Chapter 3: You've messed with the wrong person!

  At dawn, the sun's rays shone in all directions, illuminating a large river that sparkled with waves. On both banks of the river, countless soldiers, laborers, military prostitutes, and servant women emerged from their camps, some washing their faces, others scrubbing their backs in the water, or carrying basins to rinse clothes, or giving water to cattle and horses. The men and women were laughing and joking around, not showing any signs of having just lost a battle... That's right, winning or losing is the business of the high-ranking officials, it has nothing to do with these lowly soldiers, it's just that they get to loot fewer things, so why should they be worried?

  Ma Xuan was also among them, stretching his body comfortably, doing deep squats, frog jumps, single-arm push-ups and other pre-dive exercises.

  The Youzhou army's large camp was set up on the border bridge, beside the Pan River. The river was several dozen zhang wide and at this time of spring and summer, the water was surging. On it were two long bridges that could hold four horses abreast. If only a few hundred elite soldiers were sent to block the head of the bridge, the Jizhou army would find it difficult to break through.

  Yesterday, the Youzhou army suffered a great defeat. The Jizhou army pursued and attacked them, but it was because the Youzhou army defended this double bridge in time that the Jizhou army returned without success.

  A bloody battle has just ended, and both armies have sent out vehicles and laborers to collect the bodies of their fallen soldiers on the battlefield for cremation and burial. This work cannot be completed in three to five days, during which time there may be friction between the two armies' scouts, but a large-scale war will not break out again.

  Therefore, the Youzhou army relaxed its camp discipline, allowing soldiers and laborers to leave the camp for grooming, relieving the mental pressure caused by defeat. A veteran general like Gongsun Zan would naturally not be unaware of this point.

  "Little brother, come down quickly!" someone by the river waved at Ma Huan.

  Ma Huan turned his head to look, it wasn't Zhao Yun, but he looked somewhat familiar, should be one of the thirty white horse heroes who came to reinforce yesterday, smiled and waved his hand in response: "Come on."

  Ma Xun took off his military uniform, removed his combat boots, and was about to take off his camouflage pants when his fingers touched something in the pockets on both sides. He pulled it out and found a metal object that looked like a pocket watch. Oh, it's a multi-functional military aluminum alloy compass with night vision, distance measurement, angle measurement, map measurement, magnifying glass and other functions. This thing would be quite useful in ancient times.

  Another is a pen-shaped infrared signal transmitter. Made of aluminum alloy, the size is similar to that of a ballpoint pen, with two high-energy lithium batteries built-in, which can support continuous emission of infrared signals for two months. The infrared light is invisible to the naked eye and only forms a red light spot when encountering obstacles. The size of the light spot is equivalent to a US penny, with a maximum range of one kilometer.

  This thing was issued to him when the task was successful, launching a signal, shining on the white stone at the top of the mountain, to inform the helicopter to pick up. However, what was brought in was a group of killers.

  Ma Huan couldn't think of any use for these things at the moment, anyway, keeping them wouldn't hurt, so he put the two things into his cloth bag, along with his pants and military boots, and threw them to his attendant: "Xiao Shizi, wash the pants, brush the leather boots clean, then follow me down to the river."

  Xiao Shizi was a twelve or thirteen year old, short and weak boy. He was one of the ten servants awarded to Ma Xian by Gongsun Zan, serving him in his daily life. There was also a Wuhuan person responsible for taking care of the livestock, who was grazing horses and sheep in the distance. It was said that there were ten servants awarded, but so far only two had arrived. As for the fields and houses, they were all in Yuyang, but now not even a shadow could be seen. Oh, he did see the deed to the land, but it was unknown whether it matched the actual property.

  As for the rewards of money, silk, wine and meat, sheep and horses, they have been given out. He is after all the biggest highlight of this war, if he is not heavily rewarded, it would be hard to convince the masses.

  It was very natural for Ma Han to have someone serve him. Whether he was the deputy head of Hong Shun Tang or a chivalrous hero, there were always more than a hundred people under his command, with special attendants serving him, and he had long been accustomed to it.

  The little stone was wearing tattered clothes, his hair was disheveled and his face was black as if it would never be clean. When he heard the master's call, he shook his head hastily: "No, I won't go down to the river."

  "After washing in the river and getting clean, I'll give you some cloth to make new clothes."

  "Thank you, master, I'm fine with this... and besides, I... I don't know how to swim."

  Ma Xun laughed loudly, throwing his armor and elastic vest onto the rocks, wearing a flat hat, rushing towards the river, jumping up, drawing a beautiful arc, splashing into the water, only splashing a small cluster of water flowers.

