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

Chapter 241 Invincibility is Victory: Yuan Shao Raids Liu Bei's Camp (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
Liu Bei did not stay in Chaoge City.

After leaving the five battalions of Guan Yu, Dian Wei, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Xu Chu, along with the Trapped Camp, to temporarily garrison Chaoge, he personally led the White Feather Army and the five battalions of Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, Ma Chao, and Taishi Ci to advance and set up camp ten miles south of Dangyin City.

Setting up camp so close to Yuan Shao and his troops in Dangyin City shows a complete disregard for Yuan Shao's authority, which is tantamount to mocking him by stepping on his face.

"That big-eared scoundrel has gone too far! Who dares to leave the city and raid our camp tonight?"

Yuan Shao summoned his advisors and generals, his handsome face contorted with rage.

Being mocked so closely, Yuan Shao's fierce generals were also quite angry. Han Meng and Han Xun were the first to step forward and volunteer to raid the camp.

Subsequently, five generals, Gongsun Du, Zhao Rui, Han Juzi, Lü Weihuang, and Sui Yuanjin, echoed and followed suit, all boasting that they would capture Liu Bei alive.

Compared to the resentment of Yuan Shao and his fierce generals, several strategists remained clear-headed.

Seeing the generals' indignation, Tian Feng hurriedly advised, "My lord, you mustn't! Liu Bei is brave and skilled in battle. Since he dared to set up camp ten miles away from the city, he must have laid an ambush to lure our army out of the city. Dangyin City has many soldiers and generals, which is enough to defend it. Why should we argue with Liu Bei over a moment's anger?"

The strategist Xun Chen also advised, "Liu Bei has ventured deep into enemy territory with his army alone; he must be plotting something. My lord, do not underestimate him. It is dark at night, and it will be difficult to discern his schemes. We should wait until tomorrow morning to send a large army to press forward, and we will surely force Liu Bei to retreat."

Han Meng sneered, "Both of you are speaking from the heart. As the art of war says, in all battles, one engages with the orthodox and wins with the unorthodox. Therefore, those skilled in using unorthodox tactics are as boundless as heaven and earth, as inexhaustible as rivers and seas. Liu Bei, relying on his constant victories, must also think that we dare not leave the city. I predict that he will not be on guard tonight!"

Tian Feng retorted angrily, "How can one rely on luck in warfare? Victory through both orthodox and unorthodox tactics is a matter of adaptability, not opportunism. Are you distorting military strategy and attempting to harm our lord and his soldiers?"

Han Meng sneered: "Military Advisor Tian, ​​since you are well-versed in military strategy, why were you defeated by Cao Cao first in Juancheng and then again in Dong'e? You lose every battle, yet you dare to teach me how to command troops?"

Han Xun also sneered: "In the past, Zhao Kuo was well-versed in military strategy and thought he could defeat the Qin army, but he was defeated and killed in his first battle. The way of war is not something you can just talk about on paper. When we attacked Gongsun Zan, we also made many achievements. Do you think we know less about war than you?"

The generals wanted to fight, while the strategists wanted to stop them. Yuan Shao frowned and asked the three supervising officers, Feng Ji, Chunyu Qiong, and Guo Tu, for their opinions.

Having witnessed Liu Bei's prowess many times, Feng Ji said, "My lord, I also believe that we should not raid the camp tonight. Liu Bei is always cautious and cunning; if we raid the camp, we may suffer losses."

Chunyu Qiong hesitated for a moment and did not speak.

Seeing that Feng Ji disagreed with the raid and Chunyu Qiong remained silent with his head down, Yuan Shao's brows furrowed even more.

Generals such as Han Meng and Han Xun also turned their criticisms toward Feng Ji, believing that Feng Ji was cowardly as a mouse and feared Liu Bei as a tiger, which greatly angered Feng Ji.

Just as the two sides were arguing, Guo Tu shouted, "My lord, I believe we should raid their camp tonight!"

Feng Ji's expression changed drastically, and he rebuked, "Guo Tu, you are unfamiliar with military affairs, how can you presume to talk about raiding the camp?"

