Chapter 121

Before leaving Xiaoguan, a final military council was held before the full-scale departure. It was to coordinate strategies, information, and objectives with the leaders of each tribe while preparing for the expedition.

As the overall commander, it was right to solidify my position and move forward decisively.

Since arriving at Xiaoguan, including Gu Bu, there had been fewer than ten people. This time, more than double that number attended the military council.

Leading the existing Lanling Army were Kang Yu, Ma Dai, Bu Chuan, Guo Yi, and Bi Yi.

Joining as reinforcements from the Han Dynasty were Yu En, Bang Deok, Wang Ping, and their subordinates.

Bang Deok brought the leaders of the Qiang tribe, Chimudae and Tangje.

And the leaders of various nomadic tribes from the Ordos region.

The once spacious official residence of Xiaoguan now felt cramped, and it wasn’t just my imagination.

“First, we have tallied the total number of our troops.”

Bi Yi, who had been investigating among the nomadic tribes with Kang Yu, made the announcement.

“Commander Wei, Left General, General of the North, and General of the West lead 40,000 Han troops.”

Under my command, the Lanling Army has 20,000.

Bang Deok, who was appointed Left General following Ma Chao, commands 10,000.

Yu En, who has been with me from the start, and Wang Ping, who joined two days later than Bang Deok, command 10,000 troops.

But that wasn’t all.

“In addition, the Qiang troops accompanying the Left General number about 10,000, and the troops from various tribes in the Hatu region who have pledged to support us add another 10,000.”

Including the nomadic tribes, our army numbers 60,000. Moreover, the majority of the nomadic troops are cavalry, which adds value beyond the mere number of 20,000.

‘However, unlike the Han army, they lack proper military discipline, making detailed operations difficult.’

While there were such drawbacks, they weren’t fatal. The nomadic cavalry had their own roles to play.

“60,000! That’s impressive!”

“Defeating those treacherous Cao bandits won’t be a problem!”

Some tribal leaders, intoxicated by the number 60,000, boldly exclaimed. They were leaders of small tribes who had never commanded troops in the tens of thousands.

In contrast, leaders like Chimudae of the Qiang tribe or Du Bin of the Molokhui tribe, who commanded thousands of troops, wore expressions of concern.

I called on Du Bin, who seemed to have something to say.

“Du Bin Gong.”

“Yes, Commander.”

“You seem to have something to say. Feel free to speak.”

With my permission, Du Bin hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Our tribe’s delay had its reasons. It was to gather information on the enemy’s movements and strength.”

He framed their delay as a strategic move to gather intelligence, balancing our forces against Cao Wei. Truly, a tribal leader isn’t made overnight.

Still, there was no need to point it out and sour the mood. The information would be useful to us now, so I simply acknowledged his effort.

“Indeed, your foresight is profound.”

“Haha, not at all. This was thanks to Takbal Yeokmi of the Takbal tribe, who personally gathered the information. Since we’re on the topic, Takbal Yeokmi, why don’t you speak?”

“Thank you for the opportunity, Commander. May I proceed?”

Takbal Yeokmi’s attitude toward me was exceedingly respectful, perhaps out of respect for a superior.

Later, I learned that he was not much younger than his brother, Dobbapilgo, and was nearing the age of fifty. While his deference was beneficial, it also carried a subtle pressure.

‘His gaze is somewhat peculiar.’

Regardless, I couldn’t slight him based on my feelings alone. I granted Takbal Yeokmi the floor.

“From what I’ve seen and heard, Cao Wei’s forces number around 100,000.”

“100,000!”

Those who had been intoxicated by the number 60,000 were jolted awake, exclaiming in shock. It was almost a scream.

“They claim a million, but is 100,000 really the truth?”

Before fear could spread, Kang Yu intervened, cutting through the pressure of the number 100,000.

As Kang Yu said, it wouldn’t be 100,000. Cao Wei’s troops aren’t endless. Pressuring Guanzhong and Yangfan simultaneously while diverting 100,000 troops? That’s absurd.

Moreover, most of the troops Cao Chang brought were cavalry. Even considering the nomadic reinforcements, believing the number 100,000 was difficult.

‘But it’s likely close to 100,000.’

People aren’t fools. If our troops were far fewer than 100,000, they’d think we were bluffing rather than being intimidated.

At least claiming 80,000 would make them take it seriously and be intimidated.

Takbal Yeokmi said he saw and heard it himself. The number 100,000 wasn’t entirely false.

‘Whether 80,000 or 100,000, they far outnumber us.’

While I reassured them that 100,000 was unlikely, the numerical disadvantage was something to keep in mind.

“100,000 is likely an exaggeration, but it’s true they outnumber us. But there’s no need to fear. Our Han army has always fought Cao’s forces at a numerical disadvantage. Yet, we’ve always emerged victorious. This time will be no different.”

