Chapter Seven: The Strategy to Eliminate Thieves

In fact, possessing exceptional martial arts skills does not necessarily guarantee safety. I have witnessed him tear apart a large serpent with his bare hands, draping its skin over himself, causing all the serpents in the mountains to fear him.

That Guan Changsheng was a martial arts enthusiast. At the age of eighteen, his martial skills reached a bottleneck, and he boldly claimed to our army that he could challenge a hundred soldiers single-handedly. Initially, I thought he was insane and paid him no mind. However, he persistently bothered me day and night, and out of frustration, I decided to grant his wish.

Wen Han smiled wryly, realizing that Zhou Long and Li Qiang were in the same situation. It seems that the military camp is indeed a place not to be underestimated. Those who emerge from here often determine the fate of the nation. The blood shed and flesh lost by the people here surpasses that of any other affiliation.

Ah, isn't that the young man who fought with Ma Zong and his group the other day? How did he come to the military camp, and why does he still hold the military token in his hand

"Wonderful! So how can we lure Pei Yuanshao out of the mountains?" Yang Dian asked, his face showing excitement

Of course, this is impossible. Yang Dian also knows that someone like Wen Han, who possesses both pride and talent, would not easily submit to others.

We are all waiting for your brilliant strategy. I am a military general; matters that require thinking are not for me to handle said Yang Dian, shrugging his shoulders with confidence

Then I would trouble Captain Yang to take care of that. There is one more matter; I request Captain Yang to send several scouts to inquire among the hunters around Black Wind Mountain whether a hero named Guan Yu has recently passed through and encountered an ambush.

After Wen Han responded to Yang Dian with a kind smile, he stepped forward and spoke some encouraging words to the five hundred soldiers below

Zhou Long and Li Qiang conveyed to Wen Han with a look that said, "You let us handle the books however we want, and we will do just that," indicating that they had never considered any other approach.

After hearing this, Zhou Long could not help but blame Wen Han for being reckless and offending the powerful. However, he also considered the purpose behind Wen Han's actions in 'suppressing bandits' and soon began to reproach himself for not having thought things through more carefully at that time

Yang Dian found himself increasingly fond of the young man before him. He wished he could immediately recruit him into the army as his strategist

"There is a strategy. What about you?"

The overwhelming momentum nearly left Wenhan, who had never witnessed such a scene, unable to stand firm

You are merely weak in your legs, which is quite remarkable. Do you know that during the first military parade, my troops nearly scared the soul out of Huang Changshi, causing him to fall to the ground? It was truly a disgrace of the highest order

Yang Dian must have received the information about Wen Han's recent fallout with Huang Le. Otherwise, Yang Dian would not be cooperating so readily

I do not know. This young man possesses remarkable martial skills. I have heard that on that day, he single-handedly killed dozens of people from the Ma Sect. However, I do not know why he came into conflict with the Ma Sect, as the Ma Sect is a notorious bully in Jiexian, and ordinary people cannot afford to offend them.

General Yang, you are overly gracious. I would also trouble you to promptly organize the troops and determine the date of departure, so that we may capture Pei Yuanshao at the earliest and fulfill the task of eliminating bandits assigned by County Magistrate Yang

Moreover, it is said that his relationship with Huang Le is quite poor, as originally the position of Chief Clerk was intended for Yang Dian by Yang Hong. However, due to Huang Le's connections through his wife's family, Yang Hong had no choice but to assign the position of Chief Clerk to him.

Therefore, we can only wait for him to take the initiative. We will use a tactic to lure the snake out of its hole, and then set an ambush in another location, ensuring that Pei Yuanshao goes and does not return

As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend

Wen Han gazed at the military flag fluttering in the air, feeling a deep sense of respect. This demeanor caught Yang Dian's attention, instantly increasing his favorable impression. Because a person who understands respect in this place would certainly not casually sacrifice the lives of soldiers

Calculating the days, it has only been a year or two since the Yellow Turban Rebellion

This is your ignorance, isn't it? My wife is a sister of the Lin family from the Zhou gambling house. According to my wife, this young man fought with the Ma clan to stand up for the Zhou gambling house.

Wen Han smiled and comforted Zhou Long. In his heart, Wen Han was clear that the true purpose of this campaign against the bandits was to establish his own power and bring this group of thieves under his control

In a little while, in Yang Dian's camp

Wenhan was momentarily speechless with anger

The Black Wind Mountain is easy to defend but difficult to attack. If we launch a strong offensive, there will surely be considerable casualties. Moreover, if Pei Yuanshao secretly ambushes us, our forces are insufficient, making it difficult to spare troops for defense

Upon hearing the name 'Guan Yu', Yang Dian's expression changed abruptly.

In this chaotic era, Wenhan must establish a firm foothold by possessing a certain degree of power; otherwise, when warlords abound and man-eating 'monsters' are everywhere, an ordinary citizen like Wenhan, who has no influence whatsoever, would be devoured to the last bone.

"Alright, then I shall make a fool of myself." Wenhan's expression turned serious as he pointed to the location of Black Wind Mountain on the map

Wen Han became increasingly animated, passionately pointing at the map, so much so that Yang Dian and Zhou Long were captivated by his words

As for Li Qiang, Wen Han instructed him to proceed ahead and find the military's gatekeeper. When Wen Han arrives, he will directly receive him at the review platform in the military parade.

