Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Yuan Shao, the overlord of Jizhou, was now looking towards the direction of Rongcheng County in Fanyang County with resentment.

Once upon a time, Yuan Shao had a golden opportunity to attack Youzhou, but his indecision allowed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to slip away. Now, even though Yuan Shao's side reacted swiftly, they ultimately missed that golden opportunity. Like two majestic guardian gods, Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu impenetrably guarded Rongcheng County, the only way to Fanyang County. Although Youzhou's military strength was slightly weakened by Gongsun Zan's departure of a hundred thousand troops, its strength, if focused solely on defense, was truly astonishing.

A tense atmosphere permeated Rongcheng County, Fanyang Prefecture, like a thick fog. The meticulously constructed defenses by Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu were like an impenetrable steel barrel. Yuan Shao knew the immense risks of venturing beyond the border towns and into the heart of Fanyang Prefecture. Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu could cut off his retreat at any moment. Furthermore, Gongsun Zan's departure with a hundred thousand troops by no means marked the end of Youzhou's power. Security within Rongcheng County, Fanyang Prefecture, was tight, and every corner was filled with a sense of vigilance.

Yuan Shao stood quietly atop the city wall of Gaoyang County, Jizhou, gazing intently at Rongcheng County, Fanyang Commandery, his heart filled with resentment and melancholy. He knew the importance of Fanyang Commandery was as heavy as Mount Tai; if he could bring it under his sphere of influence, his ambitions would soar to new heights. However, the current predicament felt like a heavy yoke, plunging him into deep contemplation.

"My lord, although the Rongcheng County of Fanyang County seems to be undermanned, it is actually extremely difficult to capture. Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu are defending tightly. If our army attacks by force, I am afraid we will suffer heavy losses." The counselor Ju Su said worriedly, "My lord, look, the Fanyang County city is high and the moat is deep. Even Rongcheng County has been built so tall and solid. I think Gongsun Zan has long been prepared for us. Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu are both wise men. They must have made a perfect plan. If our army attacks rashly, I am afraid it will be like a moth to a flame. Success is difficult. Furthermore, the current situation is complex. While the Chang'an court may be weak, the title of Son of Heaven still exists. If my lord seizes Fanyang County, the emperor will be enraged and launch an all-out attack on Jizhou, with disastrous consequences. Previously, Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei, along with troops from Bingzhou, severely defeated our army. Now, with Ma Chao in the northwest also at court, the power of the imperial court cannot be underestimated. If a large-scale imperial attack is provoked, Jizhou will be in danger. My lord, please think twice before acting; do not let a momentary impulse put your cause at risk."

"My lord," another counselor, Tian Feng, also hurriedly spoke out to dissuade him. "Ju Su is absolutely right. While Fanyang County is coveted, now is not the right time to capture it. Not to mention the tight defenses of Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu, even though Gongsun Zan has taken a hundred thousand troops, Fanyang County still has many civilians. If forced into a desperate situation, the people can all serve as soldiers. Furthermore, the forces surrounding Fanyang County are complex and intertwined, and Bingzhou is still eyeing them covetously. If our army forcefully attacks Fanyang County, it may attract the covetousness of other forces. If these forces seize the opportunity, our army will be surrounded by enemies. My lord, at this time, we should prioritize stability and not act rashly. We can wait until the time is right to attack Fanyang County."

Yuan Shao remained silent, his mind constantly weighing the pros and cons. His thoughts drifted back to the previous devastating defeat, a lingering fear still lingering within him. The combined forces of Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei, along with the troops from Bingzhou, were like an incomparably sharp sword, piercing his heart and leaving him with a piercing pain. Now, if he acted rashly, the consequences would be truly unpredictable.

However, Yuan Shao's ambition burned like a raging fire, unquenchable. He was unwilling to give up Fanyang County, the land he had longed for, so easily. So, he resolutely decided to launch an attack, regardless of the cost.

"Pass the order down, gather the troops and prepare to attack Rongcheng County, Fanyang County." Yuan Shao's voice was firm and powerful, full of determination.

The Jizhou army quickly mobilized, marching in a mighty force towards Rongcheng County, Fanyang Prefecture. Along the way, flags fluttered, drums roared, and the momentum was magnificent. Yuan Shao was filled with anticipation. He firmly believed that with his vast military strength and exceptional strategic planning, he would be able to capture Rongcheng County, Fanyang Prefecture. Once this gap was opened, the rest of the battle would be much easier.

When Yuan Shao's army arrived at the gates of Rongcheng County, Fanyang Prefecture, they gasped at the sight before them. Rongcheng County, Fanyang Prefecture, was just a small town, its walls as solid as a rock. The defenders on the walls were on full alert, their eyes revealing an unparalleled determination.

At Yuan Shao's command, the attack officially began. Soldiers surged toward Rongcheng County like a tide, their cries of battle resoundingly shaking the heavens and earth. However, Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu were fully prepared. They calmly commanded the defenders, using bows and arrows, rolling logs, and boulders to stubbornly resist Yuan Shao's assault.

