The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 235 Li Yi Adopts Guan Family's Son, Mi Zhu Returns to Jizhou to Visit Relatives (with Current Power Map)

Meanwhile, Li Yi tricked Changli, allowing his army to enter the heart of Liaodong without suffering any casualties.

It should be noted that the geographical issues of Liaodong and Liaoxi are a complicated mess.

On the map, you can see Liaoxi Commandery, Zhongliao Commandery, Liaodong Commandery, and Liaodong Dependent State, among other places.

These territories often intersect and conflict with each other.

This was mainly because the Eastern Han government had relatively weak control over the Northeast, which led to frequent problems in the division of administrative regions.

Liaodong Dependent State was a separate territory carved out of Liaodong Commandery, specifically for settling ethnic minorities such as the Wuhuan.

Later, Gongsun Du divided Liaodong Commandery into Liaoxi Commandery and Zhongliao Commandery.

This resulted in the addition of Liaoxi Commandery on the map.

Therefore, the administrative divisions in Liaodong were characterized by chaos.

To put it simply...

You only need to understand the Liaoxi Commandery that Li Yi recovered as Liaoxi, and the Liaodong Commandery where Gongsun Du was located as Liaodong.

As for the Liaodong Dependent State, it can be understood as a buffer zone sandwiched between Liaoxi and Liaodong.

Now, Li Yi can only reach Xiangping, the Liaodong capital where Gongsun Du is located, by leading his army across the Liaodong vassal state.

Li Yi first led an army of 10,000 to garrison in Wulu County, and then dispatched Lü Bu and Huang Zhong, each leading a hundred scouts and sentries, to investigate the enemy's situation in all directions.

The main purpose was to capture two prisoners and interrogate them about the enemy's troop distribution.

"...My lord, I have already found out that after the Wupu coup, the army retreated to Fang County after implementing a scorched-earth policy."

Huang Zhong compiled the intelligence he had gathered and sent it to Li Yi.

With the support of Gongsun of Liaodong, Wupu killed the former King Supuyan and took the opportunity to gather his followers.

His total military strength has reached approximately 15,000 men.

Gongsun Du settled him in Fang County.

Fang County is located on the Bohai Sea and is the entrance to Liaodong Commandery.

So, while it may seem that Gongsun Du supported a new Chanyu, it's more accurate to say that he recruited a watchdog.

He was put in charge of guarding the gates of Liaodong Commandery.

"...Wu Pu killed King Qiao without authorization, which greatly alienated the people."

"Today, we have gathered an army of ants and a motley crew to defend Fang County. This is not a cause for concern."

"However, the Wuhuan people have been plundering and looting along the way, and have adopted a scorched-earth policy. I am afraid that our army's food and supplies will not be able to keep up during this period."

Li Yi stroked his beard and analyzed the current situation with clear logic.

He then looked at Lü Bu, and seeing that he seemed about to speak but hesitated, he said:
"Does Marquis Wen also have intelligence to share?"

Lü Bu then cupped his hands in greeting:

"When Bu went to gather intelligence, he learned that Xiangping, the capital of Liaodong Commandery, was guarded by 20,000 men."

"As for the other counties, they are mostly controlled by local powerful families."

"They all submitted to Gongsun Du, and were responsible for collecting and transporting grain for him, as well as sending laborers to serve him."

Oh?
Li Yi raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised:

"Lord Wen's investigation was so thorough that he even found out the troop deployment in Xiangping, which is a hundred miles away."

Lü Bu then explained:

"While scouting, Bu encountered a group of over a thousand barbarian leaders who were plundering military supplies."

"Bu Nai led his cavalry generals, Cheng Lian, Song Xian, and others, and charged into the enemy lines."

"They killed over a hundred men and captured several dozen more."

"The enemy chieftain surrendered, and Bu then learned the strength of the defenses in Xiangping City."

Having said that, he waved his hand, and the wolf riders escorted a prisoner onto their backs.

This person was the chieftain of a small tribe under the jurisdiction of Wupu.

He was captured by Lü Bu and tortured until he was covered in blood and his body was mangled.

Li Yi was secretly amazed. Lü Bu had only taken a hundred or so cavalrymen and dared to charge straight into the barbarian army's thousand-man formation.

