Anime Decline of the Three Kingdoms XIII: Fame and Strategy

[RK47]

42 - A family meal

Spoiler

Well then I have to help you finish it. It's not good to waste food.

Hmph. Foolish. If you suffer from over-eating it's a pointless gesture.

I heard there's a stand off again at Jiangling. When's the next offensive coming along?

I don't like to think about it. When it comes, I'll think up of something.

What do you mean?

I have to look after you and the kids first, the kingdom comes second.

Huh? I don't like what I'm hearing here. Are you saying we're going to lose.

Look, all I'm asking is that you trust me. I'll take care of you all, no matter what. Why don't you take the kid shopping while I go discuss strategy with my officers?

Fine, but you better tell me everything when you get home.

Okay.

Tell Lord Liu I said my thanks.

Congratulations on your new title, General.

Alkeides, how is the situation on Jiangling?

Tense. We've over 120,000 troops deployed on Chibi. Sun Quan has 100,000 on the other side.

The other generals are wondering if we'll reinforce them.

That's not enough of an advantage to attack. Hopefully this stand-off last long enough till our Lord decides to agree of a ceasefire.

Sir?

Our alliance with Ma Teng is nearly over. It's time to make new friends. I really hope Lord Liu Zhang understands that. We can handle Sun just fine, but if Yuan joins in, we're dead.

I see.

Anything else to add?

Nothing, General.

Good. Get the men back in shape. I want at least 30,000 men ready to march on a moment's notice. Dismissed.

Later...

Okay, I'm gonna sleep. Don't disturb me.

What about the meeting?

Oh, nothing changed. Don't worry lah. Good night. Don't forget to take the dog outside to poo.

 

[abnaxus]

Greattst rack in China.

 

[RK47]

43 - Beauty and the Beast

Spoiler

You hear that? Time to wake up, fatso.

So it begins...how many men we have ready?

General Alkeides has 23,000 men prepared while your private troop of 7000 is ready for your command.

So, 30,000. This will work. Tell the men to get ready to deploy.

It's gonna be a long march.

Do you think the defense can hold?

What are you talking about? We're not defending. We're attacking Sun Quan from the eastern roads.

What the fuck?

Shouldn't we be fighting at the front with the rest of our comrades?

Victory is determined by how many cities you take, not how many comrades died in one battle. Sun Quan thinks we've overlooked this opening and I'm gonna tear it wide open.

Creating another front while the bulk of their forces are deployed in another... Yes. This could work. But the march is long...

It's do or die. All in agreement?

Everyone nods.

With Sun Quan's best officers involved in the western offensive, they could spare only mid-tier generals to stop the sudden invasion from the south.

Handsome Zhou Yu was dispatched to lead the defense. Capitalizing on their home advantage, he directs his advance force to construct a stronghold along the road leading into the city.

And the day of the showdown finally arrives.

Ninjerk, give the command!

Elite of the West! CHARGE!

Zhou Yu's arrival raised the hopes of the defenders who are beginning to crack under pressure.

However, nothing could prepare the rear province officers of Sun for the following display of insane bravado.

Strike hard, strike fast!

Hiiyah! FIGHT ME IF YOU DARE!

What the-

Huehuehue.

General Wu Dun was slain by a child!

Panic spread among the Sun soldiers, Zhou Yu was incapable of salvaging the situation as his men totally lost in terms of quality and numerical advantage.

Nice work, kid! Let's finish this!

We'll be the first to set foot on Sun's hometown! CHARGE!

It was a severe blow to the Handsome Viceroy of Sun.

Yeah, quit the boasting. This is just the start. Let's tear Sun Quan a new asshole!

204 AD, Jun 21 - Sun Quan's remote southern front was invaded by Liu Zhang's Army.

It is a prelude to many butthurt.

 

[RK47]

44 - Dead Inside for sure

Spoiler

As the melee in Jiangling continues, another important battle is about to be fought in a second front by a single unit.

Zhou Yu calls for a last stand with 15,000 men. There will be no further reinforcements for both sides.

However, the prelude to battle was interrupted by grave news.

Lord Liu Zhang is dead!

What?! How did this happen?

Defeated in one of the battles against Yuan Shang, Liu Zhang was captured and executed.

Vengeance for Lord Liu Zhang! Rush for the walls!

