The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 234 He traversed desolate lands, explaining to various states, fulfilling Ban Chao's ambition.

Meanwhile, Li Yi, having recovered Liaoxi, intended to continue his campaign against Gongsun Du and also recover Liaodong Commandery.

However, the army had been gone for a long time, and the supply lines were getting longer and longer.

Coincidentally, Cao Cao strengthened his control over Liangzhou at this time, and Liu Bei focused his attention more on Cao Cao.

They were not particularly fond of Liaodong, a remote, cold, and barren land.

Venturing deep into Liaodong, in particular, would cost a great deal of money.

Li Yi also provided a corresponding solution.

That means only bringing 10,000 to 20,000 men. The fewer soldiers on the front line, the less money and food will be consumed.

However, Gongsun Du, as the King of the Northeast, had cultivated his territory in Liaodong for many years, fighting on his home soil and thus possessing the advantages of timing, location, and popular support.

If Li Yi were to fall, it would be a huge blow to Liu's camp.

Therefore, Liu Bei is now in a dilemma.

Liu Bei was initially quite opposed to the expedition against the Wuhuan.

Although a great victory was ultimately achieved, a large amount of food and provisions were consumed.

The final profit was negligible.

Even if 200,000 Hu, Han and Liao people were recruited and surrendered, it would be difficult to obtain positive benefits from them within two or three years.

As for continuing deeper into Liaodong, Liu Bei's attitude became even more hesitant.

Such a huge expenditure, just to acquire a region of Liaodong that is still undeveloped, is indeed daunting.

After Li Yi, Liu Bei confided in Zhuge Liang more often.

Unable to make a decision at present, Liu Bei explained his predicament to Zhuge Liang.

"...Ziyu insisted on conquering Liaodong, but it was a thousand miles away and a barren and cold place."

"The cost of this is enormous, and it is intended to be used for Liaodong affairs. It is better to appease them than to take them by force."

What is Mr. Kongming's opinion on this?

Ancient transportation was incredibly inefficient.

For example, Qin Shi Huang once transported grain from Langya to Beihe (present-day northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region), a straight-line distance of more than 1,000 kilometers between the two places.

During their journey, the grain transport teams not only had to cross the Taihang Mountains or Qinling Mountains, but also pass through the Loess Plateau and enter the Inner Mongolian Plateau.

Even the Yellow River had to be crossed twice.

What was the loss rate during this period?

The answer is that after transporting thirty bushels of grain, only one bushel remained upon arrival at the destination.

Thirty zhong of grain is roughly equivalent to one hundred and ninety-two shi of grain, which means that the loss rate is as high as 99.5%!

Of course, this account comes from the Records of the Grand Historian.

When Zhu Fuyan advised Emperor Wu of Han against launching a distant expedition against the Xiongnu, he must have emphasized the unfavorable aspects of the situation.

While there may be some exaggeration involved, Zhu Fuyan certainly wouldn't have dared to exaggerate.

Otherwise, given Emperor Wu of Han's temper, he would have killed him in no time.

Simultaneously,

The losses were so great because the supply lines were too long and the terrain was unfavorable, leading to low efficiency.

Liaodong faces such a problem.

Even with Li Yi's wooden oxen and flowing horses, Liu Bei believed that the loss rate of transporting grain from Xuzhou to Liaodong would be at least 85%.

Imagine if Liu Bei had provided one million bushels of grain, by the time it reached Liaodong, only 150,000 bushels would have remained.

The sheer magnitude of the losses is evident.

Zhuge Liang waved his feather fan and offered Liu Bei a suggestion:
"Previously, Marquis Li Tan established a large shipbuilding bureau in Xuzhou."

"More than a hundred warships and tower ships were launched last year."

"Why not send your chief envoy, Mi, by sea from Donglai in Qingzhou to the front lines?"

This is where Li Yi's foresight was demonstrated. As early as 196, Li Yi proposed to develop the shipbuilding industry in Xuzhou.

To address the shortage of ships, they even sent people to purchase a large number of multi-story ships from Liu Biao in Jingzhou and Liu Ziyang in Huai'an.

