Chapter 74: The World's Situation Shifts, Liu Xiu Escorts the People (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Yuan Shao had no choice but to retreat.

No matter how unwilling he felt inside, the pressure from Jizhou ultimately forced him to suppress all his anger.

Gongsun the White Horse’s offensive was fierce; in just over a month, he had captured several cities in Jizhou.

The White Horse Followers under his command were unstoppable and peerless in battle.

Now that Yuan Shao, the backbone of the defense, was not in Jizhou, the Jizhou garrison commanders could not hold them back.

Gongsun the White Horse even publicly declared his intention to appoint his own top general as the Governor of Jizhou.

This forced Yuan Shao to choose to step back.

Outside Linzi City.

Yuan Shao sat astride his horse, his gaze locked onto the towering city gates, his brows furrowed tightly as he said in a deep voice:

"If I return another day, I, Yuan Shao, will surely trample this place flat and wash away today's shame!"

That was right; to him, returning in defeat like this was undoubtedly a great humiliation.

Even if he had already seized two commanderies, what of it?

He had made such a grand display this time, even having the imperial court issue a decree to denounce Lu Zhi’s crimes, all because he wanted to fight a brilliant battle for the whole world to see.

But now, it was clearly a failure.

"My lord."

Hearing this, generals like Qu Yi, Yan Liang, and Wen Chou were also unwilling to accept it and wanted to stay behind to face Lu Zhi.

Especially Qu Yi, who had been beaten back repeatedly by Guan Yu during this period; he felt his reputation was in ruins, and a sense of shame lingered in his heart.

But before anyone could speak, Yuan Shao raised his hand to interrupt, his expression solemn as he said, "No need for further words."

"This matter is my shame and my fault; it has nothing to do with you all."

Yuan Shao scanned the group and said sternly, "In this campaign, all you brothers have performed great deeds. Once we return to Jizhou and repel Gongsun the White Horse, there will surely be heavy rewards!"

As a leader, how could he not take responsibility?

Yuan Shao had always possessed this sense of duty; the more critical the situation, the clearer his thoughts became.

The officers and soldiers were all moved upon hearing this.

Yuan Shao did not linger, and he immediately led his army in retreat.

Inside Linzi City.

Gu Tao looked in the direction where Yuan Shao’s army had departed, his fighting spirit soaring, and said, "Mr. Lu, why don't we take this opportunity to pursue and strike Yuan Shao?"

Lu Zhi shook his head and sighed softly, "Our army has suffered heavy losses in this battle. If we rashly pursue and encounter an ambush by Yuan Shao, the losses may outweigh the gains."

"Wait a while longer."

"When Yuan Shao’s army has fully retreated, that will be the day we launch our counterattack."

If Liu Bei’s forces were still here, he might have chosen to launch a fierce attack, as the generals under Liu Bei could hold off Yuan Shao’s top commanders.

But now, it was different.

The more critical the moment, the less one can act impulsively.

What he was doing now was coordinating with Gongsun the White Horse’s offensive to stretch Yuan Shao’s front line.

Jizhou’s strength was indeed formidable.

It could support Yuan Shao in fighting on two fronts.

But as long as they could win a few major battles against Yuan Shao, Jizhou would turn against him.

The noble clans supporting him needed to see clear benefits.

If they gained no benefits and their own safety was threatened by Gongsun the White Horse,

then his time as the so-called master of Jizhou would truly be at an end.

Lu Zhi was very clear on this point.

After thinking it over, he summoned another person and ordered them to immediately send messengers to Bingzhou to invite Ding Yuan to join in the attack on Yuan Shao.

Using the combined strength of the You, Qing, and Bing regions.

To attack Yuan Shao together.

Taking advantage of this opportunity to wipe Yuan Shao out directly!

A person like Yuan Shao was indeed a master of fighting against the wind.

Even with the current situation as it was, he still had no intention of giving up the two commanderies of Pingyuan and Jinan.

This was a military achievement he had to hold onto.

Otherwise, the noble clans of Jizhou would surely be dissatisfied.

Everyone needed to see benefits.

Furthermore, having fought Lu Zhi for several months, he was very clear about the true extent of Lu Zhi’s current strength.

