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

After five days of travel, Ji Xuanyuan and his men finally arrived in Qingzhou and joined up with Guan Yu's army.

Thirty li outside Qingzhou City lies the Jingnan Army's main camp.

The oil lamps inside the central command tent illuminated the entire tent.

Ji Xuanyuan, wrapped in a fox fur coat, leaned against a folding bed covered with animal hides, with a map of Qingzhou spread out in front of him, and the others standing around him in the tent.

Outside the tent, spring rain pattered against the cowhide tent roof.

"Zhang Rao's 100,000 Yellow Turbans have besieged Qingzhou for half a month." Ji Xuanyuan's voice was cold as he traced his finger across the map.

"Prefect Gong Jing only has three thousand county soldiers under his command, plus the militia temporarily recruited, totaling no more than five thousand. It is already remarkable that they have been able to hold out until now. Our army has seven thousand, making a total of twelve thousand. The enemy outnumbers us tenfold."

Zhang Fei shouted, "What's there to be afraid of! Cheng Yuanzhi slaughtered 50,000 men, why should we let Zhang spare them..."

"Yide." Guan Yu glanced at him with his phoenix eyes.

"Let me finish, brother."

Ji Xuanyuan smiled, a sickly blush rising on his pale face: "Zhang Rao is different from Cheng Yuanzhi. This man is a veteran of the Taiping Dao, who has followed Zhang Jiao for many years and is quite knowledgeable in military formations. Look at this siege formation."

He pointed to the markings around Qingzhou City on the map: "The city is surrounded on all sides, but the east gate is left unblocked. This is the strategy of surrounding three sides and leaving one open, intended to break the defenders' resolve to fight to the death. The central army is positioned on a hill three miles outside the north gate, which is high up and can see in all directions. The grain and fodder are stored in the valley to the west, which is heavily guarded... This man understands military strategy."

A moment of silence fell inside the tent.

"Then... how do we fight this battle?" Dian Wei asked in a simple voice.

"Wherever the general tells me to charge, I'll charge!"

Ji Xuanyuan looked at him and said gently, "Don't be hasty, E'lai. Your time to charge into battle will come."

He sat up straight: "In this battle, only by using a surprise attack can we win. Although Zhang Rao's formation is solid, it has three major weaknesses."

"Firstly, the troops are scattered. The 100,000 troops are divided into four sides, with no more than 20,000 on each side. In addition, troops have to be divided to guard the supply lines and protect the central army. The number of troops that can actually move is no more than 30,000."

"Secondly, the army was undisciplined. The Yellow Turban army mostly consisted of displaced people. When they were winning, they would swarm forward, but when they encountered setbacks, they would collapse and run away."

"Thirdly..." Ji Xuanyuan's lips curled into a smile.

"Zhang Rao is too greedy. After besieging the city for half a month without success, he must be impatient. Seeing our reinforcements arrive, he will definitely want to fight a quick battle and defeat us in one fell swoop, and then turn around to attack the city."

He pointed emphatically to a mountain ridge north of the city: "This is the place to defeat the enemy."

Everyone stared intently at it.

That is "Shuangjiao Ridge", ten miles north of Qingzhou City. Two low mountains enclose an official road, resembling two dragons coiled together.

"Tomorrow, Zilong and Zou Jing will lead five thousand Youzhou soldiers to launch a feigned attack on Zhang Rao's left flank from the east," Ji Xuanyuan began to make arrangements.

"Zilong, you must show your might and let the Yellow Turban Army see that Zhao Zilong, who killed Cheng Yuanzhi in battle, has arrived."

Zhao Yun clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Yes, sir!"

"The Youzhou troops feigned defeat upon engaging in battle and retreated towards Shuangjiao Ridge. Zhang Rao, seeing our army in retreat, will surely order a pursuit."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "Yun Chang, lead eight hundred soldiers to lie in ambush on the left mountain, and Yi De, lead eight hundred soldiers to lie in ambush on the right mountain. When the enemy force is more than halfway through, they will all come out on my command."

"Yes, sir!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei responded.

"Jing Si, Zong Xing." Ji Xuanyuan looked at Li Cunxiao and Yang Zaixing.

"You two will lead three hundred elite cavalry to ambush three miles behind the ridge. Once the ambush is launched, charge into the enemy formation from the rear."

Li Cunxiao grinned: "I've been waiting for this!"

Yang Zaixing brandished his spear: "I'll slaughter them all, leaving not a single one alive!"

"Erlai will sit with me in the central army." Ji Xuanyuan looked at Dian Wei last.

"Your mission is the most important; protect me."

