The strongest devouring system in the Three Kingdoms

Lu Zhi decided to march north with only three days' worth of provisions. He immediately sent someone back to Bingzhou to relay the order to Huangpu Song, urging him to quickly gather provisions and await the arrival of the main force on the north bank of the river. Lu Zhi also received news from Huangpu Song and Chen Er that approximately 100,000 refugees had entered Bingzhou. With so many refugees, Lu Zhi urgently needed to return to Bingzhou to oversee the situation. Moreover, 100,000 people were a significant boost to the sparsely populated Bingzhou. Lu Zhi felt even more grateful to Chen Er. Although Chen Er had driven half of the refugees back to Luoyang, Lu Zhi understood that this was a necessary measure; otherwise, who would abandon so many people? Although Lu Zhi was unwilling to admit it, everyone in the empire knew that the empire had once again entered a period before its founding—a time of warlordism and regional fragmentation!

Although there is no king now, aren't the governors and prefects in the provinces practically equivalent to kings? They just haven't claimed the title. Lu Zhi also has the power to do so, but Lu Zhi's loyalty to the imperial family will never change. He wants to maintain the last vestige of the empire's dignity.

Back in Bingzhou! Lu Zhi needed to gather strength to maintain the last vestiges of dignity for the imperial family. He wanted to make those powerful clans and treacherous officials who had ruined the empire pay the price. The only force he could rely on, besides himself, was Chen Er, who had established a northern autonomous region based on the Western political system. Chen Er's current strength was arguably the most powerful warlord in the land. However, regardless of the circumstances, Chen Er outwardly showed sufficient respect for the imperial family. Even if Chen Er were to become emperor or king in the future, Lu Zhi was willing to help Chen Er gain more benefits for the imperial family and ensure the continuation of the imperial bloodline.

On June 11, 2188, in the Yellow Emperor's reign, with the withdrawal of the Bingzhou army from Luoyang, only Yuan Shao's family remained in the entire city. Even Yuan Shu had retreated to Yuzhou before Lu Zhi. In Yuan Shu's view, Luoyang had no value anymore. It would only be the first line of defense against Ding Yuan in the future, and it was truly worthless.

The Guandong Coalition fell apart, and for a time, only Yuan Shao's family remained in Luoyang. At this time, Yuan Shao regretted it. Luoyang was now really a chicken rib, tasteless to eat but a pity to throw away!

However, as the leader of the alliance, Yuan Shao could not fully provide relief to the people of Luoyang, but he dared not abandon them and withdraw. If he did, the Confucian scholars would criticize him mercilessly, and then which Confucian scholar would be willing to join him? After all, not many people would want to work under someone who doesn't care about the people at all, even if that care is just superficial.

Chen Er returned to Yuyang on June 19th, leaving Gao Shun to garrison Jizhou. Summer had arrived, and autumn was fast approaching. This autumn, Chen Er planned to purge the forces on the grasslands. Only a year had passed since the last great war, and some large tribes on the northern grasslands seemed to be making moves again, especially the Turks. According to intelligence, several large Turkic tribes seemed to intend to launch a joint attack. Although their target was not Youzhou, it could affect the hard-won peace on the northern grasslands. Moreover, if these tribes were to form a large tribal alliance again, it would be a threat to both Youzhou and the empire, and the era of warlordism was about to begin. At this time, Chen Er was determined not to leave any hidden dangers in his rear.

Therefore, Chen Er specially led Zhao Yun and 5,000 cavalrymen back to Yuyang ahead of time, and used the next few months to prepare for the second northern expedition to the grasslands.

Currently, Youzhou has nearly 10,000 active cavalrymen, all equipped with the latest muskets, and each rider carries two muskets. Among them, 5,000 are elite cavalrymen with combat experience, and there are also as many as 5,000 reserve cavalrymen. In addition, there are a total of 8,000 recruited barbarian mercenary cavalrymen! Although the Youzhou cavalry cannot compare with those barbarian tribes in terms of numbers, their quality is absolutely superior. Chen Er is confident that he can become the grassland police! Creating a harmonious grassland, well, that's a very good reason. For this purpose, Chen Er has also specially sent people to convey the goal of a harmonious grassland to every tribe.

Upon hearing Chen Er's plan, Guo Jia smiled and said, "My lord, you've played this move brilliantly. Not only have you won over some barbarian tribes, but you've also found a reason to send troops. Most importantly, you've also gained a vast horse ranch in the end!"

Upon hearing Guo Jia's words, Chen Er laughed and said, "Fengxiao is right, I will make the grasslands our autonomous region's horse ranch!"

"We will dedicate our lives to the cause of our lord, and we will have no regrets even if we die!" the people in the conference room said in unison.

"Nonsense!" Chen Er shouted, then addressed the crowd: "How can you speak of death so easily! I hereby establish a rule: none of my subordinates, whether civil or military officials, may speak of death lightly. Life is the most important thing. I hope that all of you here will be able to witness the rebirth of the empire with me in the end!"

Upon hearing Chen Er's words, the crowd exchanged glances. With such a lord, what regrets could they possibly have in this life? They all happily replied to Chen Er, "We obey!"

Then everyone in the conference room burst into unrestrained laughter. The guards outside the door laughed too, because the happier the adults inside laughed, the better their lives and those of their families would be!

Chen Er still felt nostalgic for his past life. No one who was doing well on Earth would want to come to such a war-torn world. Fortunately, the identity the system gave him was one with the protagonist's halo.

As the meeting progressed and the battle plan was finalized, Chen Er shouted loudly to everyone: "This northern expedition to the grasslands will be mainly cavalry-based. I will personally lead the army, with Zhao Yun, Hu Che'er, and Xiahou Dun as my assistants, and Xi Zhicai as the accompanying military advisor."

"Yes, my lord!" the four people who were called upon stood up and answered.

Chen Er nodded and said, "The war in Liaodong should also be carried out simultaneously. After the Fifth Army returns to Youzhou, the Third Army will attack Liaodong to eliminate the remaining unstable factors, and at the same time explore the route to Goryeo. I hope that within this year, Liaodong can be completely controlled by Youzhou."

"Guo Jia will be in charge of the operation in Liaodong," Chen Er said to Guo Jia. Yan Routian, who had returned to Yuyang to attend the meeting, immediately stood up and said to Guo Jia, "This humble general greets Military Advisor Guo."

"No, no. Both generals are older than Fengxiao. I am only responsible for providing advice and strategies. The war should be led by the two generals."