightly, a hint of recognition in his eyes, and sighed helplessly:

"Military Advisor, you are right. I share this concern. However, if we do not adopt this strategy, with our current strength, a strong attack will result in heavy casualties, and the outcome will be unpredictable."

Guo Jia pondered for a moment and spoke again:

"Attacking the enemy's heart is the best strategy, attacking the city is the second best. Can we first try to evacuate the people in Xia Pi City, and then flood it? This way, we can both defeat the enemy and protect the people. This is the best strategy."

Han Xin shook his head resolutely, his eyes revealing determination:

"Military Advisor, this plan is unacceptable. If we leak the news in advance, Sun Bin is so shrewd that he will definitely make a desperate move and take advantage of the chaos to escape to Guangling City. Then, it will be extremely difficult for our army to encircle and suppress him."

……

Cao's army laid siege to Xiapi City. Ying Bu, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Han Xin each led an army, and from all sides, they formed an iron-clad encirclement of Xiapi City, with fluttering flags and heavy armor, and they surrounded Xiapi City tightly.

Lu Bu's army was trapped in it, isolated and helpless, like a trapped beast in a desperate situation.

Inside the military tent, Lü Bu was extremely anxious, pacing back and forth like an ant on a hot pan, and asked Sun Bin:

"Military Advisor Sun, our army is now surrounded. What should we do?"

Gao Shun's face was filled with shame. He knelt on the ground with a plop, bowed his head and apologized:

"I fought poorly and lost Donghai County, putting our army in a passive position. I hope my lord will punish me."

Lü Bu was already furious. Seeing Gao Shun like this, he glared at him and shouted:

"Gao Shun, you disappoint me so much! I gave you the Xianzhen Camp and the new firearms army to command. With such elite troops, how could you not defend Donghai County? Drag them away and execute them!"

Seeing this, Sun Bin hurriedly stood up to dissuade him:

"My lord, this is not possible. Now is the time to use people. Although General Gao has made mistakes, his crime is not punishable by death. I hope that keeping him will allow him to atone for his sins."

Lu Bu gritted his teeth, glared at Gao Shun fiercely, and said helplessly:

"Since the military advisor has pleaded for mercy, I will temporarily spare your death penalty. If you make the same mistake again, I will not let you off lightly!"

Sun Bin calmed down, walked to the map, scanned it carefully, and studied the battle situation in Xuzhou.

After a long while, he raised his head and said to Lu Bu with a serious expression:

"My lord, holding on and waiting for help is not a good strategy. We have to adopt the tactic of flooding Xia Pi." As he spoke, he pointed his finger along the direction of the water flow on the map.

Lu Bu frowned and asked doubtfully:

"Xia Pi is flooded? Is the military advisor overthinking it? It's all fine, how could there be a sudden flood crisis?"

Sun Bin's face was solemn, and he said slowly:

"My lord, during the Chu-Han contention, Han Xin employed a water attack to defeat Long Ju's army. You see, Xia Pi City is low-lying and surrounded by numerous waterways. If Han Xin breaches the dikes and releases the water, our army will be powerless to fight back. We must be on guard."

Lü Bu was startled when he heard Sun Bin's words, believing his concerns were justified. He immediately issued orders to actively mobilize troops, send additional personnel, and intensify patrols of the moat and surrounding waters.

The soldiers of Lu Bu's army took turns on duty day and night, not daring to slack off in the slightest. The atmosphere in Xia Pi City became increasingly tense and solemn.