Chapter 606: Interception
Chapter 606: Interception
September 25, 2017
Jiuzhou, Weichou, outside Qu Liang City.
A massive force of several tens of thousands marched towards Qu Liang City with slow but determined steps.
This army was quite interesting. Although the entire force numbered less than seventy thousand, it was divided into several legions and formations.
The most numerous among them was the Wuan Army, consisting of fifty thousand soldiers. This legion had been expanded and reorganized over time, with some joining and others being removed, eventually stabilizing its numbers at fifty thousand. They formed an absolute majority within the army, and the soldiers' qualities were impressive, with most possessing a strength of over 20 points.
This legion was led by Wen U, with Gao Lan serving as his deputy. Two historical generals with a strength of over 90 were positioned as commanders, making this a truly magnificent arrangement.
Apart from the Wuan Army, there were also Gao Shun's Defense Army, Pan Feng's Royal Guard Corps, Lu HaiKong's Blood Bath Army, and Zhao Er's Black Wind Army. For this battle, Lu HaiKong had basically brought along all his available forces.
Outside Qu Liang City, a cavalry unit waited quietly, and at its forefront stood none other than Dong Zhuo and his companions.
Upon seeing Lu HaiKong's army, Dong Zhuo and his group couldn't help but display solemn expressions.
"What a formidable force! Is this the strength of Lu HaiKong?"
When Li Ru saw this army, he had to admit that he had indeed underestimated Lu HaiKong previously.
Among them, the most complex expression belonged to Lu Bu. He was the first among them to have interacted with Lu HaiKong, and he was well aware of Lu HaiKong's capabilities from a year ago. He never expected that within such a short time, Lu HaiKong would have become this powerful.
"With an army like this, if Lu HaiKong possesses some special abilities, he might very well be able to capture Guangping in a short time. It seems we must keep him here for a while," Li Ru said.
"Let's go, they've arrived!"
As Lu HaiKong's forces approached Qu Liang, Dong Zhuo's cavalry unit rode out to meet them. Before long, Dong Zhuo and his companions reached the forefront of Lu HaiKong's army.
At the same time, Lu HaiKong, having received the news, was already waiting in front of the formation.
"General Lu, you've come a long way; it must have been exhausting!" Dong Zhuo warmly greeted Lu HaiKong.
"In the battle of Guangping, General Lu saved my army of tens of thousands. I, Dong Zhuo, remember this favor. Today, I must express my gratitude to General Lu. Come, come, come! The wine and dishes are ready in the camp. Today, we shall drink until we're both drunk!"
Facing Dong Zhuo's enthusiastic welcome, Lu HaiKong maintained a calm expression. "General Dong, I appreciate your kindness, but with military duties at hand, I must decline the invitation to drink. If you truly wish to thank me, please help open the gates of Qu Liang City so that I may take a shortcut and enter Julu sooner to eliminate the Yellow Turban rebels for the court!"
"General Lu, there's no need to rush into eliminating the Yellow Turban rebels. How about this—you wait for me in Qu Liang for five days, and then we'll set out together?"
It was clear that Dong Zhuo was trying to stall for time. In five days, could he gather the supplies needed for an expedition with tens of thousands of troops?
Lu HaiKong was well aware of this, and his eyebrows furrowed. He stared deeply at Dong Zhuo, and after a while, a hint of realization flashed in his eyes.
Initially, Lu HaiKong had marched out in anger, so he hadn't considered certain aspects. But now, seeing Dong Zhuo, he immediately understood what was on his mind—he was after the credit for the victory.
Upon realizing this, Lu HaiKong sighed and spoke straightforwardly to Dong Zhuo, "General Dong, I understand that it's not possible to mobilize tens of thousands of troops simultaneously. But don't you have two thousand Xi Liang Cavalry under your command? Why not dispatch some of them to accompany me? They can contribute to the effort of eliminating the Yellow Turban rebels."
Lu HaiKong's underlying message was clear: 'Go ahead, I'm definitely going today, but I'll give you face. You can send some people to share the credit.'
Lu HaiKong's approach at this moment was slightly inappropriate, but it did convey his goodwill. However, what Lu HaiKong didn't know was that Dong Zhuo's desire for a joint expedition with tens of thousands of troops was indeed for the credit of defeating the Yellow Turban Army, and he wanted the majority of it.
After going to such great lengths, Dong Zhuo didn't want Lu HaiKong to take the lion's share of the credit, leaving him with only a small portion. So, Lu HaiKong's suggestion was something he would never agree to.
"General Lu, it's just a matter of a few days. Is it necessary to be so impatient? Can't you even give me five days?"
