Shuhan

Youzhou.

Inside Ji County, a towering mansion stands in the wind and snow. This is Yang Zuo’s seat of government, and also the command center where he makes plans and wins battles thousands of miles away.

Outside the palace, the snow was falling heavily, like goose feathers, covering the entire world in silver, but it could not cover up the smell of impending war.

Yang Zuo was wearing a thick sable coat, the soft fur clinging to his neck, protecting him from the biting cold.

He sat at the desk in the study, holding a cup of freshly brewed hot tea in his hand. The aroma of the tea formed a sharp contrast with the cold air outside.

He blew gently, and ripples appeared on the surface of the tea. Then, he took a sip of hot tea and a warm current instantly spread throughout his body, dispelling the coldness around him.

He exhaled casually and a cloud of white mist came out, which was particularly eye-catching in this cold winter day.

In the study, the flickering candlelight illuminated his calm and resolute face.

The years have carved a few shallow wrinkles on his forehead, but his eyes are still as sharp as an eagle, revealing an indomitable light.

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a dull sound, as if he was thinking about some important decision.

At this moment, his heart was not at peace.

Although Gongsun Yuan was in Dai County and was still nominally the master of Youzhou, and took away a large number of ministers and soldiers, making Ji County only a secondary center in status, Yang Zuo knew very well that the responsibility on his shoulders was not easy.

Intelligence from the front line came in like snowflakes, each piece of information carrying important information related to the safety of Youzhou.

"Report!" A hurried report broke the silence of the study, and a scout in a snow-covered coat rushed in, holding a secret letter in his hand. He knelt on one knee and presented the secret letter with both hands, his face full of fatigue and tension.

Yang Zuo took the secret letter, opened it and immediately frowned.

The letter reads: The Han army landed in Liaodong County and, with the help of the Xianbei people, quickly gained a foothold in Liaodong. It not only gathered tens of thousands of Xianbei warriors, but also recruited tens of thousands of Han troops. Its momentum was unstoppable.

He pondered for a moment, placed the secret letter on the table, and looked through the wind and snow outside the window, as if he could see the distant Liaodong battlefield.

This war is inevitable, and Youzhou is the center of this storm.

"Where is Cao Zhen? What's going on in Zhuo County?" Yang Zuo's voice was low and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

"My lord, Cao Zhen has led the elite Wei army and stationed them in Zhuo County. They are ready for war." The scout replied with a slight tremor in his voice.

Yang Zuo nodded, thinking secretly in his mind.

The Wei army led by Cao Zhen is very powerful and is by no means an ordinary force.

Although Gongsun Yuan controlled Youzhou, he was unable to defeat Yan Rou's army, which put Youzhou at a disadvantage between the Han and Wei countries.

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the heavy snow outside, and an indescribable worry surged in his heart.

It's difficult! This war is not only a test for Gongsun Yuan, but also a test for all the subjects of Youzhou.

If defeated, Youzhou will be doomed.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted his thoughts.

A guard hurried into the study and reported: "Sir, the lord sent an envoy to request reinforcements!"

Yang Zuo turned around, a cold light flashed in his eyes.

Gongsun Yuan wanted him to send troops to quickly capture Dai County.

But Yang Zuo had his own plans in mind.

He pondered for a moment and said to the guard, "Please let the messenger in."

After a while, an armored messenger walked into the study. He had a solemn expression on his face and it was obvious that he had traveled a long way.

When he saw Yang Zuo, he immediately bowed and said, "General, please send troops immediately."

Yang Zuo smiled slightly and motioned the envoy to sit down.

He picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said: "My lord, you know that the military strength of Ji County is limited, and we need to defend important places, so it is difficult to mobilize a large number of troops. However, since I, Yang Zuo, am a member of Youzhou, I will do my best. You go back and tell my lord that I will send an elite force to help, but the specific time of sending troops depends on the timing."

When the messenger heard this, he felt somewhat dissatisfied, but he did not dare to say much.

He stood up, bowed, and left.

Yang Zuo looked at the messenger's back and thought to himself.

Dai County is actually going to increase its troops?
It seems that the situation is not optimistic!

