Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 197 Shijiazhuang Zhao Zilong
In the second year of Zhongping, in May, Yuanshi County.

In the county government office, the prefect Diwucang had a worried look on his face. He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, sighing.

Inside the hall, the county officials were in a panic, whispering to each other, all of them worried. However, among the officials, there was one who looked calm, holding his sword and holding his head high, standing out from the crowd.

"Master, the enemy is approaching Yuanshi, we need to make plans early!"

The county official ignored his brother's obstruction, stepped out of the line, and said: Changshan has abundant food and grass, and thousands of strong soldiers and horses. If you want to resist the enemy, Yun is willing to lead the heroes of the county to defend the city for you; if you want to surrender, Zhang Duliao's prestige is resounding throughout Hebei, and he is a generous and courteous person, so he will send someone to surrender as soon as possible. "

"If you hesitate and don't make a decision, you will be laughed at by women and children!"

"Your Majesty, please forgive me for my offensive words!" Zhao Lang stood up, bowed and apologized.

The Fifth Warehouse looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was the brothers Zhao Yun and Zhao Lang under his command. Although he was dissatisfied, considering that the two were sons of powerful families in the county, he did not say much. He waved his hand and asked them to sit down.

Diwu Cang thought for a while and said, "Now the Han Dynasty is declining and the world is in chaos. The heroes are in the name of fighting against Dong, but in fact they are annexing other states to strengthen themselves. Jizhou has a rich population and is the foundation for success. However, Mu Bo is weak and incompetent, and has caused trouble for our subordinate counties."

"Gongsun Zan is leading his troops to Anping County, Yuan Shao is stationed at Yanjin, and Zhang Yu is leading Bingzhou troops into the country. All three are spying on Jizhou. Changshan County is suffering from the Black Mountain and Wuhuan, so how can we be enemies with the three ministers? Therefore, the key for us now is not to resist the enemy, but to serve a wise leader."

"What do you think?"

"My lord, Zhang Yu is powerful in Hebei and occupies Bingzhou. The Hu cavalry and Han people under his command are brave. Now they have joined forces with Zhang Yan and their strength is even stronger. In my opinion, Changshan should not make enemies with him and should surrender to Zhang Yu." said the chief clerk Liu Bing.

"otherwise!"

Gong Cao Chang Lun said loudly: "Yuan Shao is from the Yuan family. Three of his family members have been high officials for four generations. Their students and former officials are all over the country. How can he serve a humble person?"

"Yuan Shao cannot be surrendered!"

County official Cui Jie interrupted and said, "Although Yuan Shao is famous throughout the country, he only owns Bohai County, while Gongsun Zan and Zhang Yu both control a state. Gongsun Zan is powerful at the border, and the White Horse Volunteers make the Hu people timid. Considering that Youzhou is adjacent to Changshan, it is better to surrender to Gongsun Zan now."

"Gongsun Zan is under the command of Lord Liu, but he has no place to base himself. Zhang Yu has occupied the counties of Bingzhou, and his troops are about to approach the city. If we surrender to Gongsun Zan now, how can we resolve the crisis?" Liu Bing said.

"Fu Jun!"

Everyone in the hall was making a lot of noise, which gave Diwucang a headache.

Looking around at the crowd, the Fifth Warehouse saw that Zhao Yun, who had spoken earlier, seemed confident, so he asked, "Zilong advised me to make plans early. I wonder what advice he had."

"My lord, there is a disaster ahead. We can either withdraw our troops to resolve the crisis or put an end to the fighting. Although Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are good friends, I think distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. If you are not willing to resolve the crisis yourself and put an end to the war, the only way is to surrender Zhang Du Liao. Although Du Liao has contacted Heishan, his troops have not harmed anyone since they entered the country, and have not infringed on any civilians or officials. Therefore, I think Du Liao is trustworthy. I hope you will surrender to him, so that Changshan can be protected from the harm of bandits and Hu." Zhao Yun said.

“Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst!”

The Fifth Warehouse muttered to himself, then made a decision and said, "Since Zhang Duliao is trustworthy, we will submit to him now."

As he spoke, the Fifth Warehouse looked at Liu Bing and said, "You will go out on my behalf to meet Zhang Duliao, with Zhao Zilong as your deputy, and offer money and food to Bingzhou."

"promise!"

Everyone in the hall responded in unison, each with their own thoughts.

When everyone left the hall, Zhao Lang saw that there were no outsiders, so he said, "Gentlemen, please discuss matters. Zilong is here for the first time, so how can you speak rashly?"

