Chapter 131: Zilong, What's Your Take?

Zhongshan, Xuwu District.

Late autumn had arrived, casting a desolate mood over everything.

At the Zhen Family’s Lodging Institute, Zhen Mi and her mother, Madam Zhang, engaged in casual conversation within the courtyard.

Observing Zhen Mi’s pale complexion under the sunlight, Madam Zhang expressed her concern with a sigh, “Ah, you’ve always been frail, and now after suffering such a severe illness, it pains me to see your hardships.”

Since returning home to the Zhen family over a month ago, Zhen Mi fell gravely ill due to the exhausting journey and overwhelming grief from her brother’s death. Thankfully, with careful nursing, her health had significantly improved.

A hint of smile appeared in Zhen Mi’s eyes. “While falling seriously ill isn’t entirely good, at least it allows me more time to stay and accompany Mother.”

Madam Zhang shot a disapproving glance at Zhen Mi. “Nonsense! How can illness ever be beneficial? You are now a noble consort; accompanying His Majesty in the palace should be your priority.”

“Compared to securing the allegiance of the Zhen Clan, even accompanying His Majesty takes a backseat.” Zhen Mi gazed intently at Madam Zhang, her eyes burning with urgency. “Mother, have you not considered this matter yet, despite so much time passing?”

After mourning Zhen Yan, Zhen Mi had approached Madam Zhang about pledging the Zhen Clan’s support to the Emperor, but Madam Zhang did not immediately agree.

“The risks involved in supporting the Emperor are too great,” Madam Zhang avoided Zhen Mi’s gaze and sighed. “It’s not that I am unwilling to assist the Emperor, but Yuan Shao’s power is immense. He controls three provinces and has the backing of numerous aristocratic families, far surpassing Lu Bu’s strength. Even if we aid Lu Bu financially, he cannot hope to match Yuan Shao.”

“The most critical concern is that if Yuan Shao discovers the Zhen Clan secretly aiding the Emperor, it would bring certain doom upon our family!”

As a mother, Madam Zhang naturally wished to support the Emperor. However, considering her clan’s interests, the risks were too great.

“Mother!” Growing anxious, Zhen Mi tugged at Madam Zhang’s arm and pleaded earnestly, “With His Majesty in peril, under Yuan Shao’s control, how can I, as one of his consorts, remain indifferent?”

“His Majesty has promised me that once he regains power, he will appoint me Empress, and any future offspring shall be named Crown Prince.”

Hearing this, Madam Zhang paled visibly, “Did His Majesty truly promise you the positions of Empress and Crown Prince?”

Zhen Mi affirmed, “He spoke these words himself; I dare not fabricate such matters.”

Seeing the sincerity on Zhen Mi’s face, Madam Zhang’s expressions shifted rapidly.

Noticing her mother’s reaction, Zhen Mi pressed further, “The Grand Preceptor Wen is currently the fiercest general in the land. He now controls Xuzhou and half of Yangzhou, possessing formidable military strength but lacking financial resources.”

“With the support of our Zhen Clan, Grand Preceptor Wen could undoubtedly defeat Yuan Shao and rescue His Majesty!”

Madam Zhang snapped back to reality and slowly shook her head, “Mi’er, it’s not as simple as you think. Even if His Majesty genuinely intends to make you Empress, it would only happen after he escapes confinement and regains power.”

“However, with His Majesty currently under Yuan Shao’s control, if the Zhen Clan secretly supports Lu Bu by providing him with money and provisions, the consequences would be dire once Yuan Shao discovers it.”

Although Madam Zhang was inclined to accept Zhen Mi’s request, since Zhen Yan’s passing, she bore the responsibility as the clan matriarch to consider the welfare of the entire Zhen Clan. She could not jeopardize their safety for the uncertain prospect of securing positions for Empress and Crown Prince. Neither she nor the elder members of the clan would agree to such a risk.

“Mother, do you truly believe that aligning with Yuan Shao will shield the Zhen Clan from being swallowed up?” Zhen Mi’s sharp words pierced Madam Zhang’s heart, causing her expression to dramatically shift.

