Cao Cao had considerable experience in court politics and immediately guessed Emperor Ling's intentions.
Lu Li nodded; Emperor Ling's intentions were very clear.
"Sir, what should we do next?" Cao Cao asked.
After a moment of contemplation, Lu Li said, "Since the Han Emperor has ordered you two to each lead 50,000 troops, then do as he wishes!"
Cao Cao was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Sir, do you mean...?"
A slight smile appeared on Lu Li's lips: "The Han Emperor wants to use this battle to weaken the Yuan family's power."
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao immediately understood.
His eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "What a brilliant move to use someone else to do the dirty work! In that case, let's go with the flow and let these Yellow Turban rebels fight Yuan Shao!"
"This is perfect opportunity for us to reap the benefits!" Cao Cao said, becoming more and more excited.
Cao Cao knew Yuan Shao's character all too well; this guy was ambitious and eager for quick success, and also prone to making plans but indecisive.
“If Mengde wants to gain the court’s attention, he has to trick Yuan Shao,” Lu Li said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao quickly cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I am deeply grateful."
"Mengde, there's no need to be so polite. The most important thing now is to preserve our strength and wait for the right opportunity to launch a counterattack against the Yellow Turban Army!" Lu Li said calmly.
In the battle of Runan Commandery, Lu Li used a trick to lure the Yellow Turban army out of the city, and Xun Yu set fire to them, causing them to flee in panic.
Then the Trapped Camp sent out troops and routed the Yellow Turban army. However, if Yuan Shao were to forcefully attack the city, he would likely suffer a great loss.
Now, Taiyuan County and Hedong County have also been captured by the Yellow Turban Army, which has gathered tens of thousands of people and is very powerful.
Yuan Shao's first choice would definitely be Hedong Commandery, because it is very close to Ye City, only a day's journey away.
Moreover, Hedong County is easy to defend and difficult to attack. If a sudden attack is launched, it is very likely that Hedong County will be captured. At that time, Hedong County can be used as a base to advance westward.
However, it depends on whether Yuan Shao has the guts. After all, the Yellow Turban army is in high spirits, and Yuan Shao probably wouldn't dare to attack rashly. Otherwise, he might suffer heavy losses.
Five days later, news arrived that Yuan Shao had indeed chosen to attack Hedong Commandery, but instead of launching a surprise attack, he opted for a steady and gradual advance.
After a month, they still couldn't conquer Hedong Commandery. Emperor Ling of Han was furious. In a month, they hadn't even been able to take down the small Hedong Commandery, and they had also wasted a lot of money and grain.
After Cao Cao captured Runan Commandery, there was no further movement from his side.
"Father, Yuan Shao is utterly useless! Why hasn't Cao Cao made a move?" Emperor Ling of Han said angrily.
Zhang Rang said, "Your Majesty, Cao Mengde must have some strategic acumen. What's wrong with waiting a little longer?"
"Moreover, Yuan Shao has been attacking Hedong for a month without success, so Cao Mengde must be even more cautious."
"Hmph, I hope Cao Cao can send me some good news!" Emperor Ling of Han said with a cold snort.
At the same time, Cao Cao finally made a move.
When Yuan Shao attacked Hedong, Lu Li secretly led 700 elite soldiers to Lujiang County.
After Lu Li arrived in Lujiang County, he did not rush to attack Lujiang County. Instead, he began to garrison troops in the mountains and forests north of Lujiang County, preparing to make his move when the opportunity arose.
Cao Cao then led an army of 50,000 to attack Lujiang County.
By drawing the attention of the Yellow Turban army in Lujiang County from the front, Lu Li led 700 elite troops in a surprise attack from the side gate, throwing the entire Yellow Turban army into chaos. Cao Cao seized the opportunity to capture Lujiang County.
Cao Cao won this battle even more cleanly and decisively, directly killing thousands of Yellow Turban soldiers.
Cao Cao, having occupied Lujiang Commandery, immediately organized defenses to prevent reinforcements from the Yellow Turban Army in Yu Province from arriving.
When Yuan Shao learned that Cao Cao had captured Lujiang County, his face turned ashen. He had thought that Cao Cao would also lose this battle, but Cao Cao's victory was a slap in the face.
Yuan Shao gritted his teeth and cursed, "Damn Cao Mengde!"
He was extremely angry, but there was nothing he could do.
The Yellow Turban rebels in Hedong Commandery numbered over 100,000. Although they were a motley crew, they were more than capable of defending the city. He only had 50,000 troops and had lost the initiative.
This gives the Yellow Turban army ample time to defend, and now they can only launch a full-scale attack. Even if they eventually capture Hedong County, they will suffer heavy casualties.
"Send down the order: launch a full-scale attack on Hedong County! No matter what, take Hedong within three days!" Yuan Shao ordered fiercely.
Guo Tu, Yuan Shao's strategist, frowned and said, "My lord, if we launch a full-scale attack on Hedong, our losses will be enormous, and it may even affect our subsequent actions."
"Then what do you think we should do, sir?" Yuan Shao turned his head and looked at him intently.
After pondering for a long time, Guo Tu slowly said, "A direct attack is not advisable unless we can mobilize two or three times the number of troops."
"Unfortunately, we don't have many troops right now. Even if we send them all out, it probably won't be of much use."
"Then what should we do? We can't just give up attacking Hedong Commandery, can we?" Yuan Shao frowned.
"My lord, we have no choice but to send the vanguard!" Guo Tu suggested.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao's eyes widened suddenly, and he shouted, "Nonsense! How can the Vanguard Camp be mobilized so easily?"
"My lord, the Vanguard Battalion has a special advantage in attacking cities. As long as you send the Vanguard Battalion to break through the city walls, the rest can be done by the other soldiers."
Yuan Shao hesitated for a long time before finally nodding: "Alright, pass on my order to send the Vanguard Battalion to the front line!"
"Yes, sir!" Guo Tu respectfully withdrew.
Soon, the Vanguard Battalion arrived at the front line. Upon seeing Yuan Shao, Ju Yi, the leader of the Vanguard Battalion, knelt on one knee and respectfully said, "This humble general greets my lord!"
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