He originally intended to surrender to Wei, so why did he end up restoring Han?

Chapter 109 Replacement Chapter

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"Shopkeeper, I'd like to buy some herbs," Hu Che'er said softly.

The shopkeeper looked up at him and asked, "What herbs would you like, sir?"

"The lotus flowers are in bloom," Hu Che'er said. The shopkeeper's expression changed. He put down his pen, got up and went into the inner room, then quickly came out and said to Hu Che'er, "Please come in, sir. I have some freshly arrived, excellent lotus tea."

Hu Che'er followed the shopkeeper into the inner room, where a table and several chairs were set out, with a pot of tea on the table. The shopkeeper poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him: "Mr. Jia has already given instructions. In Shangyong, Shen Dan has been busy collecting rent recently, and the garrison has been sent to the countryside to collect rent, leaving only a few hundred men in the city. As for General Deng Xian, Mr. Jia's secret letter has been delivered; he is willing to surrender and is just waiting for the general's army to arrive before opening the city gates to let them in."

Hu Che'er felt a weight lifted from his heart: "Alright. I'll go back and bring the brothers over right away. We'll head to Shangyong first thing tomorrow morning."

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The shopkeeper nodded: "I have already had boats prepared on the banks of the Han River. Tomorrow at dawn, you can take the boat to Shangyong, which is faster than walking along the mountain path."

Hu Che'er thanked the innkeeper, gave him a few more instructions, and then left with Aguda and the others. Back in the woods outside the city, he told the soldiers the news. Everyone was excited and eager to attack the city the next day.

On June 20th, Zhang Xiu led 3,000 central troops to a valley 30 li outside Shangyong City. The journey was not easy. Although they were on the frontier patrol, they encountered several groups of Zhang Lu's scouts along the way. Fortunately, Jia Xu had made preparations and had his soldiers disguise themselves as refugees, so they were not discovered.

"Report! General Hu has arrived at the Han River outside Shangyong City and is awaiting your orders," the scout reported.

Zhang Xiu reined in his horse and glanced at Jia Xu beside him. Jia Xu sat in a carriage with the curtain open, holding a map and studying it carefully.

"Sir, may we begin now?" Zhang Xiu asked.

Jia Xu nodded and put down the map: "Alright. I've already sent word to Hu Che'er, instructing him to lead 500 elite soldiers disguised as a merchant caravan to infiltrate the city. At midnight, they'll light a fire as a signal, and then we'll launch a fierce attack on the west gate from outside the city. The west gate of Shangyong is close to the Han River, has the fewest defenders, and is the easiest to breach."

Zhang Xiu issued an order, instructing Hu Che'er to proceed according to the plan.

Upon receiving the order, Hu Che'er immediately selected five hundred elite soldiers, all of whom changed into caravan clothes. Some carried bolts of cloth, some carried grain, and some pushed carts filled with porcelain, and they walked toward the city gate one after another. As expected, there were very few guards at the west gate of Shangyong, only a dozen or so soldiers, who were dozing off by the city gate.

"Halt! What are you doing?" a soldier rubbed his eyes and shouted.

"Sir, we are a merchant caravan from Jingzhou, here in Shangyong to sell some goods." Hu Che'er stepped forward, smiling as he handed over a string of copper coins. "It's just a small token, sir, to buy some tea." The soldier took the coins, weighed them in his hand, and smiled. "Go in, go in, don't cause trouble in the city."

Hu Che'er nodded and led five hundred elite soldiers slowly into the city. The city was quiet; most people were already asleep, except for a few taverns that were still lit, from which came the sounds of drinking and revelry. Following Jia Xu's instructions, Hu Che'er dispersed his soldiers into several alleys near the west gate, while he himself, with a few personal guards, found an inn to stay in and waited until midnight.

Inside the Shangyong Prefect's residence, Shen Dan was drinking with his younger brother, Shen Yi. Shen Dan, in his forties, had graying hair and a face full of wrinkles. He was a local powerful figure who had risen to the position of Shangyong Prefect through the land and connections inherited from his ancestors. Shen Yi, younger than him, was more impatient. After taking a sip of wine, he couldn't help but complain, "Brother, Zhang Lu really doesn't take Shangyong seriously at all!"

