Late Han Zhao Tang

On October 21, Zhang Yu led the majority of his forces to move to Wancheng to settle the former inhabitants of the Chen state. In order to pacify the four prefectures of Xu, Qing, Yan, and Yu, Zhang Yu mobilized troops and appointed officials to stabilize the turbulent areas.

Zhang Liao commanded 20,000 troops, served as the governor of Yuzhou, and concurrently supervised the military affairs of Yuzhou, holding the imperial insignia; Li Song commanded 25,000 troops, served as the governor of Xuzhou, and concurrently supervised the military affairs of Yan and Xu, holding the imperial insignia; Man Chong commanded 20,000 troops, served as the governor of Qingzhou, and concurrently supervised the military affairs of Qingzhou, holding the imperial insignia.

The three generals each led an expedition to a province, with Man Chong bearing the heaviest burden, followed by Li Song, and Zhang Liao the lightest. Among them, Zhang Yu showed the most favor to Li Song, granting him an important position even before the capture of Shou Zhang, and entrusting him with the expedition to Xu Province, where it was easiest to achieve merit.

It's no wonder Zhang Yu was biased. Besides their close relationship, Zhang Yu desperately needed Li Song to gain more military merits in order to maintain balance in the court later.

After all, although Zhang Liao shared the same surname and had known Zhang Yu for many years, almost like brothers, his excessive military achievements were not a good thing. On the other hand, Li Song's military achievements not only balanced Zhang Liao but also allowed him to unite with Zhang Liao and form a solid military merit group with lower-ranking generals. This would help maintain a balance with the civil officials and counterbalance the powerful Wang clan, who held sway over both the military and political spheres.

At that time, Yingchuan was 800 li away from Dongping. Scouts could reach the city in three days by traveling day and night.

Outside Shouzhang City, the Tang army camp.

Inside the central tent, Li Song relayed a message to his attendants, laughing as he said, "Yuan Shu was captured in the battle, and the entire state of Chen surrendered. Now, Your Majesty is about to unify China. I hereby issue this order to urge you and me to quickly conquer Shou Zhang, pacify Lu, and then conquer Xuzhou!"

"Your Majesty confronted Yuan Shu for more than twenty days, and then captured Yuan Shu and captured Yongqiu. This is something that no ordinary person could have predicted," Xu Shu said with emotion.

Lü Bu clicked his tongue repeatedly, his face full of amazement at Chen's surrender.

Previously, Lü Bu's fear of Zhang Yu was not deep; he only felt that there was a gap between him and Zhang Yu, but not a large one. However, when Zhang Yu captured Yuan Shu and subjugated the enormous Chen Kingdom in one battle, it truly shocked Lü Bu. The impact of this was indescribable, and it made him abandon the idea of ​​comparing his military talents with Zhang Yu's, leaving him only with awe for Zhang Yu.

After all, when the gap is too large, it's hard to generate a competitive spirit; instead, there's only awe, and that's the deterrent effect of a founding emperor. When Ying Bu rebelled, his opening words were, "The emperor is old and weary of war; he certainly won't come. Of the generals, only Huaiyin and Peng Yue were of concern, but now they are both dead, and the rest are not worth fearing." This shows that Ying Bu was afraid of Liu Bang.

Compared to Lü Bu's shock, Chen Gong felt even more ashamed. Between Zhang Yu and Yuan Shu, he had always favored Yuan Shu, not just for wealth and status, but because he felt Yuan Shu possessed more of the qualities of a wise ruler. However, the wise ruler in his eyes had suffered a crushing defeat, like a boxer who, after taking only one punch from Zhang Yu, collapsed and couldn't get up.

If you were to ask Chen Gong what he felt about Zhang Yu today, besides disbelief, he would express deep admiration. To be able to unite the fierce troops of Guanzhong and overthrow the powerful families of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu—he was truly a hero who carved out his own path purely through talent, comparable to Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Shizu!
"Now that Your Majesty has captured Yuan Shu and subjugated the State of Chen, Yuan Xi has no external support. Therefore, you wish to conquer Shou Zhang. This will cause unrest among the people in the city, making it easy to take the city!"

Chen Gong composed himself and offered a plan: "Since Your Majesty is unwilling to pardon Yuan Xi, it would be better to send a letter with arrows into the city, explaining the situation and writing a letter to anyone who wishes to kill Yuan Xi or surrender and open the gates. Such a person would surely receive official rank and wealth. With internal and external troubles, Yuan Xi and his subordinates would distrust each other. How could Shou Zhang not be captured?"

