C104. Return to Jixian.

C104. Return to Jixian.

Wu Shanshi was also startled, "This..."

Zhou Wenning smiled slightly, "Youzhou is a military fortress, much more important than Bingzhou. Moreover, Youzhou is the rear base of Chu Hechao and Yuan Lejun. As long as we can capture Youzhou, what do these two have to fear? This is a great opportunity, Lord. Look past the previous desolation and poverty of Youzhou, things have changed now. Yuan Lejun has made many improvements in Youzhou. Just by utilizing a piece of land in Youzhou, he has achieved great things. This shows the potential of Youzhou."

Wu Shanshi was moved, but he quickly sighed, "Jizhou is short of food, and we can't even intervene in Bingzhou. How can we take over Youzhou?"

"That's one of the reasons why I feel my ideas are crude," Zhou Wenning also sighed regretfully, shaking his head, "but this rare opportunity is right in front of us. Youzhou's focus is on Bingzhou now, with Chu Hechao leaving with his troops. Youzhou is only facing snow disasters and refugees... It's a pity that we don't have food to send troops."

The more Wu Shanshi saw Zhou Wenning's regretful look, the more he was moved, unable to resist asking Wang Yun again, "Is it really impossible to gather food to send troops?"

Wang Yun smiled bitterly and shook his head, "It is really impossible."

Wu Shanshi muttered, "What a pity... Too bad..."

"Even if we could gather food, we can't attack Youzhou at this point," Wei Ji coughed, his voice as aged as a dead tree. "Do you forget what happened during the New Year? Li Li killed the Prince and Consort of Chu, and tried to blame the eunuchs. He tried to win Chu Hechao and Yuan Lejun over with heavy bribes, but they refused. Their loyalty is renowned throughout the world. If the Lord attacks Youzhou now, it would be like attacking the loyal ministers of Northern Zhou. Would you want to be seen as a rebel?"

Wu Shanshi broke out in a cold sweat, his previous interest vanished completely. "Uncle is right."

Wei Ji's cloudy eyes turned to Zhou Wenning, "Your idea is good, but it's not feasible now. Do you have any other ideas?"

Zhou Wenning was sweating in his palms, but kept a composed demeanor. After careful thought, he said, "Since we can't stop Chu Hechao from taking Bingzhou, and it's already a fact... If we can't stop them externally, we must internally cause them to fall apart."

Wei Ji, Mitei, and the others exchanged glances.

Zhou Wenning's statement matched what Cai Ji had heard. It wasn't a lie.

Mitei's expression was solemn, pretending to hear this for the first time, "Is this true?"

"I dare not speak a false word," Zhou Wenning replied with a clear tone. "Recently, Yuan Lejun was appointed as the Marquis of Yan in Youzhou, even though he wasn't the main force behind the killing of the Xiongnu leader. But he received more rewards than Chu Hechao. With Li Li's manipulative tactics, it's likely the rift between Yuan Lejun and Chu Hechao has deepened."

The strategists smiled again. Mitei spoke slowly, "Wenning, continue."

Zhou Wenning smiled knowingly, "Youzhou belongs to Chu Hechao, but Yuan Lejun received the title of Marquis Yan in the end. I don't believe Chu Hechao can swallow this humiliation. We just need to wait for Chu Hechao to take Bingzhou. Once he does, the Lord can petition the Emperor and appoint Yuan Lejun as the Governor of Bingzhou. This way, we show a gesture of goodwill towards Yuan Lejun without using any means. Their internal conflict is inevitable."

"Brilliant!" Wang Yun's eyes lit up, "Chu Hechao fought hard for Bingzhou, only for it to end up in the hands of Yuan Lejun. How can he accept this? Once these two are in conflict, they are no longer a threat. Without Yuan Lejun, Chu Hechao is just a warrior, and without Chu Hechao, Yuan Lejun is just a young boy. At that point, when the Lord makes a move, we can easily swallow up Youzhou and Bingzhou."

Wu Shanshi also felt that this plan was feasible, akin to winning without fighting, and he nodded in satisfaction, "Uncle, I think this plan will work. What do you think?"

Wei Ji thought for a while before saying slowly, "Then let's go with Wenning's suggestion."

Wu Shanshi nodded in agreement.

Wei Ji closed his eyes, feeling tiredness washing over him, "Wenning is intelligent and capable, truly another good general for the Lord. Don't forget to reward Wenning, Lord."

Zhou Wenning immediately responded, "I dare not."

Wu Shanshi walked over to Zhou Wenning, patting his shoulder with a smile, "Don't be afraid. Take whatever reward I have given you. I'm not like your old master, suspecting you of corruption just because you accept something. In fact, I like it when my subordinates show desire for money, beautiful women, or power."

On the contrary, Wu Shanshi enjoyed it when his subordinates showed such desires as he felt it gave him better control over them.

Zhou Wenning was touched and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Lord. Your generosity is truly rare in the world."

