Chapter 46: Army March
My Father in Law is Lu Bu
Bloodfalcon had decided to MTL Lu Bu, I will be going back to make sure the accuracy was correct and replace it with corrected version once I do. However, if anyone is anxious to know what happens, feel free to check out the machine translations first. I have worked with his previous machine translations, they were pretty accurate and just certain minor details were wrong.
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My Father in Law is Lu Bu - Chapter 46 - Army March (MTL, not translation checked yet)
"Urban Management Army?!" Lu Bu brow frowned, what a strange name? Usually elite soldiers use the name of the location where it was formed, for example the Bing Province Heavy Cavalry, Danyang soldiers, Qing Province Soldiers, and there's a name that uses the tiger's ferociousness for its title, the Ferocious Cavalry, but no one has ever named an army the Urban Management Army.
TL Note: From Chapter 45, there is a sentence "Urban Management Army is the strongest in the world", this is actually a joke (satire) due to their harshness to common people. My guess is they put a subtle joke in here due to Liu Mang is still weak and hiding behind the strong Lu Bu army, some kind like a bully if I may say.
"You said that he's still practicing on standing?!" Lu Bu asked rhetorically. "Yes, Milord!" The messenger replied while lowering his head. "Now they're not only practicing on standing but learning Goose steps! "Goose steps?!" Lu Bu said in surprise, what is that thing?
TL: Goose step. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goose_step
"Yes, it's like this!" Messenger demonstrated what the Urban Management Army is practicing, the Goose step.
"Doing goose step?!" Lu Bu looked at the messenger's movement and his brow wrinkled even further. If it was standing under the sun like before, Lu Bu can understand that it is military law demonstration. It instills excellent obedience to his commands, after all Liu Mang has killed a soldier before for disobedience.
After standing on the sun, now he's making them practice this goose step? If it's practicing battle formation it's okay, after all when in the battlefield, coordination with each other is needed, but does that boy even understand the battlefield? Lu Bu is really confused, what the hell is this boy is thinking!
Cao Cao and Yuan Shao in Guandu is already like fire and water, therefore when Boss Lu left Xu Province not only did he not send out troops to pursue but he also made the surrounding Cao army let him pass smoothly. However Cao Cao did not want Boss Lu unmonitored.
Due to not having any troops in pursuit of Lu Bu army, Boss Lu has enough time to recuperate his units. Now Lu Bu's army not only consists of Bing Province Heavy Cavalry and Formation Breaker but also Liu Mang's Urban Management Army.
Lu Bu's was intuition correct, Liu Mang's goose step parade was an actual strategy for the battlefield, his battle formation not only changed into a snake but also changed into goose formation, and moreover it is not impossible to change it into circular defense formation. This formation perhaps was a very strong one, but Liu Mang did not understand about formation at all. Therefore he can only use square formation, square formation parade goose step.
(Editor: Fuck that was a hard phrasing they did there! It was so vague I had trouble seeing mount Tai even if it was in front of me)
"Milord!" While Lu Bu still thinking, a mighty general walked in and said a few but straight words "Milord, Hanyang took 200 warhorses from me!" From the total of less than 6000 warhorses, Zhang Liao had planned to set up 3 platoons of Bing Province Heavy Cavalry, but now creating the 3000 Bing Province Heavy Cavalry is becoming more difficult. Zhang Liao cannot directly disagree with Liu Mang, after all these warhorses was brought by Liu Mang, so he can only report it to Lu Bu.
"Oh?!" Lu Bu said surprised. When Liu Mang formed Urban Management Army, he requested a military order that decreed Urban Management Army can take any military supplies without reporting, who knew that boy was going to use it almost immediately.
"Does he want to form a cavalry unit?!" Lu Bu contemplated about those 200 warhorses, the Urban Management Army had less than 1000 people right now, did he think to ride? If it's like that, a dozen warhorses should be sufficient, not to mention those warhorses that Liu Mang had taken were Ferghana horses.
What effect can several hundred cavalry soldiers have? A cavalry of less than a thousand people is unable to be called a unit.
Lu Bu has hasn't finished contemplating but Gao Shun had also come to complain "Milord, Hanyang took 300 pieces of great shield from my Formation Breaker unit. These great shields are really good treasures. These shields were not only light but also big and very sturdy; they can resist an arrow volley without wearing out the shield. So Gao Shun loved these shields greatly but all of a sudden Liu Mang took 300 of them! It would not be right if he did not complain to Lu Bu about this.
"He took also 300 great shields?!" These great shields only suit for the heavy infantry, for breaching enemy lines, what the hell is Liu Hanyang thinking?
At this time around, Zhang Liao's subordinate came in and whisper something in Zhang Liao's ear. Zhang Liao's voice at this time got very loud "What, he also took 800 cavalry javelin? Milord, you see that!"
Lu Bu felt a headache forming, what the hell is Liu Hanyang doing? What did he want to do with the cavalry javelin? Those things are no good in close quarter combat. You form cavalry soldiers took 200 warhorses, now 800 javelins.
"Gongtai, are you going to complain also? Quick say, what Liu Hanyang took from you?!" Chen Gong who just entered the commander's tent, sported a confused look. When Lu Bu explained, he laughed.
"I, Chen Gong, did not come here to complain!" He shook his head while smiling. His purpose in coming to the tent was to tell Lu Bu to march tomorrow, but he did not expect to be encountered with such questions.
"Oh, yes, if you did not ask that question then I would have also forgotten. It seems, Hanyang also took 700 bows from Chen Deng!" Chen Gong also adds in.
"This Liu Hanyang some days he makes me want to beat him, he want to amuse me with what!" Actually Lu Bu is very curious with what Liu Mang is doing! Why does he need so many tools for only 1000 soldiers?
800 javelins, 300 great shields, 200 warhorses, what weird creatures will come out of this? With these equipment, you can make formation consists of 5000 people.
Speaking of that, Liu Mang really gave birth to a really weird creature.
200 warhorses are given to 100 soldiers. A person using two horses can maintain high horsepower. The Arabian war horse's horsepower is high with a rider who is also acting as bodyguard equipped with javelin. One can say, as long as do not have to fight big war, they can absolutely protect themselves.
300 great shields, Liu Mang also gave to the cavalry soldiers. This is the same treatment as Bing Province Heavy Cavalry. The remaining 200 shields were given to the front row. If 200 defense shields formed a good formation, then it can certainly protect these 1000 people.
From the 800 javelins 100 pieces had been given to cavalry soldiers; the remaining 700 javelins have all been given to other 700 soldiers. Those 700 bows were also given to them. So the javelin soldier can also act as a bowman when in a long-range battle.
1000 people can form a phalanx formation, while 100 cavalry soldiers protect the flag. But people may ask, why is it that Liu Mang's infantry can use cavalry javelin? Indeed for conventional infantry soldiers it is impossible to use cavalry javelin because in close quarters combat, it is impossible to utilize the javelin's strength. Even cavalry soldier draws sword on close quarter's battle.
