Chapter 853

Because it was unclear exactly which side Gongsun Zan would attack, Wang Yan and his group were in no hurry to head south. In any case, time was ample; it was only a little over two hundred *li* from Jixian to the border, which was plenty of time. Thus, they traveled slowly, even taking detours to inspect the enemy situation along the way.

Everyone was busy farming in the spring, so there wasn't much to see. However, Wang Yan wanted to see for himself the progress of the popularization of heated *kang* beds, glass, and so on, as well as the communication of various policies.

At present, supervision was inevitably disadvantageous precisely because of the current shortage of officials and police officers. This would be a normal state of affairs, but what needed to be cracked down on still had to be cracked down on. He also had to show his attitude so that the common people would truly know what kind of stance their supreme leader held, thereby giving the people the strength to resist.

Although armor had not yet been popularized, the previously surrendered routed soldiers had all taken their weapons home. If they could still be bullied under such circumstances, then it was Wang Yan's problem, because his ideological work had not been done thoroughly, and the common people's mettle had not been aroused.

While inspecting the local situation along the way, Wang Yan finally received news from the front line. A messenger reported that Yuan Shao had dispatched an army of thirty thousand to camp ten *li* outside Quanzhou. Han Fu had dispatched an army of fifty thousand to attack Baxian and Xu Shui, camping twenty *li* away. As for the homeless Gongsun Zan, he was leading his main force of twenty thousand troops to advance into Guangchang (Laiyuan), intending to enter the hinterland directly from Zijing Pass to attack Jixian.

Upon hearing the news, Guo Jia laughed heartily: "Grand General, I originally thought Gongsun Zan would attack either Baxian or Xu Shui, but I did not expect this thief to actually attack Zijing Pass. He must know that Zijing Pass is controlled by us. I expect that if he fails in one assault, he will certainly exit from Daixian (Weixian) and either attack Juyong or plot for the land of Bingzhou..."

Wang Yan also believed this to be the case. He was very clear about Gongsun Zan's calculations: he simply did not take him, Wang Mou, seriously, and took Liu Yu even less seriously. The reason he dared to go was that he was convinced both he and Liu Yu were small-time trash. But Liu Yu had mobilized the entire one-hundred-thousand-strong army of Youzhou, yet Wang Yan had broken through Jixian in less than half a month, and the officials and powerful clans of Youzhou had all been slaughtered.

No matter how much Gongsun Zan looked down on Liu Yu or Wang Yan, he had to maintain corresponding respect for the combined army of Youzhou and Liaodong, which might reach two hundred thousand. It was still that famous saying of Lü Yunfei: Liu Yu's failure must have had its reasons; he himself asked if he had the ability to sweep away a hundred-thousand-strong army so quickly.

Moreover, he only had twenty thousand troops, and that was a nominal figure. After all, he had lost some previously while campaigning against Dong Zhuo, and lost some more during the long-distance march; having fifteen or sixteen thousand at most was the limit.

Therefore, since he could not resist with a large army, he had flexible thoughts: the hatred of having his land seized and relatives killed could wait for a useful body; it would not be too late to take revenge in the future.

Before sending out his troops, he must have hidden his intentions. If Yuan Shao and Han Fu were successful in their attacks, then he would certainly have no problem breaking through the pass; at that time, holding Youzhou, he might not lack an opportunity. If those two were not diligent and the pass was hard to break, then he would take advantage of the situation and head to Bingzhou, aiming for a chance to make a comeback.

Gongsun Zan was not stupid; how could he not see the conflict between Yuan and Han? Both of them were stronger than him, and Wang Yan had taken all of Youzhou. He had no opportunity here at all. He might not have failed to think that these two would take his head to seek peace with Wang Yan, so leaving naturally became the best policy.

Guangchang was surrounded by mountains on all four sides and had a dangerous pass. To the east, past Zijing Pass, it was flat as a plain, while heading north, one could exit to the grasslands and enter Bingzhou. Throughout the dynasties, this place had been guarded by heavy troops to prevent the barbarian Hu cavalry from driving straight in. Gongsun Zan's choice of location was not bad.

