Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1297 Youzhou is hard to conquer, young unicorn goes on expedition

Inside Chang'an, the Xiliang army's command tent was brightly lit. A map was spread out on the table, its dense markings indicating the movements of various troops. Ma Chao traced the route from Bingzhou to Youzhou with his fingertips and said in a deep voice, "Gongsun Zan's White Horse Cavalry is stationed near Bingzhou, and General Xu Rong's troops are guarding Huguan Pass. If we can get their two armies to coordinate and launch a direct attack on Youzhou from Bingzhou, we can definitely tie down Shen Pei's forces. I will personally lead an army out of Luoyang and head straight for Yecheng. With three routes attacking simultaneously, let's see how that brat Yuan Shang copes!"

The generals in the tent all nodded in agreement. Zhang Liao clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's plan is brilliant! General Gongsun and General Xu are both veterans of countless battles. If they can join forces, Youzhou will surely be conquered!"

"Not necessarily," Jia Xu suddenly spoke, his aged voice tinged with caution. He slowly walked to the map, his withered finger pointing to the border between Bingzhou and Youzhou. "Your Majesty, General Gongsun's White Horse Cavalry is indeed valiant, and General Xu Rong's army is known for its strict discipline, but have you ever considered why they have repeatedly launched attacks on Youzhou from Bingzhou, only to return empty-handed each time?"

Ma Chao was taken aback upon hearing this, and his brows gradually furrowed. He had indeed not thought about this issue in detail. Ever since Gongsun Zan ceded Bingzhou to him, he had been wholeheartedly loyal to him. Later, he married Gongsun Rou as his concubine, and the two families became related by marriage. They were already bound by a shared destiny, so there was no reason for Ma Chao not to do his best.

“General Gongsun and I are related by marriage, and the White Horse Cavalry is the foundation of his life; he would never hold back,” Ma Chao pondered, then turned his gaze to the other side. “General Xu Rong was originally a subordinate of Lord Dong. When I took over Lord Dong’s old troops, he served me wholeheartedly. Now, with Mr. Li Ru assisting him, and Queen Dong Bai’s status, every one of Lord Dong’s old troops is loyal and devoted, without a single disloyal thought…”

He became more and more confused as he spoke, tapping his finger on the map: "Although Shen Pei, the garrison commander of Youzhou, is upright, his troops are far inferior to the combined forces of Gongsun and Xu Rong. Why is it taking so long to take it down?"

A silence fell over the tent as the generals fell into deep thought. Ma Chao, seemingly lost in thought, said, "Could it be that Youzhou's terrain is treacherous, easy to defend and difficult to attack?"

“No,” Jia Xu shook his head. “Although the passage from Huguan to Youzhou is treacherous, it is by no means impenetrable. General Gongsun’s White Horse Cavalry is good at rapid raids, and General Xu Rong’s troops are good at attacking fortified positions. They should have torn a gap in the passage long ago.”

Ma Chao's gaze fell on the map again. The route from Bingzhou to Youzhou was winding and tortuous, with several passes marked along the way—Juyong Pass, Jundu Pass… He had fought alongside his father in these places, which were indeed easy to defend and difficult to attack, but they were by no means impenetrable.

"Could it be that Shen Pei has some backup plan?" Ma Chao murmured, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He suddenly remembered that Shen Pei was known for his steadfast defense when he served Yuan Shao.

Jia Xu slowly shook his head, his withered fingers tapping on the map, his voice carrying the composure of someone who understood the ways of the world: "Your Majesty is unaware of the situation. Although there is much discord among the civil and military officials under Yuan Shao, and internal strife is constant, Youzhou is an exception."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the generals in the tent: "Yan Liang and Wen Chou are sworn brothers, as close as siblings, so there's no question of them being at odds. More importantly, Shen Pei has given them guidance and saved their lives; this kindness is enough to make the three of them of one mind."

"Not to mention," Jia Xu continued, "Yan Xiang, Yuan Shu's former chief strategist, is now serving as an advisor in Yan Liang's army. Although he is not well-known, he possesses extraordinary talent. With Shen Pei's perseverance, Yan Xiang's wisdom, and the bravery of Yan Liang and Wen Chou, Youzhou is a place where the government is efficient and the soldiers are loyal. How can it be an easy place to take?"

He looked at Ma Chao, his tone becoming more serious: "No matter how fast General Gongsun's White Horse Cavalry is, or how fierce General Xu Rong's troops are, they ultimately lack a fierce general who can directly confront Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Those two are both men of unparalleled bravery. Back then, they followed Yuan Shao across Hebei, and their reputation as the 'Four Pillars of Hebei' was well-deserved. Ordinary generals would only suffer pointless losses if they went up against them."