No wonder he fought the Xiongnu in Bingzhou; his expertise is a perfect match.

Therefore, Li Yi rewarded Lü Bu handsomely.

The crowd asked what to do with the chieftain.

Li Yi then said:

"Our army has marched through Liaodong, but we still lack a blessing for our flag."

"We can cut off his head to bring good fortune to the army's first battle."

Hu Qiu was beheaded, and everyone said:
"Gongsun Du of Liaodong has long refused to submit."

"Now that we have ascertained the strength of Xiangping's troops, we should take advantage of their inaction and quickly launch an attack. Liaodong can then be obtained."

After he finished speaking, all the generals volunteered to attack Fang County.

Once Wupu is destroyed, the army can strike the heart of Liaodong like a sharp blade.

Li Yi stroked his beard and laughed:

"I need not trouble you gentlemen with your might; someone will take down Fang County for me."

Everyone was taken aback, and none of them understood.

They secretly thought that they were deep in enemy territory, and apart from the Wuhuan and Liaodong people, only their Han army remained.

Who can do it for them and help them wipe out the Wupu in Fang County?

To prevent the news from leaking, Li Yi kept it a secret.

The army was only ordered to temporarily retreat to Tuhe County.

The retreat was to shorten the supply lines and give the army a breather.

At the same time, Tuhe was already within the territory of Liaodong State, a relatively wealthy area suitable for farming.

The army remained stationed there for approximately five days.

Around dusk that day, a large number of cargo ships suddenly appeared at the mouth of the Yu River.

The soldiers came to investigate and found out that it was Mi Zhu's grain transport fleet.

They started from Donglai, crossed the Bohai Sea, entered Liaodong Bay, and finally entered the Yushui River.

Both in terms of transportation efficiency and cargo capacity, it surpasses Xuzhou's land transportation.

Having obtained the military provisions, Li Yi first sent people to help unload the goods, while also catching up with his brother-in-law.

"Your Excellency has traveled a long way and must be tired. Is this the last batch of grain?"

"...Yes, we usually unloaded the goods in western Liaoning before. If it weren't for your request to come to eastern Liaoning, we could have delivered them a few days earlier."

Li Yinai explained:

"Since our army is temporarily stationed at Tuhe, we can receive you here."

"Afterwards, when we march into Xiangping, it will be much more convenient to transport grain from there."

After saying that, he patted Mi Zhu on the shoulder again, comforting him:
"Speaking of which, it must have been quite a while since Your Excellency has seen your younger sister, right?"

"When you go back this time, you can first take a boat to the Bohai Sea to visit your younger sister."

Li Yi was also worried that Mi Zhen and the others would feel lonely if he was away from home for too long, so he asked Mi Zhu to go back and visit his sister on the way.

Mi Zhu nodded. "I will go. But it is you, my lord, who are on a long expedition to Liaodong. I wonder when you will return?"

"My lord misses you very much."

After a moment's thought, Li Yi said, "We can pacify Liaodong within this year."

The two walked together and chatted about everyday things.

Then Li Yi got to the point and asked the question that concerned him most:
“Previously, when Prefect Mi was supervising the transport of grain in Qingzhou, I asked him to convey my message.”

"Has General Guan been instructed to lead the troops of Qingzhou to land at Fang County? Has this message been conveyed?"

Mi Zhu nodded. "General Guan and I set sail together. Judging by the time, we should arrive in two days."

Li Yi was overjoyed and took Mi Zhu's hand to thank him, saying:
"Then thank you very much, Prefect. Once General Guan arrives, Liaodong will be within our grasp."

Because Liu Bei promised that Guan Yu could send troops from Qingzhou to assist in attacking Liaodong if necessary.

Because Qingzhou Donglai is very close to Liaodong.

However, if they only launch an attack across the sea, Gongsun Du can easily defend against it.

Therefore, land routes are generally the primary mode of transportation, with sea routes serving as a secondary option.

Li Yi ordered Guan Yu to sail out to sea and land in Fang County. The original plan was to attack from both sides and quickly control the entire territory of Liaodong.

Unwilling to allow the Wuhuan tribe to shrink their defenses, they all retreated to Fang County.

This saves Li Yi the trouble.

Let's give the credit for conquering the Wuhuan to the Second Master.

