Insufficient balance

  "Clang."

  A clear and melodious sound of the zither faded away, leaving behind a faint echo. The elegant hall was immediately quiet, and after a long while, a soft sigh was heard: "The Yellow Turbans in Qingchuan and Nanyang have been defeated one after another. I suppose Ji Province won't last much longer either. Taiping Dao and Zhang Jiao's old way are not enough to achieve anything, it's really disappointing..."

  The maid in waiting asked softly: "Miss, what should we do now?

  Yaxuan said in a soft voice, "The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is on the verge of collapse, there's no need to pass on any more messages from the imperial court. What we should do now is to hide our tracks and wait for an opportunity."

  "Yes, miss."

  The lady got up from the ground and slowly walked out of the pavilion.

  ……

  Who told you of my sorrow? I am alone with my thoughts and grief.

  Reflecting within and waiting for nothing, I hold on to what is firm and unyielding.

  Three years of hiding and no decision, the years are suddenly fleeting like a landslide.

  Alas, I am not sufficient to fulfill your wishes, I hope to see you once and then return.

  Alas for the misfortunes of human affairs! I attribute them to Heaven's decree and entrust them to Xianchi.

  ……

  Soon, a faint and melancholic singing voice echoed in the Ya Xuan, like weeping and complaining, like silk and cotton. Even the small birds on the branches by the pool forgot to return after hearing it...

  ……

  Zhang Zhuang

  In the empty space in front of the village, the 800 bandits had already gathered, and the banner that Ma Yue ordered to be hastily made overnight was held in Guan Hai's hand, fluttering in the wind with a loud rustling sound. On the plain white canvas were embroidered four large blood-red characters: "Eight Hundred Bandits", which was quite eye-catching.

  Ma Yue walked up to a bandit and stood still, his cold gaze falling on the bandit, making him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles, feeling uneasy all over. The bandit had a large package tucked under his arm, bulging with something unknown inside.

  "What's inside?"

  Ma Yue's tone was cold, like a howling north wind that chilled one to the bone.

  "Some clothes... I think they're pretty, want... want to keep them for my future wife to wear..."

  Ma Yue's eyes flashed with a stern gaze, and the bandits immediately fell silent.

  There are not a few such bandits, many of them carry or carry things on their bodies, and some even carry an eight-immortal table with carved flowers. At this moment, the 800 bandits no longer look like an army, but rather like a group of refugees fleeing disaster. If they take these guys on the road, they don't need to be chased by government troops, just exhaustion is enough to exhaust the 800 bandits.

  Ma Yue's expression was like a knife, and he turned around and walked to the front of the team.

  A chill wind swept across the empty land at the village entrance, blowing up Ma Qiao's wild and disheveled black hair. A stern and murderous aura flowed out of his dark eyes, like a sharp blade cutting through the hearts of the eight hundred bandits, causing everyone to hold their breath.

  "Throw away all these useless things! Each of you is only allowed to hold a weapon in your hand and carry food on your back. Whoever dares to disobey orders will be met with the steel knife! You are soldiers, not refugees!"

  "Throw it away!"

  Guan Hai and Pei Yuanshao glared at each other, shouting loudly. The bandits hastily threw Bao Yu and the useless things to the ground.

  Ma Yue let out a low growl, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent. With a wave of his hand, four burly and ferocious bandits dragged two dejected and crestfallen bandits to the front of the formation, forcing them to kneel in the muddy snow.

  Ma Yue's icy voice was like a hard stone rolling over every fugitive's heart.

  "Yesterday, before entering the village, I clearly ordered that no harm be done to the poor people. If anyone disobeys, they will be killed without pardon! However, last night, some people still disobeyed orders and secretly entered the village, killing people, setting fires, and raping women! When I speak, my words count. Whoever violates the ban will be beheaded, even if it's the King of Heaven himself!"

  "No, great leader, we know we were wrong, spare us, and we won't dare again!"

  Two bandits originally thought that a scolding would be enough, but they didn't expect Ma Chao to really want to kill them. They suddenly panicked and repeatedly begged for mercy. The 800 bandits also showed a look of reluctance, and even Jian Yong couldn't help but intervene to plead on their behalf: "Boqi, I think it's enough, they already know their mistake."

  Ma Yue's eyes gleamed with a fierce light, and he swiftly drew out his steel knife, handing it to Guan Hai, shouting sternly: "Guan Hai, you come and carry out the execution!"

  Ma Jiao's face was ashen, he had never seen such a ferocious expression on him before. He steeled himself and took over the steel knife, handing the banner to Pei Yuanshao beside him, then turned to the two bandits and said: "Brothers, close your eyes for a moment."

  Two desperate bandits looked at Guan Yu with a hopeless gaze, gritted their teeth and closed their eyes.

  A sinister smile flashed across the dark face, and with a swift slash of the knife, the sharp blade drew a cold arc in the air, hot blood splashing everywhere, two heads had already rolled onto the snowy ground.

