Chapter 90

Chapter 724: Attending the Meeting Unarmed (2)

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Shanben advanced through the gate of Hanguan, taking the lead in preliminary negotiations on behalf of Gao Shun.

As soon as the gate of Hanguan opened, Ma Teng's troops became highly tense. At this point, the Ma clan's army was so weak that even a thousand cavalry might easily break through them.

Indeed, their army numbered in the tens of thousands, but they were barely surviving on grass and tree bark due to lack of food. Moreover, there were many wounded. Some had scratched themselves bloody from the latrines, and others were suffering from high fevers.

What could they do in such a precarious situation?

Yet, Ma Teng was a man of heroic spirit. Even if he were to die, he would not avoid a final battle.

However, when the gate of Hanguan opened, only one person appeared, an old man holding a white flag.

'What is his intention?'

The officer Yuan, who had been repeatedly dissuaded by Huang Bosong and then abandoned, could not hide his suspicious gaze. Ma Teng was no different. Ma Teng and Yuan exchanged glances as if they had made a pact.

"Seeing the white flag, it seems he is a messenger, officer."

"General Ma's prediction seems correct. He must have come to urge our surrender."

"I wonder why we don't see any troops."

To urge surrender, threats are essential. Isn't that common sense? Displaying the disparity in strength by parading imposing soldiers to intimidate the enemy.

But with only an old man sent out, it was hard not to be puzzled.

"Perhaps he thinks he can easily persuade us."

"From the lack of hostility, it seems they don't want to fight us anymore."

"It's not hard to crush us, but subduing us would be a greater achievement. Or perhaps Lao Xi has other plans..."

"Other plans? I don't understand what you mean."

"Lao Xi was a hero of the Han dynasty, on par with our lord. He might have ambitions like our lord. Now that our lord's power has waned, who could be his match?"

Yuan's speculation was logically possible, but it had a blind spot because he didn't know Lao Xi well. He was unaware of Lao Xi's loyalty to the Han dynasty and his relationship with Lü Bu.

"Since our lord has abandoned us to die, we must find a new master. We can't just sit here and starve to death, can we?"

Ma Teng knew Yuan was Huang Bosong's son-in-law, but he had no choice but to say this. Both Yuan and Ma Teng had been abandoned by Huang Bosong.

"General Ma's words are indeed correct. Since our lord has abandoned us, we cannot talk about righteousness or loyalty. However, we don't know Lao Xi's true intentions."

"Then what should we do?"

"First, we should meet him. But don't be too eager to negotiate. If we show too much eagerness, we won't get a good position even if we surrender."

* * *

Shanben, who had come alone to the enemy camp, was inwardly tense despite his outward calm.

The Ma clan's general who greeted him was Ma Chao. Given Ma Chao's imposing physique and the aura he exuded, it was understandable to feel fear. However, Shanben's tension was not due to Ma Chao.

'I must somehow get this preliminary negotiation started. If I fail, my son-in-law Han Hao will surely be next.'

The main goal of the preliminary negotiation was to lead to the main negotiation. Shanben, though from a prominent family in Henei, had no direct connection with Guanxian.

However, he had heard enough about the characteristics of the Guanxian people.

'The people of Guanxian are more likely to draw their swords than to speak. I might lose my head before meeting their commander.'

Shanben was not afraid of death, having lived a full life. Of course, no one wants to die, but if it can't be avoided, he was prepared to die with dignity.

But he had to play it safe and ensure the preliminary negotiation went smoothly, so his son-in-law Han Hao wouldn't have to step in.

"How long do you plan to keep this old man standing? I'm too old to stand for long."

Shanben's complaint made Ma Chao frown.

"Hey! Bring a log or something for the envoy to sit on!"

Ma Chao's words made Shanben look displeased, muttering under his breath.

"The people of Guanxian lack manners. How can you keep an envoy standing like this? We should not speak with such uncivilized people."

Ma Chao's expression also soured. He suppressed his anger with superhuman patience.

"Don't speak so freely. Remember, this is the enemy camp."

"Hmph! I've lived long enough. I'm already beyond life and death. So, do what you will."

Ma Chao, unable to contain his anger, roughly grabbed Shanben's collar, ready to punch him.

But Shanben stood his ground.

"Is that how the wild men of Guanxian act? If you want to kill me, go ahead! Hurry up and do it!"

Shanben was confident that Ma Chao wouldn't harm him directly, despite the threat.

'Even if the young man relies on his youthful vigor, he won't go that far.'

Shanben's guess was correct. Ma Chao only growled but didn't strike. Shanben immediately sensed that Ma Chao had received some instructions from the Ma clan's commander.

Soon, the commotion became irrelevant as Ma Teng, the commander of the Ma clan, appeared with Yuan.

Ma Teng quickly assessed the situation and apologized to Shanben.

"My subordinate was rude. I apologize. I am Ma Teng, the commander of the Ma clan."

"I am Yuan, the officer of the Guanxian army."

Shanben also clasped his hands in greeting.

"I am Shanben, the owner of Shan Fu in Henei. I have come to urge your surrender on behalf of General Lao Xi, the commander of the central army."

Yuan, hearing this, hurriedly invited Shanben inside.

"This is not a place for such talk. We have kept you standing for too long. Please, come inside."

Yuan's intention to lead Shanben into the tent was obvious. The soldiers had overheard that someone from Hanguan had come to urge surrender.

