My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

Two days later, within the territory of Wei Commandery in Ji Province.

Ji Xuanyuan led 3,000 soldiers to meet with the forces of Xiang Yu, Ran Min, and Lü Bu at the agreed location.

It was early summer, and the wheat fields were turning golden. The banners of the two armies fluttered in the wind.

Xiang Yu took the lead, his Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd held horizontally in front of his saddle. This heavy halberd, weighing 144 jin, felt as light as a feather in his hands. His double pupils swept over the army formation behind Ji Xuanyuan, and his brows furrowed slightly. His elder brother's face seemed even paler than it had been a month ago.

"Big brother!"

Xiang Yu dismounted and strode forward. Seeing Ji Xuanyuan about to get off the carriage, he quickly helped him up, saying, "Your health..."

"It's alright." Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, used the support to steady himself, and glanced at his three brothers.

Ran Min and Lü Bu had also dismounted and clasped their hands in greeting: "Brother!"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled with satisfaction: "It seems you haven't been idle in Zhuojun this past month."

Indeed, the 1,500 new recruits behind Xiang Yu, though their armor was not yet fully in place, were arrayed in a disciplined manner and their eyes already held a murderous intent. The 300 cavalrymen led by Lü Bu were even stronger and their horses were fatter. Although they were still somewhat inexperienced, they already had the beginnings of a cavalry force.

"I dare not neglect the task assigned by my elder brother."

Xiang Yu said in a deep voice: "The 1,500 new recruits have been trained day and night and are now ready for field battles. The 300 cavalrymen have been personally trained by Fengxian. Although they cannot charge into battle, they are capable of harassment and pursuit."

Lu Bu grinned, his youthful spirit high: "Brother, give me two more months, and I'll definitely train an elite cavalry force capable of breaking through enemy lines!"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, coughed a few times, and then said, "Come, greet the two gentlemen."

He stepped aside to let Tian Feng and Ju Shou pass.

The three men, including Xiang Yu, focused their gazes on the two scholars. Tian Feng had a resolute face, while Ju Shou had a calm demeanor, both displaying an air of neither arrogance nor servility.

"Yuanhao, Mr. Gongyu, this is my second brother, Xiang Ji, this is my fourth brother, Ran Min, and this is my sixth brother, Lü Bu," Ji Xuanyuan introduced them one by one.

He then introduced the three men: "This is Mr. Tian Feng, Mr. Tian Yuanhao, and this is Mr. Ju Shou, Mr. Gongyu."

"Both gentlemen are highly talented and will serve as our military advisors from now on."

Xiang Yu clasped his hands in greeting: "Xiang Ji greets the two gentlemen."

Although his tone was polite, it was tinged with scrutiny. He possessed the spirit of a tyrant and was arrogant. If it weren't for his elder brother's introduction, he would never have been so courteous to the two scholars.

Ran Min merely nodded slightly, his cold and stern face revealing neither joy nor anger.

Lu Bu looked the two men up and down, his eyes filled with curiosity, and a hint of... dissatisfaction? He was proud of his bravery and could not stand scholars giving orders.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou were men of great stature; how could they not see the scrutiny in the eyes of these three fierce generals?

The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly. Having just entered the army and without any merit, it would be difficult for them to win over the troops.

"I have long admired the illustrious reputations of the three generals." Tian Feng and Ju Shou returned the greeting, neither humble nor arrogant.

Ji Xuanyuan took in everyone's expressions and chuckled inwardly. He had deliberately introduced them at this time so that Tian Feng and Ju Shou would face this situation directly. If they couldn't even persuade his own brothers, how could they possibly lead thousands of troops in the future?

"The entire army will rest for half a day."

Ji Xuanyuan ordered: "Set off in the afternoon and head straight for Guangzong."

Inside the military tent, all the generals gathered.

Ji Xuanyuan sat in the main seat, wrapped in a fox fur coat, his face as pale as paper. To his left were Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, and Dian Wei, and to his right were Xiang Yu, Ran Min, and Lü Bu. Tian Feng and Ju Shou sat below Ji Xuanyuan.

"You are all aware of the battle at Guangzong," Ji Xuanyuan said, his voice weak but clear.

"General Lu Zhi led 50,000 northern troops to confront Zhang Jiao's 150,000 Yellow Turbans for two months. Our army has 5,000 men. Although we are outnumbered, we can achieve victory by surprise."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the generals: "In this battle, I intend to entrust full command to Mr. Yuan Hao and Mr. Gong Yu."

The tent was quiet.

Zhang Fei was the first to shout, "Brother! This...this won't do! They just arrived..."

"Yide".

Ji Xuanyuan interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "If you employ someone, trust them; if you don't trust someone, don't employ them. The talents of these two gentlemen surpass mine tenfold. I am at ease entrusting this battle to them."

Guan Yu stroked his beard, a thoughtful look flashing in his phoenix eyes: "Since you say so, I will certainly obey, but... I'm afraid the soldiers in the army will find it hard to accept."

That's the key.

Although Tian Feng and Ju Shou were valued by Ji Xuanyuan, they had no military achievements or prestige. If they were suddenly put in charge of the entire army, who would be willing to obey them?

