"What else can we do? At this point, if Yuan Shao is not eliminated, he will soon become a major problem." Chen Xi proposed rather tactfully.
It wasn't explicitly stated before; we primarily thought Yuan Shao wasn't too dangerous, so we planned to use a slow method—fighting while developing. But now, we must fight. How could we tolerate Yuan Shao? Impossible.
"Zichuan, are you suggesting an immediate attack?" Liu Bei furrowed his brows tightly. "Wasn't it said earlier that one of the cauldrons is definitely ours?"
"The Heaven-Man Dual Cauldrons are almost certain to be ours. In such a situation, the ones capable of handling the cauldrons and taking them away are only General Guan and Yann Liang since the quality of the cauldrons exceeds expectations." Chen Xi rubbed his temples as he spoke. "If there are no accidents, Fengxiao's first choice would also be to secure one first."
"I see." Liu Bei nodded, not dwelling on potential issues. Only Jia Xu knitted his brows, pondering something else.
"In that case, there's no need for us to be hasty." Liu Bei shook his head and said, "Yuan Shao obtaining one cauldron versus us obtaining one essentially changes nothing. Our goal is not merely to conquer the world but to ensure that the people of the realm live better lives. There's no need to fight for momentary pride."
Though his words weren't particularly forceful, they were thought-provoking. Even in the face of such drastic changes, Liu Bei hadn't altered his original aspirations or hurried into rash decisions.
"That won't work, my lord. If Yuan Shao secures the Xuanyuan Cauldron, which represents three hundred years of national destiny, it would lead to far too many uncertainties." Li You was the first to interject.
"Lord Xuande, you might not fully grasp this. Both cauldrons each represent three hundred years of national destiny. When one becomes bound to you and the other to Yuan Shao, the difference becomes significant. If Yuan Shao's strength is considered a one and ours a two, then adding the Xuanyuan Cauldron becomes eleven and twelve, respectively." Chen Xi exaggerated the cauldron's significance, arguing decisively. Sometimes addition works better than multiplication, especially in situations .
"Is it really that exaggerated?" Liu Bei said, mouth slightly agape.
"This divine artifact represents three hundred years of national destiny. Couple this with the previous scenes of mass kneeling, which you personally witnessed, my lord. Zichuan's words deserve your careful consideration." Jia Xu said with a neutral expression, his words showing no apparent bias but implicitly supporting Chen Xi at this critical moment.
"My lord, Yuan Shao is by no means an easy adversary." Mann Chong didn't elaborate but directly highlighted Yuan Shao's threat.
"The issue is that if we go to war against Yuan Shao now, we'll face attacks from two fronts—north and south—and potentially even a strike from Cao Cao in Yanzhou." Liu Bei pointed at the north and south Yuans, as well as Cao Cao, looming in the west, seizing opportunities for conflict.
Liu Bei wasn't unfamiliar with strategy. Having spent extended time in Mount Tai, where Chen Xi had left numerous strategic texts in the Library Pavilion, Liu Bei would often study them. By now, he had developed a decent grasp of strategy, naturally understanding the risks associated with starting a large-scale war.
"None of these are problems. I've had a clear and precise plan and steps from the beginning, and nothing has gone wrong so far. The necessary preparations have all been made. The previous strategy of war while building didn't mean we lacked the capability to crush all the feudal lords in the realm." Chen Xi shook his head and spoke firmly.
"Building is far more difficult than destroying. Our original goal was construction, hence the caution and prudence. But now, if we aim directly for a Northern Expedition, the pressure across various fronts will be significantly reduced. If needed, we can stabilize things after recapturing the Xuanyuan Cauldron." Li You chimed in, positioning himself firmly in the main battle faction.
"The destructiveness of rebel armies is immense. That's why we've been advancing cautiously. But now, with the Xuanyuan Cauldron as our target, we can set those concerns aside temporarily, reclaim the cauldron, then deal with everything else." Xun Yue also expressed his opinion, supporting the attack on Yuan Shao, insisting that the divine artifact must not fall into Yuan Shao's hands.
Liu Bei glanced at the expressions of his ministers and remained silent for a moment. "Estimate how long it will take to achieve the objective. What will be the approximate scope of destruction?"
"Yuan Shao's strength is relatively formidable. According to the previous plan, a Northern Expedition fully deploying our forces can push to the southern Jizhou front-line in the first battle. Following that, Yuan Shao will personally appear on the battlefield. Rear positioning and road construction for our army will take about one month." Jia Xu laid out the data clearly and decisively.
"Overall estimation: after Yuan Shao enters the conflict, there will likely be three months of standoff along the Wei Commandery line." Jia Xu calmly elaborated, these projections derived from his precise calculations. "Afterward, Yuan Shao will lead his army back to Ye City. That will be the ideal moment for us to use the final warfare formation."
"Based on the intelligence I currently have, though Xindu is nominally the administrative center of Jizhou, Ye City holds greater importance for Yuan Shao, especially in preparation for his Central Plains campaign. Therefore, it's highly probable that the Xuanyuan Cauldron is located in Ye City!" Jia Xu surveyed those present with calm precision and stated unambiguously. After reaching this point, could anyone still not understand his meaning?
"Lord Xuande, seize the moment, or it will never come again. Assemble the troops for the Northern Expedition at once. Use Yuan Shao's offensive against General Gongsun as an opportunity to strike first and break Jizhou!" Chen Xi spoke with a stern expression. Keeping a pet tiger might be manageable, but raising a tiger that'll harm you is an unacceptable risk.
"Very well!" Liu Bei, seeing Chen Xi's proposal backed by his other civil officials who looked at him with hopeful expressions, immediately made the decision. "Issue orders for Zang Ba to take over full military affairs in northern Qingzhou. Recall Wei Yan, Guan Ping, Sunx Shao, Zhao Yan, Sunx Kang, Chen Hua, Zheng Zha, and Xuu Qin to Mount Tai. Mobilize mid-level officers from the Academy of Mount Tai and instruct the newest graduates to join the army. Arm the Qingzhou Soldiers, ready to march for the Northern Expedition!"
"Understood!" The gathered officials all bowed and answered solemnly.
"Zichuan, will you accompany the campaign or stay in the rear?" Liu Bei turned to ask, not imposing any specific demand on Chen Xi.
"I'll accompany the campaign. Without me and General Guan executing the final move, success is unlikely for the others." Chen Xi pondered briefly before answering.
"Very well. Then Wen Ru will oversee operations at the rear, with Zhongyu assisting him." Liu Bei nodded before turning toward Li You.
"Understood." Li You and Xun Yue cupped their hands in compliance.
"Boning, security in Mount Tai will be entrusted to you. I won't take the city management units with the army." Liu Bei instructed Mann Chong, "But don't be overly strict. Sometimes leniency saves lives."
"Understood." Mann Chong responded with an impassive expression.
"Zizhong, Qing and Xu regions' market oversight will be left to you. Ensure the people can afford essential goods." Liu Bei admonished Mi Zhu.
"As for Hanmou, Miss Huang, and Miss Wang, remain in Fenggao and continue your research and work as you have." Liu Bei's tone softened slightly when addressing Qu Qi and Huang Yueying, with Wang Yi included almost as an afterthought. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)