Mythical Three Kingdoms

No wonder the typically composed Jia Xu would say such a thing: cavalry without stirrups, saddles, or horseshoes—what kind of cavalry is that? While horseshoes may not be as necessary in this world, the importance of saddles and stirrups has not diminished.

Without these two items, those who can wield long weapons during a cavalry charge are practically unrivaled valiant generals. Put it this way: even with the elite Xiliang Iron Cavalry, without saddles and stirrups, it would be optimistic to muster eight hundred to a thousand soldiers capable of wielding long weapons during a charge—anything more would be wishful thinking.

Do not underestimate these four words—”wielding and swinging”. During a Xiliang horse charge, the speed without Inner Qi enhancement can reach fifty kilometers per hour. When both sides clash with long weapons, just the slightest bit of sway is enough to snap a cavalryman’s ribs; kinetic force is perpetually terrifying like that.

Of course, if you’re talking about charging with wooden long weapons that snap upon impact and then switching to sabers to cut down enemies—that’s ridiculous. Elite Tugi Cavalrymen cannot afford such humiliation. If they can’t lance the opposing great army into a sieve with long weapons, how are they elite Tugi Cavalrymen? Wouldn’t that dishonor their name?

Though Tugi Cavalry only demand that you firmly grip your spear, refrain from overestimating your strength, and charge straightforwardly without wavering—even just firmly gripping the spear during a charge is enough to filter out half of the troops. As for not overestimating strength and avoiding swaying, there will inevitably be those who cannot control themselves.

”Let’s wait and see what Wen Ru’s Tugi Battle Tactics entail.” Chen Xi said with a smile. Though he already suspected it would involve charging with long weapons, imagining the monstrous Xiliang Iron Cavalry playing long weapon charges without stirrups was still astonishing!

”But you should be careful not to let Yuan Shao’s army catch wind of this. If this thing falls into Yuan Shao’s hands, we’ll have no choice but to hole up within our cities for defense.” Jia Xu cautioned Chen Xi with a serious tone.

”Don’t worry; this won’t fall into Yuan Shao’s hands. Since I dare to bring it out, I’m confident. All my trusted aides have been warned.” Chen Xi chuckled and added, ”As for those craftsmen, they’re all servants of the Chen Family. Without the handwritten approval of the Chen Family Head, they can’t possibly leave.”

”Strictly monitor them. At least until we’ve conquered horse-producing regions, this cannot be disclosed.” Jia Xu nodded and said.

”Rest assured. By the way, take this.” Chen Xi said while pulling out a peculiar small crossbow from his saddlebag and handing it to Jia Xu.

”A hand crossbow?” Jia Xu weighed the weapon in his hand and remarked, ”This thing is useless to me. My swordsmanship is reasonably good. Even though my Inner Qi cultivation is suppressed by my Spiritual Capacity, I still possess some degree of Inner Qi.”

”It fires ten consecutive bolts and has been enhanced with Zilong’s secret technique for high-effect nourishment. Its range is guaranteed, and at close range, one shot is enough to severely injure someone in the Qi Refining to Gang stage.” Chen Xi said with an ominous grin while tilting his head toward Jia Xu. This weapon was a repeating crossbow, though clearly, its technology wasn’t yet suitable for mass production and could only be equipped by select individuals.

”Hand it over.” Jia Xu reached out and stuffed the repeating crossbow into his saddlebag. ”A fine piece of equipment—might even let me kill a few Jizhou soldiers to earn some merit.”

”Then don’t waste it. This item is meant for your self-defense.” Chen Xi rolled his eyes and retorted.

On the other side, Yuan Shao led his grand army departing from Jizhou. He dared not carry out troop organization in Yanzhou, knowing full well that it was suicidal.

After assembling his forces in Ye City, Yuan Shao, full of pomp, led his army with Juo Yi as Central Guard, Vanguard General as the core of the Central Guard, Yann Liang as the Vanguard General, Guo Tu as the Vanguard Strategist, Wen Chou as the Cavalry Commander, and Hann Meng leading the newly affiliated Hu Cavalry.

Zhang He commanded the Left Wing Escort Army; the Right Wing Escort was led by the Lyu Clan and Jiangh Qi. Logistics and provisions were overseen by Jiangh Yiqu. Yuan Shao personally commanded the Central Camp, with Sheni Pei as the Mastermind, Ju Shou, Xin Ping, and Dong Zhao assisting him. Together, they formed a force of 250,000 troops, including over 40,000 elite cavalry and over 20,000 Wuhuan cavalry.

It could be said that, this time, Yuan Shao had exposed all his cards. While this deployment might not deplete his reserves entirely, the operational costs for this coalition army were staggering.

With 250,000 troops consuming provisions, incurring damages to war materials, and consuming nearly ten billion coins in food, processed grain, and war supplies, these would all be exhausted in about three months—no more than four months. War, undoubtedly, was a monumental expense.

Of course, wealthy aristocratic families like the Zhen Family could sustain Yuan Shao’s massive army for two years with their resources alone. This underscores their incredible wealth and explains Yuan Shao’s recent attempts to secure the legitimate daughter of the Zhen Family for his son.

Standing atop a high cliff, Yuan Shao gazed down at the endless stream of troops marching below, feeling an upsurge of grand ambition. Recalling his envy for Dong Zhuo in the past, Yuan Shao reminisced that Dong Zhuo never had so many brilliant advisors, valiant generals, or courageous soldiers.

”What a pity that Kong Zhang has joined Liu Bei. Otherwise, I would have asked him to write an essay declaring to all Feudal Lords the might of my army!” Dressed in golden armor, straddling a prized steed, and with a precious sword hanging at his waist, Yuan Shao laughed heartily.

”What need is there to inform others? Lord Yuan’s march south will inevitably shake the land and command the awe of all Feudal Lords.” Sheni Pei, riding his horse, responded calmly while observing the soldiers below, even he was awed by the assembly of Yuan Shao’s forces.

”Others aside, Liu Bei certainly will not. Though he might now appear spent and weakened, his ambition and courage as a self-made hero will surely give him the guts to confront Lord Yuan.” Ju Shou responded bluntly, not hesitating to interject even though his statement embarrassed Sheni Pei.

”Enough, we are marching south for Liu Xuande. If he does not even possess the courage to face me, why would I bother coming?” Yuan Shao glared at Ju Shou, clearly annoyed but refraining from rebuking him. Yuan Shao had not yet descended into tyranny, though he was far from appreciating blunt remarks from the likes of Ju Shou and Tian Feng.

”Gong Ren, you’ve been awfully quiet on this journey. Do you have no comments or reflections?” Yuan Shao asked, clearly valuing Dong Zhao’s abilities. In Yuan Shao’s judgment, Dong Zhao was on par with the likes of Xun Shen, though Dong Zhao’s actions often carried an air of ulterior motives.

Even so, Yuan Shao believed he could win Dong Zhao’s loyalty. After all, based on Yuan Shao’s understanding, Dong Zhao was the type to follow strong leaders.

”I have merely been contemplating one thing. What if all the information we’ve gathered thus far is a mere facade?” Dong Zhao asked, furrowing his brows deeply.

Upon hearing this, everyone present gave Dong Zhao odd looks, but Ju Shou was the first to support him, despite the devastating implications such a possibility would have for Ju Shou personally.

Clearly, Ju Shou was the type who prioritized the greater good over personal interest. Even if the matter harmed him, as long as it benefited Yuan Shao’s faction as a whole, Ju Shou would execute it without hesitation. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)