Seeing that Cao Cao had heeded his warning, Lin Yu’s face lit up with a satisfied smile. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he gestured towards Zhao Yun beside him and said, “By the way, Governor.” “The capabilities of my third disciple, Zilong, are in no way inferior to those of my second disciple, Dian Wei. It truly is a pity to have him remain in the logistics and baggage units all the time.” “This time, in dealing with the Yellow Turban Army, you, Governor, could surely use some assistance. Let Zilong accompany you.”

“What? Truly?” Cao Cao could scarcely believe his ears. He had long coveted Zhao Yun. Especially during the great victory in Puyang, when Zhao Yun and Dian Wei had slain the enemy generals single-handedly, it had made him yearn for such a talent. It was only out of respect for Lin Yu that he had refrained from making a request. Now that Lin Yu was offering of his own accord, how could he not be elated?

“Of course,” Lin Yu replied. His proposal was the result of careful consideration. After Cao Cao had become Governor of Yanzhou, his power had expanded rapidly. Now, under his command, aside from old followers like Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan, there were also the likes of Xun Yu, Guo Jia, and Xi Zhicai from Yingchuan Prefecture, as well as local forces of Yanzhou such as Chen Gong and Bao Xin. If Lin Yu wished to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention, he couldn’t keep Zhao Yun by his side. After all, Zhao Yun’s abilities were among the finest in Cao Cao’s forces.

“That’s wonderful!” Cao Cao exclaimed, rubbing his hands together in excitement. After a moment’s thought, he said, “How about this? I’ll transfer three thousand troops and place them under your command, sir.” “Sir, do not hasten to decline. I know you prefer to keep a low profile and avoid the limelight.” “These three thousand troops will be nominally under Zilong’s leadership, but in truth, they will all follow your orders, sir.”

After recruiting the Black Mountain Bandits, Cao Cao had eliminated the majority of the old, weak, sick, and disabled, leaving only twenty thousand able-bodied men. Adding the previous troops, he had a total of no more than thirty thousand men at his disposal. Allocating one-tenth of them to Lin Yu was a clear indication of the value Cao Cao placed on him.

“Your subordinate will follow the Prefect’s orders!” Seeing that it would be difficult to refuse such a kind offer, Lin Yu had no choice but to accept.

…

The million-strong Yellow Turban rebels were a menacing presence outside, their covetous eyes fixed upon them. Any delay would result in significant losses. The situation was urgent. Thus, on the following day, Cao Cao summoned everyone for a military council.

“Now the Yellow Turban Army approaches with great menace, their numbers far exceeding ours. What suggestions do you have?” Cao Cao surveyed the assembly in the hall. On the left stood Cao Cao’s original retinue, including Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, and Xiahou Dun. On the right were mostly local forces of Yanzhou such as Bao Xin, Zhang Miao, and Chen Gong.

“These Yellow Turban brigands do nothing but plunder the common folk and rampage through the villages. In my view, it would be best to eliminate them as swiftly as possible,” Xu Si, the Attendant Officer, promptly stated. “Yes, if we allow the Yellow Turban Army to run amok, they will become a far greater threat in the future!” “We hope the Governor can formulate a plan soon,” the local Yanzhou officials chimed in.

Cao Cao, however, sneered inwardly. Just as Lin Yu had predicted, these local Yanzhou aristocratic families, represented by Xu Si, were only concerned with their own interests. The tragic fate of Liu Dai was still fresh in their minds, yet they still urged him to send troops. Nevertheless, he betrayed no sign of dissatisfaction and said calmly, “You are correct. Feng Xiao, do you have a good plan?”

Noticing Cao Cao’s gaze upon him, Guo Jia then spoke at a measured pace. “Although the Yellow Turban Army numbers a million, they are a paper tiger, strong in appearance but weak within, and pose no great concern. Our army can employ guerrilla tactics to gradually wear them down. When their strength is nearly spent, we can launch a decisive offensive and achieve a great victory.”

Guerrilla tactics? The Yanzhou locals exchanged bewildered glances, failing to comprehend Guo Jia’s meaning. Only Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, and those who had read Lin Yu’s military treatise grasped Guo Jia’s intention. The guerrilla tactics detailed by Lin Yu were brilliant and highly applicable to the current situation.

