How could anyone let another sleep soundly beside his bed?
You Province had always been a thorn deep in Yuan Shao's heart.
If Yuan Shao wanted to march south into the Central Plains, he first had to pacify You Province. Otherwise, he would constantly have to guard against surprise attacks from Gongsun Zan.
"Secure his rear? Yuan Benchu takes far too much for granted!" Gongsun Zan sneered and said disdainfully, "Let him try. We'll see whether he can wrest You Province from me!"
Yuan Shao might be powerful, but he, Gongsun Zan, was no mediocrity either.
If Yuan Shao wanted to swallow his You Province, wasn't he afraid of shattering his teeth?
Zhao Yun said, "General, the autumn harvest has just ended, and Yuan Shao has ample provisions. This invasion will probably not end as hastily as the previous ones. We should prepare for a prolonged war as well."
"Moreover, Yuan Shao is campaigning under the Son of Heaven's authority to punish a disloyal subject. He holds the moral high ground, which is very unfavorable to our army's morale."
Any military campaign required a legitimate cause.
Yuan Shao was acting under the Son of Heaven's decree. If they failed to devise a response, they would be branded rebels.
"Who knows whether that Son of Heaven of his is genuine?" Gongsun Zan snorted. The Son of Heaven's identity remained unsettled, and he did not acknowledge the one in Ye City.
Glancing at a general under his command who had some skill with words, Gongsun Zan said, "Guorang, write a proclamation denouncing Yuan Shao."
"Yes, General!" Tian Yu cupped his fist and accepted the order.
Gongsun Zan sighed inwardly. You Province truly could not compare with the Central Plains.
He even had to turn to a fighting man to write a proclamation.