Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 187 Waiting for the rabbit
In fact, for Gongsun Zan, the reason for keeping Guo Jia in check was not only to keep Yuan Shu hanging, but also to stabilize Cao Cao's camp.

Although the supplies and provisions sent by Yuan Shu far surpass those of Cao Cao's camp, the strategist Cheng beside him is the key to Gongsun Zan's ability to barely maintain the situation under Yuan Shao's offensive.

Apart from Tian Kai of Qingzhou, who was under his own command, both the Black Mountain Army and the Xiongnu people were maintained by him, the chief strategist of the four-state anti-Yuan alliance.

Therefore, even with the supplies provided by Yuan Shu, we cannot simply push away Cao Cao's camp.

If Fengxiao were indeed sent back to Huainan, then this political inclination would be all too clear.

At that time, Cao Cao would inevitably have to re-ally with Yuan Shao in order to counter Yuan Shu, who was powerful and unstoppable in the south. This was a clear political situation and a result of their previous alliance.

The alliance initially formed by the two Yuan brothers (Yuan Shu and Yuan Zan) to counter Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Liu Biao was led by Yuan Shu, Gongsun Zan, and Tao Qian.

However, due to Tao Qian's death and Cao Cao's unauthorized seizure of the emperor to command the other warlords, the relationship between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao broke down, and the alliance's actions also changed.

The reason why Cao Cao's camp wants to form an alliance with Gongsun Zan is to have him hold back Yuan Shao, so that Cao Cao can have more time and space to develop in the south.

Cao Cao's biggest rival and enemy in the south was Yuan Shu.

Once Gongsun Zan completely sided with Yuan Shu, Cao Cao would have no way of helping and supporting the ally of his greatest enemy.

Given the current situation, he was already incapable of defeating Yuan Shu in the south, and Yuan Shao was unlikely to destroy him, who had Yuan Shu's support, in a short time. In addition, there was Liu Biao, who was by Yuan Shu's side and felt that he was standing under a dangerous wall.

A renewed alliance between the three is inevitable. At that time, Cao Cao's camp will definitely focus all its efforts on the affairs of the south and will no longer care about the life or death of Yuan Shu's ally.

Thus, Cheng Yu, the link who persuaded the Black Mountain bandits and the Xiongnu, and facilitated the alliance of the four states, was gone.

Just as Cao Cao would act as an ally to help Yuan Shao resist Yuan Shu in the south.

Gongsun Zan was to act as Yuan Shu's ally, single-handedly resisting Yuan Shao, who held the four provinces of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing, at the height of his power and had no worries about his rear.

Is he crazy?

I wouldn't take this job no matter how much money they offered!

He manipulated Guo Fengxiao and the two families to make it easier for himself to fight Yuan Shao, not to increase the intensity of the battle.

Similarly, it is impossible for Gongsun Zan to kill Guo Jia and completely side with Cao Cao's camp.

Because in this way, the political landscape is also clear.

Just then, Yuan Shao was suffering from being bogged down by his own forces in the north, while Yuan Shu was also being blocked by Cao Cao in the south.

The two Yuan brothers formed an alliance: one would destroy Gongsun Zan in the north, and the other would destroy Cao Cao in the south, after which they would contend for the world.

At that time, his ally Cao Cao would be preoccupied with Yuan Shu's fierce attacks, and he too would have to fight against the peak Yuan Shao by himself.

Therefore, regardless of how much rhetoric Cheng Yu and Guo Jia used, keeping Guo Jia in his grasp and using Fengxiao to command Cao Cao and Yuan Shao was Gongsun Zan's best option at the moment.

It's not that Gongsun Zan wanted to be a fence-sitter, but rather that being a fence-sitter is a political necessity in the current environment.

Only by acting as a fence-sitter could he win over both sides, gather the manpower and resources of the two major warlords, and counter Yuan Shao.

Because as long as things don't reach the final stage, both Cao Cao and Yuan Shu need Gongsun Zan to curb Yuan Shao's development.

Unless absolutely necessary, who would want to nurture a Yuan Shao at his peak, only to then contend with him for the throne?

With him acting as a fence-sitter, holding Yuan Shao back in the north, Cao Cao and Yuan Shu can focus wholeheartedly on developing themselves in the south and deciding the outcome of the battle.

As for Gongsun Zan, he knew perfectly well that he was just a fence-sitter.

Anyway, he had no ambition to dominate the world. When the time came, he would join whoever won between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu, and then attack Yuan Shao from both the north and south to avenge the defeat at Baima.

In fact, Gongsun Zan was unsure how long this political situation could last, but for the time being, it was the most favorable political landscape among the feudal lords for him.

This was the core of his strategy of using Fengxiao to control Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

Should we kill Guo Jia? Or send him back to Yuan Shao's camp?

Throughout this entire affair, Guo Fengxiao was a political issue, not merely a hostage.

Since he clearly had the support of two powerful warlords to delay Yuan Shao, he could simply pledge allegiance to whoever won in the south in the end—a strategy that would put him in an invincible position.

Why would Gongsun Zan make such a hasty decision about whether to kill or send Guo Jia to safety?
No matter what Cheng Yu and Jiang Qin said, he was simply using one side's words to silence the other.

