Wuxia: The Super Slave Master

Page 355

"How do you know? Tell me in more detail." Zhongping asked for details while brainstorming countermeasures in his mind.

"It is clear that the priest has been bribed by Fazheng and sent false information to mislead the royal court. The main force of the Han army in Shuofang City has surged to 200,000, of which more than 100,000 are the famous Guanzhong Iron Cavalry. The commander of this part of the Han army in Shuofang is Chang Yuchun, the newly appointed Lieutenant General by Luo Chen."

Two hundred thousand… Zhong Ping’s heart skipped a beat. This was already more than the 150,000 troops under Zhong Ting’s command. And those 150,000 troops constituted half of the grassland defense force.

“Furthermore, according to my intelligence, this Chang Yuchun was secretly transferred to the position of Prefect of Shuofang several months ago. While serving as Prefect of Shuofang, Chang Yuchun repeatedly scouted our army's camp and even harassed the encampment of our 100,000-strong army with a mere two thousand cavalry. It was also this same Chang Yuchun who brazenly accepted the position of Yu Luofu, allowing the Central Plains to directly intervene in the steppe coup.” Yesuo, abandoning his usual taciturnity, spoke rapidly. “He's a very troublesome fellow; I've already warned General Zhongting to be careful.”

There is now no doubt that the peace talks between the Central Plains people were just a pretext. In fact, they had already been preparing for war against the Xiongnu for several months.

The only thing that gave Zhong Ping some peace of mind was that, although they had missed a good opportunity to attack the Central Plains border to some extent, they had not let their guard down. They now had 150,000 Xiongnu cavalrymen ready to fight at any time, facing both Shuofang and Jiuyuan.

"How is the training of the Steppe Wolf Legion going? Last time I asked you to order them to prepare to protect the steppe, how did they react?" Faced with such a tense situation, Zhong Ping appeared quite calm and asked the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Legion as if it were a casual question.

"The Steppe Wolf Legion has initially acquired combat capability. The riders and war wolves are cooperating well and can be deployed to the battlefield at any time to serve as a field army," Yeso said with no small amount of pride, as if the Steppe Wolf Legion were his own pride. "I have delivered the message. I told them that the steppe is in an extremely dangerous state and may face a large-scale invasion by the main force of the Central Plains at any time. I have told them to make all preparations."

"Could we be invaded by the main force of the Central Plains at any time? I don't remember asking you to say anything like that?" Zhongping looked suspicious.

Yesuo astutely realized that he had overstepped his bounds. He understood the Xiongnu's predicament and, based on his own judgment, issued orders to the steppe wolf army. In fact, Zhong Ping didn't have such a strong sense of crisis at the time, nor did he anticipate that the Han would completely abandon peace talks and mobilize their main forces on a large scale. He merely instructed the steppe wolf army to be cautious. Yesuo's judgment was clearly correct and highly prescient; in some ways, Yesuo's strategic vision surpassed Zhong Ping's. However, this was truly not a good thing, especially since it was revealed to Zhong Ping…

"Perhaps I misunderstood?" Yesuo remained calm. "I will pay attention next time and faithfully execute the Great Chanyu's orders." Although Yesuo's expression and tone showed no abnormality, he was still quite puzzled. He sensed that Zhong Ping was acting strangely today, being somewhat harsh on matters of power. Originally, Yesuo was fully responsible for all daily affairs of the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment, including training and officer appointments, so it was inevitable that his personal style would be involved, especially since Zhong Ping hadn't paid much attention to it before. Perhaps he had overstepped his bounds, causing Zhong Ping's displeasure.

Zhong Ping remained noncommittal and did not continue speaking. The two were silent for a while. Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the door. A soldier said, "General Erlu... Elder..." Before he could finish speaking, General Erlu and an elder of the herdsmen rushed in one after the other.

"What's going on?" Zhong Ping looked at them; clearly, both of them had something important to report.

Erlu was strong and seemed more anxious. He pushed the elder aside and shouted, "Enemy situation in Jiuyuan County! A large number of Han troops have entered Jiuyuan County! What's even more outrageous is that a large number of Luochen troops have also entered Jiuyuan County."

