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

Chapter 244 A cry of Yun Chang, accompanied by warm wine!

Outside Chen County in Chen State, the armies of Yuan and Liu had been fighting for several days. The number of troops on both sides was roughly equal, and Liu Bei's army was at a loss as to how to attack the city and break through the stronghold.

However, it would be difficult for Huang Zhong alone to break through and defeat Liu Bei and Guan Yu.

On that day, Guan Yu went down to the city walls to challenge them to battle.

"Where is old man Huang Zhong? Does he dare to fight me, Guan?"

"You red-faced brute, you're nothing but a defeated general under Ji Ling. I, Huang, regard you as nothing more than a target to be sold, yet you dare to bark and howl here!"

Shortly after, a shout came from the city wall, and a general rode out, holding a long-handled broadsword and carrying an iron-framed bow on his back. It was Huang Zhong.

"You dare to speak of selling heads? I, Guan, have come today to take your head!"

Having said that, he drew his sword and charged at Huang Zhong. Huang Zhong sneered, unafraid of him, and drew his sword to fight.

The two horses clashed, a true clash of equals, a battle of wits and skill, lasting over a hundred rounds with no clear victor.

Seeing that the two sides had fought for more than two hundred rounds and Huang Zhong showed no signs of defeat, and even became more and more courageous as the battle progressed, Liu Bei, fearing that his second brother Guan Yu might be lost, sounded the gong to withdraw his troops.

After retreating to their respective camps, Guan Yu and Liu Bei discussed matters in their tents.

"I don't know where Yuan Shikai recruited this thug, but he is so formidable."

For the past few days, my brother has fought him over two hundred rounds daily. His swordsmanship is flawless, and he even has energy to spare. Defeating him will not be easy.

Guan Yu said, also puzzled. Shouldn't such a strongman be the number one general in Yuan's camp?
What exactly did Ji Ling do to gain fame and become a general?
Suppressing his resentment towards Ji Ling, Guan Yu returned to the present moment and said to Liu Bei:
"If we try to win using conventional methods, it will be difficult. Tomorrow I intend to use the 'dragging knife' tactic and win by cutting him from behind."

If we are victorious, I hope you will not hesitate, brother, and immediately lead your troops to launch a counterattack.

Liu Bei agreed, and as the two were discussing, a soldier came to report, "The Third General has arrived."

"What?" Guan Yu asked in surprise. "Third brother, what brings you here?"

At this moment, Liu Bei remained silent, his face pale and his whole body trembling.

Guan Yu was shocked and quickly helped him up, calling out urgently, "Brother? Brother!"

Liu Bei gripped his hand tightly, his pale lips moved slightly, and he managed to squeeze out some words.

"Thirty years of wasted life, I rely on the two swords in my hand, and with all my heart and soul, I want to save the world from collapse."

Alas, under the current circumstances, we are now like eggs piled up on top of each other, the common people adrift, unable to see the heavens above.

"Big Brother!!!"

Before Guan Yu could react, a hurried shout came from outside the tent.

Immediately, a man with his upper body bare, carrying thorns to apologize, rolled in and hurriedly came to help Liu Bei.

Supported by the two men, Liu Bei raised his finger and pointed at Zhang Fei, but couldn't utter a word several times.

"You...you...sigh."

"Brother, I've disappointed you again."

Lü Bu betrayed his promise and attacked again, breaking the alliance. I was no match for him, and Xiaopei was lost.

When Liu Bei heard that Zhang Fei was coming, he had already guessed it. He shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes.

“I am not disappointed that you lost Xiaopei. Since the two of you raised your army, we have endured thirteen years of hardship and snow. My heart is as hard as stone, and my will remains unchanged.”

Even though we were displaced, even though we had no home, what difference is there between thirteen years of hardship and today? It's simply a matter of starting anew.

Liu Bei covered his face with his hands and wept uncontrollably.

"What is truly disappointing is this great Han dynasty!"

Now that Liu Biao has surrendered and Cao Cao has been defeated and fled, if Lü Bu betrays the alliance, Liu Bei will lose his base and foothold.

So, I ask you, among all the feudal lords in the world, who else can stop Yuan Gonglu's wolfish ambitions?
"By dividing the country along the Yangtze River and monopolizing the south, he intends to split the Han Dynasty, causing the loss of our four-hundred-year-old foundation."

Liu Bei wept bitterly, tears streaming down his face.