Guo Tu ignored Feng Ji's reprimand, pointed to Han Meng and the others, and said to Yuan Shao, "My lord, although Dangyin City has many soldiers and generals, the morale of the various camps is low. This is because Liu Bei's past achievements were too fierce, which made the soldiers of the various camps fearful."

"With Liu Bei's military skills, he would surely be on guard against the lord's raid on the camp. However, tonight's raid is to boost morale, not to determine a temporary victory or defeat."

"For the generals and soldiers, not being defeated is a victory; therefore, tonight's raid on the camp only requires close planning from the front and rear, and even if there are some losses, it will not matter."

"If Liu Bei is truly arrogant, careless, and unprepared, our army's morale will be greatly boosted; if Liu Bei is prepared, after our army retreats safely, we can also announce to the entire army: tonight's raid on the camp was just a test."

"If it were a raid on Liu Bei's camp in the past, our army would have been defeated. However, if our army can retreat safely tonight, it is enough to prove that our army is not what it used to be, and Liu Bei is not invincible."

Han Meng was stunned: Guo Tu's words make a lot of sense.

Guo Tu's view that focused on morale rather than victory or defeat was refreshing for Yuan Shao.

Yes, why should I compete with Liu Bei for a temporary victory or defeat?

Raiding a camp is an ingenious plan. Winning is good, but losing is also predictable. If it is as Guo Tu said, it can also boost morale, so why not do it?

Thinking of this, Yuan Shao couldn't help but laugh heartily: "Supervisor Guo is right! If we can raid the camp tonight and not be defeated, we will be victorious."

Seeing Guo Tu's smug look, Feng Ji subconsciously clenched his fists, feeling extremely indignant: What a sycophant!
Guo Tu's strategy was extremely brilliant. It not only pleased Yuan Shao but also prevented Yuan Shao from being blamed and punished after the failed raid, because Guo Tu had even pointed out to Yuan Shao how to deal with the situation after the failure.

Feng Ji now felt like a legitimate girlfriend being humiliated by a scheming mistress. She was clearly making serious plans for Yuan Shao, but Guo Tu, this scheming woman, managed to win Yuan Shao's favor with her clever tricks.

In contrast, he himself was alienated by Yuan Shao because he was not as good at winning favor as Guo Tu.

In the past, when he was the chief strategist, Yuan Shao listened to his advice and followed it. Feng Ji was arrogant and condescending.

Now, having lost favor to Guo Tu and fallen to rock bottom, Feng Ji often offers honest but unpalatable advice.

[Guo Tu!]

Feng Ji felt increasingly angry.

At this moment, Guo Tu seemed to sense Feng Ji's anger and deliberately met Feng Ji's gaze, smugly provoking him.

Such behavior made Feng Ji secretly curse, "A petty person who has gained power."

Tian Feng and Xun Chen also looked at Guo Tu in surprise.

Although the two men did not agree with raiding the camp, they admired Guo Tu's reasoning that victory was the only measure of success. This reasoning was extremely reasonable, satisfying the generals' desire to fight while avoiding a major defeat from an ambush and boosting morale.

Once Guo Tu's theory on morale was put forward, all the reasons for not supporting the raid on the camp paled in comparison.

Seeing that no one objected to the raid, Yuan Shao was in high spirits and ordered, "Han Meng and Han Xun, listen to my command!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Han Meng and Han Xun stepped forward excitedly.

Yuan Shao gave the order: "Tonight, the two of you will lead the raid on the camp. You must remember what Supervisor Guo said: to avoid defeat is to win. If things go wrong, retreat immediately, and I will send someone to support you from the rear."

Subsequently.

Yuan Shao then instructed his five generals, Gongsun Du, Zhao Rui, Han Juzi, Lü Weihuang, and Sui Yuanjin, to lead their troops behind Han Meng and Han Xun and to rush out to their rescue should Han Meng and Han Xun be ambushed.

At last.

Yuan Shao had ordered Zhang He and Gao Lan to each lead a contingent of troops to provide support in case of any unforeseen events.

We must carefully implement Guo Tu's tactic of "not losing is winning".

A few years ago, Yuan Shao would have scoffed at the "not losing is winning" tactic, and might even have been annoyed by it.