Zhong Ping was stunned. What was going on? Just moments ago, Luo Chen's and Cao Cao's armies were locked in a fierce battle, seemingly intent on killing each other. How could they have joined forces so quickly?

"How many exactly? How many troops does Luo Chen and Cao Cao each have?" Zhong Ping asked coldly.

“It’s not clear yet…” Erru said, “but it’s obvious that the Fallen Dust army is the main force, a dark mass, and many have already set up camp outside the city. There are a lot of cavalry. The commander seems to be Xu Da, a famous general from the Central Plains, because many of his banners have the character Xu on them.”

This is a very interesting phenomenon. Previously, Han armies had never set up camp directly outside a city. Holding a position within the city was considered a feat, yet the Han army dared to openly camp outside. One can imagine that the Han army was very confident and imposing, completely different from before. The commander-in-chief was Xu Da, the top general of Luo Chen, who had served as commander-in-chief in most major campaigns.

The largest and most elite main force of the Central Plains has already marched to Shuofang and Jiuyuan, reaching the edge of the grasslands. Even if the command center were dusty, Zhong Ping wouldn't be surprised at all, because this force of hundreds of thousands of men represents almost the entire main force of the Central Plains.

Chapter Seventy-Nine: Hunter and Prey

This was Xu Da's first campaign against the Xiongnu. He had previously fought in the south and the Central Plains. The vastness of the desert and grasslands impressed him deeply, where cavalry could gallop freely without any cover. This was the place where men once roamed the battlefield.

Xu Da's army was merely passing through Jiuyuan. It numbered 200,000, including 150,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry. Xu Da's army set out from the Guanzhong Plain and areas east of it, including Yizhou, and passed directly through Cao Cao's controlled territory, gathering in Jiuyuan Commandery. Overnight, a series of large fortified camps were erected in front of Jiuyuan Commandery, and a powerful army instantly appeared on the edge of the grasslands. The powerful Central Plains infantry and cavalry seemed poised to surge into the vast grasslands. The grasslands lacked the dense fortifications of the Central Plains, but they possessed fierce steppe cavalry.

The passage granted to Luo Jun was not unconditional. Xiahou Dun was ordered to oversee the northward transfer of a large number of main cavalry forces from Tongguan, and then followed Xu Da all the way to Jiuyuan County. The Cao army in Jiuyuan numbered approximately 50,000, responsible for defense. This important border town was welcoming such a large army for the first time. Without the vast and continuous supply of provisions from the rear, the city clearly could not have supported so many people.

Xu Da stood atop the city walls of Jiuyuan. Jiuyuan was better fortified than Shuofang, as Cao Cao had once managed it for a time; however, the Luochen Group had been constantly at war since its inception and had no energy to attend to the north. He could see the grassland patrols roaming freely in the distance. According to intelligence, a portion of the Xiongnu's main force was assembled some distance south of the royal court, though their exact location was unknown. Xu Da was somewhat surprised that the Xiongnu soldiers dared to roam so freely in the face of such a powerful army.

"Aren't the Xiongnu patrolmen afraid of being captured?" Xu Da asked Xiahou Dun, who was standing next to him.

“The grassland is vast and there are no obstacles. You can see it with the naked eye, but the distance is actually quite far. Even if our cavalry gallops across from here, the Xiongnu soldiers will still be able to escape with ease,” Xiahou Dun said.

"Your army is elite and numerous, but why are there so few generals?" Xiahou Dun couldn't help but ask. "You command an army of 200,000, yet you only have Ma Chao as your general. When Cao Cao goes on campaign, he is surrounded by a cloud of fierce generals."

Xu Da simply smiled and shook his head: "This is Luo Gong's arrangement. The other generals are stationed in Yizhou and other places. General Xiahou, can you help me?"

Xiahou Dun laughed heartily. Although the two had been bitter enemies just a few days ago, their cooperation in recent days had made things relatively harmonious. "I'm afraid that won't work. Cao Cao could call me back at any time, and besides, he only wants me to observe from the sidelines, not join you." Xiahou Dun seemed to suddenly remember something: "By the way, where's Luo Chen? You have hundreds of thousands of troops pressing on the edge of the grasslands, yet Luo Chen didn't personally lead the frontline? Is he busy with something else?" As he spoke, Xiahou Dun stared at Xu Da, as if trying to read the answer from his face.