This killing intent- be wary!

Out my way, Zhou Yu!

You're the enemy commander?! How grotesque! I'll slay you where you stand!

Oh shi-

You idiot!

Don't be afraid!

Zhou Yu's not exactly an elite warrior, but Shi Difen hasn't exactly distinguished himself either. He's starting to regret the buckets of KFC and McDeliveries...

Heavens, if I die here... at least let my men win this battle.

Both struck each other in the first round.
However on the second round, Shi Difen's defensive stance was broken by Zhou Yu. Knocked off-balance, Shi Difen could do nothing on the third round. It was an uphill fight onwards..

I'll present Lord Sun with your head!

Shit shit shit.

I'll finish you off!

Fortunately, he pulled up his guard at the last moment and blocked Zhou Yu's Knockout strike. Had that landed, it would've been a tragedy...

What!? You're still alive?!

You hit like a girl. Ha...that was your best chance, pretty-faced faggot. You won't get another.. WHAT THE HELL IS EVERYONE ELSE WAITING FOR?! KILL THIS FAGGOT ALREADY!

The 20,000 strong invaders roared in response and overwhelmed Zhou Yu's unit completely.

Your wounds?

Nothing that a day off won't heal. I got lucky.

With this, I've teared them a new asshole. Let's fuck their shit up.

 

[RK47]

45 - Sudden Importance

Spoiler

Liu Xun, the new leader of the Liu Army realizes the importance of the invasion and granted control of the newly captured city to Shi Difen.

It's a very well-developed city.

With the infirmary facility, we'll get the casualties healed up double time.

Military-wise, we just need to focus on the Horse training a bit more to unlock Elite horses.
But that's for a later concern...

Lu Bu is leading a force to stop us. Another force is not far behind him. We've definitely gotten attention.

Do we stop here then?

And lose our momentum? No. We'll keep going all the way in until we can't go on anymore. We march for Taimo!

Lu Bu's men, tired from the long march, had to face the attackers without rest at Taimo.

Break them quickly before they could recover!

Even the mighty Lu Bu cannot do anything with a bunch of tired and demoralized men.

Ha. Come. One piece at a time like sashimi buffet!

Eat them all!

The tired, demoralized men were easy pickings to the highly charged army of Shi Difen.

The Sun army of 35,000 was routed with very little cost to the attackers.

We march on towards the city of Huiji. Tear everything that stands in our way!

Meanwhile in Jiangling...

The Sun Army pulled back, Lord Liu Xun, fearing the threat of the Yuan Army dare not capitalize on this advantage. The plan worked too well, and soon almost all of Sun's resources were diverted to stop the rampage within their territory..

How can they afford to ignore The-General-Who-Devours-from-the-South?

 

[abnaxus]

Behead Loo Boo.

 

[RK47]

46 - A Disturbing Lack of Faith

Spoiler

Alkeides, intercept harassing cavalry. Everyone, get up the walls.

Huiji fell without much resistance.

Without wasting much time, the army sets forth towards Wu.

There, Lu Su and Zhou Tai attempts to slow their advance.

Don't waste time! Charge!

As the troop nears Huiji, more of Sun's army can be seen from the distance.

Report! General Iron Yuri has withdrawn from our lord's service!

Hmm. That is worrying...

The transition to a new monarch is never a smooth one. Loyalties fell among the officers and a few men like Iron Yuri felt Liu Xun is less deserving of their service and withdrew from the court.

If loyalties are left unchecked, they may also join enemy forces, and Liu Xun can ill-afford that in this stage of war.

 

[RK47]

47 - Death Flag: On

Spoiler

The siege of Wu begins with the defenders holding a numerical advantage.

Decisive strikes. We can ill afford mistakes!

The invading army ignored all the camps outside the walls and climbed into the city in a mix of fire and blitz strategy.

As the battered defenders regroup around the main camp, Shi Difen's army ready themselves for the finishing encirclement.

Wu, one of the major cities of Sun has fallen.

Xiahou Yuan and Zhang Liao is advancing with 30,000 men to retake the city, do we hold?

No. We need to hold Huiji. The chain of city cannot be broken.

We must regroup with the defenders of Huiji. Taking Wu is just a military gesture. Huiji is of real importance.

