Shuhan

three days ago.

As night falls and the wind blows coldly, the streets of the ancient city of Chaoge are deserted, with only the occasional sound of horse hooves breaking the silence of the night.

Zhen Xiang rushed back from Yecheng, covered in dust, his face full of anxiety and solemnity.

His eyes were like torches, piercing through the night, and he headed straight for the family's old house in Chaoge. As soon as he arrived at the mansion, without even taking a rest, he immediately ordered his servants to gather the old members of the Zhen family as quickly as possible. A conspiracy concerning the fate of the family was about to begin.

The Zhen family of Zhongshan is a famous and prominent family in Jizhou. Throughout the generations, many talented people have emerged. Their members can be found in the court and on the battlefield.

At this moment, the lights in the study were bright, and the crackling charcoal fire in the stove dispelled the coldness in the room.

Zhen Xiang stood in the middle of the study, his figure tall and straight, his brows revealing an unquestionable determination.

His eyes swept over everyone present, the Zhen family members who were either officials or generals, as well as the sons-in-law who became part of the family power through marriage. Their faces were filled with surprise or confusion, all because of the shocking news from Zhen Xiang's mouth - the Han emperor was seriously ill, and the situation in the world changed suddenly.

"Now that the Han Dynasty is about to fall and the King of Wei is rising, we should follow the trend of the times and submit to the Wei Kingdom." Zhen Xiang's words were loud and clear, like thunder exploding in everyone's ears.

For a moment, the study was so quiet that the only sound could be heard was the sound of snowflakes falling outside the window, and complex emotions were surging in everyone's hearts.

Returning to Wei means betraying the old master, but it may also be a key step for the survival of the family.

Zhang Ting, the son-in-law of the Zhen family, was walking into the study room in the snow.

There were snowflakes on his hair and his cheeks were slightly red from the cold, but his eyes were unusually firm.

Seeing this, Zhen Xiang signaled to his servant to bring a cup of hot tea to ease the tense atmosphere.

"Give General Zhang a cup of warm tea." His voice was gentle but powerful, trying to bring a little warmth in this cold night.

Everyone sat around the fire, the atmosphere was still heavy.

Seeing this, Zhen Xiang decided to get straight to the point: "Everyone, the situation is urgent and we must make a choice. Zhang Ting, you are the commander of the South Gate, your attitude is crucial."

His eyes fell on Zhang Ting, full of anticipation.

Zhang Ting, who was once just an ordinary tenant in the clan, was able to marry the daughter of the Zhen family because of Zhen Yi's appreciation, thus changing his fate and becoming the general he is today.

He knew very well that his glory was closely linked to the Zhen family, and that they would prosper together and suffer together.

Facing Zhen Xiang's question, he took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with determination: "My dear, although I am Zhang Ting from a humble background, now that I have become a member of the Zhen family, I should stand together with the family. Please tell me, what should we do?"

Zhen Xiang approved of Zhang Ting's response and nodded slightly.

Zhang Ting is not only loyal but also decisive, making her the perfect choice to carry out this plan.

"In three days, the Wei army will arrive at the south gate of Chaoge. At that time, you must open the city gate and welcome the Wei army in. This is the key to the survival of the family, so you must act with caution."

Zhen Xiang's words were deep and powerful, and every word struck everyone's heart.

Zhang Ting's eyes flickered when he heard this, and he felt mixed emotions.

He knew that this decision would completely change his fate and might even make him be branded as a traitor.

However, for the sake of his family and those members who depended on the Zhen family for survival, he had no choice.

He tightly grasped the teacup in his hand, as if it was his last source of courage, and then answered firmly: "Yes, sir!"

With Zhang Ting's agreement, the atmosphere in the study seemed to ease, but everyone knew in their hearts that this was just the beginning and the real storm was yet to come.

Zhen Xiang began to deploy the next action plan in detail. Each person was assigned a specific task, from contacting the Wei army, to deploying defenses in the city, to how to stabilize the people's hearts. Every step had to be carefully planned and no mistakes were allowed.

As the night deepened, the snow fell heavier, covering the ancient city of Chaoge in silver, but it could not hide the coming storm.

Zhen Xiang stood in front of the window, looking at this quiet yet uneasy night, praying silently in his heart, hoping that his family could survive safely in this torrent of history, and hoping that their choice was correct.

And he, as the leader of the Zhen family, will lead the family into an unknown future. No matter whether there is light or darkness ahead, he will move forward.

After bidding farewell to Zhen Xiang, Zhang Ting stood alone in the courtyard, letting the falling snowflakes gently fall on his shoulders and hair.

The snow seemed to be finer and colder than in previous years. It silently weaved a world covered in silver, and also made Zhang Ting's mood particularly complicated.

