Negotiation

The fierce battle for control raging in the south, around Jiangling, was reported to Fancheng almost daily.

Even if we took Fancheng, if Nanjun fell to Sun Quan, we would end up sandwiched between Sun Quan and Cao Cao, ultimately forced to give up Fancheng.

Therefore, both our country and Wei were focusing more on the movements of Sun Quan’s army rather than our own fight.

Of course, we weren’t just sitting back and watching either.

When Cao Cao tried to quietly move his troops to surround Fancheng, we sent a force to Sizhong through the navy on the Han River, showing the possibility of counterattack and relieving the pressure. We also sent reinforcements to face Zhang Xun, Sun Quan’s general attacking Qingni, and so on.

We were also on high alert, dealing with both Cao Cao and Sun Quan.

Until Sun Quan took over Gong’an, Jiangling, Yidu, and Zhijiang with overwhelming momentum, the atmosphere in our army was very uneasy.

Conversely, Cao Cao and Zhang Xun were acting as if their opportunity had come.

But now that too was over.

“Good news! Military Advisor Pang has recaptured Gong’an! Fu Zhong has also retaken Jiangling city!”

The voice of the messenger delivering the report was highly excited.

And rightly so. For a while, it had been all about which place had fallen, who had lost, but now we were counterattacking vigorously, how joyful that must be.

“Indeed, it’s Pang Siyuan.”

Guan Yu also smiled contentedly, stroking his beard.

“It was a strategy planned together with Shengming. His merit is also great.”

“Hmm.”

When I mentioned Fu Jun and defended his achievements, Guan Yu’s expression turned sour. Perhaps Guan Yu, who had a bad relationship with Fu Jun, wasn’t entirely pleased with his great achievement.

As I gazed steadily at Guan Yu, he spoke as if he had no choice:

“Yes, you’re right. I had been blaming him for neglecting his duties as Zhong, but it was a painful strategy for this day. I admit that I underestimated his abilities.”

Yet Guan Yu added a postscript:

“However, unlike Siyuan or you who have been granted independent positions by His Majesty, Fu Zhong is my subordinate. Hiding strategies from superiors is wrong.”

Perhaps it seemed like Guan Yu and I were opposing each other over Fu Jun, as Guan Ping intervened with a kind smile:

“Come now, why are you like this with such good news? Both of you, please calm down. Aren’t you both generals of His Majesty the King of Hanzhong, bearing his battle-axe? Rather than discussing merits, please discuss how our army should proceed from now on.”

“Hahaha, did it seem that way? What reason do I have to quarrel with Zhang Zhenbei? We were merely sharing personal opinions, so don’t worry too much.”

Guan Yu is right. How is this quarreling? Anyway, Guan Ping’s words are also correct. The issue of Fu Jun’s treatment can be addressed later.

First, we need to focus on the immediate task at hand.

“It’s time to draw Cao Cao to the negotiation table.”

“Yes. Generals, listen. Feed the soldiers well, spread this news and make them cheer. And tell the navy to be ready to sail at any time.”

Guan Yu’s orders were a manifestation of his will to maintain resistance, trusting in the rear. In fact, we too found it burdensome to continue this situation with Wei.

The instability of supplies due to rear chaos. The soldiers’ physical deterioration due to continuous battles. Although the morale issue would be resolved with the news of victory, adverse factors were still scattered here and there.

However, Guan Yu went a step further, even spreading rumors that he intended to kill prisoners like Cao Ren and Pang Tong and strengthen the resolve for a fight to the death.

If Cao Cao comes at us with an all-or-nothing, let’s all die together attitude, it’s certainly difficult for us to guarantee whether we can protect Fancheng or not.

Nevertheless, there were three reasons why Guan Yu was coming on so strong.

Firstly, if we lose Fancheng, we can conduct a second resistance through our naval superiority occupying the Han River by crossing over to Xiangyang.

Secondly, even if both Fancheng fall, we have a retreat route in the direction of Shangyong.

Lastly, we’re not the only ones taking losses.

If Cao Cao rushes to recover Fancheng, we might suffer great losses but would only lose less than half of Jingzhou, but not so for Cao Cao.

In exchange for gaining Fancheng, he might lose everything he has achieved so far.

“The uprising in Ye city has been suppressed.”

The Wei Feng Rebellion, which also occurred in the original history, proceeded without fail this time as well. Perhaps because our prestige was even more formidable than in the original history.

Unlike the original where it was dissolved before even starting due to the defection of conspirators, Wei Feng succeeded in raising troops as planned.

However, if there was something Wei Feng misunderstood, it was that it was still too early to overthrow Cao Cao’s regime.

Before Cao Pi made a mess of things, Wei under Cao Cao still had potential left even in a situation mired in defeat.

