Mythical Three Kingdoms

The situation around Mount Tai is thriving. As soon as the main army converges, it will set out for Jizhou to engage Yuan Shao in a fierce battle. On Yuan Shao’s side, the situation isn’t bad either. At the very moment the Xuanyuan Cauldron emerged, Yuan Shao decisively extinguished any thoughts of negotiating with Gongsun Zan.

When decisions are delayed, chaos ensues. This is what happens when Yuan Shao enters a period of hesitation. However, Yuan Shao possesses a distinct advantage: once all choices are eliminated, even if an obstacle-strewn path lies ahead, he will cut through and forge his own road forward. That is the boldness of Yuan Shao!

Upon sensing the emergence of the Xuanyuan Cauldron, Yuan Shao’s eyes burned with intensity, immediately categorizing the Two Xuanyuan Cauldrons as treasures he must obtain. The subsequent Jade Seal only intensified his excitement.

At that time, Yuan Shao nearly shouted out loud, ”Yuan Clan of Runan ancestors, open your eyes and witness! I, Yuan Benchu, will surely fulfill the aspirations you failed to accomplish. This Han Dynasty territory—if not me, then who will take it?”

Following this realization, Yuan Shao immediately issued an order to Sheni Pei, granting him full authority to handle everything regarding Gongsun Zan. This authority encompassed using both conventional and unconventional methods, and even if negative repercussions arose from such tactics, Yuan Shao was prepared to bear the consequences!

At this moment, Yuan Shao was decisively bold and remarkably confident. After clearly delegating all matters, he personally led his vanguard to Ye City. At the same time, Zhang He was dispatched there to greet Yann Liang. Yuan Shao planned to keep the Xuanyuan Cauldron stationed in Ye City!

Just as Jia Xu had predicted, Yuan Shao adopted behavior similar to Yuan Shu. After gaining control of Beiping and Youzhou, Yuan Shao immediately relocated his administrative headquarters to Ye City to demonstrate his resolve to march south and conquer the world. This decision also served as a direct provocation towards Liu Bei, as Fenggao City had never been far from the frontlines!

It is undeniable that Yuan Shao’s attitude was correct, and his determination was faultless. However, it was mistakes in certain perceptions that posed the greatest problems.

Yuan Shao acted swiftly. After sending the order to dispatch troops from Xindu, he raced at full speed toward Ye City.

”Greetings, my lord!” By the time Yuan Shao arrived at Ye City, three days had already passed. The effort was made possible by the horse stock from Jizhou, which enabled him to lead his most elite vanguard to Ye City within three days. Right now, Yann Liang and Wen Chou stood before him, each holding up a leg of the Xuanyuan Cauldron.

”Well done.” Yuan Shao gazed at the Xuanyuan Cauldron, his eyes burning with fervor. Feeling deeply moved, he praised Yann Liang and Wen Chou.

He had already learned on the way about losing the Xuanyuan Human Cauldron but showed no overwhelming anger. Securing one cauldron was achievement enough; as for the other, it would be contested with strength—Yuan Shao fully understood this!

”Please punish me, my lord!” Yann Liang bowed his head, somewhat ashamed. ”I failed to obtain the Xuanyuan Human Cauldron. I ask for punishment!”

”Enough with dispiriting words. Managing to seize even one cauldron from Guan Yu and Guo Jia was no small feat. Next, I shall personally reclaim what rightfully belongs to us!” Yuan Shao patted Yann Liang on the shoulder as he spoke.

”If my lord plans to campaign against Liu Bei, I request to serve as vanguard!” Yann Liang knelt on one knee and said resolutely.

”Very well!” Yuan Shao paused briefly in thought before agreeing. Though he initially didn’t intend for Yann Liang to lead troops alone, seeing his determined expression kept him from discouraging Yann Liang.

