sjar Chapter 135 Ma Chao's expedition to the world
Chapter 135 Ma Chao's expedition to the world
After successfully completing his mission, Xu Huang returned to Xiliang. Meanwhile, troops from Xiliang were rapidly assembling, and provisions were arriving in a steady stream. Ma Chao was now fully prepared; he only needed to wait for the troops and provisions to be gathered before launching his campaign against the Eastern Qiang.
On the winter solstice, Ma Chao led an army of 40,000 to assemble at the Dianjiangtai. These 40,000 men, in meticulous formation and imposing in bearing, stood in formation, like a Great Wall of Steel. Their armor gleamed with a cold gleam, their weapons gleaming coldly in the sunlight. Every soldier's face was filled with determination and resolve. They knew they were about to face a fierce battle, but they remained undaunted, their eyes filled with a thirst for victory and confidence.
Ma Chao stood proudly on the stage, clad in imposing armor and wielding his Dragon Lance. The carvings on his armor gleamed in the sunlight, and the tip of the Dragon Lance flashed with a cold light, as if it were about to pierce the heavens. His figure stood tall and straight like a pine tree, as immovable as a towering mountain. His gaze blazed like a burning flame, and he exuded an awe-inspiring aura, as if he were a descended god of war. At his side stood his trusted generals: Pang De, Zhang Xiu, Xu Huang, and Ma Dai.
The flag-off ceremony began, and Ma Chao ascended the stage with a solemn expression. His steps were steady and powerful, each one punctuated by unwavering resolve. As incense was burned, the rising smoke seemed to carry the hopes of the crowd to the heavens. From the stage, he recited the sacrificial text in a resonant voice, a voice that seemed to pierce hearts. "I pray that Heaven bless this expedition with success, protect our warriors of Xiliang, and enable us to triumph and fight for justice and peace..." The soldiers below joined in the chant, a wave of sound like rolling thunder, demonstrating their unwavering resolve and the strength of their unity.
After the flag-raising ceremony, Ma Chao began to call out his troops. He looked at Pang De and shouted, "Pang De, listen!" Pang De immediately stepped forward, straightening his body, the tassel on his helmet swaying slightly. Ma Chao continued, "I order you to lead the vanguard, five thousand elite soldiers, to forge ahead. Cut a path through the mountains and build bridges over the rivers! Do you dare to take on this heavy responsibility?" Pang De's eyes were firm, and he bowed his hands and shouted, "I obey your command! I will fulfill my mission!" His eyes were filled with determination and courage, as if no difficulties or obstacles could stop his advance.
Ma Chao then looked at Zhang Xiu. Zhang Xiu's still-young face was etched with seriousness, his breathing slightly rapid, betraying his inner nervousness and excitement. Ma Chao said, "Zhang Xiu, listen! You will lead 3,000 cavalry as the left wing." Zhang Xiu took a deep breath, bowed, and said, "Understood!" His voice was still a little childish, but the determination in it was not to be underestimated.
Ma Chao then turned to Xu Huang, who looked at him with a calm expression and a resolute gaze. "Xu Huang, listen! You lead the 3,000 cavalry as the right wing," Ma Chao said. Xu Huang, similarly bowing, replied in a resounding voice, "Yes, General!" His crisp, clear response betrayed his competence and confidence.
At this moment, Ma Chao's gaze fell on Ma Dai. Ma Dai's youthful face still held a touch of childishness, a youthful appearance reminiscent of a fledgling calf. Yet, his eyes held a stubborn and unyielding spirit, as if proclaiming his bravery and fearlessness to the crowd. Ma Chao spoke earnestly, "Ma Dai, listen to my orders! You lead two thousand baggage soldiers to protect the grain route. This is a mission that concerns the safety of the entire army. Do not let me down!" Ma Dai puffed out his chest, like a fledgling eagle about to spread its wings, and shouted, "Don't worry, cousin. I will live up to my mission!" Ma Chao nodded slightly, his eyes filled with hope and trust in Ma Dai. He knew that although Ma Dai was young, he possessed unlimited potential.
After selecting his generals, Ma Chao gave the order to march. Under Ma Chao's command, the 40,000-man army set out in a mighty procession. Their steps were measured and powerful, like a surging torrent. The rustling of military flags in the wind and the clash of weapons mingled like a stirring war song.
