Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 388 Fengxiao's Self-Recommendation Causes Turmoil in Youzhou

Anyi, the General's Mansion.

Inside the mansion, Zhong Yao knelt on a couch, discussing philosophy with the young scholar before him.

The scholar was slender with a jade-like face and an air of intelligence in his eyes. Zhong Yao, as the second-in-command of the Shanxi army, rarely showed any gentleness in his expression when talking with the scholar, and his attitude was always friendly.

“A wise man is usually cautious in choosing a lord, so as to find a good master and make a name for himself in the world. Fengxiao used to serve Cao Cao and often praised Cao Cao. But I don’t know why he abandoned Cao Cao and joined you, my lord?” Zhong Yao asked curiously.

Guo Jia put down his teacup and said, "To be honest, although Cao Cao has great ambitions, acts decisively, and is an outstanding military commander, he lacks perseverance and is suspicious, bloodthirsty, and violent. This led to the rebellions of Zhang Miao and Chen Gong, and Lü Bu's attack on Yanzhou. When Cao Cao was beset by internal and external troubles, he went south to the Jianghuai region to establish his own power in order to achieve hegemony. He may have some foundation now, but he can only be a ruler of one region and cannot dominate the Central Plains."

As he spoke, Guo Jia emphasized, "In my humble opinion, if Cao Cao were to reside in the Central Plains, he would be able to cause chaos but not govern; if Cao Cao were to take advantage of the situation and defend the strategic locations, he would be sufficient to become the ruler of a region."

Zhong Yao deliberately asked, "Since Cao Cao cannot govern the Central Plains, what about Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu?"

"Yuan Shao's family had held high office for four generations, his territory spanned four provinces, he had a large army and many generals, and his name was known throughout the land; Yuan Shu was ordered to declare himself emperor, he controlled the Jianghan region, many heroes followed him, and his power shook Jingchu. Could it be that neither of them had any shortcomings?"

Guo Jia's expression turned slightly serious as he said, "Why would Lord Zhong utter such a jest?"

"If Yuan succeeds, why would Jia abandon what is near and seek what is far, going all the way to Shanxi to serve the General?"

"Yuan Shao emulated the Duke of Zhou in his courtesy towards scholars, but he failed to understand the art of employing people. He was indecisive and lacked focus, and he was fond of making plans but lacked the ability to decide. It would be difficult to achieve great things and establish a hegemony with him!"

Guo Jia spoke eloquently, dissecting the shortcomings of the two Yuan brothers in his words, saying: "Yuan Shu imitated Emperor Gaozu in how he treated people, but he did not have the same style of conduct. He acted recklessly, arrogantly and erratically. It is impossible to assist him in achieving great things and to save the Han dynasty!"

"Your Excellency has the ambition to bring peace to the world, treats people with sincerity, is fair in rewards and punishments, and upholds righteousness. You will be able to accomplish the great work of Emperor Gaozu!"

Zhong Yao laughed a few times and said, "How dare I speak such nonsense? I am here today to see Fengxiao's abilities."

Guo Jia saw through Zhong Yao's thoughts and said, "If Jia wants an official position, he should seek out his clansman Guo Gongze to pay homage to you, rather than first becoming a military advisor to prove his abilities."

With Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor, Sun Jian establishing his own independent regime, Cao Cao conquering the Jianghuai region, and Zhang Yu's battles against Yuan Shao, Guo Jia could no longer remain idle. He understood that if he didn't step out of seclusion to establish Jianye, he wouldn't even have the chance to make a name for himself, let alone become a founding hero.

Therefore, after much deliberation and drawing on information from various sources, Guo Jia ultimately headed north to join Zhang Yu. However, to better utilize his talents, he did not contact Guo Tu, but instead contacted Zhong Yao through Xin Pi, seeking an opportunity for a face-to-face strategic discussion.

Previously, due to Xun Yu's influence, Guo Jia did not accept Guo Tu's invitation and immediately joined Zhang Yu's forces. After several years, Guo Jia saw that Zhang Yu had already seized control of Shanxi and was poised to destroy Yuan Shao, and he had to admit that he had misjudged him.

Seeing Guo Jia's extraordinary wisdom, Zhong Yao, wanting to investigate important matters, had someone fetch a letter and asked, "Since you, my lord, have confronted Yuan Shao, although you have slain Yan Liang and defeated Wen Chou, you have yet to find a way to defeat the enemy. On the contrary, due to months of fighting, our food supplies have been depleted, enough for only a little over a month. I wonder if Fengxiao has any insights?"