……

The Hun River, also known as the Little Liao River.

As spring warms and the snow melts, the ice jams cause a surge in water levels.

But in autumn and winter, the water level drops again.

It was precisely because of the fluctuating water levels in Liaodong that the local natives rarely had any sense of "guarding against the navy".

Guan Yu boarded a boat and successfully landed at the mouth of the Hun River.

He brought a total of 5,000 infantrymen with him this time.

Three thousand Danyang soldiers, one thousand Qingzhou soldiers, and one thousand archers.

Once ashore, Guan Yu ordered his men to quickly head north and capture Fang County, so that they could join forces with Li Yi's army.

A young man carrying the Green Dragon Crescent Blade approached and respectfully handed it over.

"……Father."

"……Um."

Guan Yu stroked his beard, took the sword, and glanced at the child in front of him.

This is his eldest son, Guan Ping, whose courtesy name was Tanzhi.

Guan Ping was the eldest son of the legitimate wife, not the adopted son as depicted in the novel.

However, Guan Yu never allowed him to take advantage of the situation because of their father-son relationship.

He only trained him from the bottom ranks of the army, gradually honing his skills, before bringing him to serve by his side.

"...Father, the soldiers have had a long and arduous journey by boat. Why don't they rest for a couple of days first?"

"It's not too late to head north to Fang County once I've recovered my health."

Guan Ping spoke up to offer his advice.

Guan Yu narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice:
"If we rest for two days, the Wuhuan people will be on guard."

"The man was unaware that someone had suddenly come ashore, so we took him by surprise!"

Guan Ping was taken aback, and then spoke the truth:

“But Father, we only have five thousand men.”

"How many troops are stationed in Fang County is still unknown."

"The whereabouts of the Tanhou army are also unknown."

"Why not rest first, while sending someone to inquire about the garrison of Fang County and the location of the Marquis of Tan?"

"Isn't this killing three birds with one stone?"

Guan Yu smiled upon hearing this, stroked his beard, and said:

"I have fought alongside my brother for many years. Amidst thousands of spears and blades, and amidst a barrage of arrows and stones, I rode alone as if I were in an empty field."

"Why should we fear those Wuhuan rats!"

After speaking, he immediately ordered Guan Ping to urge the soldiers to advance.

He only brought five thousand men to speed up the march and coordinate with Li Yi's pincer attack.

Nevertheless, these five thousand men were all veterans who had fought for many years.

Brave and skilled in battle, fearless and undaunted.

Immediately, five thousand elite troops swiftly marched north, striking directly at the rear of Fang County.

Upon receiving the news, King Wupu of Nanqiao quickly organized a counterattack.

Although it is unknown when this Han army appeared, there is no time to worry about that now.

After some preparation, more than 10,000 cavalrymen quickly launched an attack.

The sound of hooves thundered, and their momentum was like galloping horses, quickly surrounding Guan Yu's army.

Guan Yu stood with his sword drawn, mounted in the center of the army.

They quickly formed ranks, with the Danyang soldiers in front and crossbowmen lying in ambush under the gate flags.

Seeing that the Han army was small in number, Wupu wanted to launch a full-scale attack and crush them.

Han Zhong's urgent solution:

People say that Guan Yu possessed the courage to fight ten thousand men.

"During the Battle of Guandu, he beheaded Yan Liang and killed Wen Chou, which made him a formidable figure in Hebei."

"King Nanqiao should not be underestimated."

Wu Pu glanced at Guan Yu's army formation and said coldly:
"Guan Yu may be brave, but he can only fight ten or a hundred men. How could he possibly withstand my thousands of troops?"

"With our massive army charging forward, we will surely capture Guan Yu alive."

Therefore, he immediately ordered the entire army to attack.

Dust billowed as thousands of Wuhuan cavalry, brandishing their sabers, surged forward like a flood bursting its banks.

The soldiers of Danyang stood atop their shields, showing no fear whatsoever.

The archers in the back row, lying in ambush under the gate, would immediately begin firing in unison once the enemy entered their firing range.

Arrows flew like locusts, bursting forth from bows and crossbows.

Countless Wuhuan cavalrymen fell to the ground.

As we have said, infantry is not entirely countered by cavalry.

