Chapter 248 – Two Raging Battles At The Same Time

This time the story is of course, regarding two battles that is raging while Pang Tong of Runan is planning against Liu Mang of Shouchun. Those battles are Brother Zhuge vs Zhou Yu at Jiangxia waters and Cao Cao vs Yuan Shao at Guandu. They are all projecting heat so much that even steel will melt when nearing them.

Cao Cao with his 100,000 troops is fighting against Yuan Shao’s 300,000 troops. Because that big difference, Cao army can only be on defensive and suffered heavy casualties. The last casualties report really made Cao Cao’s head spinning so much, it is said in the report. Yuan Shao’s army lost 50,000 troops while Cao Cao lost 30,000 troops. If this kind of casualties continues, Cao Cao will need another at least 80, 000 troops to complement this kind of loss, but Cao Cao cannot afford any more troops from his bases, cannot afford to get anymore provisions or even war funds now, that is why he was really sad. Cao Cao had lost too many troops, ordnances and too many losses at this juncture. It is true that his fiefdom is larger than most of warlords, however in the process of gaining those lands, Cao Cao had exhausted his soldiers and provisions. And when he had yet to recuperate, another battle is raging, and another and another, depleting the provisions that he harvested. Out of his losses, Cao Cao felt exceptionally sad for the battle of Fort Wan, where he lost Cao An, his eldest son, and his senior general Dian Wei. He also felt sad about the Battle Of Kaiyang, where he lost Li Dian, Cao Chun as well huge chunks of his Tiger Leopard Cavalry.

His heart felt really bad regarding this event, that even speaking hurts his heart so much. Cao Cao, pressured by his already depleted provisions, said to his men during war council “This battle must be concluded in two months!!!” And with that order, casualties that Cao Army’s suffered granted their provisions a moment of reprieve as well as grief to Cao Cao himself. Right now Cao Cao is sleeping while working, then said these words deliriously as if he is tapping his historical timeline self at this very juncture “Li Dian, I will assign you 2,000-shi provisions. Zihe, you take 1000-shi provisions and launch Tiger Leopard Cavalry. Miaocai, take 2000-shi of provisions for your long-raid troops and attack them!!!” After that he woke up, realizing that he has been asleep and held his head. Guo Jia is at craftsmen place right now and the only one outside is Xu Chu, so everything is handled by him. Out of three people that Cao Cao mentioned, two are six-feet underground and the last one is in Xu Du, still under recovery. With that delirium and everything falling apart, made Cao Cao’s stress piled up to the top and his head pained again. “AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!” Cao Cao is holding his head painfully, his sweat is flowing profusely. Even his pen dropped to the floor and now both his hands are holding his head and quickly rolled down on the ground. Up till now, he had been receiving attacks like this only 3 times, first was when Lu Bu attacked his Yan Province from Puyang, second was when Liu Bei stabbed him in the back by snatching Xu Province from him and killing his general Che Zhou, the third one is just now.

“Someone, someone!!!” Said Cao Cao softly, he is trying to scream but cannot find anymore strength to do so. Cao Cao then regained some of his consciousness and slowly moved toward to his Sword of Heaven. Some little trivia on this Sword of Heaven, this particular sword was found by Cao Cao when he was still studying. At that time, he passed the rock with a sword stuck on it. (TN: YAY, LEGEND OF EXCALIBUR ALA THREE KINGDOMS) Many people tried to pull it but no avail, Cao Cao then tried it, but only using 3 fingers, his thumb, his index finger and his middle finger. Then he pulled the tip of the hilt and the sword comes out easily. When other people saw him pull the sword, everyone kneel down and said that he is the wise emperor this nation need. However only one person who laughed at him and said that Cao Cao will indeed become the wise lord, but his son will become emperor as he pulled the sword in half-hearted manner. That man said “To grasp this nation firmly, one need five fingers. You who pulled this anointed sword half-heartedly, will only create a foundation for your empire, you will never be an emperor. And those two fingers, you left dangling, will become your arch-enemies. Their surnames are Liu and Sun. Best you remember that. Hahahahahaha!!!!” Then he disappeared into thin air. Such person who laughed at him and gave him prophecy was Zuo Ci, one of Three Greatest Taoist of Han. Remembering that, really made Cao Cao hung his head. Not to mention that Sun and Liu, right now he is halted by Yuan Shao, with no progress at all. Cao Cao then put his Sword of Heaven on his neck. Better for me to end everything right here. My great cause can go to hell, as long as I am freed of this pain forever. Thought Cao Cao. However, when Sword of Heaven is about to be pressed on his neck, suddenly he hallucinated.

