Chapter 365: Feint to the East and Attack in the West

Lu Bu's letter put Zhang Yan under great pressure.

Because if Lu Bu is determined to attack Heishan, Zhang Yan will be surrounded by enemies on all sides.

In the two directions of Jizhou and Youzhou, Yuan Shao and Yuan Xi are both great enemies of the Black Mountain Army. Cao Cao, who is on good terms with them privately, will not fall out with the Yuan family over the Black Mountain Army for a few years.

Lu Bu in Hanoi blocked the most important exit of Montenegro, preventing the Montenegro army from asking for help from the friendly Baibo bandits.

So Zhang Yan fell into the same situation as Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Sun Ce before.

There are enemies on all sides.

It is strange to say, at this time the world is in chaos, and everyone knows that while plotting against the enemy, they must also try their best to make allies, but this seems easy, easier said than done.

There is no other reason. The others are not fools. If one side shows extraordinary strength and dangerous ambitions, it will inevitably be guarded against by others. Instead, they will unite to curb the person who shows up first.

As the saying goes, "Gold horns, silver edges and grass belly", if you rule in the four warring areas of the Central Plains, you must always face the covetousness from all sides. Even if you have allies, you must guard against sudden betrayal for various reasons.

Those who were able to gain a foothold in the heartland of the Central Plains were all outstanding people. Whether in military or diplomacy, they were able to defeat several powerful enemies. This was true for Yuan Shao, Gongsun Zan, and Cao Cao.

Those who had the slightest shortcomings would be defeated and swallowed up early on.

At this time, the powerful princes in the world had already gone through a round of reshuffle. During these ten years, from the earliest Zhang Jue to the recently defeated Gongsun Zan, there were at least eighty people who had left their mark in history books.

Those who remain now are the best who have emerged from the test of time, especially from Guanzhong to Shandong, which has always been a place of military battles and a rich agricultural area. Those who remain now are Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei.

Zhang Yan was not stupid. Over the past decade or so, he had seen many people who were once invincible but suddenly fell into defeat and death. So he hid in the Black Mountains, waiting for an opportunity. He would take a bite when there was a chance, and hide away when there was no chance.

Most of the Black Mountains are poor and have bad waters, so no one covets them. Zhang Yan decided to sit on the mountain and watch the fight between the two tigers. Even if he couldn't get a share of the pie, he could wait until the general situation in the world became clear, and then join the person who had the most potential to win.

Zhang Yan had a good idea, but Yuan did not give him the opportunity and attacked resolutely.

He suddenly realized that sometimes not standing in line does not mean safety, on the contrary, you will be the first to be eliminated.

Since you are in a dilemma, why should I keep you?

Lu Bu's letter stated bluntly that as long as Yang Feng was handed over, he would let the Black Mountain Army go, otherwise he would definitely raise his own army to attack Black Mountain. Lu Bu would wait for Zhang Yan's response as to whether he would protect Yang Feng or die with him.

Zhang Yan understood that he would be forced to make a choice, otherwise he would have more powerful enemies.

At the southern pass of Heishan, Yuan Xi and Ju Shou were riding on their horses, each holding a telescope, watching Lu Bu leading his troops to challenge in front of the Heishan camp.

Ju Shou held the telescope and exclaimed in amazement, "This thing made by you, young master, can change the situation on the battlefield."

"You haven't given it to anyone else, have you?"

After hearing this, Yuan Xi said, "During the battle of Qingzhou, one was given to the eldest son."

Ju Su's expression changed when he heard this. Yuan Xi knew what the other party was thinking and smiled, "Since we have joined forces with the other party, we must show some sincerity. Otherwise, we will be wary of each other and fail to accomplish what we originally planned to do."

"As for the future, we'll talk about it later."

Ju Su laughed and said, "You are right, sir. I think too much."

He carefully watched the Black Mountain Army's movements and said, "Zhang Yan probably hasn't made up his mind yet. He doesn't want to be an enemy of Wen Hou, nor does he want to hand over Yang Feng."