The number of troops being sent is dwindling, and our supplies are running low. If Cao Cao or Liu Biao attacks, how will we defend ourselves?

Shen Dan sighed and put down his wine cup: "There's nothing we can do. We're far from Hanzhong. In Zhang Lu's eyes, only the heartland of Hanzhong matters. Our Shangyong is just a dispensable place. Besides, the world is in chaos right now. We're lucky if we can even hold onto our own territory. Don't expect anyone else to help us."

"But we can't just wait like this!" Shen Yi said anxiously. "I heard that Zhang Xiu has made an enemy of Cao Cao in Wancheng. What will we do if he attacks Shangyong?"

Shen Dan waved his hand: "Zhang Xiu? He's barely able to protect himself right now, how could he have the energy to attack Shangyong? Don't overthink it, let's drink."

Shen Yi wanted to say something, but Shen Dan interrupted her, so she picked up her wine glass and drank it in silence.

At midnight, Shangyong City was silent, with only the sound of the night watchman's clapper echoing in the alleys. Hu Che'er came out of the inn and whistled. The soldiers scattered in various places gathered around, each holding a ring-pommel sword hidden in the cargo.

"Let's go to the west gate!" Hu Che'er shouted in a low voice and took the lead towards the west gate.

The guards at the west gate were still dozing off; some leaned against the gateposts, others sat on the ground, their spears resting askew. Hu Che'er led his soldiers stealthily forward, then suddenly attacked. With a flash of blades, several guards fell to the ground before they could even react.

"Light the fire!" Hu Che'er shouted. A soldier took out a torch and lit the pile of firewood on the city gate tower. The flames shot into the sky instantly, illuminating half of Shangyong City.

Upon seeing the flames outside the city, Zhang Xiu immediately ordered, "Attack the west gate with full force!"

Three thousand soldiers shouted and charged toward the west gate. The city gate had already been opened by Hu Che'er, and the defending troops fled in disarray. Zhang Xiu led his army into the city, joined forces with Hu Che'er's troops, and together they marched toward the prefect's residence.

Shen Dan and Shen Yi were awakened by the shouts of battle. They hurriedly donned their armor, grabbed their swords, and rushed out of the mansion. They saw Zhang Xiu's soldiers everywhere in the streets, flames soaring into the sky, and the shouts of battle deafening.

"What's going on? Why is Zhang Xiu here?" Shen Dan was shocked, and his grip on the sword became unsteady.

"Brother, run! We can't beat them!" Shen Yi grabbed Shen Dan's arm and cried out urgently. Shen Dan still wanted to resist, but seeing more and more Zhang Xiu's soldiers rushing over, he could only sigh and follow Shen Yi as they fled westward. Most of their personal guards had been killed in battle, and only a dozen or so trusted men followed them, stumbling and falling as they escaped Shangyong City.

At dawn, Shangyong City was completely captured by Zhang Xiu. Zhang Xiu sat in the main hall of the prefectural governor's mansion, watching his men tally the spoils of war:

They captured over two thousand defenders and countless supplies, while suffering fewer than one hundred casualties themselves.

"General, Shen Dan and Shen Yi have fled to the west city," Hu Che'er reported, stepping forward. Zhang Xiu nodded and looked at Jia Xu: "Sir, what should we do next?"

Jia Xu smiled and said, "Shen Dan's escape to Xicheng gives us a reason to take it. However, we shouldn't rush to Xicheng. Let's go to Fangling first. Deng Xian has already surrendered, so we can take Fangling without bloodshed. Once we've taken Fangling, it will be much easier to take Xicheng."

Zhang Xiu agreed: "Good, pass down the order, rest for a day, and march on Fangling tomorrow."

Fangling City was the wealthiest of the three commanderies because of its proximity to Jingzhou, which attracted many merchant caravans and provided ample provisions. Deng Xian stood atop the city wall, gazing at the distant mountain road, his heart filled with unease. He had already received Jia Xu's secret letter and agreed to surrender, but he still felt uneasy. After all, Zhang Lu had been kind to him, and his actions would be seen as betraying his lord.

