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

Chapter 249 Liu Bei Attacks Ye City, Yuan Shao Cedes Territory to Sue for Peace (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
Without the supervision and oversight of his troops, Yuan's army was already showing signs of collapse.

At this moment, they encountered Cao Cao, who was falsely claiming to have 50,000 Qingzhou soldiers, and their remaining morale completely collapsed.

Those with warhorses fled towards Dangyin City.

Those without warhorses scattered in all directions in search of survival.

The remaining infantry either resisted stubbornly or knelt down and surrendered.

They came with great momentum, but left in utter defeat.

The battlefield is cruel, and its cruelty is beyond human control.

Gaining an advantage through sheer numbers can also lead to disadvantages due to disorganized and disorganized forces.

Liu Bei chose to pursue an elite force strategy because he was well aware of the drawbacks of having a large but disorganized army.

What constitutes elite troops?

In victory, one should remain humble and composed; in defeat, one should not be discouraged or disheartened. One should be able to avoid being greedy for credit or rushing ahead when victorious, and also maintain the same discipline and order as when going into battle when defeated.

They are elite troops!

If one only covets a large number of soldiers and generals without training them well, then in the event of defeat, the organization will easily fall into chaos.

This led to a situation where generals were unaware of their soldiers, and soldiers were unaware of their generals, resulting in more casualties from trampling on each other than from direct combat.

Even with an army of 100,000, and even with improvements in armor and weapons, they could hardly be called an elite force.

Once the supervising officer of the army dies unexpectedly, the remaining soldiers and officers will run around like headless flies.

In contrast, Liu Bei's Lingyan Army had a system where if a squad leader died, there would be a deputy squad leader clerk; if a captain died, there would be a deputy captain clerk; if a marshal died, there would be a marshal clerk clerk; and if the commander died, there would be a deputy commander to take over.

Everything follows a set method, and effective muscle memory is formed through long-term training and actual combat.

These are the true elites!

On the city wall of Dangyin, Yuan Shao stood with tears in his eyes.

Looking at the routed soldiers returning in panic, Yuan Shao couldn't help but sigh to the heavens: "A hundred thousand troops, yet they have been routed like this! How cruel Heaven is to me!"

Subconsciously, Yuan Shao thought of Tian Feng's words, "If we abandon strategic planning and try to decide victory or defeat in one battle, and if we fail to achieve our goal, then all will be lost!" He was overcome with grief.

"I regret not heeding Tian Feng's advice, which led to today's defeat."

Although he professed remorse, Yuan Shao felt even more ashamed.

Feng Ji, who was listening from the side, felt even more ashamed. At first, Feng Ji also advised Yuan Shao to hold his ground, but later, seeing that the opportunity was rare, Feng Ji changed his mind and took the initiative to attack.

Now that the army has been defeated, Feng Ji is even more terrified and sighs suddenly: "If Tian Feng hears of the lord's defeat, given his nature, he will surely clap his hands and laugh."

Yuan Shao remained silent.

Seeing that Yuan Shao remained silent, Feng Ji felt even more uneasy.

While Yuan Shao's reckless advance was certainly wrong, Feng Ji's misjudgment in commanding his troops was also a serious offense.

Thinking of this, Feng Ji apologized to Yuan Shao again, saying, "This defeat was all due to my poor command. I dare not ask for my life. I beg you, my lord, to remember my past achievements and treat my wife and children well. If so, I will have no regrets even if I die."

Feng Ji took the initiative to take responsibility for the defeat, which not only saved Yuan Shao's face but also made Yuan Shao feel that he was willing to die for him.

This behavior indeed softened Yuan Shao's heart.

“Yuan Tu has been with me for many years, and he has made great contributions and endured many hardships. If I punish Yuan Tu because of a temporary victory or defeat, wouldn’t I become a heartless and ungrateful person?” Yuan Shao sighed, trying to appease Feng Ji, his trusted confidant who had followed him for many years.

Having received the promise of being spared, Feng Ji secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I was suspicious before and presumptuously doubted Guo Tu. If Guo Tu were in the army today, he would surely have seen through Liu Bei's scheme. I wish to apologize to Guo Tu, and I ask that my lord grant me permission."

First he took the blame, then he admitted his mistake.

No leader could find fault with Feng Ji.

