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However, before Yuan Shao could send out the letter to Ju Shou, a second report arrived and if the first one had left him merely shaken, this one signified that Liu Bei now had the credentials to stand beside him. Even if there was a difference in strength, Liu Xuande now truly counted as the ruler of a province!
Yuanhao," Yuan Shao said with a trace of bitterness. "Take a look at this report. Who would have known that kid was so formidable? If only I had kept him by my side from the beginning, I wouldn’t be regretting it now."
After perusing the report, Tian Feng looked up at Yuan Shao and said word by word, "Lord, Liu Xuande must be considered a formidable enemy for us in the future. Chen Zichuan is an unparalleled genius of this era, and the bravery of Guan, Zhang, and Zhao is known throughout the world. We cannot be unguarded against them. However, at present, Gongsun Bogui’s invasion of Jizhou leaves us capable only of a sturdy defense but insufficient for an offensive..."
At this point, Tian Feng hesitated, giving Yuan Shao a stare.
Uncomprehending, Yuan Shao said, "Speak frankly, Yuanhao."
"Does our lord dare to take a risk?" Tian Feng said, steeling himself.
"Why would I not!" Yuan Shao, at this time in his life, was still in the period of being valiant and resolute, not too daunted by Tian Feng’s provocation.
"Our current strength, when facing Gongsun Bogui, is certainly sufficient for defense, but to gain an advantage over him is virtually impossible. The White Horse Soldiers are too quick. Since we lack offensive power, why not completely abandon the offensive and turn to fight here," Tian Feng said, pointing at a location on the map.
"If the strength of one province can’t quickly defeat Gongsun Bogui, then we should increase our strength to the point that we can face both sides without falling behind," said Tian Feng solemnly.
"In Bingzhou now, the Wuhuan Xianbei are rampant, and with our strength, defeating such a ragtag army is not a problem at all. I propose we divide our forces, one to attack Bingzhou and the other to defend the border. The only thing is..." Tian Feng looked at Yuan Shao, who was still far from the historical point of possessing the Four Prefectures’ resources, with troops as numerous as clouds and generals like rain. Besides the force to defend his homeland, Yuan Shao’s current command was all of Jizhou’s military strength.
Although Tian Feng’s words were incomplete, his meaning was clear: to mobilize the troops beside Yuan Shao to develop Bingzhou, leaving the remaining forces to defend against Gongsun Bogui. With Gongsun Bogui’s pride, he would surely be furious at such a provocation from Yuan Shao and would commit fully to attacking Yuan Shao’s main force. If they could hold out until Bingzhou was conquered, the entire situation could undergo an earth-shattering change.
After pondering for a long while, Yuan Shao made a tough decision. "Good, order Yann Liang and Wen Chou to come see me!"
Soon, Yann Liang and Wen Chou arrived at the Central Army Tent, saluted Yuan Shao and Tian Feng respectfully, and then stood awaiting orders. They were no longer the same as during the Hulao Pass incident; now, they had become Yuan Shao’s retainers.
"Yann Liang, Wen Chou!" Yuan Shao let out a sigh.
"Your subordinates are here!" the two shouted in unison.
"If it were only you two, plus me and Yuanhao here, do you believe you could force Gongsun Zan not to easily cross the border of Jizhou and Youzhou?" Yuan Shao asked.
"We will certainly fight to the death!" Yann Liang and Wen Chou did not hesitate at all, immediately kneeling on one knee and speaking out.
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Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao first felt relieved, but then he pinched the bridge of his nose, what on earth is going on? he hadn’t said anything, yet Yann Liang and Wen Chou were ready to show their loyalty through death, Did I ask you two fools to die?
"Yuanhao?" Yuan Shao turned and spoke to Tian Feng.
"Generals Yann Liang and Wen Chou are warriors of valor, charging into enemy ranks without fear. To have these two stay with us here is enough!" Tian Feng praised Yann Liang and Wen Chou, although he felt somewhat helpless inside. In comparison with Zhang He and Gao Lan, military generals skilled in both literature and martial arts, Yuan Shao obviously trusted and valued Yann Liang and Wen Chou a great deal.
