Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator.

#766 - But honey water

"Stop them!"

"Hurry, hurry, no matter what, close the city gate for me!"

Yuan Shu, watching from the city wall, his eyes bloodshot, hysterically roared at those around him.

As the sounds of fighting and wailing gradually rose within the city, everyone began to panic under the rapidly approaching sound of horses' hooves outside the city.

"It's too late, it's too late..."

Yang Hong, his eyes glazed over as he watched the cavalry swiftly approaching outside the city, completely disregarding Yuan Shu's reaction, his face filled with terror as he turned and ran down the city tower, seeking refuge in the residential area.

As one of the few capable generals currently under Yuan Shu's command, Zhang Xun instinctively wanted to obey the order and lead his personal troops to try and retake the city gate.

However, Zhang Xun, experienced in battle, stopped as soon as he took a step, cupping his fist towards Yuan Shu.

"My lord, the situation is beyond saving. It's too late to close the city gate. Once the cavalry outside the city arrives, the city's defenders will be unable to resist. This humble general begs you to temporarily abandon Ruyang and plan for the future."

The madness in Yuan Shu's eyes paused, and a flush of red surged over his pale face as he retorted.

"Abandon Ruyang? Where can I go? In this vast Yu Province, is there still a place for me to find refuge?"

Zhang Xun continued to plead with tears in his voice. "My lord can go to Ji Province. This humble general will risk his life to ensure your safety."

"Go to Ji Province and rely on that son of a concubine?"

Yuan Shu's face was filled with unwillingness, his body swaying slightly, before he squeezed out a single word from between his teeth with difficulty.

"Go."

Immediately, Yuan Shu, escorted by the personal troops led by Zhang Xun, headed straight for the North Gate.

However, the North Gate was also blocked by Yuan Shu's men.

In order to leave Ruyang City as soon as possible, Yuan Shu could only shrink back in a hanging basket in a sorry state, using the basket to lower himself from the city wall to the outside.

After repeating this process more than twenty times, Yuan Shu and the twenty personal guards led by Zhang Xun finally arrived outside the city.

Subsequently, Zhang Xun dared not delay, not even waiting for more personal guards to leave the city via the hanging basket, fearing that the cavalry who had already entered the city would detect their movements and send cavalry from the South Gate to circle around and pursue them.

"Go! My lord!"

Zhang Xun assessed the direction and quickly protected Yuan Shu, heading towards Xihua City to the north of Ruyang City.

Zhang Xun had a manor outside Xihua City, where he kept twenty or thirty warhorses.

As long as they reached that manor, changed horses, and replenished their food, they could quickly escape Yu Province.

However, Zhang Xun overestimated Yuan Shu's physical condition.

When he was young, Yuan Shu could walk twenty or thirty miles without much difficulty.

But over the years, Yuan Shu had lived a life of luxury, indulging in women and wine, and his body had been completely hollowed out without him realizing it.

Having only run less than ten miles with Zhang Xun, Yuan Shu was already panting for breath, his legs as soft as noodles.

"I can't go on, I'm thirsty, honey water, give me honey water..."

Yuan Shu subconsciously gave the order.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xun's face was filled with difficulty.

In this situation, where could Zhang Xun possibly find honey water for Yuan Shu to quench his thirst?

They had even fled in such a hurry that they hadn't even brought waterskins. Not to mention Yuan Shu, even Zhang Xun and the others were desperately thirsty.

Zhang Xun tried his best to appease Yuan Shu, saying.

"Please bear with it for now, my lord. This place is still too close to Ruyang City. We will rest for a moment when we are further away, and this humble general will definitely find honey water for you as soon as possible."

"Have I fallen to this? Not even able to drink honey water?"

Yuan Shu had just sighed when.

Suddenly, a somewhat leisurely zither melody drifted over from the north, with no discernible tune, as if played at random.

Unlike a martial man like Zhang Xun, Yuan Shu understood musical tunes and could discern that the zither melody seemed to be waiting for a distinguished guest to arrive.

This made Yuan Shu's expression change, and then he realized something.

"My lord, there is suddenly zither music outside the city, could it be a sign of something unusual? We should avoid it..."

Before Zhang Xun could finish speaking, Yuan Shu waved his hand to interrupt him, then had Zhang Xun tidy up his clothes.

Although Yuan Shu's clothes were inevitably dirty after a hasty escape, Yuan Shu still tried his best to maintain his last bit of dignity, and said.

"You may all disperse."

Immediately, Yuan Shu strode towards the source of the zither music.

Dozens of breaths later, in a cool, shady spot, Yuan Shu saw the owner of the zither music, Marquis Li Ji, a man of national stature, kneeling with his eyes slightly lowered as he played the zither.

Behind Li Ji, Gu Wei and Xu Chu stood on either side, and three thousand elite troops, including the Tiger Guards, were arrayed to protect him, exuding a chilling aura.

Yuan Shu did not interrupt Li Ji's zither music. Instead, he walked to a futon placed five steps away from Li Ji and sat down, closing his eyes to enjoy the rare music.

A moment later, the zither music slowly subsided.

In its place, cries of misery rang out from behind Yuan Shu.

Yuan Shu turned his head and saw that Zhang Xun had still come looking for him, and was instantly shot to death by a large number of arrows.

For the Tiger Guards, anything that could possibly endanger Li Ji was absolutely not allowed to approach.

The unarmed Yuan Shu could sit safely five steps away, but Zhang Xun and the others died a hundred steps away.

Looking at the bodies of Zhang Xun and the others, a hint of sorrow flashed in Yuan Shu's eyes, and then he returned to normal, clapping his hands in praise.

"I didn't expect Li Zikun to have such exquisite zither skills. This trip was not in vain."

"The zither skills were taught by my wife at home. I'm making a fool of myself in front of Brother Gonglu."

Li Ji explained with a smile, a faint joy flowing between his eyebrows.

Not only was he happy that Yuan Shu had been captured, but he also couldn't help but feel joy when he thought of Zhaoji.

With his father-in-law and wife being among the best zither masters in the world, Li Ji had naturally become proficient in zither skills under their influence.

Immediately, Gu Wei stepped forward to take away the zither, while Li Ji picked up the spring water that had been boiled with charcoal next to him and began to make tea.

Li Ji's movements in making tea were neither hurried nor slow, and Yuan Shu was not anxious either. Instead, he watched Li Ji's seemingly unique movements with appreciation.

There were two teacups on the table. After Li Ji poured them, Gu Wei stepped forward and presented one of them to Yuan Shu.

"Please."

Li Ji raised his hand to gesture.

Yuan Shu was not polite either. After carefully tasting it, he said.

"Not as good as honey water."

Li Ji was not angry either. After carefully tasting the tea, he spoke.

"Brother Gonglu is indeed as unique as ever."

"I wonder if I could ask for a bowl of honey water to quench my thirst?"

Yuan Shu made his request.

"Certainly."

Li Ji nodded, and then had Gu Wei send Yuan Shu another bowl.

Yuan Shu drank it all in one gulp, his face full of comfort, and said with emotion.