The phalanx formation that Liu Mang formed is different. The first row is for the shield troops, protecting and guarding front, behind is 700 javelin soldiers, it took 35 people in one row with total of 20 rows.
The first row of soldier generally squat and align with the first javelin soldier's row. The second row of soldiers, place their javelin on the shoulder of the first row. This can strengthen their destructive power. But the real essence of phalanx formation tactics lies in complete synchronization of all the soldier's movements, so if they are not in line with the formation, it will compromise the tactics severely.
Therefore Liu Mang had been very strict on that standing formation because if even one person does not obey the command, it will compromise the phalanx formation and it can be broken by enemy easily.
That's correct, this is the famous Ancient Macedonian phalanx, the phalanx formation strikes the enemy directly, and those 100 cavalry soldiers protects the flank so as not to be besieged in all directions.
Right now it cannot be compared with the late Han elite units such as Danyang soldiers, Formation Breaker , Great Ji soldiers and skirmishers of Ji Province, or with the White Feathered Soldiers or even Qing Province's elites! Liu Mang's prowess as a general is also nowhere near Gao Shun or Zhang Liao. Also it is nowhere near Qu Yi's force need not mention Liu Guan Zhang.
TL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_phalanx
TL: Qu Yi, Yuan Shao general known for his prowess defeating Gongsun Zan and on par with Zhao Yun
TL: White-feathered soldier is a heavy infantry unit that act as Liu Bei's bodyguard and was led by General Chen Dao
He can only have this tactic to compete with them, to work as one, unity as strength. If these elite units are wolves, then the present Urban Army are the sheep. If sheep work as one to attack, even wolves must retreat. 1000 people unity and striving to excel, can be compared to that of 5000 people.
TL: Urban Management Army is too tedious to write down, so from now on Urban Management Army is written as Urban Army
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At that time, when Liu Mang wanted to build Urban Army, Lu Bu complied with his request which to take any armament at will, but of course now he cannot comply due to the intervention of Gao Shun and Zhang Liao's complain report. The next day, the urban army started to emerge by itself. Lu Bu is very curious, he wanted to see what kind of army Liu Mang has built, so he went to Liu Mang's camp.
When Lu Bu entered the camp, he saw a very well-formed phalanx formation, a very organized formation.
Before Liu Mang could explain this phalanx formation, Lu Bu had pulled him closer.
"Today, we must leave, to march, after the recuperation is over!" Liu Mang said.
When Liu Mang said this, a lot of soldier had a happy expression, most likely because they have been made miserable by Liu Mang these past days. Not training any type of martial arts and only practicing four monotone movements the Standing formation, Goose step, rising of javelin, laying flat. This can put ill intent on these soldiers but now finally they can rest a bit.
TL: Modern skills for ancient soldiers? But it is necessary for unity.
"Laugh, smile, be happy, try to be as happy as possible!" Liu Mang also knew that these Urban Army have been harboring ill intent, but this is exactly the result he wanted.
"So,is there no one complaining the training is boring? Do you want another new training?" Said Liu Mang while smiling. The collective Urban Army recognized this smiling gesture and became a little afraid, because each time Liu Mang showed this gesture; There wasn't a good thing that came of it. Liu Mang threw down a big pile of cotton bags. Usually these sacks are filled with food but right now it's empty and was borrowed by Liu Mang, he attached two straps sewn with a needle and a thread, a full 1085 sets.
TL: more like this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backpack
"These are the cloth backpacks that my wives had sown?!" Lu Bu looked at the cloth backpacks. Because a couple of days ago, his wives were very busy due to Liu Mang bringing these cloth sacks to have two straps added into them, also few women participated in sewing these.
What did he want to do?!
Then he saw Liu Mang take up the cloth backpack on a nearby slope, filling it with stones one by one until the entire backpack was full. Liu Mang then demostrated it's use by carrying the backpack behind him.
Oh, those two straps are used like that! Lu Bu tried to understood a little but he is truly could not understand at all.
"Everyone steps forward and pick up a backpack, and fill it with stone, take away both your weapon and armor and we will begin the march!" Liu Mang shouted "Do you understand what I said!"
"We understand "Everyone also shout with one voice.
Marching with stones on your back? Was Liu Hanyang insane? From here to the next camp site is at least a dozen li traveled. Carrying a weapon was already very uncomfortable, now they also had to carry stone? Lu Bu wanted to step forward to stop this madness, but did not expect that one by one the soldiers started following their leader by putting stones from slope in the backpack.
"Very good, it is very good!" Liu Mang also very satisfied that nobody questioned him.
"I will also carry the same heavy load with you crossing country! All cavalry soldiers dismount! You will also carry stones with me!" Liu Mang said.
"Yes sir!" 100 cavalry soldiers also got backpack filled with stones. On the back of each of their warhorses, they also put the tents for troop garrisons for their own usage.
"Everyone march!" Under the bright sunlight, Liu Mang took the lead to leave the camp. The big and powerful Urban Army also followed him.
Lu Bu looks at Liu Mang who was already far away from him, with a worried look he talked to himself "He can really train them like this, huh?" After that Lu Bu laughed at himself, wondering when was it that he began to be so sentimental.
Chapter 47: Father-in-law?
My Father in Law is Lu Bu
After half a month of marching with his own training regiment, Liu Mang felt that his own strength was greater than ever.
Shouchun.... This Shouchun was once a thriving capital, it is also the place where Yuan Shu proclaimed himself as emperor. But now, this place is in shambles, its' people are scattered, its' condition is real bad even miserable word is not enough to describe it.
"Yuan Gonglu's actions are really inhuman!"Said Chen Gong while looking at the ruined city. He coudn't help but express his feelings. Yuan Shu, third brother of Yuan family's fourth generation, he once joined the alliance together with the 18 warlords gathered by Cao Cao to attack Dong Zhuo. Originally he came to Yu Province capital Runan, to affirm Yuan family's superiority. At the same time, he also held Henan region, which consists of two Provinces, Yu and Yang Provinces, he planned to observe the nation's political power shift before he makes his move. But, during those times, Yuan Gonglu got muddleheaded and carried away. After being handed down the Imperial Seal by Sun Ce, he proclaimed himself as emperor in Shouchun.
TL: Yuan Shu's courtesy name is Yuan Gonglu. Yuxi is imperial jade seal, that was made by and handed down from Qin Shi Huang (First Qin Emperor) and is the symbol of sovereignty in Ancient China. For more information https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heirloom_Seal_of_the_Realm, right now, please tell me, do I need to write it down as Yuxi or Imperial Seal.
If Yuan Shu didn't get muddleheaded and proceeded carefully, perhaps in a few decades, he would have become one on top of everything. But Yuan Shu got greedy, and he thought after proclaiming himself as emperor, he will be able to command whole nation verbally. Damn, even daydreamers didn't have this much delusions.
Chen Gong could help but shake his head and think. This is time of chaos. What person or to be correct, what warlord who do not have a thought to proclaim oneself as emperor? That would be a lot of them. And also there is also who is still loyal to Han Dynasty even if only a few.
