Chapter 27: face problem

The upcoming battle seemed to hold little practical significance. With the city of Luoyang empty and abandoned, the prospects of advancing further west into the territory of the Guandong princes were unrealistic. The challenges of logistics and supplying such a large force were daunting. Lu Bu's experience as a logistics supervisor in the simulated world gave him a clear understanding of the complexities involved. The cost of feeding, clothing, and maintaining an army of over 100,000 soldiers, along with the horses they depended on, was immense. Additionally, the troops responsible for carrying provisions would also consume resources along the way.

In the simulated world, the Dagan court's decision to abandon the North Pass and contract its defense line was driven by multiple factors. One crucial reason was the region's long-standing drought, which had severely impacted grain and food supplies. The difficulty of transporting food from the north had contributed to the decision to set up defensive positions elsewhere. The increased cost of transporting provisions was a significant factor in the court's decision to abandon the North Pass.

Now, faced with a situation where Dong Zhuo's forces had emerged victorious in Luoyang, the question of sustaining the campaign westward weighed heavily. Lu Bu recognized the challenges of maintaining a large force deep in enemy territory. He understood that while individual princes might be willing to fund their campaigns, managing a coalition of princes posed a different set of challenges. A group of princes acting together could easily devolve into chaos, akin to the tribal dynamics of the Hu people on the grassland.

Lu Bu's experiences on the grassland illustrated the complexities of maintaining cohesion within a coalition of tribes. The same principle applied to a group of princes. While a united front might be effective in the short term, internal disagreements and competing interests could quickly undermine the alliance's stability.

As the discussion shifted to the upcoming battles, Li Ru proposed a plan that involved showcasing their military strength before making a strategic retreat. This proposal aimed to solidify their position and authority in the eyes of the Guandong warlords. The generals acknowledged the merit of this plan, and Niu Fu, Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji expressed their willingness to lead the vanguard.

Lu Bu, on the other hand, refrained from vying for the role of vanguard. Having experienced a complete simulated life, he was less focused on achieving personal glory and more inclined to observe the dynamics of power play. Li Ru was surprised by Lu Bu's lack of ambition in this regard. He had expected Lu Bu to seek a leadership role, and his decision puzzled Li Ru.

Ultimately, the decision was made to send Niu Fu as the main general, leading 30,000 troops to disrupt the enemy's backroads and cut off their supply lines. Lu Bu's understanding of logistics and the complexities of maintaining an army had influenced the strategic decision, even if indirectly.

As Niu Fu and the other generals prepared for their respective roles, the anticipation of battle filled the air. The clash of ambitions, strategies, and power dynamics converged, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in the struggle for dominance in this turbulent era.

Li Jue leaned in and whispered his plan to Hu Zhen, who listened intently and nodded in agreement. The two of them exchanged secretive glances, and Guo Si, who had been observing their conversation, grew curious.

"What's the plan? Are you two plotting something?" Guo Si asked with a raised eyebrow.

Li Jue and Hu Zhen quickly composed themselves, and Li Jue smiled innocently. "Oh, nothing much. Just discussing some strategies for the upcoming battle."

Guo Si eyed them suspiciously but didn't press further. "Well, as long as it helps us achieve victory."

Meanwhile, Lu Bu was preparing for the upcoming campaign. He returned to his residence, where Yan Shi and their daughter awaited him. Lu Bu had informed Yan Shi about the need to relocate to Chang'an, and preparations were underway.

As the sun set, Lu Bu sat in the courtyard, deep in thought. He contemplated the upcoming battle and the complex web of alliances, ambitions, and power dynamics that shaped their world. He had seen through many things due to his experiences in the simulated world, but he also realized that the real world was far more intricate and unpredictable.

Yan Shi approached him, bringing a cup of tea. She could sense Lu Bu's inner turmoil. "Are you okay, my lord?"

Lu Bu looked up at Yan Shi and smiled. "I'm fine, my dear. Just thinking about the battles ahead and the challenges we'll face."

Yan Shi sat down beside him. "You've always been a formidable warrior, and your bravery and strength will guide us through any challenges."

Lu Bu took Yan Shi's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you, Yan Shi. Your support means the world to me."

As night fell, Lu Bu continued to discuss the preparations with Yan Shi. They made arrangements for their family's departure to Chang'an and ensured that everything was in order.

The next day, the troops assembled, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Lu Bu, Hua Xiong, and Hu Zhen led their forces toward Chenggao, ready to fulfill their roles in the upcoming battle.

The campaign to Chenggao would test their mettle and reveal the extent of their strategic acumen. As Lu Bu rode at the forefront of his troops, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He understood that the battle ahead was not just about military might, but also about maneuvering through the complex landscape of power, alliances, and ambitions.

The fate of Chenggao and the larger struggle for dominance in this turbulent era hinged on the decisions made by each commander on the battlefield. And as Lu Bu led his troops into battle, he was acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders.