Chapter 11: The Northern Sea in Chaos, Zhang Emperor Xin's One Battle Reveals His Majesty

  All the vassals, which one is not holding heavy power and strong military strength? As soon as Yuan Fu Tong rebelled, they said that they resisted with all their might and it was hard to sustain. Isn't this a joke! Doesn't this clearly mean hiding one's light and preserving one's own strength?!

  "Rebellious minister, treacherous son! How dare you not respect Heaven!" Emperor Zhang Xin shouted. The battle of Beihai will be fought no matter what, and as for your idea of hiding your strength and waiting for an opportunity, that's absolutely impossible. "Among the vassals, the Western Duke Ji Chang is very close to Beihai, order him to lead his troops there, and also declare to the world that I, the King, will personally go on a punitive expedition against Beihai!"

  "Your Highness! Prince, be cautious! The Emperor has just passed away, if the Crown Prince... I beg of you, Your Highness, to think thrice!" Bi Gan immediately spoke out to stop Zhang Emperor Xin from taking personal command, "The court has heard that the Grand Tutor is still around, Your Highness cannot take risks!"

  "The Crown Prince is going to lead the expedition himself, where will he put his old ministers? I am not talented, but I wish to take the lead and go forward, to calm down the disturbance in Beihai!" As soon as Bi Gan's words fell, someone spoke up.

  When the emperor arrived, he heard that Zhang Xin was deeply concerned about protecting the country and had a strong sense of loyalty. However, this battle could not be won without him going personally: "The Grand Tutor is my left and right arm, how can I look down on him? The Shang Dynasty has been established for a long time, but national affairs are declining daily. The 800 vassals are all harboring evil intentions, and the five regions, Eastern Yi, and Western Rong are even more aggressive. To turn things around is not an overnight task. If I personally lead the expedition, I can achieve three goals: first, to quell the rebellion and establish prestige; second, to intimidate the vassals; third, to spread imperial benevolence far and wide. This one move achieves three gains, why shouldn't I go?"

  "Your Highness is ambitious! I, an old minister, will definitely assist with all my might, helping Your Highness to achieve great things and establish a legendary merit!" Upon seeing that Emperor Zhang's mind was made up, Wen Zhong no longer tried to dissuade him. "However, the road ahead is fraught with danger, please allow me to send word ahead!"

  Zhang Emperor Xin had previously said, but it was just a temporary idea. The real purpose of this trip is to test the strength of the vassals and, more importantly, to see the "Sage" of the world, Xibo Hou Ji Chang!

  "I'm leaving now, and the capital can't be left empty. Please ask Emperor Xian to stay behind with Old Master Cai to prevent any villains from taking advantage of the situation." Zhang Xin knew that Wen Chou was sincere in his offer to help, so he opened his mouth again and said, "The day I return triumphantly will be the day I ascend to the throne. Please ask Old Master Cai to take care of it!"

  Seeing Zhang Emperor Xin like this, Wen Zhong and Bi Gan had nothing to say. Wen Zhong originally wanted to suggest a few people to go together, but did not expect Zhang Emperor Xin to speak first: "Huang Feihu, the son of Huang Tuo at the Jiepai Pass, I will take him with me. Please also inform the four people at the Jia Meng Pass that they will follow me!"

  Wen Zhongben had wanted to recommend these people, but didn't think that Zhang Emperor Xin already knew, and was even more delighted in his heart. He opened his mouth and said: "Your Highness knows people and is good at assigning tasks, truly a wise and capable ruler!"

  "Right, Chen Tang Guan General Li Jing is highly skilled in martial arts and good at commanding troops. This time he should also be called upon. And Li Jing's wife, Yin Shi, is pregnant, I'm afraid Chen Tang won't take care of her properly. Let's bring her into the Shou Wang Fu to eliminate any worries about the future!" Finally, Zhang Emperor Xin added one more person, having already decided to defy heaven, this Nezha, absolutely cannot be handed over to Taiyi Zhenren!

  Since the decision has been made, there is no room for delay. Upon hearing that Zhongliang sent someone to the three passes at night to inform everyone...

  Three days later, Huang Feihu's army was deployed, and Jiameng Guan, Li Jing, and others arrived at the military camp. Zhang Emperor Xin bid farewell to Wen Zhong, Bi Gan, and others, and the army set out on an expedition!