He looked up at the sky. Snowflakes were dancing in the air like a silent farewell ceremony. Each piece carried his deep attachment and reluctance to Zhen Xiang.

But in his eyes, besides tenderness, there was more of a firmness and determination, as if he was telling himself that this farewell was not only a separation from Zhen Xiang, but also an important turning point in his life.

The snowflakes gradually accumulated, covering the stone pavement in the courtyard and the tenderness in Zhang Ting's heart.

He turned slowly, his eyes passing through the falling snowflakes and landing on the quaint house. The outline of the house was vaguely visible in the snow, like a residual image in memory, familiar yet strange.

Zhang Ting's thoughts also drifted away, and she recalled the days she spent with the Zhen family, full of laughter and tears.

But now, all this will become the past, and he must look forward, for the sake of the Han Dynasty and for his own future.

He took a deep breath, and the chill went straight into his heart and lungs through his nasal cavity, making him more sober.

Zhang Ting took his first steps, each one firm and powerful, as if declaring his determination to the world.

He returned to his study, quickly spread out the paper, picked up the pen and wrote down in detail the news that the Zhongshan Zhen family intended to rebel against the Han Dynasty. Then he sealed it and handed it to a confidant.

His movements were quick and decisive, without any hesitation, and his eyes revealed an unquestionable courage.

"You must personally deliver this letter to your superior Ma Su. There must be no mistake!" Zhang Ting's voice was low and powerful.

The confidant took the order and left, while Zhang Ting stood where he was, watching his back disappear in the snow.

He knew that this letter would be a turning point in his destiny and the key to him proving his loyalty and ability.

As the night deepened, Zhang Ting had no desire to sleep.

He sat in front of the window, looking at the silvery world outside, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

He recalled his past with Zhongshan Zhen, all the good things about Zhen Xiang, and the marriage that was forced upon him.

Although the woman from the Zhen family was more than ten years older than him, she was gentle, virtuous, well-educated and sensible. She once made him feel the warmth of home at a certain moment.

But in these troubled times, how can personal feelings be compared with the interests of family and country?
He must make a choice and bear the consequences of his choice.

Zhang Ting's brows were furrowed, and her eyes were flashing with complex emotions.

He knew very well that once he took this step, there would be no turning back.

But he also understood that only in this way could he break free from the shackles of the past and truly live out his own life.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if to cheer himself up.

When he opened his eyes again, they were clear and full of expectations and longings for the future.

The next morning, Zhang Ting received a reply from Ma Su.

The letter was brief and direct, informing him that the matter had been reported to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty and asking him to be prepared and ready to be deployed at any time.

After reading the letter, Zhang Ting felt an inexplicable excitement in his heart. He knew that his chance had come, a chance to prove himself and change his fate.

In the following days, Zhang Ting began to prepare intensively. He personally selected elite soldiers and made a thorough plan, paying attention to every detail. This battle was related to the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty, as well as his own honor and disgrace. He had to go all out and not make any mistakes.

Time flows like water, silently slipping through your fingertips, and in the blink of an eye it is the decisive two days later.

Outside the city of Chaoge, the Wei army arrived as promised, with flags fluttering and horses' hooves clattering, as if foreshadowing a coming storm.

Zhang Ting stood on the city wall, staring at the approaching enemy with a sharp gaze.

He felt both nervous and expectant. He was nervous about the upcoming battle, and expectantly his carefully planned strategy would succeed.

According to the pre-planned strategy, Zhang Ting ordered his men to open the city gates and let the Wei army enter the city.

At the same time, the elite soldiers and generals he had arranged long ago rushed towards the Zhen Mansion silently like ghosts.

Inside the Zhen Mansion, Zhen Xiang was plotting a rebellion with a group of his followers, but the sudden change caught them off guard.

Zhang Ting's soldiers were as fierce as wolves and tigers. They quickly surrounded Zhen Xiang and others. Their swords were unsheathed, shining with cold light. A strong murderous intent filled the air.

Zhen Xiang's face turned pale in an instant. He opened his eyes wide and looked at everything in front of him in disbelief.

He could never have imagined that his carefully planned rebellion would be so easily exposed in broad daylight.

He tried to resist, but he was already firmly under control and could only watch his followers being captured one by one.

At the same time, Zhang Ting personally led the army to launch an internal and external attack on the Wei army entering the city.

The battle was extremely fierce, with flames shooting into the sky, swords flashing, and shouts of killing being deafening.

But thanks to Zhang Ting's wisdom and the Han army's bravery, the Wei army soon fell into a tough battle.

Although Sima Yi was brave and good at fighting, he seemed powerless under Zhang Ting's clever layout.

In just half a day, the Wei army suffered heavy casualties. Some surrendered, some fled. General Sima Yi even fled in the chaos. The main force of the Wei army was almost wiped out.

As the smoke of battle gradually dissipated, Chaoge City once again returned to its former tranquility.

