Second-hand time travel: Liu Bei, the big-eared bandit

Chapter 248 I'll Save Your Life Along the Way

Outside the East Gate.

Of course, Luoyang wouldn't open its gates at night, but you could faintly hear noises coming from inside the city.

Moreover, when Liu Bei's troops arrived at the East Gate, no gatekeeper came to investigate.

The city gates were heavily guarded, and all three drawbridges over the moat had been raised.

This looks like a defensive posture against external enemies.

The moat at the East Gate is fed by the Yangqu Canal, and is a flowing water source. It serves as both the water source for Luoyang and a waterway for grain transport. It is ten zhang wide, and the water level is currently at its deepest.

Two hundred paces outside the moat is the East Gate Camp, which is also the garrison of the Eastern Commandant of Luoyang, but at this time the East Gate Camp is also empty.

Most of the city gate officers in Luoyang were under the jurisdiction of the He Miao, especially the southeast gates, which were under the He Miao's control.

He Miao originally controlled most of the city gates of Luoyang and the six military commanders of Luoyang, which meant he controlled the vast majority of the capital's police force.

The Xia Gate, located north of Luoyang, has always been directly under the control of the palace guards. It is close to the imperial gardens, and the side gate of the North Palace is right next to it. The gatekeeper of the Xia Gate is directly called the "Marquis of Xia Gate," and the current Marquis of Xia Gate is a subordinate of Jian Shuo.

In addition, the guards of Xiyuan and Nangong were also under the command of Jian Shuo, which was the original intention of the newly established Xiyuan Army—it was originally for the safety of Xiyuan and Nangong.

The South Palace was the administrative area, the North Palace was the living area for the harem, and the West Garden actually connected the two palaces, but Liu Hong spent most of his time in the West Garden.

He Jin controlled the Northern Palace Imperial Guards and the central army in the surrounding cities and passes of Luoyang, including Hangu Pass and Mengjin Ferry.

Liu Bei was unaware of what had happened inside the city. Seeing that the East Gate camp was empty, he immediately moved in there.

As soon as they entered the camp, a soldier emerged from the shadows: "My lord?"

That was Qian Zhao who stayed in Luoyang to protect Yue Yin; he was once one of the Netherworld Soldiers.

Why are you here? What has happened in the city?

When Liu Bei saw this man appear outside the city, his expression changed drastically.

"This afternoon, the Northern Commandant of Luoyang attempted to assassinate Lord Dong..."

After the underworld soldier finished recounting Yue Yin's injury, he added, "Jia Zhizhong instructed us to split up and leave the city to hide in various camps in order to wait for our lord. Jia Zhizhong also instructed our lord to enter the city through the North Xia Gate."

"My mentor is injured? Northern Lieutenant..."

Qian Zhao gritted his teeth: "He Miao's men!"

"How could it be He Miao who did it... It must be Yuan Wei's man... Yuan Shao!"

Liu Bei's face was extremely gloomy: "The Yuan family residence is inside the East Gate. Yide, guard this place and do not let any of the Yuan family members escape!"

Although He Miao did indeed have the motive to assassinate Liu Xie, Liu Bei was all too familiar with this tactic.

His mother had died from a similar assassination attempt, and Wu Kuang had previously blocked his way under He Miao's name, so Liu Bei was certainly not fooled.

“Yun Chang, lead your troops to the North Xia Gate. If you can enter the city, then follow Wen He’s arrangements.”

Liu Bei instructed, "Zijing, come with me to Xiaopingjin... He Miao should be there."

……

Liu Bei led his cavalry, along with Qian Zhao and Zhao Yun, on a fast horse to Xiaopingjin.

Since the White Wave Army rebelled, He Miao's garrison had been stationed at Xiaopingjin. Liu Bei was quite familiar with this route and could travel there very quickly.

This time, we encountered no obstacles along the way because fighting was taking place in Koping and Tianjin.

Moreover, the person who attacked He Miao was an old acquaintance.

Scouts reported that General Xu Rong had led his troops to surround Xiaopingjin.

Upon hearing the report, Liu Bei immediately took the lead and ran at full speed.

Although it was the middle of the night, countless bonfires were lit around Xiaopingjin, illuminating the area as if it were daytime, and Xu Rong launched an attack overnight.

