Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Yuzhang County, a vast expanse of land, was dotted with numerous cities and fiefdoms, like pearls scattered across the vast expanse of Jiangnan. Nanchang County, Luling County, Pengze County, Poyang County, Liling County, Yuhan County, Chaisang County, Ai County, Gan County, Xingan County, Nancheng County, Jiancheng County, Yichun County, Haihun State, Yudu County, Nanye County, and Anping State—these cities dotted the vast expanse, collectively forming the prosperous territory of Yuzhang County. And Yuzhang County City, this magnificent and fortified city, stood proudly at the heart of the county like a dazzling heart, controlling the lifeblood of the entire region.

At the time, Generals Lei Bo and Li Feng, under Yuan Shu, were ordered to defend Yuzhang County. Knowing the importance of this location, they meticulously prepared its defenses, imposing a heavy onslaught of security. Outside, Sun Ce led a vast army, approaching the city like a surging tide. Sun Ce was determined to capture Yuzhang County first in his battle with Yuan Shu, thereby gaining the upper hand in this fierce struggle and establishing his dominance in the Jiangdong region. His army, high in morale and sharp in attack, suffered repeated setbacks against the impregnable Yuzhang City.

South of the county seat, Nancheng, Jiancheng, Yichun, Haihun, Yudu, Nanye, and Anping counties lay exposed to Sun Ce's mighty assault. Though not yet fully captured by Sun Ce, these cities and fiefdoms were already shrouded in the shadow of war. Previously, Sun Ce, preoccupied with his battle with Yuan Shu for the city of Yuzhang, had neglected these southern territories. Now, his army encountered stiff resistance at the gates of Yuzhang, and was repelled, leading to a stalemate. The city's defenders, Lei Bo and Li Feng, maintained a resolute defense, leaving Sun Ce helpless and unable to break through.

Every day, Sun Ce's army launched round after round of fierce attacks from the city walls. The soldiers, shouting, rushed towards the gates and scaled the walls with ladders, only to be met with a rain of arrows, scalding oil, and rolling stones. Each charge resulted in a steady stream of casualties. Sun Ce, gazing at the towering walls and the stubborn resistance of the enemy, felt a surge of anxiety, yet he was forced to temporarily halt his offensive and reconsider his strategy.

Sun Ce stood before his tent, brow furrowed, gazing at the towering, fortified Yuzhang County capital, his mind reeling. For days, the strategy of a sudden assault had proven fruitless. Despite the bravery of his soldiers, they were mercilessly repulsed by the city's impenetrable defenses, with casualties mounting. The army's prolonged presence had strained its rations, and morale was beginning to show signs of weakening. A prolonged standoff was unwise; a change was necessary. After careful consideration, he had formed a new strategic plan: first, pacify the vast area south of Yuzhang County, and once the rearguard was secured, attack the county capital.

Sun Ce turned around and strode into the general's tent. Inside the tent, a group of generals had already lined up in an orderly manner. They were wearing armor and had sharp swords on their waists. Their eyes were full of anticipation and eagerness, as if they were ready to rush to the battlefield at any time and make great military achievements.

Sun Ce's eyes were like torches as he scanned his capable generals one by one. He spoke in a loud and firm voice: "Today, our army will face new challenges and opportunities. The city of Yuzhang County is difficult to break through for the time being, so we will pacify the surrounding area first, and then plan for a great cause!" When the generals heard this, they were cheered up and straightened their backs.

"Lu Meng, listen to my orders!" Sun Ce gave an order, and Lu Meng instantly stepped out and knelt on one knee. His movements were neat and quick, with excitement and desire flashing in his eyes. He responded loudly: "I am here!" "I order you to lead troops to pacify Nancheng County. The task is arduous and the responsibility is heavy. Nancheng County has a complex terrain and a large population. You need to use your troops with caution. You must not only conquer the city, but also appease the people. You must not slack off!" Lu Meng nodded heavily and responded loudly: "I obey the order! I will not fail my mission!" After that, he stood up, held his head high and chest out, and stepped back to his original position with powerful steps, exuding confidence and heroism.

"Wei Yan!" "I'm here!" Wei Yan's response was resounding like a bell. He strode out of the ranks, his posture erect, his face filled with anticipation for a major mission. "You will lead your troops to pacify Jiancheng County. Jiancheng County is a strategically important location in the southern part of Yuzhang Commandery. Once inside, you must enforce military discipline and consolidate our power. You must not act recklessly or disturb the civilians." "Understood! I will do my utmost to capture Jiancheng County!" Wei Yan received the order, his face filled with excitement, his eyes gleaming with eagerness, as if he had already seen the dawn of victory.

"Xue Zong!" "I'm here." Xue Zong stepped forward, his expression respectful, yet a hint of nervousness and anticipation etched in his eyes. "I'll leave the pacification of Yichun County to you. You possess considerable talent. Use your wisdom and civility to appease the local populace, win their hearts, and ensure their genuine allegiance." "Yes, I will do my utmost to live up to your trust, my lord," Xue Zong replied calmly, his tone laced with unwavering determination.

At this moment, the generals in the tent whose names had not yet been called were filled with envy. They leaned forward slightly, their eyes fixed on Sun Ce, silently praying that their names would be the next. They clenched their fists, secretly gathering strength, eager to show their skills in this battle of pacification and contribute to Sun Ce's achievements.

