Chapter 1694

Yuan Shao took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions: "That's all we can do. Ju Shou, you continue to deal with Cao Ren and the others, and be sure to ensure they can send troops on time. Shen Pei, you are responsible for the order in the city; you must not let the people's flight affect the morale of the army."

The two received their orders and departed. Yuan Shao sat alone in the study, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He knew well that this showdown with Gu Yi was not only about the survival of Jizhou but also about his own honor and disgrace for a lifetime.

A few days later, Gao Shun and the others summarized intelligence from all sides and had a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Jizhou. Yuan Shao also barely stabilized his position with the support of reinforcements from Cao Ren and others, and both sides were intensely preparing for the upcoming great battle.

In the Taihang Mountains, Gu Yi's secret layout was quietly unfolding, and a contest concerning the world's pattern was about to begin. And in this contest, every choice and every action might become the key to changing history.

"General Gao, according to the news from Xu Huang, Yuan Shao's defense around Yecheng has indeed been strengthened, but he seems to have neglected the southern defensive line, especially in the Henei area, where the troop strength is relatively weak," a scout reported the latest intelligence to Gao Shun.

Gao Shun's brows locked, his fingers gently tapping on a certain position on the map, pondering for a moment before asking: "What about Pang De? Did Zhang Yan provide any valuable intelligence?"

The scout replied: "General Pang reported back that Zhang Yan is willing to cooperate with us; he mentioned that someone in the Heishan Army had sneaked into the interior of Jizhou and heard that due to grain problems, there was internal discord in Yuan Shao's camp, especially those newly surrendered generals who had many complaints about Yuan Shao's command."

A flash of light crossed Gao Shun's eyes; this was the crack they had been waiting for, and it was time to utilize it. "Good! You go quickly to notify Pang De and let him negotiate further with Zhang Yan to see if he can incite some insiders for our use. At the same time, inform Xu Huang to keep a close eye on Yuan Shao's movements, especially the movements of those newly surrendered generals."

The scout received the order and departed. Gao Shun turned to the deputy beside him and said: "We must also be prepared; once there is an opportunity, immediately launch a surprise attack on Henei to disrupt Yuan Shao's deployment. Remember, be fast, accurate, and ruthless, catching Yuan Shao off guard."

The deputy nodded, indicating he understood.

In Yecheng, Yuan Shao was discussing countermeasures with Ju Shou, Shen Pei, and others, when suddenly a guard entered in a rush and presented a secret letter. Yuan Shao opened it, and his face instantly turned iron-blue.

"Those damn traitors again!" Yuan Shao gritted his teeth, "Supuyan and Yan Rou are actually in secret contact with Gu Yi, preparing to defect at the last moment!"

Ju Shou took the secret letter, read it carefully, and his brows locked: "Lord, if this is true, our defensive line will face a huge threat. We must take measures immediately to prevent the news from leaking, while adjusting the strategic layout." ===== CHAPTER 1695 =====