Yang Zuo sat at the desk, continuing to process intelligence from all sides. His eyes were firm and calm, as if he could see through the wind and snow and see the future battlefield.

The snow outside the window was falling heavier and heavier, covering the entire Ji County in silver.

Yang Zuo picked up the teacup, blew on it gently, and then drank it all in one gulp.

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the heavy snow outside, and prayed silently in his heart: I hope his wealth will not end here.

At this moment, the cold wind outside the door, carrying snowflakes, silently invaded every corner of the lobby.

A clerk in thick cotton-padded clothes and heavy leather boots slowly stepped into this warm but slightly dull space.

His face was blurry in the dim candlelight, and only his sharp eyes peeked through the gap in the brim of his hat, with raised eyebrows, examining the other people in the hall, as if he could see through everyone's thoughts.

Then, he walked straight towards Yang Zuo who was sitting in the main seat, bowed respectfully, and said in a low and powerful voice: "General, I have a secret to report."

Hearing this, Yang Zuo paused for a moment in the teacup in his hand. The tea swayed gently in the cup, reflecting his calm and composed face.

He slowly put down the teacup, his eyes calm as water, but with a sharp edge hidden inside, and said softly, "Follow me to the inner room."

After saying this, he stood up, fluttering his clothes, and without any hesitation, led the clerk to the inner room.

In the inner room, the candlelight is brighter, but also more private.

Yang Zuo closed the door, turned around, and stared at the clerk with sharp eyes, waiting for the secret to be revealed.

Seeing this, the clerk did not dare to neglect it and hurriedly whispered, "General, the envoys from Zhao Yun and Cao Zhen have both arrived in the city secretly. Which side do you want to see first?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Zuo frowned slightly and quickly thought about this sudden change.

The Han's Jianjunsi and the Wei's Xiaoshifu were known for their precision and efficiency in intelligence gathering, and the rumor he deliberately spread was undoubtedly to attract the attention of these two major forces and gain the greatest benefit for himself.

Thinking of this, his eyes flickered, revealing a barely perceptible cunning, and he slowly asked, "Does anyone outside know about their arrival?"

The clerk shook his head and said in a lower voice: "You probably don't know. We are acting in a very secretive manner."

Yang Zuo nodded, and had already made up his mind. He pondered for a moment, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "Today at midnight, let Cao Zhen's envoy come to see me first. Tomorrow at midnight, arrange for Zhao Yun's envoy. Remember, make sure everything goes well."

When the clerk heard this, he was confused, but he didn't dare to ask more questions. He just responded respectfully and turned to leave.

Yang Zuo looked at his departing back, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

This move was extremely subtle. Cao Zhen stationed his troops in Zhuo County, which was only a stone's throw away from Ji County. If he launched an attack, Ji County would be in great danger.

However, Zhao Yun was far away in Liaodong. Although he had an army of tens of thousands, it was too far away to rush to the rescue quickly.

Therefore, meeting Cao Zhen's envoy first was undoubtedly to gain more initiative.

As the night deepened, the snow continued to fall heavily.

Yang Zuo paced back and forth in the inner room, thinking about the strategy to deal with the two major forces.

Both the Han and Wei kingdoms are eyeing Youzhou covetously, and he, as the actual controller of Youzhou now, must find the best destination for Youzhou in this chaotic world.

And also strive for the greatest power for yourself.

It was almost midnight, and Yang Zuo changed into casual clothes, appearing exceptionally low-key.

Outside the inner room, a clerk was leading a mysterious figure in a cloak, waiting quietly.

The man's face was hidden under the cloak, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Yang Zuo gave a slight signal with his eyes, and the clerk stepped aside knowingly. In an instant, only he and the distant visitor were left in the room.

Face to face with Cao Zhen's envoy, his voice was low and magnetic, like a whisper in the middle of the night, which was neither impolite nor revealing a majesty that should not be underestimated.

"General, I am here today to give you wealth and honor!"

The messenger's words, like a trickle of water, slowly flowed into Yang Zuo's heart.

He recounted the power of the Wei State, his words were full of appreciation for Yang Zuo, and his promises were like stars, trying to illuminate the fog in Yang Zuo's heart about the future of Youzhou.

When mentioning that Wei was willing to give its all to bring various benefits to Youzhou, every word seemed to have been carefully crafted, showing sincerity and implying irresistible power.