After perusing Zhang Yu's letter urging for supplies, Guo Jia pondered for a long time before saying, "Yuan Shao has gathered his troops at Qinshui, intending to decide the victor for you, my lord. Therefore, if we retreat even slightly now, we will be unable to subdue Yuan Shao. Conversely, if you, my lord, can win, then the situation will be in Shanxi. In the past, when Liu Bei and Xiang Yu fought for supremacy at Chenggao and Xingyang, Liu Bei was besieged in Xingyang, while Xiang Yu threatened Luoyi. Although our army is currently short of supplies, the overall situation is much more favorable to our army. Therefore, there is no need to hesitate. We should now exhaust all our supplies to provide for the army."

As for winning?

Guo Jia paused for a moment, then added, “In the past, Emperor Gaozu first adopted Chen Ping’s strategy to sow discord among Fan Zeng and disrupt the morale of the army; then he used Zhang Liang’s strategy to unite the warlords and disturb the north and south. Now the two armies have been locked in a stalemate for nearly half a year, Yuan Shao has lost several generals, the enemy’s morale has wavered, and their fighting spirit is gradually waning. Therefore, in my humble opinion, the situation may change soon.”

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yao was overjoyed and praised, "Fengxiao has the ability of a national hero. Your Majesty will be delighted if you meet Fengxiao."

After considering for a moment, Zhong Yao said, "Since you, Fengxiao, have such insightful views, and the army is currently in dire need of capable men, I would like to recommend you to serve in the army. I wonder what you think, Fengxiao?"

"I have long wished to meet you, my lord, and I am grateful for your recommendation, strategist," Guo Jia said without hesitation.

"good!"

After Guo Jia got up to take his leave, Zhong Yao picked up his brush and wrote a letter praising Guo Jia's talent and noting down what Guo Jia had just said so that Zhang Yu could later employ Guo Jia.

"Strategist, the provisions for the troops from Guanzhong have been transported to Hedong, totaling 350,000 shi."

Du Ji stepped into the hall and reported to Zhong Yao on the couch: "Of the 80,000 shi of grain, Zhang Ze borrowed it from the Qiang and Di tribes, and another 20,000 shi of military grain was borrowed by Zhang Lu, the governor of Hanzhong."

Zhong Yao was overjoyed and laughed, saying, "The four prefectures of Hedong, Henan, Taiyuan, and Yanmen will produce 100,000 shi of grain, and together with the 350,000 shi of grain produced in Guanzhong, we will have 450,000 shi of grain. After deducting losses, this amount of grain will be enough to supply the army for two months."

Du Ji said, "The army still has more than a month's worth of rations. We have now received more than 400,000 shi of grain, which can sustain the army until autumn and winter. If the situation is still uncertain at that time, we will need to supply more rations. Therefore, the strategy of procuring rations cannot be stopped!"

Zhong Yao rose from his couch, paced back and forth, and said, "I'm afraid that's not the case. Your Excellency has been locked in a stalemate with Yuan Shao for several months, and both your troops are exhausted. According to military strategy, the outcome will be decided soon!"

"Could it be that Your Excellency already has a plan to defeat the enemy?" Du Ji asked.

Zhong Yao shook his head and said confidently, "We have no plan to defeat the enemy yet, but with your abilities, my lord, and by observing the progress of the battle, what do we have to worry about in defeating them!"

Perhaps it was because of Zhang Yu's past brilliant achievements that the veterans, led by Zhong Yao and Li Song, were inexplicably confident that Zhang Yu would defeat Yuan Shao.

Upon seeing the letter recommending Guo Jia on the table, Du Ji changed the subject and asked, "Guo Fengxiao speaks arrogantly, boasting of having the abilities of Liang and Ping. Now, what do you think of the strategy you devise for him, strategist?"

Zhong Yao stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "He possesses the talent of a national hero, and his abilities are no less than those of Guo Gongze. I intend to recommend him to the army so that Your Excellency may witness his talents."

Du Ji nodded and said, "If they truly possess the talents of Liang and Ping, they might be able to help you, my lord, defeat the Yuan family!"

As he spoke, Du Ji revealed a playful expression and said, "Your Excellency already has three lords under your command: Xun Gongda, Guo Gongze, and Jia Wenhe. Guo Fengxiao is no less capable than the three of them. I wonder what their reaction is?"

"Your Excellency is no different from Yuan Shao!"

Not to mention that Guo Jia was recommended to serve in the army after gaining Zhong Yao's approval. Now, with Tadun and Gongsun Zan attacking from the north and south respectively, the war situation in Youzhou has taken a sharp turn for the worse.

