Chapter 9

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As he watched Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who were rubbing their hands in anticipation, Chen Xi stroked his chin. He needed to refine his plan further. After all, there were too many benefits to be gained from the coalition of eighteen warlords against Dong Zhuo—fame, profit, and both fame and profit. These were all extremely important!

It was still very cold in February of 190 AD. Sitting on the ground like this, even with a brazier, Chen Xi was slightly shivering. He couldn't compare to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, whose physical fitness and qi were so strong that they could probably survive even in Siberia. In a certain sense, they were already beyond human.

Soon, roasted meat and food were served, and performances began. After a hearty meal and entertainment, under Yuan Shao's lead, they started discussing how to deal with Dong Zhuo. Most people believed that this campaign against Dong Zhuo would surely succeed!

Cao Cao first proposed dividing the troops into five routes: one to attack the Fenshui Pass, one to feint an attack on the Hulao Pass to draw attention, one to circle around Luoyang and attack from behind, one to cut off the supply lines between the Hangu Pass and Luoyang, and the last one to cut off the retreat route at Xingyang.

To be honest, this proposal maximized the advantages of the coalition's large number of troops and generals. As long as the deployment was appropriate, even if Dong Zhuo wasn't killed, he would be severely weakened. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected.

Yuan Shao proposed a direct frontal assault on Dong Zhuo, with no need for any pretense—simply roll over the Hulao Pass and crush Dong Zhuo.

Well, in Chen Xi's view, Yuan Shao's proposal was also excellent. If everyone put in their best effort, this plan was more direct, effective, and simple than Cao Cao's. At this point, Yuan Shao was not yet a bumbling fool, and thus, after a brief consideration, everyone agreed to this proposal.

In Chen Xi's view, Yuan Shao's approach was purely about overwhelming with force, but it was very effective. Since he held the initiative, he could do whatever he wanted. If he decided to have the decisive battle at the Hulao Pass, Dong Zhuo would have no choice but to follow suit. This could be considered a good strategy.

Unfortunately, Yuan Shao overlooked the private interests of the other warlords, or perhaps he deliberately indulged them, allowing them to wear down at the Hulao Pass. The casualties would not be his, and the weakened forces would be his future enemies.

For Yuan Shao, this was very advantageous and simple. If they lost, it would be because the others didn't put in their best effort. With so many troops and generals, as long as they gave their all, they would surely win. Everyone had to admit this. If they won, it would be widely praised, and Yuan Shao's leadership would be credited. Whether they won or lost, there would be no loss, only greater advantages. From any angle, this was a good strategy.

After a hearty meal, the major strategy was determined. Sun Jian took the lead as the vanguard, planning to scout ahead. At this point, it was still unclear who was guarding the Fenshui Pass. The other warlords leisurely advanced toward the Hulao Pass, as speed was not a priority for this battle.

Meanwhile, in Luoyang, Dong Zhuo had received the news. After a round of scolding in the prime minister's residence, he calmed down and gathered his subordinates to prepare to deal with the eastern warlords who were causing trouble.

Sitting high on his couch in Luoyang, Dong Zhuo looked at his subordinates and felt reassured. "The eastern rats have gathered a fifty-thousand-strong army to attack us. What are your thoughts?"

A man stepped forward, wearing a golden crown, a floral battle robe, a Tangni armor, and a lion belt. His sharp features exuded a domineering aura. He was none other than the flying general, Lü Bu.

The undisputed first warrior of the Three Kingdoms era, he was usually the target of a group attack. No matter how many opponents he faced, he could only be driven back, never defeated. He was the pinnacle of martial prowess in the Three Kingdoms era.

"I am willing to share my father's worries. I see the eastern generals as mere rats. I am willing to personally lead three thousand elite cavalry to crush these eastern rats for my father!"

"Truly worthy of my son, Fengxian!" Dong Zhuo laughed, very satisfied with this son. Back in Luoyang, Ding Yuan almost killed him with Lü Bu's help.

Lü Bu single-handedly broke through the defenses of ten thousand of his subordinates. If not for the desperate efforts of his generals and his own skills, he might have been defeated. Even so, Hua Xiong, Guo Si, Li Jue, Pan Zhu, Zhang Ji, and Zhang Xiu almost fell to Lü Bu.

It's worth noting that Hua Xiong was known as a brave general from Liang, Zhang Xiu was young and ambitious, and the others were also skilled. Yet, they almost fell to Lü Bu, demonstrating his formidable strength.

Just as Dong Zhuo was about to order Lü Bu to end the eastern rats, a man stepped forward behind Lü Bu. "Why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? These mere eastern rats, I am willing to go and ensure they are utterly defeated!"

"Very well, very well. With such a brave general, why should I worry about the eastern rats? Hua Xiong, listen to my order."

"I am here!"

"Appoint you as the vanguard, lead fifty thousand infantry and cavalry to the Fenshui Pass to hold it firmly and prevent the eastern rats from sneaking in."

"I obey the order!"

"Xu Rong, listen to my order."

"I am here!"

"Appoint you to lead fifty thousand troops to hold the Hulao Pass, and do not fail."

"Understood." Xu Rong responded firmly.

"Pang Zhu, Zhang Ji, appoint you two to lead one hundred thousand infantry to hold the key points around Luoyang!" "Understood!"

"Li Jue, Guo Si, appoint you two to lead fifty thousand infantry and cavalry to hold the Hangu Pass. If Han Sui shows any signs of rebellion, execute him immediately!" "Understood!"

"Others, monitor the movements in Luoyang. If anyone dares to privately communicate with the eastern rats, execute them without mercy!" The generals all agreed.

It must be said that at this point, Dong Zhuo still had some ability. Unfortunately, after returning to Chang'an, with the natural advantage of the Hangu Pass, Dong Zhuo completely fell into decadence.

There's an old saying: "Alcohol is a poison that pierces the intestines, beauty is a steel blade that cuts the bones, wealth is a fierce tiger descending the mountain, and anger is the root of disaster." In Chang'an, Dong Zhuo indulged in all four, leading to his downfall. Comfort and ease made him lose his ambition, and in this chaotic era, he could only become a stepping stone for others.

After the coalition of warlords ended, they returned to their respective camps. Liu Bei's camp was naturally close to Gongsun Zan. However, unlike before, they were now independent of Gongsun Zan and were considered a small warlord, with supplies allocated on time.

When Liu Bei returned from his conversation with Gongsun Zan, Chen Xi and Guan Yu, Zhang Fei were discussing the events to come. Clearly, Chen Xi was the one doing the talking, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei could only listen.

"Thank you for your recent assistance. I have no way to repay you." Liu Bei entered the tent and walked straight to Chen Xi, bowing deeply.

Unlike the dullness of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei clearly understood what it meant to be in the position of a warlord. Before, he could only dream of being among them, but now he was sitting there, chatting happily with Tao Qian and Kong Rong.

When could he, Liu Bei, ever mingle with the high-ranking officials and chat with them? This was something Liu Bei never dared to imagine before. Though he had the ambition, his humble birth left a deep sense of inferiority in his heart.