615. Lingling Abandoned & Give Chase

If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!

Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12

___________________________

In the end, the reluctant group was left to their fate. Cheng Pu assigned a small detachment to ensure that those leaving were safely escorted to the wagons. His men worked tirelessly, helping families load their belongings and providing guidance. The sight of wagons laden with supplies, children clutching their parents' hands, and elders being carried on stretchers painted a somber picture of a city in transition.

Meanwhile, Han Dang took to the field with his cavalry units, executing daring raids on Liu Bei's supply lines. His objective was clear, which was to create as much confusion and delay as possible without overextending their forces.

Han Dang's men struck under the cover of darkness, burning supply caravans ongoing toward Liu Bei's Army encampment, ambushing small patrols, and scattering livestock.

These raids achieved their intended purpose. Kuai Yue's forces, already cautious of Zhou Yu's reputation for cunning, became increasingly wary. Reports of Sun Clan's army activity behind enemy lines disrupted their plans to tighten the siege.

Han Dang's raids forced Kuai Yue to divert some resources and his men to fortify his own supply routes, buying precious time for the Sun Clan's withdrawal to be fully executed.

Despite the success of the raids, Han Dang knew the risk. Each time they struck, the likelihood of a counterattack grew. Yet he pressed on, ensuring that every moment bought was another moment for the evacuation to progress smoothly.

Zhou Tai operated with quiet efficiency, overseeing the destruction of Lingling's key infrastructure. His men worked under the cover of darkness, dismantling fortifications, sabotaging weapon caches, and rendering the city's granaries useless.

Fires were set in strategic locations, consuming stores of food and resources that could otherwise be used by Liu Bei's forces when they entered Lingling.

While Zhou Tai ensured that nothing of value was left for the enemy, he also took charge of the Sun Clan's rear guard. His warriors, known for their discipline and unwavering loyalty, patrolled the outskirts of the city to prevent any surprise attacks. Zhou Tai's calm demeanor reassured the troops, even as the tension of their mission weighed heavily on everyone.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yu moved between his generals, offering guidance and support where needed. His sharp mind anticipated every potential setback, and his presence inspired confidence among his men.

He visited Cheng Pu at the evacuation site, offering a few encouraging words to the families preparing to leave. He met briefly with Han Dang to discuss the success of the raids and ensure that they did not overextend. And he conferred with Zhou Tai about the progress of the sabotage efforts, making adjustments to the plan as needed.

Despite the flurry of activity, Zhou Yu's mind was never far from the enemy. Kuai Yue's intelligence and vigilance posed a constant threat to their plans.

Zhou Yu made sure to maintain the illusion of strength, ordering patrols along the walls and deploying decoy troops to give the appearance of a well-defended city. Scouts were sent to monitor Liu Bei's movements, ensuring that any shift in their strategy would be quickly reported.

Two days passed by and the day of the final withdrawal approached, the atmosphere in Lingling grew heavy with anticipation. The city, once bustling with life, now felt eerily quiet.

The wagons and caravans, packed to the brim with supplies and belongings, formed a single battalion that stretched far into the distance in the Eastern Gate of Lingling.

Zhou Yu had instructed his men to leave in stages, with the civilians and resources moving first, followed by the bulk of the troops, and finally the rear guard.

The departure was a solemn affair. Those leaving cast long, lingering glances at the city they had called home. Many wept silently, their tears a testament to the emotional toll of abandoning their hometown.

The soldiers, though stoic, felt the weight of their duty. They marched with a quiet determination, knowing that their sacrifice was necessary for the greater good.

As the batches of civilians, wagons, and soldiers slipped out of Lingling under the cover of darkness and mist, Zhou Yu remained vigilant. He oversaw the withdrawal with the precision of a chess master moving pieces on a board.

Every step of the evacuation was carefully timed to avoid detection by Kuai Yue's forces. The plan was bold, and Zhou Yu knew any misstep could result in disaster.

The journey to Changsha was arduous. The roads, uneven and narrow in places, slowed the pace of the caravan. Families clung together, their belongings piled high in wagons as soldiers flanked them on all sides.

Zhou Yu had positioned experienced scouts along the route to ensure the path was clear of any ambushes or enemy patrols. Despite the challenges, morale remained steady, bolstered by the knowledge that Changsha would provide safety and resources.

In Kuai Yue's tent, the atmosphere was tense. He sat at a wooden table, illuminated by a flickering oil lamp, studying the latest reports. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Chen Dao stood nearby, their expressions reflecting varying degrees of concern.

"Master Kuai Yue, Lingling is unusually quiet," Guan Yu said, his deep voice carrying a note of suspicion. "The city has always shown signs of activity, even during the night. But now, the walls are almost deserted, save for a few guards."

Zhang Fei, less measured than his elder brother, scowled. "It's Zhou Yu's doing, I'm sure of it. That snake is planning something, hiding behind this cursed mist."

Chen Dao, who was the voice of reason between the three, added, "The reduced activity might be a feint to lower our guard. But it could also mean they're preparing for something bigger. We must remain cautious."