Understood.

And so Shi Difen's army abandons Wu as quickly as they've taken it and instead marched back to reinforce the Huiji defenders.

And so Wu was lost, but Huiji was saved.

Advance to Taimo to recapture that village.

However, contrary to his men's expectations, their march did not end there. Taking what's left of his force, he marched westwards towards Sun Quan's Yuzhang.

There, Sun Quan's force of 23,000 erected a stronghold to stop his advance.

Looks like a bunch of mid-tier generals again. Wipe them quickly!

But before victory could be sealed - a dreaded figure appears.

It's Lu Bu! They're splitting up to attack our main camp!

Lu Bu's force is small. Dispatch him first before falling back!

We're taking heavy losses!

Fight on! Once Lu Bu is defeated, the fight is over!

Look out, Lu Bu is here!

Eh?

 

[RK47]

48 - Man Plans, Heaven Decides

Spoiler

It was just one strike.

DIE! Shi Difen!

The initial exchange was enough to knock Shi Difen off his horse.

You're still alive?!

I am as surprised as you are. But I won't waste this chance - because this proves Heavens are on my side!

Hue hue hue.

SO LET'S FINISH THIS BATTLE! ALKEIDES!

Charge!

That was too close. Let's wrap this up!

The remnants of Sun's army were only halfway across the map when they heard of Lu Bu's defeat.

Your wounds?

I thought I was gonna die. Hahaha. Cibai. I deserve a good meal after this is over.

Only a single unit remain! Give chase and finish this!

W-what?!

Oh no. We fell for it! GODDAMIT! NINJERK, INCREASE MARCHING SPEED!

It's too late!

In an instant, 1/3 of Shi Difen's army was wiped out.



Chen Gui did more damage than Lu Bu in a single battle without losing a single life.

Goddamit.

You'll pay for that!

I've gotten careless.

What do we do? I've 10,000 men left. I can still fight.

No. It's pointless. We must retreat to Jianan. Everyone, it's my fault.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

And so, Shi Difen's march was finally stopped cold on 205 AD, April 18.

 

[RK47]

49 - Momentary Respite

Spoiler

I want Elite Cavalry ready before this month's end.

Jianan should have more than enough soldiers to replenish our attack force.

Hmm. Shi Chan seems better than her older sister. How odd. Do you want to be a great general like me, Shi Chan?

I'm really sorry about this, but I've got to meet up with the officers again.

Go. Sun Quan will not wait.

General. I've reports on our northern front.

We haven't lost a city, have we?

None at all. Yuan army seems to be made of lesser caliber than Sun Quan's. Our men are giving their best out there. A few generals, like 100% White has distinguished themselves.

100% White? What kind of name is that?

It is said this man believed he is descended from a race of pure white skinned people. In order to portray and live up to this legend, he dresses himself in all white, armor, cloak, helmet, horse, you name it.

Sounds like a nutter. I'm glad he's on our side.

That kurwa... any of you changed your mind yet about Lord Liu Xun?

General, that's dangerous talk.

Sorry, just kidding lah.

Mmmm. Finish the cavalry training, then we march.

An army of 40,000 sets forth from Jianan.

Only 22,000? No complex tactics needed, Markman, distract their main body, everyone else destroy the main camp!

Sun's Army original plan to delay for reinforcements failed completely. All 22,000 were routed before the bulk of the reinforcements could arrive.

Their supplies seized and main camp destroyed, Huang Gai's army beats a hasty retreat.

20,000 from the north and 18,000 from the south.

We're ready.

 

[RK47]

50 - The General takes Flight

Spoiler

The Flying General, the ultimate doomstack leader.

Capable of raising a private army, he is also feared for his expanded military prestige.

In addition to reduction of morale penalty when marching, the troop he leads also moves quicker. Truly, he is the Flying General.

The arrival of Shi Difen's army was bolstered by the defenders who rushed forth from the city to swell their numbers to 56,000.

The attackers face a slight disadvantage, even with the arrival of Xiahou Yuan.

It stopped being a defensive battle for the defense, Shi Difen's cavalry charged forth followed by Ad Min's archers.

Within weeks, the attackers could not even leave their main camp due to the intense encirclement. Not to mention the siege towers erected raining death from above. Such set-up is perfect for the fire strategy.