A sudden realization flashed in Ma Chao's eyes, and he slammed his hand on the table: "So that's how it is! I had completely forgotten about this crucial detail!"

“That is indeed the case.” Li Ru stepped forward, stroking his beard, and said, “In the Battle of Chang’an, our army was able to capture Yan Liang entirely through strategy. If it weren’t for clever tactics, there would be very few soldiers under my command who could defeat him in battle alone.”

The generals in the tent, though all showing dissatisfaction—Zhang Liao tightened his grip on his sword, Zhang Xiu's knuckles pressed against his armor, and Gao Shun's brows furrowed—ultimately refuted the accusations. The ferocity of Yan Liang and Wen Chou was something all the warlords of the past had witnessed; their imposing presence was something no one dared to underestimate.

Ma Chao rubbed his forehead, somewhat helplessly: "So, does that mean I have to go to Youzhou myself to crack this tough nut?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao stepped forward first, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Majesty, what are you saying! This humble general is willing to lead his troops to Youzhou, and will certainly settle the score with Yan Liang and Wen Chou!"

“This humble general is also willing to go!” Zhang Xiu stepped forward, “Although I am not talented, I would like to meet this famous general from Hebei!”

Generals Gao Shun, Xu Huang, and others also volunteered, each patting their chests and the clanging of their armor causing dust to fall from the tent ceiling: "Your Majesty, please grant us troops, and we will certainly not fail in our mission!"

Seeing the generals' high spirits, Ma Chao felt much of his frustration dissipate, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Good! Since you all have such lofty ambitions, then let Yan Liang and Wen Chou witness the might of my Xiliang soldiers!"

Li Ru suddenly waved his hand, a meaningful smirk appearing on his face: "Generals, wait a minute—you've all gone to Youzhou, do you expect our lord to lead the troops out of Luoyang alone?"

The generals were taken aback and exchanged bewildered glances. Zhang Liao was about to speak when he saw a glint in Li Ru's eyes, clearly indicating that he already had a brilliant plan, so he swallowed his words.

Ma Chao looked at Li Ru and, seeing his confidence, asked, "Sir, you must have a good plan. Please tell me. How can you teach me?"

Li Ru clapped his hands and laughed, "Your Majesty, have you all forgotten that 'Flying General' from Yanmen Pass?"

"Lu Bu?" Ma Chao's eyes lit up suddenly, and he realized.

When Lü Bu surrendered after his defeat, Ma Chao did not treat him harshly, but only assigned him to guard Yanmen Pass, protecting the northern border for Xiliang. In the following years, Ma Chao never interfered with military affairs at Yanmen, and Lü Bu remained obedient, causing no trouble whatsoever, and was almost forgotten.

"It is indeed him," Li Ru nodded. "While the bravery of General Lü Bu may be slightly inferior to Your Majesty's, he is still a first-rate warrior in the world. I heard that he has settled down in Yanmen these past two years, not only regaining command of troops but also having a son named Lü Ao. Your Majesty might as well write a letter inviting him to battle. With a warrior like him on the front lines, even the mighty Yan Liang and Wen Chou of Youzhou will have to think twice!"

Ma Chao frowned: "When he surrendered, I made it clear that I would never forcibly transfer him to any post, and that he should be allowed to stay in Yanmen as he pleased. If I were to suddenly issue a transfer order now, wouldn't that be breaking my promise?"

“Times have changed,” Li Ru shook his head. “Back then, he was defeated and disheartened, only seeking a safe haven; now he has a family and a son, and his mindset is completely different. If he doesn’t think about himself, doesn’t he think about Lü Ao’s future?”

He stepped closer and lowered his voice, saying, "When Your Majesty writes your letter, you might as well state that a military academy has just been opened in Chang'an, where the sons of various generals study military strategy and martial arts. Even Your Majesty's children are studying there. You could invite Lü Ao to Chang'an to study at the military academy."

A sly glint flashed in Li Ru's eyes: "In this way, we give Lü Bu an opportunity to make a name for himself and earn a future as a duke or marquis for his son; at the same time, we use the military academy as a link to show him kindness and trust. With both kindness and power, how could he not comply?"

The generals inside the tent nodded in agreement. Zhang Liao clapped his hands and said, "Lord Li's plan is brilliant! If Lü Bu can come out to fight, Yan Liang and Wen Chou will not dare to act recklessly, and the siege of Youzhou can be lifted!"