Seeing Chen Gong offer his advice, Lü Bu looked at him with surprise. Previously, Chen Gong had joined the army reluctantly, let alone offered any suggestions. But lately, Chen Gong's enthusiasm for devising strategies almost made Lü Bu think he was hallucinating!
"Let's follow Lord Chen's plan!"

Li Song readily agreed, saying, "I now order my men to make a hundred letters and shoot them into the city to sow discord among the people."

"Yes, sir!" The attendant acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Before long, hundreds of letters appeared in Shouzhang City, causing much discussion among the soldiers and officers. Only after his attendant reported the matter did Yuan Xi learn what had happened.

In fear and anxiety, Yuan Xi summoned Ma Dan and Zhang Shang to discuss surrendering. With no objections from the others, Yuan Xi sent his attendants to beg for surrender. However, Li Song refused and continued to send messages into the city, saying that whoever killed Yuan Xi would receive official titles and rewards.

The attendant immediately reported to Yuan Xi, who was greatly alarmed to learn that Li Song had not allowed him to surrender.

"Now Li Song refuses to allow me to surrender, intending to let Ma Dan and Zhang Shang kill me for their own gain!"

Yuan Xi, his face filled with panic, paced back and forth in the hall, seemingly at a loss.

"General, His Majesty has been captured by Zhang Yu, and the State of Chen has surrendered to the Tang. Therefore, you have no external support. Now, you are not allowed to surrender. You should think of a way to survive as soon as possible," the confidant said.

Yuan Xi sighed and said, "Being trapped in Shouzhang will surely lead to our demise. The only option now is to leave Shouzhang and seek another to serve. At present, Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan have become enemies, and Qingzhou has become a battlefield. Sooner or later, it will be taken by the Tang people. Gao Gan has few soldiers and many generals, and it will be difficult for him to protect his own life. Therefore, although the world is vast, there is no place for me to stay."

The confidant said, "The late king had a past relationship with Cao Cao. If you, General, can break out of the city and head south to join Cao Cao, you will be safe."

"To defect to Cao Cao?"

Yuan Xi hesitated and said, "Wouldn't that mean we'd have to travel through Xuzhou?"

"Of course!"

The confidant said, "Gao Gan and Tao Shang are in charge of Xuzhou. They have no ill intentions towards you, General. Now is the time to open up Xuzhou. Moreover, you and Gao Gan are old relatives. Why don't you go south to Jiangzuo and seek Cao Cao's protection?"

Before the confidant could finish speaking, a servant rushed in and said, "General, Ma Dan and Zhang Shang are requesting an audience outside to inquire about surrendering to the Tang people."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xi looked terrified and said, "If the two of them know that Li Song refused to surrender, they will surely implicate me. If I do not flee now, I will either be killed by the Tang people or be harmed by Ma and Zhang!"

Yuan Xi pondered for a long time and said, "Tell them I'm not feeling well and ask them to come later."

As he spoke, Yuan Xi called to his men and hurriedly said, "Shouzhang cannot be defended. Ma and Zhang are about to rebel. Tonight, we must gather gold and silver so that I can escape to Cao Cao."

"promise!"

In a panic, Yuan Xi led a few of his men and fled to the Wen River late at night.

The next day, Ma Dan and Zhang Shang urgently sought out Yuan Xi to inquire about surrendering, but found that Yuan Xi had disappeared into the city, realizing that he had abandoned the city and fled. After discussing the matter, the two sent men out of the city to surrender.

Upon learning that Yuan Xi had fled from the Wen River the previous night, Li Song ordered his cavalry to pursue and kill Yuan Xi while simultaneously leading a large army into the city and taking control of Shouzhang. The surrender of Shouzhang meant that all the counties in Yanzhou, except for Taishan County, had submitted to him.

Inside the city, Li Song appeased the surrendered people and the populace, and following Zhang Yu's instructions, invited Lü Bu to discuss matters.

"Yuan Xi abandoned the city and fled in fear. Except for Mount Tai, all the counties in Yan Province have submitted." Lu Bu had just sat down when he first congratulated Li Song and then said, "Mount Tai is invincible. We sent a general to the east and it was subdued. If you and I were to take Yan Province, I wonder if Your Majesty has any further instructions?"

Li Song organized his thoughts and said, "His Majesty has mobilized troops to me, appointing me as the governor of Xuzhou to suppress Tao Shang and Gao Gan in Xuzhou. As for Marquis Wen, His Majesty has other plans for him, intending to transfer him to Wancheng."