To him, Lu Zhi was not the greatest threat.

As long as he could block Gongsun the White Horse’s offensive, Lu Zhi would collapse without being attacked.

Therefore, he only left Gao Lan and Zhang He to lead twenty thousand elite troops to guard the two commanderies and defend against Lu Zhi.

As for himself, he immediately returned to Jizhou.

Jizhou’s foundation gave Yuan Shao great confidence.

—The third year of the Han Restoration, July.

After returning to Jizhou, Yuan Shao immediately began his deployments.

He first ordered Shen Pei and Yan Liang to lead the main force to garrison Yijing, building a defensive line relying on the Yi River and the Juma River.

He also set up beacon towers extensively along the line from Zhuo Commandery to Zhongshan, with crossbow outposts every ten miles.

He hoped to use this to block Gongsun the White Horse’s most elite White Horse Followers.

Furthermore, he set his sights on Zhang Yan of the Black Mountain Army.

Zhang Yan was currently allied with Gongsun the White Horse.

But for a paramilitary force like the Black Mountain Army, which was essentially bandit-like, as long as they were given enough benefits, the situation could be influenced.

He sent men to meet with Zhang Yan.

He promised that he would never send troops to attack their base.

He also provided gold, silver, and jewels, tacitly allowing them to attack Bingzhou.

Additionally, he once again submitted a memorial to the imperial court to have Cao Cao titled as General Who Conquers the East, hoping to stir up conflict between Cao Cao and Lu Zhi, and also had Cao Cao keep a close watch on Liu Bei.

The generals under Liu Bei had left a deep impression on Yuan Shao.

As long as Liu Bei could not find an opportunity to act,

then it would be extremely difficult for Lu Zhi to launch a counterattack on the two commanderies.

Most importantly, the name of "Righteousness" was now under his control.

Although the Han Dynasty existed in name only, it was like a centipede that dies but does not stiffen.

This thing called righteousness.

To many, it might seem useless, but it still had a huge impact on the hearts and minds of the soldiers.

The most critical point was—the remnants of Liu Yu’s family had already fled to Jizhou.

This gave Yuan Shao many more opportunities!

While reorganizing his three armies, he used the name of the imperial court to denounce Gongsun the White Horse’s crimes.

—Murdering a member of the imperial clan, treason!

He issued a decree for the lords of all regions to punish Gongsun the White Horse.

Obviously, no one would listen to such a so-called imperial decree.

But this move did affect Lu Zhi’s plans, causing Ding Yuan, who had originally intended to join the war, to hesitate once again.

This was the limitation of the era.

Although Ding Yuan was from a humble background, he was primarily loyal to the Great Han.

Previously, he had wanted to return to help Gu Yi entirely because he knew that helping Gu Yi was helping the Great Han.

But this time, with an explicit order from the imperial court,

he ultimately could not avoid hesitation.

There was no help for it, as the charge of Gongsun the White Horse murdering an imperial clansman was confirmed.

Whether it was the remnants of Liu Yu’s family or his son Liu He, after fleeing to Jizhou, they had completely publicized the matter.

For someone like Ding Yuan, this was a lethal weapon.

Bingzhou.

Lu Bu looked indignant and asked Ding Yuan, "Foster Father, why are you so hesitant?"

"If Foster Father truly wishes to attack Jizhou, I will certainly sweep away all enemies and destroy Yuan Shao for you."

"My son, do not be impatient." Ding Yuan sighed deeply and waved his hand, "Gongsun the White Horse killing a member of the imperial clan is indeed a proven crime."

"If we were to attack Jizhou at such a time, would we not be wallowing in the mire with him?"

After speaking, he sighed again, his expression conflicted.

"So Foster Father intends to attack Gongsun the White Horse?" Lu Bu spoke again without hesitation, "If Foster Father has this intention, I can also crush the rebels."

"I have long heard that the White Horse Followers under Gongsun the White Horse are peerless in battle."

"I would like to see if these White Horse Followers can withstand the Heaven-Piercing Halberd in my hand?"

Lu Bu’s fighting spirit was soaring.

