Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 175 Technique: In the name of the Yellow Heaven, command the spirits and deities of the ten directions!
"What's Huang Zhong? I know someone whose name will shock you!"

"Oh~?"

Upon hearing this, not only the assembled officials but also Liu Biao, who held the highest position, became interested in the person he was referring to.

"It's not easy to get such high praise from you. I wonder who this person who has taken us by surprise is?"

"It is none other than General Xing Daorong of Lingling!"

Cai Mao's words were resounding and clear, echoing throughout the hall. Everyone's eyes lit up upon hearing them.

Zhang Yun immediately slammed his hand on the table and stood up, exclaiming, "Brilliant! How could I have forgotten General Xing!"
Our General Xing is a brave warrior capable of fighting ten thousand men. As long as he is willing to fight to the death, what does our lord have to fear from Zhao Yun?

"Indeed! General Xing wields a pear blossom axe weighing several hundred pounds with ease. A single blow to it is fatal, a single touch is fatal, and all who stand in his way are defeated. He has never encountered a single enemy."

"That's right. The last time I drank with General Xing, he sighed and said:"

"I only regret that my lord did not join the coalition of eighteen warlords in their campaign against Dong Zhuo; otherwise, at the Sishui and Hulao Passes, what did Hua Xiong or Lü Bu matter? They would be no match for him!"

"Absolutely, absolutely. When I was drinking with General Xing last time, he said that Ji Ling was just bragging, saying that he could defeat Guan Yu in three rounds and injure Lü Bu in one round. It was all just empty talk."

In other words, he hadn't fallen into General Xing's hands; otherwise, his head would have been hanging at the East Gate long ago, and he wouldn't be alive now.

Those present who had drunk with Xing Daorong all chimed in with their opinions, and even Liu Biao nodded in agreement.

“What you all say is very true; you have completely forgotten about General Xing.”

When I was drinking with others, I often heard people mention how formidable General Xing was. Mentioning his name always startled everyone.

Immediately send an order to General Xing to lead 10,000 troops from the Prefect of Lingling to reinforce us. With him by our side, defeating Yuan Shao is nothing to worry about. What are Zhang Xun and Zhao Yun compared to them?
I can now rest easy and have nothing to worry about.

It should be noted that everyone in Jingzhou knew that Huang Zhong, whom Kuai Yue had previously mentioned, was a capable man.

However, he is a low-key person, and so far, no one in Jingzhou has shown him how capable he really is.

But Xing Daorong was different. He said things like he could fight ten thousand men without getting hurt; he wielded a pear blossom axe weighing hundreds of pounds; and the likes of Lü Bu and Hua Xiong were no match for him. Everyone heard Xing Daorong say these things himself.

Looking at his previous record, whether fighting the Yellow Turbans or suppressing rebellions, it seems that the opponents he encountered were indeed as he said, and they did not stand a chance against his Pear Blossom Mountain-Splitting Axe.

If Wen Ping is the top general in Jingzhou at this moment, then Xing Daorong is definitely the undisputed pinnacle of martial prowess, as everyone at the dinner table says.

At this moment, Cai Mao's revelation of his name truly startled everyone. They were all filled with anticipation, secretly thinking that with General Xing Daorong coming to their aid, they were no longer afraid of Yuan's fierce generals.

Seeing that everyone's attention had been drawn away by Cai Mao, Kuai Liang stepped forward and offered advice to another person.

“There are often water bandits causing trouble in the waters of Jingzhou. They are called Jinfan bandits. The leader is named Gan Ning, courtesy name Xingba. He is extremely brave and strong and is very skilled in naval warfare.”

"My lord can offer him generous rewards to pacify the region; he will surely become a powerful weapon in defeating Yuan Shao."

Seeing this, Zhang Yun was not to be outdone and stepped forward to offer his advice:

"The Prefect of Guiyang has two generals under his command: Chen Ying, who is skilled with a flying fork, and Bao Long, who shot down two tigers. Now, my lord, you can order them to bring 10,000 soldiers from Guiyang to our aid and together defeat the bandit Yuan."

Among the court officials, one advised, "In Nanyang there is a brave warrior named Wei Yan, courtesy name Wenchang. He is eight feet tall, with a face like a red date and eyes like bright stars. He is renowned for his chivalry."

