Chapter 18

Chapter 652: The Gathering at Xianyang Palace (2)

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“General Zhang, there is nothing more to see in Dongguan.”

This was the first thing Sun Wu said upon returning to Dongguan. It was a clear indication that he wanted to leave as soon as possible.

For Zhang Fei, this was the news he had been waiting for, and he welcomed it with open arms. However, he still teased Sun Wu.

“It’s almost evening. Why don’t we go back one more time to get some dinner?”

“General Zhang, do you know what I saw when I went to Ma Teng’s camp?”

“Surely not the main force of the Guanxi army?”

“That’s right. The true strength of Huang Bochong, who even made Ma Teng and Han Sui tremble with fear.”

Sun Wu, spitting out his words, shared the information he had gathered. However, it was hard for Zhang Fei to believe such a story easily.

“I had expected that the Guanxi army might have a main force, but to have such men under their command is hard to believe.”

“Since it’s what Fang De said, it’s unlikely to be a lie. Moreover, I saw the archery skills of the Red-Clothed Soldiers with my own eyes. How many more of them there are...”

Sun Wu was worried about the number of Red-Clothed Soldiers. If what he had seen was true, it was indeed a formidable force.

Zhang Fei, hearing Sun Wu’s story, thought to himself.

‘If they can subdue Ma Teng and Han Sui’s armies, they must have a more formidable force under their command. Even if General Yu’s soldiers are all strong, the battle against Huang Bochong would be unpredictable.’

Zhang Fei, being a man of strategy, could easily infer this.

“Let’s abandon Dongguan.”

“That’s a welcome suggestion. Let’s move under the cover of darkness.”

“No one will notice our departure from Dongguan until morning.”

“What about Ma Chao? Should we cut off his head while we’re at it?”

Zhang Fei wanted to eliminate any future threats. However, Sun Wu grabbed his collar and shook his head.

“Don’t kill him, at least for now.”

“Who knows, if we are captured by the Guanxi army, Ma Chao might speak on our behalf. We should let him live. Yes, that’s right!”

“Don’t be too sarcastic. That’s not what I meant.”

* * *

Dusk.

Sun Wu approached the bound Ma Chao.

“General Ma, I have some regrettable news to share with you.”

“Surely the surrender negotiations have failed?”

Ma Chao asked, sensing an ominous premonition. However, Sun Wu shook his head.

“No, that’s not it. In fact, I went to Ma Teng’s camp today and saw the Red-Clothed Soldiers.”

“Ah! The Red-Clothed Soldiers... They are truly terrifying.”

Even Ma Chao felt fear towards the Red-Clothed Soldiers. Of course, with his bravery, he could defeat any of them individually. However, the collective strength of the Red-Clothed Soldiers was overwhelming.

The fact that Ma Teng and Han Sui were under Huang Bochong’s command was proof of this.

For a warlord like Ma Teng, who led a large army, to kneel to Huang Bochong meant that he had a force that could overwhelm them.

“I didn’t see the Strong Yi Army, but even without seeing them, I can guess their strength.”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be the right decision to surrender quickly?”

“Yes, but...”

Sun Wu sighed deeply before continuing.

“Actually, General Zhang and I had confidence that we could be favored under Commander Huang Bochong.”

Ma Chao’s eyes sparkled. He realized that Zhang Fei and Sun Wu had hoped to serve directly under Huang Bochong, not under the Ma family.

Of course, this was not true. They had always been part of a larger plan.

“You don’t intend to join the Ma family...?”

“That’s why I’m apologizing. I regret deceiving you and offer my sincere apologies.”

“Even if not the Ma family, with your wisdom and General Zhang’s bravery, you would shine under Lord Cao’s command...”

“With an army like the Red-Clothed Soldiers, how could General Zhang and I be favored?”

Ma Chao seemed to understand Sun Wu’s feelings.

“The Ma family’s doors are always open. If a wise man like you and a brave general like Zhang Fei join us...”

Ma Chao left the rest unsaid. He couldn’t bring himself to say that Ma Teng was chasing deer. Only after becoming part of the same family could he speak freely about such matters.

Sun Wu shook his head.