"I'm sorry, but Lu HaiKong has his reasons. I can't give you five days."
If it were a different time and under different circumstances, Lu HaiKong might not have refused so decisively. However, at this moment, he didn't have the heart for it and declined without hesitation. He was vaguely concerned that if the situation dragged on, there might be unforeseen changes on Zhang Jiao's side.
"Lu, you're really not being very reasonable here..."
"Lu has his own difficulties, and I hope that General Dong can understand. Time is not on our side, so please step aside and let us be on our way." As soon as Dong Zhuo started to complain, Lu Haikong immediately cut him off.
Dong Zhuo's face darkened at this turn of events.
This was not what Dong Zhuo had expected. Before coming here today, he had been somewhat confident, after all, during the assassination attempt on Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, Lu Haikong had kept a low profile. He allowed Dong Zhuo to use him as a shield, and he didn't say a word from start to finish.
Even when Sun Jian came, Dong Zhuo only sent Lu Bu to deal with him, and Lu Haikong sent Sun Jian away. This gave Dong Zhuo the impression that Lu Haikong might bow to him, but the reality before him proved that it was just an illusion.
With Lu Haikong not giving him any face and directly setting the army in motion, Dong Zhuo's face darkened. He pondered for a long time, but in the end, he still didn't stop Lu Haikong. Instead, he enthusiastically accompanied Lu Haikong.
"Alright, since General Lu has said so, Dong certainly won't be so tactless as to stop him. Let's go, I'll open the gates of Qu Liang for General Lu right now."
Upon hearing this, Lu Haikong glanced at Dong Zhuo with some surprise, and his heart became wary. He was well aware that Dong Zhuo was not one to make such promises lightly.
Sure enough, just as Lu Haikong led the army to the outskirts of Qu Liang City, he saw that the gates were indeed tightly shut!
Seeing this, Dong Zhuo's reaction was even faster than Lu Haikong's. He flew into a rage and shouted, "What's going on? Why are these gates closed? I just ordered them to be opened for General Lu!"
Not long after Dong Zhuo stepped forward, a figure that Lu Haikong hadn't seen in a long time appeared on the wall. It was none other than Ding Yuan, whom Lu Haikong had thoroughly humiliated in Wucheng.
In the 16th year of the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, a book titled "The Book of the Yellow Turban Rebellion" was published.
"General Dong, this gate cannot be opened!"
"Why can't it be opened?" Dong Zhuo coldly huffed.
"General Dong, I dare not open the gate. I just received news that Lu Haikong is suspected of colluding with the enemy. This gate cannot be opened under any circumstances!"
Ding Yuan's face was filled with bitterness as he spoke. This was not an act; at this moment, he truly felt a deep sorrow.
In reality, this guy had been humiliated by Lu Haikong time and time again. Seeing Lu Haikong made his heart tremble, and Ding Yuan was no fool. He clearly understood why Dong Zhuo wanted to stop Lu Haikong and why he had sent him to stop Lu Haikong—it was because they feared this man.
In this situation, Dong Zhuo had sent him to stop Lu Haikong, and he was extremely reluctant. He was worried that he might be killed by Lu Haikong.
But he had no choice. When under someone else's roof, one must bow their head. Dong Zhuo had given the order, and he had to obey.
Dong Zhuo flew into a rage. "Nonsense! How could General Lu possibly collude with the enemy?"
"General Dong, I don't believe it either, but this is what Zong Yuan's subordinate, Yu Nue, said. They claim that General Lu has reached an agreement with the Yellow Turbans. They plan to launch a surprise attack and capture Qu Liang City when the army arrives. It's a serious matter, and they have evidence to back their claims. I have no choice but to believe them!"
"Furthermore, even though you captured Zong Yuan, many in the army still suspect that General Lu is colluding with the enemy. They suddenly arrived with a large force, and I fear that if they enter the city, it might cause misunderstandings or even riots."
Ding Yuan on the wall sighed helplessly as he spoke.
"You good-for-nothing! Open the city gates for me! I guarantee General Lu's safety!"
"General Dong, I'm sorry, but what you say doesn't count. I truly cannot open these city gates!"
Below the city walls, Lu Haikong stared coldly at Dong Zhuo's performance.
No one was a fool. Could Lu Haikong not see through this clumsy act?
Dong Zhuo, that bastard, had no intention of hiding anything. He was almost brazenly telling Lu Haikong that he wouldn't let him pass today.
Facing this situation, Lu Haikong wiped his face and, for once, showed a rare display of impatience.
"Dong Zhuo, are you sure you want to do this?"
(End of Chapter)
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