Today, Xuzhou's water transport and navigation technology is quite advanced, ranking among the top in the country.

The journey from Donglai to Liaodong actually involves crossing an inland sea.

It can improve transportation efficiency by at least 40-50%, greatly saving grain transportation costs.

"...So you also believe that Ziyu's campaign against Liaodong was inevitable?"

When Liu Bei saw that Zhuge Liang had proposed a plan to help Li Yi fight, he made no mention of recalling Li Yi.

He knew in his heart that Kongming also wanted Li Yi to conquer Liaodong.

"...My lord, you are wise. I believe that Li Tanhou's pacification of Liaodong was actually a strategy to secure Hebei."

"If Liaodong is secure, Hebei can prosper; if the borders are peaceful, the Central Plains can be conquered."

"In the past, the Marquis of Tan conquered the Wuhuan; now he is attacking Gongsun Du."

"All of this is to pacify the border regions and appease distant lands, so that Your Excellency can focus on the Central Plains without worrying about the north."

Zhuge Liang analyzed Li Yi's good intentions for Liu Bei.

The reason for the successive military campaigns against western and eastern Liaoning was to secure a stable political environment for Hebei.

After all, Hebei is where the future development will be most significant.

If you are constantly harassed by the war in the north, how can you talk about development?

It's better to have a short, sharp pain than a long, drawn-out one; let's deal with the troubles on the northern border in one fell swoop.

Only then can we turn around and deal with the remaining forces in the Central Plains.

Liu Bei nodded, seeing that Li Yi and Zhuge Liang both supported the pacification of Liaodong, and no longer hesitated.

"...In that case, I ordered Mi Zizhong to take the sea route, starting from Donglai and heading to Liaodong to transport grain."

Liu Bei stared intently and agreed to Li Yi's proposed plan for conquering Liaodong.

Even so, Liu Bei still had to withstand enormous pressure to persuade the officials of Xuzhou.

"...My lord, the sea is unpredictable, we cannot rely solely on sea transport."

"Land transport must not be stopped, lest the front lines suffer from food shortages."

Zhuge Liang spoke up to remind Liu Bei.

Sea routes are highly uncertain; if the supplies are not delivered in time, the soldiers on the front lines fighting in Liaodong will starve to death.

Therefore, sea transport should be the primary mode of transportation, with land transport as a secondary mode.

Two routes were launched simultaneously to ensure the food supply to the front lines.

“…Good. I order Chen Yuanlong to send another batch of grain from Huainan to Xuzhou.”

"At that time, it will be transferred in Xu County, Xiaqiu, and Suiling before being transported to Qingzhou."

"The shipment was divided into two batches: one went out to sea, and the other crossed the Yellow River to Jizhou, heading north to Liaodong."

Liu Bei waved his hand and approved two shipments of grain to be sent to Liaodong.

His attitude towards the Liaodong war was that...

If you can avoid fighting, then fight to the death.

Therefore, in order to ensure the smooth progress of the war.

Liu Bei provided Li Yi with as much support as possible, and personally wrote a decree to Guan Yu, who was then the governor of Qingzhou.

He ordered Guan Yu to coordinate with Mi Zhu to transport grain by sea, ensuring the smooth progress of the grain transport operation.

On the one hand, he ordered him to act according to circumstances, and if necessary, to send troops from Donglai to land in Liaodong.

We must launch a pincer attack with Li Yi by land and sea to ensure the smooth progress of the campaign to pacify Liaodong.

Everything Liu Bei did was to protect and support Li Yi's campaign to pacify Liaodong.

Once the order was issued, it covered many prefectures and counties, including Xuzhou, Huainan, Qingzhou, Jizhou, Taishan in Yanzhou, and Lu State.

We are operating at full capacity to support the Pingliao campaign.

……

Youzhou, Liaoxi.

Li Yi led more than 10,000 troops and officially entered the Liaodong vassal state.

They set up camp and built defensive fortifications at the Yu River.

To penetrate Liaodong Commandery, one must first cross the Liaodong Dependent State.

This place is the territory of King Qiao, Su Puyan.

