“My Lord?”
Xu You asked, puzzled.
Yuan Shao, his face ashen, slapped the letter onto the desk and said coldly,
“Qu Yi, this fellow, normally proud and undisciplined due to his merits, is now… now demanding that my nephew relinquish the position of Governor of Bing Province. If I don't agree, he will seize control of the vital artery between Ji and Bing Provinces, blocking my nephew's retreat, and forbidding me, this general, from sending other legions to reinforce him!”
As these words left his mouth…
Yuan Shao’s eyebrows almost stood on end, and the fury in his chest threatened to erupt.
“What?”
Xu You, Tian Feng, Ju Shu, Guo Tu, Feng Ji… all the strategists were stunned.
In their eyes, Qu Yi’s actions were tantamount to rebellion!
The nephew Yuan Shao mentioned was Gao Gan.
One had to understand… Yuan Shao had appointed his three sons and one nephew to govern four provinces, thereby announcing to the world that the northern territories were the family business of the Yuan clan. By what right did Qu Yi demand to be the Governor of Bing Province?
Hmph, it wasn't even about the governorship of Bing Province anymore. Qu Yi intended to be the King of Bing Province, to declare independence!
“Yan Liang, Wen Chou, where are you?”
“Your subordinate is here!”
Yuan Shao gritted his teeth, “You two, each take your own cavalry and go to Bing Province to eliminate that scoundrel Qu Yi. Then, quell his vanguard, assist my nephew in crushing the five rebel armies, and force them back to Yanmen Commandery!”
This…
Yan Liang and Wen Chou exchanged glances.
After all, the mission was to eliminate former comrades, which made them… hesitate.
“My Lord…” Xu You quickly advised, “If we send Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou to eliminate Qu Yi now, it will surely force Qu Yi into outright rebellion, leaving no room for maneuver.”
“In my opinion, why not… why not have my Lord first send a letter to appease him, promising him the governorship of Bing Province, or even the title of King of Bing Province, after the rebels are suppressed. Then, when the enemy is weakened, send Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou to assist. Ostensibly for support, but in reality, to eliminate Qu Yi and the Vanguard Camp, thus eradicating future troubles!”
Xu You’s strategies were known for their boldness and venom…
This proposal was a foolproof plan.
As expected, the usually hesitant Yuan Shao became much more decisive under such adverse circumstances. Most importantly, none of the factions objected, as… no faction disliked Qu Yi. They were all waiting to kick him while he was down!
“Zi Yuan! A brilliant plan!”
Yuan Shao’s heart sank, “Just now, this general was blinded by anger.”
Indeed, if Yan Liang and Wen Chou had entered the Taihang Mountains without any subtlety, Qu Yi would likely have rebelled on the spot. Rebellion was not the fear, but the fear was that he might also defect to Cao Cao… In that case, the five rebel forces would become six, which was truly… worrisome!
“We shall follow Zi Yuan’s plan. I will immediately write a letter to Qu Yi, promising him the titles of Governor of Bing Province and King of Bing Province. Once he enters Bing Province, Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, along with Generals Zhang He and Gao Lan, will immediately lead their own forces into Bing Province, ostensibly to assist in suppressing the rebels, but in reality, to eliminate Qu Yi!”
“Yes…”
“Yes!”
With these words, Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, and Gao Lan bowed and accepted the order!
How strong was the Vanguard Camp? No one knew better than they did…
This military formation was extremely adept at dealing with cavalry. If it were just Yan Liang and Wen Chou, they might not have been able to take them down. Four cavalry divisions… four renowned generals. This would be foolproof!
Qu Yi’s rebellion was a minor setback, something none of Yuan’s generals had anticipated.
However, there was one person who had foreseen this day.
Lu Yu…
That’s right, Lu Yu’s arrangement for Yang Xiu and Lu Bu to go to the northern border of Yanmen was originally for Qu Yi, for the Vanguard Camp under his command. This was a military formation capable of instantly killing the White Horse Volunteers! Lu Yu had been eagerly anticipating it for a long time!
