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The Qilin Army continued to secure Wan and Puyang in a similar fashion, strengthening their hold on these key locations. Reports from the Oriole agents began to trickle in, providing glimpses of Cao Cao's preparations in Xuchang. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but the full picture was still unclear, as for the first time the Oriole agents had a hard time infiltrating the ranks of Cao Cao's subordinates.
On the other hand, the scene on the outside of Xuchang was a bustling, chaotic hub of activity. Soldiers from every corner of Cao Cao's territory at the Central Plains had converged on the city, their camps sprawling in every direction.
Orders were shouted, supplies were loaded onto carts, and messengers dashed about, ensuring that every unit was prepared for the next phase of their journey. The tension in the air was palpable, as the gravity of the situation put a large pressure on all of them.
Inside Xuchang, the chaos was even more pronounced. Nobles, officials, and their families packed their belongings, hastily preparing for the sudden move to Luoyang.
The streets were filled with people rushing to and fro, organizing transport and ensuring that nothing of value was left behind. The sense of urgency was overwhelming, as they all knew that any delay could spell disaster.
Cao Cao, in the center of the maelstrom, coordinated the efforts with Xun Yu and Cheng Yu. The three of them worked tirelessly, issuing commands and ensuring that the evacuation proceeded as smoothly as possible under the circumstances.
As for Guo Jia and Xi Zhicia, the two of them keep focusing on the plan and fortifications needed at Hulao Pass. Jia Kui who had arrived at Xuchang was immediately tasked to help the two of them by Cao Cap, increasing the efficiency and vision of the plan.
Cao Ren and Yu Jin, among the few generals who had immediately accepted the retreat order without grumbling, efficiently directed their troops to patrol the surrounding of Xuchang.
Their focus and discipline provided a semblance of order amidst the chaos, and their men followed suit, looking for any sign of banditry or even Lie Fan's men in the surrounding area, ensuring the safety of Nobles, officials, and their families who were heading to Luoyang.
Meanwhile, inside Cao Cao's court, tension was rising as Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, Yue Jin, Zhang Ji, and Xu Huang gathered to voice their concerns. Xiahou Dun, as their leader, stood before Cao Cao, who was flanked by Xun Yu and Cheng Yu.
"My Lord," Xiahou Dun began, his tone respectful but firm, "we understand the gravity of the situation, but abandoning so much territory without a fight seems like a dangerous gamble. We are warriors, and our instinct is to defend our land."
Cao Cao listened intently, his face unreadable. He glanced at Xun Yu, who nodded subtly. "I understand your concerns, Yuanrang," Cao Cao replied. "But we must consider the broader picture. Lie Fan's forces are formidable, and engaging them head-on in our current state would be unwise. By consolidating our strength and regrouping at Hulao Pass, we can prepare a more effective counterattack."
The room fell silent as the generals absorbed Cao Cao's words. Xiahou Yuan spoke next, his voice measured. "But what of the morale of our men, My Lord? A retreat of this scale might be seen as a sign of weakness."
Xun Yu stepped forward, his voice calm and authoritative. "This is not a retreat out of fear but a strategic withdrawal. We are ensuring the safety of our people and preserving our strength for the battles to come. Our men will understand when they see the wisdom behind this move."
After several rounds of debate, Cao Cao's persuasive words, supported by Xun Yu and Cheng Yu's strategic insights, began to sway the generals. They recognized the necessity of the plan, albeit reluctantly.
Cao Cao assigned them to lead their respective armies to patrol the area, just like Cao Ren and Yu Jin, ensuring the continued safety and order of the evacuation.
Days passed, and the evacuation proceeded smoothly. Nobles, officials, and their families made their way to Luoyang under the watchful eyes of Cao Cao's vigilant patrols.
Cao Ren and Yu Jin, along with the other generals, maintained strict surveillance around Xuchang, ensuring no threats disrupted the exodus.
Finally, as the last of the important personnel and their families reached Luoyang, only Cao Cao, his family, and the Royal Family remained in Xuchang. The city, once bustling with activity and power, now stood quiet, its future uncertain.
Cao Cao, standing atop the city walls, gazed out over the empty streets. "The time has come," he said softly to Xun Yu and Cheng Yu, who stood beside him. "We must move to Luoyang and prepare for what lies ahead."
With a final look at Xuchang, Cao Cao turned and descended the stairs, to join his family and the Royal family in heading toward Luoyang, to begin preparing for the biggest battle that would decide his future.
Back in Chenliu, Lie Fan, Jia Xu, and Xun You received reports detailing Cao Cao's mass retreat toward Luoyang, leaving Xuchang devoid of his influence. As they absorbed the information, realization dawned on Jia Xu and Xun You simultaneously.
"Cao Cao is setting the stage for a decisive battle at Hulao Pass," Xun You said, his voice tinged with both admiration and concern, as Hulao Pass defensibility is the highest.
