Choose Liu Bei at the start, I am the only one who knows the plot of the Three Kingdoms.

In the current situation, let alone the lack of food in the rear, even if there were food, it would probably be of little use because the supply lines are blocked.

Lu Su sent people to the city every day, delivering many letters urging surrender, constantly undermining the morale of the defending soldiers.

Within a few days, many soldiers began to consider deserting and surrendering.

Shia walked in from outside.

"Sir, six more deserters have been caught and killed in the camp. The number of deserters is increasing, and we can hardly manage them all."

Xun You was also somewhat troubled by this situation.

Joining the army is simply about making a living.

They are currently short of food supplies, and not only do they only have one meal a day, but it is also mostly rice gruel, which often leaves them hungry.

In contrast, Lu Su's side not only had two meals a day, but every meal included meat.

Compared to this, even Xun You would want to join Lu Su and his group.

After a long while, Xun You sighed and looked at Miao Moqing beside him.

"Chief Miao, do you have any solutions to the current situation?"

"The enemy has Zhao Yun, so even if I take action, it won't be very effective. Moreover, once Zhao Yun is angered, I'm afraid even I won't be a match for him. I've already notified the Ancestor, and he should be on his way here. Once he arrives, we can work together to hold off Zhao Yun and break through."

Upon hearing this, Xun You nodded.

Currently, this is the only solution.

For them, Juyang City is now a giant cage.

Two days later.

Lu Su was looking at a map inside his tent.

Zhao Yun, who was standing to the side, suddenly stood up and looked into the distance.

"Zilong, what's wrong?"

"I sense a legendary general approaching rapidly. I'll go check it out first. Be careful, and if there's any danger, fire a signal arrow immediately."

After giving a brief instruction, Zhao Yun quickly rushed out of the tent.

Lu Su's expression changed slightly.

In the current situation, the two sides are in a balanced state. If there is one more, let alone a legendary general, even a famous general will break this balance, which will be a terrifying thing. Now Lu Su can only pin his hopes on Zhao Yun, hoping that he can drive the other side away.

In a woods.

Meng Huo stood in the middle of the forest, looking around, and finally his gaze fell on a tree.

"Since you're here, come out. Hiding around is unworthy of the title of a legendary general."

As soon as the voice faded, Zhao Yun slowly jumped down from the tree.

"I never expected it to be you."

After Zhao Yun finished speaking, he brandished his silver spear and looked at Meng Huo with icy eyes.

“I have no choice. She is the only one of my clansmen, the most talented, and she has become a legend. If she dies, our Gu clan will have no hope. So anyone can die, but Miao Moqing cannot die.”

"Is that so? I'm really sorry to disappoint you. You can't take this person with you, and you're no match for me anyway."

Meng Huo looked at Zhao Yun in front of him and hesitated for a moment.

He was indeed no match for Zhao Yun, but he had never intended to fight Zhao Yun anyway.

"How about we talk? Everyone has their own price to pay. As long as the right price is given, I believe anything can be negotiated."

"Oh? Then why don't you tell me your price?"

"I can help you kill Liu Xie. Once Liu Xie is dead, the next emperor should be Prince Lie, right?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun hesitated.

This is no longer a matter of winning or losing; it has escalated into a royal conflict. He dared not agree to such a thing on Gu Rubing's behalf.

"Well then, I will report this matter to the lord. I cannot make the decision on this matter."

"Sure, you can let me into the city first, and we can talk after you've reported to Liu Bei."

Zhao Yun hesitated again.

This matter is more complicated than I imagined.

Let Meng Huo enter the city and guard Juyang City with Miao Moqing. In a small city, two legendary generals live. What if Lu Su's plan goes wrong and the supply route is opened up? Wouldn't that mean that the other side has planted a thorn in their side?
"I need to go back and report. You wait for me here."

After saying that, Zhao Yun turned and left.

Not long after, Lu Su breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Zhao Yun return.

"How was it, General Zilong? Did you manage to drive them back?"

Zhao Yun shook his head and then told Lu Su everything Meng Huo had said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Su remained silent, sat down in his chair, stared at the map in front of him, and quickly calculated in his mind whether all his plans and preparations were sufficient.

Even a legendary general cannot defend a city if the enemy has no supplies.