As for anything else… that was merely an added bonus!
In Lu Yu’s opinion…
Arrogant due to his merits, disrespecting the civil and military officials of Ji Province, and the Vanguard Camp always operating independently, how could such a Qu Yi survive for long under Yuan Shao, whose magnanimity was no bigger than a little finger?
In an instant, a storm was brewing in the northern territories of Ji and Bing Provinces!
…
…
At the border of Ji and Bing Provinces, at the foot of the Taihang Mountains, stood a massive military encampment.
Inside the main command tent.
“Hahaha…”
A burst of melancholy laughter echoed out. Qu Yi straightened his back, puffed out his chest, holding the letter in his hand, laughing heartily.
“Listen, I said it… Yuan Benchu would definitely agree to give me the governorship of Bing Province and the fiefdom in Bing Province.”
“Hahaha, indeed… the entire Ji Province is filled with useless drunkards. To quell the rebellion, one must rely on me! No matter how excessive my demands, Yuan Benchu would not dare to refuse!”
Qu Yi’s laughter continued.
As for the letter in his hand, it was from Yuan Shao… The content of the letter was simple: it promised him the position of Governor of Bing Province and also promised to bestow the territory of Bing Province upon him.
His wish granted…
Qu Yi loudly commanded, “All generals, heed my order! Issue commands to the entire army to break camp immediately and advance into Bing Province… Our Vanguard Camp has an opportunity to earn merit! Our brothers’ good days are coming!”
Qu Yi valued the Vanguard Camp the most, but that did not mean all his subordinates were from the Vanguard Camp!
The Vanguard Camp numbered only eight hundred brave warriors, but the troops stationed here numbered over thirty thousand… and these thirty thousand were the elite and most valiant troops of Yuan’s army!
Furthermore, they only obeyed Qu Yi’s orders…
These were Qu Yi’s reliance.
“Yes…”
The generals responded with a single voice and were about to mobilize the troops and march into Bing Province.
Just then.
“Report…”
An armored soldier rushed into the command tent. “Reporting to the General, there is an enemy envoy at the main gate of the encampment who wishes to meet the General, saying he has important matters to discuss.”
Enemy… envoy?
These two words were extremely sensitive. Qu Yi narrowed his eyes, “Where is this envoy from? What is his name?”
“He says he is from Yanmen… named… Yang Xiu?” the soldier reported truthfully!
Yang Xiu?
Qu Yi was not unfamiliar with this name. One had to know… the largest righteous army in Yanmen.
According to rumors, the leader was that masked red-robed general, but the one publicly appointed as the Prefect of Yanmen was indeed the young master of the Hongnong Yang clan – Yang Xiu!
He? An envoy?
“Heh heh…”
Qu Yi sneered. He had been wondering how to dismember this fellow.
Turns out, he came knocking on his door!
Good! Very good!
Qu Yi stuck out his tongue to lick his lips, and after a cold sneer, he shouted loudly, “Bring him in!”
…
The sun cast its rays upon the Taihang Mountains. Countless armored soldiers stood within the encampment. From the killing intent in their eyes, it was clear that this was an army tempered by a hundred battles!
Yang Xiu felt a wave of emotion. The appearance of these seven hundred vanguard soldiers before him was perhaps no less impressive than the Vanguards within the Dragon Might Camp.
No wonder Chief Lu was so fixated on them.
With this thought…
“Please…”
A cold voice sounded out. Yang Xiu, led by armored soldiers, stepped into the main command tent.
At the commanding position was a general with a square, ‘国’ shaped face. His features were not particularly delicate, but they exuded arrogance. From the calluses on his hands, it was evident that he was a master of horsemanship and weaponry!
Yang Xiu felt a pang of emotion and quickly stepped forward, bowing.
