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As night fell, the large tent of Zhu Jun was brightly lit, illuminating the interior and exterior as if it were daytime. Inside, Zhu Jun sat at a table with a map spread out before him, surrounded by several generals standing solemnly, the atmosphere tense. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were also present nearby, their armor still on, stained with blood and dust from the battlefield.
"The siege of Yang City has dragged on for too long, and Zhang Bao is a stubborn bandit. If we do not resolve this quickly, we may face unforeseen troubles," Zhu Jun said, his gaze fixed on the map as he lightly tapped his finger on the markings around Yang City, his brow furrowed.
At that moment, a scout hurried into the tent and knelt on one knee, reporting, "General, I have confirmed news regarding Huangfu Song."
Zhu Jun looked up, his eyes brightening slightly as he urged, "Speak quickly!"
The scout clasped his hands and replied, "General Huangfu has achieved a great victory at Quyang. The court, having suffered repeated defeats under Dong Zhuo, has ordered General Huangfu to take command of the troops. By the time he arrived at Quyang, the bandit leader Zhang Jiao had already died from illness. Zhang Liang took over his forces and engaged General Huangfu in battle around Quyang. General Huangfu won seven consecutive battles and ultimately beheaded Zhang Liang on the battlefield. The Bandit Army was routed, with most surrendering. General Huangfu then opened Zhang Jiao's coffin, desecrated his corpse, and sent his head to Luoyang to demonstrate national might."
Hearing this news, everyone in the tent showed expressions of joy. Zhu Jun remained composed and signaled for the scout to continue.
The scout continued, "General Huangfu's victory has earned him commendation from the court; he has been promoted to General of Cavalry and appointed as Governor of Ji Province. He also reported that Lu Zhi was innocent of wrongdoing; the court has reinstated him to his original position. As for Cao Cao, due to his contributions in battle alongside General Huangfu, he has been appointed as the Prefect of Jinan and will soon return to take up his post."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Jun set down his brush, leaned back in his chair, and let out a slow breath while nodding slightly. "In that case, the chaos in Quyang has been quelled. With General Huangfu clearing the northern thieves, now is indeed our best opportunity to launch a full assault on Yang City."
Liu Bei stepped forward and clasped his fists. "What you say is true. Zhang Bao has lost his reinforcements; Yang City is isolated and vulnerable. If we intensify our attack now, we can secure victory in one decisive battle."
Guan Yu nodded slightly and added in a deep voice, "With Black Magic broken, the Yellow Turban Army can no longer shake our morale with tricks. If we can strike swiftly now, breaching the city will be within reach."
Zhang Fei laughed heartily and slammed his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear onto the ground. "General, why not let me lead a team to attack first? That little thief Zhang Bao is nothing but a paper tiger; watch how I make him panic!"
Zhu Jun pondered for a moment before standing up and moving to point out several locations on the map. "Zhang Bao has long been besieged at Yang City; his soldiers' morale must be low. Now that our forces are surrounding them from all sides, we just need to apply more pressure. Mr. Xuan De, you will remain as vanguard and hold down the eastern gate; Yun Chung will attack from the west while Yi De strikes from the south. I will personally lead our main force to press from the north gate—coordinating our efforts to ensure we capture it in one fell swoop."
Just then, another scout rushed into the tent and knelt down breathlessly to report, "General! There is a change within Yang City!"
Zhu Jun's expression sharpened as he urged urgently, "Speak clearly!"
The scout wiped sweat from his brow and lowered his voice. "Yan Zheng under Zhang Bao is discontented and has secretly made contact with our forces. He claims that Zhang Bao's stubborn resistance holds no chance of success but refuses to negotiate for peace, causing unrest among the troops within the city. Yan Zheng has indicated that if we strengthen our offensive, he can take advantage of the chaos to assassinate Zhang Bao and surrender the city!"
At this revelation, everyone in the tent looked astonished. Liu Bei's gaze shifted thoughtfully as he said solemnly, "If this plan succeeds, Yang City could fall without a fight. However, we must consider whether Yan Zheng's words can be trusted."
Guan Yu, upon hearing this, calmly asked the scout, "Did Yan Zheng specify why he suddenly rebelled against Zhang Bao?"
The scout cupped his hands in salute and replied, "Yan Zheng secretly conveyed that Zhang Bao used Black Magic to break the morale of the troops, leading to repeated defeats, exhausted soldiers, and a shortage of supplies. He believes that Zhang Bao is stubborn and lacks strategy; continuing to resist will only lead to the city's destruction, so he intends to seek another way out."
Zhang Fei burst into laughter, slapping his knee as he said, "With an internal traitor helping us, why delay any further? Let’s storm the city tomorrow; with our inside and outside forces working together, it will be a swift victory!"
However, Zhu Jun raised his hand to stop him, his gaze carrying a hint of coldness. "We must not be too trusting. If Yan Zheng has ulterior motives and we rashly attack, we could fall into an ambush and suffer heavy losses."
Liu Bei nodded in agreement. "General's caution is indeed wise. It would be better to send trusted spies to confirm Yan Zheng's intentions. If he is truly an insider, we can make a quick decision."
Zhu Jun pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "Xuan De makes a valid point. Command the scouts to enter Yang City again and verify the internal situation. Also, put the entire army on alert and prepare for a siege at any moment."
