Chapter 85: The Ambitious Lu Fengxian

Zhongli, Yangzhou Province.

As one of Yangzhou’s key garrisons, Zhongli Fortress now flew banners emblazoned with the character “Lu.”

The four city gates stood wide open as troops marched steadily inside, continuously transporting provisions and supplies from within to nearby military camps.

“Zhongli District truly lives up to its reputation as a prosperous region!” exclaimed Lu Bu atop the gate tower, marveling at the mountainous heaps of goods already amassed in the camp.

Zhongli served as a crucial barrier protecting Shou County, prompting Yuan Shu to deploy substantial forces under the command of Generals Han Sian and Yang Feng.

With over ten thousand elite soldiers stationed here, reinforced by Zhang Xun and Qiao Rui at any moment, the fortress could be considered impregnable.

However, thanks to Lu Bu’s scheme of sowing discord, Generals Han Sian and Yang Feng turned against Yuan Shu, allowing him to capture Zhongli District effortlessly. Then, capitalizing on his fresh victory, he led his troops to repel the large reinforcements led by Zhang Xun and Qiao Rui, inflicting heavy losses on Yuan Shu’s forces.

It was an unequivocal triumph!

On the gate tower, Liu Bei, Yan Liang, and Wen Chou were present alongside Lu Bu. Upon hearing his remark, Yan Liang and Wen Chou exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat grim.

Initially, concerned about potential losses, they had held back from attacking Zhongli District. Little did they know Lu Bu would employ a scheme to sow discord among their enemies, effortlessly capturing it.

Now, not only did Lu Bu secure all the resources within Zhongli District, but he also gained over ten thousand soldiers, significantly bolstering his strength!

“If we had known this would happen, we should have joined the assault. At least then, we could’ve shared some of the spoils instead of getting nothing!” Yan Liang deeply regretted their decision.

The rule established when forming the alliance stated that whoever captured a city claimed its rewards. If multiple forces collaborated, the benefits were divided based on each party’s contribution.

In this case, seizing Zhongli District was solely due to Lu Bu’s efforts, leaving them with no claim to share the spoils.

While Yan Liang and Wen Chou felt remorseful and envious, Liu Bei remained composed. Privately, he and Lu Bu had forged an alliance, so Lu Bu’s increased strength benefited him as well.

It was unclear how exactly their relationship evolved, transforming from fierce adversaries to allies. Neither Yan Liang nor Wen Chou anticipated this shift, often assisting Liu Bei in attempts to suppress Lu Bu.

“Now that Zhongli District is under our control, the next step is crossing the Huai River to attack Shou County.”

“General, do you have any plans for what comes next?” Liu Bei asked, a smile gracing his face.

“A plan? There’s no need for any plans!” Lu Bu waved his hand dismissively without hesitation. “Once we’ve gathered provisions and organized our troops, we’ll cross the river and engage in battle!”

“That will mark the end of that false Emperor Yuan Shu!”

At this stage, tactics were unnecessary. The three-pronged allied forces had reached the Huai River, and their next move was to cross it for the final assault.

Lu Bu couldn’t wait to invade Shou County, capture the traitor Yuan Shu, and present his head as a merit to the Emperor!

However, Wen Chou interjected, “We must delay the final attack. Our supplies are not yet fully prepared, making it impractical to cross the river and confront the false Emperor immediately. We need more time.”

Wen Chou’s words held some truth but also concealed intentions. Engaging Yangzhou constituted a long-distance campaign for the Jizhou Army, with logistical challenges in transporting provisions and significant troop casualties.

The primary issue was Lu Bu’s relentless ferocity during the invasion. He had captured most key cities, growing stronger with each victory, while the Jizhou Army reaped little benefit.

For the upcoming decisive battle against Yuan Shu, Yan Liang and Wen Chou did not intend to exert themselves, hoping instead to let Lu Bu bear the brunt and reap the rewards like fishermen profiting from a quarrel between a heron and a clam.

“What do you mean by this?” Lu Bu’s expression darkened instantly, glaring menacingly at Yan Liang and Wen Chou.

“The false emperor defies our rightful sovereign, making him fair game for all to punish. With battle imminent, you two refuse to engage? Are you attempting to shirk your duties at this crucial moment?”

