Free Web NovelChapter 275: Capture East County (Part 1)
Yanzhou, within the city of Dongjun.
A peaceful and harmonious atmosphere enveloped the entire city.
As Cao Cao’s initial base of operations in Yanzhou, Dongjun’s prosperity far surpassed that of other counties in Yanzhou.
There was no helping it; this was the difference between a favored son and an adopted one.
Naturally, Cao Cao would prioritize the development of Dongjun. Moreover, when Cao Cao went on his expedition to Xuzhou, he placed his wife and family in the city of Dongjun.
It can be imagined how anxious Cao Cao would be if Dongjun were to fall.
This is why Guo Jia decided to launch the first surprise attack on Yanzhou at Dongjun.
Dongjun symbolized Cao Cao’s authority in Yanzhou. If Dongjun fell, the soldiers and gentry who had previously surrendered to Cao Cao in Yanzhou would start having second thoughts.
After all, Long Chen represented the legitimate authority of the Han Dynasty. The gentry of Yanzhou were originally loyal to the Han. If Long Chen could take Dongjun, it would demonstrate his capabilities and strength.
This would make the gentry more inclined to pledge allegiance to Long Chen.
Within the peaceful and harmonious Dongjun city, people were bustling about, and the sounds of vendors echoed to the sky, showcasing the prosperity of Dongjun.
However, none of the citizens in the city realized that a large group of light cavalry was lying in ambush in the distant mountain forests, watching them like hungry tigers.
These light cavalry were mostly former subordinates of Lü Bu, all being Bingzhou cavalry, including three thousand Bingzhou wolf riders, whose ferocity even surpassed that of Long Chen’s personal guards, the Tiger Ben Army.
At this moment, these wolf riders were silently observing the distant scene behind Lü Bu, their bloodthirsty eyes betraying their eagerness to charge into battle.
Lü Bu also wanted to take advantage of the open city gates and charge in.
In the morning, almost every city would open its gates to allow merchants and commoners from outside to enter and trade.
To enter the city, one needed to pay an entry tax, which was a part of the city’s revenue.
Generally, unless there was a war in the region, the city gates would be open.
Lü Bu wanted to seize this opportunity to charge in.
But the strategist Guo Jia said:
"Our army is still some distance from the city gate. If our light cavalry rushes forward with great fanfare, they will be discovered before reaching half the distance, and the gates will be closed."
"At that time, our cavalry would become easy targets for the city defenders."
Dongjun city was not as weak as other cities in Yanzhou. The garrison in Dongjun comprised Cao Cao’s elite troops.
Although the number of defenders was not large, only about five thousand, they were sufficient to defend the city.
With the strength of Dongjun’s fortifications, even ten times the number of defending troops could drive out any invaders.
Furthermore, the commander of Dongjun’s garrison was Yue Jin, a general under Cao Cao renowned for his bravery.
In history, Yue Jin followed Cao Cao in his campaigns across the land.
During the Battle of Guandu, he killed Chunyu Qiong, a general under Yuan Shao.
He also defeated Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang at Liyang, killing their general Yan Jing.
He greatly defeated the Yellow Turbans, Yongnu, and Guan Cheng.
After Liu Bei entered Shu, Yue Jin repelled Guan Yu and Su Fei, subdued the southern county barbarians, and defeated Liu Bei’s prefects at Linju and Jingyang. Later, he followed Cao Cao in the campaign against Sun Quan and was granted a ceremonial command.
He was one of the Five Elite Generals, truly extraordinary.
Guo Jia’s scouts reported the gathered intelligence, and after hearing it, Guo Jia shook his feather fan and stroked his beard.
Upon hearing Yue Jin’s name, the flamboyantly dressed Lü Bu raised his proud head and coldly snorted:
"Just a nobody. If the strategist gives me three thousand troops, I can take the city and bring back Yue Jin’s head."
Lü Bu requested the battle, his eyes shining brightly, like two sharp swords.
Guo Jia said nothing, slightly shaking his head, and denied the request. freewebnσvel.cѳm
"General Lü, don’t be impulsive. There will be opportunities for you to charge into battle later."
Lü Bu had no choice but to drop his arms and pout.
Had it not been for Long Chen repeatedly instructing Lü Bu not to act recklessly, he would have charged with his Bingzhou wolf riders long ago, without caring about Guo Jia’s opinion.
But Guo Jia’s caution had its reasons.
Siege warfare is not like open field battles; the attackers face significant constraints and suffer the most casualties.
Dongjun’s fortifications were strong, with walls made of iron. Forcibly attacking would require many lives to breach the city.
Even with the bravery of generals like Lü Bu and Zhang Liao, the defenders were not weak either.
Generals like Yue Jin and advisors like Cheng Yu and Xun Yu would play a significant role in the defense.
Thus, Guo Jia had to proceed cautiously and ensure that once the siege began, Dongjun would be taken swiftly and decisively.
If the situation stalemates, the other counties and cities in Yanzhou will not remain inactive. At that time, tens of thousands of troops will gather, tying down Guo Jia’s army in Yanzhou, which would be extremely unfavorable.
If Cao Cao then turns his attention back, Lü Bu, Guo Jia, and others might not be able to leave Yanzhou.
Guo Jia thought to himself.
However, before leaving, the lord told him not to worry about these things.
Once Guo Jia’s army launches the siege, even if it reaches a stalemate, there will be a way out.
Guo Jia did not understand, thinking either the lord was joking or underestimating the situation.
Before long, Guo Jia relaxed his brows and instructed Xu Rong beside him:
“General Xu, since the city gates of Dongjun are open, take a few trusted elite soldiers, disguise yourselves, and enter Dongjun.
Disguise as merchants, go in to gather information and assess the defensive measures.
At midnight, lower the city gate, and our army can enter the city to fight!”
Xu Rong nodded happily, clasped his fists, and left.
Lü Bu’s eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, “Is the strategist planning an inside-outside coordination!”
Lü Bu paced back and forth excitedly and laughed, “The strategist is indeed brilliant, his mind is different from us warriors.”
Guo Jia nodded approvingly, “Yes, it is indeed an inside-outside coordination. If General Xu can succeed, our chances of taking Dongjun will increase significantly, and it will be quicker, benefiting our lord!”
For a moment, Lü Bu’s respect for Guo Jia grew significantly.
Although Lü Bu had many flaws in his character, he admired capable people.
...
After Xu Rong donned the robes of a wealthy merchant, he led a few soldiers disguised as attendants into the city.
At the city gate stood two rows of city guards, responsible for the gatekeeping duties.
Xu Rong was from Liaodong (northeast), hence tall and robust. His current identity was a wealthy merchant from Liaodong, specializing in selling medicinal herbs.
Liaodong’s natural conditions were favorable, making it ideal for growing rare medicinal herbs.
“Officer, we are merchants from Liaodong. Having heard that Yanzhou is under Lord Cao’s rule, we hurried over to seek a livelihood.”
Xu Rong said with a flattering smile, while handing a few taels of silver to the city guard.
Seeing Xu Rong and his men being so cooperative, and after a cursory search revealing no sharp weapons, the guard casually glanced at them and let them in.
