The Three Kingdoms Dance: Group of Heroes 040. Old General Huang Zhong

  Liu Bei rode his horse at a gallop, with a heavy heart rushing towards the city of Jiangling. After more than half an hour's ride, there was already a guard waiting outside the city gate, who saw Liu Bei's extraordinary appearance and majestic demeanor. The guard hastily stepped forward and asked in a low voice: "May I ask if you are Liu Xiong?"

  Liu Bei nodded slightly upon hearing what the guard said and furrowed his brow, saying: "Who are you?"

  "Liu Gongzi, I am Fu County's attendant and close guard. I have been waiting for Liu Gongzi here. The attendants explained briefly and then hastily said: 'Liu Gongzi, the county magistrate is already waiting for you at the governor's mansion, what do you think?'"

  "On the front road..."

  The guard's face lit up with joy and he hastily said: "Lord Liu, please follow me."

  Liu Bei nodded and urged his horse to follow the guards slowly towards the Jiangling City Governor's Mansion.

  Jiangling City is under the jurisdiction of Jiangling Prefecture, which is the seat of government. Located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and the western part of the Jianghan Plain, it borders the Yangtze River to the south, the Han River to the north, controls Sichuan to the west, and connects with Hunan and Guangdong to the south. It has been a strategic location for military operations since ancient times.

  Jiangling City has a special status in Jingzhou, it is one of the major cities of Jingzhou, with tens of thousands of heavy troops guarding it. There is no other reason, only because Jiangling City gathered most of the materials, military equipment, and money of Jingzhou...

  Years ago, Jiangling was the seat of Jingzhou, but after Liu Biao took over as the governor of Jingzhou, he chose Xiangyang as his base and moved there to develop the northern part of Jingzhou vigorously. As a result, Jiangling became the treasury of Jingzhou Prefecture.

  Because of the importance of Jiangling, Liu Biao did not dare to underestimate it. He appointed his nephew Liu Hu as the governor of Jiangling Prefecture. Liu Biao knew that his nephew Liu Hu was a military enthusiast who had no interest in literature and art. Therefore, he appointed his aide Fu Xun as the prefect of Jiangling Prefecture to assist Liu Hu in governing Jiangling. Although Liu Hu did not manage the affairs of Jiangling, Fu Xun worked hard and managed the various government affairs of Jiangling in an orderly manner. The city of Jiangling remained prosperous and thriving, its prosperity was no less than that of Xiangyang.

  The county governor's office, Fu Xun's face was gloomy, his eyebrows furrowed as thoughts flashed through his mind, a deep worry etched between his brows, as if he had encountered a major problem.

  Fu Xun slowly opened his eyes and frowned, thinking to himself: "Is this real or fake?"

  Fu Xun muttered to himself non-stop, and if someone familiar with him were present, they would surely be shocked. Fu Xun's nature had always been decisive and swift, known for his resolute character, but today he was at a loss, how could this not cause surprise? What kind of event had made him feel so stuck?

  Fu Shuo frowned and said, "Jiangxia has Huang Zu's tens of thousands of troops stationed there, how could it be broken by Zhang Wu and Chen Sun's mob?"

  Jiangxia County has always been the forefront of Jingzhou's resistance to Jiangdong. In dealing with the problem of Jiangdong, Liu Biao, Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue all followed the principle of deploying elite soldiers and generals, heavily defending against them. Although Jiangxia County was often at a disadvantage under the attack of Jiangdong, it has never been breached by Jiangdong!

  But the intelligence brought by that blood-soaked "defeated soldier of Jiangxia" today really shocked Fu Xun deeply, and Jiangxia County was actually broken, what's going on?

  Fu Shuo was shocked, Huang Zu, as the governor of Jiangxia, had tens of thousands of soldiers under his command. Now that Jiangxia had been broken through, not a single message had come from him, did this mean that Huang Zu had already died? The thought of Huang Zu's death caused Fu Shuo to feel anxious and worried, Huang Zu was one of Liu Biao's most trusted generals, if the news of his death were to be spread, wouldn't Liu Biao go mad?

  The most worrying thing is that the current situation in Jiangxia County is unclear, and it's hard to know how many there are. I thought Zhang Wu and Chen Sun's forces were still under control, but now it seems like there are too many uncertain factors!

  "Ah..." Fu Xun sighed again, looking at the intelligence on the table with a deep frown.

  "Thud thud thud......"

  A sound of footsteps came, Fu Sheng looked up and saw Liu Bei walking in with a serious face, Fu Sheng quickly stood up and shook hands with him, delightedly saying: "Liu Xianxiong, you've arrived?"

  Liu Bei saw a middle-aged scholar in front of him, with a refined face and a few strands of whiskers that fluttered in the wind, exuding an air of mystery. Liu Bei suppressed his anxious mood, bowed his head and smiled: "I have just arrived too, may I ask if you are Fu Shuo, the governor of Fuchang?"