The soldiers were already in despair, with no food and knowing they had been abandoned by Huang Bosong.

In such a situation, it was natural for their hearts to waver.

"Let's go inside."

* * *

Shanben followed Ma Teng and Yuan into the tent, inwardly gloating.

'After testing them, it seems they are also considering surrender. This might turn out to be easier than I thought.'

Old ginger is indeed spicy. Shanben, despite his age, was not a man to be underestimated. He deliberately mentioned the topic of surrender within earshot of the soldiers.

This was actually a gamble with his life.

To gauge the Guanxian army's willingness to surrender, this was the fastest and most reliable method. If they had no intention, Shanben's throat would be at risk, but if they did, he would be treated well.

"Sir Shan, let's have some tea first."

Yuan naturally brought out his prized tea and asked casually, though there was no reason to expect any delicacies.

"Have you eaten? If not, I'll have someone bring you some food."

Shanben, knowing the situation, waved his hand and joked.

"Oh, no need! I've eaten too much, and my stomach is already full. Don't bring any food."

"Perhaps you were given wine and meat by General Lao to ensure you wouldn't lose your head when you came here?"

"Only General Lao in Hanguan believes we will surrender. Moreover, Hanguan has an abundance of food. The soldiers there are so well-fed that they lie around after meals. How could I, Shanben, lack food?"

Shanben laid the bait. Ma Teng immediately took the bait.

"Only General Lao believes we will surrender? Then the others think we will fight to the end?"

Shanben took a sip of tea to delay his response and then changed the subject.

"The tea is excellent. Your army's supplies must have run out long ago. How can such precious tea leaves remain? Ah! Tea leaves don't fill the stomach, only leaving a bitter taste, so the soldiers wouldn't be interested."

"Hmph! If you think you can lure us with food, you are mistaken."

"I have no such intention. We are not foolish enough to give our supplies to the enemy, even if we have plenty."

Shanben sensed that the conversation with Ma Teng was going well. Ma Teng seemed to have difficulty controlling his emotions and easily lost his temper.

Losing his temper meant Shanben's words had hit a nerve.

Shanben continued to press his advantage.

"The commanders and officials in Hanguan do not want to accept our surrender. They think it would be a waste of supplies to take in scarecrows that might fly away at any moment."

"What? Who are these commanders and officials in Hanguan? Let them come out and show themselves!"

Shanben smiled and spoke calmly.

"Perhaps you don't know, but do you know who is in Hanguan now?"

"Who cares?"

"Don't be surprised. General Gao Shun, the leader of the Eight Generals of the Lü Bu army, is here."

"I don't care about Gao Shun or anyone else."

"You should. General Gao and his seven hundred soldiers defeated your tens of thousands of troops."

"Such nonsense...!"

Ma Teng dismissed Shanben's words as nonsense. Jiang Yidan was one of the main forces of the Guanxian army, numbering thirty thousand. How could they be defeated by just seven hundred?

But Yuan was a bit different.

'While I suspected Jiang Yidan might have fallen, to be defeated by just seven hundred...? The talk of commanders and officials in Hanguan must not be false.'

The lack of news from Jiang Yidan and the ominous premonitions had been troubling him. Now, knowing the situation, he felt a bit more at ease.

"Sir Shan, our army still numbers in the tens of thousands. If we fight to the death, Hanguan's army won't be able to rest easily."

"Will you surrender? Or not?"

Shanben deflected Yuan's provocation with a few words.

This wasn't because Shanben was particularly eloquent or because Yuan was weak. It was because the situation had changed.

Hanguan had blocked the Guanxian army's advance.

The planned joint attack with Jiang Yidan had failed. Moreover, their supplies were running out, and their commander, Huang Bosong, had left the battlefield. Thus, Yuan's words carried little weight.

Yuan tried to hide his bitter feelings.

"We will decide whether to surrender after hearing the terms."

"Terms... I am here to persuade you, but I have no authority to decide. If you offer terms, I will relay them."

"Then who should we talk to? Negotiations can only succeed if the terms are acceptable."

"Come to Hanguan. I will arrange for you to meet General Lao."

Before Yuan could respond, Ma Teng jumped up in anger.

"What? Come to Hanguan? If you think we are as weak as straw men, you are mistaken."

Ma Teng suspected that Lao Xi wanted to lure them to Hanguan to detain them. Shanben chuckled.

"Heh! If you are so afraid... It's a pity. General Lao holds the Ma clan in high regard and wants to bring you into the fold. Moreover, Hanguan's army could destroy this place in half an hour if they wanted. Why would they use such a shallow tactic?"

Yuan interjected.

"Then how about General Lao coming here?"

Ma Teng, startled, grabbed Yuan's arm. Yuan gave him a meaningful look, and Ma Teng let go.

Shanben was not fazed by the sudden suggestion.

"General Lao will naturally come if I report this. But I must warn you, don't try to take him hostage to gain something."

"Even without heaven's help, the Guanxian army couldn't overcome Hanguan. Why would we use such a shallow tactic?"

"That's fortunate. But let me warn you again. Don't take my words lightly. I am an old man of no use, sent to this dangerous place. Remember that."

With that, Shanben clasped his hands in farewell and slowly left the tent. Ma Teng and Yuan watched him as he walked back to Hanguan.

Even if they rushed out to kill him, Shanben was not in a hurry. But cold sweat was already trickling down his back.