When the intelligence of Ma Su's camp on the mountain reached Tianshui, Zhuge Liang was filled with despair.
Regarding the location of Jieting, Zhuge Liang had learned that it was impossible to gain a high vantage point from the mountain, and the terrain consisted of layer upon layer of terraced slopes, characteristic of the Loess Plateau. He had repeatedly advised Ma Su to rely on the city and water, and to set up camp honestly.
However, Ma Su was still eager to achieve merit and insisted on attempting to ascend the mountain. Zhuge Liang closed his eyes. The efforts of tens of thousands of men were on the verge of being in vain. The slanting evening sun and the wind blew Zhuge Liang's gray beard. Jiang Wei, below the steps, continued to ask, "Prime Minister, how should we respond now?"
Zhuge Liang opened his eyes. At first, his voice was lower than usual, but as he continued speaking, it became passionate and confident, as if he was full of faith in future victories.
He said, "Mobilize our forces, summon as many soldiers and horses as we can, and head to Jieting immediately!"
However, deep down, Zhuge Liang knew that it might already be too late.
Three days later, Zhuge Liang's army had not yet reached Jieting when they heard the news of Ma Su's defeat. Not only had Ma Su been defeated, but he had also abandoned the main army and fled alone, causing the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of passionate young men who had volunteered to restore the Han dynasty.
The wind howled, and Zhuge Liang thought, "This is all my fault."
With a few more strands of white hair, Zhuge Liang's thoughts returned to the present moment. After this battle, Zhang He's army would soon arrive, and Cao Zhen would surely realize that Zhao Yun's troops were a decoy.
Being attacked from both sides, they could not afford not to retreat.
Five years of tireless efforts, venturing into barren lands day and night, five years of sincerity and careful planning had finally led to the response of three prefectures, shaking Guanzhong and with Liangzhou within arm's reach. However, Zhuge Liang had no choice but to retreat.
In history, it was not the heavy rain during the burning of Shangfang Valley that led to the failure of the northern expedition; it was always due to Ma Su's selfishness and the subsequent factional struggles led by Li Yan.
The hearts of the people were as sharp as knives, severing Zhuge Liang's figure in the wind, making him appear even more fragile.
He sighed and said, "Let's retreat."
Jiang Wei nodded. He had just joined Zhuge Liang's ranks and had not yet experienced the hardships of the past five years. He only believed that with the Prime Minister's extraordinary wisdom, they would eventually make a comeback.
So, with a wave of his hand, he prepared to issue the order.
A swift horse suddenly galloped from behind the formation.
It was a scout from Ji Han's camp, so the rear army let him into the central camp. However, when Zhuge Liang saw the scout, his gaze flickered.
This person was not from his own army.
The scout rushed to Zhuge Liang's side, dismounted, and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty has issued an edict, requesting the Prime Minister not to retreat but to gather the scattered troops at Jieting and must block Zhang He."
Jiang Wei frowned, "Wasn't all military and state affairs under the control of the Prime Minister? How did a decree suddenly arrive at the time of our defeat?"
Unlike Jiang Wei, Zhuge Liang took the decree and examined the imperial seal carefully. He asked the scout, "Is this decree truly the Emperor's intention?"
The scout hurriedly replied, "Absolutely, Prime Minister. The Emperor fell ill for some reason. After entrusting the decree to Guan, the Deputy Attendant, he left Chengdu and headed to Jigu Camp!"
Jiang Wei's pupils trembled with shock. Just as I surrendered, Shu Han plays such a trick?
Zhuge Liang remained relatively composed. Pointing at the decree, he solemnly said, "Since you came from Chengdu, then you must have delivered this military report three or four days ago. Did the Emperor already know about Ma Su's impending defeat?"
Jiang Wei was stunned.
Indeed, how did the Emperor foresee Ma Su's failure in advance?
Xing Xiang also informed the scout of this, so naturally the scout would relay it to Zhuge Liang, "The Emperor said that Ma Su had exaggerated his abilities and was seeking personal glory. Eager to prove himself while leading troops independently, Ma Su would not have simply defended the city and the stockades. Knowing Zhang He's military expertise, it was inevitable that Jieting would be defeated, resulting in the failure of the northern expedition."
For a brief moment, Zhuge Liang's expression turned gloomy, but then his eyes sparked with determination.
