Chapter 88

Because of the uneven battlefield, strewn with corpses and military equipment, it was not easy for the armored vehicles and off-road vehicles to retreat and create distance.

Lü Bu rushed to an armored vehicle, his halberd brimming with fiery qi, and he actually split the armored vehicle apart with a single strike.

Zhang Hao's eyes twitched slightly. This brute!

He wondered if Lü Bu's full-power qi could withstand a high-caliber sniper rifle.

Zhang Hao had never actually tested this. Compared to ordinary pistols, rifles, and machine guns, high-caliber sniper rifles were much more powerful. He was unwilling to risk his generals, as even a graze from a sniper rifle could result in a broken arm or leg, which would be considered lucky.

On the battlefield, Dian Wei had arrived and stopped Lü Bu from continuing to destroy the armored vehicles.

Lü Bu's sudden attack was not without cost. The massive consumption of qi left him with insufficient protection, and he was clearly unable to withstand Dian Wei. It was only with the desperate cover of his subordinates that Lü Bu managed to retreat.

But Zhang Hao clearly saw the bloodstains on Lü Bu's retreating body. The machine guns and grenade launchers had given him a severe beating.

With Lü Bu, the only bright spot in Ding Yuan's army, now in retreat, the Huns, who had no principles, fled as soon as they sensed the situation was dire. Ding Yuan's army had completely collapsed. Zhao Yun began to arrange for the pursuit.

This was the gap between the Qian army and the Han army. Even the strong Bingzhou army, which was rare in the Han, was powerless against the Qian army. This gap would only grow larger.

After all, Zhang Hao could now obtain a large number of modern weapons from the "I Am Legend" world through survivors. Even though aircraft and tanks could not be used immediately due to the lack of operators, the large number of individual weapons was enough to significantly enhance the Qian army's strength.

"Now, you can try to persuade Lü Bu to surrender," Zhang Hao said to a general in his thirties standing beside him.

This was Li Su, the historical figure who had persuaded Lü Bu to surrender to Dong Zhuo. This man and some of Dong Zhuo's subordinates naturally defected to Zhang Hao. When Ding Yuan moved south, Li Su approached Zhang Hao, offering to persuade Lü Bu to surrender. However, Zhang Hao did not agree at that time.

The battle between Zhao Yun and Ding Yuan was not just a simple military conflict. Zhang Hao wanted to use this battle to intimidate those with ulterior motives. After all, Ding Yuan was the first high-ranking official of the Han to stand up to support the emperor.

Additionally, Zhang Hao knew that Lü Bu had a certain pride. A direct battle would make Lü Bu understand the gap between them, making it easier for Zhang Hao to control him in the future.

If he had tried to persuade Lü Bu to surrender without a fight, it would have seemed like Zhang Hao was afraid of them. Therefore, he decided to send Li Su at this moment.

"Very well, Your Majesty, I will bring news," Li Su said confidently. He had been confident even before the battle, and now he was even more so.

Thus, Li Su left the Qian army camp with a famous horse. Of course, it was not Red Hare, but a horse of the same caliber as Black Crag, which was enough to show Zhang Hao's favor.

Li Su's confidence was not unfounded. In just three days, he returned to the camp with Lü Bu and Ding Yuan's head.

From the beginning, Zhang Hao had anticipated this outcome. Although it was a sad ending for a loyal and brave man like Ding Yuan, since he was not on Zhang Hao's side, there was no need to be overly considerate. He couldn't fight Ding Yuan in a knightly duel, after all.

When facing the mighty Lü Bu, Zhang Hao was very kind. Lü Bu also showed sufficient respect and awe.

Clearly, the strength of the Qian army had left a deep impression on him, and it was not surprising that he had great respect for Zhang Hao, who had created the Qian dynasty.

Zhang Hao appreciated Lü Bu's strength. Although Lü Bu's historical reputation was not high, his two-faced nature was not very honorable. However, Zhang Hao was not concerned about this. In modern society, job-hopping was common. Of course, the two situations were not comparable.

What was important was that Zhang Hao had the confidence to control Lü Bu. If Lü Bu were to bring about his own downfall, Zhang Hao would not show mercy.

Zhang Hao appointed Lü Bu as a Cavalry Commander, as a reward for his defection.

Previously, Lü Bu was just a clerk, and this promotion to Cavalry Commander was a significant step up.

He was assigned to serve under Zhao Yun to pacify Bingzhou, with the task of capturing the Huns' Left and Right Wise Kings and sending them back to Luoyang for processing.

Lü Bu did not find this task difficult, as Ding Yuan was dead, and the army had either scattered or been gathered by Lü Bu. Capturing Bingzhou was not a problem, though dealing with the Huns would require more effort.

