Shuhan

In the early morning, the first ray of sunlight from the horizon penetrated through the gauze curtains and quietly climbed onto Liu Chan's dragon bed, bringing the beginning of the day.

Liu Chan slowly woke up from his sleep, and faintly heard some slightly chaotic sounds from outside, which seemed to indicate that something unusual had happened.

He frowned slightly, with a hint of confusion and puzzlement, and slowly got up from the soft bedding and sat up straight.

At one side, Xin Xianying, who had served him in the emperor's bed last night, also came over. She was wearing an elegant palace dress and walked lightly, like a blooming lily.

Behind her, maids stood respectfully by, holding hot towels and simple toothbrushes.

Xin Xianying walked up to Liu Chan and whispered softly, "Your Majesty, the Bagongshan camp has been taken down. I guess the people outside are waiting for you to wake up!"

Upon hearing the good news from the Baguashan camp, the anger on Liu Chan's face immediately disappeared, replaced by a hint of surprise and expectation.

He immediately asked: "Hu Zun surrendered? This is a great joy!"

Xin Xianying shook her head and smiled gently, "I don't know the specific situation. I am from the harem, so Your Majesty should ask the generals outside about these military and national affairs!"

The sound is soft and crisp, like a spring breeze blowing on your face, making people feel happy.

Liu Chan laughed and held Xin Xianying in his arms. He kneaded her for a while and said jokingly, "You are so smart and intelligent. You should think about things for me. Although the harem is not allowed to interfere in government affairs, these things are not to the point of interfering in government affairs!"

Liu Chan's tone was full of pampering and teasing, and he obviously admired Xin Xianying's intelligence and talent very much.

Xin Xianying's face flushed red and her chest rose and fell violently after Liu Chan's disturbance. She lowered her head shyly and said in a low voice, "I understand. I will definitely help Your Majesty in the future."

Afterwards, Liu Chan began to wash his face and rinse his mouth with the help of his maid.

He combed his long hair while thinking about what to do next.

Xin Xianying stood aside, accompanying him quietly, her eyes full of tenderness and affection.

Liu Chan, dressed neatly, finally opened the door and walked out.

After leaving the dragon tent, Liu Chan immediately saw the civil and military officials waiting outside, all of them in high spirits.

When Fei Yi saw Liu Chan, he immediately bowed and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

When the others saw Liu Chan coming out, they also bowed and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty, we (the humble generals) are here to see you."

Liu Chan smiled and waved his hand, saying to them, "Let's go into the tent and discuss matters!"

His voice was calm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Soon, everyone rushed into the dragon tent and sat down according to their seats. The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.

Yu Jin stepped forward with excitement and said to Liu Chan: "Your Majesty, the camp at Bagong Mountain has been destroyed. Hu Zun, who committed treasonous acts, has been eliminated by the surrendered Wei army."

His face was filled with the joy of victory, as if he had won this victory with his own hands.

As he spoke, Yu Jin did not forget to flatter Liu Chan: "Your Majesty's control over people's hearts is the best in the world. The reason why the upper camp of Bagong Mountain was captured without a single soldier was all due to your Majesty's credit."

After Yu Jin said this, the other generals and ministers also began to praise Liu Chan.

Some people said: "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and it is a great blessing for the world!"

Some people said: "Your Majesty is able to plan and win battles thousands of miles away. You are truly a god!"

Others said: "Your Majesty's wisdom is beyond our reach. You are truly the pillar of the country!"

The sound of praise was endless and the dragon tent was filled with laughter.

After hearing the praise from everyone, Liu Chan just smiled faintly, waved his hand and said: "It is all the credit of the soldiers. Although I have contributed, it is only a small one."

Liu Chan was peaceful and humble, without the slightest pride or complacency.

Liu Chan changed the subject and asked, "We have already taken Bagong Mountain. Next, we will attack Shouchun. Shouchun is a strong city. We can surround it but not attack it. We have to lure them out. A large army will cross the Huai River and harass the Huai River fort of the Wei army!"

After hearing Liu Chan's words, all the soldiers nodded in agreement.

"What your Majesty said is absolutely true!"

Liu Chan continued, "We must let the Wei army know that their fortress is not a safe haven. We will send an elite force to quietly cross the Huai River and harass the Wei army's fortress. This will make it difficult for them to rest and concentrate on defending the city. In this way, we can gradually consume their strength and create conditions for the final general attack."

Yu Jin stood up impatiently and said loudly: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I am willing to lead the troops to attack the Wei army's fortress. I will definitely fulfill my mission!"

Wen Pin and others came forward to ask for orders. The camp at Bagua Mountain had been breached, and Shouchun, having lost its arm, was like a tiger with its teeth pulled out.

In the vast land of the north, Wu Zhi, as an envoy of the State of Wu, embarked on a journey to Youzhou.

His purpose was simple, but also very difficult, which was to persuade Kebi Neng, the Xianbei leader who was wreaking havoc there, and try to use the power of words to quell a possible catastrophe.

Starting from the prosperous Luoyang, as the sound of horse hooves went northward, the scenery in Wu Zhi's eyes gradually became desolate.

