Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 169 Zhang Xun: Ji Ling? Not inferior to me.

Lujiang Commandery, with its capital at Shu County.

The current Prefect and Commandant of Lujiang Commandery are Gu Yong and Zhu Huan, the representatives of the powerful families in Jiangdong when Yuan Shu bestowed titles upon them in Qu'a.

In recent times, Lujiang, which had been plagued by poverty under Liu Xun's rule, has quickly become stable and prosperous after being taken over by a capable prime minister like Gu Yong.

It must be said that after Yuan Shu replaced the counties under his control with a group of top talents such as Gu Yong, Zhang Zhao, and Zhang Hong, who were capable of governing Eastern Wu and becoming generals and ministers in the future, Yuan Shu's success was remarkable.

Yuan Shu's administration brought about a complete transformation, as evidenced by the change from Liu Xun's rule to Gu Yong's in Lujiang County alone.

With such capable ministers and officials, who were assigned to govern various prefectures, Shouchun was also able to maintain order in the central government thanks to Yan Xiang.

Although the lord Yuan Shu was on a distant expedition to the north, he still attached great importance to the people's livelihood in his letters and often implemented benevolent policies. In addition, Yu Ji's Taiping Dao (Way of Peace) promoted and created momentum for him.

During this period, the people of Yuan's camp lived in peace and the government was efficient and honest. The contrast between the past and present was stark. In addition, people from the Central Plains often fled here, saying that the warring warlords in the north were in dire straits.

In such a comparison, it is no wonder that the people on both sides of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers all shouted: Seeing Lord Yuan is like seeing the Yellow Heaven and the peace.

Not to mention that after Gu Yong became the governor of Lujiang, he brought peace and harmony to the local area. Even the county commandant Zhu Huan received gifts from Liu Xun.

It should be noted that Liu Xun had originally planned to amass military power and break away from Yuan Shikai to establish his own independent regime.

He stockpiled countless weapons and provisions in Lujiang, and even fortified Lujiang like an iron barrel, all in preparation for Yuan Shu's anger and counterattack after he declared himself independent.

Unfortunately, the plan was good, but before he could prepare, Yuan Shu arrived with an army of 100,000 and forcibly replaced him as the vanguard of the Northern Expedition.

Zhu Huan, who had just arrived in Lujiang, was stunned when he saw the mountains of crossbows, oil, bows and arrows, and grain piled up in the warehouse.

How strange! So many military supplies, and they're keeping it from Shouchun? Who exactly was their predecessor?
What's the point of hoarding so many supplies? Are they preparing for a rebellion? The key question is, where did they get them from?
Zhu Huan hoped that the former official who had been recruited by his lord to serve as the vanguard of the Northern Expedition was alright, while accepting the gifts with a smile.

However, since Liu Xun's troops were also taken by the lord to the northern expedition, the newly appointed commander Zhu Huan had to recruit troops from the county himself.

Fortunately, the governor was Gu Yong, who was from a prominent family in Jiangdong and was relatively easy to talk to. Moreover, he had the supplies and provisions left by his predecessor, Liu Xun, as a foundation.

Zhu Huan quickly recruited 5,000 soldiers from the prefecture, and during their daily drills, they were slowly absorbing the legacy left by Liu Xun.

Yes, heritage.

As news of Yuan Shikai's northern expedition continued to reach Lujiang, Zhu Huan's powerful predecessor, Liu Xun, was indeed sacrificed, just as he had predicted.

Upon hearing this news, Zhu Huan became even more diligent and dared not overstep his bounds. He often consulted with Prefect Gu Yong on important matters.

With such a harmonious relationship between the general and the minister, Lujiang gradually prospered amidst stability and peace, until an urgent report arrived that an army was about to invade!

"Report!

Enemy troops are invading, and their leader is waving a flag with yellow characters!
Furthermore, a naval force appeared on the river, carrying large flags bearing the characters "Cai" and "Zhang."