Yuan Xi nodded and said, "I didn't expect Zhang Yan to cut off his own arm, but it's good to disgust them a little."

"Yang Feng is too dangerous. Once I find an opportunity, I will kill him immediately. This person is determined to assassinate me, which is very troublesome."

Ju Su stroked his beard and said, "Those who cannot be killed on the battlefield may be killed at a banquet."

"As long as the price is high enough, everything is possible."

"I heard that some time ago, the young master sent some spies to infiltrate the Black Mountain Army, and it seems to have achieved good results?"

"Now we can continue to spread rumors about Yang Feng, so that Zhang Yan will be suspicious of him. If Marquis Wen adds fuel to the fire, I'm afraid that soon, a rift will develop between the two of them."

Yuan Xi nodded, which actually put pressure on Zhang Yan and forced him to take a defensive stance.

In fact, Yuan Xi and Lu Bu would not keep wasting time. They were just pretending to attack Black Mountain. Everything was just a cover.

Yuan Xi's real purpose was to have Lu Bu and the Youzhou army join forces to attack Anyi in Hedong and welcome the emperor to Huaicheng before the emperor returned to Luoyang!

This timing was carefully calculated by Yuan Xi and Ju Su. At that time, the two had already understood that Cao Cao had taken the lead. By this time, Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan's troops might have already entered Henei!

Moreover, Cao's army had another cavalry unit that entered Sili several days earlier than Cao Ren's army. Even if Yuan Xi chased them at full speed, it would be too late.

In that case, it would be better to recuperate for a few days and set off again when you are ready.

Anyway, even if Cao Cao arrived first, he would still have to deal with the Baibo bandits and Li Jue and Guo Si. Both sides were not easy to deal with, and even someone as strong as Cao Cao could not deal with both sides at the same time in a short period of time.

The best scenario that Yuan Xi and Ju Shou could think of was to arrive when the parties started fighting and become the prey behind the scenes.

The chances of success would be slim if Ju Shou and Zhao Yun were the only ones to win, but if Lu Bu were added, the chances of success would greatly increase!

Of course, many details still need to be carefully considered, and Lu Bu must go there in person, but in this case, who will be in charge of the defense of Huaicheng becomes a big problem.

Lu Bu now trusts Wei Xu, a member of his maternal clan, the most, but only Yuan Xi knows that it was Wei Xu who was the first to betray Lu Bu when Cao's army was at the gates of the city.

Yuan Xi couldn't help but sigh that Lu Bu's ability to control his subordinates was simply a mess, but since he and Lu Bu had joined forces, he couldn't let him be defeated so early.

What's more, the other person may become your father-in-law.

Thinking of this, Yuan Xi felt a little guilty. When Lu Lingqi learned the news the day before yesterday, she looked at Yuan Xi with anger in her eyes and her teeth chattering, as if she was about to explode at any time and tear Yuan Xi to pieces.

Yuan Xi was helpless. He thought that he, the ferocious tiger, was just in name only. Lu Lingqi was the real tigress. If it wasn't for the sake of the people of the world, would an upright person like himself have to sacrifice his looks and body?

Lu Bu attacked the Black Mountain Army camp for most of the day, and the Black Mountain Army lost their courage and retreated into the camp. Lu Bu saw that it was difficult to attack, so he led his troops back to the camp.

After several days of continuous fighting, the goal of suppressing Montenegro has been achieved. The Montenegro army will not dare to come out for a while, and it is time to set off for Anyi.

Lu Bu called Yuan Xi and Ju Su to discuss how to send troops from Huaicheng. However, the suggestion Ju Su put forward was beyond Lu Bu's expectations.

Ju Su proposed that Zhao Yun and Ju Su lead the Youzhou army, while Lu Bu would personally lead the troops and his subordinates to Hedong. As for Yuan Xi, he would stay in Huaicheng as Lu Bu's son-in-law.

