Han family achievements

Chapter 533: Your Majesty, are you serious?

In a teahouse not far from the Suzaku Gate, Qiao Mao looked at the brightly lit Suzaku Gate. The deafening shouts of killing were right before his eyes, but his face was extremely gloomy, and the anger in his eyes seemed to be burning.

"Zhang Yang, waste!"

He growled with gnashing teeth, his expression ferocious, as if he was going to choose someone to devour.

Twenty thousand people attacked a small palace, but up to now, the Suzaku Gate remained motionless and Zhang Yang did not advance an inch!

He looked back and saw that his 'Brother Ding' was gone. He couldn't help but feel the rage in his chest grow stronger, as if it was about to explode.

"but,"

Qiao Mao calmed down in an instant, and with a strange, smug smile, he said, "Zhang Yang is just a small chess piece!"

He looked towards the direction of Mengjin, where Cao Cao was heading.

At the Suzaku Sect, Zhang Yang's face looked extremely ugly.

No matter how hard he tried and how hard he attacked day and night, this small Suzaku Gate remained as stable as a rock and there was no sign of it being conquered.

Seeing more and more corpses being brought back, Zhang Yang wished he could join the battle himself.

As the corpses piled up more and more and the sky grew dark, Zhang Yang still had no intention of giving up. The drums beat like thunder, urging the soldiers to continue the attack.

The entire Luoyang city was silent under the martial law of the Yulin Army, except for the torches around the imperial palace that lit up half the sky like dragons, and the deafening shouts of killing that echoed over the sky of Luoyang city.

A lieutenant came up to Zhang Yang's side and whispered, "General, we can't fight anymore."

Without even turning his head, Zhang Yang said in a cold voice: "Take over the palace, and you will be made a marquis and prime minister, with wealth and glory. If you can't take it, you and I will both be traitors, and your entire clan will be killed!"

The captain hesitated and said, "General, too many brothers have been killed, and the others are wavering."

Zhang Yang's face changed slightly, and he turned around to look, only to see several captains behind him avoiding his gaze.

Zhang Yang understood immediately. He suppressed his anger and said with a sullen face, "What do you think?"

These people were the ones who actually held the military power under Zhang Yang. He had spent a lot of effort in using threats and inducements to bring about this rebellion. At this juncture, he naturally could not use threats any more, and the inducements had reached their limit.

The captain looked cautious and whispered, "General, we can't lose too many people here. Otherwise, even if we take the city, we won't be able to negotiate with those people. After all, they are using you as a pawn."

Zhang Yang knew it very well, but he kept silent with gloomy eyes.

The lieutenant observed his expression and said, "General, this palace... whether we take it or not, it may not be of enough benefit to us. But General has 20,000 troops under his command. If we jump out of Luoyang, we can be the king of any land and live freely. Why should we pretend to be subservient to others in Luoyang?"

Zhang Yang was shocked and stunned. He asked, "You, you want me to leave?"

The captain said, "General, Luoyang...is not a good place. We brothers are worried that even if we take the palace, we will still end up with our heads and bodies torn apart. It would be better to stay away from it, like Liu Biao and Yuan Shao, and establish our own place. Wouldn't that be a happy and carefree life?"

Zhang Yang didn't know what to say for a moment.

The Han Dynasty Palace was right before his eyes, but the small Suzaku Gate became an insurmountable barrier for him!
He was only one step away from the tremendous power, wealth and glory he dreamed of. However, this step was extremely difficult. He tried his best but was unable to move even a little bit.

Seeing Zhang Yang silent, the lieutenant felt warm in his heart, his eyes flickered, and he said, "General, I have something to say, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

"You say!" Zhang Yang said in a deep voice. He was now upset and had great doubts and confusion about what to do next.

The captain stepped forward and said in a lower voice: "A considerable number of our brothers in the Yulin Army came from the Imperial Guards."

Zhang Yang seemed to have just remembered this matter, and his expression turned gloomy.

The composition of the Yulin Army is very complex. Most of them are veterans drawn from various places, just like the Imperial Guards, but the Imperial Guards are selected first, and then the Yulin Army is left.

Among the imperial guards, there was constant elimination, and most of those eliminated were transferred to the Yulin Army.

So, in a sense, the Yulin Army and the Imperial Guards are inextricably linked.

The lieutenant said, and then immediately said, "General, the imperial guards have firearms, but they haven't used them yet."

Zhang Yang's expression suddenly changed, and he became more serious than ever before.

"How could I forget this!"

Zhang Yang's breathing became rapid. He turned his head to look at the Suzaku Gate. The Yulin Army was still trying hard to attack the city, but they were unable to make any progress.

The corners of his face twitched repeatedly, and his expression was fierce and violent.

These days, he has been living in fear and unable to think calmly. He has also been threatened again and again by Qiao Mao, especially when Liu Bian died in front of him, which made him completely insane!

At this moment, he finally calmed down.

"be cheated!"

Zhang Yang said with gritted teeth.

The captain didn't know who had tricked him, so he continued, "General, it's not too late to leave now. The imperial reinforcements haven't arrived yet, so this is the best time."

