It was one of those rare cold, harsh winters in decades. Although the season has already entered spring, the weather has not shown any signs of turning warm in February. The bad weather hindered the progress of the war. There was always news of soldiers and horses freezing to death every day. The number of frostbite victims was countless. Such conditions prevented Wei Shao from successfully organizing a frontal battle against the combined forces of Xing Xun and Le Zheng Gong. The same problems that plagued him also plagued Xing Xun and Le Zheng Gong. After the last battle at Gaotang, the two sides did not engage in a large-scale frontal battle anymore, only a few painless encounters one after another. Nobody was willing to take the initiative to attack anymore, yet reluctant to retreat.

Now separated by the Yellow River, each side camped and looked at each other, waiting for the weather to improve and seize the opportunity to give each other a fatal blow. Such a standoff has lasted for most of the month.

……

The sky began to darken at the time of the 10th(*) hour.

T/N: 5 pm-7 pmWei Shao’s boots stepped on the thick snow, emitting a creaking sound, leaving a deep footprint in the snow. He just came back from the Yellow River to inspect the terrain. After entering the camp gate, through the last remaining light of day, he saw a soldier standing straight in the corner of the camp fence wall, holding a spear in his hand, motionless. A layer of fallen snow landed on his helmet and shoulders.

Wei Shao stopped in his tracks. Lei Yan ran over quickly. When he returned, his expression was grave while whispering, “He’s dead.”

Wei Shao looked at the soldier who had died standing. After silence for a moment, he turned around and entered the camp gate. He had just removed his snow-covered helmet and cloak when he heard a footstep outside the tent. Gongsun Yang and Wei Quan had arrived.

Gongsun Yang’s cough recently became worse again. Wei Shao was afraid he couldn’t withstand the cold, so he deliberately ordered an extra charcoal fire in his tent to keep him warm.

When Wei Shao saw him come in and coughed a few times before speaking, he said, “The weather is cold, so if you have something important to say, ask someone to send a message, and I will go to your tent.”

Gongsun Yang waved his hand and said, “The news came in the daytime. The retired emperor died, and Liu Yan was crowned emperor by Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, and others. Yuan Zhe surrendered and was titled Great General.”

Wei Shao sat behind the desk without moving, only slightly narrowing his eyes.

Wei Quan said: “After Liu Yan claimed the throne and received Yuan Zhe’s 200,000 troops’ assistance, it is reasonable to reclaim Luoyang. But the scouts report that he is not moving and not intending to take Luoyang.”

Wei Shao said lightly: “What’s wrong with that? If Liu Yan attacked Luoyang and Xing Xun returned to protect it, wouldn’t that benefit me? He wished for me or Xing Xun and Le Zheng Gong to suffer a defeat first, and then he could take advantage of it.”

Wei Quan said, “My Lord is right. Now the weather is cold, but once the snowstorm stops, we can start the war, at most not later than the end of the month. Liu Yan and Yuan Zhe are not enough to be feared, but My Lord should do his best to fight against the allied forces of Xing Xun and Le Zheng Gong.”

Wei Shao got up from his couch and paced around the tent for a moment, then stopped and said, “What do the military advisor and General have to say about the current situation?”

Gongsun Yang and Wei Quan looked at each other and said, “Xing Xun has received the help of Le Zheng Gong, and now his men are far superior to ours, and his soldiers are proud. This battle is not about capturing the city, so attacking by force is not the best strategy.”

Wei Shao pondered and said: “What you are thinking is the same as me. Today I went to the Yellow River and climbed up to see the enemy camp from afar. The two armies were densely packed but walled and separated by a fence. And the spy informed that a few days ago, there was also a fight between the two armies ……” He paused. He walked quickly to the desk, took chopsticks, dipped them into the wine bottle, marking a trace on the surface, and cut it off in two. “Xing Xun can join forces with Le Zheng Gong, but I want them separated!”

Wei Quan laughed and said, “My Lord is wise! That’s why I came to see you with the military advisor. I heard that Le Zheng Gong highly valued his strategist, Zhu Zheng, but he used to be a member of Xing Xun’s staff. This Zhu Zeng has much to offer!”