In the north of the city, Zhang Yang's garrison.
"Let's withdraw. Our objective has been achieved, so we won't get involved in this mess."
Zhang Yang sighed...
"Just... just like that?" Zhang Yang's subordinate, Yang Chou, was somewhat unconvinced.
Damn it, His Majesty kept asking for offices for Zhang Yang and even granted him land, but what about them? Although Yang Chou was ugly... he still had dreams, and he also wanted to be a high official!
"His Majesty is also an unfortunate soul!" Zhang Yang, completely oblivious to his subordinate's feelings, waved his hand and continued to sigh.
A letter from Cao Cao, followed by several imperial edicts.
Zhang Yang's old ailment of mercy resurfaced. "From Chang'an to Luoyang, everyone fought and robbed along the way. His Majesty never had a peaceful day. Alas... now that we are in Luoyang, His Majesty has renamed the palace 'Yang An Hall.' This already signifies His Majesty's approval of me, Zhang Yang!"
Speaking of this, Zhang Yang patted his chest, feeling somewhat flattered by His Majesty's recognition.
Similarly, after Zhang Yang was appointed "Grand Marshal," he suddenly realized that his perspective had to be a little bit higher.
"His Majesty should be with all the people of the world. Now that His Majesty has the assistance of all the dukes and ministers, I, Zhang Yang, have been granted the title of 'Grand Marshal' and 'Imperial Authority.' I should defend the Han dynasty from the outside, so how can I stay in the capital!"
"Order the three armies to return to Henei Commandery immediately."
In a nutshell...
All the officers were dumbfounded. Just like that... they left? You got to be Grand Marshal, but what about us? Grand Marshal Zhang, look over here, look over here, look over here! At least ask His Majesty for a high office for us!
That day... they withdrew! Zhang Yang truly led his army away!
Another potential threat to Cao Cao was removed.
...
...
In the east of the city, Han Xian's great camp...
Because most of Han Xian's troops were from the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the military discipline here was exceptionally lax.
In the evening, the guards on duty were found in groups of three or five, warming themselves by the campfire and boasting.
"Back in the Day of Great Peace, I once repelled someone wielding a Green Dragon Crescent Blade with a single saber. Later, I realized that damn guy was the one who drank wine and slew Hua Xiong! He was a notable figure. Compared to me, he was still a little bit weaker! If I had known, I wouldn't have held back back then. I would have just killed him, that Guan fellow, and then the one who drank wine and slew Hua Xiong would have been me! Hahaha..."
"What you've got is nothing. Back then, there was someone called the 'Tiger of Jiangdong' who killed without blinking, but I just stood there, and he didn't dare to come forward. He retreated sheepishly, shouting, 'Spare me, good sir, spare me, good sir!' Hahaha!"
"Alas... what you guys are saying is trivial... you guys are nothing. Do you know Empress He of the Han? She was my old lover!"
The more the words of these Yellow Turban soldiers went on, the wilder and more unreliable they became...
People, from ancient times to the present, have always done this. Once gathered together, they often like to brag. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to this day!
The main reason is simple – bragging doesn't require taxes!
If taxes were imposed on bragging, the world would be quiet.
At this time... in the central military tent.
Han Xian's roars could be heard continuously. "Damn it, Yang Feng, Zhang Yang! They all spoke so well, saying the three of us would share the benefits from His Majesty. Now... Cao Cao has entered Luoyang, and they are all beating a retreat! (Li) Damn it!"
Han Xian was speechless...
His original plan was to join forces with Yang Feng and Zhang Yang to wipe out Dong Cheng and Cao Cao, as well as those disobedient officials. Now, Yang Feng and Dong Cheng were practically in league with Cao Cao.
Zhang Yang was even more cowardly. Just a few edicts and the title of "Grand Marshal" scared him away. Truly (Li) damn it!
Heh heh...
Han Xian really let out a "heh heh."
He originally planned to follow behind them and attack Cao Cao...
