Ji Han Liu Zhang

As time was running out, Duke of Wei Yuan Shao decided to lead his troops to the Central Plains. He abandoned many of his advisers' safe plans and decided to take some risks to decide the outcome of his battle with his old friend Cao Mengde.

However, although there are some risks in going south, Yuan Shao assessed himself that the risk of failure in the war in the Central Plains was almost zero.

This confidence was the result of Yuan Shao's careful consideration of various aspects.

In terms of background, Cao Cao came from a family of eunuchs, while he was a disciple of the Yuan family of Runan. In this respect, Cao Cao was inferior to him.

In terms of fame, he was well-known in the world in his early years, and now he is the leader of the princes in the world. Cao Cao's fame is far inferior to his.

As for more practical situations, such as the size of the land, the number of people under his rule, the number of officers under his command, in all aspects and categories, Yuan Shao is superior to Cao Cao and has twice as much strength as Cao Cao.

Therefore, regarding this southward march to the Central Plains, Yuan Shao believed that he had the advantage and that it was a sure win.

If he lost to Cao Cao when he had such a huge advantage and was almost like a dragon riding on his face, then he, Yuan Shao, would have no face to save his reputation. Just like Xiang Yu, the King of Chu, he would not be able to face the people of Hebei again.

Although Yuan Shao was full of confidence in his superiority over Cao Cao, he still had some concerns. These concerns did not come from Cao Cao, but from Guanzhong.

King Liu Zhang of Qin is entrenched in Guanzhong, like a dormant dragon who may soar into the sky at any time. If his march southwards does not go smoothly and he enters a stalemate with Cao Cao, even if it only lasts for one or two months, Liu Zhang may take advantage of the situation.

"This battle must be fought quickly, without giving Liu Zhang a chance to intervene." Yuan Shao thought to himself that with Liu Zhang on the sidelines and possibly supporting Cao Cao, he needed to pacify the Central Plains like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.

Liu Zhang!!!

Thinking of Liu Zhang, Yuan Shao couldn't help but think of the news he had recently received about Liu Zhang.

Zhang Lu, who fled from Hanzhong to Shangyong, was originally an enemy of Liu Zhang. However, this year he made the decision to return the three counties of Xicheng, Shangyong and Fangling to Guanzhong, gave up his power to rule one side, and was willing to go to Chang'an to become a rich man.

In other words, Liu Zhang did nothing and took over Shangyong for no reason.

The story of Zhang Lu's return to Qin made Yuan Shao particularly unhappy when he heard about it, and he couldn't help but feel contempt for Zhang Lu.

Zhang Lu, who was a devil, should have fought against Liu Zhang in Shangyong and caused Liu Zhang some trouble. How could he give up Shangyong and surrender to Liu Zhang? In this way, Liu Zhang's strength would have been strengthened.

Yuan Shao was naturally angry and contemptuous of Zhang Lu, who had returned to Qin.

Apart from the matter of Zhang Lu, Yuan Shao also heard that the kings of the Western Regions, including Shanshan, Qiuci, and Khotan, had sent envoys to Chang'an, one to offer tributes, and the other to express their submission. It seemed that the Western Regions, which had originally cut off ties with China, were about to return to the rule of the Han Dynasty.

As a result, for a while, King Qin Liu Zhang seemed to have a great reputation and was congratulated by people from all directions, and was respected and supported by vassal states from all directions.

Yuan Shao saw that Liu Zhang's power was growing day by day, and he was anxious because among the princes fighting with him for the world, Liu Zhang was the first-class opponent and the biggest worry among all the worries. He should conquer the Central Plains as soon as possible, and then go west to Guanzhong.

Liu Zhang's growing reputation and power was also one of the reasons that prompted Yuan Shao to move south to the Central Plains. Yuan Shao hoped to conquer the Central Plains and then use the power of Guandong to attack Guanzhong and win the battle for supremacy.

Yuan Shao, who was deep in thought in the courtyard, suddenly raised his head and a figure caught his eye. He was very familiar with this figure. It was his trusted adviser Guo Tu.

"My lord." Guo Tu stepped forward and bowed to Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao nodded in response, and then he asked, "What is the current situation in Guanzhong? Although I have not yet officially launched my troops to the Central Plains, I believe Liu Zhang must have learned something about it. Is there any movement in Guanzhong?"

Guo Tu shook his head. "According to the information sent by our spies in Guanzhong, there has been no other movement in Guanzhong recently, except for General Gan Ning, the Assisting Han General, rushing to Liangzhou to suppress the rebellious Shaodang tribe."

"Really?" Yuan Shao's brows showed confusion. When he was about to go south to fight Cao Cao, Guanzhong did not make any preparations. Did it mean that they did not want to get involved in the battle between him and Cao Cao and let him conquer the Central Plains?
This is inconsistent with Liu Zhang's past quick and decisive style of action, and it can be said that there must be something wrong when things go against the grain.

Guo Tu nodded in affirmation and said, "But please rest assured, if there is any sign of troop movement in Guanzhong, our spies in Guanzhong will be able to detect it."

"Hmm." Yuan Shao thought about it for a while and then nodded in agreement. Just as Guo Tu said, mobilizing troops, especially mobilizing a large army, the arrangements for food, supplies, weapons, and personnel, these various aspects of the mobilization would be difficult to cover up completely even if one wanted to, and one or two flaws would definitely be exposed.

"Although there is no movement in Guanzhong right now, it does not mean there will be no movement in the future. You should arrange more manpower and make sure to investigate carefully. Any movement in Guanzhong must be reported in time."

"Yes." In response to Yuan Shao's order, Guo Tu sang "Yes" loudly.

Although he didn't understand why Liu Zhang in Guanzhong had not taken any action recently, it was a good thing for Yuan Shao anyway, as it meant he could go south without worrying about threats from his side.

Of course, Yuan Shao would not entrust his safety to Liu Zhang. He had already arranged personnel in Taiyuan, Shangdang, Henei and other counties to guard against possible military deployment by Liu Zhang.

Taiyuan, Shangdang and Henei are all dangerous places. Yuan Shao predicted that even if Liu Zhang sent troops to attack these places, it would take at least a year or two to achieve any significant results. However, he would definitely be able to defeat Cao Cao and take over the Central Plains within three to five months.

So even if Liu Zhang attacked, Yuan Shao thought he could buy some time, take control of the Central Plains, and then return to Taiyuan and Shangdang to repel Liu Zhang's invasion.

"Cao Cao is doomed to die this year. No one can stop me from saying this." With this belief, Yuan Shao started his journey south to the Central Plains.

For this march south, Yuan Shao emptied out his family fortune and recruited 100,000 men, including more than 10,000 elite cavalry. His momentum was huge and his military power was impressive.

In addition, Yuan Shao had always been known for his benevolent administration, which won him the hearts of the people. Therefore, in this battle, Yuan Shao recruited foreign tribes such as the Wuhuan, Southern Xiongnu, and Xianbei to help him. These foreign tribes were all skilled in archery and horse riding, and were accustomed to fighting on the galloping battlefield. They should be able to provide assistance in the well-connected, flat and open Central Plains.

The first battle was the decisive battle, and the Central Plains would be decided in one battle. Yuan Shao looked southward with great ambitions in his heart. (End of this chapter)