Chapter 11: Zhuge Liang's successor

"Yet another attack?" Zhuge Liang pondered from his seat.

"Yes, milord. It is 10,000 strong but this Wei officer is quite talented," the scout remarked.

"What is his name?"

"Jiang Wei of Chang An, milord."

"Let him pass unchallenged till every unit is within range. Then surround him. I want him captured alive."


Wan's defense is pretty solid with Zhang Bao and a score of other talented officers. But Jiang Wei evaded our capture. Zhuge Liang insisted they push forward to Chang An to capture him, leaving Wan slightly weaker.



"This man is worth the trouble. I have an appointment to keep in Chang An anyway," he explained with a glint in his eyes as Zhang Bao, Wang Ping and Ma Dai led the charge to Chang An through Tong Gate.

Elsewhere, Sun Quan leads the Shou Chun offensive after months of being in defense.

Wei attempted a quick counter attack on Xin Ye from Xu Cheng.

Back in Chang An, Zhuge Liang has succeeded in capturing Jiang Wei. The strategist instructed him to be well-treated in his imprisonment. He wishes to speak with Jiang Wei after Chang An is captured.

Jiang Wei is extremely skilled in all aspects of battle. Leadership, War and Intelligence is actually all you need in the battlefield. He held nearly all 90 scores on those three!

His unique skill is no slouch either. Counter Plan, when an enemy strategy failed to affect his unit he will counter the enemy with the same plot for free. Wicked!

Elsewhere, Zhu Rong leads the defense at Xin Ye with Wan's meager forces sending what they could. With Ma Su's strategy, the Shu Nanman forces prevailed over an equal Wei forces without much casualty.

Wei's counterattack utterly crushed.

Elsewhere, Lu Xun leads a defense at the newly captured city of Shou Cun

Wu Tugu's cavalry is tired yet jubilant. Chang An is within sight. After conquering three cities namely Wu Wei, An Ding and Tian Shui his men prepared to siege the large city of Chang An. Guan Suo kept morale up with his jokes and tales of Zhuge Liang's miraculous defense of Xiang Yang. He added they could meet this amazing man in Chang An. As a bonus, their campaign was highlighted with the successful capture and executions of Cao Hong and Sima Yi. There was never really enough forces to stop a blitz of this size in the western Wei territory. Not when they moved from city to city within less than a month.

"My prince, there's a problem!" Tugu shouted.

"What is it, Tugu?" Guan Suo looked ahead.

"Chang An banner is our colour. Is it a trick?"

"I'll ride ahead and check out myself." Guan Suo galloped with a few cavalry accompanying him he need not ride far before he recognize a familiar figure speaking with another scholar.

-----

"Jiang Wei, I've not much time left. Shu-Nanman need men like you to succeed. We are so close to unifying China. A prefect like Xiahou Mao does not deserve a brilliant officer like you." Zhuge Liang tries to persuade the Wei officer.

"I know what you mean, yet the thought of fighting my former comrades disturbs me somewhat."

"They will all be spared, Jiang Wei. Except for the Cao clan, Xiahou's, and evil Sima family. Once Wei is finished, there's still Wu to deal with. I don't think I'll last that long." Zhuge Liang stated bluntly. "I know I can trust you. There's a talented man who needs your help."

"Who is it? King Meng Huo of the Nanman?" Jiang Wei queried. Zhuge shook his head.

"KONG MING!!!! I did it!" a rider shouted at the top of his voice. Clouds of dust conjured behind his steed. He carries the Shu Nanman banner in his left hand and Blue Dragon blade strapped on his back.

"Ah, there he is. Almost a year earlier than I expected." smiled the strategist.

------

Guan Suo's campaign to conquer the northwestern Wei is a total success. Zhuge Liang secured Chang An as Xin Ye and Wan held back Wei's counter attacks. Shu Nanman's territories almost doubled in two years. Sun Quan's Wu Army takes Shou Cun and attempts to hold it. The Wei Kingdom has not achieved a single victory in the face of this massive alliance. But people whispered how long will this last. What happens when Wei is no more?

-End of Chapter 11-

Chapter 10: Guan Suo's Vow

"So have you decided yet, Kong Ming?" Guan Suo approached the strategist again the next day.

"Oh? Yes. This should be simple enough, I've sent a message to King Meng Huo to send an invasion force northwards into Wei territory. They've started marching out of Zi Tong as we speak."


"Oh, what about us?"