Yang Zuo's expression always maintained an elusive calm, like the water in a deep pool, calm on the surface but with undercurrents surging within.

He occasionally nodded his chin, a subtle but meaningful movement, which was both an acknowledgement of the messenger's words and a silent weighing of the weight behind every word in his heart. His eyes were deep, as if he could penetrate time and space and see the more distant future, where there were countless possibilities and variables.

After the messenger left satisfied, the room returned to silence. Yang Zuo's figure looked particularly lonely under the dim light.

He did not move immediately, but stood there, as if surrounded by invisible thoughts, and fell into long contemplation.

In his heart, there was a silent debate, weighing the benefits and risks, loyalty and betrayal, and the peace and power that seemed within reach yet out of reach.

"Messenger, this matter is of great importance. I need to think carefully about it. I will give you news in a few days."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhen's messenger could only stand up slowly and said, "I hope the general will not go against the trend. Goodbye!"

Time seemed to freeze at this moment, leaving Yang Zuo alone in this small space, facing inner struggles and external temptations, quietly searching for his own answers.

The next day, at the same time and the same place, Zhao Yun's envoy arrived as promised.

Unlike the slightly aggressive attitude of envoy Cao Zhen, envoy Zhao Yun exudes a gentle and elegant temperament, like the warm breeze in spring, making people feel comfortable yet dignified.

"General, I come here today to save you. Your Majesty has already given me a title of nobility."

His words were like the gurgling of a stream, clear and rhythmic, and between the lines they revealed the Han Dynasty's broad mind and profound strategy.

He painted a grand blueprint for Yang Zuo. The powerful strength of the Han State was like towering mountains, indestructible; and the appointment and promise to Yang Zuo were like bright stars, illuminating his way forward.

Yang Zuo listened quietly, his face calm as water, but his heart as clear as a mirror.

Both the Han and Wei states were influential forces on this continent, each with its own unique advantages.

As the person who can influence the situation in Youzhou at the moment, what he has to do is to find a delicate balance in this complicated situation.

Sell ​​Youzhou for a good price.

His eyes were deep, as if he could penetrate the fog and see into the distant future.

In his heart, there is an invisible scale that constantly weighs the pros and cons.

"Messenger, this matter is of great importance. I need to think carefully about it. I will give you news in a few days."

He still said the same thing to the envoy Zhao Yun.

Two days later, Yang Zuo once again summoned his confidants to discuss countermeasures.

He had made up his mind, but was not in a hurry to express it.

He simply said, "Only by comparing the products from three different vendors can we know their advantages and disadvantages. Let's wait and see what better terms the two sides can offer."

When everyone heard this, they all nodded in agreement.

This game has just begun, and he, who has the best of both worlds, will surely gain benefits!
But the situation in Dai County is like a ship in the fog, with unclear direction and unpredictable outcome.

Although Yang Zuo had a thousand thoughts in his mind, he did not dare to make a decision easily.

In Youzhou today, Gongsun Yuan's power is deeply rooted, and his confidants and spies are spread all over the place.

Once one makes a wrong move, one might fall into an abyss from which there is no escape. Not only would one be ruined, but the entire Youzhou might also be plunged into turmoil.

Therefore, all eyes were focused on Dai County.

There, Gongsun Yuan was personally leading his troops to besiege the city, intending to capture this strategic location in one fell swoop.

However, he was completely unaware that danger was approaching him silently like an undercurrent.

now.

Outside the city of the Guardian Wuhuan Commandery, the wind was cold and snowflakes occasionally floated in the air, adding a bit of solemnity to the tense battlefield.

Gongsun Yuan stood on a high mound, his face stern, his brows furrowed, his eyes like torches, staring at the impregnable city.

His armor shone with a cold luster in the weak sunlight, and the thick fox fur draped over his shoulders was still unable to resist the biting cold.

The flags of the allied forces of the Han army and the Xianbei people fluttered in the cold wind. The land of Liaodong had become the focus of the battle between the two tribes.

Gongsun Yuan knew very well that the current situation was not optimistic.

Wei general Cao Zhen has led a large army to Zhuo County, and his spearhead is heading straight for Ji County.

