My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 382 Why Avoid His Edge?

Hejian County.

As its name suggests, it is located between nine rivers, hence the name.

With its well-developed water system and the fertile land of the Hebei Plain, it was an extremely important hub for water transport, agriculture, and military affairs. It bordered Bohai Commandery to the east, Gaoyang Commandery to the west, Zhangwu Commandery to the south, and Fanyang Commandery to the north, serving as a crucial link between Youzhou and Jizhou.

Hou Yuan was a trusted confidant whom Erzhu Rong valued highly, so naturally he would be assigned to such an important position.

Hou Yuan chose Hejian County as the location for his army to assemble.

In addition to the fact that well-developed water transport can minimize the pressure on logistics and grain transportation.

Furthermore, Hejian Commandery is located in the southwest of Yingzhou, bordering Jizhou, Yinzhou, and Dingzhou at the same time, which means that it can send troops in three directions simultaneously.

Moreover, during Emperor Taiwu Tuoba Tao's unification of the northern border, Hejian County was an important core city used by Emperor Taiwu to control and manage Hebei.

Later, in order to consolidate its rule, a military town was established in Wuyuan County.

The Northern Wei Dynasty did not only establish military garrisons in border areas. In the process of unifying the north, the establishment of military garrisons was actually the first means to consolidate its rule.

Wuyuan County is located directly south of Zhaodujun City, the seat of Yingzhou. The two fortified cities are not far apart and can support each other.

Hou Yuan led his army to the front and reached Wuyuan County. He ordered the army to camp outside the city and then continuously sent out scouts and rangers to gather information.

Liu Taozhi stayed by Hebayun's side, and the three thousand brave warriors led by Ashina Tumen were also incorporated into Hebayun's main army. This did not arouse Hou Yuan's suspicion. It was not uncommon for the army to be short of troops and to spend money to recruit various tribes of the grasslands as mercenaries.

This has been the practice since ancient times. Most tribes that eventually rose to become the overlords of the grasslands relied on the initial wealth they accumulated by serving as mercenaries in the Central Plains and the iron forging skills they secretly learned. By mastering advanced forging techniques, they greatly enhanced their combat power.

After settling the army, Hou Yuan ordered all his generals to be summoned.

Hou Yuan said with a solemn expression, "The scouts have reported that Mo Heduo has personally led the troops from Shandong, dividing them into two routes. One army is stationed in Wuyi County, and its vanguard has already reached Wusui."

Wusui is located on the border between Yingzhou and Jizhou.

"News from the front has not yet come back; this army may already be at the gates of Lecheng."

Lecheng was the former seat of Hejian Commandery. Its defenses were fairly strong, but it certainly didn't have the same advantageous location as Zhaodujun City or Wuyuan. Therefore, Hou Yuan never intended to defend it and only left a small number of soldiers there.

"The other army was previously in Bohai County, and it is likely that it has now penetrated deep into Yingzhou and is also heading towards Lecheng."

The grain and fodder could also be transported by water from Bohai Commandery to Lecheng via the Hutuo River.

Liu Taozhi lowered her head.

Clearly, Hou Yuan wasn't wasting his time here in vain; he was constantly gathering information and acting with considerable caution.

of course……

This is also because Gao Yu's reputation is too great.

Upon learning that Gao Yu was personally leading his troops north, everyone would have to consider whether they were worthy of the task. Just like during the Chu-Han Contention, who wouldn't feel their scalp tingle when they heard that Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Chu, was coming?

"What are your thoughts, General?"

Heba Yun took the initiative to speak.

"In my opinion, the troops of Moheduo in Shandong are coming with great force. We should avoid their sharp edge for the time being, hold our city and defend it. We can deal with them slowly after their momentum has weakened."

Hou Yuan was quite cautious.

He never intended to confront Gao Yu head-on.

He went on to explain, “Our ability to keep the Shandong troops in Yingzhou is the greatest help we can give to the Prime Minister. As long as we can keep Mo Heduo here and prevent him from going to support He Liuhun, we can buy the Prime Minister more time.”

