The Hebei Army fought the Youzhou Army for half a day, and the Youzhou Army withdrew three li.
The Hebei Army's vanguard advanced downriver, while its central army also crossed over a pontoon bridge and made camp on the opposite bank.
Inside the Hebei Army's central command tent, blood still dripped from Qu Yi and the other generals.
Yuan Shao looked at his advisers and generals and said gravely, "The Youzhou Army is fierce and valiant.
"As for how we should break this impasse, I ask you all to pool your wisdom."
As frontier troops, the soldiers of the Youzhou Army were unquestionably elite.
Shen Pei, who oversaw military affairs, said gravely, "My lord.
"Though the Youzhou Army is valiant, it falls short of our Hebei Army.
"The way their lines teetered on the verge of collapse in today's fighting proves as much."
Hearing Shen Pei's words, Qu Yi declared with his head held high, "My lord.
"Have the Four Court Pillars assist me, and I will lead the First to Scale Great Halberd Soldiers to break the Youzhou Army's formation.
"Even if it costs me my life, I will kill Gongsun Zan and seize Youzhou!"
Blood mottled his entire body, his eyes were crimson, and murderous intent radiated from him.
A chill swept through the entire central command tent, drawing sidelong glances.
Qu Yi's killing intent was far too heavy. The First to Scale Great Halberd Soldiers were so formidable not merely because of their fighting strength, but because he charged into the enemy ranks in every battle.
Yuan Shao's eyelids twitched at his words. Qu Yi was forever offering to stake his life; it was truly more than he could bear.
He hurriedly soothed him. "Do not be impatient, Zhengze. Losing one of my great generals to conquer