Ji Han Liu Zhang

Changshan County.

Zhang Yan, the leader of the Black Mountain Bandits, climbed to the top of a mountain today and looked down at the mountains and rivers of Changshan. The familiar scene made him feel sad.

The reason for this is that the Black Mountain bandits were repeatedly defeated by Yuan's army. They initially had tens of thousands of elite soldiers and several thousand good cavalry, but now they are in a miserable situation with less than ten thousand defeated soldiers.

In addition, the White Horse General Gongsun Zan, who was an ally, was attacked and killed by Yuan Shao, and burned himself in a high tower in Yi County. Yuan Shao then searched all the counties in Hebei Province, but found no one to help the Black Mountain bandits.

Therefore, Zhang Yan knew that the current situation was a matter of life and death for the Black Mountain Volunteer Army. If they did not retreat to the Taihang Mountains and stayed there for a while, they might be easily destroyed by the Yuan army, which was greatly encouraged after defeating Gongsun Zan.

Perhaps there is another way for the Black Mountain Volunteer Army to take, that is to surrender to Yuan Shao and become Yuan's lackeys. It is a very logical thing to do if they cannot win.

The grudges he had with Yuan Shao came to Zhang Yan's mind, causing him to give up the idea of ​​surrendering to Yuan Shao.

Firstly, Yuan Shao was a descendant of three generations of ministers, and he had a noble status. He had never taken bandits seriously. When the Black Mountain rebels were still powerful, if they surrendered to Yuan Shao at that time, Yuan Shao might have shown condescending behavior to the surrendered Black Mountain Army because of the pressure from the situation.

But now the Black Mountain Volunteer Army has been defeated repeatedly and has less than 10,000 soldiers. Zhang Yan thought to himself that if he surrendered to Yuan Shao at this time, Yuan Shao would either ignore him or simply refuse the surrender of the Black Mountain Volunteer Army and be determined to wipe out the Black Mountain Volunteer Army.

Secondly, ever since Yuan Shao took control of Jizhou, the Black Mountain Volunteer Army allied itself with Gongsun Zan and fought against Yuan's army for several years. The hatred between the two sides was deep-rooted. Now that the Black Mountain Volunteer Army was in poverty and surrendered to Yuan Shao, they would probably not get any good results.

Therefore, for Zhang Yan, he had only one way to go, and this way was the way he often chose when he saw the situation was not good in the past, that is, to escape to the Taihang Mountains, recuperate in the mountains, and wait for the right time.

Of course, "waiting for the right time" is just a polite way of saying it. To put it bluntly, it means living a miserable life, hiding in the underground and waiting for the situation to change, and then surfacing.

"Brother, after years of twists and turns, the Black Mountain Volunteer Army will finally return to the mountains." Taking in the sight of the mountains and rivers of Changshan County, Zhang Yan's expression became somewhat dejected and unwilling.

Zhang Niujiao was Zhang Yan's general in his early years. At that time, Zhang Yan followed Zhang Niujiao to do something to clean up the dark world because the world was in chaos and people were living in poverty.

Later, Zhang Niujiao was unfortunately shot dead by a stray arrow while attacking Yingtao. Before his death, Zhang Niujiao entrusted the rebel army to Zhang Yan and instructed Zhang Yan to strengthen the Black Mountain rebel army.

But after Zhang Yan's struggle for several years, the Black Mountain Volunteer Army not only failed to grow stronger, but became increasingly weak. This made Zhang Yan feel that he had failed to live up to Zhang Niujiao's last words and instructions.

Needless to say, now Zhang Yan and his gang have to fight for survival in the Taihang Mountains, just like when the rebel army was first established, and they are unable to carry out their ambitions and pursue great causes.

After standing on the mountain for a while, Zhang Yan withdrew his gaze from the distance at the mountains and rivers of Changshan County. He looked back at the three small canal commanders, Sun Qing, Wang Dang, and Du Chang, and gave an order: "Let's go, and take refuge in Taihang Mountain first, and then think about it."

"Yes." Sun Qing, Wang Dang, Du Chang and others followed Zhang Yan's instructions and went down the mountain with Zhang Yan, leading the remnants of the Black Mountain Volunteer Army to hide in the Taihang Mountains.

Zhang Yan, who fled to the mountains to avoid Yuan's army, began to think about a way out for the rebel army. Now Yuan Shao's trend of unifying Hebei was unstoppable, and he was powerless to stop it.

At this time, the Black Mountain rebels naturally could not stubbornly fight against Yuan Shao, otherwise the remaining remnants of the rebels would be wiped out. After all, Yuan Shao was no longer someone they could resist, and fighting against Yuan Shao would be like flying into a flame.

"Let's get by for a while and then make other plans." Zhang Yan gave up the idea of ​​fighting against Yuan Shao and decided to recuperate for a while and then make appropriate measures according to the situation.

