Chapter 92

As they encountered the carriage carrying Lu Zhi, Liu Bei rushed forward, dismounted, and exclaimed, "Master, why is this happening?"

The guards escorting the prisoner, seeing Qin Feng, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao, did not dare to be negligent and halted the procession. Thus, Lu Zhi was able to catch his breath and explain the situation.

It turned out that while victories were being reported from all fronts, there was no news from Guangzong where Lu Zhi was stationed. Lu Zhi, a renowned general, led the elite Northern Army; why was there no news? Emperor Ling was puzzled and sent a eunuch to Guangzong to inspect the military situation and ask why Lu Zhi had not launched an offensive.

When Zhang Rang's confidant, the eunuch Zuo Feng, arrived at the camp in Guangzong, he did not inspect the military situation but demanded a bribe. A man like Lu Zhi, who would not compromise, did not bribe Zuo Feng. Instead, he harshly criticized the eunuch for misleading the country and causing chaos in the court.

After returning, Zuo Feng truthfully reported to Zhang Rang, who was furious and accused Lu Zhi of being disrespectful and delaying military operations in the court. With victories being reported from all other fronts, Lu Zhi's inaction stood out. Emperor Ling immediately issued an edict, appointing the Governor of Bingzhou, Dong Zhuo, as a General to replace Lu Zhi.

When Qin Feng approached, he sighed, thinking that Lu Zhi was one of the last great generals of the late Eastern Han. If it were not for his holding back Zhang Jiao's main forces with a small army north of the Yellow River, how could Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun have had the leisure to eliminate the rebels in the Central Plains?

Seeing Qin Feng, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao together, Lu Zhi felt relieved and hurriedly said, "Generals, do not worry about me. Go to the main camp in Guangzong and advise General Dong not to launch an offensive. The rebels are numerous; we must hold our positions and wait for Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun to eliminate the remaining forces. Then, we can join forces and defeat the Zhang brothers in one battle."

This strategy was indeed sound, leaving no opportunity for the Yellow Turbans. However, with villains around the emperor, if you do not attack and do not offer bribes, who else would they target?

Qin Feng could not help but think that it was truly difficult to be a loyal minister under a corrupt ruler. Not only must one govern the country well, but one must also deal with treacherous officials. However, throughout history, loyal ministers and treacherous officials have been irreconcilable. Loyal ministers do not stab others in the back, but they often end up being stabbed by treacherous officials.

While Qin Feng was talking to Lu Zhi, Liu Bei was not idle. Guan Yu, stroking his long beard, said, "Brother, General Lu has been arrested. We have no support in Guangzong. We should return to our hometown and make plans."

Liu Bei shook his head and replied, "The court is about to suppress the Yellow Turbans. If we want to establish merit, we must go to Guangzong."

Qin Feng, along with Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, promised to submit a petition to clear Lu Zhi's name.

Lu Zhi was very grateful and said, "I am old and my life is not important. Do not cause trouble for my sake. Go to Guangzong and assist General Dong with all your efforts."

The three of them bid farewell to Lu Zhi and led 1,900 troops to Guangzong as quickly as possible. The 1,900 troops included 500 of Qin Feng's elite soldiers, 1,000 of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao's Imperial Guards, and 400 of Liu Bei's auxiliary troops.

Half a day later, as the sun was setting in the west, it was still very bright in mid-July.

Cao Cao said to Qin Feng, "Zijin, it will be dark in an hour. We should set up camp now."

Yuan Shao also said, "We can reach Guangzong tomorrow without missing the three-day deadline."

Liu Bei, who had been ignored, now spoke up, "Generals, you are right."

Qin Feng frowned and said, "What nonsense..."

Everyone was shocked, and Liu Bei was particularly embarrassed and angry. However, since he was still a civilian and did not hold an official position, he did not dare to act rashly and could only smile awkwardly.

Cao Cao's small eyes darted around, sensing that Qin Feng had more to say. He asked, "Zijin, what do you mean?"

Qin Feng explained his thoughts, "General Lu Zhi said that when he was escorted out of the camp, Dong Zhuo had already begun preparing for battle. If my guess is correct, Dong Zhuo's offensive will surely end in defeat at the hands of the Yellow Turbans, with dire consequences."

Yuan Shao, whose head was as big as a large son's, turned his head and said, "Although the Yellow Turbans are numerous, our army is well-equipped. Although General Dong is not as capable as General Lu, he has successfully suppressed the Yellow Turbans in Bingzhou, so he is not incompetent..."

Before Yuan Shao could finish, a loud shout came from the northeast. Everyone was startled and saw the dust rising, illuminated by the setting sun, spreading across the sky.

"Damn! Dong Zhuo has been defeated!" Qin Feng cursed, "To lose so quickly is a record!"

"Really defeated!" Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Bei were speechless. Seeing the dust moving southwest, they knew it must be a defeat. In the confrontation at Guangzong, the imperial army was in the southwest, and the Yellow Turbans were in the northeast. If the imperial army had won, they would have advanced northeast.

The troops they led were in chaos.

Cao Cao was shocked and said, "Zijin, Dong Zhuo has been defeated. What should we do?"

Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, also in shock, looked at Qin Feng. They were amazed by his accurate prediction and now relied on him completely.

Qin Feng frowned and, seeing Liu Bei, had an idea. Since in the future, Liu Bei and his brothers could save Dong Zhuo, with the addition of himself, Yuan Shao, and Cao Cao, they could certainly save him. Therefore, Qin Feng decided, "Order the entire army not to panic. The enemy has chased at least fifty miles and is already exhausted."

He then made arrangements, ordering Yuan Shao to lead the left flank, Liu Bei to lead the right flank, and Cao Cao to cover the rear. When the Yellow Turbans attacked, they would surround them from three sides.

"Zijin, what about you?" Cao Cao and Yuan Shao both had a certain expression.

Liu Bei was already cursing in his heart, "Cao Mengde and Yuan Benchu, two idiots, who rank higher than Qin Zijin, are listening to him. Qin Zijin is even more despicable, giving all the dangerous tasks to others."

Qin Feng said seriously, "I will gather the defeated troops and come to support you."

Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, who were inexperienced in leading large-scale battles, were initially at a loss when faced with the defeat at Guangzong. Now, with Qin Feng's plan, they felt it was quite simple and were eager to try, thinking that next time they would strive for leadership.

Qin Feng had his own selfish motives and would not easily risk his elite soldiers. Since the Yellow Turbans in Guangzong had been strengthened in this life, who knew what would happen after Dong Zhuo's defeat. Therefore, before understanding the situation, Qin Feng wanted to preserve his strength.

"Zhang Ping, you immediately lead a group to scout the enemy. Xu Chu and Dian Wei, each of you lead a hundred cavalry, fly my banner, and gather the defeated troops around." He pointed to a high ground and said, "My banner will be there, and the defeated troops should gather there."

"Understood!" As Zhang Ping, Xu Chu, and Dian Wei set off, Qin Feng noticed that Cao Cao and the others had not moved and was furious, shouting, "What are you waiting for? Move quickly!"

"Ah~ Yes!" Qin Feng had once commanded a million troops and swept across the land. Under his authority, even Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had to comply.

Thus, even with only a thousand troops, they began to act in an organized manner.

A short while later, Qin Feng stood on the high ground, watching the distant horizon. He could already see a large number of defeated troops approaching and silently prayed, "It must be like in history; we must save Dong Zhuo and hold back the Yellow Turbans. Otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain, and the future is unknown..."

Thus, a battle was about to begin.

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