Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1321 The Manifesto of National Righteousness and the Subjugation of Yan Wen

Ma Chao lingered in Ye City for another half month. During this time, he entrusted Jia Xu and the newly surrendered Xun Chen with the administration, agriculture, and military affairs of Hebei. From tax reductions to the resettlement of displaced people, every matter was meticulously arranged. Although no good news had come from Youzhou, he had always trusted the abilities of the generals there. Youzhou's current generals were a veritable elite force. Every single one of them was a seasoned veteran, more than capable of dealing with Gongsun Yuan and the Donghu tribes.

At dawn that day, as soon as the gates of Ye City opened, a troop of iron cavalry was already fully prepared. Ma Chao, clad in silver armor with a tiger-headed golden spear at his waist, mounted his horse, the armor plates clanging crisply. Zhou Yu, in gleaming silver armor, stood beside him, followed by 40,000 elite Jiangdong troops, their helmets and armor gleaming, their ranks impeccably disciplined, even the rhythm of their horses' hooves on the bluestone slabs perfectly synchronized.

"Brother, is everything arranged?" Zhou Yu reined in his horse, his gaze sweeping over the officials and commoners who had come to see him off at the city gate, a smile playing on his lips.

Ma Chao nodded and gestured, "Let's go, let's go meet Cao Cao."

The sound of horses' hooves thundered as the army slowly emerged from the city. Besides the 40,000 Jiangdong troops brought by Zhou Yu, Ma Chao's own 30,000 Xiliang cavalry were already waiting outside the city. Adding to this were the 30,000 surrendered soldiers from Hebei recruited along the way. These soldiers, after more than a month of training, though not completely shedding their former traits, had lost their resistance after witnessing the Xiliang army's strict discipline and kindness towards the people. Now, marching in formation, they possessed a certain imposing presence. The 100,000-strong army, like a giant steel dragon, snaked along the official road towards Yanzhou, banners obscuring the sun, armor gleaming in the sky, even the earth seemed to tremble slightly beneath their hooves.

Meanwhile, Zhang He and Chen Lin were rushing to the front lines in Youzhou.

After leaving Ye City, the two dared not delay for even a moment. Although Chen Lin was a civil official, he gritted his teeth and kept up with Zhang He's pace, changing horses three times along the way. His armor was worn through at the edges, and his cheeks were red from the wind and sand, but he did not utter a single complaint. Zhang He was even more anxious. Having been in Hebei for a long time, he knew the temperament of Yan Liang and Wen Chou well. Both of them were fierce and brave men, and if they refused to listen to advice, they might ruin everything.

Yan Liang and Wen Chou are currently holding out in Ji County, the capital of Ji Commandery, struggling to maintain their position. If it weren't for Gongsun Yuan and the Donghu suddenly launching an invasion, forcing Xu Rong and Gongsun Zan to divide their forces to reinforce Yuyang Commandery, Ji County would likely have already fallen. Currently, only Lü Bu's Youlin Army remains besieging Ji County, but due to the depletion of most of its forces, it is unable to launch a strong attack. Thus, a stalemate has ensued, with only sporadic probing attacks each day and no large-scale battles.

When Zhang He and Chen Lin arrived at the outskirts of Ji County with their personal guards, they were spotted by scouts deployed by Lü Bu. After several checks and verifications, the two were finally able to enter the Youlin Army camp and meet Lü Bu and Ma Yue, the heir apparent of Xiliang.

Lu Bu remained as arrogant as ever, merely glancing at the two men without a word of courtesy, continuing to polish his halberd as if they were no different from ordinary soldiers. Ma Yue, however, was completely different. He strode forward, a gentle smile on his face, first having someone lead the two to a side tent to settle in, then personally pouring them hot tea, and softly inquiring, "You two have come from afar; surely Father has important matters to instruct you on?"

After Zhang He explained his purpose—that he had come on the orders of the King of Liang to persuade Yan Liang and Wen Chou to surrender—Ma Yue's eyes flashed with anticipation, and he nodded repeatedly: "If we can persuade the two generals to surrender, the siege of Ji County will be lifted, and the casualties on the front lines will be reduced."

Zhang He and Chen Lin saw that although he was the heir of Xiliang and was on the front line where the war was most intense, he had no arrogance. His words and deeds were as calm as those of an ordinary general. He treated them, these "surrendered generals," with great courtesy and without the slightest disrespect. They couldn't help but be secretly impressed.