But Ding Yuan shook his head again: "Absolutely not."

"To attack Gongsun the White Horse, does that not mean making us cohorts of the likes of Yuan Shao?"

"Rumors are flying everywhere in the world today."

"The Yuan clan and a host of noble families have actually helped Liu Dai ascend the throne; how could I possibly wallow in the mire with them?"

Hearing this, a look of clear dissatisfaction flashed across Lu Bu's face: "Foster father, what exactly is it that you intend to do?"

"What do I intend?" Ding Yuan sighed helplessly, "I am a minister of the Great Han, and naturally, I must support the Great Han."

As he spoke, Ding Yuan seemed to sense his own hesitation, and his expression grew increasingly complex.

This was the limitation of the era.

A man like Ding Yuan.

In the original history, he could cast aside his own life for the sake of "loyalty," standing firm against Dong Zhuo, who had already slaughtered his way into the capital.

But now, it was also because of this so-called "loyalty."

That he had completely trapped himself in a dilemma.

This was the limitation of the era.

Not everyone could possess a highly flexible moral bottom line like the descendants of the Gu clan.

Lu Bu looked at Ding Yuan, the dissatisfaction and disappointment in his eyes growing ever more intense.

To let such an opportunity slip by?

Whether it was to help Yuan Shao or to attack and kill Yuan Shao.

In Lu Bu's eyes, this was a heaven-sent opportunity.

They were all merely dirt pigs and clay dogs.

As long as he went, with his valor, he could achieve merit; what was there to hesitate about?

He originally wanted to say something more.

But looking at Ding Yuan's complex expression, he only felt an immense sense of frustration in his heart, and after a long sigh, he walked straight out.

It was impossible to keep such news hidden.

Even Yuan Shao had not expected that this casual move of his would have such a marvelous effect.

He had originally only wanted to divide and disintegrate Gongsun the White Horse from within.

He had not expected such a marvelous effect.

Inside the grand tent.

Yuan Shao scanned the crowd, laughed heartily, and said in a clear voice: "The great trend of the world is with me today, so what do we have to fear?"

"In this campaign, as long as we sweep away Gongsun the White Horse."

"We can strike directly at Youzhou."

"Now that Yanzhou is also in my hands."

"When the time comes, with the combined strength of the three provinces of You, Ji, and Yan, we shall seize Bingzhou and Qingzhou."

"We will then effectively possess more than half the world; why worry that our great cause will not succeed?"

By this time, Yuan Shao no longer hid his ambition in the slightest.

He intended to walk the path of the former Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu, and proceed to unify the entire world.

"The Lord is wise!"

Hearing this, the crowd was stirred with excitement and bowed to Yuan Shao one after another.

Who could help but be excited?

Painting a grand blueprint for one's subordinates.

From ancient times to the present, this has always been a very useful tactic.

"Pass on my order!"

Yuan Shao rose slowly, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's as he scanned the crowd, his voice resonant and powerful, "The three armies are to prepare for battle; I will face Gongsun the White Horse myself!"

"Understood!" The civil and military officials responded in unison, their voices like a booming bell.

In an instant, the morale of Yuan Shao's troops soared.

The situation changed in an instant!

Gongsun the White Horse's situation suddenly became difficult.

His attack on Jizhou this time was indeed too hasty.

Liu Yu's reputation in Youzhou was not low.

Yuan Shao's tactics had already caused those within Youzhou who were dissatisfied with Gongsun the White Horse to gradually gain momentum, impacting Gongsun the White Horse.

If the war had gone smoothly, it would have been fine.

But now, Gongsun the White Horse's war situation in Jizhou was also not going well.

Problems had already appeared on this front.

There was no help for it; the strongest force under Gongsun the White Horse was the White Horse Followers, an elite cavalry unit.

Cavalry were inherently ill-suited for sieging cities and seizing territory.

And when Yuan Shao rushed back to Jizhou, he had already stabilized the situation there.

Now, with the situation changing in an instant.

It made Gongsun the White Horse's situation even more difficult.

But could he retreat?

Clearly not.

This attack on Yuan Shao had already destined him to be Yuan Shao's enemy.

