Chapter 35: The Vassals Retreat

  "Louying, how did you come back?"

  Gongsun Zan suppressed his unease and asked in a stern voice: "Where is Gongsun Yue with the three thousand cavalry now?"

  Lü Ling cried out: "My lord, our army clashed with the Western Liang rebels in Jie County and fought to the death. Our forces were outnumbered, and Sun Jian's reinforcements did not arrive promptly. General Gong Sunyue has already fallen in battle, and only a few hundred of my brothers managed to escape."

  "What?"

  Gongsun Zan was so shocked that he almost fell over backwards and it took him a long time to come back to his senses.

  The generals in the military tent were also stunned, their ears perked up and listening intently. One by one, they widened their eyes, not daring to believe it.

  Lou You cried out, "When our army arrived at Qiao County, Qiao County had already been breached by the Western Liang rebels. Sun Jian ordered a strong attack, and of the 15,000-strong army, many were killed or wounded. Now only 7,000 infantrymen are left... brothers..."

  All the vassals listened with bated breath, each one silent and speechless.

  Gongsun Zan regained his composure and sternly said: "This general's 3,000 Youyan Iron Cavalry has never been defeated in the northern regions of the pass. Even if our military strength is inferior to that of the Western Liang rebels, how could we be defeated in one battle? What exactly happened? Speak quickly!"

  Louying barely held back her tears and recounted what had happened.

  The various vassals once again gasped in unison, fearless of bows and arrows, fully armored cavalry, even the war horses were clad in heavy armor, and iron chains linked together to form an iron-clad ring of horses. When did the Xiliang rebel army have such a powerful cavalry?

  The war horse was carrying several hundred more pounds, how could it possibly run for a long time?

  All the princes present were somewhat skilled in horsemanship and deeply understood its difficulties.

  However, the appearance of Tie Jia Lian Huan Ma in the Western Liang rebel army made all the vassals frown.

  "Alas, it's all over for someone!"

  Gongsun Zan was furious and bellowed loudly, almost overturning the tent, his heart bleeding.

  The three thousand Youyan Iron Cavalry were his personal troops, and also the most elite cavalry under his command. He had thought that holding back the mere eight thousand Xiliang cavalry would be enough, but unexpectedly they were annihilated in a single battle, how could he not feel heartache?

  "Sun Jian is a match for you, and this isn't over yet."

  Gongsun Zan was even more resentful, gritting his teeth in anger and blaming Sun Jian for the debt.

  All the princes hurriedly tried their best to comfort and persuade him, but it was like pouring oil on fire, which could not calm down Gong Sun Zan's anger at all.

  "This is not your place of death, you are naturally not heartbroken."

  Gongsun Zan angrily rebuked the various marquises, let out a loud roar, and without looking back, strode out of the tent.

  Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were both left looking embarrassed, the atmosphere was momentarily very awkward.

  They were originally going to discuss how to capture Tiger Trap Pass as soon as possible, but unexpectedly they lost interest due to Sun Jian's defeat.

  The various princes no longer had the heart to discuss military affairs and each went their separate ways in a state of dejection.

  Liu Dai, Tao Qian, Zhang Miao, Zhang Chao and other princes were even more worried, fearing that the Western Liang cavalry would kill their way into their own territory.

  Returning to the camp, he immediately gathered his confidants for discussion and exchanged messages, wanting to retreat back to their territory.

  The next day, during the military council, before he could even speak, another small school came to report that someone from Cao's family in Qiao County had come to see Cao Cao.

  Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat, and he hastily ordered Xiao Xiao to bring the person in.

  Before long, a young man of barely twenty years old walked in with big strides.

  This young man was also covered in blood, dusty and disheveled, as if he had been through a fierce battle.

  Cao Cao was greatly startled and hastily got up, asking in a loud voice: "Cao Chun, how did you come to Tiger Trap Pass? Are your family members well?"

  Cao Chun fell to the ground in front of Cao Cao, also wailing loudly, "Elder brother, those damned Xiliang bandits not only destroyed our village, but also slaughtered all the old and young people in our clan, sparing only the women, waaah..."