The attackers try to break the encirclement a few times, only to fail.

As Ad Min's archers surround the main camp, defeat is inevitable.

35,000 ahead. Oh, they've stopped, General.

They've hit their limit?

They've made new enemies, Ninjerk.

Huh?

Their alliance with Yuan ended last week.

Ma Teng is finished. It's a race to who can claim the most of Sun's land now between our two kingdoms.

I see.

A court official has arrived from his Excellency Lord Liu Xun!

Hm?

Congratulations, Shi Difen!

Uh...where am I supposed to be leading from?

The court official unfurls a map before leaving.

Oh. Give me the West. And he'll handle the easy East. Brilliant. Lazy bastard.

What honor. We can finally avenge the death of Lord Liu Zhang!

Do you think Lord Liu Xun can deal with Sun Quan himself?

Ha! I'd like to see him try. Pack up your bags, gentlemen. We're heading to Chengdu.

And you, Viceroy?

Tell Kalin I'll be moving ahead on my own. I need to settle something before I leave this place.

 

[RK47]

51 - Don't get Devoured

Spoiler

Inform Lord Liu Xun I wish to propose a truce between us and Sun Quan's force.

Right away.

The Viceroy recommended this? Hm. Very well.

With Zhou Yu away for his Viceroy duty, it's up to me to convince Xun Yu, Sun Quan's War Minister of the necessity of the truce.

The honor is mine, War Minister. I am but a lowly servant of Lord Liu Xun.

So, you've gotten my attention. How may I assist you?

I'm here to propose a truce between our forces, will you support my proposal in the court?

Hm. Now is not the best time to speak. Let us meet at a quiet eatery I frequent instead.

Very well.

Now with that out of the way, will you support my proposal?

Why must we accept this offer?

Because Yuan Shang isn't a generous man. In a position of strength, he needs not the Sun as allies. Ma Teng's territory is already his. Next he'll eye Liu and Sun's territories.

And we have you to blame for that.

Put yourself in my shoes, War Minister. Wouldn't you have done the same?

Why not an alliance?

It'll take too long to convince other ministers. I'll not mince words, you've seen the damage I could inflict upon your lands within months. I've recently been promoted to a Viceroy and have a number of cities under my direct command, do you want to see that level of destruction multiplied by the factor of six?

You're threatening me?

Xun Yu's grip on his tea cup trembled. He's heard stories. Zhou Yu and Lu Bu claimed they've bested this man in single combat. But seated across him is nothing short of a killing aura capable of greater atrocities that cannot be fully expressed in single combat. The tea cup felt cold, yet the pores on his head begin to part and release sweat drops.

Takahashi Ryosuke once said this when praised for advising Fujiwara Takumi, 'I merely gave him a hint and let him come upon the solution himself.' Xun Yu, will you crash and burn on the downhill of Kanagawa prefecture or steer Sun Quan to a safe course for another two years or so?

And thus, Shi Difen proposed the motion a second time in Sun Quan's court. One of his advisors immediately wiped a sweat with his handkerchief before barking an approval.

Sun Quan raised his eye-brows. The atmosphere in the court has changed. But what about Xun Yu? He turned to look at Xun Yu.

The attacks on Sun's territory ceased. And now the entirety of china's south turned their attention to the northern Yuan Empire.

 

[RK47]

52 - A New Front

Spoiler

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Shi Difen sets up headquarters in Jiangling instead of Chengdu.

Jiangling was the first city he liberated from Sun Quan in a battle that consumed more than a hundred thousand lives. Ever since then the city has remained under control of Liu Zhang, the former lord of the west.

With the truce signed, there were no immediate threats around the city and government has become lax. But within the city dungeon rests several officers of Sun Quan. Had both forces signed an alliance, there would unconditional releases of these prisoners.

(Good thing we didn't.)

Restless for action, it did not take much for a few to switch sides when given the offer.

Zhang Cheng, son of Zhang Zhao, a great minister under Sun Quan switches sides. His bond would be exploited to recruit his father who is also a fellow prisoner.

Elsewhere, the battle north of Chengdu rages on.

It would appear that Yuan Shang's forces can still be contained to the north. Yuan Shang seems hesitant to push onward. Perhaps he realizes that things have changed in the western borders.

