Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 405 Mother-in-law Offers Gifts to Daughter-in-law—Zhen Shi!
Although Zhang Yu failed to breach the inner city due to Shen Pei's steadfast defense, the surrender of Gao Lan and three thousand elite cavalry provided temporary reassurance. Therefore, Zhang Yu abandoned his plan to attack the city that night, intending to allow his exhausted troops to rest and conserve their energy for future campaigns.

That night, the palace was deathly silent due to the defeat in the military campaign; while outside the city, soldiers and officers celebrated the surrender of Gao Lan.

Had Gao Lan not surrendered with his three thousand elite cavalry, Zhang Yu might have launched a night attack on the city to quickly seize control of Xindu. However, Gao Lan's surrender brought Zhang Yu some temporary peace of mind, and he abandoned his plan to have his exhausted soldiers attack the city overnight.

On the 24th, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

Shen Pei stood on the inner city tower. Although he was thin, he exuded a resolute air, not much different from yesterday. Only his eyes, which had previously shone with hope, were now replaced by the fire of despair.

A large amount of firewood was piled up at the south gate. In Shen Pei's despairing eyes, Xu Chu threw down the torch, and flames shot into the sky. The fire spread to the gate, and soon the flames had scorched the gate.

Soldiers were lined up on both sides of the south gate, but the expressions of the people were in stark contrast.

Outside the city, the soldiers of the Bing army were eager to fight, their expressions filled with excitement; inside the city, the soldiers of the Ji army were timid and fearful.

"Commander, Gao Lan has surrendered with his troops, and the enemy has burned down the gate. Our army is doomed. What should we do?" Captain Dong Zhong led several soldiers to Shen Pei and asked.

Shen Pei remained silent.

Dong Zhong frowned and said, "The enemy is about to break through the gate. I urge the commander to make preparations as soon as possible!"

"Intend?"

Shen Pei was finally moved. He turned to look at Dong Zhong with a hint of sadness and said, "Your Excellency entrusted all your secrets to me, but I was unable to defend against the enemy. How can I face Your Excellency now? How can I live on in this world?"

Dong Zhong hesitated for a moment and said, "Yuan Gong's family is all in the inner city. If we start fighting now, I'm afraid the women and children will be injured."

"Does Your Majesty wish to surrender?"

Shen Pei understood the implied meaning and retorted sharply.

Seeing that Shen Pei had no intention of surrendering, Dong Zhong bowed and apologized, saying, "It is not that I wish to surrender, but that we are now in dire straits, and my wife and children are still outside the city. I have no choice but to rescue them. If I have offended you, I hope the commander-in-chief will forgive me!"

As he spoke, Dong Zhong waved his hand, and two soldiers behind him stepped forward and subdued Shen Pei, who was attempting to resist.

"Dong Zhong, the Lord has treated you well, how dare you rebel now!" Shen Pei struggled to say.

Dong Zhong had no intention of saying much. He simply ordered someone to take Shen Pei away, while he climbed the city wall, raised the flag, and welcomed the Bing army into the city.

In this world, there are only a few people who would die for a true friend. Most people try to get off the ship before it capsizes, rather than being buried with it.

As Dong Chong ascended the city wall to surrender, Zhang Yu smiled again and said, "Order Xu Chu to lead troops inside and clear out the rioting soldiers in the city. Do not disturb Yuan Shao's family; I will come up to pay my respects later."

"Gongming?"

"The general is here!"

"You shall lead your troops into the city and take control of important locations such as the government offices, treasury, and armory. Remember not to damage the books and documents, as these are fundamental to governing Ji Province."

"promise!"

Xu Huang waved his hand and led his troops toward the west gate.

After Xu Huang left, Xu You's eyes darted around, and he leaned close to Zhang Yu's ear and whispered, "My lord, Yuan Shao's household has many beautiful women, especially the second young master Yuan Xi's newlywed wife, who is a beauty of unparalleled grace."

Zhang Yu glanced at Xu You and said indifferently, "Yuan Shao is still alive. This is not the time to indulge in pleasure. Do not mention this matter again. Ziyuan is familiar with the military and political affairs of Hebei. Now that he has entered the palace, I would like to trouble you to recommend virtuous men in the city for me."

