Chapter 209: Keeping a Trick Up One's Sleeve

The two generals, the current predicament is indeed a headache.

First, the problem of grain and troop strength is something we must solve. Therefore, we must find a way to shatter this illusion of theirs.

This is not only to alleviate the current predicament, but also for long-term planning.

The reason the Great Profound chose to first pacify our southward-moving Yellow Turbans is simply because they think we are at a disadvantage in grain and troop strength.

We can defeat them in a single battle!

Zhong Yao's words were filled with determination and confidence.

It seemed as if an invisible force was infecting everyone present.

Having said this, Zhong Yao's gaze suddenly turned sharp.

He looked at Chang Yuchun behind Zhu Yuanzhang, and the corner of his mouth curled up with a meaningful smile.

While General Chang commands troops with skill, his bravery is unmatched, second only to General Mengzhang.

This is well known among the Yellow Turban Army.

I believe we can dispatch a capable unit, led personally by General Chang, to sneak behind enemy lines, sabotage their supply routes, and at the same time seize their grain.

This way, not only can we solve our urgent need, but we can also deal a heavy blow to the enemy.

Evidently, although Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan have reluctantly set aside their prejudices and now rely on each other.

However, as long as it does not affect the overall situation.

We can scheme against the other side.

They are still quite willing to do so in their hearts.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who had been listening with great interest,

upon hearing Zhong Yao suddenly shift the topic to Chang Yuchun behind him,

this sudden change made Zhu Yuanzhang feel uneasy.

His complexion instantly turned somewhat unsightly.

Chang Yuchun is his trusted senior general, and as one of the few under Zhu Yuanzhang currently capable of commanding troops, he is a senior general.

He has long enjoyed Zhu Yuanzhang's trust.

Now, as you and Zhang Tianxuan are formally cooperating in good faith,

suddenly pulling this trick.

Zhu Yuanzhang's brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions.

As one of the two leaders of the present Yellow Turban Army, he cannot let his emotions affect the overall situation.

Now, each of his decisions could trigger a chain reaction; he must act cautiously.

Nevertheless, Zhu Yuanzhang still couldn't hold back.

He lifted his head to look at Zhang Tianxuan opposite him and Zhong Yao behind her.

His gaze was deep and sharp, as if it could penetrate a person's soul.

Zhang Tianxuan and Zhong Yao felt this oppressive pressure, and their gazes tightened.

But they did not retreat.

Seeing their attitudes, Zhu Yuanzhang did not say anything.

He merely took a heavy breath.

Suppressing his inner emotions.

Afterward, he deeply glanced at Zhang Tianxuan opposite him and Zhong Yao behind her.

Chang Yuchun's talent for commanding troops was shown during the earlier Lu Prefecture battlefield.

When Qiu Longteng of the opposing vanguard led cavalry to flank-attack the Yellow Turban Army,

it had already fully demonstrated his ability.

When Zhu Yuanzhang led troops to resist Qiu Longteng,

his subordinate Chang Yuchun was one of the few in the Yellow Turban Army able to keep up with Qiu Longteng's command rhythm.

In that battle, when Qiu Longteng led cavalry like a sudden storm to flank-attack the Yellow Turban Army, the Yellow Turban Army once fell into chaos.

However, at that critical moment, Chang Yuchun stepped forward.

He quickly adjusted the deployment, commanded with composure, not only stabilizing the footing,

but also skillfully used terrain and troop advantages to launch a strong counterattack against Qiu Longteng's cavalry.

And precisely because of Chang Yuchun's calm under crisis and excellent command, the Yellow Turban Army suffered no major losses in Qiu Longteng's surprise attack.

By contrast, although Zhang Tianxuan's command also had some outstanding jianghu eccentrics who performed well,

but in terms of commander-in-chief capability, their performance was far inferior.

These eccentrics, although each possessed superb skills,

but lacking unified command and coordination, they often struggle to exert their maximum combat power.

And although Zhong Yao is a rare strategist, commanding troops is not his forte.

Therefore, among this group of southward-moving Yellow Turbans at present,

a commander like Chang Yuchun, who possesses both courage and talent for commanding troops, is truly as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang also knows that perhaps Zhang Tianxuan's forces are not truly lacking in commander-in-chief talent.

It's just that this capable person may have been shelved by Zhang Tianxuan, not allowed to show his abilities.

Such speculation has been turning in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind for a long time.

According to his observations over this period,

most of Zhang Tianxuan's troops currently under his command are in the hands of a colonel named Gu Yilong.

The position of Gu Yilong in Zhang Tianxuan's army.

Although not as prominent as Zhong Yao and others, his talent and strength are absolutely not to be underestimated.

When Gu Yilong took over that batch of Yellow Turban Army assigned to Zhang Tianxuan.

This army had already been screened once by Meng Zhang.

Most of the strong and skilled soldiers were taken by Meng Zhang to join his elite unit.

Following Meng Zhang, they garrisoned Lu Prefecture and continued to standoff against Great Qian.

What was left for Gu Yilong were only misshapen melons and cracked dates—the old, weak, sick, and disabled.

However, even in such circumstances, Gu Yilong still used his own way.

He reorganized these soldiers and trained them into a proper unit.

And surprisingly, this Yellow Turban Army unit trained by Gu Yilong.

In a short time, it actually showed performance not inferior to the Ming army carefully cultivated by Zhu Yuanzhang and Chang Yuchun over that period.

On the battlefield, whether attacking or defending, it displayed extremely high quality and strong combat power.

This gave Zhu Yuanzhang a deeper understanding of Gu Yilong's talent and strength.

From a strategic perspective, it remains unknown whether Gu Yilong can be compared to Chang Yuchun.

After all, strategic talent needs a broader stage to be fully displayed.

However, according to this performance.

In terms of troop command and training ability.

Gu Yilong will absolutely not be inferior to Chang Yuchun!

Being able to train a seemingly hopeless troop into such formidable combat power.

This alone is enough to prove his extraordinary talent and outstanding strength.

The open and covert struggle between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan had long become an undeniable sight within the Yellow Turban Army.

Although both are leaders of the Yellow Turban Army, their rivalry and suspicion have never ceased.

After a prolonged contest, they know each other's habits, strategies, and even thoughts like the back of their hand.

Just like two top chess players, every move is already anticipated by the other.

Right now, Zhang Tianxuan lifts his butt.

Zhu Yuanzhang knows exactly what fart he's about to let out!

Now, Zhang Tianxuan hides himself so deeply.

Hiding Gu Yilong's commander-in-chief talent away unused, its intention is self-evident.

Even with his eyes closed, Zhu Yuanzhang can feel the undercurrent surging behind Zhang Tianxuan, wanting to deal him a fatal blow at some critical moment.

(End of chapter)