She had pondered this question before, but the clan elders believed that given Yuan Shao’s prestigious background as a descendant of three generations of high-ranking officials, he would, for the sake of his reputation, refrain from absorbing the Zhen Clan.

Zhen Mi pressed relentlessly, “Mother knows well that after Second Brother’s death, the Zhen Clan faces a critical juncture, lacking a clear successor.”

“Innocence is no defense when covetousness prevails; the Zhen Clan is like a prime piece of meat, tempting all who see it,” Zhen Mi continued. “If Yuan Shao genuinely cared about his reputation, why would he hold the Emperor hostage?”

Madam Zhang stood frozen, unable to refute Zhen Mi’s arguments.

Ever since Zhen Mi entered the imperial court, Yuan Shao repeatedly demanded resources from the Zhen Clan—sometimes claiming it was to maintain the imperial guard on behalf of the Emperor, other times citing repairs needed for the imperial palace.

The Zhen Clan’s current prominence did not come by accident; its members were no fools. A single or even two requests might be understandable, but with repeated demands, it became clear that Yuan Shao merely sought pretexts to extort them.

Despite knowing Yuan Shao exploited the Emperor’s name for his own gain, the Zhen Clan could neither refuse nor dare to defy him.

Seeing Madam Zhang’s troubled expression, Zhen Mi softened her tone. “Yuan Shao is unreliable; relying on him is akin to conspiring with a tiger for its hide.

By supporting the Emperor, although risky, once he escapes confinement and I become Empress, our grandson will ascend as heir apparent. The Zhen Clan could then potentially become the next Yuan clan.”

Zhen Mi’s words were logical, sincere, and well-reasoned. While she genuinely wanted to help Liu Xie, she hadn’t overlooked the interests of her family either.

The Zhen Clan faced imminent danger of being swallowed by power-hungry factions like Yuan Shao’s. It was time to take a gamble, risking everything for survival.

After much hesitation, Madam Zhang finally sighed, “This matter has grave implications, and I cannot make a hasty decision. Please allow me some time to carefully consider it.”

Noticing a shift in Madam Zhang’s stance, Zhen Mi felt a glimmer of hope. “Mother, utmost secrecy is crucial!”

Understanding Madam Zhang’s reluctance, given the stakes involved in determining the fate of the entire Zhen Clan, made sense.

Madam Zhang nodded, understanding that secrecy was paramount to their safety.

After giving Zhen Mi some parting advice on taking care of her health, Madam Zhang hastily left the courtyard.

The autumn breeze lifted strands of Zhen Mi’s hair as she gazed towards Yecheng, Liu Xie’s image appearing in her mind.

“Your Majesty, I will surely persuade the Zhen Clan to pledge allegiance to you.”

At the Governor’s Residence in Yōuzhou:

Upon learning that Yuan Shao had assembled a massive army along the borders of Yōuzhou and Jizhou, Gongsun Zan’s eyes flashed with scorn.

“That shameless old thief Yuan Shao thinks he can deceive me? I knew from the start he never intended to reconcile!”

Recently, Yuan Shao had sent envoys proposing peace talks with Gongsun Zan. Sensing something amiss, Gongsun Zan neither accepted nor rejected the offer but quietly bolstered his defenses instead.

Before long, Yuan Shao personally led a formidable force against him. Such duplicity was truly nauseating.

“What are your thoughts on Yuan Shao’s attack?” Gongsun Zan turned to one of the generals beside him.

This general was his younger cousin, named Gongsun Fan, who had served by his side for many years and was among his most trusted commanders.

Gongsun Fan dismissively replied, “What’s there to think? Since Yuan Benchu has come to attack, we simply need to repel him.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Gongsun Zan’s son, Gongsun Xu, interjected, “Father, please allow me to be the vanguard general when confronting Yuan Shao’s forces this time!”

Hearing this, Gongsun Zan felt an overwhelming headache. His cousin and his son, both lacking foresight, were nothing more than reckless warriors obsessed with combat. Consulting them proved futile.

“Ahh…” Gongsun Zan sighed deeply.

Most of Gongsun Zan’s subordinates were merely brawny warriors skilled only in charging headfirst into battle. He had very few strategists capable of advising him and analyzing the situation.

