Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 141 Fighting Yuan Shu Requires Speed, Accuracy, and Ruthlessness; Liu Bei Unleashes His Power (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
Xinye.

Banners fluttered, bearing the inscription "Marquis of Wucheng, Grand Prefect of Changsha".

When Yuan Shao's proclamation reached Changsha, Sun Jian, who already harbored resentment towards Dong Zhuo, patted his chest and lamented that Zhang Wen had not heeded his advice, which led to this disaster.

Sun Jian did not doubt much and believed Yuan Shao's proclamation, so he went north from Changsha, intending to enter Luyang and join forces with Yuan Shu.

Because Wang Rui, the governor of Jingzhou, had always been disrespectful to Sun Jian and was at odds with Cao Yin, the prefect of Wuling, he wanted to use the opportunity of attacking Dong Zhuo to lure Sun Jian into killing Cao Yin, the prefect of Wuling.

Fearing execution, Cao Yin forged a proclamation from Wen Yi, the Grand Master of Ceremonies in charge of the case, ordering Sun Jian to kill Wang Rui.

Sun Jian was already annoyed by Wang Rui's rudeness and also resented Wang Rui's wanton instigation, so he pretended to know nothing and obeyed Cao Yin's proclamation, directly forcing Wang Rui to commit suicide and annexing his people.

They then gathered troops along the way, and by the time they reached Xinye, they had more than 30,000 men.

However, these 30,000-plus troops were not all capable soldiers. Apart from the troops from Changsha headquarters, they were almost all county soldiers and private soldiers of local strongmen who gathered along the way.

It will take time to reorganize and build up combat effectiveness.

Sun Jian originally planned to reorganize his troops in Luyang, but as soon as he arrived in Xinye, Yuan Shu sent someone with a military order.

"Who is it that plotted against Lord Yuan to kill me?"

Seeing the military order that ordered "select elite troops to quickly seize Wuguan and launch a surprise attack on Chang'an," Sun Jian was furious.

From Xinye to Wuguan, it is more than 400 li, and from Wuguan to Chang'an, it is more than 300 li. The route is not a smooth road.

Sun Jian had marched all the way from Changsha, and his soldiers were exhausted and had not yet rested.

Now Yuan Shu wants Sun Jian to make a 800-mile raid on Chang'an.

If he hadn't been out of Luyang, Sun Jian would have really wanted to draw his sword, put it to the other man's neck, and shout: "You son of a bitch, are you trying to harm me?"

“Military orders are absolute and cannot be disobeyed. At this time, Lord Yuan should also be reorganizing his troops and preparing to enter Guanzhong. If Lord Sun does not obey the order to seize Wuguan, it may arouse Lord Yuan's suspicion.” Chief Secretary Gong Qiu Cheng glanced at the military order and frowned.

Taking a deep breath, Sun Jian suppressed his anger and said, "We must seize Wuguan Pass, but we don't need to rush to Chang'an."

"Although the person who offered the advice was unfamiliar with military affairs and did not understand how risky the 800-mile raid on Chang'an was, his analysis of the overall situation was reasonable."

"If Yuan Gonghui adopts the strategy of rushing to Chang'an, he will be unable to conquer Yingchuan and will have to choose another ingenious strategy."

"If we can capture Wuguan, Yuan Shao will have the opportunity to enter Guanzhong and attack Luoyang. Once Yuan Shao's army arrives at Wuguan, we can take Chang'an with a regular attack. Why would we need to launch a surprise attack?"

Having served in the military for many years, Sun Jian was also a decisive person.

After confirming that Yang Hong's strategy was reasonable, Sun Jian ordered Gong Choucheng to prepare provisions, and then selected 2,000 elite troops from his more than 30,000 men.

He also left his half-brother Sun Jing in Xinye to continue reorganizing the troops.

Since he was going to use the force of a regular army, he couldn't rely on just two thousand elite troops. Sun Jian was prepared to bring all the thirty thousand or so men he could.

With over 30,000 troops at your disposal, only a fool would attempt a surprise attack with elite forces.

After instructing Sun Jing, Sun Jian led two thousand elite troops to Wuguan Pass.

Sun Jian's army marched very quickly, reaching Wuguan Pass in just three days and capturing it with ease.

Because the capture of Wuguan was too easy, Sun Jian couldn't help but become suspicious.

