Chapter 136 An Oppressed Noble Family? The Yellow Turbans Attack!

As Ye Feng was educating Pan Zhi and encouraging him to act boldly, outside Luoyang City, the wind and clouds suddenly changed! The Yellow Turban rebels, who had stopped their advance, suddenly launched another attack. The sounds of war drums, shouts, and generals' reprimands created a chaotic scene. On the city walls, Yuan Wei, the Grand Commandant of the current dynasty, finally got his wish, thanks to his good grandson. Yes! Emperor Ling didn't even use General He Jin, but directly summoned Yuan Wei. After all, knowing the treacherous intentions of these noble clans, Emperor Ling naturally wanted to keep his loyalists close. Although General He Jin was somewhat incompetent, as a member of the imperial family's in-laws, he was one of the few people who would never betray Liu Hong. Therefore, as the General overseeing all military affairs, he was currently guarding the imperial palace. As for why he wasn't guarding Luoyang? Don't be absurd! The Yellow Turban rebels outside could drown Luoyang with their spit alone. Guarding it would be futile! Rather than that, it was better to hand over the outer city of Luoyang to the noble clans; they would only need to guard the inner city and the palace. After Zhang Rang's reminders and warnings, Emperor Ling had lost all trust in the noble clans. He didn't want to be captured and handed over before Luoyang even fell. And those noble clans who were feared by Emperor Ling? They were actually a bit wronged this time! No one was stupid, especially the prominent clans of the Great Han. They would never entrust their safety to the Yellow Turban rebels and their promises. Therefore, they never intended to betray Emperor Ling for their own safety from the start. That was unrealistic! Leaving aside whether the Yellow Turban rebels would agree, even if they did, what then? Would they really let these commoners take power? Impossible! They would rather benefit Ye Feng, the rebel, than the Yellow Turban rebels. Why? It was simply because the Yellow Turban rebels' battle achievements were too formidable, essentially annihilating all noble clans. As for Ye Feng? Much better! Although many noble clans were destroyed by foreign tribes, that was their own doing. How dare they sell refined salt and ironware to outsiders? If they were the Inspector of You Province, they might have done the same. In simple terms, these noble clans did not trust the credibility of the Yellow Turban rebels. Therefore, they sent people to negotiate and stall for time while simultaneously buying and winning over people within the Yellow Turban army. Coincidentally, these people were discovered by Zhang Rang's informants when they left the city and were reported to Emperor Ling Liu Hong. And now? Whether it was Zhang Rang or Emperor Ling Liu Hong, they were convinced that the noble clans were colluding with the Yellow Turban rebels. Who could blame them, given the precedent? If it wasn't for the help of the noble clans in the early stages of the Yellow Turban rebellion, could they have started so quickly? Tens of thousands of people across thirteen provinces of the Great Han responded simultaneously. Could the three Zhang brothers have accomplished this? If they were that powerful, let alone holding high official positions, wouldn't the court of the Great Han have a place for them? Moreover, how did a wandering Taoist and two simple villagers manage to contact the grand eunuch in the palace? If it was said that there was no help from the noble clans, would you believe it? Therefore, the moment he received Zhang Rang's report, Emperor Ling Liu Hong believed it. But the problem was, this time the noble clans truly had no intention of betraying Emperor Ling; they were actively preparing for battle! This made things rather awkward. With the Yellow Turban rebels aggressively attacking the city from the front and Emperor Ling suspiciously eyeing them from behind, Yuan Wei felt like crying. Why was his life so hard?! He was already old and thought that becoming Grand Commandant this time would allow him a perfect retirement. And the result? Not only did the Yellow Turban rebels not retreat, but a rebel named Ye Feng also appeared during his tenure! And now? More and more Yellow Turban rebels were making him feel like they wanted to strip him bare. Who could tolerate this? "Alas!" With a deep sigh, Yuan Wei turned to look at Yuan Shu beside him, whose legs were trembling slightly. "Gonglu, how much longer until your brothers arrive?" "Ah?" Yuan Shu was startled awake by Yuan Wei's voice, a trace of confusion flickering across his face as he said, "I… I don't know…" "You?!" Yuan Wei was momentarily speechless, a flash of anger appearing on his face as he couldn't help but scold, "If you don't know, haven't you sent someone to inquire? Do I still need to teach you this?" "Yes, yes…" Yelled at by Yuan Wei, Yuan Shu shivered and quickly ran away from the city wall. He regretted it! If he had known that these Yellow Turban rebels could reach Luoyang, why had he rushed back so eagerly? Wasn't it better to stay at the allied army's camp? And now? Not only did he have to lead the Imperial Guards to defend Luoyang, but he also had to lead troops to attack. If he hadn't run fast yesterday, he would have truly lost his life! Thinking of the perilous scene yesterday, Yuan Shu's legs were still a bit weak. No! For the sake of his own life, he couldn't go back to the city wall! He should find a place