Chapter 40: I, Yuan Shao, Am the One Destined by Heaven (fixed)

After conducting a profound self-reflection, Liu Xie sought clarification from Guo Jia on exactly how Liu Bei had survived. Without withholding any details, Guo Jia provided him with a truthful account.

“Five thousand troops captured Pei County within ten days?”

Liu Xie found this incredibly hard to believe. While Pei County was not large, capturing it with only five thousand soldiers in such a short span seemed highly improbable.

“That’s correct,” Guo Jia nodded and continued, “However, seizing Pei County wasn’t as challenging as Your Majesty might think.”

“Pei County is merely a small fortress, capable of housing at most ten thousand troops. If Liu Bei had attempted the attack with just his five thousand men, it would indeed have been exceedingly difficult. However, he has operated in Pei County for quite some time, ensuring there must be allies within its walls. With both inside support and external pressure from Yuan Shao’s forces, the morale of the defending garrison would inevitably suffer. Additionally, Lu Bu may not dare send significant reinforcements, making it possible that Liu Bei’s situation isn’t entirely hopeless.”

“In summary, managing to seize even a slim chance of survival under these circumstances is commendable.”

With Guo Jia’s analysis, clarity dawned on Liu Xie, along with newfound admiration for Liu Bei.

As the future ruler of Shu Han, he truly was exceptional.

Internally marveling for a moment, Liu Xie said, “Continue your covert investigations discreetly. Whenever you receive new information, ensure to promptly inform us, or pass it through Zhang He if necessary.”

Currently, Guo Jia served as Liu Xie’s eyes and ears embedded within Yuan Shao’s camp. Through Guo Jia, Liu Xie could stay informed about Yuan Shao’s every move, changes outside, and various updates - something Zhang He alone couldn’t provide.

“As Your Majesty commands.”

This Lunar New Year had been filled with unexpected twists and turns.

However, after the incident during the New Year’s Eve feast, no further disturbances occurred.

Yuan Shao began mobilizing troops, gathering provisions, and making preparations for his army’s departure.

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were granted command of five thousand soldiers, commencing rigorous training day and night.

Meanwhile, following Yuan Shao’s arrangements, Liu Xie embarked on a trip to the outskirts to offer sacrifices to heaven, honoring their ancestors and praying for blessings upon the Great Han.

Everything proceeded methodically.

Soon, half a month had passed.

On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Mars aligned with Greedy Wolf, and Purity faced its counterpart.

It was auspicious for appointing commanders and launching military expeditions.

To bolster Liu Bei’s forces, Yuan Shao assembled a formidable contingent of fifty thousand soldiers. This vast army would set out alongside Liu Bei to attack Pei County.

But what did fifty thousand soldiers truly signify? Liu Xie wasn’t entirely sure.

In history books and television dramas, he often encountered references to armies numbering tens or even hundreds of thousands, but these figures lacked tangible meaning. To him, they were just numbers; fifty thousand didn’t seem particularly large.

Yet now, he witnessed it firsthand.

Standing atop Yecheng’s city gate…

As Liu Xie gazed upon the vast army stretching for miles outside the city, resembling a boundless black tide, he experienced an overwhelming sense of awe for the first time.

Flags fluttered fiercely, armor gleamed majestically, and swords radiated chilling menace.

Confronting such a formidable force, Liu Xie truly comprehended his own insignificance and the terrifying might of Yuan Shao’s power.

It was crucial to remember that this was merely a portion of Yuan Shao’s entire military strength! His forces far exceeded fifty thousand men!

“Is this the true depth of Yuan Benchu’s influence, descendant of three generations of nobles spanning four reigns?” Suppressing his astonishment, Liu Xie silently pondered while casting glances at those around him.

Joining him on the watchtower were not only Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei but also Yuan Shao himself, along with his numerous civil officials and military generals—all gathered together for this occasion.

Today marked the inspection of the troops and their departure for battle.

Unlike Liu Xie’s profound shock, the others appeared remarkably composed. Even faced with such a dauntingly large army, they showed little surprise or trepidation.

Apparently, he was the only one lacking experience in these matters.

Embarrassed by this realization, Liu Xie decided it would be best to remain silent, adopting a facade of aloofness to avoid revealing his unease.

Yuan Shao, scrutinizing the vast army encamped outside the city, wore a smug expression on his face. He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword and turned to Liu Bei with a smile.

“Xuande, I plan to dispatch fifty thousand troops to support your assault on Pei County. With this force behind you, victory is assured!”

Liu Bei, also clad in armor, responded solemnly with a bow, “I am deeply grateful for the Great General’s unwavering support. Rest assured, I will give my utmost effort! This mission shall not be disgraced!”

He understood that these fifty thousand soldiers were both there to bolster him and serve as a blade hanging over his neck.

If he captured Pei County, everything would proceed smoothly.

But if he failed, military discipline would swiftly deal with him before Yuan Shao’s forces took action to seize Pei County themselves!

“Excellent!” Yuan Shao expressed his satisfaction. “For this battle, you shall lead as the vanguard, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei serving as your deputy generals. Together, command five thousand troops to attack Pei County!”

“Here is the military token; it grants authority to mobilize the Yama Battalion!” Yuan Shao tossed an iron military token to Liu Bei.

With both hands, Liu Bei accepted the token, then clasped them firmly and said gravely, “Thank you, Great General!”

Yuan Shao then turned and descended the stairs with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

After Liu Bei left, Yuan Shao called out, “Where are Yan Liang and Wen Chou?”

“At your service!” Both Yan Liang and Wen Chou stepped forward together.

Yuan Shao tossed them each a military token, his voice cold, “Lead one thousand troops each on the flanks of our main force. Keep a close eye on Liu Bei’s movements. If he attempts to flee during battle, immediately command your forces to execute him on the spot!”

“And if his assault fails, you two shall capture Pei County yourselves!”

His words were filled with profound menace.

“We obey, sir!” Accepting the tokens, Yan Liang and Wen Chou also withdrew.

With these arrangements complete, Yuan Shao finally felt at ease. He watched as Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei exited through the city gate towards their troops, a cold smile playing on his lips.

They were merely pawns in his game.

This time, no matter what, he would seize Pei County. From there, it would serve as a stepping stone to conquer Floria entirely. How could the insignificant Lu Bu possibly stand against him?

Once Floria was under his control, he could turn his attention northward to defeat Gongsun Zan, southward to resist Yuan Shu, and westward to attack Cao Cao. At that point, conquering the entire realm would be within reach!

As for Liu Bei? He was nothing but dry bones waiting to crumble!

Yuan Shao firmly believed he was the true chosen one by destiny!

With this thought, Yuan Shao could no longer contain his exhilaration. Suddenly, he drew his precious sword and thunderously commanded, “Advance the army!”

“Boom! Boom!” The deafening drumbeats echoed across the sky as the 50,000-strong army roared simultaneously, their cries piercing the heavens.

Liu Xie watched this spectacle, deeply moved. He too yearned for the power to command armies and vie for control over the land.

“Fucking hell, I’m just a puppet Emperor, and not even the original,” he lamented internally.

“I must discuss our ‘Usurping the Nest’ plan with Guo Jia soon.”