After years of hardships and bitterness, with frosty hair at his temples, he finally saw the spirited countenance of one who can break through obstacles and achieve greatness.
After all these years, Liu Shan, the young emperor, was finally willing to inherit the ambitions of Emperor Zhaolie and carry the banner of Shu Han. The child whom Zhuge Liang watched grow day by day had finally matured.
Before Zhuge Liang could finish his sigh, Jiang Wei interjected with a question.
Jiang Wei asked, "Since the Emperor knew that Jieting had fallen and the northern expedition had failed, why did he still ask the Prime Minister to hold this position?"
The scout's eyes turned red, and he said with urgency, "Prime Minister, please write a letter to advise the Emperor. After the Emperor entrusted the decree, he mentioned that he believes there is still a chance to turn the tide in the northern expedition as long as General Zhao Yun can defeat Cao Zhen at Jigu. If they can press toward Chang'an, Zhang He will have no choice but to retreat. That's why the Emperor went to Jigu himself!"
Zhuge Liang's body trembled, and he asked, "The Emperor went to Jigu to engage in battle with Cao Zhen?"
This is more than just growing up; it's like trying to reach the heavens.
Zhuge Liang, rarely showing any change in demeanor, said, "Whether it's Guan, Deputy Attendant, or the court officials, didn't anyone inform me that Jigu Camp was filled with suspicious soldiers?"
The scout, on the verge of tears, replied, "The Emperor said that as long as he went there, even the suspicious soldiers would turn into the main force."
Zhuge Liang fell silent and looked up at the sky, his mind blank.
At this moment, Jiang Wei took the initiative and asked, "Was there no one to stop the Emperor? If he arrived at Jigu, General Zhao might not necessarily join him in this battle destined for defeat, right?"
The scout burst into tears, "Those who tried to stop the Emperor were shot down with an arrow when they approached within a hundred paces. Afterward, the Emperor shouted, 'The Son of Heaven is here, whoever dares to obstruct me shall die!' He raised the imperial seal above his head, exuding an even more heroic spirit than the late Emperor. So, no one dared to stop him, and no one wished to. I'm not afraid of anything else, but I fear that our Majesty, with such magnificence, has been galloping for three or four days, truly moving General Zhao, only to fight to the death but... but..."
The scout couldn't continue and burst into loud sobs.
Jiang Wei's expression changed dramatically as he turned to look at Zhuge Liang, only to find Zhuge Liang had already calmed down.
The strong wind still howled.
A smile appeared on Zhuge Liang's face, and he said to Jiang Wei, "Actually, the Emperor knows that there was no need for this decree. As long as I knew he went to Jigu and intended to fight Cao Zhen, I would never withdraw the troops."
"If the Emperor desires a desperate battle, how can we retreat?" Jiang Wei's gaze sharpened, his body involuntarily tensing. He hurriedly said, "But for the sake of the country..."
"Who is truly considering the country's interests? Is it only your and my thoughts that are for the sake of the country?" Zhuge Liang said calmly, "This is not the way of a minister, nor the path to victory. Spread the command: establish a camp here, regroup the scattered soldiers, and find another place to set up camp. We must pin down Zhang He's forces in Jieting!"
Jiang Wei cupped his hands in agreement.
As he turned around, his emotions surged, and he wanted to speak but hesitated. He still didn't understand why the Emperor would risk using suspicious soldiers to defeat Cao Zhen's main force, and why the Prime Minister had to go with the Emperor.
Perhaps sensing Jiang Wei's thoughts, Zhuge Liang's voice suddenly came from the wind.
Zhuge Liang said, "I know what kind of person the Emperor is. Now that the Emperor has taken a stand, I believe in him, just as the late Emperor believed in me."
Jiang Wei seemed to have a sudden realization.
The scout also stopped crying. He turned around and said, "Since the Prime Minister won't advise the Emperor to return to Chengdu, then I will go to Jigu. Whether I live or die, I will be at the forefront for the Emperor."
As Jiang Wei watched the scout's retreating figure, he suddenly realized that this was a loyal and devoted person who forgot about himself for the sake of the country. This was the reward for his loyalty and the chance to repay the Emperor.
Perhaps the young emperor was right. As long as he arrived at Jigu, the suspicious soldiers would truly have the power to fight.