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The carriage had just left Luoyang when, not far down the road, dust suddenly rose into the sky, blocking out the sunlight. Then, the sound of drums echoed thunderously, and the sound of horse hooves came rumbling from afar, shaking the ground slightly. Inside the carriage, Han Xian Di's face turned pale upon hearing the noise. He grasped Consort Fu's hand tightly and whispered with a tremor in his voice, "Is it... Li Jue and Guo Si's army pursuing us?"
Consort Fu's face was equally filled with fear as she clutched the side of the carriage, her voice choked with emotion, "Your Majesty... what should we do?"
The accompanying ministers also showed despair, stopping in their tracks and looking around as if awaiting the end of days.
At that moment, a swift horse galloped in from the distance, raising a cloud of dust that shot high into the air. The rider, dressed in official robes and looking travel-worn, headed straight for the carriage. He dismounted and knelt before it, reporting loudly, "Your Majesty, I have been ordered to go to Shandong to convey a decree. Upon hearing it, Cao Jiangjun has mobilized the troops of Shandong! Hearing that Li Jue and Guo Si have invaded Luoyang, Cao Jiangjun has specially appointed Xiahou Dun as the vanguard to lead ten generals and fifty thousand elite troops to protect you!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xian's tense body relaxed instantly as he let out a long breath, tears glistening in his eyes. "Indeed, there are still loyal and righteous men who have not abandoned me!"
***
Before long, a well-organized army emerged from the dust, banners fluttering and armor gleaming in the sunlight. Leading them was Xiahou Dun on a fine steed, holding a spear with an imposing presence. Following closely behind were generals like Xu Chu and Dian Wei, with rows of soldiers arranged neatly, their momentum like a raging torrent.
Xiahou Dun rode up to the carriage and dismounted to kneel before it. His voice was loud and clear: "I am Xiahou Dun, sent by Cao Jiangjun to protect you! Your Majesty has been startled; please forgive us!"
Han Xian Di helped Xiahou Dun up with gratitude in his tone. "Xiahou Junjun has traveled far without hesitation; this is indeed a blessing for the Han. I will remember Cao Jiangjun's loyalty and reward him generously in the future."
Xiahou Dun clasped his hands together and replied, "Your Majesty's well-being is my greatest wish."
Just then, a scout rushed over to report: "General, another large army is approaching from the east!"
Emperor Xian's expression changed slightly as he hurriedly asked, "Are they friend or foe?"
Xiahou Dun cupped his fists in acknowledgment: "I will go investigate!" With that, he mounted his horse and waved his hand to lead several cavalrymen swiftly towards the east.
Soon after, Xiahou Dun returned to report with an easy demeanor: "Your Majesty can rest assured; the troops coming from the east are led by Cao Jiangjun himself and are hurrying to join us!"
Upon hearing this, Han Xian Di felt somewhat reassured. He raised his eyes towards the east and saw a large contingent of infantry marching in formation with banners displaying the character "Cao," fluttering in the wind. He couldn't help but softly say to Consort Fu beside him, "Today, with Cao Cao's assistance, perhaps I can truly revive my empire and bring peace to the world."
As the dawn light gradually brightened, the sound of horse hooves echoed in the distance, and several knights rode swiftly, raising a cloud of dust. The leader dismounted and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "I am Cao Hong, here to pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Following him, Li Dian and Le Jin also entered the tent, bowing in greeting. Cao Hong knelt down steadily and reported, "My elder brother has learned that the Bandit Troops are approaching this area. Concerned that Xiahou Junjun might be isolated and unable to hold out, he has ordered us to travel day and night to provide assistance."
Han Xian Di listened with deep gratitude in his eyes and raised his hand in a gesture of reassurance, saying, "Cao Jiangjun is loyal to the state and is truly a pillar of support; I feel at ease!"
Cao Hong responded with cupped hands, "Protecting Your Majesty is our duty; there is no need for concern."
Soon after, a scout galloped in with an anxious expression, reporting, "Li Jue and Guo Si's troops have advanced rapidly and are now only ten miles away!"
Emperor Xian furrowed his brow and turned to Xiahou Dun, speaking in a serious tone, "General, the enemy is upon us; how shall we respond?"
Xiahou Dun's expression was resolute as he drew his spear and replied passionately, "I am willing to split our forces to meet the enemy and ensure Your Majesty's safety!"
Emperor Xian nodded, saying, "I entrust everything to you, General."
Xiahou Dun then conferred with Cao Hong to divide their troops into two wings. Xiahou Dun would personally lead the left wing while Cao Hong commanded the right wing. The cavalry took the lead with the infantry closely following. The two organized their forces as the soldiers gathered quickly into formation, banners fluttering in the wind and battle cries shaking the heavens.
***
The sound of war drums thundered like rolling thunder through the valley as the two armies faced off in the morning light. The allied forces of Li Jue and Guo Si stretched out like a tide, banners waving and armor reflecting golden light, blocking out the sun. In an instant, shouts erupted and a murderous aura filled the air.
"Forward!" Li Jue shouted angrily, commanding his soldiers to surge forward like a tide, their iron hooves rushing towards the Han Army's position.
Xiahou Dun stood at the forefront, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the enemy forces. He raised his spear high and called out loudly, "Great Han Warriors! Charge with me! Today we will slay these bandits and earn merit for our Emperor!"
