Chapter 796: The World Will Be Mine

"I have already constructed beacon towers along the border of Jizhou and Bingzhou. Should Taishan attempt to divide its forces and attack us for supplies, we will receive the news immediately," Ju Shou said calmly.

Over the past few years, Ju Shou had focused on building defensive measures, proving once again that those who were truly wise were never idle.

"However, to implement this plan, we need a significant number of cavalry. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would still have recommended recalling the cavalry to Jizhou. With the mobility of our vast cavalry force, the enemy will quickly realize which ideas they cannot entertain," Ju Shou added, looking proudly at the strategy laid out before him.

"Let’s proceed with that plan," Yuan Shao nodded. He had always found Ju Shou somewhat difficult to communicate with, but this time, he felt completely at ease. Could it be that a joyous occasion truly lightens the spirit?

"Summon Guo Tu, Feng Ji, Su You, Xin Ping, Xin Pi, Dong Zhao, Ma Yan, Han Ding, Wang Mo, Han Meng, Sui Yuanjin, Zhao Rui, He Mao, Jiang Yiqu, and Zhang Xie," Yuan Shao ordered with a serious expression. Since he had already decided to confront Liu Bei, he was determined to give it his all.

"As you command!" Ju Shou bowed respectfully. With no other strategists present in Ye City, Ju Shou now had the authority to issue direct orders.

After Ju Shou departed, Yuan Shao spread out a map and began to analyze it, trying to determine where Liu Bei might launch his attack. But after a while, he set the map aside.

Yuan Shao knew that, by the time the first clash occurred, both sides would be fielding massive armies—likely over 200,000 troops on his side and no fewer than 150,000 for Liu Bei. With forces of such magnitude, there were few places in the Central Plains capable of accommodating a battle of that scale. Only the vast plains of Central Yu Province could serve as their battleground.

"Liu Xuande, when the time comes, I will show you that battles in the Central Plains require one crucial element—cavalry. You will witness the power of my cavalry, sweeping across the land like an unstoppable force!" Yuan Shao gazed southward toward Taishan, a proud smile spreading across his face. Of the four great horse-producing regions in the north, he controlled three, giving him a significant advantage!

"But it’s a pity," Yuan Shao thought, "The horses of Youzhou and Bingzhou cannot compare to the tall, strong steeds of Xiliang. Not having the best breeds is always a problem." His gaze shifted westward, where his subordinate, Cao Cao, was still fighting.

"I have over 40,000 cavalry, a force I have never fully unleashed. Let’s see what Liu Bei can do to stop them!" A cold glint flashed across Yuan Shao’s eyes. Despite his admiration for Liu Bei's rise from poverty to become a powerful warlord, Yuan Shao harbored no fear of him. Respect, yes—but fear, no.

"Feeding such a large cavalry force is a burden. Even the wealth of Jizhou has its limits, but fortunately, Ju Shou has made ample preparations. Defeating Liu Bei shouldn't be too difficult. As for who should serve as my chief strategist…"

Though Yuan Shao entertained some personal doubts, he remained a capable leader. While he didn’t fully grasp Liu Bei's strategies, he had a clear understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses.

"If only Xun Chen didn't have issues with his convictions, he would be the perfect candidate for chief strategist. But alas, the heavens do not grant all wishes. Who else could fill the role?"

After deciding to face Liu Bei, Yuan Shao began selecting his chief strategist. This time, he could not allow Xun Chen to remain in a position of authority. The stakes were far higher than before, and even the slightest misstep—such as a moment of hesitation from Xun Chen—could cost Yuan Shao his life.

With such high stakes, Yuan Shao couldn’t afford to be careless. He needed a strategist wholly committed to serving him. Though Xun Chen had extraordinary talent, his divided loyalty made him unsuitable for this role. Despite being part of Yuan Shao’s inner circle, Xun Chen often remained silent during critical discussions.

"Tian Feng, Xu You, and Ju Shou aren’t suitable either—especially Xu You. His mood swings are too unpredictable. But then again, the Xuanyuan Cauldron is a rare treasure. Perhaps it will help stabilize Xu You's mind… If it works…"

Yuan Shao stroked his mustache as excitement welled up within him. Xu You had grown up alongside him, and Yuan Shao trusted him deeply. Though Xu You was greedy, Yuan Shao had full confidence in his abilities.

"I’ll call Xu You back for a trial. If the Xuanyuan Cauldron enhances his abilities, our chances of victory will increase significantly. If not, I’ll have to offer him the Chuiying Jade as planned."

A smile crept across Yuan Shao’s face. He knew that Xu You's intellect was greatly enhanced by the treasures he possessed. In anticipation of this moment, Yuan Shao had long prepared treasures such as luminous pearls, jade ornaments, and jade scepters. Recently, he had acquired the Chuiying Jade, a relic from the Qin dynasty, and had stored it away for the day when Xu You would need it most.

Yuan Shao was now torn. The Xuanyuan Cauldron was undoubtedly the greatest treasure of its time, but he wasn’t sure if Xu You needed to own it outright or merely borrow it. He had no qualms about letting Xu You keep it temporarily, but giving it away permanently was out of the question.

"I hope your spiritual abilities aren’t that demanding, Xu You, because I won’t be giving you the Xuanyuan Cauldron." Yuan Shao thought to himself. Xu You was one of his trump cards. Under normal circumstances, he was merely a top-tier strategist, but with the right treasure, Xu You could stand toe-to-toe with any master tactician in the world.

"Xu You must remain in the shadows. As for the position of chief strategist, I’ll assign Shen Pei, with Xin Pi as his assistant. However, Shen Pei is quite overbearing…"

Yuan Shao hesitated briefly at the thought of appointing Shen Pei. He was well aware of Shen Pei’s flaws, but then he chuckled to himself.

"I must be losing my mind. There’s no one else to choose. Shen Pei will have to do. Despite his shortcomings, his abilities are undeniable. With him as my strategist, my forces will perform at their peak!"

Being a decisive man, Yuan Shao quickly dropped any further deliberation. Shen Pei might not be the ideal strategist, but his competence was unquestionable. Paired with Yuan Shao’s own abilities, defeating Liu Bei wouldn’t be too difficult.

"All I need is someone who can free me from distractions. As for the role of chief strategist—it’s not that important. I trust that no matter how difficult the situation, I, Yuan Shao, can always find a way to turn the tide. That is the confidence I hold!"

Drawing his sword, Yuan Shao gazed at his reflection in the blade, still looking as heroic as ever. With unwavering conviction, he declared, "The world, I will hold it in my hands!"

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