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___________________________
Cao Cao's gaze turned cold. "Very well, keep an eye on both Liu Bei and Sun Ce. I want detailed reports on both of their movements. If they make a significant move, we will begin our preparation to act." With that, the plans were set in motion. As the intrigue in the Jing and Yang Provinces continued to unfold, the northern frontier was about to become a new battleground. Cao Cao's attention, now split between internal politics and external threats, would shape the fate of the realm in ways no one could yet foresee.
On the other hand, Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian were deep in preparations for their campaign to reinforce Ma Teng and Han Sui on the northwestern frontier. The tension was palpable as they readied 100,000 of Cao Cao's finest veterans.
These soldiers, hardened through years of conflict under Cao Cao's banner, were seasoned in battle and capable of facing fierce adversaries. However, this would not be a typical campaign.
The Xiongnu were a warlike people, accustomed to harsh conditions and skilled in the art of mounted warfare. They had grown up in a world where conflict was a way of life, and now, they were uniting in a common cause to resist the encroaching forces of the Han.
Xiahou Dun, known for his fierce loyalty and martial prowess, stood at the heart of the preparations. His eyes gleamed with determination as he watched the soldiers ready themselves for the long march ahead.
Yu Jin and Li Dian, both accomplished generals in their own right, were busy overseeing the logistics, ensuring supplies and weapons were in order. They knew that once they crossed the Great Wall, the terrain would be unforgiving, and the Xiongnu would not give them an easy fight.
As they prepared for the march, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, arrived at the encampment. Both men had decided to accompany the force and stay at Tianshui, a strategic where the army passed through, where they would coordinate the campaign for Xiahou Dun, Ma Teng, and Han Sui from there.
Their arrival brought an air of calm to the camp. Guo Jia, with his sharp intellect and intuitive understanding of warfare, had a reputation for seeing outcomes that others missed, while Xi Zhicai's steady presence and strategic mind ensured that every move was calculated and precise.
"We ride into a storm," Xiahou Dun said to the two advisors as they met to discuss their plans. "The Xiongnu are not like the warlords we've faced before. They fight with speed, and they know the land better than we do. What's worse, they're uniting under one banner."
Guo Jia nodded. "The Xiongnu have always been divided, but now, with Ma Teng and Han Sui pressing them from the south, they see a common enemy. If they gather in strength, they could pose a serious threat to our frontier."
"We'll need to be cautious," Xi Zhicai added. "Ma Teng and Han Sui's forces are capable, but they are stretched thin across the northern plains. Our reinforcements will bolster their ranks, but the key to victory will be disrupting the Xiongnu's unity."
Xiahou Dun frowned. "We'll crush them on the battlefield, but how do you suggest we divide them before the fighting starts?"
Guo Jia's lips curled into a slight smile. "There are always divisions in any alliance, especially among the Xiongnu. Their tribes are proud and independent. If we can exploit their internal rivalries, we might be able to prevent them from fully uniting."
"The key is intelligence," Xi Zhicai said. "We need to gather more information on their leaders, their factions, and their motivations. If we can turn one tribe against the others, or even bribe a few leaders, we can weaken their coalition."
"Leave that to us," Guo Jia said, turning to Xiahou Dun. "You focus on leading the army. We'll handle the intrigues."
Satisfied with the plan, Xiahou Dun nodded. "I'll trust you with that. But be quick. Once we're across the Wall, every day we wait is another day the Xiongnu grow stronger."
The preparations continued at a relentless pace. The 100,000 soldiers, divided into several corps, were well-equipped with a mix of infantry, cavalry, and archers, all veterans of countless battles.
They would march first to Tianshui, to drop Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai there, then head toward the Great Wall where Ma Teng and Han Sui awaited them, and from there, they would push further into the northern plains to confront the Northern Xiongnu tribes coalition.
As the army set out, the mood was somber yet determined. These were not the lush, fertile lands of central China, but the harsh, barren expanses of the northern frontier. The winds howled across the desolate plains, and the towering peaks of the Great Wall loomed in the distance, a stark reminder of the danger that lay beyond.
Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai rode with the army, but their minds were already focused on the next phase of the campaign. Once they reached Tianshui, they would need to make contact with their agents embedded within the Xiongnu tribes, using every trick in their arsenal to destabilize the coalition.
Meanwhile, far to the north, beyond the Great Wall, a different kind of preparation was taking place.
In a vast, sprawling plain, countless tents were erected, their colorful banners flapping in the wind. The banners bore the symbols of the many tribes that made up the Xiongnu nation—symbols of wolves, horses, and eagles, all representing the fierce independence of these nomadic people.
But now, for the first time in many generations, these tribes had gathered under a single banner, uniting in a council to confront the threat posed by Ma Teng and Han Sui.
At the center of the encampment stood the largest tent, adorned with a black banner that bore the mark of the Xiongnu's newly appointed coalition leader, a man named Tugeh Khagan. He was a fierce and cunning warrior who had risen to power by uniting the various tribes through both diplomacy and strength of arms. Now, he stood at the head of a vast coalition, determined to drive the Han forces out of the northern plains.
Inside the tent, Tugeh Khagan sat with his most trusted advisors and tribal leaders. The atmosphere was tense as they discussed their strategy.
"We cannot allow the Han to continue their advance," Tugeh said, his voice low but filled with authority. "The two men named Ma Teng and Han Sui have already taken the lands of our southern brothers. If we do not act now, they will push further north, into our heartlands."
A tribal leader, his face weathered and scarred from years of battle, spoke up. "The Han have strong armies, but they do not understand our ways. We know the land better than they do, and our horsemen are unmatched."
Tugeh nodded. "Yes, but we cannot rely on that alone. They must be sending reinforcements—an army of countless men that surely much more compared to us. We must be prepared to face them in open battle."
Another advisor leaned forward. "We should lure them into the plains. Let their army stretch thin, and then strike with our horsemen. We'll cut off their supply lines and starve them out."
Tugeh considered this. "That could work, but we must also be wary of their strategies. The Han are always clever and are known for their cunningness, something that our ancestors have passed down for many generations. We cannot underestimate them."
The tribal leaders murmured in agreement. They had fought the Han before, but this was different. The Han were no longer a distant threat—they were now on their doorstep, and their presence was growing stronger by the day.
"We must send out scouts," Tugeh commanded. "I want to know the movements of every Han soldier on the plains. And we must strengthen our alliances. The more tribes we can bring under our banner, the stronger we will be."
As the Xiongnu prepared for war, uniting more tribes under their banner, Xiahou Dun's army began its march toward Tianshui. For the first few weeks, the pace was grueling. The soldiers, though seasoned, felt the strain of the long trek across rugged terrain, far from the more familiar, fertile lands of central China. The harsh northern wind bit at their faces, and the roads became less forgiving as they moved deeper into the frontier.
Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian led from the front, pushing their men forward with quiet determination. Each knew the stakes—if the Xiongnu coalition was not broken soon, it could threaten the entire northwestern region, destabilizing Cao Cao's control and opening a pathway for invasions into the heart of the Han territories. Their force of 100,000 veterans was one of the most formidable armies in the land, but even they understood that the Xiongnu would not be easily crushed.
After about a month and a half of relentless marching, they finally reached Tianshui, a vital strategic city located near the frontier.
It was here that Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai would part ways with the main army to begin their work coordinating intelligence and strategy for the coming campaign.
Upon arrival in Tianshui, the city bustled with activity. Soldiers, traders, and local officials moved about, preparing supplies for the forces headed to the Great Wall. The city itself was heavily fortified, with high walls and guarded gates, a necessary defense given the threat of raids from the northern tribes.
Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai set up their base of operations in the governor's residence, where they immediately began to receive reports from their agents embedded within the Xiongnu tribes. Both men worked tirelessly to assess the situation, pouring over maps, reports, and intelligence on the Xiongnu's movements.