Often, the reason why cavalry can achieve overwhelming victories against infantry is because the infantry's morale collapses and they can no longer hold their ground.

Once you're scattered by the cavalry, you enter their slaughter zone, where they kill you like chickens.

However, when cavalry units encounter experienced veterans, the veterans can hold their ground and halt your offensive.

Once you lose your momentum, you will immediately lose your advantage.

Guan Yu was well-versed in the Spring and Autumn Annals and studied military history, so he naturally knew many historical examples of infantry defeating cavalry.

For example, Li Ling's 5,000 infantrymen marched out of the pass and defeated more than 100,000 Xiongnu cavalry, preventing them from getting close.

He knew that his main force consisted of infantry, and if they were tied down by nomadic archers, they could easily get bogged down.

Therefore, they deliberately feigned weakness, deployed their forces, and lured Wupu to attack.

Wu Pu, as expected, refused to believe in evil spirits and took the initiative to charge into the enemy formation.

As rows of Wuhuan cavalrymen fell, Wupu's expression changed drastically.

Because the warriors at the very front are the most loyal.

Once they fall, the tribes that are temporarily dependent on them may not necessarily risk their lives for them.

As expected, seeing the Han army's arrows raining down, the Wuhuan people were shot off their horses before they even got close, and then trampled to death by their comrades behind them.

The remaining Wuhuan people immediately reined in their horses and fled back.

As he charged, he collided with the cavalry behind him.

The Wuhuan cavalry were thrown into chaos.

Guan Yu seized the opportunity and organized his soldiers to counterattack.

The infantry, armed with shields and spears, advanced forward.

Archers followed behind, providing cover fire.

"Eh!!"

Seeing the Wuhuan cavalry in disarray, Han Zhong couldn't help but curse:
"What a rabble!"

He then abandoned his servant and headed straight for Xiangping.

Wu Pu couldn't find Han Zhong, and with chaos erupting all around, he could only anxiously call out:

"Don't mess up! Don't mess up!"

"Your Majesty, be careful!"

A centurion stood by and reminded Wu Pu.

Wu Pu opened his eyes wide and saw Guan Yu leading a dozen or so riders galloping towards him.

"...Ugh, quickly stop this red-faced thief!"

Wu Pu was terrified, his face turning pale. He never expected that Guan Yu's infantry hadn't even arrived yet, and that Guan Yu had already led a few men into his central army formation.

Guan Yu's swift yellow horse, Claw Yellow, charged forward before Wu Pu could even shout and yell. "Ah!!"

Guan Yu roared, raised his sword and brought it down, beheading and killing Wu Pu from his horse.

"Great... King?"

"The King is dead! The King is dead!"

Seeing that King Nanqiao had fallen from his horse, Guan Yu cut off his head and hung it on the horse's neck.

The Wuhuan cavalry on both sides were routed at the mere sight of them, and their morale collapsed instantly.

They came and went with the wind across the wilderness.

Large-scale wars have been fought before.

But I've never seen a situation where, before the main army even arrives, the enemy general leads a dozen or so men to kill our leader.

Today, the Wuhuan people have truly broadened their horizons.

"The Han people are terrifying!"

"Run for your lives!"

The crowd gasped in surprise and scattered like birds and beasts.

Guan Yu successfully took up residence in Fang County.

After clearing the battlefield, more than 1,300 enemy cavalrymen were captured.

In addition, more than 1,900 wounded and lame warhorses were captured.

The army's butchers then slaughtered these wounded and lame warhorses and made horse meat to serve as military rations.

Those whose injuries were not serious were temporarily kept for military use.

When necessary, they can also be slaughtered to satisfy hunger and become a reserve food.

Guan Yu sent someone to contact Li Yi while simultaneously reassuring the people of Fang County.

Because the Qingzhou soldiers did not disturb the people, and Guan Yu distributed more food and provisions to the people.

The people of Fang County were grateful for his kindness and thus sincerely surrendered.

Li Yi led his troops to Fang County and joined forces with Guan Yu.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two began to discuss further military matters.

Just then, Guan Ping brought in tea.

Guan Yu then ordered Guan Ping to pay his respects to Li Yi.

“...I am as close as brothers with Marquis Tan, you may address Marquis Tan as your uncle.”

Guan Ping then bowed to Li Yi and said:

"Greetings, Uncle."

