The Three Kingdoms: The Oath of the Peach Garden, the Rise of the Han Dynasty

However, after only half an incense stick's time, smoke and dust rose up from behind.

Liu Bei has arrived with his army on a forced march!

The Yellow Turban rebels were no longer able to resist.

Some died, some surrendered, and the bandit leader was pierced through the chest by Zhang Fei's spear and died on the spot, and the battlefield was completely pacified.

Zhao Yun, leaning on his gleaming silver spear, panted heavily as he looked at the four people slowly approaching, his face filled with shock and gratitude.

The leader had a kind face and exuded a friendly aura.

The man on the left has a red face and a long beard, and he looks imposing and has the air of a fierce general.

The burly man on the right has a leopard-like head and piercing eyes; he is exceptionally brave.

The young scholar at the very end had a black crow perched on his shoulder; his refined demeanor clearly indicated he was no ordinary person.

Liu Bei strode up to Zhao Yun and looked at his youthful bravery and heroic defense of his homeland.

His eyes were full of admiration, and he immediately bowed and clasped his hands in greeting:

"I am Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande. I have met this valiant warrior. We arrived late, causing you to be in danger and nearly leading to a great disaster. Please forgive us."

Zhao Yun was startled and reacted instantly!

The kind and benevolent man before us is none other than Liu Shijun, whom Xiahou Lan spoke of as a benevolent and virtuous ruler who had decisively defeated the Yellow Turbans!

He actually apologized to me? How can this be allowed?

He quickly bowed respectfully and said, "I am Zhao Yun of Changshan, courtesy name Zilong. I greet Magistrate Liu."

"Many thanks to Magistrate Liu for leading troops to rescue my hometown and protect my elders. I am deeply grateful!"

"Brother Zilong is brave and loyal to the people, which is truly admirable!" Liu Bei quickly helped Zhao Yun up, looking at his wounds with concern.

"Zilong is wounded. Quickly come back to the army with me to treat your wounds first, and then we can discuss things further."

Li Chang also added:

"Zilong, we've arrived just in time, finding you and your hometown besieged by the Yellow Turban rebels. But the Han Dynasty still has countless Changshan Zhen Ding!"

"Zilong, why not join us? Let's work together to wipe out the Yellow Turbans for the Han Dynasty!"

Zhao Yun looked into the sincere eyes of Liu Bei and Li Chang, and then glanced at the disciplined army behind them that did not harm the people in the slightest.

Although the other party was a bit presumptuous and direct, it was precisely this presumption and directness that made me feel deeply valued!

However, he still had some worries, "But in my hometown, the Yellow Turbans are still there..."

Liu Bei grasped Zhao Yun's hand again and activated one of the top charm skills: "Walking Arm in Arm"!

"Zilong, this time we are determined to wipe out the Yellow Turban rebels of Pingchang Mountain and even Youzhou in one fell swoop! Let our fellow villagers live in peace and prosperity again!"

Zhao Yun saw Liu Bei's sincerity through his eyes!

He bowed again, kneeling on one knee, his resolve unwavering:

"Your Excellency is benevolent and compassionate, caring deeply for the people; you are a wise ruler of our time! I, Yun, am unworthy, but I wish to lead the remaining brothers from my hometown to join Your Excellency's ranks. I swear to follow you to the death, to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion, to protect the common people, and I will never waver in my loyalty!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was overjoyed and rushed forward to personally help Zhao Yun up, holding his hand tightly, his voice trembling with excitement:

"With Zhao Yun's assistance, it's like a tiger with wings! How fortunate I am! How fortunate my Han Dynasty is!"

Guan Yu stepped forward, looking at Zhao Yun with deep respect in his eyes: "Zilong, you are so young, yet you possess the courage to withstand ten thousand men. You are truly a peerless tiger general! From now on, we brothers will fight side by side!"

Zhang Fei scratched his head and laughed heartily, "Good lad! You're brave enough! From now on, follow us, and we guarantee you'll have battles to fight, plenty to eat, and no one will be able to bully you!"

Li Chang stood to the side, and so did he!

Zhao Zilong of Changshan has finally joined the team ahead of schedule.

From then on, in addition to the two peerless generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei gained another loyal and brave tiger general, further enhancing the strength of his army!

……

The stench of blood lingered in the post-war wilderness.