"Good, since that’s the case, let’s take a risk and try!" Yuan Shao glanced at Tian Feng, then turned his head and looked at Yann Liang and Wen Chou with relief.
Yuan Shao knew that Yann Liang and Wen Chou would have a hard time becoming generals in command of troops, but did he, Yuan Shao, need such generals? Hebei’s strategists were not exactly as abundant as rain, but they were indeed numerous as a cartload of measures, The Yuan Family’s power wasn’t just for show, The civil officials that Liu Xuande desired were in abundant supply at Yuan Shao’s side.
It was true that Yann Liang and Wen Chou were not great at commanding troops, but those whom Yuan Shao now accepted for their loyalty were mainly Wen Yan, The others always aroused a certain amount of suspicion, Therefore, Yuan Shao always kept these two by his side. At a time when he was far inferior to Lyu Bu, they were willing to fight to the death to protect him, This sort of loyalty was what Yuan Shao needed, As for talent, such could be found in this vast world if one searched, but truly loyal ministers like these two before him were few and far between.
For this reason, Yuan Shao planned to cultivate Yann Liang and Wen Chou a bit. Even if they really couldn’t make it, in the future when they went out on campaigns they could simply bring a strategist or two as military advisors, Yuan Shao reckoned that as long as he strictly ordered Yann Liang and Wen Chou to follow the strategist’s instructions, their loyalty would ensure their obedience.
"We would not dare to slack off!" Yann Liang and Wen Chou exchanged glances, both utterly confused, but still responded without changing their expressions. They just had to follow Yuan Shao’s commands, Both were already prepared to sell their lives to Yuan Shao at any moment.
At this moment, Yuan Shao had not yet become confused and foolish, and he remained resolute. Once he made up his mind, he beat the drums and raised his tent, preparing to divide his forces to confront Gongsun Zan.
On the other hand, Chen Zichuan, who was on the march towards Jizhou, had no idea that his actions had forced the normally cautious and deliberate Yuan Shao to take the risky move of attacking Bingzhou. Yuan Shao, who had become conservative due to years of stalemate with Gongsun Bogui, was now pushed into taking risks.
"Let’s stationed at Licheng, no need to move forward. We are here to pressure Jizhou, not to provoke war. Yide, if you dare to mobilize troops without orders, don’t blame me for not being nice to you!" Chen Zichuan sat in the government office of Licheng, glaring at Zhang Fei as he warned him.
Along the way, Zhang Fei kept complaining that the battle in Qingzhou was not satisfying and that he must clash with the Four Courts of Hebei in Jizhou. On several occasions, he wanted to take the lead and rush into Jizhou, which made Chen Zichuan have to warn Zhang Fei, If a war really broke out, it would severely harm the interests of Mount Tai!
Chen Zichuan was well aware that their strength was not enough to take over Jizhou, and it was even fair to say that they would only achieve temporary victories against Ju Shou, who was left to defend Jizhou, and would not be able to truly break Jizhou’s local defensive forces. Since Jizhou was not conquerable, Chen Zichuan had no intention of initiating combat. The war between Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao was the opportunity for Liu Bei’s development. At present, they were merely using the momentum of their victories to pressure Jizhou and display their might, not to fight a desperate battle with Yuan Shao.
Frankly, only Gongsun Zan would enjoy a life-and-death struggle with Yuan Shao for Jizhou. The possibility of Yuan Shao’s defeat was not nonexistent, but it would not benefit Liu Bei in the slightest. After defeating Yuan Shao, how would Jizhou be divided? Gongsun Zan might be a hero, but what of it? Under the temptation of power, even Gongsun Zan, who was becoming increasingly stubborn and self-righteous, would not heed advice. If they attacked Jizhou without solidifying their hold on Qingzhou, wouldn’t Liu Xuande then be a juicy piece of meat? Could Gongsun Zan refrain from seizing it just because of brotherly affection? The phrase "your wife, I shall take care of her" was not just empty words.
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