Hebei should have been a fertile land in the Central Plains, and its population was once very dense.

However, years of war were like a ruthless blade, cutting the peace of this land.

In order to fight the war, the State of Wei conscripted countless civilians, and countless families were torn apart.

And those greedy low-level officials took the opportunity to enrich themselves, making life even more difficult for the people.

Therefore, wherever we see people, we see either refugees hiding in the mountains and forests, or refugees who have left their homes and are displaced.

After passing Jizhou and entering Youzhou, the situation was even more horrific.

The fleeing people surged like a tide, their eyes filled with fear and despair.

The scattered Xianbei cavalry wandered around the land like ghosts, slaughtering Han people at will, humiliating Han women, and committing all kinds of evil.

Wu Zhi clenched his fists, the anger in his heart surging like a volcano.

As an envoy, he should have been respected and treated with courtesy, but at this moment, he felt unprecedented humiliation and anger.

Finally, Wu Zhi and his party arrived in Dai County.

However, the Dai County in front of them had been occupied by the Xianbei people and became their camp.

There were corpses everywhere.

Han women were raised by them as property.

Like livestock.

Since Kebi Neng was unable to capture the Guardian Wuhuan Commandery, he sent 10,000 men to garrison there, and the rest went directly south.

"Are you the envoys from Wei? You want to see the king. Come in quickly."

As an envoy, Wu Zhi was rudely driven in by the Xianbei people.

Their attitude was arrogant and rude, as if they regarded Wu Zhi as a fish on the chopping board.

When had Wu Zhi ever suffered such humiliation?

He immediately drew his sword and shouted angrily: "How dare you, Xianbei lowly creature, be so arrogant?"

His voice resounded throughout the tent like thunder, and the tip of his sword revealed the anger in his heart.

When the Xianbei chief heard this, the anger in his eyes almost burst out.

The people around him quickly stopped him, otherwise he would have rushed forward to fight with Wu Zhi.

He spat and sneered, "The Han people are just like this! We will take over most of Youzhou in less than a month! When we reach Luoyang, we'll see if you guys are still stubborn."

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhi's face suddenly turned pale.

He never thought that as an envoy, he would be insulted like this.

If he had not been in the Xianbei army, he would have lost his temper on the spot and killed the man to vent his hatred. However, he knew that his mission was important and he could not ruin the big thing because of a momentary anger.

So he suppressed his anger, stared at the Xianbei chief with cold eyes, and said word by word: "You Xianbei barbarians only know how to be violent for a while, but you don't know that the law is long and wide. When my army arrives, I will kill you all to avenge the shame of the Han people!"

When the Xianbei chief heard this, his expression changed.

He was aware of the power of the Han people, and at this moment a trace of fear arose in his heart.

However, he still refused to give in and snorted, "Then I'll tell you when you come! But I have to remind you, don't be so scared that you pee your pants!"

Wu Zhi no longer paid attention to his provocation and just looked at him coldly.

The conflict with the small Xianbei chief was just a minor episode, and Wu Zhi quickly adjusted his mentality.

In the Daijun government office, he finally met the Xianbei Khan Kebi Neng.

However, the scene before him made Wu Zhi furious.

Ke Bineng held a Han woman in one hand, with a proud and happy smile on his face.

The Han girl was fair-skinned and elegant, and it was obvious at first glance that she was from a wealthy family.

Wu Zhi took a look and could not help but feel angry. He suppressed his anger and said coldly to Ke Bineng: "The King of Fuyi openly broke the agreement and invaded our Great Wei. Don't people in the grasslands have faith and loyalty?"

Kebi Neng chuckled. Although he was the Khan of the grassland, he admired Han law and his behavior was actually not much different from that of the Han people, and his thoughts were even more so.

He glanced at Wu Zhi and said disdainfully: "You Han people don't believe in or abide by things like trust and loyalty. What else should we believe in? What should we abide by? Haven't we Xianbei people been deceived enough by you Han people?"

As he spoke, Ke Bineng seemed to think of some unpleasant memories. He snorted coldly and immediately tore off the thin clothes on the Han woman beside him.

The Han woman screamed in terror and tried to break free from Kebineng's restraints, but to no avail.

Ke Bineng actually humiliated and played with the Han woman beside him in front of Wu Zhi.

There was a flash of murderous intent in Wu Zhi's eyes. He clenched his fists and tried hard to suppress the anger in his heart.

He knew that he couldn't lose his temper at this moment, otherwise he would not be able to complete his mission.

He snorted coldly and said, "King Fuyi originally admired Han law, so my lord made you king. Now, does the king think you can defeat my Great Wei?"

Ke Bineng threw the Han woman in his arms aside, and the Han woman fell to the ground like a fallen leaf, trembling.

Ke Bineng snorted coldly and said, "Of course, we Xianbei are no match for the prosperous Wei Kingdom. But now that you Wei Kingdom is busy with your own affairs, how can you stand up to us Xianbei?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhi just laughed.

"Hahaha~hahaha~"

His laughter was full of sarcasm and disdain, as if he was indifferent after seeing through everything.