A new viceroy is in charge. Under his charge is nine cities, forty-one officers and over 340,000 troops. Slaying Liu Zhang has cut off all avenues of diplomacy. An attack will surely come, but from where?

So many officers. Let's give a look at their loyalties...

Ah.. This one's no good.

I better visit him...or make him visit me.

Further scan of the prisoners list reveals more interesting assets.

Lu Bu's wife? Hmm. If we can persuade her to join we might get that killer to our side.

A newly appointed officer has come to visit you.

Well done. We'll recruit more of Sun Quan's men. And use them to strike at Yuan Shang. Master Zhang, I hope you'll help me with your knowledge of commerce.

At last the northern battle was over, all combatants retreated back into their cities.

Well, time to get to work.

 

[RK47]

53 - Mandate to Conquer

Spoiler

Ma Teng's last outpost in the northwest finally succumbs to Yuan Shang's attacks.

His last stronghold lies in the remote south.

Surrounded with no allies, defeat is inevitable. Whoever conquers that stronghold would capture Ma Teng and his cadre of officers. A massive gain for a little effort, but Liu Xun overlooks this.

The court is divided, and Liu Xun is unwilling to delay his vengeance.

Doesn't matter. We march straight to Ma Teng's fortress when we return.

Ma Chao the Splendid makes his final stand with the rest of his elite warriors.

The Indomitable Xu Huang.

And the Mighty Pang De.

 

[RK47]

54 - Horse Power

Spoiler

Ninjerk's challenge is risky. Pang De is a high caliber warrior, the initial exchange of strike wounded him more than his opponent.

But he is no beginner. With a fluid strike, he breaks down Pang De's defense.

But the advantage still lies with his opponent.

Pang De's strike on the fourth dismounted Ninjerk. The Duel was over.

Forgive me, General.

At least you're alive. Come, let's finish this.

Ma Chao's resistance is fierce. But Alkeides proved up to the task.

A tactic was unleashed to deliver the final blow.

The brave men of the north were finally defeated.

All of Ma Teng's officers were taken captive.

Many of them were quickly persuaded to join in the conquest for the northlands.
206 AD Feb. 11 Yuan Shang's Army finally made their move against their former ally, Sun Quan.

 

[RK47]

55 - Using Friends

Spoiler

Sun Quan begins a desperate defense against Yuan Shang. Surprisingly Yuan Shang did not call for an all-out invasion.

He was right to be worried for Shi Difen took this opportunity to invade his newly conquered western territories.

Inform all territories around Chengdu that domestic development must stop and all available officers are dispatched for an invasion.

Yes, Viceroy!

The generals, eager to exact vengeance after years of defensive wars and losing Lord Liu Zhang obliged.

Azira shall spearhead an invasion force of 80,000.

Elsewhere the recruitment of Ma Teng's officers begin.

Where upon joining, they were given command of troops and ordered to march against Yuan Shang. An invitation they simply cannot refuse.

Shi Difen's force of 26,000 meanwhile calls for a reinforcement of 14,000 before marching on towards Shangyong.

Azira's invasion reaches the gate of Wudou, their progress hardly impeded as a tribal horde was distracting Yuan Shang's force in the far north.

Dispatch more troops. Hold nothing back.

Shi Difen's siege of Shangyong also went unchallenged. As weeks passed, former officers of Ma Teng and Sun Quan marches forth from their new position under the banner of Liu Xun.

Shangyong falls without a single loss, Yuan Shang's army unable to send any reinforcements in time from the eastern front where they met heavy resistance from Sun Quan's army.

It is becoming clear that Sun Quan has been effectively used as a shield against Yuan Shang by Liu Xun's army.

Azira succeeds in capturing Wudou. Preparations was made to march towards Tianshui.

On the east, lies Hanzhong, protected by Yangping gates. Ma Chao leads a strike force to break the gate from the west. While Shi Difen leads 40,000 from the east.

The invasion of Ma Teng's former territories has begun.

 

[RK47]

56 - Stampede

Spoiler

Hanzhong's defenders only numbered less than 4,000. Outnumbered and its defenses in tatters, not even Sima Yi could delay the attackers long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

At the same time, the western force broke through Yangping Gate to regroup with Shi Difen's main force.