The Allied forces have been launching an attack on Dong Zhuo and Liu Bei for more than a month, yet Liu Bei in Chang'an has not even laid a defense on Wuguan Pass.

Was it that they genuinely hadn't considered the possibility of Yuan Shu attacking Chang'an, or were they confident that Yuan Shu would enter Guanzhong through Wuguan Pass without fear?

In fact, Liu Bei never expected Yuan Shu to launch a surprise attack on Chang'an, nor did he intend to waste his troops on Wuguan Pass.

Liu Bei had only one thought about Nanyang: "People of Nanyang, come to Guanzhong, the more the better, Guanzhong welcomes you."

Not to mention deploying troops at Wuguan, even Xu Huang and others, who were stationed in the area from Chang'an to Wuguan to maintain order, could not easily appear in front of the people of Nanyang, lest they scare them away.

Xu Huang would only lead troops to punish the troublesome powerful families when conflicts arose with the people of Nanyang and the minor officials and soldiers of the post station could not resolve the situation.

soon.

This is where Sun Jian's problem arises.

Normally, Wuguan Pass is unobstructed.

Liu Bei also thoughtfully set up post stations inside Wuguan Pass to guide the people of Nanyang into the pass in an orderly manner. The process of purchasing land, houses and grain was also arranged in an orderly manner, which can be called the Han Dynasty version of move-in ready.

Suddenly, Sun Jian, the Marquis of Wucheng and Prefect of Changsha, appeared out of nowhere and occupied the pass, preventing the people of Nanyang from entering Guanzhong smoothly.

Soon after, a series of curses and insults rang out from behind the gate.

"Damn it! Where did this scoundrel come from? Get out of my way!"

"If you want to punish Dong Zhuo, then go and fight Dong Zhuo! Why are you coming to Wuguan to block us?"

"I am from the Yin clan of Nanyang. Do you understand? The Yin clan of Empress Guanglie. We are about to enter the pass, and you dare to stop us?"

"I've sold all my fields and houses in Nanyang. If you don't let me enter Guanzhong, where am I supposed to go? Who do you think you are! Open the gates now!"

"You dare call yourself a marquis? Marquis of Wucheng? You're more like a tortoise marquis! You're a disgrace!"

"."

Hearing the excited voices of the crowd below Wuguan Pass and the increasingly vulgar language, Sun Jian's face gradually turned liver-colored.

"War is brewing here. I kindly asked you to disperse, but instead of being grateful, you insulted me and obstructed my military affairs?"

Sun Jian stood at the pass and roared angrily, completely unable to understand why the group of people below the pass were so difficult to deal with. If it were anyone else, would they have tried to persuade him with the same kind words as he had?

However, Sun Jian's words did not elicit gratitude from the people of Nanyang, who instead hurled even more vulgar insults at him.

Those vicious words almost turned Sun Jian into a pile of filth.

"Archer!"

Sun Jianshi could no longer contain himself and roared angrily.

"If you don't leave now, don't blame me for being heartless!"

Seeing the archers drawing their bows and nocking their arrows, the people of Nanyang were indignant but could only leave helplessly.

Watching the departing people of Nanyang, Sun Jian's anger flared even more, and he angrily smashed his helmet on the ground.

"Which stupid thief ruined my life?!"

"If I find out, I will not let you off easily!"

"Damn it!"

Sun Jian was furious.

Fortunately, they didn't blindly rush to Chang'an. With the enthusiasm of the people of Nanyang, they would probably have welcomed Liu Bei's army with food and drink as soon as they arrived!

This is what you call a raid?

If Sun Jian knew about Yang Hong's various analyses when offering his strategy, and also knew about Zhang Xun's statement that "the people of Guanzhong will surely welcome the king's army with food and drink," he would probably want to grab Zhang Xun by the neck and demand: Who is welcoming whom?
Meanwhile, inside Wuguan Pass.

Xu Huang also received news of the capture of Wuguan Pass. Seeing the banner fluttering at the pass reading "Marquis of Wucheng, Prefect of Changsha, Sun," Xu Huang was astonished. "Who is this? Attacking Guanzhong? Such courage!"

Since following Liu Bei, Xu Huang had never seen Liu Bei lose.

At the beginning, Xu Huang asked Liu Bei whether he should send troops to guard Wuguan Pass. Liu Bei's answer was also very direct: Why guard that broken pass? Are you bored?
As time went on, Xu Huang also figured it out.

