Chapter 2: The Precarious War

Yuan Shang forced a bitter smile and said helplessly, "Second brother, do you not trust me?"

Ancient scholars placed great importance on ceremonial decorum, especially families like the Yuan clan, which had produced three generations of high-ranking officials, regarded these trivial and intricate matters as paramount.

The voice of the charioteer pulled Yuan Shang back from his endless daydreaming: "Second Young Master! Third Young Master! Ahead is the command tent of the Lord, please disembark and proceed on foot."

Several attendants groomed Yuan Shang meticulously, and then they presented a small bronze mirror for him to inspect.

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Yuan Shao's fingers, which were stroking his beard, moved noticeably faster as he nodded and said, "Indeed, Cao Aman and I, as well as Xu You, are old friends. Yuan Tu's words are quite to the point"

With a sudden stamp of his foot, Yuan Xi rushed out and firmly grabbed Yuan Shang, saying solemnly: "Third brother, are you truly determined to go?"

Such a grand military display, yet Cao Cao, who could completely defeat it, is indeed a formidable character!

Yuan Xi was immediately taken aback, hurriedly glancing around a few times. Then, leaning closer, he spoke in a very low voice to Yuan Shang: "Third brother, are you out of your mind? How can you speak such words carelessly! Our father is most averse to unfavorable remarks during military campaigns! If someone with ulterior motives were to spread this statement, our father would surely hold you accountable!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Tu became anxious and was about to say a few more words when he saw the guards entering the tent. One of them knelt before Yuan Shao and reported, "I respectfully inform my lord that the Second Young Master and the Third Young Master are requesting an audience outside the tent"

It must be acknowledged that although this third son of the Yuan family does not have a favorable reputation in history, in terms of appearance alone, he possesses a nose like a hanging gallbladder, eyebrows resembling soft swords, eyes like stars, and a refined and handsome demeanor; he is truly a striking figure. The only drawback is that due to lingering effects of a cold, his complexion is somewhat pale and lacking vitality

This is the army under Yuan Shao's command, this is the formidable military force of the hero of Hebei, who commands the multitude of Yan and Dai, and aims southward to contend for supremacy over the realm

On the contrary, Yuan Xi's expression made him acutely aware that, at this moment, in Yuan Xi's eyes, he was completely a muddled patient who had no idea what he was saying

Within the encampment, the soldiers and their vehicles moved back and forth, accompanied by horses, creating an impressive spectacle that truly exemplified the grandeur of military presence

It is worth considering that in my previous life, I read historical texts that recorded that Yuan Shao was a handsome and valiant man who placed great importance on external appearances. His favoritism towards his third son, Yuan Shang, and even the reason for passing the title to him, also included Yuan Shang's remarkable looks, which were quite comparable to the standards and charm of his father in his youth.

It is no wonder that in a battle between two armies, if someone who is well aware of their own side's strengths and weaknesses defects to the enemy camp, the impact and implications are considerable. The departure of Xu You alone may not be significant, but all the defenses, garrisons, and recently decided offensive strategies within Yuan Shao's army camp would likely need to be completely re-evaluated. The resources, finances, and manpower required for this are not something that can be easily resolved with just a few words of advice.

As the words fell, one could see the people present, each either stroking their beard, furrowing their brows into a frown, or wearing a troubled expression, clearly distressed by Xu You's defection.

In the depths of the command tent, four copper braziers are placed at the corners, each filled with blazing red firewood. In the center, a writing desk is neatly arranged, with documents placed in an orderly manner. To the northwest, there is a neatly made bed, topped with a piece of red cotton brocade. In the center, the incense burner emits wisps of blue smoke, all of which reflect the clear intentions and emphasis on etiquette of the tent's master

As the words fell, another scholar with a gaunt face and high cheekbones stepped forward to advise: "Your Majesty, the words of Feng Yuan are fallacious and truly unacceptable! You have known Cao Cao for many years and are well aware of this villain's cunning and treachery, as well as his deep-seated suspicions! Xu You has abandoned the strong to join the weak; considering Cao Cao's nature, how could he not harbor doubts? Would he easily trust him? At this moment, Your Majesty is making significant changes to the camp's formation, which is merely a waste of manpower. It would be far better to take advantage of the fact that Xu You has not yet gained Cao's trust and launch a major offensive against Guandu, which would be more effective than mere defense!"

At this moment, regardless of whether he believes it or not, the length of one's future life is more important than anything else. Given the circumstances, one must try everything possible, even if it feels like treating a dead horse as if it were alive.

Feng Ji, having gained the upper hand in the debate with Guo Tu, immediately retorted: "As for Lord Guo, the master of the books, how dare you speak so recklessly in the presence of our illustrious lord? What if Xu You is greedy for wealth? Do you not know that Cao Cao has always employed people without regard for their background or character? Whether they are from humble origins, soldiers, or surrendered enemies, he employs anyone who can be of benefit! Is it only Xu You who is different? Moreover, with our army pressing forward, how could Cao Cao have so many concerns? Your words are simply absurd!"