But unfortunately, the first thing in war is information. Now Wang Yan knew he was advancing troops to Guangchang, while he didn't even know that Wang Yan already knew. Furthermore, Laiyuan was a key location; how could Grand General Wang not know?

It was just that the land there was not very good. Militarily, it was a key location, but for the people's livelihood, it was of little benefit, as it could not harvest much grain. Although there were many mineral deposits, they were buried shallowly and had large reserves. But currently, the mines in the Northeast were still usable, and the number of people to dig mines was only so many; it would not be possible to reach this side for a while. Therefore, Wang Yan had relocated all the people of Guangchang, with some arranged in Youzhou and others sent to the Northeast.

Zijing Pass belonged to the defense scope of the Wei Wu Guard led by Zhou Cang, with fifteen hundred troops stationed there.

Zhou Cang was stationed at Xu Shui, but it was impossible to just guard Xu Shui alone. With a large army stationed, it was even more impossible for several thousand people to live in one place. Small-scale combat units were mainly based on a force of five hundred people. With a Military Marquis leading the troops and a Military Steward managing logistics and other matters, the interval between each force was several *li*. They were distributed front, back, left, and right to facilitate mutual defense, stretching for dozens of *li*.

With the advantage of powerful roaming cavalry, there was no possibility of being ambushed. But if enemy troops came to attack, they could be discovered in advance, leaving sufficient reaction time. Therefore, whenever war occurred, there was corresponding time to assemble in one place to wait for the enemy relatively safely.

After thinking for a while, Wang Yan ordered: "Fengxiao, you go to Huang Zhong's unit. If the plan fails and Yuan and Han fight to the death without stopping, you should act according to circumstances to wait for reinforcements. I will go to Zijing Pass to deal with Gongsun Zan."

"It would be better for the General to dispatch troops for reinforcements. With fifteen hundred troops at Zijing Pass, if the army under Gongsun Zan does not surrender, I fear it will be hard to block them."

"No matter. Even if I am alone, what can Gongsun Zan do? A rat without strategy, not worth mentioning. I'm off." Wang Yan waved his hand without saying more and directly whipped his horse toward Zijing Pass.

Guo Jia smiled and also whipped his horse south toward Huang Zhong's location.

He was now riding a horse skillfully. Liaodong had nothing else, but it had many warhorses. Every grassroots official had one—they were all retired or unqualified warhorses. Although he knew how to ride before, he didn't have a horse, his experience was not rich, and his body was quite weak. After more than half a year of riding every day and running around, plus practicing the Five Animals Frolic taught to him by Hua Tuo, his body was in great shape...

Guo Jia had written the letter in advance. Now Yuan Shao and Han Fu had already raised troops to attack. Although Han Fu was far away, it didn't delay anything. With roaming cavalry and fast horses, they would openly go out to provoke the enemy scouts, and with a *whoosh* of an arrow, the letter would be shot over, completing the task.

Yuan Shao attacked Quanzhou because south of Quanzhou was his Bohai Commandery; he had to step up. At this moment, in the commander's tent five *li* outside Quanzhou, Yuan Shao was discussing with a group of civil and military officials whether to fight or not.

Just at this time, a mighty warrior clad in silver armor lifted the tent flap and entered, reporting with a bow: "My Lord, scouts ahead report that the scouts of the Wang thief came to provoke, shot a letter arrow, and fled. The letter is here; please examine it, My Lord."

This person was a general under Yuan Shao, Wen Chou.

While speaking, he had already brought the arrow in his hand forward. On the shaft of the arrow was a circle of rice paper wrapped tightly, bound with thin thread.

Yuan Shao took it in his hand, looked left and right, and after sighing about the Wang thief's merit in papermaking, he took out a dagger, cut the thin thread, and removed the letter layer by layer.