However, Xu Da remained unmoved, maintaining a friendly demeanor: "This is Lord Luo's arrangement; I have no right to know... Perhaps he's going somewhere to oversee work... I only know that Mr. Xu Da will be coming over in a few days. Fa Zheng is in Shuofang, so Lord Luo should appear soon..."

"Oh..." Xiahou Dun nodded curiously. This Luo Chen was indeed a bit unpredictable.

"Ma Chao!" Xu Da's voice boomed, as if he were about to give a formal order. Ma Chao immediately stepped forward: "Yes, General." Xu Da made no attempt to avoid Xiahou Dun's gaze, and directly gave the order: "Organize reconnaissance teams and send reconnaissance groups to the four directions to the north to track the movements of the main Xiongnu force!"

"Yes!" Ma Chao immediately went down, clearly the Luo Army was already prepared and just waiting for Xu Da's order to send them out.

Xiahou Dun was indeed filled with emotion. It was as if he were still sweeping across the southern grasslands, pursuing the main force of the Xiongnu westward. Back then, he was the beast, and the Xiongnu soldiers were the prey. Unfortunately, his forces were too small, and his supply lines were too fragile to launch a deep offensive. As the Xiongnu retreated into the depths of the grasslands, he was powerless to penetrate them. In the end, he had to withdraw from the grasslands with regret.

In the blink of an eye, several years had passed, and the Xiongnu had grown increasingly powerful and aggressive. To the Xiongnu, the armies on the Central Plains border were like rabbits hiding in their burrows or sheep in their pens, while they were the wolves of the steppe. The Central Plains armies of these past few years were nowhere near as formidable as they had been under Xiahou Dun in his time.

This time, a large force was deployed to the edge of the grasslands, and they immediately set up camp in front of Jiuyuan County, seemingly unafraid of any Xiongnu attack. Their first military action was to order the search for the main force of the Xiongnu, like a hunter searching for its prey.

· Requesting 0 flowers ·· ·

The roles have shifted again, revealing the true nature of the strong.

Zhong Ping was indeed somewhat surprised to receive news that the Luo army had heavily garrisoned Jiuyuan, and that they dared to set up camp directly in front of Jiuyuan County. Since the Luo army in Shuofang County numbered 200,000, the army here led by General Xu Da was probably not much smaller.

"The situation is very dangerous." These were the first words Yesso said after hearing Erru's report.

Zhong Ping did not respond. He simply turned to Erru and asked, "Has the army assembled? Are they ready?"

“Yes,” Erru replied. “Sentries have been dispatched to various places, the furthest being right under the nose of Jiuyuan County.”

. ......... .......

Zhong Ping nodded, feeling a little relieved.

"I suggest our forces immediately unite in one place, otherwise we will be easily defeated," Yesso advised again.

"Why?" Zhong Ping turned his head. "You have so little confidence in our Xiongnu cavalry?"

“The sheer number of the Luo army is clearly far greater than ours, and their cavalry is no less formidable. Currently, the Luo army is positioned in a pincer formation; if they spot our main force, they will attack without hesitation, even if it's just one pincer. Facing an army of 200,000, we will have a very difficult time…” Yeso continued. “I suggest we combine our forces into a single force of 300,000, which would be able to strike either of the Luo army's pincers.”

"Shuofang...aren't you going to fight anymore?" Erlu asked.

Zhong Ping did not answer. Yesuo gave a short laugh: "Now it's not a question of whether we attack Shuofang or not, but whether the Luo army attacks us. The days when our army could attack the Central Plains border with overwhelming superiority are gone forever. Now it's a life-or-death battle between the main forces. We must immediately remind Zhong Ting to prepare for the Central Plains cavalry to confront our army head-on."

Zhong Ping's unusual silence suggested he was undecided. "Oh, right," he said, turning to the elder who had been left out. "What do you want to report?" The elder paused, watching the grassland's highest leaders engage in a tense, serious conversation, listening with a mixture of fascination and fear, almost forgetting the purpose of his visit.