Yuan Shang's reinforcements were too late to save the city, but mounted a siege to retake it anyway. A mere 12,000. A more capable commander would've realized the futility of such action and ordered a retreat.

They're not the only ones with reinforcements.

Ma Chao of Xiliang has made his return. A local favorite, he rallied his men to charge at the attackers, driving them into a corner. There, a combination of fire strategy and encirclement made short work of the puny invading force.

Elsewhere, Azira gained the upper hand and behind him is an additional force of 49,500 troops racing to reinforce him.

With the northwestern advance relatively secure, Shi Difen turns his army of near 90,000 to stopping enemy reinforcements from the east.

Tian Yu's army of 13,000 dared to challenge him into battle on open plains. This would be a massacre...

However, the enemy has a trick up his sleeves.

General! The enemy is lighting up a few barrels!

This is bad! ADVANCE! PUSH THEM ASIDE!

Ma Chao shouts out a command to charge, and the full cavalry army obeyed, galloping through the plains, pushing Tian Yu's men away from their trap sites.

Tragedy averted. The furious charge was sufficient to recapture the tactical point and nullify the trap that was set to trigger.

Nice try, punk! Finish this fool!

Surrounded from all sides, Tian Yu's men await the inevitable rout.

 

[RK47]

57 - Seize the Walls

Spoiler

Yuan Shang gave up on Hanzhong and instead summoned Ju Shou and Gan Ning to reinforce Tianshui. Together they command a 44,000 strong unit.

Shi Difen, is faced with the choice of pursuing them westward or taking Changan in the east to stop further reinforcements from pouring in. Judging that Azira's 80,000 men to be more than sufficient at handling the siege of Tianshui, he chose the latter.

His army swelled to 97,000 and continue to intercept smaller units along the road to Changan.

Not expecting such a huge fighting force blocking their path, Yuan Shang's reinforcements were quickly routed.

And the 97,000 strong army stormed to Changan unopposed. It was said thousands of Yuan Shang's men huddled at Tong Gate, east of Changan out of fear. Only a small force of 11,000 led by Guo Jia dared to advance.

But he too, could not find a way to stop the devouring horde.

A few days later, the forces at Tong Gate finally gathered enough courage to mount a counter-siege. Only to find 96,000 cavalry waiting outside of Changan's gates.

You're in the wrong neighborhood.

Employing the local troops tactics, the defenders' morale and numbers were further bolstered as they charged right into the action.

Not many survived the intitial onslaught. The survivors fled to the main camp, begging their commander for the order to retreat.

The flow of reinforcements stopped completely and Shi Difen's army marched towards Tong Gate unopposed.

 

[RK47]

58 - Full Stop

Spoiler

Tong Gate fell quickly. But Azira's invasion suffered setbacks. The once 80,000 strong unit has dwindled to a mere 24,000. The general himself was nowhere to be found, his unit routed.

This forces Shi Difen to personally handle matters for the rest of the northwestern invasion. He quickly directed his troops from Changan towards Anding.

There, he captured the city unopposed before rushing towards the siege of Tianshui.

The defenders have held on against all odds, but there would be no relief at the end of this siege.

Tianshui finally conquered, the depleted invasion force was dismissed. Leaving just 94,000 of Shi Difen's army active to seize the remaining cities in the region.

At last, the last northwestern stronghold is under siege.

Its gates broken and defenders defeated.

Shi Difen's conquest of the Northwest is completed in early 207 AD. Yuan Shang's army lost eight cities and suffered an estimated 200,000 casualties. Their conquest to seize the Southlands from Sun Quan in contrast, gave them minimal gains.

 

[RK47]

59 - Sphere of Influence

Spoiler

Not wishing to let his men suffer the long march from the northwestern tip of China, Shi Difen decides he has achieved sufficient military objectives and dismissed his army of 90,000.

His next order came as a surprise to his officers. Every single officer in his district was to assemble in Changan, his new district capital. There, they are to await further reassignment.

Ugh... time to get to work with the administrative matters.

The conquered lands lack governing staff and Viceroy decides he should start re-shuffling the staff appointments.
It was a time consuming project and left no time for him to lead an army. The first officers to receive re-appointments were his circle of friends, Alkeides, Di Bens, Nin Jerk and the likes.