However, Liu Bei's military achievements in recent years have been too dazzling. He has won every battle and is invincible. Even though Yuan Shao has increased his armor rate, he is not confident in fighting against Liu Bei.

If it weren't for the immense momentum Liu Bei's campaign to pacify Hebei, Yuan Shao wouldn't have dared to gather his troops for a decisive battle.

After the military order was issued, Guo Tu was left behind alone.

Guo Tu was overjoyed. Yuan Shao had spared him but not Feng Ji, which meant that Guo Tu was far more capable than Feng Ji. He glanced at Feng Ji, who was leaving with a venomous look in his eyes, and then gave him a defiant look, almost as if he wanted to shout at Feng Ji: Come and fight me!

Seeing this, Feng Ji felt a surge of frustration again.

With the plan to raid the camp in place, Han Meng, Han Xun, Gongsun Du, Zhao Rui, Han Juzi, Lü Weihuang, Sui Yuanjin, and Zhang He and Gao Lan's three armies made their own preparations.

Han Meng and Han Xun, who were in charge of leading the charge, were full of confidence.

If you win, you get the credit; if you lose, you won't be held accountable. There's no more comfortable way to raid a camp.

"With the support of Supervisor Guo today, we were able to seize the credit for raiding the camp. Tonight, we must show our might and not let Feng Ji underestimate us." Han Meng rubbed his fists together, clearly dissatisfied with Feng Ji's arrogance as the supervisor in the past.

Han Xun also said, "After Gongsun Zan was defeated, Feng Ji thought he was the number one person under the lord. If we had any different ideas, we would be scolded by Feng Ji. Fortunately, the lord was wise and let Supervisor Guo and Chunyu Qiong share Feng Ji's power, which is why we have this opportunity today."

Although Yuan Shao had consolidated his troops, many of his generals were dissatisfied with Feng Ji because Feng Ji was too arrogant.

In the past, Feng Ji, as the military supervisor, commanded great respect among the three armies, but they only dared to criticize him in private. Now that Guo Tu and Chunyu Qiong have taken over the power, Han Meng, Han Xun, and others have also begun to openly refute him instead of criticizing him in private.

Guo Tu's defense of Feng Ji today has made Han Meng and Han Xun despise Feng Ji even more.

They're both military supervisors, but look at Guo Tu and then at Feng Ji—the difference in their abilities is immediately apparent.

Gongsun Du, Zhao Rui, Han Juzi, Lü Weihuang, and Sui Yuanjin, the five generals, met privately and shared similar ideas with Han Meng and Han Xun.

The generals had been suppressed too much by Feng Ji and desperately needed an outlet for their frustration. Fortunately, Guo Tu arrived, giving them the opportunity to vent.

Compared to Han Meng and his seven generals, Zhang He and Gao Lan were not excited; instead, they were worried about Yuan Shao's gathering of troops to conquer Yin City.

“The art of war says, ‘To attack the mind is the best strategy, to attack the city is the worst.’ Liu Bei is well-versed in military strategy and must also know this principle. Therefore, for Liu Bei, sending us out of the city to fight is the best strategy.” Zhang He slowly expressed his concern: “If we raid Liu Bei’s camp tonight, we will surely fall into his ambush. Although Supervisor Guo said that ‘not being defeated is a victory,’ this is nothing but self-deception.”

Gao Lan also said, "That is true, but we are just ordinary people with little influence. Whether we attack or defend, we cannot convince our lord. You saw it today; it was our lord who wanted to raid the camp. Supervisor Guo was just following our lord's wishes and came up with the excuse of 'not losing is a victory.' Otherwise, if we had really lost tonight, our lord would have been ashamed and angry."

The two were filled with worry and sighed repeatedly.

At night.

Han Meng and Han Xun went first, followed by Gongsun Du, Zhao Rui, Han Juzi, Lü Weihuang, and Sui Yuanjin, with Zhang He and Gao Lan leaving the city last.

Ten miles wasn't too far. With the faint moonlight of the night, Han Meng and Han Xun didn't need torches for lighting. They gagged their horses and quietly made their way towards Liu Bei's camp.