Chapter Eighty Dialogue

The elder was startled, as if waking from a dream, and hurriedly went to Zhong Ping's side. But he looked at Yesuo, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. Yesuo immediately sensed this; he had always looked down on these local bullies. When Yesuo was young, they were arrogant and haughty in front of him and his mother, but after Yesuo became Zhong Ping's top strategist overnight, their attitude immediately changed completely. They bowed and scraped before Yesuo, and were extremely polite to Yesuo's mother.

“Just say it,” Zhong Ping said. “Don’t beat around the bush.”

"Ye... General Yesso's mother..." The elder said, glancing furtively at Yesso with a stammering manner, as if he were about to announce some explosive news.

"What happened to my mother?" Yesso asked coldly.

"Um..." The elder once again appeared hesitant, as if he wanted to report to Zhong Ping alone.

"Speak up! Spit it out! Why take so much effort to say something!" Erru, standing to the side, was extremely impatient and couldn't help but curse.

“Perhaps I should back down,” Yesso said coldly to Zhongping.

“No need.” Zhong Ping clearly realized that it was very inappropriate for this elder to have stayed at the high-level meeting for so long. “Speak quickly, Yesso and General Erru are my confidants, you can say anything.”

"General Yesuo's mother is Cai Yan," the elder said in a low, menacing voice, as if announcing extremely important news. "It was identified by a Han slave. Cai Yan is very famous in the Central Plains." He revealed this with no small amount of pride, seemingly believing he had made a perfect ending, and then waited contentedly for Zhong Ping's response. He wanted to see how these people would handle this matter.

Perhaps this was extremely important news, or perhaps Zhong Ping didn't care; in any case, nothing was shown on Zhong Ping's face. "Alright, you can go back now," Zhong Ping said coldly.

"Great Chanyu..." The elder was taken aback. He had thought Zhongping and Yesuo would be very excited, especially Yesuo, who seemed not to understand at all. He even doubted whether he had expressed himself clearly or whether they had misheard.

"You can leave now." Zhong Ping raised his voice slightly.

"Uh," the elder shuddered. Zhong Ping told him to leave... He seemed to instinctively bow and say, "Yes." Then he was slowly pushed out.

"Wait a minute..." Zhong Ping seemed to suddenly realize something.

The elder was overjoyed, a glimmer of hope appearing in his heart that perhaps Zhong Ping would reward him.

"What you hear and the information you receive in this tent must not be divulged, or else... you will be killed!" Zhong Ping said in an extremely cold voice.

"Yes, yes." The elder's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, and he retreated helplessly.

“Eru, go out and be mindful of defenses, especially keep a close eye on the movements of the main force of the Luo army. I need to speak with General Yesso,” Zhong Ping said calmly. Eru seemed somewhat dazed. He placed his right hand on his heart, bowed his head, and said, “Yes.” He glanced at Yesso and silently withdrew.

“Your mother is Han Chinese, you know that.” Zhong Ping seemed to be thinking about something as he spoke to Yesuo, so his voice was somewhat ethereal.

“Yes, all of this was arranged by the Great Chanyu. Yesuo was originally an orphan,” Yesuo replied calmly. Zhong Ping was somewhat surprised by this statement. This seemed to be the first time Yesuo had mentioned his background. Normally, Yesuo never mentioned his background in front of him, and the two had even formed a tacit understanding about it.

Zhong Ping casually and randomly assigned a Han Chinese female slave, whom he had recently captured, to raise him. He had no expectations, only hoping that the child would survive. He never imagined that this abandoned child would later become his right-hand man, possessing extraordinary strategic insight and a mysterious skill—commanding steppe wolves. In the process of selecting and promoting Yesuo, Zhong Ping completely forgot that a Han Chinese mother would have a huge influence on him. He only thought that Yesuo was an abandoned child on the steppe, raised by someone he had arranged, and that he, Zhong Ping, had done him a favor. So he promoted him without hesitation.

However, all of this was indeed arranged by Zhong Ping himself. He personally arranged for a Han Chinese female slave to raise him.

“Yes…” Zhong Ping seemed to force a smile, then returned to his previous casual yet worrying tone: “Do you know what your mother’s name is?”

"I don't know," Yesso answered crisply, feeling Zhong Ping staring intently at him.

