Having established his authority through Liu Wei's killing, everyone wore solemn expressions and dared not show any disrespect.

“Zhang Ju proclaimed himself Emperor, and Zhang Chun proclaimed himself King of Mitian Anding. Their rebel army in Yuyang numbered 100,000, but although they were numerous, they were not a threat.”

"Qiuliju led 100,000 Wuhuan cavalry, forming the main force of this rebellion. His subordinates, Tadun, Qiaowang, Hanluwang, and Tanzhiwang, were all barbaric and warlike men."

"And the Murong Xianbei also have 100,000 cavalry!"

"We are about to face an enemy of as many as 300,000!"

After Liu Wei finished speaking, everyone was shocked.

Unexpectedly, Liu Wei, having just arrived in Youzhou, had such a clear understanding of the enemy's troop strength.

They were also shocked by the 300,000 enemy troops they were about to face.

"Zhang Ju occupied Shanggu Commandery, Zhang Chun occupied Yuyang Commandery, Qiu Liju occupied Youbeiping Commandery, and Murong Mohuba occupied Dai Commandery!"

"The four of them each led a main force of about 200,000 men to besiege Ji County, attempting to annihilate Liu Youzhou's army in Ji County."

"Ji County is a formidable city, and Zhang Ju, Zhang Chun, Qiu Liju, Murong Mohuba, and others are all cavalrymen. They will not be able to take Ji County in a short time."

"Liu He, Yan Rou, and others still have 5,000 troops, with sufficient food and supplies, and are not in immediate danger."

"The rebel army besieged Ji County, hoping we would come to their rescue, which would play right into their hands. The fact that the Imperial Clan's 5,000 troops were ambushed on the way to Ji County earlier illustrates their intentions."

"Therefore, I have decided to resolve the issue of Gongsun Zan in Yi County first!"

Liu Weilang analyzed the current situation in Youzhou.

This intelligence was obtained by the Northeast Division of the Embroidered Uniform Guard after countless efforts and the loss of many brothers when he set off from Zhengding.

“Nephew, Gongsun Zan currently has two thousand cavalry and ten thousand infantry. I think we should focus on appeasement. After all, these soldiers are all men of the Han Dynasty. If we attack them, wouldn't we just make a fool of ourselves in front of Zhang Ju and his men?”

"Or, send another messenger to inform the General of the North that he has arrived and order him to accept orders to fight against the foreign tribes together."

Liu Yu always adopted a policy of appeasement and tolerance towards foreign tribes, which won over powerful Xianbei clans such as Xianyu Fu and Xianyu Yin to follow him wholeheartedly.

Liu Yu both loved and hated Gongsun Zan.

Even today, after Liu Wei has executed three people who colluded with Gongsun Zan, Liu Yu still harbors illusions about Gongsun Zan.

"Zongzheng, haven't you seen the letter from earlier?"

Liu Wei was speechless at Liu Yu's leniency. "Gongsun Zan intends to kill you and seize Youzhou for himself."

How can you still believe he will see the error of his ways?

Liu Yu immediately fell silent.

Sun Jin, Zhang Yi, Zhang Zan, Wei Dun, Zhao Gai, and others had always disliked Gongsun Zan's behavior. Seeing Liu Wei kill Wei You and the other two today, they were both shocked and pleased.

They all seized the opportunity to offer their opinions:

"Your Excellency Governor, the General of the North is absolutely right!"

"Gongsun Zan is arrogant and unruly. Not only does he not respect you, but he also plots against you. If it weren't for the arrival of the King of Yunzhong, Youzhou would probably have been taken over by him!"

"Your Highness is right. We must deal with Gongsun Zan first to prevent him from launching a surprise attack from behind while we are waging war against Zhang Ju!"

"......"

Hearing that his officials were all in support of Liu Wei, Liu Yu said, "In that case, we shall follow the arrangements of our imperial nephew!"

All eyes turned to Liu Wei.

Liu Wei smiled faintly: "Please be patient, everyone. I have already made plans!"

"In Yi County, my general Zhang Liao has two thousand cavalrymen who are confronting Gongsun Zan. It will only take a moment to deal with him."

Liu Yu had already learned that Liu Wei was being besieged and attacked by He Jin and Yuan Shao in Mengjin, Luoyang, and Liu Wei's men took the initiative to transfer two thousand cavalrymen from the Hetao region to help him.

As a result, Liu Wei was able to cross the Yellow River safely without needing to use the two thousand cavalrymen.

So Liu Wei sent a message to Liu Yu, asking him to draft a petition to the court to allow Liu Wei's two thousand soldiers to come to Youzhou, and so on.

With Liu Wei's two thousand cavalrymen, Liu Yu's confidence had already greatly increased.

When the rest of the group greeted Liu Wei outside the city, they had already seen Liu Wei's equipment and military bearing.

Hearing Liu Wei's confident words, they couldn't help but nod.

Immediately, Liu Wei gave the order:

"Zhang Yan, listen to my order: your troops are to garrison Liangxiang and be on guard against the enemy from Guangyang! Your cavalry are to patrol the vicinity and kill any local scouts they encounter!"

"Zhang Baiqi, listen to my command: your troops are to garrison Yangxiang!"

"Du Chang, listen to my order: your unit is to garrison Linxiang!"

"Fifteen days from now, we will launch a three-pronged attack on Ji County, clearing out all enemies along the way!"

Liangxiang, Yangxiang, and Linxiang were all important routes connecting Zhuojun and Guangyangjun.

Except for Ji County, all other parts of Guangyang Prefecture have fallen and been occupied by the rebels.

Therefore, before Liu Wei can deal with Gongsun Zan, this unstable element, the safety of Zhuojun must be guaranteed.

"Here you go!"

Zhang Yan and the other two immediately accepted the order.

They knew that fifteen days from now would be the moment when their Black Mountain Army, now the Taiyue Corps, would be established!

"Zongzheng, you will lead the officials of Youzhou to prepare provisions and train soldiers in Fanyang, Zhuoxian, and other places. Fifteen days later, lead your troops from Zhuoxian to attack Jixian!"

Liu Yu then adopted a serious expression and led Sun Jin, Zhang Yi, Zhang Zan, Wei Dun, Zhao Gai, and others forward to receive the order.

"Tian Kai, you and Liu Xuande are responsible for assisting the Imperial Clan Court in Fanyang, liaising and coordinating matters between the Youzhou troops and our forces!"

Even though Liu Bei was unable to go to the battlefield due to being attacked, he was still a military advisor in the General Who Guards the North's office, and he couldn't neglect any of his duties.

"Zhao Yun, Wang Fangyi, you two will each lead three horses and carry twenty days' worth of provisions to Wu Ruan Pass to seize Feihu Pass!"

"Twenty days from now, I hope to see the two of you fight your way through Dai County and Shanggu County, and then appear at Jundu Pass. Take Juyong Pass, set off the signal fires, and trap the enemy!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!