The Best Sections In Romance Of The Three Kingdoms (Part 2)

Who led a hundred cavalry on a midnight raid into Chaochao's camp? Which general used mere thousands to send Sun Quan into chaos? The name that stopped children of Jiangdong from crying at night? Join us for the most intense sagas of the Three Kingdoms, Part 2. Welcome back to Battle Cry, Chronicles of China. The Longzhong plan, masterminded before even leaving his thatched hut. The Longzhong plan is the grand strategy devised by Zhuge Liang. It became the foundation for Lu Bei to claim his territories. Creating a three-legged tripod against Chaochao and Sun Quan. The goal was to reunite China under the glorious Han banner. A summer afternoon in 207, the 12th year of Jiannan. In a humble hut near Shengyang, two men sat sharing wine. One, in his forties, with a noble bearing and a look of deep reflection. The other, young and tall, with the grace and air of an immortal. Who could imagine this meeting between a royal descendant who had spent his life losing. And a 27-year-old hermit who compared himself to legends of old? Yet that moment became the ultimate turning point of the Three Kingdoms. That conversation in the hut forged the strategic balance of the era. Twice Lu Bei visited, only to find the master away, yet he never faltered. Instead, he prepared with greater care, fasting for three days in devotion. Even dismounting a mile out to walk the rest of the way to show respect. He brought his legendary brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, to honor the talent. This tireless persistence and sincerity in seeking wisdom. Must have passed Zhuge Liang's ultimate test. Knowing the Han was fading, yet choosing to use his talent to change fate. Moved by Lu Bei's spirit, Zhuge Liang finally agreed to emerge from seclusion. He sought to change fate with divine talent, aiming to turn the tide of history. Touched by Lu Bei's sincerity, Kong Ming revealed the Longzhong Plan. This blueprint remains the masterpiece of Zhuge Liang's strategic mind. Since Dong Zhuo's rise, countless warlords have vied for power across the land. Chao Chao defeated Yuan Shao despite inferior numbers and prestige. His victory was not just fate, but a testament to superior strategy. With a million men and the emperor under his control, none can challenge him now. Sun Quan holds the south, a legacy of three generations, protected by talent and terrain. He's an ally to be courted, not a rival to be conquered. The Longzhong Plan began by assessing Lu Bei's position against his rivals. The north is firmly under Chao Chao's grip, he holds the mandate of heaven. With vast resources and armies that make a direct assault impossible. Sun Quan commands the south, protected by strategic geography, he must remain an ally. Jing Province is the key, linking the north, the east, and the lands of Ba and Shu. Without a wise leader, it cannot be held, it is a gift from the heavens for you. With its rugged terrain and vast wealth, it is the foundation for your ambitions. The Han Emperor rose from these lands, yet Luzhong is weak and incompetent. Threatened from the north, failing to utilize his fertile, prosperous domain. Talented men everywhere long to serve a true and worthy lord. Now begins the next phase of the plan. Kongming plotted a foothold for Lu Bei to launch his bid for the empire. The goal was to seize both Jing and Yi provinces as a base. Jing Province is the vital gateway for all logistics. Offering a path west to Shu and east into the heart of Wu. Holding the north allows easy advance or retreat against Chao Chao. Yi Province is rich, a vast granary and source of salt. Its natural defenses are ideal for building up your strength. Emperor Gaozu rose from there, its strategic value is legendary. You are a royal scion, lord, looked upon by all heroes. Secure Jing and Yi, unite with the tribes, befriend the south, and rule justly. When the chaos peaks, march from Jing Province to Luoyang, while your army advances from Yi Province. The people will welcome you, and the Han house shall rise again. With Jing and Yi, Lu Bei can consolidate and build his forces. Opposing Chao Chao and Sun Quan until the day he unifies China. The Longzhong plan showcased Zhuge Liang's brilliant foresight. He understood both classic texts and the pulse of the era. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of every warlord. The plan confirmed Zhuge Liang's unique role. As the premier strategist for unifying the realm. Longzhong proved Zhuge Liang to be a man of great pragmatism. Shunning empty slogans for a concrete, practical roadmap to his ideals. He saw that heroes obsessed with petty borders were merely shouting into the void. To restore the Han, one first needed territory and real power. He rightly identified Jing and Yi as the only available targets. As Chao Chao and Sun Quan already held the north and east. Zhuge Liang provided the strategy for Lu Bei to seize these lands. Strengthen his base, and unite against the north. Even without total victory, this secured a state and a three-way balance. That is why Lu Bei felt like a fish finding water with Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang offered Lu Bei a practical strategy, not empty theories, to solve his strategic dilemma. Terror at Xiaoyao Ford If one warrior made Chao Chao tremble, it was certainly Ma Chao. The warrior who humiliated Chao Chao, forcing him to cut his beard and discard his robe. But if we speak of the man who truly struck terror into the heart of Sun Quan. It could only be Zhong Liao, Zhong Wenyuan, who with mere thousands. Crushed the massive elite eastern Wu army into total chaos. The clash at Xiaoyao Ford was a legendary battle between the Wei and Wu forces. A masterclass in defeating a superior force by Wei's great general, Zhong Liao. He launched a surprise raid with a few thousand troops, nearly killing Sun Quan. He then shattered the vast Wu army at Xiaoyao Ford. Breaking the siege of Hefei. This resounding victory crushed the eastern Wu offensive. Coming inches away from capturing Sun Quan himself. In August 215, while Chao Chao was campaigning in Hanzhong. Sun Quan mobilized his army to strike Chao Chao's northern strongholds along the Yangtze. First taking Wancheng, then laying siege to Hefei. Hefei was the critical shield for Wei, a post that could never be lost. Facing overwhelming odds, Zhong Liao received Chao Chao's secret order to strike first and break the enemy. With the enemy outnumbering them 10 to 1, few believed in Zhong Liao's plan. Yet, driven by his resolve, Li Dian and Eugene agreed to follow his lead. Zhong Liao ordered Li Dian to lead thousands in a secret ambush north of Xiaoyao Ford. They would destroy the bridge once Wu forces passed, while he and Eugene charged. Sun Quan sent Lu Meng and Guan Ning ahead, with Ling Tong in the center and a rest following. As Lu Meng and Guan Ning arrived, they met Eugene, who feigned retreat to lure them in. Guan Ning signaled Lu Meng to press forward and pursue. As Sun Quan's rear guard reached Xiaoyao Ford, cannons roared, Zhong Liao struck from the left, Li Dian from the right. Chao Chao's cavalry charged so fast that Wu forces couldn't even form their ranks before Zhong Liao arrived. With only 300 men, Ling Tong couldn't hold. He shouted, my lord, flee across the bridge. Before he could finish, Zhong Liao charged with 2,000 cavalry. Ling Tong turned back to make a desperate stand. Sun Quan reached the bridge, but the south end had been cut away, leaving a massive gap. Sun Quan froze in terror. Gathering his strength, Sun Quan pulled his horse back three lengths, then whipped it hard. The horse leaped across the gap, barely reaching the other side. Safely across, Sun Quan waited for a boat to pick him up. Ling Tong kept fighting Zhong Liao, while Lu Meng and Guan Ning were pursued by Eugene. Li Dian cut them off, half the Wu army fell, and all 300 of Ling Tong's men were slaughtered. Wounded, Ling Tong fought his way back to the bridge, only to find it gone, he fled along the riverbank. From his boat, Sun Quan sent Dong Shi to rescue Ling Tong, Lu Meng, and Guan Ning as they escaped. The Battle of Xiaoyao Fort proved not only Zhong Liao's bravery but his brilliant tactical resolve. Facing enemies 10 times his size, few dared to sally forth, preferring to hide behind high walls and deep moats. Zhong Liao knew the Wu vanguard was small and launched a lightning strike. His name struck such terror that even children in the south would stop crying at the mention of him. Following the shock at Xiaoyao Fort, the raid by a hundred horsemen remains a legendary tale of the Wei-Wu conflict. This event perfectly showcased the courage and cunning of General Guan Ning of Wu. It remains his golden moment, cherished by countless fans of the Three Kingdoms A year later, Chao Chao returned from Hanzhong with an army of 100,000. He marched on Rexu, claiming to have 400,000 troops. Sun Quan led 70,000 men to face him. Guan Ning led 3,000 men to defend the front. Recalling the defeat at Xiaoyao Fort last year, the Wu army burned with resentment. They longed to take Zhong Liao's head to avenge them. As Sun Quan's most daring general, Guan Ning proposed a night raid on the Chao camp to break the enemy's spirit. Tonight, I only need 100 cavalrymen to raid Chao Chao's camp. If I lose a single man or horse, I shall claim no credit. Sun Quan praised him and granted 100 volunteers, along with 50 jugs of wine and meat for the troops. Guan Ning returned to the camp and lined up his men, poured the wine, and drank two cups himself before declaring to them. Tonight, we carry out a mission to raid the camp. Drink a full cup each and prepare to give our all. The soldiers looked at each other, hesitant and full of doubt. Guan Ning drew his sword and shouted, If I, your general, fear not death, why do you falter? Seeing his rage, they rose and vowed to fight to the end. He shared the feast and ordered them to ready 100 white plumes. They marked their helmets, mounted up, and rode straight for Chao Chao's camp. The old grudge against Zhong Liao fueled the morale of Guan Ning and Wu, daring to raid a camp with only a hundred men, truly reckless bravery. They breached the outer fence and charged straight into the main camp. The Wu forces tore through, striking like a flying arrow. At the center, they found the camp ring with carts like an iron wall. Guan Ning could not break through. Meanwhile, Chao's forces from all sides swarmed in, determined to capture him. He turned his horse, leading his hundred riders to cut a path through the enemy. None could withstand them, Chao's men fell by the score. Panic spread, and with no idea of the enemy's numbers, the ranks collapsed. Torches lit the camp like stars, a scene of incredible chaos. A mere handful of men threw the entire grand camp into disarray. Guan Ning fought his way out the south gate, leaving a trail of broken ranks. Sun Quan watched from afar, ready to send reinforcements. Guan Ning led his hundred riders safely back to Ruoxu. Fearing an ambush, Chao's forces dared not pursue. Guan Ning returned with his full force, not a single man was lost. Near the gate, he ordered drums and cheers to echo through the night. Sun Quan rode out to meet him, Guan Ning knelt, and the lord lifted him up. Sun Quan said, you have struck fear into Chao Chao. I never doubted you, I only wished to see your courage. He awarded them silk and blades, Guan Ning distributed everything to his men. Sun Quan told his generals, Chao Chao has Zhong Liao, I have Guan Ning. We are well matched. This concludes part 2 of the video.