Zhong Ping was now somewhat confused and unsure of what to do. He stared intently at Yesso's expression, which remained as calm and unfathomable as ever. His eyes were as deep and peaceful as ever. Yesso seemed remarkably composed. Perhaps… he truly didn't know, or perhaps he did… but even if he did know, it meant he was protecting his mother, which seemed reasonable enough. Yet, Yesso seemed indifferent to everyone. Since becoming the chief strategist, he rarely returned home, spending most of his time traveling between battlefields and military training grounds, undertaking specific supervisory duties. Perhaps his relationship with his mother wasn't as close as one might imagine. In that case, it seemed possible that he didn't know.

“Your mother’s name is Cai Yan, a great woman of talent in the Han Dynasty. I only just found out myself.” Zhong Ping said, glancing at Yesuo, only to be disappointed once again. Yesuo showed no surprise or any other similar emotion. “That’s possible,” Yesuo said calmly, as if solving an analytical problem.

“Your mother fled the grasslands yesterday. It’s clear she fled with the Han envoy Yan Qing,” Zhong Ping said, emphasizing each word.

Finally, Zhong Ping was satisfied to see that Yesuo's expression showed surprise and bewilderment: "She... escaped from the grasslands?... My mother... returned to the Central Plains? She went back... she finally went back." Yesuo seemed to be lost in thought, repeating these words in a low voice.

"So you finally went back? What do you mean?" Zhong Ping asked coldly.

"She said she missed the Central Plains, missed her hometown, and hoped that one day she could go back." Yesso seemed to calm down all of a sudden. The surprise, confusion, and even pain and struggle on her face disappeared, and she became very calm.

"Do you know she went back?" Zhongping asked.

"I didn't know, I just found out." Yesso remained expressionless.

Zhong Ping fell silent. Men from the grasslands are mostly straightforward and don't mince words; Zhong Ping was already quite shrewd.

"Then... will your mother's escape affect your loyalty to the steppe god and the Great Khan?" Zhong Ping chose to ask directly.

Chapter 81 Command

This question seemed silly, because any normal person would know how to answer it. Zhong Ping had expected Yesuo to immediately express his stance and swear allegiance to the Great Chanyu. Unexpectedly, Yesuo paused for a moment, then said, "My mother's escape from the grasslands and return to the Central Plains did surprise me... but since I was born and raised on the grasslands, I will not hesitate to give my life for them."

Yesso spoke quite calmly, showing no sign of excitement.

Zhong Ping was at a loss for words. Logically, since Yesuo didn't know his mother was Cai Yan and was completely unaware of her escape, he should be unrelated to this matter. However, since Cai Yan was his mother, she must have had a significant influence on him. But the men of the grasslands were mostly forthright, and the rules were generally clear. Punishing someone arbitrarily without solid reason wouldn't be convincing. Moreover, with a formidable enemy at hand, Zhong Ping needed Yesuo as his right-hand man. Judging from his previous assessment, it was insightful and remarkably accurate.

“If the Great Chanyu has any doubts, I can voluntarily resign from my position as chief advisor,” Yeso said bluntly.

“No need, no need…” Zhong Ping hurriedly waved his hand. “I will not remove my chief strategist from his post because of an unfounded accident and an elder’s words.” He said, patting Yesso on the shoulder to show intimacy. “You will continue to hold all your previous positions, as always, as always…” Zhong Ping reassured him.

However, the position of chief strategist is a minor matter. Although it holds a high status, it doesn't grant independent military power; it's more of a senior advisor role. If the chief strategist commands troops, it's because the Great Chanyu has granted him temporary authority. Once the mission is completed, he relinquishes command, and he doesn't command independently, maintaining a relatively close relationship with the army. For example, Yesuo's several military campaigns were all under special orders from Zhong Ping. Of course, Yesuo's military leadership was quite remarkable, often employing surprise attacks; he was a renowned cunning and scholar-general, striking fear into the hearts of many rebels. The true military power lies with the generals of the left and right wings, who also regularly station and train their troops. Zhong Ting, for instance, commands a relatively large army. However, Zhong Ting is his brother, so Zhong Ping is relatively at ease with him. Elu and Liu Cheng also possess some military power, but not much. These two have followed Zhong Ping for many years and are core members of Zhong Ping's group.