Wu Shanshi chuckled.

Zhou Wenning bowed again, then lowered his head, finally releasing the tension that had been weighing on his mind.

At that moment, he was grateful it was winter, as no one could see the sweat soaking his clothes.

But ultimately, he had achieved his goal.

Zhou Wenning stood up with a smile on his face, giving the impression that he was happy about the reward for Wu Shanshi.

*

The attack on Bingzhou was considered one of the easiest battles for Xinzhou and Guan Zhihuai in their careers on the battlefield. By mid-April, they had already taken control of Bingzhou.

They completely crushed the rebel forces and unruly barbarians within Bingzhou.

This battle was a complete rout, with the rebel forces and barbarians struggling to mount any resistance against them. Not only were they affected by the snow disasters, reducing their combat capabilities, but also due to the formidable soldiers from Youzhou.

From cavalry to infantry, from the soldiers' skills and physical strength to their equipment, everything exceeded the expectations of the rebel forces and barbarians. They were left with no choice but to cry for mercy.

Even the generals leading the troops were surprised and pleased.

They were expecting heavy casualties and numerous issues with the inexperienced soldiers they were leading, but when the actual fighting began, these new recruits showed remarkable resilience. They fought smoothly and skillfully, and in just a few months, these new recruits had the semblance of a seasoned elite army.

Xinzhou was both shocked and pleased, and upon learning that these soldiers were trained by Guan Zhihuai and Wang Er, they quickly sought their advice on military training.

Guan Zhihuai's expression was complex, while Wang Er smiled and said, "Although these soldiers were trained by me and Master Guan, the credit does not belong to us. We trained them according to the methods of our Lord."

"The Lord?!" Xinzhou was astonished, "The Lord is also proficient in this aspect?"

Whenever the Lord was mentioned, Wang Er was filled with pride, "Our Lord is well-versed in many areas."

Even in assisting a sow with delivery, their Lord would excel!

Who could compare to that!

Xinzhou greatly admired, "Truly, the Lord is remarkable."

Even Guanzhi Huai, who was not one to praise easily, affirmed decisively, "He is indeed a rare genius, a once in a lifetime talent."

As Chu Hechao passed by them, he overheard their praise for Yuan Li. He paused and casually interjected, "What are you discussing?"

Upon his arrival, the group became a little constrained, "We were just talking about the military training methods taught by Lord Yuan."

Chu Hechao chuckled upon hearing this, "When he first recruited soldiers, he told me he wanted to train an elite army. Lord Yuan's words hold weight, and this is indeed an elite army."

Perhaps with further refinement on the battlefield, they would become an unstoppable force.

Whenever Chu Hechao mentioned Yuan Li, he couldn't help but feel a surge of longing. He immediately decided, addressing Guan Zhihuai and Wang Er, "Tomorrow, I will take Xinzhou back with me first, and you two will stay to guard Bingzhou. You will leave only after receiving instructions from Youzhou. Do you understand?"

The two nodded in agreement.

Early the next morning, Chu Hechao left Bingzhou with his cavalry and many spoils of war.

Ten days later, they finally returned to Ji County in Youzhou.

Upon hearing of their return, Yuan Li had been waiting at the city gate since early morning. From a distance, he spotted Chu Hechao and his group.

As the group drew nearer, Yuan Li recognized Chu Hechao leading the way.

Chu Hechao had a stubble on his chin, a tense jawline, sharp eyes exuding a fierce aura of battle.

His crimson cloak billowed in the wind as he wore his armor, standing tall and mighty like a towering mountain. His fingers gripped the reins firmly as he gazed towards the city gate.

Upon seeing Yuan Li, Chu Hechao's eyes, hidden behind a cold glare, suddenly warmed up. He spurred his horse, whipped in hand, and a cloud of yellow sand rose as he rode up to Yuan Li.

With the wind and sand swirling, Yuan Li's clothes fluttered as he shielded his face from the gust.

Chu Hechao gazed intently at him, from head to toe, feeling that every part of Yuan Li resonated with his heart, making his blood boil.

Despite not speaking, Yuan Li could sense Chu Hechao's eyes scrutinizing him inch by inch, feeling as though his clothes were being stripped away in front of everyone. His eyelids trembled, a faint blush on his face as he slowly opened his eyes and somewhat uncomfortably asked, "You're back?"

Chu Hechao chuckled softly, "Yes, I'm back."

For a moment, Yuan Li didn't know what to say. After a brief pause, he inquired, "Are you injured?"

"Let's discuss that back at the residence," Chu Hechao reached out his hand towards him, a slight smirk playing on his lips, "Walking back to the mansion is too slow. How about riding back together on a horse, my dear?"

Yuan Li's gaze fixed, reaching out to hold his hand.

Chu Hechao exerted force on his arm, pulling Yuan Li onto the horse in one swift motion, cracking the whip, "Go!"

The warhorse dashed forward, leaving the others far behind.