Sun Qian stood up and reported the total consumption and reserves of resources for the year. As the precise figures were presented, Jia Xu, Liu Ye, and the others who understood the significance of the numbers began calculating. They soon exchanged glances filled with joy, each seeing the excitement in the other's eyes.
"The situation is as expected. Zichuan's estimates were quite accurate. After next year's summer harvest is stored, we'll have enough grain to sustain ten months of continuous warfare!" Lu Su said calmly. They had made extensive preparations for this day. While other warlords would be thrilled to have three months' worth of war supplies, they had stockpiled several times that amount.
"Total war—starting from the borders of Bingzhou and Jizhou, we'll launch a full-scale attack!" Li You said, tapping on the table in front of him. Although he hadn't previously revealed his sharp military insights in front of Liu Bei, Lu Su's words had stirred a sense of grandeur within him, compelling him to speak out.
Liu Ye was momentarily stunned, but in the next instant, he understood Li You's strategy. His expression shifted to one of shock and awe as he realized that Li You's plan surpassed any of the ideas that had briefly crossed his mind.
"Yuan Benchu's strength is not inferior to ours. With control over two and a half provinces, Yuan Benchu's Jizhou is the essence of the north. It is not only the best grain-producing region but also a land that produces horses. Furthermore, southern Bingzhou is a treasure trove, despite its limited population and grain production due to the lack of strong forces to suppress the northern nomads. However, if I'm not mistaken, Tian Yuanhao and others are currently relocating the population to Bingzhou," Li You continued, ignoring Liu Ye's stunned expression.
In fact, Li You knew that his display of insight might have been excessive, as even someone as brilliant as Liu Ye might not have considered such a strategy. But once he had started speaking, it was better to finish his thoughts to leave a lasting impression rather than abruptly stopping and drawing even more attention.
"Both Youzhou, Bingzhou, and Jizhou are horse-producing regions. Yuan Benchu has well-trained troops and ample grain supplies. The people of Bingzhou may not openly express their feelings about Yuan Shao's efforts to repel the Xianbei, but as long as Yuan Shao helps them clear the land a hundred miles north of the Great Wall, they will willingly join his forces!" Li You said, feeling a pang of nostalgia.
He couldn't help but think of Dong Zhuo in the past, who initially relied on infantry. However, like what Tian Feng was doing now, Li Ru had once helped Dong Zhuo crush the Qiang people in Liangzhou using just one-third of the Han forces. That's how the Xiliang cavalry had come together. When Dong Zhuo departed, the men of Xiliang followed on horseback, becoming the most elite of his forces—later known as the Flying Bear Army.
The men of the borderlands value loyalty, and if Yuan Shao brings an end to their war with the nomads, allowing them to dominate the barbarians, they will sell their lives to him!
The true elite cavalry of the late Han, whether it was the Xiliang cavalry, Bingzhou wolf riders, or the White Horse Volunteers, were all formed by such men. These cavalry units were unmatched in loyalty and ferocity, making them some of the finest troops of their time.
This is also why, despite the elite equipment of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, they were only marginally stronger than the Xiliang cavalry, yet their numbers were a mere fraction. A group of mercenaries motivated by rewards could never surpass those who followed out of loyalty and righteousness.
"When the time comes, our main opponents will likely be cavalry. Their combat effectiveness might rival that of the two elite cavalry units we faced before," Li You said calmly. "In terms of troop strength and unit types, we do not have the advantage, and we may even be at a disadvantage. However, we have enough valiant generals on our side."
"Wenru, your strategy is worth considering, but it's not yet time for us to engage Yuan Shao in a full-scale war. When the time is right, we can revisit this plan. For now, let's hear more from Zijing," Liu Bei said with a smile. It wasn't yet the right moment for an all-out war.
"Understood." Li You quietly returned to his seat.
Li You knew that he had been somewhat hasty, but he also understood that Yuan Shao would not turn away the Bingzhou wolf riders who had pledged their loyalty to him. These men, who brought their own horses and pledged their lives to Yuan Shao, only needed some training to surpass the majority of Yuan Shao's existing forces. Moreover, they came out of gratitude and were guaranteed to be loyal.
"Ha, Wenru, you're still as formidable as ever," Chen Xi whispered.
"Horses consume too much grain. Without someone like you who brings good fortune, it's impossible to sustain more than 20,000 cavalry. And when the fighting starts, the consumption of grain will increase exponentially," Li You whispered back, the two of them secretly chatting under Liu Bei's watchful eye.
"You mean we should launch an attack, let them drive us back, and then hold our ground at the border?" Chen Xi frowned. "It doesn't seem entirely necessary. I agree that we might not stand a chance against Yuan Shao in a head-on battle, given his superior forces and troop composition. But if we use our covert agents, we could easily take over half of Jizhou."
"If we act too early, we won't be able to deal a decisive blow. Besides, don't you think our own ranks are starting to get a bit mixed with riffraff as we grow stronger?" Li You said, narrowing his eyes.
"If we launch an attack and get driven back, it would shake the entire country. If Yuan Benchu gains momentum, let me ask you—do you consider Yuan Benchu a true hero?" Chen Xi voiced his concerns. Li You's plan was good, but it carried significant risks.
"Back in Luoyang, he was the only one who dared to draw his sword against Dong Zhuo. And given his current performance in the north, let me put it this way—if not for Xuande and Cao Mengde, I believe he would be the most likely to conquer the world," Li You said seriously.
"Honestly, if it weren't for Cao Mengde's massacre in Xuzhou, I would have considered him the most likely to succeed, followed by Yuan Benchu. But if we're talking about who has the best chance of uniting the land, if not for Xuande, my bet would be on Yuan Benchu," Chen Xi nodded.
Chen Xi couldn't help but wonder if Yuan Shao had somehow consumed some kind of divine elixir. He seemed almost unnaturally heroic, exuding a boundless spirit and daring, with an unshakable confidence in his subordinates, who were utterly loyal to him. It was as if he were a more powerful version of Cao Cao at his peak. Most importantly, Yuan Benchu held a hand of cards that, in terms of overall strength, could stand up to Liu Bei without fear.
"Zichuan, I admit you're a genius, but Xuande's foundations are too shallow. It's remarkable that you've taken him from nothing to where he is now, surpassing everyone's expectations. But you started from scratch, while Yuan Benchu inherited a land that was already rich in resources," Li You said with a bitter smile.
"I know. Ju Gong's governance of Jizhou was indeed impressive," Chen Xi nodded. "I'll give more thought to your strategy."