The crowd discussed the matter extensively and recommended many talented individuals, and a final decision was reached.

With Xing Daorong, the general of Lingling, as the main commander, Huang Zhong as the deputy commander, and Chen Ying and Bao Long as the assistant commanders, each of them was to transfer 10,000 troops from the three counties of Lingling, Changsha, and Guiyang to Xiangyang to deal with Yuan Shu at any time and to guard against any unforeseen events.

He also sent people to recruit brave warriors such as Gan Ning and Wei Yan, and sent envoys to Cao Cao and Liu Bei to demand the money and supplies spent on forcing Yuan Shu to retreat.

After the discussion was settled, Liu Biao suddenly looked at Pang Ji, the representative of the Pang family who had remained silent throughout the entire hall, and frowned, saying:
"When all of you are discussing important matters, why is Lord Pang silent?"

Pang Ji remained silent for a moment, then spoke softly, "Although I have a plan that could give you tens of thousands more elite troops, I'm afraid you won't dare to use it."

Was Master Pang joking?

Liu Biao laughed, his eyes sharp. "In times of emergency, one must act expediently. If you have a plan, why don't you speak it aloud, Lord Pang? Or do you think I am such a petty and incompetent ruler in your eyes?"

"If that is so, there is a usable soldier right before our eyes. How can you ignore it, my lord?"
In the Nanyang area, Liu Pan has been leading 20,000 elite troops to resist Zhang Xiu's struggle for power for many years. Now, Yuan Shu's situation is urgent, while Zhang Xiu's situation is less urgent.

I have just heard that Zhang Xiu's uncle was recently killed by a hail of arrows in Nanyang. Why doesn't my lord use the pretext of offering condolences to actually recruit him?

At that time, the area around Wancheng will be ceded to Zhang Xiu to garrison troops in order to defend against the northern warlords. Then, the lord can recall Liu Pan's troops and use the strength of the entire province to resist Yuan Shu.

Xing Daorong, Huang Zhong and others commanded 30,000 men, and Liu Pan Gongzi commanded 20,000 men. They joined forces with Wen Pin and Cai and Zhang's troops, and then used the money and grain they had obtained to conscript soldiers from all over Jingzhou for training and preparation.

With this force totaling over 100,000 armored soldiers, we can unite with the warlords in the north and resist Yuan Shu in the south. Though the world is vast, what has my lord to fear?

"it is good!"

When Liu Biao heard about this scene, he was amazed and exclaimed in admiration.

"When Pang Gong remained silent, he was always calm; but when he spoke, he was astounded."

"Let us follow Lord Pang's plan and proceed as discussed today. The fate of Jingzhou rests in the hands of you gentlemen."

Upon hearing the ministers' proposed arrangements, Liu Biao was somewhat reassured by the powerful threat posed by his neighbor Yuan Shu, and instructed his ministers to make their own arrangements.

Just as Liu Biao was making a great fuss in Xiangyang in order to deal with the threat from Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu finally led his army back to Shouchun.

At that time, he ordered his generals and soldiers to bring out the white mourning clothes they had worn several times before and put them on again.

Although it was a victorious army, the entire army was dressed in white mourning clothes, with the adopted son Sun Ce leading the way, personally carrying Huang Zu's head to be presented at the front.

Yan Xiang, who had already received a message from Yuan Shu in Shouchun City, had naturally made all the necessary arrangements.

Needless to say, for such a large-scale sacrificial ceremony, the old Taoist priest from Mount Bagong would naturally be invited to preside over it.

For a time, the city of Shouchun was filled with Taoist priests in their robes, and the entire city was focused on this grand sacrificial ceremony.

As the crowd wore mourning clothes and the people followed, Yuan Shu, accompanied by Sun Ce, slowly walked to the altar on Mount Bagong outside the city.

The Sun family had been waiting there for a long time. When they saw the long-lost Sun Ce, and the face of the enemy he held with his severed head, they were overjoyed.

How could Madam Wu and all the Sun brothers and sisters on the altar not weep and grieve?

Madam Wu rushed forward, her face covered in tears, and held Yuan Shu's hand tightly, refusing to let go.

“Lord Yuan treated us well and adopted Ce’er as his godson, raising him with great care. Now, not only has he taken the head of my deceased husband’s enemy, but he has also held such a grand sacrificial ceremony for him.”

