CHAPTER 1109: CHAPTER 1065: ZHANG FEI TAKES COMMAND

"Having fewer in quantity is still manageable. As for winter clothes, if one isn’t enough, get two; if two aren’t enough, add a fur coat. Although our fur coats are limited, purchasing them is quite easy." Lub Su confidently replied upon seeing Liu Ye’s gaze, assured they lack no supplies!

"So we have to do it ourselves, other people are simply unreliable." Guo Jia said helplessly, wondering what kind of mess this is.

"We need to bring Gongsun Shengji to our side. As long as he writes a plea for aid on behalf of the people of Liaodong, we can claim the righteousness." Li Youu said with a smug expression; sometimes this guy has quite thick skin.

Chen Xi felt a bit awkward, though he didn’t care much about face-saving projects, he wouldn’t stop Li Youu from doing it. After all, in this era, gaining benefits and face is essential, having them both inside and out.

"Our rescue team has already been searching in Youzhou, and results will come soon." Guan Yu spoke up at this moment.

Upon receiving this news, Guo Jia explained the reasons to Guan Yu. Although he disdained Gongsun Du for being weak in combat, Guo Jia said rescuing him was worthwhile, leading Guan Yu to decisively send people for the rescue.

As for the non-aggression pact signed between Yuan and Liu, along with the mediation documents for the Han Dynasty, Guan Yu went to Youzhou to look for Gongsun Du anyway. If caught, he would declare they’re all hunters; who could refute that?

"I also sent scouts to conduct a comprehensive search, but recently, Yuan Tan has reformed the household management system, integrating some of our registration essentials. Too frequent actions might draw Yuan Tan’s attention." Jia Xu said, and upon receiving the intelligence, he ordered Youzhou’s system to fully search for Gongsun Du.

However, whether he can be found, Jia Xu can’t guarantee. Right now, Youbeiping is experiencing a real deep freeze, leaving Gongsun Du without supplies; how long he can endure is truly left up to fate.

"We also have Gongsun Du’s second son on our side; I think he’s quite good." Chen Xi shamelessly lowered his standards, turned to Jia Xu, and said.

Jia Xu stroked his few whiskers with a compassionate expression, "Gongsun Shengji was defeated in Yuyang, with all supplies fallen to Yuan Tan’s Army. We can only hope for providence. I’ll allocate more manpower for an extensive search; meanwhile, General Gongsun’s legitimate son is missing, loyal to his country, fighting against foreign clans. Someone of such sincere patriotism, we must first safeguard his family."

"Indeed, ancient rites dictate not to extinguish a lineage, especially when they’ve greatly contributed to the nation. We’ll first help set up the Gongsun family’s base." Li Youu followed suit, with both being slyly devious.

The surrounding military generals were slightly annoyed, but Liu Bei didn’t see anything wrong with this proposal, accepting it calmly. To him, stabilizing the border swiftly is beneficial both to the nation and its people.

As for causing trouble for the Gongsun Family, it’s not a big deal. If the family of Gongsun Du of Liaodong ends up without an heir, Liu Bei would transfer their marquis title to Gongsun Zan’s family. After all, Gongsun Zan’s family is vulnerable too; losing its pillar is quite sorrowful, sigh~

This way, for this era, the Gongsun Family of Liaodong essentially doesn’t end without an heir, and the Gongsun Family of Liaoxi would prosper more, reaching a completely happy ending. Well, sometimes Liu Bei shamelessly lowers his standards too.

"Given this, our army should prepare in advance for a northern assault against the Hu people." Lub Su, steady and cautious, only focused on practical matters regardless of these fellows’ morals.

"Although our current forces are somewhat lacking, we’ve consistently prepared for clearing the North; however, I need to know the extent Lord aims to achieve this time?" Fa Zheng, perhaps worried his lamb stew might be gone, stopped sidetracking and addressed the main point.

"At the very least, let Fuyu, Goguryeo, Three Hann States, Cenmok, and Wuhuan understand our determination. As for developing the northeastern plains, it’s still necessary to proceed cautiously." Liu Bei spoke coldly, having lived long in the North, he fully understood the damage foreign clans’ rampant looting causes to the North.

"Lord, I request to battle." Xu Shu straightened his back and said. He was previously ready to move north to pressure Yuan Tan’s Army, but was urgently recalled, causing unresolved chaos due to the sudden change in orders.

Wei Yan’s legion is better, although the soldiers are older, most participated in seven to eight of the ten thousand-level battles before the Yuan Liu conflict, including supporting main battles and disrupting Qinghe. This group boasts skills in over ten battles, hence can handle such chaotic orders well.

As for Huang Zhong’s legion, it was unfortunate. Although Huang Zhong’s training was effective, only the backbone were veterans, while the grassroots were new recruits, leading to disconnection of their march formation due to conflicting orders.

In short, these new recruits are unreliable. Eventually, Huang Zhong, frustrated, resorted to directing orders across his entire legion by voice command; it worked due to his Inner Qi Manifestation. If it were only Qi Refining to Gang covering a few hundred meters, confusion would persist.

Afterwards, Huang Zhong unavoidably trained these new soldiers harshly. Without a fierce battle, Huang Zhong’s legion’s improvement would be limited.

"Agreed." Without a second thought, Liu Bei consented to Xu Shu’s suggestion, as compensating his previous promise and Xu Shu’s adaptability to northern conditions were considerations.

"Wei Yan requests to battle." "Huang Zhong requests to battle." A group of military generals sat upright with clasped hands, saying clangorously.

Chen Xi gave Liu Ye a look, which Liu Ye instantly grasped, "Lord, Ye believes that a general from Yan is more familiar with Yan’s northern terrain, moreover, a general from Yan, being meticulous amidst ruggedness, is more adept in confronting the Northern Barbarians."

Liu Ye’s remarks are reasoned and logical. Zhang Fei, if placed in the Central Plains, might inevitably fall into traps. However, in the Beyond the Great Wall facing Hu People, employing the Brave Faction strategy to conquer them is indeed an ingenious move.

"Indeed, a general from Yan is very suitable." Guo Jia pondered briefly and agreed, for it concerns Liu Bei’s Army’s future troop configuration.

Among Liu Bei Army’s military generals, the Elder Faction actually includes only four: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Hua Xiong, who joined before Chen Xi laid plans at Hulao Pass.

Aside from Gan Ning, who is the only competent in commanding the marines, and having made contributions adequate for independent leadership, Guan Yu is regarded by all generals as the top commander.

These two can be seen as current highest recognized commanders of the marine and army forces. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets at Qidian [qidian.com]. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)