"The Crown Prince remained calm and composed even in perilous circumstances, and treated everyone with sincerity," Chen Lin couldn't help but sigh. "It's no wonder that the King of Liang was able to achieve such great things."

Upon hearing this, Ma Yue simply smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Sir, you flatter me. My father often said that those who achieve great things must first win the hearts of the people. Since you two are willing to serve me, we are like brothers, so there is no need to stand on ceremony."

These words reassured the two men, who secretly plotted how to live up to the expectations of the King of Liang and the Crown Prince, and persuade Yan Liang and Wen Chou to surrender as soon as possible to end the stalemate in Ji County.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a rapid drumbeat suddenly sounded outside Jixian City. Yan Liang and Wen Chou, who were inspecting the defenses from the city tower, looked out at the sound and were both taken aback—the Xiliang army had suddenly spread out below the city, their banners fluttering and their armor gleaming, clearly preparing to attack.

"What does this mean?" Yan Liang frowned. "Their forces were already insufficient, and they haven't besieged the city for half a month. Why have they suddenly made a move today?"

Wen Chou gripped the broadsword at his waist, his eyes wary: "Whatever their tricks are, get your bows and arrows ready, and be prepared for battle!"

The defenders on the city wall quickly took their positions, archers nocked their arrows, and axemen gripped their sword hilts, instantly creating a tense atmosphere. However, the Xiliang army did not launch an attack. Instead, two soldiers slowly emerged from the ranks, each riding forward and gradually approaching the city wall.

"Who goes there?" Wen Chou shouted sternly, grabbing a strong bow beside him, drawing the bowstring, and pointing an arrow directly at the newcomer. "Dare to come forward again, and don't blame me for being merciless with my arrow!"

Immediately, one person raised his hand to signal, his voice clear and bright: "General Wen Chou, General Yan Liang, do not make a move! It is I, Zhang He, Zhang Junyi!"

Wen Chou squinted and looked closely, and saw that the man was indeed Zhang He, with Chen Lin, the former chief clerk of Yuan's mansion, by his side. He was immediately enraged, and the arrow was still not sheathed: "How come you two are in the Xiliang army? Could it be... that you have also surrendered to Ma Chao?"

Yan Liang's face also darkened, his eyes filled with disdain.

Zhang He nodded frankly and said loudly, "I dare not hide it from you two generals, we have indeed submitted to the King of Liang. Now that Ji Province has been captured and Ye City has fallen, the entire Hebei Province has been incorporated into the territory of Western Liang."

"Hmph!" Wen Chou sneered, the tip of his arrow trembling slightly. "Our lord was wise throughout his life, and though he has unfortunately perished, you should have fought to the death to uphold his honor. How come you've turned around and become envoys from Xiliang, trying to persuade us to surrender?" He suddenly raised his voice, "Retreat at once! My brother and I will never stoop to your groveling and begging behavior!"

The soldiers on the city wall also joined in the commotion, shouting curses incessantly. Zhang He and Chen Lin reined in their horses and stopped below the city wall, their expressions calm, showing no sign of backing down despite the commotion.

Chen Lin then spurred his horse forward and said loudly, "Generals, I am Chen Lin."

Wen Chou snorted coldly, his arrow still raised: "I recognize you. But you're just a traitor. Speak your mind, no need for further words."

Chen Lin's expression was calm, and his voice was steady: "Then I will discuss the matter with the two generals. Now that the entire Hebei region has been occupied by the King of Liang, the fall of Youzhou is only a matter of time. If it weren't for Gongsun Yuan colluding with the Donghu to suddenly invade Yuyang, forcing Generals Xu Rong and Gongsun Zan to divide their troops to rush to its aid, Youzhou would probably already be under the rule of the King of Liang by now."

These words were like a pebble thrown into water, stirring ripples in the hearts of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. For days, the two had been puzzled as to why the Xiliang army, which had been advancing rapidly in besieging Ji County, had suddenly withdrawn most of its forces. Xu Rong and Gongsun Zan's abrupt withdrawal was even more suspicious. Now, after hearing Chen Lin's words, they suddenly realized that such a change had occurred in the rear.

Yan Liang frowned and said in a deep voice, "You said that Gongsun Yuan colluded with the Donghu? Is this true?" Although he hated the Xiliang army, he could not tolerate foreign barbarians encroaching on Han lands, and his tone unconsciously carried a hint of urgency.