As for the difference between one legendary general and two legendary generals, it's not that big. Anyway, if someone wants to leave, they can't stop them.

What appealed to Lu Su the most was the condition Meng Huo mentioned.

"I will send someone to contact our lord right now and ask him to return as soon as possible."

Gu Rubing was currently in a standoff with Wang Yue in Ji County.

Wang Yue mobilized all the garrison troops from the surrounding area to Ji County.

At this time, Ji County had 3,000 soldiers.

Gu Rubing only had a little over ten thousand men under his command.

Although Gu Rubing had the advantage in numbers, the city walls of Ji County were too high, making it very difficult to attack. Gu Rubing had already tried to attack the city several times, all of which ended in failure.

Zhang He was so anxious that he almost had to go into battle despite his injury.

In the end, Gu Rubing had no choice but to abandon the siege and simply confront Wang Yue.

Just then, Lu Su's letter arrived.

When Gu Rubing saw Meng Huo's conditions in the letter, he burst out laughing.

The Gu Clan is truly ruthless. Liu Xie was originally their ally, but now they have abandoned their ally without hesitation, and even betrayed their ally in order to get their own people back.

Now, Ji County has blocked their path. Gu Rubing knows that if they don't transfer some troops from Lu Su's side, it will be impossible to eliminate Ji County. But Lu Su's side is not having an easy time either; he can't just transfer troops whenever he wants.

Gu Rubing had originally planned to let things remain at this stalemate, but now he had a better idea.

"Someone is coming."

Not long after, a lieutenant entered. "My lord, what are your orders?"

"Take this letter to Wang Yue and let him see what's in it."

The lieutenant nodded immediately upon hearing this.

Not long after, Wang Yue saw the letter on the table.

When Wang Yue saw what was on it clearly, his eyes widened in surprise.

Wang Yue knew that Miao Moqing was besieged in Juyang County. He was still fantasizing that once reinforcements arrived, he could use Juyang County as a thorn in the side to completely open the road to Shanggu County.

But unexpectedly, before the reinforcements arrived and the road was opened, the Gu Clan couldn't sit still any longer.

Moreover, they also intend to take action against Liu Xie in Xudu.

If Gu Rubing agrees, Liu Xie's life will be in danger.

Wang Yue knew all too well just how terrifying the Gu Clan's methods were.

Thinking of this, Wang Yue knew that the most important thing right now was to end the battle as soon as possible. Once the battle was over, both Xun You and the Gu Clan could return to where they were supposed to be, or at least they could be rescued. This would save a lot of trouble.

Moreover, the current war situation is not favorable to them. In just over two months since the start of the war, Youzhou has lost most of its territory and its population has been severely depleted. Youzhou can now be said to be completely ruined.

Soon, Wang Yue wrote a letter to Shi Xie, asking him to come to the front line immediately to meet Gu Rubing.

On the other hand, Wang Yue also contacted Gu Rubing and arranged a time to meet with him.

Looking at Wang Yue's letter in his hand, Gu Rubing smiled with satisfaction.

Now he can take half of Youzhou without bloodshed.

Gu Rubing instructed Lu Su to stall Meng Huo, but did not give Meng Huo any accurate information.

He himself stayed outside Jixian City, waiting for Shi Xie's arrival.

Shi Xie was also having a bit of a headache at this point.

The news that Juyang City was besieged could not be kept secret. Within ten days, it was known to Sun Jian, Cao Cao, and Liu Zhang.

Sun Jian was alright, but Liu Zhang and Cao Cao were not so comfortable with it.

Xun You was one of Cao Cao's most important strategists.

If he were to die in Youzhou, Cao Cao would be truly heartbroken.

Cao Cao immediately dispatched 20,000 troops to aid Shi Xie.

Of course, it was said to be to come to Shi Xie's aid, but everyone could see that Cao Cao wanted to save him. Moreover, Cao Cao ordered that Xun You's safety must be ensured no matter what, otherwise Shi Xie's enemy would not only be Liu Bei.

On the other hand, when Liu Zhang learned that Miao Moqing was also surrounded, he immediately dispatched 30,000 troops, along with Cao Cao's 20,000, to reinforce Shi Xie. He also gave Shi Xie an order that if Miao Moqing were in any danger, Liu Zhang would immediately ally with Liu Bei to eliminate him completely.