"Father, Zhang Xiu's army is almost here," Deng Fang said in a low voice as he walked to his side. Deng Fang was in his twenties, handsome and dashing. He was Deng Xian's only son and a colonel in Fangling, commanding a thousand soldiers.

Deng Xian sighed: "I understand. Have you made all the arrangements? Have the guards at the city gates been replaced with our own men?"

"Everything has been changed." Deng Fang nodded. "I've also sent people to keep an eye on Chen An. If he dares to make any unusual moves, we'll be able to detect it in time."

The Chen An that Deng Xian mentioned was the Commandant of Fangling, a local strongman, known for his fierce character and unwavering loyalty to Zhang Lu. Deng Xian knew that Chen An would definitely not agree to surrender to Zhang Xiu, so he had already taken precautions.

Not long after, a troop of soldiers appeared on the distant mountain road, carrying a large banner bearing the character "Zhang"—it was Zhang Xiu's army. Deng Xian took a deep breath and ordered, "Open the city gates and welcome General Zhang!"

The city gates slowly opened, and Deng Xian, accompanied by Deng Fang and several generals, walked out of the city and bowed to Zhang Xiu, saying, "This humble general, Deng Xian, respectfully welcomes General Zhang!"

Zhang Xiu dismounted and stepped forward to help Deng Xian up: "General Deng, there's no need for such formalities. I have long admired your loyalty and bravery. Your willingness to surrender today is a blessing for Zhang Xiu and also for the people of Fangling."

Deng Xian quickly thanked him and led Zhang Xiu's army into the city. When the people in the city heard that Zhang Xiu had come, they all hid in their homes and dared not come out. Only a few brave ones peeked out from under their doors.

Zhang Xiu moved into the prefect's residence, while Jia Xu was assigned to a courtyard next door. Just as he was settled, a personal guard came to report: "General, Commandant Chen An requests an audience."

Zhang Xiu glanced at Jia Xu, who nodded: "Let him in."

Chen An entered the hall, clad in armor, sword in hand, his face expressionless. He bowed to Zhang Xiu, his voice cold: "This humble general Chen An greets General Zhang."

Zhang Xiu smiled and said, "Captain Chen, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

Chen An didn't sit down, but asked directly, "General, have you come to Fangling to take it?"

Zhang Xiu was taken aback, not expecting Chen An to be so direct. He glanced at Jia Xu, who said, "Commander Chen, General Zhang has come to resist Cao Cao. Cao Cao holds the emperor hostage to command the other warlords, and is cruel and ruthless. Last year, he massacred my Wancheng and killed my people. General Zhang's actions are to protect the people of the three counties from Cao Cao's slaughter."

"Hmph!" Chen An sneered, "It's nothing more than using the pretext of resisting Cao Cao to seize territory! General Zhang has a grudge against Cao Cao, yet he comes to attack Lord Zhang Lu's territory. Is this what you call 'protecting the people'?"

Zhang Xiu's face darkened: "Captain Chen, I respect you as a man of integrity and do not wish to argue with you. Now that Fangling has surrendered, if you are willing to submit, I will certainly give you an important position; if you are not, you may leave, and I will not stop you."

"I won't leave!" Chen An shouted. "Fangling is Lord Zhang Lu's territory, and I am the Commandant of Fangling. I shall live and die with Fangling! If you want to take Fangling, kill me first!"

Having said that, he drew his sword and was about to charge forward. Deng Xian quickly stepped forward to stop him: "Commander Chen, you mustn't!"

"Deng Xian! You traitor!" Chen An glared at Deng Xian. "Lord Zhang Lu treated you well, yet you betrayed him and sided with Zhang Xiu! Today I will kill you, you traitor!"

Deng Xian sighed, "Commander Chen, I am doing this for the people of Fangling. If Cao Cao comes, Fangling will surely be slaughtered. General Zhang Xiu can protect the people's safety, so why shouldn't I surrender?"

"You—" Chen An wanted to say something, but was stopped by Zhang Xiu's personal guards. Zhang Xiu frowned: "Take Commandant Chen away and keep a close watch on him, don't let him cause trouble."

