Chapter 208: Yellow Turban Countermeasures

Zhang Tianxuan is also like that.

As one of the Five Great Imperial Stars among the natives.

He is just like the historical Zhu Yuanzhang.

They all started as mere bandits and gradually rose to rule the world.

Such background and experience forged their resilient, loyal, and righteous character.

To have them abandon alone those poor followers who have shared life and death with them.

Absolutely impossible!

In the long river of history, every hero has a unique growth path and steadfast belief.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan, these two leaders who rose to prominence in the Yellow Turban Army.

They will likewise undergo a transformation from inexperience to maturity, from weakness to strength.

Yet throughout this process, they have always clung to their principles and bottom line.

Perhaps, in the distant future, when they truly grow into a generation's overlord.

When they hold great power and make decisions from afar.

Their hearts may grow harder, enabling them to make cold, rational decisions when necessary.

But for now, they are still far from reaching that state.

Everything they have—honor, faith, even their lives—is closely tied to the Yellow Turban Army.

Therefore, whether out of self-interest or public duty, they cannot actively discard these burdens.

Within the Yellow Turban Army, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan have long bound their fate tightly with countless soldiers.

They know.

Once they abandon those who, from poverty, swore to follow them to death.

Then their reputation would be utterly ruined!

However, reality is cruel..

The problems of scarce provisions, insufficient troops, and low morale weigh on their hearts like heavy mountains.

Every battle is a test of life and death; every decision concerns the survival of tens of thousands.

If they cannot quickly find a solution to these problems, then destruction awaits them.

In this chaotic Yellow Turban Army camp, everyone is struggling to survive.

They do not know what fate the future will bring.

Yet they persist, hoping to find a path to victory.

As night deepens, lights blaze within the Yellow Turban Great Camp.

In the central commander's tent, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan sit facing each other, their weapons and command flags placed on either side of the table.

Behind them, Chang Yuchun, Tang He, Qiao Feng, Hong Qigong, and others stand to left and right.

Some lower their heads in thought, while others gaze at the map ahead with torch-like eyes.

Usually, because of their own imperial star nature.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan are both direct disciples of Zhang Jue, openly and secretly contending for supremacy in the Yellow Turban cause.

Their rivalry has long become an open secret within the Yellow Turban Army.

However, with a great enemy now before them, the Yellow Turban Army faces an unprecedented predicament.

They all know they are already grasshoppers on the same rope.

Share weal, share woe.

Given the dispositions of Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan.

Naturally they would not play tricks at this critical juncture.

They all know that only by uniting wholeheartedly can the present Yellow Turban Army escape the predicament.

Therefore, despite the deep grudges and estrangement between them.

Yet they chose to temporarily set aside their grievances and jointly discuss countermeasures.

"Now provisions are scarce, troops insufficient, morale low—what should we do?"

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke first, breaking the silence.

His brows were tightly knit, clearly very worried about the current situation.

"For now, the only way is to quickly find a solution to these problems, so as to turn the tide."

"We can gather provisions from nearby regions, while strengthening training to boost soldiers' combat power."

Zhang Tianxuan pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"Besides, isn't the Great Xuan Dynasty currently locked in fierce combat with those rebel kings in the south?"

Zhang Tianxuan said with deep meaning. He paused, his eyes slightly narrowed, a glint flashing within.

"I imagine they would not mind supplying us with some materials."

He continued, his voice revealing confidence and craftiness.

This is not only a judgment of the current situation, but also a profound understanding of the stalemate between the Great Xuan Dynasty and the rebel kings.

In his view, the Great Xuan Dynasty is now occupied with dealing with the southern rebellion.

Undoubtedly they hope the north remains stable, so as not to add further trouble for them

"Let us be able to drain the Great Xuan Dynasty's energy a bit longer."

This remark was almost spoken in a light tone, yet its meaning is extremely significant.

Zhang Tianxuan understands that the very existence of the Yellow Turban Army is itself a check on the Great Xuan Dynasty.

If they could obtain material support from the court.

Not only can it alleviate the current predicament, but it can also, to some extent, change the course of the entire battle.

Once this idea is successfully implemented, it will not only solve the urgent need of the Yellow Turban Army.

It can also allow them to occupy a more advantageous position in their contention with the Great Xuanzhou Court.

After Zhang Tianxuan's words fell, the big tent fell into a brief silence.

Subsequently, the strategist who had always been standing behind Zhang Tianxuan, Zhong Yao, slowly stepped forward.

He wore a blue robe and had a gaunt countenance.

Obviously, when Zhu Yuanzhang was extensively recruiting followers.

Zhang Tianxuan was not idle either.

He also caught quite a few fish.

This Zhong Yao, who was brought out, is one of them.

The Zhong Yao who stepped forward gave a light cough, drawing everyone's attention.

Then he began to analyze the current Yellow Turban situation for Zhang Tianxuan and Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Generals, the current Yellow Turban situation is indeed as perilous as a stack of eggs."

"Although the Great Xuanzhou Court is battling the rebel king in the south, their strength should not be underestimated."

"Although our Yellow Turban Army is numerous, we suffer from insufficient supplies, scattered forces, and low morale—these are realities we cannot avoid."

Zhong Yao's voice was steady and powerful; each word seemed to carry the weight of deep thought.

"However, as the saying goes, 'danger harbors opportunity'; our present predicament may also be a turning point for our Yellow Turban Army."

"The conflict between the Great Xuanzhou Court and the rebel king is precisely a good opportunity for us to seize the moment and grow stronger."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan's faces, then continued speaking.

Zhong Yao's analysis was reasonable and logical, causing both Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan to nod in agreement.

Zhong Yao is a rare strategist in the present Yellow Turban Army.

His insights and judgments often can perceive the essence of things.

"Then, according to your view, sir, how should we act?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze turned to Zhong Yao behind Zhang Tianxuan, his words carrying a hint of inquiry and expectation.

At this critical moment, any constructive suggestion could become the key to turning the tide.

And Zhong Yao, one of the few strategists of the Yellow Turban, appeared unusually calm at this time.

First he bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang, then he slowly spoke.

Each word seemed like the result of deep consideration.

(End of chapter)