"Remember to recommend virtuous men from within the city!"

"If you succeed in recommending scholars, I will reward you accordingly; if you fail in recommending scholars, do not blame me for not remembering the great merit you have rendered!"

"promise!"

After being warned by Zhang Yu, Xu You put away his own thoughts and responded in silence.

After giving Xu You a good talking-to, Zhang Yu mounted his horse and prepared to lead his army into the city.

Just then, Zhao Yun stepped forward and said, "My lord, Dong Zhong has captured Shen Pei alive and now wishes to see you!"

Zhang Yu narrowed his eyes and said, "Bring Shen Pei over!"

"promise!"

Dong Zhong led Shen Pei forward, and when he saw Zhang Yu, he bowed respectfully and said, "Colonel Dong Zhong greets the General. Shen Pei is stubborn and unrepentant. I have captured him alive and await your judgment."

Zhang Yu, mounted on his horse, said, "Minister Dong has rendered meritorious service in surrendering the city. His military rank will remain unchanged, but he will be granted gold, silver, and a mansion."

If Dong Zhong had surrendered yesterday, Zhang Yu might have been granted a title of Marquis of Ting or Marquis of Guannei. But Dong Zhong surrendered when the city fell, so how could he be granted a marquis title?
"Thank you, my lord!" Dong Zhong bowed with delight.

Now, seeing Shen Pei, who had become a prisoner, Xu You sneered, "When you wanted to punish me and imprison my wife and children, did you ever think of this day?"

Shen Pei raised his head, looked at Xu You with disdain, and said, "You traitor, what face do you have to see me? I only regret that I could punish you and kill your whole family sooner. It is truly hateful that you betrayed your master and joined the rebels, causing chaos in Ji Province!"

Upon hearing Shen Pei's foul language, Xu You's long-suppressed anger was ignited. He immediately drew his cavalryman's steel whip and lashed Shen Pei's body.

"Snapped!"

"You scoundrel! If it weren't for your sowing discord, I wouldn't have ended up in this predicament!"

"Shen Pei, now it's my turn to kill your wife and children!" Xu You said with a ferocious expression.

"Snapped!"

After only three lashes of the steel whip, Shen Pei was already howling on the ground, desperately protecting his head with his hands. Having vented his anger, Xu You was exhausted and panting heavily. Shen Pei was in even worse shape; he lay on the ground, curled up like a shrimp in pain.

Zhang Yu looked down at Shen Pei lying on the ground and asked, "I know you are loyal to the Yuan family, but now that I have taken Xindu, Yuan Shao's power is gone. Are you willing to serve me?"

Pulled up by the soldiers, Shen Pei spat at Zhang Yu and said with difficulty, "Kill me if you want, why say more? I am a subject of Yuan, how can I serve you!"

Seeing that Zhang Yu intended to recruit Shen Pei, Xu You hurriedly said, "My lord, this traitor is my sworn enemy. He often advises Yuan Shao to sow discord between the ruler and his minister. If we recruit him now, it will surely cause endless trouble."

Shen Pei coldly stared at Xu You and said, "I am a subject of Yuan, unlike you who break the law. If I don't kill you now, someone else will in the future. I only regret that I cannot witness it with my own eyes!"

Zhang Yu looked at Shen Pei, who had a deathly look on his face, and said with emotion, "With you by his side, it's no wonder that Yuan Shao was able to rise to power in Ji Province and become a major threat to me."

Shen Pei, his face full of fearlessness, awaited Zhang Yu's execution.

"Since you wish to uphold loyalty and righteousness, do you have any parting words?" Zhang Yu asked.

“My lord is in Zhao, and he has granted me permission to die eastward!” Shen Pei said.

"allow!"

"Zilong, give Mr. Shen a proper burial and allow his clansmen to observe mourning for him."

"As ordered!"

"Thank you!"

Shen Pei first glared at Xu You, then looked at Zhang Yu and asked, "Lord Zhang, do you know why I punished Xu You?"

Zhang Yu did not answer!

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Xu You was furious and tried to stop Shen Pei from speaking. However, Zhao Yun intervened, and Xu You was unable to succeed.

