Chapter 248: The Arrival of the Panlong Army

Ji Ling's change in expression was naturally seen by Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu patted the old man's shoulder and smiled, "Fu Yi, you have always been my top general. In the past, the present, and in the future, no other general can replace your position in my heart. In terms of martial arts, you are not a match for Lu Bu. In terms of military strategies, it is unknown who would win or lose between the two of you. But in terms of loyalty and righteousness, ten Lu Bus cannot compare to you!"

Yuan Shu's sincere smile infected Ji Ling, moving the eight-foot tall man to kneel down and say, "Lord, I am forever grateful for your kindness and guidance! I am willing to use my humble body to help you establish dominance over the land and build an everlasting legacy!"

袁术麾下，也只有纪灵和阎象二人拥有袁术完全的信任，知道袁术深埋心中的野心，那份，改朝换代的野心！

袁术大营内一片君臣相知之景，而收到了袁术调令的吕布，也是激动得几乎要跳起来了。

After being dormant for several years, Lu Bu's temperament has indeed mellowed a lot, and he has also developed better control over his emotions. He no longer loses his temper as easily as before. However, upon receiving Yuan Shu's mobilization order, this ferocious tiger destined to live on the battlefield couldn't help but feel excited. Translated:

However, Lu Bu is still suspicious and cautious, as happiness came too suddenly. He wants to make sure that this is not a test from Yuan Shu, otherwise he would have wasted these years serving in the rear.

张辽和高顺是吕布麾下唯二有些头脑的将领，高顺沉默寡言，但脑子却十分灵活，分析了一番如今扬州的战局。

袁术心中说纪灵敌不过太史慈，要吕布带领八健将和三千并州狼骑出发，争取在曹袁胜负决出前拿下刘繇，彻底占领扬州，而且言明不必提防曹军南下。就信中所言，倒是没有什么问题。纪灵屡战不胜太史慈，自然是越打越打不过，袁术有些着急了，倒是不像是试探。

Lu Bu nodded in agreement, finding his analysis to be similar. He then turned his gaze towards Zhang Liao, curious to hear his perspective.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Liao clasped his fist and said to Lu Bu, "My lord, if you were Yuan Gonglu, would you feel more reassured by the fierce and invincible but difficult-to-get-along-with and somewhat hot-tempered Lu Fengxian of the past, or the considerate and patient Lu Fengxian who thinks before acting?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu couldn't help but be stunned.

Lü Bu's bravery is renowned throughout the land, even though he hasn't achieved any military victories in recent years, he still holds the top spot among generals. Lü Bu is also exceptional in the art of commanding troops. His 3,000 Wolf Cavalry in Bingzhou can traverse the entire world.

But maintaining his original abilities and being more intelligent and mature, Lu Bu himself was also worried about such a version of himself.

Lu Bu suddenly realized and gratefully said to Zhang Liao, "Wen Yuan's words have enlightened me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Bu rushed out, looking very hurried. Earlier, Lu Bu had asked Zhang Liao to arrange for the messenger to take a rest in the camp, using the excuse that Lu Bu was training the soldiers. Therefore, Lu Bu wanted to pretend to have just found out the reason for the situation and eagerly took over the transfer order to go to the front line. Translated text:

After receiving the order, Lu Bu seemed to be afraid that the messenger would change his mind, so he quickly sent him off to rest and swiftly assembled his troops. He packed four days' worth of rations and set off with three thousand cavalry from Bingzhou and eight valiant generals.

The messenger smiled and observed Lu Bu's performance, then handed over a freshly written letter to his subordinate, instructing him to urgently travel through the night to deliver it to Yuan Shu's camp.

Although the messenger arrived one and a half days later than Lu Bu, Yuan Shu did not mind. After all, the horses under Lu Bu's command were excellent from Bingzhou, full of energy. The messengers tirelessly traveled back and forth twice, so being only one and a half days behind was already considered fast.

Yuan Shu was overjoyed by the arrival of Lu Bu and personally went out ten miles from the main camp to welcome him. They returned to the camp almost side by side, putting on a show of the close relationship between a ruler and his loyal subject.

This is different from the previous scene where I interacted with Ji Ling as trusted ministers. Those interactions were sincere. This situation with Lu Bu, on the other hand, seems more like a performance. Judging by Ji Ling's proximity to Yuan Shu and the positioning of Chen Wu, Zhou Tai, Jiang Qin, Xu Sheng, Ling Cao, Dong Xi, Ding Feng, and others, it is evident that there is not much trust between Yuan Shu and Lu Bu.

Yuan Shu's behavior seemed as if all this was just to intimidate Liu Yao and let him know how many fierce generals he had under his command. Lu Bu also cooperated by pretending to be completely unaware that he was surrounded, and his calm and steady demeanor on the way also relieved the tension for Yan Xiang, Ji Ling, Chen Wu, Zhou Tai, and other generals.

If indeed Lu Bu launches an attack, Yuan Shu will be in great danger and it will also be difficult for them to guarantee the absolute safety of their own lord.

Lu Bu's arrival is also a declaration of war addressed to Liu Yao, or rather, to Tai Shi Ci.

The battle between Yuan and Liu is on the verge of erupting again.

Upon learning that Lu Bu, the Eight Genrals, and the 3,000 Wolf Cavalry from Bingzhou had left, Chen Deng finally breathed a sigh of relief. He decided to lead his 20,000 Panlong army and set off. Although they arrived a day or two late, they gained the strength of an additional 10,000 troops. Therefore, Chen Deng planned to directly attack from the southeastern side of Donghai County, hoping to cut off Zhang He's retreat route.

However, Chen Deng, who captured Haixi City, felt that something was amiss.

Haixi City was the rear area of the Yuan army, and it shouldn't have been guarded with such a small force. He had already prepared to fight a tough battle and to face Zhang He leading the main force in reinforcement. But he had a feeling as if his fist had landed on cotton.

From the captive's mouth, it is learned that Zhang He has already led the main force to Jiqiu City, stating that they are preparing for a decisive battle against the Cao army.

Chen Deng is somewhat puzzled, going to Jiqiu for a decisive battle?

Chen Deng worries that he may have remembered the location incorrectly, so he asks his attendant to bring out the map of Donghai Commandery and confirms that Jiqiu is the northernmost city, with Dong'an City located after it. Unable to contain his frustration, Chen Deng swore out loud. Translated Content:

"Battle my ass! Zhang He wants to flee! Leave behind 500 cavalry troops to assist in slaughtering all the captured troops of the farming army. After completing the task, the cavalry should quickly catch up, while the rest of us will head straight to Jiucheng City!"

The Panlong Army currently does not have enough manpower to spare for city defense. There are several hundred farming soldiers locked up by the Yuan Army in the captive camp. They can reluctantly defend the city if they pick up weapons, provided that the captive soldiers of the Yuan Army do not rebel.

Chen Deng doesn't have much time to waste with these captives, so executing them directly is the quickest and easiest solution. Chen Deng made the decision without any hesitation.

Although the captured farmers were not killed, they were frequently beaten and abused. Due to a shortage of food, they were only given two meals a day, which left them hungry and unsatisfied.

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