Lu Bu's expression was not good. He said, "I am not familiar with the geography of Jingzhou, and if we want to fight the enemy, our warhorses cannot cross the river. Therefore, I have been transferred to Wancheng. I wonder what Your Majesty's intention is?"

Although Lü Bu knew that he would have to leave Yanzhou sooner or later, he was still unhappy to see Zhang Yu transfer him away after using him.

Knowing Lü Bu's temperament, Li Song laughed and said, "Lord Wen's warhorse cannot cross the river, but his reputation can intimidate the southerners. Chen has only recently surrendered, and Cao Cao and Liu Bei have both rebelled with their troops. Your Majesty needs to appease your ministers, but you have no great generals to entrust with important tasks, such as patrolling the border and intimidating the rebels. Among the people in the Central Plains, only Lord Wen has such a great reputation and military strategy."

Lu Bu's displeasure vanished instantly, replaced by a broad smile, as he asked, "Is Zhang Liao not by Your Majesty's side?"

"Zhang Liao has been appointed Governor of Yu Province, responsible for suppressing bandits within the province. Your Majesty has no capable generals at your disposal, which is why you have just transferred Marquis Wen to Wancheng. Marquis Wen has repeatedly defeated Cao Cao, and now that he is stationed in Wancheng, he will surely deter Cao Cao from invading the border!" Li Song flattered.

Lu Bu feigned humility and said, "Although I am slightly better than Cao Cao, Cao Cao is truly a master strategist. Now that we have arrived at Wancheng, if I can lend Your Majesty a hand, I would be overjoyed!"

"And that's not all!"

After a pause, Li Song lowered his voice and said, "Marquis Wen, as an outsider, has been appointed as a Grand General, and his daughter is betrothed to the Second Prince. This has attracted much envy, and rumors are inevitable. Therefore, if Marquis Wen could go to Wancheng this time, he could not only display his talents but also catch up with His Majesty. Why not?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu narrowed his eyes, revealing a hint of murderous intent, and asked, "Who dares to spread rumors and slander against me while standing beside Your Majesty?"

Li Song said, “Marquis Wen holds a high position, and it would be easy for him to take revenge on his subordinates, but that would incur their resentment. Marquis Wen is an outsider, and he is now expressing his respect to Your Majesty and reminiscing about old times. Your Majesty knows of Marquis Wen’s merits and cherishes the friendship between fellow townsmen and relatives, so why would Your Majesty care about rumors?”

Lu Bu pondered for a while, then suddenly realized what was going on, and bowed to express his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Li. I almost made a mistake."

"Don't dare!"

"I am very grateful for the cooperation of Marquis Wen during the campaign against Shouzhang!"

Having spent considerable time with Lü Bu, Li Song gradually came to understand Lü Bu's temperament. Lü Bu was the type of person who responded better to gentle persuasion than force. Now, Zhang Yu was ordering Lü Bu to go to Wancheng. Under the circumstances, Lü Bu would be forced to go, but this would certainly displease him. Therefore, Li Song, catering to Lü Bu's nature, used flattery to make Lü Bu feel important, thus securing his willingness to go.

It must be said that although Li Song's military abilities were inferior to those of senior generals such as Man Chong and Zhang Liao, he was flexible, good at uniting his subordinates, and able to accept advice and make timely changes. It was precisely because of these merits that Zhang Yu continued to rely on Li Song.

While Li Song was subduing Shou Zhang and preparing to conquer Mount Tai first, then attack the counties of Xuzhou, the situation in Qingzhou changed. Yuan Tan led his troops to launch a surprise attack on Linzi, and the counties of Le'an and Qi surrendered to Yuan Tan. Yuan Shang, seeing his retreat cut off, was worried and was decisively defeated by Man Chong.

Jinan State, a famous county.

Inside the main tent, Man Chong and his generals sat on stools, discussing the battle that had just ended.

“Yuan Shang has been defeated by our army and is now fleeing south with several hundred cavalry. Our army has captured more than 12,000 enemy soldiers, obtained Yuan Shang’s seal and tally, as well as a fake Qi King’s seal, and 9,620 sets of armor, tens of thousands of crossbows and halberds. Now that we have achieved this great feat, the coastal lands can be taken!” said Xin Ping, the military advisor.