  The eight hundred bandits all showed a look of horror, Liu Xian couldn't bear to look away, while Zou Yuniang, who was standing close to her, revealed a different expression. She thought that this fugitive, who was being pursued by the imperial court, seemed to be different from other bandits. Even the disciplined government troops wouldn't kill their own subordinates for innocent civilians.

  To survive, Ma Jiao didn't hesitate to train this group of farmers into wild wolves, but he also knew that he absolutely couldn't let these wild wolves lose control. He had to establish absolute and supreme authority among this pack of fierce wolves; otherwise, the 800 bandits would become a disaster, a catastrophe.

  Taking a deep breath of cold air, Ma Jue Lang shouted loudly: "Pei Yuanshao!"

  Pei Yuanshao took a step forward and said loudly: "Present!"

  ……

  Afterwards, Zhang Guan, the steward of Zhangzhuang, escaped with his life and fled back to Fuyang County at a speed no less than that of Marathon, reporting to County Magistrate Chen Zhen that Zhangzhuang had been raided by bandits, and only he survived among more than 100 people in the village.

  County Magistrate Chen Zhen was shocked upon hearing the news and hastily summoned County Lieutenant, County Captain and various low-ranking officials to discuss the matter.

  Many officials thought that the city gates should be closed, martial law enforced, and then someone would rush to inform Governor Qin of Nanyang, asking the governor to send troops to quell the uprising. Only Li Yan, a subordinate official in charge of bandits, disagreed, believing that a hundred or so bandits were not worth worrying about and that there was no need for the governor to dispatch troops, and that the 500 soldiers from Fuyang County would be enough to defeat them.

  Li Yan, styled Zhengfang, was a native of Nanyang. At the time, he was only 20 years old and served as the registrar of Fuyang County, a minor official in charge of capturing thieves. Due to his talent, he was highly appreciated by County Magistrate Chen Zhen.

  Someone questioned: "Li Yan, how can you be certain that there are only over a hundred bandits?"

  Li Yan burst out laughing and pointed at Zhang Qiu, saying: "Although Zhang the manager is fat, his body's fat can't be more than 100 or so catties, enough for how many people to have a full meal? That's why I dare to assert that there are only over a hundred bandits."

  Everyone was silent, and County Magistrate Chen Zhen was even more convinced.

  Li Yan swept his sleeve and said, "Sir, Huang Yang in Nanyang has been defeated by General Zhu and Lord Qin's joint forces. The Yellow Turbans have been almost completely destroyed, with only a few scattered remnants remaining. These are merely the fleeing defeated soldiers, and I will need only 200 men to defeat them and bring back the heads of the bandits."

  Chen Zhen's mind was greatly settled, he stretched out his hand and stroked the willow whiskers under his chin, and said with a smile: "I, the official, and you 300 soldiers, tomorrow at the third watch cook rice, and at the fifth watch set out on expedition."

  "Yes, sir!"

  Li Yan bowed with a fist and a slight smile, his young and handsome face showing a hint of pride, making him look even more spirited. A husband should make achievements and establish a career, this is indeed a great opportunity given by heaven.

  ……

  Wan City, the Taishou Fu.

  Wen Ping rushed in excitedly and said to Qin Wei, who was sitting anxiously: "Brother-in-law, there's news."

  Qin Ming suddenly stood up, and the surrounding generals of Huang Zhong also turned their faces in unison, revealing a look of excitement. The remnants of the Yellow Turbans who had disappeared for a day and night finally had news?

  Qin Lie hastily asked: "Where are the remaining Yellow Turbans now?"

  Wen Ping took a deep breath and replied, "A fast horse galloped 80 miles to the east and finally obtained news that some refugees were hiding in the thick grass. A group of Yellow Turban bandits were seen heading southeast, presumably Ma Chao's troops."

  Qin Bi's face changed, and he asked: "Where did you meet, at what time?"

  Wen Pingdao said: "In the southwestern part of Biyang County, near Shitou Mountain, yesterday at dusk."

  "Compared to Yangxian's Shitou Mountain! Yesterday at dusk?" Qin Hui exclaimed, "In that case, the bandits are now within Fuyang's borders!"

  Zou Jing, who was familiar with the geography of Nanyang, was shocked and said: "Fuyang is the hometown of the great general. If it were to be attacked by bandits, I fear that the great general would be enraged."

  "Even if it were just this, it would be fine. But what's more, the old father of the great general is still in Fuyang City. If something happens... the consequences will be unbearable."

  Everyone's face changed, and no one dared to think about the consequences if General Taoyuan's old father encountered an accident. I'm afraid everyone here would lose their heads. After a while, Jiang Xia Cai Mao finally came back to his senses and said nonchalantly: "Ma Yuantu has only over a thousand bandits, and there are 500 county troops stationed in Yang County. If we send troops to clear them out, it may be difficult to succeed, but if we defend firmly, it should be more than enough."

  "Huang Zhong shouted: 'I'm not afraid of ten thousand, but I fear one in ten thousand. My lord, quickly dispatch troops to pursue and attack!'"

  Qin Lie's expression changed as he heard this, and he shouted in a stern voice: "All generals, listen to my orders!"