Ma Chao pondered for a moment, recalling Lü Bu's bravery in charging into battle alone, and remembering his promise to him, and finally nodded and said, "Very well. I will follow your plan, sir. I will personally write a letter and send it to Yanmen Pass. As for whether he stays or leaves, that is up to him."

His fingertips paused slightly as he picked up his pen. This letter was not only to invite a fierce general, but also to test whether this "Flying General" still harbored the ambition of his youth. If Lü Bu answered the call, Xiliang would gain another sharp blade; if he did not answer, it would fulfill the promise made years ago and avoid damaging the relationship.

Li Ru watched Ma Chao put down his pen, a faint smile playing on his lips. He knew Lü Bu would never refuse; what father wouldn't want to pave a bright future for his son? Besides, given Lü Bu's personality, how could he be content to remain unknown at Yanmen Pass for the rest of his life?

On the training ground outside Chang'an, the young men of the Youlin Army were sweating profusely as they practiced, the clanging of spears and halberds ringing out clearly. This group of young men, led by Ma Chao's son Ma Yue, ranged in age from fifteen or sixteen to twelve or thirteen, yet each wore light armor and their eyes shone with an indomitable spirit.

"Your Highness, if we don't go to war soon, our Young Lin Army will go crazy!" Deputy General Wu Niu wiped his sweat and shouted gruffly, "I heard that His Majesty is going to war again. Are we just supposed to stay in Chang'an and watch the stables?"

Gan Xiang, standing beside him, nodded in agreement: "Exactly! After studying military strategy for three years at the military academy, it's time to put it to the test on the battlefield!"

Ma Yue was annoyed by the commotion, but he couldn't suppress the restlessness in his heart. He gripped the gun in his hand tightly, turned around and ran towards the palace: "Come on, come with me to see Father!"

Inside the royal study, Ma Chao was reading a military report when he saw Ma Yue leading a group of teenagers barging in, their faces practically screaming "I want to fight!" He couldn't help but laugh and say, "You bunch of greenhorns, do you even know that going into battle means shedding blood? What are you doing here?"

Ma Yue puffed out his chest and said in a clear voice, "Father, I am thirteen years old this year. When you were thirteen, you went to Luoyang alone to study and even killed some bandits on the way. These past few years, I have been studying military strategy with the teachers at the Martial Arts Academy, and my brothers have also mastered martial arts. It is time for us to go out and experience the battlefield!"

"Your Majesty, please grant us permission to fight!" Gan Xiang, Wu Niu, and the others knelt down in unison, the clanging of their armor shaking the ground. "We are willing to serve the Crown Prince, even unto death!"

Looking at their burning gazes, Ma Chao recalled his own youthful days and felt a headache coming on. Taking them to the battlefield risked something going wrong; not taking them, however, wouldn't be able to contain the boys' spirit. As he rubbed his forehead, his gaze suddenly fell on the newly written letter to Lü Bu on the table, and an idea instantly formed in his mind.

"Very well." Ma Chao picked up the letter and handed it to Ma Yue. "If your Youlin Army is going to war, then do me a favor first. Take this letter to Yanmen County and ask General Lü Bu to come out of seclusion."

He paused, a hint of expectation flashing in his eyes: "If we can persuade General Lü, you can form your own army and go on the expedition with him. I will lead the troops from Luoyang. At that time, you and I, father and son, will split up and fight together against that usurper Yuan Shang. Is this enough of a training opportunity?"

Ma Yue took the letter, his fingertips trembling, and a smile instantly bloomed on his face: "Enough! That's more than enough! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Gan Xiang, Wu Niu, and the others were overjoyed and kowtowed several times.

In less than half a day, the Young Lin Army was fully prepared to depart. Ma Yue, clad in silver armor and with a sword at his waist, was followed by a hundred spirited young soldiers. They received the tokens personally handed to them by Ma Chao, mounted their horses, and galloped off towards Yanmen County with the clatter of hooves.

The wind whipped their battle robes, and the boys' laughter echoed in the breeze. Ma Yue glanced back in the direction of Chang'an, clutching the letter in his arms. This was not only a letter requesting to fight, but also proof that he, as the eldest son of the Ma family, was stepping onto the battlefield for the first time.

Standing atop the city wall, Ma Chao watched their departing figures, a relieved smile playing on his lips. He knew that some paths had to be walked by the children themselves; and some battles had to be fought by them.