The Three Kingdoms: Rise of the Western Liang Cavalry

Two distinct atmospheres, like two clearly defined streams, flowed side by side within this camp.

There is an invisible barrier between them, a barrier of long-standing prejudice and distrust.

But last night's bonfire and feasting had already created some tiny cracks in the dike, allowing the waters to potentially mix.

Qin Lie knew that it would take time, and even more so, a bloody battle, to completely merge these two streams into a torrent powerful enough to sweep away everything.

Just then, a long and sharp alarm horn sounded from the watchtower on the outskirts of the camp.

Unlike the hurried reports from scouts about the enemy, this voice carried a hint of inquiry.

Soon, a guard strode into the tent and knelt on one knee.

"Reporting to the Commandant: A messenger has arrived outside the camp, claiming to be sent by Marquis Wen, Lü Bu, and Minister of Works, Wang Yun, to request an audience with the Commandant."

"Lü Bu? Wang Yun?"

Chen Wu, who was discussing the transfer of military rations with Qin Lie inside the tent, twitched his eyebrows and revealed a complex expression.

These two names are now nothing short of death warrants to the Xiliang army.

Qin Lie's expression remained unchanged, as if he had only heard an ordinary name.

He slowly rolled up a bamboo slip in his hand, his voice as calm as still water.

"Let him in."

A moment later, a middle-aged scholar dressed in court attire and wearing a scholar's cap entered the main tent, "escorted" by two guards.

He tried to straighten his back, attempting to maintain the dignity of an imperial envoy in front of this group of burly warriors, but his slightly trembling sleeves and the way he avoided Qin Lie's gaze betrayed his inner nervousness.

The air inside the military tent seemed heavier than elsewhere, carrying a faint, almost imperceptible, smell of blood.

"This humble official greets Commandant Qin."

The envoy cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone somewhat stiff.

Qin Lie did not get up, but simply raised his hand to indicate that he did not need to be so polite.

"The envoy has traveled a long way and must be weary. What message has he brought for me?"

His voice was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable pressure.

The messenger took out a roll of silk sealed with sealing wax from his sleeve, presented it with both hands, and said loudly.

"Lord Wen and Minister of Works have issued an order! Considering that Commandant Qin is known for his bravery and has not participated in Dong Zhuo's turmoil in the capital, this special decree is hereby issued."

"If Commandant Qin can repent and lead his troops to surrender to the court, then the past will be forgiven."

"The imperial court will recommend the military commander for the position of Prefect of Fufeng, and bestow upon him a thousand taels of gold and a thousand bolts of silk!"

"I urge you, Captain, to discern the true nature of the situation and refrain from making a mistake by associating with traitors like Li Jue and Guo Si!"

His voice echoed in the empty tent, each word striking clearly into the hearts of everyone inside.

Prefect of Fufeng!

The weight of those four words made Chen Wu and several other officers hold their breath.

This was practically a promise to make them local warlords.

For these Xiliang army generals, whose futures were uncertain and who could be purged at any time, this was undoubtedly a glittering path to success.

The atmosphere inside the tent instantly became subtle.

The battalion commanders exchanged glances; some looked on with undisguised fervor and excitement, while others were filled with doubt and wariness.

"Captain, Lü Bu is the fiercest warrior in the land, and now he holds great power in his hands. If we could submit to him, it might be a way out..."

An impatient captain couldn't help but speak up, his words filled with longing.

"Foolish!"

Chen Wu immediately interrupted him in a low voice.

"Don't you know who Wang Yun is? He couldn't even tolerate a renowned scholar like Cai Yong, so how could he possibly tolerate us, whom he sees as 'remnants of the traitor Dong Zhuo'?"

"This is nothing but a delaying tactic to appease us. Once we hand over our military power, we'll be fish on a chopping block!"

"But Li Jue and Guo Si have acted perversely and have lost the hearts of the people. Following them is a dead end!"

"We still can't put our heads under Wang Yun's blade!"

The argument buzzed around, like a hornet's nest that had been stirred up.

The Han army officers outside the tent, who vaguely heard the commotion, were also filled with turmoil.

Submitting to the imperial court and washing away the name of traitors was the deepest desire in the hearts of every soldier in the Xiliang army, but their fear of the new court was also very real.

Qin Lie remained silent, simply gazing at the rolled-up silk scroll as if admiring the calligraphy on it.

Only when the arguing inside the tent gradually subsided and everyone's eyes were focused on him did he slowly raise his eyes.

A faint smile played on his face, a smile that contained neither joy nor anger, but only a detached indifference and mockery as if he had seen through the ways of the world.

"Lü Bu is brave but lacks strategy; he's just a brute! Wang Yun is stubborn and self-willed; he's just a bookish scholar."

"To entrust one's life and fortune to these two men is no different from binding one's own hands and feet and offering one's neck for execution."

His voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the entire tent.

The captains who had still harbored illusions felt their faces burning with shame and lowered their heads in embarrassment.

Qin Lie turned his gaze to the envoy, the smile on his face vanished, and he regained his calm and composed demeanor.

"Thank you for your high regard, Lord Situ and Marquis Wen."

"However, this matter is of great importance; the lives of thousands of my soldiers are all tied to it."

"I need to consult with my generals and soldiers before I can give a reply."

The envoy was taken aback, not expecting Qin Lie to refuse so decisively, yet giving an irrefutable reason.

He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something more.

Qin Lie didn't give him a chance. He changed the subject and his tone became casual, as if he were chatting about everyday things.

"The envoy has come all the way from Chang'an; he must be tired."

"I wonder whether Lord Situ or Marquis Wen is currently in charge of affairs in Chang'an?"

This question may seem ordinary, but it contains a hidden meaning.

A hint of unease flashed across the envoy's face, and he spoke vaguely.

"Naturally, it is Lord Situ who presides over the court affairs, and Marquis Wen who takes charge of the military affairs. The two of them work together to restore the Han Dynasty."

"Oh?"

Qin Lie drew out his words and continued to ask.

"I've heard that the Bingzhou cavalry under Lord Wen's command are brave and skilled in battle, unparalleled in the world."

"I wonder how many such elite soldiers Marquis Wen has under his command now?"

When Lü Bu's troops were mentioned, a hint of pride finally appeared on the envoy's face, as if he were honored by it.

"Marquis Wen personally led three thousand iron cavalry from Bingzhou, each a tiger-like warrior capable of taking on ten men!"

"In addition, nearly ten thousand newly recruited soldiers, all grateful for the court's kindness, are willing to die for Your Majesty!"

Three thousand...

Qin Lie tapped his knuckles lightly on the table.

This number perfectly matches the history he remembers.

He sneered inwardly.

The three thousand Bingzhou wolf cavalry were indeed the best fighting force in the world, but the remaining so-called new recruits were nothing more than commoners from Chang'an, a motley crew. They could wave flags and shout when things were going well, but once they got into a tough battle, they would just scatter.

Lu Bu's true combat strength was far less than what he displayed.