Initially, Gongsun Zan marched north from Yijing, taking advantage of the dispersed forces of Youzhou to capture several counties in Zhuojun, trapping the governor of Zhuojun, Qi Zhou, in the city. Xianyu Fu gathered troops to march south to relieve Zhuojun, but at that time, Tadun led the Wuhuan people into the country from Youbeiping, plundering the two counties of Yuyang and Youbeiping. Xianyu Fu had no choice but to lead his troops eastward, intending to first drive out Tadun and then defeat Gongsun Zan.

Xianyu Fu, upon receiving news of Zhang Yu's steadfast defense, was quite pleased and dispatched troops to defend key strategic locations, hoping to force the Wuhuan to retreat due to lack of supplies. However, unexpectedly, Qi Zhou, the governor of Zhuojun, was killed by Gongsun Zan's former subordinates, and Zhuojun fell to Gongsun Zan. The loss of Zhuojun allowed Gongsun Zan to lead his troops north to Ji County.

Upon learning that Gongsun Zan's army was approaching Ji County, Liu He, worried, hastily ordered Xianyu Fu to lead troops back to reinforce the city. Xianyu Fu and Tian Chou, knowing they could not retreat hastily, ultimately had no choice but to withdraw for Liu He's safety. Seeing an opportunity to defeat the enemy, Tadun led his elite Wuhuan troops in a relentless pursuit, inflicting a major defeat on Xianyu Fu. After the defeat, Xianyu Fu and Xianyu Yin divided their forces, with Xianyu Yin remaining to defend Yuyang City, while Tadun and Tian Chou returned to defend Ji County. After defeating the Youzhou army, Tadun besieged Yuyang City at Liunan Tower, while he himself led a large army westward to join Gongsun Zan in Guangyang Commandery, where tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry surrounded Ji County.

Ji County, on the city wall.

Surrounded by a crowd, Liu He gazed at the endless camps outside the city, a hint of worry hidden beneath his calm expression.

"That traitor Gongsun has colluded with Tadun, plundering the people of Youzhou, and his army has besieged Ji County. Our army has less than 20,000 men and only enough food for three months. What should we do now? Can we fight?" Liu He asked.

Tian Chou's expression was solemn as he said, "Since our founding, we have used the Wuhuan cavalry to suppress bandits, Qiang soldiers, and conquer border tribes. The Wuhuan cavalry is now extremely elite. Although Gongsun is brave but lacks strategy, his troops are fierce and valiant. The combined forces of the two armies are greater than ours, and their ferocity surpasses ours. Therefore, it is not advisable to engage them in open battle outside the city at this time. We should defend the fortified city!"

Since the Wuhuan people submitted to the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Eastern Han Dynasty frequently dispatched the Wuhuan to suppress rebellions. Over time, the Wuhuan people became well-versed in Han military strategy, thus significantly improving their combat effectiveness. For example, the Wuhuan rebellion caused by Zhang Chun more than a decade ago was only somewhat contained when the imperial guards were dispatched from Luoyang.

"It seems unlikely that we can hold out for long!"

Xianyu Fu sighed and said, "Without reinforcements from outside, once the food reserves in the city are exhausted, how will our army cope?"

“But if we do not defend the city walls and instead go out to fight Gongsun Zan and Tadun, our army will surely be defeated!” Tian Chou said.

Liu He hesitated for a moment, then said, "What do you mean by no reinforcements? Lord Zhang is leading his troops to confront Yuan Shao at Qinshui. If we send an envoy to request reinforcements, we may be able to get reinforcements to lift the siege!"

"This~"

Xianyu Fu looked troubled and said, “My lord, the battle situation in Ji Province is critical. Yuan Shao has many soldiers and generals, while Lord Zhang’s troops are slightly smaller. We are currently facing off against him. The Wuhuan and Gongsun have 40,000 to 50,000 troops. If there are too few reinforcements, they will be useless. If there are too many, they will endanger the battle. Therefore, even if Lord Zhang wants to come to the rescue, he has no troops left to go north.”

Liu He shook his head and said, "That may be true, but our army and the Bing army are in the same boat. Our army was defeated and trapped in Ji County. If Lord Zhang knew the news, how could he remain indifferent?"

Tian Chou frowned slightly, his heart stirred, and said, "What you say makes sense. The reason why Lord Zhang is confronting Yuan Shao is because he is not sure of winning. Now, if Yuan Shao knows about the changes in Youzhou, he will probably hold his ground and not fight, waiting for changes to occur in Youzhou, and then take the opportunity to defeat Bingjun."