Previously, when Li Yi was conquering the Wuhuan in the three commanderies, he killed Tadun in battle and subdued the Hu and Han people in the territory of the three commanderies.

This battle not only shocked the Wuhuan people of the three commanderies, but also greatly impressed King Qiao, who was unable to participate in the battle at the time.

He thought that now that Li Yi had subdued Liaoxi Commandery, he should return to Jizhou.

Unexpectedly, scouts reported that Li Yi was actually planning to recover Liaodong as well.

This surprised and frightened Su Puyan, leaving him hesitant and unable to make a decision.

I don't know whether to side with the people of the Central Plains or with Gongsun Du.

The Central Plains became even stronger, but its people devoted most of their energy to internal wars and neglected to manage affairs outside the Central Plains.

Although Gongsun Du was weak, he was only weak compared to the forces in the Central Plains.

He was the king of the Northeast in Liaodong, and even Su Puyan had to pay annual tribute to Gongsun Du.

Now the two great powers are at odds and are about to fight a war in his territory.

Su Puyan was helpless in the face of this.

If he simply stood by and watched the two great powers fight, it would be a different story.

In the end, helping whoever wins is not a bad strategy.

But clearly, neither Li Yi nor Gongsun Du would allow Su Puyan to remain a bystander.

Gongsun Du ordered Su Puyan to use heavy troops to blockade Changli City.

Li Yi's army was not allowed to enter; as long as they could not pass through Changli, they would naturally not be able to reach his Liaodong.

Li Yi, on the other hand, demanded that Su Puyan release him quickly and not force him to use force to break through.

His purpose in this battle was to take down Gongsun Du.

"Oh, it's so hard, so hard..."

Su Puyan paced back and forth inside the royal tent, his hands behind his back.

With both sides issuing ultimatums simultaneously, King Qiao was now in a predicament, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

I don't know who to help.

At this time, a messenger reported that Han Zhong, the envoy from Liaodong, had arrived.

Su Puyan quickly ordered someone to invite him inside.

"...Your Excellency, what are your orders?"

Su Puyan invited Han Zhong to take the seat of honor and asked him questions in a polite manner.

Han Zhong, arrogant and haughty, said in a cold voice:

"King Qiao, have you forgotten who is in charge of Liaodong?"

"Without my lord's support, would you be able to become the King of Qiao in the Liaodong vassal state?"

"...This, I, Xiao Wang, will never forget."

Su Puyan looked troubled; despite the cold weather, he was sweating profusely with nervousness.

"...Hmph, since you haven't forgotten, why not send troops to repel Li Yi's army?"

"Do you intend to have it cross Changli and attack my Gongsun in Liaodong?"

"This! I'm innocent!"

Su Puyan quickly defended himself, saying, "Your Highness has already dispatched men to set up heavy troops in Changli, and Li Yi's army cannot pass through."

"...Hmph, but I've heard that you have frequent dealings with Envoy Li Yi."

"Could it be that you intend to wait until one day, when we are unprepared, to let them enter Liaodong?"

Su Puyan was suddenly startled, wondering who had leaked this information.
The Wuhuan tribe in Liaodong was weak and powerless. If it weren't for Gongsun Du's protection, they would have been annexed by the Xianbei long ago.

Su Puyan was able to become the King of Qiao only because of Gongsun Du.

Therefore, Su Puyan held the Gongsun family of Liaodong in deep awe.

But Li Yi's victory over the Wuhuan also shocked Su Puyan.

The saying "one Han man can fight five Hu barbarians" is not just a figure of speech.

Su Puyan also didn't want to offend Li Yi.

So although they temporarily blocked Li Yi's army's advance with heavy troops in Changli, they also sent people to deliver cattle and sheep to the army as a reward.

This was to appease Li Yi.

This approach of pleasing both sides is ultimately not a long-term solution.

Su Puyan also knew that he had to make a decision quickly and choose between Gongsun of Liaodong and Li Yi.

"The army of the Celestial Empire is beyond my ability to contend with."

Su Puyan's attitude suddenly hardened, and he said to Han Zhong in a deep voice:

"General Gongsun, what kind of support can you offer me?"

