Chapter 805: Dong Zhao

It’s no wonder that the usually composed Jia Xu would make such remarks. Without stirrups, saddles, and horseshoes, what kind of cavalry could they have? While horseshoes might not be essential in this world, the importance of saddles and stirrups had not diminished.

Without these two tools, only the most extraordinary generals could wield long weapons during cavalry charges. Even among the elite Xiliang Cavalry, only about 800 to 1,000 men could effectively use long weapons in a charge without stirrups and saddles. Anything beyond that would be wishful thinking.

Don’t underestimate the term "swinging around." When the large Xiliang horses charged at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour, without considering the use of inner energy, the slightest sway while wielding long weapons could break a rider’s ribs. Kinetic energy is always terrifying.

And if you think using long wooden weapons that break upon impact and then switching to sabers is a solution, you’re mistaken. Elite shock cavalry wouldn’t allow such a disgrace. If they couldn't impale an enemy army with long weapons and turn them into pincushions, they wouldn’t deserve the name "shock cavalry."

Though all that was required of shock cavalry was to grip their lances tightly, trust in their strength, avoid swaying, and charge straight ahead, this seemingly simple task could eliminate half of them. As for not trusting their own strength or preventing swaying, that was often beyond control.

"I wonder what Wenru’s shock cavalry tactics will look like?" Chen Xi said with a laugh. Though he had guessed it would likely involve long weapons during charges, he couldn’t help but think of the Xiliang Cavalry’s monstrous ability to use long weapons without stirrups. They were truly beasts!

"Be cautious, though. Don’t let Yuan Shao’s forces catch wind of this. If they get their hands on it, we’ll have no choice but to defend from within city walls," Jia Xu warned Chen Xi.

"Don’t worry. This won’t fall into Yuan Shao’s hands. Since I dare to bring it out, I’m confident it’s safe. I’ve already briefed my personal guards on this." Chen Xi smiled, adding, "As for the craftsmen, they are all servants of the Chen family. Without a signed letter from the head of the Chen family, they won’t be able to leave."

"Ensure strict supervision. We can’t afford to reveal this until we control the horse-breeding lands," Jia Xu nodded in agreement.

"Rest assured. Here, take this," Chen Xi said as he pulled a strange-looking small crossbow from his saddlebag and handed it to Jia Xu.

"A hand crossbow?" Jia Xu weighed it in his hand. "I don’t need this. My swordsmanship is decent, and though my inner energy cultivation is suppressed, I still retain some of it."

"It fires ten shots in a row, and after a powerful refinement by Zilong’s secret technique, it has an extended range. At close range, it can seriously injure even someone at the Qi Refinement level," Chen Xi said with a wicked grin. The weapon was a repeating crossbow, but it clearly wasn’t ready for mass production and was reserved for only a select few.

"Give it here," Jia Xu said, taking the repeating crossbow and tucking it into his saddlebag. "It’s a nice toy. I might even take down a few Ji Province soldiers and earn some merit."

"Don’t waste it like that. It’s meant for self-defense," Chen Xi replied, rolling his eyes.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shao was also leading his army out of Ji Province. He didn’t dare muster his troops in Yanzhou, knowing it would be a death sentence.

After organizing his forces at Ye City, Yuan Shao, full of confidence, led his army with Ju Yi as the Central Guard Commander and the Vanguard Guard led by Yan Liang. Guo Tu served as the strategist for the front army, Wen Chou commanded the cavalry, and Han Meng led the allied Hu cavalry.

On the left wing, Zhang He commanded the guard forces, while the right wing was led by the Lü brothers and Jiang Qi. The logistics and supplies were managed by Jiang Yiqu, and Yuan Shao himself commanded the central camp. The strategists included Shen Pei, Ju Shou, Xin Ping, and Dong Zhao as assistants. Altogether, he had mobilized an army of 250,000, including over 40,000 elite cavalry and more than 20,000 Wuhuan cavalry.

This time, Yuan Shao had committed nearly everything. Although he hadn’t exhausted all his resources, the cost of mobilizing such a large army was no small sum. The consumption of food and war materials for 250,000 troops and their horses would devour an estimated one billion coins’ worth of provisions in just three to four months. War was expensive.

Of course, with families like the Zhen family, who were obscenely wealthy, a single family could support Yuan Shao’s 250,000-strong army for two years. This was one reason Yuan Shao had recently sought to marry his son to the Zhen family’s daughter.

Standing on a high cliff, Yuan Shao gazed at the endless stream of troops below, feeling a surge of pride. He recalled how he had once envied Dong Zhuo, but now, he had far more brilliant strategists and fierce warriors, not to mention a stronger army.

"It’s a pity Kong Zhang has gone to Liu Bei’s side. Otherwise, I’d have him write a piece so that all the warlords under Heaven could understand the might of my forces!" Yuan Shao, clad in golden armor, riding a fine horse, and with a jeweled sword hanging from his waist, laughed heartily.

"Why bother informing others? By leading this army south, you will shake the world, and the other warlords will naturally be awed," Shen Pei said calmly, watching the soldiers below. Even Shen Pei was impressed by the sheer scale of Yuan Shao’s army.

"Who cares about the others? At the very least, Liu Bei won’t be intimidated. Even if he’s now in decline, the ambition of a hero who rose from nothing will give him the courage to fight you," Ju Shou said bluntly, showing no regard for the current mood. His words left Shen Pei in an awkward position.

"Enough. We march south to face Liu Xuande. If he lacks even the courage to stand against me, why should I have bothered coming?" Yuan Shao glared at Ju Shou in displeasure but refrained from reprimanding him. Yuan Shao had yet to become tyrannical, but he certainly wasn’t fond of Ju Shou and Tian Feng’s way of ruining the mood.

"Master Gongren, you’ve been quiet throughout this journey. Do you have no thoughts to share?" Yuan Shao asked Dong Zhao, someone he greatly respected for his abilities. In Yuan Shao’s estimation, Dong Zhao was on par with Xun Shen, although Dong Zhao’s actions often carried a hint of ulterior motives.

However, Yuan Shao believed he could win Dong Zhao over. From what he knew of Dong Zhao, the man was the type to follow whoever held the most power.

"I’ve been contemplating something. What if everything we’ve learned so far is false?" Dong Zhao said, furrowing his brow in deep thought.

At these words, everyone present looked at Dong Zhao strangely. However, Ju Shou, who was in charge of intelligence gathering, was the first to support him. Although realizing that all their gathered intelligence might be false would be a heavy blow to Ju Shou, he was the type of man who prioritized the greater good over personal interest. Even if it harmed him, Ju Shou would not hesitate to pursue anything that benefited Yuan Shao’s cause.

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