Lu Bu: My wife comes from two thousand years later

"My lord, the lady and the young master are both safe, and Yu Du and the others have been executed. In my opinion, we can stop suppressing this bandit here!"

In the military tent, counselor Ju Su looked at Yuan Shao, who was feeling mixed emotions, and gave a suggestion.

"Why?"

Yuan Shao was puzzled. "Our army is unstoppable. We have already defeated the Black Mountain tribes and cleared the Baixing and Fukou passes. We will then open up the Taihang Pass and wipe out Zhang Yan. Then the bandit threat in Jizhou will be completely eradicated."

His wife and children were safe, and Yuan Shao's temper was no longer as severe as before. He spoke in a much gentler manner.

Ju Su said, "Our army was able to successfully wipe out Yu Du and his tribe previously because we dispatched our troops quickly and marched quickly, catching them off guard. However, over the past three months, the various Black Mountain tribes have already received news and have united. Future battles will undoubtedly not be as smooth as before. This is one reason."

"Secondly, we are carrying out such a large-scale suppression campaign in Ji Province, and our lord has promised Lü Bu a million grains and fodder, yet he remains indifferent. I suspect Bing Province has already formed an alliance with Black Mountain. If our lord continues his campaign towards the Hutuo River, Lü Bu might even send troops to aid Zhang Yan."

At this point, Ju Su sighed softly, "Jizhou has been plagued by wars this year. First, we fought Gongsun Zan at Jieqiao, then we marched south to fight the Yellow Turbans and Yuan Shu, and now we're waging a massive war against the Black Mountain. The frequent fighting has not only consumed a huge amount of food, but has also exhausted the soldiers. Jizhou is in urgent need of rest and recuperation."

"Thirdly, there are millions of bandits in Taihang. If Bingzhou doesn't take action, Jizhou alone will never be able to wipe them out. If my lord continues to fight, these bandits will be left with nowhere else to turn and will choose to surrender to Lu Bu. This will send a large number of soldiers and laborers to Bingzhou for nothing."

Tian Feng followed up, "You are right. Jizhou has Gongsun in the east and Lü Bu in the west. Our army's suppression of Black Mountain seems to be going smoothly this time, but we have suffered heavy casualties. It is indeed not appropriate to start a war again."

"The world is not at peace. These bandits will never be completely eliminated. My lord, you should return to your army for rest and recuperation, and carefully consider your future path."

Tian Feng's words made everyone in the tent look heavy-hearted. Yuan Shao seemed to have a large family and great wealth, but soon after he took over Jizhou, he was involved in a series of wars. The key point was that he did not gain any benefits from these wars, but instead lost money, food and manpower.

On the other hand, although Lu Bu was constantly involved in wars after taking control of Bingzhou, when he attacked Hedong, he took over the Baibo Army and Hedong County; when he attacked Gongsun Zan, he obtained food and Henei County; the last time Zhang Yan attacked Jinyang, Lu Bu was not at home but he still managed to repel Zhang Yan. Seeing that the two of them get along so harmoniously now, Lu Bu must have benefited from this battle.

Bingzhou has been constantly expanding its territory and increasing its population over the past two years, but what about Jizhou? Even the largest family business couldn't withstand such turmoil. This time, the lord attacked Heishan and destroyed every stronghold. Apart from the spoils of war, what did Jizhou gain?

If Lu Bu had been more shameless and the lord had continued to fight with Heishan, the only one who would have benefited in the end would have been Bingzhou.

Yuan Shao understood this, but he frowned deeply. He said helplessly, "Lü Bu's power is growing. He and his generals are all capable warriors. Now he and Zhang Yan are mutually dependent. What can we do?"

From the Battle of Sishui Pass to the Battle of Jie Bridge, Yuan Shao had a very deep understanding of the combat effectiveness of Lu Bu and his army. He believed that if the two armies fought head-on, he might have a hard time fighting even with three times the enemy's strength.

The expressions of everyone present became increasingly serious. In terms of combat and bravery, no one in the world could beat Lu Bu.

The atmosphere in the tent suddenly became quiet.

At this time, Ju Su stood up and said, "I think that although Lu Bu is strong, he is not invincible."

"Oh?" Yuan Shao's eyes lit up, "I'd like to hear more about it!"

