Mythical Three Kingdoms

That day, Gan Ning went alone to Xiapi, entered the city, and met with Zhang Fei. Fortunately, Gan Ning and Zhang Fei were familiar with each other, their official positions were comparable, and there was no situation where Gan Ning would be looked down upon.

”Yide, do you dare?” Gan Ning smirked at Zhang Fei.

”Why wouldn’t I dare?” Zhang Fei burst into laughter, his round eyes gleaming fiercely.

”Generals, there are eighty to ninety thousand troops outside the city. Among their officers are Li Yan, who General Zhang has fought against before; Lai Min, steady and meticulous; Huo Jun, skilled in defense; and Li Tong, handling the dispatch. Isn’t this course of action excessively dangerous?” Seeing Zhang Fei, who had been following his gaze signals, unexpectedly agreeing to Gan Ning’s plan, Chen Deng immediately stood up and spoke.

Though Chen Deng was undoubtedly an intelligent man, he was not the kind of strategist who enjoys taking risks even in situations of overwhelming advantage. He felt no affinity for Fa Zheng’s risky stratagems; he thought them too perilous, with fatal consequences if exposed.

”What danger? The Yuzhou Army outside seems to me to be nothing more than a bunch of civilians—they may be tall and heavily armored, but truly elite soldiers among them are few and far between!” Gan Ning said haughtily, giving Chen Deng, who bore a small mustache, no regard whatsoever.

”True, and Xiaoo Zhi makes a good point; perhaps the elder brother is already waiting for us in the north.” Zhang Fei, bold and courageous by nature, readily agreed with Gan Ning’s statement, finding the Yuzhou Army to embody the form of elite soldiers but not their spirit.

”General, the Lord has not dispatched us to the north, which means the matter isn’t urgent. What’s most important right now is holding Xuzhou rather than going out to fight. If we stall the Yuzhou Army, they will naturally retreat without a fight.” At this moment, Chen Deng didn’t care if he offended Gan Ning.

Even though Chen Deng acknowledged Gan Ning as a renowned general, there were moments one had to resist. Fa Zheng’s plan was overly ambitious; having secured North Huai River and sitting securely in Xuzhou, Chen Deng saw no necessity for a risky stratagem.

”Hmph, Governor of Chen Commandery, must we wait for the Lord’s dispatch to head north? Aren’t you afraid it’ll be too late by then?” Gan Ning, who disliked Chen Deng’s incessant objections, spoke bluntly, leaving Chen Deng awkward and unable to respond.

These words instantly turned Chen Deng’s face red. He took a deep breath and said, ”General Gan, our army’s strength is sufficient. Even if Yuan Shao’s northern forces were entirely mobilized, they couldn’t impede the Lord. The Lord’s sole concern is the Southern and Northern Allied Forces, which might overstretch our resources. As we already have 30,000 soldiers stalling Yuan Shu, the Lord can act without hesitation.”

”Think defeat before victory. If you consider only positive outcomes and not potential setbacks—just as you mentioned Li Tong, Li Yan, and Huo Jun as exceptional individuals—what if something goes wrong in our defense here? The saying ’long defense leads to eventual loss’ is no lie!” Gan Ning and Zhang Fei had always been the type to speak without reservation. Their straightforward personalities often resulted in blunt, unfiltered remarks, and others chose to overlook potentially offensive words from them.

”You…” Chen Deng was furious, astonished that Gan Ning dared to be so direct.

”Enough! I’ll follow Xiaoo Zhi’s advice,” Zhang Fei said suddenly, standing up.

Gan Ning’s face lit up with joy, and without sparing Chen Deng a glance, he laughed loudly, ”This is the Yide I know! What’s the point of fighting Yuan Shu? Marching north to attack Yuan Shao is the true path. As for the Southern and Northern Allied Forces, the best approach is to crush one flank!”

”It’s all up to Xiaoo Zhi,” Zhang Fei replied without elaboration, patting Gan Ning on the shoulder. ”If things go wrong, we’ll bear the consequences together.”

”If there’s trouble, I’ll bear it alone. I have the authority to deploy troops independently,” Gan Ning said with a resolute expression, then laughed heartily before Zhang Fei could respond. ”But I trust Xiaoo Zhi. Since setting foot in Yanzhou, his strategies have proven infallible. Though risky, I believe in him!”

As Gan Ning said this, he radiated pride. Over time, his relationship with Fa Zheng had grown exceptionally close. Their temperaments naturally complemented each other—bold and adventurous, one excelling in strategy and the other in might.

Chen Deng glanced at Gan Ning and frowned slightly at his words. He sensed that Gan Ning might be offering an indirect explanation, but quickly dismissed the thought, knowing Gan Ning’s personality wasn’t inclined toward making apologies.

”Let’s hope so. If Zichuan or Master Jia had said it, I’d feel much more confident.” Zhang Fei sighed, conflicted. Were it not for the fact that Gan Ning’s provocative remarks had stirred concerns in him, Zhang Fei might not have accepted Fa Zheng’s stratagem so readily. Chen Deng was spot on—this plan was highly risky.

”Haha, don’t worry,” Gan Ning replied with hearty laughter. He was well aware that Zhang Fei had reservations about Fa Zheng’s capabilities. Moreover, Zhang Fei, despite his straightforward demeanor, had a meticulous side. He wouldn’t fall prey to simple provocations, especially if they threatened their camaraderie.

Chen Deng now looked at Gan Ning with a trace of intrigue. He had begun to notice the subtlety behind Gan Ning’s seemingly straightforward and bold exterior, revealing a sharp and delicate mind—though not in a way that raised mistrust.

”Since the general has made up his mind, I shall speak no further. I once heard you mention that Li Yan is skilled in military formations, so how about tomorrow afternoon we lead 6,000 soldiers to confront the Yuzhou Army with our formation?” At this moment, Chen Deng returned to his role as the ever-strategic advisor and set aside any grievances.

”Afternoon?” Zhang Fei asked in confusion, looking at Chen Deng.

”Our move to engage the enemy would be great news for the Yuzhou Army. With Li Tong and Li Yan’s expertise, they would surely dispatch a large force to divert our army while allocating the rest to assault Xiapi.” Chen Deng nodded and calmly explained.

”Wouldn’t their goal be to eliminate our field forces instead?” Zhang Fei asked perplexedly, as did Gan Ning.

”I’ll join you in the challenge!” Chen Deng said with a composed expression. ”In doing so, the likelihood of them targeting Xiapi increases significantly.”

”Following this logic, Xiapi’s defenses will be weakened, enabling the enemy to concentrate on attacking Xiapi.” Gan Ning raised his hand and looked at Chen Deng, his tone serious for the first time since arriving.

”Precisely. Our forces heading to engage the enemy will consist of elite troops, cautious and highly skilled. Their effort to encircle us won’t be easy. With my judgment, even if the enemy wishes to surround us, it won’t be an effortless endeavor.” Chen Deng explained to Zhang Fei while glancing at Gan Ning. By now, he had a clearer understanding of Gan Ning—a man intuitive and straightforward, yet possessing a striking degree of cunning.

”I don’t get it…” Zhang Fei said awkwardly.

”Which is easier to deal with—Xiapi City without you or elite troops fighting on open ground?” Gan Ning snapped, unimpressed.

”Obviously, Xiapi City is easier to take down. Now I understand,” Zhang Fei said with a pleased face, looking at Chen Deng. ”So the plan is to lure the enemy into attacking Xiapi. But then, what’s the purpose of that?” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit qidian.com to vote with recommendation tickets or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users may access m.qidian.com to read.)