The guards stepped forward and dragged Chen An away. As Chen An struggled, he shouted, "Zhang Xiu! You traitorous villain! I will surely kill you!"

Watching Chen An being led away, Deng Xian felt a pang of guilt: "General, Chen An—"

Zhang Xiu waved his hand: "It's alright. He's just not thinking things through right now. Once he understands, he'll naturally realize my good intentions."

Jia Xu smiled and said, "General, you are kind-hearted. However, Chen An has a fiery temper, so we must be on guard to prevent him from doing anything outrageous."

Zhang Xiu nodded: "Sir, you are right. General Deng, send more men to keep an eye on Chen An's residence and prevent him from having any opportunity to contact people outside."

Deng Xian quickly replied, "Yes, General."

Over the next few days, Zhang Xiu reorganized his troops and pacified the people in Fangling. He ordered a six-month tax exemption for the people of Fangling and opened granaries to distribute grain to the poor. Seeing that Zhang Xiu was not as cruel as rumored, the people gradually felt reassured and began to live normal lives again.

Chen An was imprisoned in his mansion, feeling resentful, but he was surrounded by Zhang Xiu's personal guards and had no chance to leave. He could only drink in his mansion every day, cursing Zhang Xiu as a traitorous minister.

On the fifth day of the seventh month, Zhang Xiu led his army to Xicheng. Xicheng was located in a mountainous area, with a strategic and treacherous terrain, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. After Shen Dan and Shen Yi fled to Xicheng, they began to reorganize their troops, strengthen the city's defenses, and prepare to resist Zhang Xiu.

"Brother, Zhang Xiu is here, what should we do?" Shen Yi stood on the city wall, looking at Zhang Xiu's army in the distance, feeling a little scared.

Shen Dan took a deep breath: "Don't be afraid. Xicheng is strategically important, and it won't be easy for Zhang Xiu to break in. I've already sent someone to Hanzhong to ask for reinforcements. As soon as Lord Zhang Lu's reinforcements arrive, we can attack from both sides and defeat Zhang Xiu."

Little did he know that Jia Xu had long anticipated his request for help from Hanzhong and had already dispatched Hu Che'er with a thousand elite soldiers to ambush messengers and reinforcements on the main road leading to Hanzhong.

Hu Che'er led a thousand elite soldiers and ambushed them in a valley. This valley was the only way to Hanzhong, and its steep slopes on both sides made it ideal for an ambush.

"General, look, there's a group of people coming over there," Aguda whispered, pointing into the distance. Hu Che'er looked in the direction Aguda pointed and saw a group of people, about a few hundred, walking along the path in the valley. The leader was holding a flag with the words "Hanzhong Reinforcements" written on it.

"They're here." Hu Che'er sneered. "Pass down the order: once they enter the valley, fire the arrows!"

The soldiers drew their bows and arrows, waiting for reinforcements to enter the valley.

After the reinforcements entered the valley, Hu Che'er shouted, "Fire arrows!"

Arrows rained down, and the reinforcements fell one after another, struck by arrows. The leading general was terrified and hurriedly ordered a counterattack, but the valley was too cramped for them to maneuver effectively, and they were quickly surrounded by Hu Che'er's troops.

"Surrender and you will not be killed!" Hu Che'er shouted.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the reinforcements laid down their weapons and surrendered. Hu Che'er had the prisoners tied up and found Shen Dan's letter to Zhang Lu pleading for help before leading his troops back to Xicheng.

Shen Dan in Xicheng was still waiting for reinforcements, but after several days, he hadn't seen a trace of them. He felt uneasy, wondering what had happened.

"Brother, could it be that the reinforcements ran into trouble on the way?" Shen Yi asked worriedly. Shen Dan shook his head: "I don't think so."

That road is safe; there are rarely bandits. Let's wait a bit longer; perhaps reinforcements are delayed on their way.

But no sooner had he finished speaking than a scout came to report: "Prefect, it's terrible! The reinforcements from Hanzhong have been intercepted by Zhang Xiu's troops and have been completely wiped out!"