Now, it was good. They had all retreated, and he, Han Xian, had become the lone target, the clown himself!
The key was... with his Yellow Turban soldiers, how could they be Cao Cao's opponents?
What... what should he do?
Perhaps... run away?
Instead of associating with these two-faced individuals, it would be better... to just run away.
He couldn't really go to war with Cao Cao, could he? After all... Cao Cao had divided his forces five days ago to capture Runan City, and two years ago, thousands of government troops had incorporated 300,000 Yellow Turban soldiers. It was said to be without bloodshed, which showed his power!
"Fine, I'll run... I won't play with you guys anymore."
Han Xian muttered softly...
He was about to order his soldiers to break camp and retreat the next morning.
Who would have thought that at this very moment...
"Rebel Han Xian usurped power and manipulated the state! The Governor of Yan Province, Cao Cao, has entered the palace to aid the emperor! This battle is only to capture the rebel leader. Those who lay down their arms! Will not be killed!"
Instantly, powerful voices echoed from all around Han Xian's camp.
Following closely behind were the sounds of killing...
"Kill..."
"Kill..."
Countless government soldiers swarmed towards them.
This sudden turn of events not only stunned the entire Yellow Turban camp but also Han Xian!
The moon had risen high, and it was the time when people were most drowsy. The Yellow Turban soldiers' guard was lax, and they were unprepared. How could they resist?
In a short time, countless Cao troops rushed into the camp like hungry tigers pouncing on their prey!
Fast... too fast!
From the sound of the shouts to the arrival of Cao's army, it was only five breaths of time. Xiahou Yuan was always adept at surprise attacks from afar, and he was most familiar with his short, sharp, and fast tactics.
Several thousand Cao troops, like madmen, brandished their sabers, shouting and crushing everything in their path!
The Yellow Turban soldiers could never have imagined that someone would launch a surprise attack under the quiet and peaceful moonlight. By the time they realized it, they didn't even have time to pick up their weapons. These jackals and wolves with green eyes had already reached them, ripping open their bellies.
Xiahou Yuan's "Leopard Cavalry" never showed any mercy.
"Rebel Han Xian usurped power and manipulated the state! The Governor of Yan Province, Cao Cao, has entered the palace to aid the emperor! This battle is only to capture the rebel leader. Those who lay down their arms! Will not be killed!"
The powerful voices continued to come from all directions.
Mixed with the screams of agony and the smell of blood...
Countless Yellow Turban soldiers laid down their weapons and begged for mercy.
They weren't fools. The only thing they could hear that could save their lives was this sentence:
"Those who lay down their arms will not be killed!"
In just two sticks of incense time... Xiahou Yuan was covered in blood. He walked with heavy steps to Han Xian. At this moment... Han Xian and a few confidantes, holding their sabers, were pushed into a desperate situation, with countless Cao camp halberds and spears pointed at his body.
Xiahou Yuan stopped, his eyes narrowed, staring directly at him.
"You are Han Xian?"
One of the officers spoke, "General, it's this fellow. He has the most guards around him. He must be the general here!"
Xiahou Yuan smiled slightly. His body trembled, and he chanted, "Bring the portrait!"
A soldier handed over Han Xian's portrait.
Since they were going to attack Han Xian's army, it was natural to get Han Xian's portrait from Dong Cheng to prevent him from escaping!
Xiahou Yuan looked closely and chuckled.
"Han Xian, oh Han Xian, you look much uglier than in this portrait!"
With a "clatter," Han Xian fell to his knees...
"I... I surrender, I... am willing to surrender to Duke Cao! I am willing to lead all the soldiers to emulate the Qingzhou soldiers... and follow Duke Cao's lead."
For a moment, Han Xian nodded like a pounding garlic!
It was a pity, however...
As Han Xian was kowtowing, Xiahou Yuan unsheathed a saber from somewhere.
With a "swoosh," it was plunged into his neck.
Everyone in Cao's camp knew that Xiahou Yuan marched quickly, but... few knew that Xiahou Yuan drew his saber and struck faster than lightning!