  Fu Shun saw the worry and unease in Liu Bei's heart, and with a hint of humor, he said, "Not quite as expected, like a fake product being exchanged." He immediately turned serious and asked in a low voice, "Does Lord Liu know about the changes in Jiangxia?"

  "Liu Bei listened and his face turned dark and heavy, his tone low and solemn: 'Gong Ti, has Jiangxia City been breached as rumored, entered by Zhang Liao and Chen Sun?'"

  Fu Shuo nodded and then shook his head, leaving Liu Bei speechless for a moment. Fortunately, Fu Shuo continued: "Liu Huangshu doesn't know, and neither do I know the situation in Jiangxia. I only knew that Jiangxia was broken from the mouth of a defeated soldier from Jiangxia. The actual situation..."

  Fu Shuo's words were not yet spoken, but Liu Bei had already understood. He lowered his head, furrowed his brow and fell silent, Fu Shuo also did not speak to disturb him. After a long time, Liu Bei sighed and said: "Gong Ti, seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving." He paused for a moment, then changed his tone and said: "But Jiang Xia was broken, it's impossible not to believe, but also can't be fully believed."

  Fu Shuo listened to Liu Bei's words, his expression turned serious and he nodded solemnly, saying in a low voice: "Not to deceive you, uncle, but I have received intelligence that Jiangxia City has been breached, and as for Huang...Huang Zu himself, whether he is dead or alive is unknown..."

  "Life or death unknown?" Liu Bei's eyebrows furrowed tightly, Huang Zu was Liu Biao's trusted and beloved general, everyone in Jingzhou was clear about this, and before coming, Liu Biao had also instructed Liu Bei on some matters. Suddenly hearing Fu Shao's words that Huang Zu was nowhere to be found, Liu Bei felt a severe headache.

  Now that Jiangxia County has been broken, Huang Zu's life and death are unknown. This situation is also unexpected for Liu Bei, who has experienced many storms. Although he has a thousand threads, he can't take action. After bowing his head in thought for a moment, Liu Bei slightly calmed down, looked at Fu Shuo, and seemed to think of something, just about to speak. However, Fu Shuo smiled wryly at Liu Bei and said softly: "Uncle Huang, don't blame me, Liu Hu Gongzi is currently practicing military exercises in the camp outside the city..."

  Liu Bei was suddenly enlightened and smiled after hearing Fu Sheng's words: "Gong Ti, it would be better to call me Xuande!"

  Fu Sheng immediately raised an eyebrow, his eyes locked onto Liu Bei's for a long time. Liu Bei's eyes were filled with calmness, and he couldn't help but smile, saying in a soft voice: "Xuande!"

  "Liu Bei nodded with a smile, then looked at Fu Sheng with a serious expression and said worriedly: 'Gong Ti, although Zhang Wu and Chen Sun are capable, they can't break through Jiang Xia without external forces...' "

  Fu Xun also nodded heavily after listening, and said with a smile: "What Xuande said is not wrong. The most urgent task now is to clarify the facts of the fall of Jiangxia City and whether it was the Jiangdong side that was playing tricks."

  Jiangdong and Jingzhou have an unresolvable feud, it's highly likely that Jiangdong is playing tricks in this matter, so it's no wonder Fu Xun would make such speculations.

  "Hmm? If it's Jiang Dong causing trouble within, the situation might get out of hand." Liu Bei said worriedly, pausing for a moment before speaking loudly: "Gong Ti, Lingling, Changsha, Wuling, and Guilin - can the troops from these four counties be stationed outside the city in the large camp?"

  Fu Shuo smiled slightly, with a hint of disdain and coldness on his lips, saying in a cold tone: "This time the four governors of Jingnan heard that our lord's attitude is tough, and also have the support of the two families of Kuai and Cai. They don't dare to secretly disobey, but they sent messages like pouring out complaints...". Fu Shuo pointed to the case table and said: "Look, Zhongda, on top are all the grievances written by the four governors..."

  Liu Bei took a glance and his eyes twitched: "Good fellow, as tall as a small mountain." Liu Bei smiled lightly and said to Fu Shuo in a low voice: "Gong Ti is a great talent, it's no wonder that the capable ones are busy, hehe..."

  "Hey... don't mock me, I know my own weight!" Fu Shu said with a shake of his head, his eyes fixed on Liu Bei, and softly spoke: "Xuande, let's go take a look at the so-called 'elite soldiers and strong generals' of Jingnan's four counties in the military camp outside the city."

  Liu Bei heard this and looked at Fu Shou with suspicion, as if there was a hidden meaning in his words. Liu Bei showed some interest and said: "That's what I wish for, but I dare not ask!"

  Outside the city, military camp!

  The military camp has always been a place of solemnity and severity, as well as excitement and noise! The sound of angry roars, scolding voices, and drilling sounds continued endlessly. Liu Bei followed Fu Shou's guidance to the outskirts of the city and arrived at the military camp, where he was met with a loud and clear voice.