"Gongtai! What are you thinking?"Asked Lu Bu, while he beat his horse to move at the same pace as Chen Gong. Chen Gong's expression is full of lamentation and sorrow.
"Milord!" Chen Gong nodded and shook his head.
"Sigh!" While Lu Bu still did not understand what Chen Gong was thinking, another sighing sound could also be heard from behind. Lu Bu looked behind and found out that it was Liu Mang who made that sound.
"Does all the cities in this late Han Dynasty look like this?!" Liu Mang asked helplessly.
"Um?!" Chen Gong and Lu Bu's brow wrinkled, "Late Han Dynasty?" The Han Dynasty has not yet perished but it is currently in chaotic times, so they also do not speak.
Liu Mang also realized that he spoke incorrect words, he should have said "Does all the cities in this nation look like this?!" He saw Xiapi to Kaiyang also when resting along the way. Everywhere was similar to Shouchun. Common people's eyes are bleak and blank, heartbroken and simply did not have any hope to live.
"The Majority of the cities in the whole nation probably looks same like Shouchun!" Chen Gong held back to say, entire nation,because there is one and only one province that has not fallen to chaos caused by war. That is Jing Province. Due to that peace state, many of scholars sought asylum in Jing Province.
"These damned warlords!" Liu Mang growled while biting his teeth.
"Damned warlords?!"Lu Bu looked at Liu Mang and ask this question subconsciously "Hanyang, do you really desire for peace and prosperity?!"
"Um! Why must people of Han kill each other, this is completely fratricidal!" Liu Mang does not know what these warlords are thinking. Is the position of emperor really that good?
"I got it! "Lu Bu seemed like have understand what Liu Mang had said previously, and nodded towards Liu Mang. "Do not worry, that day will come!"
"Eh?!" Liu Mang's whole face was full of doubts, "Boss Lu, what part do you understand?"
Lu Bu patted Liu Mang at shoulder and then asked Chen Gong "Gongtai, you said Yuan Shu really have grain and provisions?!" One of the reasons that Lu Bu wanted to go to Shouchun is because there are grain and provisions there. Currently in the Lu Bu army, there is not enough provisions. What Chen Deng brought was not enough to go to Runan, let alone to Xinye.
TL: Xinye city, or Xinye County https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinye_County , this city always said as the only gateway for the north (Cao) to attack south (Sun-Liu and currently Lu Bu)
"He definitely has!" Said Chen Gong affirmatively. Around them are those common people who lacked clothes, lacked possession and did not even have enough to eat. "Even if these common people starved to death or freeze to death, Yuan Gonglu will have enough grain and provisions!"
"Is that right?!"Hearing Chen Gong's words, Liu Mang brows wrinkled deeply. He also felt the disdainful feeling coming out from both of their hearts.
If only a group of official benefits from common people due to chaos, Liu Mang cannot say anything, after all this is how the world works. But this, common people is in a desperate state, but you still can eat well and also have enough provisions? This is a very big issue.
"Let's go! We go to Yuan Gonglu!" Lu Bu also could not tolerate this. Even though he Lu Fengxian is not a competent warlord, he still cannot oppress people to this extent, not until no one can live properly.
After Old Cao hit Yuan Shu severely. Yuan Shu only barely managed to grab the last straw. Shouchun become an undefended city, four gates opened and the defenders are only starved veterans or young soldiers who no longer have any hair due to malnutrition.
Lu Bu halted his army and instructed them not to enter the city. Lu Bu brought only Chen Gong and Liu Mang instead and passed through Shouchun's front door.
"Do we not need any soldiers?!" Liu Mang asked a little worried. Although Old Yuan forces already crippled and scattered, but he still had at least 10.000 troops in the city. After all this is Old Yuan's homebase, even if they are annihilated, at least they can still breakthrough.
"They can't do anything!" Said Lu Bu while looking the conditions surrounding him.
"Eh?!" Liu Mang's voice was choked. Fuck man, Boss Lu, you have such self confidence because you are the God of War, right? What about me??? My battle strength is only 5 points? Chen Old Man's battle prowess is 70 points and if you guys lose, the one who is most hapless is me.
"How about you both go? I'll stay with the army" Said Liu Mang with low voice.
"Humph!" Lu Bu coldly humph.
"Fine, fine, I'll go too!"Liu Mang reluctantly followed.
"Ha-ha!" Chen Gong laughed at this pair of father and son-in-law. A strong father-in-law and weak but resourceful son-in-law.
The pair along with Chen Gong go into the city. At the city gate, there was a dozen of cavalry soldiers meet up with Lu Bu and company.
The Dozen of heavy cavalry, their body and their head was covered by a cloak hiding their malnutritioned body. This does not make Liu Mang and company feel strange, after all Yuan Shu's army although ruined, still had teeth.
The strangest thing is, what the soldiers wore was black imperial robes with a dragon claw showing four fingernails which represents clothes of royalty? Also those banners? They were Imperial guards?!
Old Yuan is still daydreaming?
"Orders from the emperor, Grand General Lu Bu slowly dismount and kneel!"That arrogant command came from a royal messenger who came from behind the cavalry soldiers. In his hand, was a golden-colored silk scroll denoting royal command.
Grand General?! Old Yuan's gift was not small. The Grand General position can be considered as the one who commands the nation's soldiers. It is a really big position that can compare with Three Ducal Ministers and it can also be said that in chaotic times, this position becomes even more important than those of Three Ducal Ministers.
TL: Three Ducal Ministers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Ducal_Ministers
Old Yuan,who assigned Lu Bu as a Grand General, did he really not care for his own subordinates opinions?
Liu Mang was not in the mood to think about this matter, because Lu Bu was also silent the whole time and did not do anything, let alone kneel, he didn't even care to dismount at all..
"Does Grand General Lu Bu not want to dismount and kneel?!" Imperial guards have gotten angry, although Grand General is a big position they also had their pride, they are Imperial guard after all.
Lu Bu do not want to pay any attention to those imperial guards, but now Chen Gong just went forward leisurely and said "Only the Official Imperial Government can assign our lord as the General Who Pacifies the East, which emperor assigned our lord as Grand General?!"
"That is of course, Emperor of Great Zhong!" The imperial guard said casually.
TL: Zhong Dynasty was built by Yuan Shu after he proclaimed himself as emperor.
"Emperor of Great Zhong? This is still the Han Dynasty's world, where the hell did the Zhong Dynasty Emperor come from? Rebellious traitor, do you think my sword is blunt?!"Chen Gong angrily refuted.
"You!" Imperial guard want to draw sword, but stopped by the crown prince. This crown prince greet with a smile "This is my Father-in-law General Lu! Son-in-law Yuan Yao Comes to represent his Father the Emperor, I greet Father-in-law."
His Father the Emperor was Old Yuan! Wait, Wait, Wait! Liu Mang thought suddenly stopped, "Father-in-law?" What the hell? Did Boss Lu have a second daughter?
