566. Xiapi High Level Court Meeting For The Campaign

If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!

Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12

___________________________

Kuitou called another council meeting, his expression grim as he addressed his chieftains. "The Xiongnu are rebuilding. Their declaration of dual Khans is not just a political maneuver, it is a call to arms. They will come for us, and we must be ready."

Shadun, hearing what Kuitou said, nodded in agreement. "The Xiongnu will not be content with their current borders. If we allow them to gather their strength unchecked, they will sweep across the steppe like a storm."

Another chieftain, more cautious, voiced his concerns. "But we are still recovering from our own battles. If we engage the Xiongnu now, we risk overextending ourselves. Perhaps we can negotiate, at least to buy time."

Kuitou shook his head. "There is no negotiating with the Xiongnu. They see us as invaders of what they consider their land. We must strike first, before they have the chance to recover fully."

The Xianbei began preparing for a preemptive strike, reinforcing their defenses and mobilizing their warriors. He knew that the coming conflict would be decisive, not just for the Xianbei's survival but for the revitalization of their dominance over the steppe.

Meanwhile, at the Great Wall, Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, Ma Teng, and Han Sui gathered to assess the intelligence brought by their scouts. The reports painted a vivid picture of impending conflict between the Xiongnu and Xianbei.

Despite the Xiongnu now being considered vassals of Cao Cao, the generals remained wary of their ambitious restructuring under Batu and Zolgar. The dual Khans had declared their intentions to reclaim their eastern territories from the Xianbei, threatening to destabilize the fragile balance in the steppes.

Xiahou Dun, as the highest ranking general present, addressed the council of generals. "Though the Xiongnu are nominally our vassal, we cannot ignore the possibility that their newfound unity might later become a threat. Their ambitions extend beyond mere survival, they seek dominance and will definitely betray us when there's a chance."

Yu Jin, who agrees with what Xiahou Dun said, added, "And the Xianbei, though currently hostile to the Xiongnu, may also harbor resentment against us for our failure to honor promises. Either way, we must tread carefully. This is not our fight, for now."

Ma Teng, with his extensive knowledge of steppe warfare, argued, "But can we truly afford to stand idle? If the Xiongnu succeed, their strength may grow to rival even our army that was stationed here at the Great Wall. On the other hand, if the Xianbei crush the Xiongnu, we face another unpredictable neighbor. We should consider intervention, if only to ensure the victor is one we can control."

Han Sui countered, "Intervening now risks exhausting our forces without any clear benefit. Let the barbarians bleed each other dry, and we can deal with the weakened survivor."

After much deliberation, the generals agreed to stand down their forces temporarily. A letter was dispatched to Luoyang, requesting guidance from Cao Cao's advisors, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai. Until a decision was made, their forces would maintain readiness, monitoring the unfolding conflict from afar.

On the other hand, in Shangdang, the banquet at the Governor's Castle was in full swing. Yuan Shao's generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, had arrived with their massive armies, accompanied by Yuan Shao's eldest son, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Shao's youngest son, Yuan Shang.

The combined forces of 700,000 men represented an overwhelming display of power, one that Yuan Shao hoped would crush Cao Cao and any remaining opposition and secure his dominance over northern and northwest of China.

Tian Feng and Xu You, outwardly loyal advisors to Yuan Shao, played their roles perfectly. Alongside Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan, they lavished praise on the arriving generals and young lords, masking their true intentions with carefully curated hospitality.

The hall was filled with laughter and the clinking of wine cups, but beneath the surface, the seeds of betrayal had already taken root without the four unsuspecting guests realizing it.

Zhang Yan, feigning camaraderie, raised a toast. "To General Yan Liang and General Wen Chou! May your victories on the battlefield be as resounding as the loyalty you inspire in your men and bring down the betrayer Cao Cao."

Yan Liang, who feels brash and self-assured, confident that they would win the battle against Cao Cao, grinned. "Victory is assured, Governor Zhang. With the large number of our forces full of veteran soldiers, no enemy can stand before us. Not even the so called Prime Minister of Han, Cao Cao."

Wen Chou, more reserved than Yan Liang but equally confident, added, "Indeed. Lord Yuan Shao's vision for the unity of the land and achieving hegemony will be realized by the two of us."

Tian Feng, hiding his disdain behind a mask of deference, nodded. "Your strength is unparalleled, generals. We are fortunate to have you here."

As the banquet continued, the conspirators exchanged subtle glances, each waiting for the right moment to strike.

Their plan was simple, when the armies of Yan Liang and Wen Chou marched to engage Cao Cao's forces, Tian Feng, Xu You, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan would turn on them with their own army numbering 150,000 men from the back, delivering a crippling blow to Yuan Shao's ambitions.

Meanwhile, in Luoyang, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai reviewed the letter from the generals stationed at the Great Wall. The two advisors, who were the masterminds behind Cao Cao's successful Great Wall campaign, debated the best course of action regarding the conflict between the Xiongnu and Xianbei.

