Once the Imperial Court's troops arrived, the ambushers on both banks would attack the ships. Then he would lead the navy out and destroy the enemy in one stroke!
But not long ago, scouts had reported that the Pretender Emperor's army had stopped sailing downstream and encamped along the bank, leaving him uncertain.
Could the enemy have already detected the ambush?
Were they planning to take the overland route instead?
If that really was the case, it would be difficult for him to use his navy's advantage to inflict heavy losses on the enemy.
"General, should we still keep our ambushes along the banks?"
Xiahou Yuan, standing beside him, asked, "If the Pretender Emperor's army takes the overland route, Xiangyang City may not be their first target."
"We should withdraw the troops to defend Xinye and Nanyang."
Hearing Xiahou Yuan's words, Cao Ren could not help sighing. "Send word to Boren. Have him lead his troops back to Xiangyang City for now."
Xiahou Yuan nodded, then turned and left.
Cao Ren then stepped out of the deckhouse and stood beside the railing, gazing into the distance as countless thoughts crowded his mind.
Dark clouds filled the sky, and a fine drizzle drifted down.
The southern plum rains were the hardest season to endure. The sun remained hidden all day, everything was terribly damp, and even his clothes felt sodden.
Just as Cao Ren was pondering the enemy's intentions, he suddenly heard a rumbling from afar, drawing closer and closer.
Then a white line of surging water appeared in his field of vision.
At the sight of that white surge, Cao Ren's pupils instantly shrank to pinpoints. Without hesitation, he spun around and roared, "Flood! It's a flood!"
"Secure the ships! Tell the troops on both banks to evacuate! Hurry!"
Cao