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu was also filled with resentment and anger. His face turned red with anger as he glared at Zhang Fei.

Before he could speak, Zhang Fei interrupted, saying:

"I didn't drink!"
At least this time, the loss of Xiaopei has nothing to do with whether I drank or not. That Lü Bu betrayed us and led an army of 50,000 back to attack. I only had 3,000 soldiers to defend it; I simply couldn't hold it."

Guan Yu paused briefly, about to speak, but Zhang Fei answered again.

"I've brought both of you sisters-in-law safely this time. I regret not being able to save you last time. How can I repeat the same mistake this time?"

Guan Yu: "."

"Now is not the time to dwell on this matter. With Xiaopei lost, Pei State has no soldiers to defend it and has already been taken by Lü Bu."

"Now that Chen County is difficult to conquer, and we have nowhere to stand afterward, our fate remains uncertain."

Liu Bei interrupted the two, gently wiping away his tears, and said:
"Stop talking and come with me to find the strategist for a discussion."

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei bowed and accepted the order, then followed Liu Bei to Mi Heng's tent.

Upon entering the tent, they saw that Mi Heng, seemingly due to the rising heat, had his robes open, exposing his chest and breasts.

Holding a wine cup in one hand and a pen in the other to handle military affairs, he heard footsteps, looked up, and saw Liu Bei's face still wet with tears. He sighed and said:

"Sir, the Han Dynasty is in decline, and great undertakings are difficult to accomplish. I hope you can teach me."

"Why has my lord come to this? What has happened? I will tell you."

After Liu Bei explained the reasons and revealed that Pei State had been lost, Mi Heng couldn't help but sigh deeply.

"Is Heaven decreeing the destruction of our great Han Dynasty?"

With tears welling in his eyes, Liu Bei grasped Heng's hand and said, "Sir, I am now in this predicament, what should I do?"

Mi Heng shook his head helplessly, "If we attack Chen now, they have Huang Zhong guarding it, so it will be difficult to win quickly."

Our army has no foundation and is adrift, waiting to die.

If I return to Pei, I will be attacked from both sides—Lu Bu in front and Yuan Shu behind—and I will surely die.

Mi Heng frowned and pondered for a long time before speaking.

"It would be better to surrender to Cao Cao now and plan for the future."

Liu Bei was astonished, "I have heard you say that you once denounced Cao Cao as a traitor to the country and wanted to restore the Han Dynasty. Why are you now siding with Cao Cao?"

Mi Heng chuckled, drank his wine, and offered his explanation.

"Times have changed. If we now speak of surrendering to Cao Cao, we are not surrendering to Cao Cao, but surrendering to the Han Dynasty!"

Today, the young emperor has come of age and is no longer in the era of Dong Zhuo.

Your Majesty is often controlled by Cao Cao, and your orders do not leave the palace. How can you be content with this?
At this critical moment, Cao Cao was defeated and his power was greatly diminished. If our lord could lead 30,000 battle-hardened soldiers to Luoyang to defend the emperor, assist him, and uphold justice, wouldn't that be the perfect opportunity?
Moreover, Heng has also heard that the current Grand Tutor Liu Yao is dedicated to protecting the country and the emperor, and is a trusted confidant of the emperor.

Although Liu Jingzhou was defeated, upon hearing that Yuan Shao was grateful for his willingness to surrender, he specially sent him to Luoyang and recommended him as Grand Tutor.

If at this time the lord feigns surrendering to Cao Cao, but in reality waits for an opportunity in Luoyang, he can request the emperor to bestow upon him the title of Grand Protector.

With such Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Protector, protected and assisted by members of the Han imperial family, the Holy Emperor might not be unable to break free from the shackles, realize his grand ambitions, drive out the traitors, restore the Han dynasty, and recreate the glory of the restoration!

If this is so, then Your Majesty will govern the central government, conquer foreign lords, and assist the state in governing—a blessing for the nation!

Liu Bei was shocked!

Is this still possible?
Taking advantage of Cao Cao's defeat in the great battle against Yuan Shu, he directly raised an army and returned to Luoyang to seize power.

Wait a minute, this scheme... why does it look so familiar?

A figure wielding a halberd, looking down upon the world, vaguely appeared before his eyes.

Liu Bei nodded, deeply agreeing with Mi Heng's strategy, which he had personally experienced and proven effective in battle.

