Chapter 60

Kill!

The wild wind howled across the battlefield, iron cavalry like a dragon raising dust and smoke!

The two armies clashed, the iron cavalry like a dragon, colliding together.

Swords striking swords gave a clear ringing sound; spears striking shields sent sparks flying.

Soldiers were fearless and brave, fighting fiercely, flesh and blood flying.

Under Cao Cao's command, the Great Qian Imperial Guard displayed tenacious fighting spirit and seamless coordination.

Relying on superb martial skills and tight formations, they repeatedly repelled the enemy's attacks.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao strategized in the central command, securing victory from afar.

He constantly monitored the battle's developments, adjusting tactics and formations in a timely manner.

At this moment, Cao Cao, the Martial Emperor Wei, displayed his bearing in full!

Using troops like a god, sometimes launching swift counterattacks, sometimes holding firm positions, making the enemy hard to fathom.

Although the opposing feudal lord's forces were numerous, Cao's army, relying on tight formations and strong combat power, quickly gained the upper hand.

The battle on the plain had entered a white-hot stage.

Under the command of the Xiahou brothers and Cao's generals, the Great Yong Imperial Guard formed neat square formations and launched a fierce assault on the feudal lord's army.

Their steps were firm, iron cavalry like a dragon, charging at the enemy, sword lights flashing, spear shadows intertwining.

The feudal lord's army was not to be outdone; they resisted bravely, exerting all their strength to block the Imperial Guard's advance.

Archers shot swiftly, arrows falling like rain, thick and dense toward the enemy.

Spearmen held their spears straight, thrusting forward with all their might, trying to repel the enemy's charge.

Both sides engaged in a fierce melee on this plain.

Soldiers brandished swords and spears, charging into battle, flesh and blood flying.

War horses neighed, galloping wildly across the battlefield, iron hooves trampling the earth, kicking up dust.

The air reeked of blood and scorched earth, making it hard to breathe.

In this battle, both sides paid a heavy price.

The Great Yong Imperial Guard under Cao Cao's command, although the offensive was fierce, the feudal lord's army's resistance was also very tenacious.

They defended their beliefs and dignity with their lives, fearing no strong foe, pressing forward bravely.

As the battle progressed, the situation began to change.

The Great Yong Imperial Guard's advantages in equipment and training gradually became apparent.

They cooperated seamlessly, tactics flexible, gradually gaining the upper hand.

The opposing feudal lord's army began to show signs of disintegration, and the soldiers' morale started to waver.

However, at this critical moment, the commander of that feudal lord's army also stepped forward.

He raised his sword high, shouted loudly, inspiring the soldiers to resist bravely.

Under his leadership, the feudal lord's army rallied and launched a final counterattack.

On the plain once again rose earth-shaking cries.

The feudal lord's army soldiers charged at the enemy like tigers descending from the mountain, their eyes flashing with determined light.

Archers and spearmen coordinated closely, launching a fierce attack on the enemy.

In this final melee, both sides displayed tenacious fighting spirit and fearless courage.

The clash of swords, soldiers' shouts, and horses' neighs intertwined, forming a magnificent war panorama.

However, this time the court's Imperial Guard was obviously better prepared, relying on the equipment and training advantages provided by the Great Yong capital, gradually securing victory in this battle.

Although the feudal lord's army launched a fierce counterattack at the end, they thus paid a heavy price, their commanders and soldiers falling one after another, blood flowing like rivers across the plain.

Cao Cao rode his horse to survey the battlefield, looking upon the scene of devastation, his heart filled with mixed feelings; he knew the road ahead was still long.

This victory was hard-won, earned by soldiers' blood and sweat; he deeply understood the cruelty and mercilessness of war.

At this moment on the plain, the feudal lord's great army scattered in defeat and flight, leaving many dead and wounded.

The soldiers of the Great Yong Imperial Guard cheered exuberantly, celebrating the arrival of victory, their gazes toward Cao Cao full of admiration and respect.