When Liu Bei arrived, Xu Rong had probably received a report from his scouts and came to greet him.

"Lord Liu...it's been a long time."

Xu Rong clearly harbored no hostility towards Liu Bei: "Has Your Excellency come here also to punish the traitor He Miao?"

"Brother Xu, are you here on the orders of the General? Let's lift the siege first. I intend to go in and see He Miao." Liu Bei got straight to the point and told Xu Rong to let him pass.

"Master... Alas, does Your Excellency wish to personally slay your enemy?"

Xu Rong expressed his understanding, but it was clearly a misunderstanding.

"If the real culprit is someone else, Brother Xu, would you be willing to help me take revenge?"

Liu Bei asked with a serious expression.

"Is there anyone else?"

Xu Rong frowned: "Does Your Excellency believe that this was done by the Grand General?"

It's no wonder Xu Rong thought that way, since most people would assume that the assassination attempt on Liu Xie was orchestrated by the He family, either He Jin or He Miao.

Le Yin was implicated and seriously injured. If Liu Bei said that the real culprit was not He Miao, then Xu Rong would indeed believe it, after all, he had also worked under Liu Bei and knew what kind of person Liu Bei was.

The problem is... Xu Rong is now under He Jin's tutelage.

"Brother Xu, if this matter is truly related to the General, what do you intend to do?"

Liu Bei asked again.

"...I, Xu, am unaware...My lord, the General has treated me with great kindness..."

Xu Rong pondered for a moment, then shook his head in reply.

He Jin indeed treated his subordinates with kindness and generosity. Xu Rong is now a Lieutenant General, and Wu Kuanghui, one of He Miao's subordinates, switched allegiance to He Jin for the same reason.

Including when he tried to recruit Zheng Xuan and others, He Jin spared no expense, showing great respect and generosity. He was a good boss to most people.

Moreover, given the current situation, if the emperor were to pass away, He Jin would likely become a powerful minister who controls the court.

After all, this has always been the case throughout the Han Dynasty.

"This is someone deliberately instigating a fight between the Grand General and the General of Chariots and Cavalry. Why should Brother Xu get involved in this matter..."

Liu Bei's face went expressionless: "Let me in to see He Miao. If He Miao is not innocent, I will kill him with my own hands. If this was not He Miao's doing, I will have to borrow He Miao's troops to punish the real culprit... Brother Xu, please make way..."

Xu Rong hesitated visibly, but did not step aside.

Liu Bei drew his sword without hesitation: "Brother Xu?"

"I, Xu, also have my difficulties... I can only wait for you, my lord, for one night. When dawn breaks, I will have no choice but to lead my troops to attack the city."

Xu Rong hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice.

"Thank you, Brother Xu."

Liu Bei clasped his hands in a fist and said, "If Brother Xu ever needs anything in the future, I will certainly repay you."

Xu Rong sighed and sounded the retreat, ordering his troops besieging the city to withdraw.

Seeing Xu Rong retreat and Liu Bei's banner heading straight for the Xiaopingjin camp, He Miao naturally understood that Liu Bei had come to his rescue and quickly went out of the camp to greet him.

Upon meeting Liu Bei, He Miao's first words were: "I have been wronged!"

“General of Chariots and Cavalry, I don’t really care whether you are wronged or not… I care about my master’s life.”

Liu Bei did not come to He Miao to exonerate him: "Please come with me to the palace, General. I am about to lead my army into Luoyang."

"Liu Xuande...you want to kill me too?!"

Panic appeared in He Miao's eyes.

"No, I just want to take control of the Luoyang city gates before anyone else, and incidentally save your life..."

Liu Bei shook his head and said frankly, "If General Chariot and Cavalry wants to live, the only way is to see the Empress as soon as possible. And if I want to save my master's life, I must see His Majesty immediately. Please change your clothes and come with me to the palace immediately."

He Miao hesitated for a moment, then took out the seal and tiger tally from his body, holding them hesitantly.

In fact, He Miao knew that what Liu Bei said was the best choice, but he still gripped the tiger tally tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Liu Bei snatched the seal and tiger tally: "If you don't leave now, you'll die here! Tomorrow, I'll have no choice but to take your head to exchange for my master!"

(End of this chapter)