Although Xiang Chao was defeated and fled, Cao Cao's military strength was limited after all.
The enemy was never completely wiped out.
One day later.
Xiang Chao still managed to gather 60,000 soldiers.
As the saying goes, the army that mourns will win.
Now, everyone in the Chu army knows that it is difficult to survive.
In such circumstances, if we are chased and blocked by the enemy, we must fight with all our might.
By then, both the enemy and us will suffer heavy losses.
Therefore, Cao Cao did not send troops to pursue.
Instead, he allowed Xiang Chao to lead his defeated troops across the Yellow River.
If the Chu soldiers were to starve for a few days, all their fighting spirit would disappear.
In Cao's army camp.
Guo Jia advised, "Lord Cao, although our army has won a great victory, we must not slack off if we want to defeat the Chu army from the overall perspective.
I propose that we gather all our troops, cross the Wei River, and march straight to Liyang. Only by driving the Chu army out of Liyang can we completely recapture the lost territory."
Hearing this, Cao Cao hadn't given any reply yet, but Xu Chu beside him was getting a little anxious.
"Attack Liyang? What about Zhicheng? Zhicheng only has a small number of defenders. How can Cao Ren defeat it?"
Among the three Xiang brothers, Xiang Liang is the best at using troops.
Now, it was he who led the army to attack Zhicheng.
Cao Cao was also worried, muttering, "Zhicheng is Xianyang's last line of defense. If Zhicheng falls, what will happen to Your Majesty?"
Everyone knows the importance of Zhicheng.
Because once Xiang Liang occupied Zhicheng, Xiang Yan would be invincible.
If they advance, they can hold Zhicheng; if they retreat, they can defend the land lost by Qin.
If the State of Chu sends more reinforcements, then this battle will directly escalate to the level of a war of annihilation.
Xi Zhicai quickly advised, "Lord Cao, the opportunity for battle is fleeting, and you must not hesitate.
Now, Xiang Chao has led his troops across the Wei River. If they are allowed to return to Liyang, General Pan will be caught in a pincer attack.
If we are not careful, our entire army will be wiped out."
Upon hearing the news, Cao Cao finally made a decision to cross the Wei River and march towards Liyang.
July 21st.
Cao Cao joined forces with Pan Feng and others.
Xiang Chao had led his remaining troops back to the city of Liyang.
After learning about the defeat, Xiang Yan was shocked.
The generals of the Chu army were all in a panic.
The battle of Weinan resulted in heavy casualties and severe damage to our side.
In the face of food shortages and after this defeat, morale has plummeted to the bottom.
At this time, someone suggested to Xiang Yan that Xiang Liang should lead his army back to defend Liyang together.
Xiang Yan, a veteran of many battles, knew very well that if the Chu army wanted to gain a great advantage on the battlefield again, it had to let Xiang Liang capture Zhicheng.
If he were to withdraw his troops now, all his efforts would be in vain.
No matter how good the result is, it will only end in a draw with the Qin army.
"Xiang Liang cannot withdraw his troops. As long as our army can defend Liyang and create an opportunity for Xiang Liang, we can turn defeat into victory!"
In the end, Xiang Yan made the decision to fight to the death with Cao Cao's side in Liyang.
At the same time, he placed his hopes on Xiang Liang's attack on Zhicheng.
In Cao's army camp.
Cao Cao accepted the advice of Guo Jia and others and recalled all the troops of Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren and others.
Then attack Liyang at all costs.
A brutal siege campaign officially began.
Zhicheng.
After several days of bloody fighting, Cao Ren's side suffered heavy losses.
If it weren't for Cai Jing and others who continuously transported food and supplies to the front line.
I'm afraid Cao Ren would have given up long ago.
The sunset is like residual blood.
The entire city was covered in blood.
Cao Ren patrolled back and forth on the top of the city wall.
Be vigilant against enemy attacks on the city.
He saw a wounded soldier with a broken arm, unable to draw the bow and shoot arrows, but still holding a shield, standing firmly on the top of the city wall.
Cao Ren walked over slowly, patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "Well done, you didn't bring shame to us Qin people."
Hearing this, the soldier was immediately flattered and tried to kneel down, but Cao Ren stopped him and said, "Have a good rest."
At this time, several other wounded soldiers beside him asked one after another:
"General Cao, do you think we can win?"
"Will the court send reinforcements here?"
“…”
Hearing their voices, Cao Ren did not feel any blame.
Instead, he felt a little uncomfortable. He took a deep breath and forced a smile, saying, "To be honest, the imperial court can no longer send any reinforcements."
As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of all the soldiers, which were originally full of hope, suddenly dimmed.
In fact, they knew it a long time ago, but they just didn't dare to admit it, and still hoped that there would be a way to survive.
After a pause, Cao Ren's gaze briefly focused on each soldier, and then he slowly spoke:
"Although the imperial court has no more troops to send, we still have to defend Zhicheng to the death.
Because behind Zhicheng is our family and His Majesty!
Your Majesty once said, "The Son of Heaven guards the country's gates, and the King dies for the country!" For Your Majesty and for our families, we have no choice!
Your Majesty will be with us in Xianyang!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's fighting spirit was rekindled.
In their eyes, the emperor is a god.
How could they not be motivated to fight when they heard that the emperor was determined to defend Xianyang to the death and stay with them?
Suddenly.
Right at this moment.
On the other side of the city wall, smoke rose.
The blast of the trumpets was deafening.
Cao Ren frowned and shouted, "Enemy attack! Enemy attack! Be alert! All troops, be alert!"
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