Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 693 Yuan Shao’s Action
Li Ru was dressed in a black robe, with a stern face and a serious expression. He said solemnly: "My lord, although Chang'an is in a dangerous place, it is far from enough to rely solely on defense outside the city. We need to start from many aspects, strengthen the city defense, and reserve supplies to be absolutely safe."

Dong Zhuo frowned and said impatiently: "Stop talking nonsense, if you have any ideas, tell me now!"

Li Ru nodded slightly and continued, "First, we need to strengthen the walls of Chang'an. Organize the people and soldiers to work day and night to thicken and raise the walls, and add watchtowers and beacon towers so that we can detect the enemy's movements in time. At the same time, place a large number of rolling logs and stones, strong bows and crossbows on the walls to make it difficult for the enemy to get close."

Dong Zhuo nodded slightly after hearing this and said, "This plan is feasible. You will be responsible for this matter and make sure it is completed as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir." Li Ru took the order and withdrew.

"Lü Bu, listen to my orders." Dong Zhuo turned to look at Lü Bu and said, "You lead 30,000 elite cavalry and set up camp 50 miles outside Chang'an City as the first line of defense. Once you find any trace of the princes' coalition army, report it to the city immediately. There must be no mistakes!"

"Yes, my son!" Lu Bu stood up, clasped his hands together, and left after receiving the order.

After arranging the defense outside the city, Dong Zhuo began to work on the defense inside the city. He ordered all the people in Chang'an to be organized and divided into different groups according to age and gender. Young and strong men were incorporated into the militia to assist the soldiers in defending the city; women were responsible for preparing food and clothing for the soldiers; the elderly and children were concentrated in a safe area in the city and guarded by special personnel.

"Hmph, I just don't believe that the coalition forces of the princes can break through my impregnable Chang'an!" Dong Zhuo stood on the city wall, looking at the busy people and soldiers, feeling secretly proud in his heart.

However, Dong Zhuo knew that defense alone was not enough to give him peace of mind. He also needed to expand his army and strengthen his strength. So he ordered a massive conscription in Chang'an and surrounding counties. Regardless of whether they were rich or poor, as long as they were men, they had to enlist. For a time, the city of Chang'an was filled with crying, and the people were worried about their sons and husbands.

"Sir, please let my son go. He is still young and doesn't know how to fight!" An old woman knelt in front of the conscription officer and pleaded with tears.

"Hmph, stop talking nonsense. This is the order of the Grand Tutor. Anyone who dares to disobey will be killed without mercy!" said the conscription officer with a cold and ruthless look on his face.

In addition to recruiting soldiers, Dong Zhuo also searched for food and weapons. He sent people to arrest all the wealthy families in Chang'an and forced them to hand over their property and food. Many wealthy families could not bear the torture and their families were destroyed.

"Grand Master, all the property and food of these wealthy families have been confiscated." A subordinate came to report to Dong Zhuo.

"Okay, keep these properties and food safely for emergency use." Dong Zhuo nodded with satisfaction and said.

Dong Zhuo's actions caused panic in Chang'an, and the people's resentment towards him grew day by day. But Dong Zhuo didn't care at all, he only cared about his own safety and power.

In order to further strengthen the defense of Chang'an, Dong Zhuo also dug a wide moat outside the city of Chang'an and introduced river water, which was turbulent and bottomless. Only a suspension bridge was left on the river as the only way in and out of Chang'an.

"My lord, the moat has been dug and the suspension bridge has been installed." A general came to report to Dong Zhuo.

"Well done!" Dong Zhuo laughed. "Now, the allied forces will have a hard time entering Chang'an even if they have wings!"

However, although Dong Zhuo's defense measures seemed tight, they caused strong dissatisfaction and resistance from the people. The people in Chang'an were living in dire straits, and they longed for someone to overthrow Dong Zhuo's rule and bring them peace and freedom.

At this time, Jia Changsheng and other princes in Luoyang were also closely watching the developments in Chang'an. They were all waiting for a suitable opportunity to launch a fatal blow to Dong Zhuo.

Jizhou, a rich land with thousands of miles of fertile fields and a large population, is like a piece of tempting fat meat, attracting the covetousness of all forces. In this chaotic world, whoever can occupy Jizhou will have a strong capital to compete for the world. At this time, Yuan Shao summoned a group of advisers and generals in his tent to discuss the plan to seize Jizhou. In the tent, the atmosphere is solemn and warm, and the flickering candlelight reflects the faces of the people, some excited and some thoughtful.