During these days, the Central Plains was in turmoil and unpredictable. With the young Emperor Liu Xie officially enthroned as the new ruler, Dong Zhuo's power grew like a raging fire, almost unstoppable, advancing triumphantly and rising with the tide. The Dong family was now completely powerless to restrain Dong Zhuo's actions. The scattered princes, however, were completely hypocritical, saying one thing in public and another behind the scenes regarding the imperial decrees.
During this period, the princes from all over the country actively recruited soldiers and talents, and gradually became fully fledged and powerful. Moreover, the troops they trained had become quite large and well-organized.
Because Liu Yu had firmly sealed off the whereabouts of Emperor Liu Bian and Lu Zhi in Youzhou, no one could truly discover the truth. This left everyone feeling as if they lacked a legitimate reason to launch a war, and all factions seemed somewhat constrained. Messengers traveled back and forth non-stop, secretly agreeing to form an alliance to counter the rebellion, but without a clear and legitimate reason, they could not find a clear and legitimate reason.
At this moment, Yuan Shao was extremely anxious. Due to the key problem of having no reason to start the war, he could not be the first person to advocate for the rebel army and could not be the initiator to take the lead in attacking Dong Zhuo. This made him feel very distressed and entangled, and he fell into deep anxiety and helplessness.
Yuan Shao and his advisors were gathered together, seriously discussing the current situation and future course. Yuan Shao sat high up in the main seat, his face solemn. His advisors flanked him, each with a serious expression, as they contemplated various possibilities.
Yuan Shao said gravely, "Dong Zhuo is now monopolizing power, and the Han Dynasty is in danger. We must consider countermeasures." His advisors nodded in agreement and began to voice their opinions. Some suggested actively expanding their forces, while others suggested finding the right moment to strike.
At this moment, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were also present in the hall. Previously, during their journey through turbulent times, Liu Bei and his companions had rescued Yuan Shao, who was being pursued by Lü Bu and in dire straits. Grateful, Yuan Shao invited them to join him. Knowing Yuan Shao's strong connections in Ji Province, Liu Bei decided to take Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with him, both to seek the emperor and to find a safe haven. Although they were only foreign troops, Liu Bei had always hoped to contribute to pacifying the chaos.
As the advisors debated, Yuan Shao mentioned the idea of enthroning Liu Yu as emperor, and everyone fell into deep thought. At this moment, Liu Bei, who had been listening quietly, stood up and said, "Sir Yuan, I have something to say." Yuan Shao looked at Liu Bei, motioning him to continue. Liu Bei spoke earnestly, "I believe that enthroning Liu Yu as emperor at this time, while it would nominally oppose Dong Zhuo, would likely lead to controversy and chaos. Furthermore, the urgent task now is to unite all forces to defeat Dong Zhuo. I am willing to go and help persuade Liu Yu, and to relieve his worries so that he can join the alliance against Dong Zhuo."
Yuan Shao frowned slightly and said after thinking for a moment: "Xuan De, this trip is quite risky. Are you sure?" Liu Bei replied firmly: "Mr. Yuan, although I am not talented, I am willing to give it a try with a sincere heart and contribute to the people of the world." Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also said in unison: "We are willing to go with brother." Seeing that Liu Bei and others were so determined, Yuan Shao was touched and finally nodded in agreement.
During this time, Gongsun Zan, in order to pass on the news that the emperor was in Youzhou, did not hesitate to lead his elite troops and continuously launched fierce attacks on the encirclement carefully set up by Liu Yu. Faced with such fierce and unusual attacks from Gongsun Zan, Liu Yu was at a loss for what to do and was in great panic.
At this critical moment, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei arrived at the scene. When they entered Liu Yu's territory, they immediately threw themselves into helping Liu Yu stabilize the chaotic situation without hesitation.
In reality, Liu Yu harbored many hidden secrets and ulterior motives. He harbored a hidden agenda, even concealing the details of the Youzhou campaign from Liu Bei. He concealed crucial information, not revealing even a shred of it, only vaguely explaining it as a Youzhou rebellion. Liu Bei, on the other hand, was completely bewildered. He could not imagine the Emperor appearing in Youzhou, and he could never have imagined that the man Liu Yu would be fighting would be his former senior brother, Gongsun Zan. His preoccupation was focused solely on helping Liu Yu quickly stabilize the volatile Youzhou rebellion, and then persuading him to join forces with others.