570. One Day Before The Battle

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The stage was set for one of the most decisive battles of the era, a confrontation that would determine the fate of the land. As night fell over Luoyang, Cao Cao's forces prepared themselves for the coming storm. The city's defenses were fortified, the soldiers were briefed, and the commanders stood ready. Far to the north, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan awaited the signal, their blades sharpened and their resolve unshaken.

The next day, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan received the long-awaited letter from Cao Cao. The contents of the letter were clear and direct, they were to take control of the ships docked at the crossing port, leave behind 10,000 men to guard it, and then lead the remaining forces across the Yellow River.

Their objective was to seize the other side of the crossing port and position themselves to launch a surprise attack on Yan Liang and Wen Chou's rear.

Zhang Yan immediately set to work gathering Zhang He and Gao Lan. "The time has come," he declared to Zhang He and Gao Lan. "Ensure the ships are secured and ready for the crossing. We must act swiftly and without hesitation. This is our chance to take them by surprise and leave no witness alive so that the element of surprise was still on our side."

Zhang He, was meticulous by nature, and oversaw the preparations personally. He ensured the soldiers were briefed on their roles and that the fleet of ships was ready for a seamless crossing. Gao Lan, on the other hand, was a fiery motivator, and rallied the troops with impassioned speeches, emphasizing the importance of this mission and the glory that awaited them.

By noon, the first wave of their 140,000-strong force began crossing the Yellow River. The sight was awe-inspiring, hundreds of ships moving in unison, laden with soldiers whose eyes burned with resolve. The crossing was conducted with precision, and by evening, the majority of their forces had made it to the other side.

Leaving behind the 10,000 men to secure their starting point, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan prepared to take control of the opposite crossing port, aiming to choke off any possibility of retreat or resupply for Yuan Shao's armies.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Luoyang, the massive armies of Yuan Shao, led by Yan Liang and Wen Chou, had set up their encampment. From a distance, the banners of Yuan Shao's forces painted the horizon, their sheer numbers a testament to the power of the northern warlord. Inside the main camp, however, tensions simmered.

In the central command tent, Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Shang were locked in a heated debate over the plan of attack. Yan Liang, brimming with confidence and aggression, argued for an immediate, all-out assault on Luoyang.

"We have the numbers!" Yan Liang exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table. "What need is there for caution? Let us overwhelm them with our might and crush Cao Cao before he has a chance to react realizing about our presence!"

Wen Chou, who was more cautious by nature compared to Yan Liang, countered, "A reckless assault will only lead to unnecessary losses. Cao Cao is no fool. His defenses will be formidable. We must take our time to prepare siege weapons, battering rams, ladders, and catapults. With proper preparation, Luoyang will fall without unnecessary bloodshed and casualties on our side."

Yuan Tan, stationed with Yan Liang, sided with the brash general. "Uncle Wen Chou, while your caution is appreciated, we cannot afford to waste time. Every day we delay gives Cao Cao more time to fortify his position and even assemble his enter army in Luoyang."

Yuan Shang, however, aligned himself with Wen Chou. "Patience is a virtue, eldest brother," he retorted. "A single misstep could spell disaster for us. Uncle Wen Chou's plan ensures we maximize our advantage."

The debate grew more chaotic as voices overlapped, each trying to outshout the other. The much lower ranking generals in the room exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of whose orders to follow.

Ultimately, Wen Chou's measured approach won the day, thanks in part to Yuan Shang's persuasive arguments. It was decided that no assault would be launched until siege equipment was prepared, and the attack would commence in two days.

However, this decision deepened the rift within Yuan Shao's forces. Yan Liang left the meeting fuming, feeling undermined, while Yuan Tan grew increasingly resentful of Yuan Shang's growing influence. The seeds of discord were sown, and instability rippled through the two armies.

Inside Luoyang, Cao Cao stood atop the northern walls, flanked by his advisors Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, and Jia Kui. Together, they surveyed the sprawling encampment of Yuan Shao's forces on the horizon. Though distant, the sheer scale of the army over 600,000 men was unmistakable.

Cao Cao gazed out at the banners fluttering in the wind and the tents stretching as far as the eye could see. He let out a long sigh, his face unreadable. "So, it has come to this," he murmured. "The first of the confrontation between Yuan Benchu and me. Once, we were friends. Rivals, yes, but friends nonetheless. Now, we stand on opposite sides of the battlefield. Let us see who is truly the better man."

His advisors remained silent, sensing the weight of their lord's emotions. They understood that this battle was more than a test of military might, it was a personal vendetta, a battle for supremacy between two men who had once shared a bond and ambition for the Han Dynasty.