Zhang Yang's expression was uncertain, the corners of his face kept twitching, and he was struggling in pain in his heart.

Ever since the imperial court started to "rectify the administration of officials," he has been facing a dead end. He never expected that, step by step, he would end up like this today!
Is it going forward? Is it going backward?

Zhang Yang was in such a state of confusion that he was unable to make any judgment. He could only pull his collar and fall into deep thought.

However, the Yulin Army slowly withdrew and did not continue the attack.

Dian Wei, who was standing on the top of the city wall, stretched his head and looked at Zhang Yang, who was hiding behind the army in the distance. He was holding a large bow in his hand, and his usually honest face was full of murderous intent.

Before he could draw his bow and arrow, the guards beside him quickly grabbed him and said urgently, "Commander, no!"

Dian Wei stared at him, ignored him, and continued to draw his bow, aiming at Zhang Yang from a distance.

The guard was extremely nervous and said, "Commander, he plotted to murder His Majesty and openly rebelled. He deserves death, but, you can't ruin His Majesty's plan."

After hearing this, Dian Wei snorted angrily, threw the bow that was not yet fully drawn to the ground, and turned around and left.

The guards breathed a sigh of relief and followed him closely.

In the past, when His Majesty was in the palace, Dian Wei was very honest and had nothing to do except routine training. But when His Majesty was not in the palace, no one could control Dian Wei's fierce character.

Under the eaves of the Shangshu Terrace, Xun Yu listened to the shouting and screaming disappearing, and his tense expression relaxed.

If the Yulin Army fails to break through the Suzaku Gate the first time, there won’t be a second time.

The palace is safe for now.

Xun Yu stood under the eaves, his eyes moving slowly from the Suzaku Gate to the east, which was the direction of Hedong and Yanzhou.

Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was a powerful general of his time, with countless military exploits. He fought in the north and south and had an undefeated record in recent years. He successfully eliminated many major threats to the imperial court.

His prestige, his ability and his influence are unique and unparalleled in the Han army.

If he has some plans, then the threat he poses will far exceed that of Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao and the like!
Lu Yu went in and out of the Shangshutai and gradually discovered something.

He found that the prime minister was very different from before. He was still worried, but in a relaxed way. He was not nervous and had not expressed any concern about the rebels' attack for a long time. The palace was also quiet.

Logically speaking, the Queen Mother, the Empress, and many princes should have come running over in fear to inquire, but there was no response.

Not only the Empress Dowager and the Queen, but also the eunuchs and palace maids seemed to have disappeared and had not appeared in the outer court for a long time.

Lu Yu had been with Liu Bian and had been in the palace for many years. He was no longer a young man who had just come out of the office. He suppressed all the doubts in his heart and continued to do his job as usual.

On the other side, in the Grand Sima Mansion, the two brothers Sima Yi and Sima Lang were quietly discussing the current situation.

Sima Lang looked at Sima Yi, who was always slow to react but was called the 'unicorn of the Sima family' by his grandfather, and asked in confusion: "Zhongda, have you noticed that there are too many coincidences in today's events?"

His Majesty was suddenly assassinated, and the Yulin Army subsequently rebelled. The Imperial Guards seemed to be well prepared, and 5,000 people blocked the attack of 20,000 troops, while the palace was silent. Considering all the previous strange things, Sima Lang couldn't help but become suspicious.

Sima Yi's face showed no expression, and he whispered: "Brother, we are just minor officials. There are people who will take care of these major matters. We don't need to worry too much."

Sima Lang vaguely heard something different from Sima Yi's words, and couldn't help but ask, "What did you find?"

Sima Yi was probably worried that Sima Lang might do something bad, so he whispered even more quietly: "I haven't seen the Second Prince all day today."

Sima Lang's eyes suddenly flashed with surprise and suspicion, and he was hesitant to speak.

Second Prince Liu Yu is the devil in the palace. Apart from His Majesty, not even the Queen and Concubine Tang can control him. He plays around all over the palace all day long. When he suddenly disappears, there must be some reason.

But Sima Lang couldn't figure it out, because he actually saw Liu Bian's body. His Majesty's entire life from leaving the palace to being assassinated happened under the eyes of so many people, so it couldn't be faked!
Sima Yi did not say anything more, but said: "The Yulin Army outside is nothing, the big things are still to come, brother, remember, be careful in what you say and do, and do your duty well."

Sima Lang nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly became alert and asked, "Big deal? What big deal?"

Sima Yi refused to say more, just stood up and left.

He was the Palace Master and was only there to deliver documents to the Grand Marshal's Mansion. He could not stay there for long, otherwise it would arouse unnecessary suspicion from some people.

Sima Lang was worried. After Sima Yi walked away, he whispered, "I don't know how my father is doing..."

Sima Fang, as the governor of Xuzhou, was suddenly attacked by Zuo Rong like Zhang Liao. He has now retreated to the border between Xuzhou and Qingzhou. His life or death is unknown, and his situation is unknown.

The palace was surrounded and he had completely lost contact with the outside world.

Outside the imperial palace, as the Yulin Army withdrew its troops and suspended its attack, the Suzaku Gate fell silent.

