Chapter 35

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The news of the great victory at Gaotang spread back to Ji Province, shocking all the people and officials there.

The victory at Geling made the people of Ji Province begin to look at Yuan Fang, the weak and powerless "crippled" young master, with new eyes.

The great victory of capturing Pingyuan City and slaying Dan Jing made the people of the province start to respect Yuan Fang.

And today, the victory of secretly crossing the Yellow River and capturing the important town of Gaotang thoroughly ignited the people of Ji Province.

Within a few days, the good news spread throughout the province, and Yuan Fang became the focus of everyone's discussion. The attention he received even surpassed that of Yuan Shao, who was currently suppressing the Black Mountain Bandits in Changshan.

"Second Young Master, with his weak troops, has won battle after battle, even capturing Gaotang City. Truly remarkable."

"Yes, it seems Second Young Master is the most outstanding son of Lord Yuan. As for the Third Young Master, though he is legitimate, he is like a spoiled brat, and his talent cannot compare to Second Young Master at all."

"I heard that Lord Yuan has always neglected Second Young Master and favored the Third Young Master. This is truly unjust. With Lord Yuan's wisdom, he should be able to see which son is more excellent."

...

In Ye City, from the high-ranking officials to the common people, all were deeply impressed by Yuan Fang. A wave of public opinion began to rise, advocating for fairness for Yuan Fang.

The impression of Yuan Fang in the hearts of the people of Ji Province was rapidly changing, and he was even beginning to establish his own authority.

In the Chariot General's residence, Yuan Tan held the report of victory, his brows deeply furrowed, his face as dark as iron, and his nostrils flaring with anger.

Rustle, rustle, rustle!

In a fit of rage, Yuan Tan tore the report to shreds.

Guo Tu, kneeling beside him, trembled slightly, a trace of fear flashing in his eyes.

"Guo Gongze, you once confidently said that you could easily suppress that bastard. Now, he has won battle after battle, his reputation growing. Now Father is even sending him more troops. What do you propose to do?"

Yuan Tan angrily questioned Guo Tu, his anger evident.

Guo Tu coughed a few times, his ashen face quickly turning cold, and he smiled slightly. "Young Master, calm down. The bastard's victories are merely lucky. I am willing to go to Qing Province myself and ensure that he is disgraced."

Yuan Tan was taken aback, his anger gradually subsiding, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

"Though that boy has captured Gaotang, Tian Kai has already mobilized all the troops of Qing Province to contest it. The bastard, though supported by the Fourth Young Master, has received more troops from Lord Yuan. If you can plant me in his army, with my skills, hehe..."

Guo Tu did not finish his words, his lips curling, his face dark and sinister.

Yuan Tan suddenly understood Guo Tu's meaning, his anger turning to joy. "With you, Guo Gongze, the bastard is bound to fail. Gongze, this time, do not disappoint me."

"Young Master, rest assured. With my intelligence, it would be strange if I couldn't manipulate that bastard in the palm of my hand," Guo Tu confidently assured.

The two of them looked at each other and laughed, the hall filled with a cold and smug atmosphere.

...

Gaotang City.

Yuan Fang inspected the camps, urging the soldiers to intensify their training in preparation for the impending strong enemy.

To guard against Gongsun Zan to the north, Yuan Fang had already ordered Hao Zhao to lead three thousand troops back to Pingyuan. Now he had only seven thousand troops left.

According to intelligence, Tian Kai's army numbered at least twenty thousand. A battle of seven thousand against twenty thousand would be a clear mismatch.

After inspecting the camps, Yuan Fang returned to the main tent to hear the reports from his generals.

"Tian Kai's army has already passed the State of Qi and is expected to approach Gaotang in a few days. Additionally, according to our spies, the Governor of Beihai, Kong Rong, has sent his general Taishi Ci to assist Tian Kai with troops from Beihai."

Taishi Ci!

Hearing this name, Yuan Fang's brows slightly furrowed.

Although Taishi Ci was not yet famous, Yuan Fang, who knew history, was well aware that this man was not only a master of martial arts but also a versatile general skilled in naval, cavalry, and infantry warfare, having achieved great feats for Eastern Wu in history.

There was no doubt that he would be a difficult opponent.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, both of whom had reached the level of organ cultivation in martial arts, were only second to Lü Bu. Now, with the addition of Taishi Ci, who was likely at least at the bone-forging level, and all three were capable of leading troops.

Yuan Fang had to admit that, apart from Tian Kai and Liu Bei themselves, this enemy army, with its impressive lineup of generals, was indeed formidable.

"This will be a tough battle..."

Yuan Fang sighed inwardly, his handsome face calm. He then asked calmly, "What about Ji Province? When will our reinforcements arrive?"

"According to our informants, the Fourth Young Master has used his influence to persuade Lord Yuan to send more troops. The additional four thousand troops have already set out and should arrive at Gaotang in a few days," Guo Huai replied.

Yuan Fang nodded slightly, feeling a bit more confident.

With seven thousand troops plus four thousand, he would have over ten thousand troops. With the strong defenses of Gaotang, a defensive battle with the advantage of rest and preparation should not be a problem in repelling Tian Kai's army.