Li Yi immediately helped Guan Ping to his feet and praised him, saying:
“My dear nephew is indeed a handsome man, just like his father.”

He then turned to Guan Yu and said, "Why didn't Tanzhi come to see me before?"

Guan Yu then said:

"Guan did not want people to know that he was my son, otherwise everyone would think of my high position and dare not reprimand him severely."

Li Yi nodded, thinking to himself that Guan Yu was indeed strict in disciplining his son, not allowing him to use connections.

It's worth noting that Li Yi became the company's president through back channels.

This truly made him feel somewhat ashamed.

“Ping’er has heard much about the deeds of Lord Tan and often asks me to bring him to meet Lord Tan.”

"Lord Tan is a man of great wisdom and foresight. I, Guan, have a request that I cannot make."

Li Yi hurriedly replied, "General Guan, what are you saying? We've worked together for many years, why would you need to invite me?"

Guan Yu then said, "I wish to let Ping'er stay in Tanhou's army to gain experience."

Oh?
Li Yi was taken aback, not expecting that Guan Yu's unreasonable request was to entrust his own son to him.

He can't even take care of his own son, how can he take care of yours?
Just as Li Yi was about to politely decline Guan Yu's offer, Guan Yu added:

“I know that Lord Tan has his reasons for acting. If Ping’er is wrong, I beg Lord Tan not to hold back his words and punish her fairly.”

"...Guan Yu thanks you."

Before Li Yi could refuse, Guan Yu had already stood up and bowed to him.

Li Yi was stunned for a moment. Guan Yu had gone to such lengths, how could he refuse?
However, since Guan Yu said not to worry about saving face for him, this matter is indeed easier to handle.

He initially wanted to refuse because he was afraid that too many people would try to "ask their sons" for help.

Because Li Yi held a high position and wielded great power,

Those who follow him feel "honored" and often benefit from his success without effort.

Therefore, many officials want to find opportunities to send their children to his side so that they can take the opportunity to "gild their resumes".

However, considering his status as a colleague, Li Yi couldn't very well send his sons to the front lines to their deaths, otherwise it would be embarrassing for everyone.

Therefore, in order to prevent this from happening, Li Yi did not want to set this precedent.

Now that Guan Yu has made such a threatening statement, it's a perfect opportunity for Li Yi to "make an example of someone."

Then we'll show those who want to send their sons to Li Yi for a prestigious education.

Li Yi showed no mercy even to Guan Yu's son, the governor of Qingzhou.

You should take good care of your own son.

However, Guan Ping, the person involved, was very excited about this and bowed to Li Yi, saying:
Ping had heard stories about his uncle since he was a child and had long admired his uncle's character.

"I only regret that we cannot meet for so long."

"Today I finally get to see you, which greatly satisfies my longing."

"I beg you, Uncle, to let me stay!!"

Li Yi helped him up:

“...Since my dear nephew has this intention, as his uncle, I naturally have no reason to refuse.”

"But my dear nephew, you must remember that in our army you must not take advantage of your status to bully lower-ranking soldiers."

"Otherwise, even out of consideration for your father, I cannot guarantee your innocence."

Guan Yu stroked his long beard and smiled slightly:

"...This is exactly what I wish for."

Guan Ping then said solemnly:
"This is also what Pingzhi wishes for!"

Therefore, Li Yi kept Guan Ping in the army as a military advisor.

Guan Yu's decision to entrust his son to Li Yi was based on a variety of considerations.

Firstly, Li Yi was a man of insight, and Guan Yu respected scholars with genuine abilities.

Secondly, since we are currently in Qingzhou, there are basically not many battles to fight.

So he wanted to send his son to the front lines to give him a chance to make a name for himself.

but……

Although Guan Yu was a "tiger father," he was also a father.

What father could truly be completely devoid of affection for his own son?
Even Guan Yu, if his own son died on the front lines.

He will naturally feel proud, but it's impossible for you not to feel sad.

Therefore, entrusting Guan Ping to Li Yi was indeed partly due to Guan Yu's own selfish motives.

He hoped that the frontline commander-in-chief would help "take care" of Guan Ping.

Of course,
If Guan Ping were to die in battle even under Li Yi's care, Guan Yu would have absolutely no complaints.