They were given governor positions near his district capital and given command of a few low ranking officers.
New ministers were brought in to replace them.

In between his duties, Shi Difen devoted himself to training his private army as well as attending to his family.

As his fame spread, his circle of friends grew.

Arguing that trust and loyalty can only be forged by friendships, he made a point to appoint only his friends as governing officials.

Liu Xun is pleased by the progress of the campaign and considers the Viceroy's merit fitting for a promotion.

There's no greater honor left for him to attain. Celebrations were held in Changan.

The people, confident of their new governor's rule gave tribute freely.

And all was good for a time.

 

[RK47]

60 - Thanks for the Meal

Spoiler

Another day, another team building and official reassignment.

Who's this pretty lady with you?

Idiot, that's your daughter!

Dad's just kidding, mom! He's been visiting me often ever since we moved to Changan.

Ahahah. Let's go eat some fried chicken!

How's work?

Oh, you know...playing the Viceroy. Giving governor assignments. Banquets, that silly stuff.

You've been making lots of friends lately... even with Lu Bu's wife. *stabs chopstick into bowl of rice*

Uh...she's been reassigned to Chengdu. Don't worry... it's all work. Really! I'm just making sure they're loyal to me.

Hmph. Well, it's true. Everyone's been praising you a bit too much lately.

Can you blame them? Hee hee.

Watch out, fatty. Don't get careless.

How's the dog?

The hind legs still won't move, but the dog is using its front legs to push itself forward. I had the servant carry its back while it tries to regain muscle control every morning.

Mmmm. Poor Kopi.

You'll get better, buddy. Don't worry.

Shi Difen's circle of friends grew larger still.

It was early December when Shi Difen has almost completed all the reassignments for his staff. His court has gathered for an annual district council.

Uhmm...everyone. I'd like to thank you all for your support of late. But I'm afraid it's time.

General? What are you saying?

You can't be retiring! You're not even 50 years old!

Do what you will. I'll support you any way I can.

No.. no. Really. It's not about that. See uh.. here. This is my flag now. *gestures to a guard*

*unfurls a new banner*

What I mean to say is. I want you all to put up these flags ...replace all the flags in your cities. Okay?

Wha?

Oh, for fuck's sake! FINE! I'm declaring a revolt! ARE YOU ALL WITH ME!?!

The court was stunned.

It took a while before everyone realized this isn't the viceroy's idea of a practical joke. His wife was the first to react.

Another official came forth and waved his hand in approval.

Warriors drew their swords and cheered his name loudly.

But a few felt otherwise.

In the end, the majority stayed in Shi Difen's court, while some fled back to Liu Xun to report on the treachery.

So... uh. How'd I do?

You're insane.

Well, I can't have Liu Xun take all the credit right?

Whatever happens, General. We're all with you.

The year 207 ended with a surprise twist. A new banner has been raised in western China.

 

[RK47]

61 - Ascension

Spoiler

I... can't even. This is happening? For real?

Our scouts have tried to gain access into the city but was denied. Some officers have left in disgust and are on their way to return to your Excellency.

Shi Difen's banners were raised around Chengdu and Changan, effectively cutting Liu Xun's power base by half. What's worse, the cities that remained loyal to Liu Xun when the revolt took place was picked clean prior to the declaration. Not a single grain of rice nor a single piece of coin remain in the city's treasury.

T-that THIEF! SCOUNDREL! I'LL KILL HIM!

Elsewhere, in Changan

Thanks. Ok. I'm ready to deliver my first edict.

But my Lord, what about Liu Xun's army?

They're in no shape to retake lost territories. Yuan Shang has already penetrated Sun Quan's cities. In fact, we're doing Lord Liu Xun a big favor by marching now.

Then...where do we attack?

Issue the orders to march to Changan, I'll lead our forces through Tong Gate myself!

Long live Lord Shi Difen! May Victory be granted by Heavens!

An all-out attack was ordered from all northwestern cities.

In total 120,000 troops were mobilized for this campaign.

Mmmm. I'm just a bit nervous now. There's no turning back from this.

Your men trust you. It'll be fine.

Tell the kids I'm sorry that I'll be away for a long time again.

Meh, you'll always come back. You even survived Lu Bu...

Heh. True that. With you and Ko Pi by my side, I'll be safe and sound.