Shen Pei laughed sarcastically and said, "Xu You is greedy for money. When Lord Yuan employed him, he accepted bribes on a large scale, appointed incompetent people, and placed talented people in subordinate positions. His son is arrogant and domineering, letting his servants injure people, forcibly seize women, and occupy fertile land. If such a father and son are not eliminated, how can we talk about achieving great things!"

"shut up!"

Xu You jumped up in a panic, grabbed Zhang Yu's reins, and said pitifully, "My lord, please don't listen to Shen Pei's framing! He's trying to sow discord between you and your subject before he dies!"

Zhang Yu waved his hand, signaling Zhao Yun to take Shen Pei away, and reassured him, "I don't care about what Ziyuan did in the past. I know Shen Pei's intentions perfectly well. You don't need to worry. Just focus on your work from now on!"

"Your Excellency is wise!" Xu You exclaimed repeatedly.

After arranging for the surrendered people, Zhang Yu rode into the inner city to take over Yuan Shao's belongings.

While Xu Huang was taking over the government office, Zhang Yu went to Yuan Shao's residence first.

Because of Zhang Yu's instructions and the imposing presence of soldiers guarding the gate, everyone saluted Zhang Yu when they saw him.

Zhang Yu handed his horse to his left and right, and surrounded by dozens of armored soldiers, he strode inside.

Yuan Shao came from a family that had produced four generations of high-ranking officials, and was later granted the title of Duke of Wei. His mansion was lavishly furnished. As there was no damage from the mutinous troops, Yuan's mansion remained as it was.

When Zhang Yu entered the hall, he saw two women sitting together, surrounded by maids. All the women were terrified, especially when they saw Zhang Yu leading dozens of armored soldiers into the hall. They almost lowered their heads and dared not look at him.

"Shao's wife, Liu, pays her respects to the General and hopes that he will forgive our sins."

At this moment, a woman sitting in the hall bound her own hands, mustered her courage, and led the crowd to pay their respects to Zhang Yu.

Seeing this, Zhang Yu tried his best to be amiable and asked, "Why is Madam Liu like this?"

Lady Liu said, "The Yuan family is the general's enemy, and I am guilty for being the Yuan family's wife!"

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "I used to have a past relationship with Yuan Shao. Although we are now enemies, my wife and daughters will not be implicated."

"Madam, please settle down and raise the young Yuan."

As he spoke, Zhang Yu noticed that the woman who had been sitting on the couch with Liu earlier was now hiding behind Liu with her head down, and asked curiously, "Who is behind you?"

To protect herself, Lady Liu deliberately stepped aside and helped up the bowing Lady Zhen, saying, "Your Excellency, she is the newlywed wife of my second son. Her surname is Zhen and her given name is Mi."

Seeing that Zhen Mi's hair was disheveled, Liu took the initiative to tidy it up, trying her best to let Zhang Yu see Zhen Mi's stunning beauty.

Zhang Yu carefully examined Zhen Mi and couldn't help but nod in approval. Zhen Mi's appearance was outstanding among his many wives and concubines; the only one who could compare was probably Zou Qi, whom Zhang Ji had presented. No wonder Cao Pi in history took a liking to Zhen Mi.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yu glanced at Liu Shi, who was showing a fawning expression, and immediately understood.

Perhaps Liu was afraid that she would be humiliated as Yuan Shao's wife after the rebel army broke through the city, so she put forward Zhen Mi to curry favor. Historically, she was offered to Cao Pi, but now she wanted to offer her to him.

Seeing that Zhang Yu remained silent, Liu Shi glanced at him furtively and said, "My daughter-in-law is very learned, my lord~"

Before she could finish speaking, Zhen Mi understood Liu's intention and inwardly groaned. She then nudged Liu with her hand, trying to stop her from speaking.

Zhang Yu noticed all their subtle movements and said, "The two ladies can stay at the old residence for now. My soldiers are guarding it, so there's no need to worry."

"promise!"

The *Jiangzuo Yice* states: "Consort Zhen possessed unparalleled beauty. She was originally the wife of Yuan Xi and was greatly favored. When Emperor Shenwu attacked Xindu, he said to his attendants, 'This year's victory over Yuan is precisely because of this woman.'"

(End of this chapter)