Chapter 9: Yuan Shao and Dong Zhuo During This Period

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Watching Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rubbing their hands in anticipation, Chen Xi stroked his chin. He needed to further refine his plan. After all, there were too many advantages to be gained from the coalition against Dong Zhuo; some could gain fame, some could gain profit, and some could achieve both. These were all extremely important!

February in the year 190 AD was still very cold. Sitting directly on the ground, even with brazier fires, Chen Xi still trembled slightly. He was in no comparison to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei; their physical constitutions were on a different level, and they possessed *Qi*. Even if they were cast into Siberia, they could likely endure it. To some extent, they were no longer mere mortals.

Soon, the roasted meat and food were served, and performances of song and dance began. Once they were full and satisfied, and after watching the performances, under the leadership of Yuan Shu, they began to discuss how to deal with Dong Zhuo. At least in the eyes of most, this campaign against Dong Zhuo was destined for victory!

First, Cao Cao proposed dividing the forces into five routes: one to strike Sishui Pass, one to launch a feint at Hulao Pass to draw enemy fire, one to bypass Luoyang and strike from the rear, one to cut the communication lines between Hangu Pass and Luoyang to prevent Dong Zhuo from calling for reinforcements from his home base, and finally, one to cut off the retreat at Xingyang, completely sealing him in.

To be honest, this proposal maximized the advantage of the coalition's vast numbers of troops and generals. Furthermore, if deployed correctly, even if they couldn't decapitate Dong Zhuo, they would deal him a devastating blow. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected.

Yuan Shao proposed a frontal assault to crush Dong Zhuo. No disguises were needed; they would simply roll over Hulao Pass and crush him to death.

Well, in Chen Xi's view, Yuan Shao's proposal was also quite good. If everyone fought with total devotion, this plan would be more direct, more effective, and simpler than Cao Cao's. In this regard, Yuan Shao was not a fool at this stage, and thus, after a brief deliberation, the crowd agreed to the proposal.

As for Yuan Shao's move, in Chen Xi's eyes, it was purely using momentum to suppress others. However, the effect was excellent because the initiative was in his hands. He could do as he pleased. If he wanted a decisive battle at Hulao Pass, then Dong Zhuo had no choice but to grit his teeth and meet him there for a final showdown. It could be considered a sound strategy.

Unfortunately, Yuan Shao ignored the selfish motives of these men—or rather, Yuan Shao deliberately indulged them. He let them wear themselves down at Hulao Pass; the men who died would not be his, and the ones weakened would be his future enemies.

For Yuan Shao, this was highly beneficial and simple. If they lost, it was because they hadn't tried hard enough; after all, they had superior numbers, and as long as they fought with all their might, they were bound to win. Everyone had to admit this point. If they won, the whole country would sing of Yuan Shu's excellent command. Win or lose, he would suffer no loss; he would only make his own advantage greater. From any perspective, it was a brilliant move.

With the meal finished and the grand strategy decided, Sun Jian was appointed as the vanguard to scout the situation. After all, it was still unclear who the commander of Sishui Pass was. As for the other warlords, they began to move leisurely toward Hulao Pass; the principle of "speed is precious" did not apply to this particular battle.

By this time, Dong Zhuo in Luoyang had already received the news. After a bout of shouting and cursing in the Prime Minister's mansion, his anger subsided, and he summoned his generals, preparing to deal harshly with those troublemakers from the Guandong region.

Within the city of Luoyang, Dong Zhuo sat high upon his couch, looking at his fierce generals, feeling a sense of security. "The Guandong rats have gathered an army of five hundred thousand to crusade against me. Tell me, what are your thoughts?"

A man stepped forward from beneath the tent, wearing a golden hair crown, a hundred-flower battle robe, Tang-style lion armor, and a precious lion-patterned belt. His sharp, well-defined cheeks revealed a domineering aura that looked down upon the world. It was none other than the Flying General, Lu Bu.

