Chapter 1738

The scout's voice interrupted everyone's discussion; he panted heavily and presented a secret letter with both hands. Zhou Yu took the secret letter, scanned it quickly, and his brows gradually locked. Seeing this, everyone gathered around, their expressions tense.

"Cao Cao is actually so cunning; while retreating in defeat, he left behind an ambush force, intending to sneak attack our rear supply line!" Zhou Yu said in a deep voice, handing the secret letter to Huang Gai.

Huang Gai took the secret letter, read it carefully, and his face also became solemn: "If this plan succeeds, our army will fall into a situation of being attacked from the front and back; we must respond immediately."

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged a glance, both their eyes flashing with sharpness: "Commander, we are willing to lead troops to go and wipe out this ambush force to ensure the safety of the supply line!"

Zhou Yu pondered for a moment and nodded: "Good! Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, you two each lead a force of elite troops, strike quickly, and be sure to wipe out this ambush force completely. Huang Gai, you are responsible for allocating grain and fodder to ensure the front-line supply is not cut off. At the same time, we must also be vigilant against other tricks Cao Cao might have."

"As you command!" the four answered in unison, then dispersed to prepare to execute the mission.

The armies led by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were like two bolts of lightning, quickly shuttling through the mountains and forests, heading straight for the hiding place of Cao Cao's ambush force. In the night, only the sound of horse hooves could be heard, urgent and powerful, and morale was high.

Meanwhile, Huang Gai was busy at the rear; he not only had to ensure the timely supply of grain and fodder but also had to prevent Cao Cao's spies from infiltrating and destroying Jiangdong's internal stability. He personally supervised the battle, not letting go of any detail, ensuring there were no mistakes.

Zhou Yu remained in Jingzhou city, coordinating the overall situation; he sent out multiple scout teams to monitor the movements of Cao Cao's great army, while strengthening communication with Liu Bei and requesting support. He knew well that although they had won this battle, the true contest had only just begun.

Several days later, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei returned in triumph; they not only wiped out Cao Cao's ambush force completely but also captured several important generals and brought back valuable intelligence. Zhou Yu personally welcomed them at the city gate, expressing high praise for the heroism of the two.

"Two generals, you are not only peerless in martial arts but also wise and brave; Jiangdong having you is truly a great fortune!" Zhou Yu said, his eyes filled with gratification.

Guan Yu smiled modestly: "The Commander overpraises; this is our duty."

Zhang Fei patted his chest heroically: "Hehe, as long as the Commander gives the order, I, Zhang Fei, will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Everyone gathered together to celebrate this victory while also beginning to plan the next step of action. Huang Gai reported the situation at the rear, indicating that everything was in good order, grain and fodder were sufficient, and morale was high.

"Commander, now that our morale is high, should we strike while the iron is hot and press directly to Cao Cao's old lair?" Guan Yu proposed, his eyes flashing with a desire for battle.

Zhou Yu shook his head, his expression solemn: "Do not be reckless. Although Cao Cao was defeated, his foundation has not been moved, and the northern terrain is dangerous, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We need to act cautiously, advance steadily, and gradually expand our sphere of influence."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei muttered with some dissatisfaction: "Then wouldn't we have to wait a long time?"

Zhou Yu smiled without speaking; he looked into the distance, already having a plan in his heart: "Not long, it won't be too long. We must use this time to strengthen internal governance, improve military strength, and simultaneously unite all forces that can be united to jointly oppose Cao Cao. Future wars are not just a contest of military strength, but a test of wisdom, patience, and unity."

The moonlight once again spilled over Jingzhou city, and the Jiangdong land in the night appeared exceptionally peaceful. However, under this peace, there was an endless undercurrent surging. Zhou Yu, Huang Gai, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others knew that the road ahead was still long, but they also believed that as long as they were united as one, there was nothing that was impossible.

"We sons of Jiangdong never fear challenges or sacrifice," Zhou Yu said slowly, his voice echoing in the night sky. "Because we have faith in our hearts and love for this land. As long as we are together, nothing can block our path forward."

Upon hearing this, a warm current surged in everyone's hearts; they looked at each other and smiled, their eyes flashing with infinite longing for the future and firm belief. Under the moonlight, Jingzhou city seemed to be endowed with a special power; it witnessed the heroism and wisdom of the sons of Jiangdong and also heralded a more glorious chapter in the future. ===== CHAPTER 1739 =====