Chapter 48: Father-in-Law? (2)
My Father in Law is Lu Bu
"Yuan Gonglu!?" It was Yuan Gonglu who was previously bestowed the title Rear General with a salary of 2000-shi. It was bigger than Lu Bu's title General Who Pacified the East and Xu Province Governor, but after Old Yuan proclaimed himself as emperor, the title was abolished and his reputation as third brother of Yuan family's fourth generation had been wasted.
Therefore Lu Bu can call him on a first-name basis. Moreover, Lu Bu and Yuan Shu were warlords,so their standing is the same.
"Father emperor is waiting for the honorable father-in-law arrival in the palace!" Said Yuan Yao while smiling.
TL: Da Ren: according to chinese.y abla the definition is like this: adult; grownup; title of respect toward superiors. This novel have too much Da Ren involved. So I will use Honorable when there is a Da Ren involved. Please advise me, if I am wrong. Your input is very much appreciated
"Call him General Lu!" Liu Mang's mood was very bad. Why did you call Lu Bu honorable father-in-law? Can't you just call him honorable uncle or something else?
"Heh?!"Yuan Yao himself was about to reveal his discontent to Liu Mang. Did this Lu Bu's subordinate not know how to behave? Suddenly however Lu Bu speaks.
TL: Yuan Yao is the son of Yuan Shu who wants to be married to Lu Lingqi historically, but unable to marry due to intervention of Chen Gui and Chen Deng.
"What kind of arrogance you have Yuan Gonglu!?"Lu Bu himself is also angry. Did Yuan Shu really think himself as emperor? When Lu Bu came, he did not come out and greet him himself, even sending a bullshit amount of imperial guards to announce imperial decree to himself? And now he's waiting inside the palace waiting for him?
"Eh?!" Yuan Yao's face became full embarrassment and unconsciously said "Honorable--", not yet Father-in-Law had spoken; Liu Mang cut him in the middle and warned him.
"Call him General Lu!"
Yuan Yao no longer can tolerate Liu Mang, but afraid of Liu Mang's stare. Glancing at Liu Mang, he shouted, "General Lu, my father emperor is sick, therefore he cannot greet General Lu, I also request forgiveness from General Lu due to this rudeness!"
"He is sick?!"Lu Bu's anger dissipated immediately. He also felt a little relieved, because who cannot be sick in heart and body, after Old Cao attacked him so severely and took over his territory. When Lu Bu lost Xu Province, he was not as sad as Yuan Shu. After all, from the very beginning, Lu Bu did not have a domain to begin with. No matter if it's Xu Province or Yan Province, he can just snatch it away. He will Snatch Yan Province from Cao Cao, just like he will snatch Xu Province from Big-eared Liu.
Old Yuan was different; Yu Province was his base camp. Yuan family growth very flourishing there, one can say that the Yuan family is very accepted there; also Yang Province was occupied by Yuan Shu very early. With two states as his base camp, Old Yuan can definitely fulfill unification of the area south of Yellow River. But when he proclaimed himself as emperor, Old Cao hit him hard until he lost his grip of Yu Province. Yang Province also lost, with the loss of his domain, his daydream of being emperor crushed instantly. How in the world he cannot be so sad.
TL: Actually I want to write down Big-eared Liu as Big-eared asswipe. I really hate Liu Bei
"Lead the way!"said Lu Bu not commenting anything else, as he and Old Yuan both are fellow sufferers. They have been attacked by Old Cao and have been in an extremely difficult situation.
The city was very miserable, common people were missing but there were a lot of soldiers. Old Yuan is a muddleheaded person to the very end. Shouchun which was also a capital of Yang Province was Old Yuan's headquarters. If other places were miserable like this, then obviously the headquarters would also be in shambles.
However, when they arrived in the city, everything changed. There was a palace! A Pavilion! There were Paintings on the wall! Each one of them is very beautiful, but the outside had a very miserable appearance. The condition can only be compared to as heaven and hell.
"Is this white jade for flooring?!" Liu Mang finally felt that the floor was different. This white jade color is pure white like white cloud and also there is brilliance like jade. White jade was used for floor?
This white jade, is no less than ten thousand meters, Yuan Shu had really not given up on his dream. Even Xu Du palace was not as luxurious.
These ten thousand meters white jade can form a heavy cavalry unit, if turned into grain and provisions, it can buy enough food for commoners of Huainan to eat for one year! But this was treated as a floor. Even Lu Bu who had been to Luoyang and Chang'an cannot help but think this as an act of stupidity of Old Yuan.
"Oh, Old Yuan, Old Yuan, if you have not yet perished, then there is something wrong with God's natural order!" A warlord's life can be said to be quite luxurious but not to this degree, this is beyond of one's comprehension. If Shouchun was in shambles like this, then you can only have Old Yuan to blame, who dared to stay in a city with a voracious leader like this.
Shouchun had been broken through once, there should not be any wealth left in the city but this white jade is new.
Liu Mang and company can only shake their head.
"General Lu, my father emperor is in the imperial court hall! "Said Yuan Yao while stopping abruptly.
"Is this the imperial court hall?!" Yuan Shu's emperor daydreaming was really good. The specifications for imperial court hall were not lower when compared with previous emperors' standards. The imperial court was built by everyone in the country, but Yuan Shu only used two provinces' wealth to build his imperial court. Thus one can say, this person was a very talented person.
"Cough!" On the imperial court there is a very skinny stature, which was supported by a few maidservants, who then served him a bowl to throw his phlegm in.
Seeing some people entering the imperial palace, the skinny man ordered those two maidservants to help him sit in a well-seated position to reveal a dignified and commanding presence as much as possible.
As these are warlords, even though one is very tired or do not have any hope to live. In front of other people, one must maintain an air of superiority.
If Liu Mang did not know that the person who sat on the dragon-motived throne was Yuan Shu, perhaps he would think that he is the emperor.
"Father Emperor, General Lu has arrived! " Yuan Yao said to Yuan Shu while walking towards the throne.
Liu Mang looked at that skinny man who sat on the throne trying to maintain a dignified presence as hard as possible and cannot help but think "If this Old Yuan is an emperor, where the hell is his civil and military officials? Where the hell are his bodyguards? Why in this big imperial court is he only attended by several maidservants?"
Lu Bu first opened his mouth when looking at this miserable person. Lu Bu somewhat cannot help but sigh with sorrow. He remembers when the 18 warlords alliance on crusade against Dong Zhuo. Yuan Shu was very dignified and high-spirited. For the vice-leader who ordered besides Yuan Shao, one can say that Yuan Shu was one of the strongest warlords at that time, but now all that was left was a very skinny old man who barely could maintain a feeble existence.
"Gonglu, I trust you have been well since our last meeting!" Lu Bu held his fist respectfully toward Yuan Shu.