If troops are sent to guard Wuguan, the people of Nanyang will mistakenly believe that Yuan Shu will attack Wuguan and will be too afraid to enter the pass.

Even if Wuguan is defended, as long as Liu Bei wants the people of Nanyang to enter the pass, he will inevitably be unable to prevent spies. If Yuan Shu were to sneak through the pass in disguise, Liu Bei would still lose the brave soldiers of Yongzhou.

As the saying goes, "An incompetent general can cause the death of his entire army."

It is foolish to let a soldier die because of the commander's wrong decision.

Furthermore, the gateway to Chang'an from Wuguan is Yaoguan Pass. With Yaoguan Pass in hand, there is no fear of evil spirits.

After a moment's thought, Xu Huang sent a messenger to Liu Bei in Chang'an, while simultaneously ordering the officials and soldiers at the post stations along the way to escort the Nanyang people who had already entered the pass back to avoid being affected.

Xu Huang then assembled the troops of the Left Battalion and hid them in the mountains to observe the situation.

The scouts quickly returned to Chang'an.

Upon learning that "Marquis of Wucheng and Prefect of Changsha, Sun, have seized Wuguan Pass," Liu Bei took a while to recover from the shock.

He then angrily retorted, "Sun Jian is seizing Wuguan? Is Yuan Shu out of his mind? He can't even beat Luoyang, he can't take Yingchuan, and he still wants to launch a sneak attack on Chang'an?"

Liu Bei quickly guessed the reason why Sun Jian seized Wuguan Pass: Yuan Shu was unable to make any progress in Luyang and, having discovered that Wuguan Pass was undefended, wanted to launch a surprise attack on Chang'an.

Liu Bei was furious.

This resentment wasn't because no one was sent to guard Wuguan, but because Yuan Shu underestimated him.

Yuan Shu's meaning was essentially: Dong Zhuo is too strong, and I can't even beat Huang Wan, so I have no choice but to bully the weakest one, Liu Bei.

Liu Bei could tolerate other things, but he simply couldn't tolerate this.

Liu Bei's thinking was actually quite simple: I am confident that although the heroes are shouting loudly, they are all a bunch of rabble and none of them can defeat me. So I don't care at all whether Wuguan is defended or not. What I care about is whether the people of Nanyang can feel my goodwill.

If the project hadn't been so massive, Liu Bei would have liked to widen the gates of Wuguan Pass a few more times, so that the people of Nanyang could enter the pass more quickly.

However, in Yuan Shu's eyes, Liu Bei was the weakest and easiest to defeat!

"Good! Good! Good!"

"That scoundrel Yuan Shu, is this how you play the game?!"

"This time, if I don't make you tremble at the mere mention of my name, I'll write my title of 'Imperial Uncle' backwards!"

Liu Bei first sent his scouts back to Xu Huang, instructing them to hide their troops and remain inactive.

He then summoned Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and others from the city, and sent someone to recall Dian Wei, who was patrolling in the direction of Beidi County.

Upon learning that Yuan Shu intended to launch a surprise attack on Chang'an, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, Jian Yong, Yan Zhong, Liang Yan, and Yang Kuo all wore strange expressions.

Strange things happen every year, especially this year.

Where did Yuan Shu get the confidence to launch a surprise attack on Chang'an?

"Brother, I haven't had much to do lately, and I'd like to stretch my muscles a bit." Guan Yu clenched his fist.

After gaining an understanding of government affairs, Guan Yu no longer worked himself to the bone day and night, and delegated most of the government affairs to officials from various prefectures such as Jian Yong, Yan Zhong, Liang Yan, and Yang Kuo.

Guan Yu also had more time to read books, practice martial arts, and communicate privately with officials of all ranks in the state and government, which led him to discover shortcomings in government affairs.

Although his political skills had improved, Guan Yu still preferred military affairs.

However, although Guanzhong faces some external threats, they are not numerous.

Zhang Fei was sent to quell the Qiang strife in Hanyang Commandery, while Jia Xu was lying in wait in Chencang. Zhao Yun and Dian Wei were also on patrol in Anding Commandery, Beidi Commandery, and Fengyi Commandery north of Chang'an.

Even the White Wave bandits of Hedong were sent by Zhang Liao to assist him.

This external threat is not something Guan Yu can possibly face.

after all.

