Chapter 1728

Hearing this, Sun Ce leaned forward, signaling Zhou Yu to continue.

"We can take advantage of Cao Pi's capture to unite those warlords in the north who are dissatisfied with the Cao clan and resist the Cao clan's forces together." Zhou Yu said slowly, "In this way, we can not only disperse the Cao clan's military strength but also establish more allies in the north, laying a foundation for the great cause of unification in the future."

Sun Ce's eyes lit up, and he slapped the table in admiration: "This plan is excellent! Gongjin, you are truly my strategist; you can always think of these brilliant plans."

The two looked at each other and smiled, then began to plan the implementation steps of this plan in detail. They decided to first send secret envoys to the north to secretly contact those warlords who were dissatisfied with the Cao clan, probe their tone, and seek the possibility of cooperation. At the same time, Jiangdong would also strengthen military training, preparing to welcome a larger-scale war that might come.

Several days later, the secret envoys brought back good news one after another. There were indeed many warlords in the north who were dissatisfied with the Cao clan's rule, and they were willing to form an alliance with Jiangdong to resist the Cao clan together. Among them, Yuan Shang, the son of Yuan Shao of Jizhou, and Gongsun Zan of Youzhou were the most active, expressing their willingness to send troops to help and jointly crusade against the Cao clan.

Upon learning this news, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were overjoyed. They immediately sent envoys to Jizhou and Youzhou to sign an alliance with Yuan Shang and Gongsun Zan, and agreed on the date and plan for sending troops together.

With the alliance between Jiangdong and the northern warlords, the situation in the north began to become subtle. Although the Cao clan's power was strong, under the joint attack of Jiangdong and the northern warlords, it began to appear stretched. The news of Cao Pi's capture made the Cao clan's army chaotic and morale low.

In the Jiangdong camp, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were closely watching the movements in the north. They knew that the real decisive battle was coming.

"My lord, now that we have formed an alliance with the northern warlords, it is time for us to show our skills." Zhou Yu's gaze was bright, his fighting spirit high.

Sun Ce laughed loudly, his heroic spirit soaring: "This is the day I have been waiting for! Gongjin, let us lead the Jiangdong sons and go conquer that world that belongs to us!"

The Jiangdong massive army pressed toward the border, and flames of war rose everywhere in the northern land. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu split into two routes, each leading elite troops, like two sharp swords, pointing directly at the heart of the Cao clan's forces.

Sun Ce's route was like a hot knife through butter, and the cities along the way surrendered upon hearing the news. He rode on a tall warhorse, his gaze like a torch, looking at the front: "Sons, we Jiangdong sons never fear war! Today, let us use our flesh and blood to carve out a world for Jiangdong!"

The soldiers behind him shouted in unison: "Swear to follow the lord to the death! Long live Jiangdong!"

At the same time, Zhou Yu's route also progressed smoothly. He was full of wisdom, winning with few against many, and resolved the Cao army's encirclement many times. In a valley, Zhou Yu stood on high ground, looking at the battlefield below where the fierce battle was in full swing, and said to the deputy general beside him: "Although the enemy army is numerous, it lacks unified command; this is a good opportunity for us to break them one by one."

The deputy general nodded, his eyes full of admiration: "The Viceroy's wisdom is unparalleled; we are willing to obey the Viceroy's command, go through fire and water, and will not refuse!"

Zhou Yu smiled slightly and waved his hand gently: "Pass the order down: the left-wing troops will pretend to be defeated to lure the enemy deep; the right-wing troops will lie in ambush on both sides of the valley, and after the enemy army enters the ambush circle, launch an attack immediately."

Following Zhou Yu's order, the Jiangdong army acted quickly. Not long after, the Cao army indeed took the bait and chased the Jiangdong "defeated army" into the valley. Just then, the Jiangdong army lying in ambush on both sides suddenly killed their way out, and the Cao army was caught off guard and instantly fell into chaos.

Seeing this, a flash of coldness appeared in Zhou Yu's eyes: "Now, it is our turn to close the net." He waved his hand and led the main force to charge down the valley, launching a fierce attack on the Cao army together with the ambushers.

The Cao army retreated step by step, with countless deaths and injuries. Zhou Yu pursued in victory, pressing directly toward the Cao army's main camp. At this time, the news of Cao Pi being imprisoned had already spread in the army, and the Cao army's morale was low, with no heart to fight.

When Zhou Yu led his army to appear in front of the Cao army's main camp, the Cao army's main general was terrified and hurriedly sent someone to seek peace. Zhou Yu sneered and said to the envoy: "Seek peace? When you Cao clan oppressed Jiangdong in the past, did you ever think of seeking peace? Today, let you taste the power of Jiangdong!"