Yuan Xi

Second Brother, you do not understand, we are already in a dire situation. If I delay in meeting Father, I fear that before long, the four provinces that Father has painstakingly built will be handed over to others. The Battle of Guandu is already a precarious situation, and defeat could come in the blink of an eye. You, I, and even Father are all standing on the edge of a cliff now

Oh? Yuan Shao was suddenly awakened from his difficult and indecisive situation, and his heavy expression was instantly filled with joy. He stood up and said: "Has my son Xianfu arrived? Isn't he still unwell? How has he come here? Quickly, bring my son in at once!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao stroked his head and said thoughtfully: "Yuan Tu's words are very good. Cao A-man is cunning and deceitful, and his schemes are particularly treacherous. If he were to learn of our army's strengths and weaknesses, we cannot guarantee that he would not have ulterior motives. It is indeed necessary to strengthen our defenses. Pass on my military orders: command the three armies to change their camp arrangements overnight and be on high alert against a night attack from Cao's forces"

At the main seat behind the writing desk, there sat a man clad in golden armor, draped in a red robe, with a tall green crown atop his head. His half-foot-long beard was neatly groomed and clean, and his body stood straight, showing none of the demeanor one would expect from a man nearing fifty. His pair of slender, star-like eyes were exceptionally spirited, making him appear dignified and remarkably heroic.

Yuan Xidun was momentarily at a loss for words; he truly could not believe that just moments ago, these words had been spoken by his brother, who was notoriously arrogant and held all the heroes of the world in contempt.

Compared to the Lao Cao family, the Lao Yuan family may not excel in combat on the battlefield, but they certainly produce handsome sons.

Yuan Shao, upon hearing this, suddenly realized: "Indeed, Cao A'man has always been chaotic in his use of people; someone like Xu You, a reckless and unrefined individual, might very well be employed by him as well"

After a long silence, Yuan Shao finally spoke slowly. The civil and military officials on both sides felt a shiver run through them, turned their heads, and bowed in a humble manner, attentively listening.

Ladies and gentlemen

Yuan Shang decided to stop showing off and promptly go to meet Yuan Shao instead

Yuan Xi stared at Yuan Shang's back for quite a while, wondering how this third brother had become so strange today. If he did not keep an eye on him and allowed him to run to their father and speak nonsense, how could that be acceptable

The command tent of Yuan Jun's main camp occupies an area roughly equivalent to that of a small house, making it approximately three times larger than an ordinary military school tent

Your Excellency, please wait!

The more urgent the situation, the more complications arise! Even in a dire situation, this body is still burdened with a miserable cold.

Yuan Shang could not help but smile bitterly upon hearing this. Do you think I have nothing better to do than to stir up trouble? When it comes to matters of life and death, who would dare to be careless? It is easy for me to lie in bed now, but I fear that in a few years, there will be no bed to lie on—I'll be sleeping in a coffin instead! And I will need to prepare two coffins, one for my head and one for my body.

Compared to the slightly overly robust and somewhat stout Yuan Xi, Yuan Shang's appearance is truly superior by more than just a little.

Fortresses connect to fortresses, camps connect to camps, within a hundred paces there are military tents, and wherever the eye can see, there are smoke signals from watchtowers. For a radius of ten miles, the landscape is dotted with cotton-like formations, with soldiers standing guard, holding guns and erecting spears and halberds.

Not to that extent, I am not yet weakened to the point where I cannot even walk these few steps

Alright, then you shall ride in my brother's carriage, and I will accompany you to meet our father

As the words fell, all the civil and military officials in the tent nodded in agreement. Upon seeing this, Yuan Shao felt a bit more at ease.

Your Excellency, it is not permissible!

Without further ado, this person is the hero of Hebei, Yuan Shao, who ranks as the foremost lord among the various lords of the present world

Yuan Shao's central camp was approximately five li away from Yuan Shang's mobile camp. It was deeply situated in the innermost part of Yuan's army, serving as the main command tent, surrounded by various mobile camps to the east, west, south, and north, forming a tightly sealed barrier that was impenetrable. Even Yuan Xi's war chariot, on its way, was intercepted and questioned several times by patrolling sentries, highlighting the strictness of the defense.

On the war chariot, one side features Yuan Xi, sitting upright with a furrowed brow, while the other side displays Yuan Shang, whose face is pale and who is nearly vomiting from the jolting of the carriage.

From Ye City to Jizhou, from Jizhou to Hebei, and then from Hebei to the northern region of Wuhuan, this vast territory of the world has been seized by Yuan Shao, and it remains firmly in his grasp to this day

Yuan Xi turned over and jumped down from the carriage, then turned his head and said: "Second brother, before the command tent, you must not recklessly ride horses or drive carriages. Please hold on for a moment, and let me assist you over there."

