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墨書 Inktalez
As Kong Rong was discussing matters with his guests in the mansion, a gatekeeper suddenly entered to report, "Mr. Mi Zhu from Xuzhou has come to seek an audience!" Startled, Kong Rong quickly rose and instructed, "Please invite him in at once!"
Mi Zhu hurried into the hall, his expression anxious. After bowing respectfully, he spoke directly, "Lord Rong, Xuzhou is in grave danger! Cao Cao has surrounded the city with a large army, and Tao Gong is isolated and helpless. He has specifically sent me to request assistance, hoping you will show mercy to the people of Xuzhou!"
Having said this, he produced a letter penned by Tao Qian and handed it over. Kong Rong took the letter, unfolded it, and read it carefully, his brow gradually furrowing. He set the letter down with a long sigh and said, "I have always had a close relationship with Tao Gong. Now that he is in trouble, how can I stand by idly? Mi Zhu has come personally; our bond is deep. I must find a way to help."
Upon hearing this, Mi Zhu quickly replied, "Thank you for your righteousness, Lord Rong! However, Cao Cao's military might is formidable. I hope you can mobilize troops immediately; otherwise, the people of Xuzhou may face slaughter!"
Kong Rong shook his head and pondered aloud, "Cao Mengde and I have no grievances against each other. If we can resolve this peacefully, wouldn't that be better? I will first send someone with a letter proposing peace. If Cao Cao refuses, then I will raise troops to assist."
Mi Zhu's brow furrowed tightly as he spoke urgently, "Lord Rong, Cao Cao is known for his fierce temperament and relies on his military power. How could he possibly retreat due to a mere letter? If we delay too long, Xuzhou will be in peril!"
After contemplating for a moment, Kong Rong turned to those around him and commanded, "Send orders down to prepare the troops and get ready for deployment; at the same time, dispatch someone to deliver the letter to Cao Cao's camp in an attempt to negotiate peace." Just as he finished speaking, an urgent report came from outside: "Urgent news from the north gate! Guan Hai of the Yellow Turban Bandits leads tens of thousands of bandits straight toward the city!"
Kong Rong was taken aback and hurriedly stood up. "Quickly prepare the warhorses!" He turned to Mi Zhu with an apologetic expression. "Mi Zhu, urgent matters have arisen; we may need to postpone our discussion about Xuzhou for now!"
Feeling frustrated yet unable to voice it further, Mi Zhu could only silently step aside.
Kong Rong swiftly organized his troops and rode out of the city. In the distance, he saw Guan Hai leading a throng of bandits approaching with great momentum. Guan Hai rode a tall horse and brandished a long knife as he shouted loudly from the front lines: "Kong Rong! I know Beihai has ample grain supplies. Today I come here to borrow ten thousand stones of grain; if you refuse, I will break down your city and spare no one—young or old!"
Furious at these words, Kong Rong spurred his horse forward and replied sternly, "I am a minister of the Han Dynasty and protector of its territory; how could I assist traitors? If you want grain, you must tread over my dead body first!"
Enraged by this defiance, Guan Hai shouted angrily and charged forward on horseback, swinging his knife directly at Kong Rong. As both sides prepared for battle, General Zong Bao galloped out from behind Kong Rong with his spear raised to meet Guan Hai.
The two horses collided as their weapons clashed together with sparks flying. Zong Bao fought fiercely but Guan Hai was strong as a tiger. After several strikes, he found an opening; his long knife flashed as it sliced toward Zong Bao's chest. With a cry of despair, Zong Bao fell from his horse, blood staining the battlefield.
Seeing their commander slain, Kong Rong's troops fell into disarray and began to retreat into the city for defense. Observing this chaos, Guan Hai waved his hand to order his men to surround the city on all sides and cut off any means of entry or exit. Kong Rong leaned against the city wall gazing at the densely packed enemy forces outside with a dark expression filled with frustration. Mi Zhu stood beside him, clenching his fists with a worried look but feeling powerless.
The next morning at dawn, Kong Rong stood atop Beihai's city wall with a grave expression. Looking down at the camp outside, he saw that the Yellow Turban Rebels' tents were like an ocean; flags fluttered in the wind amidst an atmosphere thick with hostility. The forces surrounding the city seemed even more formidable than they had been the day before.
He gripped the railing tightly with both hands and murmured to himself, "If there are no reinforcements soon, Beihai may not be able to hold out!"
As he was lost in worry, suddenly a cloud of dust rose in the distance. A figure riding a fine steed, wielding a long spear, burst forth from the Thief Formation outside the city like a gust of wind. He thrust and slashed, charging left and right, leaving a trail of fallen Thieves in his wake, with none able to withstand his might. Kong Rong stared intently at this unexpected stranger, astonished, "Who is this person? How dare he venture out alone into such danger?"
The man wielded his spear, cutting through the Thief Formation and heading straight for the city gates. Upon reaching the gates, he reined in his horse and shouted to the heavens, "Open the city gates!"
Kong Rong frowned and turned to his aides, "This person’s origins are unknown; do not open the gates lightly. Let us observe his actions first."
The soldiers atop the city gates hesitated to act as the Bandit Army outside had already noticed this man breaking through and was rushing to pursue him. Seeing the Bandit Troops closing in, he suddenly turned around, sweeping his spear to strike at the enemy's vanguard. Several Bandit Troops fell from their horses with a thud. His spear moved like a tempest, striking down more than ten foes, blood splattering everywhere. The remaining bandits were so frightened by the sight that they dared not advance.
