On Hulao Pass,
In the great hall,
Zhang Bao, who had just led his personal guards to secure the entire Hulao Pass, suddenly received a report from a scout.
"What did you say?"
Looking at the kneeling Yellow Turban scout, Zhang Bao said with disbelief,
"That Qin thief, no, Governor Qin, said he had something important to discuss with me?"
"That's right!"
The Yellow Turban scout nodded repeatedly, almost patting his chest to guarantee,
"General Digong, he's right outside. Do you want to meet him?"
"This is truly interesting!"
Although he found it very strange, Zhang Bao waved his hand and ordered,
"Bring him in!"
"I am very curious about what important matter Qin Feng wants to discuss with me!"
"Second Brother, wait a moment!"
Seeing that Zhang Bao was about to meet Qin Feng's envoy, Zhang Liang, who was beside him, could not sit still.
"Second Brother, that Qin Feng must have learned that we've captured Hulao Pass and wants to get a share of the spoils. You absolutely cannot agree!"
"Nonsense!"
Glaring at his third brother angrily, Zhang Bao almost pointed at his own head and asked,
"Do you think your second brother is an idiot?"
"Get a share of the spoils?"
"If that Qin Feng dares to make such a demand, I swear I'll twist his head off!"
"What is he?"
"Bring him in!"
"Yes!"
The trembling scout agreed and quickly scurried out.
This place was too dangerous.
Whether it was the second boss or the third boss, he couldn't afford to offend either of them.
He'd better go on patrol quickly!
Therefore,
After signaling the scout sent by Qin Feng to enter from outside, the scout immediately went on patrol again without stopping.
"You are the envoy?"
Sizing up the soldier dressed as a subordinate, Zhang Bao's face darkened.
What did that Qin Feng fellow mean?
Was he looking down on him?
Even if you don't have any decent talents under you, you can't send a mere soldier as an envoy, can you?
"Reporting, my lord~!"
Facing Zhang Bao's unfriendly gaze, the soldier was not flustered and cupped his fists, saying,
"My lord only sent this subordinate to ask you one question!"
"What question?"
"Luoyang, do you want it?"
"What do you mean?!"
With a bang, Zhang Bao slammed the table in front of him and almost jumped up.
He was very panicked!
Even though he had uttered harsh words earlier, if Qin Feng really wanted to get involved, he felt he might not be able to resist.
Because,
Whether it was the first army of Jizhou marching north, or the second army of Qingzhou rushing to reinforce, it would mean an additional one hundred thousand imperial troops.
And they were said to be elite soldiers!
What kind of fight was this?
If Qin Feng were to join forces with the imperial court, annihilating them, the Yellow Turbans, would be a matter of minutes!
Thinking of this,
Zhang Bao suppressed the panic in his heart and said through gritted teeth,
"What does your lord mean?"
"Could it be... could it be... he also wants Luoyang?"
"My lord, please calm yourself!"
Seeing Zhang Bao's agitated expression, the soldier quickly appeased him,
"My lord's meaning is very simple. We are all rebels, and we should naturally help each other!"
"If you want Luoyang city, your strength must not be too depleted."
"But my lord is currently the vanguard of the imperial court, and it's not appropriate not to fight a battle."
"So my lord means that we should stage a fake battle, and both sides remain unharmed!"
"This..."
After hearing the soldier's explanation of Qin Feng's proposal, the agitation on Zhang Bao's face disappeared, replaced by deep confusion.
What was this Qin Feng up to?
A fake battle?
What was the purpose?
Even out of consideration for being fellow rebels, couldn't you just not fight?
Why stage a fake battle?
And say it was a demonstration for the imperial court?
What the heck?
Did he look down on the rise of our Yellow Turban Dynasty that much?
Damn it!
While cursing Qin Feng half to death in his heart, Zhang Bao put on a smile on his face.
After all,
Even if Qin Feng didn't think highly of them, the Yellow Turbans, his proposal was indeed beneficial to the Yellow Turbans.
Who made their main army still crossing the river?
If they were ambushed at this time, even with Hulao Pass in hand, it wouldn't be safe.
Thinking of this,
Zhang Bao waved off Zhang Liang, who was about to speak beside him, and said with a smile,
"Since that's the case, then I shall first thank Governor Qin for his kind intentions!"
"Let's do it this way!"
"I will have my personal guards march out of the city later and pretend to be defeated by you before retreating back to Hulao Pass."
"But please ask Governor Qin to help me buy some more time!"
"No problem!"
After hearing Zhang Bao's request, the soldier agreed without the slightest hesitation.
Just as Zhang Bao felt it was too straightforward, he heard the soldier say again,
"My lord, my lord is not without conditions. He wants Jizhou!"
"What?!"
Zhang Bao's eyes widened instantly, but before he could speak, he heard his third brother roar,
"He's dreaming!"
"Jizhou is the base of our Yellow Turbans, how can we just give it to him!"
"But that's what we exchanged for Sili!"
Listening to Zhang Liang's roar and seeing Zhang Bao's anger, the soldier shrugged.
"My lord said that if you do not agree, then we shall settle it on the battlefield."
"Settle it... mmmph mmmph mmmph!"
Zhang Liang, filled with rage, was unable to finish his sentence before Zhang Bao covered his mouth.
"Shut up!"
"Everything here is my decision for now. I'll explain it to you later!"
"But if you say one more word, I promise I'll sew your mouth shut!"
After quietly warning his younger brother, Zhang Bao forced a smile and said,
"To be frank, young brother, I still need to discuss the matter of Jizhou with my elder brother."
"But please rest assured, Governor Qin!"
"As long as we successfully capture Sili, Jizhou will be Governor Qin's!"
"No problem!"
The soldier, who had already received authorization from Qin Feng, agreed without hesitation.
Qin Feng's original plan was to set a price casually, whether they agreed or not was irrelevant.
After all,
His only goal was to have the Yellow Turbans clash with the Imperial Reinforcement Army. He didn't care who won or lost.
Anyway,
By next year, when Liaodong had recovered, these guys would all be swept into the trash bin by him.
What did it matter if they were allowed to be smug for a couple of days now?
Therefore,
After agreeing on the details with Zhang Bao and others, the soldier retreated to report back.
At this time,
Zhang Liang, who had been holding back a stomach full of questions, dared to ask,
"Second Brother, you agreed just like that? What about Eldest Brother?"
"What about him?"
"What about what?"
Slowly tidying his clothes, Zhang Bao put on a composed demeanor and said,
"What did I agree to?"
"Jizhou!"
"Didn't he exchange that for Sili?"
"But Sili isn't theirs either!"
Seeing that his second brother was speaking nonsensically, Zhang Liang said worriedly,
"Second Brother, you're not driven mad by anger, are you? Sili is still in the hands of the imperial court!"
"You're the one who's mad!"
Zhang Bao, who had intended to play coy, immediately lost his composure and glared at his foolish brother.
"He could exchange an uncaptured Sili for Jizhou with me, so why can't I exchange an un-given Jizhou for Sili?"
"???"
Zhang Liang, who was somewhat dazed by the wordplay, couldn't recover for a long time.
"Second, Second Brother, what did you just say?"