Looking into the distance, Liu Bei's camp appeared dimly lit and sparsely guarded.

As they drew closer, they heard loud snoring coming from Liu Bei's camp.

"Liu Bei is so confident in his constant victories that he thinks we dare not leave the city! The defenses are so sparse, and judging from the snoring in his camp, there must be no ambush. Tonight, it's our turn to achieve this great feat." Han Meng was overjoyed and exchanged a hand gesture with Han Xun.

The two men led their troops closer stealthily, moved aside the deer antlers, and charged inside.

"General Han Meng is here!" Han Meng shouted, leading his troops straight into Liu Bei's camp. He set fires to create chaos while charging directly towards Liu Bei's central command tent.

Han Meng guessed correctly; Liu Bei did not set up an ambush tonight.

Although it was March, the nights near Dangyin were quite chilly, and Liu Bei did not want his soldiers to ambush outside the camp in a gamble on a night attack that might not even happen.

However, what Han Meng did not expect was that since Liu Bei had just become the Colonel of the Western Garden Army four years ago, there had been a tradition of practicing anti-night raids.

However, Liu Bei had always been victorious, and after four years of practice, he had never encountered a night attack. Tonight was the first real-world counter-night attack in those four years.

For the veterans of the Xiyuan Army who had long been the backbone of the Lingyan Army, there was an excitement that burst forth from their very bones.

After four years of sharpening, the knife is finally ready to use.

Since ancient times, night raids have been highly effective because they create chaos, making it impossible for the attacked troops to determine the size of the raiding force. In the chaos, soldiers are unaware of their commanders, and commanders are unaware of their own troops.

However, for Liu Bei's Lingyan Army, the first reaction after being attacked at night was to sound the horn, and then the soldiers helped each other to put on their armor and take up their weapons in the shortest possible time.

Then, in units of ten, they approached the Dubo, with a hundred men forming ranks to face the enemy.

There was no panic, only the excitement of young soldiers eager to kill the enemy.

Therefore, when Han Meng thought that setting fires would create chaos and allow him to march towards Liu Bei's central command tent, the Lingyan Army soldiers quickly donned their armor and took up their weapons amidst the chaos Han Meng had imagined.

When they were still halfway to the central command tent, the Lingyan Army's hundred-man formations had already launched an attack on the raiding troops, and these hundred-man formations were rapidly gathering and appearing like mushrooms after rain.

"what's the situation?"

Hearing the exclamations of his soldiers behind him, Han Meng turned around in astonishment and saw the most unbelievable scene he had ever witnessed since joining the army.

His five thousand infantry and cavalry were actually torn apart by a series of hundred-man formations?
Who's raiding whose camp?

Inside the central command tent, Liu Bei was still fast asleep, snoring loudly!
If Han Meng were to witness this scene, his mental state would undoubtedly collapse even further.

I'm here to raid their camp.

My troops have all entered the camp.

Can't you hear such loud shouts of killing?
You're still sleeping?
What surprised Han Meng even more was that Liu Bei's five battalions of troops were arranged in a plum blossom pattern around the central command tent. Apart from the hundred-man formation that appeared in the direction of the frontal attack, there was no movement in the other directions.

In other words, although Han Meng's raid on the camp alerted the five battalions, the other four battalions did not sound their horns; apart from the patrolling soldiers, the rest remained fast asleep.

Only the direction in which Han Meng attacked was being counterattacked.

It was as if Liu Bei's other camps had run out of troops and gone to ambush the enemy.

"Withdraw! Quickly withdraw!"

Han Meng could no longer suppress his fear.

"You think you can just come and run away? It's not that easy!"

A cold snort came from Zhao Yun, whose sweet dreams had been disturbed.

Zhao Yun has a terrible temper when he wakes up. How dare a bunch of cats and dogs raid his camp? Do they really think he's a tiger who doesn't show his power?
After Han Meng and Han Xun's five thousand infantry and cavalry were torn apart by Zhao Yun's twenty hundred-man formations, the soldiers and generals in the darkness did not know each other. After Han Meng gave the order to retreat, they panicked and ran away without thinking, making it seem as if Han Meng and Han Xun had been raided.

(End of this chapter)