Lan Yuan studied the sand table as if something had dawned on him. Pointing at it, he said, "Of the three northern expedition routes—Mount Qi, Northern Jing, and Huainan—Mount Qi in the far west is the hardest. The supply line is simply too difficult. Even if Brother Shizai has spent two years establishing military farms in Hanzhong, it still would not be enough to feed the entire northern expedition army. From what Father said just now, it seems the western front is the true breakthrough, while General Guan's side is only meant to pin them down. We're at too much of a disadvantage without the terrain in our favor."
"There's no helping it. Cao Cao seized the right moment and took the north; if we counterattack now, we can only swallow the disadvantage head-on. All the regional warlords have been wiped out, so the State of Wei can now coordinate the strength of every province and commandery as one." Lan Tian sighed.
"Right, right, right. I think we should feign an attack at Mount Qi and make a greater show of force than before. If Cao Pi splits his troops to reinforce it, then His Majesty can sail downstream along the Han River and, together with my uncle-by-marriage's Jing Province army, drive straight into the Wan-Luo Region. Perhaps we could seize the eastern capital, Luoyang, in one stroke." Lan Ji offered his own suggestion as well.
Gao Shun was somewhat surprised after hearing this and hurriedly congratulated Lan Tian. "I never expected Zhongling to improve so greatly. He's been visiting the War Room all the time lately, and his strategic vision has suddenly opened up. I think his proposal is quite feasible. Before the King of Hanzhong attacks Chencang, why not write a letter and present this strategy?"
Hearing Gao