"We need to wait for fresh supplies from Xiang Yang. Xin Ye has very little to develop and can never be self sufficient. We just have to be patient, and strike northwest towards Wan."

"We're not pushing to the East? I thought Wu needed help?"

"Too slow. Staying here and putting pressure on Wei's western front will help more than assisting Wu on the east. We have too few navy officers at the moment."

Days passed, and the northern invasion broke through the hill fortification and entered Wei borders to lay siege upon the city of Han Zhong.

Wei forces attempted to slow their march by constructing an archer turret, but before it could finish, Yong Kai's flame tower razed it to the ground. Additional Wei forces moved in to stop us, but they were poorly armed and posed very little challenge.

Elsewhere in Xin Ye, a prince was seen running towards the Strategist's office.

"Kong Ming! Supplies have arrived, and we are ready to go!", shouted Guan Suo, eager to lead the attack.

"Mmmmm, I know. I've sent word for them to go on ahead without us." replied the strategist without looking up from his book.

"But why am I not included? I can help!"

"Oh, don't worry. When the time comes, I'll go with you. We're waiting for something special." answered Zhuge, with a haughty expression in his eyes.

"Well then, so be it. I noticed you've sent Zhang Bao and Wei Yan accompanied with two flame towers, I guess you need me to defend Xin Ye from any attacks while they're away?"


"Mmmm, no. Just wait ten more days, be patient. Come with me, I want to show you something."

Both walked out of the office towards the outskirts of Xin Ye. There's not much land to develop, so Zhuge Liang instructed only a small plot of land to be dedicated to food production while the rest are military facilities such as barracks. They finally arrived at their destination, a newly constructed stables with many horses being bred inside.

"Err, what are we doing here?" Guan Suo queried.

"Here, take a rake and pile some hay over to the ones on the left. I'll do the ones on the right." Zhuge Liang cheerfully exclaimed as he rolled up his sleeves and get to work.

"WHAT?! You want me to feed horses?" Guan Suo's face turned red. Oh father, if you can only see me now!

"So you can have your cavalry unit to assault Wan. We just need to breed a bit more, dont' worry, we'll catch up to them quickly." Zhuge nonchalantly explained.

"Oh." all the rage dissipated, Guan Suo went to work, imagining the Wei infantry as the haystacks he piled up. He did this without fail for ten days, much to the bemusement of the farmers around him.

And the day finally came.

Guan Suo immediately set off for Wan, hoping to catch a piece of the action.

At Wan, the battle is in favor of Shu-Nanman, however Wei Yan is angry with the persistence of a Cavalry unit led by Xu Huang who kept hounding his men, outmaneuvering him at every turn, intending to deal as much as possible before retreating.

A rapid sound of gallops drew his attention. He wondered if it's more enemy reinforcements. He smiled when he saw Guan Suo and Zhuge Liang trying hard to keep up with the eager prince.

"My prince, the town's ours, there's no need to..." Zhuge tried to tell him but was cut off by the prince shouting orders.


"MEN! Flank the Wei unit and prepare for onslaught!"

Xu Huang sighed when he saw the Shu banner flying high on Wan's walls and prepared to order a retreat, but his escape was cut off by 10,000 cavalry charging from behind.

"We're being attacked, prepare your-" his commands didn't get through. Hundreds flee for their lives and many were brutally struck down by long spears. He recognized the young officer as Guan Suo, the youngest son of Guan Yu. "CALM DOWN!" he tried to settle his hapless men, but it isn't working. He escaped in the midst of confusion as Wei Yan's unit finished off the scattered cavalry.

Elsewhere...

Hua Man entered the gates of Han Zhong. The defenders were utterly defeated, with the faraway news of victory at Wan bringing up morale of the troops who are exhausted from the long march from Zi Tong. She let her men rest a bit as she surveyed the damage to the facilities outside the city. "Milady," a soldier approached her.

"What is it?"

"Message from the city of Wan." he bowed as he handed over the parchment.

She smiled as she read the content. It was very short and to the point.
One tower to Shang Yong, the rest wait for Guan Suo.

Elsewhere at Wan

"So what's next, Kong Ming?" asked Guan Suo as he chomped on the warm mantou.

"That was quite reckless, but effective." Zhuge Liang stated.

"Mmm, no big deal. I learn a lot from Uncle Ma Chao. He can deal more damage than I do, but I'm still better at causing chaos on horseback!" Guan Suo boasted proudly as he took another bite.