Gao Huan's strength was not as great as Erzhu Rong's.

Hou Yuan was convinced of this. Unless the Gao brothers joined forces, how could Gao Huan possibly withstand Erzhu Rong's attack on his own?
Ultimately, how could the Gao brothers have caught up with, or even surpassed, the Erzhu family's many years of management in such a short time?
The stronger side, with more cards in their hand, doesn't need to take too many risks. They can simply build strongholds and fight a war of attrition. It may not look good on the field, but it's the most practical approach.

Only the weaker party, in order to close the gap in strength, needs to take risks and make more aggressive decisions.

Everyone nodded.

To defeat, capture alive, or even kill Gao Yu would be an honor that would earn one the title of Duke of the Founding Kingdom.

But who has the courage and ability to do that?
Gao Yu's impressive record is no joke.

Heba Yun frowned and shook his head, saying, "General, this is probably inappropriate."

"Why should we avoid his sharp edge? In my opinion, we should take advantage of Moheduo's unstable foothold and launch a preemptive strike!"

As soon as these words came out.

Everyone looked at Heba Yun in astonishment.

Seriously, man?
The Heba brothers had personally fought Gao Yu, so they should know better than anyone just how brave and powerful Gao Yu was.

Are you so desperate to make a name for yourself?
Hou Yuan was stunned for a moment, and Liu Lingzhu, who looked like a Taoist hermit and a worldly master, also turned his head to look at him.

Hou Yuan gave him face and did not object immediately, but instead asked a question.

"Ajuni, tell me, why should we take the initiative to attack?"

After bowing slightly, Heba Yun said, "I am also aware of Mohe Du's reputation for bravery. His Xuanjia Army is composed of warriors who are the bravest in the three armies, and no one can stop them!"

"However... General, don't forget that when the late emperor bestowed the title of Tian Ce Shang Jiang on Mo He Du, and he left Luoyang for Shandong, the Prime Minister had already transferred most of his Xuanjia Army to other places."

Hou Yuan nodded; he knew about this matter as well.

"In other words, among the Xuanjia Army under Mohedu's command, only a few hundred are his old troops who fought alongside him in the north and south. No matter how brave they are, there are only a few hundred of them. Human strength is finite."

"Moreover, we all know that Moheduo is unparalleled in horsemanship and archery, and is the best in spear fighting. After all, he comes from the Six Garrisons, and I also come from the Six Garrisons. We, the people of the Six Garrisons, are good at leading cavalry to annihilate the enemy in open field battles, but we are not good at commanding infantry. Moheduo lacks warhorses in Shandong, and his troops are mostly infantry, so his combat effectiveness will be greatly reduced!"

"Shandong has been at peace for many years. Even if Moheduo is a brilliant strategist, how could he possibly train such brave and skilled infantrymen in just two years?"

As long as we can form an array.

Infantrymen are not afraid of cavalry at all.

But here’s the problem.

Infantry that can calmly form ranks in the face of a cavalry charge must be veterans who have survived many battles and possess this mental fortitude.

New recruits who had never been on the battlefield were often too frightened to stand still or turn and run away when they saw hordes of cavalry charging towards them.

Heba Yun secretly observed and noticed that Hou Yuan's expression had changed.

It seems things are starting to falter.

He continued to persuade him.

"The high morale of Moheduo's troops is based on the fact that Moheduo has never experienced defeat and is sure to win every battle. If we cower in the city and hold our ground, the Shandong troops will think we are invincible."

"Isn't that just because we're intimidated by Mohedu's reputation for bravery, we dare not leave the city to fight? Isn't that just boosting the enemy's morale for nothing?"

"If we can take the initiative and defeat Moheduo first, we can not only blunt his morale but also greatly damage his prestige in the army. His army will be shaken, and Moheduo may have to withdraw his troops and return to the rear to reorganize his army without us having to attack again. Then our army can take the opportunity to advance westward and help the Prime Minister defeat He Liuhun."

"This is a great achievement!!"

(End of this chapter)