  The Beihou Marquis heard that the Crown Prince was leading an expedition, and the banners were hung high in the sky, with red carpets laid out for dozens of miles. Along the way, there were already over a thousand people welcoming him. Chonghou Hu knelt down and said, "It's not advantageous to attack the bandits," and welcomed him. Zhang Emperor Xin knew that Chonghou Hu was a Beihou Marquis and didn't want to blame him too much, so he simply comforted him with two sentences before entering the frontline camp to understand the situation in Beihai.

  The land of Beihai is extremely cold and harsh, but Yuan Fu Tong and the 72 vassals under him have fierce and brutal soldiers. They often go without dismounting their horses for over half a month, eating, fighting, resting, and sleeping all on horseback. The endurance of his troops is unparalleled in the world.

  Zhang Emperor Xin listened to this battle method, which seemed to be the way of war in the great Mongolian army of later generations. Adding that the northern army was majestic and wore armor on their backs, ordinary swords and knives could not penetrate, so the northern route army swept all the way to Shanhai Pass, although Chong Hou Hu had the idea of preserving his strength, he was also unable to withstand the enemy's attack, and was defeated by the Northern Sea Army!

  Since he had come, he could not return without success. Zhang Emperor Xin knew that buying people's hearts was not as good as taking action, so he led the great army to rush to Shanhai Pass. Along the way, he visited the vassals and asked about the remnants of the army. It goes without saying that the ordinary vassals were fine, but many generals saw the prince come to comfort them in person, and they were all moved to tears, praising the prince's kindness.

  "Report! Yuan Futong has sent someone to challenge outside Shanhai Pass!" The next morning, a servant came to report, and Zhang Emperorxin was overjoyed in his heart, wanting to go into battle. Chong Houhu rushed to the emperor's camp with the news, seeking stability and caution, but unexpectedly, the emperor had already led three thousand light cavalry out!

  "What! They charged out directly?" Yuan Fulong furrowed his brow upon receiving the battle report, "Chong Houhu is well aware of our army's strength and has always been cautious in deploying troops. Why was he so reckless this time?"

  "What's the big deal? I'll lead the army and kill them directly!" The person who spoke was none other than Yuan Futong's subordinate, E'bi. This man was over eight feet tall, holding a three-meter-long wolf-toothed club, with the bravery of a thousand men, and was Yuan Futong's number one fierce general!

  "Be careful, General E, the other party has come, it's likely..." A black-clad old man under Yuan Futong said, but before he finished speaking, E had already strode away quickly.

  Yuan Futong knew that Ebie was up to no good and thought that since Shang Fang's people had come, it would be a good opportunity to test the waters, so he didn't stop him either.

  "Where did this little yellow-bearded boy come from! How dare he be so arrogant!" Outside Shanhai Pass, the two men faced each other, Abi stepped forward on his horse and asked loudly.

  "Hiss!" In the Great Merchant Army, still no one responded. A black horse had already charged forward, its rider holding a long spear and wearing white armor, looking very heroic!

  "As soon as he finished speaking, the long spear had already thrust in, and with just one strike, it pierced directly into Ebie's shoulder. The person took advantage of the momentum to flick it up, and a piece of flesh and blood flew out!"

  Wò bì nǎ lǐ chī guò zhè yàng de kuī, jǔ qǐ láng yá bàng biàn zá!

  Translation:

  Whoever has suffered such a loss before, raise the wolf-toothed club and strike!

  That man remained expressionless, **war horse neighs, both legs rise with the wind, and with a "pu" sound, he directly kicked Abi off the horse!

  "His Highness is mighty!" In the merchant army, seeing Zhang Emperor Xin gaining momentum with one move, the war drums sounded and they shouted in unison!

  Wu Bi was thrown to the ground, feeling ashamed and indignant, and didn't care about the pain in his chest. He raised his stick and struck, Zhang Emperor Xin dared not be careless, and quickly turned his horse to leave!

  "Thief! Come and surrender!" Seeing Zhang Emperor Xin escaping, Ebie let out a loud roar and started chasing after him.

  Zhang Di Xin only felt a black shadow rushing from behind, and in an instant, he was directly flung out. The merchants' troops saw this and were all shocked!

  What a fast speed! Zhang Di Xin did not expect that although evil body type was huge, the action was so swift, almost eaten by dark loss!

  The evil wolf-like man brandished his club and charged at the war horse, laughing loudly: "You little yellow-haired kid dare to come out and fight? Today I'll send you back home!"