He said: "Your Majesty, you are so arrogant! Do you think that my Wei Kingdom is really powerless to resist the invasion of you Xianbei? Let me tell you, although my Wei Kingdom has experienced wars, its foundation is still there. If you really think you can easily defeat us, you are totally wrong!"

Ke Bineng frowned when he heard this.

"Youzhou has been conquered, and the envoy can still laugh?"

Wu Zhi's smile did not fade, and he said in a cold voice: "I laugh at your ignorance and arrogance. Do you think that you can easily defeat my Wei State with your Xianbei troops? I tell you, although my Wei State has experienced wars, the people are still tenacious and the soldiers are still brave and good at fighting. If you really dare to invade, we will make you pay a heavy price!"

As he spoke, Wu Zhi took a step forward, staring closely at Ke Bineng.

It was as if he was telling Ke Bineng with his eyes: Our Wei Kingdom must not be invaded!

Ke Bineng looked at Wu Zhi's determined eyes and couldn't help feeling a little scared.

He knew that although he had a strong military force, he was not sure of victory facing the strength of the Wei State.

He couldn't even take down the Guardian Wuhuan Commandery. If the main force of the Wei army came, he would probably have no choice but to retreat to the grassland.

He began to regret his arrogance and ignorance.

However, as the Xianbei Khan, Kebi Neng did not want to show weakness in front of his envoys.

He snorted coldly and said, "Wu Zhi, don't think you can scare me with a few words. We Xianbei people have always been brave and forward-looking, and we are not afraid of any challenge. If you really want to stop me from invading Wei, then show your strength!"

Wu Zhi chuckled, and there was a hint of sarcasm and disdain in his laughter, as if it was an invisible mockery of Ke Bineng.

He asked: "Is the king already the common ruler on the grassland?" As soon as these words came out, Kebineng's face suddenly darkened, as if a pain in his heart was touched.

The Xianbei people on the grassland were divided into many forces. Although Kebi Neng was powerful, he was only the largest among them.

The power of Tuoba Shoutian in the western grasslands gradually rose. They had tens of thousands of armored soldiers and strong horses. Because they were close to the Han State, their armor and weapons were extremely sophisticated.

With equal military strength, his Xianbei tribe was no match for Tufa Shoutian's troops.

This was a thorn in Kebi Neng's heart, and the reason why he could not become the common leader of the grassland.

Ke Bineng suppressed his anger and said coldly: "Although I am not the common leader of the grassland, I am more than capable of dealing with the enemies who take advantage of your Wei State's weakness to invade."

However, Wu Zhi laughed loudly again, his laughter full of ridicule and disdain.

"Tufa Shoutian was originally sent by our Wei Dynasty to Guanzhong to resist the Han Dynasty. After being captured by the Han Dynasty, how could he go to the grassland and increase his number of followers from a few thousand to tens of thousands within a few years? Has your Majesty never thought about the reason?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Ke Bineng's face suddenly turned gloomy.

His heart tightened, and he vaguely felt that things were not simple.

Kebineng immediately asked: "You mean to say that Tufa Shoutian was supported by the Han State?"

There was some doubt and uneasiness in his tone.

Wu Zhi chuckled, and that laugh was full of pride.

"Have you heard of the Wei Kingdom's School Affairs Office? The School Affairs Office has many spies in the grasslands and in the Han Kingdom. It is a foregone conclusion that Tuoba Shoutian is from the Han Kingdom."

There was a hint of pride and sarcasm in Wu Zhi's words, as if he was showing Ke Bineng the power of his intelligence network.

A look of suspicion appeared on Kebi Neng's face, and he thought to himself: Even if Tufa Shoutian was supported by the Han State, he had the confidence to defeat him.

However, Wu Zhi said slowly and persuasively: "Your Majesty, even if you go out in full force, the grassland behind you may have been occupied by Tuoba Shoutian. By then, Your Majesty will not be able to return home!"

Ke Bineng snorted coldly. He did not believe what Wu Zhi said.

"I have 100,000 soldiers in armor, so defeating Tubo Shoutian is just a piece of cake."

However, Wu Zhi said coldly: "If it is now, it is natural, but if the king is stubborn and insists on attacking Wei and fighting with our Wei, what will happen? Will the king still have 100,000 armored men?"

Hearing this, Ke Bineng fell silent.

He looked at Wu Zhi, his eyes full of complexity and confusion.

"Why did the messenger come?"

Wu Zhi looked at Ke Bineng's complicated eyes and vigilant tone, and felt secretly proud.

He knew that his words had touched Ke Bineng's heart and made him start to worry about his retreat and future.

So he said slowly: "I came here to tell the king a truth and give the king a suggestion. The truth is that Tufa Shoutian is a force supported by the Han State and he may occupy your grassland at any time; the suggestion is that the king should give up the plan to attack Wei State and form an alliance with my Wei State to fight against the threat of Han State and Tufa Shoutian together."

"Also, our Great Wei's heavenly soldiers will arrive soon. Compared with the Han army, you Xianbei people are easier to deal with. If the king withdraws now, we will forgive you. Otherwise, we will fight on the battlefield!"

Ke Bineng suddenly fell into hesitation.

Give up?
but.
How can I accept this? (End of this chapter)