novelSusiti Chapter 18 A feast was prepared, and the streets were deserted as everyone flocked to the feast.
Chapter 18 A feast was prepared, and the streets were deserted as everyone flocked to the feast.
While Liu Bei pacified Fanyang and Guan Yu recaptured Gu'an, with frequent reports of victories from both the north and south, another detachment, under the command of Zhang Fei, was also advancing triumphantly in the southern border of Zhuojun.
Zhang Fei's 300 infantry and cavalry were mostly elite troops honed in the Battle of Taoshui, with over a hundred elite cavalrymen serving as the vanguard, making them exceptionally fierce.
After marching south from Zhuo County, Zhang Fei always led from the front, personally braving arrows and stones in every battle.
His military tactics, though seemingly crude, actually align with the ancient generals' principle of "accumulating strength and deploying troops strategically"—he would often choose the weakest point in the enemy's formation, leading dozens of brave and daring soldiers as the spearhead, and the side he attacked would be utterly destroyed.
Once they have created an opening, the main force will advance, like a long knife cutting through bamboo, like mercury spilling onto the ground, and the enemy will be routed at the mere sight of them.
Within ten days, they broke through the Yellow Turban camps in Beixincheng, Fanxingting, and other places, and killed many people.
The remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the south of the prefecture turned pale at the mention of "Zhang Fei" and fled south in droves, intending to cross the Yi River and escape into Ji Province.
Zhang Fei led his army in pursuit, advancing with unstoppable momentum until they reached the banks of the Lu River on the southern border of Zhuojun, where they finally reined in their troops.
It was late spring, and the Lu River flowed swiftly, its banks adorned with vibrant new greenery.
Zhang Fei stood by the water's edge, full of vigor and high spirits. He had already completely wiped out the bandits in the south of the county. Just as he was about to order the troops to withdraw and send a messenger to report back to Liu Bei, he suddenly saw a cloud of dust rising on the south bank, and several riders galloping towards him.
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 202ᴋᴋs.ᴄᴏᴍ]
The leader, dressed in rags and covered in soot, dismounted before the army, collapsed to the ground, and cried out in anguish:
"Righteous man! Righteous man, save us! The Zhao family's fortified village in Liwu has been besieged by two thousand Yellow Turban rebels for ten days. We have run out of arrows and food, and are in imminent danger!"
"My lord has heard that Lord Liu Xuande of Zhuojun is benevolent and skilled in warfare, and that his soldiers are like tigers. Therefore, he has ordered me to risk my life to break through the encirclement and cross the river to seek reinforcements! I earnestly hope that the general will have mercy and send troops to rescue us. The entire Zhao clan, numbering over a hundred, will never forget your great kindness!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's eyes widened, and he was about to order the army to advance.
Liu Deran, a soldier standing nearby, hurriedly stepped forward and whispered, "Yide, wait!"
He led Zhang Fei away from the crowd, his expression solemn, and pointed south, saying, "Although Liwu County is adjacent to Lushui, it belongs to Hejian State, which is under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Ji Province, and is not within the territory of my You Province."
"We were dispatched by the Zhuojun Prefecture to suppress the bandits in this prefecture. If we were to cross the border and wage war without authorization, we would be violating the laws of the Han Dynasty and giving others a handle to use against us. Moreover, if the Chancellor of Hejian and the Chief Clerk of Liwu were to impeach us for 'unauthorized military action and crossing the border to cause trouble,' not only would it be of no use, but it would also bring disaster upon Xuande."
Zhang Feibao glared and said in a rough voice, "Deran, you are mistaken! The Yellow Turban rebels are enemies of the world. Why should we distinguish between You and Ji provinces? How can we stand by and watch them die?"
Liu Deran smiled wryly and patiently explained, "Yide is loyal and brave, how could I not know? However, the court has its own laws and regulations, and each prefecture and county has its own boundaries. In the past, when the Xiongnu entered the pass, the prefects of the border counties did not dare to cross the border to pursue and annihilate them without an imperial edict. This is to prevent the feudal lords from taking over the army."