However, while Yesuo's official position was chief strategist, he also held a covert role as commander of the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment. The Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment was Zhong Ping's trump card, entrusted to Yesuo. It could be said that Yesuo single-handedly built it up, as only he possessed the complete ability to control the steppe wolves. Under Yesuo's leadership, the Xiongnu cavalry and the steppe wolves gradually integrated, and the wolves were domesticated to a certain extent. Now, the steppe wolves could basically attack on command, becoming mounts similar to steppe horses, but clearly much fiercer and more difficult to tame. When the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment was established, approximately 50,000 Xiongnu riders were recruited. During training, some died from falls, and others were mauled to death by wolves that were not properly tamed. Nearly 10,000 were lost within a year. Every steppe wolf rider was prepared to die. Fortunately, Yesuo was present at the initial training sessions, trying to control the situation. After a year, the wolves' wildness gradually subsided, at least they no longer attacked riders, and the number of steppe wolf riders decreased significantly.

The cavalry regiment consisted of approximately 40,000 riders, each controlling about three wolves. The wolf pack numbered over 100,000. The cavalry regiment was divided into four groups. In battle, the cavalry regiment had to spread out, employing tactics such as ambush and flanking maneuvers, mimicking the wolf pack's hunting methods. If the entire cavalry regiment attacked, it would stretch east to west, deep in both front and rear, an unstoppable force. Yeso proudly believed that the appearance of the steppe wolf army would deliver a devastating blow to other steppe cavalry units, leaving them utterly helpless. This was because the wolves' speed, endurance, and biting power far surpassed those of ordinary horses.

This force is far too closely connected to Yesuo. It was practically created by Yesuo himself. What would happen if Yesuo used this force to oppose him, or to defect to the Central Plains? Zhong Ping didn't even dare to imagine it.

“Yesso, don’t be suspicious… Rest assured, your chief strategist is the same as always. Don’t worry about this unexpected situation. I trust you completely…” Zhong Ping kept repeating to Yesso.

“The current situation of Zhongting’s troops is worrying…” Zhong Ping seemed to be trying to change the subject.

“That’s right. Chang Yuchun is cunning. Zhongting’s main force is now completely exposed to Chang Yuchun’s eyes. Chang Yuchun has even personally scouted Zhongting’s base several times and once led several thousand men in a surprise attack. I’m worried that Chang Yuchun will launch a large-scale attack on Zhongting, at which point Zhongting may suffer a major defeat.”

What do you think we should do now?

"Join forces together. Zhongting's main force will withdraw from its original position to lure Chang Yuchun into an attack. Then, we will use 300,000 cavalry to try to encircle and annihilate Chang Yuchun. Once Chang Yuchun's forces suffer a defeat, it will be as if we have already clamped a pincer. At that time, Xu Da's forces will immediately become isolated, and we will take control of the entire battlefield. The threat to the grasslands will also be naturally resolved."

"Excellent!" Zhong Ping couldn't help but praise. Truly strategic vision and a grand plan. "Do as you say. Go to Zhong Ting now and begin preliminary preparations. Prevent Zhong Ting from suffering any setbacks during this period. My main force will be deployed later."

“Yes,” Yesso replied.

"Oh, by the way," Zhong Ping said casually, "I'm going to inspect the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment tonight."

“I’ve notified the Steppe Wolf Legion… to prepare,” Yesso said.

"No need, no need." Zhong Ping returned to his casual, unpredictable tone. "And you don't need to accompany me. Get to Zhong Ting's camp as soon as possible. From now on, I will personally oversee the training and preparations of the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment. You will be responsible for formulating the specific plan for this campaign against the Central Plains, and you don't need to worry about the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment anymore."

Yesso fell silent; he was well aware of the implications. Zhong Ping's words undoubtedly told him that his career as commander of the Steppe Wolf Cavalry was over. Moreover, Zhong Ping's transfer of him to Zhong Ting's unit, specifically to oversee the planning of this combined attack and ambush, essentially made him a senior staff officer. This effectively stripped Yesso of his decision-making power. Clearly, Zhong Ping hoped to utilize his strategic vision while simultaneously limiting his real authority. Ultimately, although Zhong Ping appreciated his abilities, his trust in him had significantly diminished. Yesso even doubted whether he would ever have the opportunity to lead troops independently again.

