After seeing the silver-blue light, Guan Yu immediately ordered a messenger to rush to the Qingzhou border and urge Taishi Ci to come quickly. This was an arrangement Chen Xi had made as a precaution.
In all honesty, it wasn't that Chen Xi didn't want to secretly transport twenty thousand troops to Jizhou, but it was simply not feasible. Even the thousand personal guards of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were brought in separately, disguised as merchants. Transporting twenty thousand troops unnoticed was a joke; the commotion would be too significant, even in fog or rain.
The commotion from the breach of Nanpi City was loud enough for the entire Nanpi camp to hear, but no soldiers dared leave their posts. The reason was simple: without a military order, mid-to-low-ranking officers had no authority to mobilize the troops. The practice from the Han Dynasty still prevailed; they recognized seals, not people.
Moreover, if Nanpi City was lost, it was the responsibility of the city's commander. However, if the Nanpi camp fell, it would be a significant issue for the entire southern Jizhou.
Because of this, a strange calm settled over Nanpi City and the Nanpi camp. Despite the camp having thirty thousand elite veteran soldiers, and Nanpi City only having a thousand of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun's personal guards, both sides maintained a strict defense, not daring to engage.
"Hahaha, Zichuan, look at the Nanpi camp, with its thirty thousand elite veterans, now strictly defending and not daring to fight," Zhang Fei joked.
"Ju Gong, your Jizhou soldiers are quite disciplined. In an uncertain situation, they still adhere to previous orders. Although rigid, they are difficult to break," Chen Xi commented, ignoring Zhang Fei and addressing Ju Shou.
"Hmph, we are your captives. In an uncertain situation, the army can only adhere to military regulations to avoid war. Even without our command, our Jizhou soldiers would still cause significant losses to you," Ju Shou coldly replied.
Zhang Fei's comment was good news for Ju Shou. As long as the thirty thousand elite veterans in the camp adhered to the formation and strict defense under mid-to-low-ranking officers, it posed a considerable threat to Qingzhou, ensuring heavy losses if attacked.
"Ju Gong can rest assured. If it were an easy prey, Qingzhou would have taken it. But for a tough bone, it's not worth the effort," Chen Xi said, fanning himself. "Ju Gong, please stay for a day. Once Ziyi arrives, I will naturally let you go."
Meanwhile, Guan Yu's messenger rushed to the Qingzhou border, where Taishi Ci eagerly awaited. Seeing the messenger, he was overjoyed.
"What's the situation?" Taishi Ci asked loudly, galloping forward before the messenger could dismount.
"March to Qingzhou and seize Nanpi!" the messenger shouted.
"Mobilize the troops! March at full speed, no rest tonight, forced march!" Taishi Ci ordered. The previously prepared soldiers grabbed their rations and followed their leaders towards Jizhou.
As for the defensive troops under Ju Shou's orders, they strictly guarded their posts, not leaving to intercept. Their task was to defend their respective cities unless ordered otherwise. The defense of Bohai's heartland was the responsibility of the Nanpi camp.
Ju Shou's approach was correct. Every county had limited defensive forces, and instead of risking them in intercepting, it was better to rely on the city walls for defense, buying more time. Moreover, if Qingzhou really aimed to conquer Jizhou, it would have to take each city one by one, securing a stable retreat path. Otherwise, any setback could lead to a complete collapse of the army.
However, Taishi Ci knew they weren't there to conquer but to loot Nanpi. With the messenger's signal indicating Nanpi was already attacked, he just needed to march in. Whether they could retreat was secondary.
Chen Xi had planned for a worst-case scenario, leaving Fa Zheng in Licheng to notify Liu Bei if necessary. Liu Bei could then use the pretext of an alliance to pressure Jizhou, though that was the last resort.
Fortunately, everything went as Chen Xi predicted. Ju Shou, consistent with his historical caution and emphasis on the bigger picture, was outmaneuvered. Chen Zichuan's youthful appearance made it easy to be underestimated.
Chen Xi exploited Ju Shou's cautious nature to outmaneuver him, showing his youth and audacity, forcing Ju Shou into a defensive stance. Ju Shou, seeing Chen Xi's evident pride, felt reassured. As long as Chen Xi remained youthful and proud, his ego would be his downfall. Ju Shou planned to inflate Chen Xi's reputation, ensuring Liu Bei would eventually see him as a threat.
Ju Shou didn't believe Chen Xi could maintain his composure under immense praise and popularity. With widespread acclaim, Chen Zichuan's youthful arrogance would surely lead to his downfall. Ju Shou intended to make Chen Xi a stepping stone, inflating his reputation until it became a burden.
Unaware of Ju Shou's calculations, Chen Xi continued to strategize. In these chaotic times, scheming was the norm, and every outcome was shaped by such plots. As obstacles arose, they would be met head-on.
"Ju Gong, why not join us? I think you're a decent person," Chen Xi suggested, eating a bowl of fried rice.
Ju Shou, savoring the delicious fried rice, felt his previous meals had been lacking. Hearing Chen Xi's words, he replied, "You don't genuinely want to recruit me, do you?"
"Just making small talk while eating. I wouldn't seriously ask," Chen Xi said nonchalantly.
"Then why bother?" Ju Shou frowned, puzzled.
"Just casual chat. We're not familiar, so it's a way to pass the time," Chen Xi replied, his words almost infuriating Ju Shou.