Man Chong and Yuan Shang were fighting around Gaotang, and their armies faced each other across the river for more than two months. During this time, the two armies clashed frequently, and Man Chong, with his superior troops, won several minor victories against Yuan Shang, thus seeking a decisive battle. Yuan Shang, fearing that he could not defeat Man Chong, relied on his fortified camp to hold his ground and engaged in a stalemate with Man Chong.

Seeing that the two armies had been facing each other across the river for a long time, Yuan Tan took advantage of the Yellow River being frozen and, following Meng Dai's advice, led his troops in a surprise attack on Linzi, causing panic among Yuan Shang's army. In order to stabilize the situation in the rear, Yuan Shang took the initiative to lead his troops to fight against Man Chong, but was defeated by Man Chong, with many of his soldiers killed or wounded.

Yuan Shang fled to Zhuo County and sent Yin Kui and Chen Lin to Man Chong to request surrender. Man Chong knew that Yuan Shang was in dire straits and that his surrender was not sincere, so he refused Yuan Shang's request. After defeating Gaotang, Man Chong once again advanced his troops to approach Zhuo County.

As the Tang army pressed forward relentlessly, and Linzi fell to Yuan Tan, morale within the army plummeted. To quell the unrest, Yuan Shang dispatched Feng Ji to suppress the rebellion. However, his subordinate Zhang Qiu, who harbored resentment towards Feng Ji, rallied his troops, killed Feng Ji, and sent men to welcome the Tang army. Man Chong led his troops to attack, and Yuan Shang's forces were utterly routed. His soldiers scattered and fled, and Yuan Shang, with his cavalry, fled to Beihai.

Tian Feng stroked his beard and said, “Although Yuan Shang was defeated, Yuan Tan still holds Linzi. According to Your Majesty’s decree, unless Yuan Tan abandons the prefecture and surrenders, he must be eliminated. Now that Yuan Tan holds Linzi, how could he willingly submit to me?”

“Your Majesty has captured Yuan Shu, and Chen is almost surrendering. Yuan Tan has incurred the wrath of his brothers and has no reinforcements. Beset by internal and external troubles, why not send an envoy to explain the advantages and disadvantages? If Yuan Tan refuses, it is not too late to launch a campaign against him. Yuan Tan is still Your Majesty’s subject. If you launch a campaign against him without cause, I fear you will lose the hearts of the people of Qi,” Xin Ping said.

Man Chong raised an eyebrow and said, "Fu Sang, the garrison commander of Yuling, sent a letter of surrender, saying that Yuan Tan had privately given him the general's seal and ribbon, intending to annex his troops. This shows that Yuan Tan is ostensibly compliant to our army, but in reality, he is recruiting Yuan Tan's old troops. Once Yuan Tan's henchmen are fully formed and he regains control of the coastal area, he will surely become a threat to our army again, so we cannot let him go."

"And what is your opinion, General?" Xin Ping asked.

Man Chong pondered for a moment and said, "What the military advisor said makes sense. In my opinion, we should lead our troops forward quickly and send an envoy to demand that Yuan Tan surrender. If Yuan Tan does not comply, our army should attack Linzi immediately and order him to quickly capture Linzi and subdue the counties of Qingzhou as soon as possible."

With that, Man Chong looked at the generals and asked, "What do you all think?"

Hao Zhao cupped his hands and said, "General's idea is the best plan. Yuan Tan surrendered to us, wanting our army to defeat Yuan Shang. He took the opportunity to seize cities and gather troops to strengthen his own forces. Now that Yuan Shang has been defeated and fled in defeat, many of his remnants are hiding. If we let Yuan Tan pacify the old Yuan clan members and contact the high-ranking officials in Xuzhou, it will be difficult for our army to conquer him."

“I think we should attack Yuan Tan!” Zhang Yan said. “Yuan Tan is Yuan Shao’s son. He surrendered in the past because of the urgent situation. Now that Yuan Shang has been defeated and fled, Yuan Tan will sooner or later raise an army and rebel again.”

Yuan Tan's intentions were common knowledge among the Tang army, but the reason they hadn't exposed him before was simply to use him. Now that Yuan Shang had been defeated and his army had scattered and fled, Yuan Tan was no longer of any use to them.

"good!"

Seeing that no one objected, Man Chong said in a deep voice, "Order all units to rest for two days and compel Yuan Tan to abandon his army and surrender. If he refuses, the army will advance to attack Yuan Tan."

"As ordered!"

PS: I have something to do today, so this will be a 4k-word chapter for now. (End of this chapter)