As a result, they would always keep Guo Jia firmly in their grasp, which would reassure Gongsun Zan himself, as well as Cao Cao and Yuan Shu.

This was something that not only Gongsun Zan knew, but Cheng Yu and Guo Jia were also aware of.

Therefore, after seeing that Yuan's camp could also send money and food to support them, and recognizing the political landscape among the various warlords, they realized the situation.

Cheng Yu's warning was merely to prevent Gongsun Zan from sending Guo Jia back, lest he completely side with Yuan Shu.

All Guo Jia wanted was to save his own life.

Of course, this was Gongsun Zan's original idea.

Until he met Zhao Yun!

Behind Zhao Yun, eight hundred cavalrymen surged forth like a torrent of steel, raising clouds of dust that swept towards them.

"Commander Zhao Yun, with his eight hundred men, has arrived late to receive the horses. I hope the general will forgive his tardiness!"

Gongsun Zan: () ? ! !

His gaze was fixed intently on Zhao Yun and the full armor on the Night-Shining Jade Lion.

Not only Zhao Yun, but also the entire 108 riders behind him were fully armored.

If such a torrent of steel were to charge straight into the enemy ranks, Gongsun Zan simply couldn't imagine its destructive power and impact!

"Zilong, you cavalryman..."

"General, this was a gift from my adoptive father, Lord Yuan. He said that he had previously sent a messenger to tell you about it."

He feared I might encounter danger on the battlefield, so he gave me this cloud as a token of his protection.

No parent's love for their child is greater than this, and I dare not refuse, therefore I accept it. I hope the general will not take offense.

Is this strange?
Gongsun Zan, what's so strange about this? You did say that before, but you only said that Yuan's elite cavalry could fight ten men each, but you didn't say it was in this way.

So, the so-called elite Yuan army was just a result of throwing money at them?

My elite troops, those wearing leather armor, are all squad leaders or centurions.

As a result, you not only wore full-body heavy armor, but you even went so far as to dress your horse in custom-made armor?
After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke haltingly.

"Zilong, do you not know the armor on your centaur's body?"

Unlike Gongsun Zan, who was somewhat embarrassed but also wanted it, Zhao Yun answered frankly:
"General, this is one of the supplies that my godfather used to support you."

My godfather said that this is only the first batch. As long as we form an alliance with like-minded people, more and more armor like this will be sent from Huainan.

He asked me to pass on a message to the general:
"The difference between kings and generals lies in a single thought; Bo Gui, do not disappoint me!"

what!
"Will these armors keep arriving?"

Gongsun Zan was shocked and speechless as he looked at the mountains of supplies piled up in Yuan's camp.

"Master Yuan is a kind and honest man!"
"If a gentleman treats me with sincerity, how can a petty person deceive me with false pretenses?"

With a sigh and closing his eyes, Gongsun Zan said to Jiang Qin:
“The situation is beyond my control. With a group of brothers behind me and a vast family business, Zan is also not in control of his own destiny.”

Sending Mr. Fengxiao back to Huainan is truly difficult, but if, as Brother Jiang suggests, he is sent to Zilong's camp to be looked after, I will agree.” After saying this, he gestured to Guo Jia, “Mr. Fengxiao, please come now. Please forgive me if I have neglected Yu Zan during this time.”

Today I have not failed Lord Yuan, and I hope that you and Zilong will not fail me either.

Only at this moment did Guo Jia's heart finally settle down; he had finally survived.

"General Gongsun's alliance with my lord is a mutually beneficial one, something both of our families would be eager for, so how could we talk about betraying it?"

While they were having a pleasant conversation, Cheng Yu felt completely superfluous.

Unfortunately, Gongsun Zan did not send Guo Jia back, but kept him in Zhao Yun's camp under his supervision. Although Zhao Yun was now Yuan Shu's adopted son, he was still under Gongsun Zan's watchful eye and under his orders.

Moreover, Youzhou and Huainan are thousands of miles apart. As long as someone is sent to keep an eye on Zhao Yun's movements and Jiang Qin's ships, it will be difficult for him to secretly release Guo Jia.

This attitude also shows that Gongsun Zan's stance remained wavering; he still intended to continue to hold Yuan Shao back in the north and watch the success or failure of the south.

Cheng Yu knew that speaking at this moment would not only fail to change Gongsun Zan's mind, but would also easily force him to completely side with Yuan Shu.

Unable to vent his feelings, he could only sullenly keep his face gloomy.

Zhao Yun, however, cupped his hands and requested permission, saying:
"Reporting to the general, on our way here with Commander Jiang, we met Governor Tian of Qingzhou, who, with the help of General Hai Gong, the fourth brother of the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, and a group of Yellow Turban righteous men, occupied many of Yuan Tan's cities."

We have now received news that General Hai Gong will soon lead the Yellow Turban rebels to plunder the counties of Bohai once again.

They only plundered wealth, not occupying counties. They claimed they were to emulate Governor Tian's past deeds, leading these eight hundred cavalry on an expedition to decisively defeat Yuan Shao and seize the counties of Bohai.

