But before Yuan Shao could send out the letter to Ju Shou, a second piece of intelligence arrived. If the first report left Yuan Shao merely shocked, the second one made it clear that Liu Bei was now qualified to stand alongside him. Even if there were differences in strength, Liu Xuande had now become the lord of a state!
"Yuan Hao, take a look at this report," Yuan Shao said bitterly. He regretted not recognizing that young man's talents earlier.
Tian Feng read through the report and then looked up at Yuan Shao, saying each word with emphasis, "My lord, Liu Xuande will surely become our formidable enemy in the future. Chen Zichuan is a prodigious talent, and the courage of Guan, Zhang, and Zhao is renowned throughout the land. We cannot be unprepared. However, with Gongsun Bogui invading Jizhou from the south, we can only muster enough strength to defend, not to attack..."
At this point, Tian Feng hesitated and looked at Yuan Shao intently.
Yuan Shao, puzzled, asked, "Yuan Hao, speak your mind."
"Would my lord dare to take a risky move?" Tian Feng asked, steeling himself.
"Why not!" Yuan Shao, still in his bold and courageous phase, was not deterred by Tian Feng's suggestion.
"We currently have enough strength to defend against Gongsun Bogui, but it is nearly impossible to gain an advantage over him due to the speed of the White Horse Cavalry. I suggest that since we lack offensive power, we should abandon all attacks and instead focus our efforts here!" Tian Feng pointed to a location on the map.
"If we cannot defeat Gongsun Bogui with the strength of one state, then we should enhance our power to the point where we can face both adversaries without falling behind," Tian Feng said solemnly.
"Now, Bingzhou is overrun by the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes. With our strength, defeating these ragtag forces would be no problem. I propose that we split our forces: one to conquer Bingzhou and the other to defend the border. Given Gongsun Bogui's arrogance, he will surely be enraged by our provocations and focus all his efforts on attacking our main forces. If we can hold out, once Bingzhou is taken, the entire situation will change dramatically," Tian Feng explained.
Yuan Shao pondered for a long time before making a difficult decision, "Very well, summon Yan Liang and Wen Chou to see me!"
Soon, Yan Liang and Wen Chou arrived at the main tent, respectfully saluting Yuan Shao and Tian Feng before standing at attention, waiting for orders. Unlike at Hulao Pass, they were now household retainers of Yuan Shao.
"Yan Liang, Wen Chou!" Yuan Shao sighed.
"Here, my lord!" they responded loudly.
"If only you two, Yuan Hao, and I are here, would you have the confidence to force Gongsun Zan to stay beyond the borders of Jizhou and Youzhou?" Yuan Shao asked.
"We will fight to the death!" Yan Liang and Wen Chou knelt on one knee without hesitation, speaking with determination.
Hearing this, Yuan Shao felt comforted but then rubbed his forehead in frustration. What a situation—he hadn't said much, and Yan Liang and Wen Chou were already pledging to fight to the death. Was he asking these two fools to die?
"Yuan Hao?" Yuan Shao looked at Tian Feng.
"Yan and Wen are brave and fierce generals, fearless in battle. Leaving them here with us is sufficient!" Tian Feng praised Yan Liang and Wen Chou but was inwardly frustrated. Compared to versatile generals like Zhang He and Gao Lan, Yuan Shao clearly trusted and valued Yan Liang and Wen Chou more.
"Alright, since that's the case, we'll take this gamble!" Yuan Shao glanced at Tian Feng, then looked back at Yan Liang and Wen Chou with relief.
Yuan Shao knew that Yan Liang and Wen Chou might not be suitable for commanding large armies, but did he need such generals? Hebei had no shortage of strategists; Yuan Shao's influence was not built on nothing. The civil servants Liu Xuande sought were abundant in Yuan Shao's ranks.
Yan Liang and Wen Chou might not be adept at command, but Yuan Shao valued their loyalty. He still had some doubts about others, but these two had proven their loyalty by fighting against Lü Bu to protect him. Such loyalty was what Yuan Shao needed. Talent could be found, but loyal subordinates were rare.
Because of this, Yuan Shao planned to train Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Even if they couldn't become great commanders, having them accompanied by strategists as military advisors should suffice. He believed their loyalty would ensure they followed orders.
"We will not falter!" Yan Liang and Wen Chou, though confused, maintained their composure and responded. They were prepared to sacrifice their lives for Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shao, still courageous and decisive, began preparing to split his forces to counter Gongsun Zan.
Meanwhile, Chen Xi, marching towards Jizhou, had no idea that his actions had forced Yuan Shao to take a risk. Originally cautious after years of stalemate with Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao was now compelled to gamble.
"Set up camp in Licheng. We're here to pressure Jizhou, not to start a war. Yide, if you dare act on your own, don't blame me for being harsh!" Chen Xi warned Zhang Fei sternly in the Licheng government office.
Along the way, Zhang Fei had been itching for a fight, wanting to challenge the Hebei generals. Several times, he had wanted to march ahead to Jizhou, prompting Chen Xi to warn him. Starting a war now would severely damage Taishan's interests.
Chen Xi knew they didn't have the strength to take Jizhou. At best, they could win a battle but couldn't defeat Jizhou's local defenses led by Ju Shou. With no plans to conquer Jizhou, Chen Xi had no intention of fighting. The war between Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao was Liu Bei's opportunity. They were here to showcase their military might, not to provoke a fight.
A war with Yuan Shao would only benefit Gongsun Zan. Full-scale attacks on Jizhou might defeat Yuan Shao, but it wouldn't benefit Liu Bei. After the war, how would they divide Jizhou? Gongsun Zan, though a hero, wouldn't listen to reason once power was at stake. Liu Bei, without solidifying Qingzhou, would become easy prey. Gongsun Zan wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
Thus, Chen Xi focused on strategic intimidation rather than direct confrontation, avoiding actions that might start a war they weren't prepared to finish.