”Let’s go! Follow me into the city. The Xuanyuan Cauldron shall remain in Ye City, and my southern advance begins officially here!” Yuan Shao clapped Yann Liang’s shoulder and laughed, striding forward, while Yann Liang and Wen Chou carried the Xuanyuan Cauldron behind him. Wherever they passed, people knelt in reverence.

”Congratulations, my lord!” Ju Shou humbly greeted Yuan Shao with a bow, his face filled with unabashed congratulatory sentiments, which greatly pleased Yuan Shao.

”Gong Yu, from today onward, Ye City will be our administrative headquarters!” Yuan Shao declared to Ju Shou. ”My strategy to conquer the world begins here!”

Ju Shou hesitated briefly, then noticed Yuan Shao’s solemn expression and bowed slightly. ”I am willing to serve my lord wholeheartedly in securing the capital of the realm!”

”Hahaha!” Yuan Shao laughed heartily. ”Gong Yu, I was worried you might not understand my intentions, but I see now you are not the least surprised.”

”The decline of the Han Dynasty has led to chaos throughout the land. At present, only my lord and Liu Xuande possess the qualities to restore order to this world and reunify the realm. If so, what is there for me not to understand?” Ju Shou replied calmly.

Ju Shou’s thoughts were simple. He did not care whose banner flew over the realm; he only cared about who could end the chaos and bring back peace and stability.

As long as the world returned to order, Ju Shou didn’t concern himself with whether it came under the guise of restoring the Han Dynasty or through rebellion and conquest. He had had enough of unrecognized talent, enough of citizens displaced, enough of corrupt officials, enough of selling ranks and titles!

”Ah, Liu Xuande! Back at Hulao Pass, I sensed he was destined for greatness. Who would have thought he would ascend to such heights?” Yuan Shao remarked wistfully. ”If only I had not underestimated Chen Zichuan back then...”

”Who would have guessed that a fallen kinsman of the imperial family, a poor scholar, could achieve such remarkable feats,” Ju Shou sighed deeply.

If only they had known the outcome back then, Yuan Shao surely would have humbled himself to forge connections when Chen Xi was struggling to find a meal at the side of Yuan Shao’s entourage. But regrets were futile; no medicine could undo the past mistakes. Now, Liu Bei was qualified to stand equal to Yuan Shao, while Chen Xi shone as brightly as the ancient sages!

”This realm requires rivals. For the Yuan Clan to rise and claim dominion over the world, it needs not rely on the empty rhetoric of the Yang Family but upon the sword and shield in our own hands! Prosperity may depend on political strength, but chaos demands martial force to conquer the realm. Since it has come to this point...” Yuan Shao slowly closed his eyes, reopening them with an unwavering determination.

”Let what is highest be contested between the swords we wield, not for rebellion or devotion to the imperial kinsmen, but by the power within each of us!” At that moment, all traces of Yuan Shao’s hesitation and doubt vanished, replaced by unwavering resolve and formidable boldness!

”Gong Yu, initiate the mobilization of troops. Recall the soldiers from Bingzhou and Youzhou. Inform Tian Yu and Lyu Bu that Yuan Shao’s army will no longer guard their rear. The frontiers of the Great Han Dynasty will be entrusted to them—whether to abandon, defend, or negotiate is entirely their decision!” Yuan Shao said calmly, having gained profound clarity after obtaining the Heavenly Cauldron.

”Understood!” Ju Shou bowed in response.

Yuan Shao decisively chose war. Though the timing was not ideal, Ju Shou knew it was equally inconvenient for Liu Bei. By comparison, Yuan Shao held greater advantages in the broader strategy. After all, the dual campaigns of the Two Yuans against Liu Bei had already been strategically aligned, despite Xuu You’s underestimation of Chen Xi.

”Recall the cavalry to Jizhou. The conflict with Mount Tai is not something that can be resolved in a day or two. Therefore, the harvest in Jizhou this year must not suffer in any way,” Yuan Shao earnestly instructed Ju Shou. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)