"My lord, although our army has held the upper hand these past two days, I have a nagging feeling that something is wrong."
"Gongsun Zan seems to be retreating deliberately, drawing us into pursuit."
Yuan Shao was startled. Thinking it over carefully, he realized that things did indeed seem to be as Tian Feng had said.
"Could they intend to ambush us along their retreat?"
Tian Feng first nodded, then shook his head.
His response left Yuan Tan looking thoughtful, while Yan Liang, seated beside him, was utterly lost.
Unable to hold back, he said, "Military Advisor, just speak plainly. Why talk in riddles?"
Tian Feng fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "There are ambushes, but there is another purpose as well."
"My lord, Eldest Son, General Yan, although our army has won these past two days, they were only minor victories. Gongsun Zan's casualties have not been severe."
"I believe Gongsun Zan is deliberately drawing us into pursuit, both to ambush and slaughter us and to hold our army here."
At this, Yuan Shao seemed to grasp something. His eyes widened, and he said in disbelief:
"Gongsun Zan has secretly allied with Zhang Liao and that wicked son!"
"As long as they keep my army here, Zhang Liao can seize the opportunity to take Ji Province's commanderies and counties. Once he takes Wei Commandery, Guangping Commandery, Yangping Commandery, Qinghe Commandery, and Pingyuan Commandery, it will be as though he has pressed a knife against my back."
Sweat drenched Yuan Shao's back. The thought of being attacked from both front and rear sent a chill through him.
Tian Feng looked up at Yuan Shao. Words reached his lips, but he swallowed them again, seemingly uncertain whether he should speak.
Yuan Shao found this incredible.
This was the first