"Get ready to move out to Shang Yong in ten days"

"But we just got here yesterday!"

"Let me brief you of my plan. Pay attention, because it could be a long time before we meet face to face again." Zhuge Liang's expression turned serious.

"What do you mean?"

"Guan Suo, I've seen what you can do today. My following battle strategy will emphasize on speed than a prolonged fight. Something that you excel at. Sowing disarray at key enemy units as your comrades attack them freely."

"Thanks, Kong Ming!"

Aegis: 50% dmg taken from normal attacks. Fire attacks deal double.
Stampede: confuses target on successful cavalry tactics (i.e Onslaught,Charge)
Clear Thought: immune to perturb and misinform

"You will head west to Shang Yong with Wei Yan and Wu Tugu. I'm putting you under Wu Tugu's command. He can protect your unit better with his Aegis command skill. Just be careful of fire. Jiang Wan will protect you from enemy strategies. Wei Yan will lead his own cavalry unit. A flame tower will deal most of the damage to the city. Protect it from harm and take Shang Yong, I've called for another flame tower to be sent from Han Zhong. They will join you in battle a little late."

"Alright. I'll prepare then" Guan Suo swallowed the last piece of the bun before standing up.

"I'm not finished yet. I don't want you to stop there." Zhuge drew a deep breath before continuing, "group up with Hua Man's forces in Han Zhong, there you will lead the north western campaign. Trust Jiang Wan's advice and rely on Wei Yan's strength to aid you. King Meng Huo will give you all the supplies you need from the Nanmans. Gold, horses, food, whatever you need. I will defend Wan and Xin Ye from the Wei while you settle matters in the north. I suspect this will take you at least two years to accomplish. I will send more help if I feel it is necessary, but I know you can do it. Any questions?" Zhuge smiled after he finished.

Guan Suo stood there open mouthed for a moment before recovering.

"Thank you for trusting in me, Kong Ming!" Guan Suo bowed.

"If everything goes well, we'll reunite at Chang An in two years time." smiled the strategist.

"I won't fail you!" Guan Suo shouted as he walked out of the office.

They moved out quickly to Shang Yong.


Ten days after they left. Zhang Bao came with a message.


"And the defense begins..." Zhuge Liang whispered as he looked outside the window.

Zhang Hu reached Wan first with 14,000 cavalry with Sima Zhao 6,000 archers close behind him as support. A siege tower was coming from Shang Yong to assist but still has not arrived.

A lone man emerged from the city gates. He instantly recognized who he is. "It's Zhuge Liang, beware of his trickery!" Too late, the scholar raised his fan and a thunderous sound can be heard echoing throughout the snowy plains, unsettling his horses. He is unable to move until his men can settle their mounts' anxiety. Immediately, a force of 10,000 archers, a flame tower and 10,000 spear men rushed forward out of their city, simultaneously ravaging Sima's unit till it is down to a few hundred men.

He could not even react before a second volley of flames and Ma Dai's cavalry crushed his unit from behind. Things looked bad, where was the siege unit promised from Shang Yong, he wondered. Why is it not here? Unless...

"Kong Ming, I'll see you at Chang An" Guan Suo vowed as he marched into Shang Yong with his cavalry, ready to move out for Han Zhong in ten days. Wei suffered a double blow that year. With their eastern naval campaign not gaining ground against Wu, they've lost three towns in rapid succession to Shu-Nanman's newest Prince and Strategist. And now they've set their sights on the vulnerable northwestern territories of Wei...

-End of Chapter 10-

Chapter 9: Guan Suo invades Wei

"Prince Guan Suo, I want you to have this." Zhuge Liang bowed as he presented the Blue Dragon. "It was your father's, he'll want you to have it."

"Thank you, Kong Ming!" smiled the prince as he gripped its handle, the edge of the blade not dulled by almost decades of use.

"Your father in law wants you to lead the eastern campaign against Wei yourself. He is too occupied with defending our northern borders to meet you personally."

"I understand completely, tell me the plans and we'll set off right away! Ha!" shouted Guan Suo as he practiced with the Blue Dragon. "It's very heavy. Father must be very strong indeed."

"Well, he is the god of War." chuckled the strategist. "Here's our current situation, Guan Suo." Zhuge Liang unfurled a dusty map and begin briefing.

"Aside from Zi Tong northern border defense led by our King, the Wei has not made much offensive push against us ever since we've beaten them back at Xiang Yang. So now it's time to seize the offensive and take Xin Ye."

