Chapter 3: Before the troops move, the supplies must be prepared first

On the square, bronze-colored face, a pair of bright and piercing eyes exude an aura of authority without anger. He is none other than Chunyu Qiong, who was appointed as one of the Eight Commanders of the Western Garden alongside Yuan Shao by Emperor Ling of Han.

With a fist salute and a slight bow facing him, Xin Pi wore a sincere expression on his face

Moreover, regardless of his identity, Guo Tu is after all an advisor assigned to the army by Yuan Shao

I have always disapproved of Guo Tu's character and have differing political views from him. When Yuan Xu confronted him, Xin Pi naturally felt secretly amused

The general displayed a look of surprise, while the strategist also furrowed his brow

The strategist's faint smile was perfectly captured by him

Guo Tu's expression grew increasingly unpleasant, yet he found it difficult to say much more

Military affairs are urgent, and the eldest son is concerned about the war, yet Young Master Xian is here boasting about food and eating methods. I merely intended to offer a kind reminder; could it be that I am also in the wrong? In Yuan Shao's army, Guo Tu holds a considerable position and does not harbor much apprehension towards the illegitimate Yuan Xu, especially since he is deliberately trying to curry favor with Yuan Tan, and his tone of speech is also quite peculiar.

The face of Mianpi Bai, who was interrupted by Yuan Xu, turned pale and then flushed. Guo Tu was about to speak up to mock him when a military officer stood up, clasped his fists, and said to Yuan Tan: "What Young Master Xianxin said is indeed reasonable; we just need to test it with a punch!"

This person, surnamed Guan and named Tong, is a fierce general under Yuan Tan. He is not very talkative on ordinary days and has a good friendship with Xin Pi, but he cannot stand Guo Tu, who is adept at flattery, and Chunyu Qiong, who is arrogant due to his former status and prestige

This could have led to Yuan Xu being expelled, and the matter would have come to a conclusion; however, Guan Tongyi's remarks immediately complicated the situation further

The act of squeezing Yuan Xu is merely because he has noticed Yuan Tan's dissatisfaction and wants to use this opportunity to curry favor with the Young Master

This person stands at 8 feet tall, as robust as a small mountain, and even while sitting, he appears significantly more imposing than an ordinary person

Glancing at the ashen-faced Guo Tu, Yuan Tan's gaze fell upon Xin Pi's face

The one with a faint smile is another strategist, Xin Pi, who was appointed by Yuan Shao in Yuan Tan's army

Looking at Yuan Xu, Yuan Tan remained silent with a cold expression. "As the saying goes, before the army moves, provisions must be prepared!" Knowing that the opportunity had arrived, Yuan Xu said without any hesitation: "Elder brother is the commander of the great army; if he leads the troops with an empty stomach, to whom can the soldiers entrust their lives?"

Yuan Tan glared angrily at Yuan Xu and raised his hand slightly towards Guan Tong, saying: "The general may give it a try"

Looking at Yuan Xu, he merely wore a cold smile at the corner of his mouth without saying a word

Although Yuan Xu was a son born out of wedlock, he was still the son of Yuan Shao

Guo Tu once made significant contributions to the Yuan family

Looking at this person, Yuan Tan knew that the people in the account were likely to cause a disturbance

Enough! Yuan Xu openly mocked Guo Tu, and Yuan Tan furrowed his brows, suddenly slamming the table and angrily said: "You may leave!"

There is a military general whose expression differs from that of others

Seeing that Guo Tu had no objections, Yuan Tan spoke to Yuan Xu in a somewhat harsh tone: "Since Lord Xin wants you to stay in the camp, you should remain. All the gentlemen here are outstanding figures from Hebei; you should listen more and refrain from speaking recklessly"

Guo Tu is not an incompetent person; he simply has a significant flaw

In the past, with a prestigious identity, after serving Yuan Shao, Chunyu Qiong held a position in Yuan's army that was not comparable to that of an ordinary general, and even Yuan Tan had to show him a degree of respect.

Yuan Tan had not yet spoken, but Yuan Xu had already replied with a serious expression: "What Lord Guo said is indeed very true, but there are some inaccuracies!"