Gongsun Zan: "."

Looking at the mountains of Yuan Shao's weapons in the warehouse, he immediately understood what was going on between General Hai and the Yellow Turban rebels.

Good grief, they're going to rob us again on the way back, to deliver supplies back to Shouchun, right?

You guys really are like cargo ships that are never empty.

Actually, after they've finished looting, it would be a good thing to let Zhao Yun occupy a few cities for free, just like Tian Kai did in Qingzhou. However...
Gongsun Zan stared longingly at the armored cavalry, almost opening his mouth to speak:

Take me one!
Just then, Guo Jia, who had already observed the situation, spoke up.

"Zilong, I think it's not safe for you to have only 800 men. We need to ask General Gongsun to lead a large army to accompany you."

"Mr. Fengxiao, Yunyun is quite experienced in this matter and is already adept at it; there's no need to trouble the army."

Zhao Yun carefully chose his words, offering a somewhat awkward explanation, but Guo Jia simply chuckled and shook his head.

"Precisely because this is not the first time, and Yuan Shao's camp is not composed of ordinary people, if you go again, they will surely be prepared and have an ambush."

If General Gongsun were to lead a large army out at this moment, he would surely be able to decisively defeat Yuan Shao's army.

Upon hearing this, before anyone could say anything more, Gongsun Zan decisively declared:
"Mr. Fengxiao is absolutely right!"

"Zilong, you are now Yuan Gong's adopted son. How can I feel at ease sending you with only eight hundred men?"

As he spoke, Gongsun Zan immediately walked to the man among the 108 armored cavalrymen behind Zhao Yun, who was originally one of the 18 riders Zhao Yun had brought from Youzhou to Huainan and who had returned by boat with him.

Gongsun Zan stood calmly in front of him, saying nothing, only gazing at him with a smile.

The young general understood his meaning perfectly well, and with a wry smile, dismounted and removed his armor.

Gongsun Zan changed into his armor and horse armor with satisfaction, and patted him on the shoulder.

“Very good. Go and gather all the brothers from the surrounding counties. Anyone with a horse shall follow me on this expedition.”

"only."

Not long after, when Jiang Qin's large ship was returning and passing by the Bohai Sea, Gongsun Zan, now fully armored and riding in full regalia, stood at the front, spear in hand, and laughed loudly.

"Today is the day to avenge the defeat at Baima! Brothers, follow me and slaughter the enemy!"

After saying this, he charged ahead like a warrior, leading the charge alone.

He immediately led Zhao Yun with 108 heavily armored cavalry and 5,000 light cavalry, heading straight for Bohai.

Jizhou, Bohai Commandery, Zhangwu County.

"Brother Gongze, I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Guo Tu, who had searched several surrounding counties but found no trace of the so-called Yellow Turban Army, was already seething with resentment.

Upon suddenly seeing Xu You, he couldn't help but frown.

"Xu Ziyuan, what brings you here?"

"Brother Gongze, after a long investigation with no results, the lord has ordered me to bring General Zhang He's 10,000 troops to take over your and Chunyu Qiong's forces."

How dare you do this?

Guo Tu glared at Xu You, "Xu Ziyuan, you dare to slander our lord while I was away."

Xu You laughed at this.

"Compared to me, Brother Gongze should think carefully about how to explain your fruitless search to our lord."

Guo Tu sneered, “Xu Ziyuan, if I’m not mistaken, you’ve come here in person, surely for these elusive Yellow Turbans, right?”

You've miscalculated. Based on my investigation over the past few days, they could only have come from the sea, and they've already flown away and disappeared without a trace.

Facing the vast ocean, how much stronger are you, Xu Ziyuan, than I? Before our lord, I await your joint plea for forgiveness!

"Hahaha"

Xu You laughed loudly, "Apologize? Me?"

He raised his chin and looked down at Guo Tu.

"Public matters should be carefully considered."

First Qingzhou, then Jizhou—they've intercepted so much money and grain. Where will they go next? And along this route, who is most in need of money and grain?

Guo Tu was horrified and muttered to himself.

"Youzhou, Gongsun Zan?"

Xu You gave him a teachable smile, "It seems that Brother Gongze has already figured it out."

As the saying goes, what goes must come back!
These bandits, having succeeded repeatedly, had become arrogant and overconfident, believing that with the sea at their backs, they could come and go as they pleased and that no one could control them.

Now, how can these bandits, who have repeatedly succeeded without suffering any losses, possibly tolerate returning empty-handed?

Brother Gongze, I'll make a bet with you here. General Zhang He and General Chunyu Qiong have a total of 20,000 men hiding outside the city, ambushing 10,000 of these scoundrels who are pretending to be Yellow Turbans.

Have we been betting all this time that he might be waiting for a rabbit to run into a tree stump?

Meanwhile, in Huainan and Shouchun.

On the day the list of successful candidates was announced, Zhuge Jin stared blankly at the words "[Lu Su, Lu Zijing]" at the top of the list, lost in thought.

Lu Su, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, looked honest and would take me out to play every day, which made me careless.

In reality, he was studying so hard late into the night that he forgot to eat and sleep, I had no idea!
(End of this chapter)