Seeing the mess on the ground, Liu Bei immediately gave the order:

"The Yellow Turban rebels who committed numerous evils and whose hands were stained with the blood of the people were executed on the spot; the remaining able-bodied men who were forced to join the army were to be assigned to auxiliary troops if they wished to, and those who did not wish to join were to be given rations and allowed to return to their hometowns to farm."

Li Chang added: "Select two hundred elite soldiers who are reasonably skilled and have no major faults to supplement the various battalions."

The cavalry can be grouped together, and since Zilong is new here, it's a good opportunity for him to train them.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun quickly cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your trust, strategist! However, I have only led local militia before and have never commanded regular cavalry. I am afraid I will fail in my duty."

"It's alright." Li Chang waved his hand with a smile. "Everyone starts from scratch. Your marksmanship is superb and your horsemanship is excellent, that's enough. Start by practicing basic formations. If you don't understand anything, feel free to ask your second and third brothers."

Guan Yu stroked his beard and nodded: "Zilong, rest assured. Yide and I have been engaged in many battles recently, and we have gained some knowledge of cavalry tactics. I will certainly teach you everything I know."

Zhang Fei patted his chest and laughed loudly, "That's right! From now on, follow me, Old Zhang, and I guarantee I'll train these kids until they're roaring with excitement!"

Xiahou Lan, who was helping to bandage the wounded soldiers, stood quietly to the side when she saw everyone talking about personnel matters.

He was originally the son of a minor official in Changshan. He was literate and knew how to do math. He followed Zhao Yun to protect his hometown, only seeking to survive in the chaotic world. He never thought he would have a chance to rise in the world.

Li Chang turned to look at him and said with a smile, "Brother Xiahou, I see that you are meticulous and reliable in your work, and I've also heard that you are literate."

Mr. Jian is currently managing military affairs all by himself and is truly overwhelmed. How about you help him manage military discipline and keep a record of merits?

Xiahou Lan looked up abruptly, incredulous: "Strategist... can I... really do it?"

"Of course." Li Chang nodded. "Mr. Jian is impatient, so you're perfect for helping him fill in the gaps in his knowledge. Work hard, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to make a name for yourself in the future."

Upon hearing the news, Jian Yong rushed over, grabbed Xiahou Lan's hand, and was so moved he almost cried:

"Finally, a helper has arrived! If no one had lent a hand, I would have lost my life in the midst of military duties!"

Mingdao has surprisingly shown some conscience! Finally, someone's here!

Xiahou Lan deeply felt Liu Bei's enthusiasm and trust!

He immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, my lord! Thank you, strategist! I will work tirelessly day and night to fulfill your great trust!"

Jian Yong was in a good mood. What was this called again? In Mingdao's words, what a fine ox or horse!

Upon seeing this, everyone burst into laughter.

……

The following day, after settling Zhao Yun's hometown elders.

On the drill ground, two thousand veterans were practicing their formation, their footsteps making the ground tremble slightly.

Zhao Yun stood on the sidelines, watching Guan Yu and Zhang Fei wield their swords and spears, each move powerful and forceful.

He gripped the gleaming silver spear in his hand, a hint of eagerness flashing in his eyes.

Everyone has a youthful and impetuous phase!

Li Chang was leaning against the edge of his tent, drinking tea. Seeing Zhao Yun's expression, he smiled and put down his teacup: "Zilong, want to give it a try?"

Zhao Yun turned around, cupping his hands somewhat embarrassedly: "Strategist, I just..."

"Let's give it a try!" Zhang Fei, with his sharp ears, immediately put away his eighteen-foot spear and strode over.

"Zilong, I've wanted to fight you for a long time!"

Guan Yu also walked slowly over, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade resting on the ground, three-tenths of an inch deep.

The tremor caused dust and dirt to rise from the ground.

He stroked his long beard, his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed: "Yide, Zilong's spear technique is exquisite, not something a reckless person like you can handle."

"Hey! Second Brother, what are you saying!" Zhang Fei glared defiantly. "How am I reckless? I'm just being straightforward!"

"My two elder brothers," Zhao Yun said, clasping his hands in greeting, "I am young and dare not compete with you. I only wish to ask you for some guidance."

He spoke in the most humble tone, yet said the most unhumble things.