Mythical Three Kingdoms

”Among us, who has the experience of commanding a large army?” Cao Ang patted Cao Zhen’s shoulder, half comforting him, half questioning Xiahou Shang.

Xiahou Shang was taken aback, unsure how to respond. All the Cao family’s direct lineage now in Chang’an were very young, with the oldest being him and Cao Ang, but neither of them possessed the ability to command an army.

As for the other military officers, to be honest, none of them had it either. Those with the ability to command an army were typically high-ranking officials in the military and had gone north with Cao Cao. The remaining officers in Chang’an City truly capable of commanding an army were nonexistent.

Most people in this world rely on hard work and experience to become military officers. Naturally talented commanders are rare in any era, and clearly, neither Cao Ang nor Xiahou Shang belonged to this group.

”Then that’s settled. Since none of us can command troops, we, who enjoy the shade of our forefathers, can only lead our own trusted aides into battle, boosting morale. In that case, what makes us any different?” Cao Ang said casually.

Seeing the chaos in Chang’an earlier, Sima Yi, who was hidden among the people watching the outcome, couldn’t help but reveal a look of surprise at Cao Ang’s words, not expecting Cao Ang to have such a demeanor.

”How can it be like this? It would be better to follow me and firmly defend the border between Sili and Bingzhou.” Xiahou Shang was shocked upon hearing this.

”If we defend, who knows how many people will die under the iron cavalry of the Southern Huns. If we fight, with the chief general unafraid of death, the soldiers will naturally follow!” Cao Ang said with a hearty laugh, showing no fear on his face.

”But with this approach, not only will you be unable to defeat the Southern Huns and save the North, you might even get trapped yourself, further weakening the defenses in Sili.” Just as Cao Ang was laughing, a mocking laugh came from beside him.

Cao Ang’s laughter came to an abrupt halt, as if something got stuck in his throat, causing him to cough continuously, like choking on water.

”If you don’t do something, he might choke to death.” Sima Yi coldly told the wide-eyed Xiahou Shang, frightening him into quickly giving Cao Ang water.

”Whew...” After finishing a full bamboo tube of water, Cao Ang finally recovered.

”Isn’t this Sima Zhongda? Why have you come to join us?” Xiahou Shang looked at Sima Yi with a mocking smile and said.

”Logically speaking, you all are the second generation, while I am the first.” Sima Yi took out the seal ribbon given by Cao Cao and shook it, ”Without spiritual talent, if I hadn’t intervened over there, you might have been besieged to death long ago.”

Seeing Sima Yi’s token, Xiahou Shang was initially taken aback. Although he showed a look of doubt, the strong spiritual capacity emerging from Sima Yi made Xiahou Shang completely lose the right to argue, leaving him speechless even before arguing, as the momentum was seized by the opponent.

”You have spiritual talent?” Cao Ang looked at Sima Yi with delight, ”Then do you have any good ideas?”

”Do you want to win, or to heavily defeat the Southern Huns, or to follow Lord Cao in a single battle to annihilate the last enemy in the Northern Frontier?” Sima Yi said with a slight smile.

”Do you have a strategy to defeat the enemy?” Cao Ang showed a look of excitement. His biggest problem now was the lack of troops, making it impossible to resist the tens of thousands of Southern Huns. Even if he risked his life and led on the front lines, it might still be difficult to defeat several large armies.

”For people below a certain level, this kind of task is very difficult, but for people at our level, it is actually very simple.” Sima Yi said with a light smile, ”To us, the large forces of the Southern Huns are nothing more than a rabble.”

”Hmph, easier said than done.” Xiahou Shang said displeasedly, looking at Sima Yi. His youthful face expressing such words greatly irked Xiahou Shang. Sima Yi was too young, too young for Xiahou Shang to accept.

”Whether it’s mere talk or not can naturally be known at the border between Sili and Bingzhou. General Cao, do you have the emperor’s decree?” Sima Yi asked Cao Ang.

”I do.” Cao Ang said while looking at Sima Yi. The opponent’s calm demeanor and composure when revealing his identity with the seal ribbon reassured Cao Ang, knowing that his father had left a substantial power for him in Chang’an City.

”First of all, rest assured, Chang’an cannot be captured. Even if the Southern Huns arrive, Chang’an cannot be captured. Although Minister Zhong doesn’t handle miscellaneous affairs, he is a post Cao Sikong left to control you and His Majesty from behind. So even if you act with Marquis Buqi in Chang’an, there are people who can keep control.” Sima Yi said, smiling calmly at Cao Ang.

”Then what about the troops? Being able to control both sides implies that there are not a few troops.” Cao Ang questioned Sima Yi, puzzled.

”Outside the city, Marquis Buqi can secretly train a mighty army. Official Mao and Colonel Zao are not merely engaged in Tuntian, and the military Tuntian may not lack combat power in Official Mao’s hands. Near Chang’an City, there are four people with spiritual talent.” Sima Yi said with a light smile, looking at Cao Ang.

[Besides the four of us, there’s also Xuu Zijiang, who is a guarantee. If the Emperor can truly seize control of Chang’an and achieve victory at this time, the four of us plus Xuu Zijiang will be an amulet for the Cao Family, clarifying everything for His Majesty.] Sima Yi thought silently.

However, right now, these arrangements are already useless. Liu Xie no longer has any chance of winning. His foolishness left Sima Yi speechless.

So he, Zhong Yao, the Yang Family, and Mao Jie were unusable, and Xuu Zijiang could go listen to music, as the arrangements of Cao Cao and Xun Yu had lost all value.

”What, there’s another mighty army with Mao Xiaoxian? That’s great!” Cao Ang exclaimed excitedly, clearly not paying attention to Sima Yi’s other words, to which Sima Yi could only silently shake his head.

”Under your leadership, the Tuntian Soldiers would be nothing more than a rabble. Do you know why Mr. Mao has been with Colonel Zao in Tuntian for so many years, rarely coming out?” Sima Yi said with a sneer, but he maintained the respect due to Mao Jie.

”Hmm, why?” Cao Ang was puzzled and immediately questioned back.

”Because Mr. Mao is unlocking his spiritual talent. Previously I didn’t know, but now he has definitely unlocked it.” Sima Yi stared at Cao Ang, ”And his talent is enough to give the rabble decent combat power, whereas with you, hmph...”

Sima Yi’s disdain was evident to everyone, but Cao Ang paid no mind, ”Then let’s invite Mr. Mao to join me in going north, and first deal with the Southern Huns.”

”He won’t leave. After you depart, he’ll stay to guard Chang’an and stabilize the situation. Have you thought about what will happen to the other members of the Cao Family once you take the main army away?” Sima Yi said, with a tone of mockery, ”Don’t assume that everyone is as benevolent as you.”