Mythical Three Kingdoms

”The issue with the veterans is the primary problem we must address this time. If those soldiers remain idle for too long, they will eventually wreak great havoc among the populace. As for the rest, it is all about logistics and resource allocation.” Jia Xu spoke calmly, his expression serene. The matter of the veterans was indeed a significant challenge.

”Have the military supplies already been organized?” Chen Xi asked.

”Seven thousand heavy crossbows, twelve thousand bows, and all archers selected over the past three years have been mobilized.” Jia Xu nodded and said, ”However, there is still a shortage of thirty thousand horses. I’ve given up on remedying this aspect. Regarding military weaponry and gear: forty-nine thousand four hundred spears have been allocated, with around thirty-five thousand reserved for backup.”

”Eight thousand long halberds, two thousand of which will remain as reserves; eight thousand assault heavy-back knives, with three thousand reserved; forty-five thousand thin-bladed broadswords, with eleven thousand estimated to be held as reserves; five thousand seven hundred great shields, seven hundred set aside; thirty-nine thousand small round shields, nine thousand reserved.” Jia Xu sipped tea to moisten his throat as he reported.

”Lacking thirty thousand horses essentially means we hardly have any cavalry, doesn’t it?” Chen Xi quipped with a smirk. ”Fine, that’s not much of an issue.”

”It’s not much of an issue,” Liu Bei concurred weakly, covering his face. Since the beginning, he hadn’t pinned much hope on cavalry; after all, this region doesn’t produce horses.

On the other hand, Xu Shu listened intently, accurately calculating the current military strength maintained at Mount Tai.

”Strategist Jia, may I ask how many qualified archers and heavy crossbowmen we have in Mount Tai right now?” Xu Shu asked curiously.

”Yuanzhi, there’s no need to address me so formally; just call me Wen He.” Jia Xu replied, his voice devoid of emotion. ”As for qualified archers and heavy crossbowmen, due to the high recruitment difficulty, significant resource consumption, and glaring drawbacks of these troop types, even with Mount Tai’s abundance, only fewer than fifteen thousand qualified archers have been maintained.”

Xu Shu secretly clicked his tongue. Archers require excellent arm strength and precise vision; training a competent archer is far more challenging than cultivating an elite sword-and-shield soldier. While archers, once organized systematically, can produce astounding results when used skillfully, it’s undeniable that pure archer units have serious vulnerabilities.

”Regarding supplies, the first batch has already been transported through the official roads. The materials sufficient for the first three months of the army are now being dispatched and are expected to arrive successfully before our troops initiate the attack on Yanzhou.” Jia Xu continued.

”It’s neither ideal nor disastrous,” Liu Bei pondered aloud. ”Is Zijing under much pressure on the front line? Should we consider deploying Zilong to Linyi ahead of schedule? Has Xuu You taken this opportunity to launch an attack?”

”In the Yanzhou region, both our forces and Yuan Shao’s forces are relatively restrained. The large-scale, army-level wars of the past have ceased; now, they’re only engaging in probing skirmishes with scouts.” Jia Xu shook his head. ”Our advantage is not particularly pronounced, but Yuan Shao’s army has been entirely suppressed in Linyi.”

”Zijing can command troops effectively. While Xuu You is indeed tactically astute, leadership is not his forte. Even with the assistance of the Lyu Brothers, he cannot rival Zijing.” Chen Xi laughed, expressing his confidence in Lub Su’s abilities to command armies successfully. Unlike himself or Guo Jia, strategists purely focused on counsel, Lub Su, in his essence, could also be deemed a commander.

”Similarly, Fengxiao’s situation hasn’t been favorable recently. Tian Feng has confronted Guo Jia several times since they both lost their respective chief generals. According to Fengxiao, even without Yann Liang, Yuan Shao’s army has not declined in terms of troop command; on the contrary, they seem superior in certain engagements.” Jia Xu turned to Liu Bei and inquired.

”Is Gong Xi no match for Tian Feng?” Chen Xi furrowed his brow.

Then, Chen Xi remembered the caliber of Tian Feng and Ju Shou. He silently nodded and said, ”True, among the civil officials under Yuan Shao’s command, Tian Feng and Ju Shou excel at leveraging their position to dominate. Such individuals thrive when wielding authority personally.”

”Yuan Shao is likely aware that both are better suited as commanders, but certain apprehensions persist. Alternatively, Tian Feng and Ju Shou may deliberately conceal their abilities to prevent Yuan Shao from harboring concerns about their competence.” Jia Xu nodded thoughtfully. After all, Ju Shou’s use of the Xuanxiang Formation to stymie Gongsun Zan was an event that had occurred in the past. Later, however, he receded into the shadows, perhaps indeed to maintain a low profile intentionally.

”Should we send reinforcements to Jiyin, then?” Liu Bei asked after a moment’s deliberation.

”That won’t be necessary. Fengxiao may lack expertise in commanding armies, but his strategic acumen remains unparalleled. Tian Feng can only claim to suppress him, and deploying additional personnel at this juncture would be pointless. Among those who could stifle Tian Feng’s momentum, we have but a few; better to let Fengxiao delay him for now.” Chen Xi shook his head dismissively and paid no mind to Guo Jia.

”Wen He, what is your perspective?” Liu Bei turned to Jia Xu.

”I share the same opinion. If we send General Guan ahead, it would indeed be a perfect match. However, it is unsuitable under current circumstances. It would be better to wait until our northern campaign progresses before reevaluating the situation. Moreover, reports have come from Jizhou and Bingzhou that Yuan Shao has already begun mobilizing his troops on a large scale; the implicit intent behind this move speaks for itself.” Jia Xu calmly echoed Chen Xi’s proposal.

”It seems great minds think alike.” Liu Bei chuckled heartily.

”Ah, Yuan Benchu.” Chen Xi sighed, reminiscing about the time he had seen Yuan Shao at Hulao Pass, a true model for all under heaven, showcasing unmatched valor from Hulao to this very day.

”I’m curious what expression he’ll make when he sees me then.” Chen Xi suddenly burst into laughter.

”Let us refrain from discussing him further. In seven days, our northern campaign will be set in motion. By then, you may accompany me to the frontlines to question them and see for yourself. I also wish to discern differences between the alliance hierarch of today and of old. After Hulao Pass, I have not followed anyone nor joined any alliances. Reflecting on it, it’s truly been a miracle.” Liu Bei raised his cup and smiled, offering Chen Xi a distant toast.

”Our path brooks no deviation, not even the slightest. Every step has been arduous—it’s been incredibly difficult many times in the past—but finally, the time of harvest has arrived.” Chen Xi remarked, his face full of emotion.

”Though I didn’t experience those times, the letters sent to me from Mount Tai contained numerous accounts of struggles on this front. Nevertheless, I am grateful I didn’t come too late.” Xu Shu stood slowly, raised his wine cup, and drank it all.

When Xu Shu arrived at Mount Tai, he stopped at the city gate, hesitating to step inside. Beyond feelings of apprehension, he harbored a trace of concern—worried that he wouldn’t measure up to Liu Bei’s standards. Back in Yingchuan, when Liu Bei departed, only two scholars accompanied him: one was now renowned across the land as Chen Zichuan, and the other was Xu Yuanzhi himself. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest encouragement. Mobile readers, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)