"Although the world is in slight chaos now, the imperial authority has not been lost and the legal system still exists. If we enter Hejian without permission, the Prime Minister of Hejian will submit a memorial impeaching the Zhuojun troops for 'unauthorized invasion of neighboring territory.' Even if we succeed in defeating the bandits, we will likely still be guilty of 'unauthorized actions.' This is something we must be concerned about."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei frowned deeply. Although he was unwilling, he knew that Liu Deran's words made sense.
Although he was rough and bold by nature, he had been with Liu Bei for a long time and had been influenced by what he saw and heard. He also knew that the laws and regulations of the court and the taboos of officialdom should not be taken lightly.
As they hesitated, the messenger seeking aid, seeing the Han army's apparent hesitation, prostrated himself on the ground, weeping bitterly, his forehead stained with blood, and cried out in a mournful voice:
"Righteous men! Honorable gentlemen! It is not that I am ignorant of the law, but the situation is dire, and the lives of my entire clan hang by a thread! In that fortified village, there are not only the Zhao family members, but also more than four hundred villagers who have been taken in! The bandits have threatened that if we do not open the gates, they will leave no one alive when they breach the fort!"
He suddenly looked up, tears streaming down his face: "The Zhao family is a prominent clan in Liwu. Since the time of Zhao Zidu of the Former Han Dynasty, the family has been known for its poetry and propriety, and has a distinguished reputation for generations."
"If the entire family perishes now, it will not only be a tragedy for one family, but also a loss for the entire Hebei region and a tarnishment to the reputation and virtue of the Han dynasty!"
"It is pitiful that Duke Zidu was honest and upright throughout his life, his power restrained the powerful and wealthy, and the common people were able to hold office. The people still remember him and sing his praises to this day. Who would have thought that more than a hundred years later, his descendants would be wiped out at the hands of the treacherous bandits?"
"Zhao Zidu?" Zhang Fei's gaze sharpened upon hearing this. "The Zhao Zidu you speak of, could it be Zhao Guanghan, the Prefect of Jingzhao during the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Former Han Dynasty?"
"Indeed!" The envoy kowtowed repeatedly, weeping, "Zidu Gong, whose given name was Guanghan, was the ancestor of my Zhao clan of Liwu! He was born in Liwu, Zhuojun. He served as a county official in his youth and was known for his integrity and intelligence. He was recommended as an outstanding talent and promoted to magistrate of Yangdi, where his administration was exceptionally effective."
"Later, he became the Prefect of Jingzhao. He was skilled in administrative affairs, controlled powerful and influential people, and uncovered treacherous and hidden criminals with divine skill. He was praised throughout the capital. He treated his subordinates with kindness and received his officials with courtesy. He shared his salary and rewards with his guests and had no surplus wealth at home."
"When he was falsely accused and imprisoned, tens of thousands of officials and commoners in Chang'an stood guard at the palace gates, weeping and wailing. Some even said, 'I have been of no use to the county officials; I am willing to die in Zhao Jingzhao's place. Such was the popular support he enjoyed!'"
"Yet he was framed by powerful officials and executed by being cut in half at the waist in the marketplace. The people, upon hearing this, all wept. Even now, in the area between Ji and You, children in the villages can still sing the ballad, 'Zhao Jingzhao, governed Chang'an, the treacherous officials fled, and the people found peace.' He was truly a pillar of the Han dynasty, an incorruptible official for all time!"
Upon hearing the messenger's tearful account, Zhang Fei's heart pounded with rage, his leopard-like eyes widened, and his bushy beard bristled.
Although he came from humble origins, since following Liu Bei, he has humbled himself before scholars, treated the virtuous and capable with respect, and held such upright and honest ministers who were honest, capable, and devoted to the people in the highest esteem.
Zhao Guanghan's reputation for "controlling the powerful and powerful, and enabling ordinary people to obtain their positions," his integrity for "having no surplus wealth and sharing his salary with guests," and his deep popularity for "officials and people guarding the palace and weeping, willing to die in his place" when he was in trouble—each of these things struck a chord with his sense of righteousness.
