Lord in the Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 304: Cao Cao Defeated, Seeks Refuge with Yuan Shao

The sun set behind the western mountains, and the spirit of heroes waned.

Cao Ren sat solemnly at the head of the camp, his face dark like the bottom of a soot-covered pot.

"So, you’re telling me that Zhen City has already been captured by General Zhao Zilong under Long Chen’s command!?" ƒrēewebnovel.com

The kneeling knight, drenched in cold sweat, nodded hesitantly. "Yes, General, the young commander on the city wall claimed to be Zhao Zilong of Changshan."

Cao Ren abruptly stood up, his previously gloomy face turning unnaturally red from both anger and agitation, as though something was about to burst from his throat.

As a seasoned general, Cao Ren knew the critical importance of Zhen City to the Cao army—it was of immense strategic value.

But now, it had fallen into the hands of Long Chen’s forces...

How could this battle continue now!?

If the general sent by Long Chen wasn’t Zhao Zilong but some nameless subordinate, Cao Ren would have been confident in recapturing Zhen City.

But everyone knew Zhao Yun, a formidable general under Long Chen, undefeated in countless battles. Especially in a defensive battle like this...

Cao Ren was also furious at the soldiers originally guarding Zhen City—how could they have surrendered so easily?

"General, what should our next move be? Should we prepare for a siege?" A deputy general asked hesitantly.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze.

Cao Ren struggled to suppress his anger and frustration, finally shaking his head in defeat. "No, we can’t lay siege. We arrived in a hurry and have no siege equipment. Besides, most of our troops are cavalry, ill-suited for a city assault."

After a brief pause, Cao Ren slammed his hand on the table. "Send a scout to inform the Lord of the situation here, and make sure it’s done quickly!"

The deputy clasped his hands in salute. "Understood!"

With Zhen City fallen, the morale of Cao Ren’s troops plummeted. Though he wanted to reclaim the city, he was unwilling to send his soldiers to their deaths in vain.

...

Inside Zhen City’s government office.

Zhao Yun sat at the head of the room, surrounded by generals including Zhang Liao.

"General Zhao, what are our next steps?" Zhang Liao asked with a salute.

Zhao Yun spoke, "The Lord has ordered us to garrison Zhen City. If Cao’s forces dare attack, we will show them the might of the Long Family’s army."

"But if they retreat, we’ll pursue and bite off a chunk of their forces."

Zhang Liao nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "General Zhao, with our current advantage in Yanzhou, and Cao’s forces demoralized, why not send a few hundred elite riders to launch a night raid on their camp?"

Zhao Yun thought for a moment before replying softly, "I suspect the enemy camp will be on high alert tonight."

"According to our scouts, the enemy commander is Cao Ren, a renowned general under Cao Cao. The Lord has mentioned his expertise in military strategy—such a raid would be ineffective."

Zhang Liao accepted this, realizing that it was just a suggestion. Whether approved or not, he had no objections, as Zhao Yun was the leader of this army while he was only the deputy.

This was natural, given Zhao Yun’s long-standing service to Long Chen and his numerous military achievements.

"However, I can give you 800 elite riders," Zhao Yun said, handing Zhang Liao a tiger tally. "You may take them to Dongjun and report our situation to General Lü and the strategist. If the opportunity arises, you may assist them in alleviating some of the pressure."

"Understood!" Zhang Liao responded with a salute, his face lighting up with joy.

Having command authority, even temporarily, was certainly a good thing.

...

Several days later.

Inside Cao Cao’s central military camp.

Cao Cao was leisurely enjoying his lunch, holding a bowl of white rice, savoring the food with great satisfaction.

Suddenly, a figure rushed into the tent.

Falling to his knees, the messenger clasped his hands in salute. "My Lord, there is an urgent report from Zhen City!" freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"Has Long Chen sent a large army to harass Zhen City? No matter, I’ve already dispatched General Cao Ren to defend it." Cao Cao waved his chopsticks dismissively.

"No, my Lord. Before General Cao Ren could reach Zhen City, it was already captured. The leading commander is none other than Zhao Zilong of Changshan, under Long Chen’s command."

Clang!

In a fit of rage, Cao Cao slammed his bowl onto the table, accidentally creating a "Cao-style" covered rice dish.

With a swish, Cao Cao suddenly stood up.

"How... how could this happen!? Didn’t I station 8,000 Qingzhou soldiers in Zhen City!? Even if the city were to fall, it would take at least an army of 100,000 to break through in such a short time!"

Cao Cao exclaimed in disbelief.

The cavalryman explained everything in detail, "My lord, the enemy was cunning. They disguised themselves in our army’s armor, raised our banners, and infiltrated Zhen City by pretending to be our troops. With coordination from within, the city was taken. Moreover, Zhao Yun and another general named Zhang Liao were far too powerful—no one in the army could stand against them!"

Cao Cao stood frozen in place.

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu immediately stood up and bowed to Cao Cao, advising, "My lord, we can no longer stay in Yanzhou. The urgent priority is to leave Yanzhou as soon as possible!"

"Why?"

"Our army has lost its foothold in Yanzhou. The supply of food and armor has been cut off. If we remain here, I’m afraid a mutiny may occur!" Xun Yu said worriedly.

Mutinies often occur when soldiers have no food to eat or when their pay is withheld by the upper ranks.

With the fall of Zhen City, they no longer had the means to continue contending for Yanzhou...

"Ahhhhh!!!! I... I must retake Zhen City!!!!" Cao Cao roared in fury, his mouth wide open in rage.

He flipped over the table, and the entire tent seemed consumed by his fiery wrath.

"My lord, it’s unwise to continue fighting for Yanzhou now! You must regain your composure and plan slowly and carefully!" Cheng Yu also stepped forward to counsel him.

After an unknown amount of time passed...

Cao Cao finally collapsed weakly to the ground, clutching his temples, trembling and crying out in pain, "Ahh! My head feels like it’s splitting open! My old head illness is acting up again!"

Struggling through the pain, Cao Cao mustered what strength he had left and said, "Wenruo, quickly organize the army to march north. We will go to seek refuge with Yuan Benchu in Ji Province, and from there, plan for the future."

With those words, Cao Cao fainted from the pain...