Chapter 25

Ganling.

On the training ground, the sound of weapons clashing filled the air as Yuan's soldiers were diligently practicing.

In the center of the command platform, Yuan Fang stood with his hands behind his back, overseeing the soldiers' training while listening to Guo Huai's report on the latest battle situation.

As Yuan Fang had predicted, Hao Zhao's daring raid, which was almost a provocation, deeply enraged Dan Jing.

Dan Jing, who had just been appointed by Gongsun Zan as the Governor of Yanzhou and needed to establish his reputation, would not tolerate Yuan Fang's challenge.

The day after Shu County fell, Dan Jing led a large army of nearly ten thousand men, marching out of Pingyuan City in grand style, and besieged Shu County so tightly that not even a drop of water could pass through.

With a force twenty times larger, Dan Jing besieged Shu County, but unfortunately, after three days of siege, he still could not capture it.

By today, it was already the fourth day of the siege, and Hao Zhao, with only five hundred men, was still holding out tenaciously.

After listening to Guo Huai's report, Yuan Fang nodded in approval and said, "I was indeed right; Bo Dao is indeed a capable defender."

Yuan Fang's choice of Hao Zhao for this important task was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but had its own rationale.

He remembered that historically, Hao Zhao was famous for his defensive skills, and in the Battle of Chencang, he had withstood the siege of Zhuge Liang's army, which was several times larger, with only two thousand troops.

This showed that Hao Zhao indeed had exceptional defensive abilities.

Therefore, Yuan Fang assigned Hao Zhao to be this tough nut to crack, pinning down Dan Jing and Liu Bei's ten thousand troops in Shu County, preventing them from advancing into the heart of Qinghe.

"Any news from Ye City?" Yuan Fang asked.

Guo Huai shook his head. "According to our informants, the Fourth Lord did send someone to the Lucheng camp, but there is still no news of reinforcements for us."

Yuan Fang nodded slightly, his expression calm and composed, showing no sign of worry.

Guo Huai, however, was concerned and could not help but say, "My Lord, what if..."

"There is no 'what if.' The reinforcements will definitely arrive. You just need to be ready to march at any time," Yuan Fang interrupted Guo Huai with a firm tone.

Guo Huai did not dare to say more and bowed to retreat, deeply moved by Yuan Fang's strong confidence.

Days passed, and Shu County remained besieged, under the疯狂的幽州军进攻.

All Yuan Fang could do was to trust Hao Zhao fully, believing he could hold out, and wait quietly.

Before they knew it, ten days had passed.

The generals began to feel uneasy, gradually doubting Yuan Fang's judgment, fearing that Hao Zhao might not be able to hold on.

Hao Zhao had only brought enough provisions for ten days when he captured Shu County, which meant that in a few more days, Hao Zhao would run out of food.

Without supplies, even the bravest and most fearless soldiers would fall, and no matter how talented Hao Zhao was in defending the city, he would not be able to prevent the collapse of his forces.

The fall of Shu County seemed imminent.

In the main tent.

Yuan Fang, sitting behind the table, was sipping a small drink and reading a military book with great concentration, showing no sign of worry.

Zhu Ling and Guo Huai exchanged glances, both of their faces filled with anxiety.

"My Lord, ten days have passed. If we wait any longer, Bo Ji might not be able to hold on. Why don't we march to Shu County now?" Zhu Ling, unable to contain his impatience, suggested.

Guo Huai added, "General Zhu's words are reasonable. We cannot wait any longer. If Shu County falls, the situation will be very unfavorable for us."

Yuan Fang had already seen through their anxiety and anticipated that this was the right time for them to speak.

Yuan Fang slowly put down the book and asked calmly, "I understand your concerns, but I must ask, do you think that with our current forces, even if we rush to Shu County, what are our chances of victory?"

The two generals were stunned, at a loss for words, and were stumped by Yuan Fang's question.

Yuan Fang's current forces numbered only about four thousand five hundred men. If they were to march to Shu County, they would face an enemy twice their number, with better-trained and better-prepared soldiers.

In the open field, with such a disadvantage in numbers, the chances of victory were slim.

"But, sigh..." Zhu Ling did not know what to say and could only sigh.

Guo Huai remained silent. Both of them were experienced military men and understood Yuan Fang's point, feeling helpless.

The atmosphere in the tent became increasingly somber, and the officers present, except for Yuan Fang, were uneasy.

Even Yuan Fang, though outwardly calm, was inwardly anxious.

Yuan Fang knew that as the commander, he must remain composed and confident at all times and in all places.

He was well aware that if he lost his confidence, the morale and fighting spirit of the entire army would crumble.

Just as Yuan Fang was about to say something to boost the morale of the officers, Yuan Gui burst into the tent excitedly.

"My Lord, good news, great news! The Lord's commendation order has arrived," Yuan Gui waved the silk scroll, shouting excitedly.

The spirits of everyone in the tent suddenly lifted.

Yuan Fang's heart also lifted, but he did not show it, only gesturing, "Read it."

Yuan Gui then unfolded the scroll and read out Yuan Shao's so-called "commendation order" in an excited, hoarse voice.

In the commendation order, Yuan Shao praised Yuan Fang for his great victory in Ganling. To commend Yuan Fang's achievements, Yuan Shao promoted him to the position of Governor of Pingyuan and increased his forces by three thousand infantry and two hundred cavalry.

The generals grew more and more delighted and excited as they listened. When Yuan Gui finished reading, Guo Huai and Zhu Ling were already visibly excited and joyful.

Yuan Fang also secretly sighed in relief, thinking, "It seems Yuan Shang was finally persuaded by me and used his influence. Although the reinforcements are less than expected, they are barely enough. But this title of Governor of Pingyuan, hm, Yuan Shao, you really know how to play your cards..."

If Yuan Shao truly wanted to reward him, he should have appointed him as the Governor of Qinghe, not the Governor of Pingyuan.

After all, Pingyuan was still under Gongsun Zan's control, and Yuan Fang's title of Governor was just a nominal one. He would only become a real governor after capturing Pingyuan.

Yuan Shao's promotion was like giving Yuan Fang a blank check, with no real sincerity.

"Hm, Yuan Shao, I knew you wouldn't be so generous. You think I can't capture Pingyuan and become a real governor? I'll show you that I can!"

With this resolve, Yuan Fang stood up abruptly, his brows furrowed, and a fierce aura radiated from him.

The generals were intimidated by Yuan Fang's presence and fell silent, bowing their heads, waiting for his orders.

Yuan Fang surveyed the generals and said sternly, "Listen to my command. Quickly gather the troops. As soon as the reinforcements arrive, the army will set out immediately for Shu County. This battle will make my name known to the world!"

"We are ready to die for you, my Lord!" the generals shouted in unison.

Their blood was boiling, and their fighting spirit was ignited.

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