"Damn it!" Zhang Fei slapped his thigh, his voice booming like thunder. "How can we allow such loyal and virtuous descendants, the offspring of honest officials, to be poisoned by such treacherous villains?!"
He turned abruptly, his eyes sweeping over Liu Deran and the assembled officers, his demeanor stern: "Deran! Your concerns are nothing more than the laws and regulations of the prefecture! But we have set out to punish the Yellow Turbans who are wreaking havoc on the world, and to protect the innocent sons and daughters of the Han Dynasty!"
"Now these traitors are besieging the descendants of my loyal subjects and slaughtering my people. Must we just sit idly by and watch them be killed, simply because they are separated by a river and a piece of paper?"
He waved his hand, pointing directly south: "Liwu was formerly part of Zhuojun, only being separated and incorporated into Hejian during the reign of Emperor Guangwu. Lord Zhao Zidu was also a sage of Zhuojun! This is not transgressing borders, but rather protecting the legacy of our hometown's wise ancestors and preserving the bloodline of loyal and virtuous men of our Han Dynasty!"
Seeing that Liu Deran was still hesitant, Zhang Fei stepped forward. Though rough, he was shrewd and instructed, "If the prefect or governor questions us, say that we were chasing after the fleeing bandits, and we were traveling day and night without knowing which way to go when we mistakenly entered Hejian."
"By the time we realized what was happening, we were already engaged in battle with the enemy. How could we stand by and watch them die, letting them escape in disarray? This is the principle of 'a general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders'! I, Old Zhang, will take full responsibility for everything! I will not implicate my elder brother or any of you!"
These words, both bold and reasonable, made the explanation of "accidental entry" seem natural and shut everyone up.
His temper was like a raging fire, and now that his mind was made up, Liu Deran dared not try to dissuade him any further. He could only cup his hands and say, "Since Yide has such an ambition, Deran is willing to follow in his footsteps. However, the art of war values both speed and meticulousness. We should first send a fast horse to report back to our lord and explain the situation. We will then immediately organize our troops, cross the river, and rush to his aid, striving for complete victory."
"That's exactly right!" Zhang Fei exclaimed with delight, turning to the messenger who was still prostrate on the ground, weeping, and shouted, "Get up! Lead the way! How many more days can your fortified village hold out?"
The messenger struggled to his feet, wiping away tears as he said urgently, "The water in the fortress is still sufficient, but the arrows are almost gone, and the provisions will only last for three to five days. Fortunately, the fortress walls are high and thick, and the bandits lack siege equipment, so their attempts to climb over the walls have been repeatedly repelled. However, the bandits are numerous, and if they acquire siege ladders and battering rams, I fear we will not be able to hold out for long."
After a moment's thought, Zhang Fei immediately issued the order: "All troops, listen up! Eat your fill immediately and inspect your weapons and arrows! Half an hour later, cross the Lu River and rush to the aid of Zhao's stronghold in Liwu!"
Half an hour later, three hundred infantry and cavalrymen swiftly crossed the still shallow Lu River and entered the territory of Liwu County in Hejian State. As dusk approached and twilight descended, Zhang Fei ordered the entire army to raise banners bearing the names of "Liu," "Han," and "Punishing the Rebels," but strictly forbade any commotion.
After a night of hurried travel, by the end of the next day, as dawn was breaking, the scouts reported that the Zhao family's fortified village of Liwu was already ten miles away. The bandit camps stretched out in a series of about four, forming a semi-circle around the fortified village on the east, south, and west sides. Only the north side, which bordered a swamp, had no fortifications.
The bandits numbered about two thousand, mostly gathered in the central army camp. It was dawn, and the defenses were lax, with smoke just beginning to rise from the cooking fires.
Upon hearing the report, Zhang Fei's eyes flashed with fierce fighting spirit. He climbed a low hill and gazed into the distance in the dim morning light. He saw a rammed earth fortress standing majestically in the distance, with high walls and deep moats, truly displaying the grandeur of a powerful clan.