"Ah, I am still well! No need for Fengxian to worry!" Yuan Shu said barely opening his mouth.The words that he spoke, in Liu Mang's view were exactly meant to be a desperate attempt to save his face. After all he had suffered a lot of hardship from one very rich warlord reduced to depend only one city which is Shouchun. How he cannot try to save his face. Imagine, from a warlord who have 2 states was reduced to a warlord who occupy one city. He who once had soldiers numbered to one hundredths of thousands, now left only with less than ten thousands. Annihilation was imminent anytime.
"What does Fengxian, a governor of Xu Province, have any business with my Yang Province?!" Yuan Shu's words in one glance looked like he was concerned about Lu Bu, but actually he is laughing at Lu Bu who had just thrown out from Xu Province.
Lu Bu was not angry; he just calmly said "I heard from Mengde that Shouchun was very good, so he came personally to meet Yuan Gonglu. I also heard, that you also let him pass through Shouchun very smoothly right?!" Lu Bu's words meant that Cao Mengde also hit Shouchun and left almost nothing of it.
Lu Bu and Yuan Shu, these two warlords of Eastern Han Dynasty whom can be considered as bad examples of warlords, looked at each other again.
Yuan Yaowass nervous. His father's health is not good and if Lu Bu gets really angry, then perhaps in less than two punches, Yuan Shu will be flattened.
Liu Mang was also worried with Boss Lu. "Boss Lu please be calm, do not fall to your sudden impulses. If you kill Old Yuan, the outcome will be very difficult. We cannot get out from this Shouchun palace."
Suddenly both warlords laughed at the same time. The sound of those laughs can be likened to one of those people who have suffered mutual damage. It was the sound of friends who pity each other.
"Well, Fengxian. You have come to my Shouchun, surely there is something to ask!" Is there any person who wants or has become a warlord that can be called a fool? No, of course not, it depends on one's personal ambition which varies to each person.
"Yuan Gonglu, you are right! This time I have come to ask for grain and provisions! When I was expelled from Xu Province by Cao Mengde, I did not take enough grain and provisions; therefore I need to go to your Shouchun to request your assistance! "Lu Bu replied "You could be rest assured whatever that I, Lu Bu, borrow will be....!" Lu Bu also wanted to add a reason to convince Yuan Shu, but he did not expect that Yuan Shu to easily agree with the offer.
"Grain and provisions, is that right?!"Yuan Shu said while smiling "I cannot provide too many, but 5000-shi, I am able to lend you!"
"5000-shi!" Lu Bu thought for a moment. With these 5000-shi provisions, it should be enough for 20,000 men to arrive at Xinye.
TL: 1-shi is 100 kilograms of provisions, total is 500.000 kilograms of provisions. An ancient time measurements
Liu Mang's brow wrinkled "When did Old Yuan become so good?" Previously, did they not bear a grudge, until Boss Lu wanted to dispatch troops to hit Old Yuan?
"Many thanks, Yuan Gonglu!" Lu Bu said while holding his fist respectfully to show his thanks.
"You are too courteous; we are but one family, right? Why speak with estrangement with each other?" Yuan Shu finally shows his tail.
"One family?!" Lu Bu is confused.
"Fengxian, my son's age is not young anymore. He still does not yet have a wife, previously, the engagement that we set; due to various matters was delayed regretfully. Now we have once again met each other, we should proceed with the engagement and marry them both! "Yuan Shu said while smiling at Lu Bu.
Old Yuan's idea is very good, using 5000-shi grain and provisions in exchange for Lu Bu's daughter. In the surface, this looked like a loss, but actually it is a big profit. Lu Bu had come to borrow provisions, should Yuan Shu take the advantage and actually just gave Lu Bu those provisions or should he not accept Lu Bu's offer to borrow provisions? Yuan Shu would absolutely not agree if he only directly lent those provisions. You, Lu Bu, on what reason do you want me to extort my land's bounty and stir discontent among my people? Are your words, Lu Fengxian, have any meaning at all?
If he was not allowed to borrow, Lu Bu, who is a person that is not good at debate or argument, will definitely hit myself Yuan Gonglu pretty hard. With only 10,000 remnants soldiers, Lu Bu will surely win. But what does Lu Bu gain in the end, other than a dilapidated city?
Now, I am willing to provide you with provisions, as long as you marry your daughter to my son, so it was a win-win solution.
The one who marry Lu Bu's daughter can be considered to have gained half of Lu Bu's army, also equal to tying up the mighty Lu Bu to his own war chariot. So, giving Lu Bu provisions wasn't even equivalent to that? Also those ten thousands soldiers remnant can also be led by Lu Bu. If Yuan Gonglu had Lu Bu as his guardian, then Old Yuan can still daydream being an emperor for several more years.
"Come, Yao, my son, pay your respect to your honorable father-in-law!" Old Yuan did not wait for Lu Bu to reply his offer, and quickly called his son to greet Lu Bu.
"Yuan Yao, pays his respect to honorable father-in-law!" Yuan Yao obeyed his father's words and quickly knelt down.
Fuck you both, you wife-snatchers Liu Mang thought.
Chapter 49: I Am Me
My Father in Law is Lu Bu
"I will not allow this!" It was not Lu Bu that spoke, instead it was Liu Mang who was already standing that refused.
Liu Mang had to refuse this. Fuck you, Old Yuan, by saying that thing. "My son not yet married" you spoke that word easily so it can act as a fishing line for your glory?
I who has twenty years of being a bachelor, whose only girlfriend is my left hand cannot allow this. My spring time of youth has finally come. I have a beautiful but fierce fiancée. Will I allow those things to be snatched so easily by Old Yuan.
You have always said that your Yuan family is a good family. You are the third brother of the fourth generation of Yuan family. Tall, rich and handsome wit good genes but this treatment on asking for a woman's hand, you are an absolutely no-good, unethical person. Both of you are arrogant pricks who are also a wife-snatchers.
"Who art thou? Dost thou have not seen my father and your sovereign had a discussion of utmost importance, thou as an unwanted party here, must stand down your opinion?" Young Yuan is very angry before, when he called Lu Bu, honorable father-in-law, he had already refuted by him. Now however he can directly oppose Lu Bu with his father by his side.
"Make me withdraw my opinion? Your father is not qualified to speak with me at the same level, let alone you!" Liu Mang will not be polite against these two wife-snatchers.
After hearing Liu Mang's words, Yuan Shu become startled and angry immediately because in Yuan Shu's view, Liu Mang was just Lu Bu's young bodyguard. "Fengxian, is this your subordinate?! He, a mere servant, dared to speak while his masters are discussing important matters? Arrest him immediately!"
Arrest Liu Mang? Ha-ha, if there is no Liu Mang, there will be no Lu Bu now. In Lu Bu's army, the one who cannot be sacrificed by Lu Bu right now is probably only Liu Mang.
Hearing Yuan Shu orders to arrest Liu Mang, Lu Bu said this coldly "I want to see, who would dare to arrest him!"
"Fengxian You?!" Yuan Shu shocked to see Lu Bu's expression. "Lu Fengxian, what the hell you getting angry for? Is this not just a servant of yours?!" Yuan Shu thought.
