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

Chapter 326 Distinguished Guests, Worlds Apart

Gao Shun only harbored a sliver of hope that the aggressive Han army could be forced to retreat through peace talks, and did not hold out much expectation.

To his surprise, Chen Deng was able to adapt to the situation within the Han camp, win over the adopted son of the King of Han, and use peace talks as a delaying tactic.

Next, all we need to do is hold the adopted son of the King of Han hostage and continue to negotiate and discuss the number of elite troops and the number of troops that need to be transferred from Xuzhou.

Four hundred today, two hundred tomorrow. As long as the King of Han is still willing to talk, we can continue to stall for time.

Whether or not we can hold out until Lü Bu returns with his army, we can at least delay for one more day. Perhaps with these extra few days, we can successfully defend Xuzhou until Lü Bu returns to reinforce it?

Now that the strategy had been decided, Gao Shun had no objection to providing Zhang Liao and Zhang Liao with good food and drink, as Chen Deng had suggested, in order to reassure the King of Han.

Since they're right under our noses and can't escape, we can kill them as a sacrifice to the flag whenever the King of Han refuses to negotiate and launches an attack.

The more Gao Shun thought about it, the more he felt that Chen Deng's plan was brilliant. At least it stabilized the King of Han for a short time and bought Xuzhou precious time to await reinforcements.

"Sir, you are a man of great talent!"
With you here in Xuzhou, I have nothing to worry about.

Next, we will feign compliance with the King of Han and continue to discuss the details of the peace talks and the withdrawal of troops. This matter will then be entrusted to you, sir.

Chen Deng repeatedly said "I dare not," and "You flatter me," referring to Gao Shun's words:

"I have already informed you of all matters concerning the peace talks at the Han camp during this trip."

Since the general understands my intention, please come with me to welcome this adopted son of the King of Han.

I hope the general will prioritize the overall situation and not show any anger in his heart.

It should be understood that we now refer to ourselves as a vassal state to the King of Han, and since we have met the King of Han's adopted son, we should be extremely respectful.

If the words are harsh and the opposing views are obvious, I fear the King of Han may become suspicious, thus jeopardizing important matters.

Gao Shun nodded slightly. Although he was angry with the two traitors, Zhang Liao and Wei Xu, he knew that the situation was beyond his control, so he quickly replied.

"Sir, do not worry, you will understand the importance of things."

After the two finished speaking, they went out to greet Zhang Liao, Wei Xu, and the others.

When Gao Shun, his longtime friend, came to greet him, Zhang Liao's eyes were filled with complex emotions, a mixture of excitement and shame, deep affection and ulterior motives. He opened his mouth several times but could not utter a word.

Finally, Gao Shun bowed to him first, saying:
"Your humble servant Shun pays respects to the adopted son of the King of Han."

Upon seeing this, Zhang Liao was filled with shame and quickly stepped forward to help Gao Shun up, holding his hand tightly.

"Brother Gao, we've known each other for over a decade, sharing an intimate bond. How could things have come to this?"

"Don't dare."

Gao Shun withdrew his hand and stepped back, then bowed again.

“How dare a minister of a small and inferior state curry favor with a noble person of a superior state?”

"Brother Gao."

Seeing his friend act this way, he was clearly mocking him for currying favor with a powerful figure in the country, which led to his current predicament.

Overwhelmed by the scene, Zhang Liao felt both ashamed and embarrassed, and was at a loss for words.

Wei Xu hurriedly stepped forward and advised him:
Why hesitate, young master?
"Your family has held high office for four generations, a noble lineage of the imperial family. For him, seeing you is like a mayfly seeing the blue sky; such is the proper respect."

As he spoke, he looked at Gao Shun again.

"General Gao, there is no need to act like this. As the saying goes, a good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a good minister chooses a good lord to serve."

The King of Qi was not a wise ruler; he was fickle, stubborn, and self-willed, while the King of Han was virtuous throughout the land and renowned far and wide.

Our decision to abandon the King of Qi and join the Han is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people.

What is to me today may well be to you tomorrow. General Gao, you should think this through carefully.