The implication is that if he helps Gongsun Du, can you keep his throne?

Haha, what a straightforward person!
Han Zhong, instead of being angry, laughed and took out an official seal, handing it to Su Puyan.

"...This is what my master commanded me to deliver to Your Majesty."

"……This is."

Su Puyan opened his eyes wide and took the seal. It turned out to be the seal of the Chanyu (Xiongnu ruler).

"Now that Tadun is dead, Louban has surrendered to the Han."

“My lord means that King Qiao will henceforth be the new Wuhuan Chanyu.”

Han Zhong leaned over Su Puyan and said to him meaningfully.

"King Qiao, you must not disappoint General Gongsun's good intentions."

Su Puyan swallowed hard, pondered for a long time, then suddenly his eyes hardened, and he shouted loudly to his generals:
"Men, immediately muster five thousand elite troops!"

"Heading to Changli City!"

"……Hahaha."

Han Zhong threw his head back and laughed loudly, "King Qiao is truly a man of great spirit!"

"Your Majesty, please rest assured that General Gongsun never mistreats meritorious officials and will certainly not forget what Your Majesty has done today."

Su Puyan, however, felt a lingering fear:
"Li Yi is a brilliant strategist, with a multitude of fierce generals under his command. I fear I cannot stop him."

Han Zhong shouted loudly:
"Liaodong is cold and harsh, and desolate with no inhabitants."

"You just need to hold Changli. Li Yi won't be able to hold out for long and will retreat."

Han Zhong was certain that Li Yi could not fight a protracted war and that he could only launch a swift attack.

If we hold out for two or three months, I don't believe Li Yi won't retreat.

When the Han army leaves, Gongsun of Liaodong will still rule the Northeast and subdue the surrounding barbarians.

"...Very well, I'll do as Your Excellency says."

Just as Su Puyan made his promise, someone reported that an envoy from the Han army had arrived!
"this!!"

Su Puyan's expression suddenly changed, and he glanced at Han Zhong in horror.

He wondered why the Han envoy had to come at the exact time that the Liaodong envoy was coming.

At this moment, Su Puyan felt as if he had been caught red-handed having two-timing.

Han Zhong's face was covered with frost as he said in a deep voice:

"What is King Qiao still hesitating about?"

"Why not execute the envoy immediately to demonstrate our sincerity?"

After saying this, he directly instructed the Wuhuan warrior beside him:
"...Go! Tell that the Han envoy need not come to see you, but behead him outside the royal court."

The Wuhuan warrior hesitated for a moment, but still obeyed.

"Hey! Wait!" Su Pu hesitated for a moment before calling out to the person.

"Ok?"

Han Zhong frowned and asked in a cold voice:

"What does King Qiao mean by this?"

"……Well."

Su Puyan's eyes darted around, and he immediately smiled apologetically:

"Your Excellency, please calm your anger. There's an old saying among the Han people—"

"Isn't it right to have a friend come from afar?"

"Since an envoy from the Han army has arrived, it wouldn't hurt to see him."

hum~
Han Zhong grunted, thinking to himself that this guy clearly wanted to see what price Li Yi would offer.

If the price is too high, you'll turn around and betray us!

Han Zhong saw right through Su Puyan's thoughts, but since they were on Su's turf, he couldn't make a scene.

We can only take it one step at a time and see how it goes.

Shortly after, the Han envoy entered the royal tent.

Upon entering the royal tent, he bowed slightly to Su Puyan using the etiquette of the Hu people.

Upon seeing this, Han Zhong shouted sternly:

"How dare you! Why do you not bow before King Qiao of Wuhuan!"

hiss……

Before the Han envoy could react, these words were spoken.

Su Puyan, however, gasped first and glared at Han Zhong for no apparent reason.

It's as if it's saying, "Dude, are you messing with me?"
Upon seeing this, the Han envoy gave a cold smile and replied neither servilely nor arrogantly:
"I have heard that ministers of superior states do not bow to the rulers of inferior states."

"As early as the fourth year of the Yuanshou era, the Wuhuan tribes had already submitted to our Great Han."

