Chapter 1739

The moonlight was like water, quietly spilling onto the city wall of Jingzhou, giving this ancient city a layer of silver veil. Zhou Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Huang Gai, and others sat around in a courtyard in the city; the bonfire was burning fiercely, reflecting their firm faces. In the night, occasionally the sound of horse neighing from afar could be heard, adding a few more points of tense atmosphere during wartime.

"Commander, although we say we should advance steadily, we cannot let Cao Cao have a chance to catch his breath," Guan Yu stroked his beard lightly, his gaze like a torch. "Can we consider sending a small team to harass Cao Cao's borders, making him unable to have peace?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu smiled slightly, his gaze revealing appreciation: "Yun Chang's plan is excellent. However, harassment must be just right; it must make Cao Cao feel pressure without giving him an excuse to counterattack. This matter needs meticulous planning; I wonder which general is willing to take on this heavy responsibility?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei stood up abruptly, his voice loud: "I, Zhang Fei, am willing to go! I will make that Cao Cao know the power of Jiangdong's warriors!"

Zhou Yu nodded, but then shook his head, as if weighing something: "Yi De is brave and peerless, but this journey requires both wisdom and courage; one must be able to fight and also be able to plan. I intend for this task to be more suitable for Zhao Zilong (Zhao Yun)."

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu also expressed agreement: "Zhao Zilong acts cautiously and has both courage and wisdom; he is indeed the most suitable candidate."

Although Zhang Fei was somewhat unwilling, he also knew that Zhou Yu's arrangement had its reasons, so he stopped arguing, only humming to indicate acceptance.

Early the next morning, Zhao Yun led a team of elite troops and set off quietly, heading straight for Cao Cao's borders. They were like ghosts, wandering on Cao Cao's defense lines, sometimes raiding small groups of enemy troops, sometimes destroying supply lines, causing Cao Cao's army to run about in exhaustion without finding a target to counterattack.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yu in Jingzhou city was not idle either. He summoned his strategists to discuss the next strategy together. Huang Gai proposed that they should strengthen the training of the navy in preparation for possible water battles in the future; and another strategist, Lu Su, suggested strengthening the alliance with Liu Bei to jointly oppose Cao Cao while winning support from more allies.

"Gongjin, although we have formed an alliance with Liu Bei, we still need to be vigilant against his ambition," Lu Su said in a low voice, his expression cautious. "Liu Bei is not a thing in a pond; sooner or later he will achieve great things. We must cooperate, but also guard against him."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: "I have my own sense of proportion regarding Su's words. Liu Bei is indeed no ordinary person, but the current great enemy is Cao Cao; we need to unite all forces that can be united. As for the future, we will take it one step at a time."

Just as everyone was discussing, a scout entered hurriedly, holding another secret letter in his hand. Zhou Yu took the secret letter, unfolded it, and his face changed drastically. Seeing this, everyone gathered around, their expressions tense.

"Cao Cao is actually leading the army personally, intending to counterattack Jingzhou!" 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 brows locked: "Cao Cao's move is clearly to wash away his previous shame. We must prepare immediately to meet the invading enemy."

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged a glance, both their eyes flashing with a desire for battle: "Commander, we are willing to lead the army to meet the battle and swear to defend Jingzhou!"

Zhou Yu pondered for a moment and nodded: "Good! Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, you two each lead a great army to garrison the north and south wings of Jingzhou city respectively, preparing to meet Cao Cao's battle. Zhao Zilong is harassing outside, so he must also be recalled immediately to enhance the strength of defending the city. Huang Gai, you are responsible for logistics to ensure military supplies are sufficient. Lu Su, you are responsible for contact with Liu Bei to request his support."

"As you command!" everyone answered in unison, then dispersed to prepare to meet the coming great battle.

Several days later, Cao Cao's great army pressed toward the borders; outside Jingzhou city, banners blocked the sun, and war drums thundered. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei led their armies respectively, holding their positions and engaging in fierce exchanges with Cao Cao's army. Arrows were like rain, war horses neighed, the battlefield was filled with smoke, and the sounds of killing shook the heavens.

Zhou Yu stood on the city tower, calmly observing the situation on the battlefield, issuing instructions from time to time to adjust tactics. Huang Gai was on the side, ensuring that logistics and supplies were unobstructed, providing a steady stream of support for the front line.

The battle lasted for several days, and both sides had casualties, but Cao Cao's offensive became more and more fierce. Just at this moment, the small team led by Zhao Yun suddenly appeared in the rear of Cao Cao's army and launched a surprise attack. Cao Cao's army formation was in chaos, and their morale was frustrated.

Seeing this, Zhou Yu immediately ordered a full-line attack. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei led the great army like two sharp blades, stabbing directly into the heart of Cao Cao's army. On the battlefield, the Jiangdong soldiers were brave and fearless, fighting bravely and showing amazing combat power.

After a fierce battle, Cao Cao's army finally collapsed and retreated back to the north. Zhou Yu led the army in pursuit, expanding the results and recovering some lost territory. At the foot of Jingzhou city, the Jiangdong soldiers cheered, celebrating this hard-won victory.

After the battle, Zhou Yu summoned the generals to summarize combat experience while planning future strategies. He knew well that although they had won this battle, Cao Cao's threat still existed, and future wars would be even more difficult.

"Generals, although we won, we must not be proud," Zhou Yu said slowly, his gaze firm. "Cao Cao is a hero of a generation and will not easily admit defeat. We need to continue to work hard, strengthen military equipment, improve combat power, and simultaneously win more allies. The road ahead is still long, but as long as we are united as one, there is nothing that is impossible."

Upon hearing this, a heroic spirit surged in everyone's hearts; they looked at each other and smiled, their eyes flashing with infinite longing for the future and firm belief. ===== CHAPTER 1740 =====