“Yang Xiu of the Dragon Might Camp pays his respects to General Qu Yi!”
This time, he did not say “Yang Xiu the Student,” but “Yang Xiu of the Dragon Might Camp,” indicating that his mission was on behalf of the Dragon Might Camp! On behalf of Lu Yu!
Hoo…
The words “Dragon Might Camp” came out, and Qu Yi’s cheeks visibly twitched. Not many military formations could earn the attention of this arrogant general. Undoubtedly, the Dragon Might Camp was among the best.
“Yang Dezu of the Hongnong Yang clan, haha…” Qu Yi laughed heartily, then said loudly, “I never expected a frail scholar like you to become the Prefect of Yanmen Commandery. It truly surprises me, General. Of course, what surprises me even more is that you dare to venture alone into my Vanguard military camp. Are you… not afraid of death?”
Despite his laughter, Qu Yi’s tone was exceptionally cold and arrogant, as if he were looking at a dead man.
Who would have thought… this arrogance of his would ignite the arrogance within Yang Xiu’s bones.
“Hahahahaha…”
“Hahahahahaha…” Yang Xiu burst into laughter.
While laughing, he spoke coldly, “General Qu Yi? Between the two of us, you are the one who is about to die, aren’t you? Hahaha…”
Uh…
Qu Yi was stunned. He hadn't expected Yang Xiu, alone in the enemy camp, to laugh incessantly, and even… openly call him a man about to die?
This…
“Swish,” Qu Yi drew his sabre halfway.
But Yang Xiu remained unfazed.
In the past, when he went north to Yanmen, Chief Lu had told him that Qu Yi was a very arrogant man. To get his attention, humility was useless; only greater arrogance and arrogance would work.
Pretend!
Even if he had to force it, he had to pretend to be unfazed, to pretend to be haughty!
Indeed…
Upon hearing this, Qu Yi furrowed his brows even tighter, “How dare you, Yang Xiu, insult me! It seems you are tired of living.”
“Guards, drag him out and behead him as a sacrifice!”
Instantly, several vanguard soldiers surrounded Yang Xiu.
Looking at these soldiers, Yang Xiu showed no fear. Instead, he stared fixedly at Qu Yi and laughed, “You are about to meet your death, yet you are completely unaware. Utterly foolish, utterly foolish!”
Standing straight, Yang Xiu clasped his hands behind his back, adopting the demeanor of a superior.
Whether it was an act or not,
In short, Yang Xiu’s straight posture, his condescending tone towards a subordinate, and his overall demeanor made him seem unfathomably profound.
“Wait!”
Finally, Qu Yi called out to halt. Seeing Yang Xiu’s composure, he waved his hand, dismissing the soldiers, and asked with a frown, “I am about to meet my death? Explain to me, what do you mean by that?”
He was starting to not see through Yang Xiu…
And this sense of mystery made him dare not be careless.
“What do I mean? Heh heh…”
“You are truly unworthy of being a general. How can you not see such a simple situation?”
“You have been stationed at the foot of the Taihang Mountains for so many days, neither advancing nor retreating? What is Yuan Benchu’s character? How can he keep you? Heh heh… Qu Yi, your disaster is imminent!”
“Believe it or not, quickly, kill me, haven’t you planned to use my head as a sacrifice?
Hearing Qu Yi’s softening tone, Yang Xiu knew this guy had taken the bait. Naturally, he became even more brazen and unfazed.
Frankly, if Chief Lu hadn’t told him to do this, he wouldn’t have dared, even with a hundred and twenty percent of his courage!
But who was Chief Lu?
The character and weaknesses of everyone in the world could not escape his eyes. He told him to act like a “superior,” he told him to be unfazed, so he would do as told.
Anyway… acting cool!
If others couldn’t, Yang Xiu could do it effortlessly!
“Aren’t you going to escort me to the execution ground? I can go myself?”
“If you don’t cut off my head, I’ll look down on you!”