Zhao Yun shook his head and said, "Cao Gui once said that meat eaters are vulgar and cannot plan far ahead. Now I see what you are planning, and that is all. The world is in chaos, and Changshan cannot protect itself. If we do not find a wise leader, Changshan will suffer and the villagers will suffer from the chaos."

Zhao Lang patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder and sighed, "Zilong has military strategy and foresight, which I cannot compare to. Today, bandits are everywhere in the world, and my clansmen and villagers all rely on you, Zilong!"

Zhao Yun nodded, feeling a little heavy-hearted.

The Zhao family of Changshan was not a prominent family, but it was powerful. The Zhao family built a fortress and gathered more than a thousand families. His father died early, and he was raised by his elder brother. But as the world was in chaos and wars broke out, he longed to seek a wise leader to serve, but was restricted by his family and had to stay with his elder brother.

"Zilong said he surrendered to Zhang Duliao, but does he mean Zhang Jun?" Zhao Lang asked.

Zhao Yun hesitated for a moment and said, "Zhang Duliao has the potential to be a wise leader, but we need to see how he performs."

For powerful sons like Zhao Yun who have deep ties to their hometown, it is difficult for them to leave their hometown and serve other monarchs. Therefore, for them, the best outcome is to have a wise ruler rule their hometown, so that they can follow the monarch and make achievements without leaving their hometown.

Zhao Lang nodded and said, "Zilong is insightful. We can use the grain donation to observe Du Liao's character."

"good!"

Under the organization of the Fifth Warehouse, the chief clerk Liu Bing and the county official Zhao Yun brought 20,000 stones of grain and fodder as well as wine, livestock, etc. to welcome the Du Liao army that came from afar.

Upon learning that Changshan County intended to surrender, Zhang Yu led his infantry and cavalry to station troops in Gaoyi, sixty miles away.

Six thousand infantry and cavalry set up camp along the river. Although they knew that Changshan had surrendered, the camp was still well-maintained, with ditches and chevaux de frise outside and soldiers patrolling inside, as if they were facing a powerful enemy.

"Now that Changshan has surrendered, why are you making such strict arrangements?"

Zhao Yun entered the camp, and fortunately with his sharp ears he was able to hear the casual conversation of two officers not far away.

"You are confused. It is hard to tell whether Changshan's surrender is genuine or not. If we send an envoy to pretend to surrender and then order the troops to launch a surprise attack, our camp will be in disarray and we will be defeated!"

"Captain Man is right, but I am stupid!"

When Zhao Yun was eavesdropping on the officers' casual conversation, an officer from the Du Liao army came to inform them.

"The Lord is already in the big tent. You two may enter to see him."

"Thanks for the advice!"

Under Liu Bing's lead, Zhao Yun followed closely. However, while walking, Zhao Yun did not forget the conversation between the 'Captain Man' and his officers. "The Captain is in charge of a thousand men, and he is not a general by rank. However, he has such a far-reaching thought in setting up camp. If it was the commander's idea, it shows that Zhang Yu is a cautious person; if it was the Captain's idea alone, it shows that the officers under Zhang Yu are resourceful, and Zhang Yu must be outstanding for his ability to control the Captain Man."

Soon, Zhao Yun and Liu Bing arrived outside the big tent. After being informed by the gate guard, the two handed in their swords and walked into the tent.

After entering the tent, Zhao Yun glanced at the armored general on the chair and couldn't help but secretly praise Zhang Yu's heroic appearance.

Zhao Yun calmed down and bowed to Zhang Yu, saying, "Zhao Yun, an official from Changshan County, pays homage to General Du Liao."

While Zhao Yun was paying his respects, Zhang Yu naturally passed by Liu Bing and noticed the majestic Zhao Yun.

Of course, it was not only Zhang Yu who noticed Zhao Yun. The civil and military officers of the Du Liao army in the tent all took a few more glances at Zhao Yun. After all, with a height of eight feet, a broad face, a heavy chin, thick eyebrows and big eyes, it was impossible not to notice him.

"Liu Bing, Zhao Yun?"

Zhang Yu flipped through the business cards handed over by the two men and saw the name "Zilong" written on Zhao Yun's business card. Zhang Yu raised his eyebrows slightly and felt a little happy.

"Shijiazhuang Zhao Zilong!"

Zhang Yu collected his thoughts and said, "The five gentlemen are willing to submit, is that so?"

"Exactly!"