In the prefect's residence, Gu Yong finished reading the urgent report in his hand, frowned, and said to Zhu Huan:
"Liu Biao sent 50,000 troops to invade, Wen Ping and Huang Zu led 40,000 land troops, and Cai Mao and Zhang Yun led 10,000 naval troops. They advanced by land and sea and invaded our territory."

Xiu Mu is the Commandant of the Commandery, in charge of the commandery's troops. I wonder if he has a plan?

Although Zhu Huan was startled, he remained calm and answered in a composed manner:
"Having heard that the emperor had issued twelve edicts in succession to Jingzhou, Liu Biao could not sit still any longer."

Your Excellency need not worry. I have been training the troops of Lujiang Commandery for a long time, and we also have the strong city and supplies left by Liu Xun.

"We only need to hold out for a short while. Lord Yan and General Zhang are still in Shouchun; they will surely send troops to rescue us soon."

"That's absolutely right!"

It is said that General Zhang Xun was as famous as General Ji Ling, and was known as the second greatest general under the lord.

General Ji Ling has now defeated Guan Yu and wounded Lü Bu in the north, his might shaking the land. General Zhang Xun, being of equal renown, must be no less formidable. With his reinforcements, even 50,000 enemy troops should be no match for him.”

Having made their decision, the two hurriedly transported all the people and supplies outside the city into the city and began to arrange for the defense of the city.

Not long after, news arrived in Shouchun that Liu Biao had sent an army of 50,000 to attack, and that the governor Gu Yong and the county commandant Zhu Huan were holding their ground and seeking reinforcements.

Upon hearing this news, Yan Xiang, who was already extremely busy handling all sorts of matters in Shouchun City, immediately turned his gaze to Zhang Xun.

At this moment, not only him, but all the officials of Shouchun focused their attention on Zhang Xun.

The reason is simple: for many years, after Ji Ling, Zhang Xun was the second most important general in Yuan Shao's camp.

“When our lord was campaigning against Liu Yao in the south, Liu Biao ordered Huang Zu to lead troops to attack. At that time, General Ji Ling was there and prevented him from gaining any advantage.”

Although General Ji Ling is currently vying for supremacy with Lü Bu and Liu Bei in Pei State, fortunately, we still have General Zhang here. Even if Liu Biao attacks, it shouldn't be a problem."

Despite feeling bitter inside, Zhang Xun remained calm and composed in the face of Yan Xiang's words meant to reassure people, displaying the demeanor of a great general.

He must be seeing a ghost right now!
Back when I was competing with Ji Ling in Yuan's camp, we fought tooth and nail for the position of the number one general, but I never thought Ji Ling was that great!

What kind of nonsense is this news coming from the north lately?
Ji Ling defeated Guan Yu in three rounds?

Ji Ling defeated Lü Bu in one move?

If I, Zhang Xun, can fight Ji Ling for over a hundred rounds, does that mean I can defeat Guan Yu in ten rounds and Lu Bu in three moves?

Isn't this nonsense?

Zhang Xun himself is well aware of his own capabilities.

The problem is that this thing can't withstand people not being clear-headed!
In the eyes of Yan Xiang, his ministers, and even the people of Jianghuai, Zhang Xun had been evenly matched with Ji Ling for so many years.

Then there's no need to ask, he must be an unparalleled general!
General Zhang has not yet had the opportunity to go to the north to compete with the famous generals under the various lords, and has not yet become famous throughout the world.

Zhang Xun was speechless for a while after hearing everyone's thoughts.

What should I do?

Are you suggesting I admit I'm far inferior to Ji Ling and actually have no real strength?
After pondering for a long time, Zhang Xun, not daring to delay his lord's important business, blushed and hesitated to speak.

"Well, Lord Yan, while that may be true, there's something many people don't know."

Actually, Ji Ling is no less capable than me. In the past, out of consideration for our comradeship, he often yielded to me. In fact…

However, before he could finish speaking, everyone exchanged knowing smiles and interrupted him, giving him a knowing look.

"General Zhang is too modest."

