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

Chapter 323 Who in the world doesn't know Yuan?

With Zhang Liao becoming the eighth adopted son of the King of Han, and Wei Xu and other generals surrendering the city, the gates of Xuzhou were wide open, and the Han army marched straight into Xuzhou.

When Zhang Liao and Wei Xu sent their letters of persuasion to various prefectures, when the King of Han's invincible reputation spread throughout Xuzhou, and when Ji Ling once again proved his unparalleled strength, the story of defeating Zhang Liao in a single exchange became widely known.

How could the counties of Xuzhou not be terrified?

With the opening of Xiaopei, the gateway to Xuzhou, Donghai, Guangling, Langya, Pengcheng, and Xiapi came into being!
Whether it was the prefects and officials or the local gentry, everyone in the counties and townships was filled with fear and unease at the sight of the "830,000" Han army.

Having lost the Zhang Liao and Wei Xu troops who could have served as a shield, and with this very force that had once protected them against the Han army now becoming their vanguard and the sharpest spear for the Han army to attack them.

Aside from trembling under the might of the Han King's army and surrendering the city, the only thing they could rely on was the last remaining resources left in Xuzhou by Qi King Lü Bu.

Chen Gui, Chen Deng, and Gao Shun!

As a result, urgent letters requesting assistance arrived in Xiapi one after another, like snowflakes falling rapidly.

[Quickly, the Han army has captured Xiaopei! Send this message back to Xiapi immediately and request that Mr. Chen and General Gao come to their aid as soon as possible.]

"Report back immediately and inform Xiapi."

The main force of the Han army has reached within twenty li of Pengcheng's capital. The defending troops number only three to five thousand. Even if they fight to the death, they will likely be unable to withstand the attack. I urge Mr. Chen to send reinforcements immediately.

"The Han army is already ten miles away, Chen Deng! If you do not send troops to reinforce us soon, we will be unable to resist, so don't blame me for opening the city gates and surrendering."

"The Han army is less than five li away! Rescue them immediately!!!"

"Welcome the King of Han! The whole world rejoices!"

Why do the traitors Chen Deng and Gao Shun stubbornly resist and seek their own deaths?
It would be better to submit to the king's rule as soon as possible and offer up Xuzhou, so that we can serve as his subjects in the same palace in the future, and our time as colleagues will not have been in vain.

"To defend the city to the death is futile; you will only add to the number of your own deaths, and be buried with the false Qi regime!"

Xiapi, Council Hall.

Looking at the letters of appeal for help in his hands, Chen Deng was speechless.

Upon seeing this, Gao Shun, who had also read the letter, urged him urgently:

"gentlemen!
Before leaving, the King of Qi entrusted the important affairs of Xuzhou to you and me. Now, Xiaopei has just fallen, and Pengcheng has been lost. What should we do next?

"I urge you, sir, to make a decision as soon as possible and devise a strategy to deal with the enemy!"

What strategy should be taken to deal with the enemy?

Chen Deng: "."

No, we just received news of the fall of Xiaopei yesterday, and we weren't prepared for what to do.

As a result, when I woke up this morning, the Han army was already twenty miles away from Pengcheng.

They were busy discussing reinforcements and hadn't even had lunch when the Han army arrived ten miles away.

After the troops were reorganized and reinforcements were sent out of the city, the Han army had already arrived within five miles.

And now, as the sun sets in the west, Pengcheng is filled with universal celebration.

What idea do you expect me to come up with? Come on, look me in the eyes, and tell me how to rescue them?
Seeing Chen Deng bowing his head and remaining silent, seemingly pondering a good plan, Gao Shun was overjoyed.

"Sir, you have thought this through carefully and surely have a good plan in mind."

"How can we defeat the enemy? Please teach me, sir."

Chen Deng: "."

After a long pause, he said, "Pengcheng has fallen, and it's too late to send reinforcements."

We should recall the troops that came to our aid now, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

He then sought aid from the surrounding prefectures, gathered troops, and urgently sent a letter to Langya, requesting the King of Qi to return and provide assistance.

Gao Shun nodded, "Sir, you are very thoughtful and what you say is very true. I will make the arrangements accordingly."

