According to Han Sui and Tan Shihuai's previous plan, those 40,000 ordinary cavalrymen were intended as bait, and their fate was likely to be grim.

Now, Tan Shihuai has even included the leaders of various tribes in the bait, and his intentions are self-evident.

Han Sui had followed Tan Shihuai for many years and never realized that Tan Shihuai was such a cold-hearted person.

You must know that those noble leaders had followed Tan Shihuai in battles since he was still a nobody, and had made great contributions. They were all loyal and obedient.

If you were to say that Tan Shihuai had achieved great things, and those noble leaders had become out of control or arrogant, then eliminating them wouldn't be unreasonable.

However, it is unreasonable and illogical that Tan Shihuai is so eager to kill them before the great cause is even accomplished.

In Han Sui's view, Tan Shihuai was planning to kill all his important ministers before the decisive battle, and then seize power for himself.

He doesn't deny that Tan Shihuai did the right thing, but this approach is truly disheartening.

He could kill even the Xianbei people who had followed Tan Shihuai for many years without hesitation. As a Han Chinese, he might suddenly lose his head at any time.

For a moment, Han Sui was also confused; he didn't know what to do or what to say.

"Does Wen Yue think I've gone too far?"

Seeing Han Sui's stunned expression, Tan Shihuai calmly asked a question.

"No...I wouldn't dare!"

Han Sui was startled and quickly shook his head in denial.

"Alas, I don't want to do this either, but there's nothing I can do. As you know, each of these noble leaders controls a large number of people, livestock, and soldiers, just like the feudal lords of the Spring and Autumn Period."

If one day they think they are powerful enough and no longer want to obey my orders, the Xianbei will surely split again.

The empire that you, sir, have helped me build over the years will be destroyed in an instant. Therefore, I will take this opportunity to eliminate them all, so as to prevent future chaos.

Tan Shihuai sighed and shared his thoughts with Han Sui, emphasizing Han Sui's contributions to the project.

The implication is quite straightforward: those noble leaders have troops and cannot be allowed to remain, while Han Sui poses no threat and will not be touched.

"Your Majesty is right, I understand!"

Hearing Tan Shihuai's words, Han Sui felt much more at ease.

Tan Shihuai said with a smile, "Alright, Wenyue, go ahead and get busy!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Han Sui bowed to Tan Shihuai, then turned and walked away.

"Don't keep that piece of silk either. Burn it after everything is arranged!"

"yes!"

Han Sui agreed and then walked out of the tent.

Soon, Tan Shihuai's order was relayed.

When they heard that Tan Shihuai had promised to share the grassland with them for the first merit, the group of noble leaders became excited.

After all, Tan Shihuai's public persona has been one of generosity, magnanimity, and keeping his word; once he makes a promise, he will definitely keep it.

Therefore, no one suspected that there might be something fishy going on.

Following Tan Shihuai's orders, the soldiers took out the best wine and meat from the army, lit bonfires, and began to revel in the festivities. The fatigue from the long march dissipated considerably.

Hearing the commotion outside the tent, Tan Shihuai, sitting behind the table, couldn't help but sigh softly...

On the opposite side, Sun Jian and Yuwen Qi arrived at a small earthen slope and gazed at the flickering firelight of the Tanshihuai camp in the distance.

"General Sun, Tan Shihuai's entire army is suddenly celebrating; it seems they are preparing to launch an attack on us tomorrow!"

Sun Jian nodded: "Is everything arranged within the army?"

Yuwen Qi said solemnly, "It's all ready. The leaders of each tribe are prepared. We'll just have to feign defeat tomorrow and then escape in three separate groups!"

"Alright, let's go back and rest too!"

Sun Jian glanced at Tan Shihuai's camp, then turned and left.

The next morning, as bugle calls sounded, the soldiers in Tanshihuai's camp began to assemble with high spirits.

Inside the central command tent.

Looking at the group of noble leaders who had come to report back, Tan Shihuai's face showed a hint of joy and confidence.

"Gentlemen, after this battle, my troops will unify the entire grassland. At that time, the vast world will be ours to roam, and wealth and beauty will be yours to claim..."

"Long live the King!!"

Tan Shihuai's passionate, uplifting, and highly seductive voice echoed throughout the tent, causing everyone present to cheer.

Tan Shihuai waved his hand and said, "Warriors, go forth! Use your scimitars to conquer the last enemy on our grasslands!!"

"yes!!"

The noble leaders responded loudly, and then strode out with their heads held high.

Watching the departing figures of the crowd, Tan Shihuai narrowed his eyes slightly and waved to Han Sui beside him.

Han Sui stepped forward and asked, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Tan Shihuai said solemnly, "Immediately send someone to tell Helian to take advantage of the situation and move all the tribes to Tanhan Mountain."

Han Sui nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty!"

"And another thing," Tan Shihuai said, moving closer to Han Sui and lowering his voice, "have someone tell He Lian that he should not believe or listen to everything Li Ru says."

Han Sui was taken aback.

He was genuinely confused at this moment. Previously, Tan Shihuai had regarded Li Ru as a confidant and trusted him implicitly.

Whether it was military or political affairs, Tan Shihuai obeyed Li Ru's every word unconditionally.

Why is it suddenly like this again today?

"Wen Yue, don't you understand? Li Ru is afraid of me, so his plan is naturally not bad. But now that I'm not there, what if Li Ru has evil intentions? How can we guard against that guy He Lian?"

Although Li Ru is exceptionally talented, his loyalty is far inferior to yours!

Tan Shihuai looked at Han Sui with a sincere expression and spoke his truest thoughts.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I understand!"

Faced with Tan Shihuai's heartfelt expression, Han Sui bowed deeply to him with a moved expression.

Tan Shihuai smiled and waved his hand: "Alright, Wen Yue, you can stay here with your men to prepare a victory banquet and a record of merits. I will personally lead the elite troops of Gaoliu to wipe out the Yuwen tribe!"

Han Sui replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Without saying anything more, Tan Shihuai changed into his armor and walked out of the tent.

After the three horn horns sounded, Tan Shihuai's group of noble leaders led 40,000 ordinary Xianbei cavalrymen, divided into four 10,000-man teams, and marched in a mighty procession toward the Yuwen tribe's camp.

Tan Shihuai personally led 30,000 elite troops from Gaoliu, following far behind.

Tan Shihuai's trusted general, Mi Jia, also followed behind him in a sullen mood.

Half an hour later, the vanguard of 40,000 troops arrived near the Yuwen tribe's camp.

Following Han Sui's orders, the noble leaders, along with their soldiers, dispersed into several relatively large semi-circular formations, expanding towards the front and sides of the camp.

"Heh~, they've surrounded three sides but are missing one. It seems that Tan Shihuai has someone under his command who understands military strategy!"

Sun Jian, inside the camp, looked at the Xianbei soldiers who were surrounding him and couldn't help but sneer.