"My apologies!" Looking at Han Xian's wide-open eyes, Xiahou Yuan's tone remained calm and collected. "You are more useful dead than alive!"
That's right. Cao's army entering Luoyang needed such a great battle to show the imperial court and all the scheming warlords what it meant to be a little rabbit outside Luoyang who turned into a fierce tiger upon entering!
"Cut off his head and hang it before the gate of Changle Palace tomorrow. Let all the officials see the fate of those who defy the Son of Heaven, who defy my elder brother!"
Xiahou Yuan sheathed his saber...
Although his expression remained calm, his heart was inevitably surging.
His cousin Xiahou Dun had made great contributions by repelling Li Jue, and his nephew Cao Xiu had also made great contributions by breaking Runan with the Dragon Mighty Camp. Only his own unit, leading the elite Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, had... damn it, achieved nothing and was disgraced!
This time... Xiahou Yuan's forehead bore four characters: "Exhilarated and Proud!"
He said to Cao Chun beside him.
"Zihe, report this news to Eldest Brother immediately! Say that our Tiger and Leopard Camp achieved victory without bloodshed, completely annihilating Han Xian's forces!"
"Yes!" Cao Chun agreed with exceptional promptness...
...
...
Outside Han Xian's camp.
When Xu Huang arrived with his troops, the great battle here was drawing to a close.
Xu Huang looked at Cao's army's offensive and then at the wagging Yellow Turban army, and he subconsciously shook his head.
"Such speed, such fierce attacks! I never imagined... that Cao's cavalry would be so terrifying! With this kind of combat power... perhaps three General Yangs combined wouldn't be a match!"
"General... should we still go in?" a deputy asked.
Xu Huang put away his great axe and waved his hand. "No need to go in. Han Xian's army is no match for Cao's army. If we go, it would be like snatching credit!"
Although Xu Huang was skilled in martial arts, he was a man with strong self-restraint!
Snatching credit was never his style. In fact... he would often give credit to others!
There was a saying that circulated in Xu Huang's army: "If you don't get a share, it belongs to Xu Huang."
At this moment, his eyes were narrowed...
"Alas..."
With a long sigh, through Cao's army's offensive, Cao's army's discipline, and Cao's army's coordination, Xu Huang's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
To be able to train such an army, to be able to sweep through the enemy camp so swiftly, to find the opportunity to welcome the Son of Heaven, wasn't this precisely the lord worth serving!
In contrast, Yang Feng...
He was not just a little bit behind Cao Cao!
With a helpless sigh, Xu Huang had already developed the idea of a wise bird choosing a tree, but... he was stuck without a way!
If he went to pledge allegiance rashly, wouldn't that make Duke Cao think of him as a fickle opportunist?
Alas...
With another sigh, Xu Huang's heart was filled with mixed feelings.
"Let's withdraw... let's withdraw!"
With a dispirited wave of his hand, Xu Huang intended to lead his troops back.
Just then.
A figure slowly emerged from the jungle. "General Xu, I've long admired you. I am Cheng Yu! May I borrow a moment of your time to speak with you!"
As soon as these words were spoken...
All the armored soldiers around Xu Huang became alert.
Only Xu Huang, with his eyes narrowed, felt that the person was extraordinary.
Facing thousands of troops, a single person walked forward calmly, unfazed by the spears and halberds. He was a remarkable person!
"Put away your weapons!" Xu Huang immediately ordered...
Only then did the surrounding guards lower their weapons.
"Cheng Yu?" Xu Huang chanted. He was not familiar with this name, so he asked first, "Are you Zhang Yang's man?"
"No!" Cheng Yu shook his head.
"Then are you Dong Cheng's man?"
"Not exactly!" Cheng Yu shook his head again. Fearing that Xu Huang would misunderstand, he directly introduced himself. "I am Cheng Yu, from Yan Province!"
Although the words were subtly spoken, Xu Huang understood immediately.