However, Yuan Fang was not content with just repelling the enemy; he wanted a decisive victory.

Only a great victory would allow him to advance into the heart of Qing Province. The one-year deadline was approaching, and he must secure a territory sufficient to rival Yuan Shao before then.

While he was deep in thought, Yuan Gui hurried in and bowed. "Young Master, Guo Tu has arrived and is waiting outside."

Guo Tu?

Yuan Fang's brows furrowed, and he asked sternly, "What is he doing here?"

"Guo Tu claims he has been sent by Lord Yuan to serve as your military advisor," Yuan Gui replied.

Before Yuan Gui finished, Guo Huai said sternly, "Guo Tu is the First Young Master's man. His arrival is not to assist you but to cause trouble."

Yuan Fang, who could guess as much, naturally understood.

After a moment's thought, Yuan Fang sneered, "This Guo Tu, seeing that his schemes to undermine me from behind have failed, now comes personally to cause trouble. Hmph, he is coming to his own doom!"

Suddenly, Guo Huai felt a chill emanating from Yuan Fang.

The cold and murderous aura made Guo Huai shudder involuntarily.

Yuan Fang then ordered Guo Tu to be brought in.

A moment later, the face with two mustaches and eyes always narrowed appeared before Yuan Fang.

"Second Young Master, it's been a while," Guo Tu said, entering with a slight bow and a smile.

Yuan Fang's sharp gaze fixed on him, and he asked coldly, "Guo Gongze, what brings you here?"

"I am here by Lord Yuan's command to assist you and advise on military matters. Here is Lord Yuan's appointment letter," Guo Tu said, producing a document and waving it before Yuan Fang.

His attitude and tone were still as dismissive as they were in Ye City, showing no respect for Yuan Fang.

Slam!

Yuan Fang slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Guo Tu, since you are here to advise on military matters, you are my subordinate. Where is your respect?"

Yuan Fang's shout startled Guo Tu.

Relying on his position as Yuan Tan's man and being sent by Yuan Shao, Guo Tu had intended to put on airs before Yuan Fang, not even bothering to say "Greetings, Second Young Master."

He thought Yuan Fang was still the same as before and would not dare to do anything to him even with his attitude.

However, after several months, Yuan Fang's demeanor had completely changed. His shout carried a force that was hard to resist.

"This bastard actually has the nerve to put on airs in front of me..."

Guo Tu was displeased but had no choice but to bow slightly, unwillingly saying, "This subordinate, Guo Tu, greets Young Master. I apologize for my earlier rudeness."

Suppressing Guo Tu's arrogance, Yuan Fang felt a great sense of satisfaction.

He sneered inwardly and waved his hand. "Considering it is your first time here, I will not hold it against you. You may go for now. I will summon you if needed."

Yuan Fang did not even give Guo Tu a good face, scolding him and then dismissing him outright.

Guo Tu gritted his teeth in hatred, thinking that he was a respected figure in Yuan Shao's camp, and even Yuan Shang and Lady Liu would show him respect.

Now, this lowly illegitimate son, Yuan Fang, had publicly embarrassed him in front of so many people, greatly damaging Guo Tu's dignity.

Guo Tu could only swallow his anger and bow to leave, his heart filled with resentment.

Exiting the tent, Guo Tu glared back and thought angrily, "You bastard, you dare to scold me. Just wait. I will make you pay."

With a cold snort, Guo Tu swept out.

In the tent, Guo Huai, seeing Yuan Fang publicly humiliate Guo Tu, felt a great sense of satisfaction and praised, "This Guo Tu, relying on his seniority in Lord Yuan's camp and the First Young Master's protection, has always been arrogant. Your scolding today truly feels satisfying."

"Dealing with such a person, the more you fear him, the more arrogant he becomes," Yuan Fang said dismissively.

"However, Guo Tu is clearly here to cause trouble. Now that you have offended him, it might be..."

"There is nothing to fear."

Yuan Fang waved his hand, interrupting Guo Huai's concerns, and said sternly, "This villain, who has repeatedly assisted Yuan Tan in plotting against me, has now come to his own doom. I will not let him off easily."

The resolute words and the stern tone made Guo Huai shudder again.

Just as Yuan Fang was contemplating how to take advantage of the situation to eliminate Guo Tu, a soldier reported that the reinforcements from Ji Province had arrived and were crossing the river.

"First, Guo Tu arrives, then the reinforcements. It seems today is a day of both good and bad news. Let's go and see."

Yuan Fang's spirits lifted, and he rode out of the city, heading straight for the river crossing.

Upon arriving at the crossing, he saw ships slowly docking, and hundreds of soldiers disembarking and entering the camp.

On the pier, several riders approached Yuan Fang. The lead rider reined in his horse and bowed. "This subordinate, by Lord Yuan's command, has come to assist Second Young Master."

Yuan Fang looked closely and immediately recognized the tiger-like general, his brows slightly furrowing.

"First, Guo Tu arrives, now him. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, you two brothers are really causing trouble..."

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