  Eager to finish off the wolf-toothed club, he swung it down with all his might. Zhang Emperor Xin's long spear shot out, "Hng!" A dull thud was heard, and the silver spear actually sank several feet into the wolf-toothed club, pinning it in place!

  Abi Yuwu, the weapon in his hand was after all a top-notch bronze one, while Zhang Di Xin's long spear was made of refined steel that he had privately forged himself, and it was naturally hard to resist!

  Zhang Di Xin took advantage of Ebie's momentary shock, turned around and drew his sword from its scabbard at his waist. He raised his hand and stabbed straight at Ebie's chest. Ebie reacted too slowly, and the long sword pierced through his chest!

  Blood flowed down the long sword, and E'bi knew he was no match, so he dropped his stick and ran. Zhang Emperor Xin wouldn't let him off easily, taking a few quick steps before kicking him in mid-air, landing squarely on E'bi's back!

  Suddenly felt a heavy blow on his back, and his feet went soft at once, paralyzed and fell to the ground!

  "Kill!" The Northern Sea Army saw E Vil being knocked unconscious, how dare they still linger? The great army rushed forward with a loud whistle!

  Zhang Emperor Xin single-handedly lifted the evil end, turned over and got on his horse, patted the horse and left. The Beihai army did not dare to let go, and pursued him relentlessly from behind!

  Zhang Fei rushed forward and saw that the Northern Sea army was only a hundred paces away. He shouted loudly, "Release arrows!"

  The merchant army listened to the order, and immediately, they drew their bows and shot arrows. In an instant, in mid-air, the arrows were like a swarm of locusts, covering the sky and falling down!

  The Northern Sea Army was already wearing heavy armor, looking at it as if it were nothing, and still rushing forward recklessly! At this time, Zhang Emperor Xin suddenly slapped his horse and jumped up, and in an instant, he was several dozen feet away!

  The arrow feathers fell on the Northern Army, but the effect was minimal. Seeing this, the Northern Army became even more arrogant and rushed forward, only to find that the ground in front of them suddenly sank, causing hundreds of men and horses to fall into it!

  The northern soldiers were heavily armored and their horses were strong, they were already fast, now it was even more difficult to stop them. All the soldiers fell into the pit like dumplings in a pot of boiling water!

  "Fall back! Fall back quickly!" The Northern Navy saw that they were ambushed again and didn't care about the evil ending, they retreated in a hurry!

  "Thief, where are you escaping to? Huang Feihu has arrived!" Just then, from behind the Northern Sea Army, a cavalry unit rushed forth. The leader was a man with a five-colored divine cow, holding a crescent moon long spear, and he charged forward first!

  The Northern Navy was already in a state of panic, with many trampling each other. Seeing Huang Feihu's sudden attack, they had no intention of resisting and were like headless flies, fleeing wildly in all directions. The merchants' army captured and killed them, as easily as slaughtering sheep or chickens.

  Dai Chonghou and Hu Lai came to the front, Zhang Emperor Xin had already led the crowd back, Huang Feihu was even more excited, this great war, not only fought happily, but also gained a lot!

  Chong Hou Hu obtained it from the Crown Prince with 3,000 in the middle, and went to more than 5,000 enemies. He was very surprised in his heart, and immediately knelt down: "The Crown Prince's divine power! You are indeed a strange person!"

  "What! E'bi is dead?!" Originally waiting for good news in the big account, Yuan Futong was shocked when he heard the battle situation, "Who is the general, how can he have such skills?"

  "The attacker was none other than Huang Feihu, who served under Grand Preceptor Wen. And... and there was another person..." The servant's report stopped abruptly at this point, and Yuan Fu saw this, becoming even more anxious: "Who else is it? You'd better speak up!"

  "There's also... the current crown prince..." Yuan Futong's expression changed upon hearing the words "current crown prince", and he furrowed his brow: "Rumors have it that Prince Shou of Wei is a drunkard, though he has the abilities to switch cups and lift tripods, he lacks strategy and is rather reckless. How could he possibly...?"

  "Lord Yuan, this matter is suspicious and it's not suitable to continue using military force." The old man in black clothes advised beside him.

  Yuan Futong lost his beloved, and in his heart he was even more anxious to avenge, where could he still listen to that person's words. At this time, he loudly shouted: "Come on! Gather the troops! Three days later, we will greatly break through Shanhai Pass!"

  "Master Hou! Master Hou! This is not right! Master Hou! Master Hou..." No matter how many times the old man in black tried to persuade him, Yuan Fu Tong turned a deaf ear and left with a flick of his sleeve...