Three Kingdoms, Myth

After reading through the intelligence reports and listening to Jia Xu's analysis, Chen Xi completely gave up hope on Gongsun Zan. It was impossible for him to break out of this situation. Tian Feng and Xun Chen had directly sealed off his escape route, Yuan Shao was personally leading the pursuit, Qu Yi was risking his life, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou were fighting fiercely. This wasn't just a battle; it was a plan to completely annihilate Gongsun Zan.

The situation now was entirely different from the historical Battle of Jieqiao. In history, even after Gongsun Zan's defeat, he still had some strength left. At least 2,000 of his White Horse Cavalry survived, and his infantry remained intact, retaining the ability to fight again. On Yuan Shao's side, Qu Yi's Great Spear Guards were almost wiped out, and the elite vanguard forces lost about 80% of their strength. Despite this, it was still a glorious victory for Yuan Shao.

But this time? During the daytime battle, the White Horse Cavalry was utterly annihilated, with their banner cut down. The Great Spear Guards, who blocked the frontal assault, survived with half of their forces, and the elite vanguard suffered only one-third casualties. That night, despite being wounded, Qu Yi led a night raid on Gongsun Zan, smashing his camp and pursuing him for nearly a hundred miles. Only a handful of soldiers managed to escape with Gongsun Zan.

If the historical Battle of Jieqiao was a brilliant victory for Yuan Shao, then this battle was almost equivalent to the complete transfer of power in the northern territories!

Of course, Chen Xi had prepared for Gongsun Zan's defeat. Although the outcome was a bit more catastrophic than expected, he could still accept it. What Chen Xi couldn't accept was Qu Yi's current situation!

It seemed that Qu Yi had won Yuan Shao's trust. Seeing this in the report made Chen Xi frown. Unlike others who hadn't proven themselves in battle, Qu Yi had already demonstrated his capabilities. Historically, he was the one who played a crucial role in defeating Gongsun Zan. However, Qu Yi was proud and difficult to control. After his victory over Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao dealt with him, and his elite troops were divided between Zhang He and Chunyu Qiong, which eventually led to their decline.

But now, the intelligence showed that Qu Yi had gained Yuan Shao's trust. For someone as proud as Qu Yi to risk his life like this, it meant that he saw Yuan Shao as his king, just like Yan Liang and Wen Chou, who cared little for their own lives but wouldn't tolerate anyone standing in Yuan Shao's way. Only with this mentality could a proud man like Qu Yi disregard his own safety.

If Qu Yi were to fall and his elite troops were handed over to someone else, they would no longer be the formidable force that had crushed the White Horse Cavalry. Whether due to terrain advantages or not, the fact that these two elite units could defeat the White Horse Cavalry proved their incredible combat strength.

"We should discuss how to handle this situation," Chen Xi said, placing the intelligence reports down and looking at Guo Jia.

"We absolutely cannot send our troops right now. We've been fighting non-stop for a year, and if we continue, our soldiers will lose their morale. Besides, this isn't a war with any significant gains. I suggest we provide resources and let others rescue Gongsun Zan," Guo Jia immediately rejected the idea of sending their own troops. Even with consecutive victories, continuous warfare could not be sustained for a year without repercussions.

"The Black Mountain Army, White Wave Yellow Turbans, and the Southern Xiongnu!" Jia Xu suggested a few factions and then closed his eyes to rest. If Yuan Shao defeated Gongsun Zan and stabilized the north, these factions would all fall under his control.

"I heard Han Fu recently died in a latrine," Liu Ye sneered. "Offering his territory as a gift only to be treated so poorly by Yuan Benchu—how disgraceful!"

Chen Xi glanced casually at Liu Ye. This guy was no saint either. Although Han Fu's death was unusual, anyone with common sense knew Yuan Shao wouldn't have killed him. Liu Ye was just trying to stir up trouble in Jizhou's rear, and if some ambitious faction fell for it, it had little to do with him.

"I've heard that Lü Bu's situation is becoming precarious lately, and he's been having issues with Yuan Shu. Given Lü Bu's reputation in Bingzhou, why don't we support his return there?" Lu Su suggested, thinking that if Lü Bu went to Bingzhou, he'd surely clash with Yuan Shao.

"Exclude the Southern Xiongnu, but we should consider the Black Mountain Army and the White Wave faction. Spread some rumors and let Ziyang handle that matter. As for Lü Bu, sending him to Bingzhou is worth a try—Zijing, you can give it a shot," Chen Xi agreed with most of the ideas but acknowledged that they were distant solutions for an immediate crisis.

"Is Xingba still stationed near the mouth of the Yellow River?" With no other choice, Chen Xi decided to use Gan Ning. Knowing Gan Ning's character, there was a 90% chance he was still there. Perhaps only the navy could reach Gongsun Zan in time.

As Chen Xi inquired about Gan Ning's whereabouts, a messenger rushed in. "Report! We've received the latest intelligence from Jizhou!"

Jia Xu calmly took the report and quickly read through it. "No need to search for Xingba; he's already in Handan."

"Handan?" Chen Xi was surprised but quickly realized what that meant. Gan Ning had cut off Yuan Shao's rear?

"Yes, he's already disrupted Yuan Shao's rear. No one expected Xingba to appear there. With just three hundred men, he burned the grain stores in Handan. I believe he is now heading along the Zhang River to rescue Gongsun Zan. If all goes well, Gongsun Zan should survive," Jia Xu reported, somewhat amazed by Gan Ning's audacity.

"It seems the heavenly mandate is still on our side. The southern part of Youzhou was already stripped of supplies by Gongsun Zan, so even if Yuan Benchu wanted to live off the land, Youzhou has nothing to offer. Now that Xingba has burned the supplies in Handan, Yuan Benchu can't hold out for long. This is excellent news! Xingba did well!" Chen Xi laughed heartily. The timing was perfect, almost too perfect.

As for Gan Ning's audacious actions, Chen Xi had no worries. Even if news came that Gan Ning had stormed Yuan Shao's camp, Chen Xi wouldn't be surprised. After all, in terms of courage, Gan Ning was truly unmatched.

"In that case, we should continue with our own plans. Since Ziyi traveled to Youzhou with Xingba, he likely knows the best way to withdraw. Yuan Benchu probably hasn't even received word of Xingba's actions yet, and Xingba may already be on his way to bring Gongsun Zan back to Youzhou by water," Lu Su said with relief. If Yuan Shao had annihilated Gongsun Zan, Qingzhou would have had no choice but to intervene.

"I suggest we send General Guan to Licheng and make a show of preparing to attack Jizhou's heartland," Liu Ye proposed, emphasizing the need to put on a convincing display.

"This time, I'll go to Licheng! Jushou is surely prepared, and I can't fully trust Generals Guan and Zang with this. Zichuan, recommend some new military officers for me to take and train!" Guo Jia's eyes gleamed with interest, and Chen Xi couldn't shake the feeling that Guo Jia had a keen interest in Yuan Shao's territory.