Gao Shun felt no remorse for such treachery, and was even more enraged by these despicable people who spoke out in broad daylight.

He let out a cold laugh, as if he was about to explode, but then he remembered Chen Deng's previous instructions and suppressed his anger, only saying a few words.

"Different road non-phase plan."

"That's fine."

Wei Xu seemed to know that there was no point in talking to him about these things now, so he changed the subject to the important matter.

"My journey with you, sir, is to negotiate a peace treaty as Mr. Chen mentioned, to gather the elite troops of the enemy camp and the Qi state, and to jointly march north to attack Cao, in order to uphold the principles of our alliance."

Since our paths diverge, we cannot work together. Now that you are the general here, simply bring your troops, and after the young master and I have counted the numbers, we will lead them back to camp. We will no longer be an eyesore to you in this city.”

Gao Shun was taken aback. How could he take seriously the terms that Mr. Chen had set up as a fraud?
How can we really let you leave with your troops today? If the King of Han breaks the agreement, wouldn't Xuzhou be in danger?
He hurriedly replied:

"Mr. Chen has already told me the terms of withdrawal that he discussed with the Prince of Han."

However, after discussing it with him, Shun felt it was inappropriate.

Four hundred elite troops and five thousand elite soldiers are far too many. I also need to leave some elite troops to defend Xiapi.

In my opinion, Mr. Chen will need to make several more trips to reach a final agreement.

"How can a deal that has been agreed upon be reversed?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Xu adopted the demeanor of a loyal subject of the Yuan family and rebuked him righteously and sternly!
Finally, seeing that Gao Shun only kept his head down and remained unmoved by reason, he had no choice but to frown and ask him.

"In your opinion, General Gao, how many troops can you possibly muster from your city of Xuzhou to fulfill our alliance and join forces in the great campaign to support the Emperor against Cao Cao, and march north with the King of Han?"

Gao Shun had no choice but to answer this question; even if it was a sham peace, he had to maintain the illusion of peace talks.

They refused to discuss any conditions whatsoever; it would be strange if the King of Han didn't doubt their sincerity in the peace talks.

Adhering to the principle of paying upon receipt of payment, Gao Shun tentatively quoted a price.

"Because the King of Qi has led a large army north in alliance, the city's troops are stretched thin. At most, only one hundred elite soldiers and five hundred vanguard troops can be spared."

However, to Gao Shun's surprise, Wei Xu immediately agreed to the price he quoted.

"it is good!

General Gao, go and bring the men out. I and Young Master Zhang Liao will lead the troops and leave immediately.

The northward campaign against Cao Cao is imminent. Our army has been delayed in Xuzhou for too long, but we must hurry north.

"It would be enough if Xuzhou could do its part to show its allegiance."

Gao Shun: "???"

How come this is different from what we agreed on?
Didn't they say they wanted to negotiate the terms and delay things?
How come you agreed so quickly after I cut it to almost a tenth of its original value?
You want every little bit you can get, right? Even a hundred or five hundred will reduce the defensive strength of our city. You want to make money for nothing, don't you?
Now Gao Shun was caught in a dilemma and could only deflect the question, saying, "This matter concerns both countries. How can you decide it alone?"
"Let's wait until tomorrow for Mr. Chen to discuss this with the Prince of Han."

Before he could finish speaking, Wei Xu interrupted, pointing to Zhang Liao beside him and saying proudly.

"With the adopted son of the King of Han here, how can this matter not be settled?"
General Gao himself proposed the conditions, yet he is still making excuses. What is the meaning of this?

Could it be that they have no sincerity in negotiating peace and are merely deceiving the King of Han?

Zhang Liao: “???”

Gao Shun: "."

Gao Shun remained silent, realizing that he had ruined Mr. Chen's grand plan. His scheme of feigning peace talks to delay the inevitable was about to be discovered.

It was impossible for Gao Shun to transfer his soldiers to Zhang Liao and Wei Xu, but if he didn't, how would he end things now?
Just when he was at his wit's end, Chen Deng spoke up for him.

"Please wait, you two."

