My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

Inside Hulao Pass, the noise was deafening.

Dong Zhuo stood personally in front of the gate and saw Yuwen Chengdu returning alone, his Red Hare trotting with steady steps, its phoenix-winged gilded halberd hanging diagonally on its side.

"My son! My son is back!" Dong Zhuo strode forward, disregarding his status, and personally reached out to help Yuwen Chengdu dismount.

Yuwen Chengdu landed lightly, as if on a feather, and knelt on one knee: "Father, I report back."

"Get up! Get up!"

Dong Zhuo helped him up with both hands, looking him over from head to toe. He saw that although his black outfit was stained with dust and blood, it was not torn, and his face showed no signs of fatigue. He was overjoyed: "Are you injured? Let your father take a look!"

He then actually went to remove Yuwen Chengdu's armor.

Yuwen Chengdu turned slightly to the side and said in a low voice, "Father, I am fine. Those so-called fierce generals at the pass are not even as good as ordinary captains in the Xiliang army."

These words, spoken in a plain manner, made all the Xiliang generals around him stand up straight, feeling a sense of pride.

"Hahahaha!" Dong Zhuo laughed loudly, his voice shaking the surrounding area.

"Well said! How dare you, a coward from Guandong, compare yourself to the valiant men of Xiliang!"

Li Ru, Li Jue, Guo Si, Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and other civil and military officials all stood solemnly and listened attentively, their eyes filled with awe.

A surge of pride welled up within Dong Zhuo. Pointing at Yuwen Chengdu, he proclaimed to his generals, "Today, you all witnessed it with your own eyes! My son Chengdu, single-handedly on horseback, challenged the enemy at the pass, slaying three generals of the allied forces. Moreover, he effortlessly defeated Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Lü Bu, all under the command of Princess Xuanyuan, returning in triumph! Such bravery surpasses even that of Xiang Yu and Li Cunxiao of antiquity!"

He grew increasingly agitated, spittle flying from his mouth: "That Ji Xuanyuan thinks he can contend with me just because he's gathered a few fierce generals? What a joke! Today's battle at the pass is proof enough! His so-called 'enemies of ten thousand men,' even when combined, were no match for my son alone! Hahahaha!"

Li Ru stepped forward at the opportune moment, stroked his beard and smiled, "What the Prime Minister said is absolutely right. Young Master's divine might is beyond human reach. In my opinion, Young Master did not use his full strength in today's battle, but Lu Bu, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have already shown signs of defeat. If they had truly fought to the death, they would have died under Young Master's sword in no more than twenty rounds."

Although this statement may seem like flattery, no one questions it.

Everyone witnessed the battle that took place at the pass today.

Yuwen Chengdu faced three opponents with ease, while Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Lü Bu were drenched in sweat and in grave danger.

Dong Zhuo was overjoyed and waved his hand, "Issue my order! Today's great victory over the allied forces is entirely due to my son's achievements in Chengdu! Effective immediately, I hereby appoint my son as General of the Guards, Marquis of Longxi, with a fief of three thousand households!"

"Whoosh—"

The surrounding generals were in an uproar.

General Wei, ranked second only to the Grand Minister, was one of the most important generals in the imperial court, alongside the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the General of the Flying Cavalry.

Not to mention that the Marquis of Longxi was a county marquis, which was incomparable to ordinary township marquises or pavilion marquises!

This kind of reward was the highest honor Dong Zhuo could bestow.

Yuwen Chengdu remained calm and knelt on one knee again: "Thank you for your great kindness, Father, but I am still young and afraid I am not up to the task..."

"What do you mean by difficult or not difficult!" Dong Zhuo interrupted him and personally helped him up.

"I know my son's talent best! You truly deserve the titles of General Wei and Marquis of Longxi!"

He paused, then shouted to his men, "Go! Bring me that red Shu brocade robe! It was acquired by me in Yizhou years ago, woven by a hundred Shu embroiderers over three years. It is the only one of its kind in the world! Today I bestow it upon my son to commemorate his achievement!"

The attendant hurried away and soon returned with a brocade robe.

The robe was made of the finest brocade from Sichuan, embroidered with a pattern of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix in gold thread. The phoenix spread its wings as if about to take flight, surrounded by a hundred birds, all lifelike.

The hem of the robe was adorned with pearls, which shimmered and shone in the firelight, making it incomparably luxurious.

Yuwen Chengdu accepted it with both hands; it was warm and soft to the touch, truly a rare treasure.

"Thank you, Father." He bowed again.

Dong Zhuo patted his shoulder, his eyes full of pride and affection. This affection may have been mixed with calculations for power, but at this moment it was a genuine expression of his feelings.

With Yuwen Chengdu around, how could he not secure his position as prime minister? How could he not subdue those powerful clans and lords in Guandong?

"Let's have a grand banquet tonight!" Dong Zhuo shouted to his generals as he turned around.

"Slaughter cattle and sheep, and drink as much wine as you like! Let's reward the troops and celebrate my son's great victory!"

"The Prime Minister is wise! The young master is mighty!"

The cheers were like a mountain roar and a tsunami, echoing throughout Hulao Pass.

