The rising sun cast a golden glow over Lü Bu's stronghold, illuminating a scene of organized chaos. Soldiers prepared for the upcoming campaign with sharp discipline, securing their armor and weapons under the watchful eyes of their commanders. Banners bearing Lü Bu's emblem fluttered in the morning breeze, a stark reminder of the general's growing might. The fortified village had become a symbol of Lü Bu's ambitions, and now it was time to extend his influence further.
Standing in the center of the square, Lü Bu addressed his closest advisors and generals. His halberd rested across his back, and his piercing gaze held their undivided attention. "Our next target lies to the south," he began. "Song Xian's villages are a vital source of grain. His forces may be disciplined, but they lack the strength to resist us. We march to secure what is rightfully ours."
Chen Gong stepped forward, unrolling a map and placing it on a nearby table. "Song Xian controls three villages," he explained, pointing to the clustered locations. "His forces number around 800, with most stationed in the central village. If we divide his attention, we can weaken his defenses and strike decisively."
Chen Gong's finger traced a route leading to the northernmost village. "Zhang Liao will take 500 men to attack here. This will force Song Xian to split his forces, leaving his central village vulnerable. Meanwhile, Lü Bu will lead the main force to strike the central village directly. By the time Song Xian reacts, it will be too late."
Zhang Liao smirked. "I'll ensure he's kept busy. Song Xian won't see it coming."
Lü Bu nodded, his tone sharp. "What of the southern village?"
"Once the central village falls, Song Xian's remaining forces will likely retreat to the southern village," Chen Gong replied. "We can regroup there to deliver the final blow."
"Good," Lü Bu said, his smirk widening. "Prepare the troops. We march at dawn."
---
By the following morning, Lü Bu's army was assembled outside the gates, their disciplined ranks a testament to the general's leadership. The cavalry stood ready, their mounts snorting and pawing at the ground in anticipation.
Lü Bu rode to the front of the formation, his towering presence commanding respect. "Today, we march south!" he called out, his voice booming across the field. "Song Xian has grown comfortable in his power, but his time is over. We will take his lands, crush his resistance, and secure our place as the dominant force in this region!"
The soldiers roared in response, their voices echoing across the plains. With a sharp gesture, Lü Bu spurred his horse forward, leading the march south.
The journey was swift and uneventful. Rolling fields of wheat stretched out on either side of the road, and villagers watched from a distance as Lü Bu's banners passed by. By midday, the army reached the outskirts of Song Xian's northernmost village. Lü Bu halted the column and turned to Zhang Liao.
"You know your task," Lü Bu said simply.
Zhang Liao saluted. "It will be done."
As Zhang Liao and his contingent disappeared toward the northern village, Lü Bu turned his attention to the central village visible in the distance. Its wooden palisade stood against the backdrop of the rolling hills, and faint figures moved along the walls.
Chen Gong raised a spyglass to his eye, observing the defenders. "The walls are lightly manned, with only a small contingent of archers. Most of Song Xian's forces appear to be concentrated in the village square, likely preparing for a response. They're unaware of Zhang Liao's movements."
"Then we strike now," Lü Bu said, his tone resolute. "Archers, take position. Infantry, prepare the battering ram."
The soldiers moved swiftly, archers positioning themselves behind a ridge while the infantry gathered around the ram. Lü Bu rode to the front, his halberd gleaming in the midday sun.
"On my command," he said, his voice steady.
---
The attack began with a volley of arrows, darkening the sky as they soared toward the village. The defenders scrambled to take cover, their shouts of alarm echoing through the streets. Before they could regroup, the battering ram struck the gate with a thunderous crash.
"Again!" shouted the commander of the ram team.
The gate groaned under the impact, splinters flying as the ram struck again. The defenders fired arrows from the walls, but Lü Bu's soldiers raised their shields, deflecting the attacks with practiced ease.
With a final, deafening blow, the gate collapsed inward, its shattered remains scattering across the ground. Lü Bu spurred his horse forward, leading the charge as his soldiers poured into the village.
The defenders tried to rally, forming a line in the village square. Song Xian stood among them, his sword raised high as he shouted orders. "Hold the line! Protect the village!"
Lü Bu dismounted and strode toward the square, his halberd resting against his shoulder. His expression was cold and commanding as he called out, "Song Xian! Your forces are defeated. Surrender now, or face the consequences."
Song Xian's grip on his sword tightened as he stepped forward. "I will not bow to a tyrant like you!" he shouted.
Lü Bu's smirk widened. "You misunderstand, Song Xian. This is not a negotiation."
The two leaders clashed in the center of the square, their weapons ringing out as they met. Song Xian's movements were swift and precise, but he lacked the overwhelming strength that made Lü Bu a legend. With a single, powerful strike, Lü Bu disarmed him, sending his sword clattering to the ground.
Song Xian fell to his knees, his chest heaving as he looked up at Lü Bu. His remaining guards hesitated, their loyalty wavering as they saw their leader defeated.
Lü Bu leveled his halberd, the blade gleaming ominously. "Your failure is complete," he said, his voice cold. "Your men and your lands belong to me now. Take him away."
At Lü Bu's command, Song Xian was bound and led away, his fate to be decided later. The remaining defenders dropped their weapons, surrendering to Lü Bu's overwhelming force.
---
By nightfall, the central village was firmly under Lü Bu's control. His banners flew high above the walls, a symbol of his growing dominion. Soldiers celebrated their victory, but Lü Bu's mind was already on the next step.
Chen Gong approached, his expression thoughtful. "With the central village secured, the southern village will fall easily. Song Xian's forces are broken, and resistance will be minimal."
Lü Bu nodded. "Good. Tomorrow, we finish this campaign. Ensure that the army is ready to march at first light."
"As you command, my lord," Chen Gong replied, bowing.
As the moon rose high in the sky, Lü Bu stood atop the village walls, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He had crushed Song Xian's forces with ruthless efficiency, and his ambition burned brighter than ever. The path to unifying the land stretched before him, and he would let nothing stand in his way.