Wen Han and Zhou Long ascended the platform and saw five hundred soldiers standing densely below, currently in a state of turmoil as they discussed among themselves

"Brilliant strategy, brilliant strategy! Literary master, you possess great talent! In the future, you must frequently associate with me, for I wish to seek your guidance on military strategies."

Indeed. Could it be that Yang Ya knows this hero

In the past two days, I have taken the time to reflect calmly. With Changsheng's martial skills, if one does not act out of momentary anger, one can certainly escape the encirclement of the bandits. Alas, concern leads to confusion, concern leads to confusion.

The sound of the commander was like thunder, causing a sharp pain in Wenhan's ears. Immediately, the soldiers below fell silent. It seemed that this commander held considerable prestige within the military camp

Wen Han humbly clasped his hands in salute. Although he currently held the military token, these troops were not his own. If Yang Dian were unwilling to cooperate, this mission to eliminate the bandits would become exceedingly difficult

"Shut up, all of you! This is Wen Han, Wen Haojie, and Zhou Long from the county magistrate Yang, who are here to lead us in the campaign against Heifeng Mountain. Don't embarrass me, or I won't let you off the hook later!"

But what about Guan Yu, Guan Changsheng

Yang Dian discerned the subtlety within, laughed heartily, and patted Wen Han on the shoulder: "I was just wondering how you, who have never experienced military life, could remain so composed. I thought you were some kind of little demon from somewhere.

However, out of consideration for Magistrate Yang's reputation, I privately absolved him of his gambling debts. Therefore, his relationship with me remains quite good

Wen Han pondered for a moment, having already formed his thoughts. When he came to his senses, he found that all the eyes in the camp were focused on him.

Under Yang Dian's instructions, Wen Han located the position of Heifeng Mountain on the map. Heifeng Mountain was found to be steep and difficult to attack, making it easy to defend.

Fortunately, throughout this process, Wen Han maintained a cold demeanor and remained expressionless. After the parade concluded, when Wen Han and Yang Dian agreed to meet in his camp to discuss strategies for eradicating bandits, he discovered that his legs had actually gone weak.

Dear brother, by doing this, you have completely offended Master Huang. In the future, if he seeks revenge, what will you do? Alas, it is all my fault for being inept; I wanted to save Changsheng but lacked the strength, and now I have implicated you.

This gatekeeper, originally surnamed Chen and named Dian, was previously a household guard in the residence of the county magistrate Yang. He served Yang Hong for over ten years and achieved considerable merit, thus being granted the surname 'Yang.' He often enjoys gambling in my gambling den and has accumulated a significant debt of silver.

You need not worry, Master Wen, for Pei Yuanshao cannot take Guan Changsheng's life. Speaking of my acquaintance with Guan Changsheng, there is a story to tell.

"Wenhao Jie, you need not worry. I only require one day to organize the troops, and by tomorrow, I shall set out with you to conquer Heifeng Mountain." Yang Dian responded with great assurance, indicating his strong agreement with Wenhan's strategy.

On the way to the barracks, Wen Han recounted to Zhou Long the process of obtaining the military token

"Dear brother, how are you? Have you thought of a strategy to confront the enemy?" Zhou Long inquired.

At that time, ordinary commoners did not dare to think about building power; that was the business of the nobility and aristocrats. They only needed to take care of their family's basic needs, and that was sufficient

Little did I know, within three days, he repeatedly challenged my ten teams of a hundred soldiers each! In this military camp, no one is unfamiliar with this prodigy. I am so frightened that even in my dreams, the sight of this red-faced man startles me awake

Then please trouble Yang Ya to take the *illustrated* book, and have him lead two hundred light cavalry to challenge at the foot of Black Wind Mountain. When Pei Yuanshao sees that your forces are few, he will surely engage you in battle

Wen Han did not reveal his true intentions to Zhou Long, fearing that Zhou Long's deeply ingrained feudal belief in the supremacy of the powerful would be difficult for him to accept

Zhou Dubang is a kind-hearted person, generous to others, and is secretly respected by the common people in the county. However, that despicable Ma Zong, who is ungrateful and oblivious to kindness, often schemes to take over Zhou Dubang's gambling house

Under the fierce gaze of Yang Dian, five hundred soldiers and knights responded in unison with great momentum.

Zhou Long whispered softly in Wen Han's ear. Just then, the dental assistant glanced at Wen Han, revealing a broad smile.

Brother Zhou, do not say any more. Guan Changsheng is your sworn brother, how could I knowingly let him be in danger and yet not extend a helping hand? That Huang Le is deliberately making things difficult for us; we need not spare him any face. If we offend him, so be it. We are upright and have nothing to fear

The two chatted as they walked. After a moment, they arrived outside the barracks. Wen Han presented the military token to the soldier stationed at the entrance, and they proceeded smoothly to the command platform.

With the covert approval of County Magistrate Yang, it will be sufficient to merely change the identities of this group of rascals, allowing them to infiltrate the gambling houses. As new gambling establishments continue to open, Wen Han can take the opportunity to secretly amass power.

At that time, you will lead him into this gorge. I will set up three hundred archers, first blocking the path with rocks, and then shooting him with a rain of arrows. When Pei Yuanshao sees that there is no way to turn the tide, he will surrender of his own accord

You allow defeat but not victory. After a fierce battle with Pei Yuanshao, you lead your troops to retreat. After three consecutive encounters, Pei Yuanshao will surely lower his guard, feeling proud and arrogant, leading a large number of bandits to encircle and kill you