Chapter 99

As for Liu Yao, who was still at Cai Yong's residence, he naturally knew early on that Zhang Rang would go to see Emperor Liu Hong. Therefore, he had Shi A inform Liu Hong of the matter first. This led to Liu Hong suppressing Zhang Rang.

The next day, while Liu Yao was practicing calligraphy with Cai Yan and Diaochan, Shi A's voice suddenly rang out from outside the study.

"Lord, I have important news to report," Shi A said respectfully, his tone tinged with excitement and urgency.

Liu Yao frowned, somewhat displeased, and asked, "Shi A, what is it?" He had already instructed not to be disturbed. Therefore, he was somewhat dissatisfied with Shi A's current behavior.

"Lord, it's very important news," Shi A said anxiously. Liu Yao had said that if this news came, he should report it to Liu Yao immediately, no matter the time or place. Shi A did not dare to delay.

"Brother Yao, Shi A wouldn't make a fuss without reason. You should attend to your business first," Cai Yan said softly. Although it was rare to have time with Liu Yao, as a future virtuous wife, Cai Yan knew that Liu Yao should prioritize important matters.

Liu Yao gave Diaochan and Cai Yan an apologetic look, then walked out of the study. He followed Shi A to the hall.

"Shi A, what is it that has you so anxious?" Liu Yao asked. In his memory, Shi A was always cool and composed, never showing any emotion.

"Lord, the Dark Group has reported that there is news of the Mohists," Shi A said respectfully.

"Oh, the Mohists," Liu Yao said casually. But the next moment, he fully realized what was happening, grabbed Shi A, and exclaimed excitedly, "Shi A, what did you say? The Mohists!! It's the Mohists!!"

Shi A nodded and said, "Yes, Lord. The Dark Group has reported that a descendant of the Mohists is living in Chenliu, Yanzhou. The Dark Group is already secretly monitoring from a distance. Even if the Mohists leave, we will know immediately."

"Good, well done," Liu Yao praised. Then he said anxiously, "Prepare the baggage quickly. We will go to Chenliu today."

"Lord, although the Yellow Turbans have been suppressed, there are still many remnants in Yanzhou. I think we should take some of the Vanguard Camp with us," Shi A said worriedly. Even if he, Shi A, was strong, it would be difficult to protect Liu Yao in a large battle.

Liu Yao thought about it and agreed. Yanzhou was where Cao Cao started his rise in history. At that time, Cao Cao was struggling against the 300,000 Yellow Turbans from Qingzhou. He decided to be cautious.

"Shi A, call Fengxiao, Yide, and Zilong. Take 5,000 men from the Vanguard Camp and go to Chenliu with me," Liu Yao ordered. This time, he was bringing all his current forces, showing his determination to succeed in Chenliu.

"Yes, Lord," Shi A replied and went to make the preparations.

By noon, from the current emperor to the common people in Luoyang, everyone knew that Liu Yao had left Luoyang with 3,000 of his men. For a while, there was some unrest in Luoyang, as people thought another disturbance was about to happen.

Of course, among them were Liu Yao's enemies who accused him of擅自出兵, intending to rebel. However, Liu Hong suppressed these accusations. Liu Yao would not leave Luoyang without informing Emperor Ling of Han.

On the way to Chenliu, Yanzhou, Liu Yao encountered many Yellow Turban remnants, but most were only a few dozen or a few hundred strong, with the largest group being about a thousand. Upon seeing Liu Yao's well-equipped cavalry, they quickly fled. Liu Yao, having important matters to attend to, did not pursue them. Thus, they arrived in Chenliu without any hindrance.

Liu Yao then stationed the Vanguard Camp outside the city and entered Chenliu with Guo Jia, Shi A, and a hundred personal guards. However, he did not keep the hundred guards close but sent them to find someone, Dian Wei, who was known as the best bodyguard in the Three Kingdoms. "First Lu Bu, second Zhao Yun, third Dian Wei" showed how strong Dian Wei was.

Of course, Liu Yao was not sure if he could find Dian Wei. Although Dian Wei was from Chenliu, historically he was wanted by the authorities for avenging a friend. Liu Yao was not sure of the exact timing, so finding him was a matter of chance.

In front of a simple house in Chenliu, Liu Yao and Guo Jia stood at the door. According to the Dark Group, the Mohists lived here.

"General of the Cavalry and Governor of Youzhou, Liu Yao, comes to pay respects to the descendant of the Mohists. Please show yourself," Liu Yao called out loudly.

After Liu Yao's voice, there was no response for a long time.

At this point, Zhang Fei could not hold back. Zhang Fei was impatient, and the people inside dared to ignore Liu Yao, which made him furious.

"TNND, my lord has come to visit with such high status, and you dare to be arrogant. Watch me drag you out and give you a good lesson," Zhang Fei said, rolling up his sleeves and preparing to rush into the courtyard.

"Yide, no!!" Liu Yao shouted, pulling Zhang Fei back just as he was about to step into the courtyard.

At that moment, dozens of crossbow bolts flew out from somewhere, piercing the spot where Zhang Fei had just stepped.

Zhang Fei was drenched in cold sweat. If Liu Yao had not pulled him back in time, he would have been a pincushion.

Liu Yao also breathed a sigh of relief. As a descendant of the Mohists, how could they not be skilled in mechanisms? Liu Yao was angry. He was most displeased when someone dared to harm his brothers. Each of Zhang Fei and the others was a capable assistant, and losing any one of them would be a great loss.

"Hmph, is this how the Mohists treat guests? Welcoming with crossbows, quite unique indeed," Liu Yao said sarcastically.

"Listen, if you don't come out in ten breaths, don't blame me for taking action," Liu Yao said angrily. Since the Mohists were not giving him face, he did not need to be polite. He could capture them one by one and force them to work for him.

Sure enough, not everyone was ready to die. After a few breaths, the door of the courtyard opened, and an old man and a young man came out.

"Commoner Mo Tian (Mo Yu) pays respects to the lord," they said, bowing to Liu Yao. These two were likely descendants of the Mohists. It seemed that Mo Yu was Mo Tian's apprentice.

"Ha, Mo Elder, you finally came out. You were ignoring me earlier," Liu Yao said sarcastically.

"Please forgive me, lord. I had no choice," Mo Tian said without changing his expression.

"Your 'no choice' almost injured my brother Zhang Fei. If not for my lord's sake, I would have already made you full of holes," Zhang Fei said, still angry from the near miss.

"Yide, no rudeness," Liu Yao scolded. After all, he was there to recruit them, and causing too much trouble would not be good. Zhang Fei could only retreat behind Liu Yao and sulk.

Mo Tian also bowed deeply to Zhang Fei, "I was rude earlier. I apologize, General."

"Hmph," Zhang Fei coldly replied, ignoring Mo Tian. The atmosphere became awkward.

"Mo Elder, don't mind him. He's always like this. We came from afar, and you treat us like this?" Liu Yao said casually.

"It was my oversight, lord. Please come inside," Mo Tian said, inviting Liu Yao in.

Liu Yao nodded and walked in.

"Lord, be careful," Shi A warned, still worried about the mechanisms.

Mo Tian smiled, "General, please rest assured. The mechanisms have been deactivated."

Liu Yao was surprised. He had no idea when Mo Tian had deactivated the mechanisms. The Mohists were truly skilled. However, he trusted Mo Tian and walked in first. Indeed, the way was clear. Seeing this, Shi A and the others followed.

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