Chapter 59

Two days later, a spy returned with intelligence, confirming that the Xuzhou army had indeed mobilized.

Taoyuan, under the authority of the governor, ordered Zangba, who was stationed in Kaiyang, to lead his 15,000 troops north to Qingzhou to rescue Kongrong.

In addition to Zangba's forces, Taoyuan also granted Liu Bei 5,000 troops, ordering him to assist Zangba in their joint campaign against Yuan Fang.

The 20,000-strong army set out from Langya, the northernmost part of Xuzhou, and marched grandly toward Beihai.

The intelligence brought by Mi Huan proved to be accurate.

Upon receiving the spy's report, Yuan Fang immediately summoned Yan Liang and Zhuling to discuss their strategy.

"Taoyuan has actually mobilized 20,000 troops?" Zhuling, seeing the number on the report, drew a sharp breath.

It was expected that Taoyuan would send troops to save Kongrong to avoid the fall of one leading to the fall of another, but Zhuling did not anticipate that Taoyuan would mobilize such a large force of 20,000 troops.

Yuan Fang's current strength in Beihai was only 9,000 troops. After leaving several thousand to besiege Duchang, no more than 5,000 could be used to block the Xuzhou army.

Five thousand battle-weary troops against 20,000 fresh troops was clearly a lopsided battle.

"Sir, the enemy is too strong and is coming with overwhelming force. I think we should temporarily avoid their sharp edge," Zhuling said worriedly.

His implication was that he wanted Yuan Fang to temporarily lift the siege on Duchang and retreat to the state of Qi to consolidate the newly acquired territories of Qingzhou, planning to advance eastward later.

Yuan Fang, however, was stern and resolute, saying, "The battle has reached this point, and there is no possibility of retreating. Even if it costs my life, I must take Duchang."

Yuan Fang's tone was extremely decisive, leaving no room for doubt.

Time was pressing, and he could not afford to delay.

With only less than three months left in the one-year period, Yuan Fang knew that by then, regardless of whether he or Yuan Xi won the military strategy competition, Yuan Shao would certainly recall him from Qingzhou.

Yuan Shao, who harbored deep prejudice against him, would never allow his illegitimate son, who had no official status, to command troops outside.

Therefore, Yuan Fang had to capture the entire Qingzhou before the deadline. Only then would he have the strength to resist Yuan Shao's orders.

If he retreated now, the Xuzhou army would enter Beihai and join forces with Kongrong, regaining momentum. Even if they did not attack Yuan Fang, he would find it difficult to capture Beihai again.

Without capturing Beihai and the entire Qingzhou, Yuan Fang would not have the strength to resist Yuan Shao's orders.

In this battle, despite the enemy's overwhelming strength, they could only fight to the death.

Seeing Yuan Fang's determination, Zhuling no longer hesitated and said resolutely, "Since Sir has made up his mind, what more can I say? Sir, tell us how to fight. We will risk our lives in this battle."

Yan Liang also rose from his seat, shouting coarsely, "Sir, just give the order. Whether in wind or fire, I, Yan Liang, will follow you to the death."

The two generals' expressions of loyalty greatly moved Yuan Fang, and his blood began to boil.

However, amidst his enthusiasm, a sly smile appeared on his lips, and he said, "Our lives are reserved for greater endeavors. How can we easily entrust them to someone like Taoyuan? Rest assured, I have a plan to defeat the enemy."

Yuan Fang's words exuded strong confidence, as if he already had a well-thought-out plan.

The two generals, who were originally prepared to fight to the death, were greatly surprised and could not fathom what strategy Yuan Fang had in mind.

The disparity in strength was too great. It would be a significant achievement just to hold out, let alone defeat the enemy. Wasn't this too overconfident?

The two generals were skeptical but did not dare to ask more, only following orders.

Yuan Fang then issued orders, commanding Zhuling to lead 4,000 troops to continue the siege of Duchang, while he and Yan Liang would lead 4,000 infantry and cavalry south to Gaomi to join forces with Guo Huai, forming a 5,000-strong elite force to resist the Xuzhou army.

The orders were issued, and the generals went to prepare, planning to set out early the next morning.

That night, Yuan Fang was packing in his tent, preparing to head south to Gaomi the next day.

A guard outside the tent reported that a Miss Mi was outside, requesting an audience.

"Bring her in," Yuan Fang said casually, still wiping his skull-crushing club without looking up.

Light footsteps sounded, and Mi Huan entered the tent, greeting him calmly as usual.

Yuan Fang looked up at her. Today, Mi Huan was wearing a deep red robe, and under the candlelight, she looked particularly radiant.

"Miss Mi, coming so late, are you here to see me off?" Yuan Fang gestured for her to take a seat.

