Lord in the Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 315: Yuan Shu Seeks to Seize Yuzhou, Searching for the Divine Doctor Hua Tuo

**Nanyang Commandery.**

**The Prefect’s Residence.**

Yuan Shu, dressed in a luxurious deep purple robe adorned with a python design, sat with dignity at the head of the room.

On both sides below him were civil and military officials arranged in order.

Strategist Yan Xiang, stroking his white beard, stepped forward and respectfully said, "My lord, scouts reported yesterday that Long Chen of Yangzhou has recently deployed a large number of elite soldiers to the northwest of Yangzhou, seemingly preparing to encroach upon Yuzhou."

"Oh!?" Yuan Shu slammed his right hand on the table, frowning, "Is there really such a thing!"

"Yes, my lord! Currently, Yuzhou is leaderless, and various factions are eyeing it greedily. Such an opportunity is indeed the best time to seize Yuzhou," Yan Xiang said with a deep bow.

"Exactly, my lord, why not take advantage of this moment to send troops and capture Yuzhou? Doing so would expand our power several times over, laying the foundation for kingship and dominance in Yuzhou," said Yuan Shu’s chief strategist, Yang Hong, with a serious expression, clasping his hands.

"Then let’s follow Yang Changshi’s suggestion—send troops north to seize Yuzhou!" Yuan Shu clenched his fists, his eyes fierce.

"However, this time, we should ally with Yuan Shao from the north," Yang Hong said, squinting his eyes.

"Why!? I have no desire to ally with him!" Yuan Shu snorted coldly.

He and Yuan Shao had always had a rift, never seeing eye to eye.

Why would he lower himself to join forces with Yuan Shao?

"But my lord, our opponent is Long Chen of Yangzhou. He commands hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers, with mighty generals and numerous strategists. Without assistance, I fear the Nanyang army alone may struggle to succeed," Yang Hong said helplessly, clasping his hands in further persuasion.

"Hmph!" Yuan Shu stood up, swinging his robe, and shouted angrily, "So what! Without Yuan Shao, I can still defeat the rebel Long Chen with my own troops!"

Before anyone could respond, a loud clatter was heard outside the hall. It was the sound of armor and weapons clanging together, as a messenger hurriedly entered, kneeling before Yuan Shu.

"Report! Urgent news from the southern scouts! Long Chen’s forces are not only massing near the Yuzhou border but have begun building fortifications. It appears they are preparing for a long campaign!" The messenger’s face was pale, sweat dripping from his brow.

Yuan Shu’s expression darkened even further. The room fell silent, the tension thickening as the gravity of the situation settled in. The officials exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to react.

Yan Xiang stepped forward again, a glint of urgency in his eyes. "My lord, this only proves that Long Chen is moving faster than anticipated. We must act immediately, or all will be lost."

Yuan Shu’s mind raced as he considered the consequences. "What of the supplies? Do we have enough provisions for a prolonged campaign?" he asked.

Yang Hong responded quickly, "Our stockpiles are sufficient for several months, but we must secure the supply routes, especially with winter approaching. If Long Chen cuts them off, we may face difficulties."

"My lord, forgive my bluntness," Yan Xiang stepped forward again, his face stern, clasping his hands as he said solemnly, "Have you forgotten the last time we were defeated by Long Chen’s army?"

"Yan Xiang!!!"

"You’re out of line!!!"

Yuan Shu slammed the table and shouted angrily, his eyes glaring as he stared intensely at Yan Xiang.

However, Yan Xiang did not retreat; instead, he met Yuan Shu’s gaze directly and bowed deeply, saying:

"My lord, all I say is for the greater good!"

Yuan Shu knew in his heart that Yan Xiang meant well, but he couldn’t swallow his pride in front of everyone.

Yuan Shu was a man who cared deeply about his reputation, and now, being publicly corrected by Yan Xiang, how could he not be angry?

Seeing this, Li Feng’s lips curled slightly upward. He immediately stepped forward and said, "My lord, Yan Xiang is becoming increasingly disrespectful! In my opinion, he should be stripped of his position to serve as a warning to the other officials."

"Yan Xiang, step down immediately!" Yuan Shu commanded in a low voice.

"Sigh..."

With his advice falling on deaf ears, Yan Xiang could only withdraw.

"Ji Ling!" Yuan Shu then shouted.

"At your command!" Ji Ling stepped forward, his tiger-like eyes staring straight ahead.

"Lead 100,000 elite soldiers and head to Yuzhou at once! You must take Yuzhou!"

"At your command!" Ji Ling’s voice was like a thunderous bell, the sound lingering in the air.

"Lei Bo, Chen Lan, you two shall serve as Ji Ling’s deputies!" Yuan Shu continued to issue orders.

"At your command!"

"My lord, I too am willing to lead troops to help capture Yuzhou for you," Sun Ce, with his chest held high, requested with a salute.

After his defeat by Long Chen in the Jiangdong struggle, Sun Ce had returned to Yuan Shu’s service.

"Very well! Bofu, you are a valiant general of this era. With you, I can rest easier," Yuan Shu nodded, his eyes gleaming. He then waved his hand and ordered, "Lead 8,000 soldiers as the vanguard general and capture Yuzhou."

"Ji Ling, you shall lead the main army and march slowly behind!"

Yuan Shu’s gaze turned cold, and a chilling aura emanated from him. "This time, we must seize Yuzhou before Long Chen."

...

The news of Yuan Shu preparing to attack Yuzhou quickly spread through Nanyang Commandery, discovered by the secret agents of the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard).

The anomaly was first noticed when there was frequent troop movement within Nanyang Commandery, with General Ji Ling fully armed and heading to the military camp. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

The intelligence gathered by the Jinyiwei was soon delivered to Long Chen in Yangzhou.

In the residence... fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

Long Chen was discussing the matter with his strategists Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai.

Xi Zhicai clasped his hands and said sternly, "My lord, now that Yuan Shu is interfering in Yuzhou, we can no longer hesitate."

"Indeed!" Guo Jia coughed lightly, "This time, I agree with Zhicai."

"However, in my opinion, we could also secretly make other plans..."

"Fengxiao, stop keeping us in suspense, speak quickly!" Long Chen’s eyes sparkled suddenly.

"My lord could send a capable general to lead a separate army and feign an attack on Nanyang Commandery, making Yuan Shu panic."

"Meanwhile, mobilize 200,000 of the main army to the border of Yuzhou, launching from Jiujiang Commandery to attack Peiguo County in Yuzhou, and then advance to Runan Commandery."

"This battle should gather our main forces, advancing like an unstoppable wave to conquer Yuzhou."

A flush of color appeared on Guo Jia’s slightly sickly face.

As he spoke, he pressed his fist to his lips and coughed a few times.

"Fengxiao, your illness..." Long Chen frowned, concerned.

"It’s nothing, nothing," Guo Jia smiled casually.

"Rest assured, I have already sent people across the states and commanderies to find the divine doctor Hua Tuo. I believe it won’t be long before the Jinyiwei finds him, and by then, your illness will be cured," Long Chen said softly.

"Thank you, my lord!" Guo Jia’s face showed deep gratitude.

After all, the Jinyiwei were Long Chen’s trump card, and now they were being deployed for his sake.