Figures could be vaguely seen standing guard on the fort, their flags dim. Outside the fort, bandit camps were scattered, their fences rudimentary, and their patrols sparse—truly a motley crew.
"A golden opportunity!" Zhang Fei whispered. "The enemy is arrogant and unprepared; we can defeat them now! Order: the entire army to rest for two quarters of an hour, eat and drink, and check their bows and horses. Then divide into three teams!"
"Wang Tong led one hundred infantrymen and fifty archers, carrying many flags, drums, and horns, and stealthily advanced to the woods two miles east of the enemy camp to wait. Upon seeing the fire ignite in the central camp, he beat the drums and shouted, widely displaying flags to create a diversion, thus restraining the enemy in the eastern camp and preventing them from making any rash moves!"
"Han Jing, lead all cavalry and follow me straight to the enemy's central camp! Once inside, there's no need for prolonged fighting. Find the enemy leader's flag and the places where supplies are piled up, set them on fire, and shout, 'Zhang Fei of Zhuojun is here! Surrender and you will be spared!'"
"The remaining infantry, under the command of Deran, will stay behind to provide support and be ready to storm in and relieve the fortified village at any time!"
The assignments were made, and two quarters of an hour passed in the blink of an eye. As dawn broke, a thin mist shrouded the fields.
Zhang Fei leaped onto his horse, gripped his eighteen-foot-long spear upside down, his eyes wide with fury, and roared, "My men, today is the day to make our mark! Follow me into battle!"
"kill!!!"
The Han army, which had been preparing for a long time, suddenly launched its attack! More than a hundred elite Han cavalrymen followed Zhang Fei closely, and like arrows released from a bow, they sped out of the thin mist and rushed straight towards the enemy's central camp!
The thunderous hooves shattered the tranquility of the early morning.
The bandit scouts were still in a daze when a large force of iron cavalry suddenly appeared in the morning mist, like divine soldiers descending from the sky. Terrified, they were shot down by the vanguard cavalry before they could even give a warning.
Zhang Fei took the lead, and with a flick of his long spear, the barricades and fortifications in front of the camp were knocked away, and the camp gate was flung open!
"Zhang Fei of Zhuojun is here! Anyone who blocks my way shall die!"
The sound was like thunder, making the eardrums of the bandits in the camp ache.
Zhang Fei's horse swept through the enemy camps, his spear flying like the wind, and none who stood in his way could withstand him.
Behind them, cavalrymen charged through the air, throwing torches everywhere and setting the tents and provisions ablaze.
In an instant, smoke and fire erupted throughout the central army camp, and cries and screams shook the heavens.
Almost simultaneously, drums thundered from the eastern forest, battle cries shook the fields, and countless flags waved, as if a vast army were charging in. The rebel forces in the eastern camp were filled with suspicion and dared not make a move.
With the central army in chaos and the rebel leader nowhere to be found, the rebels in the north and south camps saw the main camp ablaze and heard the deafening shouts of battle. Upon hearing the name "Zhang Fei," they were already terrified. With a single shout, they abandoned their camps and fled, trampling each other to death.
On the fortified village, the Zhao clan members and local militia, who had been holding out for ten days and were already exhausted, suddenly saw the bandit camp in chaos and flames shooting into the sky. Upon hearing the name "Zhang Fei of Zhuojun," they knew that reinforcements had arrived, and cheers erupted, their courage greatly increased.
Clan chief Zhao Le, a sixth-generation descendant of Zhao Guanghan, was moved to tears upon seeing this scene. He roared, "Open the fortress gates! My sons of the Zhao clan, follow me out of the fortress to aid in the battle and jointly defeat the traitors!"
The fortress gates swung open, and over a hundred of Zhao's guests and followers, many wounded but all driven by a desire for revenge, charged out bravely.
Caught between internal and external forces, the rebels completely collapsed. Those who surrendered knelt and begged for their lives, while those who fled were scattered all over the mountains and fields.
By early morning, the battle was finally over. The Han army had killed or captured over a hundred men, and the rest scattered. They seized four horses and over three hundred pieces of weaponry. Zhang Fei's troops suffered only thirty casualties, achieving a great victory.