  Everyone who saw it applauded "good swimming skills!" However, more people were attracted to Ma Xian's strange swimsuit. In this era, there was no such thing as a swimsuit, not even shorts. The soldiers and laborers who went into the water either wore long pants or went naked, who had ever seen such a strange swimsuit?

  Even the few white horse guards gathered around to ask curiously. Ma Chao had no idle energy to deal with this, so he quickly dispersed them and turned to ask about his own concerns. For example, which emperor was currently in power? Had Dong Zhuo entered the capital? Why did Ji Hou want to go to war with Yuan Shao? What were the generals and troop situations like on Yuan Shao's side, etc.?

  Some of the questions, Bai Ma Yizhong can answer, some cannot. After a conversation, combined with his own knowledge of the Three Kingdoms, Ma Duan roughly figured out: At this time, Emperor Ling of Han had already died, and Emperor Shao had also passed away. The current emperor was Chenliu Wang, who later became Emperor Xian of Han. Emperor Xian was established by Dong Zhuo, and this chaotic hero had naturally entered the capital long ago. Moreover, the heroes' rebellion against Dong Zhuo, the Battle of Tiger Trap, and other shocking events had already occurred.

  The latest news is that Dong Zhuo was killed by Wang Yun and Lü Bu, and Luoyang has fallen into a state of warlord chaos. Meanwhile, those lords who would later shake the world were scrambling to seize territories and expand their power, and the world had entered an era of division among heroes.

  Gongsun Zan occupied Youyan, Yuan Shao had just obtained Ji Province. The two major northern forces were adjacent to each other, and sooner or later, they would have to fight. There was reason to fight, but even without reason, they would still find a way to fight. This battle was not about right or wrong, only about interests.

  Ma Xun's mind quickly digested and analyzed, smiling calmly. This fight for the world was no different from his previous gang fights over territory and interests, the only difference being in scale and level.

  Just as he was deep in thought, a sudden commotion broke out on the shore. He looked up to see someone struggling in the water by the riverbank, but what caught his attention was a burly man with a green headscarf standing on the shore, laughing triumphantly and swinging a pair of boots - wait a minute! Weren't those his own military boots? Which meant that the person who had fallen into the river was...

  A surge of anger rose up, Ma Huan took a deep breath, got his bearings, and with a fierce dive, plunged into the water. After just a few moments, splash! He broke through the surface, holding the drowning little Shi Tuo high above the water with one arm, and walked step by step onto the shore.

  The golden light of dawn shone on his nearly ** body, wiping a layer of pale gold, as if the Spartan warrior had arrived.

  The commotion on the shore also attracted many onlookers, and those maidservants and prostitutes looked at this majestic and handsome young man with eyes shining brightly, as if they were drunk, and didn't even notice that the clothes they were washing had been washed away by the water.

  Ma Xun's rescue was very timely, and Xiao Shi Zi only choked on a few mouthfuls of water. After spitting out a few mouthfuls of clear water, he was fine, but his face was pale and he looked like he wanted to cry but had no tears.

  "What's going on?" Ma Xuan stared into his eyes and asked lightly. In fact, seeing those boots, he had already understood a bit, but he needed more direct evidence.

  Xiao Shizi finally burst into tears, sobbing: "I was washing my master's boots, and the soldier saw that they were very good, so he wanted them. I didn't give them to him, so he forcibly took them and kicked me into the river..."

  Ma Huan saw that Xiaoshi's feet, as thin as a hemp rod, were slightly lame, and knew that the other party had kicked quite hard. Perhaps the other party didn't use too much force, but Xiaoshi's body couldn't take it.

  Ma Huan's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom, and she slowly stood up. When she turned around, her gaze had become clear and calm, and her face was serene. She said lightly, "Do you like these boots?" Ma Huan's boots were made of Italian calfskin, with a durable cow tendon sole, and the boot shaft could even hide a small knife. In terms of comfort and durability, they far surpassed the crude leather boots of this era. After being washed clean with water, the dirt and bloodstains were gone, revealing the shiny and smooth leather surface, which immediately attracted many greedy eyes, including those of this black man.

  The sturdy young man looked at the tall and robust body in front of him, his eyes twitching involuntarily. If it were this young man who had polished the leather boots earlier, he might have hesitated, but now it was too late to back down. Not getting something was one thing, but getting it and then giving it up again was another matter altogether.