After speaking, Zhou Yu ordered the entire army to attack. The Jiangdong army's morale was high, fighting bravely, and soon broke the Cao army's main camp. Seeing that the general situation was gone, the main general drew his sword and committed suicide.

Zhou Yu looked at the smoke-filled battlefield, his heart full of emotion: "In this battle, our Jiangdong has finally raised its head. However, the battle is far from over. The real challenge is still behind."

At this time, Sun Ce had also captured many cities and joined forces with Zhou Yu. The two met, looked at each other, and smiled; there was no need for more words to understand each other's intentions.

"Gongjin, you fought beautifully on this route." Sun Ce patted Zhou Yu on the shoulder and praised.

Zhou Yu smiled modestly: "It is all thanks to the lord's leadership and the soldiers' dedication. Next, how should we act?"

Sun Ce's gaze was firm, looking into the distance: "Now, we have already occupied a part of the northern territory. However, to completely defeat the Cao clan, we must take their capital—Xu Chang."

Zhou Yu nodded in agreement: "Xu Chang is the Cao clan's old nest and also their last line of defense. This battle will surely be unusually difficult."

The two began to plan the attack on Xu Chang in detail. They knew that Xu Chang had high walls and thick gates, and sufficient military strength; to capture it, they had to make full preparations.

In the following days, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu reorganized the army while sending secret agents to Xu Chang to probe for news. At the same time, they also actively contacted northern allies, seeking more support.

Finally, on a dark and windy night, the Jiangdong massive army and the northern allies' army launched a general attack on Xu Chang together. The battle was unusually fierce, with both sides going back and forth, fighting until they were evenly matched.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu personally took the field, leading elite troops to attack the city gates of Xu Chang. They took the lead, fighting bravely, and inspired the soldiers' fighting spirit. Under the fierce attack of the Jiangdong army, the city gates of Xu Chang were finally broken.

The Jiangdong army and the allied army surged into the city like a tide, engaging in street fighting with the Cao army. The battle lasted until dawn, and the Cao army finally couldn't hold on and fled in defeat one after another.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu stood on the city walls of Xu Chang, looking at the smoke-filled battlefield below, their hearts full of the joy of victory. They knew that in this battle, Jiangdong had finally thoroughly defeated the Cao clan's forces and become the hegemon of the world.

"Gongjin, we did it!" Sun Ce excitedly held Zhou Yu's hand, tears shining in his eyes.

Zhou Yu also responded excitedly: "Yes, my lord! We Jiangdong sons have finally used our flesh and blood to carve out this world!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, their hearts full of expectations for the future. They knew that although the world had been pacified, the rise of Jiangdong was far from over. They would continue to lead the Jiangdong sons toward a more brilliant tomorrow.

Inside Xu Chang City, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu began to set about handling the aftermath. They comforted the people, restored production, and rebuilt their homes. At the same time, they also sent envoys to various places to declare Jiangdong's victory and invited warlords from all over to participate in the grand celebration.

On the day of the celebration, warlords from all over arrived one after another to congratulate Jiangdong on its victory. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu stood on the high platform, accepting everyone's congratulations and admiration. They knew that at this moment, Jiangdong had become the focus of the world.

"My lord, Viceroy!" An envoy suddenly walked up to the high platform hurriedly and presented a secret letter, "This is an urgent report from the north."

Sun Ce took the secret letter and unfolded it, his face suddenly becoming solemn. He looked at Zhou Yu and said in a deep voice: "Gongjin, it seems our battle is not over yet."

Hearing this, Zhou Yu furrowed his brows and took the secret letter to read carefully. It turned out that there were still some remaining Cao clan forces in the north acting secretly, attempting to make a comeback.

"These guys, they really don't know what's good for them." Zhou Yu sneered, "My lord, how should we respond?"

Sun Ce's gaze was firm, and he said in a deep voice: "Since they want to die, then we will fulfill their wish. Gongjin, you immediately lead a force of elite troops to the north and completely eradicate these remaining forces!"

"As you command!" Zhou Yu cupped his hands and responded, turning to leave. He knew that although this battle was difficult, the Jiangdong sons never feared war. They would continue to use their flesh and blood to guard this hard-won country.

Sun Ce stood on the high platform, looking at Zhou Yu's receding back, his heart full of emotion. He knew that Zhou Yu was not only his strategist and comrade-in-arms but also one of the most important people in his life. They had experienced countless storms and battles together to reach where they were today.