Tian Feng suddenly stood up and bowed to Ji Xuanyuan and the generals: "I know you generals have doubts, but war is a matter of great importance to the state, a matter of life and death, a matter of survival and destruction. How can it be treated lightly? Although I am not talented, I am willing to sign a military pledge: if we are defeated in this battle, I am willing to offer my head to atone for my defeat!"

Ju Shou also stood up: "I, Shou, am also willing to sign a petition."

The generals inside the tent were moved. A military order was no small matter; it meant risking their lives.

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, "No need for formalities. Since I employ you two, I trust you. However..."

He looked at his generals and slowly said, "In this battle, I will recuperate in the rear and will not participate in any military affairs. The entire army, including myself, Ji Xuanyuan, will obey the orders of the two gentlemen. Anyone who disobeys will be punished according to military law!"

These words were spoken with great weight, and the generals exchanged glances before finally responding in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded in satisfaction, then said, "There is another matter I need to inform you all—Zhang Jiao's days are numbered."

Everyone was taken aback.

A glint of light flashed in Tian Feng's eyes: "How does the general know this?"

"Zhang Jiao used talismanic water to cure diseases and gathered a million followers. He seemed glorious, but in reality, he was exhausting his mind and body. I heard that he has rarely appeared in recent years and has entrusted military affairs to his brothers Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang. This is a sign that he is running out of fuel." Ji Xuanyuan said calmly. This explanation was just to make people believe it. What really made him so sure was the prophecy of the transmigrator.

Historically, Zhang Jiao died of illness in Guangzong during this period.

"If Zhang Jiao dies, the Yellow Turbans will surely descend into chaos. At that time, the 150,000 troops in the city will be like headless flies. The key to this battle is not a strong attack, but the timing."

He looked at Tian Feng and Ju Shou: "Gentlemen, how to use these five thousand soldiers to stir up trouble in Guangzong is up to you."

Tian Feng and Ju Shou exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock and excitement in each other's eyes.

"Feng understands."

Tian Feng cupped his hands and said, "Please allow us three days, General, to observe the enemy's situation and assess the terrain before offering a strategy to defeat them."

"allow."

That afternoon, five thousand soldiers set off.

Three days later, they arrived at Guangzong City, thirty miles outside, next to Lu Zhi's army camp.

Lu Zhi's army had already received the news. This great Confucian scholar and Northern General was overjoyed to hear that Ji Xuanyuan had come to join them. Ji Xuanyuan's achievements of defeating 50,000 with only 2,000 men and relieving the siege of Qingzhou had already spread throughout You, Ji, and Qing.

"Please come in quickly!" Lu Zhi personally came out of the camp to greet him.

Outside the gate, Ji Xuanyuan, dressed in white fox fur, slowly approached, surrounded by his generals. Lu Zhi was immediately struck by his unparalleled beauty, but upon closer inspection, he noticed his frail appearance and sighed inwardly: Heaven is jealous of talent.

"This humble general, Ji Xuanyuan, pays his respects to General Lu." Ji Xuanyuan was about to perform the salute.

Lu Zhi quickly helped him up: "Commander Ji, there's no need for such formalities! You led the righteous army to repeatedly defeat the bandits, making great contributions to the Han Dynasty. It is I who should thank you!"

His gaze swept over the generals behind Ji Xuanyuan, and he was startled once again: the red-faced, long-bearded man stood with his sword in hand, looking majestic; the man with a leopard-like head and piercing eyes held a spear and glared fiercely; the young general in white robes exuded heroic spirit; and there was also the boy with double pupils, the cold-faced general, the strong man carrying a spear... each one of them was extraordinary!

There was also a giant man as imposing as a mountain, holding two halberds and standing beside Ji Xuanyuan. His large, copper-bell-shaped eyes scanned the surroundings, as if he were about to suddenly strike and kill someone at any moment.

"These...are all under Commandant Ji's command?" Lu Zhi exclaimed in surprise.

"Exactly." Ji Xuanyuan smiled and coughed twice.

"I have come to Guangzong to obey the orders of General Lu and to work together to defeat the Yellow Turbans."

Lu Zhi was overjoyed: "Excellent! Excellent! With Commandant Ji's assistance, defeating Zhang Jiao is just around the corner! Please come into the tent for a chat!"

Inside the central command tent, Lu Zhi and Ji Xuanyuan took their seats as host and guest, respectively. Lu Zhi's generals lined up on both sides, and seeing that Ji Xuanyuan was so young and sickly, many of them looked down on him.

Only Lu Zhi treated him with utmost seriousness: "Commander Ji, the battle at Guangzong has been deadlocked for two months. What are your thoughts?"

Ji Xuanyuan turned to Tian Feng beside him and said, "Mr. Yuan Hao, you speak."

All eyes in the tent fell on Tian Feng, and the generals under Lu Zhi showed disdain when they saw that he was an unfamiliar scholar.

Tian Feng remained calm, rose and bowed to Lu Zhi, and said loudly, "Lord Lu, I have observed the situation in Guangzong and have a theory of three victories and three defeats."

