Mythical Three Kingdoms

Dong Zhao, who sent this deadly letter, was now being questioned by Xuu You and Ju Shou, among others. It was not to find trouble with Dong Zhao. On the contrary, they did not suspect Dong Zhao of having any intention of colluding with the enemy.

After all, Dong Zhao was aware that Yuan Shao’s Army had supplies, but he released information through Liu Bei’s Army that there were no supplies on their side. So when Xuu You and Ju Shou learned the truth, they didn’t have any particular thoughts, at most they admired how Dong Zhao managed to infiltrate the enemy ranks quietly.

Speaking of which, after Dong Zhao was inadvertently warned by Xuu You and Ju Shou that day, his originally reckless behavior was contained a lot. But with the arrival of intelligence from Li Youu, Dong Zhao developed other ideas.

Since Yuan Shao was destined by the Mandate of Heaven, why not plan ahead? Bringing help timely is much more effective than adding embellishments. At this time, lending a hand would ensure he becomes an Elder, continuously enjoying status and honor throughout his life.

With this thought in mind, Dong Zhao naturally pondered on how to make Yuan Shao’s victory easier and how to make Yuan Shao notice his merits in this great battle.

Thus, calculating daily, Dong Zhao finally drafted a secret letter a few days before the imminent clash between the two armies. He sent his personal soldiers to deliver it to Chen Xi in Puyang. The reason for sending it to Puyang rather than directly to Liu Bei was firstly because Dong Zhao had no contact point on Liu Bei’s side, and secondly, he didn’t want Liu Bei to receive the letter too early.

If it was delivered too early, there would be ample time to think things over. If overthought, certain flaws might be noticed. Although the possibility was small, it concerned his life in the future, so Dong Zhao had to be cautious.

Of course, Dong Zhao’s letter was never sent out, as Yuan Shao’s camp was under strict lockdown. Going about as carelessly as Dong Zhao naturally had no chance of getting the letter out, and his personal soldiers were naturally captured by the patrolling soldiers.

When Xuu You and Ju Shou heard about this, they were also astonished; if a high-ranking official like Dong Zhao turned traitor, it would be utterly disastrous.

Fortunately, the letter found on his personal soldiers stated that the supplies were exhausted, which reassured Xuu You and Ju Shou. Nonetheless, the two visited Dong Zhao as a pair to verify, though they initially used deception to quell their doubts.

Dong Zhao’s response satisfied them greatly, so they were completely at ease, and the letter was naturally sent out this way.

The arrival of Ju Shou and Xuu You extremely pleased Dong Zhao, as the value of his actions would be realized only if they got out; without being broadcast, how could it be considered timely assistance?

Of course, Dong Zhao had no idea how much trouble this letter would cause him. Spending a lifetime on the run, forced to withdraw from the Central Plains to escape to India in his middle years. Had there been any choice, Dong Zhao would never have written this letter that dictated the course of his life.

Alas, Dong Zhao knew nothing about his miserable future. Instead, he was immersed in the excitement of speculative success. You should know Dong Zhao’s Spiritual Talent is closely related to his success in this gamble!

Now, naturally, Dong Zhao, who played the counterintelligence trick, was waiting for his scheme to succeed. With one battle meritorious, he could later rest easy on the credit book for life.

Jia Xu and others showed no special reaction upon receiving Chen Xi’s urgent secret letter. Yuan Shao Army’s depletion of supplies was within their expectations. To be precise, it was only a matter of time before Yuan Shao Army’s supplies ran out. And such quality intelligence further confirmed Jia Xu and Guo Jia’s assumptions.

”Wait one more day, strike tomorrow, and today there’s no need to conceal that we have supplies. Concealing further would only make the other side think we’re bluffing, so we’ll go on the reverse!” On this day, both Yuan Shao and Liu Bei’s armies made the decision, and both sides raised massive columns of cooking smoke.

”Do you really think we don’t know you’re out of supplies with such massive smoke?” Both sides sneered, looking at the gungun columns of smoke on the opposite side.

”How should our army respond to the enemy tomorrow?” After the meal, both commanding generals asked the same question.

”No special response is needed. At that time, dismantle the camps of each army, and our army will already be in the best Military Formation. This period of constant camp adjustments was precisely for this moment. When the camps are dismantled, the great battle will commence!” Ju Shou spoke immediately.

”But wouldn’t this allow Liu Bei’s Army to charge straight in?” Yuan Shao was greatly shocked, for his two flanking camps were obliquely positioned, and because of Ju Shou’s earlier camp adjustments, his army lacked a Vanguard. Such a deployment seemingly allowed the enemy a direct charge at the Central Army?

”Rest assured, my Lord, as long as I, Yann Liang, am here for a day, I will ensure that you suffer no harm whatsoever!” Yann Liang immediately strode forward and declared.

Yuan Shao rolled his eyes. He had great trust in Yann Liang, but he just felt that this Military Formation was unreliable.

”My Lord, rest assured, this Military Formation fully leverages our army’s strength advantage. Liu Bei’s troops’ bravery should not be unfamiliar to my Lord. This formation’s greatest strength lies in countering elite soldiers.” Tian Feng stepped forward and stated.

Yuan Shao paused, seeing others also hesitant to speak, realizing this might indeed be the opportunity to defeat Liu Bei.

He immediately laughed heartily, ”Good, since only this formation can break Liu Bei, what have I to fear?”

Sheni Pei attempted to speak, preparing to explain, but was intercepted by Xuu You stepping forward, ”My Lord, don’t think like that, this formation carries immense risk. Liu Bei’s Army’s bravery, in equal numbers, our army can hardly match, so positioning yourself in the Central Army is very dangerous.”

Yuan Shao was slightly startled, then glanced around at everyone and said, ”Where is war ever not dangerous? Victory isn’t so easily achieved. Back at Jieqiao, I was overwhelmed by Gongsun Bogui, and now I am still I, while Gongsun Bogui has become a historical dust!”

”My Lord, I devised this formation; when the time comes, I will stand by the Command Banner in the Central Army with you.” Ju Shou stepped forward calmly and stated.

”Good, Yann Liang, Ju Shou, I’ll entrust my safety to you!” Yuan Shao stood up and stated with great majesty, and at this moment, a certain glory filled his presence, causing all civil and military officials present to bow in respect!

”Before I die, I will not let our Lord suffer any injury!” Yann Liang solemnly and stiffly stated, lacking even a bit of the Wencai as before.

”Why speak such ominous words? With Gong Yu, how could such a time come?” Yuan Shao’s heart trembled, as an indescribable ominous cloud loomed over his thoughts.

”Ju Shou will not disappoint my Lord’s high hopes!” Ju Shou bowed, and Yuan Shao inadvertently felt as if this was Ju Shou’s final bow, reaching out but feeling a sense of trance. Looking around the assemblage, he sensed something was slightly eerie in the camp, and everyone’s expressions seemed somewhat unusual. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qingdian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)