Kuai Yue leaned back in his chair, his sharp mind processing their observations. "The mist is too convenient," he mused. "Zhou Yu is no fool, he knows our vision is limited. But why would he risk an operation under these conditions? If they're resting their forces, it's because they expect us to strike. If they're moving, it must be something substantial."

He stood, pacing the room. "Send scouts closer to the city. I want confirmation of what's happening within Lingling's walls. And double our patrols along the supply routes. If Zhou Yu is withdrawing, he will cover his tracks with distractions."

Guan Yu nodded. "I'll oversee the patrols myself. Zhang Fei and Chen Dao can assist with securing our supply lines."

"Good," Kuai Yue replied. "If Zhou Yu is attempting to retreat, we must strike before they can fully disengage. Lingling is too valuable to let go without a fight."

As the evacuation continued, Zhou Tai and his rear guard maintained their vigilant watch. Zhou Yu had instructed them to delay the enemy at all costs should they discover the plan. Zhou Tai's men moved silently through the abandoned city, ensuring no stragglers remained and that the sabotage was complete.

The once-vibrant city now bore the scars of its deliberate dismantling. Burned granaries, toppled walls, and collapsed fortifications left Lingling as little more than a hollow shell.

Zhou Tai stood on the battlements, watching the last group of civilians disappear into the mist. His heart was heavy, but he knew their sacrifices today would ensure the Sun Clan's strength tomorrow.

When Zhou Yu finally joined the rear guard, he found Zhou Tai waiting. "The civilians are safe, commander Zhou Yu," Zhou Tai reported. "The first batches should reach Changsha within three days if the weather holds. The soldiers are prepared to move."

"Good," Zhou Yu said, his voice calm but firm. "The enemy will suspect something by dawn. We must ensure our trail is obscured."

By the time Kuai Yue's scouts returned, the mist was beginning to lift. Their reports confirmed the suspicions, Lingling was being evacuated. Fires still smoldered within the city, and the gates stood eerily open.

Kuai Yue's expression hardened as he received the news. "So Zhou Yu has chosen to abandon the city," he muttered. "But he's not foolish enough to leave it entirely undefended. They'll be laying traps."

Guan Yu was already donning his armor. "Then we must act swiftly, Master Kuai Yue. If we strike now, we can catch their rear guard and disrupt their retreat."

Zhang Fei grinned, eager for the fight. "Finally, some action! Let's crush them before they get too far."

Chen Dao, much more cautious, advised, "We should proceed carefully. Zhou Yu will have anticipated this. We cannot afford to underestimate him."

Kuai Yue nodded. "Guan Yu, take your forces and press toward Lingling. Zhang Fei, you'll circle to the east and intercept their caravan if possible. Chen Dao, stay with me and secure our supply lines. We cannot afford to be drawn into a trap."

On the other hand, as dawn broke, Zhou Yu's forces were already several miles from Lingling, moving steadily toward Changsha. The mist had begun to clear, and Zhou Yu knew it was only a matter of time before Kuai Yue's army gave chase. He rode alongside Zhou Tai, surveying their progress.

"How far are we from the next checkpoint?" Zhou Yu asked.

"Roughly ten miles," Zhou Tai replied. "The civilians are making slower progress, but they're holding up well."

Zhou Yu nodded. "Good. We'll establish a temporary defensive position there. If the enemy catches up, we'll make our stand and buy more time for the others."

Behind them, the rear guard remained alert, their eyes scanning the horizon for signs of pursuit. Zhou Yu had positioned his most disciplined troops at the back, knowing they would need to hold firm if Kuai Yue's forces closed in.

By midday, the sound of hooves pounding the earth signaled the arrival of Guan Yu's vanguard. The rear guard, led by Zhou Tai, quickly formed a defensive line, their shields and spears gleaming in the sunlight. Zhou Yu rode to the front, his presence a steadying force for the troops.

Guan Yu, astride his majestic steed, halted his advance just out of range. His piercing gaze met Zhou Yu's across the battlefield. "You fight valiantly, Zhou Yu," he called out. "But this is a losing battle. Surrender now, and your men will be spared."

Zhou Yu's lips curled into a faint smile. "You misunderstand, General Guan Yu. This is not a battle, it's a lesson in strategy. And you, I fear, are the student."

With that, Zhou Yu signaled for his archers to fire. A volley of arrows rained down on Guan Yu's forces, forcing them to scatter and regroup. Zhou Tai led a countercharge, his men engaging the enemy in a fierce but calculated skirmish. The battle was intense, but it was clear that Zhou Yu's objective was not to win, it was to delay Guan Yu and his men.

Every moment the rear guard held their ground was another moment for the civilians and resources to move further from danger. After hours of fighting, Zhou Yu gave the signal to retreat. Zhou Tai's men disengaged with practiced precision, falling back in formation. Guan Yu's forces, though victorious in the skirmish, found themselves unable to press their advantage.

_____________________________

Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0