As for why he would rather apologize to Guo Tu than slander Tian Feng, it was because Guo Tu's return to Dangyin was a bet between him and Feng Ji, which did not involve Yuan Shao. However, if Tian Feng did not die, Yuan Shao would surely know that Feng Ji had secretly encouraged Tian Feng.

If someone acts one way in front of Yuan Shao and another way behind his back, and Yuan Shao finds out, even if Feng Ji has followed Yuan Shao for many years, he will not escape punishment.

really.

Seeing that Feng Jiyao had taken the initiative to apologize to Guo Tu, Yuan Shao was also pleased: "Yuan Tu and Gongze are both my right-hand men, and we cannot fight each other; although we were defeated this time, it also proves that Gongze did not have any secret dealings with Liu Bei."

Guo Tu's argument with Feng Ji, followed by his return to Dangyin City under the protection of Xun Chen and Feng Ji's confidants, provided him with a perfect alibi.

Even Feng Ji couldn't find any evidence that Guo Tu was colluding with Liu Bei.

Aside from being sent by Liu Bei to incite Yuan Shao to send troops, there is absolutely no evidence that Guo Tu had any secret dealings with Liu Bei.

Although Feng Ji still harbors suspicions about Guo Tu, given the current situation, it is better to befriend Guo Tu than to doubt him. Only by securing Yuan Shao's trust can he have a bright future.

Otherwise, they would end up like Tian Feng, imprisoned and framed by slander, ultimately losing not only their promising future but also their very survival.

As the defeated soldiers returned to the city one after another, Yuan Shao also received news of the deaths of the supervising officers Chunyu Qiong and Meng Dai, which made him even more grief-stricken.

Both Chunyu Qiong and Meng Dai were trusted confidants whom Yuan Shao could rely on.

However, both of them died in this battle!
For Yuan Shao, this was even more heartbreaking than the defeat of his 100,000-strong army.

Soldiers can be recruited again, but Chunyu Qiong and Meng Dai cannot be brought back to life once they are dead.

Without time and effort, it is difficult to cultivate loyal confidants.

Despite the fact that Hebei generals like Zhang He and Gao Lan claimed to be willing to die for Yuan Shao, they were actually more concerned with weighing the pros and cons.

The biggest reason is that the Hebei generals have not followed Yuan Shao for long enough and have not yet received enough favors from him. It is not human nature to expect them to risk their lives for Yuan Shao.

Just like Han Meng, who was spared by Yuan Shao after his failed raid, he should have repaid Yuan Shao with his life.

However, after witnessing Guan Yu's extraordinary feat of slaying Chunyu Qiong amidst a vast army, Han Meng directly submitted to Guan Yu.

Yuan Shao suffered heavy losses.

Since Han Meng's raid on the camp, Han Xun, Gongsun Du, and Zhao Rui have been killed by Zhao Yun, Wang Mo by Liu Bei, Chunyu Qiong by Guan Yu, Meng Dai by Zhang Fei, Wang Men, He Mao, and Lü Weihuang have died in the chaos of battle, Han Meng has surrendered, Xianyu Fu has been captured after being seriously wounded, and Xianyu Yin, Qi Zhou, Tian Chou, and Tian Yu, who were attacking Chaoge, have surrendered due to exhaustion.

Less than half of the soldiers returned!
After such a crushing defeat, Yuan Shao will not be able to raise an army to march south again for several years!

One side is worried, the other side is happy.

The greater Yuan Shao's losses, the greater Liu Bei's gains.

In addition to a large amount of supplies and provisions, Liu Bei's side beheaded more than 10,000 people and captured more than 20,000.

Compared to his victories, Liu Bei's personal command of troops to launch a surprise attack on Yuan Shao's central army and his subsequent defeat of Yuan Shao's generals greatly enhanced his prestige within the army!
For an emperor on horseback, military might far surpassing that of his generals could firmly suppress arrogant and fierce soldiers as well as rebellious forces in various prefectures and counties.

Inside Chaoge City.

Liu Bei held a banquet to celebrate his victory and reward his troops.

Liu Bei was never stingy with rewards for the soldiers of the Lingyan Army.

Liu Bei would never do something like making a horse run without feeding it.

Ideals are ideals, reality is reality.

Talking only about ideals without discussing reality is being a rogue; talking only about reality without discussing ideals is raising bandits. Only by combining the two can we truly build an elite army that serves the country and its people.

Three days later.

Liu Bei once again led his troops towards Dangyin.