"How dare you expect me to kneel before you, my subject!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Su Puyan quickly offered a way out, praising him:

"Excellent! What spirit and courage!"

"The Han people are indeed all heroes! Guards, please have a seat!"

The Han envoy was invited to take a seat, and Su Puyan then asked the Han envoy his name.

The Han envoy then introduced himself:

“I am Qian Zhao, the Commandant of the Pacification of the Barbarians of the Han Dynasty.”

"Currently serving as the Commander of the Central Army under Li Tanhou, and concurrently holding the position of Attendant."

Su Puyan then asked Qian Zhao what business he had come here for.

Qian Zhao's gaze swept around, and she caught sight of the official seal placed on Su Puyan's desk. She quickly asked:
"What is this?!"

"……this."

Su Puyan instinctively picked up the seal, but before he could speak, Han Zhong interrupted and said:
"This is the seal of the Chanyu bestowed upon King Qiao by our lord."

"King Qiao is now the new Chanyu of Wuhuan, what do you intend to do?"

Han Zhong's attitude was tough, and he was full of contempt for Qian Zhao's arrival.

"……Hahaha."

Qian Zhao threw his head back and laughed loudly.

Why are you laughing?

Han Zhong's face darkened, and he asked in a menacing voice.

"...I laugh at your seal of office, it's fake, the real one is with me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Qian Zhao took out an official seal, which was also engraved with the four characters "Wuhuan Chanyu".

However, its workmanship is different from Han Zhong's.

One is made in China, and the other is made in Gongsun.

"……This is?"

Su Puyan stared at the two Xiongnu seals, somewhat bewildered.

Qian Zhaonai explained:
"This is the seal and ribbon bestowed upon the Chanyu by the Emperor. Gongsun Du was appointed as the Governor of Liaodong by the court and had no authority to appoint the Chanyu privately."

"I hope that King Qiao will not aid the wicked and will abandon the darkness and submit to the court as soon as possible."

Han Zhong's face turned extremely ugly when Qian Zhao exposed his scheme.

He then gave Su Puyan a cold look and said:
"...King Qiao, you shall decide for yourself!"

Well!
Su Puyan's head was buzzing. After hesitating for a long time, he took the seal and asked Qian Zhao:

“When Lord Yuan was alive, he said that he had received the emperor’s order to appoint me as the Chanyu.”

"Now Li Tanhou says again that he should make the emperor a real ruler and pretend that I am the true Chanyu."

"He returned from Liaodong with his official seal."

"So, who should be the right person?"

The question Su Puyan asked actually helped Han Zhong.

Because you, Qian Zhao, said you were appointed Chanyu by the emperor, but Yuan Shao also said he was appointed by the emperor back then.

Does what Yuan Shao said before still count?

If it counts, then what's the point of sealing it again?
If it doesn't count, aren't you treating the mandate given by the emperor of your Han Dynasty as a joke?
Su Puyan did this because he saw Han Zhong's anger and spoke up for him.

Qian Zhao answered respectfully and loudly:

“When Yuan Gong was in power, he was granted permission to perform official duties.”

"However, there was a mistake in the middle, and the emperor ordered Li Tanhou to replace him."

"Therefore, when the Marquis of Tan spoke, he told the Emperor in broad daylight, and he was not merely making things up."

"Liaodong is a lower prefecture; how dare you presume to claim it as a fiefdom?"

Qian Zhao, a shrewd man, stated that Yuan Shao's previous appointments were valid, but later events took an unexpected turn.

Therefore, the emperor appointed Li Yi to replace Yuan Shao as the new governor of Ji Province.

Now, Marquis Li Tan has once again petitioned the court, requesting to be recognized as the true Chanyu, which is the legitimate one.

Liaodong was a subordinate region; how could it have the authority to bestow titles and honors upon it?

Han Zhong knew that Qian Zhao was clearly targeting him, and immediately challenged him, saying:

"My Liaodong is located east of the sea, with a million soldiers, and the Buyeo and Yemaek tribes at my disposal."

"Where is it not possible?"