Wen Chou also lowered his bow and arrow, looking at Chen Lin with a complicated expression: "Is Yuyang... truly in grave danger?"

Seeing that the two men's expressions had softened, Chen Lin pressed his advantage, saying, "The King of Liang has already dispatched Generals Pang De and Zhang Xiu with 50,000 troops to reinforce Yuyang, and they will arrive soon. However, the stalemate in Ji County remains unbroken, and the King of Liang's main force is tied up here, which is ultimately a major threat. Generals, Hebei has been lost, and the Yuan family is dead. Why continue to be trapped in this isolated city?"

He paused, his tone becoming increasingly earnest: "The King of Liang said that past grievances can be disregarded. If you two are willing to surrender, you can still lead troops to fight and protect the people of Youzhou; if not, you can lay down your arms and return to your fields to ensure the safety of your families. Please think carefully about which path you choose."

A moment of silence fell over the city tower. Yan Liang and Wen Chou exchanged a glance, both seeing the struggle in each other's eyes. Chen Lin's words had struck a chord with their most conflicted feelings at that moment.

Yan Xiang and Shen Pei hurriedly climbed to the top of the city wall and saw soldiers in bright armor, swords drawn and bows ready. Yan Liang and Wen Chou were confronting Ma Chao's envoy. They quickly inquired about the situation. Upon seeing the two, Wen Chou briefly recounted Ma Chao's attempt to persuade them to surrender and his mention of the foreign invasion. He added at the end, "Although Ma Chao has old grudges against us, his words about the foreign tribes are all reasonable. The Donghu barbarians have already reached our doorstep; we can't afford to continue fighting amongst ourselves."

After listening, Shen Pei frowned and looked at Yan Liang: "Is what Wen Chou said true? Then the Xiliang army... is it really willing to put aside past grievances and fight against the foreign tribes together?"

Yan Liang nodded emphatically: "He said that as long as we join forces to repel the enemy, past grievances can be set aside for the time being. Although I hate that Xiliang seized Hebei, when it comes to foreign affairs, Ma Chao's toughness in dealing with foreign tribes is indeed to my liking." He paused, his voice deepening, "Moreover, our old lord Yuan Shao became suspicious by nature in his later years, and Yuan Shang's succession was illegitimate. In recent years, he has mistreated the people and has long lost their hearts. On the other hand, Ma Chao, although an enemy, is clear about gratitude and resentment. Just in terms of protecting the people, he is a hundred times better than Yuan Shang."

Yan Xiang stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping over the dark mass of foreign cavalry below the city walls. He said in a deep voice, "General Yan Liang is right." He turned to Shen Pei, his tone earnest, "Mr. Shen Pei, you have always prided yourself on loyalty and righteousness, but now that the foreign army is at the gates of the city, are you going to let the people of Youzhou suffer the ravages of war again for the sake of the empty title of 'former master'?"

"When has Yuan Shang ever truly trusted the two generals?" Yan Xiang changed the subject, getting straight to the point. "He suspected you of holding military power and hindered you at every turn. If it weren't for the invasion of the foreign tribes, he probably would have taken action against you two long ago. On the other hand, Ma Chao, although he was the commander of the enemy camp, was able to distinguish between primary and secondary matters and knew that the four words 'national righteousness' were far more important than personal grudges."

Shen Pei's face was grave, and after a long pause, his Adam's apple bobbed before he finally spoke in a hoarse voice: "It's not that I don't understand the greater good, it's just..."

"Is it just that you can't let go of the title of 'surrendered general'?" Yan Xiang continued, his gaze intense. "Sir, consider this: if you can repel the enemy, protect your territory, and safeguard the people, then this 'surrender' is for the greater good, for the sake of the common people. What disgrace is there in that? On the contrary, if you refuse to surrender because of personal grudges, allowing foreign tribes to breach your city walls and slaughter your people, that would be the real shame!"

Wen Chou stepped forward, sword in hand: "Sir Shen Pei, we generals are born to protect our borders and people, and die to defend our country. Now that foreign invaders are before us, what distinction do we have over the Yuan family and Xiliang? Those who can drive away the barbarians are our comrades!"

Yan Liang also said, "I am willing to listen to Ma Chao and retreat from the Donghu first. As for Yuan Shang, he is not worthy of the people of Youzhou being buried with him."

Shen Pei closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again, his eyes showing no hesitation: "Very well! Let us follow the advice of the two generals, put aside our personal grudges for now, and fight together against the foreign tribes!"