Chapter Twenty: Kevudu

The smoke of battle at Yinping Bridge had not yet cleared when Liu Chen ordered Zhuge Xu to be taken to the city dungeon. He stood upon the gate tower, gazing at the distant mountains stained crimson by the setting sun, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the stone parapet.

"Your Highness, the surrendering troops have been counted. There are three thousand three hundred in total. There should be many more within the canyon, though General Zhuge has yet to send word," Deng Zhong said, walking up quickly, his armor still splattered with fresh blood.

Liu Chen withdrew his gaze and said, "Have Zhuge Shang lead five thousand men to guard the captives. Select the strongest among them to supplement our own ranks, and keep the others settled in Yinping for now. We will deal with them upon our return."

"As you command!"

Liu Chen added, "Ensure Zhuge Xu is kept under close watch. Do not neglect him; his refusal to submit now does not mean he will not do so later."

"That stubborn old man..." Deng Zhong shook his head, bitterness in his voice. "He is cursing loudly in his cell and protesting with a hunger strike."

"Tell him that I have already forged his handwriting and sent men to Luoyang to bring his family here," Liu Chen said with a faint smile. "I believe the old general will eventually understand my good intentions."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Zhuge Chong replied, bowing hurriedly.

Liu Chen nodded and said, "General Zhuge, whether or not we take the city of Wudu depends on you."

Zhuge Chong trembled slightly, then bowed with clasped hands. "Your Highness, the city is held by Commander Wang Mai and Military Advisor Huangfu Kai, with fewer than three thousand defenders."

"Three thousand..." Liu Chen narrowed his eyes, his finger tapping the location of Wudu on the map. "A direct assault would cost us thousands of lives. We must rely on the young general to deceive them and open the gates."

Deng Zhong frowned, his expression troubled. "Your Highness, though we have won, our troops are weary from the long-distance raid and the subsequent fierce battles."

"There should be no major fighting on the way to Wudu if all goes well," Liu Chen said dismissively. "Once Wudu is taken, we can rest for several days."

"I am willing to lead three thousand men to take Wudu by guile and serve the state," Zhuge Chong vowed.

"I will give you five thousand men, with you in command and Yan Ming as your deputy. Fly the Wei banners, carry your father’s command seal and the letter, and trick them into opening the gates of Wudu." Liu Chen wrote a letter in an imitation of Zhuge Xu's hand and handed over the command seal, dispatching them to seize the city.

As the sun sank, Zhuge Chong led his five thousand Shu soldiers, clad in Wei armor and flying the "Zhuge" banner, racing toward Wudu. He touched the command seal and the forged family letter hidden in his tunic, his palms damp with nervous sweat.

"Young General, Wudu lies just ahead," Deputy Yan Ming whispered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Zhuge Chong looked up; the imposing walls of Wudu loomed in the twilight, the gate tower dotted with torches like stars, where the silhouettes of patrolling soldiers could be seen.

He took a deep breath, recalling Liu Chen’s final charge: "This battle is vital to the Great Northern Expedition. Success is the only option. Achieve this, and you shall be rewarded above all others!"

"Pass the order: all men, stay alert. Proceed according to the plan," Zhuge Chong commanded in a low voice, though a trace of imperceptible tremor betrayed him.

As night deepened, the gates of Wudu remained shut. On the tower, Commander Wang Mai was inspecting the defenses with his advisor, Huangfu Kai.

"Report!" a sentry shouted, rushing over. "An army has been spotted outside, flying the 'Zhuge' banner. There are about four or five thousand of them!"

Wang Mai frowned. "Zhuge? Could it be the General returning?" He hurried to the crenellations, looking down by the light of the torches.

Below, Zhuge Chong had already ordered his men into formation. He spurred his horse forward and called out, "Is Commander Wang Mai on the wall? I, Zhuge Chong, return to Wudu by my father’s order. Open the gates at once!"

"The young general?" Wang Mai hesitated, then waved his hand. "It is the young general. Open the gates!"

"Wasn't the general supposed to be supporting Deng Ai? Why has he sent the young general back?" Huangfu Kai asked suspiciously.

"When the young general enters, we shall ask him," Wang Mai said carelessly.

With the heavy grinding of winches, the gates of Wudu groaned open. Zhuge Chong’s heart raced as he gripped his sword. He glanced back at the "Wei troops" behind him—in reality, elite Shu soldiers disguised to rush in as soon as the gates were breached.

"Enter the city!" Zhuge Chong commanded, and the five thousand troops marched inside in orderly fashion.

Wang Mai and Huangfu Kai descended to welcome them. "Young General, you have traveled far and endured much. Why has the general sent you back?"

Zhuge Chong steadied himself and recited the rehearsed lines: "My father felt the mountain paths of Yinping were too difficult. He has gone to meet General Zhong Hui and sent me back first."

Wang Mai did not doubt this, as Zhuge Xu and Zhong Hui were on good terms, and it seemed natural for him to assist the commander.

Wang Mai nodded. "Young General, please follow me to the府 to rest. Your men will be taken care of."

At that moment, Yan Ming shouted, "Strike!"

In an instant, the orderly "Wei troops" shifted formation, swiftly seizing the gates and nearby fortifications. Zhuge Chong drew his sword, pointing it at Wang Mai. "Commander Wang! My father and I have submitted to the Great Han. We have now taken Wudu; surrender immediately to save your lives!"

"You... you are Shu troops?" Wang Mai’s expression shifted in shock. He stumbled back, shouting, "Men! Close the gates! Ah!"

Before he could finish, the impatient Yan Ming stepped forward and swung his axe. Caught off guard, Wang Mai was struck down.

The remaining soldiers tried to resist, but it was too late. The Shu army flooded into the city like a tide, quickly securing all key positions. The Wei soldiers on the gate tower were disarmed before they could even react.

Military Advisor Huangfu Kai saw the situation was lost and attempted to flee, but was captured by Zhuge Chong.

"You are a man of great talent, Advisor. Why waste your life for a usurper like Sima Zhao?" Zhuge Chong urged. "The Prince of Beidi of the Great Han is a virtuous ruler who cherishes his people and thirsts for talent. Why not submit to him?"

Huangfu Kai sneered, "Zhuge, you traitorous youth, how can you have the face to urge me to surrender?"

"General Zhuge, why waste breath on him? Lock him up and wait for the Prince’s judgment," Yan Ming roared loudly. "Those who surrender will be spared! Those who surrender will be spared!"

Seeing their commanders either dead or captured, and learning that Zhuge Chong had turned, most of the Wei troops laid down their arms; only a few escaped into the mountains.

Three days later, Liu Chen arrived in Wudu with his main force. The gates were thrown open, and Zhuge Chong and Yan Ming led the officers to welcome him.

"This humble servant has fulfilled his mission. Wudu is taken, and over two thousand Wei troops have surrendered," Zhuge Chong said, kneeling on one knee.

Liu Chen personally helped him up. "Young General, this great achievement is a blessing for our Great Han. Once this campaign concludes, I shall grant you your due reward."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Zhuge Chong beamed.

Upon entering the city, Liu Chen immediately began to pacify the populace and reorganize the defenses. Wudu was a vital stronghold of Longyou, and its abundant grain and armaments provided the Shu army with precious supplies.

More importantly, Liu Chen now held the initiative in the war.