Sure enough, spending money gets results. In just three days, every merchant staying in Qingzhou of Mount Tai felt Qingzhou’s sincerity. Moreover, all the residents of Mount Tai in Qingzhou unanimously declared that false notices were out of the question. Whether it’s the rumors magnified by a crowd or gossip that turns into gold, the more people talk, the more falsehoods can be passed off as truth, all the more so when it’s an actual fact!
Concerning this matter, merchants with substantial wealth and influence only had to investigate a little to learn about what Chen Xi had done over the past few months. While they felt some embarrassment about the silly things Chen Xi had done, the truth was inarguable: any notice that bore Chen Xi’s seal, no matter how preposterous, was the real deal!
With this confidence, all the merchants suddenly became enlightened about the new trade law that was released along with the new notice. This was excellent. Regardless of what Chen Xi was thinking, the trade law would be valid in the short term, and the merchants, with their profit-seeking nature, instantly recognized the opportunity—a great chance to make money, and possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at that!
"What do you think Chen Zichuan is up to?" muttered Yuan Shao, frowning as he looked over the new trade law. Apart from noticing it would reduce his tax revenue, he couldn’t see any other benefits.
"I’ve heard that Chen Zichuan almost had a falling out with the other key strategists under Liu Xuande because of this new trade law. Perhaps it was youthful recklessness," Fengg Ji said with some uncertainty.
Regardless of whether Fengg Ji felt envious or not, Chen Zichuan’s previous achievements in Qingzhou had proven he was no fool. And if he was not a fool, the only thing Fengg Ji could think of was a rebellious streak: the more you try to prevent me from doing something, the more I’ll want to do it; after all, Chen Xi was at that rebellious age! And considering his capabilities, it was only natural for him to want to show off. It wouldn’t be surprising if he clashed with Liu Bei’s other subordinates—quite possible, in fact!
"Oh, in that case, let’s not worry about Liu Xuande for now. How are things progressing with Gongsun Zan, Yuantu, and Bingzhou?" Yuan Shao steadied his thoughts. He couldn’t afford to be distracted now. Only by defeating Gongsun Zan could he consider other matters; otherwise, all his plans would come to naught. Even though Yuan Shao was well aware of the threat posed by Liu Bei, he hadn’t taken any action against him yet, instead letting things take their own course, for he had little choice!
"Yuanhao has personally gone to Bingzhou. If everything goes as expected, we should be able to stabilize the situation in the parts of Bingzhou we occupy. As for Youruo, he has already suppressed the Southern Huns near Loufan. It won’t be long before we completely exterminate them," Fengg Ji said thoughtfully, without mentioning Hei Tianfeng or Xun Shen, but instead lavishing praise on the two men.
It’s worth mentioning that Yuan Shao’s men hadn’t yet turned against each other over power, political views, or interests. On the contrary, they were united against Gongsun Zan and the new threats of Cao Cao and Liu Bei, doing their utmost to devise strategies for Yuan Shao.
"Good. Send a message to Youruo, no need to hold back. Kill. Blood cleanse the Southern Huns. I refuse to believe that the arrogant Gongsun Bogui will accept the Southern Huns’ proposal! I need the hearts and minds of Bingzhou, I need the men of Bingzhou, the kind who can become Wolf Cavalry the moment they mount a horse!" Yuan Shao stood up, his presence freely radiating his own Qi, having been constrained for too long. In this moment, Yuan Shao looked like the Precious Sword that has been inserted into rotting wood, slowly pulled out while also emitting its sharpness!
"My lord, please wait a moment," Fengg Ji advised, his every move fitting the mold of an excellent strategist, maintaining his calm even with victory in sight.
"I’ve waited long enough, but after waiting for so long, I wouldn’t mind waiting a while longer! Gongsun Bogui, I will make you understand why I am the Alliance Hierarch and you’re just an alliance member. I rely on more than just the Yuan Family’s prestige. I am Yuan Benchu!" The light in Yuan Shao’s eyes left Fengg Ji stunned, and his aura became even more splendid!
Yuan Shao had never succumbed, even at a disadvantage. He remembered he had far too much to accomplish, so even when Juo Yi’s drilling soldiers had yet to achieve their full potential and his camp was nearly breached by Gongsun Zan, he bit his teeth and persevered. Even when beaten down by the White Horse Righteous Followers, he never bowed down.
The strength of the Great Halberdiers Yuan Shao had kept in reserve became known once before due to his eagerness, but they had not been fully trained by Juo Yi nor had they revealed their effectiveness against the White Horse Righteous Followers. It was just a one-on-one fight with losses on both sides. Fortunately, the conflict was brief, and Gongsun Zan merely caught a fleeting glimpse, completely unaware of the Great Halberdiers Yuan Shao had in reserve.
Afterward, all the Subordinate Generals advised Yuan Shao to deal with the arrogant and self-conceited Juo Yi. But Yuan Shao took all the blame on himself and did not take back the Sword he had awarded, allowing Juo Yi to remain as the Commander-in-chief of the Great Halberdiers, continuing their training until Juo Yi was certain they could defeat Gongsun Zan.
It’s undeniable that Juo Yi was a madman, but a madman has his own set of values. Yuan Shao’s benevolence ignited Juo Yi’s cold heart once again, making him feel completely different from his time in Xiliang. He needed to prove something, not for his own sake, but to validate Yuan Shao’s judgment! With the White Horse Righteous Followers, with Gongsun Zan, with Youzhou!
Juo Yi, who preferred action over reading and whose military strategies were self-taught, for the first time acknowledged the phrase "A soldier would die for a respectful lord." Standing in the Rear Camp with Yuan Shao’s Sword in hand, he completely disregarded the scorn from other generals outside the barracks. He was ready to spill his last drop of blood for Yuan Shao in the next battle! Even if he died, he would make everyone understand Yuan Shao’s choice was right!