He could only comfort Li Yi with one sentence: "Is my son brave?"

"...I've heard that General Guan has recently had a son?"

After recruiting Guan Ping, Li Yi also chatted with Guan Yu about everyday matters.

Guan Yu laughed heartily:
"...Yes, Guan named the child Guan Xing."

“兴” means to rise up.

"I only hope that my brother will soon restore the Han Dynasty and return to the old capital."

Li Yi also smiled and said:
"...Li thought that day wouldn't be too far away."

The two were chatting and laughing about everyday things when Zhang Liao strode into the house.

"...My lord, the soldiers have been mustered and are ready to march!"

"……it is good!"

Li Yi stood up excitedly, rubbing his hands together in anticipation: "If this battle succeeds, Liaodong will be firmly established!"

Guan Ping hurriedly asked, "Uncle, you've only just arrived in Fang County, how did you manage to prepare so quickly?"

Li Yinai explained:

"Because I only brought five thousand cavalrymen with me, the rest of the troops were left in Changli, Tuhe, Wulu and other places."

The more horses a military force has, the slower its marching speed becomes, and the more food and fodder it consumes.

Therefore, Li Yi only brought 5,000 cavalry to Fang County this time, and the rest were used to guard the important passes that he had already controlled.

"...This is incredible. Uncle only intends to conquer Liaodong with five thousand cavalry?"

Guan Ping blinked and asked.

Li Yi smiled and pointed at Guan Yu, saying:

"Aren't there still your father's five thousand infantrymen?"

"Ten thousand infantry and cavalry are enough to pacify Liaodong."

Guan Ping was taken aback, thinking to himself, "Are all you adults this brave in battle?"
They always want to take less and try to gain more.

"According to the scouts, there are 20,000 troops in Xiangping City."

"If we include the followers of the elders of Liaodong, we can mobilize at least 40,000 soldiers."

"Not to mention that Gongsun Du was also able to command the Goguryeo and Buyeo people to fight."

"Uncle, this battle involves a small number of soldiers and a long distance; it may be difficult to recover Liaodong."

Li Yin then earnestly instructed Guan Ping, saying:

"The strength of an army does not lie in its size, but in its ability to devise ingenious strategies."

"Although our army is small, every soldier is brave and strong, and every one of them is a hero."

"Although the army in Liaodong numbers a million, it is not something to fear."

Guan Ping quickly asked, "Uncle, what brilliant plan do you have?"

Li Yi stroked his beard and spoke leisurely:
"Yi believes that winning hearts and minds is the best strategy in this battle, while attacking cities is the least effective."

"Psychological warfare is the best approach; physical warfare is the second best."

"Gongsun Du dominated Liaodong for several years. The reason he was able to become a hero was because of his bravery."

"Therefore, all under heaven submitted, and even barbarians paid tribute."

"As I marched forward, I sent word that I would only hold Gongsun Du accountable in this battle, and would not question the others."

"The elders of Liaodong are afraid of our Heavenly Dynasty's army and will certainly not fight to the death for Gongsun Du."

"As for the Goguryeo, Okjeo, Buyeo and other groups, they are all sycophants."

"These people are fickle, drifting with the wind, like tumbleweeds and floating duckweed."

"Once I capture Gongsun Du, he will surrender on his own!"

Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhang Liao all admired Li Yi greatly after hearing this.

Li Yi immediately mobilized 10,000 infantry and cavalry from Fang County, appointing Lü Bu and Ma Chao as vanguards.

The vanguard first set up camp in Liaodong.

The scouts rushed to report to Gongsun Du, who was shocked to hear that Li Yizhen had led a large army to Liaodong.

According to his original plan, using the Liaodong vassal state as a buffer, he could completely wear down Li Yi there.

Even if he doesn't die from exhaustion, the extremely long supply lines should mean he has to return after conquering the Liaodong vassal states.

How come this kid's supply lines are always open, yet he still has the resources to continue attacking Liaodong?

"I have no grudge against Liu Bei, so why does he hate me so much?"

At this moment, Gongsun Du felt not anger towards Liu Bei, but rather bewilderment.

You, Liu Bei, are willing to spend so much money and grain to attack Liaodong, a desolate, godforsaken place.

Why can't we use this money and grain to fight against other feudal lords in the Central Plains?

