Shuhan

In the early morning of Linzi, the city was shrouded in mist and dewdrops sparkled on the city walls, as if inlaid with countless tiny pearls.

Zhao Yun stood on the top of the city wall, his eyes as sharp as torches, penetrating the mist, as if he could see directly at the distant Bochang City. He received a battle report from the front line, and learned that Bochang had fallen into the hands of the Wei army.

However, there was no sign of panic on his face, instead a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

All of this was within his expectations. Using the city of Bochang was enough to delay the Wei army for a whole month.

In his heart, he had already fully prepared for the upcoming battle.

The fall of Bochang City was not without a fierce battle.

During that month, the Han army soldiers in Bochang, with their weak strength against the strong, relied on their indomitable will and clever tactical arrangements to repel the fierce attacks of the Wei army time and time again.

On the city walls, arrows rained down and stones flew everywhere. Every brick and stone witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of the Han army soldiers.

However, we were outnumbered and our food supplies were running out, so Bochang City finally fell to the Wei army.

However, this battle also cost the Wei army a heavy price, buying Zhao Yun precious time and allowing him to set up a more solid defense line in Linzi.

Compared with Bochang, the city wall of Linzi is taller and thicker.

The soldiers in the city had been carefully trained by Zhao Yun. They were all highly skilled in martial arts and had strict discipline. They were more elite than the Han army defending Bochang.

The people in the city were also comforted by Zhao Yun, and their emotions were stable and their morale was high. They all believed that with Zhao Yun around, Linzi would not easily fall into the hands of the enemy.

Zhao Yun knew very well that the battle of Linzi would be the key to determining whether he could gain a foothold in Shandong.

He personally inspected the city's defenses, not missing a single detail. From the reinforcement of the city walls to the storage of food and fodder in the city, to the training and deployment of soldiers, he inquired about every detail to ensure that nothing could go wrong.

This battle requires not only force but also wisdom.

He studied the terrain and formulated tactics day and night, striving to deal a fatal blow to the Wei army when it arrived.

Time flies, and in a blink of an eye, the Wei army has appeared on the horizon of Linzi.

Dark clouds were pressing down on the city, threatening to destroy it, but inside Linzi, everything was in perfect order.

Zhao Yun stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the overwhelming Wei army. There was no fear in his eyes, only burning fighting spirit.

soon.

dong dong dong~
The battle horn sounded, and the Wei army rushed towards Linzi city like a tide.

Zhao Yun commanded the army with great confidence. Under his leadership, the Han soldiers fought bravely and repeatedly resolved the offensives of the Wei army.

On the city walls, arrows rained down and boulders rolled. Although the Wei army's attack was fierce, they were still unable to cross the defense line built with the flesh and blood of the Han army.

Zhao Yun personally led the elite troops in several raids out of the city, disrupting the deployment of the Wei army and making it impossible for them to form an effective offensive rhythm.

Linzi is like a fortress at this moment!
And the other side.

The land of Youzhou.

The conflict between the Xianbei people and Gongsun Yuan's troops was like an undercurrent in a river; it seemed calm on the surface, but was actually turbulent.

Although the tension between the two parties had been eased through Xie Guini's mediation, it was only a temporary peace. The fundamental conflict of interests was like a hidden boulder that could cause huge waves at any time.

Gongsun Yuan and his subordinates were mostly Han people. They occupied several important cities and regarded the people in the cities as their subjects, the foundation of their survival.

Only by protecting these people can the source of his power not be exhausted.

However, the Xianbei people had deep prejudice and contempt for the Han people. They regarded the Han people as pigs and dogs, killing, robbing, and humiliating them at will.

Such tragedies occurred frequently in various places in Youzhou.

The Xianbei people's iron hooves shuttled between villages like ghosts, leaving behind ruins and endless wailing.

Whenever Gongsun Yuan's subordinates heard the news, the anger in their hearts erupted like a volcano, and their hatred for the Xianbei people grew wildly in their hearts like weeds.

Finally, ten days ago, a Xianbei cavalryman was killed on the spot by Gongsun Yuan's men during a robbery.

The news soon reached the ears of the Xianbei leader. He was furious and sent an envoy to demand that Gongsun Yuan hand over the murderer.

Gongsun Yuan sat in the study, his brows furrowed, his hands clenched into fists with veins exposed.

Once the murderer is handed over, it will undoubtedly be a betrayal of his subordinates and a trampling on the dignity of the Han people.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head, his eyes flashing with determination, and said coldly to the messenger: "Murderer? What is a murderer? I only know that protecting my subjects is my duty as a general."

When the envoy heard this, his face changed suddenly. He did not expect Gongsun Yuan to be so tough, and for a moment he did not know how to respond.

He hurried back and reported the situation to the leader. After hearing this, Xianbei leader Xie Guini was furious and roared: "Gongsun Yuan, you are challenging our bottom line!"

However, because the Wei army was stationed in Zhuo County, they had no choice but to hold back.

