Chapter 53: Puqi, the Place Where We Are Stationed is Called Chibi

"Defeat Liu Bei, march down to Jiangdong!"

"Defeat Liu Bei, march down to Jiangdong!"

...

Under Cao Cao’s command, fierce generals like Xu Huang, Yue Jin, and Man Chong, along with his kin commanders—except Cao Ren, who was stationed at Jiangling, such as Cao Chun, Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, and Cao Hong—and surrendered generals from Jingzhou like Wen Ping, Cai Mao, and Zhang Yun, as well as strategists and literati like Xun You, Jia Xu, Wang Can, and Chen Qun, all loudly echoed the call.

Among them, Xun You blinked cautiously, sensing danger in the proud and ambitious atmosphere before him. His gaze involuntarily shifted to Jia Xu, who seemed oblivious, joining others in enthusiastic support of Cao Cao’s idea.

Joking aside, Jia Xu had privately approached Cao Cao, proposing a plan to secure Jingzhou and wait for the enemy to collapse on their own. Cao Cao rejected it—what choice did he have?

At this moment, Cao Cao was in high spirits; no one wanted to be the bearer of bad news.

Seeing his subordinates united with his goal, Cao Cao grew even more exuberant: “I had planned to cross the river at Baqiu and advance from Jiangnan, but since Guan Yu has appeared here, I’ll grant him a face and continue down the river straight to Xiakou. If Xiakou falls, won’t Guan Yu have no choice but to surrender to me once again?”

“Haha...”

Despite his fixation on Guan Yu, Cao Cao still held some sentiment for him. More importantly, if Liu Bei could be wiped out, then Guan Yu and the others would collapse without fight.

The crowd responded with renewed admiration.

Suddenly, amidst the praise, a subordinate officer reported, “Chancellor, some of my soldiers are suffering from headaches, fainting, and vomiting!”

Generals like Cao Hong and Xu Huang immediately showed grave expressions, all glancing toward Cao Cao.

Xun You and Jia Xu were even more shocked, exchanging fearful looks.

Cao Cao furrowed his brows, pondered briefly, then suddenly laughed heartily and waved his hand dismissively: “What’s so surprising? We are all northerners coming to southern lands, and we’ve been on boats. It’s only natural to be unwell!”

“Have the medics carefully treat them; it will be nothing to worry about!”

The generals obeyed the order.

Others, thinking this made sense, relaxed from their earlier tension.

The opportunity to unify the realm was right before them; participating in this great battle would surely secure their names in history!

Only Xun You quietly said to Jia Xu, “I fear it’s not merely acclimatization or seasickness, but possibly an epidemic.”

“The Chancellor wants to swiftly eliminate Liu Bei and subdue Sun Quan. It would be ill-advised for us to obstruct his advance,” Jia Xu implied. Even if there were an epidemic, crushing Liu Bei and Sun Quan remained Cao Cao’s top priority. Anyone opposing this would only incur his displeasure; he won’t intervene.

Xun You sighed and said no more.

That night, Cao Cao and his forces stayed overnight at the northern ferry crossing of Baqiu.

---

Following Cao Cao’s orders, the medics administered medicines to the sick soldiers, but instead of improving, their conditions worsened—they grew cold and shivered uncontrollably.

At dawn the next day, Cao Cao’s army departed immediately, sailing down the Yangtze River without lingering at the southern waterside encampment of Baqiu.

Guan Yu assigned some of his sailors to Hao Pu and arranged for supplies to be replenished by soldiers from Changsha Commandery. He led his fleet to follow Cao Cao’s ships.

...

Liu Bei’s army.

Another day of marching ended, and the troops camped to rest.

Soldiers began preparing meals, while Liu Bei busied himself, inspecting each camp like a caring elder, warmly conversing with the soldiers and inquiring about their conditions.

Some soldiers, moved by Liu Bei’s sincere words, were deeply touched.

Some shed tears, others confided their fears, and many swore oaths of loyalty.

Zhao Shaojie couldn’t help but admire this ability to inspire unwavering devotion.

No wonder he was a true leader, radiating an aura of conviction.

Zhao Shaojie was not idle either; he patrolled the camps, checking sanitation. He recalled that historically, one of the main reasons for Cao Cao’s defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs—aside from the fire and deception—was the outbreak of disease.

Once the epidemic spread, Cao’s army’s fighting capability and morale collapsed.

Although Cao Cao still had some resistance, seeing his troops’ condition forced him to retreat.

“Do not drink raw water or eat uncooked food,” Zhao Shaojie earnestly advised.

Soldiers often scooped water directly from the Yangtze and consumed raw grain for convenience, which Zhao Shaojie firmly forbade.

After his patrol, Liu Bei and Zhao Shaojie returned to the command tent.

They shared a meal and tea; Liu Bei’s gaze was solemn as he asked, “Shaojie, was war frequent in your time?”

“We haven’t fought in a long time!” Zhao Shaojie smiled.

Liu Bei was taken aback. “No wars? Why?”

Zhao Shaojie explained, “Because we developed technology that allows everyone to eat their fill!”

“Everyone can eat their fill? Even the common people?” Liu Bei’s expression grew serious, but excitement flickered in his eyes.

“I come from an ordinary family; I, too, eat well!” Zhao Shaojie paused, then added, “That’s the power of technology. So, once we secure stable territory, we must develop technology. Technology is the primary productive force!”

Liu Bei repeated thoughtfully, “Technology is the primary productive force?” Though unfamiliar with the concept, he was intrigued.

“Shaojie, if I can restore the Han dynasty, I will fully support your pursuit of technology!” Liu Bei thought to himself. If he could ensure people everywhere had enough food, it would be a great virtue indeed!

Zhao Shaojie said no grandiose words; his confidence had waned after severe failures with his technological plans during the Jiaozhou campaign.

After some conversation, they each returned to their camps to rest.

The next day, they resumed their march.

Since Liu Bei’s army advanced by both land and water, their progress was not swift.

That day, a thick mist blanketed the river.

As the fleet sailed, suddenly a ship emerged from the fog. While everyone observed, a massive fleet appeared, darkening the sky and earth, shocking all. They immediately reported to Liu Bei.

The opposing side also spotted them.

Neither side engaged; instead, both tactfully sought nearby ferry crossings to establish camps.

“We’ve encountered Cao’s army. They have so many ships and men!”

“Can we even stand against them?”

The soldiers whispered anxiously.

Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, and others gathered by the riverbank, their expressions grave as they watched countless ships docked across the river.

“My lord, Cao’s forces are indeed formidable, but our preparations this time should allow us to fight!” The young and inexperienced Zhuge Liang was brimming with confidence.

“Even if Cao’s army numbers a million, what fear is there?” Pang Tong, who fancied himself a brilliant strategist, was equally excited.

Both keen minds eagerly anticipated the coming battle.

Zhao Shaojie, less sentimental, instinctively asked, “What is the name of this place?”

“Puqi. Our camp is called Chibi,” Liu Bei answered softly.