The scene at the Allied Forces' camp outside the Great Wall was quite different.

Inside the central command tent, candlelight flickered.

Ji Xuanyuan sat in the main seat, his expression calm.

Below them, the three strategists Xun Yu, Zhou Yu, and Guo Jia stood silently.

The seven generals, Xiang Yu, Ran Min, Li Cunxiao, Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Yang Zaixing, sat on either side, each with a solemn expression.

A cold wind howled outside the tent, and faint sounds of discussion, sighs, and even arguments could be heard from the camps of other feudal lords.

"Today's defeat is not due to a lack of skill," Ji Xuanyuan said slowly, breaking the silence.

"Dong Chengdu's bravery is indeed beyond the reach of ordinary people. It is already remarkable that his third, fifth, and sixth brothers were able to escape unscathed."

Zhang Fei suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot: "Brother! I...I've embarrassed myself! Three against one, and we still lost!"

Guan Yu's phoenix eyes were filled with resentment, and his hand stroking his beard trembled slightly: "I am incompetent and have brought shame upon my elder brother's reputation."

Lu Bu clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing out traces of blood.

He was arrogant all his life, and this defeat is more painful than death for him.

"Third brother, fifth brother, sixth brother."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at the three of them and said in a gentle voice, "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. One defeat does not prove anything."

He paused, then looked around at everyone: "The important thing is that after today, you all should know that the war against Dong Zhuo will not be an easy task. If you underestimate the enemy, fight amongst yourselves, or try to preserve your strength, let alone Luoyang, we will not even be able to get past Hulao Pass."

As soon as he finished speaking, footsteps could be heard outside the tent.

A guard entered and knelt on one knee: "My lord, reports from all camps."

"read."

"In Yuan Shao's camp, advisors such as Feng Ji and Shen Pei discussed matters all night long, and there was a proposal to retreat to Bohai."

"In Yuan Shu's camp, his generals Ji Ling and Qiao Rui strongly advocated retreating, saying, 'Dong Zhuo's power is too great, and we cannot fight him by force.'"

"Tao Qian, Kong Rong, and other scholars and feudal lords were all filled with fear and had already secretly packed their bags."

Although Sun Jian's camp had no intention of retreating, generals such as Cheng Pu and Zu Mao all suggested that they temporarily avoid the enemy's sharp edge and make further plans.

As reports arrived one after another, the atmosphere in the tent grew increasingly somber.

These were the nineteen warlords.

When they win, they vie for credit; when they lose, they think of retreating. Each harbors their own ulterior motives, making it difficult to achieve great things.

Ji Xuanyuan sneered inwardly, but showed no sign of it on his face. He had expected this.

Historically, if it weren't for Guan Yu's feat of warming wine before beheading Hua Xiong and the Three Heroes' battle against Lü Bu boosting morale at Hulao Pass, the allied forces would have long since disintegrated.

Now that Hua Xiong has been killed prematurely and Xu Rong has been beheaded by Xu Chu, the emergence of the even more terrifying Yuwen Chengdu has naturally made these warlords even more fearful.

"My lord."

Zhou Yu suddenly spoke up, "In my opinion, we should send Generals Xiang, Yang, and Li to battle tomorrow."

He paused, then continued, "Although the three generals Guan, Zhang, and Lü did not win today, they did test Dong Chengdu's strength. This man is unparalleled in bravery and strength, and it would be difficult to defeat him quickly in a one-on-one fight. However, if General Xiang launches the main attack, General Yang provides support, and General Li launches a surprise attack, the three of them working together will surely be able to capture Dong Chengdu alive within ten rounds."

That statement is reasonable and well-founded.

With Xiang Yu's domineering nature, Li Cunxiao's fierceness, and Yang Zaixing's cunning, if the three joined forces, they would indeed be unstoppable.

But before Ji Xuanyuan could speak, Yang Zaixing suddenly stood up.

"Why do we need two brothers?"

The young general had a handsome face, but his eyes burned with the fierce spirit of battle: "Tomorrow I will go into battle alone, and I will surely take Dong Cheng's head and present it to my elder brother!"

Li Cunxiao jumped up too: "Eighth Brother, you rest! Let me go tomorrow! That Dong Chengdu is strong, but my Yuwang Spear is no joke either! If I can't kill him with one swing, I'll change my surname to his!"

Although Xiang Yu did not speak, the fighting spirit in his double pupils was tangible, and the veins on his hands were faintly visible.

All three were arrogant and proud; how could they possibly join forces to attack one person?

Not to mention their unwillingness, even Ji Xuanyuan was unwilling to tarnish his brother's reputation in this way.

Upon seeing this, Lü Bu suddenly took out three bamboo sticks from his bosom. These were always carried with him, and when disputes arose in the Jingnan Army, they would be resolved by drawing lots.

"Since we can't reach an agreement, let's stick to the old rules." Lu Bu held the bamboo stick in his hand, only revealing the end of the stick, which was the same length as the stick.

"Whoever draws the red card will go into battle tomorrow."

This method is simple and crude, but it is the fairest.