Although Guo Jia had always been eager to rival the hidden Lin Yu, he was not a petty-minded individual. Hence, he recommended that Cao Cao deal with the Yellow Turban Army using these guerrilla tactics.

“I concur,” Cao Cao nodded, his eyes narrowing as he said in a deep voice, “Listen closely to my orders!” Everyone in the hall grew solemn and turned their attention to Cao Cao. “Mobilize the troops immediately and prepare to engage the Yellow Turban Army!” “Yes, sir!” they replied in unison.

Now that Zhao Yun was leading an army independently, he was naturally eligible to participate in the council. After it concluded, he returned to Lin Yu’s residence and recounted everything he had witnessed and heard during the discussion. Hearing this, Lin Yu felt a sense of relief. As long as Lord Cao adhered to the guerrilla tactics, victory over the Yellow Turban Army was all but assured.

“Furthermore, the Lord has appointed me as vanguard general,” Zhao Yun added. This Lord Cao was truly intent on putting him to good use. Lin Yu was somewhat at a loss for words. Cao Cao’s decision to appoint Zhao Yun as vanguard general clearly indicated his expectation for Lin Yu’s contribution. Very well. In that case, it was time to demonstrate their skills.

…

The next day, as vanguard general, Zhao Yun, accompanied by Lin Yu, led three thousand troops out of Changyi and headed straight for the Yellow Turban Army in the north. After defeating Liu Dai’s forces in Dongping, the Yellow Turban Army had not lingered but continued their westward march, approaching Shouzhang.

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“According to the scouts’ reports, the enemy has learned of our approach. Zhang Rao, the rebel leader, has dispatched thirty thousand troops under the command of his subordinate, Xu He, to move south,” Zhao Yun said gravely. Cao Cao had dispatched numerous scouts earlier, and thus had a relatively clear understanding of the internal situation of the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army. Similar to the Black Mountain Bandits, the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army, despite their large numbers and imposing appearance, consisted mostly of the old, weak, sick, and disabled with little combat effectiveness. Only one hundred thousand of them could be considered elite troops, led by Zhang Rao.

“They’ve sent thirty thousand troops to deal with us. They clearly take us seriously,” Lin Yu mused. “Elder Brother, should we seek the Lord’s assistance?” Zhao Yun asked tentatively. Thirty thousand troops were ten times their number. This was no trifling matter.

“To seek help from the Lord before even engaging in battle? What would that do to my reputation?” Lin Yu pursed his lips in disdain. “It’s only thirty thousand troops. Zilong, just watch how I vanquish the enemy!”

…

In the Yellow Turban Army’s camp dozens of miles away, within the large central tent of the main army. “General, there are only three thousand foes. Why must we set up camp here and not advance?” a Yellow Turban general inquired. Seated on a couch was a burly man. It was Xu He, the Yellow Turban general. Historically, this man was quite formidable. Even when most of the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army had been recruited by Cao Cao, Xu He had resisted tenaciously and ultimately perished at the hands of Xiahou Yuan.

“Although there are only three thousand of them, don’t forget that Zhao Yun leads them,” Xu He said slowly. “Zhao Zilong has fought against Lu Bu and recently slain leaders of the Black Mountain Bandits like Sui Gu. He is not to be underestimated.” “Moreover, before our departure, the rebel leader repeatedly instructed us to merely hold off the Yanzhou troops. There is no need to take the initiative to attack.”

As the two forces prepared for the impending clash, the air was thick with tension. Both sides knew that the outcome of this battle would have far-reaching consequences. For Lin Yu and Zhao Yun, it was an opportunity to prove their worth and secure their place in Cao Cao’s army. For Xu He and the Yellow Turban Army, it was a chance to assert their dominance and continue their westward expansion.

The stage was set for a pivotal moment in the history of Yanzhou, a moment that would test the mettle of both armies and determine the future of the region. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the battlefield, the soldiers on both sides read ied themselves for the conflict that was to come. The fate of Yanzhou hung in the balance, and each man knew that his actions could mean the difference between victory and defeat, life and death.