Xi Zhicai addressed a group of gathered officials and military officers. "Our primary objective here is to destabilize the Xiongnu coalition before they fully unite. Tugeh Khagan has managed to bring many tribes together, but their unity is fragile. We must exploit any internal divisions we can find."
Guo Jia nodded in agreement. "We've already received reports of rivalries between certain tribes, especially those that have been traditionally independent. The key is to turn these rivalries into open conflict. If we can weaken their alliance from within, our army will face a far less cohesive force on the battlefield."
To that end, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai began reaching out to their network of spies and informants, sending agents north to make contact with disaffected tribal leaders. The plan was to offer bribes, promises of autonomy, or other incentives to sow distrust among the tribes. Some tribes, particularly those on the outskirts of the coalition, were already weary of Tugeh Khagan's dominance and might be persuaded to break away or even join the Han cause.
While Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai stayed behind at Tianshui, Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian, along with their army, pressed on toward the Great Wall. Their journey would take another few weeks as they navigated the treacherous terrain that separated Tianshui from the frontier.
As the army approached the Wall, the soldiers grew more tense. They knew they were marching into hostile territory, where the Xiongnu could strike at any moment. The Great Wall loomed ahead, a massive structure that had long stood as a barrier between the Han and the nomadic tribes of the north. However, in recent years, the Wall had been less effective as the Xiongnu became more organized and brazen in their raids.
On the other side of the Wall, Ma Teng and Han Sui awaited the reinforcements with growing impatience. Both warlords had spent years fighting on the northern frontier, battling the Xiongnu and other tribes that threatened the Han's borders. Their forces had been successful in subduing much of the Southern Xiongnu, but they were now stretched thin, and the threat of a unified Northern Xiongnu coalition was a daunting one.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
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___________________________
On the other side of the Wall, Ma Teng and Han Sui awaited the reinforcements with growing impatience. Both warlords had spent years fighting on the northern frontier, battling the Xiongnu and other tribes that threatened the Han's borders. Their forces had been successful in subduing much of the Southern Xiongnu, but they were now stretched thin, and the threat of a unified Northern Xiongnu coalition was a daunting one.
Ma Teng stood atop the Great Wall overlooking the vast expanse of plains before him. He watched as scouts returned with reports of enemy movements. Han Sui, his longtime rival, ally, enemy, and now comrade approached him.
The two of them had a complicated relationship though they fought together in the past as allies, then they had once been bitter adversaries fighting over Chang'An. Now, however, they are comrade serving under Cao Cao whose survival depends on cooperation with each other.
"They've sent scouts ahead of their main force," Ma Teng said as he studied the horizon. "The Northern Xiongnu are preparing for war after knowing about what we had done. It won't be long before they strike."
Han Sui crossed his arms, his face grim. "We've held them off before, but this is different. This Tugeh Khagan has united too many of the Northern Xiongnu tribes. Even with lord Cao Cao's reinforcements, we'll need to be cautious."
Ma Teng nodded. "Our scout had told me that Xiahou Dun alongside Yu Jin and Li Dian will be here soon. Once their army arrives, we'll have the numbers to push back, but we'll need a plan. The Xiongnu won't fight us head-on if they can avoid it."
Han Sui agreed. "They'll try to lure us into the open plains and pick us off with their horsemen, the tactics they always use. We need to force them into terrain where their cavalry is less effective. The mountains to the west could work in our favor if we can bait them into pursuing us there."
As the two of them strategized, their combined forces were spread across a series of fortified positions along the Great Wall, awaiting the arrival of Xiahou Dun's reinforcements. Scouts regularly patrolled the area, watching for signs of Xiongnu raiders.
Meanwhile, back at the Xiongnu encampment, Tugeh Khagan continued to rally more tribes to his cause. His advisors worked diligently to solidify the fragile alliance, knowing that the unity of the Xiongnu was their best chance to repel the Han forces.
