Mythical Three Kingdoms

Thinking about the ages of the group from Mount Tai, Tian Feng couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. The high-ranking officials on Yuan Shao’s side were mostly around forty years old, while the leadership from Mount Tai, aside from Jia Xu and the ever-villainous Li Youu, were astonishingly young—none older than thirty, and some not even twenty!

Indeed, they were the ”young and strong” faction. What was even more intimidating was that this group of youthful leaders had truly sustained a force no less than their own. This alone spoke volumes about their potential. The officials in their twenties had not yet reached the peak of their intellect and experience, leaving room for growth. As for those still in their teens, in Tian Feng’s eyes, they could only be described as prodigies.

”We can’t afford to delay any longer. General Jiangh is cautious by nature, so Ye City itself is secure. However, Fa Zheng will most certainly sever the supply routes, which makes Qinghe and the Bohai Sea of utmost importance.” Ju Shou nodded in agreement with Tian Feng’s assessment, acknowledging General Jiangh Yiqu’s competence.

”Then we should first annihilate Wei Yan’s forces in Qinghe.” Sheni Pei made the decisive call. They couldn’t allow Wei Yan, this annoying ”fly,” to cause increasing trouble. It was best to eliminate him before any incidents occurred.

”However, Xu Shu poses a significant problem. This person is quite renowned in Yingchuan,” Guo Tu interjected, hitting the crux of the issue.

”Gong Ze, do you happen to know Xu Shu?” Sheni Pei’s face lit up at the mention, hoping to exploit any connection to sway Xu Shu to their side. If persuasion was impossible, at least familiarity could reveal his weaknesses.

”Absolutely useless,” Guo Tu replied helplessly. ”From what I recall, he was just a wanderer. A few years back, Liu Bei passed through Yingchuan and took him in. Many mocked him for it at the time. Now, looking at the current situation, the truth is evident—he’s truly formidable.”

Sheni Pei was speechless after hearing this. Trying to win over someone who rose from obscurity like Xu Shu seemed impossible, especially since Liu Bei is the one who discovered and cultivated his talents. If they managed to succeed in turning him, Sheni Pei wouldn’t even bother using such a person, regardless of their abilities—this level of loyalty, by the standards of this era, made him a dead-set loyalist.

”It’s best not to rely on opportunistic tactics. The greatest weakness of Wei Yan and Xu Shu lies in their insufficient troops. What they’re capable of achieving is limited to merely holding us back,” Fengg Ji said calmly. ”However, once Ye City’s supply lines are blocked, Qinghe’s strategic importance will surge dramatically.”

”Ye City’s defense won’t face significant trouble. The enemy’s troop strength limits their capabilities; they can’t create major problems. Besides, with Wei Commandery behind us, reinforcements will naturally arrive. The grain supply, though, may be cut off for over a month.” Sheni Pei nodded thoughtfully. ”So, preparations should be made in Qinghe in advance.”

”Ensure that Bohai’s grain routes are cleared ahead of time to avoid any unexpected incidents.” Xuu You suddenly spoke up. ”As for the grain routes passing through Qinghe to Anping, Qinghe will inevitably need to be dealt with. Let Yuanbo handle the Bohai routes.”

”Alright...” Sheni Pei pondered for a long time before agreeing.

”Have any of you noticed that our enemy forces have been steadily declining in number?” Dong Zhao, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke.

Ju Shou’s eyes sparkled briefly, but he quickly returned to his usual composed demeanor, casting a confident glance at the others—a look that said he was already in control.

”The opposing forces must defend their rear supply lines and position troops at strategic points. Their forces have thinned out significantly,” Sheni Pei’s eyes lit up as well, echoing the sentiment.

”Do we choose to continue this stalemate, waiting for the opportune moment, or...” Tian Feng spoke cautiously. To be precise, he had already spotted an opening; Liu Bei’s Army’s biggest problem now was that they were surrounded by enemies from all sides.

Of course, being surrounded by enemies didn’t necessarily result in tangible consequences—not many dared to make a real move against them. After fighting this far, Tian Feng had already made assessments of Mount Tai’s overall wartime capabilities. They were formidable!

”No, dragging this out would lead to mutual destruction. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s not worth it,” Ju Shou shook his head slowly. ”Our army will soon see an opportunity to reverse the current situation. Liu Bei’s Army’s talk of decisive battle is, in fact, an opportunity for us. Their current approach stems from recognizing the circumstances and not wanting this conflict to drag on further.”

”Hmph, how confident they are!” Sheni Pei snorted with dissatisfaction. However, he had to admit that he would likely make the same choice if placed under similar circumstances.

”Haha, if we were in their position, I’m sure we’d make the same choice. After all, short-term pain is preferable to prolonged suffering. They’re likely planning a surprise total assault once Ye City’s grain routes are cut off,” Ju Shou explained calmly.

”At the same time, Qinghe will probably see heightened blockades. As for grain supplies from Bohai, if preparations aren’t made, there will inevitably be a lag time, and should our army face shortages, their total assault could crush us in a single battle!” Ju Shou’s sharp gaze swept across the room.

”So we should clear Bohai’s grain routes first,” Sheni Pei sighed.

”No, my plan is not to clear Bohai’s routes, but to divert supplies from Julu directly in the near term. Create the illusion of a shortage by restricting grain supplies and compressing our defensive lines, tricking Liu Bei’s Army into believing we are struggling, while strictly limiting troop movements.” Ju Shou stated calmly, ”The moment they show signs of preparing for a decisive battle...”

The others’ eyes brightened with understanding, except Dong Zhao, who spoke cautiously, ”If we don’t clear Bohai’s routes, wouldn’t it be better to transfer Gao Yuanbo’s elite troops over when the time comes? It would catch them off guard and provide a defensive buffer.”

Ju Shou glanced deeply at Dong Zhao and turned to Sheni Pei, who hesitated. After much deliberation among the group, the final decision was to preemptively mobilize Gao Lan from Bohai’s defensive line.

As Sheni Pei had previously stated, regardless of whether Zang Ba could breach Bohai within ten days, Ju Shou’s strategy was enough to deal a crushing blow to Liu Bei’s forces in this location. To gamble on achieving victory against heavy odds was undeniably enticing.

”Over the next few days, everyone should study how best to counter Liu Bei when the time comes. Let’s pool our wisdom to devise the optimal strategy for defeating Liu Bei’s Army,” Sheni Pei, though authoritative, was clear-minded enough to understand the importance of collective planning at this critical juncture.

”Let’s all prepare well. Since Liu Bei desires battle, we will accompany them to battle. Emperor Gaozu lost for a lifetime but secured the world with one victory; King Xiang won for a lifetime but lost the world with one defeat!” Tian Feng encouraged the group with a rallying speech.

”Relying on a single battle to determine victory or defeat is unwise. Gong Ren, you and I should consider both post-battle scenarios—one focused on the aftermath of a defeat or stalemate, while the other contemplates victory.” Xuu You’s sharp gaze locked on Dong Zhao.

”Very well. However, dealing with the aftermath of a defeat should fall to me—it’s a lighter burden,” Dong Zhao nodded slowly.

Dong Zhao understood that he needed to restrain himself. At the very least, he had to halt interactions with Xun Yu, Sima Yi, and Chen Xi for now. The upcoming battle would determine the fate of Hebei and Mount Tai, and Ju Shou along with Xuu You would undoubtedly keep him under strict observation to prevent any leaks. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote with recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers, please visit m.qidian.com for updates.)