Mythical Three Kingdoms

"Report, Liu Bei's army has suddenly increased its pace." Xun Shen, who was contemplating whether to give Tian Feng and the others some hints in the next step, was interrupted by the sudden report, slightly raising his head to look at the messenger, "Order Chunyu Qiong and his men to prepare to defend Fann County. Do not leave the city to meet the enemy."

[Why is it at this moment?] After the messenger left, Xun Shen frowned in thought.

[This approach seems somewhat akin to Liu Ye counteracting my design after seeing through it. However, logically speaking, with Liu Ye's mindset, he would either directly strike Fann County earlier or set up camp right there to fortify defenses. This situation shouldn't happen now.] Xun Shen pressed his fingers against his temple, pondering.

[The objective is to awaken my lord. So, the most appropriate strategy would be to highlight the gap between us and the enemy, thus making my lord see the substantive disparity between our army and the enemy forces. This means the current focus of the war isn't in the Puyang Region but rather in...]

Xun Shen's eyes flashed with a sudden realization. He couldn't help but sigh deeply at the formidable cognitive mode of Xun Yu. He was fortunate to have been part of the same family as Xun Yu back then, gaining a deep understanding of them and often simulating their thought processes. At least he was capable of playing the roles of several of them when necessary.

"Hehehe, Wen Ruo certainly has commendable qualities in strategic thinking. In that case, what I've been doing here isn't all that significant. If that's the case, why not join you all in the game?" Xun Shen smirked coldly and stood up; he had figured out the most sound course of action for himself.

[If this keeps on, my lord's suspicion toward me will only deepen. Liu Bei's capabilities must be unveiled completely as soon as possible; only then will there be the faintest chance for a turnaround.]

Xun Shen picked up the map in his hand and began analyzing quickly. His gaze swept over the Guanzhong Administrator area, then landed on several sites of Yuan Liu conflicts, and finally settled gradually on Cangting.

[This location... Hm, I'll send Xuu You a letter later, mentioning this place, Cangting. He should be able to draw further implications; however, this alone isn't safe enough. Zhong Yao, don't let me down. Whether it's "lip and teeth dependency" or sustaining balance in the situation, Ma Teng, this chess piece, must be utilized!]

Xun Shen glanced over Yongliang Guanzhong marked on the map, silently repeating this thought to himself. While there was a tone of wishful thinking in his reflection, Xun Shen knew clearly that as long as Cao Cao wasn't foolish, dispatching troops was inevitable.

[If nothing unexpected happens, the next phase would likely involve imperial mediation and Cao Cao moving into Yongliang, concluding the reconstruction in Chang'an, followed by the little emperor's universal amnesty—which should occur before October.]

Compared to others, Xun Shen had a thorough understanding of Xun Yu, and naturally had a significant grasp of Xun Yu's aspirations.

Xun Yu desired to assist the emperor. Therefore, the next step ought to be establishing the emperor's authority, then advocating for time to consolidate imperial power. Thus, the most logical move next would absolutely be mediation!

This mediation would certainly take place right before Liu Bei achieves victory because only then would it align most closely with the emperor's interests. If Liu Bei were to cease his advancements, then needless to say, the largest feudal lords would submit to the emperor's command. Thus, this proves the emperor's influence—at least the most formidable one still supports the emperor.

Likewise, if the mediation fails and Liu Bei disregards it, many underlying issues would surface. Naturally, the emperor would issue edicts to Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Ma Teng, Yuan Shu, and others, rallying them to fight collectively against Liu Bei.

Of course, by then no edict would even be necessary. If Liu Bei wins and continues dismissing the emperor's mediation, he will undoubtedly be characterized as the greatest rebel faction. Whether it's for loyalty to the emperor or for practical considerations, under Liu Xie's orders, the most powerful Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shu would undeniably make their moves. As for Ma Teng, being a devoted supporter of the emperor, he would inevitably choose the same path for the sake of his own gains.

"In that case, there's no need to overthink anymore. No matter how chaotic it becomes on my side, Wen Ruo will certainly intervene in this war at the most opportune moment. Of course, that timing may not favor my lord, but it'll be sufficient." Xun Shen silently rolled up the map.

At this point, Xun Shen already understood that determining victory or defeat in this war was no longer merely about the warring sides. This battle had become entangled with far too many external factors. Xun Shen was even contemplating whether he should bet on Xun Yu's character, Liu Bei's loyalty, and the collective strength of Mount Tai.

Ultimately, Xun Shen refrained from ordering his troops to encircle Liu Ye's rear army, instead fortifying Fann County's city defenses firmly and driving away the remaining few dozen households.

His apprehension toward Chen Xi still dissuaded him from taking risks. While warfare always entails taking risks, knowingly attacking when the enemy has laid traps—that's no longer risk-taking; that's courting death!

"So troublesome. The enemy unexpectedly ignores all appearances and remains stationed in the city without launching any assaults." When the rear army arrived and saw Fann County, Chen Xi sighed helplessly and commented, "But it seems like the defenders inside aren't numerous. Where has Xun Shen gone?"

"Scout cavalry reports the enemy has retreated westward." Liu Ye replied with a puzzled expression, "They fled without even putting up a fight."

"Take Fann County first, then pursue afterward. Why such a retreat without battle?" Chen Xi was equally confused. Ever since confronting Xun Shen, many of his methods seemed to turn conventional military strategy upside down.

Fann County's walls were not tall, its moat shallow. With no general commander leading Yuan Shao's troops stationed there, the barely over a thousand defenders in Fann County quickly succumbed to Yu Jin's three charges on the city walls, opening the gates for the army to rush in.

"This is truly odd." Chen Xi frowned and remarked, "What could be the purpose behind such actions? There are signs of newly repaired structures in Fann County, but to abandon it like this—why? Yuan Shao's army isn't weaker than ours, and while they lack a valiant general, defending the city should pose no issue."

"Pfft!" Before anyone could respond to Chen Xi's question, as soon as Chen Xi stepped into Fann County, several crossbow bolts shot toward him, followed by Yuan Shao's soldiers ambushing from both sides.

However, with Zhang Fei at his side, these attackers were quickly subdued in mere moments. But when more Yuan Shao soldiers emerged from the narrow alleys, cries of pain came from several of the soldiers who had entered Fann County prior. With this, Chen Xi swiftly grasped the situation.

"Stay vigilant. Instruct the soldiers to patrol in groups of five and to kill on sight if met with resistance." Liu Ye mercilessly issued kill orders. The clashes throughout the city filled him with palpable anger. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)