Guan Yu has already taken over as the acting governor of Yongzhou, and his achievements should be recorded in the merit book. He can't take away his brothers' little chance to make contributions.

I thought this year was over, but I never expected to have a chance to make a great contribution at the end of the year.

Guan Yu didn't want to miss out on anything.

Whether it's Yuan Shu or Sun Jian, once they arrive, they'll have to stay and get a beating before they can leave.

Before Liu Bei could even give his approval, Zhao Yun was already eager to help, and his reasoning was quite sound: "Second Brother, why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? This is a minor problem, and you don't need to lift a finger. I am willing to lead the troops to repel the enemy for you!"

Guan Yu raised an eyebrow: "A minor problem? That's Yuan Shu! The descendant of four generations of high-ranking officials, Yuan Shu whose disciples and former subordinates are all over the land! Fourth brother, it's not that I'm determined to take him from you!"

"As my elder brother often says, we can despise the enemy strategically, but we must take the enemy seriously tactically. Although I admire your contempt for Yuan Shu, I must still take Yuan Shu seriously tactically and never be arrogant or careless!"

Despite Guan Yu's seemingly eloquent and seemingly disdainful yet respectful words, he was actually trying to steal credit from Zhao Yun.

Upon hearing Guan Yu's earnest attempt to claim credit, Zhao Yun didn't hold back: "Second Brother, since ancient times, great generals have been in command, strategizing within the tent and winning battles a thousand miles away. This dangerous task of charging into battle is entrusted to me. Second Brother, you stay in the city and watch me repel the enemy!"

Guan Yu stepped forward and grasped Zhao Yun's hand, secretly tightening his grip: "Fourth brother. Your elder brother is the one in charge, and strategizing is what you should be doing."

Zhao Yun also put in his effort, saying, "Second Brother is right. Eldest Brother is the true general in charge, so Yun and Eldest Brother led the troops to retreat; Second Brother is acting governor of Yongzhou, and Second Brother is stationed in the city."

"Do you really want to compete with me?" Guan Yu asked again, exerting his strength.

"Second Brother, the overall situation is more important!" Zhao Yun also increased his strength.

Seeing the two fighting, Liu Bei chuckled, grabbed one of their wrists with each hand, and moved the two who were secretly struggling apart, saying, "Why fight? This time, you two will both come with me to kill the enemy."

Guan Yu was taken aback: "Then who will guard the city?"

"Of course it's General Zuo," Liu Bei replied without hesitation.

Guan Yu subconsciously stroked his long beard: "Brother, it's a bit too much to let General Zuo guard the city when there's trouble, and then leave him idle when there's no trouble—"

Liu Bei glared at him: "What do you mean 'too'? If it weren't for me, given Dong Zhuo's character, he would have sent General Zuo to Luoyang to be a city gate captain as a form of humiliation."

"I only let General Zuo help me defend the city occasionally, and I provide him with good food and drink on ordinary days. Shouldn't General Zuo be grateful to me?"

Guan Yu thought about it and it seemed to make sense, so he said, "In that case, I will be the vanguard and fight Sun Jian first, while my fourth brother will protect me and lead the rear guard."

Liu Bei waved his hand: "Second brother, when it comes to fighting, you can't just think about killing each other. Sometimes you have to consider human relationships and social dynamics. Sun Jian is at Wuguan now. Why are you attacking him?"

Guan Yu was stunned again: "Why can't we fight? Sun Jian is clearly Yuan Shu's vanguard, so we should first blunt his momentum. Could it be that you have a past relationship with Sun Jian, brother?"

Jian Yong, who was standing to the side, said, "Sun Jian is the governor of Changsha. He should not be very clear about the situation in Luoyang. It is more likely that he was misled by Yuan Shao and others and raised troops in response."

"When Zhang Wen, the Commandant of the Capital Region, was attacking Bian Zhang, he requested that Sun Jian serve as his military advisor. Could it be that Xuande (Liu Bei) wanted Zhang Wen to persuade Sun Jian to withdraw his troops?"

Liu Bei nodded and smiled, "Sun Jian is brave and skilled in battle, and he knows the terrain of Guanzhong very well. If we really fight, although I can win, the casualties of my soldiers will be considerable. Since we can talk about human relationships and worldly affairs, why bother with fighting and killing?"

(End of this chapter)