Before his words faded away, he had already spurred his horse forward, with cavalry following him like a flood breaking through a dam. The sound of iron hooves thundered as dust flew up; their charge was like a sharp spear aimed directly at the enemy lines.
"Kill!" Xiahou Dun roared, thrusting his spear forward. Before a standard-bearer from the enemy army could react, he was unseated by a single strike. With a sweeping motion, he cut down several more foes, throwing the enemy formation into chaos.
Seeing the left flank under pressure, Guo Si urgently waved his command flag, "Reinforce the left flank! Hold them back!"
At that moment, Cao Hong's right flank troops surged forth like a tiger unleashed, stealthily entering from the side. Armed with a battle knife, Cao Hong galloped forward and cleaved down an enemy commander, blood splattering everywhere. With a cold smirk, he commanded, "Advance! Cut off their retreat!"
Guo Si's forces found themselves besieged from all sides as their formation began to crumble. The soldiers were filled with terror; many discarded their helmets and armor, fleeing in all directions.
***
Meanwhile, the infantry led by Li Dian and Le Jin pressed onto the battlefield. Li Dian wielded his long knife with steady strides; each slash was precise, forcing the enemy soldiers to retreat. Le Jin took the lead with his short spear, sweeping through the enemy ranks like a tempest. He shouted loudly, "Let’s seize Li Jue’s head in one go!"
Li Jue realized the situation was dire and, in a fit of rage, shouted while swinging his sword, "Fight to the death! Anyone who retreats will be executed!" However, his soldiers were already shattered by the overwhelming momentum of Cao's army and had lost their will to fight.
Xiahou Dun seized the opportunity and raised his spear high, shouting, "Pursue! Leave no one behind!" His cavalry descended upon the remnants of the enemy like a pack of wolves, blades clashing amidst screams and the sound of metal ringing through the valley.
***
The battle raged on until noon, leaving the valley strewn with corpses and rivers of blood flowing together. Li Jue and Guo Si's armies suffered heavy losses, with tens of thousands perishing under the blades as scattered remnants fled like soulless beasts.
Xiahou Dun stood at the center of the battlefield, covered in splattered blood. Breathing heavily, he raised his spear and proclaimed loudly, "Victory! Protect the Emperor and restore the glory of Han!"
His voice echoed across the battlefield as exhausted soldiers erupted into cheers that resonated throughout the valley.
Emperor Han Xian personally returned to the imperial palace in Luoyang. Although the palace remained in ruins, he felt a sense of stability within. He expressed deep gratitude to Xiahou Dun and the oth second brother nerals: "You have protected my carriage and achieved great merit; I will not forget this."
Xiahou Dun humbly clasped his hands together and replied, "Serving Your Majesty is our duty."
He then ordered his troops to camp outside Luoyang City, continuing to ensure the safety of the Emperor, while Cao Hong and oth second brother nerals began to reorganize the city's defenses in preparation for the upcoming battles.
The next morning, outside Luoyang, dust rose as a massive army marched forward. Banners fluttered in the wind, and the troops were well-ordered, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. The sound of horse hooves and war drums echoed through the air. Cao Cao personally led this force, stationed at the center, his gaze sharp and his demeanor resolute.
Upon reaching the outskirts of Luoyang City, Cao Cao ordered a halt and commanded his soldiers to set up camp. The encampment was arranged in an orderly fashion, with generals bustling about, each preparing for what lay ahead. Cao Cao changed into formal attire, adjusted his garments, and walked into the city with several trusted generals to pay their respects to the Emperor.
***
As Cao Cao stepped into the dilapidated Luoyang Palace, his brow furrowed slightly as his gaze swept over the collapsed palace walls and the debris scattered across the ground. He sighed inwardly, thinking, "The Han has truly fallen to such a state."
Entering the main hall, Emperor Xian was seated on a simple throne with Consort Fu standing beside him, looking weary. Cao Cao approached and knelt at the steps of the throne, his voice booming, "I am Cao Cao, here to pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Emperor Xian quickly rose and waved his hand slightly, "General Cao, please rise." Though his voice was calm, it betrayed a hint of uncontainable excitement.
Cao Cao stood up with his hands clasped before him in a respectful manner, "I am grateful for the grace of the state and often think of how to repay it. Now that Li Jue and Guo Si are causing chaos and harming the people with their heinous crimes, I am willing to lead an elite force of two hundred thousand to eliminate these traitors and protect our country in return for Your Majesty's great kindness."
Emperor Xian looked at him with gratitude and nodded gently, "General Cao's loyalty is commendable; it brings me comfort. However, as long as the world remains unsettled, everything will be difficult. You must prioritize the state above all else and not become complacent."
Cao Cao lowered his head in response, "I understand! I will do my utmost to eradicate these traitors and restore peace to the realm."
Seeing Cao Cao's declaration, the attending ministers stepped forward to praise him. Emperor Xian looked at them with a hint of satisfaction before personally issuing an edict: "General Cao's loyalty is commendable; he is hereby appointed as Si Li Xiao Wei, granted a special seal and axe, tasked with overseeing state affairs and assisting in governance."
Cao Cao knelt to receive the decree, his tone firm: "I will not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
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