After a moment, Cao Cao turned to his advisors, his sharp gaze cutting through the somber mood. "What say you, everyone? Should we send one of our generals, perhaps Xu Chu or Xu Huang, to challenge Yan Liang or Wen Chou to single combat? A victory could raise our morale and test the mettle of Yuan Shao's greatest generals."

Guo Jia was the first to speak. "My lord, while a duel could indeed bolster morale, we must tread carefully. Yan Liang and Wen Chou are formidable warriors. If we lose, it could have the opposite effect."

Xun Yu added, "It may be wiser to focus on our defensive preparations. Yuan Shao's forces will inevitably attack, and when they do, they will find themselves ensnared in our trap."

Cao Cao nodded thoughtfully. "Sound advice, as always. Let us not be hasty. We will wait for the right moment."

Back at the Yellow River, Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan had successfully seized control of the opposite crossing port. Their forces now numbered 140,000, bolstered by the recovered soldiers who had pledged their loyalty. They wasted no time fortifying their position, preparing for the decisive strike.

The three generals convened in Zhang Yan's tent to discuss their next move. "Lord Cao Cao's signal will come soon," Zhang He said. "When it does, we must strike with precision and ferocity."

Gao Lan grinned. "Yan Liang and Wen Chou won't know what hit them. Their armies are low in morale, supplies are still ridden with drugs or poisons, and their leadership is divided. Victory is within our grasp."

Zhang Yan, who was older than them and had the experience, tempered their enthusiasm. "Do not underestimate our enemy. Yan Liang and Wen Chou may be divided, but they are still formidable. We must be patient and wait for the perfect moment."

As they finalized their plans, a messenger arrived with the awaited signal from Cao Cao. The time to strike will come in the morning when Yuan Shao's two armies begin their siege for Luoyang.

Zhang Yan, Zhang He, and Gao Lan immediately went to prepare their army so that they could be mobilized at fast speed in the morning, and positioned themselves to attack Yuan Shao's rear when the time was right.

The cold autumn winds swept through Xiapi as Lie Fan, standing by a lacquered desk in his study, read the report from his Oriole agents stationed in Luoyang. The parchment detailed the brewing storm between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. As he read, his expression shifted from pensive to a satisfied smile. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

The moment the report was placed down, Lie Fan summoned his two trusted advisors, Jia Xu and Xun You. Within minutes, the pair entered the room, their brows furrowed with curiosity.

"My lord, what is the matter?" Jia Xu asked, his tone as calm as ever.

Lie Fan held up the report. "The first battle between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao is imminent. The time has come for us to act. Send orders to all our armies, Qinlong and Baihu are to march toward Jibei, while Zhuque and Xuanwu head to Puyang. They are to prepare to hold the northern border and await further instructions."

Jia Xu nodded, his mind already calculating the potential outcomes of this maneuver. "An excellent strategy, my lord. By positioning our forces near Jibei and Puyang, we can react swiftly to any developments between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, and ensure our own borders remain secure."

Xun You added, "And should either side falter, we can capitalize on their weakness. A decisive move, my lord."

Lie Fan smiled. "Precisely. As for the Qilin Army, they will remain here in Xiapi for now. I will personally lead them when the time is right."

With that, the orders were dispatched. Messengers rode out from Xiapi in all directions, carrying commands that would mobilize hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

The Qinlong and Baihu Armies, bolstered by newly trained recruits and enhanced equipment, began their march toward Jibei. The Zhuque and Xuanwu Armies, equally prepared, set off for Puyang.

Lie Fan, meanwhile, returned to the Lie Clan residence to make his own preparations. His wife, Lu Lingqi, was in their private quarters, overseeing the packing of provisions and armaments. When he entered, she looked up and smiled, her fierce eyes betraying her eagerness to join him in the coming campaign.

"You seem excited," Lie Fan teased, earning a smirk from her.

"Why wouldn't I be? This is the moment I've been waiting for husband, to carve our place in history as the first couple to fight side by side in the battlefield," Lu Lingqi replied, her voice filled with determination.

As they finalized their preparations, a servant entered, bowing deeply. "My lord, General Wen Pin and a young man named Huang Chao are waiting for you in the main hall."

Lie Fan paused, his brow furrowing in mild confusion. "Wen Pin? What brings him here from Jiangxia? And Huang Chao... that name sounds familiar."

After a moment's thought, he dismissed his musings and nodded to the servant. "Very well, tell them I will meet them shortly." When Lie Fan arrived in the main hall, he saw Wen Pi standing beside a young man with a spirited demeanor. As soon as Lie Fan stepped in, both men dropped to one knee in greeting.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0