The letter read roughly: Now that troops have entered Youzhou, it is actually because Liu Youzhou raised troops to attack, and I had to respond. I did not expect that Liu Youzhou lacked the support of the people and the troops had no will to fight, so Youzhou was taken easily. However, the land of Liaodong is bitterly cold. Having suddenly obtained the six-hundred-*li* land of Youzhou and a million people, I am unable to settle them. It is truly the time to comfort the people and promote industry; I have no intention of heading south to plot for Jizhou.

Gongsun Zan is a rat with the ambition of a wolf. Why do you conspire with him to attack me? You and Liaodong have two hundred thousand armored soldiers, while you and the others have no more than a hundred thousand; how can you attack me? Even if you truly destroy me, how will you divide the land of You and Liao with Gongsun Zan and Han Fu? At that time, the three families will surely attack each other. Relying on the land of Bohai, how can you withstand it? It is truly unwise.

You are a family of four generations of three excellencies, with students and old acquaintances all over the world. At this time, why must you attack me?

Now that the Han Dynasty is declining and about to perish, and the crusade against Dong has led to endless infighting, everyone must have their own thoughts. The Han has lost its deer, and the world is chasing it. The position of the Nine-Five belongs to the virtuous. Han Fu lacks strategy, resolve, and courage; he is content with the status quo and does not think of making progress. Yet he guards against you more than he guards against me. Such a rat, how can he steal the supreme position of Jizhou? Why don't you drive out Han Fu, occupy Jizhou, resist my You and Liao in the north, and look after the four states of Qing, Yan, Yu, and Xu in the south? If you obtain the four states, your hegemony can be achieved; wouldn't that be delightful?

If you are interested, this is the right time. If you have a request, I can pressure Han Fu from the south to help you take his place. Since the good words are clear, you should think about it.

After reading the letter, Yuan Shao frowned and pondered.

He was certainly angry. After all, the implication of this letter was that he looked down on him, Han Fu, and Gongsun Zan. But before getting angry, he had to use his brain and think clearly about the meaning of Wang Yan's letter.

He was not a fool. Wang Yan had said it clearly, and his head turned to understand that Wang Yan did not want to fight, and would not fight for a long time, and was even inciting him to wrestle with Han Fu.

"My Lord, what does the letter say?" Seeing Yuan Shao's expression unclear, a strategist in the tent asked. This person was Yuan Shao's guest, Feng Ji.

"The Wang thief wants us to stop the troops to plot for Jizhou. Gentlemen, pass it around and discuss it." Yuan Shao handed the letter in his hand to the scholar below, and waved his hand, signaling Wen Chou to go out and do his work.

Yuan Shao's foundation was still not bad, of course, it was even better after occupying Jizhou. Now he had some people under him, but he was not yet powerful. However, he also had his own strategies. Although his resolve was a bit poor, it was enough for now.

The strategists read it once and spoke one after another.

"The Wang thief is worthy of his humble origins; his temperament is upright, and the letter is indeed the truth. He has newly obtained Youzhou and promised the people the benefit of a ten-percent tax. If it weren't for the fertile land of Liaodong, he would certainly not last long. Using troops and starting wars consumes a lot. He is afraid he cannot support it, so he has no heart for war. His words about plotting for Jizhou, holding You and Liao, and relying on the four states of Qing, Yan, Yu, and Xu to achieve hegemony are indeed good words."

"Now that the warlords are rising together, I expect Yuan Shu and others will certainly not be able to conquer Chang'an and kill the Dong thief. After a few more months, they will certainly stop the troops, return, annex the surroundings, and fight each other, chasing the deer in the world. At this time, My Lord should also set great ambitions and do great things. We will certainly repay you with our lives."

"What the Wang thief said in the letter, if he truly heads south to pressure Han Fu, we, as Han Fu's strategists, might not be unable to enter and take over Jizhou."

