Chapter 1055

Zhou Yu nodded, his gaze even firmer: "Good, wait until the Cao army is deep into our ambush circle, and then launch a general attack immediately."

As the feinting force led by Huang Gai continued to retreat, the Cao army went deeper and deeper into the Jiangdong army's ambush circle. Finally, when the Cao army entered the predetermined position, Zhou Yu gave an order, and the Jiangdong army surged toward the Cao army like a tide, with arrows like rain and cannons roaring.

The Cao army immediately fell into a bitter battle, suffering countless casualties. Seeing this, Cao Pi was shocked and hurriedly ordered the troops to retreat. However, it was already too late; the Jiangdong army had cut off their retreat and surrounded them completely.

"My Lord, Cao Pi's retreat has been blocked by us; he cannot fly!" Zhou Yu's voice was exceptionally steady amidst the war drums and shouts. He stood on the deck of the command ship, his gaze like a torch, staring tightly at every movement on the battlefield.

Upon hearing the news, Sun Ce curled his lips into a cold sneer: "This time, I must let him know the power of Jiangdong." He turned to the messenger behind him and said, "Pass down the order: the entire army is to press on; be sure to capture Cao Pi alive!"

The messenger quickly conveyed the order, the morale of the Jiangdong army soared, and the offensive was even more fierce. Under the fierce attack of the Jiangdong army, the Cao army retreated step by step, morale was low, and many people had begun to abandon their weapons and surrender.

"Zhou Yu, you cunning villain!" Cao Pi, in the chaotic army, while fighting desperately, roared, "You actually dare to use such a trick!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu sneered: "In war, there is no deception; Cao Pi, your defeat is set today; you had better surrender obediently!"

Cao Pi gritted his teeth, but he also knew that it was difficult for him to escape today. He looked around, only to see the Jiangdong army surging like a tide, and a sense of despair could not help but well up in his heart. However, just then, he suddenly saw a breakthrough; it was a weak point in the Jiangdong army's defense line, and because the troops were too concentrated in other directions, it appeared somewhat empty here.

"Fight!" Cao Pi roared and led his personal guard to charge fiercely toward that breakthrough point. They fought to break out and finally broke through the Jiangdong army's encirclement, fleeing toward the north.

"Bad, Cao Pi has escaped!" A Jiangdong general ran over hurriedly to report to Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu frowned, but quickly calmed down: "No need to panic; he won't run far. Pass down the order: immediately send elite cavalry to pursue; be sure to capture him."

Sun Ce also rushed over, his expression grave: "Gongjin, failing to capture Cao Pi alive this time is truly a pity. But we have also severely damaged the Cao army, which can be considered a great victory. What are our plans next?"

Zhou Yu pondered for a moment and said: "My Lord, although Cao Pi has escaped, the northern power is still strong. We must take this opportunity to strengthen Jiangdong's defense and at the same time send envoys to contact other warlords to resist the north together. In addition, we must strengthen the training of the navy to prepare for any unexpected needs."

Sun Ce nodded in agreement: "Gongjin's words are reasonable. We must not only guard against the threat from the north but also pay attention to the stability within Jiangdong. This rebellion has sounded an alarm for us; we must strengthen centralized power, weaken the power of noble families, and ensure the long-term stability of Jiangdong."

The two looked at each other and smiled, their hearts filled with expectations for the future. They knew that although the road ahead was still difficult, as long as they worked hand in hand, nothing could stop the rise of Jiangdong.

In the following days, the Jiangdong army began to reorganize and train on a large scale, while strengthening the defense of the northern border. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce also frequently visited surrounding warlords, seeking allies to resist the threat from the north together. Under their efforts, Jiangdong's power gradually grew, and its fame spread far and wide.

However, just when Jiangdong was of one mind, preparing to meet new challenges, a shocking piece of news arrived—Cao Pi, on his way back to the north, encountered an attack by an unknown force, and his life was uncertain.

"What?!" Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were shocked upon hearing this. They knew that Cao Pi's life or death not only concerned the situation in the north but might also trigger a series of chain reactions, affecting the pattern of the entire world.

"Immediately send secret agents to the north to find out the truth." Zhou Yu made a prompt decision and issued an order.

A few days later, the secret agents brought back news. It turned out that Cao Pi, on his way back to the north, encountered an attack by a mysterious army. This army acted secretly and had extremely strong combat effectiveness; Cao Pi's personal guard was almost completely wiped out, and he himself was seriously injured, with his life uncertain. And the identity and origin of this mysterious army were unknown to anyone.

"This..." Sun Ce and Zhou Yu looked at each other, their hearts filled with doubts and anxiety. They knew that the appearance of this mysterious army might foreshadow that the world was about to welcome a bigger storm.

"My Lord, we must make preparations; no matter who this mysterious army is, we cannot let our guard down." Zhou Yu said with a grave expression.

Sun Ce nodded in agreement: "Gongjin's words are absolutely right. We must strengthen Jiangdong's defense and at the same time closely monitor the movements in the north. If Cao Pi really encounters an accident, the north will inevitably fall into chaos, which will be a great opportunity for the rise of our Jiangdong."

The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes flashing with firm light.

As the news of Cao Pi's uncertain life or death spread in Jiangdong, the entire region once again fell into a subtle tense atmosphere. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu frequently held military meetings to discuss countermeasures. They knew well that this was not only a challenge but also a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity.

"My Lord, Cao Pi's disappearance is undoubtedly a huge blow to the north." Zhou Yu said at the meeting, his eyes flashing with deep thought, "But this may also trigger civil strife in the north, and various warlords may take the opportunity to rise and compete for power."

Sun Ce nodded, his brows furrowed: "Exactly, we must closely monitor the movements in the north and at the same time strengthen our own strength. Gongjin, how do you think we should act?"

Zhou Yu pondered for a moment and spoke slowly: "First, we must strengthen border defense to prevent northern forces from taking the opportunity to move south. Second, we can send envoys to the north to probe the reality and at the same time look for possible allies. Finally, we must strengthen internal affairs to ensure the stability and prosperity of Jiangdong."

Upon hearing this, Sun Ce revealed a flash of appreciation: "Gongjin's words are very much in line with my wishes. However, regarding the matter of seeking allies, we need to act with caution. The situation in the north is complex, and we must carefully distinguish it to avoid bringing wolves into the house."

Zhou Yu nodded in agreement: "My Lord is absolutely right. I will personally select shrewd and capable envoys to go to the north to carry out this task."

After the meeting, Zhou Yu immediately began to prepare. He carefully selected several experienced envoys and sent them to various warlord states in the north. These envoys were not only witty but also eloquent, able to quickly probe the reality of the north and find opportunities for cooperation.

However, not long after the envoys set off, a shocking piece of news arrived again—Cao Pi had miraculously survived and regained control of the power in the north.

"How is this possible?!" Sun Ce could not believe his ears when he heard the news.

Zhou Yu was also stunned: "Cao Pi's vitality is truly tenacious. However, since he has survived, the situation in the north will inevitably change again."