Chapter 1065: Zhang Fei Takes Command

"Even with fewer supplies, we can manage. If one winter coat isn't enough, we can add a second, and if two aren't enough, we can layer with fur coats. While we don't have many fur coats, it's quite easy to purchase them," Lu Su said confidently after noticing Liu Ye's glance at him. Supplies weren't an issue for them at all.

"Looks like we’ll need to handle this ourselves. It’s clear that others can't be relied upon," Guo Jia said with a helpless expression, feeling exasperated at the current situation.

"We need to bring Gongsun Shengji over to our side. As long as he writes an appeal for aid on behalf of the people of Liaodong, we can hold the moral high ground," Li You remarked, maintaining a composed expression. At times, his thick skin knew no bounds.

Chen Xi felt slightly awkward. Although he didn’t care much about superficial appearances, since Li You was willing to handle it, he wasn’t going to object. After all, this era prized both gaining advantages and keeping face.

"Our search teams are already combing Youzhou, and we should have results soon," Guan Yu chimed in.

When he received the news, Guo Jia had explained the situation to Guan Yu. Although Guan Yu looked down on Gongsun Du for his military incompetence, since Guo Jia claimed there was value in saving him, Guan Yu had promptly sent men to find him.

As for the non-aggression pact signed between the Yuan and Liu factions, along with the Han court's mediation documents, Guan Yu decided to go find Gongsun Du in Youzhou. If questioned, he could always claim they were hunting, and who could argue otherwise?

"I’ve also sent scouts to search the area extensively. However, Yuan Tan has implemented reforms in the management of the local populace, adopting elements from our household registration system. Frequent searches might catch his attention," Jia Xu added. Upon receiving the initial intelligence, he had ordered the full deployment of the Youzhou intelligence network to locate Gongsun Du.

Still, Jia Xu couldn’t guarantee success. By this time, Youbeiping was a place where even water would freeze solid. Without supplies, how long Gongsun Du could last was up to fate.

"We have Gongsun Du’s second son here, and I think he’s quite capable," Chen Xi said, lowering his standards quite a bit. He glanced at Jia Xu while making his remark.

Jia Xu stroked his beard with a look of benevolence. "Gongsun Shengji was routed at Yuyang, and all his supplies were lost to Yuan Tan's forces. We can only hope the heavens are kind to him. I’ll increase the number of men searching for him. In the meantime, Gongsun Du’s legitimate son has been fighting foreign invaders, defending our borders. A man of such loyalty and patriotism—shouldn't we ensure his family is preserved?"

"Exactly. According to ancient customs, even if a nation falls, its lineage must not be severed, especially a family with such great service to the country. Let’s help support the Gongsun family," Li You chimed in smoothly. Both of them were being quite cunning.

The generals present were visibly uncomfortable with this suggestion, but Liu Bei had no qualms about it. He accepted the proposal calmly, believing that stabilizing the borders as quickly as possible was a benefit to the country and the people.

As for possibly exploiting the Gongsun family—well, it wasn’t much of a concern. If the Gongsun family in Liaodong were to be wiped out, Liu Bei would remember to transfer the title of marquis from Gongsun Du’s family to Gongsun Zan’s family. After all, Gongsun Zan’s family had struggled alone with only widows and orphans. With the loss of their pillar of support, it would only be fair.

This way, the Gongsun family in Liaodong wouldn’t technically go extinct, and the Gongsun family in Liaoxi could live a little better. It was the perfect "happy ending." Liu Bei, too, sometimes had no qualms about bending the rules when needed.

"Since that’s settled, we should prepare for a northern campaign against the Hu invaders," Lu Su said earnestly, paying no attention to the scheming of those around him. As a serious and responsible man, he focused solely on practical matters.

"Our army is slightly under-strength at the moment, but we’ve long been preparing to pacify the northern frontier. However, what degree of success does the lord wish to achieve this time?" Fa Zheng asked. Perhaps worried that his long-awaited feast of mutton might be lost, he got straight to the point.

"At the very least, we need to show Buyeo, Goguryeo, the Three Han States, Cimmaek, and the Wuhuan tribes our resolve. As for developing the northeastern plains, we’ll have to take things slowly," Liu Bei said with a stern gaze. Having lived in the north for a long time, he understood the devastating effects that foreign raids could have on the region.

"Lord, I request to lead the campaign," Xu Shu said, sitting up straight. He had previously been ready to march north and pressure Yuan Tan’s forces. However, just as they set out, they were recalled, and the sudden change in orders had thrown things into disarray.

Wei Yan’s corps had fared better, despite being composed mostly of older soldiers. Many of them had participated in seven or eight large-scale battles before the Yuan-Liu war, and counting the chaos in Qinghe during the war, most had fought in over ten major engagements. As a result, these veterans handled the confusion caused by the conflicting orders much better.

However, Huang Zhong’s corps wasn’t as fortunate. Although Huang Zhong had trained his troops well, only the core members were veterans, while the rank and file were mostly new recruits. The sudden change in orders had completely disrupted the formation, with some units even clashing with each other due to conflicting commands.

In short, the new recruits were unreliable. In the end, Huang Zhong had no choice but to raise his voice and directly command the entire army. Fortunately, being at the level of internal energy projection, Huang Zhong’s voice could cover the entire corps. If he had been at the level of external energy cultivation, his voice wouldn’t have reached far enough, and chaos would have continued.

Naturally, Huang Zhong would later take out his frustrations by rigorously training the new recruits. However, without a proper battle, it was unlikely that his corps would significantly improve.

"Very well," Liu Bei agreed to Xu Shu’s request without hesitation. After all, it was both to compensate for the earlier delay and because Xu Shu was one of the few who could adapt to the harsh northern climate.

"I also request to join the campaign," Wei Yan said, followed by Huang Zhong and a host of other generals, all sitting up straight and offering their services.

Chen Xi exchanged a glance with Liu Ye, who instantly understood. "Lord, I believe that General Zhang Fei, being a native of Yan, is more familiar with the terrain in the northern region. Moreover, General Zhang, though outwardly rough, is meticulous and would be well-suited for dealing with the Hu invaders in the north."

Liu Ye’s reasoning was sound. Zhang Fei, who might be outmaneuvered in the Central Plains, would be perfect for a northern campaign, where his bold and aggressive style could dominate the Hu tribes. It was a brilliant move.

"General Zhang is indeed an excellent choice," Guo Jia added after a moment of thought. After all, this decision would affect the future deployment of Liu Bei’s army.

At present, Liu Bei’s military had only four veteran generals from the old days: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Hua Xiong. These were the generals who had joined before Chen Xi’s strategy for the Battle of Hulao Pass.

Aside from Gan Ning, who commanded the navy because he was the only one capable and had earned enough merit to stand on his own, Guan Yu had been recognized by everyone as the top commander on land.

One could say that these two were now the highest-ranking commanders, universally acknowledged in both the army and navy.

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