Zhang Hao met with Lü Bu's subordinates one by one, making sure they understood the strict military regulations of the Qian dynasty, which were far more stringent than those of the Han army. He used a combination of strict warnings and rewards, including promotions and gifts, to ensure their loyalty. Zhang Hao was skilled at balancing these aspects.

These once-proud generals could not maintain their pride in front of Zhang Hao. The impression and wounds left by the previous battle were too deep. Even Lü Bu, who considered himself invincible, spoke with a hint of frustration when discussing artillery, machine guns, and armored vehicles.

Some of their wounds had not even healed yet.

After celebrating Zhao Yun's victory and hosting the surrendered generals, Zhang Hao took Lü Bu and his subordinates back to Luoyang through the time portal, so they could see the houses he had awarded them.

This was just a way for Zhang Hao to increase their respect. The effect was significant, as the ability to travel thousands of miles in an instant was considered a divine power in many people's minds.

While at the Imperial Medical Institute, Zhang Hao had Hua Tuo perform surgery on Lü Bu and his subordinates. They did not know how to deal with injuries caused by firearms, and some had not even removed shrapnel, which was clearly unacceptable.

Fortunately, their injuries were not too serious, and simple surgeries were sufficient. With their physical condition, they would recover quickly.

After sending Lü Bu and his subordinates back to Bingzhou through the time portal, Zhang Hao did not follow. Zhao Yun and others were enough.

Under the guidance of Zhang Zhongjing, Hua Tuo had gained some understanding of modern medical knowledge. Seeing the right opportunity, Zhang Hao returned to the modern world and brought Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing to his parents' home.

He had them check his parents' health and guide them in using the elixir that could strengthen their constitution and extend their lifespan.

Zhang Hao introduced the two as famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. With their long robes and sage-like demeanor, especially their aura, they were very convincing. Moreover, Zhang Hao's filial piety was something his parents would not refuse.

Learning that his parents had some minor health issues but nothing serious, and that the elixir could significantly improve their health, Zhang Hao was relieved.

Hua Tuo also taught Zhang Hao's parents the Five Animals Exercise, which he had created for health and longevity. While it might not enhance physical strength or combat ability, it was sufficient. It also required little environmental qi, making it suitable for Zhang Hao's parents.

Initially, Zhang Hao planned to bring Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing back to the Three Kingdoms soon, but the situation was a bit unexpected.

When the neighbors saw Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing, Zhang Hao's parents did not hide it. After all, it was a heartwarming and proud moment for them to have their son bring in doctors to help them.

Thus, relatives and neighbors came one after another, and Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing were busy for two days, providing free medical consultations in Zhang Hao's hometown.

For the sake of family and neighbors, and to give his parents face, Zhang Hao brought in a large amount of medicine, so those in need would not have to buy it.

The medicine was obtained from the Imperial Medical Institute in the Three Kingdoms world and was extremely valuable in the modern world. However, Zhang Hao did not mind the expense, as it made many people grateful to his family and improved the living environment for his parents.

During these two days, Zhang Hao spent time with his parents and family. After two days, he returned to the Three Kingdoms world with Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing.

The Qian laws were now fully established, and the various systems and laws of the Qian dynasty were in place and being implemented. After a long period of hard work, Zhang Hao could finally relax. With the complete system, he would spend much less time and energy on government affairs in the future.

Of course, he still needed to closely monitor the initial stages to ensure there were no loopholes.

In the following days, Zhang Hao had more time to work with the survivors to collect various resources.

There were many military bases in Florida, including naval, army, and air force bases. The various military equipment collected by Zhang Hao was eye-opening. He had only seen these things on TV and computers before, but now he was personally handling them, which felt very different.

A-10 Thunderbolt, F-15, Apache, and even the famous F-22 and F-35 at an air force base, as well as other national treasures, were now part of Zhang Hao's collection.

Zhang Hao carefully inspected the F-22, taking many photos. In the modern world, countless Chinese netizens were well aware of this aircraft and considered it a threat.

Now, being able to obtain this pride of the American Empire, Zhang Hao felt a great sense of satisfaction.

Moreover, he might even obtain American nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers in the future, which made him feel even more excited.

While Gray and others were using helicopters to help Zhang Hao collect resources, they also searched for survivors. Over a month, they rescued about a dozen survivors, increasing the number of survivors on Zhang Hao's side.

The various easy-to-operate light and heavy weapons were distributed to the Qian army, significantly enhancing its strength.

Zhang Hao was now preparing to quickly pacify the entire country.