The capable and loyal founding contributors who had established the foundations of Wei with Cao Cao were still alive and vigilant.

Jia Xu, Hua Xin, Zhong Yao… Wei Feng’s youthful vigor was too light to break through their stronghold.

“But this is a signal.”

“As you say. This is clear evidence that Cao Cao’s regime is shaking.”

Cao Cao’s overwhelming spirit and thorough grip on power have begun to shake.

And this small crack will rapidly grow while Cao Cao is away from the Central Plains, trapped in Fancheng, eventually splitting the great wall that is Wei.

There’s no way Cao Cao wouldn’t know this fact.

Cao Cao, with his innate political talent, would know better than anyone that his empire, which appears strong on the outside, is slowly rotting from the inside.

And also what the most efficient solution is.

Just one day after we showed our display of force, half bluff and half sincere, an envoy with a white flag appeared from Cao Cao’s camp.

It was a symbolic moment that the positions had now been reversed.

Yes, in proceeding with the ceasefire negotiations, we have become the principal and Cao Cao the subordinate.

§

“This humble one is Zhang Ji, General.”

“Enough with the formalities. Speak your message.”

“The King of Wei wishes for a meeting with the General.”

Looking down at Zhang Ji, who had come as an envoy, Guan Yu leisurely stroked his beard.

Now that Sun Quan, the trump card, had failed to play its part, Guan Yu also noticed that it was Cao Cao, not us, who was becoming anxious.

“Say it again. Is it a meeting or a negotiation? It would be better to speak carefully. My answer will differ depending on what words come out.”

Beads of sweat rolled down Zhang Ji’s forehead.

Was the spirit emanating from Guan Yu in his prime too overwhelming even for Zhang Ji, Cao Cao’s close aide?

Or was it simply that Cao Cao’s condition was that bad, and Zhang Ji himself felt it as a great threat?

Zhang Ji answered without faltering, even while sweating:

“A negotiation, it is.”

“Continue speaking.”

“The King of Wei proposes to hold negotiations to end this fruitless war in Yanxing.”

Yanxing was originally a place we occupied, but currently, it had fallen to Cao Cao as we concentrated our forces in Fancheng.

Guan Yu’s answer was firm:

“Impossible.”

“…Why? Do you not trust His Majesty the King of Wei? Have you forgotten? His Majesty kept his promise even when you left to meet Liu Xuande!”

“I know. I remember well. But it’s impossible.”

“Please tell us the reason.”

“This is a matter of national importance.”

I gritted my teeth to suppress a laugh. I understand why Guan Yu said those words.

He probably means we can’t follow along as if we’re giving in when we have the advantage. It’s a kind of image battle.

However, those words, how should I put it, they seemed more like words to be heard rather than said by Guan Yu.

Guan Yu’s words didn’t end there.

“Go and tell him. Withdraw the army to Yanlingpi and vacate Yanxing. Then say that we are willing to hold negotiations in the neutral Yanxing. I will allow leaving some officials for negotiations and part of the guard forces.”

“…I will convey that.”

Guan Yu’s conditions were immediately accepted. Zhang Ji, who returned to say that Cao Cao had accepted the conditions, felt urgent as he informed us when they would start withdrawing troops and even the date of negotiations.

It didn’t take long for the Wei army surrounding Fancheng to disappear.

Right after the reconnaissance team sent to Sizhong confirmed that they had retreated to Yanlingpi, slightly north of Yanxing, Guan Yu prepared to depart, putting on his official robes.

Just as Cao Cao kept his promise, Guan Yu also kept his.

It didn’t seem to be in Guan Yu’s mind to secretly raid Yanxing and kill Cao Cao. I don’t have such thoughts either.

No matter how much of a traitor Cao Cao is to us, using such a petty method would not only tarnish our cause but also likely be a bad move that would give the shaking Wei court a reason to unite.

“Ran’er, are you mentally prepared?”

In front of Yanxing, Guan Yu asked me.

Although I had fought against Cao Cao in Hanzhong, I had never met him face to face. In other words, this would be my first time seeing Cao Cao.

“Yes, I am.”

Living as Zhang Ran, has there ever been a day as tense as this? If I had to pick one, it would be similar to when I first met the Three Brothers and Zhuge Liang ten years ago.

But there’s a big difference between the 9-year-old Zhang Ran who knew nothing of the world and the 19-year-old Zhang Ran who has become a general commanding the world after going through thick and thin.

Thinking about the huge gap between the two, today might be the most thrilling moment in this life.

We pass through the open gates of Yanxing and enter the official residence.

Unlike the empty outside, inside the official residence, Wei army soldiers left to guard Cao Cao were standing in formation, exuding an elite aura.

And beyond the wide-open doors of the official residence, on a raised platform, looking at us, he was visible.

It was Cao Cao.