When Zhang Fei met Zhao Le, this descendant of Zhao Guanghan, despite his advanced age, straightened his clothes and solemnly bowed towards Zhang Fei and the direction of Zhuojun in the north, weeping as he said, "You brave warrior, with your tiger-like might, saved my entire clan from dire straits and brought the people back from the brink of death."
"This kindness and virtue will never be forgotten by the descendants of the Zhao family! The Zhao family has served as officials for generations and enjoys a good reputation in the prefectures and counties. I must personally go to the prefectural government to report the merits of Xuande and all the righteous men, and to proclaim Xuande's reputation for benevolence and righteousness!"
Zhang Fei hurriedly dismounted and helped him up, saying loudly, "Lord Zhao, please rise! It is our duty to suppress the rebels and bring peace to the people. Lord Zidu is honest and upright, admired by all. It is an honor for me, old Zhang, to be able to do my part for his descendants!"
On that day, Zhang Fei gathered his troops outside the Zhao family's fortified village in Liwu, settled the prisoners, and provided relief to the suffering people.
He then dispatched a fast horse, carrying Zhao Le's handwritten letter of thanks and a battle report, to rush back to Fanyang overnight and report to Liu Bei.
A single strike across the border shook the Hebei region.
Zhang Fei's reputation for "loyalty, bravery, compassion for the virtuous, and willingness to help those in need" and his formidable military prowess were renowned throughout the You and Ji regions.
The bravery and righteousness of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei under Liu Bei of Zhuojun became even more well-known in Hebei.
Within ten days, several battles were won at Taoshui, Fanyang, Gu'an, and Liwu. The main force of the Yellow Turbans within Zhuojun was wiped out, and the remaining forces in the south were eliminated.
Liu Bei then issued a proclamation to all his troops, ordering Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to withdraw their troops and regroup at Fanyang before heading north to the prefecture capital, Zhuo County.
The atmosphere upon their return was vastly different from when they set off a month ago.
Liu Bei no longer rode in the simple carriage, but instead switched to a modified carriage that had been captured from the Yellow Turbans.
Two rows of knights stood at the front of the chariot, each carrying a red flag bearing the inscription "Liu," "Han," "Pacify the Rebels," and "Loyalty and Righteousness," held aloft by long poles over fifteen feet high. The flags fluttered in the spring breeze and could be seen from miles away.
Behind the flag are two painted leather drums placed on a drum cart, which are struck by strongmen to keep time, their sound echoing across the plains.
Next came twelve trumpeters, each holding a long horn, a horn, and a reed pipe, who played the "Nao Ge" (Song of the Braves), a triumphant and stirring melody, the victory song of the Han army. This music was meant to "establish authority and promote virtue, to inspire soldiers and encourage the masses."
At the heart of the army, Liu Bei sat comfortably in his carriage, dressed in a deep crimson robe over a scarlet battle robe, with a long sword presented by Tian Yu at his waist. Although he was not fully armored, the imposing presence between his brows already hinted at the air of a great general.
Guan Yu, riding a yellow horse, wearing a green robe and iron armor, and carrying a long spear, rode on the left side of the chariot; Zhang Fei, riding a black horse, wearing a crimson robe and black armor, and carrying a ten-foot-long spear upside down, guarded the right side of the chariot. Both men had solemn expressions, imposing presence, and an aura that could overwhelm a thousand men.
The three armies joined forces, making the army even more formidable.
The original eight hundred men in red robes have grown to more than 1,500 after more than a month of fighting, incorporating surrendered soldiers, and recruiting new recruits.
The number of cavalrymen increased to over three hundred, and the number of infantrymen was one thousand two hundred. All of them were organized according to the military system, in the order of "unit-court-squad-team-ten-wu".
Each team had its own flag bearing the surnames of generals such as "Guan," "Zhang," "Tian," "Qian," "Wang," and "Li." The ranks were orderly, and the steps were firm and resounding.