  "What?"

  Cao Cao was so startled that he fell backwards onto the ground, his eyes almost popping out.

  All the vassals were also stunned, and it took them half a day to come back to their senses.

  Cao Chun continued: "The next day, after the Xiliang bandits left, I secretly returned to the fort to investigate. Not a single male member of our clan survived. The old master was originally hiding in the cellar, but he was also found by the Xiliang bandits and beheaded as an example..."

  Wow!

  Cao Cao heard this and could no longer hold back, spitting out a mouthful of old blood before falling backwards.

  "My lord!"

  Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan were shocked and quickly rushed forward to help Cao Cao up.

  "You're just a mediocre man, I'll definitely make you die a thousand cuts."

  Cao Ren's face was stern and fierce, he let out a loud roar towards the sky, with blood trickling slowly down from the corners of his eyes.

  Cao Hong and Xiahou brothers were also furious, wishing they could immediately rush back to Qiao County to kill.

  All the vassals swarmed around, speaking kindly and persuading him, all with a sorrowful heart.

  This time it's the Cao family clan who are unlucky, who will be next?

  Liu Dai, Tao Qian, Zhang Chao and others thought about it more and more, their hearts were racing with fear.

  The Western Liang rebels were able to raid and break into Qiao County, which made it possible for them to raid and break into Xiapei and Guangling, and plunder their old nests.

  Under the destroyed nest, how can the clan be preserved?

  Cao Cao slowly came back to his senses after a long while, and tears fell silently.

  "Damn you, Hu Zhen dog thief! You dare to kill my father and destroy my clan. I swear to heaven that as long as I live, I will exterminate your entire family, dig up your ancestors' graves, flay you alive, eat your flesh, drink your blood, and avenge the hatred in my heart."

  Cao Cao gritted his teeth and made a vow, his hatred was so intense that it made others shiver without being cold.

  All the vassals were shocked and trembled with fear, and they had a new understanding of Cao Pi.

  "Brother, the leader of the vanguard is not Hu Zhi, Hu Zhi is already dead."

  "What?"

  Cao Cao was shocked again, "Hu Zhi is already dead, how did he die, and who is now in command of the Western Liang rebel army?"

  All the vassals were also greatly surprised, their eyes fixed intently on Cao Chun.

  Cao Chun said, "I heard that Hu Zhi was beheaded by Xu Chu of Jiaozhou when he attacked a manor in Jiaozhou. Now the Western Liang rebels are led by Luo Zheng, who is under Hu Zhi's command, and Jiaozhou has been breached by this very Luo Zheng."

  "A hero among ordinary men."

  Cao Cao gritted his teeth in great anger, almost biting them to pieces.

  All the vassals began to discuss and speculate, wondering who this Luo Zheng was.

  A nobody, who had never been heard of before, was able to make a name for himself in the county, indeed he has some ability.

  There were lords who asked: "So, was it also Luo Zheng who defeated the 3,000 Youzhou cavalry and greatly defeated Sun Wentai's territory?"

  "That's right."

  All the vassals were shocked again. Being able to defeat Sun Jian, the brave and good warrior from Jiangdong, how could he not be a incompetent?

  Cao Ren and Cao Hong, both brothers of Xiahou, reported their crimes and hastily carried Cao Cao back to the camp for rest.

  Tao Qian, Liu Dai and others had intended to withdraw their troops, but after Cao Cao's father was killed, they refused to retreat. They thought of excuses, but none could be uttered, one by one with worried faces left the central army and returned to the camp to think of a plan to escape.

  But just a few days later, news came from Xuzhou and Yanzhou one after another.

  The Western Liang Iron Cavalry divided into two routes, killing their way into the borders of Xuzhou and Yanzhou. One route burned, killed, and looted, committing all sorts of evil deeds. All the aristocratic families they passed through suffered a bloody massacre. The two states had already been turned upside down by the slaughter.

  If this Western Liang rebel army is not annihilated as soon as possible, I fear that the overall situation will be endangered.

  Tao Qian and Liu Dai received the news and almost jumped up in shock, no longer caring about dignity or righteousness.