The Yuan soldiers on the city wall were already terrified. However, Yuan Shao was not in Dangyin City.

Upon learning that Liu Bei's army was heading towards Dangyin City, Yuan Shao crossed the river overnight and returned to Ye City, withdrawing most of his troops from Dangyin City.

Only a little over a thousand people were left to guard the city walls.

After a brief standoff, the junior officer stationed on the city wall could no longer suppress his fear and chose to open the gates and surrender.

After capturing Dangyin City, Liu Bei continued his northward advance towards Anyang.

The general defending Anyang dared not engage Liu Bei in battle and could only abandon the city and flee in panic.

After conquering Dangyin City and Anyang City, there was no longer any protection for the southern part of Ye City.

Liu Bei's massive army appeared outside Ye City.

"Yuan Shao, come out! Let's settle this once and for all!"

Liu Bei, clad in armor and wielding a spear, rode his horse beneath the walls of Ye City.

Compared to his previous challenge at Dangyin City, Liu Bei's challenge this time was swift and decisive.

Last time, our forces were inferior to Yuan Shao's, so we had to use verbal attacks to provoke Yuan Shao to leave the city.

This time, their military strength surpasses that of Yuan Shao, and they anticipate that Yuan Shao will not dare to leave the city, thus they are even more afraid of being intimidated.

Seeing Liu Bei relentlessly pursuing them below the city, Yuan Shao was both angry and helpless.

The situation is better than people.

Aside from being sullen and angry, Yuan Shao was unable to even use his verbal skills effectively.

"The people in the city are in a state of panic, and the morale of both the army and the people is on the verge of collapse. Even though Ye City is easy to defend and difficult to attack, it is hard to guarantee that someone will not sneak open the city gates."

Yuan Shao looked solemnly at Liu Bei, who was swaggering around the city below, his tone filled with worry.

"My lord, perhaps you could cede territory to sue for peace and give up Wei Commandery," Guo Tu whispered, offering his suggestion.

"Cease territory to make peace?" Yuan Shao looked at Guo Tu in astonishment: "Even if I were willing to agree, would Liu Bei be happy about it?"

Guo Tu carefully chose his words: "Ye City is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, summer is approaching, and the soldiers will find it hard to endure the heat. If Liu Bei does not want to suffer too many losses, he will surely agree."

This time, Feng Ji did not refute Guo Tu, but echoed, "My lord, I also think that we can try to cede territory to make peace. If Liu Bei refuses, it is not too late to fight again."

Yuan Shao frowned: "Although ceding territory to make peace can ensure temporary stability, Liu Bei will come again when the autumn chill sets in after summer. What will we do then?"

To cede five cities today, ten cities tomorrow, and then have a night's rest—this is the path to national ruin.

Yuan Shao did not want to sit idly by and wait for his death.

"No," Guo Tu said again. "The previous battle was actually a miscalculation; if Liu Bei hadn't been more cunning, he would have ceded territory to make peace today."

"If my lord has a chance to catch his breath, he can use Julu as a shield and leave a general to guard it; my lord should then retreat to Nanpi and regroup the troops of You and Ji."

"Young Master Tan is currently in Qingzhou, and Gao Gan is currently in Bingzhou. Both of them have troops under their command, which can be of use. Once summer is over, the troops of Wuhuan King Tadun should also arrive in Nanpi."

"We'll fight again when it gets cooler in the autumn; the outcome is still uncertain!"

Although Yuan Shao's brows relaxed, his worry remained: "If we cede territory to sue for peace, who will be able to defend Julu?"

"Tian Feng!" Guo Tu said without hesitation.

Yuan Shao originally intended to kill Tian Feng, but Guo Tu saved Tian Feng at the crucial moment, believing that Tian Feng's crime did not warrant death.

It wasn't that Guo Tu particularly admired Tian Feng, but rather that he couldn't sleep soundly because Feng Ji was still alive. Although Feng Ji had apologized to Guo Tu, Guo Tu didn't trust him. Therefore, befriending Tian Feng was a way for Guo Tu to use Tian Feng to deal with Feng Ji.

"With Tian Feng's abilities, he is quite suitable to guard Julu." Yuan Shao was persuaded by Guo Tu, and then asked, "Who can be sent as envoy?"

When Yuan Shao glanced at him, Feng Ji lowered his head and remained silent.

Feng Ji had no confidence in persuading Liu Bei to cede territory and sue for peace, and was even more afraid that Liu Bei would kill him.

