Free Web NovelChapter 256: Mi Zhu Meets Kong Rong
"From today onwards, you will resume command of the Xiliang army!"
Long Chen said steadily, his eyes shining brightly.
The surrendered Xiliang army consisted of a hundred thousand soldiers, including ten thousand elite third-tier Xiliang cavalry.
This was an astonishing number, symbolizing a terrifying force capable of destroying everything.
However, before Zhang Ji’s surrender, these soldiers could not be utilized. Now, things were different.
With their commander Zhang Ji leading the way in surrendering, the soldiers would naturally follow suit.
Additionally, Long Chen issued two military orders.
First, he reported to the Emperor to grant Zhang Ji the rank of a third-tier official and appoint him as General of Anxi, commanding the Xiliang army (temporarily, to stabilize the army’s morale).
Second, he issued an amnesty for Liangzhou. Previously, the people of Liangzhou were willing to follow Li Jue and Guo Si in rebellion because Jia Xu had spread rumors that the court was about to massacre the people of Liangzhou.
Now, the Emperor of Han would issue a grand decree to pacify the hearts of the people of Liangzhou, allowing the Xiliang army to be utilized.
With these orders, the morale of the Xiliang army turned towards Long Chen, and even most of Liangzhou started to align with the Han Dynasty.
"By the way, I value your nephew Zhang Xiu greatly. You... know what to do, right?"
Long Chen raised his hand and said lightly.
"This humble servant understands." Zhang Ji clasped his fists and said, "It is his fortune to be valued by my lord!"
Long Chen nodded and then left.
As soon as he exited the prison, he encountered Xu Rong, dressed in copper-yellow armor, coming towards him.
Xu Rong’s hairstyle was typical of the Xiliang people, with long hair draped over his shoulders, giving him a slightly wild and untamed look.
A fiery red cape fluttered in the wind, exuding a sense of heroism.
"This humble servant greets the Marquis!"
Long Chen, being the Champion Marquis, was indeed worthy of this title.
Seeing Xu Rong, Long Chen’s calm heart couldn’t help but stir.
Xu Rong was a general with the talent of a commander, capable of independent action.
If he could recruit Xu Rong, it would be greatly beneficial for his future endeavors.
Immediately, Long Chen invited Xu Rong to a dinner.
During the banquet, Long Chen expressed his intention to recruit him. Xu Rong didn’t take long to agree.
Kneeling on the ground, he clasped his fists solemnly and said:
"This humble servant Xu Rong greets my lord!"
Previously, Xu Rong had already pledged allegiance to Wang Yun, who was Long Chen’s father-in-law. Therefore, his allegiance to Long Chen was justifiable.
Moreover, as the saying goes, "A wise bird chooses the tree to perch on." Long Chen was now a first-tier official, with elite soldiers and fierce generals under his command, comparable to Yuan Shao of Jizhou.
Not to mention, the Emperor of Han, Liu Xie, was now in Long Chen’s hands. Controlling the court meant holding righteousness.
With such favorable conditions, not joining early would be foolish!
"Ding! Xu Rong’s favorability towards you is 80," the system prompt startled Long Chen.
He hadn’t expected his charm to be so strong, making Xu Rong so loyal after only a few meetings, with such a high initial favorability.
Long Chen didn’t know that during Xu Rong’s pursuit of Cao Cao, being blocked by Zhao Yun had already made him wary and respectful of Long Chen’s strategic talents.
Now, becoming Long Chen’s subordinate was a blessing.
"System, check Xu Rong’s attribute panel!"
"Ding! Checking Xu Rong’s attribute panel..."
【Name】: Xu Rong
【Rank】: Four-star famous general
【Level】: 95 (max 100)
【Strength】: 86 (max 87)
【Strategy】: 80 (max 83)
【Stamina】: 87 (max 89)
【Charisma】: 21
【Equipment】: Jade Fragment Sword (purple-grade) (physical attack +35, critical rate +3%...)
【Skills】:
Sturdy Shield Formation (S-level)
During preparation, supports all allied troops, blocking ordinary attacks, and reduces damage taken by 50% for half an hour.
Transference (SS-level)
Removes harmful effects, increases defense attributes by 50%, and supports all allied troops (limited in number), blocking ordinary attacks for twenty minutes.
【Techniques】:
《Kui Ox Technique》 (SS-level) freewёbnoνel.com
During battle, can transform into a Kui Ox phantom, with formidable defense and an astonishing physique.
【Talent】:
Body of Kui Ox (Purple)
Possesses the robust physique of the Kui Ox from ancient mythology, and during sieges, the combat effectiveness of the troops increases by 30% for a short time.
...
Unexpectedly, Xu Rong turned out to be a treasure of a general, especially in siege warfare, where he could boost the attributes of his soldiers by 30%, which was a significant increase.
Although it was only for a short time, it was very crucial.
In addition, Xu Rong can add an extra layer of protection to the army, greatly reducing the casualty rate in battles.
In summary, Xu Rong is very strong! Especially in the entire army, although his one-on-one combat skills are lacking, in terms of practicality, he is one of the best among the four-star generals.
This means an extra buff for all soldiers.
In this case, Xu Rong can be included in the plan.
Long Chen felt a sense of awe and, after giving Xu Rong some instructions, left.
Xu Rong was originally a general in the Xiliang army, and now he has been transferred by Long Chen to the Xiliang army to serve as a general, commanding 30,000 troops.
A few days later,
Long Chen’s army grandly marched out of Chang’an city, looking like a long dragon from a bird’s-eye view.
Along the way, the Yellow Turban bandits scattered like locusts upon hearing the news, and the bandits and rebel troops were even more terrified, hiding in deep mountains and forests, not daring to show their faces.
The title of Champion Marquis spread throughout the world, and they were just small fry, unable to withstand the divine might of the Heavenly Dynasty.
......
......
Now, Beihai Commandery’s governor, Kong Rong, courtesy name Wenju, was a native of Qufu in the State of Lu, a 20th-generation descendant of Confucius, and the son of Kong Zhou, the Commandant of Mount Tai.
This child was intelligent and clever since childhood, and the story of Kong Rong letting his brothers have the pears is still widely known today.
Kong Rong later became a Zhonglang General, and through accumulated merits and promotions, he rose to the position of Beihai Governor.
He loved entertaining guests all his life and often said, "My wish is that the seats are always full of guests and the wine cups are never empty."
During his six years of governance in Beihai Commandery, he won the hearts of the people.
That day,
He was sitting with guests in the hall.
Suddenly, someone reported that an envoy from Xuzhou had arrived, it was Mi Zhu.
Kong Rong, hearing this, invited him in and asked the purpose of his visit.