In this fierce battle outside the Great Yong capital, Cao Cao this time displayed outstanding military talent and leadership charisma.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled over the golden roofs of the Great Yong imperial palace, adding a touch of solemnity and mystery to this ancient building.

Today's palace differed from usual; the air was filled with a festive atmosphere, officials in splendid robes lined the long jade steps, awaiting a special returnee—the Commander-in-Chief who had just returned victorious from outside the capital, Cao Cao.

Cao Cao rode a tall steed, his personal guard behind him, still carrying the scent of gunpowder from the battlefield.

He was dashing and resolute, facing the officials looking forward to him; he dismounted and ascended the jade steps.

Meanwhile, the young emperor and empress dowager of Great Yong had already been waiting on the throne.

Though young in age, the young emperor's bearing already revealed an innate regal aura.

The empress dowager was gentle and virtuous, her eyes full of compassion.

Cao Cao bowed and kowtowed, saying, 'Your subject Cao Cao pays respects to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.'

General Cao, you have worked hard.

Although the young emperor's voice still carried a hint of immaturity, his tone was firm: 'Today your victorious return is a blessing for our dynasty. Please rise.'

Cao Cao expressed thanks and rose; the empress dowager, listening to governance behind the curtain, smiled and said, 'General Cao, I have heard you were incomparably brave on the battlefield, earning great merit for our dynasty. Upon seeing you today, you are indeed mighty and awe-inspiring, truly a hero of our realm.'

'Empress Dowager, you overpraise me,' Cao Cao said humbly, 'I merely fulfill my duties, defending home and country.'

General Cao, there's no need to be overly modest.

The young emperor said, 'Attendant, grant a seat.'

A eunuch hurried forward with a cushion, Cao Cao bowed his thanks, then sat down.

General Cao.

The Empress Dowager then said: "This time you defeated the enemy army, preserving Great Yong's capital from loss—indeed it is a merit that cannot be omitted. As for your reward, the court will certainly treat you preferentially."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

Cao Cao replied: "I seek neither wealth nor honor; I only wish to bring blessings to the people of our dynasty and safeguard the peace of home and country."

"General Cao is truly the pillar of the state."

The Empress Dowager praised, saying: "Regarding your ennoblement, we will consider it carefully. For now, please return to your residence to rest, General; we will discuss it again at tomorrow's morning court."

"I will obey the edict."

Cao Cao again bowed low and kowtowed.

The next day at court, the atmosphere was solemn and reverent.

Officials stood in formation, and Cao Cao once again appeared beneath the jade steps.

The Young Emperor sat high upon the dragon throne, while the Empress Dowager sat on the phoenix throne to one side.

"All officials."

The Young Emperor proclaimed loudly: "In yesterday's battle, General Cao led our troops in brave resistance against the enemy, defending the capital of Great Yong. Today I shall richly reward General Cao."

The officials chorused in unison: "Your Majesty is wise and enlightened!"

"General Cao, hear the edict!"

The Young Emperor stated solemnly: "I appoint you as Protector of the State General, awarding you a thousand taels of gold, one hundred hectares of fertile land, and a residence. Furthermore, I will bestow upon you an imperial brush painting to honor your achievements."

Cao Cao knelt, moved with emotion: "I thank Your Majesty for your great grace!"

The Empress Dowager also smiled and said: "General Cao, you have rendered such great service to the court; I, too, will prepare a gift for you."

As she spoke, she gestured to the attendant beside her. The eunuch carried out an exquisite redwood box.

"This is a jade belt I personally prepared for you."

The Empress Dowager opened the box; inside was a jade belt made of fine Hetian jade. "This jade belt is worthy of your courage and talent."

"I am moved to tears."

Cao Cao received the jade belt: "I will forever remember the grace of Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager, and I vow to serve the court unto death."

"Excellent! General Cao's loyalty is commendable!"

The Young Emperor said happily: "From today onward, you are the Protector of the State General of our dynasty. May you continue to serve our realm and keep our realm eternally secure."

The officials shouted in unison: "Long live! Long live! Long long live!"

At this moment, the entire Great Yong court was immersed in the joy of victory.

(End of chapter)