Chapter 115: The Strategists Under Yuan Shao’s Command

Yuan Shao immediately stopped Wen Chou from speaking further.

Yuan Shao said, “This time, we must have our revenge, but have you all truly thought through how we should go about it?”

Wen Chou responded proudly, “It must be that treacherous Cao Peng who ambushed my elder brother, causing his tragic death!”

“As long as I lead the troops to kill him, I will surely do so!”

Yan Liang and Wen Chou were brother generals, always inseparable. Faced with such a situation, Wen Chou naturally could not stand idly by.

“My brother and I are one. If I cannot avenge him, then my life is meaningless!”

“I beg you, my lord. Just give me a chance, and I will lead the troops to reclaim Xuzhou and slay Cao Peng!”

Yuan Shao was truly troubled. Wen Chou had effectively placed himself on the line. If Yuan Shao refused, it would make him seem weak.

“My lord, since General Wen Chou is so determined, why not let him try?”

“Indeed, I believe General Yan Liang’s death was merely an accident, the result of Cao Peng’s treachery! General Wen Chou will surely help wash away this shame.”

Generals like Zhang He also came forward in support.

However, even in such circumstances, there were still those who spoke harsh truths that were hard to hear.

One such man was Tian Feng, who coldly said, “Are you all so blind?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You are all cowards who cling to life—I am ashamed to be counted among you!”

Ignoring their mockery, Tian Feng smiled and added, “Have you noticed why General Qu Yi has not said a word?”

Indeed, Qu Yi was the fiercest warrior under Yuan Shao’s command, yet he remained silent, lacking the commanding aura he once had. Few understood that this was because he looked down on the matter.

Yuan Shao, curious, asked, “Qu Yi, why do you remain silent?”

Annoyed that Tian Feng had brought him into the spotlight, Qu Yi replied, “My lord, you are unaware. I share the same view as Tian Feng—I believe this battle must not be fought.”

“Bah! Cowards clinging to life! Are you also afraid of Cao Peng?” Wen Chou sneered again.

At this moment, anyone who prevented him from avenging his brother became his sworn enemy.

Yuan Shao shouted sternly, “Enough! Cao Peng has insulted me beyond measure—I will surely kill him!”

“Wen Chou, listen to my orders!”

Wen Chou, excited, rushed forward and loudly responded, “Your servant is ready.”

“You will immediately lead forty thousand troops to station in Qingzhou. When I give the command, you will attack Xuzhou at once!”

Wen Chou replied resolutely, “As you command!”

“Rest assured, my lord, I will surely slay Cao Peng!”

Wen Chou departed promptly, but Tian Feng was left at the camp entrance.

“General, wait.”

Then Tian Feng turned to Yuan Shao and said, “My lord, this matter cannot be handled so rashly. If we send troops prematurely, our army’s favorable situation will be lost!”

“Get out of my sight, you coward afraid of death!”

Before Yuan Shao could finish, Wen Chou pushed him aside.

After Wen Chou left, Tian Feng still refused to relent, prostrating himself before Yuan Shao.

“My lord, please revoke your order, or our army will surely be defeated!”

Yuan Shao, having reached his limit, shouted, “Tian Feng, if you continue to disrupt the army’s morale, I will have you executed!”

At that moment, Xu You appeared to mediate, putting on the mask of a peacemaker as he addressed everyone.

“We are all under one banner; how could it come to this? Brother Tian Feng means well. My lord, please do not be angry.”

Xu You was clearly taking sides, which only further enraged Yuan Shao, a man already proud and stubborn.

“That’s enough. This matter ends here. I will not waste time arguing.”

Though the matter seemed settled, Xu You had already seen from Yuan Shao’s eyes the deadly intent that had arisen. It was clear this man who dared to speak frankly would one day offend Yuan Shao.

Tian Feng’s days were numbered.

With this, the matter was concluded, leaving Yuan Shao displeased and the others with varying thoughts.

Most found Tian Feng’s misfortune amusing, except one who felt sympathy—Ju Shou.

He approached Tian Feng and comforted him, “Brother Yuanhao, your situation is already dire. Why say words that anger our lord even more?”

Tian Feng smiled faintly. “As a strategist, I must speak without reservation. Even if the lord kills me, I will have no regrets.”

Hearing this, Ju Shou shook his head.

“Brother Yuanhao, you may be courting disaster. Not only have you offended our lord, but also the great warrior Wen Chou.”

Unexpectedly, Tian Feng showed no fear. “Others only know to curry favor and cling to life. I am not such a man!”

Moved by his righteous words, Ju Shou immediately admired him. “It seems you and I are alike—we both lack flexibility.”

Tian Feng grasped Ju Shou’s hand passionately. “Brother Ju, I did not expect to meet someone who dares to speak out as well. From now on, under our lord’s banner, I will surely aid you whenever you need.”

Just as these two considered each other kindred spirits, Xu You approached Yuan Shao and said, “My lord, today Tian Feng deliberately made you lose face!”

“Oh? What do you mean? Tell me.”

Yuan Shao asked.

“Think about it. You wanted to bring Yuan Shu here, but who opposed it?”

Hearing this, Yuan Shao recalled that it was indeed Tian Feng who had opposed accepting Yuan Shu.

“And what does that prove?” Yuan Shao asked.

Xu You quickly slandered, “Your last decision was so correct, but Tian Feng raised objections. Then, by chance, we met that despicable Cao Peng. After all these coincidences, General Yan Liang met his tragic end. So today, Tian Feng is deliberately stirring trouble, hoping to embarrass you.”

Furious, Yuan Shao growled, “I never imagined this man was so petty. Just wait, Yuan Yuanhao—I will settle with you one day.”

Having successfully planted this seed in Yuan Shao’s heart, Xu You left.

He had struck a blow against Tian Feng’s faction. Once this seed took root, perhaps one day Yuan Shao would indeed kill Tian Feng.

Meanwhile, Wen Chou led his thirty thousand troops toward Qingzhou.

The Imperial Secret Guards had already informed Cao Peng of this, but he paid it no mind, continuing on with Guan Yu and others to Xudu to meet Cao Cao.