Chapter 871: Preparing for Battle

Under such circumstances, even Dong Zhao, after comparing information from over a dozen spies, couldn't help but sigh. Fate seemed to play a hand here. Despite the looming dominance of Liu Bei’s army, Ju Shou unexpectedly received crucial intelligence and made the first strategic moves, while Liu Bei’s camp harbored a traitor of such low character.

Sigh, truly fate cannot be thwarted. Even with Chen Zichuan’s unparalleled brilliance, the situation is being determined by such a dishonorable person, Dong Zhao thought regretfully. What's the use of unmatched talent if it’s ultimately undone by someone so inferior?

Since it has come to this, I can no longer hesitate. After this battle, Yuan Shao’s army will rise to overwhelming power. Crossing the Yellow River with unstoppable momentum, no one in the realm will be able to stand in his way. With control of Hangu Pass, the path to Yong and Liang is clear, and even Yuan Shu in Yuzhou will have no choice but to concede.

Chen Xi, on the other hand, was unaware of the developments in northeast Yanzhou but had his own estimates. With Jia Xu’s strategic plans in place, Chen Xi was well aware that the war had reached its critical turning point.

"Ziyang, Zijian, get ready. The decisive moment is approaching. We must attack Yuan Shao’s headquarters, intercept Cao Cao’s reinforcements, and block Xun Shen’s rescue efforts. These are all tasks that fall on us," Chen Xi said, looking at Liu Ye and Hua Xiong.

Hua Xiong, who had already resigned to having only one surviving nephew, recently had another nephew saved. Although Li Li’s lung injuries meant he could no longer serve as a soldier, saving his life was enough to make Hua Xiong happy.

As for military service, Hua Xiong didn’t place much importance on it. As a Marquis and General of the Pacification Army, he had enough power to protect his family. Being a loyal member of Li You and Jia Xu’s faction meant his family’s safety was ensured.

"Will Cao Cao really send reinforcements? He hasn’t even stabilized Guanzhong and Sili. Charging in so hastily seems too rash," Hua Xiong asked, confused. Although his political and strategic thinking was limited, both Li You and Chen Xi had always preached the importance of securing an unbeatable position before seeking victory.

"He’s coming to mediate. After all, the Emperor has escaped from the clutches of traitors, so he needs to pardon the world. Mediation between us and Yuan Shao is only logical. As for the Xuanyuan Cauldron, I doubt he’ll even bring it up," Liu Ye said calmly.

"Ziyang, choose a focal point. We don’t have enough troops. While suppressing Xun Shen is easy enough, adding the task of intercepting Cao Cao’s forces and attacking Yuan Shao’s headquarters will stretch us too thin," Chen Xi said, turning to Liu Ye. His forces were well-balanced in terms of generals and troops.

Liu Ye frowned and, without much hesitation, replied, "Attack Yuan Shao’s headquarters. Xun Shen is a tough opponent, and we won’t see results quickly. Yuan Shao is the true source of all our problems."

"I think Xun Shen will act similarly to us. I’m just worried he’ll figure something out from our actions," Chen Xi sighed.

"Even if he does, there won’t be enough time to react. When the arrow is on the bow, you have no choice but to release it. He’ll likely choose the same course of action as us. Wenze, we’ll rely on you when the time comes," Liu Ye said, glancing around before his eyes landed on Yu Jin. The short-legged Qingzhou troops under Yu Jin would likely be slower than expected.

"Xun Shen will definitely be on guard," Chen Xi said, frowning. While he agreed with the idea of keeping Yu Jin stationed near Puyang, relying on him to capture Puyang was far-fetched.

"Zixiao will return by then. With his recklessness, there’s a good chance he’ll take the main roads through Jizhou," Liu Ye said with a wry smile, acknowledging Fazheng’s audacity when the conditions allowed.

"True. Zixiao is the embodiment of recklessness. So you’re suggesting that he cover our rear? That could work. He might even surprise Yuan Shao’s forces from the northern roads and break through Puyang," Chen Xi said, nodding as he leaned on his hand. Despite Fazheng’s impulsiveness, his abilities were undeniable.

"As for Zijian, there’s no need to explain. The destiny of the Xiliang cavalry is to charge across the battlefield, or else fade into history, leaving only the marks of time. Or perhaps carve their names into history, leaving an everlasting legacy," Chen Xi said, turning to Hua Xiong, who straightened up proudly.

As Chen Xi noted, the Xiliang cavalry was born with a destiny tied to endless warfare. Either they would fight until the end of time, or they would vanish into the annals of history.

From the frontier to the Central Plains, wherever the Xiliang cavalry appeared, war and slaughter followed. The men of Yong and Liang had long forgotten the tools of farming. Spears and armor were now their lifeblood, using their strength to defeat enemies and their bodies to shield those behind them—fighting until their last breath.

"Strategist, when the time comes, allow me to lead the charge. Among the commanders of the Xiliang cavalry, I’m the only one left. Let me prove the invincibility and pride of the cavalry!" Hua Xiong knelt on one knee, requesting to lead the vanguard. Besides avenging his men, Hua Xiong wanted to once again showcase the might of the Xiliang cavalry, as they had done when they rode out from Xiliang and swept through the lands.

"You’ll have no choice but to lead the charge," Chen Xi said with a smile. "Prepare yourself. Since Wenhe mentioned it in his letter, the time must be near. We need to carefully watch the developments in northeast Yanzhou."

"The decisive moment is upon us, and we cannot miss it," Liu Ye said sternly, glancing at everyone present.

"Report! Urgent message from Taishan!" Chen Xi’s personal guard suddenly shouted from outside the tent.

"Bring it in," Chen Xi ordered, exchanging a worried look with Liu Ye, though they kept calm expressions.

As the urgent letter was presented, Chen Xi quickly opened it, checked the code, and decrypted the contents. He then handed it to Liu Ye, who swiftly read through it, his brows furrowing tightly.

These urgent letters were often sent in batches, each coded and numbered for security. This ensured that even if a letter was lost, the other copies would still reach their destination. While protocol required that any captured letter be destroyed, Yuan Shao’s forces had still managed to intercept some.

However, since Chen Xi’s encryption methods were far too advanced for the era, it was nearly impossible to decipher the messages without knowing the specific coding sequence. Xu You and Ju Shou had racked their brains but were unable to crack it, so there was no fear of forgeries.

"Ziyang, what do you think?" Chen Xi asked. He had no objections to Li You’s analysis. In fact, such high-level strategic insights were beyond Chen Xi’s own abilities. In such cases, he usually deferred to the judgment of Jia Xu and Guo Jia.

"Compared to Wenru’s caution, I think Yuan Shao’s plans stop here," Liu Ye said slowly, though he didn’t entirely dismiss Li You’s conclusions. He simply felt that Li You was being overly cautious.

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