Liu Bing was humble and handed over the gift list prepared by the Fifth Warehouse, saying: "Your Majesty's reputation is well-known in Hebei and the people of Changshan have been looking forward to your presence for a long time. Now our county has prepared a small gift to thank you for your hard work in sending troops."

Zhang Yu flipped through the gift list and saw an ox on it. He said, "The country is in turmoil and people's lives are in great difficulty. Oxen are used for farming, but now they are used for food. Don't people have to use oxen for farming?"

As he spoke, Zhang Yu put down the gift list and said, "I and my soldiers will accept the gift from your highness. You can accept the rest. But I hope you two can take the oxen back and return them to the people of Changshan."

Seeing Zhang Yu's words, Liu Bing and Zhao Yun's impression of him increased greatly.

Liu Bing bowed and said, "Your Excellency cares about the people. I would like to thank you on behalf of the scholars and ladies of Changshan."

"good!"

"Please take a seat, second sir!"

Zhang Yu asked the two men to sit down and said, "I led the troops to Changshan to appease the Black Mountain Army. Now Zhang Yan of the Black Mountain Army is deeply touched by the king's kindness, so he surrendered to me and the Grand Marshal. Now that Changshan has surrendered, General Zhang and I will protect the people of Changshan from being robbed by the Wuhuan and bandits."

"Your Excellency has led the troops to drive out the bandits and pacify the people, and you have endured a lot of hard work." Liu Bing responded.

"Your Majesty!"

When Zhang Yu was about to continue speaking, Guo Huai walked into the tent quietly, went to Zhang Yu's ear and whispered something.

Zhang Yu frowned slightly, looked at Liu and Zhao, and asked, "Our cavalry sent a report that an official from Changshan County has left and seems to have gone to join Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan. What's going on now?"

"This~"

Hearing this, Liu Bing didn't know how to answer and stammered.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun cupped his hands and said, "My Lord, the world is in turmoil, and Jizhou is in chaos. The people are in danger, and the scholars want to help the world. There are disputes in my county, and we are grateful for your benevolent rule, so we come to submit to you."

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "I have no intention of blaming the two of you. Today, the world is in chaos. The ruler chooses the subordinates, and the subordinates also choose the ruler. Now that I have the two of you and the people of Changshan to join me, I am already satisfied!"

"Your Excellency is so generous!"

Zhao Yun suddenly felt that Zhang Yu was a kind person, so he bowed and said.

Zhang Yu looked at Zhao Yun and said with a smile: "If I remember correctly, your name is 'Zilong'?"

"Exactly!"

"Before I entered Changshan, I heard that Zhao Zilong was very brave. From what I have heard, you are not only good at fighting, but also very knowledgeable." Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and asked, "I would like to appoint Zilong as the head of my sect. Do you agree to do so?"

Zhao Yun was stunned, as he didn't expect Zhang Yu to recruit him at the first opportunity. After hesitating for a while, he bowed to Zhang Yu under Liu Bing's envious gaze.

"I am somewhat familiar with military strategy. Now that you, my lord, do not abandon me, I am willing to follow you." Zhao Yun said.

Zhang Yu stood up and helped Zhao Yun up, his eyes full of admiration, and said: "I am happy that Changshan has surrendered. But I am even happier to have Zilong."

Seeing Zhang Yu admire him so much, Zhao Yun couldn't help but wonder in his heart when he became so famous that he was even more famous than the chief clerk Liu Bing. He hoped that the prince didn't have any special hobbies.

Zhang Yu had no idea of what Zhao Yun was thinking. In order not to ignore Liu Bing, he consoled him and said, "Mr. Liu has made outstanding achievements in government. I hope you will consult me on Changshan's affairs in the future."

"I dare not!" Liu Bing looked overjoyed.

Zhao Yun hesitated for a while and asked, "May I ask, sir, how is the Lord?"

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "I will make a petition to the court to commend the five gentlemen for their contributions to the peace of the country in the past. They may be retained in Changshan or appointed to other important posts. Zilong, don't worry about it."

Zhang Yan will be appointed as the governor of Changshan, and the surrendered Fifth Cang will probably be moved. I will find a good position for Fifth Cang by then. If I treat him harshly, it will damage my reputation in Jizhou.

Historically, Yuan Shao abused Han Fu, and he must not imitate him, otherwise some people would be afraid of him and unwilling to surrender to him, which would be more trouble than gain. Moreover, Diwu Cang was from Guanzhong, and he would be useful to him when he marched into Guanzhong in the future.

The fifth warehouse is quite suitable for protecting the Xiongnu Lieutenant General!

(End of this chapter)