Yang Xiu left a sentence, his expression unchanging, and turned to walk towards the camp gate. He was going to accept his fate…
Of course, he was silently shouting.
“Keep me, keep me, keep me…”
Thump, thump…
As he walked step by step, his heart was racing.
As he reached the last step before the main tent, he muttered to himself, “Damn it,” and his heart suddenly hung in suspense. He was afraid he hadn’t acted cool enough, that this foolish Qu Yi wouldn’t sense the “impending disaster”!
Just then.
“Stop!” Qu Yi’s voice came, “Young Master Yang, please stop!”
“Guards, what are you dawdling for? Please escort Young Master Yang back!”
As soon as the words fell, several armored soldiers walked up to Yang Xiu and blocked his path.
“What? General Qu Yi? Are you finally willing to listen to me?”
“As I said, in war, envoys are not beheaded. Does General Qu Yi wish to become the King of Bing Province? Then… killing me, an envoy, would cause you to lose popular support, which seems inappropriate, right? Ah… haha…”
Yang Xiu’s expression was exceedingly arrogant. He smiled and looked at Qu Yi.
Qu Yi was slightly taken aback. This Yang Xiu actually knew that he wanted to be the King of Bing Province?
This…
His eyes narrowed. He stared at Yang Xiu’s eyes for a long time before ordering, “Young Master Yang is right. Even in war, envoys are not beheaded.”
“How about this, after I break through these five rebel soldiers, I will then hold you accountable! You cannot escape this penalty.”
Qu Yi was not a fool, nor was he a brute.
From Yang Xiu’s confident gaze, his arrogant expression, and his imperious words, how could he not perceive some deeper meaning?
Could it be… because he had been stationed here and not advanced, Yuan Shao was actually going to make a move against him?
Then…
What about this letter promising him the governorship of Bing Province and a fiefdom in Bing Province?
A delaying tactic?
No way?
The calm Qu Yi was terrifying. He carefully considered Yuan Shao’s character and felt that Yang Xiu’s words were not without reason. Moreover… it was Yuan Shao; it was never wrong to guard against him!
Therefore, he decided to keep Yang Xiu. If Yuan Shao made any move, it would prove that Yang Xiu had some ability and was a friend rather than an enemy. Qu Yi would then have more options!
If Yuan Shao did not make a move, then… Yang Xiu was spreading rumors and causing trouble. It would not be too late to kill him then.
In any case, Yang Xiu, at least for now… must be kept!
Hearing Qu Yi’s cold words, Yang Xiu showed no panic. Instead, he sneered, “You want to keep me under house arrest, don’t you?”
“Fine, you are just a brute. At worst, we can go to the underworld together!”
“Hahaha, however, today… I am happy, so I will give you one more piece of advice. Beware of your good lord. The most bloodthirsty daggers often appear from the most flourishing places!”
“Be on guard, beware of being backstabbed! Haha… Hahaha!”
A plan within a plan!
A chain of stratagems!
Seeing that Qu Yi had taken the bait, Yang Xiu had to continue his act. Of course, he was acting now… but in the future, these acts would translate into Qu Yi’s boundless admiration.
Looking at the complex expression on Qu Yi’s face, Yang Xiu gave him a disdainful smile after speaking, his expression exceptionally eerie and mocking.
Upon seeing this smile, Qu Yi’s eyes grew colder, and even the veins on his face bulged.
It was evident that he was still angry, but he was restraining himself. He had to verify what Yang Xiu had mentioned – the matter of “backstabbing”!
“Take him down!”
“After this general annihilates these five rebel bandits, your head will be hung at the camp gate!”
Upon saying this…
Qu Yi let out a cold snort and directly turned his gaze towards Bing Province.
“Break camp, march!”
On the surface, Qu Yi proceeded with the expedition as usual. However, in secret, Qu Yi dispatched a team of trusted men to Ye City to gather intelligence and closely monitored the movements of Yuan’s army.