Although the armor and weapons were not entirely standardized, after days of preparation and polishing, they gleamed coldly in the spring sunshine, exuding a chilling aura of battle-hardened elites.
Wherever the army passed, the villagers, upon hearing the news, flocked to the roadside to welcome them with food and drink.
Elderly men with canes and women with children all wanted to catch a glimpse of the "Supervisor Liu," who had quelled bandits in the county and rescued prominent families in neighboring counties within a few months.
Seeing the bright banners and orderly ranks of the Han army, so different from the listless soldiers they had seen in the counties and prefectures in the past, they were all amazed and filled with awe.
Liu Bei repeatedly returned the greeting from his carriage, ordering his soldiers not to disturb the people's fields and crops.
When they arrived ten miles south of Zhuoxian County, the prefectural government's fast horsemen had already received the news. Clerk Li Fu and Registrar Zhou Ping led dozens of clerks and officials from various departments of the prefectural government, prepared beef, wine, dried meat and pickled vegetables, and waited for them at the long pavilion.
An incense table has been set up beside the pavilion, with three kinds of sacrificial animals laid out, in accordance with the ancient custom of "suburban celebration" for the triumphant army.
Seeing the imposing array of Liu Bei's army, far surpassing what he had witnessed at the manor a month prior, Li Fu was secretly astonished. His smile widened, and he stepped forward, bowing deeply: "Commander Liu, personally donning armor, swept through the southern part of the prefecture, his meritorious service is outstanding, and the people are now in peace. The Prefect has ordered us to offer this feast here to welcome Commander Liu and his troops and wash away the dust of their journey!"
Liu Bei dismounted and returned the greeting, humbly saying, "This is all thanks to Your Majesty's great fortune, Lord Fu's strategic planning, and the soldiers' bravery. How dare I claim credit?"
He then joined Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others in offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth according to ritual, and poured wine to thank the gods.
The three armies took a break and shared a toast to celebrate.
Then, the army entered the city in order. The vanguard was led by drums and music, the central army of infantry and cavalry marched with a clang, and the rear army of baggage rumbled past.
The city of Zhuoxian was deserted as men, women, and children filled both sides of the streets to witness this "benevolent and righteous army" that had won consecutive victories.
The fact that the streets were deserted by thousands of people is no exaggeration!
Both sides of the long street were packed with people.
An elderly woman with white hair, leaning on a cane and supported by her grandson, stood shakily on a street corner; a young woman carried a baby on her back, standing on tiptoe and craning her neck; butchers and tavern waiters abandoned their livelihoods and squeezed into the crowd, craning their necks.
Furthermore, dozens of young swordsmen, with their agile skills, climbed the branches of the locust trees by the roadside, enjoying the best view from their elevated vantage point.
Most of them were familiar with Liu Bei's soldiers, either from the same hometown or former wandering companions.
Looking at those former drinking buddies now, clad in armor and spears, marching in formation, I can't help but feel envious.
"That armored man wielding a spear is Liu Zhong from Donglu! Just two years ago he was gambling with me in the marketplace, and now he's all high and mighty!"
"Liu Ducao truly possesses the bearing of a hero, the appearance of a dragon and a phoenix!"
"This is what a man should do!"
Even bolder women would throw sachets and headscarves by the roadside, a custom prevalent in the Han Dynasty, signifying "giving what one wears to show one's heart," much like the later custom of throwing fruit at Pan An.
Guan Yu was a man of imposing stature, especially with his nine-foot height and magnificent beard, which made him stand out like a crane among chickens, attracting the most sachets and headscarves.
The women were practically overwhelmed with emotion: "Who is this hero? How can he be so imposing!"
"This is Guan Yu. I heard that he charged into the enemy's camp alone at the foot of Gu'an City and captured the enemy commander amidst thousands of troops. He was simply invincible."
"So valiant? If I marry him, won't I be bedridden? I love it!" A married woman's bold words immediately caused the crowd to surge even more, and sachets rained down.
Guan Yu's face was already as red as a jujube. Due to his pride, he did not respond, but he had clearly been tricked into pouting.