  The robust man's eyes rolled, and he chuckled: "I am Hu Yuan, the deputy commander under General Fei Yan's command. What should brothers call you? What position do you hold in the army?"

  Ma Huan was a bit dizzy from the string of titles reported by this guy, and asked Xiaoshi in a low voice: "What is this guy talking about, what is Flying Swallow General, what is Jiadou, what is Zhendong?"

  Xiao Shizi had stopped crying and stared at his master with wide eyes, a look of surprise on his face: "Fei Yan General is actually Hei Shan Jun's Ping Nan Zhong Lang Jiang Zhang Fei Yan General! Du Qi Du is actually the Left Camp Hei Shan Camp's Du Chang Qi Du, and the tent guard is actually Du Qi Du's attendant cavalry."

  So it was, Hei Shan Jun Zhang Feiyan, originally named Chu Yan, later changed her name to Zhang Yan. Because of her swift and fierce movements, she was nicknamed Flying Swallow in the army. This person is famous, Ma Han naturally has also heard of her, didn't expect that she would actually join hands with Gongsun Zan, and even sent a troop of nearly 10,000 Black Mountain Camp to assist. Du Chang, this person hasn't been heard of before, but can command a troop of 10,000 people - although the Black Mountain Army's troops are similar to the Yellow Turbans, counting men, women, old and young, it's unknown how many of the 10,000 can actually fight, but at least she is someone who can appear on stage.

  A knight's guard is so arrogant.

  Ma Huan remained expressionless: "I am Ma Huan, the commander of the Ji Hou Ben Bu's Qi Dui." He had already figured out what this "Qi Dui" position was. It was in charge of fifty people, and the team leader was called "Qi Dui", while the Qi Hou was a scout soldier, equivalent to the commander of a reconnaissance platoon in later generations.

  Hu Yuan narrowed his eyes, and it turned out that it was just a small team leader. If he wasn't the team leader of Ji Hou's main force, he would have taken the leather boots and left without saying another word. Even so, the outcome wouldn't change; he just needed to say a few more words to give the other person an excuse to back down.

  "This boot is finely crafted and has a unique shape, I believe the master will be delighted to see it." Hu Yuan's hand on his waist pressed against the hilt of his sword, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I will convey Brother Ma's respects to the master."

  It's not visible, but this black Han also knows how to use his power to pressure people, or maybe he has done it too many times and is quite skilled at it. If Gong Sun Zhuan takes a liking to the boots and asks his guards to ask for them, Ma Yuan will unhesitatingly offer them up. Even if Du Chang wants them, as long as he asks nicely, he'll give them to him. It's just that Ma Yuan wouldn't fail to see that what he really wants is Hu Yuan, and he's only using Du Chang to pressure himself.

  This little trick, would it be placed in Ma Hong's eyes? Moreover, he even hit his own people and snatched his own things. In the military camp, what is most emphasized is a momentum, once suppressed, don't think about having good days afterwards. The reason for this, after rolling around Jianghu for so many years, how could Ma Hong not know?

  No matter who is behind Hu Yuan, if you dare to slap in the face, you must be prepared to be slapped back.

  Ma Xun slowly put on his half-wet camouflage pants, buckling his belt as he spoke: "Du Qidu wants this pair of boots? That's easy, just put the stuff down and I'll personally take it to Heishan Camp later. No need for you to trouble yourself, brother."

  As soon as this was said, the surroundings suddenly burst into a chorus of gasps and whispers. Anyone could tell that this young man had no intention of giving face to Hu Yuan. A few women even took a step closer, whispering: "This young man, you can't afford to mess with this bear, last time several veteran soldiers were beaten by him. Give him the boots, sister will get some leather and make another pair for you."

  Ma Xun smiled and said: "Thank you, but I've always been the one stealing from others, no one dares to steal from me."

  Hú Yuàn heard this and burst into a fit of mad laughter: "My Hei Shan army is the ancestor of all thieves! Listen, kid, I'll be honest with you, these boots are mine!"

  "Go ask Dragon King for it!"

  Ma Yun, wearing only pants, with a robust upper body, rushed over like the wind, jumped up, and with all his might, swung his left fist to strike Hu Yuan's face.

  Hu Yuan's right palm had been pressing on the knife handle, and as soon as Ma Han moved, he immediately drew his sword out of its scabbard, slashing diagonally at his opponent's right shoulder and arm. In his heart, he sneered coldly: "Let's see if your fists are faster or Hu Ye's knife is faster."

  Ma Huan launched a surprise attack from ten steps away, while Hu Yuan intercepted him within three steps. It was clear that Hu Yuan's knife was faster. Sure enough, Hu Yuan struck Ma Huan's right palm with one slash of his knife.