He saw in front of him, there is a figure of a young man with his face but his skin is fairer and he is taller than him. That figure then opened his mouth and said in regretful tone “Oh father, why did you already give up?!” “Ang, my son!!!” Exclaimed Cao Cao. Indeed that figure is Cao Cao’s oldest son Cao Ang who died in Fort Wan. Cao Ang was born by Lady Liu, Cao Cao’s first wife. She was betrothed to Cao Cao by Cao Song and Emperor Ling blessed their marriage as she is one of House of Liu clansmen. Their marriage is ultimately a happy one and she always urged Cao Cao to have high aspiration in his heart. However, after having Cao Ang, Lady Liu died because her body is always weak.

So, whenever he saw Cao Ang, he always remembered his first wife Lady Liu. However, the reason Cao Cao really treasured Cao Ang is because Cao Ang is a very tolerable person. When Cao Cao remarried Lady Bian, he did not show disrespect to his new mother being a former prostitute, he obeyed her and loved her as her new mother. Lady Bian, in return also imparted her wisdom and loved him as his own son and told him that family must stick together no matter what happens. Cao Cao liked Cao Ang for his intelligence and likable attitude. So even when his 27 other sons were born, Cao Cao never averted his eyes from Cao Ang and remained his favorite.

When Cao Ang reached 20-years-old, he passed Xiaolian examinations with the highest score. Made Cao Cao proud to no end, so proud that he rarely spoke with envy tone regarding other people’s children. However, Cao Cao’s happiness doubled with Zhang Xiu’s messenger came and said he wanted to surrender Yu Province to him. Cao Cao’s state at that time, can be said flying into the air as he received 20,000 Xiliang Cavalries without even lifting a finger. After that, he gave Zhang Xiu a position as Prefect of Luoyang that was held by Dong Xuan previously and gave Jia Xu as Chief of Secretariat.

When Cao Cao reached Fort Wan, he become even more happy. He seduced Zhang Xiu’s aunt Lady Zou and it enraged Zhang Xiu. Therefore, he consulted Jia Xu and the rest is history as you read it, dear readers. Dian Wei got drunk; Fort Wan was assaulted; Cao Cao flee in his pajamas; Dian Wei, Cao Ang and Cao An Min sacrificed their lives so that Cao Cao escaped and out of 50,000 troops that Cao Cao brought, only 5,000 returned. Cao Cao regretted that day the most, for his most beloved son died for him, his general Dian Wei died for him and his nephew Cao An Min died for him. Lady Liu’s final legacy is lost forever. (TN: historically, Cao Cao still got one more son and a daughter from Lady Liu. But, what the hell, this is a fiction right? Fuck that.) Right now, Cao Cao is already 39 years old. He is already a middle-aged man without a proper successor. He already had too many regrets. So, when he sent Zhang Xiu to his death by ordering him to subjugate Wuhuan tribe, it is already a hollow victory.

Now the already-died Cao Ang appeared in front of him, this event made Cao Cao really excited and screamed “ANG, MY SON!!! IT IS REALLY YOU!!!!” All this while holding his hand. Cao Ang’s eyes is full of sadness and said “Oh, father. You really going to give up this foundation that you built from scratch?! Are you truly going to give up conquering this country?!”

“Ang, my son. Father is tired. Father already sick and tired of this very life. This meaningless life!” Said Cao Cao while helding Cao Ang’s hand. Cao Cao has been utterly tired, battling nonstop since Yellow Turban Rebellion, continued with Dong Zhuo Uprising and kept battling almost non-stop for almost 10 years until now, Battle of Guandu. He is also tired, being accused by everyone as a traitor. Traitor Cao, Cao the Thief, Cao Ahman the unloyal, those are the small portions of the insults he had to bear. He had been trying so hard to be loyal to Han Dynasty, to the Han Emperor, however the more he tried to be loyal, the more he looked like a replacement of Dong Zhuo to everyone else.