His gaze shifted towards a young general standing nearby. “Zilong, what is your take on this?”

This youthful officer was Zhao Yun, known by his courtesy name, Zilong. Despite his youth, he displayed extraordinary bravery in combat, even among the elite White Horse Troops. Not only was his martial prowess exceptional, but he also possessed strategic acumen.

Zhao Yun clasped his fists respectfully. “General, I believe that since Yuan Shao and Cao Cao each support their own Emperor, they are destined to be irreconcilable rivals.”

“Previously, when Yuan Shao sent envoys seeking peace with our lord, it was likely to free up forces against Cao Cao. Now, seeing that you did not agree, he has chosen to attack directly.”

“If Yuan Shao defeats us and secures Yōuzhou, he can eliminate any concerns from behind while waging war against Cao Cao.”

How could one tolerate another’s encroachment so close to home? For Yuan Shao, Yōuzhou had long been a thorn in his side.

To advance southward towards the Central Plains, Yuan Shao needed to pacify Yōuzhou first. Otherwise, he would constantly fear surprise attacks from Gongsun Zan.

“Eliminate his worries? Isn’t Yuan Benchu being too presumptuous!” Gongsun Zan sneered disdainfully. “Let him try! We’ll see if he can wrest Yōuzhou away from me!”

While Yuan Shao’s influence was formidable, Gongsun Zan was no slouch either. Swallowing Yōuzhou would not be as easy as Yuan Shao might think.

Zhao Yun cautioned, “General, with the autumn harvest just completed, Yuan Shao now has ample supplies. This invasion is unlikely to end quickly like previous attempts. We must prepare for a prolonged battle.”

“Moreover, Yuan Shao claims to act under the Emperor’s mandate, waging war against those who defy authority. Holding such righteous justification puts our troops at a disadvantage.”

Any military campaign required a legitimate cause. By declaring his attack in the Emperor’s name, Yuan Shao positioned himself on the moral high ground. If they did not counter this narrative, their forces could be branded as rebels.

“Who knows if that so-called Emperor is even genuine!” Gongsun Zan snorted coldly. The legitimacy of the Emperor remained uncertain, and he refused to acknowledge the one seated in Yecheng.

He glanced at Tian Yu, a general among his ranks known for his literary skills. “Guo Rang, draft a proclamation denouncing Yuan Shao’s incursion,” commanded Gongsun Zan.

“Yes, General!” Tian Yu responded with a fist salute.

Gongsun Zan sighed inwardly; life in Yōuzhou truly paled in comparison to the Central Plains. Even drafting a simple proclamation had to rely on a warrior’s pen.

Shaking his head, Gongsun Zan turned to Gongsun Xu. “Zilong’s assessment is accurate. It seems we’re heading towards a protracted war with Yuan Shao.”

“Xu’er, go to General Yan and request three hundred White Horse Troopers. Then lead another three thousand soldiers beyond the pass to collect tributes from each tribe.”

“Any who dare defy this order shall be killed!” Gongsun Zan’s tone was calm, but his words carried intense menace.

To him, these foreign tribes beyond the pass were merely sources of supplies, horses, and provisions, and he had more than enough power to exterminate them if needed. The reason he refrained from doing so was solely to ensure their annual tribute payments.

Yōuzhou was impoverished compared to Jizhou; without plundering these foreign tribes for resources, sustaining such a large army would be exceedingly difficult.

“Eh? You want me to go?” Gongsun Xu seemed somewhat reluctant. Slaying barbarians might have been appealing, but collecting tributes sounded dreadfully dull. However, with the orders already given, he couldn’t disobey easily. He reluctantly agreed, “Understood, Father.”

His only hope now was that those tribesmen might show some backbone and resist, giving him a chance to indulge his combat enthusiasm.

Gongsun Zan then turned to his cousin, “Send men to constantly monitor Yuan Shao’s army movements and keep an eye on Bing Province. Report any unusual activity immediately.”

Gongsun Fan nodded in agreement.

After issuing his instructions, everyone dispersed to carry out their respective tasks.

Gongsun Zan picked up a letter from Yangzhou lying on his desk.