Dian Wei thumped his chest, his twin halberds clanging loudly: "General, rest assured! Anyone who dares to approach, I'll tear them to pieces!"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded and continued, "The key to this battle lies in 'rout' rather than 'annihilation'. You can't kill all 100,000 troops. As long as we rout the central army and kill Zhang Rao, the rest will scatter on their own."

He glanced at everyone: "You all understand?"

"clear!"

"Alright, everyone prepare yourselves. We will set out at dawn tomorrow."

The crowd dispersed. Only Ji Xuanyuan and Zhao Yun remained inside the tent.

"Zilong, you should go and prepare too," Ji Xuanyuan said softly.

Zhao Yun looked at Ji Xuanyuan's pale face, his throat tightening with emotion: "Brother, your health..."

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand: "I can handle it. Go ahead and get some rest."

Outside the tent, the sound of rain grew louder.

The next day, at Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

The spring rain had just stopped, and the official road was muddy.

Five thousand soldiers from Youzhou, led by Zou Jing and Zhao Yun, marched north of Qingzhou City with banners waving.

Zou Jing rode at the head of the group. The Youzhou military officer looked at Zhao Yun, who was wearing white robes and carrying a silver spear, and thought to himself: Such a young man has already become famous in Youzhou... That Ji Wenlie is truly remarkable.

Zhao Yun remained calm, his gleaming silver spear resting horizontally on his saddle, his white robe spotless.

Only those who know him well can see that the knuckles of his hand holding the gun are slightly white.

"Zhao Sima," Zou Jing said.

"We'll be engaged in battle soon..."

"Don't worry, Commandant Zou." Zhao Yun turned his head, a smile appearing on his handsome face.

"My elder brother has already made arrangements. All we need to do is make our defeat look real and retreat in a very embarrassing manner."

Zou Jing smiled wryly: "To lose like this is the first time I've ever experienced such a defeat."

Ahead, dust began to rise.

We've arrived at the Yellow Turban Army camp.

The camp gates swung open, and troop after troop of soldiers, their heads wrapped in yellow turbans, poured out and quickly formed ranks in front of the camp.

At a glance, it's no less than 20,000.

Under the central banner, a burly man with a yellow turban and a scarred face rode out on horseback; it was Zhang Rao.

Holding a broadsword, he spotted the Youzhou army flag in the distance and grinned coldly, "Reinforcements? Is that all?"

The lieutenant leaned forward: "General, look at that young general in white robes... doesn't he look like Zhao Zilong from Zhuojun?"

Zhang Rao's pupils contracted.

Zhao Zilong!

The one who killed Cheng Yuanzhi in battle!

He looked closely and saw a white-robed rider standing out in front of the Youzhou army. Although the young man was far away, he exuded a murderous aura, and the silver spear in his hand gleamed coldly in the morning light.

"Pass on the order..."

Zhang Rao said in a deep voice, "The vanguard advances! Tell the brothers to be careful of that young general in white!"

The bugle sounded.

The Yellow Turban Army surged in like a tidal wave.

Zhao Yun took the lead, his gleaming silver spear transforming into a silver dragon as he charged into the enemy ranks!

Where the gun was fired, blood blossomed.

The white-robed figure weaved through the army, his silver spear flashing, aiming to pierce throats and hearts. Wherever he went, men and horses fell, and none could withstand a single blow. Seeing his bravery, the Yellow Turban soldiers remembered the rumors of Cheng Yuanzhi being killed in battle, and their fear intensified before the fight even began, causing their offensive to stall.

Seeing this, Zou Jing brandished his sword and shouted, "Kill!"

Five thousand soldiers from Youzhou charged forward and engaged the Yellow Turban army in battle.

Zhao Yun fought with increasing ferocity, unleashing his Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix spear technique. The spear's shadow resembled a hundred birds flying together, or a phoenix spreading its wings.

In the blink of an eye, more than twenty corpses lay around him.

Zhang Rao watched from the slope with a start: This Zhao Zilong truly lives up to his reputation!

Just as they were about to mobilize their elite troops to encircle and kill him, they suddenly saw the Youzhou army's formation loosen—Zou Jing had actually begun to retreat!

"General! The enemy has been defeated!" the lieutenant exclaimed excitedly.

Zhang Rao squinted and saw that, sure enough, the Youzhou army was fighting and retreating, and their formation was gradually becoming chaotic.

Although Zhao Yun was brave, he could not hold the line alone and was also forced to retreat.

"Trying to escape?"

Zhang Rao grinned maliciously: "Send the order! The entire army is in pursuit! Whoever captures Zhao Zilong alive will be rewarded with a hundred gold pieces!"

"Chase!"

The Yellow Turban army's morale soared, and they gave chase in droves.

The military discipline was already lax, and now that victory was in their grasp, everyone rushed to be the first, and the formation was completely lost.