  Liu Bei and Fu Shou arrived outside the main camp, listening to the loud voices of the soldiers. Liu Bei's heart slightly relaxed, and he said with excitement: "It seems that this time, the four counties of Jingnan have strong troops and capable generals inside. It looks like this time, the rebellion in Jiangxia will be much easier to quell."

  Fu Sheng shook his head slightly and said in a low voice, "Xuande would not have spoken like that if he had seen it himself."

  Liu Bei heard this and was slightly surprised, glanced at Fu Sheng, but didn't say anything else. He silently followed Fu Sheng to tour the military camp. As time passed, Liu Bei's face gradually sank, eventually becoming gloomy and terrifying.

  Two men walked a big circle outside the camp, only the Changsha military camp was not visited. At this time, Liu Bei had no interest in visiting anymore. Liu Bei's face was gloomy and fearful, his eyes flashed with cold light, gritting his teeth and saying: "I didn't expect that the governor of Jingnan would not put Governor Jing Sheng in his eyes?"

  Fu Xun listened and couldn't help but smile bitterly, saying: "Ever since the lord moved from Jiangling to Xiangyang, control over Jingnan has weakened. The lord has strengthened Jingbei in recent years while neglecting Jingnan, so it's not surprising that the four counties of Jingnan have such a situation!"

  Looking at Liu Bei's unpleasant expression, Fu Shou couldn't help but say: "Xuande..." Before he could finish speaking, Liu Bei interrupted him. Liu Bei looked at Fu Shou and said: "Gong Ti, I know what you want to say!" Liu Bei's eyes flashed, saying: "The governor of the four counties in Jingnan is so bold, if there is no backing behind him, how dare he be so presumptuous?"

  "It's no use pursuing this matter now. Gong Ti, you can rest assured that Bei has not yet reached the point of being so reckless as to try to crack a rock with an egg."

  Fu Sheng let out a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, "What Lord Guan said is quite right." Fu Sheng smiled and looked at Liu Bei with a hint of a smile, saying, "Lord Guan, the main camp of the Changsha army is just ahead. Perhaps it will make your trip worthwhile and give you a pleasant surprise. Are you interested in taking a look?"

  Liu Bei was slightly stunned after hearing Fu Shou's words, and then slowly nodded his head and followed Fu Shou.

  "Huh? How did Zilong end up here?" Suddenly, Liu Bei stopped in his tracks and stared ahead in surprise, saying after a moment, "Who is that old general? He's so arrogant! He dares to challenge Zilong?"

  Fu Shun, who was on the side, frowned slightly after hearing this, as if recalling something, and immediately asked with some doubt: "Xuande, what about Zilong?"

  Liu Bei smiled and pointed to a handsome general wearing silver armor, who was competing with an old general in front of him, and proudly said: "This is Zhao Yun, also known as Zhao Zilong, the vanguard general under my command!"

  Fu Sheng smiled and said, "Don't underestimate that old general, Liu Bei. Although he is fifty-four years old, his martial arts are extraordinary and he has a heroic spirit." After saying this, he pointed to the side of the training ground where Zhao and Huang were fighting and asked in a low voice, "Do you know who this person is?"

  Liu Bei followed his finger and took a look, narrowing his eyes for a moment, slightly uncertain: "This person... isn't it Hu Er?"

  Fu Xun smiled slightly and said softly, "Yes!" After a pause, he continued: "Earlier, Liu Hu Gongzi underestimated this old general and made sarcastic remarks about Changsha having no one. He actually sent an old general? However, the old general has a fiery temper, and upon hearing the words, he became enraged and fiercely battled Liu Hu Gongzi. In less than twenty moves, Liu Hu Gongzi was defeated!"

  Liu Bei took a deep breath and thought to himself, "This old man is fifty-four years old yet so bold and brave? He is truly the ancient Lian Po." Liu Bei turned his head to look at Fu Shou on one side and asked, "Fu Shou, what is this man's surname and name?"

  Fu Shuo stroked his beard and smiled, saying: "This old man is surnamed Huang, named Zhong, with the courtesy name Han Sheng. He currently holds the position of Changsha Zhonglang General." His eyes gazed at the scene inside where Huang Zhong was fighting Zhao Yun, and he said softly: "Huang Zhong was originally from Nanyang, serving under the original Nanyang governor. Later, for some unknown reason, he resigned and didn't work for over a decade before taking up the position of Changsha Zhonglang General. He led the army to resist the barbarians multiple times, achieving numerous military merits. Lord Liu heard about it and summoned him... Ah!" Fu Shuo sighed softly as he spoke, seemingly disappointed with Liu Biao.

  Fu Sheng didn't finish speaking, Liu Bei suddenly felt enlightened in his heart. He thought that since he had given Huang Zhong a position out of respect for his seniority as an old general, it was likely that he wasn't really interested and just gave him a job to get rid of him. After hearing about Huang Zhong's experience, Liu Bei's eyes flickered with uncertainty, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a subtle, ambiguous smile.