Zhang Ting stood on the city wall, looking at the devastated battlefield, with an indescribable sense of pride and ambition welling up in his heart.

He has made great contributions and proved his worth with his wisdom and courage.

However, when his eyes fell on Zhen Xiang and others again, he couldn't help but feel a complicated emotion in his heart.

Zhen Xiang was once his close friend, but now he has become a prisoner.

He slowly walked to the front of Zhen Xiang, looked at the once familiar face now full of resentment, and sighed: "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, why do you have to betray His Majesty?"

When Zhen Xiang heard this, a trace of unwillingness and anger flashed in his eyes.

He struggled to stand up, but was held down firmly by the soldiers beside him.

He stared at Zhang Ting and cursed with gnashing teeth: "Zhang Ting, you are a traitor with evil intentions! You betrayed our Zhongshan Zhen family, you will not have a good end!"

Other party members also joined in the cursing, and all kinds of vicious words shot at Zhang Ting like sharp arrows.

However, Zhang Ting just smiled faintly, as if the curses were just a breeze blowing across her face.

He looked at the angry and desperate eyes of Zhen Xiang and others, and said slowly: "It is unknown whether the Zhongshan Zhen family can survive because of you. You should think about yourselves! In this chaotic world, loyalty and betrayal are only a thought away. If you choose to betray, you should bear the consequences of betrayal."

After saying this, Zhang Ting turned and left.

The news of the Wei army's disastrous defeat was like a sharp blade in the cold wind, quickly penetrating the silence of winter and reaching Yecheng.

Zhen Yi, the head of the Zhongshan Zhen family, is an old man who is usually calm and composed and able to plan strategies. But at this moment, he feels as if he has fallen into an ice cellar, and his heart is even colder than the winter outside.

He sat by the fireplace in the study, his hands clenched tightly, his fingertips turning white from the force, his eyes flashing with unprecedented fear and unwillingness.

"How could this happen..." Zhen Yi murmured in a low voice, with a hint of trembling in his voice.

He recalled his original decision, that gamble. He thought that he could use the power of the Wei army to help the Zhongshan Zhen family move to a higher level. However, he did not expect that the gamble would be full of variables and he ended up in failure.

The failure of his rebellion against the Han meant that he and the entire Zhongshan Zhen family would face the emperor's wrath.

Zhen Yi closed his eyes, the emperor's majestic and cold face appeared in his mind, and he couldn't help but shudder in his heart.

He knew that according to Han law, the crime of treason would punish all nine generations of the family.

But he was unwilling to accept this. The Zhongshan Zhen family had been around for generations, so how could it be destroyed because of his mistake?
He suddenly opened his eyes, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes, and he had already made up his mind.

"Someone come here!" Zhen Yi called out in a deep voice, and a confidant came in in response.

"Hurry up and prepare. I will put all the blame for treason against the Han Dynasty on that traitor Zhen Xiang! At the same time, you must secretly contact the ministers of the Han Kingdom and use a large sum of money to make them speak for the Zhongshan Zhen family. Also, let Zhen Mi..."

When Zhen Yi said this, his voice paused slightly.

"Let her go to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty and persuade him. No matter what, the Zhen Clan of Zhongshan must survive!"

However, although Zhen Yi's calculations were sound, he did not anticipate the unpredictable nature of life.

Just as he was making intensive arrangements, Fei Yi led the Han army and swept in like a winter wind.

The sky of Yecheng was covered with dark clouds, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

The iron hooves of the Han army trampled on the tranquility of the Zhen mansion, and the solidity of the fortress seemed fragile under the attack of the Han army.

When Zhen Yi got the news, it was already too late.

He stood at the highest point of the mansion, looking at the Han army rolling in from afar, feeling confused.

He thought of countless possibilities, but he never expected that the Han army would act so swiftly and decisively.

"Master, run away!" A confidant came running over in a panic.

Zhen Yi shook his head. He knew he couldn't escape.

The fate of Zhongshan Zhen was already sealed. He walked down the stairs slowly, each step seeming particularly heavy.

When he walked out of the mansion, he happened to see Fei Yi leading the Han army soldiers and walking in with big strides.

"Zhen Yi, do you admit your guilt?" Fei Yi's voice was cold and majestic, as if it came from the heavens.

Zhen Yi smiled bitterly and did not answer.

He knew it was too late to say anything.

He looked up at the sky and snowflakes began to fall, as if it was the final funeral for him, Zhongshan Zhen.

So fast!
Ha ha
It seems that Your Majesty not only took into account Sima Yi, but also my Zhongshan Zhen family.

He is truly the emperor of the Han Dynasty, and he is truly black-bellied and cold-hearted.

I, the Zhen family of Zhongshan, regret being the enemy of the emperor! (End of this chapter)