Who was Lu Bu if not a fearsome warrior? Under his gaze, Yan Liang and Wen Chou felt as though they were being stared down by a ferocious tiger, their hair standing on end.

Despite their stubborn defiance, they knew well enough how formidable he was. They had witnessed Lu Bu’s valor firsthand over these past few days, intimidated by his terrifying might. Yan Liang hastily replied, “Marquis of Wen, there seems to be some misunderstanding. Our supplies have yet to arrive, so we must wait.”

“Hmph! Supplies are no issue; I’ll lend them to you!” Lu Bu scoffed, effortlessly dismissing their excuse before pressing further, “Are there any other problems now?”

Having secured resources from Zhongli District, Lu Bu currently boasted ample provisions, ensuring no supply issues for his forces. Though impulsive, he wasn’t foolish enough to let the Jizhou Army sit idly while he faced Yuan Shu alone.

“N-no…no problems…” Yan Liang stammered, glancing nervously at the gleaming halberd in Lu Bu’s hand, bracing himself for the response.

Only then did Lu Bu flash another smile.

Just then, he noticed swirling dust clouds across the Huai River, indicating the approach of a large army. His eyebrows raised involuntarily.

Before he could summon someone to inquire further, Chen Gong approached the watchtower and reported, “General, Emperor pretender Yuan Shu has personally led his forces to deploy along the Huai!”

“It seems they intend to prevent us from crossing the river!”

Once Lu Bu’s army crossed the Huai, Shou County would have no natural defenses left.

Yuan Shu himself had come to resist their advance!

Contrary to what one might expect, Lu Bu showed no concern; instead, excitement gleamed on his face as he burst out laughing. “Excellent! I was worried he wouldn’t show up!”

“Guards! Pass my command! Have all troops assemble at the riverside. This general will thoroughly humiliate that false Emperor!”

With that, Lu Bu descended the watchtower, Fangtian Hujǐ raised high. The others swiftly followed him.

An hour later, Lu Bu’s army had assembled by the banks of the Huai River and formed their battle formations. Mounted on his Red Hare steed, Lu Bu positioned himself at the front.

Eyeing Yuan Shu’s vast forces across the river, he swung his great halberd and commanded, “Sound the war cry!”

“Yes, sir!”

Upon receiving the order, the signalers began waving flags to relay the message.

Soon, the entire army erupted in synchronized shouts:

“Cross the Huai River! Capture the False Emperor!”

The tens of thousands-strong army roared simultaneously, their thunderous cries reverberating across the land.

Even with the wide expanse of the Huai River separating them, Yuan Shu’s forces could clearly hear the clamor on the other side.

Across the river, Yuan Shu had been puzzled by Lu Bu’s mobilization until he heard these words, which instantly enraged him.

“Curse you, Lu Bu! We swear to slay thee!” Yuan Shu fumed, grabbing his nearby general Ji Ling and snarling through gritted teeth, “Fire arrows! Hurry, fire arrows!”

“Shoot those traitors dead!”

Ji Ling, grim-faced, cautiously responded, “Your Majesty, the wind over the river is too strong; even our best archers cannot reach across.”

“Aaargh! This infuriates me beyond measure—!” Yuan Shu, seething with rage, stormed directly to the riverside and bellowed furiously, “Lu Bu! You dare sow discord among Our trusted generals! What kind of skill is that?!”

“Hurry and cross the river for a decisive battle!”

On the northern bank of the Huai River, Lu Bu heard Yuan Shu’s tirade and couldn’t help but burst out laughing. He spurred his horse towards the shore and declared boldly, “Throughout history, warfare has always allowed for diplomatic exchanges. The use of sowing discord isn’t unique to me, Lu Bu; why should it be forbidden?”

“The Son of Heaven, Emperor of Great Han, represents the true legitimacy of the realm! When your soldiers abandon you, it signifies turning from darkness to light!”

“Yuan Shu, you treacherous old fool! Spare us your empty rhetoric! Go back, wash your neck clean, and await this general’s arrival to claim your head!”

With that, Lu Bu paid no heed to the furious Yuan Shu on the opposite bank and rode away, laughing heartily.

Standing atop the moral high ground to rebuke his opponent was an exhilarating experience he had never felt while serving Dong Zhuo. It filled him with surging enthusiasm and unbridled spirit.