Time flies like an arrow, and it was the end of September in the third year of Jian'an. On this day, Zhang Yan was meeting Gongsun Xu who came to see him. After taking a look at Gongsun Xu's sad face and thin body, he consoled him: "Young Master, you have become much thinner recently. Although it is understandable because of your father's death, please take care of yourself, otherwise I don't know when you can avenge your father."

Gongsun Xu, who was sent by Gongsun Zan to ask for help from the Black Mountain generals, escaped death because he was not in Yijing. Although the dead were miserable, the living did not feel good either.

Just like Gongsun Xu, because his father died and his mother died, his three clans were wiped out, leaving him the only one left. During this period of time, he has lost his appetite and has not been able to sleep well. He has lost a lot of weight and no longer looks like the elegant young man he used to be.

Hearing Zhang Yan's words of comfort, Gongsun Xu first bowed his hands and thanked him, then he smiled bitterly and said, "My family is in misfortune, leaving me alone. How can I take care of my broken body? As for the matter of avenging my father, I have thought about it recently, but after thinking about it, I have no way to go."

Gongsun Xu then sighed and said, "The four states of Hebei are now all owned by Yuan Shao. Even if there are people who have not submitted to Yuan Shao, they are just minor rioters and will not cause any harm to Yuan Shao. Not to mention that I am alone. It is as difficult as ascending to heaven to kill Yuan Shao."

Zhang Yan's brows were heavy, and he said sternly: "Young Master, your father and I swore to be friends and have worked together for many years. This time, I was unable to save General Gongsun. I deeply regret this. I will certainly do my best to avenge General Gongsun."

"I appreciate your kindness, General." Gongsun Xu shook his head and said, "But Yuan Shao is too powerful, and no hero in the world can resist him. He is not something the righteous army can defeat. I am afraid that we will not be able to take revenge, but will endanger the survival of the righteous army."

"I will take on the responsibility of avenging my father." Although Gongsun Xu's appearance was reduced, the heroic spirit between his eyebrows was stronger than before. He said proudly: "Even if I have to lacquer my body and swallow charcoal, I will avenge my father and not be unworthy of being a son."

When he reached the climax, Gongsun Xu's words became passionate and his tears flowed down his cheeks.

As if he saw the heroic spirit of Gongsun Zan in Gongsun Xu, Zhang Yan's eyes softened. He comforted Gongsun Xu again and said, "Young Master, although Yuan Shao is now extremely powerful, the situation is unpredictable. Who knows whether Yuan Shao will decline and perish in the future?"

"Besides." Zhang Yan gave his opinion on the situation in the world: "At present, there is Liu Zhang in Guanzhong, Cao Cao in Yanzhou, and Liu Biao in Jingzhou. They are all extraordinary people. They each occupy their own territory and have tens of thousands of soldiers. They are not on good terms with Yuan Shao. Sooner or later, a war will inevitably break out. Who knows, Yuan Shao will be defeated by the heroes and die and his clan will be destroyed."

With Zhang Yan's words of comfort, Gongsun Xu's sorrowful expression eased a little. He said hopefully, "If it is as the general said, I will take good care of myself so that I can witness the day when Yuan Shao is defeated and pay tribute to my late father's spirit in heaven."

...The autumn wind of late September whistled away, and the wind blowing through the mountains and forests brought a hint of chill. Zhang Yan wrapped himself in his fur coat, and the feeling from his body told him that winter was approaching.

On this day, the rebel army welcomed a visitor, and Zhang Yan did not dare to be arrogant because of the identity of this visitor. So Zhang Yan led several of his most famous leaders to greet the guest.

When he saw the guest for the first time, Zhang Yan showed a hesitant look in his eyes. He was wondering whether the guest was the envoy sent by Grand Marshal Liu Zhang as reported.

After all, judging from the appearance of the envoy, he did not look like an envoy, let alone someone who could serve as an official.

You know, to be an official nowadays, one needs not only talent but also a dignified appearance. People with strange appearances will find it difficult to stand out, no matter how talented they are.

Here we can see that the envoy is unusually short, only reaching Zhang Yan's waist, and looks even uglier. To say he is ugly is a compliment to the envoy, because from his appearance, one can only see the outline of a human face.

"My name is Zhang Yan. I wonder who you are under the Grand Marshal and what position you hold?" Zhang Yan stepped forward and asked, controlling his temper. Although the other party's appearance made Zhang Yan suspicious, he still had to ask. Otherwise, it would be a pity to miss the opportunity to make friends with the Grand Marshal in Guanzhong.

Zhang Song saw the hesitation in Zhang Yan's eyes, as well as the confusion of the people behind Zhang Yan. He knew that the people opposite him doubted his identity because of his appearance.

Zhang Song, who was used to the strange looks from others, had a face as calm as a deep well, without the slightest ripple. He calmly opened his mouth and saluted, "I am Zhang Song, the military officer under the command of the Grand Marshal, and I am honored to meet you, General."

