Free Web NovelChapter 262: The Emperor Returns to the South
That day,
Tai Shi Ci and Zhao Yun advanced together, aiming directly at Zhou Cang.
As their horses crossed paths, the armies shouted.
Tai Shi Ci charged out alone, raising his spear high, and killed his way into the enemy formation.
Zhao Yun led his troops to attack.
On the city wall, Kong Rong saw Tai Shi Ci and Zhao Yun slaughtering the enemies, like tigers among sheep, unstoppable.
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he laughed heartily:
"Hahaha! Good, good! To have such fierce generals, truly heaven blesses Beihai County."
Immediately, he waved his right hand and sternly commanded:
"Pass the order down, all soldiers follow me out of the city to kill the enemy and greet the reinforcements!!"
"Yes!"
The generals beside him responded with a bow, then opened the city gates and led the troops out to fight.
With the reinforcements’ help, Kong Rong’s army’s morale soared, making it the best time to charge out and kill the enemy.
Moreover, the enemy army was already in disarray; if not now, when would they fight? ƒreewebɳovel.com
Attacking from both sides, they utterly defeated the Yellow Turban rebels, with countless surrenders and the remnants scattered.
Kong Rong, clad in light green armor, rode forward to greet Zhao Yun and Tai Shi Ci into the city.
After formalities, they held a grand banquet to celebrate.
At the banquet, Kong Rong learned that Zhao Yun was a major general under Long Chen, and his respect for Long Chen, whom he hadn’t seen for a long time, grew.
Such a fierce general is rare in the world!
He also introduced Mi Zhu to Zhao Yun, who detailed the matter of Zhang Kai killing Cao Song.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Yun said calmly, "Don’t worry, my lord has already considered this. The danger in Xu Province will be resolved soon."
Though the tone was calm, it was firm and unquestionable.
However, Mi Zhu was still very uneasy.
He had never met Long Chen and naturally did not know Long Chen’s prowess.
"Isn’t this statement a bit exaggerated? Although I know General Long’s strength is extraordinary, this time he faces Cao Cao, who dominates Yan Province!"
Mi Zhu said with clasped hands.
Kong Rong, hearing this, also nodded in agreement. Cao Cao’s army was not like these disorganized Yellow Turban rebels.
These were just a motley crew, whereas Cao Cao’s army was a regular force, powerful.
Moreover, Cao Cao had many great generals under him, making him a northern hegemon!
Alongside Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, he dominated the north.
Could Long Chen really be his match?!
Hearing this, Zhao Yun remained silent, but his grip on the teacup tightened.
These people actually didn’t believe in the lord?
Forget it, instead of rebutting with pale words now, it’s better to prove them wrong with actual results later...
Better to return to the lord’s side soon and help him defeat Cao Cao!
Thinking of this, Zhao Yun drank his tea in one gulp, then clasped his hands and left the table.
Seeing this, Tai Shi Ci frowned, then also left the table, following Zhao Yun.
It was late, and the bright moon shone with gentle moonlight.
Zhao Yun and Tai Shi Ci walked side by side.
"General Zilong, why did you leave the banquet in such a hurry?" Tai Shi Ci asked.
"The danger in Beihai County has been resolved, I must quickly return to the lord’s side and await orders." Zhao Yun replied.
After speaking, he paused, then turned to look at Tai Shi Ci, his bright eyes shining.
"By the way, Brother Ziyi, I see your martial skills are excellent. If you undergo systematic training, you might achieve a qualitative breakthrough!"
"Systematic training?"
Tai Shi Ci murmured softly.
Then he looked up at Zhao Yun, his eyes full of spirit.
"General Zilong’s martial skills surpass mine. Is it because of systematic training?"
"Exactly! Everything comes from my lord! If Brother Ziyi is interested, why not come with me to Yangzhou."
Zhao Yun placed his hands on Tai Shi Ci’s shoulders and said solemnly.
Long Chen had previously instructed Zhao Yun to bring Tai Shi Ci back with him if possible.
That’s why Zhao Yun spoke so much; normally, he was silent and rarely talked.
Hearing this, Tai Shi Ci was indeed moved.
Martial skills are what every general pursues!
Climbing to the highest peak allows one to behold the vast scenery below, isn’t it wonderful? frёeωebɳovel.com
Moreover, Tai Shi Ci had already been tempted by Long Chen’s conditions earlier.
At that moment, without hesitation, Tai Shi Ci clasped his hands towards Zhao Yun and said:
"Brother Zilong, once I bring my elderly mother back home, I will go with you."
Zhao Yun nodded happily, then rode back to camp to attend to military affairs.
......
......
Yangzhou.
Jiujiang Commandery.
Long Chen led an army of hundreds of thousands, returning to Jiujiang Commandery with a victory, winning an unprecedented celebration.
Crowds filled both sides of the streets, and cheers echoed in the sky.
"Where is General Long? Where is Champion Marquis?"
"There he is, the most handsome one in the crowd, riding on an ice dragon!"
"I see him, damn, he really is the most handsome..."
Long Chen smiled broadly, clasping his hands or waving to the crowd from time to time.
"Hello comrades! You’ve all worked hard!"
He carried himself with the demeanor of a great leader.
Among the crowd were some who mocked coldly and some who were fervent fans.
"Boss, please take me with you!"
"You are the hope of our China!"
...
After some time, he finally managed to break free from the crowd and returned to his residence.
Emperor Liu Xie, dressed in a golden robe, sat slouched at the top position, his head bowed and shoulders hunched.
After a string of formalities and idle talk, Long Chen stepped forward, clasping his hands in salute:
"Your Majesty, now that the imperial star has moved south, we need to establish the capital!"
Liu Xie weakly raised his hand and said softly:
"My loyal subject, I am tired. You have full authority over these matters!"
Now that he had already fallen into the tiger’s den, was there any room to play? It was better to save his energy and let Long Chen handle things, paving the way for his future days, so Long Chen wouldn’t use these reasons to rage against him later.
Seeing Liu Xie’s reaction, Long Chen was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure and bowed, saying:
"I will obey your command! Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!"
"Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!"
A row of ministers in the hall all bent over and saluted.
If the emperor was like this, what could they do? It was better to obediently follow Long Chen’s instructions.
This was Yangzhou, Long Chen’s stronghold. Here, even a dragon had to bow to him!
Thus, Long Chen escorted the emperor to Danyang Commandery, Jianye (modern-day Nanjing), where he built palaces and halls, established ancestral temples and state altars, provincial and supervisory offices, and repaired city walls and treasuries.
After constructing these essential imperial institutions, Long Chen began to reward his civil and military officials greatly.
He ennobled Dong Cheng and twelve others as marquises.
These were all from the emperor’s faction, using this method to mask the appearance of Long Chen holding the emperor to command the warlords.
At the same time, it was a message to the world that he was a person of clear rewards and punishments.
Dong Cheng and the others accepted their appointments, as rewards and punishments were all subject to Long Chen’s decisions!
Long Chen appointed himself as Grand General and Champion Marquis, promoting himself to a first-rank official.
The position of Grand General could command the entire military!!
His power was like a dragon in the sea!
Additionally, he appointed Xi Zhicai as Attendant and Chancellor, Jia Xu as Military Advisor, and Guo Jia as Sima and Minister of Sacrifices.
Lu Su was appointed as Lieutenant Colonel of Agriculture, supervising grain and money.
