Chapter 4 The enemy will break out from the east of the city

Yuan Tan is the eldest son in the Yuan family, and many people believe that he will undoubtedly inherit Yuan Shao in the future. His status is certainly not comparable to that of a concubine's son like Yuan Xu

While Yuan Xu expressed his views, Xin Pi always looked at him with a smile on his face

He does not believe that Yuan Xu can say anything insightful at all

He does not agree with Guo Tu's views either, but what he says from Yuan Xu's mouth is more direct than a sharp rebuttal, and it can also avoid offending Guo Tu

Second Brother and Third Brother are blocking Yi Jing's north and south gates! The south gate leads directly to the Yellow River, and the terrain is flat. If Gongsun Zan exits the city, our cavalry only needs to follow closely behind, and we will eventually be able to annihilate him!" Yuan Xu did not directly analyze the situation at the east gate, but first provided an analysis of the north and south gates: "If we break out through the north gate, we can only head towards Juyong, where the mountains and rivers stretch for thousands of miles, and there are many wild beasts. Moreover, with our troops pursuing him, Gongsun Zan would certainly not choose this route!"

After all, Guo Tu's character is truly not commendable

The trivial remarks of a mere child, why should Lord Guo take them to heart! Seeing that Guo Tu was displeased, Yuan Tan smiled again and said: I hope that you prioritize the matters of war...

When Yuan Xu asked, Guo Tu's expression became increasingly grim

If it were not for Xin Pi, please hetushu .com .com to keep Yuan Xu, Yuan Tan would have expelled him long ago

The key factors determining the success or failure of the Battle of Yijing were precisely the advantages of geography and timing.

Waiting for the opportunity to speak, Yuan Xu did not decline, and stood up to bow to Yuan Tan, saying: "Elder brother, I am dull-witted and dare to speak presumptuously. If there is anything inappropriate in my words, I hope you and the gentlemen will not take offense!"

It is better to offend a gentleman than to offend a petty person

Xin Pi nodded slightly, resumed his seat, and did not speak again

Fully aware that the two have never gotten along, Yuan Tan shot a glare at Yuan Xu and said with a somewhat harsh tone: "Since both Lord Guo and Lord Xin wish for you to share your insights, then do so. If you dare to speak recklessly, you will not be spared!"

In recent years, Gongsun Zan has committed numerous acts that have alienated the hearts of the people, such as forcibly conscripting laborers and exploiting the common folk. Particularly, the killing of Liu Yu has made him a target for heroes across the land to rise against.

Young Master Xianxin must have profound insights, so let him speak first

The illegitimate son of the Yuan family holds a low status at home and has no opportunity to lead troops in battle, making it impossible for him to have battlefield experience

Yuan Xu shook his head and said, "As Lord Guo mentioned, my father commands a vast army with numerous fierce generals. Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou are intercepting Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu, and there are still generals such as Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Han Meng in the army. If the enemy forces their way out of the city, they are merely seeking their own demise"

Guo Gong wondered, "Where would Gongsun the old thief choose to exit the city?" It was evident that Yuan Tan agreed with Guo Tu's opinion, slightly leaning forward to ask a question.

Casting a glance at Yuan Xu, Guo Tu, who was still somewhat resentful about having just confronted him, sarcastically remarked.

Our army is vast, with numerous fierce generals. Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou confront Zhang Yan, yet Gongsun Zan still cannot prevail

Xianxin has been on the battlefield! Xin Pi did not ask any further questions, and even Guo Tu was at a loss for words. It was only Chunyu Qiong, who had been silently wearing a cold smile, that finally spoke up.

After all, it was he who spoke first

Yuan Tan did not say a word despite making a gesture to urge him

However, Yuan Xu is after all the son of Yuan Shao, and his words were too harsh. Yuan Shao could not afford to lose face, so it was more appropriate for him to let Yuan Xu embarrass himself in front of everyone

Yuan Tan waved his hand and said: "The young and inexperienced speak without shame; how can their wisdom compare to that of Duke Guo? The matter of war is urgent, and I hope Duke Guo will not bicker with Xianxin!"

