Chapter 1434: Talking Nonsense

Facing the urgent situation of Cao Cao's army pressing at the city gates, Zhuge Liang did not show the slightest bit of panic. He knew deeply that at this moment, stabilizing the morale of the army and boosting their spirits was more important than any strategy. Therefore, he once again summoned all the generals and soldiers to hold an inspiring assembly.

At the assembly, Zhuge Liang stood on the high platform, his gaze firmly looking at the densely packed soldiers below. His voice was steady and powerful. "Fellow soldiers, I know you may have fear and anxiety in your hearts. However, I want to tell you that fear and anxiety will only make our enemies more powerful. Although Liu Bei has passed away, his last wish remains, and his heart of benevolence will forever illuminate our path."

He paused, letting the words echo in the soldiers' hearts for a moment, then continued. "Liu Bei pursued benevolent governance and the peaceful life of the people all his life. He treated soldiers like brothers and the people like family. Such a monarch is worth us using our lives to guard his last wish. Now, Cao Cao's main army is pressing on the border; what they bring is war, plunder, and destruction. If we do not pull ourselves together, the land of Jiangnan will be plunged into misery, and the people will fall into deep water and scorching fire."

Speaking of this, Zhuge Liang's voice became impassioned. "However, we are not fighting alone! Warlords in the northwest like Ma Chao and Han Sui have already decided to fight side by side with us to jointly resist Cao Cao. This is not just for our own survival, but for the tranquility of the entire world!"

He raised his hand, pointing to the distance. "Look at those innocent people; they are looking forward to us being able to protect them from the ravages of war. Our responsibility is heavy, and our mission is glorious. Now, I need every one of you to stand up, using your courage and determination to tell Cao Cao that the land of Jiangnan is not a place he can easily trample on!"

The soldiers were deeply moved by Zhuge Liang's words; they raised their arms and shouted one after another: "Vow to defend Jiangnan! Vow to resist Cao Cao!" The sound resounded through the clouds, shaking the heavens and the earth.

After the assembly ended, Zhuge Liang immediately began to deploy the battle plan. He knew the importance of this battle; it not only concerned the survival of the land of Jiangnan but also the continuation of Liu Bei's last wish. Therefore, he considered every detail extremely thoroughly.

He first sent envoys to the warlords in the northwest to discuss specific joint combat plans with them. At the same time, he also strengthened the training and equipment updates of the army, ensuring that the soldiers could exert the greatest combat effectiveness on the battlefield.

In addition, Zhuge Liang also paid special attention to the will of the people. He knew deeply that the support of the people was an important cornerstone for the victory of the war. Thus, he sent officials deep into the folk to propagate Liu Bei's benevolent governance and the justice of resisting Cao Cao, calling on the people to unite as one to jointly resist foreign enemies.

Under Zhuge Liang's careful deployment, the army of the land of Jiangnan had high morale and was fully prepared. They stood ready, waiting for the arrival of Cao Cao's main army. However, just at this time, an unexpected piece of news came again—Cao Cao sent an envoy to seek peace.

This news made Zhuge Liang and the generals feel surprised. They knew Cao Cao was always cunning and changeable; this act of seeking peace was very likely a delaying tactic. Thus, Zhuge Liang decided to first stabilize Cao Cao's envoy, scout out his true intentions, and then make plans.

When meeting Cao Cao's envoy, Zhuge Liang performed extremely calmly and wisely. He neither easily refused to seek peace nor easily agreed, but cleverly circled between the envoys, attempting to obtain more intelligence from them.

After some negotiation, Zhuge Liang finally figured out Cao Cao's true intention in seeking peace. It turned out that although Cao Cao's military strength was powerful, he had come from afar, and grain supplies were difficult. Coupled with the complex terrain and developed water systems of the land of Jiangnan, his main army did not have the advantage fighting here. Therefore, he hoped to delay time through seeking peace so as to better prepare for the war.

After understanding Cao Cao's intention, Zhuge Liang had a plan in his heart. He decided to use the plan against the planner, utilizing Cao Cao's desire for peace to set up an ambush. He agreed to peace talks with Cao Cao on the surface, but in reality, he secretly mobilized troops and set up traps, preparing to give Cao Cao's main army a fatal blow when they were unprepared.

After the plan was set up, Zhuge Liang summoned the generals again for final deployment. He looked at everyone with a serious expression. "Fellow soldiers, this battle will be the key battle for us to resist Cao Cao. We must give our all and fight to the death to achieve victory!"

The generals expressed one after another that they were willing to follow Zhuge Liang to the death to jointly resist Cao Cao. They knew the importance of this battle and also understood the responsibility they shouldered. Thus, they took the orders one after another and began to execute Zhuge Liang's plan.

Under Zhuge Liang's careful deployment, the ambush battle proceeded exceptionally smoothly. When Cao Cao's main army entered the ambush circle, Zhuge Liang gave an order, and the troops hidden all around rushed out, giving Cao Cao's main army a fatal blow. For a time, swords flashed and shadows flickered on the battlefield, and blood flowed like a river.

Cao Cao's main army was caught off guard and suffered heavy losses. They fled in rout, attempting to escape from this terrifying battlefield. However, Zhuge Liang had already anticipated their actions; he sent troops to follow closely behind to pursue, vowing to thoroughly defeat Cao Cao's main army.

After an intense battle, Cao Cao's main army was finally thoroughly defeated. They left behind a large amount of weapons, grain, and supplies, fleeing in a sorry state. And the army of the land of Jiangnan achieved a brilliant victory; they cheered and celebrated this great victory.

After the battle, Zhuge Liang summoned all the soldiers for commendation and rewards. He personally awarded medals and rewards to those soldiers who fought bravely and made great achievements. At the same time, he also expressed deep mourning and respect for those soldiers who sacrificed in the battle.

At the commendation assembly, Zhuge Liang delivered an impassioned speech. "Fellow soldiers, you used your own courage and blood to write the brilliant chapter of the land of Jiangnan! Your heroism and sacrifice will forever be engraved on the monument of history! I feel proud and honored for you!"

His voice echoed in the venue, inspiring the heart of every soldier. They expressed one after another that they were willing to continue to follow Zhuge Liang to jointly guard the tranquility and prosperity of the land of Jiangnan.

This battle not only greatly boosted the morale of the army of the land of Jiangnan but also made the situation of the entire world undergo subtle changes. Cao Cao's failure made him temporarily give up the idea of attacking the land of Jiangnan, turning his gaze to other places instead. And the land of Jiangnan, under Zhuge Liang's leadership, gradually moved toward stability and prosperity.

In the days that followed, Zhuge Liang continued to push forward Liu Bei's benevolent governance, caring for the people, developing the economy, and strengthening national defense. He used his own wisdom and talent to govern the land of Jiangnan in an orderly manner, letting the people live and work in peace and contentment, and live a prosperous life.

At the same time, he also continued to maintain a close alliance relationship with the warlords in the northwest to jointly resist Cao Cao's threat. Under his leadership, the land of Jiangnan and the warlords in the northwest formed a powerful force against Cao, making Cao Cao not dare to offend easily. ===== CHAPTER 1435 =====