The undisputed number one warrior of the Three Kingdoms era, he was typically the target of group attacks whenever he appeared. Yet, no matter how many opponents there were, they could only hope to repel him. He was the pinnacle of martial prowess in the era.

"I wish to share my father's burdens. I view the Guandong generals as mere rats. I am willing to personally lead thirty thousand elite cavalry to crush the Guandong rats for you!"

"As expected of my son, Fengxian!" Dong Zhuo laughed loudly. He was extremely satisfied with this son. He remembered back in Luoyang, how Ding Yuan had nearly killed him by relying on Lu Bu.

Lu Bu alone had pierced through a defensive line set by ten thousand men. Had his generals not fought desperately, and had he not been quite capable himself, he might have been defeated that time. Even so, Hua Xiong, Guo Si, Li Jue, Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and Zhang Xiu had all nearly been taken out one by one by Lu Bu.

One must realize that Hua Xiong was previously known as a brave general of Xiliang, Zhang Xiu was impetuous in his youth, and the others were all capable in their own right. Yet, even so, they were nearly wiped out by Lu Bu, which was sufficient to show his terrifying strength.

Just as Dong Zhuo was about to order Lu Bu to deal with the Guandong rats, a man stepped out from behind Lu Bu. "Why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? These mere Guandong rats... this general is willing to go. I shall surely drive them into a rout!"

"Good, good, good! With such a fierce general, why should I care about the Guandong rats? Hua Xiong, take your orders."

"This general is here!"

"I appoint you as the vanguard. Lead fifty thousand infantry and cavalry to reinforce Sishui Pass. Guard against any sneak attacks from the Guandong rats."

"This general obeys!"

"Xu Rong, take your orders."

"This general is here!"

"I appoint you to lead fifty thousand troops to hold Hulao Pass. Do not let it fall."

"Understood," Xu Rong responded with a resolute expression.

"Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, I appoint you two to lead one hundred thousand infantry to guard the strategic points throughout Luoyang!" "Understood!"

"Li Jue, Guo Si, you two shall lead fifty thousand infantry and cavalry to hold Hangu Pass. If Han Sui dares to act treacherously, execute him immediately!" "Understood!"

"The rest of you shall monitor the movements in Luoyang. If anyone dares to collude with the Guandong rats, they shall be executed without mercy!" The generals all responded in unison.

It must be said that at this time, Dong Zhuo still possessed some ability. Unfortunately, after retreating to Chang'an and having the natural defense of Hangu Pass, he fell completely into decadence.

There was no helping it; as the old saying goes: wine is the poison in the gut, lust is the steel knife scraping the bone, wealth is the tiger descending the mountain, and temper is the seed of trouble. Upon returning to Chang'an, Dong Zhuo possessed all four. One could only say that comfort leads to corruption; without ambition, one can only become a stepping stone for others in this chaotic world.

Meanwhile, after the warlords' assembly concluded, they each returned to their respective camps. Liu Bei's camp was naturally near Gongsun Zan's. However, unlike before, he was no longer subordinate to Gongsun Zan but was now an independent minor warlord, receiving his grain and fodder on schedule.

When Liu Bei returned from his conversation with Gongsun Zan, Chen Xi, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were studying what was to come. It was obvious that Chen Xi was the one imparting knowledge, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei could only sit there and listen.

"Thank you, Mister, for your recent assistance. I have no way to repay you." Upon entering the tent, Liu Bei walked straight toward Chen Xi and bowed deeply.

Unlike the slow-witted Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei understood very well what it meant to sit in his current position and to have mixed among the warlords. Before he arrived, being part of such a group was merely a dream; now, he sat among them quite simply, chatting happily with Tao Qian and Kong Rong.

When would he, Liu Bei, be able to boast and chat among a group of high-ranking officials? In the past, Liu Bei would never have dared to imagine such a thing. Although he possessed such ambitions, his humble origins meant he could never fully erase the trace of inferiority deep within his heart.

(End of Chapter)