Chapter 106: Returning Gifts and Setting Out

The soldiers of the Xi Liang army were happily feasting on the provisions provided by the bandits of Yongzhou while waiting for them to bring money or grain to buy the horses. In truth, the Xi Liang soldiers had planned from the beginning to double-cross the bandits. With their leader Dong Zhuo about to ascend the throne, they had nothing to worry about.

While the Xi Liang soldiers were boasting and chatting with the bandits, they were also preparing to wipe them out. After all, it was only natural for government troops to eliminate bandits. On the other hand, the bandits were also planning to kill these Xi Liang soldiers. They didn't have enough resources for themselves, let alone to share with the soldiers. If it weren't for the Xi Liang soldiers' constant raids, they wouldn't have turned to banditry in the first place.

The bandits intended to strike as soon as they got the signal from their leader, turning the Xi Liang soldiers into mincemeat. They planned to escape with the 4,000 horses, which they could trade for a good future with another warlord. Both sides were preparing for the same goal: a double-cross.

Meanwhile, Gongsun Zan had received supplies and a letter from Liu Bei. The letter was short and to the point.

One part briefly explained Liu Bei's current situation, mentioning that he was dealing with the Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou and couldn't directly assist Gongsun Zan against Yuan Shao.

The other part expressed Liu Bei's brotherly support, stating that he had managed to gather 100,000 shi of grain, a shipload of refined salt, and ten million coins for Gongsun Zan. He assured Gongsun Zan that he could send more if needed.

Gongsun Zan was deeply moved upon receiving the letter and supplies from the Lu family's fleet. His frustration from his recent encounter with Liu Yu dissipated instantly. It was evident that his brother Liu Bei, despite having been in the poor region of Taishan for just over half a year, was already sending such substantial support. This was true brotherhood.

With his brother's support, Gongsun Zan felt invincible. Yuan Shao, who had initially agreed to split control of Jizhou but now sought to monopolize it, needed to be taught a lesson. Gongsun Zan, the White Horse General, would make sure of it.

"Guorang, how many horses do we have in our stables?" Gongsun Zan asked, feeling elated by Liu Bei's letter.

"After our recent raids on the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes, aside from the white horses we have integrated into the elite cavalry, we still have a significant number of mixed-color horses. We originally planned to sell them at 70,000 coins each to the Yuan family in Yuzhou, the Zhen and Cui families in Jizhou, and the Zhang family in Qinghe. But since we are now at war with Jizhou, the horses are still with us," Tian Yu replied calmly. He knew that Gongsun Zan's old habits were resurfacing.

Having followed Gongsun Zan for a long time, Tian Yu understood his temperament well. Gongsun Zan favored those he liked, and no amount of flattery could win him over if he disliked someone. For some reason, Liu Bei had managed to gain Gongsun Zan's favor, and as a result, Gongsun Zan was very considerate of his old classmate.

In the past, Tian Yu had thought this behavior was foolish. But after seeing the supplies Liu Bei sent to Liaoxi, he began to appreciate Gongsun Zan's approach. Although most people might turn out to be ungrateful, having even one or two reliable allies like Liu Bei made it all worthwhile. Therefore, Tian Yu did not dissuade Gongsun Zan from sending gifts to Liu Bei this time.

Tian Yu and Gongsun Zan shared the view that Liu Bei, having been in the impoverished region of Taishan for just over half a year, was likely giving everything he could. For a wealthy warlord like Gongsun Zan, the supplies Liu Bei sent were significant mainly for the salt. However, the gesture of support was what mattered most.

"Give all the mixed-color horses to Xuande. Didn't we capture some near-peak strength wild horses? Send all of them to Xuande, except for the white ones," Gongsun Zan instructed. His stables, filled with white horses, left him feeling agitated at the sight of mixed-color ones. It was better to give them away or sell them.

Chen Xi looked at the appointment letter from Liu Bei and rubbed his temples. Should he refuse? After all, he was about to get married, and accepting this task meant postponing the wedding. Facing the massive Yellow Turban rebellion, even though he was confident in managing it, the sheer number meant it wouldn't be a quick battle.

"Is there a problem, Zichuan?" Liu Bei asked, puzzled.

"Nothing major. I just wondered if I could have Ziyang assist me," Chen Xi replied.

"You are the commander this time, so you can choose whoever you need, as long as enough troops are left to defend Taishan," Liu Bei said with a smile.

"Alright, leave it to me," Chen Xi nodded, accepting the appointment letter. He planned to hand over his administrative duties to Lu Su and then head to Qingzhou to deal with the Yellow Turbans. However, before that, he needed to inform Fanjian and Chen Lan. This was an official military campaign, and bringing along his wives would attract resentment. He wasn't too worried about their safety but preferred to be cautious.

Chen Xi didn't consider himself a military strategist. His strengths lay elsewhere, but as a commander, he could manage. He had the necessary insight and knew how to utilize his generals effectively. If he lost despite this, it would be due to sheer force, not his command skills.

Moreover, this was a campaign against the Yellow Turbans, not against Cao Cao, who had strategists like Xun Yu, Xun You, and Cheng Yu. With a group of skilled subordinates, handling the Yellow Turbans should be manageable. Even dragging out the battle could starve them into submission, yielding plenty of merits.

Chen Xi thought it wise to write a letter to Tao Qian, requesting additional grain. Since Taishan was the gateway to Xuzhou, if Taishan fell, Xuzhou would suffer too. Sharing the burden was only fair.

Stepping out of the administrative hall, Chen Xi looked up at the sky. Setting out on a campaign for the first time didn't excite him. The Yellow Turbans, despite their numbers, were a mere nuisance compared to fighting other warlords. Moreover, the troops he commanded were practically invincible.