"Wei's port city across the river? Nice! When do we start, Kong Ming?"

"Once the snow melts. Probably in January, we'll spare no personnel, this is an all out attack. I won't inform the Wu of our decision, but currently I'm sending Jiang Wan over to secure an alliance so we can use their port facilities at Hu Yang as our landing spot"


"Why not? More men is always good!"

"Wu is busy elsewhere. I don't want to pressure them for assistance if I can help it. They've got enough on their hands as it is." Zhuge Liang sighed.

"Elsewhere, on the eastern river Wei is attacking their town of Lu Jiang. We are too far away from them to assist. But we can help alleviate the pressure by attacking Wei on their western front where they suffered major losses so far. And hopefully this will give the opening your father needs to push the northern front and go on the offensive as well." he elaborated.

"You've thought things through, Kong Ming. So am I leading a Cavalry unit?"

"No, I need you to protect Huang Ying's Flame Tower unit. I know you're good at naval combat as well. We've not enough horses to form a Cavalry unit. So it'll be pikes, spears, bows and towers. Slow but steady."

"Don't worry, I won't let any harm come to your wife!"

"And that's why I picked you. Let's wait for Jiang Wan to return before marching out."

Jiang Wan brought good news

We won't have to renew our cease fire pacts any more. Friendship must still be maintained the odd tribute or two, but overall we've secured our southeastern front and can focus on the Wei offensive.

The snow melted and our scouts reported seeing smokes rising from port Hu Yang, Wei is attacking. We must move quickly.

Zhang Bao will lead the Spear unit, Wei Yan the Pike, Wu Tugu and Guan Suo will take the Towers. Wu Yi will provide archer support at the back.
Lu Xun has arrived to help out in the defense of Hu Yang. We need to clear a path from the port and directly into the city before more reinforcements arrive.

Zhang Bao mopped the defenders as Wu Yi's archer unit, deputized by Zhuge Liang causes confusion everywhere. Wu Tugu and Guan Sou's towers started a blaze in Xin Ye moments after landing on Hu Yang. Xin Ye fell in less than two months.

And Shu-Nanman made took their first city from Wei

However, something far larger is happening off the port of Jiang Duo, many months away from Xin Ye....

It seems a massive naval battle is taking place between Wu and Wei. Jiang Duo belongs to Wei. While just a little south from there is the port of Qu A, belonging to Wu where Wei is attempting a landing.








I counted at least a dozen vessels in the water. If Wei can land their massive task force on Qu A, Wu's eastern territories might be in danger, and eventually Wei will expand to the west.
A quick glance at troop concentration map confirms my fears.

Our system has been quite simple. Choke point on two towns. Namely Xiang Yang and Zi Tong, with minimal troop count in the centre. A simple strat of maximizing economical gain from within and military output on the outside. Wei and Wu adopts similar tactic, with the internal cities continually supplying the frontlines with supplies and the front line gradually changes as choke points become obsolete and literally unguarded. The weakness of this general defense plan is if one line is penetrated, mustering a second wall would be very, very difficult since the deeper you go, the less military facilty and war resources would be available to you. Attempting to build up a solid defensive layer within the inner cities would only slow down our offense, since less food would reach the front lines. No food, no attack.

Wu's defensive line on the river has always been solid, but I have never seen a huge naval warfare before. Should Wei forces land on Qu A, things might get interesting because of Wu's low troop count on the eastern cities.

But notice Wei territories around our newly acquired city of Xin Ye? Light Blues and Whites. We might adopt a no-hold strategy of rampaging barbarians razing resources and executing officers along the way. I have to make my decision tomorrow.

-End of Chapter 9-

Chapter 8: Shu-Nanman

A Hero's Farewell

Zhao Yun passed away peacefully on June 231, the last of the Shu five tigers.

It was no miracle. Wu Tugu knew it deep in his heart. Every move so well calculated, some failed yet there was always a secondary plan. A contrast to his 'equal force, to roughly equal defense' approach that he adopted, Zhuge Liang prevailed against overwhelming odds. A mixture of deceit, traps and diplomacy. This man is the complete package.