As the overall commander, my calm words lessened the weight of the tens of thousands, and everyone regained some composure.

Morale had clearly dropped. But where isn’t this the case before a battle?

It was better than being overconfident with 60,000 troops and then losing morale upon seeing a larger enemy force.

“Takbal Yeokmi Gong, did you confirm their organization?”

“Due to time constraints, I couldn’t grasp the detailed composition, but I did identify which tribes have sided with Cao.”

The Xianbei tribes led by Western Leader Bodogen and Eastern Leader Sori.

The Southern Xiongnu under Right Wise King Gebi, entrusted with ruling the Hatu region by Chanyu Hozhucheon.

The Wuhuan tribe, completely subjugated by Cao Cao after their defeat.

Among others, the Ge, Qiang, and Di tribes were also involved, but those three were the most significant.

Takbal Yeokmi couldn’t confirm the exact numbers, but he estimated a total of around 30,000.

“Impressive.”

As Takbal Yeokmi finished sharing his information, praise poured in from those around him.

Despite being swept away like fallen leaves by Cao Chang and the Wei army, his efforts to gather enemy information showed they hadn’t collapsed entirely.

The gaze toward Takbal Yeokmi, who had partially restored their pride, couldn’t help but improve.

Perhaps annoyed that his half-brother was monopolizing the attention, Dobbapilgo spoke up.

“Commander, may I provide additional information?”

“Additional information? What do you mean?”

“I’ve heard about Cao’s leadership.”

“Go ahead.”

“Yes, Commander. As you know, Cao’s general is Cao Chang, with Zhao Jin, Xiahou You, and Wen Qin as his deputies.”

We had already confirmed that lineup.

Xiahou You, who had been following Cao Chang since the Hanzhong campaign, Zhao Jin, who joined later, and the newly added Wen Qin. The gathering of such formidable names showed they were well-prepared.

But the real revelation came with the names that followed from Dobbapilgo.

Jian Chao, Yang Shi, and Yan Yu.

These might be unfamiliar names in the future.

For those familiar with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, they might be passing names or entirely unknown.

Perhaps only Jian Chao, who had been active under Yuan Shao before defecting to Cao Cao, would be remembered.

But at this time, especially in this region, their reputations were unmatched, second only to Cao Cao himself.

Jian Chao, who had led the Wuhuan cavalry under Yuan Shao, continued to distinguish himself in campaigns against Yuan Tan, the Wuhuan, and the Xianbei after defecting to Cao Cao.

He was the one who defeated Gabi Neng, bringing Bodogen and Xueguini under Wei’s control. Truly an expert on northern nomads.

When Gongsun Kang sent the heads of Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi, Cao Cao declared that anyone mourning them would be executed. Yet, Jian Chao, who had once been an enemy of the Yuan family, openly mourned and even held a memorial service.

Despite this, Cao Cao, valuing Jian Chao’s talents, spared him and even recommended him for his martial skills.

The other two were no less impressive.

Yang Shi was entrusted with Bingzhou when Cao Cao first acquired it.

Despite internal chaos from Gao Gan’s rebellion and external attacks from nomads, he stabilized Bingzhou with remarkable skill.

He subjugated the Xiongnu, restored administration, and promoted agriculture, earning praise as the best governor.

Even after Cao Cao merged Bingzhou with Jizhou, Yang Shi governed the surrounding areas, achieving notable feats like defeating the rebellious Wuhuan king Lu Shi.

When Cao Pi ascended the throne and reinstated Bingzhou, he appointed Yang Shi as its governor. The more one learned about him, the more it was clear he was a master of governing nomads, rivaling Jian Chao.

Though slightly less impressive, Yan Yu was no slouch either.

He was once captured by the Wuhuan and Xianbei but rose to become their leader.

He participated in Cao Cao’s campaigns against the Wuhuan, wielding significant influence over the northern nomads as the Wuhuan Commandant.

Even Gabi Neng paid tribute to Cao Wei through him.

Cao Chang and his deputies were formidable, but their subordinates were even more so.

“It’s endless.”

No matter how many we killed, Wei’s talent pool seemed inexhaustible.

Zhao Hong, Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, Guo Huai, He Xie, Zhu Ling, and more.

Despite killing numerous talents, new ones with exceptional abilities kept emerging.

The vast population of the Central Plains supplied an endless stream of talent, reminding us of Wei’s enduring strength.

But we couldn’t retreat. If we did, the nomads of the Hatu region would be completely subjugated by Wei.

Jian Chao, Yang Shi, and Yan Yu could restore Bingzhou to its former glory during the Later Han. No, they would go beyond that, placing it firmly under their influence.

‘In the end, we have no choice but to fight.’

Napoleon once said,

“If you want victory, you must stake everything.”

They have staked everything.

So, we must do the same.

The next day, we left Xiaoguan.

The expedition had begun.