As time went by, the relationship between the two sides became increasingly tense. Every friction was like pouring fuel on dry wood, making the flames of conflict burn more and more fiercely.

Whenever Gongsun Yuan's subordinates saw the atrocities committed by the Xianbei people, they could not contain their anger, and on several occasions they even took action in private to retaliate against the Xianbei people.

Finally, in a large-scale conflict, the two sides completely broke off relations.

At this moment, the sky was gloomy, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Gongsun Yuan stood on the city wall, looking at the dusty Xianbei cavalry in the distance, without any fear in his eyes.

The Xianbei leader Xie Guini was standing under the city guarded by Gongsun Yuan, full of anger and confusion, questioning Gongsun Yuan on the city.

Xie Guini was a man of sturdy build, with a resolute face, a head of tousled hair like an untamed wild horse on the grassland, and an unyielding light flashing in his eyes.

He was wearing leather armor and had a sharp scimitar hanging around his waist. Behind him were thousands of Xianbei warriors. They all had solemn expressions and were obviously dissatisfied with the current situation.

Xie Guini's voice was like thunder, resounding through the sky: "Gongsun Yuan, do you know that the Wei army is approaching? Without the help of my Xianbei cavalry, how can you compete with that old fox Sima Yi? Hand over the murderer who killed my Xianbei warriors, and I can forgive him. Otherwise..."

Gongsun Yuan on the city wall was dressed like a brave general with a calm expression.

He stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the mud below, feeling mixed emotions.

The decision made at this moment will directly affect the future of Youzhou and even his personal destiny.

Gongsun Yuan spoke slowly. Although his voice was not loud, it was clearly heard by everyone: "Chief Xieguini, you are too serious. The people's grievances are difficult to resolve. If I really handed over my subordinates as you said, how could I lead them? You and I could have become allies and jointly resisted foreign enemies, but in Youzhou, the Xianbei people must also be restrained and not act recklessly."

When Xie Guini heard this, his face turned pale and he was almost fuming with anger.

He did not expect that Gongsun Yuan would dare to reject his request so bluntly, without any regard for the feelings of the Xianbei people.

A surge of anger at being betrayed filled his heart, and Xie Guini cursed: "Gongsun Yuan, you shameless man! Without the support of the Xianbei people, how could you have achieved what you have today? How dare you treat your ally like this!"

Gongsun Yuan felt bitter when he heard this.

The alliance with the Xianbei was fragile, based on an exchange of interests and lacking real trust.

He sighed, trying to calm Xie Guini's anger: "Leader Xie Guini, there is indeed a misunderstanding between you and me. It's not that I don't want to hand over the murderer, but this matter needs to be considered carefully and cannot be done rashly. I, Gongsun Yuan, have always been clear about gratitude and grudges, and will never let the real murderer go unpunished."

However, Xie Guini would not listen to any explanation.

He felt that his dignity was being trampled upon. In anger, he made a decision: "Gongsun Yuan, the alliance between you and me is now void! We Xianbei people will sit back and watch you being conquered by Sima Yi, and will not lend a helping hand! You will just have to face the Wei army alone!"

After saying this, Xie Guini waved his arm and turned away, and the Xianbei army also retreated, leaving behind only dust and an indescribable heavy atmosphere. Gongsun Yuan looked at Xie Guini's receding back, and an inexplicable sadness surged in his heart.

In this battle, he will have to fight alone against the powerful State of Wei.

Seeing this, the people living under the city were also talking about it. Some were worried, some were afraid, and more were uncertain about the future.

The cooing sound seemed particularly clear in the silent night. It was the occasional sound of birds singing outside the lobby of the Ji County City Lord's Mansion, forming a sharp contrast with the dull atmosphere inside.

Under the dim light, Gongsun Yuan sat alone at the long table in the middle of the hall, holding a cup of bitter wine in his hand, drinking slowly. The wine seemed to have become the bitterness in his heart, difficult to swallow, but he had to drink it.

His eyes revealed a kind of helplessness and confusion. He had finally conquered such a large territory, but now he might not be able to hold on to it. This made him feel unwilling.

Gongsun Yuan was wearing a dark brocade robe with intricate patterns embroidered on the lapels, but under the dim light, the patterns looked dim.

His face was thin and his eye sockets were sunken. It was obvious that the worries and stress during this period had made him exhausted.

He looked at the wine in the glass, with a lot of thoughts in his mind. Should he go back to Liaodong?

Although the land there is barren, it is at least my foundation.

What you can’t get is not yours, what you get is yours.

But how could he bear to give up so much space?
However, he had no choice but to do so. He claimed that he was no match for Sima Yi. It seemed that Sima Yi of Wei was born to be his nemesis.

Just as Gongsun Yuan was immersed in bitter thoughts, a burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence in the room.

General Yang Zuo hurried into the hall with a happy look on his face. There was still some dust on his armor, and it was obvious that he had just come in from outside.