Such kindness, my deceased husband is gone and can hardly repay it, yet how can we, the living, possibly repay it?

She then addressed the grandsons and their sons, saying:

"Quan'er, Yi'er, Kuang'er, Lang'er, you must remember today. From now on, take your eldest brother as your role model, learn both literary and martial arts, and repay Lord Yuan."

All the sons replied, "Yes!"

Sun Ce: "." Faced with this situation, Sun Ce remained silent.

If the Sun family members are like this, what about the former generals of Sun's camp who came with them?
Cheng Pu gazed with relief at Sun Ce, now Yuan Gong's adopted son with a bright future, on the altar, tears streaming down his face.

Huang Gai slashed open his palm with his sword, swearing an oath in blood that he would be loyal to Lord Yuan for the rest of his life and would never betray him, even unto death.

Han Dang knelt on the ground, facing the memorial tablet of Sun Jian and the place where Yuan Shu stood, and remained kneeling for a long time.

The rest of Wu Jing, Sun Ben, Zhu Zhi, and even the soldiers who had once served in Sun's camp, all had tears in their eyes, deeply moved by Lord Yuan's kindness and righteousness.
After everyone had finished offering Huang Zu's head as a sacrifice to Sun Jian's memorial tablet, Yuan Shu stepped into the center of the altar again and said to Yan Xiang:

"Bring the things up."

Yan Xiang accepted the order and replied, "Yes!"

The crowd was puzzled and uncertain about his meaning.

Before long, a hundred strongmen, shirtless, carried up eighteen stone tablets, which were densely covered with names:

Li Ergou of Huainan launched a fierce attack on Yangdi City. Undeterred by the enemy, he scaled the city wall, suffered several wounds, and died.
Su Daniu of Wu Commandery defended the camp in Chen State, vowing never to retreat.
Danyang

The stone tablet is filled with rows of names and stories.

Yuan Shu turned to look at the soldiers and civilians who had followed him and announced loudly:

"Before coming here today, many people advised me that on the day of my triumphant return, I should first pay tribute to the dead and celebrate the victory."

Throughout this journey, I have made you all wear mourning clothes. I believe that apart from those who have received kindness from Brother Wentai, many of you harbor resentment about this.

Now, I'm going to tell you!

The first thing to do upon returning in triumph is to pay respects to the dead!
The white robes you are wearing are not for Sun Wentai alone!
We are offering sacrifices to your former comrades, and also to you in the future.

His words were forceful and clear, and naturally, people shouted them out, making Yuan Shu's voice known to the public.

He pointed to the eighteen stone tablets and said to the crowd:

"The one we are honoring today is not just Sun Jian, but all the heroes who followed me on this journey north, repelled Cao Cao, defeated Liu Bei, and intimidated Lü Bu!"

Soul, come back!

The spirits of thirty thousand fallen soldiers linger on. I, in the name of Heaven, command the gods and spirits to clear the way for me, bringing your comrades and your loved ones, to come and see you!

As soon as he finished speaking, a cup of wine was spilled. Everyone present, whether soldiers or civilians, looked at the lines of names and deeds on the stone tablet, thought of the heroic faces of their comrades-in-arms, and thought of the child who was gone and would never return. They all wailed and cried, their cries reaching the heavens.

"Though the body is dead, the spirit lives on; the soul is resolute and becomes a heroic ghost."

The spirits of thirty thousand heroes remain undiminished. Han, General Shu, respectfully presents this sacrificial ceremony and bows to Heaven.

"In this battle, the northern expedition to Yingchuan was to support the emperor's army. Cao Cao was allowed to use the emperor's edict to incite evil, and Liu Bei forcibly borrowed Yuzhou and refused to return it, thus causing chaos."

I have received the Mandate of Heaven to punish Cao Cao and Liu Bei at the hands of Chen and Liang!

The soldiers and men were all heroes from all over the land, and the officials and officers were all heroes from all over the world. They followed me in battles across the north and south, and not one of them retreated.

You may be struck by stray arrows, your souls buried in the netherworld; or you may be wounded by swords, your spirits returning to the long night.

To live with courage and die with fame—the so-called "to live as a hero and die as a ghost"—who can compare to you?
Now we return in triumph, our army clad in mourning. I report to Heaven above and to the common people below: your spirits still live on, and your prayers will surely be heard.

