523. A Built Up

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Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, who had both been preparing for a full debate against Zhen Yi's opposition to war, were blindsided by Yuan Xi's sudden shift. They had anticipated a unified front from their brother, but instead, they found themselves scrambling to adjust their tactics. Yuan Tan, already committed to leading the charge for war, felt betrayed and caught off guard. His argument had relied on the assumption that his brothers would all push their father towards immediate action, but Yuan Xi's defection threw his plans into disarray.

"What is the meaning of this, Yuan Xi?" Yuan Tan demanded angrily during a meeting between the three brothers. "You argued as strongly as any of us for action against Cao Cao. Now, because your father-in-law objects, you change sides? Do you not see that this makes you look weak, like a man swayed by others instead of standing by your convictions?"

Yuan Xi, keeping his composure, replied evenly. "I am not swayed, brother, but I am also not blind to the greater picture. War is not simply a matter of swords and soldiers. It is also about the economy, about alliances, and about timing. We must strike when it benefits us most, not simply because we feel the urge to battle. The Zhen Clan's interests are vital to our strength, and to ignore them would be reckless."

Yuan Shang, who had been quietly preparing his own arguments, felt equally frustrated. He had seen this conflict as his chance to prove his worth, to step out from the shadow of his brothers. But Yuan Xi's change in position now forced him to reconsider his approach.

Though he still wanted to advocate for war, he saw that pushing too hard could further alienate him from his father's favor, especially if Yuan Xi and the Zhen Clan continued to dominate the conversation.

On the other hand, Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Shen Pei were livid. The entire plan they had carefully orchestrated now seemed on the verge of collapsing. They had counted on Yuan Xi's ambition and strategic acumen to push Yuan Shao into war, but his sudden shift to align with Zhen Yi had thrown their carefully laid scheme into chaos. During a private meeting, the three advisors vented their frustrations.

"This was not the plan," Guo Tu hissed, pacing the room angrily. "We were supposed to present a united front with the sons pushing their father toward war. Yuan Xi's betrayal is ruining everything."

Feng Ji, always the more calculating of the group, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It's worse than just a betrayal. By siding with Zhen Yi and the merchants, Yuan Xi is positioning himself as the more rational and politically savvy heir. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang now look like reckless warmongers. If Yuan Shao sees this as a test of who can handle both politics and war, Yuan Xi may be securing his place as the true successor."

Shen Pei nodded grimly. "Yuan Xi's move may have been more calculated than we realized. He's taken a page from our own book, pivoting when it suits him. We need to find a way to salvage this before he gains too much momentum."

The three conspirators knew they needed to act quickly. Yuan Tan, already furious at his brother's betrayal, was easier to manipulate in his current state of anger.

Feng Ji approached him in private, feeding his frustrations. "Lord Yuan Tan, your brother's actions are a direct affront to your position as the eldest son. He has shifted to appease his father-in-law, but you are the true heir. Now is the time to show your father that you are the one with the strength to lead. If you allow Yuan Xi to gain more influence, it will only weaken your claim."

Yuan Tan, seething with resentment, agreed. "I will not let Yuan Xi undermine me. My father must see that I am the rightful leader."

Meanwhile, Shen Pei worked to bolster Yuan Shang's resolve. "Lord Yuan Shang, your brother's maneuvering is dangerous, but this is your chance to stand out. Yuan Xi is trying to present himself as the logical choice, but your courage and readiness for battle can still win your father's favor. If you lead the charge, your father will see you as the one willing to act when others falter."

The stage was set for further division within Yuan Shao's court. The rivalry between his sons intensified, and as Yuan Xi continued to align with the Zhen Clan and the merchant faction, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang prepared to double down on their calls for war.

Meanwhile, Feng Ji, Guo Tu, and Shen Pei worked in the shadows, each seeking to manipulate the situation to their advantage. Lie Fan's plan to sow discord within Yuan Shao's camp was beginning to bear fruit, and soon, the Yuan family would be too divided to present a unified front against their enemies.

As Yuan Shao's Capital, Nanpi, descended into internal conflict, tensions in the far northwest grew ever more pressing. Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian had finally arrived at the Great Wall after a grueling march with their 100,000-strong army.

Their forces had come to reinforce Ma Teng and Han Sui, who were holding the line against a looming threat from the Northern Xiongnu tribes coalition. For weeks, the Northern Xiongnu tribes had been gathering more tribes into their formidable coalition, and it was clear they intended to strike and liberate the Southern Xiongnu tribes who had been subjugated by them.