If there was a “backstab,” then… troops from the direction of Ye City would undoubtedly advance towards Bing Province to provide reinforcements…
Heh heh, of course… this might not be true “reinforcement”?
As Yang Xiu said – the most bloodthirsty daggers often appear from the most flourishing places!
It was always right to keep a watchful eye!
…
…
Bing Province, a Dragon Might Camp encampment.
Here… there were four military divisions. It could be said that, apart from the Southern Xiongnu, Gongsun Zan, Han Sui, and Ma Teng were all under the unified command of this place.
Lu Bu, still wearing a mask, entered the main command tent.
“General…”
Several unified shouts…
Here were the deputy generals of each military formation. Among them, particularly eye-catching were two female generals: one was Ma Teng’s daughter – Ma Yunlu.
The other was Gongsun Zan’s daughter, Gongsun Baoyu!
In addition, there were several young masters, such as… Ma Teng’s son Ma Tie, Gongsun Zan’s son Gongsun Xu, and… Zhang Yan’s son Zhang Fang!
Regardless of gender, they bowed to Lu Bu, performing the salutations of men.
“Go back and tell your generals that the mission is now over,” Lu Bu said loudly. “Generals Han Sui and Ma Teng, first return your troops to Guanzhong. General Gongsun, lead your army to retreat into Yanmen. General Zhang Yan, retreat to Zhaojun, and form a pincer with Yanmen… all previous offensives are to be converted to defensive postures, awaiting the opportune moment to strike!”
This…
Upon hearing the order to “change from offense to defense,” Ma Yunlu felt a bit unwilling and proactively asked,
“May I ask… what is this…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Lu Bu immediately replied, “This is a military order just received from Minister Lu!”
Oh…
Upon hearing this, Ma Yunlu closed her mouth.
A person’s reputation precedes them. If it were an order from someone else, she might have questioned it, but if it were from the legendary, all-knowing, and psychologically astute Minister Lu, then… never mind!
“What are you dawdling for? Haven’t you gone to relay the message yet?”
Seeing everyone standing there stunned, Lu Bu called out again.
“Yes…”
Everyone accepted the order and withdrew.
However, Gongsun Baoyu remained until the end…
Lu Bu turned around and saw it was a woman. He asked, “Have all departments gone to relay the message? Why are you still here?”
“I…” Gongsun Baoyu paused.
Her appearance was not very beautiful, but it was dignified, with resolute eyebrows and sharp dark eyes… cold and aloof, yet imposing.
Hoo…
She let out a soft sigh, and Gongsun Baoyu opened her mouth to ask, “There is a legend among the border people, ‘If the White Horse of Jiuyuan is still here, the Hu horses shall not pass Yanmen.’
“The White Horse here refers to my father’s lost White Horse Volunteers. May I ask, General, has the ‘Jiuyuan’ in this saying also perished?”
Jiuyuan? Perished?
The “Jiuyuan” spoken of by the border folk naturally referred to Lu Fengxian of Jiuyuan!
Gongsun Baoyu’s question clearly had a hidden meaning.
This was the question she had arrived at through constant observation over time… she desperately wanted to know the answer.
Who would have thought…
Facing this question, Lu Bu waved his hand. Beneath the cold mask, his expression was unreadable. “Lu Fengxian of Jiuyuan, you say? I have heard of him. I heard that when he was in Yanmen before, he was quite a hero!”
Uh…
This…
Gongsun Baoyu paused slightly, but before she could speak, Lu Bu narrowed his eyes and recited—
—“Who knows the red clothes were originally white? Who says the Chinese bones lament!”
The guardian deity of the border?
Heh heh, he, Lu Bu, was never a guardian deity…
“Let the Hu horses not pass Yanmen,” had always referred to a symbol, a symbol without a name, but one that could be imprinted in the hearts of the border people!
…
…