Xiang Yu, Yang Zaixing, and Li Cunxiao exchanged glances and all nodded.

Lu Bu handed the bamboo sticks to the three men.

Yang Zaixing drew first; the end of the bamboo skewer was black.

Li Cunxiao drew another one, and it was black again.

In the end, only one was left.

Xiang Yu reached out and pulled out the lot; the end of the lot was stained with crimson, which was particularly striking in the candlelight.

"If that's the case..."

Xiang Yu slowly rose to his feet: "Tomorrow, I will go and meet Dong Chengdu."

He looked at Ji Xuanyuan, clasped his hands and bowed: "Brother, rest assured, I will definitely take Dong Chengdu's head and present it to you."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded and solemnly said, "Second brother, remember that Dong Chengdu is no ordinary man. Do not underestimate him. If things become unfavorable, retreat quickly and do not act rashly."

"promise."

After the important matters were settled, a report came from outside the tent: "My lord, the Prefect of Beiping, Gongsun Zan, requests an audience."

"please."

The curtain was lifted, and Gongsun Zan strode in.

He had changed out of his battle robes and was wearing casual clothes, but his face still showed the fatigue and shame of fighting during the day.

Upon seeing Ji Xuanyuan, Gongsun Zan surprisingly knelt on one knee, lifting his robe: "Zan... thanks Brother Wenlie for saving my life!"

Ji Xuanyuan hurriedly stepped forward to help him up: "Brother Bogui, what's wrong? Please get up quickly."

Gongsun Zan did not rise, and when he looked up, his eyes were bloodshot: "If it weren't for Brother Wenlie sending Generals Guan, Zhang, and Lü to rescue me in time, I would have already become a dead soul under Dong Cheng's halberd. This is the second time I have been saved, and I... have no way to repay this debt!"

The first time he mentioned it was when Guanzicheng was besieged, and Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Li Cunxiao led their troops to its rescue.

Ji Xuanyuan helped him up and sighed, "Brother Bogui, you flatter me. To defeat Dong Zhuo, we need to work together, but..."

He paused, his tone turning somber: "Brother Bogui's actions today were indeed too reckless. What kind of person is Dong Cheng? He single-handedly defeated Ding Yuan's five thousand troops, and his bravery is no less than that of Xiang Yu. Although Brother Bogui is brave, he is no match for him in a one-on-one fight."

Gongsun Zan looked ashamed: "Zan... was blinded by anger at the time. Wang Chong was my beloved general who had fought alongside me for many years, yet he was killed by Dong Cheng in a single move... I... I really can't swallow this insult."

Ji Xuanyuan sighed inwardly.

Gongsun Zan was indeed of this kind of temperament in the original history.

At Hulao Pass, he saw Lü Bu kill several generals in succession, so he took up his spear and went into battle, but he was no match for him. If it weren't for Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's timely rescue, he would have already lost his life.

Now that Lü Bu has become his brother, he has run into the even more formidable Yuwen Chengdu.

Although the course of history may change, human nature remains unchanged.

"Brother Bogui," Ji Xuanyuan said solemnly.

"The campaign against Dong Zhuo is not something that can be accomplished in a day, nor can it be accomplished by the courage of one person alone. Today's defeat should serve as a warning, and we must think twice before waging war in the future."

Gongsun Zan nodded emphatically: "I will keep Brother Wenlie's teachings in mind."

He paused, then said, "But... Dong Cheng is so fierce and brave. If he goes into battle again tomorrow, who in the allied forces can defeat him? Do we really need Generals Xiang, Li, and Yang to join forces?"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled slightly, and instead of answering, asked, "What do you think, Brother Bogui?"

Gongsun Zan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "If we're talking about one-on-one combat, I'm afraid only General Xiang can fight him, but... the outcome is uncertain."

"Then let my second brother give it a try." Ji Xuanyuan looked out at the deep night outside the tent, his eyes as deep as an abyss.

"Some battles need to be fought by one person."

Gongsun Zan seemed to understand but not quite, but seeing Ji Xuanyuan's composed expression, he felt somewhat relieved. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he took his leave.

Silence returned to the tent.

Xun Yu stepped forward and whispered, "My lord, the morale of the troops in each camp has wavered. If General Xiang cannot win tomorrow, or even... is defeated by Dong Cheng, the allied forces may be in danger of collapsing."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "I know."

He turned to Xiang Yu and said, "Second brother."

"Big brother."

"Tomorrow's battle is one where victory is not an option," Ji Xuanyuan said, enunciating each word clearly.

"Not only must we win, but we must win beautifully and thoroughly, so that everyone can see that although Dong Chengdu is strong, my brother Ji Xuanyuan is even stronger."

Xiang Yu's double pupils shone brightly with golden light. He clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "I understand."

That night, a festivities lasted until dawn inside Hulao Pass.

The allied camp was dimly lit, and everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Inside the central command tent, candles burned all night long.

Ji Xuanyuan and Xiang Yu sat facing each other, with a map of Hulao Pass spread out in front of them.

Zhou Yu, Xun Yu, and Guo Jia sat around, quietly analyzing the various variables that might occur tomorrow.