Mythical Three Kingdoms

Lub Su's viewpoint is quite realistic; Youzhou falling into their hands is already almost certain. The current provincial route only affects the logistics of grain dispatch, as for transporting grain, last year when Liu Ye wasn't around, Lub Su had seen Chen Xi playing on the ice.

"That's right, so repairing the provincial route is not very feasible. However, now that it's gotten colder, and further north the sea has frozen over, we can send supplies by other means." Chen Xi smiled and said; winter in the late Han was extremely cold; the sea could freeze over just like that.

"Transporting over the ice?" Jia Xu looked at Chen Xi in confusion, as Chen Xi mentioned the frozen sea, Jia Xu could only think of transporting over the ice.

"Yes, transporting goods over the ice is very simple, and whether relying on manpower or animal power, it's quite feasible. Our conditions are very suitable." Chen Xi smiled, referring to the Hun horses, also known as Mongolian horses, which are a breed that thrives in cold climates.

"You weren't here last year, so you don't know." Lub Su also nodded and said, "On the ice and snow, Zichuan can run faster than a horse." Lub Su recalled Chen Xi skating with ice blades last year.

"It's very simple, at most it takes a day to learn." Seeing everyone looking at him, Chen Xi smiled and said, skating with ice blades was a regular skill in places like the Northeast.

Then he gave them a brief introduction, Fa Zheng was eager to try it, while Lub Su, who previously expressed support, shrank back a little, not wanting to try it at all.

"But for transporting goods, you can't use this. These two things are good for dashing on the ice, but for transporting goods you need to use Hun horses." Chen Xi explained these common senses, "In winter, the North is very flat, and so is the ice; as long as you keep warm, there are roads everywhere."

After instructing on all matters, Fa Zheng, in high spirits, invited everyone again to eat boiled lamb, saying it's probably the only ambition in Fa Zheng's life. Since being ennobled, he often invites a group of people to dine with a whole lamb cooked in a bronze cauldron.

Luckily, now there are all kinds of spices available, and the chefs are well trained, otherwise, Fa Zheng would have long gotten tired of this, but it turns out he hasn't, often expressing, "It's not just lamb I'm eating, it's grandeur..."

"Let's go, to Xiaoo Zhi's house for lamb and warm up." Lub Su smiled and said to Chen Xi, not rejecting Fa Zheng's meal invitation.

"Why don't you guys make a five-cauldron meal!" Chen Xi looked at Guo Jia and the others who had left with Fa Zheng with a sense of despair. Lamb is good, especially in winter for warming up, but you can't eat it often.

"Stop talking nonsense." After wrapping his cotton robe, Lub Su hooked an arm around Chen Xi and dragged him in the direction of the others, saying, "When everyone goes, how can you not?"

[Xiaoo Zhi, is that all you aspire to...], Chen Xi roared angrily in his heart. But then again, Fa Zheng's earliest ambition was to eat lamb stew in a bronze cauldron every day, and now he finally achieved it, so how could he not eat it daily?

Just as Chen Xi and others were enjoying the delicious northern lamb, Yuan Tan's Youzhou was attacked by Gongsun Du. Surprisingly, Gongsun Du almost poured all his troops into attacking Youzhou this time.

"Bang!" Yuan Tan kicked over the table in front of him. Not long ago he had just pressed down Gao Gan, who might affect his power, and always worried Gao Gan might have some strange ideas. Fortunately, Gao Gan was sensible and did not put up any resistance.

After suppressing Gao Gan and building a long line of defense against Liu Bei, Liu Bei didn't act, nor did the much-dreaded Wuhuan Xianbei, but it was Gongsun Du, whom the Yuan Family regarded as nothing but ants, who made a move.

"Gongsun Du, you're courting death!" Yuan Tan shouted angrily and immediately ordered the messenger to inform Sheni Pei, Jiangh Yiqu, and others.

"Gongsun Du attacking us?" Sheni Pei frowned and asked.

When Sheni Pei spoke, he had already sensed the conspiracy. Now their long line of defense connected to Liu Bei has already stretched thin in terms of military strength. While Gongsun Du striking at this time seems to align with the idea of taking advantage, Sheni Pei had already detected Liu Bei's hand behind it.

"It must be Liu Xuande's machinations." Xuu You's eyes flashed coldly. Compared to Yuan Shao, Xuu You's assessment of Yuan Tan was merely that of a mediocre person with some abilities. However, due to his friendship with Yuan Shao, he was willing to assist Yuan Tan, provided Yuan Tan doesn't act recklessly.

"It's Liu Bei pushing from behind; otherwise, Gongsun Du wouldn't possibly commit fully, even showing signs of abandoning Liaodong." Xun Shen shook his head and said.

"Whether Liu Bei is behind it or not, we must first deal with Gongsun Du, who dares to trouble us at this time. If we show any sign of weakness, I'm afraid the world will look down on our Yuan Family!" Yuan Tan immediately spoke.

Having taken up the Yuan Family's legacy, Yuan Tan, like every new family head, is very focused on how to strengthen the family. If it can't be strengthened, it certainly can't lose the prestige accumulated by previous generations.

"Dispatch Jun Yi, and Yuanbo to the north to counter Gongsun Du, ensuring a swift victory." Dong Zhao slowly spoke. This time, he was earnestly offering advice to the Yuan Family. He felt a sense of shame after Yuan Shao's death and realized he was likely marked under Liu Bei's side.

"Zhang He, Gao Lan?" Yuan Tan's expression turned black upon hearing Dong Zhao name these generals, causing others to frown slightly. Now, Yuan Tan's truly formidable generals were Zhang He and Gao Lan.

"Jun Yi and Yuanbo are indeed the most suitable generals." Seeing Yuan Tan's expression, Cui Jun quickly followed Dong Zhao's words, but before Yuan Tan could retort, he shifted his tone, "But now Mount Tai poses a significant threat, keeping the two generals in Zhao County for defense is also necessary!"

Just as Chen Xi and others predicted, Cui Jun, who had withdrawn from Ye City, not only received no punishment but, due to his good performance, received Yuan Tan's trust and has successfully infiltrated the high-level circle.

At the same time, the words served as an explanation to Dong Zhao and provided Yuan Tan with an out, which smoothed the tense atmosphere and allowed Sheni Pei and others to heave a sigh of relief. They had already seen that Yuan Tan's resentment toward Zhang He and Gao Lan hadn't dissipated, making it extremely difficult to re-enable them.

Dong Zhao lamented in his heart, as he originally wasn't deeply involved in Yuan Shao's forces and always observed from a bystander's perspective. Thus, he clearly understood that Yuan Tan's feelings towards Zhang He and Gao Lan weren't just simple resentment. It wouldn't be surprising if they were never re-activated. Without Zhang He and Gao Lan, Dong Zhao had little confidence in Yuan Tan's ability to sustain until he found a better patron. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets on Qidian.com, your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)