However, with the Han army approaching, the State of Qi was on the verge of collapse, and its survival was in imminent danger.

Please teach me, sir, how to defeat the enemy.

Chen Deng: "."

Just then, a messenger came running up, panting, and urgently called out:

"Mr. Chen! General Gao!"

Oh no!
The Han army had reached within 30 li of Xiapi City, and wherever they went, all surrendered without a fight.

The Han army marched straight into the heart of Xuzhou, and wherever they went, people surrendered without resistance, and no one dared to stop their advance.

I fear that soon their army will be at the city gates.

Gao Shun was shocked!

"How did the Han army arrive so quickly?"
"A bunch of cowards who fear death, even if they were to surrender, would at least put up some resistance for a moment, giving us a chance to catch our breath."

As Gao Shun spoke, his expression grew increasingly anxious. He gripped Chen Deng's hand tightly and urged him on:

"The King of Qi and his military advisor have not returned. The fate of the State of Qi now rests on your shoulders. If you have a good plan, why not speak it quickly?"

If the state of Qi were to perish at our hands, how could we face the King of Qi in the afterlife?

His words grew increasingly urgent, and Gao Shun bowed deeply to Chen Deng, unable to rise.

"Please sir, teach me!"

Chen Deng gave him a deep look. Usually, when his Chen family wanted to expand its influence in Xuzhou while Lü Bu was away, it was Gao Shun who kept a close eye on him like he was a thief.

Now that the State of Qi is about to perish and the Han army is pressing in, do you know you need to rely on my strategy?

Although his intentions were unclear, Chen Deng still gave Gao Shun a knowing smile, as if he had everything under control.

He simply chuckled and comforted her.

"General, do not worry!"
The reason why the King of Han raised troops to invade the border was because the King of Qi attempted to assassinate his adopted son!

Now I may personally go to the Han camp as an envoy to clear up the misunderstanding for the King of Han and show that the King of Qi was only confused for a moment and did not intend to offend the majesty of the Emperor.

At that time, he would thoroughly explain the advantages and disadvantages of the Yuan-Lü alliance, making the King of Han understand the principle of the snipe and the clam fighting, which might resolve the crisis in Xuzhou.

Upon hearing this, Gao Shun felt a little suspicious and looked at Chen Deng with a doubtful gaze.

"Sir, is this plan feasible?"

The King of Han has come with a large army; how can this be resolved with just a misunderstanding?
"Sir, you alone were sent on a mission, and you so easily resolved the crisis in Xuzhou?"

Seeing that he was suspicious, Chen Deng pretended to be helpless and bitter, and explained everything to him.

"How could it be so easy?"
However, the principle of the snipe and the clam fighting is universally applicable.

The King of Han is about to head north, and a decisive battle with Cao Cao is imminent.

If we devote all our efforts to defending the city, we may not be able to stop the Han army, but we can at least hold them off for a while or two, causing the Han army to deplete some of its strength.

With this shift in power, wouldn't it benefit Cao Cao's camp?

Moreover, the vanguard of the Han army has already reached Huanyuan Pass, and the two armies are about to clash. If the main force of the King of Han is tied up in Xuzhou by us, and the situation at Huanyuan Pass changes, it is still possible that the vanguard of the Han army will be taken advantage of by Cao Cao.

Furthermore, although we lack the strength to resist the Han army, the King of Qi still leads elite troops. If we push the King of Qi too far and force him to completely surrender to Cao Cao and join forces against the Han army, is that what the King of Han wants to see?

As for the adopted son of the King of Han, if he were truly stabbed to death by the King of Qi, then the matter would be beyond redemption.

At present, we only know from the letter from the King of Han that his adopted son was assassinated, but the details are still unknown.

I will go to the Han camp and tell them that if my adopted son is not dead, why would the King of Han pay the price I have described for him alone?

Gao Shun was also convinced by Chen Deng's well-organized reasoning, and felt that it made perfect sense.

But he had a vague feeling that something was wrong. Before he could speak, Chen Deng pressed his advantage and continued.

"These are far from enough to make the King of Han retreat."

First of all, the counties already occupied by the Han army are certainly gone forever. In fact, in order to persuade the King of Han to withdraw his troops, we must be prepared to cede territory, pay reparations, and forever remain a subservient state.