“I will keep the promise to vacate Dongguan and release General Ma Mengji, but I cannot keep the promise to serve under the Ma family.”

“What do you intend to do? Since you’ve already decided to surrender, you can’t return to Lord Lu Bu’s command...”

“Surrendering was approved, but if it’s revealed that we intended to join the Guanxi army, we can’t return to General Yu’s command. But we have no intention of returning.”

“Indeed. After seeing the strength of the Red-Clothed Soldiers, the outcome of a battle between the Guanxi and Lu Bu armies is as clear as fire. There’s no need to seek a place of death.”

Ma Chao tried once more to persuade Sun Wu to join the Dongguan forces.

“Mr. Sun, if you don’t intend to join the Ma family, I will pretend not to have heard it. Join us.”

But Sun Wu shook his head again.

“As long as the Red-Clothed Soldiers and the Strong Yi Army exist, there’s no point in serving under the Ma family. They would be no match for Commander Huang Bochong.”

Sun Wu said this and looked directly into Ma Chao’s eyes. His gaze was so intense that it was almost a glare.

“It’s natural for a man to aspire to rule the world. I, Sun Wu, may not become the ruler of the world, but I will ensure that the one I serve does.”

Sun Wu’s words implied that Ma Teng would never become the ruler of the world. Ma Chao, understanding this, smiled bitterly.

“It’s not unreasonable for you to think that way. However, you don’t know the true strength of the Ma family. I can’t reveal it now, but I’m certain that the Ma family will surpass the Red-Clothed Soldiers and the Strong Yi Army one day.”

Sun Wu didn’t think Ma Chao was boasting. However, their conversation had to end here. There was no point in continuing, as it wouldn’t reveal any more information about the Ma family’s main force.

“General Zhang and I have made our decision. We will vacate Dongguan as promised today. General Ma Mengji will also be left here.”

“Where are you going, Mr. Sun?”

“We will cross Taohua Mountain, but haven’t decided on our next destination. Entering Bashu is a bit daunting, but living quietly in the mountains should be feasible.”

Sun Wu was making up a story, but it sounded plausible. Living as a mountain king in one of the many mountains of Bashu wouldn’t be bad.

If that wasn’t appealing, going to Jingzhou in the south was also a good option.

“If we need a new lord, we could go to Jingzhou. Think about it. I’ve heard that Liu Biao of Jingzhou is a man of great virtue and righteousness.”

Ma Chao, seemingly fond of Sun Wu, offered his advice. Sun Wu felt a bit sorry for him.

‘How can he detect the schemes of cunning men with such a kind heart? No matter how strong the Ma family is, without a capable advisor, they will only be prey for heroes.’

Sun Wu thought Ma Chao was naive.

They weren’t drinking together or even enemies. Moreover, Sun Wu was bound to a pillar. Yet, Ma Chao was worried about his situation. How could he not feel sorry for him?

“I’ll think about it.”

“When are you leaving?”

“A quick farewell is best. I’m leaving soon.”

Sun Wu said this, placed something in Ma Chao’s hands, and bowed.

“May the mountains remain unchanged and the rivers never dry. If fate allows, we will meet again.”

* * *

The next day.

Ma Teng was shocked by his subordinate’s report and sprang to his feet.

“Dongguan is empty?”

“Yes. There were no soldiers on the walls, only the flags remained.”

“What about the big one? Is he still there?”

“Yes, Commander! General Ma Mengji is still bound. What should we do?”

Ma Teng extended his hand.

“Bring me my horse! I’ll go there myself!”

Ma Teng led his personal guard out of the camp. Fang De followed, trying to dissuade him.

“Something seems off. Commander, don’t rush. There might be a trap...”

Fang De was worried about a hidden ambush, where the enemy pretended to leave Dongguan to lure them in. However, Ma Teng shook his head.

“It’s a battle we can’t win anyway. The soldiers I met in Dongguan weren’t foolish.”

“Still, let me go in first. Please allow me this much.”

“Go ahead!”

Fang De led a few dozen men and rushed to Dongguan. The gates were unlocked. The soldiers dismounted and opened the gates, and Fang De, sword in hand, cautiously entered Dongguan.