Mi Huan knelt and sat down, saying softly, "I am indeed here to see you off, but it seems you are very confident about this battle."

"Is that so? Do you hope to see me panic or even lose?" Yuan Fang asked in return.

Mi Huan was taken aback and quickly smiled faintly, denying it.

Putting down his club, Yuan Fang changed the subject, "Miss Mi is from Xuzhou and should be very familiar with the situation there. If you are willing, could you tell me more about Zangba?"

Knowing one's enemy and oneself ensures victory in every battle. Yuan Fang wanted to gather more intelligence about his opponent from Mi Huan.

Mi Huan did not hide anything and shared all the information she knew about Zangba.

It turned out that Zangba had escaped to Mount Tai after rescuing his father from prison. Later, he was recruited by Taoyuan to help the outsider pacify the Yellow Turbans in Xuzhou.

Zangba was rewarded with the title of Cavalry Commander and stationed in Kaiyang, Langya. He gathered Sun Guan, Wu Dun, and other bandits from Mount Tai, gradually becoming a powerful force, controlling most of Langya.

After hearing Mi Huan's account, Yuan Fang stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "According to what you said, Taoyuan originally wanted to use Zangba to fight the Yellow Turbans, but Zangba has become a powerful force. Does Taoyuan have any intention of weakening Zangba by sending him to Beihai?"

Upon hearing this, Mi Huan's expression changed slightly, and a flash of surprise appeared in her eyes.

How could this subtle change escape Yuan Fang's notice? He immediately knew he was right.

"Sir's analytical skills are truly impressive. Indeed, according to the reports from our spies in the state capital, Taoyuan's decision to send Zangba to Beihai has two purposes: to rescue Kongrong and to weaken Zangba," Mi Huan admitted, unable to hide it from Yuan Fang.

Yuan Fang sneered, "Miss Mi, it seems you were still holding back."

"It's not that I was hiding anything; it's just that you didn't ask," Mi Huan laughed lightly, a hint of cunning in her eyes.

"Ha, well said. Indeed, I didn't ask," Yuan Fang laughed heartily, not at all angry.

Looking at the confident and cheerful young man before her, who showed no signs of worry despite the approaching enemy, Mi Huan became even more curious about him.

Unable to resist, Mi Huan said, "Although Taoyuan may have intended to weaken Zangba, Zangba is a skilled warrior and a capable commander. His 15,000 well-equipped troops are all brave fighters. I advise you not to be too confident."

Mi Huan knew that Yuan Fang's troops were insufficient and battle-weary, and she judged that he would find it difficult to match Zangba.

Yuan Fang stopped laughing and asked in return, "Since Miss Mi has so little confidence in me, would you dare to make a bet with me?"

A bet?

"What kind of bet?" Mi Huan's eyebrows furrowed, her face showing curiosity.

Yuan Fang stood up, pointing south, and said loudly, "I bet that I can defeat Zangba within seven days. If I fail, all the business of the Mi family within my jurisdiction will be tax-free."

Mi Huan was startled, not expecting Yuan Fang to make such a bold claim.

"Zangba and Liu Bei have 20,000 troops. With his current strength, it's questionable whether he can even hold Gaomi, let alone defeat Zangba. He is indeed overly confident..."

Mi Huan was somewhat skeptical and asked, "Sir, you are indeed bold. If you win, what do you want from the Mi family?"

"Simple. I want to share the intelligence you gather from all over the world," Yuan Fang said straightforwardly.

Knowing one's enemy and oneself ensures victory in every battle. Conquering the world is not just about direct confrontation; intelligence gathering is also crucial.

Just as in the historical Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao obtained intelligence from Xu You about Yuan Shao's grain storage at Wuchao, leading to the burning of Wuchao and the defeat of Yuan Shao.

Yuan Fang, familiar with history, understood the importance of intelligence.

The Mi family was a wealthy merchant family with business spanning the entire country. Every day, countless merchant caravans set out from the East Sea and returned.

These returning caravans brought not only wealth but also news and intelligence from all over the country.

In essence, the vast commercial network of the Mi family was a massive intelligence system.

If Yuan Fang could share the Mi family's intelligence, he could more accurately understand the enemy's situation and gain the upper hand.

Mi Huan, being very intelligent, immediately understood Yuan Fang's intention and began to weigh her options.

"He has his strengths, but to defeat Zangba in seven days is likely overconfidence. I have a good chance of winning this bet. The Mi family's business in Qing and Xu is fundamental. If we can be tax-free in Qingzhou, the savings would be in the millions. Yes, this bet is very tempting for the Mi family..."

After some thought, Mi Huan made up her mind and smiled, "Since Sir is interested, I will take the bet."

The page turns, and the advertisement begins.

The page turns, and the advertisement ends.