He also sent a letter urging the King of Qi to lead his elite troops in a fierce attack on Cao Cao, in order to demonstrate the determination of the Yuan-Lü alliance.

Thus, Deng Cai was somewhat confident that he could persuade the King of Han to withdraw his troops with his silver tongue.

Even so, General, you must prepare early, lest the peace talks be rejected and Xuzhou be in jeopardy.

Gao Shun nodded repeatedly as he listened!

Right, that’s right!
How could the King of Han possibly withdraw his troops without paying any price?

Even if we have to cede a few counties right now, as long as we can preserve the State of Qi, we will be extremely fortunate.

With the benefits of ceding territory and paying reparations in advance, and the potential harm of Cao Cao taking advantage of the conflict between the two sides, coupled with General Lü's repeated betrayals and defections to Cao Cao's camp, the Yuan-Lü alliance was bound by righteousness.

I imagine that even the King of Han would be persuaded by Mr. Chen's reasoning and withdraw his troops.
Thinking of this, Gao Shun bowed deeply to Chen Deng.

"Going to the Han camp is a perilous journey, your life or death is uncertain, sir! You are truly righteous!"
Fortunately, you offered advice and solutions, otherwise Xuzhou would have been in grave danger.

When King Qi returns, I will surely plead for your merits.

Chen Deng waved his hands repeatedly, "King Qi entrusted me with important matters before his departure, and I am only doing my best now."

Success or failure on this mission is uncertain. If we fail, we will have no choice but to rely on General Gao to defend the city to the death.

Gao Shun held Chen Deng's hand for a long time.

"I'll take you, sir!"

After leaving the council hall, Chen Deng returned to his residence to pack his things, then bathed and changed clothes to greet the Prince of Han.

Inside the mansion, when he was about to leave, Chen Gui, leaning on his cane, blocked his way, having been waiting for him all along.

Chen Deng bowed and said, "Father."

Chen Gui scrutinized him intently, his gaze meaningful. "Have you made up your mind?"

Chen Deng met his gaze and nodded slightly.

"The plan is to restore order and establish the correct system for the world!"

Lü Bu was a fickle traitor, and Cao Cao was a threat to the country's usurpation.

"The people have suffered under the rule of the feudal lords for too long; only the King of Han can save them."

Chen Gui's eyes were deep and unfathomable as he asked:

"I have heard that you and Liu Bei have a very close personal relationship, and he considers you a confidant."

Before Chen Gui could continue, Chen Deng interrupted him.

"Lord Xuande, you are like a spark of noble ideals that ignites in this chaotic and filthy world. How can we, who are so petty and despicable, not yearn for you when we see you?"
However, in the great Han dynasty, this blazing fire of the Mingyang, which had been burning ever since Emperor Gaozu slew the white serpent, had long been submerged and nearly extinguished by the overwhelming power of our noble families over the past four hundred years.

The rise of powerful families to replace the Han dynasty was an inevitable trend. Looking across the nine provinces, from north to south, it was either Yuan Han or Yuan Wei.

All the powerful families in the world have become Yuan's retainers, and the whole country has become Yuan's plaything.

The waters of this celestial river, vast and mighty, are the accumulated blessings of our family over four hundred years. How could such a powerful force be reversed by a mere glimmer of rising light?

Chen Deng shook his head and sighed, "In the future, the Nine Provinces will be ruled by aristocratic families. Only those who hold this mandate of heaven will be the masters of the state."

This is the will of Heaven, which the Han dynasty cannot change, Cao Cao cannot defy, and Liu Bei cannot either.

The only choices available to my Chen family are between the Southern Han and the Northern Wei. However, with the Han King leading his troops eastward and his massive army pressing on our borders, we have no choice left at all.

This is an inevitable trend, and has nothing to do with my personal relationship with Lord Xuande. Rather, this trip to surrender to the Han and return to the Han is also the time to let that self-righteous King Qi taste the bitterness of being betrayed and losing his foundation.

In this way, I can say that I have not failed the mutual respect and affection between myself and Lord Xuande.

Chen Gui looked pleased with Chen Deng's answer and stepped aside with great satisfaction.