"It turns out to be Zhang Gongcao." Zhang Yan's expression became enthusiastic. He had heard a little about Zhang Song. When Zhang Song was on diplomatic missions to Jingzhou and Xudu, his name was passed down. At the same time, Zhang Song's appearance and height were also known. After verifying the two, Zhang Yan no longer had any doubts about Zhang Song's identity.

The camp gate was not a place for conversation, so Zhang Yan personally led the way and welcomed Zhang Song into the central military tent of the Black Mountain Volunteer Army. They sat down as host and guest, and Zhang Song was given the first seat on the right to show his respect.

As a man of the grass roots, Zhang Yan did not mince words. He asked directly, "I don't know why Gongcao has come here from afar, but what does the Grand Marshal want to tell you?"

Zhang Song felt a liking for Zhang Yan's straightforward questioning. When he was on diplomatic missions to Jingzhou and Xudu, he used to speak in official language and in a confusing manner. He had to think several times before saying a sentence, which was really tiring.

When facing a green forest hero like Zhang Yan, Zhang Song dropped his official tone and spoke frankly: "The Grand Marshal sent me here to express his regards to the general."

"Just a greeting." Zhang Yan asked. In fact, he had one or two guesses about Zhang Song's purpose. He guessed that Zhang Song came here on behalf of Liu Zhang to make friends with him, so that he could harass Changshan and Hejian counties and become a worry for Yuan Shao.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that after Yuan Shao had defeated Gongsun Zan and had rested for a while, he would definitely attack the other heroes in the universe, either by heading west to Guanzhong or south to Yanyu.

Therefore, Zhang Yan believed that Grand Marshal Liu Zhang sent an envoy to him at this time, most likely to establish contact with him and prepare for the future war with Yuan Shao.

"Yes, I just want to greet you, General." Zhang Song nodded and explained, "My lord has taken over Hedong now. The land is close to Shangdang and Taihang, and is a neighbor of you. Naturally, we need to be on good terms with you."

"Oh." Zhang Yan nodded, and then he suddenly reacted and asked, "Did the Grand Marshal take over Hedong?" During this period of time, he devoted all his attention to rescuing Gongsun Zan. Zhang Yan didn't know much about what was happening in the world. It was also because he had no connections and could only hear rumors.

As Zhang Yan knew about the situation in Hedong before, it was Yuan Shao's nephew who sent troops from Shangdang to attack Hedong and besieged Hedong's prefect Wang Yi in Anyi City, the county seat. He was about to capture Anyi and take over all of Hedong.

After that, Zhang Yan retreated to the Taihang Mountains and was never heard of again. But now, he was a little surprised to hear that Hedong was owned by the Grand Marshal.

After all, this means that Gao Gan was defeated by the Shu army, which means that the Yuan army was driven out of Hedong by the Shu army.

"Indeed, this happened a while ago." Zhang Song nodded affirmatively, his expression giving people an attitude of trust.

Zhang Yan was instantly moved. He smiled and said, "I heard that the Grand Marshal had pacified Guanzhong and killed the two traitors Li Jue and Guo Si. He had made great contributions to the country and I admired him very much...but I never had the chance to send an envoy to congratulate him. Unexpectedly, today, the Grand Marshal sent an envoy to greet me first. I am really ashamed."

Zhang Song smiled when he heard this and said, "There are many troubles in the world and the roads are blocked. In the past, even if you wanted to send an envoy to Guanzhong, it would probably be difficult to get there. Now that I control Hedong, it will be much easier for you to send an envoy."

"That's right, that's right." Zhang Yan said with a smile.

At night, Zhang Yan prepared a banquet to entertain Zhang Song. In order to make the banquet look more decent, he went hunting himself during the day and shot a bear and a doe. He used these two famous game to entertain Zhang Song.

At the banquet, Zhang Yan raised his glass to pay tribute to Zhang Song. After drinking a glass of wine, Zhang Yan said, "Although I am a country boy, I have heard of the great reputation of the Grand Marshal and have admired him for a long time, but I have never had the chance to make friends with him... This time, sir, you are here, and I will bring my thoughts back and tell the Grand Marshal my true intentions."

"I will definitely convey the general's words." Zhang Song also drank a glass of wine and patted his chest to make the promise.

Zhang Yan then went on to say, "Although our army has been unlucky recently and has lost many soldiers, we still have more than 10,000 elite soldiers and more than ten good generals. If the Grand Marshal has any orders, I will do it. It is my honor to work for him."

As the leader of the rebel army, Zhang Yan was at odds with Yuan Shao. When he encountered the hand of friendship extended by Liu Zhang, he made a decision without hesitation. He planned to surrender to Liu Zhang, the Grand Marshal of Guanzhong, and open up a way for the rebel army.

The world is in chaos, and the four seas are in strife. If we cannot surrender to Yuan Shao, we must find another place. (End of this chapter)