Before their reinforcements and supplies arrived, a threatening letter arrived first.

Shi Xie stared blankly at the letter in his hand, unsure of what to do.

He didn't want anything to happen to Xun You and Miao Moqing, but right now he had no soldiers, no generals, no supplies, nothing at all. How could he guarantee their safety?

Just as Shi Xie was struggling with this dilemma, Wang Yue's letter arrived.

When he saw that Wang Yue actually wanted him to negotiate with Liu Bei and go to the front line, he immediately wanted to refuse.

Are you kidding me? We've lost half of Youzhou, and now we have nothing left, and we still have to negotiate with Liu Bei.

Negotiations require resources, and I have nothing to offer. What can I use to negotiate? Just talk?
However, just as Shi Xie was about to refuse, he glanced at the letters from Cao Cao and Liu Zhang beside him and hesitated.

This is the best chance to rescue the two of them. If we waste it, their lives will be in danger.

After thinking for a long time, Shi Xie could only agree with Wang Yue's words.

Fortunately, Liu Zhang was not far from Ji County, where Wang Yue was located. With little rest, Shi Xie arrived in less than three days.

Upon learning of Shi Xie's arrival, Wang Yue and the others immediately opened the city gates to welcome him.

"My lord, I have already contacted Liu Bei. You will negotiate outside the city first thing tomorrow morning."

Upon hearing Wang Yue's words, Shi Xie's face instantly darkened.

He had come all this way, and before he could even get a proper rest, he was going to meet Liu Bei tomorrow. Wang Yue had no idea how tired he was. And as for the negotiations, he hadn't prepared anything. How was he supposed to negotiate with Liu Bei?
"Isn't tomorrow a bit early?"

"My lord, the situation is urgent. If we do not take action soon, His Majesty's safety may not be guaranteed."

As he spoke, Wang Yue directly took out the letter between Gu Rubing and Meng Huo.

When Shi Xie saw that Meng Huo was actually going to attack the emperor in exchange for Miao Moqing's safety, he could no longer sit still.

Liu Zhang controls half the population of the Anluo Empire and holds several special troops in his hands. Although none of them are very strong, it's better than nothing. Moreover, he also holds the Gu Clan, a powerful weapon. Although they are not loyal to him, at least they can be used. In this era, loyalty doesn't seem to be that important.

Cao Cao, on the other hand, occupied the strategically important Yi Province and had countless famous ministers and generals, including many legendary figures.

Sun Jian had conquered the entire territory of the Anluo Empire, along with half of its population. He also had many legendary generals, a strong army, and ample supplies.

As for Liu Bei, needless to say, he had everything he could want.

In contrast, Shi Xie had nothing—no soldiers, no generals, and not even provisions.

The only reason he could still speak with the major warlords under these circumstances was because he had a nominal emperor supporting him.

Although the emperor could not give him any real benefits, at least because of this title, Wang Yue and Shi A were willing to help him, the Gu clan was willing to assist him, and all parties were willing to give him troops and provisions.

But if the emperor is gone, he will be practically a figurehead. No one will help him. Even Wang Yue and Shi A might leave him to find better lords. The Gu clan will certainly not stand by his side.

Thinking of the consequences, Shi Xie immediately nodded and said, "Go and contact Liu Bei, and meet with him first thing tomorrow morning."

"Yes!"

Soon, Gu Rubing received a message from Shi Xie; he had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Early the next morning.

Shi Xie arrived at the city wall early.

Upon seeing Gu Rubing appear, Shi Xie quickly opened the city gate and, accompanied by Wang Yue, walked out.

"Greetings, King Lie!"

In terms of status, Shi Xie was merely the governor of Youzhou, so he naturally had to pay his respects to Gu Rubing.

In the past, Shi Xie would never have bowed to Gu Rubing in front of so many people, but the situation is different now, and he needs someone's help.

"Governor of Youzhou, get up. Why are you being so polite?"

Gu Rubing smiled, but made no move to help Shi Xie up.

Shih-hsieh felt that it wasn't good to stay there like that, so he slowly got up.

"I wonder what brings the Governor of Youzhou to see me this time? Given our relationship, isn't this meeting a bit superfluous?"

"Well, King Lie, we've been at war for so long, what I mean is a ceasefire!" (End of Chapter)