Zhao Yun glanced back and saw the enemy troops chasing after him, a smile playing on his lips.

He deliberately slowed his horse down, and with his silver spear, he killed several of the closest Yellow Turban soldiers, drawing in even more enemy troops.

This chase lasted for several miles.

We've arrived at Shuangjiao Ridge.

Five thousand Youzhou soldiers fled in disarray into the official road in the mountains, where the Yellow Turban army was in hot pursuit and rushed in without a second thought.

Zhang Rao led his central army to the ridge pass, but suddenly sensed something was amiss; the terrain...

"Stop!" he shouted.

But it was too late.

Suddenly, drums and gongs resounded from the ridge!

On the left slope, eight hundred ambushing soldiers emerged simultaneously. Leading them was a red-faced general with a long beard, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade gleaming coldly: "Guan Yu is here! Traitor, prepare to die!"

On the right slope of the mountain, eight hundred ambushing soldiers charged down. The black-faced general with a leopard-like head and piercing eyes roared like thunder: "Zhang Yide of Yan is here! Prepare to die!"

Two ambushes, like dragons emerging from their caves, rushed straight towards the central section of the Yellow Turban army!

Almost simultaneously, thunderous hooves thundered from behind!

Li Cunxiao took the lead, and Yu Wang's spear and Bi Yan's mace came out together like giant axes splitting mountains, leading three hundred cavalrymen to attack from the rear!

Yang Zaixing followed closely behind, his Iron Rolling Gold Spear transforming into a golden whirlwind!

"Youzhou army! Turn around and kill!" Zou Jing shouted from inside the ridge.

The five thousand Youzhou soldiers turned around instantly, like hungry tigers pouncing on sheep!

A pincer attack from four directions!

The Yellow Turban Rebellion erupted into chaos.

With ambushes in front and cavalry behind, surrounded by enemies on both sides, their formation collapsed instantly. The soldiers scattered in terror, and countless trampled each other.

"We've fallen for their trap!"

Zhang Rao's face turned deathly pale, and he urgently ordered, "Retreat! Retreat now!"

But where can they evacuate?

Inside the ridge, Zhao Yun had already turned his horse around. His fighting spirit, which he had been holding back for half a day, erupted all at once. His silver spear transformed into thousands of cold stars, and blood and flesh flew wherever it passed.

Yang Zaixing charged in from the rear. Seeing Zhao Yun's bravery, his competitive spirit was aroused. He wildly brandished his iron-clad spear and tried to outdo Zhao Yun in killing speed. The two of them, one in front and one behind, were like two dragons racing, carving out two bloody paths in the chaotic army.

"Zilong! Let's see who can kill Zhang Rao first!" Yang Zaixing laughed and with one spear thrust sent three enemy soldiers flying.

Zhao Yun did not answer, but his silver spear moved three points faster.

Surrounded by his guards, Zhang Rao desperately retreated, when suddenly he saw a flash of white robes. Zhao Yun had already broken through the encirclement and was less than a hundred paces away from him!

"Stop him!" Zhang Rao exclaimed in horror.

The deputy general led dozens of guards to meet them. Zhao Yun's silver spear was like a dragon, and he stabbed seven people in succession. Just as he was about to advance again, a general suddenly appeared from the flank. It was the deputy general. He slashed Zhao Yun's face with his broadsword!

"Zilong, watch out!" Yang Zaixing's shout came.

A flash of golden light appeared, and the Iron-Rolled Spear, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, slashed in from the side, piercing the adjutant and his horse to the ground with a single thrust!

"Thanks!" Zhao Yun shouted, and without stopping, rushed straight for Zhang Rao.

Zhang Rao had only a dozen or so personal guards left. When he saw Zhao Yun and Yang Zaixing, two killing gods, charging towards him, he was terrified and turned his horse to flee.

"You thieving general, where do you think you're going!" Zhao Yun shouted, throwing his gleaming silver spear!

With all his might, the silver spear flew like a meteor, piercing Zhang Rao's back!

Zhang Rao screamed and fell off his horse.

Yang Zaixing arrived shortly after and delivered a final stab with his golden spear, ensuring the victim's death.

Zhao Yun rode his horse to the corpse, pulled out his silver spear, and hoisted Zhang Rao's head onto the ground. He then let out a long roar: "Zhang Rao is dead! Those who surrender will not be killed!"

The sound shook the surrounding area.

Upon seeing their commander dead, the nearby Yellow Turban soldiers threw down their weapons and knelt down to surrender.

But with 100,000 troops, too many could not hear the shouts. Seeing the chaos in the central army and the fallen flags of the commanders, the various units in the distance, unaware of what was happening, began to flee.

In an instant, the army suffered a crushing defeat.