"Then you may go."

"As your father, there's nothing left for you to worry about."

After Chen Deng finished his ceremony, he left the Chen residence and headed towards the city gate.

Upon reaching the city gate, Gao Shun was already anxiously waiting. Seeing him approach, he hurriedly informed him:
"The Han army has reached ten miles outside the city. Everything is now in your hands, sir. If we wait any longer, the Han army may attack the city."

Seeing Gao Shun bow to him again, Chen Deng returned the bow.

After the two exchanged greetings, Gao Shun said, "Take care," and Chen Deng replied, "Don't worry."

He then led a dozen or so horsemen out of the city to persuade the King of Han.

Han army camp.

Everyone was discussing strategies to break through the city when suddenly a soldier reported that Chen Deng had been sent as an envoy to visit the King of Han.

Upon hearing this, Pang Tong coldly remonstrated, saying:

"They must be afraid of our military might and want to make peace!"

It was nothing more than ceding territory and paying reparations, a classic case of the snipe and the clam fighting, using Cao Cao's threat to try and get the teacher to spare Xuzhou.

However, they had run out of ideas.

Now that our army has arrived, Xuzhou is at our disposal. Why should we cede territory or pay reparations? You may take it yourself, Master.

As for their self-perceived conflict between the snipe and the clam, and Cao Cao's threat, they clearly did not know about the teacher's arrangements at Huanyuan Pass, and truly believed that we were angry and raised troops because of the assassination of our adopted son.

This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the situation, feign compliance, and make a truce with him.

If we seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack, we can expect great things and achieve great success.

This time, Zhuge Liang and others stayed in Shouchun to help Yan Xiang continue to implement the new system. The strategists that Yuan Shu brought with him were Pang Tong, Lu Su, Jia Xu, and Zhou Yu.

Since Pang Tong had spoken up, and the other three were not the type to compete with the King of Han, none of them refuted him.

After all, what Pang Tong said was exactly what everyone was thinking.

This time, they set up a scheme outside Huanyuan Pass, arranging for Lü Bu to assassinate the adopted son of the King of Han and to repeatedly betray his country.

Now, before the event actually occurs, they are using this as a pretext to attack the State of Qi.

Because of this information gap and time difference that reversed cause and effect, it was impossible for either Cao Cao or Lü Bu to react in time to rescue Xuzhou.

In particular, Xiaopei was attacked too quickly. With just one letter from the King of Han, the gateway to Xuzhou was breached in a single day, and then the army marched straight into Xiapi, the capital of Xuzhou.

He was practically conquering territory at a rapid pace, so at this point, Lü Bu was still on his way to Huanyuan Pass.

Before anything happens, who can detect the changes in Xuzhou and rush to its aid before the outcome is known?
It could be said that as long as the speed is fast, the news of Lü Bu being tricked in the north and the news of the loss of Xuzhou in the south might be delivered to both sides simultaneously by the messengers of the two sides.

Therefore, before the intelligence from Lü Bu in the north was sent back, the people of Xuzhou would think that Lü Bu had assassinated the adopted son of the King of Han and broken with the Han army, and that he had formed an alliance with Cao Cao and led his troops back to reinforce the city.

Given this misjudgment, it's understandable that, faced with the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Han army, they might harbor illusions and, having exhausted all other options, resort to negotiating a peace treaty to save their lives and await Lü Bu's reinforcements.

However, contrary to the predictions of his advisors, when Yuan Shu heard that the envoy's surname was Chen, given name Deng, and courtesy name Yuanlong, he smiled and said to Pang Tong:
"Heaven is on my side; the great matter is settled!"
The three armies, having rested and recuperated, will follow me tonight to breach the city.

Pang Tong: "."

No way, this feels so familiar.

I had previously heard that there was a leader in the enemy army named Wei Xu, and you were so confident that it was a sign of divine intervention.

Afterwards, Xiaopei was captured in one night, and it turned out that Wei Xu was indeed in league with Yuan.

Now you hear that Chen Deng has arrived, and he's making grand promises that everything is settled.

No way? No way!
Even Pang Tong felt a chill at this moment.

Teacher, please tell us the truth.

Who in this world doesn't know Yuan?

(End of this chapter)