Chapter 108: Secret Troop Deployment

Upon hearing the soldier’s words, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were dumbfounded. In contrast, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and the others were overjoyed. So that was why Lü Bu and his men had withdrawn. Although they were unsure of what had transpired on Liu Xie’s side, this situation was highly favorable for them. With Lü Bu and Zhao Yun absent, they could easily handle Guan Yu and Zhang Fei before them.

“Hahaha, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, you’re finished,” Xiahou Dun laughed. “It seems Liu Xie has abandoned you.” “Brothers, charge! Kill them!” Seizing the opportunity, Xiahou Dun led three others to rush forward. Liu Xie’s decision presented them with the perfect chance. If they could kill Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, their morale would soar.

The four of them shouted as they charged again. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei grew anxious, fully aware that they were no match for four opponents. “Second Brother, what do we do?” Zhang Fei asked nervously. “What else? Hold the line—we can’t retreat!” Guan Yu replied grimly. With no option to withdraw, they had no choice but to confront the enemy.

Thus began a fierce four-against-two battle. As the momentum swung heavily in their favor, Xiahou Dun and his comrades fought with increasing ferocity. Over time, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei’s spirits were crushed. Slowly, injuries began to show, and their fighting strength rapidly waned.

“Second Brother, if this continues, we’ll die here! What should we do?” Zhang Fei cried out desperately, blocking blow after blow. Just then, reinforcements charged out from within Xuchang city—it was Cao Ren and Cao Hong. They had been cooped up for too long and were eager to join the fight.

“Damn it! How infuriating!” Zhang Fei fumed. “They dare to wear us down with relentless attacks—that’s despicable!” Yet, despite his anger, the battle had to go on.

Back at Liu Xie’s camp, he had returned with his entourage, while Liu Bei wore a sullen expression. He knew well that his two brothers had volatile tempers. Although Liu Xie had assigned his personal guards to protect them, Liu Bei remained deeply worried.

“Zhuge Liang, let us discuss the next steps,” Liu Xie said softly from his seat. “Your Majesty, the next steps?” Zhuge Liang asked, puzzled. Wasn’t it that no one could move without orders? Was something stirring again?

“Yes. Do you think I would wait for them to finish their one-on-one battles before making a move?” Liu Xie smiled faintly. “You underestimate me.”

“Alright, it’s time for us to act, but our movement must be subtle.” Liu Xie looked seriously at those gathered. The group exchanged glances, then gradually began to understand.

“Your Majesty, you placed Yun Chang and Yi De outside Xuchang,” Zhuge Liang reasoned. “One, to train them; two, to draw the city’s soldiers’ attention. Meanwhile, we can carry out other operations.”

Liu Xie nodded softly. “Exactly. From now on, the armies on the left and right wings remain stationary. Fengxian, you lead your fifty thousand cavalry away from here.”

“Your Majesty, you want me to leave?” Lü Bu asked, puzzled, as did the others. “Where would I go if I leave?”

“To Yizhou,” Liu Xie replied. “Our forces are now fixed. Yan Liang believes Yizhou is defended only by soldiers and militia. Cao Cao thinks we have only these troops here. But if you suddenly appear before Yan Liang with fifty thousand cavalry, what do you think will happen?”

Everyone instinctively nodded, then respectfully clasped their fists. “Understood, Your Majesty. I will take my men to Yizhou. To avoid drawing attention, I will first withdraw to Wancheng, then enter Jingzhou before proceeding to Yizhou. This way, neither Cao Cao nor Yan Liang will notice our army’s movement.”

Lü Bu outlined Liu Xie’s entire plan. Hearing this, Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction. He noticed Lü Bu had truly changed—far more steady than before. This transformation brought Liu Xie great comfort.

“Very well, you may proceed,” Liu Xie said. “As for the others, we must prepare.” “Prepare to siege the city.” He spoke softly.

“Your Majesty, are you planning to attack Xuchang?” Zhuge Liang asked again, puzzled. “Yes, we have lingered here long enough. But the siege must not be rash. Send word that for the next few days, there will be no unusual activity—to create the illusion we will not attack.”

Liu Xie explained once more. Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, then bowed deeply. “I understand, Your Majesty. Your strategy is flawless. I admire it.”

In the following days, the camp remained eerily calm, as before, with no signs of attack—just as if they would never strike.

Outside Xuchang, the battle between Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and their foes raged on. For several days, they fought continuously, never winning a single engagement since Liu Xie and his forces had departed. They had suffered defeat countless times.

Until one day, their adversaries no longer toyed with them. Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan emerged on horseback, standing before Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

“Alright, you two, we’ve had our fun. Now it’s time for you to die,” Xiahou Dun sneered.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged grim looks, their faces dark with resentment toward Liu Xie. Why had he abandoned them? Was this a death sentence?

Truthfully, they felt deeply unwilling, yet powerless. “Hmph, enough nonsense. If you’ve got the guts, come and try. Kill us if you can!” Guan Yu shouted, his aura overwhelming.