Chapter 406: 392. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun Arrived At Xiapi
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News of Yuan Shao's sudden attack spread like wildfire, shaking entire Northern China. Nobles and commoners alike were taken aback by the sudden attack. Zhang Yan, caught off guard by the sudden assault, scrambled to organize his defenses. His forces, though experienced in combat, were not prepared for the dual-pronged attack that Yuan Shao had orchestrated.
Yang Liang led his troops with precision, with his leadership the frontlines erupted in a fierce confrontation, the clash of steel and cries of soldiers could be heard across the border of Yuan Shao and Zhang Yan's domain.
Despite the ferocity of Zhang Yan's soldiers to defend the border, Yang Liang's disciplined soldiers gradually pushed forward, gaining ground inch by inch until Yan Liang managed to push through Zhang Yan's domain.
As Zhang Yan and his army struggled to fend off the relentless assault from Yan Liang's forces, the situation took a dire turn. Wen Chou led his army through the rough northern terrain, positioning his troops to flank Zhang Yan's forces from the rear.
Wen Chou's men moved with a coordinated pace, encircling Zhan Yan and his army, severing their supply lines. The sudden appearance of Wen Chou's troops from the rear threw Zhang Yan's army into disarray.
Zhang Yan, realizing the seriousness of their predicament, tried to rally his men. "Hold the line! Do not let them break us!" Zhang Yan shouted, his voice echoing across the battlefield, but the morale of his troops was rapidly crumbling under the pressure of the pincer attack.
In the thick of the battle, Yuan Shao's generals such as Zhang He and Gao Lan emerged, their presence bolstering the momentum of Yan Liang and Wen Chou's armies in causing Zhang Yan to be pushed back.
Zhang He used his strategic mind and led a spearhead charge with his cavalry unit that shattered Zhang Yan's infantry defensive formations. His troops cut through the enemy lines, destabilizing Zhang Yan's position.
As for Gao Lan, he led his infantry unit with his strength, and targeted Zhang Yan's commanders, swiftly defeating them in single combat. Each fallen commander sent waves of despair through Zhang Yan's ranks, their leadership crumbling as their leaders fell one by one.
Zhang Yan's commanders, unable to withstand the combined might of Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, and Gao Lan fell in quick succession.
Seeing his forces overwhelmed, Zhang Yan knew the battle was lost for now, he fought valiantly, refusing to surrender, knowing that the tide was impossible to turn as he tried to look for a way out for himself and his army.
While Zhang Yan looked for a way out, Yan Liang's army continued to press from the front, while Wen Chou's troops tightened their grip from the rear with Zhang He and Gao Lan also slowly approaching his location.
Amid the chaos, one of his most trusted generals, Sui Gu, approached him, his expression grim but determined. "My lord, we cannot hold this position. Our only chance is to create a distraction. Leave some men behind to delay the enemy while the rest of us escape."
Zhang Yan hesitated, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders. "Abandoning our brothers just like that, what would the other brothers think of my leadership?!"
Sui Gu nodded, understanding the burden of the decision. "We have to live through it for now, My Lord. It is the only way to save the majority of our forces, to regroup at Shangdang and prepare a better defense there."
An advisor of Zhang Yan, Tao Sheng, joined the conversation. "Sui Gu is right, my lord. We must think of the future. If we are captured or killed here, all is lost. Sacrificing a few of the brothers to save the many is our only option."
Zhang Yan clenched his jaw, the decision tearing at him. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. We will do as you suggest. Order a small group to hold the line and buy us time, where we make our way to Shangdang with haste."
Soon Sui Gu and Tao Sheng relayed the orders, this sent a shockwave through the ranks of Zhang Yan's army. A select group of Zhang Yan's soldiers stepped forward and volunteered for it, causing some tearful separation of comrades in arms.
They fortified their positions and at Zhang Yan's signal, they launched a fierce counterattack, drawing the attention of Yan Liang's and Wen Chou's Armies, as there was a sudden fierce retaliation.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Zhang Yan and the bulk of his army began to withdraw. Moving swiftly through the rugged terrain, they evaded the tightening grip of Wen Chou's encirclement.
Zhang He and Gao Lan, though closing in on Zhang Yan, were momentarily diverted by the sudden and intense resistance put up by the sacrificial army Zhang Yan had prepared.
When Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, and Gao Lan alongside Yuan Shao's Army realized what happened, Zhang Yan and the bulk of his army had already distanced themselves pretty far from them.
As Zhang Yan and his forces broke free from the encirclement, the sacrifice of their comrades weighed heavily on the minds of Zhang Yan's men which caused their morale to plummet even further.
Despite the sorrow, they pressed on, knowing that they couldn't waste the sacrifice that their comrades had made for their survival which depended on reaching Shangdang in one piece.
The journey to Shangdang was arduous, but Zhang Yan and his army moved without stopping, driven by the need to regroup and fortify their defenses and determined to make a stand against Yuan Shao's inevitable pursuit.