As night deepened like ink, the winds howled through Yang City, dim lights flickered, and the streets lay silent. Yet within Zhang Bao's camp, chaos reigned. Inside the tent, Zhang Bao's face was pale, his left arm wrapped in blood-soaked cloth, his eyes filled with panic and unwillingness. His personal guards knelt on the ground, trembling as they reported, "General, Zhu Jun's forces have surrounded the city from all sides. The morale of our soldiers is low, and our supplies are nearly exhausted... I'm afraid... I'm afraid we cannot hold the city much longer."
Zhang Bao slammed his hand on the table in fury and shouted, "Foolish! With Tian Gong's protection, what do I have to fear from these Imperial Army? We just need to set up our formation again; we will surely crush the enemy!"
"General!" At that moment, Yan Zheng strode into the tent with a cold gaze but spoke with a hint of suppressed urgency. "The enemy has besieged us for too long; morale within the city is crumbling. If we do not make a decision soon, not only will we lose the city but your life will also be in danger!"
Zhang Bao struck his sword with a fierce glare. "Yan Zheng! Are you doubting my abilities?"
Yan Zheng sneered coldly, his expression frosty. "I do not doubt your destiny as a general; I only question whether those deserters will open the gates to welcome the enemy first!"
Hearing this made Zhang Bao furious; just as he was about to explode in anger, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. Looking down in shock, he saw a dagger deeply embedded in his heart. Zhang Bao's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Yan Zheng. "You... you dare betray me..."
"Betray?" Yan Zheng gritted his teeth and said softly, "Zhang Bao, you are obstinate and dragging down all the citizens of this city. You refuse to surrender; do not blame me for sending you on your way!" He withdrew the dagger and pushed Zhang Bao down to the ground. After struggling for a moment, Zhang Bao finally lay still.
Yan Zheng swiftly removed Zhang Bao's helmet and turned to command his confidant: "Quickly take this item to the city gates and open them wide to welcome the Imperial Army into the city!" The confidant clasped his fists in acknowledgment and hurried away.
As dawn broke faintly on the horizon, Zhu Jun's army was already prepared for action. Suddenly, a scout galloped back with news: "General! The gates of Yang City have been opened! Yan Zheng has beheaded Zhang Bao and is bringing his head to surrender!"
Zhu Jun was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately ordered the entire army to enter the city, incorporating the defectors and stabilizing the situation. Liu Bei stood alongside Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as they watched Zhu Jun lead his soldiers in receiving Zhang Bao's head. Liu Bei's gaze was deep as he quietly said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "With the Yellow Turbans causing such chaos, there will eventually be an end to it. But peace across the land cannot be achieved overnight." Guan Yu nodded gently while Zhang Fei hefted his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear with a long sigh: "Let any disorderly troops come; we shall fight them!"
After the fall of Yang City, as the flames of war began to subside, the city lay in ruins. Among the shattered houses, the common people huddled in corners, still in shock. The remnants of the Yellow Turbans, either dead or surrendering, were being rounded up by soldiers who were clearing the battlefield. Zhu Jun stood atop the city gate, looking down at the ravaged city below, feeling no joy in victory, only a heavy sense of pressure. He turned to Liu Bei beside him and said, "Mr. Xuan De, though Yang City has fallen, the world is still not at peace; the chaos is far from over."
Liu Bei slightly cupped his hands and replied with a deep gaze, "What you say is true, General. Although the Yellow Turban Rebellion seems to be waning, the hearts of the people are scattered, and remnants still thrive. With even a slight misstep, sparks could ignite a fire across the land once more."
As his words fell, a messenger rushed in, kneeling on one knee with a look of panic on his face. "General, bad news! The Yellow Turban remnants Zhao Hong, Han Zhong, and Sun Zhong have gathered tens of thousands and are burning and looting along their path, claiming vengeance for Zhang Jiao. They have now taken Wan Cheng!"
Zhu Jun's expression changed dramatically at this news as he slammed his hand on the table. "Indeed, the chaos is not over! These bandits dare to be so audacious!" He sprang to his feet and turned to Liu Bei. "Mr. Xuan De, if these thieves return with such force and we do not act swiftly to quell them, countless lives will be lost."
Guan Yu stepped forward and said coldly, "General, since there are orders, we must set out immediately and not give the bandits any chance to breathe."
Zhang Fei tightened his grip on his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear and smiled with excitement. "Perfect! I am most skilled at dealing with these remnants! General, just give the word, and I will go to Wan Cheng to take their heads!"
Zhu Jun nodded coldly, his gaze fierce. "Good! Relay my military orders; command the entire army to pack up immediately and take advantage of the Yellow Turbans' unsteady footing to completely eradicate them!" He paused for a moment before adding solemnly, "Mr. Xuan De, you will lead the charge in the battle for Wan Cheng. Han Zhong is notoriously fierce and leads the main force of the Bandit Army; are you willing to face him?"
Liu Bei clasped his fists in response. "Xuan De accepts this command and will not fail your trust." He turned to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and said, "Yun Chung and Yi De, this battle is crucial; the Bandit Army will fight desperately. We three must respond with caution and never underestimate them."
Guan Yu's gaze was steady as he nodded calmly. "Brother need not worry; Yun Chung will certainly fulfill his mission."
Zhang Fei laughed heartily and declared confidently, "If it’s Han Zhong, leave him to me! These so-called fierce generals won’t last even ten exchanges against me, Zhang Fei!"
Zhu Jun waved his hand to signal for the soldiers to prepare their troops. In less than half a day, Zhu Jun's army was fully equipped and ready to march southward toward Wan Cheng under banners that obscured the sun.
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