"Yuan Gonglu, my visit here was just to borrow grain and provisions rather than talk about marriage matter. Hast thou forgotten about Han Yin?!"
TL: Han Yin, Yuan Shu's messenger. He came to Xu Province to make alliance with Lu Bu through marriage. But was killed due to intervention of Chen Gui and Chen Deng. For more complete information. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Yin_%28Han_dynasty%29
"Han Yin?!"Yuan Shu face started to look bleak. This year he sent a messenger to Lu Bu, discussing about marriage alliance. That messenger is Han Yin. It is a pity that this messenger actually was executed by Lu Bu.
"Moreover, Yuan Gonglu. The one who stands before you is the Han Dynasty Prince of Shu. Do you really have the audacity to arrest him?!" Lu Bu berated them.
"Prince of Shu?!" Yuan Shu look startlingly at Liu Mang. Although Yuan Shu have proclaimed himself as an Emperor but he also still have a fear of Han Dynasty. Otherwise Old Cao will not be able to annihilate him. After that, he himself also cannot show his face in public again.
"Correct, this is the Prince of Shu! His Emperor majesty bestowed him also General of Southern Expedition. His title is even above yours, Yuan Gonglu. And you actually said that he is a servant? In this nation, who dares to use him as a servant?!"
When hearing Lu Bu's rebuke, Yuan Shu's face is really red with anger. His anger even rises when he stroke his throne "Enough! Lu Fengxian, I asked you only this thing. Do you want to marry or not marry your daughter to my family?!"
"This Lu Fengxian's daughter already been betrothed to the Royal Prince of Shu, no second daughter to marry your son, Yuan Gonglu!" Lu Bu also glares angrily at Yuan Shu. 5000-shi grain to marry my daughter? What kind of offer is this? Do you, Yuan Gonglu, think everybody is a fool?
"Hey!" Liu Mang's heart cooling down a bit, but his mood is really not well.
Lu Fengxian, today you have to marry your daughter or else!" Old Yuan was angry and more determined to force Lu Bu to marry his daughter. Old Yuan then made a signal to his palace guards to surround Lu Bu and co.
"Yuan Gonglu, from the very beginning, I did not disrespect you even a bit, why should you start this now?!" Lu Bu said it with disdain tone. These people may not know about Lu Bu's prowess, but they heard about Lu Bu's participation in Hulao Gate. Only he can make the alliance of 18 warlords deadlock their advance and making all alliance warlords' faces becoming very bleak and pale.
Among those 18 warlords, Yuan Shu was one of them, so he felt the first-hand how terrifying Lu Bu can be. Lu Bu's army was stationed outside of Shouchun city. Even 100,000 troops of Cao army cannot hold them. There is no way those soldiers of Shouchun can protect this city if besieged, in addition Old Yuan's soldiers are all in no condition to fight, they are already old, weak, sick and disabled.
"Hey!" Yuan Shu suddenly sighed while sitting on his throne. His visage has becoming more of an skinny and dying old man, and nowhere was the visage of a mighty warlord can be found.
"All of you withdraw!" Said Yuan Shu, signaling those guards to withdraw.
"Father?!" Yuan Yao really anxious, if his father let go of this matter, then what about his engagement? Let go of them? Then how he, Yuan Yao, have a future? His father is really sick, and now seeing his wife and army already fleeting away, how he cannot worry about his future?
Yuan Shu did not pay any attention to Yuan Yao, then he said this to Lu Bu "Fengxian, how many years we have been acquaintances, this year should be more than ten years right?!"
Lu Bu nodded. Exactly from Hulao Gate siege until today, it had been more than ten years.
"5000-shi grain, you can borrow it. But after borrowing it, I would like to ask you only two matters!" Yuan Shu said that with expression of pleading.
"Say it and I shall hear it!" Lu Bu also sighed in his heart while looking at Yuan Shu's old face, they are already old, older than those who already dead such as Ding Yuan, Tao Qian or Wang Yun. The next time, it could be their turn! Then when that time happens, this nation will be theirs, the younger generation's nation.
While thinking that, Lu Bu set his sights at Liu Mang.
"First! "Yuan Shu's eyes is flashing like never before "I need Fengxian to kill two traitors!" At that time, when Yuan Shu said traitors, Liu Mang also felt killing intent emanating from Yuan Shu's body.
He is also one of the warlords who have too much blood on his hands.
"Traitors?!"
"Yes! Chen Lan, Lei Bo! These two traitors, these two, when I proclaimed myself as an emperor had revolted on me!" Said Yuan Shu.
Liu Mang gently shook his head. These two should be considered as smart people. When Old Yuan proclaimed himself as the emperor, his path has reached a dead-end. Those who does not want to die with you, naturally will leave you. Yuan Shu also looked a little embarrassed in front of Lu Bu and company. He knows when he proclaimed himself as an emperor, there will be many people who will find it unbearable, and will leave him. After all, this was all due to his delusions, being an emperor, being seated on dragon throne, and the feeling when people said, "I am your subject!", it really was unbearable. Yuan Gonglu quickly snaps out of his delusions and begin to be depressed again. He said "If they just left me, Yuan Gonglu, then I would have tolerated them. After all, they are looking for better opportunities than being under me. I will never blame them. But they were not satisfied with just leaving me. They also attacked my supply transport, robbed me of my rations! They caused me to be stranded in Shouchun with nowhere to go!"
Ooohh! So This is the cause, Lu Bu and company understood immediately. If Chen Lan and Lei Bo only left him, Yuan Shu, then Yuan Shu will not be in this angry state and will possible considered as resigning from job in good terms. But, both of them took things too far. They attacked their former employer and become rebellious traitors out of their own interest.
"Good! Give me these two's whereabouts, in three days, I will send you their heads! Lu Bu complied without even consulting with Liu Mang or Chen Gong. Actually, even if Yuan Shu did not request for killing them, eventually Lu Bu will solve these problems himself due to his provisions debt to Yuan Shu. Why? It was simply because Boss Lu is really hated traitors.
After hearing Lu Bu comply, Yuan Shu's expression become happier and said "For my second request, Fengxian. I request you to dispatch troops to escort me to the north, to Hebei To my cousin Yuan Shao's territory! I will certainly reward you heavily!" Yuan Shu knew that currently Huainan had been abandoned and cannot be defended anymore, His people are also scattered. Thus Yuan Shu's only option is to go to Hebei and joined hand-in-hand with Yuan Shao. If before, Yuan Shu looked down on Yuan Shao, because Yuan Shao is the son of a maid, but now, for him to survive, what choice does he have?
However the road to Hebei was not peaceful. Xu Province was now being seized by Old Cao. Yuan Shu who had been defeated severely by Old Cao, did not dare to face Old Cao directly now.
