Vol 4 Chapter 21 (1/2)

Volume 4 Chapter 21: Don’t tell me I am seeking refuge with Yuan Shao (2)

Meng De POV

“The Yingchuan troops numbering about 3-40,000 have gathered in Xuchang. Yuan Shao forces have swelled to 120,000 after defeating Beiping’s Gongsun Zan.” I was currently galloping on horseback toward the outskirts of Xuchang while Xun Yu delivered the latest figures and updates as she sat behind me, “As for my lord’s personal troops, the damage sustained by Liu Bei’s counterattack in Xu state was not small at all. I’m afraid at least a third are badly wounded or dead.”

“That is something we cannot do anything about… What about the frontlines?”

“Yue Jin, Cheng Yu and the rest have made it to their designated positions. General Xiahou Dun is guarding our back to prevent any surprise attack on Xuchang.”

I nodded with a smile as I heard this. Looks like our preparations are complete. Looks like what I have to do now is… To think about our overarching strategy.

“Xun Yu, where is Feng Xiao?”

“Guo Jia has gone to Chengxi.” Xun Yu said, “Seems like she intends on inviting Zhang Xiu’s strategist, Jia Xu.”

… Jia Xu huh. Haha, I can’t believe Feng Xiao thought about the exact same thing as I did. I haven’t actually met Jia Xu before but from what I’ve heard of her, and the trouble that Zhang Xiu has given me, I can sense that she is no ordinary person.

“… As my lord has guessed, Jia Xu is an extraordinary talent. But she is extremely cunning and may not be willing to serve us.” Xun Yu was able to figure out what I was thinking and voiced her worries.

But I wasn’t worried about this.

“Jia Xu will be able to see the situation for what it is, and make the right choice between me and Yuan Shao.”

I hope so. Xun Yu muttered softly.

The me now was both elated at seeing the road that lay before me and also excited at the progress I was making along this road.

“My lord has also summoned Guan Yu and the other 2 right? Do you intend on having them march with you?”

“Ah, those 3 are very brave and strong warriors. Whether it’s an ambush or a head-on clash, we need those 3.”

“Un… My lord is right, but…” Xun Yu’s voice became soft, as though she only wanted me to hear what came next, “Of the 3, Lu Bu is extremely moody and unpredictable. It’s hard to tell when she will lose it and go wild.”

Lu Bu huh… Though she’s usually a woman of few words, her aura is completely different from everyone else. It feels like no one can control her.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.” I said to allay Xun Yu’s concerns,”If Lu Bu was a feudal lord in her own right, I might have chosen to kill her. But the reins on her are still in the hands of Xuan De so using her is fine for now.”

But really, how exactly did Xuan De win over that Lu Bu? Putting it another way, perhaps it’s because it’s Xuan De that Lu Bu could be tamed.

At this, I stopped all stray thoughts. What I need to think about now, is how to deal with the battle against Yuan Shao.

Xuan De POV

Following Gong You’s guidance, I was able to quickly get in touch with Yuan Shao who directed us to head directly to Yuan Shao’s garrison instead of Nanpi– Liyang.

In Ye city, we were able to recruit roughly 300 troops and the rest of the money left was used to buy as many horses from the north as possible so that we could reach Liyang as soon as possible.

I didn’t think that an unknown person such as I could gather so many troops.

“Oi! Gong You!” The thunderous sound from the gallop of the horses filled my ears as I was riding at the front with Gong You and Zi Long. I had been thinking about something for a while now and could not longer hold back and decided to ask Gong You about it.

“!?” Gong You did not speak as she was concentrating on riding, but gestured with her chin for me to continue.

“Now that we’re heading towards Liyang, could it be that Yuan Shao intends for us to a.s.sist her in fighting Meng De?”

“…” Gong You held her breath as she shook her head vigorously before spitting out a few words, “But it will probably be like that!”

Un… Looks like I can’t avoid it huh. I’m not too familiar with the Battle of Guandu, but I do know about the slaying of Yan Liang and the Raid on Wuchao. Additionally, if we head to where Yuan Shao is right now, then we should be able to meet Yun Chang.

But would it really turn out to be like that? As a main character of this event, what evidence do I have that everything will go as the history I know?

I can’t say it will, for certain.