  At this time, annihilating this heavenly killing Western Liang cavalry is the top priority.

  Tao Qian, Liu Dai, Zhang Miao, Zhang Chao, Yuan Yi, and Qiao Mao among others did not go to the central army, but only sent someone to inform Yuan Shao, the nominal leader of the alliance, before breaking camp and hastily leading their troops back to their respective territories.

  Yuan Shao and Cao Cao received the news, all of them let out a long sigh, and remained silent for a while.

  Yuan Shu was furious, shouting and scolding Tao Qian and other lords for being disloyal and unrighteous. When the city of Wan was broken, he wanted to retreat but was blocked by everyone. Now Tao Qian, Liu Dai and others ran away without a word, what kind of thing is this?

  "Liu Daiming, you old thing, Tao Qian, I'm not done with you yet."

  Yuan Shu loudly and angrily scolded, wishing he could lead his troops to chase down these lords and bring them back.

  However, he was left with less than 10,000 troops and was unable to resist the several vassal lords.

  Jizhou Governor Han Fu, Beihai Governor Kong Rong, Shangdang Governor Zhang Yang, and Henan Governor Zhang Yang had suffered heavy casualties since the Battle of Tiger Trap Pass, with only a few thousand defeated soldiers remaining under their command.

  Seeing Tao Qian and others retreat, the situation has already gone, and there is also a plan to retreat.

  Cao Cao saw that things were not going well and hastily said in a loud voice: "I have something to say, gentlemen, please listen."

  All the vassals heard this and cast sideways glances at each other, then looked towards Cao Cao.

  Cao Cao said in a loud voice: "If our army retreats rashly, the Xiliang rebels will surely come to pursue and attack us. At that time, we may be defeated one by one."

  "What Meng De said is absolutely right."

  All the vassals nodded in agreement, this statement was indeed reasonable.

  Hebei Governor Han Fu asked: "I don't know if Lord Cao has any clever plans to get us out of the pursuit of the Xiliang rebel army?"

  Cao Cao smiled and said, "This is an easy task. Just insert flags all over the camp, set up many straw men, dress them in military uniforms, and confuse the enemy scouts. This will prevent the Xiliang rebels from daring to make a move, and you gentlemen can lead your troops away safely."

  "This plan is excellent."

  All the princes were overjoyed and applauded.

  Yuan Shao's face was extremely displeased, the allied army dispersed, and this alliance leader had no face.

  More importantly, failing to capture Luoyang and execute the national thief, the merit of saving the dynasty was lost.

  However, after running a few routes of the vassals, the remaining vassals also had the intention to retreat. Strongly attacking the Tiger Pass again would be difficult to unite forces, and there were not enough troops and horses either. At present, except for dispersing and retreating, the allied army has almost no other way to go.

  Yuan Shao felt a deep sense of discontent and frustration.

  Compared with his high spirits when he set out on the expedition, this outcome was quite frustrating for him.

  "Cao Cao again gritted his teeth and said: 'Gentlemen, I have one more thing to say. The Western Liang rebels are burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of evil deeds. If we don't annihilate this heavenly army of Western Liang cavalry, how can we go back and face our ancestors? What do you gentlemen think?'"

  "What Meng De said is quite right."

  All the vassals hastily agreed and finally found a reasonable excuse for the withdrawal of troops.

  The allied forces of the vassals came with great momentum, but before they could capture the Tiger Pass, they dispersed and retreated. They will inevitably be criticized by people all over the world.

  Send troops to annihilate this Western Liang cavalry that has been burning, killing and looting, it's a pretty good excuse.

  At the moment, all the lords still regarded Yuan Shao as their alliance leader. Under the cover of night, they left Tiger Trap Pass and marched with a force of nearly 100,000 to surround and intercept the Xiliang cavalry that had invaded the Central Plains, killing, burning and looting, making the various lords gnash their teeth in hatred.

  If it weren't for this heavenly cavalry of Longxi, the various lords would not have been forced into such a difficult situation.

  At this time, it's not just Cao Cao, even other warlords would love to capture and bury the entire Western Liang cavalry alive.