Seeing Gongsun Yuan drinking alone, he was a little surprised, then smiled and said, "My lord, why are you drinking alone? Is there something troubling you?"

Gongsun Yuan smiled bitterly, shook his head, and said, "The situation is difficult! Yang Zuo, do you know how painful I am at this moment?"

His voice was low and hoarse, revealing endless fatigue.

When Yang Zuo heard this, his expression froze. He naturally knew the dilemma that Gongsun Yuan was facing.

But he came here to bring a glimmer of hope.

He smiled and said, "I have good news for you, my lord. This is the envoy of Sima Yi from the Wei army. Since the Xianbei people are unreliable, why can't we cooperate with the Wei Kingdom? Perhaps this is a turning point for us."

When Gongsun Yuan heard this, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes, but then dimmed again.

He put down the wine glass in his hand, slowly stood up and walked in front of Yang Zuo.

His gaze lingered for a moment on the envoy behind Yang Zuo, a middle-aged man wearing the official uniform of the Wei Kingdom, with a stern face.

Gongsun Yuan thought to himself that cooperating with the State of Wei was undoubtedly a risky move, but it might also be a way out.

Anyway, let's hear what he says first!
The Wei envoy stepped forward slowly, bowed deeply to Gongsun Yuan, and said in a steady and respectful voice: "Greetings, Governor!"

He was wearing a neat Wei official uniform with intricate cloud patterns embroidered on the lapels. An exquisite jade pendant hung around his waist, which swayed gently with his movements, making subtle clinking sounds.

Gongsun Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this, and he sat on the high seat in the hall.

At this moment, when the messenger called him like this, he couldn't help but think in his heart that Sima Zhongda seemed to be trying to recruit him.

Gongsun Yuan pretended to be calm and slowly asked, "I wonder what the envoy has come for?"

The Wei envoy did not say it directly, but smiled slightly. There was a kind of cunning in his smile, as if everything was under control.

He said slowly: "Those who are not of my race must have different hearts! The Xianbei people are wreaking havoc on our land of China, and the people are suffering. You and I are both Han people, how can we sit back and watch?"

When Gongsun Yuan heard this, his heart moved. He already knew what the messenger was going to say.

He pretended to be in deep thought for a moment, then followed the messenger's meaning and said, "Yes, I have been unhappy with Xianbei for a long time, but it's a pity that I have to borrow his power to protect myself!"

His voice revealed a sense of helplessness and bitterness, as if he had really been forced into a corner by the Xianbei people.

The Wei envoy said immediately: "The governor was originally a minister of Wei. Now he can redeem himself for his crime and make meritorious contributions. It may be possible to preserve the Liaodong foundation."

When Gongsun Yuan heard this, his heart moved. He knew that this was an opportunity, an opportunity to break free from the control of the Xianbei people and preserve his own foundation.

He immediately asked: "How can we make up for our crimes and make meritorious contributions?"

The Wei envoy smiled, his smile was full of pride and confidence, and he slowly said: "Defeat the barbarians in the north!"

Gongsun Yuan's eyes flickered in the dim light, like the uncertain stars in the night sky.

He stared at the Wei envoy, as if trying to read more information from his eyes.

He asked in a deep voice: "What does Lord Zhongda want me, Gongsun Yuan, to do?"

The Wei envoy said slowly: "General, you only need to show weakness to the enemy and send those troublemakers to the Xianbei people to gain their trust. Then, unite with the Xianbei people to fight a decisive battle with our Wei State, and then turn against us at the critical moment."

The Wei envoy's voice was calm and cool, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.

However, Gongsun Yuan frowned when he heard this.

An indescribable bitterness and helplessness surged in his heart.

"But they are all innocent."

The Wei envoy laughed loudly, and his laughter echoed in the empty hall, carrying a sense of sarcasm and ruthlessness.

"There are so many innocent people. They are willing to die for the general's cause and to drive out the Xianbei people. It's a worthy death!"

In the eyes of the Wei envoys, those innocent soldiers were just chess pieces on the board and could be sacrificed at any time.

Gongsun Yuan felt a surge of fear in his heart when he heard this.

However, in this world, it is better to have a darker heart.

He immediately said: "That can be agreed to, but what are the conditions that Wei State gives me?"

When the Wei envoy saw this, he was overjoyed.

My plan is already half successful.

"General, you can be the Grand Marshal and be granted the title of Duke of Lelang, with Liaodong as your fief. At the same time, you will control Yuyang, Youbeiping, and Liaoxi for Wei and resist the Xianbei!"

Gongsun Yuan was shocked when he heard this.

This is a rare opportunity, an opportunity to break free from the control of the Xianbei people and preserve one's own foundation.

He immediately said, "In that case, I agree!"

It's just being a dog anyway.

He served as a dog for the Han State, a dog for the Xianbei State, and a dog for the Wei State.

It doesn't seem to be any different.

I will follow whoever can give me more benefits! (End of this chapter)