Their territory is far more prosperous than their own Liaodong.

At this moment, Gongsun Du genuinely felt that Liu Bei had something wrong with his head.

Even though Li Yi's army had entered Liaodong, Gongsun Du remained completely calm.

Li Yi had already extended his supply lines further, and he didn't believe that Liu Bei's financial resources could sustain this.

As the host country, fighting on home soil, we can certainly afford to wait it out.

However, just in case things go wrong and he was caught off guard, Gongsun Du decided to discuss the matter with everyone.

Should we consider making peace with Liu Bei?

After all, there really wasn't much to fight in Liaodong.

Apart from Xiangping, which was relatively wealthy, the rest were all uncivilized barbarians.

If you, Liu Bei, were to take Liaodong, do you believe that you would have to pay out of your own pocket every year?
General Yang Yi, who had always been a pro-Han figure, saw that Gongsun Du intended to compromise with the Han army, and thus spoke up to advise him:
“When Yuan Shao was alive, he always harbored the ambition to conquer Liaodong.”

"Now that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have been defeated and killed, they have nowhere to live."

"Coming here to seek refuge is an act of usurping someone else's place."

"If this continues, they will inevitably plot against each other."

"It would be better to lure him into the city, kill him, and present his head to Marquis Li Tan."

"Lord Li Tan is pleased and will surely treat us well, and will not send troops to Liaodong again."

Gongsun Du stroked his beard and shook his head.

Yang Yi's idea is too simplistic.

When the cannon is fired, there is a thousand taels of gold.

Li Yi has been preparing for so long, how could he possibly withdraw his troops just because of two remnants of the Yuan clan?
Tens of thousands of troops have come to Liaodong for tourism, haven't they?
"I fear that once Li Yi has obtained the heads of the two Yuan brothers, he will still lead his troops to take over Liaodong."

"It would be better to accept the two Yuan brothers as envoys to help me."

Han Zhong, who had escaped for his life, seized the opportunity to say:
"When I went to the Liaodong vassal state this time, I saw the men under Li Yi's command. They were all brave and strong, and each one was a hero."

"Li Yi's mobilization of such a large force is likely a ploy by Xiang Zhuang to target our Liaodong."

"We're definitely not here just for the two Yuans!"

"I wish that Your Excellency would immediately mobilize the troops in Liaodong and also send the Goguryeo, Buyeo and Okjeo people to assist me."

"The army held Liaosui with all its might, and Liyi was unable to take it for a long time."

"Even if Liu Bei possessed the wealth of the entire world, it would be impossible for him to continue the war in Liaodong."

"This is the best course of action; we humbly request Your Excellency to consider it carefully!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Yi, the commander of the Central Guard, also stepped forward and echoed his sentiments:

"Prefect Han's words are most apt. Li Yi's arrival is ill-intentioned. I hope Your Excellency will make preparations as soon as possible."

Yang Yi immediately spoke up to refute the two, saying:

"Lord Li Tan only punished the two Yuans. We have already offended the court by harboring these two traitors."

"If we do not offer up his head soon, we risk inviting disaster upon ourselves!"

Han Zhong and Liu Yi were also furious and shouted:

"General Yang, who receives a salary from Liaodong but is content with his lot, why does he advocate for outsiders?"

"Do you intend to betray your country and surrender the capital as soon as the Han army arrives?"

Yang Yi was furious and shouted:

"How dare you falsely accuse me, you brat!"

"Yi's heart is as bright as the sun and moon, and heaven and earth can bear witness!"

"What I seek is the eternal peace of Liaodong."

"How can this be for the sake of one's own survival?"

Having said that, Yang Yi flicked his sleeve and said dismissively:
"This brat is not worth discussing anything with; you should retreat immediately!"

Han Zhong and Liu Yi were not convinced and were about to speak up in rebuttal when Gongsun Du spoke up at that moment.

"There's no need for you all to argue. I've already made up my mind."

……

A map depicting the struggle for supremacy between Cao Cao and Liu Bei:
(This is the current power map)

(Note: Due to technical reasons, many county names are incorrect, so it is often said that this is just a sketch and for reference only.)
(In addition, this map only applies to the north; other areas may have changed and have not yet been updated.)

(End of this chapter)