Chapter 051: The Fall of the City Draws Near

Zhang Liao, seeing that the crowd had not dispersed, was compelled to step forward and take charge. He shouted, “Enough chatter! Didn’t you hear the orders? Return to camp immediately!” Under the command of their respective officers, the soldiers reluctantly scattered and made their way back.

On the road back, Cao Xing—one of the Eight Champions—sneered and mocked, “I told you, Lü Bu has lost his mind. To commit such absurd acts for a woman—he’s truly gone mad.” Hou Cheng chimed in, “Hah! That’s what it means to face death and still be oblivious. He won’t last much longer.”

As these men continued their complaints, Zang Ba stepped in to admonish them. “Enough! How many times must I tell you? Just do your duty and keep your tongues in check!” At his rebuke, they fell silent and, upon parting, returned to their respective camps.

Afterward, Lü Bu seemed to have resigned himself to fate, spending his days in the company of Diao Chan, indulging in pleasure and neglecting his military responsibilities.

Outside the city, Cao’s forces worked daily at digging up the riverbanks, their progress swift and efficient. Chen Gong observed all these developments and understood well what the enemy was attempting. Yet, at this point, he could do nothing but watch helplessly.

A few days later, Cao’s army finally withdrew. Cao Peng had determined that the Yi River and Si River outside Xiapi could burst forth at any moment. He ordered the troops excavating the riverbanks to retreat quickly, lest they be caught in the flood.

It could be said that fortune favored them; though the rain was not heavy, it was persistent. The river levels had reached their critical threshold, and the embankments could collapse at any time.

All this was seen by Cao Peng through a curious object he held in his hand. He smiled faintly. “It seems flooding Xiapi is now just a matter of time!”

Standing beside him, Dian Wei scratched his head and asked in puzzlement, “Young General, what is that thing in your hand? It’s remarkable!” Cao Peng glanced at him with a smile and replied casually, “Just something I picked up from a street vendor.”

Of course, he would not tell Dian Wei that it was called a telescope, an item he had acquired from the outdoor pack provided by the system.

“All right, our men have all withdrawn, haven’t they?” Cao Peng asked.

Dian Wei replied, “They’ve returned. The central command tent has been set up on the mountain as well.”

Cao Peng nodded. “Good.”

Originally, the camps of Cao’s army were stationed below, close enough to encircle Xiapi. Now, following Cao Peng’s advice, they had moved to higher ground. Predicting the imminent collapse of the riverbanks, Cao Peng headed straight for Cao Cao’s central command tent.

After greeting Cao Cao, he said, “Uncle, the flood may break loose at any moment and inundate Xiapi. The time to attack the city has come!”

Cao Cao nodded approvingly. “Good. I’ll summon the generals at once!”

A short time later, the central tent was filled with strategists, led by Guo Jia, Xun You, and Cheng Yu on the left, and warriors such as Dian Wei, Xu Chu, and Xu Huang on the right.

Cao Cao sat in the commander’s seat, arranging the troops and their positions, then spoke words to inspire and encourage, promising rewards after the battle.

His words stirred everyone’s blood, especially the warriors, who could hardly wait to earn their glory with blade and spear.

After letting their excitement run its course, Cao Cao spoke, “Enough! These are matters for after the battle. Go and make your preparations!”

“Yes, sir!”

Once the generals had departed, Cao Cao approached Cao Peng and gently patted his shoulder. “Your uncle will be here to witness your prowess. Take care of yourself.”

“Rest assured, Uncle. Once the flood is unleashed, I will break through Xiapi within half a day!”

…

On the walls of Xiapi, Chen Gong’s brows were furrowed, as if a cloud of black vapor clung to them, refusing to disperse.

At this moment, everything had taken shape in his mind. The Yi River and Si River, which once provided Xiapi with its finest natural defenses, now hung above the city like a sword poised to strike.

If lost, the rivers would become raging beasts, devouring the city whole.

The tide had turned; this game was now entering its end phase.

Chen Gong returned to his chamber, brewed a fragrant cup of tea, and savored it quietly.

Such leisure was rare for him. Since he had chosen to support Lü Bu, he had fought battles north and south, with military affairs keeping him awake many nights.

Now that everything was coming to an end, he suddenly felt a sense of relief.