If he did not take this opportunity to destroy Yuan Shao.

And let Yuan Shao fully recover to fight a long war of attrition with him, it would be a fatal blow to the border region of Youzhou.

Moreover, if he were to withdraw his troops, his reputation would certainly diminish greatly.

The region of Youzhou would definitely fall into chaos.

Would Yuan Shao give him time to quell a rebellion?

Although Gongsun the White Horse was brave, he was no fool.

He was very clear that in the current situation, he had to fight Yuan Shao no matter what!

If he could succeed, then everything could be resolved.

He would even be able to directly control Jizhou, unite with Lu Zhi, Liu Bei, and Ding Yuan, and gather the strength of three provinces to firmly establish his footing.

The two sides could then reverse their offensive and defensive positions.

Gongsun the White Horse was not a man without courage.

After realizing this, he also made up his mind.

Who said he would necessarily be defeated by Yuan Shao?

Zhongshan State.

Gongsun the White Horse was in the military camp, his gaze sweeping over the generals as he shouted aloud: "Everyone!"

"That thief Yuan Shao dares to unite with noble families to depose the legitimate Emperor and install a puppet emperor on the throne."

"This is an act of usurping the state."

"We are all ministers of the Han, having received the Han's salary for generations; in the past, we even followed Lord Gu to suppress rebellions—how can we tolerate such a rebel claiming hegemony over a region?"

His voice was loud, his momentum vigorous.

His subordinates did not hesitate, raising their arms and shouting:

"Kill!!!"

"Kill!!!"

"Kill!!!"

Gongsun the White Horse's fighting spirit was high; waiting for the shouting to subside, he shouted again: "Everyone!"

"Master Lu is currently mobilizing troops in Qingzhou."

"We only need to drag the elite forces of the Yuan thief here in Zhongshan."

"It will not take long before the enemy army collapses on its own."

"They say the land of Jizhou is fertile, a heaven-sent territory; when the time comes, our brothers can also spare their families from the bitter cold of Youzhou!"

The generals under his command were almost all sons of Youzhou.

They had a natural yearning for a province with fertile land like Jizhou.

Sure enough, once these words were spoken.

The morale of the entire army was stirred up once more, the shouts sounding like thunder, echoing through heaven and earth.

Both sides began their deployments around Zhongshan.

Although Gongsun the White Horse was doing his utmost to spread the news that Yuan Shao was a bandit.

Compared to Yuan Shao, who possessed the "great trend."

Gongsun the White Horse's influence was indeed not enough.

After all, he had truly killed Liu Yu, a member of the Han imperial clan, and having the testimony of Liu Yu's descendants made this an indisputable fact.

This advantage in the great trend made Yuan Shao seem all the more difficult to oppose.

The news continued to spread.

The changes in the entire Jizhou region were being watched by the warlords of the world at every moment.

Langya Commandery.

"I intend to abandon Langya and head to Qingzhou to assist Master Lu!"

Liu Bei’s gaze was firm as he scanned the people in the hall and spoke with great resonance.

Once these words were spoken.

Everyone present was startled.

Abandon Langya?

"My Lord!" Chen Bo and a group of Langya’s powerful clans immediately stood up, all somewhat flustered, and spoke to dissuade him: "That must absolutely not be done!"

"If you, my Lord, abandon Langya."

"If the endeavor succeeds, it is well, but should we be defeated, where would we have as a base in the future?"

Because of Liu Bei’s reputation.

These powerful clans had given Liu Bei great support, precisely thinking that Liu Bei could ensure their safety.

If Liu Bei abandoned Langya Commandery.

What were they to do?

Drag their families along to follow Liu Bei?

Then there would be nothing left of their final foundations.

Not follow Liu Bei?

Not to mention what attitude Cao Cao would have toward them if he truly took Langya.

Even if he did not target them.

Their status would still be greatly diminished.

Cao Cao’s strength was currently not weak.

Among the powerful clans of Yanzhou, how could they, the powerful families of Xuzhou, possibly have a place of their own?

"Where can a great man not make a home?"

