Mythical Three Kingdoms

”I have already constructed beacon towers along the borders of Jizhou and Bingzhou. If Mount Tai dares to entertain the thought of raiding us, splitting their forces to attack, our army will quickly receive the news,” Ju Shou said calmly.

In recent years, Ju Shou hasn’t been doing anything else but building defensive measures. Anyone deemed a sage is never an easy character to deal with.

”However, this move requires a significant number of cavalry to implement. Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, my lord, I would’ve planned to call the cavalry back to Jizhou. With the mobility of our abundant cavalry, the enemy will naturally understand what ideas they should not entertain!” Ju Shou spoke arrogantly, casting a sidelong glance at the desk beside him.

”Let’s proceed as such.” Yuan Shao nodded. The previously hard-to-communicate Ju Shou now seemed to be much more in tune with him, which pleased Yuan Shao immensely. Was this what it meant to be revitalized by happy circumstances?

”Mobilize Guo Tu, Feng Ji, Su You, Xin Ping, Xin Pi, Dong Zhao, Ma Yan, Han Ding, Wang Mo, Han Meng, Sui Yuanjin, Zhao Rui, He Mao, Jiang Yiqu, and Zhang Xie,” Yuan Shao said with a serious expression while addressing Ju Shou. Now that they had decided to go head-to-head with Liu Bei, Yuan Shao would commit fully to the battle.

”Understood!” Ju Shou bowed and responded. With no other strategists currently present in Ye City, Ju Shou now had the authority to directly issue orders.

After Ju Shou left, Yuan Shao took out a map and began to study and analyze it meticulously to determine where Liu Bei might launch his attack. Yet, after a while, he put the map down.

Yuan Shao knew full well that in the upcoming conflict, he could deploy no fewer than 200,000 troops in the first wave, and Liu Bei’s forces would not fall below 150,000. With both sides boasting such large armies, only the vast plains of the Central Plains and Yanzhou would suffice as a theatre of war. Any other area would make maneuvering and engagement impractical.

”Liu Xuande, when the time comes, I will show you that in the Central Plains, one essential factor in war is cavalry. You shall witness firsthand what it means to employ swarms of cavalry groups sweeping across the land!” Yuan Shao lifted his eyes to gaze southward toward Mount Tai, a hint of pride surfacing on his face. Among the four major northern horse-breeding regions, he controlled three; this was his greatest advantage!

[But it’s a pity. The horses from Youzhou and Bingzhou cannot compare to the steed breeds of Xiliang. Not having the finest horse breeds in my hands remains a troublesome matter.] Yuan Shao turned his head toward the west, where his subordinate, Cao Cao, was currently fighting.

[I’ve kept over 40,000 elite cavalry in reserve, never once deploying them all. I’d like to see what Liu Bei will use to stop me when the time comes!] A flash of coldness crossed Yuan Shao’s face. For Liu Bei to rise from poverty as a weaver and vendor of straw mats to become a regional overlord commanding significant territory, Yuan Shao held great admiration. But admiration aside, when it came to battle, Yuan Shao feared no one.

[The challenge of maintaining a large cavalry force, however, is its heavy drain on resources. Even affluent Jizhou faces certain difficulties with food supplies. Fortunately, Gong Yu has prepared for this, so defeating Liu Bei shouldn’t pose a major issue. As for which mastermind I should employ...]

Yuan Shao had not yet slackened in his ambition. While he harbored secondary thoughts now and then, he remained a competent leader with a clear understanding of his own position, even if he sometimes failed at ”knowing the enemy.”

[If only Xun Shen didn’t have conflicts about loyalty and beliefs, he would be the most suitable choice. However, alas, the heavens seldom fulfill human desires. The alternatives, though...]

Having resolved to confront Liu Bei, Yuan Shao decisively began selecting a chief strategist, no longer letting Xun Shen occupy a high position without active contribution. This time was different; the stakes were life and death. In moments of hesitation or distraction, Xun Shen’s indecision could cost Yuan Shao everything.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Yuan Shao became cautious. He needed someone fully devoted to his cause, not a minister like Xun Shen who, despite being in his inner circle, often remained silent and distant.

[Tian Feng, Xu You, and Ju Shou are unsuitable, especially Xu You. This man’s temperament is unpredictable. However, speaking of the Xuanyuan Cauldron, it is indeed a treasure. Would it be effective for Ziyuan? If so, then...]

Stroking his mustache, Yuan Shao felt a surge of excitement. Xu You had been his companion since childhood, and among all his advisors, he trusted Xu You the most. Greedy as Xu You was, Yuan Shao had no doubts about his extraordinary strategic acumen.

[I’ll summon him back for a test. If the cauldron proves effective for Ziyuan, our chances of victory will increase by another margin. In that case, I can set aside the Jade Disc of Weeping Willows for now. If it’s ineffective, I’ll gift him the disc instead.]

A faint smile appeared on Yuan Shao’s face. He understood well that Xu You’s intellect was closely tied to the treasures invested in him.

Since learning of Xu You’s ”Spiritual Talent,” Yuan Shao had begun his preparations. Luminous Pearls, Precious Jade, Jade Gui, Jade Cauldrons—he had amassed numerous treasures. Recently, the acquisition of the Jade Disc of Weeping Willows, a relic from the former King of Qin, had prompted him to reserve it as a trump card to secure Xu You’s loyalty and full capabilities.

Now Yuan Shao pondered whether the Xuanyuan Cauldron, arguably the most supreme treasure of its time, should be gifted or merely lent to Xu You. To give it outright was unthinkable, but lending it might be feasible. Yuan Shao would decide depending on the circumstances.

[Ziyuan, I just hope your Spiritual Talent isn’t so peculiar that this item must be given to you.] Yuan Shao mused silently. Xu You was undoubtedly a critical piece in his plans, a hidden ”ace.” In ordinary situations, Xu You was merely first-class in ability, but with top-tier treasures in hand, he could rival any sage in the realm without falling short.

[Ziyuan must be kept in reserve. In this scenario, Sheni Pei, Dong Zhao, Xin Ping, Xin Pi—they all have their risks. Sheni Pei is dangerous. It seems I must appoint Sheni Pei as my chief strategist, with Xin Pi as his deputy. But Zheng Nan’s tendency for authoritarianism is troubling...]

Yuan Shao thought about making Sheni Pei the chief strategist and felt slightly uneasy. He was aware of Sheni Pei’s flaws but then gave a bitter smile.

[I’m overthinking this. Who else could there be? Since there are no better options, Sheni Pei it is. He may have significant drawbacks, but I cannot deny his capabilities. At the very least, as chief strategist, he can help bring out the best in my subordinates.]

Decisive as ever, Yuan Shao gave up on further deliberation. Sheni Pei as chief strategist might not be ideal, but with his competence alongside Yuan Shao’s own leadership skills, defeating Liu Bei seemed far from insurmountable.

[What I truly need is simply a subordinate capable of keeping trivial matters off my plate. Whether or not they hold the title of chief strategist is secondary. I have faith that Yuan Shao can break through any obstacle with my own power! That is my confidence as Yuan Shao!]

Drawing the sword from his waist, Yuan Shao looked at the blade’s reflection showing his still-vigorous visage. With confidence, he declared, ”The world, I will grasp you in my hands!” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)