Lu Ming squinted at Tian Feng. "Excellent. Does Yuan Hao know Zhang He?"
"I've heard a little of him. I was just about to recommend him to you, my lord. Junyi was once Han Fu's sergeant, but resigned and returned home. He's currently at home. I'd like to accompany you, my lord, to recruit him."
Tian Feng then revealed his plan. This plan required a capable general. It wasn't that Xu Rong and Zhou Cang were incapable, but rather that they were better at defense than offense. Therefore, Zhang He was the best choice.
Historically, Zhang He had made several suggestions, but Yuan Shao had always rejected them. Furthermore, Yuan Shao was embroiled in internal factional struggles, willing to risk defeat to humiliate his opponents.
How could one defeat an enemy when internally unstable?
"Now, Cao Cao will surely be wary of you, my lord, and Xu County will no longer be undefended. Moreover, Cao Cao is skilled in warfare, unpredictable, and though his forces are few, they should not be underestimated.
"It would be better to maintain a long-term defensive posture. My lord, relying on the fortifications of the mountains and the Yellow River, and possessing the troops of four provinces, you can unite with heroes and powerful figures externally, and internally cultivate agriculture to prepare for war.
"Then select elite troops, divide them into surprise forces, and launch a surprise attack on Henan.
"If the enemy reinforces the right flank, I will attack their left; if the enemy reinforces the left, I will attack their right. This will keep the enemy constantly on the move, preventing the people from focusing on their livelihoods. We will not be exhausted yet, but the enemy will be weary. In less than two years, we can defeat them without even sitting down.
"Now, instead of relying on the sure-fire strategies of the court, we should try to decide victory or defeat in a single battle. If we fail, it will be too late for regrets."
In short, use sheer force to cripple the enemy's economy.
" Looking beyond the surface of the battle, the Battle of Guandu was inherently an asymmetrical war. Even if Yuan Shao adopted a cautious, defensive strategy, remaining stationary with his troops,
Cao Cao would collapse due to logistical supply problems. He couldn't afford to be unprepared, as occasional attacks and burning of farmland would be unbearable.
Therefore, Cao Cao needed a swift victory. Even if he defeated Yuan Shao, he couldn't pursue his advantage, a natural disadvantage.
Thus, Tian Feng always prioritized stability, employing a straightforward and unpredictable approach to warfare, leaving his opponents defenseless.
The right path means relying solely on brute force.
Simply put, it's about overwhelming the enemy with money. It's like the rich humiliating the poor—immoral, but exhilarating!
"In that case, let's go together."
Lu Ming had always assumed Zhang He was going to join Yuan Shao, never expecting him to have resigned.
Zhang He was a good choice, after all, Zhang He was one of those Sima Yi wanted to eliminate when Sima Yi harbored rebellious intentions.
Without exceptional ability, one wouldn't become a thorn in one's side.
A few days later, Lu Ming officially led his troops on the expedition, this time with only 30,000 men. The left flank was still led by Niu Fu and assisted by Li Ru, and they were to advance north from Bingzhou, attacking from the direction of Yuyang, responsible for containing the enemy's offensive.
Whether they could achieve anything depended on their own abilities.
At Jieqiao, Yuan Shao led his last 50,000 troops, lined up in a row, ready to fight Lu Ming.
Besides Yuan Shao's 50,000 troops, there were also the White Horse Cavalry sent by Gongsun Zan.
Both sides had mobilized their elite forces. Gongsun Zan didn't want Yuan Shao to be defeated, otherwise, he would be next.
Yuan Shao had 50,000 troops, Gongsun Zan had 20,000. Lu Ming only had 30,000 troops, of which only 10,000 were elite.
The two sides lined up at the boundary bridge, their scouts already engaged in fierce fighting for battle.
Under a large banner bearing the character "Yuan," a pale-faced Yuan Shao stared intently at the distant central army. Surrounded by his men, was his enemy, Lu Ming, who had stolen his wife!
His uncle, Yuan Kui, had died of grief after discovering his wife's affair with Lu Ming and the resulting pregnancy!
Now, he wanted revenge for his uncle and to wipe away the shame.
His wife, Lady Liu, had also been abducted by Lu Ming, raped and abused day and night, even bearing him a child!
At this moment, the enemies met, their eyes blazing with hatred.
Yuan Shao wished he could devour Lu Ming's flesh and drink his blood!
His hatred for Lu Ming was second to none. Even Wang Lang, who had initially been manipulated in the relationship with his wife and daughter, now cowered in fear, not even daring to denounce Lu Ming!
Lu Ming rode his warhorse, preceded by Ma Chao and Zhao Yun, who had been transferred to his forces, and the newly recruited Zhang He. Facing Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, Lu Ming intended to see Zhang He's capabilities.
Furthermore, besides Xu Shu, Tian Feng was also accompanying him on this expedition.
Xu Shu was a Grand Councilor, in charge of military strategy and tactics.
This time, the enemy was strong and they were weak, outnumbered by 30,000 against 70,000. The numerical disparity was extremely obvious.
Yuan Shao chuckled inwardly, surprised by Lu Ming's arrogance. Pointing at Lu Ming, he shouted, "Lu Ming, today is your death day!"
"Yuan Shao, I guarantee you'll regret saying that," Lu Ming replied calmly.
Lu Ming then said to Ma Chao, "Meng Qi, go and challenge them, kill a few to add to the merriment."
"Yes, sir!"
Ma Chao responded, spurring his horse and charging forward with his silver spear.
Years of cavalry combat and battles had intensified his killing intent. More importantly, his command and combat skills had been greatly honed.
A general must constantly hone himself in battle to maintain his strength and break through his limits.
Ma Chao, alone on horseback, rode to the front lines, pointing at Yuan Shao and shouting, "Traitor Yuan Shao, do you know Ma Chao, the Magnificent of Xiliang! Who dares to come forward today to face death!"
Fighting on the battlefield is actually quite unnecessary. A victory can boost morale, but a loss leaves no one to command.
Generally speaking, renowned generals don't engage in duels on the battlefield. The benefits are too low; only lower-ranking officers would accept, because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in such situations!
"Don't be arrogant, you scoundrel! Your grandfather, Jiang Qi, is here! Prepare to die!"
A thunderous roar rang out, and a burly man, wielding a Xuanhua axe, rode forward with one hand.
Ma Chao's expression remained disdainful, but he was already becoming wary, calculating his next move.
However, Ma Chao's expression enraged Jiang Qi, who spurred his horse and charged forward.
The two immediately engaged in combat. Jiang Qi was also formidable; his Xuanhua axe flew up and down in his hands, wielding it with such skill that it was impenetrable and water could not penetrate it!