“Ang, my son. Please take father with you, I longed to be reunited again with you and your mother once more!” Said Cao Cao with very bitter tone. Suddenly in front of Cao Cao, appeared his wife Lady Liu, his father Cao Song, his general Cao Chun, all bearing sad expression. Ah, everyone is here to pick me up!!! Now I can finally go. Thought Cao Cao while drifting away to sleep.

Cao Ang shook his head and said “Father, you cannot go yet!!! You cannot come with us yet!!!” Cao Cao then asked in bitter tone “Why, Ang, my son. Haven’t you forgiven me for killing you?! Or do you think this father of yours is unworthy of dying peacefully?!” Cao Cao still think that his son is still vengeful as his death is caused by his own lust. “No, father, not that!!!” Cao Ang shook his head and continued “Father, you still wield great cause and it yet to be completed. Ang implore you, not to forget about that!!!” After saying that Cao Ang and the others figure disappear and Cao Cao is actually holding his own clothing.

Cao Cao then muttered “Don’t forget the great cause….” And lost in thought, talking to himself for a moment and finally lost consciousness.

“Milord…. Milord…!!!” There are big voice calling for Cao Cao from Cao Cao’s right side. His left hand is holding Cao Cao’s left shoulder while his right hand is slowly pulling away Sword of Heaven from Cao Cao’s neck. This man is Xu Chu, Xu Zhongkang. A little biography of Xu Chu, he hailed from Xujiazhuang, Qiao County. His height is around 2m, his waist is around 100 cm, his appearance looked very mighty and a very courageous person. If not Cao Cao recruit him, maybe he will just be a butcher for his whole life, however Cao Cao appeared and told him that he will give Xu Chu a big stage to show his talent, Xu Chu agreed immediately. This Xu Chu is a man who really knows his limit as he is content with his post as Cao Cao’s bodyguard commandant for he is a man who is excel in martial arts but lacking in stratagem and was trusted by Cao Cao for keeping his own safety, especially after his previous bodyguard commandant Dian Wei died.

Cao Cao’s treatment over Xu Chu also really different than his other officers. He treats him like he is his younger brother, so he got privilege to enter Cao Cao’s tent at anytime he want, in case Cao Cao need any help such when he got nightmare, Xu Chu woke him up etc. Right now, when he heard, Cao Cao’s scream of pain and asking for help, he quickly contacted Guo Jia, army doctor and entered the tent to help his lord.

Right now, Cao Cao’s body is perspiring a lot, so Xu Chu quickly bellowed “DOCTOR!!! HURRY!!!!” “Milord… MILORD!!!!” Exclaimed Guo Jia dropping all the scrolls he brought with him. Earlier he is really happy, but right now, he panicked.

Did Milord suffered an attack again? Thought Guo Jia. He knows Cao Cao had headache problem, but he never encountered this kind of degree before. He also observed that Cao Cao’s Sword of Heaven was already unsheathed and thought Is this Milord’s doing? Must be that he already cannot bear the pain anymore!!! Then he asked Xu Chu “Zhongkang, you already called for doctor?!”

“Yes, Strategist Guo, I am ahead of you already!” Said Xu Chu anxiously. Cao Cao’s headache is deep-rooted and cannot be removed at all, and the one who can alleviate his pain right now is Master Wu Pu who is one of Master Hua Tuo’s disciple by using acupuncture. However, right now Master Wu Pu is left in Xu Du, as Cao Cao did not truly think that Battle of Guandu will be like this. Right now, everyone is anxious about Cao Cao as no doctor in the army can treat him.

“Milord!!!! Milord, how?!” Said a middle-aged scholar, running toward Cao Cao’s tent. Cheng Yu is usually a very stern people and follows etiquette to the very little details, however seeing his wise lord fall down, he quickly ran toward Cao Cao’s tent losing his tassel in the process. Guo Jia then quick responded to Cheng Yu “Lord Zhongde, Milord is suffering another attack. This time rather big one!!!” He gave all the details. Usually, they are at odds, but right now, all of them are one heart. Worrying for Cao Cao.