After this proposal came out, Lu Bu was immediately at a loss.

He asked Yuan Xi in confusion, "Why don't you go to welcome the emperor?"

Yuan Xi said frankly: "The emperor has some opinions about the Yuan family. If I go there in person, I am afraid it will backfire and make the emperor suspect whether Wen Hou and the Yuan family have reached a deal in private, which will affect Wen Hou's actions."

"If I'm not present, the emperor will let down his guard and open up to Marquis Wen."

"Whether I am present or not is completely irrelevant to the overall situation. As long as the matter is done in the end, that's all that matters."

After listening to this, Lu Bu nodded and said, "Now that you put it, it seems to make sense!"

Ju Su thought that Lu Bu was indeed easy to fool. Yuan Xi naturally had some reasons why he could not go to Hedong, but he just couldn't tell Lu Bu.

Yuan Xi added: "Most of my skills are in defending the city. Staying in Huaicheng can also help Wen Hou resist the enemy."

"Of course, if Marquis Wen suspects that I am plotting against Huaicheng, I can return to Youzhou now to avoid suspicion."

After hearing this, Lu Bu laughed a few times and said, "If you were such a short-sighted person, you wouldn't have come to this point today."

Yuan Xi thought that Lu Bu had a clear mind. The gains and losses of Huaicheng were nothing compared to the prospect of Yuan and Lu joining forces to welcome the emperor.

He smiled and said, "Marquis Wen should understand that I have put all my wealth on the line. If Huaicheng falls, I am afraid I will not survive."

"Is it worthy for Wen Hou to trust me once if I do this?"

After Lu Bu thought about it, he said decisively: "Okay!"

"Return to Huaicheng now and organize the troops, and send them out immediately!"

Yuan Xi came out of Lu Bu's tent feeling relieved, walked to the edge of the cliff, and looked at the setting sun in the distance. He thought that after going through so many circles and fighting so many battles, he finally led things in the direction he wanted.

Although Zhao Yun and Ju Su will face many enemies in Hedong, including Li Jue, Guo Si, Bai Bo Bandits, Cao Cao, and even Yuan Shu, with Lu Bu who has a good relationship with Emperor Liu Xie, many things will be much easier. At least there is hope of success.

But speaking of it, it is really difficult to persuade Lu Bu, a man with an erratic temper. Even with all the deception and cheating, this is already the best result for now.

Yuan Xi thought happily, could it be that Lu Bu really likes him as a son-in-law?

As soon as this thought came to his mind, he felt a chill on his back. Turning his head, he saw Lu Lingqi walking towards him from a distance with two halberds in hand.

Sun Li, who was standing by, also nervously grasped the ring-handled sword, thinking that the young master was really bold and proposed marriage directly. He must have pissed her off now, right?

What should I do if Lu Lingqi is trying to murder my husband?

Seeing Lv Lingqi getting closer, Yuan Xi couldn't help but tremble. He tried to straighten himself up, pretending to be calm, and said with a cupped hand: "Girl, you are in a good mood. Are you here to watch the sunset as well?"

However, Lu Lingqi saw the setting sun in the sky through Yuan Xi's shoulder. It was half hidden in the red sunset glow, as if it was burning, and she was in a trance for a moment.

She glanced at Sun Li again, and Yuan Xi understood, turned around and said to Sun Li: "Go away first."

After hearing this, Sun Li muttered to himself, put away his knife, and walked away, thinking that you are asking for death, so don't blame me.

Only Yuan Xi and Lu Lingqi were left on the hilltop. The two looked at each other in silence. Yuan Xi asked tentatively, "Girl, are you here to fight me?"

Lu Lingqi sneered, "Let alone using bare hands, are you qualified to use weapons?"

"Within three moves, I can poke ten holes in your body."

Yuan Xi was sweating profusely, thinking to himself how could I look down on others like that? Be careful or I'll stab you.