Kong Rong marveled at his bravery and immediately ordered, "Quickly open the city gates and welcome him in!"
The gates thundered open, and the man galloped into the city. As soon as he entered, he dismounted gracefully, tossed aside his spear, and calmly ascended the city tower. He clasped his hands in salute towards Kong Rong and spoke loudly, "Governor, I am Tai Shici from Huang County here to serve!"
Kong Rong was taken aback and felt a surge of joy in his heart. "Tai Shici! I have long heard of your reputation; seeing you today truly confirms your extraordinary prowess!"
Tai Shici cupped his fist respectfully and replied, "My mother has often received your kindness, Governor, being aided with grain and silk multiple times. She often speaks of your virtue. Hearing of the Bandits besieging the city, my mother sent me here urgently to assist you; thus I took this risk."
Kong Rong was deeply moved as he grasped Tai Shici's hand and praised him repeatedly, "Ziyi is indeed a man of Loyalty and Righteousness! With your assistance today, both soldiers and civilians within the city can rest assured!" He turned to his aides and commanded, "Quickly prepare a feast to welcome Ziyi!"
Then he turned back to Tai Shici with an expression of anticipation. "Ziyi, the Bandit Troops are numerous; how shall we drive them back? Do you have any good strategies?"
Tai Shici smiled slightly, determination shining in his eyes. "Governor, do not worry; I will not fail your expectations."
Inside the city, Kong Rong treated Tai Shici as an honored guest at a banquet and personally gifted him a set of fine armor and a splendid horse. Clad in new armor with an iron spear in hand, Tai Shici looked spirited but spoke resolutely: "Governor, I wish to borrow one thousand Elite Troops to charge out of the city and disrupt the enemy soldiers' morale!"
Kong Rong furrowed his brow and shook his head. "Ziyi's bravery I trust completely; however, Guan Hai's forces are vast—tens of thousands surround the city. To strike out recklessly could lead to unforeseen consequences."
Tai Shici clasped his fists again with unwavering resolve. "My mother appreciates your kindness greatly; she specifically sent me here to relieve you from this siege. If I cannot help you drive back the enemy, I would feel unworthy of my mother's command and unable to face her again. This matter is my determination; I ask for your support!"
Kong Rong pondered for a moment before sighing. "Ziyi possesses a heart full of Loyalty and Righteousness; I cannot go against your wishes. However, given the current overwhelming strength of the bandits, even your valor may not be enough to defeat them all at once. If only we could enlist Liu Bei Xuan De's help; this siege would surely be lifted. Alas, it is difficult to find someone who can venture out to make contact."
Tai Shici's eyes brightened, and he immediately replied, "Governor, please write a letter requesting that the kind-hearted one personally leave the city and hurry to Liu Xuande for assistance."
Upon hearing this, Kong Rong's face lit up with joy. "Ziyi is indeed both wise and brave! In this way, the soldiers and civilians in the city may still have a glimmer of hope." He promptly ordered a letter to be written, sealed it with his stamp, and personally handed it to Tai Shici.
Taking the letter, Tai Shici adjusted his armor, secured his belt and quiver, and grasped his iron spear, ready for action. He bowed respectfully to Kong Rong and said in a firm tone, "Governor, please rest assured; I will not fail my mission."
The city gates thunderously swung open, and Tai Shici rode out at the forefront, galloping swiftly. Outside the city, the great river wound its way through the landscape. On the opposite bank, Guan Hai's subordinates had already been alerted and immediately led their Bandit Troops to intercept him. Unfazed, Tai Shici hurled his spear forward, striking down several of the enemy's vanguard. The Bandit Army fell into chaos as Tai Shici seized the opportunity to charge forward, breaking through the first line of defense in no time.
However, Guan Hai had anticipated that someone would leave the city for help. Upon receiving word, he quickly led hundreds of cavalry at full speed to confront Tai Shici. The Bandit Troops surrounded him completely, weapons drawn like a forest, their shouts echoing through the air.
Tai Shici reined in his horse and halted, his expression calm as he surveyed his surroundings. With a slight smile, he drew a sturdy bow from behind him, nocked an arrow, and said nonchalantly, "I wonder who today can stand in my way?"
Guan Hai bellowed in anger, "Capture this man! He must not escape!"
Before his words could fade away, Tai Shici released his grip; the arrow flew like a shooting star and struck one of the bandit leaders in the throat. As the surrounding Bandit Troops gasped in shock, Tai Shici nocked a second arrow and aimed at another bandit chief. He shot again and again; under a flurry of arrows, no fewer than ten fell to the ground.
The encircling Bandit Army began to waver in fear and dared not approach any closer. Seizing the chance, Tai Shici urged his horse into a swift gallop. Seeing that the situation was turning against him, Guan Hai was furious and shouted while swinging his sword, "Chase! After him!"
Yet Tai Shici's steed moved like the wind. With one hand gripping the reins tightly and the other loosing arrows in all directions, he responded to every threat with deadly accuracy. The pursuing soldiers were struck down one by one; panic spread among them as they retreated in terror.
Moments later, Tai Shici's figure vanished into the vast night. The Bandit Army could only stop in frustration and reluctantly withdraw. He raced onward with a singular thought: to reach Liu Bei as quickly as possible and bring hope to Beihai.
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