“Xuande, oh Xuande, why did you have to join that old traitor Yuan Shao?”

“Surrendering Zhang Xiu and capturing Yuan Shu were such monumental achievements, yet he only bestowed upon you the title of Marquis of Ting and the laughable Inspector of Jing Province.”

“With your talents, wouldn’t it be splendid if you aided me instead?”

Meanwhile, in Yangzhou, Ru’nan Commandery.

Twenty kilometers outside the city, at Lu Bu’s encampment.

Inside the main camp, Lu Bu, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Chen Gong gathered to discuss strategy.

Chen Gong pointed at the map. “To attack Ru’nan, Xiahou Dun must pass through this area. Defeating his ten-thousand-strong force will render the Cao thief powerless to interfere with Yangzhou.”

“In this battle, Wenyuan, you will command from our center, directing operations. General Bozhen will lead the Xianjin Battalion against the elite forces of Cao, while you, General, will take the Wolf Riders of Bing Province on a flanking assault targeting their central formation. Our goal is to slay commanders and seize their banners.”

Lu Bu sneered, “The Cao thief usurps the Emperor’s authority and covets Yangzhou. Today, I shall surely behead his cousin!”

Seeing how lightly Lu Bu regarded Xiahou Dun, Chen Gong hastily warned, “General, do not underestimate him. Within Xiahou Dun’s ranks lies the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry led by Cao Ren—a formidable force not to be taken lightly.”

Unsatisfied, Lu Bu retorted, “Gongtai, you’re merely boosting their morale. While Cao Ren’s Tiger and Leopard Cavalry may be impressive, should my Wolf Riders of Bing Province ever falter?”

Lu Bu had unwavering confidence in the thousand-strong Wolf Riders he personally commanded. This cavalry unit consistently achieved victories despite being outnumbered, often breaking enemy formations. Their illustrious record over many years left no doubt in his mind about their superiority over any other mounted force in the land.

From the side, Gao Shun spoke up, “General, I’ve heard that the Cao scum invested heavily in creating the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. Both men and horses are heavily armored, making them virtually unstoppable once they charge.”

“Both horse and rider heavily armored!” Lu Bu’s eyes widened, disbelief written across his face. “So you’re saying that equipping the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry costs even more than outfitting my Xianjin Battalion?”

The Xianjin Battalion comprised his most elite infantry—well-equipped and fiercely courageous, renowned for their ability to overcome any enemy they faced.

Despite draining his resources, Lu Bu could only muster around seven hundred soldiers for the entire battalion.

Learning that Cao Ren’s Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was even more expensive left him speechless, fueling intense envy within his heart.

“Cursed fate! If this general had ample funds and provisions, I would have driven out both the Cao thief and Sun Ce brat from Yangzhou long ago!”

Seizing the moment, Chen Gong cautioned, “General, this battle is crucial. Should we achieve victory decisively, all three Jiangbei commanderies will fall under our control. We must not underestimate or be careless against our enemies!”

Lu Bu lamented briefly about his lack of silver and supplies before assuring Chen Gong, “Fear not, Gongtai. This general will follow your strategy.”

As usual, Chen Gong advised Lu Bu to entrust the frontal assault to Zhang Liao and Gao Shun while he himself led the Wolf Riders of Bing Province. Capitalizing on their cavalry advantage, they were to seek opportunities to flank the enemy, targeting the commander or key officers for decapitation strikes.

Only Lu Bu, unmatched in martial prowess worldwide, could execute such tactics with unparalleled mastery. For any other general, attempting to capture enemy commanders and seize banners would likely result in becoming trapped by the opposing forces, with slim chances of escape.

The following day at noon.

Xiahou Dun appeared on the horizon with his army of ten thousand soldiers.

Zhang Liao commanded from the central camp, directing troop movements.

Gao Shun led seven hundred members of the Xianjin Battalion to hold the front lines.

Before the battle commenced, a grim atmosphere enveloped the entire plain.

On a distant hilltop, Lu Bu assembled one thousand Wolf Riders of Bing Province, poised for action.

Once the two armies engaged, they would seize their opportunity to flank Xiahou Dun’s forces and claim his head.