"That request is impossible!" Lu Bu immediately rejects it. Telling him to go north again? Is this a joke? Previously, only with great difficulty, Lu Bu managed to withdraw from Xu Province, and now you, Yuan Shu, tried to make him go north again, do you think this Lu Bu wants to seek death? Even if they arrive at Hebei. Lu Bu and Yuan Shao are incompatible. And if Yuan Shao found out that Lu Bu is in Hebei, Lu Bu will be decimated at Puyang. "But!" Yuan Shu still wanted to persuade through Lu Bu's rejection.
"If I can't obtain provisions from here, then I will only bring trouble to you!" Said Lu Bu. Bringing trouble to himself, meaning if Yuan Shu does not allow borrowing provisions from Shouchun, then he can get it from attacking Chen Lan and Lei Bo. At that time, Lu Bu may persuade them to surrender rather than kill them, therefore breaking Yuan Shu's first request.
Seeing that Yuan Shu was unwilling, but when looking at the miserable state of his acquaintance, Lu Bu's heart began to soften up "Please think slowly about the conditions that you present, as long as it is not too hard, I, Lu Fengxian will help you fulfill that!" "Let's go, Liu Mang, Chen Gong!" Lu Bu said, commanding his people to leave.
Leaving the imperial court hall, Chen Gong began to ask the reason from Lu Bu "Milord, why did you suddenly accept Yuan Shu's conditions for borrowing provisions?! Obviously we can just take it from them" What Chen Gong meant was, obviously they can just besiege Shouchun and capture the city along with their provisions. After all, those two who revolted can snatch Yuan Shu's provisions so easily, what does this say? This obviously shows that Yuan Shu's forces were very weak and wasted to the extreme. The reason why Shouchun had not yet been annexed and destroyed, was because of this Hebei's older cousin.
But these things were not worth mentioning to Lu Bu.
True, attacking Shouchun may be easier than attacking Chen Lan and Lei Bo, as Yuan Shu's army were all remnants. Shouchun was also in shambles. However, if Lu Bu's army besieged the city, then Yuan Shu will be robbed even further by Chen Lan and Lei Bo. Thus, you can see their skills from here.
Lu Bu did not reply immediately, only staring at Chen Gong for a long time. Being stared like that, made Chen Gong's heart feel bit scared. He replied "If I have done such things, Gongtai. Would you still say that I am still the Lu Bu you know?!" Lu Bu did not wait for Chen Gong to respond, he just rode his horse leading the way and said these sentence again "Gongtai, do you remember that Cao Cao's principle that he would rather disappoint the world than let the world disappoint him, then I, Lu Bu's principle is to be myself, free from anyone's debt. I have my own moral code, and that will never change!" Chen Gong looking at Lu Bu who was gradually disappearing suddenly laughed and shouted to the sky "Do you see now, Cao Mengde? Precisely this is the reason, that I leave you and choose Lu Bu!"
Chapter 50: Renegade Traitor
My Father in Law is Lu Bu
"Yuan Gonglu has sent us 5000-shi of grain and provisions!" Chen Gong reported to Lu Bu.
"Un!" Lu Bu nodded. To be honest, Yuan Gonglu did not want to shorten his own provisions, but Lu Bu already said the advantage and disadvantage of lending him some provisions, so Yuan Gonglu did not dare to not comply with Lu Bu's request.
"Yuan Gonglu also brought information about Chen Lan and Lei Bo's hideout!" Chen Gong's tone started to sound hesitant.
TL: Chen Lan and Lei Bo, both are generals of Yuan Shu, when Yuan Shu declare himself as emperor. Chen Lan and Lei Bo become bandits and plundered Shouchun palace. Lei Bo also known as Lei Bu (which is the way his name written and pronounced in this novel, both are correct as stated in kongming.net, which one that you readers prefer? Comment please)
"How?!"Lu Bu inquired.
Chen Gong sighed " Their hideout's terrain, I'm afraid that place is not optimal terrain for battle! They can hide in Bagongshan with all of their horses and troops!"
TL: Presently Bagongshan is a district in Huainan, Anhui county. But when in ancient time, it is really a mountain name, so the name is Mount Bagong. Please comment, if you want me to translate it as Bagongshan or Mount Bagong. For this chapter, I will use Bagongshan.
"Bagongshan?!" Lu Bu who started out from Luoyang, up until now, wherever he goes, has always been the plains or prairie in the north. He had never gone south, to Yangzhou. So he does not have any idea about the terrain in the south, let alone about Bagongshan as Chen Gong said.
"Bagongshan's other name is Shouchun Mountain aka Mt. Beishan! This mountain is the border between north and south, just like the Yellow River, which became the border between north and south. So this Bagongshan has always been a very strategic point since olden times. "Now, Chen Lan and Lei Bo occupied this place. From here, one can see Shouchun entirely; also there is a natural defense that is formed by the terrain. Now Lu Bu, knew why Yuan Shu cannot leave Shouchun even though that city no longer be a habitat for the living anymore.
Yuan Shu actually wanted to leave, but he cannot do that because his actions and movements are restricted and monitored by those two. Once his foot step outside Shouchun, it will be difficult for him to move either way.
"So Lu Bu's army can be regarded as Yuan Shu's reinforcement, Even if you, Lu Bu did not come and ask to borrow provisions, Yuan Shu would have definitely senta messenger asking for your help out of fear of these two."
Lu Bu made an effort to not comment.
If it was a normal adviser, they would have certainly advised Lu Bu to take Shouchun. Hell, taking Shouchun is a much better deal than attacking Bagongshan. Even if they had no plan to take Shouchun, the best course of action is to leave as soon as possible, leaving Chen Lan and Lei Bo, since they have occupied Bagongshan. Moreover, when we do this, it will be impossible with Old Yuan's temper for him not to retaliate with all of his might and taking account Lu Bu's army as Yuan Shu's opponent, isn't it the same as asking for death for Yuan Shu's army/
However Chen Gong was not a normal adviser and Lu Bu was not a normal warlord.
"These two renegades! If this problem cannot be solved now, they will haunt us forever, we can forget them having a lofty ambitions!" Said Lu Bu with indifference, as if Chen Lan and Lei Bo of Bagongshan are fish slated for the chopping block. "Pass my orders, let the army prepare food in three-shifts, we depart at dawn!"
"Yes!" Chen Gong nodded, he did not want to suggest to make a detour for this not Lu Bu's army style and he cannot persuade Lu Bu. So, what Lu Bu's army need is now is to rest and raise army morale. Tomorrow, Chen Lan and Lei Bo will have a torrent of misfortunes.
A night of rest with three-shift watch hours, the entire Lu Bu army have started to action. In order to help Lu Bu clean up Chen Lan and Lei Bo, Yuan Shu sent good quality meats and wine.
Liu Mang's camp also received provisions from Yuan Shu. He obtained roast lamb and one big jar of fine wine. If this is for Liu Mang then these food is more than enough with more to spare. But Liu Mang, true to his oath, actually divided those food and wine with his 1000 brothers. A person only gets a small portion of meat. Also the wine, in order to be adequate for 1000 soldiers, Liu Mang mixed it with water so much until there is no more taste. Yuan Shu's wine gift is actually a very good wine, but now no one in Urban Army can taste it.