"Even if there is some concession, it doesn't matter. General Zhang has been able to compete with General Ji for many years. How could he be an easy person to defeat?"
"Haven't you seen Guan Yu, who famously killed Hua Xiong while the wine was still warm at Sishui Pass, not even last three rounds under General Ji's blade?"

"Yes, even Lu Bu, a man among men, was defeated by General Ji in just one move."

General Zhang has fought General Ji for so many years in the army and yet remains unscathed; his strength is unfathomable. Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Zhang Xun was rendered speechless, and finally Yan Xiang stepped forward to deliver the verdict.

"The military situation is urgent, General Zhang, please do not refuse any longer."

I will now recruit 20,000 new soldiers for you. Once the troops are fully trained, General Zhang, please lead them to reinforce Lujiang as soon as possible.

Zhang Xun: "???"

What the hell? Old man Yan, do you even speak human language?
You need to recruit 20,000 new soldiers, and then let me lead these 20,000 new soldiers to repel Liu Biao's 50,000 elite troops.
However, when Zhang Xun looked around, he saw that the surrounding officials all seemed to take this for granted.

It was as if Zhang Xun could easily defeat 50,000 elite troops with 20,000 new recruits.
Zhang Xun: "."

Only Yan Xiang seemed to notice the strangeness in his expression and, somewhat embarrassed, offered an explanation.

"General Zhang, as you know, our lord cares for the people. In order to enable more young and strong men to engage in farming and sericulture, Shouchun stopped expanding its army and reduced conscription as early as last year."

During this period, our lord has been waging war and has defeated several warlords. Therefore, most of the army has been stationed at the front line in the areas of Yingchuan, Runan, Chen, and Liang, and should not be moved lightly.

But please rest assured, General Zhang, I will obey the Lord's orders and implement the policy of hiding soldiers among the people.

These newly recruited soldiers often train during the off-season for farming, and now, with General Zhang in command, defeating Liu Biao should be no problem.

Zhang Xun opened his mouth, wanting to say, "Is this a matter of training? The key difference between new recruits and veterans is whether they've seen blood or killed anyone. How can these be the same?"

But Yan Xiang had already put it this way, so he couldn't very well force Yan Xiang to let him take the garrison of Shouchun out to fight Liu Biao, could he?

Anyway, it's just going to Lujiang to help defend the city. New recruits are fine, it doesn't matter.

As Zhang Xun comforted himself and the court officials held high expectations for him, Yan Xiang's recruitment order spread throughout the Jianghuai region, causing a frenzy in almost every place.

Unlike the local warlords who forcibly conscripted soldiers by robbing and looting, the people under Yuan Shu's rule were so eager to join the army that they had no chance to do so.

Yuan Jun's benefits were too good. The key was that he could exchange his head for a noble title based on military merit. He could risk his life and bring glory to his ancestors by himself.

Among the people from various places, Danyang was the most enthusiastic.

The nearly 10,000 Danyang soldiers who were captured by Yuan Shu and sent back to their hometowns only found out how well the people in their hometowns were eating after they returned.
Full pay! Grant titles! Distribute land!

Is this guy going to join the army?
Lord Yuan! If you had mentioned this offer earlier, why would we have followed Liu Bei in the first place? We could have just kidnapped that big-eared scoundrel and presented him to you without any problem!

What frustrates them most is that Yuan Gong, who used to be frantically expanding his army and forcibly conscripting soldiers, has recently changed his ways. He has stopped conscripting soldiers and only asks everyone to cultivate more land.

This made the Danyang elites, who had returned to their hometown and were constantly being cursed by their fellow villagers for opposing Yuan Shikai, feel that they had no way to serve their country!
When will Lord Yuan recruit soldiers again?

Just when this group of elite soldiers from Danyang were itching to take up arms and follow Lord Yuan into battle, the conscription order from Shouchun arrived.

At that time, Danyang was filled with cheers and jubilation!
Before other regions could even react, they used over ten thousand elite prisoners from Danyang as the main force, supplemented by several thousand new recruits from Danyang's hometown.