If we delay any further, something might happen in Youzhou.

The war in Dai County was at a stalemate, and the defense of the Protectorate of Wuhuan was the key to the entire war situation.

He thought to himself: "Besieging the city is not the best strategy. Only a quick battle and a quick decision can turn the tide."

With this in mind, Gongsun Yuan's eyes became more determined. He turned to the deputy general beside him and said, "Pass the order. All siege equipment, no matter how big or small, should be deployed! Even in the cold winter, we must break through the Protector of Wuhuan Commandery with the force of thunder and lightning!"

Upon hearing this, the deputy general's expression changed and he took the order and left. After a while, bursts of commands were heard in the military camp and the soldiers became busy, preparing for the final decisive battle.

The atmosphere on the battlefield was extremely tense.

Gongsun Yuan personally supervised the battle. He stood in front of the formation, holding a spear, and his eyes were as sharp as torches, scanning every soldier, as if he was inspiring them with his will.

Although the coalition forces of Youzhou soldiers and Xianbei people did not speak the same language, they cooperated extremely well under the command of Gongsun Yuan, as if they were one.

With an order, the siege officially began.

The soldiers under Gongsun Yuan pushed the heavy siege vehicles and slowly approached the city wall.

Those siege vehicles were built by craftsmen working day and night for several days. They were loaded with various siege weapons, including sharp sickles, huge battering rams, and catapults that could launch huge stones.

On the city wall, the defenders were also on high alert.

They wore heavy leather armor, held spears and short swords, and stared at the approaching enemy with determined eyes.

When the siege vehicles approached, the defenders threw down boulders and rolling logs in an attempt to stop the enemy's attack.

For a moment, the battlefield was filled with flying rocks, scattered wood chips, and shouts of killing that shook the earth.

Gongsun Yuan frowned when he saw this. He knew very well that if he couldn't break through the city wall quickly, the battle would become a difficult one.

So he shouted loudly: "Get the catapult ready, smash it hard!"

Following his order, dozens of catapults started at the same time, and huge stones whizzed out and hit the city wall with destructive force.

The city wall was crumbling under the bombardment of huge rocks, but the defenders did not give up. They quickly organized people to reinforce the city wall with wooden boards and stones. At the same time, they kept throwing torches and boiling oil to the bottom of the city, trying to stop the enemy's attack.

For a moment, the battlefield was filled with flames and smoke. Soldiers from both sides fought hard in the smoke, suffering heavy casualties.

On the city walls, the defenders put up an extremely tenacious resistance.

They took advantage of the height of the city wall and continuously fired arrows at the city, making it difficult for Gongsun Yuan's soldiers to approach.

Some brave defenders even jumped off the city wall with spears in hand to engage in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.

For a moment, the battlefield was covered with blood and flesh, and it was a horrific sight.

Gongsun Yuan became extremely anxious upon seeing this.

If we cannot breach the city wall again, morale will suffer a severe blow.

So he shouted loudly: "Warriors, follow me and charge. I will not give up until we take this city!"

Under his leadership, the soldiers raised their arms and shouted, their morale was greatly boosted, and they launched another fierce charge towards the city wall.

However, on the city walls, the defenders' resistance remained stubborn.

They used the slippery walls that had been splashed with water to continuously repel the enemy's attacks.

Although Gongsun Yuan's soldiers were brave, they found it difficult to gain a foothold on the slippery city wall. They fell to the ground one after another and became targets for the defenders.

For a time, there were heavy casualties on the battlefield and both sides were in a stalemate.

Gongsun Yuan stood in front of the battle array, looking at the impregnable city, and thought to himself: "Is God trying to kill me?"

However, at this moment, he suddenly discovered that a corner of the city wall had a tiny crack due to days of bombardment.

He was delighted and immediately ordered his soldiers to concentrate their firepower and attack the crack.

Under the command of Gongsun Yuan, the soldiers adjusted the angle of the catapults and threw the boulders accurately at the crack.

With bursts of roars, the city wall finally couldn't bear the weight and collapsed.

Gongsun Yuan was overjoyed when he saw this. He waved his spear and shouted, "Charge! Break through this city. Victory is just around the corner!" (End of this chapter)