Chapter 50: The Dilemma (fixed)

Liu Bei’s assault on Pei County had persisted for five whole days.

Sieging a city was inherently time-consuming, with most campaigns focusing on blockades to cut off enemy supply lines. Once the food within the city ran out, it would force them to surrender. Rarely did armies opt for direct assaults.

Cities were naturally easier to defend than attack; attempting a frontal assault typically required a force several times larger than the defending garrison, often resulting in heavy casualties and minimal gains—a generally unfavorable strategy.

With a formidable six-thousand-strong garrison protecting Pei County, Liu Bei’s plan to capture it with only five thousand men seemed akin to chasing a pipe dream.

However, bound by his military oath, despite knowing the odds of success were virtually zero, he had no choice but to launch attacks, hoping against hope for a miracle.

On their first day outside Pei County, Liu Bei personally commanded his forces to unleash a fierce nocturnal assault, aiming to catch the defenders off guard and swiftly seize control. Unfortunately, the outcome fell far short of expectations.

Not only did they suffer significant casualties, but many of the surviving soldiers were wounded and demoralized, their fighting spirit shattered. This forced Liu Bei to halt operations temporarily while he pondered his next move.

He deliberated for four long days straight.

At the foot of a mountain ten miles from Pei County, Liu Bei’s Yama Battalion had set up camp alongside Yuan Shao’s contingent of fifty thousand troops, stationed there as backup.

The dense array of tents covering the landscape was awe-inspiring from afar.

On a small hill within the encampment, Liu Bei stood with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, gazing at distant Pei County.

“It’s been five days already…” Liu Bei sighed deeply, his face reflecting an unshakable worry.

Over these past few nights, the immense pressure from the military decree tormented him, leaving him restless and unable to sleep soundly, consumed by anxiety each time he contemplated the situation.

How could they possibly conquer Pei County?

Observing Liu Bei’s distress, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei shared his concern, yet neither could propose a better strategy.

Unable to contain himself, Zhang Fei anxiously urged, “Dage, let’s quickly find a way to escape! With our remaining forces, how can we ever capture Pei County?”

With this battered force, capturing Pei County within five days seemed utterly impossible—a wild fantasy!

Liu Bei forced a bitter smile. “We can’t escape; someone is constantly watching our camp. The moment we attempt to flee, Yan Liang and Wen Chou will find out immediately.”

“Yuan Shao didn’t send them here just for show.”

If there had been a chance to escape, Liu Bei would have done so long ago. However, any opportunity was elusive as Yan Liang and Wen Chou kept a tight surveillance on them, even sending patrols daily to check their status.

With such vigilance, how could they possibly slip away? And if discovered, Yan Liang and Wen Chou would swiftly lead their massive army to hunt them down—how could the three of them stand against tens of thousands of soldiers?

A fierce glint flashed in Guan Yu’s eyes. “Then let’s go all-in without hesitation. We’ll set fire to their supplies, ammunition, and encampment before making our escape. When that happens, let’s see if Yan Liang and Wen Chou choose to chase us or prioritize extinguishing the blaze!”

Military supplies were crucial to an army, and burning them could potentially cause chaos and disarray among the troops. He doubted Yan Liang and Wen Chou would ignore such a threat.

Liu Bei once again rejected this proposal, shaking his head firmly. “I’ve already checked. They’re well-prepared, making this plan unfeasible.”

He had considered this strategy before. On that day, he specifically went to inspect the supply area and noticed the number of patrolling soldiers was three times the usual amount.

It was evident that their opponents anticipated an attempt to burn down the provisions.

“Those damn bastards!” Zhang Fei’s anger flared at the news, but with no outlet for his frustration, he fiercely punched a nearby pine tree, leaving a deep imprint and causing the entire tree to sway violently.

“I’d rather lead troops to die on the battlefield than face some stupid military punishment!”

“Dage, let me personally command the attack tomorrow. If we succeed, we’ll continue being brothers in life; if not, we’ll reunite as brothers in the afterlife!”

Zhang Fei held Yan Liang and Wen Chou in utter contempt. He preferred dying in battle over falling victim to them!

Guan Yu also spoke resolutely, “Dage, I will accompany Third Brother! Whether it be life or death, there is nothing to fear!”

Facing his brothers’ requests to lead the charge, Liu Bei fell silent.

Is this truly our last resort?

“Liu Xuande, oh Liu Xuande! Despite your bloodline of the Han Dynasty, you’ve allowed yourself to be cornered by mere Pei County!”

“How utterly ironic!” Bitterness filled Liu Bei’s heart, accompanied by overwhelming self-blame.

If only he hadn’t coveted the immense influence brought by the Emperor’s decree, seeking out the Emperor secretly, he wouldn’t have fallen for Yuan Shao’s trap and found himself in such dire straits. His own death was bearable, but dragging his two brothers along with him felt deeply shameful.

With a long sigh, Liu Bei turned towards the military camp, leaving behind a weary remark, “Let me try finding another solution.”

Until the very end, he didn’t want Guan Yu or Zhang Fei leading the attack themselves, as it would essentially be sending them to their deaths. And if that moment truly arrived, he too would not cling to life.

“Dage, don’t hesitate anymore!” Zhang Fei shouted after Liu Bei’s retreating figure. “Just let Er Ge and me lead the assault on the city. Who knows, we might succeed!”

“Moreover, dragging this out isn’t helping either. Do you really think Lu Bu will willingly return Pei County to us?”

Upon hearing these words, Liu Bei abruptly halted and turned to face Zhang Fei. His eyes sparkled as he asked, “Yide, what did you just say?”

Zhang Fei, taken aback, scratched his head and replied, “I said, let Er Ge and me lead the troops to attack; maybe we can take it back.”

“No, not that part - the next sentence!”

“Dragging this out isn’t helpful. Surely Lu Bu won’t just hand Pei County back to us, right?”

“Yes! That’s it! Exactly that!” Liu Bei slapped his thigh, his face filled with excitement, and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were startled by his reaction. They exchanged glances, both seeing concern mirrored in each other’s eyes.

Has Dage…gone mad?

After several moments, Liu Bei took a deep breath to suppress his excitement. His eyes gleamed as he declared, “Yunchang, Yide, I have a plan!”

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei felt even more puzzled.

Especially Zhang Fei, who wore a peculiar expression, asked, “Dage, you’re not seriously considering making Lu Bu return Pei County to us, are you?”

“Why not?” Liu Bei’s demeanor was entirely serious, devoid of any hint of jesting. He continued, “Lu Bu may be unpredictable and unscrupulous, but he lacks the ambition to carve out his own territory. In fact, one could argue that he is loyal to the Han Dynasty and our Emperor.”

“If this weren’t true, why would His Majesty personally bestow upon him the title Marquis of Wen?”

“Currently, with His Majesty under Yuan Shao’s control, if we inform Lu Bu about the Emperor’s predicament, there’s a chance he might ally with us. This way, he could help us overcome our current crisis - he just might agree!”

This was his strategy to break through their impasse!