Tugeh Khagan stood before a large assembly of tribal leaders. "The Han believe they can march into our lands and take what is ours," he said, his voice booming. "But we are stronger together. No Han general can defeat us if we fight as one."
The leaders, representing dozens of tribes, murmured their agreement, though some exchanged wary glances. Tugeh's power had grown quickly, and not all were comfortable with his dominance.
Some tribes had only joined the coalition out of fear or a desire to avoid conflict with their neighbors. Others were skeptical of Tugeh's ability to lead them against the Han, whose armies were far more disciplined and organized than their own.
Sensing the unease, one of Tugeh's closest advisors spoke up. "Our strength is in our unity. We've already sent out scouts to monitor the Han's movements. When they cross the Wall, we will strike. They may have numbers, but we have the land. We know the plains, the mountains, and the rivers. The Han will fall, just as their ancestors did."
But even as Tugeh rallied his forces, cracks in the coalition were already beginning to show. Guo Jia's agents had been working quietly, fanning the flames of discord among the tribes. Some leaders, particularly those whose lands lay farther to the north, were growing restless. They had no desire to fight a war for lands they did not control, and the promises made by Tugeh Khagan seemed increasingly hollow to them.
As the days passed, tensions simmered both within the Xiongnu camp and across the Han frontier. Xiahou Dun's army finally arrived at the Great Wall, where they joined forces with Ma Teng and Han Sui. The combined army of over 200,000 soldiers now stood ready to confront the Xiongnu threat.
Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian met with Ma Teng and Han Sui to finalize their plans. They agreed that they could not allow the Xiongnu to dictate the terms of battle. Instead, they would attempt to draw the Xiongnu into a trap by retreating toward the mountains, where they could use the terrain to their advantage.
Meanwhile, Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai continued their work from Tianshui, waiting for word from their agents and creating strategies for Ma Teng, Han Sui, and Xiahou Dun's army. If the Xiongnu alliance could be weakened from within, Cao Cao's army would stand a much better chance of victory and even push further north to gain more lands and resources.
As Cao Cao's generals and advisors were preparing their army and doing some clandestine activities in the face of the Northern Xiongnu tribes coalition, the Oriole agents embedded inside Cao Cao's northwestern territories and Luoyang sent letters filled with information about Cao Cao's activities to Xiapi to inform Lie Fan of what's happening.
Lie Fan sat in the grand chamber of his estate, surrounded by his inner circle of advisors. Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and Sima Yi. They were having a meeting that was tense as they discussed the situation concerning Cao Cao's campaign in the north outside of the Great Wall.
"Gentlemen," Lie Fan began, his voice steady but filled with a sense of urgency, "We've heard from the Oriole agents informing us of Cao Cao's invasion against the Xiongnu tribes in the past. What do we know of his current state?"
Before anyone could respond, the door creaked open, and an Oriole agent slipped into the room, his face obscured by a hooded cloak. He approached Lie Fan, bowing respectfully before presenting a set of sealed letters.
"Lord Lie Fan," the agent whispered, "I bring urgent news from our sources in the northwest. The letters contain critical information regarding Cao Cao's plans and the movements of the Xiongnu tribes."
With a nod, Lie Fan took the letters and swiftly broke the seals. He began to read aloud, his brow furrowing as the contents unfolded. "Cao Cao has mobilized a large force, numbering over 200,000 soldiers, to confront a Northern Xiongnu Tribes Coalition. His generals Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Li Dian have already joined Ma Teng and Han Sui at the Great Wall. They intend to draw the Xiongnu into the mountains to counter their superior cavalry with terrain advantages."
His advisors listened intently, the implications of this information sinking in. Lie Fan continued, "Cao Cao's plans extend beyond mere defense; he aims to crush the Xiongnu coalition entirely, which would solidify his power and expand his territory by completely taking over the Xiongnu's entire territory."