Chapter 82 In the South

For a moment, Yesso appeared extremely disappointed, as if he had something to say, but he quickly calmed down and said calmly, "Yes." Although this matter made him somewhat aggrieved, Yesso was an overly calm person. Speaking out would be useless; explaining would not only have no effect but would further strain his relationship with Zhongping. Besides, Yesso didn't value these powers at all. Over the years, he had worked diligently, seemingly without seeking anything in return. He and his mother had escaped slavery, and his role as Zhongping's chief strategist was as ordinary as fulfilling his duty. Now, Zhongping was stripping him of these real powers. Although he was momentarily disappointed, upon reflection, he realized that everything was work, and he didn't need these powers anyway. His only worry was the Steppe Wolf Cavalry. Would anything unexpected or serious arise after he left? The Steppe Wolf Cavalry had faced many serious crises, such as difficult integration, rapid rider attrition, plague, and secrecy—all of which he had single-handedly handled and resolved with utmost care. Some problems were still in their nascent stages, and thanks to timely measures, they didn't escalate into major issues. Yesso doubted whether others had the ability to identify and resolve these problems, and whether they were capable of leading the Steppe Wolf Cavalry Regiment effectively.

Suspicion aside, these were things beyond his control. Yesso silently lowered his head, placed his hand on his chest, and withdrew.

Tensions were high in the north, with a decisive battle imminent. This tense atmosphere naturally alarmed many in the Central Plains. First, within the Luo Chen group, a large number of infantry and cavalry were transferred from the heart of Yizhou and Guanzhong to the north, stationed in Shuofang and Jiuyuan. Local generals naturally sensed this. Lü Bu, Huang Zhong, and Xiahou Yuan all volunteered for battle. Raising troops locally was rather monotonous; they hadn't fought for quite some time. Lü Bu's task was mainly suppressing rebellions, Xiahou Yuan had almost no combat duties, and Huang Zhong spent his days facing off against Yu Jin. Now that Cao Cao and Luo Chen had reached a reconciliation, Huang Zhong and Yu Jin naturally wouldn't fight. Both armies were busy with farming and other agricultural work, even the fighting strength of the transferred Guanzhong cavalry had decreased. This was the first time such a large force had appeared in the Luo Chen army. Previously, even large Luo Chen armies didn't exceed 150,000 or 200,000; this time, it had surged to 400,000, and it was said that more troops were being transferred to the front lines. The generals in the south were naturally eager to join the war and kept asking to participate.

Contrary to expectations, Luo Chen has not appeared at the northern front to command his large army in the past few days. According to reports, he has gone south to Yizhou.

The southern generals were naturally overjoyed; they could finally meet with Luo Chen and ask to make a name for themselves, otherwise they would remain mere lieutenant generals until their deaths. Luo Chen certainly did not disappoint them.

Luo Chen stayed with Xiahou Yuan for half a day, requesting that Xiahou Yuan immediately organize 100,000 cavalry to march north, with Shuofang Commandery as their target. He also instructed Xiahou Yuan to organize 100,000 laborers within his own territory to form a supply line, which would be centrally managed by Zhuge Liang, ensuring timely supplies. Afterwards, he went to Chengdu, the capital of Yizhou.

Luo Chen met with a worried Zhang Juzheng. Zhang Juzheng, while calculating the accounts, said, “This campaign has mobilized five or six hundred thousand troops and a million laborers, costing countless sums of money and provisions. Much of the resources and provisions accumulated in previous years have been depleted. My lord, do not forget that our ultimate enemy is not the Xiongnu, but Cao Cao! With this attack, Cao Cao will surely conquer the three provinces of Hebei. Hebei is wealthy, and with Cao Cao taking control of Hebei's finances and troops, his strength will increase further. I wonder how my lord will respond then?”

"Do you think my decision to attack the Xiongnu in the north was a mistake?" Luo Chen asked sharply.

"A large-scale, all-out war is unwise." Zhang Juzheng stubbornly insisted on his point of view.