The Suzaku Gate was quiet, but other places suffered.

The Yulin Army imposed martial law on the city of Luoyang and was now arresting high-ranking officials of the imperial court. They even set up a killing spree and released all those wanted by the Censorate.

Most of these people joined the rebels and, with the Yulin Army, carried out crazy revenge throughout the entire Luoyang city, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of evil.

The looting did not end until dawn. The most important reason was that Zhang Yang hesitated, not knowing whether to continue attacking the palace or retreat as soon as possible.

His hesitation allowed the Yulin Army to loot and made it impossible for them to organize troops to attack the Suzaku Gate.

Inside the palace, Xun Yu personally cooked some porridge in the imperial kitchen and sat in the duty room, eating while reading official documents as usual.

He wasn't surprised to no longer hear the shouts and cries of killing from the Suzaku Gate, but he was not used to seeing fewer things happening and seeing that they were about to be dealt with.

When he read the last book, he suddenly looked up and saw Xu Yan standing outside the door with a smile.

Xun Yu asked, "Is there anything wrong with Concubine Xu?"

Xu Yan smiled slightly and said, "Prime Minister, His Majesty wants to see you."

The last stone in Xun Yu's heart rose and fell. He was silent for a while, straightened his clothes, stood up, and left the Shangshu Terrace with Xu Yan.

I walked into the inner court and into the secret passage. Following the torches on both sides, I galloped on horseback. I don’t know how long it took before I finally arrived at the exit.

As soon as he came out, Xun Yu saw Zhang Liao waiting for him.

Xun Yu immediately understood, and without waiting for Zhang Liao to greet him, he said, "Your Majesty is also playing a big game in Xuzhou."

Zhang Liao remained calm and raised his hand, saying, "Your humble servant greets the Prime Minister."

Xun Yu looked towards the valley in the distance and vaguely saw people gathering. He felt relieved and rode forward, asking, "Is Xuzhou under control?"

Zhang Liao maintained a respectful look and said, "It's a bit unexpected. Zuo Rong's connections with many aristocratic families in Xuzhou were not entirely pre-arranged."

Xun Yu was not worried and asked, "I heard that Yuan Shao has returned with his troops?"

Zhang Liao said, "Yes."

Xun Yu was riding a horse, and when he wanted to ask more questions, he saw the Second Prince Liu Yu riding a horse, chasing some small animal, followed by a group of children, and the sound of laughter filled the field.

Xun Yu felt a little relieved and seemed to have forgotten what he was going to ask. He subconsciously quickened his pace and rushed towards the valley not far away.

The valley looks very ordinary, but when you get closer you will find that it is filled with imperial guards, each wearing brand new armor, standing solemnly, with murderous aura surging silently.

"Guan Yu?"

Xun Yu was startled when he saw Guan Yu galloping out with a group of soldiers not far away.

"Yes." Zhang Liao replied.

Xun Yu seemed to be in a state of shock. As soon as he got off his horse, he saw the Xiongnu Chanyu Yufuluo and the Xiongnu cavalry entering the valley from the other side.

Xun Yu nodded subconsciously.

He remembered that Yu Furuo should have left Luoyang and returned to the desert a few months ago.

It is obvious that Yu Fuluo is also a surprise attack force secretly ambushed by Your Majesty.

"Xunqing, you haven't eaten yet? Come, let's eat some together." As soon as he walked into the valley, Xun Yu heard a very familiar voice.

Xun Yu looked up and saw Liu Bian cutting a roasted lamb by the fire not far away, while shouting to Xun Yu.

The small stone in Xun Yu's heart fell to the ground with a bang.

Xun Yu came closer, raised his hand silently, sat down silently, and then bowed his head silently.

Liu Bian handed the small bowl of cut meat to Xun Yu and said with a smile: "Qing Jia, come and have some, it's freshly roasted."

Xun Yu did not answer, but just raised his head and looked at Liu Bian calmly.

Liu Bian and Xun Yu had been together for quite some time. Seeing that he responded to their "reunion" in such a silent and stubborn way, Liu Bian forced the bowl into his hand and said, "I did not instigate the Tian Feng incident. I did not instigate the rebellion of Zuo Rong. The assassination attempt was true. The Yulin Army had long been rebellious, and it was also me. Qiao Mao had linked up with too many people and acted too arrogantly and too blatantly, treating me as a blind and deaf person. I was just following the trend."

Xun Yu ignored Liu Bian's "sophistry" and said, "Your Majesty, you are too radical, too hasty, and too arbitrary."

Although there were many cautious people among the court officials, Xun Yu was probably the most cautious one. He said "too much" three times in a row in front of Liu Bian, fully expressing his dissatisfaction with Liu Bian's action.

Liu Bian picked up the bowl with a smile and said, "I know, I know. So, I promise you that in the next five years, I will cultivate myself and not make any big moves. I will leave all the government affairs to your family. If there is anything, I must get your family's consent."

"Your Majesty, are you serious?" Xun Yu stared at Liu Bian with a stubborn and determined expression.

(End of this chapter)