"This is not a breach of alliance, but a service to the king!"

Liu Bei then followed Mi Heng's advice and took a shortcut to Luoyang. Before long, a cloud of dust obscured the sun, and a large army arrived, with each banner bearing the character "Cao" and the character "Wen".

Liu Bei inquired and learned that it was Cao Cao's army, the very army that had just escaped from Wancheng and was returning to Luoyang with Wen Ping.

Liu Bei looked around blankly, unsure of who to send as an envoy to discuss his defection to Cao Cao.

Seeing Liu Bei's hesitant gaze, Mi Heng understood his intention and volunteered to step forward.

"I am determined to rebuke the traitor Cao Cao and will not fail my lord's expectations."

Liu Bei: "."

Zhang Fei patted his chest and said, "Brother, don't worry. Let me go. I'll definitely bring that traitor Cao here. I'm not afraid he won't obey."

Liu Bei: “???”

I think I've found the reason why I've been wandering around and haven't accomplished anything: Is there no reliable person around me?
With a sigh, Liu Bei had no choice but to turn his gaze to Guan Yu.

"Second brother, this mission to Cao Cao is all up to you. Do not let me down."

"Brother, don't worry."

Guan Yu went straight to the central army flag, stroked his long beard, and met Cao Cao.

Upon seeing the newcomer, with his imposing figure, red face, and long beard, Cao Cao couldn't help but gasp in surprise, exclaiming:
"Is the visitor Guan Yu?"

Guan Yu stood tall and imposing, neither bowing nor lowering his head. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as he looked up at them with disdain.

"It's Guan!"

Cao was overjoyed, jumped off his horse, and hurriedly ordered someone to warm the wine.

Upon reaching him, he handed him a wine cup, grasped Guan Yu's hand, and laughed heartily.

"Heaven will not fail me, Cao Cao!"
"Now that we have lost Dian Wei, we have gained Guan Yu; what more could we ask for?"

Guan Yu did not take the wine cup; he simply withdrew his hand calmly.

"Prime Minister, you misunderstand. It is not I, Guan, who have come to surrender, but my elder brother."

"Liu Bei!"

Cao Cao gritted his teeth, secretly plotting how to eliminate him, but his face remained impassive. He simply smiled and said, "Xuande is a hero of the world. If he were to join me, I would be overjoyed. Why not invite him to meet me?"

"Guan took in on behalf of his elder brother, Prime Minister Xie."

Guan Yu accepted the order and withdrew, then joined Xiahou Yuan and others to welcome Liu Bei into the camp.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei, having been separated for a long time, are reunited and feel as if they have been longing to meet again.

"Xuande!"

"Prime Minister!"

Liu Bei immediately recounted how Lü Bu had betrayed his promise, leading to the loss of Pei City, the loss of soldiers, and the defection of his generals.

Cao Cao also shed tears, recounting how Zhang Xiu had betrayed his promise, leading to the loss of Wancheng and the subsequent defeat of his troops.

Cao Cao cursed Lü Bu as a traitor who had served three masters, while Liu Bei cursed Zhang Xiu as having ulterior motives. The two were like brothers in misfortune, and both wept.

When the conversation became lively, Cao Cao immediately set up a table of wine to welcome Liu Bei and wash away the dust of his journey.

After the banquet, everyone returned to their respective camps.

Cao Cao was about to return to his tent when he lifted the curtain and entered, only to find Xun You inside.

"Gongda? What brings you here in the middle of the night?"

Xun You clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and advised him.

"My lord, I am a hero of this era. How could I possibly be willing to be subordinate to someone else?"

We've tried to catch him several times, but we're still worried we won't succeed. This time, he walked right into our trap; it's a godsend.

"If Heaven bestows something and you do not seize it, you will suffer the consequences. If you do not plan ahead now, it will surely become a problem later."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao sighed and said:

"Liu Bei is a man of great talent and ambition, with a mind full of wisdom and talent. He is currently in a predicament only because he has not yet met the right time. Once he gains power, he will surely soar like a roc spreading its wings to the heavens, or a dragon hiding in the abyss to roam the four seas."

This is no subject; how could Cao Cao not know this?
However, if Cao Cao wanted to pacify the world and restore the nation, he should have recruited heroes and talented individuals from all over the country.

Today, Liu Bei's name is renowned throughout the land and known throughout the world.