"In the current climate, the strong rule, so why should Li Yi be the only one to follow this path?"

It means that in the current situation, the strong rule, and Li Yi is nothing!

When Han Zhong mentioned having a million soldiers, he was actually including the population of Liaodong.

At its peak, Liaodong's population did indeed exceed one million.

But this definitely includes the Goguryeo people, Buyeo people, and Yemaek people.

At the same time, Buyeo and Yemaek were indeed vassals of Liaodong.

Therefore, although Han Zhong's words were arrogant, they were not too exaggerated.

Relying on the geographical advantage of Liaodong, he disregarded Qian Zhao, Li Yi behind him, and even Liu Bei behind Li Yi.

Qian Zhao was furious and rebuked Han Zhong, saying:

“Xuande was fair, respectful, wise, and virtuous, and he supported the emperor.”

"Therefore, Li Tanhou was dispatched to suppress the rebellious troops, pacify the enemy, and bring peace to the four seas."

“You and your subjects are so stubborn and unruly, now relying on the remoteness and danger, you disobey the king’s orders.”

"They wish to arbitrarily worship falsehoods and insult the sacred objects."

"We should be slaughtering them now, how dare we be negligent and easily blame the Marquis of Tan?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Qian Zhao suddenly pounced like a hungry tiger, knocking Han Zhong to the ground.

Han Zhong was caught off guard and was about to reach for his sword.

Qian Zhao had already drawn his sword and was about to slash at Han Zhong's neck.

He summoned her and shouted sternly:

"You slave! You deserve to die!"

After saying this, he was about to kill Han Zhong.

Su Puyan was shocked and, without even bothering to put on his shoes, walked down barefoot to stop Qian Zhao.

"Angel, calm your anger! Angel, calm your anger!"

"Put down your swords and let's talk things out."

Those around him were so frightened that they didn't know what to do, and only then did Qian Zhao sheath his sword.

Han Zhong rose in a disheveled state, angrily rebuking Su Puyan for his inaction, and then stormed out of the royal tent.

Su Puyan never expected things to turn out this way. Now that he had offended Gongsun Du, he had no choice but to accept the Han army's investiture.

He immediately summoned the elders and said:

“Quickly recall those five thousand elite troops and order the garrison commander of Changli City to allow the Heavenly Dynasty army to pass.”

After thanking Qian Zhao, he then said to Su Puyan:
"Now that we have offended Gongsun Du, why not kill Han Zhong and present his head to the Marquis of Tan to claim credit?"

Su Puyan sighed:
"Although Han Zhong is arrogant, if it weren't for Gongsun of Liaodong, my Wuhuan tribe in Liaodong would have long been enslaved by the Xianbei people."

"Although we are now out of their control, we cannot bear to harm their envoy."

"But angels can rest assured, after passing Changli, there are no major passes or obstacles in the Liaodong territory."

“Our Wuhuan army dares not leave this place without permission, otherwise the Xianbei people will surely take advantage of the situation and invade.”

Qian Zhao knew this was Su Puyan's euphemistic excuse, but he didn't take it to heart.

His purpose in coming here was to pass through Changli City unharmed, on the orders of Li Yi.

Afterwards, they conquered Liaodong, pacified the Gongsun clan, and then quelled the Wuhuan tribe.

At that time, we can still use the same methods Li Yi used to govern Liaoxi to govern Liaodong.

Having persuaded Su Puyan to surrender, Qian Zhao wanted to return and report back.

Su Puyan hosted a banquet in his honor and also sent ten Hu women as gifts.

Not to be discussed.

Meanwhile, Han Zhong suffered humiliation in the royal tent, but he was not in a hurry to return to Liaodong to report back.

For many years, the Gongsun family of Liaodong dominated the Northeast. How could they not make preparations for both possibilities?
Han Zhong immediately went to the royal tent of King Wupu of Nanqiao and proposed to launch an uprising.

Wupu Nai Xiao Wang was the strongest tribe besides Supu Yan.

Han Zhong then gave all the benefits that Gongsun Du had promised to Su Puyan to Wu Pu.

Wu Pu gladly accepted, and then asked how to start the uprising.

