Chapter 20

On this day, Liu Yao was in his study dealing with some affairs.

"Lord, we have news." At this moment, Tian Feng suddenly rushed in.

"Yuanhao, is it news from the Wuhuan?" Liu Yao asked, frowning. Since the beginning of autumn, Liu Yao had stationed scouts in the direction of the Wuhuan, ready to report any unusual activities.

"Indeed, it is."

"Shi A, go and call Gongyu, Hansheng, Yide, Gongxiao, Ziyi, and Zitai. I want to hold a war council." Liu Yao called out to Shi A outside the door.

"Yes, my lord."

Not long after, the eight most trusted men under Liu Yao had all gathered.

"Yuanhao, please share the news with everyone." Liu Yao said, looking at the people present.

"Yes. Over the past two years, the Wuhuan Great King Quli Ju has basically unified the Wuhuan. This time, he has dispatched 70,000 cavalry, divided into three routes heading towards Youzhou. The first route, consisting of 10,000 men, is heading towards Youbei Ping. The second route, with 30,000 men, is heading towards Yuyang. The third route, also with 30,000 men, is targeting our Jixian." Tian Feng reported, and the atmosphere became somewhat heavy.

"Everyone, do you have any good ideas?" Liu Yao looked at the group.

"Lord, if you give me 10,000 troops, I can wipe them out completely." Without hesitation, it could only be Zhang Fei who would say such a thing.

"Shut up." Liu Yao scolded. Zhang Fei was good in every way, but he was too rash. "Even if you can defeat the Wuhuan cavalry, do you know how many of our brothers will die? If you act so rashly again, I'll make sure you don't get any wine this month."

Zhang Fei, hit where it hurt, immediately dared not speak anymore. However, thanks to Zhang Fei's antics, the atmosphere among everyone became a bit more relaxed.

"Lord, I believe we don't need to worry about Youbei Ping." Tian Feng raised his hand and said.

"Oh, why is that?" Liu Yao asked curiously.

"Youbei Ping is guarded by Gongsun Zan. In recent years, he has fought the Wuhuan and the Xianbei multiple times, never losing a battle, always protecting the borders of our great Han. With him guarding Youbei Ping, the Wuhuan cavalry will not be able to step a foot into Youbei Ping."

"Gongsun Zan." A hint of killing intent flashed through Liu Yao's mind, but it quickly dissipated. Gongsun Zan was an ambitious man who, in history, had killed the Governor of Youzhou, Liu Yu. He commanded the elite White Horse Army, which struck fear into the hearts of the Wuhuan. However, he ultimately lost to Yuan Shao at the Battle of Jiexiao and died in the flames. "It's not the right time to kill him yet. After all, we still need his strength now," Liu Yao thought.

"What about Yuyang and our Jixian?" Liu Yao asked.

"Yuyang already has 2,000 garrison troops. We only need one general to lead 10,000 infantry to participate in the defense. We don't need to achieve any great victories, just to hold them off. Once we deal with the 30,000 Wuhuan cavalry here, we can then launch a pincer attack and eliminate them." Ju Shou said.

"Good, let's do that. As for the 30,000 Wuhuan cavalry targeting Jixian, I have a plan." Liu Yao said confidently.

"Oh!!" Tian Feng and Ju Shou exchanged glances and asked simultaneously, "Please enlighten us, Lord?"

"Yuanhao, Gongyu, do we have any Bado in Youzhou?" Liu Yao asked.

"Bado, what is that?" The two were completely at a loss.

"Um, it's a kind of bean that causes diarrhea when eaten." Liu Yao explained urgently.

"Oh, you mean Bashu. It is indeed recorded in the 'Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica.' There is quite a bit of it in Youzhou. What do you need it for, Lord?" Tian Feng asked, suddenly understanding. Liu Yao broke out in a cold sweat; he had thought Bado didn't exist in the Han dynasty, but it was just a different name.

"We can send a grain convoy and mix Bado powder into the food, pretending to be ambushed. The Wuhuan will not bring much food when they come to raid. When they eat this food, do you think they will still have the strength to fight?" Liu Yao's face showed a sinister smile.

Everyone broke out in a cold sweat. Wuhuan cavalry in this state would be no different from soft-footed shrimp, easy to kill.

"Lord, isn't this a bit too much?" Tian Feng hesitated. "Using such methods in battle will affect your reputation..."

"Ha ha, Yuanhao, are you saying I'm a despicable person?" Liu Yao laughed.

"I dare not, I did not mean that," Tian Feng said, somewhat frightened.

"No matter. I am despicable, but so what? Only by doing this can we minimize our losses. If we fight them head-on, even if we win, our army will suffer heavy casualties. If being called despicable can save the lives of our brothers, what does my reputation matter?" Liu Yao said with righteous indignation. He had never cared about his reputation; he didn't want to be a hero. Heroes could only be generals or ministers, never emperors.

Everyone was moved by his concern for his subordinates. Such a lord was rare, and they couldn't help but see Liu Yao in a more heroic light.

Seeing that no one opposed him, Liu Yao said, "Now, all generals, listen to my orders."

"Your subordinate is here."

"Gao Shun, Tian Chou."

"Your subordinate is here."

"Order you to lead three battalions of 9,000 infantry and Gao Shun's 1,000 elite troops to Yuyang to participate in the defense. You must hold off the 30,000 Wuhuan cavalry and prevent them from advancing any further."

"Yes."

"As for Huang Zhong and Zhang Fei, you two will stay in Jixian. You will receive your tasks later."

"Yes."

"Ju Shou."

"Your subordinate is here."

"Order you to be in charge of all logistics and supplies."

"Yes."

"Lord, what about me?" Taishi Ci called out, seeing that everyone had a task except him.

"Ha ha, Ziyi, don't be impatient. I have a dangerous mission for you. Do you dare to accept it?" Liu Yao smiled.

"What is there to fear?" Taishi Ci said boldly.

"Very well, Taishi Ci."

"Your subordinate is here."

"Order you to lead 5,000 light cavalry to circle around to the enemy's rear and head towards the Wuhuan. Along the way, kill every man, woman, and child in any small tribes you encounter, and bring back their cattle, sheep, and horses to Youzhou. Remember, do not go too deep. You have half a month. No matter what, you must return after half a month, and you will be greatly rewarded." Liu Yao coldly said, "They like to raid our Han people, so let them taste what it's like to be raided."

Everyone was shaken by Liu Yao's words. "I didn't expect the Lord to be so ruthless towards the Wuhuan."

"Yes, Taishi Ci accepts the mission." Taishi Ci said excitedly. This was a great opportunity for merit.

"Lord, isn't this too cruel?" Tian Feng couldn't help but advise.

"Cruel? Ha!" Liu Yao coldly laughed. "Yuanhao, in my eyes, these Wuhuan are not human; they are beasts. Is it not cruel for them to come to our Han and burn, kill, and plunder? There is no mercy for beasts."

"Tian Feng understands." Although Tian Feng still felt some pity, he knew that compassion had no place in military affairs, and mercy towards the enemy was cruelty to oneself. So he said no more.

"Alright, everyone, go and prepare your troops. This time, I will make sure the Wuhuan come but do not return." Liu Yao said, his voice filled with killing intent.

"Yes." Everyone left to prepare, leaving Liu Yao alone, standing by the window, gazing at the sky.