However tonight turns out to be a very unforgettable night for Urban Army.
"Together, we live or die; together, we share riches and honor, as long as I, Liu Mang, am still standing, I will not make you starve. Brothers we eat!", then Liu Mang instructed army chef to boil water, in order to make Sheep-bone soup. This meal is very excellent, even though it only served dry rations, eating only a small portion of meat and drinking tasteless wine.
Dawn, it is already fifth watch.
TL: They are using a nightwatch shift to predict the time, another ancient time
For example:
Definition
yīgēng first of the five night watch periods 19:00-21:00 (old)
sān'gēng third of the five night watch periods 23:00-01:00 (old); midnight
èrgēng second of the five night watch periods 21:00-23:00 (old)
wǔgēng fifth of the five night watch periods 03:00-05:00 (old)
sìgēng fourth of the five night watch periods 01:00-03:00 (old)
The armies into action, Lu Bu leads 3000 Bing Province Heavy Cavalry as the vanguard. The Rear guard was the Formation Breaker, after that supply transport troops. Finally it was Liu Mang's Urban Army. His division was responsible for shielding all of armed forces.
Yuan Shu also sent guide to inform whereabouts Chen Lan and Lei Bo's hideout.
An enormous army march of 20,000 troops will be naturally be known to Chen Lan and Lei Bo in Bagongshan.
So Chen Lan and Lei Bo knew about Lu Bu's army direction.
"Big bro, what is the best course of action?!" At the peak of Bagongshan, Lei Bo started to panic. Other people may did not know about Lu Bu's great strength, but how can these two not know? When Yuan Shu want to attack Liu Bei at Xu Province, Lu Bu acted as a mediator. He himself shot his own Sky Piercer tip at an impossibly large distance. At that time, Chen Lan and Lei Bo witnessed it with General Ji Ling, how can they not know his prowess?
TL: Ji Ling, another general of Yuan Shu. Dispatched by Zhang Fei when Shouchun besieged by Cao Cao and Liu Bei
Earlier this year, they just bullied Yuan Shu's remnant, but now Old Yuan did not know from where he got Lu Bu's army help.
Looking at Lei Bo panicking, Chen Lan also feels a bit edgy "Calm down, second brother. Sit down first, and you can tell me what is bothering you! Do you really fear Lu Bu?!"
"Big bro, this is the Lu Bu. When Yuan Gonglu was still very powerful, he was not his match, now he wants to eliminate us! You got some kind of plan, bro?!"Although Lei Bo was very agitated, he still obeyed Chen Lan's order to sit down.
Actually not only did Lei Bo feared Lu Bu, Chen Lan himself was also very afraid! Lu Bu's army's might was famous throughout the entire land. Lu Bu's Bing Province Heavy Cavalry was a big trump card that was feared by every warlord. How can these two kings of the mountain not be afraid too?
"Calm down! Calm the hell down!" Chen Lan took a deep breath and said "Second brother, although Lu Bu is strong and we're both are not his match, but this Bagongshan actually is unfamiliar lands for Lu Bu. This place also has strong natural defenses, what is there to fear? Even if Lu Bu has the ability to crush this place, we just maintain a stubborn defense, surely we will have the advantage to destroy Lu Bu 's army in one fell swoop. And also at that time, we brothers will be famous in this entire nation as "The brothers who defeated Lu Bu"
"Bagongshan has a natural defense?!" Lei Bo then started to calm down. Bagongshan territory size is 200 square-kilometers. It is located in Central Plains. Forming barrier on the south side is Yellow River, which connecting Huainan and Shouchun. One can say, that if someone occupied this place,it can be used as an impregnable mountain fortress. Say if someone tried to force entry from either Jiang Nan or Huainan, they will simply just retreat back to Bagongshan
Since ancient times, a place like this was a very strategic location. You know, when Old Yuan was still prosperous, there were several thousands of elite troops in Bagongshan. But a pity, they were not used now, because Old Yuan was frightened by Old Cao's attack and was unable to escape to this strategic location. Therefore, now, Chen Lan and Lei Bo occupied it.
"Right, we have the natural defenses of Bagongshan! Also elite troops numbered of 10,000, even if Lu Bu is god of war, he will also gave up the idea on conquering my Bagongshan. When his grain and provisions are exhausted, even he cannot repulse enemy! "Said Lei Bo as if he had see a hope.
"Transmit my military orders; tell them to prepare for battle. This time after repelling Lu Fengxian, I definitely must plunder Shouchun, I will never let that old fart Yuan Shu be in peace!" Chen Lan was not a long-perspective person, as Yuan Shu had calculated. When they treated like this, there will be a big retaliation from Chen Lan.
TL: Lao er and Xiao er, later in the story, it will show up a lot. It is actually an insult to the enemy. If the enemy is older than he is, he will call him or her Lao er = old fart. If younger, then he will call him or her Xiao er = brat.
He did not think about the whole cause, if he didn't betray Yuan Shu and robbed his rations. How could Yuan Shu possibly ask Lu Bu for help?
"Hm, this is Bagongshan?!" Lu Bu arrived early as he is now a vanguard. The entire are of Bagongshan can be seen upfront. This place is filled with forests, very dense and overgrown with weeds. Wherever he looks, Lu Bu cannot get a clear picture of the mountain.
Along mountain, it is very easy to hide 100,000 troops for ambush! This information can be obtained through his intuition as military commander, and also from the geographical information. This place is located in intersection between Huainan and Shouchun and can be considered the only mountain road that is connecting between both of them. If this road is blocked, then both of locations is finished.
This place is really easy to defend.
At the peak, one can see shadow of people moving. Chen Lan and Lei Bo have started to deploy troops for defense.
"This place is difficult for offensive act!" Gao Shun who is usually very silent, suddenly voiced his opinion.
"If we attack, then the casualty to our army would at least be 3000 troops while enemy will only lose about 800 troops!" Zhang Liao also has given his opinion. Attacking a fortified position is not the cavalry's job. Therefore Bing Province Heavy Cavalry would be useless in this battle, but this does not hinder Zhang Liao's analysis.
"Even though it is difficult, we must still attack!" Said Lu Bu coldly while observing the whole mountain "Is my Lu Bu army having cold feet already?!"
Lu Bu, from his debut at Ding Yuan's office until now, had already waged war far and wide. He is the only one who moves against the wind flow, against all odds. Lu Bu usually faced enemies with either a big number of troops or with a very strong strategy.
Therefore the Lu Bu army cannot throw in the towel no matter what the odds were. Bagongshan! Information on it's topography is vital. This place was very easy to defend, but you also must observe, who's the one attacking and the one defending!
"Is this really worth it?!" Chen Gong inquired.
"There is nothing in this world that has no value! Can this mere natural defense stop I, Lu Bu? It is a joke!" Lu Bu wanted to kill Chen Lan and Lei Bo not only coming from Yuan Shu's requests, but because these two have committed the same crime, which is makes them renegade traitors!