“Zhongkang, have you called doctors?!” Asked Cheng Yu and replied by Xu Chu with only a nod. Cheng Yu then ordered decisively “Zhongkang, get your bodyguard team and quarantine the whole camp!!! Don’t let any words leaked out!!! Any soldiers, generals spoke about this, you kill them!!! REGARDLESS OF RANKS!!!!” The matter of a lord succumbing to his/her illness is a very serious matter, especially right now when they are at war. The news could demoralize own army’s severely and can make Yuan Shao doing all-out attack to bring swift resolution to Guandu war and if it did not make Yuan Shao do all-out war, those nobles in Xu Du will immediately switch their allegiance to Yuan Shao, destroying Cao Cao’s enterprise from inside and that result is unwanted by anyone here.

“Yes, Zhongkang understand!!!” Replied Xu Chu and quickly told his team to quarantine the whole camp.

“Fengxiao, you came here not just by coincidence right? You wanted to report “that” to Milord?!” Asked Cheng Yu to Guo Jia. Normally Cheng Yu and Guo Jia did not even see eye to eye, Cheng Yu even insulted Guo Jia when Cao Cao were holding a briefing on how to expel Liu Bei from Xu Province. However right now, out of curiosity of what Guo Jia were creating at artisans camp, Cheng Yu swallowed his pride and asked that question. According to information that Cheng Yu obtained, Guo Jia is replicating the ballistae that Liu Ye left behind. Cheng Yu was really impressed with the ballistae power, so impressed and feared it that when he read the intel after Cao Cao, he was shaken up for quite some time. With only that weapon, Lu Bu, with only 7,000 troops, were able to destroy 30,000 elite troops. I cannot begin to fathom how many casualties we will suffer, were that thing aimed at us. Thought Cheng Yu while shuddering. Guo Jia then answered with spirited tone “Yes, Lord Zhongde, all 100 warships already fitted with 3 ballistae and ready to launch!!!” Cao Cao only had 100 warships and each warships can only be fitted 3 ballistae. Regarding Liu Ye’s ballistae, currently it only had range of 250 steps and only can do two shots, but Guo Jia think it is enough to go on offense with Yuan Shao.

After that conversation, Xu Chu returned after organizing quarantine, Cheng Yu then said “Zhongkang, you take the fastest horse, fetch Master Wu Pu. Also tell Master Wenruo and the others, tell them Milord is sick and we need their advices!!!” Xu Chu quickly responded “Zhongkang knew!!! Excuse Chu, gentlemen!!! Chu will quickly return with Master Wu Pu!!!” Xu Chu then prepared himself to head toward tent entrance when Cao Cao said in soft voice “Zhongkang, no need to go.” “Milord, are you okay?!” All three of them sounding the same voice, while Xu Chu goes quickly toward Cao Cao to tend to him. Cao Cao’s appearance right now is a very weak, soaked with cold sweat.

Cao Cao then said “Zhongkang, you go to kitchen and fetch some food for me!” Followed by Xu Chu quickly ran toward kitchen, then Cao Cao beckoned both of his advisors “Fengxiao, Zhongde, come nearer to me. We need to talk about that ballistae!!!” When Cao Cao was unconscious earlier, his ear is still functioning therefore, he quickly catched what Guo Jia and Cheng Yu were discussing, therefore right now he is full of fighting spirit. He had resolved that he cannot lose this fight, absolutely cannot lose.