Before Liu Bei could speak, Guan Yu, who was standing at the head of the military officers, immediately shouted fiercely and said sternly: "My eldest brother’s action is for the sake of the great righteousness of the world."

"If we keep guarding this land of Langya, what then?"

"Can we protect one region and protect the world?"

His tone was very calm, but it felt inexplicably powerful.

"Well said!"

Zhang Fei, with his loud voice, also chimed in at this moment: "If eldest brother makes a decision, this younger brother is willing to serve as Vanguard Commander!"

"Good!"

Liu Bei nodded, highly approving of this: "Pass on my order: the three armies are to prepare; we abandon Langya and advance into Qingzhou."

Perhaps it was truly because the current Liu Bei was in high spirits.

Regarding this matter of easily abandoning a commandery.

He actually did not have the slightest hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Chen Bo and the other local powerful clans were all stunned.

They stared blankly at Liu Bei, not knowing what to do next.

"Gentlemen..."

Liu Bei looked at them at this moment and said earnestly: "Gentlemen may decide for yourselves; I will never force you."

"If you gentlemen trust me, Liu Bei, you may follow me."

"When the Han is restored in the future, I will certainly memorialize the court to commend your merits."

From beginning to end, Liu Bei’s tone was just as resonant.

The expressions of the crowd grew increasingly complex.

In truth, they were very satisfied with Liu Bei as their Commandery Governor.

Liu Bei was truly capable of keeping them safe.

But if they were asked to abandon everything and risk their entire family’s lives and property to follow Liu Bei on an adventure, how could that be possible?

Regarding this, Liu Bei did not force them.

He simply wrote a letter and sent someone to deliver it to Cao Cao.

Having fought until now, he had already sensed that Cao Cao was definitely not helping Yuan with all his might.

If that were not the case.

How could Cao Cao, with the power of a whole province, fail to break through his single commandery?

Liu Bei wanted to win over Cao Cao.

He did not believe that Cao Cao was willing to see Yuan Shao dominate the entire North.

He was willing to trade the land of Langya to have Cao Cao attack Yuan Shao from Yanzhou again.

This was Liu Bei’s boldness.

The message headed straight for the Cao camp, and Liu Bei also began to reorganize his troops throughout the land of Langya.

But what followed exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Just as the people of Langya heard that Liu Bei was going to abandon Langya and head to Qingzhou, they all wept bitterly.

The area outside the Commandery Governor’s office was actually occupied by the people.

They had all come to dissuade Liu Bei.

"Lord Xuande, if you leave today, how are we, the people of Langya, to survive?"

"How can you abandon your people and leave, letting the commoners fall into fire and water again!"

"If Lord Xuande truly must leave... we are willing to follow."

The sounds of wailing echoed through heaven and earth.

Liu Bei had not expected that the people would be so attached to him.

Looking at those haggard faces, his own eyes could not help but turn red.

"What virtue or ability do I have to deserve such support from you all?"

He sighed deeply, bowed to the crowd of people, and said: "If the world is at peace, I will never fail the people."

"But as things stand today, how can I abandon the Han house and ignore it?"

"If you fellow villagers wish to follow."

"I am willing to go with you all to Qingzhou; if there is danger, I shall protect you with my life!"

His determination could not be shaken, but he would not fail the people either!

This scene truly shocked everyone.

Marching with the people?

How much would this affect the speed of the march?

If Cao Cao attacked, how could they escape?

Many people wanted to persuade Liu Bei to calm down, but Liu Bei’s attitude toward this remained very firm, without the slightest wavering.

In this, who could stop him?

The news gradually spread.

When Cao Cao learned of this, he was also extremely surprised.

"Eldest brother."

Cao Ren’s eyes were bright as he requested to fight: "Liu Bei actually dares to lead the people as he marches; his army’s speed must be slow."

"Why don’t we send a unit of elite cavalry to charge and kill Liu Bei?"

"Even with resistance, our army can crush the enemy; this opportunity must not be lost!"

The officers and soldiers heard this, all high in fighting spirit, rubbing their palms in anticipation.

But Cao Cao slowly shook his head, his expression grave as he said: "No. Even if this action succeeds, our path in the future will have many obstacles."

Liu Bei had guessed correctly.