This was Cao Cao's man!
As soon as these words were spoken... Xu Huang's heart skipped a beat...
Speak of the devil? Since he was Cao Cao's man, wasn't this a stepping stone?
Immediately... Xu Huang dismounted and approached Cheng Yu. His tone also softened considerably. He even deliberately lowered his voice, appearing somewhat cautious and hesitant.
"Sir, are you truly Duke Cao's man?"
His tone was light, and the atmosphere here suddenly became strange...
"Authentic! Guaranteed!" Cheng Yu cupped his fists.
After uttering these four words, his eyes rolled slightly. The rhythm was wrong!
Logically, he, Cheng Yu, came here to persuade an enemy general to defect. If he appeared nervous and hesitant, it would be understandable, but... Xu Huang? Why did he seem a bit nervous?
Before Cheng Yu could ask further, Xu Huang immediately extended his hand. "Sir, may I have a word with you!"
...
...
Under an old tree, Cheng Yu and Xu Huang both unfastened their trousers and relieved themselves...
Although Xu Huang was a warrior, he was more refined. He wiped his hands behind him. Cheng Yu, on the other hand, was casual, wiping his hands on his tattered robe, showing some regard for hygiene.
The reason for urinating together was a unique etiquette among men, indicating openness and sincerity!
After urinating...
Cheng Yu took out a bamboo tube from his embrace, took a sip of water, and then handed it to Xu Huang. "Thirsty?"
"Not thirsty!"
This was considered an opening remark... a very stiff opening remark.
"Haha..." Cheng Yu appeared very confident. Before getting to the point, he chuckled.
He indeed had a reason to laugh. Now... the letter from Young Master Lu mentioned that persuading Xu Huang to defect was his last task. After this task was completed, his trip to Runan and Luoyang would be considered a great success.
Of course... because the previous defections had been quite smooth, Cheng Yu was confident that he could deal with Xu Huang within the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. However... it was unavoidable that he would need some persuasion, so... he would urinate first and take a sip as a toast!
As for the content about persuading Xu Huang in Lu Yu's letter, there wasn't much, only four words – "Free rein."
When Cheng Yu saw these four words, he wasn't panicked at all...
His proficiency in persuasion and convincing had reached its peak. It was time for him to perform.
With this in mind, Cheng Yu said, "I've long heard that Yang Feng has a divine general, Xu Gongming, who is unparalleled in martial arts and righteous to the core. Why would such a hero deign to serve under the rebel Yang Feng!"
Cheng Yu's words were extremely bold...
When two people meet, they don't say anything else... they first label your current lord as a rebel. Speaking like this, one could easily provoke a fierce backlash!
In fact, with Xu Huang's skills, he could have taken Cheng Yu's head with one move.
However, Cheng Yu's perception was too sharp!
Perhaps, after successfully persuading Xu Chu, Huang Shao, and He Yi one after another, he had developed a sense, a sense that could keenly capture every subtle change on his opponent's face!
Xu Huang's sighs and his cautiousness, his light tone... all indicated one thing: he was not content to serve under Yang Feng.
And as everyone knows, Yang Feng originated from the White Wave Army and then defected to Xiliang. He was two-faced and indecisive... calling him a rebel was not an exaggeration!
As expected...
Xu Huang did not show anger. His expression darkened.
Cheng Yu continued to add, "As the saying goes, a wise bird chooses a tree to roost in..."
Unexpectedly, before Cheng Yu could finish speaking, Xu Huang already added the next sentence, "...and a wise minister chooses a lord to serve..."
Uh...
Cheng Yu was stunned. He could even answer spontaneously!
As he was in doubt, Xu Huang's voice continued, "How can I, Xu Huang, not know that Yang Feng is not a wise lord..."
"All the way, Yang Feng pretended to escort the Son of Heaven, but in reality, he had ulterior motives, constantly making things difficult for the Son of Heaven to seek his own benefit. His vision is narrow and is despised by the world! Just as Mr. Cheng said, what is the difference between such behavior and that of a rebel?"