Follow my banners and return to the great nation. Today, a Martyrs' Garden is erected on Bagong Mountain outside Shouchun City!
For over a thousand years, the stone tablet has stood, and every year it is used for sacrifices, receiving offerings from family members and the king, becoming heroes in history and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations!

I hereby commend your merits. All those whose names are inscribed on this monument will receive generous compensation and share the honor of being heroes.

Provide clothing and food annually, and stipends monthly, to repay the debt of life and death for the service, and to appease the hearts of Heaven and the people.

From now on, following this precedent, when a victorious army returns, it will first pay tribute to the fallen heroes, so that the living will be awe-inspiring to Heaven, and the dead will also be returned to the rule of the king.

"O soul, return! Alas, how sorrowful!"

After Yuan Gong finished reading the eulogy, it was burned to the heavens. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians wept and bowed, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" three times!
Long live Lord Yuan! Long live Lord Yuan! Long live Lord Yuan!

Long live Lord Yuan! Long live Lord Yuan! Long live Lord Yuan!

Long live Lord Yuan! Long live Lord Yuan! Long live Lord Yuan!

Therefore, everyone in the world praised Yuan Gong as "virtuous"!
Not only along the banks of the Yangtze and Huai rivers, but also in Jingzhou, Xuzhou, and even throughout the land, people everywhere admired Lord Yuan and looked south to welcome the royal army.

Only the old Taoist priest Yu Ji of Mount Bagong frowned upon seeing it.

All I did was organize a memorial service for you. How did my family's Taoist temple turn into a martyrs' cemetery?

Old man Yan, this is not what we agreed on!
News of Yuan Shu's grand sacrificial ceremony at Mount Bagong spread to Jingzhou and Changsha.

Inside the Huan residence, in a secluded inner room, Huan Jie knelt before a memorial tablet, tears streaming down his face.

"General, the traitor Huang has been beheaded before the spirit tablet. You can finally rest in peace today."

"I regret not being able to personally go to Mount Bagong to offer sacrifices; Huan Jie feels ashamed!"

The inscription on the memorial tablet reads:
[The memorial tablet of Sun Jian, Marquis of Wucheng and General Who Destroyed the Enemy of Han!]

Huan Jie was originally appointed as a clerk in Changsha Commandery. He was recommended as a candidate for the civil service examination by Sun Jian, the governor at the time. Later, he served as a court official. He returned to his hometown due to his father's death.

Unexpectedly, Sun Jian died suddenly in battle. Over the years, Huan Jie has often felt grateful for Sun Jian's kindness and patronage, feeling that he has no way to repay him.

Recently, Yuan Shu held a grand ceremony at Mount Bagong. The first sacrifice was to offer the head of Huang Zu to Sun Jian. When Huan Jie heard about this at home, how could he not be moved to tears?

Just then, a servant reported from outside:

"Master, Prefect Zhang Xian has sent someone with urgent business, requesting that you come to the Prefect's residence for a discussion. He is in a great hurry, and we cannot stop him. Please come out quickly, Master."

Huan Jie was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, because when Sun Jian was the governor, he had served as a clerk in Changsha and was highly regarded by Sun Jian, so he had many connections in Changsha.

After Zhang Xian came to serve as the governor of Changsha, he often relied on him and regarded him as his chief strategist.

Therefore, Huan Jie was not surprised that Prefect Zhang Xian had something to discuss with him. What made him suspicious was what urgent matter could make a dignified Prefect like Zhang Xian so anxious.

It should be noted that in order to pay homage to Sun Jian, he had strictly ordered his servants not to disturb him. Now, the governor's urging was clearly very urgent, and he could not refuse to see him.

Huan Jie sighed, tidied his appearance, got up and left the room. Urged on by the people from the prefect's office, he hurried to Zhang Xian's place.

After rushing all the way, Huan Jie arrived at the prefect's residence. To his surprise, the person who came did not lead him into Zhang Xian's usual study where they discussed matters, but instead led him into a dark room.

Huan Jie was shocked to see this scene and thought to himself, "Oh no! I should have known better than to come. This matter is not only urgent, but it could also cost me my life!"
Before he could react, Zhang Xian looked up at him from the dark room, his face contorted with rage.

"Lord Huan, Liu Biao wants to kill me!"

(End of this chapter)