After listening to the words of his strategists, Yuan Shao nodded. To summarize, there were two points: do not fight Wang Yan, and plot for Jizhou. This was serious; after all, they had never thought of clashing head-on with Wang Yan.

Although they all looked down on Wang Yan, and were even so angry that their teeth itched because of the ten-percent tax, they did not dare to underestimate Wang Yan. He came from humble origins and could achieve such a great career, controlling the two lands of You and Liao, two million people, and two hundred thousand troops, and was even incorporating the Xianbei barbarians on the grasslands. Although they didn't know what it was for, he had managed it in an orderly manner in six years, and his troops were strong and his horses were sturdy. This was ability.

"Let's stay put for now. What you gentlemen said just now is very right. The Wang thief is cunning. He wrote to me, and he must have written to Han Fu, making our two families suspicious and attacking each other, while he sits and reaps the benefits. In addition, you gentlemen can discuss strategies to persuade Han Fu's scholars and generals to defect, helping me enter and take over Jizhou. I will leave this to you gentlemen to do your own work."

Yuan Shao set the tone, and his subordinates naturally agreed. They held another small meeting to discuss how to persuade Han Fu's subordinates. People at this time, besides indulging in romance at home, were busy using their minds to study people.

Because Han Fu had many troops, they were scattered and stationed far away, so he received the letter a bit later.

Guo Jia did not mean to incite Han Fu to fight Yuan Shao, because Han Fu was the powerful one. However, besides saying they had no intention of heading south, he mentioned it a little bit.

In fact, Han Fu had long been wary of Yuan Shao; after all, the old Yuan family was powerful. Although they had been wiped out by Dong Zhuo, almost killing the whole family, the family was huge and not without people. That their students and old acquaintances were all over the world was not an empty word; many people recognized this.

Han Fu also made a similar decision, deciding to stay put and see if Gongsun Zan had any achievements. He knew his own situation. Don't look at him leading an army of fifty thousand; in reality, of these fifty thousand, two or three thousand were new recruits who had just been recruited and had no combat effectiveness. How did Liu Yu's hundred-thousand-strong army fail? It was precisely because of this. There was no will to fight, and the conditions given by the Wang thief were good, so wasn't it a case of responding to a single call?

They were also afraid. When they really fought, the Wang thief would come out and shout slogans. Ten-percent tax, what a good thing...

While they were each staying put and watching Gongsun Zan's movements, Grand General Wang whipped his horse and, with over a hundred personal guards, arrived at Zijing Pass. He did not stay at the pass but directly led five hundred troops out of the pass to the west, heading toward Guangchang.

Bragging was bragging, but one still had to be careful. So he had already sent people north earlier, passing through Juyong to send a letter to Liao Hua and the three thousand Zhenwu Guards stationed there, asking them to block the road for Guangchang to exit the mountains to the north, while preparing to head south.

He had to make the necessary preparations. If they really fought, he would certainly not be able to beat twenty thousand people with six hundred people. This brought up Lü Yunfei's famous saying again. Twenty thousand people, even if they stood there and let him hack, he couldn't hack them all.

Having prepared for the failure of recruitment, he brought only this many people and, directly following the guidance of the roaming cavalry, blocked the front of Gongsun Zan's army one step ahead.

This was a mountain valley. Gongsun Zan brought his troops and squeezed them all here. It was an excellent place for an ambush. With a flurry of arrows and rolling stones, the battle would be won.

Of course, Wang Yan did not have that many troops now, and when he knew the news, it was too late to mobilize troops.

He brought over a hundred personal guards, not even wearing armor, still in his usual loose and sloppy attire. His weapon was only the eight-sided Han sword at his waist, and he blocked the road entrance very arrogantly.

A hundred meters away, he looked from afar at Gongsun Zan, whose eyes were about to split.

Grand General Wang reined in his horse and laughed heartily: "Gongsun, my son, since you see your father, why don't you dismount and pay respects?"

The valley had echoes, and the arrogant laughter echoed far away...