He was desperate and came to surrender after his defeat. If I not only fail to treat him with respect but also kill him outright, the world will surely think I am intolerant of others.

So, after hearing this news, who would be willing to serve me again?
I have heard that the reason why Yuan Gonglu was able to win every battle and was invincible was because he was tolerant of others.

Whether it's Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin under my command, or Xing Daorong and Cai Mao under Liu Biao's command, as long as they are willing to surrender to Yuan, regardless of good or evil or personal motives, he will entrust them with important positions. Why is that?

This shows that he has the world in his heart, and I personally believe he is a hero who can control the world!
Yuan Shao tolerated him, but Cao Cao did not; Yuan Shao employed him, but Cao Cao killed him.

If this continues, the world will surely fall into his hands!

Cao Cao let out a long sigh, as if expressing all his feelings and emotions these days. Seeing that Xun You seemed to want to persuade him further, he waved his hand and continued speaking.

"Furthermore, we are now in dire straits, relying solely on Wen Ping's Jingzhou army for protection, and we are not of one mind."

In contrast, Liu Bei led 30,000 elite troops, a strong and well-equipped force.

They were only fooled because they had just arrived and were unaware of the true situation. They thought Wen Ping had already surrendered to us, which is why we dared not act rashly.

Moreover, when I invited them to the camp for a banquet tonight, only Liu Bei and Guan Yu came to see me. They were already on guard and did not give me a chance.

If we force our way in now, his third brother Zhang Fei will surely come to attack us.

At the banquet, I heard Guan Yu mention that his third brother was no less skilled than him, and had the ability to take the head of a general from among ten thousand soldiers.

If war breaks out, it goes without saying whether Wen Ping will fight to the death with us, or even if he does his best to help us, with 20,000 against 30,000, they also have Zhang Fei as their general.

Even if we win this battle, it will be extremely difficult. We have suffered heavy losses and have barely managed to return from Nanyang. We must not act rashly and create unnecessary complications.

Xun You agreed with this, saying, "What you say is very true. We should proceed slowly and carefully. Things will be resolved if we are patient. We should not rush it."

However, at present, our 20,000 troops come from Liu Biao and our 30,000 troops come from Liu Bei. If we were to return to Luoyang in this way, I fear it would shake the central government and destabilize the imperial empire.

Cao Cao nodded in agreement, saying, "Now that Lü Bu has turned against us and seized Pei State, and Liu Bei has fled here, it seems that the war in Yu Province is unlikely to continue."

I should issue a decree ordering Yu Jin and Li Dian to withdraw their troops from Yingchuan and Liang State back to Luoyang, and then order Duan Wei to lead the Xiliang army northward to relieve Cao Ren of his garrison, and to recall Cao Ren's army to consolidate the central government.

Furthermore, the troops under Wen Ping and Liu Bei should be reassigned; they must not be allowed to enter Luoyang.

As he spoke, he suddenly stroked his beard and laughed, “Having just suffered a defeat at the hands of Yuan Shu, I am truly afraid that he will lead his troops to attack us. However, our forces are insufficient to withstand his onslaught. Cao Cao is often troubled and annoyed by this, and I regret that there is no good solution.”

Now we can use these two armies as a shield to protect the capital and relieve our urgent crisis.

After I return to Luoyang, I intend to bestow great honors and rewards upon Wen Ping and Yun Chang, and win them over. Then I will order them to each lead their own troops.

One reason was to deploy troops at Wuguan Pass to block Yuan Shu's eastward attack on Luoyang from Nanyang.

The two guarded Huanyuan Pass to cut off Yuan Shu's route north from Yingchuan to attack Luoyang.

With these two armies guarding the borders, I can control Liu Biao in the central government while employing Wen Ping, and hold Liu Bei in command while using Guan Yu as a figurehead. We can then resist Yuan Shu in the south and conquer Shu in the west. With this, our great undertaking can be expected, and our great cause can be accomplished.”

Xun You bowed with his hands clasped, saying, "No one is more wise than my lord."

Having made their decision, the two went to bed.

The next day, Cao Cao met Liu Bei again, and they traveled hand in hand back to Luoyang.

Meanwhile, in Luoyang.

Eighteen horsemen, retainers of the Yuan family, escorted a prison cart carrying a man bound in shackles and chains, as they slowly entered the gates of Luoyang.

If it wasn't Liu Biao, then who was it?
(End of this chapter)