Han Zhong offered a suggestion:
“A banquet may be held in the royal tent to celebrate Supuyan’s appointment as Chanyu.”

"Then, at the banquet, ambush and kill him with axemen."

Wu Pu followed his advice and sent someone to invite Su Puyan.

After receiving the invitation, Su Puyan was ready to attend the banquet.

Qian Zhao sensed something was amiss and immediately stopped.

"I have only been at the royal court for a short time, how could the news of King Qiao being granted the title of Chanyu have spread so quickly?"

"I fear there may be something amiss. Perhaps you should wait until my lord arrives before you begin your celebration."

Su Puyan then advised:

"...The angels are too suspicious. The reason why the Wuhuan tribes were able to resist the Xiongnu and Xianbei is because the tribes were united."

"King Nanqiao has extended a kind invitation; how can I refuse his kind offer?"

He ignored Qian Zhao's advice and insisted on going to the banquet.

The next day,

Su Puyan rode a fine horse and led more than fifty guards to the royal court of Nanqiao King for a banquet.

After the formalities were completed, they took their seats and drank wine, raising their cups to toast each other.

When the wine was half-finished, Han Zhong suddenly appeared.

Su Puyan was shocked and was about to ask a question.

Han Zhong drew his sword and shouted, "Kill the traitors!"

Countless swordsmen and axemen surged out from all directions and began hacking at Su Puyan's men.

Caught off guard, more than a dozen people died instantly.

Su Puyan was shocked and hurriedly asked:
"Why is Envoy Han acting this way?"

Han Zhong sneered:

"King Qiao, without my master, how could you have achieved what you have today?"

"You have been ungrateful before, so don't blame us for being ruthless."

Seeing that all was lost, Su Puyan still made a last-ditch effort, saying:
“I have already joined the Han army. I had already discussed it with the Han envoy before I set off.”

"If they cannot return by evening, then send troops to rescue them."

"I fear your small tent is no match for the Han army's offensive!"

Han Zhong laughed loudly:

"You little dog! You can't fool me!"

"The one who will kill you today is not me, but your subject!"

Su Puyan was startled and was about to ask who it was.

One of them charged out from behind, raised his spear and thrust it forward, shouting:
"The murderer is none other than King Nanqiao!"

Wu Puyi's spear struck Su Puyan squarely in the back of the heart, causing Su Puyan to cough up blood and fall to the ground.

The crowd rushed forward and hacked him to death with a flurry of blows, then beheaded him and displayed his head in the kings' tents.

All the tents were terrified, and also feared the Gongsun family of Liaodong, so they all surrendered to Wupu's tent.

Qian Zhao heard the news and angrily rebuked Su Puyan for ignoring her advice.

He then led his men and quickly left the royal tent, heading towards Changli.

Li Yi's army had already passed Changli when they encountered Qian Zhao's group and asked them why they were in such a hurry.

Qian Zhao then told Li Yi about the internal mutiny within the Wuhuan royal court and the assassination of Su Puyan.

Li Yi stroked his beard and sighed:
"I never imagined that the King of Qiao would end up like this."

Qian Zhao was still somewhat indignant, and gritted her teeth, saying:
"If King Ruoqiao were willing to listen to my words, how could he possibly face death?"

"……hehe."

Li Yi smiled slightly, patted Qian Zhao's shoulder, and comforted him:
"It's too late for regrets now that things have come to this."

"Anyway, my army has already passed Changli and Liaodong, the territory of the dependent state, and there are no more obstacles."

"Let's see if that King of Nanqiao will block my way."

"If you do not block our way and allow our army to pass through Liaodong, that would be the best course of action."

"If not, sweep through their royal court and use their skulls to make wine!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was filled with pride and clamored to march into Liaodong.

Li Yi rewarded Qian Zhao handsomely again:
"In ancient times, Ban Chao single-handedly traversed remote regions and explained things to various countries."

"Now, Zijing's courage and wisdom are no less than those of Ban Zhongsheng back then!"

Subsequently, the army officially set off, marching in a grand procession towards Liaodong.

……

(End of this chapter)