"west?"

Upon hearing the Xianbei knight's words, Yuan Shao had not yet made a move, but Cheng Xu, who was standing to the side, could not help but exclaim in surprise.

In the Western Regions today, after the confrontation between the Han army and the Xiongnu, the small countries in the east have been basically crippled, and only a few large countries in the west have survived.

West of Cheshi, apart from two small kingdoms, lies the kingdom of Wusun.

Once the Xianbei people move westward, the Wusun will certainly not be able to escape them.

At this time, the Wusun were already overwhelmed by the Xiongnu, and if the Xianbei were to join them, they would likely face annihilation.

Thinking of this, Cheng Xu broke out in a cold sweat, his lips trembling as he looked at Yuan Shao beside him: "General Yuan... no... we can't let them go west!"

"I didn't want them to go west either, but..."

Yuan Shao paused, then said in a deep voice, "But the supplies in Gaochang City are not enough to meet their needs. Our army has been locked in a stalemate with the Xiongnu for a long time, and the soldiers are exhausted and unable to leave the city to stop them."

You tell me, what should we have done...?

"this……"

Faced with Yuan Shao's question, Cheng Xu opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to answer.

We don't have enough supplies, and we can't even fight them. Do you think you can keep them here just by talking?

"Governor Yuan, I have an idea, but I don't know if it's feasible!"

It was Zhang Xiu who spoke, but as he spoke, his gaze was fixed on Cheng Xu.

Yuan Shao hurriedly said, "General Zhang, what are your thoughts? Speak quickly!"

“Protector, we certainly don’t have enough supplies here to satisfy the Xianbei people, but the countries in the west do have them.”

Since the Xianbei people have only come seeking supplies, we might as well ask the Wusun, Dayuan, and other kingdoms to provide some resources—a small financial sacrifice to avert disaster!

"Ah, yes, yes, the general is right, we can contribute some supplies!"

As soon as Zhang Xiu finished speaking, Cheng Xu, who was standing to the side, quickly chimed in to agree.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao's brow relaxed, and he nodded: "This method is acceptable!"

Yuan Shao turned to the Xianbei knights below the city and said loudly, "I can send a message to the Wusun and Dayuan kingdoms to send you the supplies you need. What do you think?"

"Sure, but it must be delivered within a month!"

The Xianbei knight responded and set a deadline.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao looked at Cheng Xu with a questioning expression.

"No problem, we will definitely deliver the supplies within a month!"

Meeting Yuan Shao's gaze, Cheng Xu immediately patted his chest and assured him.

Yuan Shao nodded slightly, then looked outside the city: "Very well, I agree to your terms on their behalf!"

With just one sentence, Yuan Shao shifted the blame to the Wusun and Dayuan kingdoms.

"In that case, we shall take our leave!"

The Xianbei knight bowed to Yuan Shao, then rode back to his army.

Soon, the 15,000 elite Gaoliu troops outside the city turned around and withdrew.

Watching the Xianbei cavalry retreat, Yuan Shao let out a soft breath, then turned to Cheng Xu beside him and said with a solemn expression:

"Your Excellency, time is of the essence. You should hurry back and prepare supplies. As for the Xianbei, I will try to negotiate with them and prevent them from taking any action!"

"General Yuan is right, I will take my men back immediately!"

Cheng Xu quickly nodded in agreement, completely disregarding the purpose of his trip at that moment.

Soon, the group descended from the city wall and returned to the government office.

After gathering all the accompanying personnel together, Cheng Xu bowed to Yuan Shao.

"General Yuan, I'll take my leave now. I'll leave everything to you here!"

Yuan Shao returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Rest assured, Your Excellency, as long as you can deliver the supplies in full and on time, I guarantee that the Xianbei will not take any action!"

Thank you!

Cheng Xu thanked Yuan Shao and then left with his delegation.

The Wusun delegation arrived in a hurry, and left in less than a day.

Watching Cheng Xu and the others leave, Zhang Xiu couldn't help but say, "That Wen You student is really ruthless; he actually came up with such a scheme!"

"Between nations, how can there be such a thing as a heartless person? It's all about interests!"

Yuan Shao sneered and then said, "Furthermore, the Wusun Kingdom not only refused our conscription order, but also secretly traded a large amount of supplies with the Xianbei in the past."

Such an act of offending the might of the Han Dynasty deserves no punishment whatsoever!

As Yuan Shao spoke, a chill emanated from him, a stark contrast to the gentle and refined demeanor he displayed when he met Cheng Xu earlier.

"Report!"

Just then, a guard rushed in.

"Reporting to General Yuan, Protector Liu's troops have reached twenty li east of the city!"

"Oh? So fast?"

Upon hearing that Liu Yu was already close to Gaochang, Yuan Shao couldn't help but show a hint of surprise on his face.

The reason I told Cheng Xu that Liu Yu was in Shanshan was to find a pretext to stop the Wusun delegation in Gaochang and prevent them from contacting Liu Yu.

After all, Liu Yu was a rare kind-hearted man, and his trip to the Western Regions represented the positive image of the Han Dynasty.

If Liu Yu softens his stance when faced with the Wusun Kingdom's plea for help, there's no guarantee that something unexpected won't happen.

Fortunately, he had made arrangements with Li Ru in advance and sent Cheng Xu and the others back. If it had been any slower, his lie to the Wusun delegation would have been exposed.

At that time, losing one's own reputation is a minor matter, but damaging the image of the Han Dynasty would be a serious crime.

Thinking of this, Yuan Shao couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

Then Yuan Shao turned to Zhang Xiu beside him and said with a smile, "General Zhang, Protector Liu has arrived. Please go to the palace and ask Queen Lanzhi to come with us to greet him!"

"good!"

Zhang Xiu smiled and nodded, then turned and left.

Yuan Shao also turned to Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and the others: "Everyone, go and take off your armor and put on your official robes!"

"yes!"

Everyone agreed in unison, and then quickly dispersed.

Inside the royal palace of Gaochang.

Queen Lanzhi was kneeling on a soft couch, holding a needle and thread in her hand, carefully sewing a cotton coat. A happy smile was on her face, and she couldn't help but imagine Zhang Xiu wearing the cotton coat she had sewn herself.

"Your Highness, General Zhang has arrived!"

A palace maid entering from outside the palace pulled Lanzhi back to reality.

"Quick, pack everything up!"

As Lanzhi instructed the palace maids to put away the cotton-padded clothes, she got up and walked out of the palace.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, Lanzhi saw Zhang Xiu waiting outside. A sweet smile appeared on her face, and she stepped forward and bowed.

"Lanzhi greets her husband!"

"Madam, there's no need for such formalities!"

Zhang Xiu quickly stepped forward and helped Lanzhi up.

"Why did you come home so early today, my husband?"

Zhang Xiu smiled and said, "Lanzhi, I've come to tell you some good news!"