He indeed did not want to let Yuan Shao dominate the North.

If that happened, he would truly have to submit to Yuan Shao then.

Upon hearing this, Cao Ren frowned slightly and asked with a bow: "Does eldest brother mean to help Liu to destroy Yuan?"

"What is the hurry?"

Cao Cao smiled indifferently, looked around at everyone, and spoke slowly: "The situation is not yet settled; why must we rush to make a choice?"

"With the various heroes attacking each other, as long as we do not rashly enter the fray, we can remain in an invincible position."

"For now, ignore Liu Bei; send men to take Langya quickly and wait quietly for the situation to change."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately nodded.

The news continued to spread.

The entire Jizhou battlefield seemed to have become the center of the world at this moment.

And just at this time.

A rumor gradually spread throughout the world.

"The Imperial Jade Seal is lost; the current Son of Heaven is not protected by the Mandate of Heaven and is a puppet emperor pushed forward by the great clans like Yuan Shao..."

This rumor spread with extreme speed.

Within a short time, it had spread to every corner of the world.

Prophetic superstitions were the most unsolvable existence in this era.

Especially when added to the current chaotic situation, it further intensified the rumors that the Mandate of Heaven was no longer with them.

For a time, the Nine Provinces were shaken with terror.

——————

"In the third year of the Han revival, the Governor of Youzhou, Gongsun the White Horse, defeated Liu Yu at Jicheng, then raised his army and marched south, his blade pointing toward Jizhou.

At that time, Yuan Shao was fighting the Governor of Qingzhou, Lu Zhi, at Linzi. Upon hearing that Gongsun the White Horse had already broken through several cities, he abandoned the siege of Qingzhou and rode back through the night.

Lu Zhi seized the opportunity to raise his army from Linzi, intending to recover the two commanderies of Pingyuan and Jinan, and sent envoys to ally with Ding Yuan of Bingzhou, hoping to form a three-sided encirclement.

The scholars and commoners of Jizhou were terrified, all saying that the fall of the Yuan clan was imminent.

Yuan Shao then forged an imperial edict from the Son of Heaven, exposing the crimes of Gongsun the White Horse, saying: 'Gongsun the White Horse of Jicheng, whose family has eaten the Han's salary for generations, dares to slaughter the imperial clan and harm the imperial descendants! Heaven and Earth will not tolerate this!'

He further issued a manifesto to the provinces and commanderies, declaring: 'Gongsun the White Horse falsely claims righteousness, but is in truth a traitor to the Han.' Ding Yuan received the edict but remained hesitant, stationing his troops at Jinyang, lingering and not daring to march east.

Yuan Shao then dispatched his generals Gao Lan and Zhang He to lead thirty thousand elite troops to hold Pingyuan and Jinan, digging deep trenches and building high ramparts to resist Lu Zhi.

He secretly ordered the Governor of Yanzhou, Cao Cao, to station troops in Langya to block Liu Bei from marching north to provide aid, and Jizhou gradually stabilized.

At that time, the Administrator of Langya, Liu Bei, heard of the situation in Jizhou and wished to abandon his commandery to go and provide aid.

When the officials and people heard of this, the elders and the young crawled to the gates of the government office, weeping and saying: 'Since you, my lord, have governed here, bandits have vanished, and the old and young have found peace. If you abandon us now like blades of grass, we would rather die on the road following you than bear to see wolves and jackals occupy Langya again!'

Seeing this, Liu Bei was moved and shed tears, yet his resolve remained unchanged. He said: 'The war in Qingzhou is critical; it concerns the safety and survival of the Great Han.

Although I am stationed in Langya, I am still a minister of the Han; how can I see them die and not offer aid?

Moreover, I have always cherished the ambition to restore the Han house, and now is the very time for it.

However, I cannot bear to abandon you all. I am willing to travel with you to Qingzhou, and if there is any danger, I shall protect you with my life!'

Hearing this, the people were all moved by his benevolence and virtue, and they began to pack their bags, willing to follow Liu Bei together."

—— "Records of Heroes at the End of the Han: Yuan Shao and Liu Bei"

(End of Chapter)