Deploying troops is not a matter of a moment, why be in such a hurry?
Wine and dishes have been prepared in the city, and the arrival of the adopted son of the King of Han has brought great honor to the humble residence.

"Please, both of you, accompany me to the banquet first. We can discuss the peace talks and troop redeployment later."

Overjoyed that Chen Deng had come to his rescue, Gao Shun had no choice but to put on a warm face and respond to Chen Deng's suggestion.

"Mr. Chen is absolutely right. The banquet has already been prepared. If we continue our discussions here at the city gate, wouldn't it be as if we are ignorant of hospitality?"

I would like to invite this adopted son of yours to the banquet so that I may fulfill my duty as host.

As for peace talks and troop redeployment, there's no need to rush.

"Tomorrow! I will certainly have a reply by tomorrow, and I will not disappoint either of you."

Gao Shun repeatedly assured him that tomorrow would come and go, and they could delay as long as they could. If they really couldn't delay any longer, they would kill the two of them as a sacrifice.

So, while saying this, Gao Shun also tried his best to put on a warm and inviting gesture that he was not good at, and shook Zhang Liao's hand again, which he had just pulled away from, and pulled him inside.

Zhang Liao looked at his former friend, who had been serious and silent, and never exchanged pleasantries with Lü Bu.

Now, standing before him, he had no choice but to put on this warm and welcoming demeanor. His expression grew increasingly complex. Only now did he realize how precious his status as the adopted son of the King of Han truly was.
Once you rise to the top, you're already a person of high status.

If he were still a general under the King of Qi, why would Gao Shun be so subservient?
However, he was unwilling to make things difficult for his former friend, so he nodded slightly and let Gao Shun lead him to the banquet.

Wei Xu, on the other hand, did not dare to push Gao Shun too far. What he had said before was only to get Gao Shun to invite the two of them into the city on his own initiative, so as not to make his purpose in entering the city too obvious and arouse his suspicion.

As for asking Gao Shun to mobilize troops, it's clear that Gao Shun wouldn't agree in the end. If all else fails, he'll just kill the two of them as a sacrifice to end it all. That's why Chen Deng spoke up to smooth things over.

After the group entered the banquet, as Wei Xu had requested, most of the generals in the city who were not required to guard the city walls were summoned to welcome Zhang Liao, the adopted son of the King of Han.

During this time, Wei Xu displayed the smugness of a petty person who had achieved his goal, and repeatedly asked everyone to toast Zhang Liao.

Even Gao Shun was no exception, although he had initially refused.

"Your humble servant never drinks alcohol."

Wei Xu sneered, pointing at Zhang Liao in the main seat, a fox borrowing the tiger's might.

"General Gao, are you disrespecting the adopted son of the King of Han?"

Disrespecting the adopted son of the King of Han is disrespecting the King of Han!
You've disrespected the King of Han, causing him to lose face, and you still want to negotiate?

This won't work, that won't work, it seems you have no sincerity in negotiating.

Since there's no sincerity, there's no need for further discussion. My lord and I will leave the city now and return to report to the King of Han regarding all this."

Gao Shun: "."

Sitting next to Gao Shun, Chen Deng patted him on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear.

"General, the overall situation is of utmost importance."

As long as you don't get drunk, a little alcohol is fine.

Gao Shun remained silent.

Thinking of King Qi's trustworthiness and the importance of his territory in Xuzhou, he reluctantly raised his wine cup, forcing a smile as he said:
"Congratulations, Wen Yuan, on gaining the favor of the King of Han. From now on, you will rise rapidly in your career."

Your humble servant greets you.

After saying that, he closed his eyes and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Liao was overwhelmed with emotion, unable to speak.

He hesitated for a moment, then simply raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

However, after a round of toasts, Wei Xu looked at Gao Shun again.

"Since everyone respects him, why doesn't General Gao show him the same respect?"

Gao Shun: "."

He gritted his teeth, but still forced a smile, "Your subject truly never drinks alcohol, as you know, General Wei."

"I've already had my fill with that one cup; I really can't drink any more."

"Huh~?"

Wei Xu glared at him coldly and rebuked him, saying:

"Nonsense!"