  In this world, except for some martial arts dramas, in real combat, no one dares to hook the blade with the back of their hand. This action is too dangerous, and if there's a slight mistake, half of your palm will be gone. No one would be crazy enough to use their own palm to show off.

  Ma Xun was so bold! The blade's edge was stuck in his palm, just like... no, it was firmly clamped by the iron pliers. Then his body swooped down like an eagle, his left fist carrying a swift and fierce momentum, heavily hitting Hu Yuan's cheek.

  Bang! Hu Yuandou's big head leaned back, a blood arrow sprayed from his mouth and nose, seven or eight teeth shot out, his massive body lifted off the ground, the axe flew out of his hand, and his boots flew off. After his feet landed on the ground, he stumbled backward, one step, two steps, three steps, four steps... retreating seven or eight steps, finally plopping into the water with a splash.

  Hú Yuān's two attendants were stunned, their minds momentarily unable to keep up. It wasn't until Mǎ Huàn calmly put on his military boots and glanced at Hú Yuān, who was still struggling in the water, that he reminded them, "It seems Brother Hú isn't very good at swimming." The two attendants then came back to reality, not bothering to look for trouble with Mǎ Huàn, and hastily rushed down to the river to rescue him.

  "You're really something!"

  "Good job, Horse Brother!"

  "Well done! This rascal should have been taught a lesson long ago."

  The soldiers, women and children all cheered in unison. In the military camp, martial valor was most valued, especially among lower-ranking officers and soldiers, where whoever had a harder fist had more prestige. Hu Yuan was a fierce soldier of the Black Mountain Camp, often following Riding Commander Du Chang to charge into battle, known as "Enemy of a Hundred", who loved to plunder wealth, without distinguishing between friend or foe. Unexpectedly, he was knocked flying into the river by this pale and slender young scholar with just one punch, and in their astonishment, everyone applauded with joy.

  At this time, a horse rushed from afar at the gate of the camp, shouting loudly along the river: "Where is Ma Xian?"

  "Is someone there? Is that Brother Zhao?" Ma Chao heard it was Zhao Yun's voice, thinking he must have something important to say, and quickly responded.

  Zhao Yun rode up close and called out: "The general has an order, the Ji Zhou army scouts are in disarray, so he orders our unit to send out all of Quan's cavalry to cooperate with the Hei Shan camp in patrolling, and the scouts must be sent out thirty miles. Hurry and go."

  Ma Huan immediately whistled to Ma Fu, took over the armor thrown by Xiaoshi, and hastily put it on before leaving.

  Zhao Yun was about to turn his horse's head when a gentle voice came from behind: "Zilong, wait a moment."

  Zhao Yun turned his head and said with joy: "Brother Xuande."

  The man who spoke was about thirty years old, wearing a short green robe and wooden clogs, with a rather casual attire. Looking at his appearance, he had a wide face, large earlobes, three long beards hanging down to his chest, bright and warm eyes, it was none other than Liu Bei, the commander of another department. If Ma Chao were present, he would surely recognize him as the person who spoke on his behalf in the general's tent yesterday.

  Liu Bei stepped forward and smiled: "This Ma Chao is indeed a young and fierce warrior, seemingly not inferior to Zhang Fei. Unfortunately, his youthful temperament still lacks patience."

  Zhao Yun exclaimed: "How...?"

  Liu Bei recounted the details of the fight between the two men, and Zhao Yun was shocked to hear it: "Oh no! I've merged Ma Chao's vanguard team with Deng Tong's Black Mountain camp into a single patrol team."

  Liu Bei did not understand: "The Black Mountain Camp is mostly composed of people from Jizhou, who are familiar with the terrain. The two armies have always been united in their patrols, and there's nothing wrong with that."

  Zhao Yun sighed: "Deng Tong and Hu Yuan are from the same hometown, I'm afraid he will take advantage of the opportunity to retaliate... No, I have to go back and reorganize."

  "I'm afraid it's too late." Liu Bei sighed and pointed to the gate of the camp.

  The six gates of the Youzhou army camp all opened at once, and troops of cavalry poured out in a steady stream. Flags of various colors flapped in the wind as thousands of horses' hooves trampled the two wooden bridges, causing them to shake violently from top to bottom. Even the water in the river below was churned up into swirling whirlpools.

  In April of the third year of Chūpíng (192 AD), the Battle of Jieting, which should have been nearing its end, was still raging like wildfire.