"Everyone, the world is in chaos now, it is a good time for us to accomplish great things. Jizhou has an important geographical location and abundant food and grass. If we can take Jizhou, we can attack or defend. Why worry about not accomplishing great things?" Yuan Shao stood up, put his hands behind his back, and said excitedly. He was tall and majestic, and the gorgeous brocade robe made him look even more extraordinary. At this moment, his eyes were shining with ambition.

"My lord, you are absolutely right. Jizhou is a place that military strategists must fight for. Although Han Fu occupies Jizhou, he is a coward and has no ambition. He is definitely not a match for my lord." The counselor Feng Ji spoke first. He was thin and had eyes as sharp as an eagle. His words were full of flattery for Yuan Shao and disdain for Han Fu.

"Having said that, Han Fu has been in control of Jizhou for many years and has many soldiers under his command. We must not underestimate the enemy." General Yan Liang frowned and said with a worried look on his face. Yan Liang was a burly general with a face full of flesh. The sword in his hand flashed coldly under the candlelight. He was a fierce general under Yuan Shao. He fought bravely, but he also knew the cruelty of war.

"General Yan's words make sense." Another strategist Guo Tu said, "However, we can take a long-term view and act after careful consideration. Han Fu is timid and afraid of trouble, so we might as well send someone to persuade him to give up Jizhou voluntarily. In this way, we can avoid a bloody battle and easily take Jizhou."

Yuan Shao nodded slightly and said thoughtfully: "What Mr. Guo said is exactly what I want to say. However, who should be sent to persuade Han Fu is the key. This person must be eloquent and familiar with Han Fu's character."

"My lord, I recommend Xun Chen." Feng Ji said, "Xun Chen and Han Fu are old acquaintances, and he is an excellent eloquent person, so he will definitely be able to convince Han Fu."

"Okay, let's send Xun Chen to Jizhou." Yuan Shao immediately made the decision, "Xun Chen must explain the pros and cons to Han Fu and let him know that giving up Jizhou is his best choice."

So Xun Chen took the order and rushed to Jizhou with Yuan Shao's letter. Jizhou City was tall and majestic, and the soldiers on the city wall watched the movements outside the city vigilantly. Xun Chen came to the city gate and stated his identity and purpose. The soldiers guarding the city did not dare to neglect and hurried into the city to report.

Soon, Xun Chen was brought to Han Fu's house. Han Fu sat in the main seat, looked at Xun Chen nervously, and asked, "Mr. Xun, what are you doing here?"

Xun Chen smiled slightly and said calmly: "General Han, the world is in chaos now, and many heroes have risen up. General, do you know your situation?"

Han Fu frowned and said, "I have Jizhou under my control, with well-trained soldiers and sufficient food. What kind of situation can I face?"

Xun Chen shook his head and said, "General Han, you don't know that Yuan Shao is now famous and has attracted many heroes from all over the country. He lives next to you and has long coveted Jizhou. How does your talent and strength compare to Yuan Shao?"

Han Fu's face changed slightly, and he remained silent. He knew in his heart that he was indeed far inferior to Yuan Shao. "Let alone Yuan Shao, now Gongsun Zan is also eyeing us covetously. If he leads his army to attack, can the general resist?" Xun Chen continued, his tone full of threats.

Han Fu's expression became even uglier. He rubbed his hands nervously and asked, "Then according to your opinion, what should I do?"

Xun Chen was secretly pleased to see Han Fu waver, but he kept a serious expression on his face and said, "In my opinion, you should give Jizhou to Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao is from a famous family and is well-known for his virtue. If he gets Jizhou, he will definitely treat you well. In this way, you can save your life and wealth, and prevent the people of Jizhou from suffering from war. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

Han Fu lowered his head, thinking for a long time, and finally sighed and said: "What you said is not without reason. I, Han Fu, have no great talent. It is lucky that I can keep Jizhou until now. In this case, I am willing to give Jizhou to Yuan Shao."

In this way, Xun Chen successfully persuaded Han Fu to give up Jizhou without any effort. When Yuan Shao heard the news, he was overjoyed and immediately led his army to station in Jizhou City.

In Jizhou City, people were talking about Yuan Shao's arrival.

"I heard that Yuan Shao is coming to take over Jizhou, but I don't know what kind of person he is." An old man said worriedly.

"Who cares? As long as we can live a peaceful life, it's fine." A young man said nonchalantly.

