In the current situation, the disparity in troop numbers between the two sides was glaringly apparent. Chen Xi's regular forces in Yanzhou numbered only over 40,000, while Tian Feng had deployed nearly 100,000 troops in the area.

Fortunately, after taking control of Yanzhou, a large number of construction and farming corps were established, ensuring sufficient defensive forces in the rear. The only shortfall was in the forward units guarding against the forces from Jizhou.

With Guan Yu dispatched to Jiyin, and once Guo Jia arrived with Chen Dao, the forces in Jiyin would total about 20,000. On the opposing side, Tian Feng likely commanded around 40,000 troops, including over 4,000 cavalry.

If Chen Xi didn't have confidence in Guo Jia and wasn't aware that Tian Feng was not particularly adept at tactical changes, he would never have permitted such a high-risk attempt. After all, Tian Feng had an overwhelming advantage when it came to countering strategic warfare.

Similarly, Chen Xi's own situation wasn't looking too favorable. With Guan Yu and Guo Jia sent to Jiyin to deal with Tian Feng, the forces at his disposal would significantly dwindle. If Xu You suddenly decided to launch a full-scale assault, things could turn dire.

After Guo Jia's departure, only Chen Xi and a few others, including Zhuge Liang, remained in Linyi. Originally, Gan Ning and his forces were supposed to appear in Xuzhou to intimidate Yuzhou, then quietly withdraw, leaving Yuzhou uncertain of their true strength.

Of course, everyone knew that this small trick wouldn't fool Zhou Yu for more than ten days, but it was still done to make the Yuan family in Yuzhou more confident in their assessment of the situation in Xuzhou. Currently, the Yuan family in Yuzhou was convinced that only Zhang Fei commanded a troop in Xuzhou. Despite Zhou Yu's logical explanations, the Yuan family in Yuzhou remained restless.

"Have Ziyi swap positions with Zilong, taking over the defense of Dongping and the southern part of Sanyang. Bring Zilong to Linyi. We originally built this new city here as a bridgehead, and now we need to drive a stake into the border between Dongjun and Jizhou," Chen Xi ordered Fa Zheng.

At present, Chen Xi had retained the troops of Gan Ning, Taishi Ci, Zhuge Liang, and Fa Zheng. Until reinforcements arrived, Chen Xi had no plans to engage Yuzhou. First, he needed to secure this foothold.

"Xingba, I'll need to detain your navy in this area for a while," Chen Xi explained to Gan Ning. He was very thankful that when Liu Bei gave him the authority to dispatch troops, he hadn't delayed, or they would have been too late. The battlefield changes in an instant.

"Fighting here is just as good as fighting anywhere else. I'd rather take on Yuan Shao than Yuan Shu any day!" Gan Ning laughed heartily, showing no dissatisfaction with the change in orders.

"Order the scouts to operate in teams of five, expanding their search range. Instruct Gongyou to accelerate the construction of the new city in Linyi, and have Zhang Yan speed up the selection of soldiers," Chen Xi continued to issue orders to Fa Zheng, who quickly jotted them down.

While Chen Xi was contemplating how to deal with Xu You, the latter was already having final discussions with Tian Feng. Contrary to Chen Xi's plan to counter with strength against strength and trickery with trickery, Tian Feng and Xu You, after arriving in Dongjun as military advisors, immediately formulated a strategy to use strength to counter trickery.

Although Xu You didn't like Tian Feng, he admitted that if they were to face off on the battlefield, Tian Feng would certainly overwhelm him. This wasn't because he was inferior to Tian Feng, but because Tian Feng's spiritual gift absolutely countered strategists who relied on clever schemes. Under such suppression, Xu You had no better solution.

With this in mind, Tian Feng and Xu You had planned from the start to eliminate Guo Jia first, then combine their strength to steamroll Chen Xi.

The strength of Yuan Shao's forces in Yanzhou this time was entirely due to his bold decision to fully withdraw from most of Bingzhou, transferring his infantry and cavalry from the southern part of Bingzhou. Currently, the southern part of Bingzhou had barely any troops left. If Lu Bu wanted to, his more than 20,000 cavalry could wreak havoc in Bingzhou.

Though Chen Xi had anticipated that Yuan Shao would allocate some forces after Lu Bu's return to Bingzhou, he hadn't expected Yuan Shao to be so audacious. But once it happened, Chen Xi understood that even without Lu Bu's return, Yuan Shao would have made the same move to withdraw his southern Bingzhou forces.

This demonstrated Yuan Shao's confidence in his northern frontier soldiers. By allowing Lu Bu to enter Bingzhou and then making this move, Yuan Shao also showcased his grandeur and boldness.

The strategy that Chen Xi and Guo Jia had set up was almost exactly what Tian Feng and Xu You had hoped for. However, Tian Feng and Xu You's strategy was based on the assumption that Liu Bei's side was unaware of Tian Feng's spiritual gift. Given the current situation, the outcome of the conflict remained uncertain.

"Yuanhao, I'll leave the Puyang area to you. I'm going to deal with Chen Xi," Xu You said to Tian Feng, rubbing his hands together.

"These are for you," Tian Feng sighed, handing Xu You a list. "Gold, jewels, and treasures."

Xu You glanced at the list Tian Feng handed over, a clear look of greed flashing in his eyes, but he showed no shame and simply tucked the list into his sleeve. For Xu You, life was all about collecting such rare treasures.

To say Xu You was a unique character would be an understatement. He had little interest in women or high-ranking positions. His true passion was wealth! Whether it was ancient seals, relics, or precious stones, Xu You loved them all. His life revolved around acquiring these valuable items.

When he looked up at Tian Feng again, Xu You's eyes had softened with affection. He suddenly realized that this stubborn man wasn't completely insensitive after all. Many of the treasures on the list were gifts Yuan Shao had bestowed upon Tian Feng.

"Can you handle Chen Zichuan?" Tian Feng asked, his face expressionless as he looked at Xu You, completely ignoring Xu You's gleeful reaction.

Tian Feng had little appreciation for treasures or fine jade. He often wore simple blue robes, sometimes even made of plain hemp, while Xu You dressed in luxurious Shu brocade, changing his outfit daily. Though they were of similar age, standing next to each other, Tian Feng looked like a humble farmer beside a wealthy nobleman.

"Do you have more of this?" Xu You asked eagerly, his eyes gleaming.

"This too is yours," Tian Feng said, his face darkening. He went inside, fetched a box, opened it, and uncovered a piece of jade that emitted a warm, glowing light.

"A beautiful piece..." Xu You's eyes sparkled at the sight. As a collector of treasures, he immediately recognized the jade's value.

"Can you deal with Chen Zichuan or not?" Tian Feng asked, clutching the box tightly, completely ignoring Xu You's frantic tugging.

"Let go! This is mine now!" Xu You exclaimed in frustration.

"Can you handle Chen Zichuan?" Tian Feng repeated, staring at Xu You.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Xu You felt his mind clear, with every strategy suddenly becoming crystal clear. He grabbed the box containing the jade, nodding eagerly.

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