Lord in the Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 260: Heartfelt

The vast earth saw a lone rider galloping, the speed of the steed so great that a dazzling purple glow emanated halfway through the journey.

The Ice Dragon King gazed into the distance at the rapidly approaching horse, a glint of cold light in its eyes.

Long Chen gently patted the Ice Dragon King’s neck and looked up at the gradually nearing rider.

When the rider was about fifty meters away, he dismounted and walked towards Long Chen, clasping his hands in greeting:

"I am Tai Shi Ci from the East, here to pay my respects to General Long!"

Tai Shi Ci from the East?!

This was a very powerful general; Long Chen’s heart trembled.

He hurriedly returned the greeting courteously:

"So, it is Tai Shi Ci from the East. I recognize you and know you are a hero. Today, seeing you, your reputation is indeed well-deserved."

Although Tai Shi Ci was pleased, he did not show it, merely cupping his fists in gratitude.

After the greeting, Tai Shi Ci explained in detail about Beihai County’s siege and the request for assistance from Kong Rong.

He requested Long Chen to lead his army north to Beihai to resolve the crisis there.

At the same time, he presented a letter.

After reading it, Long Chen’s sword-like eyebrows slightly relaxed.

This Kong Rong had old ties with him; helping him now was indeed possible.

Moreover, this act would spread his righteousness throughout the world, gaining him great fame. After all, Kong Rong was a descendant of the ancient sage Confucius, revered by the gentry of the entire land.

Saving Kong Rong would also leave a good impression on the gentry.

Thus, rescuing Kong Rong was a must, but resolving the crisis in Xuzhou was even more urgent.

Because resolving the crisis in Xuzhou also meant laying the foundation for future control of Xuzhou.

Firstly, it would gain the support of the people of Xuzhou. In this moment of disaster, if Long Chen could step forward to save Xuzhou, the people would see him as a savior.

Just like Liu Bei in the Three Kingdoms, who won the hearts of the people of Xuzhou by resolving its crisis and was even offered Xuzhou three times by Tao Qian.

If Long Chen did the same, he could achieve similar results.

Moreover, the effect would be even better because he had the Han Emperor, Liu Xie, in his hands.

With just an imperial edict, Long Chen could be appointed as the governor of Xuzhou. With the people’s hearts won over, Xuzhou could be used by him in the shortest time.

Thinking of this, a glint of determination flashed in Long Chen’s eyes. These were matters for the future; for now, what interested him the most was the person before him—Tai Shi Ci from the East.

Historical annotation of Tai Shi Ci: (Later went to Jiangdong, became a subordinate of Liu Yao, and was later recruited by Sun Ce. From then on, Tai Shi Ci served as a general for the Sun family, helping them sweep across Jiangdong. Skilled in archery and horseback riding, he died in the Battle of Hefei.)

Long Chen then fixed his blazing gaze on Tai Shi Ci’s resolute and handsome face.

He asked, "You, originally from the East, why have you traveled thousands of miles to Qingzhou Beihai to help Kong Rong without reservation?"

Tai Shi Ci cupped his fists and replied, "Though Kong Rong and I are not blood relatives, nor brothers in arms.

He has often helped my mother, and we have mutual respect and a shared sense of loyalty."

So, it was because of his mother that he extended his kindness to Kong Rong! Tai Shi Ci, a man of loyalty and filial piety, could potentially be recruited from this angle.

Long Chen thought to himself.

Tai Shi Ci had not finished speaking and continued:

"Now, with the Yellow Turban rebels Zhou Cang and Liao Hua besieging Beihai, the situation is desperate.

Hearing of your renowned righteousness, capable of rescuing people in crises, my lord specifically ordered me to break through and seek your aid.

I hope you will come to our rescue!!"

Zhou Cang, huh? That rascal is causing trouble in Beihai!

Zhou Cang once served alongside Long Chen when Long Chen was undercover in Julu.

At that time, they called each other brothers!

Thinking of this acquaintance, Long Chen already had a plan in mind.

Long Chen solemnly replied, "Ziyi (Tai Shi Ci’s courtesy name), rest assured, Kong Rong and I have old ties. I will certainly come to his aid. Even if not for our old friendship, for the innocent lives at stake, I would still come to the rescue, but..."

At this point, Long Chen’s words abruptly stopped.

Tai Shi Ci, being impatient, quickly asked, "General, but what?"

"But I hope that after this matter is resolved, you will join me!" Long Chen said with emphasis.

"This..." Tai Shi Ci’s eyes lit up but then dimmed again.

"What’s the matter, Ziyi? Do you have any difficulties? Speak freely!" Seeing that Tai Shi Ci had the intention to join him, Long Chen became more attentive.

In reality, Tai Shi Ci was indeed inclined to join Long Chen. After all, it was rare to find a powerful lord like Long Chen who did not rank his generals and advisors based on their origins. Even if there were such lords, they were mostly small to medium-sized ones, like Liu Bei or other player lords.

"It’s just that my elderly mother is very old, and I should stay at home to fulfill my filial duty..." Tai Shi Ci sighed.

Upon hearing this, Long Chen was initially taken aback but then laughed heartily. He patiently persuaded:

"Ziyi, why not bring your elderly mother to Yangzhou, where you can fulfill your filial duties?! Besides, Yangzhou has beautiful scenery and a mild climate, which is ideal for the elderly to live and retire.

If your mother could retire in Yangzhou, I’m sure she would be delighted to go!"

"This... I’m afraid my mother has deep feelings for her old home and would be unwilling to leave..."

"When you go back, you can ask her personally and find out her thoughts!"

"Moreover, the current Emperor is about to establish the capital in Jianye, Yangzhou. Joining me means serving the current Han Dynasty, a glorious act that will bring honor to your ancestors. I hope you will consider this carefully!"

Long Chen smiled at Tai Shi Ci, using the Emperor as his trump card. The people still had strong allegiance to the Han Dynasty.

Surely, even Tai Shi Ci’s mother, upon hearing this news, would feel proud and be eager to move immediately!

As expected, Tai Shi Ci was initially shocked and then overjoyed upon hearing about the Emperor.

The Emperor establishing the capital in Jianye, which was Long Chen’s territory, meant that Long Chen was now a high-ranking court official. Joining Long Chen would mean having a promising official career! freёweɓnovel.com

This was a fatal temptation for Tai Shi Ci. After all, someone who could say, "A husband’s lifelong ambition should be to rise to the steps of the Emperor with a three-foot sword. How can one die without achieving such a goal?" would have a strong desire to serve the Han Dynasty and become a high-ranking official.

Long Chen then personally went to Liu Xie’s residence to retrieve an imperial edict, which contained words to persuade the Yellow Turban rebels Zhou Cang and Liao Hua to surrender. It also included Long Chen’s name.

After handing the edict to Tai Shi Ci, Long Chen dispatched his trusted general Zhao Yun of Changshan, along with thirty thousand elite soldiers, to accompany Tai Shi Ci.

If the Yellow Turban army refused to submit, they would be subdued by force.

As for Long Chen, he did not go along because he had a more important task—to first relocate Emperor Liu Xie to Yangzhou.

This matter could not be handled carelessly, and Long Chen could not free himself to go.

It would not be too late to resolve the crisis in Xuzhou after this matter was settled.