"Oh? Please go ahead."

"Zhang Jiao has 150,000 troops, while our army has only 50,000. This is a defeat in terms of troop strength. However, Zhang Jiao's army is mostly composed of refugees, while our army consists of the elite of the Han Dynasty. This is a victory in terms of combat strength," Tian Feng said confidently.

"Zhang Jiao defended the city, while our army attacked it. This was a defeat due to the terrain. However, our army had sufficient food and supplies. The enemy army besieged the city for a long time and their food and supplies gradually ran out. This was a victory in terms of logistics."

He paused, then continued, "The most crucial third point—Zhang Jiao is nominally the leader of the Way of Peace, but in reality, he relies on spreading heresies to maintain morale. I've heard that Zhang Jiao is seriously ill; if he dies, the rebel army will surely collapse. This is a victory for the people's hearts and a defeat for the rebel army's morale!"

Lu Zhi's eyes lit up: "How did you know Zhang Jiao was seriously ill, sir?"

Tian Feng glanced at Ji Xuanyuan and repeated what Ji Xuanyuan had said earlier.

Lu Zhi pondered for a moment, then asked, "In your opinion, sir, what should be done?"

Tian Feng had already made preparations: "We should use a strategy of exhausting the enemy. Our army will be divided into three groups, taking turns to launch feigned attacks day and night, preventing the enemy from resting. We will also send elite cavalry to harass their supply lines and cut off their supplies. When Zhang Jiao is dead and the enemy is in disarray, we can launch a coordinated attack from within and without, and capture the city in one fell swoop!"

Ju Shou then added: "I think we can also send assassins to infiltrate the city, spread rumors, and shake the morale of the army. The leaders of the various Yellow Turban tribes are already at odds. If Zhang Jiao dies, they will definitely fight for power and profit. This is an opportunity to take advantage of."

Lu Zhi nodded repeatedly, and when he looked at Tian Feng and Ju Shou, his eyes no longer held any contempt, but only admiration: "You two gentlemen have insightful views! I wonder..."

He looked at Ji Xuanyuan.

Ji Xuanyuan smiled and said, "Yuanhao and Gongyu are ten times more talented than me. In this battle, my army of five thousand soldiers is willing to serve as the vanguard and will be at the command of Lu Zhonglang and the two gentlemen."

That was a well-chosen statement, both giving Lu Zhi face and elevating Tian Feng and Ju Shou.

Lu Zhi was overjoyed: "In that case, we shall follow your plan, gentlemen! Commander Ji's troops will be the vanguard, and I will allocate five thousand Northern Army soldiers to you, making a total of ten thousand, to be in charge of feigned attacks and harassment!"

"This subordinate obeys."

After leaving the main tent, Guan Yu whispered, "Brother, Tian Feng and Ju Shou... are indeed talented."

Zhang Fei, however, disagreed: "What's the use of just talking? We'll only know if you have real skills on the battlefield."

Ji Xuanyuan smiled: "Yide, you mustn't be rude. You will be able to personally experience the talents of the two gentlemen in a few days. This is just the beginning."

He looked at Tian Feng and Ju Shou: "Gentlemen, this battle is your chance to establish your authority. How you use these 10,000 soldiers to turn Guangzong upside down is up to you."

Tian Feng and Ju Shou exchanged a glance, both seeing the light in each other's eyes.

In chaotic times, when a wise ruler appears, it is time to display one's talents.

Three days later, the battle for Guangzong entered a new phase.

According to Tian Feng's plan, the 10,000 troops were divided into three teams, each led by Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, to take turns feigning attacks on the north, east, and west gates.

They would retreat after attacking for two hours, and then another team would attack.

The Yellow Turban army was initially on high alert, but later found that the government troops were all bark and no bite, so they gradually relaxed. But when they relaxed, the government troops would suddenly launch a real attack, causing casualties. This happened repeatedly, and in just five days, the Yellow Turbans defending the city were exhausted.

At the same time, Li Cunxiao and Yang Zaixing led three hundred cavalrymen to harass the Yellow Turban's supply routes day and night. Both of them were capable of fighting ten thousand men, and Yellow Turban supply convoys that encountered them almost never returned.

The most ruthless was Ju Shou's plan: he carefully selected thirty clever soldiers, disguised them as refugees, and infiltrated the city to spread rumors.

"Our great and virtuous teacher is gravely ill and will not recover!"

"Zhang Jiao is indeed a sorcerer who has angered Heaven, hence this illness has been sent upon him!"

"The imperial army has received divine assistance; soon, heavenly thunder will destroy Guangzong!"

Rumors spread among the 150,000-strong army, growing ever stronger, causing panic in the city, and the leaders of various units began to secretly carry out their own plans.

All of this was within Tian Feng and Ju Shou's calculations.

Seven days later, late at night, Ji Xuanyuan received an urgent report in his central command tent.

"General! News from our inside sources in the city says Zhang Jiao is dead!"

Ji Xuanyuan put down the book in his hand, a smile appearing on his pale face.

"Send word to summon Yuan Hao, the Duke and the two gentlemen, and all the generals to come here immediately for a meeting."