He was also a favored person in front of Yuan Shao. Born as a concubine's son, Yuan Xu actually dared to confront him, which made him quite displeased

One can observe that Yuan Xu's performance is indeed remarkable.

The intention of my father is to lure Gongsun Zan out of the city and ambush him halfway! As soon as Yuan Tan spoke, he revealed Yuan Shao's plan, and then he asked everyone: "What do you all think, how can our army ensure that the old thief Gongsun loses his arms completely?"

Since I arrived in Yijing, I have often observed the surroundings! As soon as Yuan Xu spoke, everyone in the tent was taken aback

Young Master Xianxin!" Xin Pi stood up and asked Yuan Xu, "Gongsun Zan has been besieged for quite some time. If it were merely to escape the city, he would have had opportunities long ago. Why has he delayed until now? Is it possible that he will make a desperate attempt and launch an attack against Lord Yuan?"

Self-assuredly, he was conferred the title of one of the Eight Commanders of the Western Garden alongside Yuan Shao, yet Yuan Xu was merely a son born of a concubine, and Chunyu Qiong was even stripped of the title "Young Master"

Yuan Tan repeatedly offered his consolation, and Guo Tu's expression had improved significantly. However, a single remark from Xin Pi immediately caused his brows to furrow once again

Casting a sidelong glance at Yuan Xu, Guo Tu said in a sarcastic tone: "Young Master Xianxin possesses exceptional strategy; I wish to hear your esteemed insights in detail!"

Absolutely not!" Yuan Xu shook his head and said, "Gongsun Zan is besieged in Yijing because he was misled by Guan Jing and missed a great opportunity back then. Although Zhang Yan and Gongsun Xu have come to his aid with a large army, they are merely remnants of the Yellow Turbans and are not a match for our forces. If I were Gongsun Zan, I would definitely break out of the city and lift the siege of Yijing before making any further plans!

Guo Gong expressed great concern! After praising Guo Tu, Yuan Xu continued, "Indeed, the troops under the command of the elder brother are significantly more than those of the second and third brothers; however, how do they compare to the troops led by our father?"

In front of everyone in the tent, food was also laid out, but Yuan Tan did not eat, and the others felt it was inappropriate to dine.

The key to the battlefield lies in the harmony of timing, geography, and human factors

Xin Pi earnestly proposed that Yuan Xu share his insights, which left Guo Tu feeling displeased, yet he found it inappropriate to obstruct the discussion.

Hmph! Guo Tu snorted twice and then asked: "The north and south gates face each other with few soldiers. If Gongsun Zan were to leave the city, he could quickly break through. Even if the retreat is not smooth, it is ultimately much better than taking the risk of charging out through the east gate!"

The entrance to Yijingdong is a flat expanse outside the city, advantageous for Gongsun Zan's cavalry operations! If we break through the encirclement and head east again, there are several small paths and roads available!" After bowing to Yuan Tan, Yuan Xu earnestly said: "Once the enemy breaks through the defense line and enters the small paths, it will be as difficult as ascending to the heavens for our army to pursue. I hope my elder brother will make plans early!"

Yuan Xu turned his face to the side; although he did not speak, his facial expression clearly indicated that he did not agree with Guo Tu's speculation

The rice bowl on the table has already gone cold, yet Yuan Tan has not taken a single bite.

However, what he said next made Yuan Xu unable to agree: "The Young Master has besieged the East Gate, and his troops are only second to Yuan Gong's central army. Gongsun Zan is unlikely to choose this place to exit the city!"

As soon as Guo Tu opened his mouth, his words coincided perfectly with Yuan Xu's thoughts

The scheme was denied by Yuan Xu, and Guo Tu's face turned from green to white in turns as he coldly asked: "Since Gongsun Zan will not exit the city from either the south or north gates, could it be that he will exit from the west gate?"

What the public says is indeed correct! Before Guo Tu could speak, Xin Pi interjected from the side, saying: "What Young Master Xianxin has said precisely highlights the key to the march. Why doesn't the eldest son allow him to share his thoughts?"

As the leader of the fire brigade, his ability to observe the surrounding environment indeed surpasses the understanding of others

Urging Yuan Xu to express his thoughts is merely an attempt to embarrass him in front of everyone in the account.