"Shoot!" Gongsun Xu shouted. In an instant, thousands of arrows were unleashed, raining down on Yuan Shao's army.

"Quick, raise your shields!" Yuan Shao's generals hurriedly ordered the soldiers to resist.

Charge after charge resulted in repeated defeat. Yuan Shao's army suffered heavy losses at the gates of Rongcheng County. Corpses piled up like mountains, blood stained the ground red, and the air was filled with the pungent smell of blood. Yuan Shao looked at the tragic scene before him, filled with anger and helplessness.

"My lord, our army has suffered heavy losses. It is not advisable to force an attack on the city again." Ju Su tried to persuade him again.

Yuan Shao's face was as gloomy as the sky, and he was unwilling to give up. He glared at Rongcheng County and said with gritted teeth, "I just don't believe that this small Rongcheng County can't be taken!"

"My lord, don't act on impulse. A strong attack now will only put our army in a more dangerous situation." Tian Feng also said anxiously.

"Attack again!" Yuan Shao gritted his teeth and said fiercely.

The soldiers launched another charge, but the result was still failure. Rongcheng County was like an insurmountable fortress, impenetrable.

After two or three failed sieges, Yuan Shao finally calmed down. He realized that continuing like this would only cause his army to suffer greater losses. He sighed helplessly and slowly ordered a withdrawal.

"My lord, although we failed to capture Fanyang County this time, Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu have witnessed the strength of our army. In the future, we can find another opportunity to take down Fanyang County in one fell swoop." Tian Feng comforted.

Yuan Shao nodded. Although he felt regretful, he also understood that a strong attack at this moment was unwise. He looked towards Fanyang County and secretly vowed that one day, he would bring Fanyang County into his own territory.

In Rongcheng County, Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu watched Yuan Shao's army gradually move away and felt relieved.

"Although Yuan Shao has retreated this time, he will definitely not give up. We must continue to strengthen our defense and always be vigilant against Yuan Shao's next attack." Gongsun Xu said solemnly.

Tian Yu nodded slightly and responded, "That's right, we must be prepared for a long-term battle."

They knew full well that this battle was only a temporary victory. Tian Yu frowned, worriedly saying, "Urgently send military orders to our lord. He's just left, and before he even reaches Chang'an, Yuan Shao can't hold back and is attacking Fanyang County. If we don't guard the gates carefully, what will we do next time he attacks?"

Gongsun Xu's face was filled with helplessness as he sighed, "Alas, big brother, you've been blinded by power and status. There's no such thing as a thousand-day defense against thieves. Chang'an is, after all, a long way from Youzhou. Even if you have some reputation in the court, it's nothing compared to occupying a favorable location and expanding your territory. I'm writing to you now. But I'm afraid you might be so stubborn and not necessarily comply."

Tian Yu was helpless, sighing, "Then we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate. However, I believe that after such a battle in Jizhou, Yuan Shao will not dare to act rashly again. However, General, I would like to remind my lord not to create a rift with Ma Chao in Chang'an because of a momentary anger. After all, Chang'an is far away, and Lü Bu is an ally with a fickle nature, so we cannot rely on him completely. Using the Bingzhou army to threaten Jizhou is not entirely reliable either."

Gongsun Xu nodded slightly and said, "I've been reflecting on this. Doesn't he understand these things, big brother? Alas, it's all due to fame and fortune."

At this time, Rongcheng County seemed shrouded in a gloomy haze. Gongsun Xu and Tian Yu were well aware that the difficulties they faced were not only from Yuan Shao's attack, but also from Gongsun Zan's uncertain position in Chang'an. Gongsun Zan, obsessed with power and status, had overlooked the importance of Fanyang County. As the generals defending Fanyang County, they could only do their utmost to hold on to this land.

Gongsun Xu sat at his desk, pen in hand, his thoughts racing. He wasn't sure if this letter would change Gongsun Zan's mind, but he had to try. In it, he detailed the situation in Fanyang County and the danger of another Yuan Shao attack. He pleaded with Gongsun Zan to prioritize Fanyang County and provide them with more support and guidance.

Tian Yu busily laid out fortifications within the city. He knew that although Yuan Shao had temporarily retreated, he could attack again at any time. They had to be fully prepared to deal with any possible crisis. He strengthened the guards on the city walls and stockpiled sufficient food and weapons. At the same time, he sent people to closely monitor Yuan Shao's movements so that he could respond promptly.

Yet, their worries remained undiminished. Gongsun Zan's uncertain situation in Chang'an, Lü Bu's capriciousness, and Yuan Shao's covetous gaze all weighed heavily on them. They didn't know what the future held, but they knew they had to persevere, for the sake of the people of Fanyang County and Gongsun Zan's ambitions.