We just had a drink, why not drink now?
"How dare you be disrespectful before the adopted son of the King of Han?"

Gao Shun felt an immense humiliation weighing on his heart, and a thought arose in his mind to kill the two men as a sacrifice to the flag, regardless of the consequences. Just then, Chen Deng beside him advised him against it.

General Gao! The overall situation is paramount!

You wouldn't want the King of Qi to return only to find the state of Qi destroyed, would you?

Upon hearing this, and considering the tens of thousands of Han troops pressing on the city, Gao Shun suppressed his anger and raised his cup in a toast again.

"Wen Yuan is now a noble person of the capital, whose status is unapproachable. Recalling the scene of our meeting in the past, it is as if it were a dream."

Your humble servant toasts you again.

After speaking, he raised his cup and drank it all, his eyes fixed on Zhang Liao in the main seat, letting the wine trickle down his beard and soak a large part of his clothes, as if he didn't even notice.

Unexpectedly, Wei Xu, upon seeing this, pointed to the wet collar of his shirt and slammed his hand on the table.

"Bold!
General Gao, is this how you offer a toast?

"You offer a cup, then spill half; how dare you underestimate the adopted son of the King of Han?"

Gao Shun: "."

OK OK! ! !
He was now gritting his teeth, deeply humiliated.

He thought to himself that the overall situation of Qi was more important. When he went to war with the King of Han, it would be the day these two died. There was no need to argue with two dead men for the sake of a moment's pride.

Squeeze the wine cup tightly and offer it three times to Zhang Liao.

Zhang Wenyuan!

I am deeply gratified that you have obtained a high position as the adopted son of the King of Han, and that you have become my friend.

However, since we each serve our own masters, if we meet again on the battlefield, regardless of feelings or personal feelings, we will not hold any grudges.

Your humble servant respectfully greets the adopted son of the King of Han!

Zhang Liao: "."

Stop talking! Stop talking!!!
Wei Xu, you'd better shut up. If you keep talking, I'm afraid Gao Shun will just call the executioners to chop me up.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the sounds of music at the banquet, thanks to Wei Xu's tireless efforts, most of the generals who attended were swaying unsteadily from drinking. Even the usually restrained Gao Shun had a slightly flushed face and staggered steps.

After everyone dispersed, someone arranged accommodations for Zhang Liao and Wei Xu. Gao Shun had anticipated this and had specially assigned trusted men to monitor the two, so that any unusual activity would be immediately reported.

There were also hidden troops nearby, ready to order the killing of these two as a sacrifice to the flag at any time.

As it grew late, everyone went to their quarters, except for Gao Shun, whose study was kept lit all night. Clearly, he was also worried about Zhang Liao and Wei Xu and dared not be careless.

They seemed to be waiting for news tonight, wary of any unusual movements from the two.

While he was directing his trusted men to keep a close eye on Zhang Liao and Wei Xu, Chen Deng had already sent people with the handwritten letters that the two had written long ago to visit Zhang Liao and Wei Xu’s most trusted former subordinates one night at a time.

They were in the Trapped Camp.

When Wei Xu was pouring wine earlier, he naturally made a selection. Those who were most loyal to Gao Shun were the main targets and were all drunk. His own trusted old subordinates were left unpunished.

Centurion Li Jun, slightly tipsy, returned to his quarters. Before he could even sleep fully clothed, he was recalling the scene at the banquet that day, where General Wei, relying on his power, forced General Gao, who never drank, to drink.

It felt like a dream. You should know that when General Wei was a close relative of the King of Qi and was ordered to take command of the Trapped Camp, he did not have such power.

King of Han? King of Qi? A difference of just one character, a few days' difference, yet the disparity in status is so vast?

While he was pondering this, the messenger arrived late at night to report to him.

Is General Li present?

General Wei has sent a letter!

Li Jun was horrified!

How can it be?

After Wei Xu entered the city, how could Gao Shun not keep a close watch on him and monitor him in every way?
Under such circumstances, how could this old superior still manage to send the letter?

Who is it? And who is colluding with Yuan Shikai?

(End of this chapter)