Vol 9 Chapter 37 (2/2)

“What happens next huh?” Cao Ren nodded as she said so, not doubting my words in the least, “Based on the covert reports sent before, we will meet Lord Yuan Shao’s subordinates, Lu Kuang and Lu Xiang as well as strategist Shen Pei, at Fan city.”

“Yes, and Yuan Shao’s reinforcements numbering 20,000.” I added to which Cao Ren smiled and muttered an agreement.

“Lord Cao Ren, could it be that you are nervous?” I asked, to which Cao Ren’s eyebrows raised somewhat and she had a sheepish look on.

“My relations.h.i.+p with them has been a little cold since the Battle of Guandu to be honest.” Cao Ren shook her head as she smiled stiffly, “Especially with Lord Feng Ji. She shows open hostility every time we meet.”

Looks like they still bear grudges from what happened at Mount Jiluo huh?

“I don’t really know how to deal with people who hate me.”

Looks like she’s just too good, I thought and felt worried as I looked at Cao Ren who seemed to be at a loss. I then looked at my surroundings and saw that the forests had given way to vast deserts.

“But the one coming this time is Shen Pei so it shouldn’t be that difficult.” I said, finding it difficult to find the words with which to allay her concerns.

Ah, just then, I saw a city behind a small hill. It’s not too big, but it’s not small either and with mountains and the river nearby, it’s probably rather prosperous.

Looks like we have reached Fan city.

“Probably.” Cao Ren said as she looked ahead as well and sighed, “In any case, let’s leave this topic aside until we enter Fan city.”

“I am the colonel in charge of the Fan city garrison. You both must be Lord Cao Ren and Lord Li Dian right?” A bearded man said as he bowed after coming out from the open city gates.

“We are.”

“Yes.”

Cao Ren and I said as we saluted him. For som reason, this colonel only looked fixedly at Cao Ren’s smiling face. Even if I am not smiling, you ought to look at me as well, I thought, feeling displeased and looked past the city gates into the city.

Just the view from outside is enough to tell me that it’s a good place. If I have to say what is lacking… Yes, the city is currently covered in fortifications and military enhancements as the bridgehead or our campaign. Compared to a city, it seems more like a fortress now.

The bustle and cheer from citizens as they go about their lives could be clearly heard. Just from that, one could tell that their lives were full and bright. It was near the river so there was a lot of economic activity going on. The soil in and around Fan city was fertile as well.

To be honest, if Fan city were situated further north, or, to be more realistic, our dominion extended further southward, this area would probably grow a lot more wealthier.

“Lord Cao Ren.”

“Ah, I know.”

But now is not the time to be worrying about the citizens or development. As the vanguard, our aim is not to defend the city, but to attack, which is why our priority is the few fellows in front of us in the Yuan clan military uniform.

“Looks like Lord Yuan Shao’s troops made it here ahead of us.” Cao Ren said, her smile completely gone. Her aura seemed more serious and calm now and was no longer gentle like before.

“But since we didn’t see their troops as we entered the city, that means they are camping on the other side.” I said to Cao Ren, “I suggest camping to the south of the city as well. It will be easier to move out when we are ready to attack and we can monitor Yuan Shao’s troops as well.”

“I understand.” Cao Ren nodded and looked at the officers beside us who got the hint and went off to notify the troops.

“May I ask if the others…” I asked the colonel.

“Ah, the other generals have already arrived here a while ago now.” Looks like the colonel knew who I was talking about, “Please, follow me.”

When he finished, the colonel began to lead us into the city proper.

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