They picked up their swords and armor again, and spontaneously organized themselves into ranks under the command of former squad leaders, platoon leaders, and even military officers and captains. They brought their own weapons and food and marched in a great procession to Shouchun to join the army.

When Zhang Xun suddenly saw this well-trained army, they marched towards Shouchun with murderous intent.

Good heavens, he thought Liu Biao had invaded.

When Zhang Xun finally learned that they had spontaneously organized to join the army, he looked at Yan Xiang beside him with an expression of utter astonishment.

God knows!
So the claim that recruiting 20,000 new soldiers would be enough to defeat Liu Biao wasn't just a hoax.

What's that called? Hiding soldiers among the people and letting them train during the off-season for farming?
Zhang Xun had previously dismissed Yan Xiang's words as a joke.

After all, they can't delay the farming season. If they only train during their spare time, how many hours can they train in a month? What hope can they have for these new recruits?

But who would have thought!
Lord Yan's training of troops was so unique.

You're telling me you trained these battle-hardened elites, radiating murderous intent, during your off-season?
After a long moment of stunned silence, Zhang Xun let out a long sigh.

"Lord Yan is a man of great talent, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and his achievements are only now being recognized."

No wonder the lord often entrusted Yan Gong with matters in the rear. I never imagined that Yan Gong would be a figure like Jiang Shang of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

"I was blind to your greatness before; if I have offended you in any way, I hope Lord Yan will not take offense."

Yan Xiang blushed as he heard what he said. He was completely bewildered. Was this elite force in front of him really trained by me during the off-season for farming?

How come I don’t know?
Wait! Danyang! Oh right, it seems that the lord sent a batch of prisoners from Danyang from the front lines and ordered me to send them back home?

Could this also be part of the lord's changed plans? The Imperial Seal of the State is truly extraordinary!
With a silent sigh, Yan Xiang said to Zhang Xun:

"This is not my ability, but a divine weapon sent down by the Lord's mandate!"
General Zhang, with these 20,000 elite troops, can you defeat Liu Biao?

With such elite troops at his command, Zhang Xun laughed heartily, no longer hesitant as before. Full of vigor, he mounted his horse.

"There is no time to lose. I will lead my troops to reinforce Lujiang. This time, I will make sure that Wen Ping never returns."

When Zhang Xun arrived with 20,000 elite troops from Danyang, the battle at Lujiang had already reached a fever pitch.

Faced with the combined advance of 50,000 Jingzhou troops by land and water, Lujiang had already lost seven of its ten counties.

After all, no matter how tight Zhu Huan's defenses were or how abundant his supplies were, he only had five thousand county soldiers under his command.

Fortunately, Jiang Qin, the commander of Yuan Shu's navy, received the news and led 10,000 of his naval troops to the rescue, blocking the advance of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun on the Yangtze River.

This gave Zhu Huan a chance to catch his breath, allowing him to retreat to the rear counties time and time again, using the city walls to buy time while waiting for reinforcements.

This almost one-sided retreat finally stopped after Zhang Xun arrived.

The 20,000 elite troops of Danyang, spurred by their full pay and titles, were extremely powerful, while Yuan's army was on the defensive and held the advantage of terrain.

With such elite troops assisting Zhu Huan in his defense, Wen Ping was completely at a loss and felt deeply troubled.

These Danyang soldiers, in particular, were extremely bloodthirsty. Even though it was a defensive battle, they would often charge out for heads, returning with a full load of severed heads.

They could still manage a defensive counter-attack, which caused Wen Ping a lot of trouble.

"I never imagined Zhang Xun possessed such military tactics. He is indeed a man of equal renown to Ji Ling."

It's really strange of him. It's said that Yuan Shu fought from Cao Cao to Liu Bei, and then from Liu Bei to the Black Mountain bandits, fighting against several factions in the north, and was engaged in fierce battles with a group of warlords.

How could he have left such an elite and powerful army in the rear under such a pressing situation on the northern front?
　I'll take your advice. Yesterday, many comments expressed the desire to have the chapters published together, so from now on, I'll publish them as combined chapters.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)