Lie Fan let out a loud, hearty laugh. "Haha! Hulao Pass is the place where I once fought alongside Cao Cao. How fitting that we should face each other there again."
Jia Xu, on the other hand, shared the concern Xun You had but with more optimism. "He's banking on the defensibility of Hulao Pass, using it as a chokepoint to level the playing field. This is a bold move, but it could work in our favor if we approach it correctly."
"Then we must not waste any time," Lie Fan declared. "Send word to all our armies to regroup at Xuchang. From there, we march to Hulao Pass together. We will face Cao Cao head-on and bring this war to a decisive end."
Jia Xu immediately began drafting the orders, ensuring that each army knew the importance of a swift and coordinated move.
Xun You, meanwhile, mapped out the logistics for the regrouping and subsequent march, ensuring supplies and reinforcements were in place, where he coordinated with Zhang Liao and Gao Shun in doing this.
As the orders were dispatched, Lie Fan's armies across Chenliu, Puyang, and Wan immediately mobilized. Each of its Head generals and strategist readied their troops, and preparations for the march began in earnest.
After almost a week of march, Lie Fan and the Qilin Army arrived at Xuchang. Lie Fan ordered Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Jia Xu, and Xun You to consolidate his control and influence over Xuchang while waiting for the others to arrive.
After a week all of the armies arrived at Xuchang and were assembled, Lie Fan addressed his generals, advisors, and the entire army outside of Xuchang. "We will begin our march to Hulao Pass to fight Cao Cao in this decisive battle, where victory and defeat could change many courses of life! So fight with all your might to have Victory in our grasp!"
Lie Fan's voice was loud and filled with passion, coupled with his high charisma soon everyone was captivated and let out a loud cheer, seeing this Lie Fan nodded his head in satisfaction and ordered his entire army to move out.
The march to Hulao Pass began, with Lie Fan leading from the front. His thoughts drifted back to his youth, to the camaraderie and battles shared with Cao Cao. Now, they stood as rivals, each vying for control of the land they both sought to rule.
As Lie Fan's forces approached Hulao Pass, the sight of the imposing natural fortress brought a mix of memories and determination. But now, there are additional fortifications and defensive buildings made.
When Lie Fan's forces reached Hulao Pass, he ordered his entire army to halt and begin assembling their encampments, adding fortifications to prepare for the impending battle. The soldiers worked diligently, their movements precise and coordinated under the watchful eyes of their commanders.
On top of Hulao Pass, Cao Cao stood alongside his trusted advisors: Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Xun Yu, Jia Kui, and Cheng Yu. They observed Lie Fan's army below, a sea of soldiers and banners, methodically setting up their positions.
Cao Cao turned to Guo Jia, his expression a mix of determination and curiosity. "How many men does Lie Fan have, Fengxiao?"
Guo Jia, after a moment of calculation, replied, "Lie Fan has approximately 400,000 to 450,000 men, more or less, My Lord. Our own forces number around 400,000, It's an even match, my lord."
Cao Cao nodded, his gaze fixed on the bustling activity below. "An even match indeed. This will be a battle of attrition where strategy will play a keen role. We must be prepared for anything."
Xi Zhicai agreed with Cao Cao's words, and as he was looking over Lie Fan's army, added, "We have the advantage of the high ground and our fortifications, My Lord. But I agree that our strategy will play a big role and I suggest caution in the first several clashes."
Xun Yu on the other hand worried about the supply line they had, which extended from Liang Province to Luoyang, "My Lord, I implore to you that we should keep an eye on our supply lines, with most of our army concentrated here and on Liang Province, the area between Liang Province and Luoyang will be a vulnerable spot for our supply like against bandits."
Cao Cao considered their words, his mind racing with possibilities. "Very well. Keep fortifying our defenses and send an order to Hansui, inform him to keep our supply lines secure until Hanggu Pass. We will need all the strength and supplies we possess to face Lie Fan."
Cao Cao's orders rippled through his camp with swift efficiency. Soldiers worked tirelessly, reinforcing fortifications and ensuring every defensive structure was secure. Messengers rode out to Han Sui, carrying the critical command to protect the supply lines leading to Hanggu Pass.
The importance of maintaining these lines could not be overstated as they were the lifeline that would sustain Cao Cao's forces in the grueling days ahead.
Similarly, in Lie Fan's camp, preparations were in full swing. Engineers and laborers constructed siege equipment, while scouts and Oriole agents gathered intelligence on the enemy's movements and fortifications.
As night fell, the bustling camps of both armies gradually quieted. The men, weary but resolute, gathered around their fires, consuming the extra rations provided to boost their morale. The action of giving additional rations to their men makes it as if both Cao Cao and Lie Fan shared the same mind, knowing that their supply lines were extended keeping morale up was number one.
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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