to hide. Even if the Yellow Turban rebels breached the city, they shouldn't find him for a while! With this thought, Yuan Shu completely ignored the matter of reinforcements and went straight home to hide. What? Uncle? Family? What did those things have to do with him? He wasn't the clan head! Besides, after the fierce battle yesterday, Yuan Shu had finally understood. The Great Han was finished! Luoyang couldn't hold out under the siege of so many Yellow Turban rebels. And once Luoyang fell, not a single person, including the dog emperor, would escape. Since that was the case, he might as well preserve his own life for now and seek revenge later. Yes, that's how it would be! …… In the Yellow Turban camp, war drums were sounding. Zhang Bao, now clad in military attire, personally presided over the central command tent. When everyone had arrived, he looked around at the surrounding generals and slammed the knife in his hand onto the table. "Everyone, speak up." "From yesterday until now, how many benefits have you each received?" "Um…" As Zhang Bao spoke, the atmosphere in the command tent became somewhat strange. The generals looked at each other, their expressions a mix of emotions. It was obvious that they had all received benefits to varying degrees, but perhaps they hadn't decided what to do yet. "Hmph~!" Zhang Bao sneered, but he didn't seem to care. He spoke word by word, "Do you really think those people could move freely in the camp without this general's permission?" "Fools!" "I don't care how many benefits you've received or what conditions you've agreed to!" "But there's one thing!" "Anyone who hinders this general from taking Luoyang will be killed without mercy!" Having said this, Zhang Bao paused and repeated in a more stern tone, "I don't care who you are or how great your contributions are!" "As long as you don't let me take Luoyang, I can send your entire family to hell!" "Remember this!" "When it's noon, launch the attack immediately. Those who delay… die!" "Yes!" With Zhang Bao's order, whether sincerely or not, these generals all responded in unison. A moment later, after most people had left, Guan Hai looked at Zhang Bao with some confusion. "General Dìgōng, since you know they've been bribed, why not kill them directly?" "We can't kill them all!" Zhang Bao sighed, leaning back. A bitter smile appeared on his face. "Those noble clans have spared no expense; all the generals of the Yellow Turban army have been corrupted!" "If this general really starts killing today, then things will truly be beyond control!" "But, but…" Guan Hai scratched his head, his expression still confused. "General Dìgōng, even if you don't kill them, you should at least transfer them away!" "Otherwise…" "When our brothers launch their attack on the front lines, they'll strike from behind, and it'll be all over!" "Don't worry!" Listening to Guan Hai's concerns, Zhang Bao raised his hand, a cold smile on his face. "None of those guys are stupid; they won't act rashly!" "Compared to the entire Luoyang and the entire Great Han, what are the little things they've received?" "Moreover…" "As long as we capture Luoyang, won't all those things be ours for the picking?" "Therefore…" "As long as our offensive is fierce enough, those people will remain inactive." "This…" Listening to Zhang Bao's analysis, Guan Hai nodded, as if he understood but not quite. "General Dìgōng, then let me go, and I promise to capture Luoyang for you!" "No rush~!" Zhang Bao stood up, patted Guan Hai's shoulder, a smile appearing on his face. "You are this general's surprise force; you can't be deployed so easily!" "Moreover…" "Those who have received gifts should at least put in some effort!" "Let them charge at the front later!" "But remember this!" Zhang Bao's expression became serious as he spoke, emphasizing each word, "If they attack unsuccessfully, or even remain inactive, then it will be your turn to appear." "All generals above Qu Shua will be killed!" "This general can accept them receiving gifts, but cannot accept them not doing their jobs!" "Do you understand?" "Yes!" Finally receiving his orders, Guan Hai and the others nodded excitedly. They had no choice! If those who received gifts didn't die, wouldn't they, who hadn't, look like fools? Yes! To demonstrate their fairness and integrity, these people had driven out those who accepted gifts and reported it to General Dìgōng Zhang Bao. Otherwise, how would Zhang Bao have known that those people were so brazen? Every single general of their Yellow Turban army had received valuable gifts! Some of these items were so coveted that not only those bumpkins but even he, the General Dìgōng, envied them! However, even though he knew about the actions of these noble clans, Zhang Bao had no good solution. He could neither make an example of them nor pretend to be deaf and mute and unaware. Make an example? Once the killing started, all those who had received gifts would be in panic. Pretend to be deaf and mute? Would those like Guan Hai, who hadn't received gifts, be happy with that? Therefore, in the absence of any other option, Zhang Bao devised a plan that was no plan at all. Be direct! He would let those who had received gifts know that he was watching them right now! If they fought well, everything would be fine, and they could discuss matters after taking Luoyang. If they didn't fight well? Don't even think about betraying. He would deal with them on the spot. As for how effective this strategy would be, only time would tell!