I

"My lord, Xu You is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of our army. If he truly defects to Cao, the consequences would be dire. The urgent task at hand is to replace all the caltrops, bows and crossbows, hidden sentries, and the camp defenses in our army to prevent Cao's forces from infiltrating our camp." The first to stand up was the strategist Feng Ji.

When Feng Ji encountered Guo Tu openly disrupting his affairs, he immediately felt anger rising within him. He hastily spoke up, saying: "My lord, Guo Tu's views are outdated! What kind of person is Cao the traitor? Does he not understand the principle of decisive action when necessary? Moreover, Xu You has a history with him; how could he not be given significant responsibility? This is an extraordinary time; we must not rashly advance our troops. First, we should secure our camp, and then strategize for Guandu; that is the best course of action"

After getting dressed, Yuan Shang hurriedly rushed out of the tent. The short distance from the bed to the entrance of the tent was merely a little over ten steps, yet Yuan Shang stumbled and fell three complete times, indicating that his physical condition was truly dire.

I won't waste any more time with you; I must hurry to the central command tent. Yuan Shang turned his head away, casting aside his chaotic thoughts, and quickly walked out of the tent.

Before long, a double-horse chariot rushed out from Yuan Shang's camp, swiftly heading towards the central command tent where Yuan Shao was located.

The speaker is none other than Guo Tu, the Assistant Prefect of Jizhou

Crowning and changing clothes, grooming and tidying up, although a series of troublesome matters, Yuan Shang had no choice but to proceed step by step according to the requirements

The gaze in his双眸 swept back and forth across the group of civil and military officials standing on either side of the handsome tent, and Yuan Shao's eyes flashed with a hint of anger and unwillingness

The mighty Yangtze River, with its great waves washing away the sand, shows that although Yuan Shao ultimately failed in the annals of history, he was indeed once powerful, glorious, and honored.

Yuan Shang turned to look at Yuan Xi and, with a tone of frustration, said: "Second Brother, time waits for no one. If we do not act, we will only be sitting idle and waiting for our demise"

Yuan's Central Army Tent

Guo Tu is not a good person either. Upon hearing this, he let out a cold laugh and said to Feng Ji: "Feng Yuantu, your words are truly childish. What does it matter if we are friends? He Tu and Xu You are greedy for wealth and material possessions, fickle and opportunistic, and are despised by the world like worn-out shoes. Cao Cao's talent, though not as great as that of the Lord, is still that of a regional lord, and he possesses some insight. How could he possibly employ such a person? Your words are truly laughable!"

At this point, Yuan Shao, appearing somewhat troubled, slapped the table and seemed to speak to himself, saying: "What both of you have said is indeed reasonable, making it difficult for one to make a choice"

Second brother, please assist me in entering, for my constitution is weak. I would be grateful if you could be a little gentler, dear brother.

Before he could finish speaking, Yuan Shang, who had just dismounted from the carriage, stumbled and nearly fell over due to his weak legs

Yuan Xikan felt a pang of sympathy in his heart and hurriedly rushed forward to support him, saying helplessly: "Third brother, look at how you are still stumbling as you walk; what can you possibly do by rushing to the command tent? Is there anything that cannot be said at a later time? Why must it be today?"

Drive

What is even more unbelievable to Yuan Xi is the content of Yuan Shang's words: how could a prestigious family with four generations of three dukes, the lord of Hebei with a million troops, and the northern hero dominating Yanda be defeated by outsiders? How is this possible

If Yuan Xi is like this, then it goes without saying that Yuan Shao would be even more so

Yuan Shang felt a deep sense of melancholy as he observed the formidable strength of Yuan Shao's army, yet he was suddenly struck by a question that compelled him to ponder it carefully

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao was clearly taken aback for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, "What Lord Guo said is indeed quite reasonable."

According to reports from our scouts, after Xu You fled from our camp the night before last, he has been making his way south at a rapid pace. His movements are quite suspicious. Despite our repeated dispatch of scouts to investigate, this individual is cunning and has concealed himself well. To this day, there has been no trace of him. After much contemplation, I fear that Xu You has already defected to Cao. Having been with us for many years, he is well aware of our strengths and weaknesses. His defection to Cao Cao must have some ulterior motive. Do any of you have good strategies to counter this situation?

However, on the way to Yuan Shao's command tent, Yuan Shang felt a slight shock deep within his heart

Yuan Shang is not foolish; although Yuan Xi did not say anything, he could tell from his expression that Yuan Xi would not be on guard because of his harsh words

God, is this trying to kill him

Behold this military display, observe this grand occasion; who has the right to claim that Yuan Shao is not a formidable hero of his time