After Yuan Shao entered the city, he immediately set about rectifying the military and political affairs of Jizhou. He first appeased the people and posted notices promising to reduce taxes so that the people could live and work in peace. After the people learned of this, they felt relieved and their impression of Yuan Shao gradually improved.

"My lord, now that we have taken Jizhou, what should we do next?" Feng Ji asked.

Yuan Shao smiled and said, "Although we have gained Jizhou, there are still many forces around us that are eyeing us covetously. We must expand our army as soon as possible, strengthen the city defense, and at the same time contact the princes from all sides to consolidate our power."

"My lord is wise." Everyone praised in unison.

Therefore, Yuan Shao began to recruit soldiers and expand his army. He also sent people to search for food and weapons and stockpile supplies. At the same time, he actively contacted the surrounding princes, exchanged what he had with them, and formed an alliance.

During this process, Yuan Shao also encountered some resistance. Some local tyrants in Jizhou were dissatisfied with Yuan Shao's rule and secretly colluded in an attempt to overthrow Yuan Shao.

"My lord, there has been news recently that some powerful people in Jizhou have been secretly contacting each other and want to harm us." A counselor came to report to Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao's face darkened and he said, "How dare these powerful people do such tricks under my nose. Pass the order to investigate this matter immediately and catch all the powerful people involved. No leniency!"

Soon, Yuan Shao's men launched an investigation and arrested all the tyrants who had secretly colluded with him. Yuan Shao ordered the beheading of several leading tyrants to serve as a warning to others.

"Hmph, you dare to go against me, Yuan Shao, and this is the end!" Yuan Shao said coldly as he stood on the city wall and looked at the beheaded tyrants.

After some reorganization, Yuan Shao's rule in Jizhou gradually stabilized. His power grew and he became one of the most powerful princes in the world at that time. However, Yuan Shao's ambition was not satisfied. He had already set his sights on further places and began to plan for greater hegemony.

In Yanzhou, in Cao Cao's tent, the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. Cao Cao frowned, sitting in the main seat, repeatedly stroking a secret letter in his hand. It was about Yuan Shao's successful occupation of Jizhou and the rapid growth of his power. His eyes were deep and complicated, sometimes revealing reluctance, and sometimes falling into deep thought. The air in the tent seemed to solidify with his emotions.

"Everyone, Yuan Shao has already obtained Jizhou and now has a strong army. How should we respond?" Cao Cao finally broke the silence. His voice was low but powerful, echoing in the tent.

"My lord, Yuan Shao's move is undoubtedly adding wings to a tiger. He comes from a prominent family, and now he has the food and troops in Jizhou. His power has greatly increased. I'm afraid we will find it difficult to compete with him." The counselor Cheng Yu said worriedly, his brows furrowed, his eyes full of worry.

"Are we just going to sit there and wait for death?" Cao Cao stood up suddenly, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the tent. "I, Cao, control the world, how can I be suppressed by Yuan Shao like this!"

"My lord, right now we are short of troops and food supplies. If we engage Yuan Shao head-on in a confrontation, our chances of winning are slim." Another counselor, Guo Jia, analyzed calmly. He had a handsome face, but his eyes revealed a wisdom that did not match his age.

Cao Cao stopped, looked at Guo Jia, and asked, "Feng Xiao, in your opinion, what should we do?"

Guo Jia pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Given the current situation, we might as well join Yuan Shao for the time being, accumulate strength and wait for the opportunity. Although Yuan Shao occupies Jizhou, he is stubborn and has many internal conflicts. We can obey his orders on the surface and develop our own power in secret. Once the time is right, we can break away from him and achieve great things."

Cao Cao was silent for a long time after hearing this. He knew that what Guo Jia said made sense, but he was unwilling to be inferior to Yuan Shao. However, the reality was before him. If he didn't do this, he might not even be able to keep his foothold.

"My lord, what Guo Jia said is only a temporary solution for now." Cheng Yu also advised, "As long as we have the green mountains, we will not be afraid of running out of firewood. As long as we preserve our strength, we will definitely have a chance in the future."

Cao Cao sighed and said, "Well, let's do as you say. However, this matter still needs to be carefully considered. We must not let Yuan Shao see our intentions."

So Cao Cao decided to send an envoy to Jizhou to express his willingness to join Yuan Shao. The envoy rushed to Jizhou with Cao Cao's letter.

Yuan Shao was overjoyed when he received Cao Cao's letter. He had long wanted to recruit Cao Cao to his fold, and now Cao Cao's initiative to surrender was exactly what he wanted.

(End of this chapter)