Speaking of this, Xu Huang shook his head. He took another step closer to Cheng Yu.
"Moreover, with his power, he is no match for Duke Cao. Resisting stubbornly is simply courting death..."
"Alas... I had advised Yang Feng before... to defect to Duke Cao, but unfortunately, Yang Feng was arrogant and indecisive, and contradictory! I know well that serving under him will sooner or later lead to destruction, and I will bear the infamy of all ages. It's just a pity... it's just a pity..."
Xu Huang paused and finally revealed his thoughts. "I just want to defect to Duke Cao, but I have no way to do so!"
Ah... ah...
Xu Huang's speaking speed was not fast, but to Cheng Yu's ears, the shock was like a thunderbolt from the blue!
Good heavens...
What about the "free rein" that was promised to him, Cheng Yu?
Now... Xu Huang had already expressed his intentions. Did he, Cheng Yu, still have room to play? This didn't require any persuasion. His words already meant outright surrender!
Cheng Yu tapped his forehead, recalling the four words "free rein" written by Lu Yu, and suddenly felt it was ironic, making him feel insignificant!
It seemed... he didn't need to persuade him. Anyone else could have...
The effect would be the same.
No...
Cheng Yu felt that he had to do something. He had to play some role!
"Ahem..."
With a light cough... Cheng Yu was about to speak.
Who would have thought that Xu Huang directly supported Cheng Yu, seemingly interpreting a great deal from his cough!
"I understand, Mr. Cheng wants to say something, and I, Xu, understand it all..."
"Even with Mr. Cheng's introduction, how could a 'token of allegiance' be absent!"
"Hahaha... Seeing Mr. Cheng today, my heart is at ease! When I return to the camp, I will join forces with my deputies to take Yang Feng's head. Firstly, for the Son of Heaven, secondly, for Duke Cao, and thirdly, for my own future!"
Speaking of this, Xu Huang patted Cheng Yu on the shoulder. "Tomorrow morning, I will clear out the camp and lead all the soldiers to defect to Duke Cao! I trouble Mr. Cheng to introduce me to Duke Cao and speak well of me."
In fact, Xu Huang had been paying attention to Cao Cao all along.
From two years ago when he sent envoys to pay tribute to the Son of Heaven, to his incorporation of 300,000 Yellow Turban rebels and his capture of the four commanderies of Xuzhou;
And then to his actions in the face of natural disasters and man-made calamities;
Even now, witnessing his troops firsthand, his decision to welcome the Son of Heaven... and the boldness of the envoy from Duke Cao in front of him!
All of these had deepened Xu Huang's judgment.
From the perspective of... ambition, Xu Huang could conclude that Cao Cao was a lord worth serving!
"Mr. Cheng, you can wait for my good news tomorrow morning. I bid you farewell!" With these words, Xu Huang cupped his fists and took his leave...
Leaving only Cheng Yu standing in the moonlight, completely bewildered.
This...
Suddenly, he realized that this task of persuading to defect, given to him by Lu Yu, had become simpler and simpler.
Persuading them had become easier and easier...
Although not deliberate, the merits Cheng Yu had made in these defections seemed to multiply, becoming more and more. By now, Cheng Yu felt that his body was being drained!
"Heh heh..."
Speaking of which, persuading Xu Huang today was the most bizarre.
Clearly, he was here to persuade Xu Huang, but as they talked, it turned into Xu Huang actively offering allegiance and thanking him for the introduction. For a moment... beads of sweat appeared on Cheng Yu's forehead.
Sweating in such cold weather, and not from fear, how ironic!
Speaking of which, could this also prove that Young Master Lu had foreseen Xu Huang's thoughts long ago? Just like Xu Chu, Huang Shao, and He Yi!
It was amazing...
In terms of attacking the enemy's mind and understanding human hearts, Cheng Yu felt that Lu Gongzi had truly reached the extreme, reaching a point that others could never surpass!
...
...