Feeling that these words lack persuasion, Yuan Xu continued, "Marching and fighting are just like two people in a duel. Lord Guo only knows how to throw punches but does not understand the importance of gathering strength before striking. Is there anything wrong with that? One must know that retracting the fist to the chest and then striking with full force is much more powerful than simply throwing a punch! Eating a hearty meal before battle is akin to gathering strength for the upcoming fight"

He persuaded Han Fu, along with Xin Ping and Xun Chen, to relinquish Jizhou, thereby achieving the grand ambition of Yuan Shao's dominance!

"Young Master Chang!" Before Yuan Xu could withdraw, Xin Pi, who had remained silent until now, stood up and said, "Young Master Xianxin's words are sharp and revealing; he has articulated the key to military movement under the guise of discussing food. Why not allow him to finish speaking?"

He expressed his views on this battle while remaining in the account, perhaps it could be utilized to take advantage of the conflicts among Yuan Shao's advisors

As Yuan Xu responded to Guo Tu, his gaze quietly swept over the faces of the people inside the tent

This individual is skilled in maneuvering, particularly enthusiastic about the ways of governance. Many times, the strategies proposed are not timely or appropriate, but rather aimed at flattery and sycophancy

The words spoken were too harsh; it is not only Yuan Xu who has lost face, but also Yuan Shao

This person sits upright at the lower seat of Guo Tu, his slender figure appearing quite frail, making one inevitably worry that a strong gust of wind could blow him away

Lord Guo only knows one aspect, yet is unaware of the other! Having already taken advantage of Xin Pi's disdain for Guo Tu, Yuan Xu responded without holding back: "Although I have never led an army into battle, I understand one principle: a starving army cannot produce brave warriors! Does Lord Guo not even comprehend such a simple truth?"

Leaving Yuan Xu behind, Guo Tu must certainly feel displeased; however, expelling him would be akin to slapping Xin Pi in the face, which left Yuan Tan somewhat perplexed

"Young Master Chang!" Guan Tong retracted his fists, and Xin Pi said: "General Guan has thrown two punches in succession, and the difference in their strength is evident! Young Master Xianxin is well-versed in martial arts and has also articulated the connection between military campaigns and diet, indicating his unique insights. Moreover, he is of the bloodline of Lord Yuan. I earnestly request that he be allowed to remain here to discuss matters!"

"No!" he responded, striding to the center of the large tent. First, he casually threw a punch, then retracted his right fist to his waist and struck out with great force. Just before his fist fully extended, the edge of his fist suddenly changed direction, and everyone inside the tent clearly heard the sound of wind from the punch.

He could only suppress the anger that had built up inside him

The plan is already half successful, Yuan Xu responded and thanked Xin Pi before sitting down in the corner

Xin Pi's proposal to retain Yuan Xu undoubtedly dealt a slap in the face to Guo Tu at hetushucom.com

His confusion was only momentary, after all, Guo Tu did not propose to expel Yuan Xu, while Xin Pi clearly stated to Yuan Xu to finish speaking!

Chunyu Qiong revealed a cold smile, while Xin Pi and Guo Tu were in a confrontational stance. Guan Tong felt that he should stand up and say something

Yuan Shao has long been known for his appreciation of talent. In recent years, numerous heroes from across the land have flocked to him. However, the advisors and generals who have joined his ranks each harbor their own ambitions, engaging in mutual slander and refusing to yield to one another

Upon noticing Xin Pi revealing a faint smile, Yuan Xu immediately had an idea

Xin Pi and Guo Tu both served in front of Yuan Shao, and Yuan Tan did not dare to underestimate the two. Yuan Xu confronted Guo Tu, who shouted to stop him, but Xin Pi suggested that Yuan Xu continue speaking, which made him feel quite troubled

Yuan Xu's words caused an uproar within the account

"Xianxin has been weak since childhood, how could he possibly understand the art of combat!" Noticing the unusual expressions of those in the tent, Yuan Tan furrowed his brows and reprimanded, "You gentlemen are not lacking in fierce generals, Xianxin should not speak recklessly, lest he bring ridicule upon us!"

When he opened his mouth to refute Guo Tu, the corner of another strategist's mouth in the tent revealed a barely perceptible faint smile

Yuan Xu bluntly confronted him, and in the event that Guo Tu speaks ill of him in front of Yuan Shao in the future, it would also be extremely detrimental to Yuan Tan