Town HP is how much structural damage it can take

Wu forces retreated, but Xiang Yang was in bad shape. If Wei manage to land and raze the gates, the whole citizens will riot and submit to Wei's army. Half of the gold storage was sent to Wu, a high price for two months of cease fire. It does not guarantee military aid from Wu as evidenced from their rapid vanishing from Xiang Yang's border. They were hurt badly and was about to claim a high price for victory. But they knew deep inside even if they prevailed, Wei would have swept them aside with little effort and expanded to the south once more. They rather rest and prepare to retake it once the cease fire expires or once Wei has taken it over.


On the river coast, Zhuge Liang led Zhang Yi and Ma Zhong on defensive construction projects. He alone sat by the river in deep thought as the two units build a turret and a line of wall to seal off the entrance. Xiang Yang needs at least a few months before she fully recovers from the wounds.


Not a moment too soon, a flame tower landed off the docks and set fire to the turret. Mulu Dousi is arriving from Yong An with 8000 men and much needed supplies. Wei forces led by Chen Tai Wang Ling and Xu Huang is arriving by boats with roughly 27,000 in addition to Bei Yan's Flame tower
"No more tricks, scholar!", Xu Huang sneered as his ship neared the coast, unleashing fire arrows to burn the walls down. Zhuge Liang remained calm and pointed to the east with his fan. Xu Huang turned around and was surprised with what he saw.

Four vessels, flying the banners of Wu were behind him and are laying siege at his home port. He turned around to find the scholar missing and instead in his place two flame towers unleashing incinerating projectiles at his ship. 'They've allied, in such a short time?!' he cursed under his breath.


Xu Huang decided to aid the landing force instead but found it was too late, too little. Wang Ling is being hit from three sides. Xiang Chong's fire arrows found their mark and burned them into the ground. Wei Yan's pikemen mopping them up gleefully in double chain attacks. The day seems lost as his vessel lay burning on the river, incinerated by Zhu Rong's flame tower. He ordered his men to return to port Hu Yang to defend it from Wu.


Wei Yan and Zhu Rong took this opportunity to attack port Zhong Lu which allows Wei invasion force to land near Xiang Yang. The defenders were outnumbered three to one. One of Meng Huo's army troops reported to Zhu Rong, "Milady, Wu's army are saluting us across the river. They've taken Port Hu Yang!".

Zhu Rong smiled and saluted them back.


Winter came later, and war came to a slowdown. The next month, Zhuge Liang sent another emissary with a large tribute to secure an extension to the cease fire. Sun Quan did not resist the idea. With Wu forces holding port Hu Yang, Zhuge promised to assist them with the defence if needed.

Xiang Yang is now strong enough to stand on its own. Development begins on the outskirts, assisted by the Shu scholars most constructions were completed within a month. Making use of this peaceful time, Lady Zhu Rong approached Zhuge Liang for advice.


"Zhuge Liang, I need your advice on your certain matter."
"Yes my queen?"
"Excluding you, who is the most skilled young officer at the moment?"
"Oh, an interesting question. Milady need not include me in your search for eligible bachelors to marry Hua Man. But I can name a few candidates." Zhuge replied eagerly.
"You are very perceptive. How did you know I was looking for a male successor?"
"Milady, some former officers of Shu still do not trust the Nanmans, only by mixing both of our lineage, especially when it is one of royalty we can achieve a stronger bond. And if you are asking for skilled officer in battle, Wu Tugu is already one of them but your 'young' requirements seem different."
"Hahaha. Indulge me, Zhuge"
"Guan Suo, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao.", he confidently answered.
"You can exclude the last one."
"Ah very well, it is down to these two sons of Guan Yu, the God of war." Zhuge chuckled.
"Tell me more"

"Guan Suo is younger by a year. His battle experience is excellent and exudes certain charm. His intelligence is average and does not have high interest in politics. He can be quite reckless too, at times."
"His command of Cavary however, is unequalled. Comparable to the Flying General, Lu Bu himself. No unit can maintain their concentration after suffering from his devastating stampede!"

"What about Guan Xing?"

"He is very similar to his younger brother, but has more interest in the finer arts of literature and politics."

"Hmm, what makes him more unique then?"

"He is bold, but not reckless. His command of Pike tactics is superb. Also, he is very generous with promotion, granting extra willpower to his men after he defeats an enemy unit."

"Have you made your decision, milady?"

"Yes. Pick an auspicious date and let's start it while times are peaceful" the Queen of Nan Man rose from her seat. Meng Huo will learn to like him. A fine warrior such as him.

And so they married in the winter. Shu and Nanman unites as one.

And with that another era of Three Kingdoms is established
-The End-




Just Kidding!