Cao Cao’s head right now is full of Cao Ang’s inquiry right before he is talking to himself just before he lost consciousness, his hand right now is doing writing gesture unconsciously. In his head, Cao Ang is asking these questions “Oh, father, if you really give up here, what about Zihuan, mother and my other brothers and sisters? We are going to be wiped out. There will be no Cao clan or Xiahou clan anymore and this whole nation will ridicule us for 10,000 years!!! What about your obligations to uncles and cousins from Xiahou clan who accept your calling without even thinking of their well beings? Father, get up again!!! When your great cause is complete, Ang and mother and grandfather will pick you up and we shall present you to the whole Cao and Xiahou ancestors that Cao Mengde is the greatest of them all!!! Promise me that, father!!!” Cao Cao then smiled bitterly and said “Ang my son, father will do as you ask, father will once again bear this burden and once again fought for Xiahou and Cao clans to the bitter end. However, Ang my son. Right now, father is in a deep-shit situation. I believe, you know it already. Out of 100,000 troops, I lost 70,000 troops while Yuan Benchu lost 50,000 troops, he still have 200,000 troops in order to take our head!!!” Cao Ang then said “Yes, Ang knew. Ang also knew that your provisions is depleting, but Ang begged you. For Cao clan and Xiahou clan survival, fight Yuan Shao once more, destroy him with your new weapons. Only when Yuan Shao died, can your great cause be realized!!!” Cao Ang then started to disappear and screamed “FATHER!!! DON’T LOSE HOPE!!!! EVERYONE IS DEPENDING ON YOU!!!!”

Cao Cao finally realized that he had been doing this battle half-heartedly, he is depending on Yuan Shao’s mercy as his old friend to spare him and his Cao and Xiahou clans. However, after his conversation with Cao Ang, he once again realized, that defeat is a dead-end to him and his clans. Such treatment can be seen when Han Fu surrendered to Yuan Shao. At that time, Han Fu asked Yuan Shao to provide him berth and Yuan Shao asked him to go to his old place at Chenliu. When Han Fu arrived at Chenliu, Zhang Miao killed him and his whole family as per Yuan Shao’s behest in order for Han Fu not create any trouble anymore. Cao Cao will also do the same to Yuan Shao, if he managed to defeat Yuan Shao now. The other reason he must defeat Yuan Shao is because Yuan Shao is the same like him, he like hitozuma (TN: I wrote hitozuma to simplify the word “Someone else’s wife”. I believe readers had read hentai at least once of his/her life) of his opponents. Yuan Shao had longed for Lady Bian since they were courted by her at Luoyang brothel. Netorare (TN: See the reason above), is one of the act that will outraged any husband. Even when Lady Zou were courted by Cao Cao, made Zhang Xiu assaulted him. How can Cao Cao stay silent after realizing that fact?

The curtain of night arrived gradually, the haze, in this seven should during August the greatly hot season unexpectedly the haze. The Huanghe River valley bad fog raises, above the Yingshui River is also the mist flies upwards, moon should sprinkle the entire earth the lunar corona, making the earth feel luminously, but now actually by thick fog covering up. Cao Cao then wiped the sweat from his body and sitted crosslegs toward Cheng Yu and Guo Jia and attentively hearing what Cheng Yu and Guo Jia’s scheme. He really hoped that both of them are encouraging him to attack, as it will raise morale for his army.

We now left Cao Army’s camp. The night finally falls on this turmoil-riddled land and in this foggy night of August 200 A.D (TN: This novel is following Koei’s Dynasty Warriors timeline, Lu Bu’s death in Koei’s timeline is spring 200 A.D) two fleets belonging to two different warlords are launched toward two different directions. One fleet, belonged to Cao Cao, goes to Guandu, numbered 30,000 troops, comprised of very little naval troops, Qing Province Soldiers and regular soldiers of Yan Province. They all have order to provoke Yuan Shao in order to do battle with them.

The other fleet, numbered several hundreds, are launching from Yingshang, belonged to Liu Bei. However, they were not packed with soldiers, but with scarecrows figure with each boat commandeered by only two people. Right now, above the leading ship, there are a youngster with black-face with feather fan in front of him, accompanying him are red-faced general and a servant. (TN: I am very, very, very tired the way author conceal character. Please, once had been described and introduced, please just use their names.)

“Military adviser? Can we have revenge like this?!” Asked Guan Yu toward Pang Tong. Guan Yu felt like he had joined a group of charlatan. He thought that he had eaten the bait offered by Pang Tong and really want to kill him ASAP. With only a few hundred boats and scarecrows, no one can do any battle like this, less taunting them.

Pang Tong then pounded on his chest and said “General Guan, worry not!!! This plan can give you your revenge!!! Tong is confident with it!!!” With that words, Guan Yu’s mood returned to normal.