In the quiet of the evening, Lin Yu sat with Zhao Yun, discussing strategies and reviewing the lay of the land. They had chosen their battleground well, a narrow pass that would funnel the Yellow Turban forces into a confined space, limiting their numerical advantage.

“Zilong, remember, we must use the terrain to our advantage,” Lin Yu instructed. “The Yellow Turban Army may have numbers, but they lack discipline and order. We will strike at their flanks, confuse them, and then deliver the final blow.”

Zhao Yun nodded, his eyes reflecting the firelight as he sharpened his spear. “I understand, Elder Brother. We will make them pay for every step they take towards Yanzhou.”

As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the sound of drums echoed through the pass, signaling the approach of the Yellow Turban Army. Lin Yu stood atop a small hill, watching as the enemy forces marched into view, a sea of yellow banners and determined faces.

“Here they come,” he murmured, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and excitement. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the chance to put his plans into action and show the world what he was capable of.

The battle commenced with a fierce clash of arms. The Yellow Turban forces, confident in their numbers, charged headlong into the pass, only to find themselves met by a wall of steel and resolve. Zhao Yun led the vanguard, his spear a blur of motion as he cut through the enemy ranks, inspiring his troops with his bravery and skill.

Lin Yu, meanwhile, directed the battle from his position on the hill, his keen mind calculating each move and countermove. He had trained with Dian Wei and learned from the best; now, he put those lessons to use, adapting to the ebb and flow of the conflict with a calm and steady hand.

As the day wore on, the Yellow Turban Army began to falter. The relentless attacks from Zhao Yun and the strategic withdrawals ordered by Lin Yu had taken their toll. The enemy’s initial enthusiasm waned, replaced by confusion and fear as they realized the trap they had walked into.

“The time has come,” Lin Yu declared, his voice carrying across the battlefield. “Sound the charge!”

With a roar that echoed through the pass, the full force of Zhao Yun’s command surged forward, catching the Yellow Turban Army in a pincer movement. The enemy, already reeling from the constant harassment, crumbled under the sudden and overwhelming assault.

Xu He, witnessing the rout, knew that the day was lost. He fought bravely to the end, but was eventually cut down by Zhao Yun himself, his final stand a testament to his courage and determination.

As the last of the Yellow Turban forces fled the field, Lin Yu and Zhao Yun stood among the wreckage of the battle, surveying the成果 of their victory. The cost had been high, but the reward was clear: they had defeated a formidable foe and secured Yanzhou from the threat of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

“Elder Brother, we have won,” Zhao Yun said, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and pride.

Lin Yu clapped him on the back, his eyes scanning the horizon. “Yes, Zilong, we have. But this is just the beginning. There is much work to be done to restore peace and prosperity to Yanzhou.”

In the aftermath of the battle, Lin Yu and Zhao Yun were hailed as heroes. Their victory had not only saved Yanzhou but had also solidified Cao Cao’s rule and established Lin Yu as a strategist of unparalleled skill.

Cao Cao, upon hearing the news, was overjoyed. He immediately dispatched messengers to congratulate Lin Yu and Zhao Yun, and to assure them of his continued support and gratitude.

“Lin Yu, you have surpassed my expectations,” Cao Cao wrote in his letter. “Your victory is a testament to your genius and dedication. I am fortunate to have you in my service.”

Lin Yu read the letter with a smile, knowing that his efforts had not gone unnoticed. He had proven himself on the battlefield and had earned the respect and admiration of his peers.

As the days turned into weeks, the celebrations continued, and the people of Yanzhou began to rebuild their lives. The victory over the Yellow Turban Army had given them hope for a brighter future, and they looked to their new governor and his advisors with gratitude and trust.

Lin Yu, for his part, continued to work tirelessly on behalf of Cao Cao and the people of Yanzhou. He knew that the road ahead was long and fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them, confident in his abilities and the support of his allies.

With each passing day, the legend of Lin Yu and his role in the defense of Yanzhou grew, and his name became synonymous with wisdom, courage, and victory. And as the story of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and its defeat spread across the land, Lin Yu’s place in history was secured.