The arrival of the reinforcements had been timely, but now came the difficult task of organizing a strategy that could thwart the Xiongnu's renowned cavalry, where even though Ma Teng and Han Sui had come up with some basic plan, they still needed the agreement of Xiahou Dun and the others.

As Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian approached the towering walls, they were greeted by Ma Teng and Han Sui, who had been awaiting their arrival eagerly. The atmosphere was tense but relieved; reinforcements brought hope, but everyone knew the challenge ahead would not be easy. Ma Teng, a seasoned general familiar with the terrain and the Xiongnu's tactics, welcomed Xiahou Dun with a brief nod of respect. Han Sui, standing beside him, smiled grimly.

"It is good to see you, General Xiahou Dun, General Yu Jin, and General Li Dian," Ma Teng said, his voice steady despite the heavy air of war. "The Xiongnu are growing bolder. They have yet to fully mobilize, but their raiding parties are testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses. We will need all of your strength to hold the line here."

Xiahou Dun dismounted, his face hardened by years of battle. "We're ready, General Ma Teng. Our orders are to hold this frontier at all costs. Lord Cao Cao expects us to keep the Xiongnu at bay and probe for any chances to weaken them and launch a counterattack further into their territories."

They exchanged brief pleasantries before heading toward one of the main towers along the Great Wall, where the strategic discussions would take place. The tower offered a sweeping view of the rugged terrain, stretching far into the distant mountains.

Below, the vast expanse of land leading up to the wall was barren and desolate, a no-man's land where the Xiongnu had been harrying the Han forces. In the distance, dust clouds signaled the movement of Xiongnu scouting parties, testing the edges of the Great Wall defenses.

Inside the tower, a table had been laid out with maps of the region, detailing the surrounding terrain, supply lines, and known Xiongnu movements. Ma Teng gestured for Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian to gather around as they began their discussion.

"We face a difficult situation," Ma Teng began, pointing to the northern stretches of the map where the Xiongnu had been sighted. "The Xiongnu cavalry is unmatched in open plains. If we meet them head-on here," his finger traced the flatlands leading toward the wall, "they will overwhelm us. Their horses are faster, their riders more experienced in this kind of warfare."

Han Sui, who had been quietly studying the map, nodded in agreement. "We've seen it before. The only way to defeat the Xiongnu cavalry is to deny them the open ground they need. We must draw them into the mountains." He pointed to a series of rugged hills and narrow passes further west of the Great Wall. "Here, their cavalry will be slowed, and we can engage them on our terms. The terrain favors infantry and ambush tactics. It's the only way to even the odds."

Xiahou Dun studied the map carefully. "A solid plan," he said after a moment. "But how do we lure them into the mountains? The Xiongnu aren't fools. They will know the terrain as well as we do."

Ma Teng leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "We must bait them. We send a portion of our forces to feign weakness, drawing their main cavalry force into pursuit. Once they follow, we retreat into the mountains. There, our infantry can block the narrow passes, and we can hit them with ambushes from higher ground."

Yu Jin, known for his tactical brilliance, chimed in. "I agree with General Ma Teng's assessment. If we can lure the Xiongnu into terrain that neutralizes their cavalry, we stand a chance of routing them. But we will need precise coordination. Any mistake, and their cavalry could break through and circle back to strike at our main forces."

Li Dian, who had been quietly listening, added, "We should also consider fortifying our supply lines. The Xiongnu have been known to raid and disrupt logistics. If our supply chain falters while we're engaging them in the mountains, we'll be vulnerable."

Han Sui nodded in agreement. "We've already started reinforcing the supply routes, but more can be done to reinforce them. We'll need to coordinate with the local garrisons stationed at the Great Wall to ensure supplies reach us without interruption."

As the discussion continued, they began outlining the specifics of the plan. It was decided that Xiahou Dun's forces, alongside Yu Jin's and Li Dian's contingents, would form the core of the defensive army.

Meanwhile, Ma Teng and Han Sui's troops, who were more familiar with the local terrain, would take on the role of leading the feigned retreat into the mountains. The key to success would be timing, pulling the Xiongnu in far enough that their cavalry was fully committed, while ensuring that Cao Cao's forces didn't get trapped themselves.

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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