Upon reaching Shangdang, Zhang Yan immediately set about fortifying the city's defenses. His advisors and generals worked tirelessly, preparing for the coming siege that will come.
As Zhang Yan was preparing the defenses of Shangdang, far to the southeast of its location at Xiapi, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun finally arrived with half of the Qilin Army under their command.
The streets of Xiapi were filled with buzz and activity as the people witnessed the arrival of the seasoned generals and their elite troops, especially since Lie Fan was welcoming the arrival personally.
Lie Fan, standing at the gate of the Governor's Castle, watched as Zhang Liao and Gao Shun dismounted and approached. With a warm smile, he stepped forward to greet them. "Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, it is good to see you both safe and well, your journey must have been long and tiring."
Zhang Liao bowed respectfully. "My lord, it is an honor to return. The Qilin Army is at your service."
Gao Shun followed suit, his expression as stoic as ever. "We are ready for your command, my lord."
Lie Fan nodded, pleased with their commitment. "Come, let us discuss inside. There is much to talk about and the others are waiting for the two of you." Together the three of them toward the Governor's Castle into the main hall, where a grand feast was prepared to welcome the two of them.
Lie Fan nodded, pleased with their commitment. "Come, let us discuss inside. There is much to talk about and the others are waiting for the two of you." Together, the three of them walked toward the Governor's Castle and into the main hall, where a grand feast was prepared to welcome them.
As they entered the hall, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were struck by the opulence of the setting. The room was resplendent with rich tapestries and intricate lanterns casting a warm glow over the gathered guests. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of roasted meats, spiced wine, and freshly baked bread.
Their eyes quickly scanned the room, taking note of several unfamiliar faces. Among them was Lu Su, despite not having met them before, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun approached these new faces with the respect owed to esteemed allies.
Lu Su, with a subtle smile, said to them, "It is an honor to finally meet the heroes of the recent campaign I'm Lu Su," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Your achievements have preceded you. Congratulations on your success."
"Thank you," Zhang Liao responded with a slight bow. "The honor is ours to meet with such a distinguished person like you Master Lu Su."
Gao Shun mirrored his companion's gesture. "Indeed. We look forward to working together for Our Lord's ambition and dreams."
With the formalities exchanged, the group moved to their seats. Lie Fan stood at the head of the table, waiting for everyone to settle. Once the room quieted, he raised his cup high.
"Tonight, we gather not just to feast but to celebrate a monumental achievement," Lie Fan began, his voice strong and clear. "Zhang Liao and Gao Shun have returned from the northern front not only victorious but with a peace deal that secures our borders and brings stability to our lands."
A murmur of approval coursed through the hall as all eyes turned to Zhang Liand Gao Shun, the two men of the hour. Lie Fan continued, "Their leadership and bravery in defeating the Goguryeo forces, coupled with their diplomatic finesse in brokering peace, deserve the highest commendation. To Zhang Liao and Gao Shun!"
Hearing what Lie Fan said, everyone raised their goblets, echoing Lie Fan's toast with enthusiasm. "To Zhang Liao and Gao Shun!" Zhang Liao and Gao Shun also stand up, receive the toast given to them, and drink the wine in their cup.
At this time, Lie Fan who was talking with Zhang Liao and Gao Shun after the toast and asking about the condition there before they left, was approached by Jia Xu and Xun You.
"My Lord," Jia Xu began, his tone measured but pressing, "we have received important updates regarding Yuan Shao's campaign against Zhang Yan."
Lie Fan nodded for him to continue, keenly aware that news from the north could significantly impact their strategy and the time of their planned western campaign against Cao Cao.
"Yuan Shao's campaign is proceeding smoothly," Jia Xu reported. "For the first time, his advisors are working together effectively. Their combined efforts have overwhelmed Zhang Yan, who has been forced to retreat to Shangdang."
Xun You added, "Zhang Yan's forces are in disarray. With Yuan Shao's advisors such as Tian Feng, Guo Tu, and Feng Ji finally aligning their strategies, they've managed to outmaneuver Zhang Yan at every turn, giving Yuan Shao an advantage over Zhang Yan."
Lie Fan's mind raced as he processed the information. Yuan Shao's newfound unity among his advisors was a troubling development because it meant that his campaign could end sooner than he had expected.
"This is concerning," Lie Fan said thoughtfully. "Yuan Shao's strength was always in his numbers and resources, but if his advisors are truly working in harmony, he becomes even more dangerous."
Jia Xu nodded in agreement. "Indeed, My Lord. We must consider our next moves carefully because this could impact our campaign against Cao Cao."
Lie Fan turned his gaze back to the hall, where his generals, advisors, and officials mingled, not knowing about a future problem. Lie Fan knew they had to act decisively and intelligently to maintain their advantage. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Wenhou and Gongda," he said. "We will need to convene a meeting soon to discuss our moves in response to Yuan Shao's luck."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 825
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 936 (+20)
VIT: 598 (+20)
AGI: 583 (+10)
INT: 587
CHR: 96
WIS: 509
WILL: 397
ATR Points: 0
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