Xin Ping and Xin Pi also lowered their heads, not daring to meet Yuan Shao's gaze.

Seeing this, Guo Tu volunteered, saying, "Since I proposed this plan, I should be the one to go."

Yuan Shao was deeply moved: "Gongze has worked so hard to devise plans for me, and he is not afraid of death. If he can persuade Liu Bei to stop his troops, I will never forget Gongze's contribution."

Subsequently.

Guo Tu then left the city under a banner, rode up to Liu Bei, bowed, and whispered, "Your Majesty, Yuan Shao is willing to cede territory to sue for peace and cede Wei Commandery, only wishing for a truce between the two sides."

"Who offered this strategy?" Liu Bei looked up at Yuan Shao on the city wall and asked.

Guo Tu dared not conceal the truth and said, "This plan was proposed by me. Summer is approaching, and if His Majesty launches a strong attack on Ye City, he will suffer heavy losses. Therefore, I persuaded Yuan Shao to cede Wei Commandery and leave Tian Feng to guard Julu. Yuan Shao then retreated to Nanpi to gain a respite and wait for the autumn to cool down before launching another attack."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, once I help Yuan Shao restore his morale, I will surely be able to persuade him to leave the city and fight against Your Majesty again."

Guo Tu was very respectful.

Yuan Shao and others believed that Guo Tu was trying to persuade Liu Bei by compromising his principles. However, Guo Tu knew in his heart that he was making a decision on his own initiative. If Liu Bei became angry because of this, his future would be unpredictable.

"Well done." Liu Bei did not blame Guo Tu for making the decision on his own; on the contrary, he praised Guo Tu.

If Yuan Shao could voluntarily withdraw from Ye City, the soldiers would not have to suffer.

If Yuan Shao insisted on holding Ye City, Liu Bei, considering the summer heat and the major defeat of Yuan Shao's main force, would likely take the initiative to withdraw his troops.

Guo Tu's ability to persuade Yuan Shao to abandon Wei Commandery exceeded Liu Bei's expectations.

"Your task from now on is to persuade Yuan Shao to switch from offense to defense, and even if there is a golden opportunity, you must stop Yuan Shao from launching a military campaign southward. As before, you can use any strategy other than stopping Yuan Shao from launching a military campaign southward. Such as 'building high walls and storing up grain,' 'promoting education,' 'selecting virtuous and capable officials,' 'strengthening the army and preparing for war,' 'opening up markets and trade,' etc., you can offer them all." Liu Bei changed Guo Tu's task.

Guo Tu was overjoyed.

Whether it was urging Yuan Shao to send troops or preventing him from doing so, Guo Tu could always come up with enough reasons.

Furthermore, Liu Bei did not require Guo Tu to cause trouble under Yuan Shao's command, but instead actively increased Yuan Shao's overall strength. By all accounts, Guo Tu was Yuan Shao's most loyal, capable, and virtuous minister.

Subsequently.

Liu Bei then instructed Guo Tu to use his eloquence to feign persuasion and delay the inevitable, so as to avoid arousing suspicion from Yuan Shao and others due to the short time available.

Guo Tu racked his brains, speaking until his mouth was dry.

About half an hour later, Liu Bei was finally "persuaded" by Guo Tu.

Then Liu Bei shouted to Yuan Shao on the city wall: "Yuan Shao, considering the suffering of the people, I will temporarily cease hostilities and give you a month to withdraw from Wei Commandery."

"You had better keep your promise and not even think of breaking it. Don't think that just because Ye City is easy to defend and difficult to attack, I can't do anything to you. Summer is approaching, and the Zhang River will rise. If you break your promise, I will definitely drain the Zhang River and flood Ye City!"

Yuan Shao was horrified.

In fact, when Guo Tu proposed ceding territory to sue for peace, Yuan Shao also had the idea of ​​breaking his promise.

Ye City is easy to defend and difficult to attack. If we can get a chance to regroup and reorganize the morale of the army and the people, we can defend it again.

However, Liu Bei's words, "Drain the Zhang River to flood Ye City," directly dispelled Yuan Shao's hopes.

Fire and water are merciless.

If Liu Bei had dug a deep moat around Ye City and diverted the Zhang River into it, he could have completely severed the connection between Ye City and the outside world.

At that time, Ye City will be completely isolated!

(End of this chapter)