Chapter 108: Standoff Before the Battle (Please Bookmark)

“Yan Xing!” Liu Yao’s heart stirred upon hearing the name. Yan Xing was indeed Han Sui’s son-in-law. Though not widely renowned, he was known for a remarkable incident in history: Ma Teng had once clashed with Han Sui, and Yan Xing had nearly killed Ma Chao. Of course, this did not mean Yan Xing was stronger than Ma Chao. First, Yan Xing had the advantage of an ambush; second, Ma Chao was still young, his skills and physique not yet at their peak. Nonetheless, achieving such a feat indicated Yan Xing’s martial prowess was formidable, likely rivaling even Gao Shun.

“Your expression suggests you know Yan Xing. How does his skill compare with Yide and Zilong?” Guo Jia asked, noticing Liu Yao’s reaction. It was clear Liu Yao had “heard” of Yan Xing before.

Liu Yao was not bothered. His somewhat prophetic insights were something Guo Jia and the others were accustomed to; they simply attributed it to the great ancestor Liu Bang’s influence.

Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun pricked up their ears, eager for Liu Yao’s answer. As warriors, they naturally harbored the desire to be the best under heaven, striving toward that goal.

“I suppose Yan Xing’s skill is close to Gongxiao’s. I’m not sure of the specifics, but I believe Zilong and Yide are definitely superior to Yan Xing. No need to worry,” Liu Yao said casually.

Guo Jia smirked. “My lord, since our morale is low and Yan Xing is known for his bravery, why not engage him in a duel of generals? Generals are the heart of the army’s spirit. If Yan Xing is defeated, the morale problem will resolve itself.”

Huangfu Song, listening nearby, was delighted. He had thought the same. Although there was no one under his command who could match Yan Xing, Liu Yao had Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, old acquaintances whose martial skills were rare and exceptional. With the two fighting, Yan Xing and his ilk would be no threat.

“Good! Once the army has rested for two days, I will lead the troops to the Qiang camp to issue a challenge. Zilong, Yide, Xuanga, the three of you will accompany me,” Liu Yao agreed immediately.

“Ding! The task to pacify the Qiang tribe is now active, with a three-month deadline. Task one: kill Han Sui, reward—ten lottery draws. Task two: kill Li Wenhou and Beigong Boyu, reward—five lottery draws. Task three: kill Yan Xing, reward—five lottery draws. Do you accept, host?” The familiar voice echoed in Liu Yao’s mind.

Frowning, Liu Yao noted the new time limit. Failure to complete the tasks within this period meant failure—a cause for hesitation.

But soon, he clenched his teeth and resolutely accepted. How could he achieve greatness if he continually hesitated? If he pondered for half a day before dealing with a minor threat like Han Sui, how would he face truly formidable foes like Dong Zhuo or Cao Cao? Fear would cripple him before battle even began, rendering the fight pointless.

Han Sui and his three comrades were definite targets. Historically, Han Sui’s rebellion forced the Han dynasty into uneasy peace, leading to his control of Liangzhou and Guanzhong for thirty years—a situation Liu Yao was unwilling to tolerate. Better to eliminate them early, before they grew stronger.

Yan Xing was a capable general, but problematic as Han Sui’s son-in-law. Han Sui’s rebellion was a grave crime, warranting annihilation. Even Liu Yao dared not employ Yan Xing, and whether he could subdue him remained uncertain.

“My lord, my lord,” Guo Jia’s call pulled Liu Yao from his reverie.

“Yes, Fengxiao? What is it?” Liu Yao responded, puzzled, looking at Guo Jia.

Guo Jia rolled his eyes, surprised Liu Yao could daydream during such an important meeting. But what could he say? The lord was the lord; some privileges were inevitable.

“After the duel, I have a plan to sow discord within the Qiang tribe. Then the tribe will collapse from within without a fight,” Guo Jia said confidently.

“Fengxiao, you have such a brilliant scheme? Speak quickly,” Liu Yao said eagerly. Guo Jia’s words were like rain after drought to Liu Yao.

“It’s a plan of division,” Guo Jia smiled.

Liu Yao’s mind stirred; he had a hint of understanding but asked, “How do you intend to divide them?”

“According to our intelligence, Han Sui was not a willing leader but was coerced by Li Wenhou and Beigong Boyu. At their height, the Qiang tribe’s morale was strong, so the plan might fail. But after the duel, when the tribe’s spirit wanes, we apply this divide-and-conquer strategy. Then, internal strife will tear them apart, and they will collapse without fighting,” Guo Jia explained with a smile.

“Excellent!” Huangfu Song exclaimed, applauding loudly. “Master Guo is indeed a genius. Once this plan succeeds, the Qiang tribe will be in chaos, and we will have nothing to fear.”

“You flatter me, General Huangfu,” Guo Jia said modestly, his playful youthful demeanor returning.

Laughter filled the tent, uncertain whether they were mocking Guo Jia or celebrating the imminent victory.

Three days later, Liu Yao led five thousand assault troops, joined by Huangfu Song’s twenty thousand, to confront the Qiang tribe’s main camp near Jincheng. Huangfu Song remained with ten thousand troops and five thousand Taishan soldiers left by Liu Yao to defend Chang’an.

The Taishan soldiers were weak and undisciplined, lacking battlefield experience. Taking them to fight the Qiang would be a liability. Reluctantly, Liu Yao left them behind for Huangfu Song to drill.

Before the Qiang camp, Liu Yao, clad in armor and wielding a massive axe, rode at the forefront flanked by Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Zang Ba. Behind them, their twenty-five thousand troops formed battle formations.

Huangfu Song’s twenty thousand troops readily accepted Liu Yao’s command, showing no signs of discord after the change in leadership.

Inside the Qiang camp, upon seeing Liu Yao’s Han army arrayed in formation, chaos erupted. Soon, Han Sui, flanked by Li Wenhou and Beigong Boyu, appeared to face Liu Yao.

The Qiang soldiers surged forth with fierce spirit but lacked any formation, which Liu Yao scoffed at. If not for their superior numbers and physicality, such undisciplined troops would be no match for the Han.

Liu Yao spurred his horse forward and called out, “I am Liu Yao, the Han’s mighty general of the Light Cavalry. You three—Han Sui, and the Qiang chiefs Li Wenhou and Beigong Boyu—why do you invade Han lands? Do you doubt the sharpness of my battle axe?”

Li Wenhou, eyeing Liu Yao curiously, burst out laughing disdainfully. “So you’re this Liu Yao, a self-styled great general? Ridiculous! You’re nothing but a pale-faced petty thief with an empty reputation!”

Han Sui frowned. Though the commander, real control lay with Li Wenhou and Beigong Boyu. Unlike Li Wenhou’s brashness, Han Sui knew Liu Yao’s reputation was earned through blood and steel—not an empty boast.