"Quanzong!" "I obey your command." Quanzong stepped out in high spirits, a look of excitement and pride on his face. "You are leading the troops to pacify the Haihun Kingdom. Haihun Kingdom is located on the coast and has a prosperous fishing industry. You must observe military discipline and not disturb the civilians. At the same time, you must emphasize communication with the local people and let them know that our army is a benevolent and righteous force." "Yes, sir! I will strictly discipline the soldiers and conquer the Haihun Kingdom!" Quanzong's eyes gleamed with fighting spirit after receiving the order.

"Zhu Huan!" "I'm here," Zhu Huan quickly stepped forward, his voice firm and powerful. "I order you to pacify Edu County. Edu County has a strategically difficult terrain, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. You must be flexible and develop a suitable strategy, and avoid rash actions." "I obey your orders! I will carefully plan and capture Edu County in one fell swoop," Zhu Huan shouted, his eyes revealing determination and confidence.

"Lu Ji!" "I'm here." Lu Ji stepped forward, bowing slightly, his expression respectful. "You are responsible for pacifying Nanye County. Nanye County is mountainous and forested, and its people are tough and resilient. You must prevail through strategy, minimize unnecessary casualties, and strive to capture Nanye County at the lowest possible cost." "I will follow your lord's orders," Lu Ji said in a steady tone, his eyes brimming with wisdom and composure.

"Lü Dai!" "I obey your command." Lü Dai stepped forward, his posture slender and his voice resonant. "You will lead the troops to pacify Anping. The journey to Anping is long, and you may encounter many dangers along the way. You must proceed with caution and not be complacent. Ensure the army's safe arrival and the successful completion of the pacification mission." "Yes, I will fulfill my mission!" Lü Dai accepted the order with a solemn expression, his eyes gleaming with determination.

This arrangement was intended not only to expand their sphere of influence in Yuzhang County and consolidate their foundation, but also to provide their generals with an opportunity to grow and develop through actual combat, allowing them to gain experience and enhance their abilities through the test of battle, thus laying a solid foundation for future success. Upon receiving the order, the generals, each filled with high morale, rushed to the battlefield. Suddenly, the land of southern Yuzhang County was filled with the beating of war drums, the clatter of horses' hooves, and the rising of gunpowder smoke. Thus began the fierce battle for peace.

Inside the city of Yuzhang County, Lei Bo and Li Feng stood on the city wall, looking at the camp of Sun Ce's army outside the city. The sparse siege attacks in the past few days had temporarily relaxed their tense nerves. The two smiled at each other, feeling grateful for the peace during this period.

"It seems that Sun Ce also knows the strength of our city defense. The attack has been fruitless, and the morale is probably low." Lei Bo had a smug look on his face, and his tone was full of confidence in his own defense.

Li Feng nodded slightly, looking into the distance: "Humph, no matter how powerful he is, he can't easily take over our Yuzhang County City."

However, they were unaware that Sun Ce had already completed a new deployment in his camp, with his generals rushing to the cities south of Yuzhang County. Lü Meng led his elite troops, galloping towards Nancheng County. The horses' hooves kicked up clouds of dust, and the soldiers' morale was high. They remembered Sun Ce's instructions: to capture Nancheng as quickly as possible and pacify the people.

When Lü Meng's army arrived at Nancheng County, the city's defenders panicked upon hearing that Sun Ce's army was approaching. Lü Meng, however, did not rush to attack the city. Instead, he sent troops to the city walls to announce Sun Ce's benevolence and generosity, promising the city's inhabitants peace as long as they refrained from resistance. The residents, already fearing war, began to waver upon hearing this. Ultimately, thanks to Lü Meng's skillful tactics, the gates of Nancheng County were slowly opened, and Lü Meng captured the county with virtually no bloodshed.

At the same time, Wei Yan also led his army to Jiancheng County. Jiancheng County's flat terrain was ideal for cavalry operations. Wei Yan fully utilized his cavalry's advantages, forming a battle array outside the city walls with a well-organized and imposing presence. The city's defenders, seeing the formidable force of Wei Yan's army, dared not rush out to meet them and could only close the gates. Seeing this, Wei Yan arranged for his soldiers to feign an assault while secretly dispatching troops to the rear of the city walls, cutting off its water supply. After several days, the city suffered from a water shortage and panic, forcing the defenders to surrender.

Lei Bo and Li Feng in Yuzhang County soon learned the news that Sun Ce's army was attacking cities in the south. Their faces changed suddenly, and their original relief disappeared in an instant.

"Sun Ce actually used this trick. What should we do?" Li Feng asked anxiously, his face full of worry.

Lei Bo frowned and paced back and forth: "We are tied up in this county town and can't spare any troops to support those county towns."

Despite their deep anxiety, they were truly helpless. They could only watch helplessly as Sun Ce's power expanded across southern Yuzhang County, while they themselves were trapped within Yuzhang County, unable to move. Yet, they still held onto a glimmer of hope, believing that as long as the county seat remained, there was still a chance to salvage the situation. At least for now, the county seat was firmly in their hands, and some of the counties to the rear were still barely under Yuan Shu's jurisdiction.

Every day, scouts rode back to camp at top speed, dusty and exhausted, to present the latest battle reports. Sun Ce sat upright in his tent, unfolding each report and perusing it carefully, a satisfied smile gradually forming on his face.