Mmmm. It's nice to have the Imperial Court's recognition. Alright time to go.

*glares*

W-what? She's smart lah. Don't worry. I never looked at her breasts!

Hongnong is our objective. Let's tear them apart!

208 AD - Jan. 6 - a new force emerges from the west of Tong Gate numbering 70,000.

Wei Yan's 23,000 strong elite spearmen rushes to intercept the invading force.

Unfortunately, he gravely underestimated the speed of Western cavalry.

All 70,000 horsemen rushed for their main camp while half of them were away attempting to execute a sneak attack. Azira's 'Like the Wind' strategy was exploited to its fullest effect.

The small garrison was quickly routed.

And the main camp was next.

A few thousand spearmen rushed back but could not stop the carnage.

Wei Yan fled as his main camp was reduced to rubble.

The road to Hongnong is now clear.

 

[RK47]

62 - Gateway to Central Plains

Spoiler

Yuan Shang's reinforcements arrive to defend the city.

Wei Yan too, arrives with 12,000 men.

Even so, the defenders are still outnumbered 2 to 1.

Time the attack! Smash their external camp then scale their walls.

Di Bens' unit scales the wall as the bulk of the army smashes the camp. It's a double blow to the defenders' morale.

Azira! Now!

Broken and outnumbered, the defenders held to a slim sliver of hope for more reinforcements to arrive.

A false hope. Not even the mighty Wei Yan can delay the attackers sufficiently for more reinforcements to arrive.

The defenseless main camp was wrecked in record time, the survivors fled in panic.

Yuan Shang now faces a new threat from the western front.

 

[RK47]

63 - Hell in Hongnong

Spoiler

Yuan Shang's army is still determined to send more troops.

Shi Difen's army is only too glad to greet them outside Hongnong's gates.

As the much smaller force was outmaneuvered, they hope they could buy enough time for another force to retake the city.

It wasn't that much of a hope.

The diversionary force's main camp was destroyed and nearly a quarter of their men were killed by fire strategy.

Shi Difen quickly rushes his unit over to defend Hongnong.

There, he commanded the cavalry to stand outside the gates, ready to bear down on all attackers.

Activating the local troop tactic, Shi Difen replaced most of his losses in mid battle before charging forth.

The attackers did not survive the melee for long. Ninjerk's Charge command was executed perfectly to ensure maximum damage.

As the battered army struggle to regroup, a reverse charge was ordered to run down the doomed formation.

More of Yuan Shang's reinforcements arrive to witness the slaughter.

And eventually it's their turn to become the victims.

It was an utter defeat for the counter-attacking force.

But another 30,000 reinforcements came to save the day become part of the casualty list.

The Tribal general calls on his cohorts to charge forth as sacrificial lambs as he fired a swarm of arrows from the main camp.

Shi Difen's army ignored the barrage of arrows to rout the two sacrificial units.
Then, the massacre begins.

The failed counter-offensive costed Yuan Shang at least 68,000 casualties.

Panic begins to engulf the Central Plains as Yuan Shang army hurries to mobilize. Any thoughts of retaking Hongnong quickly disappeared. To the south, Yuan Shang is personally leading a defense against Liu Xun's Army attack on Xiangyang.

While the struggling Sun Quan force is about to lose Jiangxia to a roaming band of bandits.

 

[RK47]

64 - Chaos in Central Plains

Spoiler

A force of 120,000 strong passes through Hongnong. Their destination: Luoyang.

Thousands of Yuan Shang's troops scrambles towards Hangu Gate, the western gate protecting Luoyang. Only 7,500 made it to greet the 75,000 invaders.

Why do they even bother? It was an invitation that the invading force couldn't refuse.

The walls scaled within a week, and defenders overwhelmed barely three days later. Its gates left in pristine condition and defensive emplacements hardly fired a shot.

Luoyang lays exposed, making Yuan Shang's plan for a counter-offensive on Hongnong look laughable in comparison. They aborted their attack and double timed towards Luoyang.

The reinforcements of 50,000 barely crossed the river when the siege begun.

They hurried to join the battle.

Their numbers swelled to 45,000. However, their best officers are busy fighting a war down south. The reserve officers leading the troops simply could not complete with Shi Difen's veteran generals.