Ju Su said, "Bingzhou has mostly barren mountainous land, while Jizhou has many fertile plains. Judging from the annual grain output alone, Jizhou's is three or four times that of Bingzhou. Therefore, to fight a war of the same scale, Bingzhou might need to use three or four years of stored grain, while Jizhou only needs one year's worth. If we can't defeat them head-on, we can use a war of attrition, drag down their economy, and win without fighting."

"Therefore, I believe that while strengthening the army, you should also improve the defense system, encourage agriculture and sericulture, develop water conservancy projects, and enrich the people and strengthen the army."

Yuan Shao nodded in agreement.

Ju Su continued, "Secondly, our lord ascended the throne at a young age, executed eunuchs, and became famous throughout the land. He later led the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition, defeated Niu Fu, and fought against Lü Bu, earning him a great reputation. Meanwhile, Lü Bu, at a young age, killed his lord and fled, later becoming Dong Zhuo's son-in-law. Although he never aided and abetted the tyrant and broke away from Dong Zhuo, he was still a thief, and his reputation was far inferior to ours."

"His call for talented men went unanswered. If he hadn't married the daughter of the late Minister Wang and had connections to the Wang family, even Lu Zigan wouldn't have been able to recruit him. His subordinates are nothing but a bunch of brave but foolhardy men. Look at you, lord. Your prestige and virtue are widespread, and you've won the support of heroes from all over the world. You have a wealth of talented people under your command. As long as you appoint people based on their merit, clearly distinguish rewards and punishments, and maintain unity between your civil and military officials, then why should you fear Lü Bu?"

Ju Su knew his lord's temper very well. His words of flattery and advice touched Yuan Shao's heart.

But after hearing this, Yuan Shao's distressed expression faded, and he smiled smugly, "Excellent! What you said is exactly what I was thinking. I, Yuan Benchu, have three dukes in my family for four generations, and with your support, how can I not be defeated by that reckless Lu Bu? I will return to Jizhou, recuperate, and wait for the opportunity."

Therefore, under the pressure from both Gongsun Zan and Lu Bu, Yuan Shao showed unprecedented wisdom and bravery. After returning to Jizhou, he encouraged the people to open up wasteland and actively recruited refugees to settle in the fields; he selected brave men from the army to form a strong army and named it the Dajishi; he developed water conservancy and built military defense facilities; he appointed talented people, and Jizhou developed and became strong at lightning speed.

Of course, these are all things for later!

…………

In Pingyuan County, on the official road outside the city, Liu Bei was bowing and apologetically to the envoy sent by Lu Bu.

"Please forgive me, Bo Huai. I have done my best. It's just that... Bo Gui has caught a cold and is unable to see guests. It's not intentional to be negligent."

Chang Lin reached out and lifted his arms. "Xuan De, there's no need to blame yourself. I understand!"

She is not a delicate little girl who cannot see guests after catching a cold, and it has been delayed for several days. It is obvious that Gongsun Zan is resentful of the last time his lord participated in the battle of Hejie Bridge and does not want to see her.

Well, since the alliance failed, the three giants in the north will rely on their own strength in the future.

Chang Lin took two steps back and bowed to Liu Bei. "I'm sorry to bother you, Xuande. If you go to Bingzhou in the future, just come find me. I'll also do my best to be your host."

Liu Bei said hurriedly, "My dear teacher is teaching in Bingzhou. I have wanted to visit him for a long time, but I am too busy with my work here to get away. I will go there when I have time, and I will definitely come to Bo Huai's house to bother you."

Chang Lin bowed, "You're most welcome!"

He looked up at the sunrise in the east and said, "It's getting late. I'll take my leave now, Lin. Take care!"

"Take care! Have a safe journey!"

Watching Chang Lin's carriage go further and further away, Zhang Fei said in confusion, "Brother, Gongsun Bogui has a bad temper, is petty, and likes to plunder the people. I don't think he's a good person. Why don't we go directly to my junior sister? It's been so long, and I miss her a lot."

"I miss my junior sister, too!" A smile flashed across Liu Bei's eyes, but it disappeared in the blink of an eye. He murmured, "Bingzhou is good, but there are no opportunities for me there!"