As he read on, he noted the internal discord within the Xiongnu coalition. Many tribes were hesitant, and Tugeh Khagan's leadership was not as secure as it appeared. "Cao Cao's agents have already begun to exploit these divisions, attempting to undermine Tugeh's authority from within," he said, pausing to let the weight of this revelation settle.
"Cao Cao is playing a dangerous game," Jia Xu remarked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "If he succeeds, his power will grow immensely. We cannot afford to let him gain such a foothold."
Xun You interjected, "This could be our opportunity. If we strike now, we could weaken both Cao Cao positions by striking Yuan Shao, who remains a significant threat in the north. A decisive blow against Yuan Shao could alter the balance of power in our favor."
Chen Qun, ever cautious, raised an eyebrow. "But how can we ensure that we can act without reprisal from Cao Cao? His forces are vast, and he will not take kindly to any attempt to undermine him while he is preoccupied with the Xiongnu."
Lie Fan considered this for a moment. "If we are to act, we must be both swift and strategic. Yuan Shao is currently focused on his extravagant life in the north and may not expect an attack from us. We have allies and the Oriole agents in the region that we can mobilize to weaken or halt Yuan Shao's reaction time."
"Gongsun Gong in Liaodong could send his army to help us alleviate pressure on our front, my lord," Liu Ye suggested. "His army is well-trained and could strike at Yuan Shao's northern territories while we attack from the south."
The room buzzed with conversation as the advisors weighed their options. Chen Gong, who had been silent until now, spoke up, "We have to consider how we can exploit the current chaos. If the Xiongnu and Cao Cao forces clash, it may create a perfect opportunity for us to expand our influence while they are distracted."
Lie Fan nodded, the gears in his mind turning. "Agreed. Our aim should be to weaken both sides without overextending ourselves. If we can instigate conflict between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao between their shared border, we may be able to exploit it and attack Yuan Shao without both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao realizing it before it's too late for them."
The discussion evolved into a full-fledged strategy session, with the advisors debating various routes of attack, potential alliances, and the timing of their movements. The urgency of their situation drove their planning, each member contributing their insights and expertise.
After several hours of heated discussion, they crafted a plan. Gongsun Gong would mobilize his forces from Liaodong, striking at Yuan Shao's northern territories and disrupting his supply lines from the north.
Meanwhile, Lie Fan and his army would launch a surprise attack from the south, focusing on destabilizing Yuan Shao's influence in the southern territories while sowing dissent among his ranks, and had the Oriole agents who had climbed ranks inside Yuan Shao's administration change side causing dissent in Yuan Shao's ranks.
As the meeting came to a close, Lie Fan stood up, a sense of resolve washing over him. "We have a solid plan in place, gentlemen. Our aim must now be to act with stealth and precision. We cannot afford to be careless, lest our enemies become aware of our intentions."
Jia Xu nodded, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "I will deploy our Oriole agents to incite conflict along the shared borders of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. A well-placed rumor or skirmish can create distrust, and if we play our cards right, we can stir the pot until they turn on each other."
"Exactly," Lie Fan replied, his eyes glinting with ambition. "Let us use their pride and enmity to our advantage. If they are occupied fighting one another, it will provide us the window we need to strike decisively."
Chen Qun, always the voice of caution, added, "While we prepare for war, we must also strengthen our internal defenses and ensure our men remain loyal. The last thing we want is dissent from within while we engage in external conflict."
"Indeed," Liu Ye agreed. "Let us send Oriole agents to our key subordinate, to keep an eye on them and watch every single move they make."
With that, the advisors began to disperse, each with tasks to accomplish. They moved quickly, organizing their respective divisions and ensuring their networks of spies and agents were activated.
In the days that followed, the atmosphere across Lie Fan's territories shifted subtly but significantly. Oriole agents moved discreetly, spreading whispers and sowing discord among the ranks of Yuan Shao's forces. Incidents of skirmishes along the border began to occur with increasing frequency, and as planned, these minor clashes would slowly escalated into more serious confrontations.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
Like it ? Add to library!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
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