Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1483: Chapter 1428: Losses Too Great to Calculate

At that time, if Liu Bei had still clung to that idea given his strength, it might have been Liu Bei who fell. So the plan later changed to a straightforward push against Yuan Shao, aiming to preserve as much of the Central Plains’ vitality as possible. As for those who died in that battle, it was just unfortunate for them.

The result goes without saying. That battle claimed the life of a top warrior who was just about to break through to the ultimate level of inner qi manifestation, another at the ultimate level of inner qi manifestation, a strategic-level spiritual talent holder, a tactical-level spiritual talent holder, and wiped out an entire military spirit legion—leaving nothing behind!

Additionally, a character at overlord level surrendered. If you calculate the loss, it would cause profound sorrow for any empire.

The magnitude of such a loss, if placed in the Roman Empire, would be akin to the complete annihilation of the 17th, 18th, and 19th Legions, with their eagle banners captured, and the vice emperor leading the Roman Parliament Guard to seek revenge, only for the vice emperor to be slain and the guard annihilated.

This is the Central Plains, where even after losing top-tier sequences like these, people still have the mind to celebrate. In any other empire, such a massive loss would demand a full explanation from top to bottom of the nation.

Whether top-level martial force, top-level intelligence, or top-level commandership, each nation treats such individuals as treasures. Yet the Central Plains consumes them as if refining Gu worms.

Frankly, Chen Xi dare not imagine the extent of the Han Empire’s war potential lost in that battle.

Regardless, Chen Xi knows one thing: those who died were enough to form the core framework of a regime. It’s estimated that once subdued, they could launch an attack from one of the final four directions. As for now, with Yuan Shao gone, Liu Bei will have to manage two directions.

If Chen Xi’s plan had been steadily followed, holding Yuan Shao’s line in one direction wouldn’t be too difficult. Liu Bei could both withstand one direction and support the overlords Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Sunx Ce, ensuring that before Chen Xi’s death, the overall situation would be much better than if only Sunx and Cao were involved.

After listening to Jia Xu’s complete explanation, Xun Shen couldn’t help but nod. At that time, Yuan Shao’s strength was indeed formidable. In truth, both Yuan Shao and Liu Bei had the capability to single-handedly challenge other feudal lords.

Of course, the cost would be a prolonged consuming battle that thoroughly devastates the Central Plains, potentially pushing both sides beyond human limits.

”Is your current goal still the same as before?” After a brief silence, Xun Shen asked.

”Yes, the strength gap has widened significantly now. Cao Cao needs some time to be dealt with, and as for Sunx Bofu, he’s just waiting for the right opportunity.” Jia Xu didn’t bother to hide anything. He was well aware of Xun Shen and Xuu You’s status.

Xuu You sought wealth and fame, and besides those intangible treasures of human nature, the greatest fortune was the Xuanyuan Cauldron. As for fame, Jia Xu had already set a target for Xuu You. Frankly, there were many aspects of controlling human nature that the current Fa Zheng needed to learn.

”Liu Xuande, a mighty lord indeed!” Xuu You sighed, thinking that Yuan Shao was formidable enough, only to find out Liu Xuande truly embodied the magnanimity to accommodate the world.

”Basically it’s like this. Chen Zichuan likes to plan far ahead at once, but as you can see, accidents always happen. Fortunately, the bigger picture is hard to disrupt, but this time it was okay.” Jia Xu nodded, acknowledging that this incident really provided solid support for Liu Bei.

It could be said that this time, thanks to the Northern Huns, otherwise, there was a high chance Xuu You and Xun Shen would both surrender to Cao Cao. After all, under Yuan Shao’s heroic leadership, without sufficient moral justification, it would be difficult for these men to lower their pride and surrender to Liu Bei.

As a result, the Northern Huns fell, and no greater righteousness was needed than that. Xun Shen and Xuu You were no fools. The situation in the world was already clear. Apart from a hesitation of unknown origin, Liu Xuande had, in terms of power, surpassed all other feudal lords.

Under the premise of being subdued by Yuan Shao, and with Yuan Shao having fallen in battle, they were already losers. What they sought now was no longer victory but posthumous fame, preserving their reputation.

”Is Chen Zichuan not good at real-time planning?” Xun Shen asked incredulously.

”He’s not good at it. He lacks proficiency in many areas, but on the one hand, he always uses the general trend against enemies. If that doesn’t work, he crushes them with force. On the other hand, he can always find the most suitable person for the most suitable task, which makes him more powerful than everyone else,” Jia Xu said, a bit helplessly. He had long noticed many of Chen Xi’s issues from numerous details, but trusted that everyone had their role to play.

Xun Shen and Xuu You exchanged glances. What Jia Xu was implying needed no further elaboration. Whether it was to reassure them or truly the case, it indicated that they would receive substantial employment from Liu Bei rather than being given an idle position to bide their time.

”If that’s the case, I’d like to see what lies beyond the Central Plains.” Xun Shen slowly opened his mouth, which indicated they were willing to undertake tasks they previously didn’t wish to.

”Since Youruo feels that way, I won’t say more. I too am willing to do my utmost,” Xuu You sighed and said.

Jia Xu’s lips slightly curled up—Youzhou was settled. Even the deeply buried spy Cui Jun was not nearly on par with them in terms of status under Yuan Shao, and their effectiveness was entirely different.

”From Guangchang to Jicheng, I can order all checkpoints and cities to be opened, including Jicheng itself,” after exchanging a glance, Xun Shen and Xuu You said. Jia Xu didn’t react much, while Wei Yan, Xu Shu, and others across them, who had been quietly sipping tea, were taken aback.

”Then we must thank you both,” Jia Xu graciously bowed, doubting that Xun Shen was setting a trap.

”Defeat is defeat. At this point, to continue stubborn resistance would only give the Northern Huns more chances. It truly holds no meaning. Rather than seeing Youzhou ravaged by the Northern Huns, it’s better to give it to you. The Han and Huns can never co-exist, and we understand well the decisions that need to be made at such times,” Xun Shen waved his hand, speaking somewhat dispassionately.

Past Guangchang, the subsequent cities truly had little resistance. With the Northern Huns behind and the Han army in front, it was a civil war giving the Huns a chance, or surrendering to the Han army and turning against the Huns. Apart from a few insane die-hard Yuan Family loyalists, most would likely choose to surrender to the Han army.

This was entirely different from when the Xianbei were attacking from the back. Front-facing the Xianbei, while being dragged from behind was typical, but when it came to the Huns, just think of Zhang Liao’s ancestor three hundred years ago—Zhang Liao dared not revert to his original surname even now...

Therefore, once Liu Bei’s army entered Youzhou, most of the city guards would choose to surrender. Even the die-hard faction loyal to Yuan Shao would, as long as they had sense, choose to open the city gates, remain inside, and not surrender to Liu Bei but to the Han Dynasty!