On the ridge, Ji Xuanyuan, protected by Dian Wei, overlooked the battlefield.

Seeing the enemy army routed, he waved his flag: "All troops, pursue! To the walls of Qingzhou!"

"promise!"

The Jingnan Army and the Youzhou Army joined forces and pursued the routed enemy. The Yellow Turban Army lost their armor and weapons, and corpses littered the fields.

They pursued them all the way to the walls of Qingzhou City.

The city gates suddenly swung open!

Gong Jing, the governor of Qingzhou, led three thousand soldiers and two thousand militiamen to fight out!

The prefect, nearing fifty, donned his armor and personally charged into the enemy lines, sword in hand: "Reinforcements have arrived! Kill the enemy!"

Attack from inside and outside.

The Yellow Turban Army completely collapsed and scattered in all directions. Those who could not escape either died or surrendered.

This battle lasted from Chenshi (7-9 AM) to Shenshi (3-5 PM).

As the sun set, the battlefield gradually calmed down.

A tally of the battle results: more than 20,000 were beheaded, 30,000 were captured, countless others were routed, 100,000 shi of grain and fodder were seized, and weapons and armor were piled up like mountains.

The siege of Qingzhou was thus lifted.

Outside the city gate, Gong Jing strode towards Ji Xuanyuan, and before reaching him, he bowed deeply: "The entire Qingzhou will never forget the life-saving grace of Commander Ji!"

Supported by Dian Wei, Ji Xuanyuan returned the greeting, coughing as he said, "Prefect Gong...you're too kind, it's just my duty..."

Before he could finish speaking, he swayed.

"Big Brother!" the brothers exclaimed in surprise.

Ji Xuanyuan barely managed to stand, forcing a smile onto his pale face: "It's alright... I'm just... tired..."

After saying that, everything went black, and he collapsed into Dian Wei's arms.

"Big brother!"

"General!"

A crowd gathered around.

Zhao Yun scooped Ji Xuanyuan up in his arms, his eyes filled with anxiety: "Quick! Go into the city and find a physician!"

Gong Jing urged, "Quickly! Carry him into the government office! Summon the best physicians in the city!"

Night fell.

Inside the prefectural government office in Qingzhou, the lights were on full display.

The brothers stood guard outside the house, their faces grave.

Inside the room, the physician took Ji's pulse for a long time, then shook his head and sighed, "Commander Ji is... suffering from overwork, and has also caught a cold... If he doesn't take good care of himself, I'm afraid..."

He didn't go on.

Outside the door, Dian Wei's fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and tears welled in his large, round eyes: "It's all my fault... I should have always protected the general..."

Yang Zaixing's eyes were full of worry: "Big brother has worked too hard for us..."

Zhang Fei said in a muffled voice, "Once our elder brother wakes up, we absolutely must let him rest! Leave the fighting to us!"

Li Cunxiao, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and others all remained silent.

After an unknown amount of time, the door opened.

The physician came out and said in a low voice, "Commander Ji has woken up and wants to see the generals."

The crowd filed in.

Inside the room, Ji Xuanyuan lay on the couch, his face ashen, but his eyes clear. Seeing everyone enter, he smiled slightly: "Why are you all making that face... I'm not dead yet..."

"Big Brother!" Everyone knelt down.

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand: "Get up... Although we won the Battle of Qingzhou, things are not over yet... Gong Jing promised to give me a thousand Qingzhou soldiers, and thirty percent of the spoils from this battle... These must be transported back to Zhuojun as soon as possible..."

He continued, panting, "Of the 30,000 Yellow Turban prisoners... select the strong and able-bodied to be incorporated into the army, and give the old and weak travel expenses and send them away... Remember, indiscriminate killing is strictly prohibited..."

"Brother, please stop talking!" Zhang Fei choked up.

"We'll take care of these things! You just focus on getting better!"

Ji Xuanyuan looked at everyone, his gaze sweeping over them one by one, finally landing on Dian Wei: "Erlai..."

"General! I'm here!" Dian Wei rushed to the bedside.

Ji Xuanyuan said weakly, "There's no need to blame yourself for this. It's not your fault; it's just that my body is weak..."

"I promised you hot pot..."

"I'll definitely do it when I get back to Zhuojun..."

Dian Wei burst into tears, like a child: "General! I don't want the hotpot anymore! I just want you to live!"

Ji Xuanyuan reached out and touched his disheveled hair, then looked at his brothers: "Go on... let me... rest for a while..."

Everyone left the room and gently closed the door behind them.

Outside the door, Guan Yu said in a deep voice, "From today onwards, we will take turns on guard duty. Someone must always be by my brother's side."

"promise!"

The night was dark.

The cheers of victory gradually subsided both inside and outside Qingzhou City.