Lord in the Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 312: Agreement Reached, Returning to Yangzhou

After winning Gongsun Zan’s favor, the matter to be discussed next became relatively simple.

Introducing Yuan Shao of Ji Province.

Lu Su then used his persuasive words to explain to Gongsun Zan the threat Yuan Shao posed to him.

Lu Su clasped his hands and advised, "General! There is something I must remind you of today."

"Feel free to speak, Zijing!" Gongsun Zan leaned forward with a smile and said, "There’s no need for formalities between us. Say whatever’s on your mind."

"General Gongsun, I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, ‘Two tigers cannot share one mountain!’" Lu Su said gravely.

"Now, with Ji Province bordering Youzhou, and Yuan Shao harboring wild ambitions, he surely aims to unify the north. In that case, your Youzhou will not be left untouched!"

"As such, there will inevitably be a battle between you and Yuan Shao; it’s only a matter of time!" A sharp gleam flashed in Lu Su’s eyes.

Gongsun Zan slowly stroked his beard, his expression growing increasingly serious. "What you say, Zijing, is not without reason."

After gaining Gongsun Zan’s approval, Lu Su continued, "Since there will be a battle between you and Yuan Shao sooner or later, why wait for him to strike first and be forced into a defensive position?!"

With that, Lu Su pointed outside the tent and said, "Moreover, the White Horse Cavalry under your command is the strongest army in the land! They excel in offense, not defense!"

"If the general does not wish to be trapped in a passive defensive state, why not take the initiative and strike first? With the powerful mobility of the White Horse Cavalry and your elite forces, you could launch a surprise attack on Yuan Shao. It would be a brilliant strategy!"

Lu Su stroked his long beard and smiled lightly, adding, "Once Yuan Shao of Ji Province is eliminated, the position of overlord of the north would naturally belong to none other than you, General Gongsun!"

These words immediately stirred Gongsun Zan’s heart, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. However, he remained silent, deep in thought.

After all, this was a matter of great importance.

Yuan Shao, the ruler of Ji Province, had vast territory, a large population, fierce generals, and brilliant strategists under his command. Conquering him would not be easy!

Lu Su had already considered this and continued, "General, Yuan Shao comes from a prestigious family, boasting the title of ’Four Generations of Three Excellencies.’ The longer you delay, the more advantageous it will be for Yuan Shao!"

"More talents will flock to him, and Ji Province, with its fertile land and vast fields, produces far more grain than Youzhou. If you do not take action soon, you risk being swallowed up by Yuan Shao’s growing power!"

"Furthermore... my lord is willing to send troops to join forces with you in resisting Yuan Shao. After conquering him, you would take sixty percent of Ji Province, and my lord would receive the remaining forty percent. How does that sound?"

Lu Su’s words were incredibly tempting.

Gongsun Zan could already imagine the rewards that would follow such a victory. If he were to defeat Yuan Shao and unify the northern territories, his prestige would rise to unprecedented heights. His army, led by the elite White Horse Cavalry, could become the most feared force in all of China. Visions of glory began to unfold in his mind—commanding a vast kingdom, with the power to rival even the greatest warlords in the land.

But caution tempered his excitement. He knew all too well the strength Yuan Shao commanded. His armies were not only vast in number but composed of some of the finest warriors and strategists of the era. Could even the mighty White Horse Cavalry overwhelm such a powerful opponent without careful planning?

"Zijing," Gongsun Zan began, his voice now more measured, "Your proposal is bold, but Yuan Shao’s forces are not to be underestimated. He has countless battle-hardened soldiers, and his strategic advisers are renowned. What guarantee do we have that our joint forces will be enough?"

Lu Su, having anticipated such a concern, nodded respectfully. "General, your caution is well placed. However, Yuan Shao’s greatest strength is also his weakness. His pride. He believes his position is unassailable, that none would dare challenge him openly. If we strike quickly and decisively, targeting his weak points, we could fracture his alliances and demoralize his troops before they can fully mobilize."

Lu Su’s confidence was infectious, and Gongsun Zan found himself nodding in agreement. But before he could speak, Lu Su pressed on, his tone more urgent.

"Moreover, Yuan Shao’s territory, though vast, is stretched thin. He has to defend many fronts, from the borders of his province to his supply routes. By launching a surprise attack with your elite cavalry, we can disrupt his chain of command, seize key locations, and force him into a defensive posture. A war on multiple fronts will weaken his ability to concentrate his forces."

"Furthermore," Lu Su added, "timing is crucial. Yuan Shao’s armies may be strong, but they are not invincible. If we strike during the upcoming harvest season, when his resources are being gathered and his troops are spread out to protect the granaries, we can cripple his supply lines. Starving an army is often more effective than meeting it head-on in battle."

Gongsun Zan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Lu Su’s words painted a compelling picture. A swift, calculated strike could indeed destabilize Yuan Shao’s stronghold. And with the Dragon Army’s reinforcements, the odds of success were far higher.

"Coupled with the fact that this deal is indeed a profitable one," Gongsun Zan said after a brief pause, "I see no reason to refuse. But tell me, Zijing, how many troops is your lord willing to commit to this campaign?"

Lu Su raised his hand, showing two fingers.

"Twenty thousand?!" Gongsun Zan’s eyes widened. "That’s quite the commitment." freeweɓnovel.cøm

"Indeed! My lord is willing to send twenty thousand Dragon Army soldiers. You will attack from the north, and we will attack from the south, launching a two-pronged offensive against Yuan Shao in Ji Province. This will force him into a situation where he is besieged from both sides!"

Lu Su spoke calmly, emanating an air of wisdom that was impossible to ignore.

"As for the timing, my lord suggests we launch the attack in a month’s time. During this period, both our forces can prepare military provisions and finalize the necessary details."

"Excellent! Lord Long Chen truly is a straightforward man!" Gongsun Zan laughed heartily, "I enjoy dealing with such straightforward people!"

"Since the general agrees with my lord’s proposal," Lu Su clasped his hands and smiled, "I will take my leave and return to Yangzhou."

"Zijing, why leave in such a hurry? Why not stay a few more days so I can offer you proper hospitality?" Gongsun Zan raised his cup in a toast.

"I would love to stay in Youzhou and enjoy its local customs," Lu Su said with a slow shake of his head and a wry smile, "But alas, this matter is of great importance and cannot be neglected. It’s best I return quickly to report to my lord so we can make our decisions and plan accordingly."

"In that case... so

be it," Gongsun Zan said, somewhat regretful.

"However, before you leave, take with you three hundred fine horses from Youzhou’s northern plains. These are my gift to Lord Long Chen, so please do not refuse."

Warhorses!?

This was precisely what his lord needed!

Lu Su initially declined politely but eventually accepted the gift.