After a pause, Tian Chou added, "If Lord Zhang knew about the changes in Youzhou, he would not have allowed it to fall. Moreover, you are related to the Zhang family by marriage. If you do not come to the rescue, you will lose the hearts of the people."

Xianyu Fu stroked his beard and pondered, saying, "According to Lord Tian's words, doesn't that mean Lord Zhang will definitely save Youzhou?"

"almost!"

Tian Chou frowned and sighed, saying, "If our army is defeated and Youzhou is taken by Yuan Shao, then the battle will be difficult to win. But if we retain Youzhou, then Yuan Shao will be controlled by Zhang Yu. Therefore, in my opinion, Zhang Yu will prioritize rescuing our army and then engage in battle with Yuan Shao."

"However, I dare not say for sure, for I fear that Zhang Yu, knowing of the turmoil in Youzhou, intends to first defeat Yuan Shao and then come north to aid our army."

In Tian Chou's view, the reason why Zhang Yu wanted to save Youzhou was quite simple.

Youzhou's geographical location is crucial. If it were combined with Bingzhou, it would have a commanding position over Jizhou and would be able to tightly restrain Yuan Shao.

In this battle, if Zhang Yu loses Youzhou as an ally, it will be no different from a major defeat. If he can hold Youzhou, even if he withdraws his troops now, Zhang Yu can still make a comeback and still have a geographical advantage over Yuan Shao.

Of course, another possibility is that Zhang Yu knew that Youzhou was in turmoil and that the Wuhuan and Gongsun were besieging Jixian. He would not withdraw his troops to relieve the siege of Youzhou, but would instead fight a decisive battle with Yuan Shao in order to defeat Yuan Shao and then relieve the siege of Youzhou.

"Shall we ask Lord Zhang for help today?" Liu He asked.

"Ask for help!"

After a moment's thought, Xianyu Fu clenched his fist and said decisively, "If we do not seek help now, and the enemy sets up fortifications and surrounds us, it will be difficult for our scouts to leave the city!"

"As for whether Lord Zhang will send troops to seek help, that is not something our army can decide."

"good!"

Seeing that no one had any objections, Liu He nodded and said, "In that case, let us send a clever man out of the city tonight to inform Lord Zhang of the military situation in Youzhou as soon as possible."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

After inspecting the city tower, Liu He dismissed his officials and privately summoned Tian Chou.

Unlike in front of others, Liu He looked extremely worried today.

"Lord Tian, ​​Zhang Yu knows the situation in Youzhou. Will he send reinforcements to relieve the siege?" Liu He asked worriedly. "There are tens of thousands of enemy troops outside the city. Unless Zhang Yu withdraws his troops, how can he send a large army to relieve the siege of Youzhou?"

Tian Chou truthfully said, "The situation in Youzhou is complicated. I am afraid that Zhang Yu will withdraw his troops to come to the rescue, and Yuan Shao will also lead his troops north to Youzhou. At that time, Zhang Yu will come from afar and his supplies will be scarce, so the situation will still be unfavorable to Youzhou."

Upon hearing this, Liu He's expression turned to fear, and he said, "If what you say is true, wouldn't it be difficult to defend Ji County?"

"No!"

Tian Chou pondered for a moment, then reassured him, "The city is currently well-stocked with provisions. With frugal living and the officers and soldiers' utmost support, we can hold out for at least five months. However, the enemy forces outside the city number in the tens of thousands. If we can exhaust their provisions, Ji County can still be defended. Moreover, Zhang Yu's army is outside the city. His military tactics are comparable to those of Han Xin and Bai Qi. Perhaps he has a plan to relieve the siege of Ji County. Furthermore, Youzhou is geographically crucial. If Youzhou falls into Yuan Shao's hands, Zhang Yu will find it difficult to control Yuan Shao. Therefore, Your Excellency, do not worry. He will certainly not abandon Youzhou."

"it is good!"

Liu He comforted himself, saying, "I am related to Zhang Yu by marriage, and my daughter-in-law is still in the city. How could Zhang Yu ignore her?"

As he spoke, Liu He grasped Tian Chou's hand and said, "You are in charge of the city's defenses, while I will be responsible for overseeing the distribution of the grain reserves."

"We will certainly live up to your expectations, Your Excellency!"

Although Liu He lacked Liu Yu's talent and virtue, he was still able to gain the assistance of Youzhou scholars such as Xianyu Fu and Tian Chou, even in this time of crisis, thanks to Liu Yu's legacy and his continuation of Liu Yu's old policies.

(End of this chapter)