Chapter 1103: Mobilize, Mobilize, Mobilize!

After several days of accompanying Cao's army, Zhang He quickly grasped the current situation and couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated. He had come to seize opportunities, but under these circumstances, it was impossible to gain any real advantage. However, leaving after just showing his face and realizing there was nothing to gain would be somewhat inappropriate.

Thus, Zhang He had no choice but to continue tagging along with Cao’s army. On the other side, Ma Teng and Han Sui were actually quite pleased with this situation, as they weren’t eager to engage in a full-on battle with the Xianbei. Being able to ride along and earn some merits without risking too much was ideal for them.

One day, as usual, Zhang He found a high vantage point and started chatting with the Xiahou brothers. Since he was an external general with no previous conflicts with them, and he had actively tried to build good relations, Zhang He had quickly become familiar with the Cao army.

By this point, the Xiahou brothers no longer avoided Zhang He in most situations. The three had become quite close, sharing many common topics to discuss.

"What's that?" Zhang He furrowed his brow, noticing something off in the distance within the Xianbei army.

"What is it, Junyi?" Xiahou Yuan asked with a smile.

"It looks like something is amiss with the Xianbei troops," Zhang He replied, as there was some winter fog, and the distance made it difficult to see clearly.

"A disturbance?" The Xiahou brothers immediately stood up and fixed their gaze on the distant Xianbei forces.

"It seems... it's real!" Xiahou Yuan muttered to himself.

"Let’s go, back to camp immediately!" Xiahou Dun shouted, leaping from the slope and rushing toward the military camp.

When the three returned, there was already a palpable sense of tension within the Cao army’s camp.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The sound of drums reverberated through the air. The three exchanged glances and immediately headed toward the main command tent. Almost in unison, they all arrived together.

"Everyone, the Xianbei forces are in disarray. How should we respond?" Cao Ren went straight to the point, as nothing was more urgent at this moment.

"Mobilize! Mobilize! Mobilize!" Xun You, Cheng Yu, and Du Xi all spoke in unison. They were experts at seizing opportunities, and at this moment, the window for a decisive blow against the Xianbei had appeared.

There was no need for further discussion. The three strategists immediately gave the same recommendation. Although they had some reservations, this was the best and only opportunity to deal a devastating blow to the Xianbei.

"Zhang Xiu, you will lead the vanguard. How long will it take to break through the Xianbei's first line of defense?" Cao Ren didn’t hesitate and shouted the command.

"Within a quarter-hour, my troops can penetrate the Xianbei's lines. However, the vanguard will likely become isolated from the main forces, plunging into a deep and dangerous position," Zhang Xiu responded almost instinctively.

"Cao General, since General Zhang is leading the charge, let me serve as the middle guard!" Zhang He suddenly stepped forward and offered.

Everyone present was momentarily taken aback. They had already planned how to deal with Zhang He, seeing him as an important ally who should stay in reserve. Sending him to the front was not what they had expected.

"Your forces are primarily infantry. The Xiliang Iron Cavalry, while powerful and swift, lacks flexibility. Once they charge in, it’s difficult for them to turn around unless they completely break through the enemy lines. By following them, I can prevent the Xianbei from encircling us from the rear," Zhang He explained simply.

"In that case, General Zhang, we are counting on you!" There was no time to hesitate. Cao Ren immediately gave the order.

"Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, you will lead the left and right flanks!" Cao Ren swiftly issued his commands.

"Understood!" the Xiahou brothers roared in unison.

"Everyone else will guard the central forces and charge into the enemy lines!" Cao Ren continued issuing orders. "Messenger! Immediately inform General Ma!"

Meanwhile, Zhong Yao, who was stationed further away, couldn't see what was happening within the Xianbei camp, but after Cao Ren issued his command, he noticed some unusual movement on the Xianbei side facing the Qiang-Hu forces.

"What's going on?" Zhong Yao, accompanied by Pang De, was inspecting his troops when he noticed some unusual troop movements among the Xianbei.

"Lingming, your eyesight is sharp. Can you see if the Xianbei forces are making large-scale movements?" Zhong Yao asked.

Pang De hadn’t noticed anything unusual at first, but after being alerted, he immediately looked toward the Xianbei forces and nodded. "It’s true. Why are the Xianbei making such movements at this time? Are they preparing to retreat?"

"No, we must return to camp!" Zhong Yao couldn’t grasp the full situation from this small change, but even without knowing all the details, he made a decisive choice.

Soon, the drums of war sounded within the Qiang-Hu forces. Both Ma Teng and Han Sui were initially puzzled but quickly rushed over, and their soldiers swiftly gathered as well.

"Yuan Chang, why did you summon us so urgently?" Ma Teng asked in a hurry.

"I plan to launch a full assault on the Xianbei. Victory or defeat will be decided in this moment!" Zhong Yao declared immediately. "The Xianbei's sudden movements indicate their current disarray. If they were retreating, they would not be in such a chaotic state."

"The Xianbei forces are massive. If we charge now, it’ll be difficult to win," Ma Teng hesitated upon hearing Zhong Yao’s words.

"Lord Zhong, we are coordinating with General Cao's forces. Suddenly attacking, even if we win, may be hard to justify to General Cao," Han Sui also voiced his concern.

"Cao's army must have already made their move. The only reason we haven’t received any news yet is due to the distance between us. Our best strategy is to attack now and join forces with Cao’s army. If the Xianbei are defeated and we gain nothing, how will we explain ourselves to the Emperor?" Zhong Yao's eyes gleamed as he responded.

"Has the Cao army already moved?" Ma Teng frowned.

"If I can see what’s happening, Xun You and the others will have certainly noticed as well. Given that, the Cao army must have already mobilized!" Zhong Yao quickly explained.

Before Han Sui could respond, Zhong Yao continued, "If the Cao army has already acted and wins a major victory while we sit idly by, we’ll surely offend Lord Cao. On the other hand, if the Cao army suffers defeat and we do nothing, the Emperor will certainly be displeased. Besides, the Qiang have only pledged their loyalty with mere words!"

Zhong Yao’s words left Ma Teng and Han Sui momentarily stunned. They exchanged a glance, realizing that Zhong Yao was right. The Qiang had not yet proven their loyalty with action!

"Yuan Chang, how confident are you in this battle?" Ma Teng asked, signaling his decision to mobilize.

"It depends on how much effort you put in, General. If you give your all, this battle is ours!" Zhong Yao replied, narrowing his eyes at Ma Teng, shifting responsibility away from himself. He doubted Ma Teng could get the Qiang to fully commit, so if they lost, the blame wouldn’t fall on him.

"Pang De, I appoint you as the vanguard. Lead my elite cavalry and your troops to attack the Xianbei. Everyone else, prepare the army to march with me!" Ma Teng, hearing that victory was assured, decisively gave the order. After all, Zhong Yao had always been reliable, and his advice was worth trusting.

"Understood!" Pang De shouted in reply. Without delay, he took the command and rushed out. There was no time to waste—speed was essential in warfare!

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