Guo Jia, feeling that they shouldn't do anything and just watch, said, "We must not waste resources aiding the Xiongnu. Their loyalty is tenuous at best, and their success will only embolden them. Let them and the Xianbei weaken each other. When the time is right, we can sweep in and impose our will on the survivors."

Xi Zhicai, however, saw an opportunity. "If we assist the Xiongnu now, we secure further gratitude and loyalty from Batu and Zolgar, who in turn will keep their tribesmen in check. Also, by ensuring their victory, we create a buffer against the Xianbei and strengthen our northern flank. It is a calculated risk but one that could yield significant rewards."

After hours of discussion, the advisors reached a consensus. A message was dispatched to the Great Wall, instructing the generals to prepare for intervention on behalf of the Xiongnu but to do so cautiously, ensuring that Cao Cao's forces remained in a position of strength.

In Xiapi, the Governor's Castle buzzed with activity as the commanding generals and strategists of Lie Fan's army gathered for a critical court meeting.

This was no ordinary assembly. The leaders of each army group, Qinlong, Baihu, Zhuque, Xuanwu, and Qilin, had been summoned to discuss an ambitious surprise campaign against Yuan Shao, who was poised to go to war with Cao Cao. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere reflected the gravity of the occasion.

The hall was an impressive sight, filled with a blend of seasoned generals and brilliant strategists. Huang Zhong and Liu Ba, representing the Qinlong Army, stood with quiet confidence. Dian Wei and Chen Deng of the Baihu Army exuded strength and determination.

Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi of the Zhuque Army brought their blend of martial prowess and cunning. Zhang Chao and Zang Hong of the Xuanwu Army were methodical and focused, while Zhang Liao and Gao Shun of the Qinglong Army radiated discipline and unity. These were Lie Fan's most trusted commanders, men whose abilities had been honed in the fires of countless battles.

In addition to the army leaders, Lie Fan's inner council of advisors had gathered to present the strategy for the upcoming campaign. Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi were seated prominently, their collective brilliance forming the backbone of Lie Fan's governance and military endeavors.

After exchanging pleasantries and reconnecting with his generals and strategists that he hadn't seen for some time, Lie Fan addressed the assembly, his tone resolute. "My loyal generals and advisors, we stand at a pivotal moment in history. Yuan Shao, bloated with ambition, prepares to wage war against Cao Cao, believing his strength is unassailable."

"Yet his overconfidence will be his undoing. While he focuses on Cao Cao, we shall strike decisively from the south and the north with Gongsun Gong leading his army from there, catching him off guard and dismantling his forces before he can consolidate power."

Lie Fan gestured toward Jia Xu, signaling him to begin the presentation of the strategy. Jia Xu stood, his expression calm but commanding attention. "Our campaign hinges on three key objectives: speed, deception, and overwhelming force. Yuan Shao's armies are vast, but they are divided across multiple fronts to focus on Luoyang."

"By exploiting this division, we can isolate and destroy his forces piecemeal. Our first target will be Pingyuan, a strategically vital city that serves as Yuan Shao's northern gateway. Securing Pingyuan will cut off his supply lines and force him to divert resources from his main army."

Jia Xu's words were met with nods of approval. He then ceded the floor to Xun You, who elaborated on the logistical aspects of the campaign. "Speed will be our greatest ally. Each army group will move independently, converging on Pingyuan with precise coordination.

"To ensure this, we will establish supply depots along the route, minimizing the need for foraging and maintaining the army's momentum. Additionally, our spies have been working to spread false reports of internal strife within Xiapi, drawing Yuan Shao's attention away from our movements."

Chen Qun followed, outlining the role of deception in the campaign. "Our forces will feign a defensive posture along the Yellow River, lulling Yuan Shao into a false sense of security. At the same time, our allies in Cao Cao's court will leak information suggesting that our armies are preoccupied with quelling local rebellions in our southern domain. This misinformation will buy us the time needed to strike."

Liu Ye then took the floor, discussing the tactical deployment of the army groups. "The Qinlong Army, under Huang Zhong and Liu Ba, will serve as our vanguard, engaging and pinning down Yuan Shao's forces at Pingyuan. The Baihu Army, led by Dian Wei and Chen Deng, will flank the enemy, cutting off their retreat. The Zhuque Army, under Taishi Ci and Bu Zhi, will provide support from the rear, ensuring no reinforcements can reach Pingyuan. Meanwhile, the Xuanwu and Qilin Armies will secure our supply lines and guard against any counterattacks."

Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi concluded the presentation by addressing potential contingencies. "If Yuan Shao's forces regroup and attempt to outflank us," Lu Su explained, "the Qilin Army will act as a rapid-response unit, reinforcing vulnerable positions. Additionally, our spies within Yuan Shao's ranks are prepared to sow discord, further weakening his cohesion."

_____________________________

Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0