Free Web NovelChapter 264: Zhao Yun Returns, Meeting Taishi Ci Again
" Wenhe, you are truly an old fox," Long Chen said with a smile.
"Let’s do as you suggest, and you can control the timing for launching the blitz attack on Yanzhou!"
His expression turned serious as he gave this instruction.
"At your command!" Jia Xu bowed respectfully, his posture humble, even though he was born in the wilds, he was exceptionally well-versed in Han etiquette.
"Alright, you two can go rest now; it’s already very late today."
Long Chen finished speaking and hesitated for a moment before glancing at the flushed face of Xi Zhicai, lightly laughing as he pointed:
"By the way, Zhichai, although your body has recovered, you still need to take it easy."
Upon returning to Yangzhou, the secret agents Long Chen had stationed there informed him of what each official had done during his absence.
Xi Zhicai was undoubtedly the most outstanding one.
Firstly, he held great administrative power and managed Yangzhou in an orderly manner, which reassured Long Chen greatly.
Secondly, there was something a bit embarrassing.
Xi Zhicai still enjoyed frequenting the major brothels in Yangzhou, almost always spending the night there.
Long Chen could understand this to some extent.
In ancient times, there were few talented scholars who were dedicated to one love; most were charming and dashing.
Xi Zhicai had this hobby, and Long Chen did not stop him.
The main issue was that he overindulged, so a reminder was necessary.
Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai’s fair face turned red with embarrassment. He coughed a few times and then excused himself.
The next day, the weather was sunny, with a few light, floating white clouds in the sky.
Long Chen was in his residence, arranging matters for the campaign against Xuzhou, when suddenly a report came in of a returning general.
Long Chen immediately put down the bamboo scroll in his hand, frowned, and asked:
"Which general?"
The guard kneeling on the ground clasped his hands and said, "Reporting to the lord, it is General Zhao, the ever-victorious General Zhao has returned!"
His eyes shone with a fervent light.
Since Zhao Yun joined Long Chen’s forces, he had begun to make a name for himself across the land, showing his sharp edge.
Zhao Yun’s momentum was like the sharpest blade in the world, capable of breaking through any obstacle.
In every battle, he had always won, deeply earning the hearts of his soldiers.
In Long Chen’s army, Zhao Yun was regarded as a god of war from the heavens!!!
It was no wonder this guard displayed such enthusiasm.
Long Chen was also delighted, Zhao Yun had returned?!
This meant the crisis in Beihai County with Kong Rong had been resolved!
Thinking of this, Long Chen hurriedly stood up from his seat and waved to the civil and military officials on both sides:
"Let’s go! Let us all go to welcome General Longxiang’s return!!"
"Hahaha, Zilong is back! I must have a good chat with him," Tiger General Xu Chu laughed heartily, his voice like a bell, shaking the hearts of everyone present.
People thought to themselves, "This boor has such a loud voice!!"
Long Chen was used to it. Xu Chu’s voice could probably rival the fierce Zhang Fei’s.
Shaking his head slightly, he hurried down the steps. In his rush, he didn’t even put on his shoes properly, just wearing a pair of white socks.
Suddenly.
The mansion’s gates opened wide, and a white-armored general bathed in light stood outside. His majestic figure entered everyone’s view.
A powerful and indescribable aura washed over them, leaving everyone in awe.
"What a divine general!!"
Among these officials were aristocrats and talented poor men who had joined Long Chen’s forces later.
From this first impression, Zhao Yun’s figure was deeply ingrained in their hearts.
Zhao Yun looked up and saw his lord rushing down to greet him, not even properly dressed.
A surge of gratitude flooded Zhao Yun’s heart like a spring.
Zhao Yun’s nature was such that if you treated him well, he would repay you tenfold or even a hundredfold.
Such a loyal and righteous person was why Liu Bei cherished him so much in the Three Kingdoms.
"My lord, you..."
Zhao Yun murmured.
"Zilong! Come in and sit down; you must be exhausted from the long march. Someone, bring tea!"
Long Chen warmly grasped Zhao Yun’s hand and led him into the mansion, immediately instructing the servants to pour tea.
"To have such a lord, truly, I am blessed for three lifetimes!"
Zhao Yun whispered to himself, unconsciously clenching his fist. His handsome face was full of gratitude as he looked at Long Chen.
He wasn’t good at expressing himself with words, only with actions. Zhao Yun would use his deeds to show his lord: he would dedicate his entire life to repaying Long Chen’s kindness.
After informing Long Chen about the successful rescue of Beihai County, Zhao Yun was undoubtedly praised by Long Chen.
Long Chen waved his hand generously and said, "Zilong, you have performed meritoriously in this battle, and merits must be rewarded!"
"Someone! Reward Zilong with five hundred gold coins and ten rare luminous pearls!"
The rewards mainly consisted of money and fabrics. As for official titles, Long Chen decided to delay them, planning to grant them later when everything was unified.
Moreover, Zhao Yun was already the General of Longxiang. Any higher position would require even greater military achievements.
Never mind, after I conquer Xuzhou, I’ll grant titles to my generals and ministers, Long Chen thought to himself, stroking his chin.
A voice suddenly interrupted Long Chen’s thoughts.
"My lord, there is another matter I need to report," Zhao Yun said, clasping his hands solemnly.
"Oh, what is it?" Long Chen waved his hand.
"My lord, Tai Shici from the east has come to Yangzhou, wishing to serve you. I hope you can make good use of him. His martial skills are exceptional, and in a few years, he might reach my level. He is a general with immense potential. Moreover, he is both loyal and filial. Having him will be like adding wings to a tiger!" Zhao Yun said with great respect.
It was clear that Zhao Yun held Tai Shici in high regard.
Hearing that Tai Shici wanted to serve him, Long Chen couldn’t have been happier.
Tai Shici was a top-tier, even super-tier, general! If he could gain his service, wouldn’t he have five super-tier generals under his command?!!!
Wow, he could form his own Five Tiger Generals! freewebnovёl.ƈom
Long Chen rejoiced inwardly and quickly waved his hand, saying, "If he’s right outside, let him in!!!"
"Rest assured, I am well aware of Tai Shici’s strength and will certainly put him to good use," Long Chen said with a proud smile.
Zhao Yun was momentarily stunned but then nodded immediately, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.
After all, on the way here, he had assured Ziyi (Tai Shici’s courtesy name) that he would persuade his lord to employ him upon returning to Yangzhou.
It seemed he had fulfilled his promise, and Ziyi would be pleased!
The two men had a mutual admiration for each other. Both loyal and filial, they quickly became friends on their journey.
"Zhongkang, go invite Tai Shici inside," Long Chen said, beckoning to Xu Chu.
"Oh! Alright..."
Xu Chu scratched the back of his head and then strode off.
Before long, a man clad in purple armor followed Xu Chu inside.
"Hahaha, Ziyi, we meet again!" Long Chen said with a smile, looking at Tai Shici.
