Chapter 13 The Deceased (1)

  The name "Weisuo" was formed into a specific official institution in the Ming Dynasty of later generations. At this time, at the end of the Han Dynasty, the so-called Weisuo was just an alias for the barracks of mid-level military officers stationed in the area.

  After settling Zhang Liao, let him go back and hand over his duties properly. They agreed to meet at the inn two days later, and Zhang Liao left with orders.

  Three people came out of the wine shop, and it was already past noon. If they were to go west of the city to see Gao Shun again, time would be pressing. Moreover, for Gao Shun, Liu Zhang was very clear that he was absolutely different from Zhang Liao.

  Zhang Liao is now not yet famous in later generations, and has not even mixed up the lowest military position, but is only a county official. Moreover, he is young and vigorous, full of ambition and ideals. This makes it easy for him to break through his defenses and deceive him into submission.

  However, Gao Shun was different. He was originally a man of strong will and perseverance. At this moment, he was already a mid-level officer in the army, with a certain status.

  Moreover, according to the historical records of later generations, at that time on the White Gate Tower, except for Chen Gong who was deeply resentful and had abandoned Cao Cao, so he had no choice but to die with dignity, all others surrendered, only Gao Shun refused to surrender until death.

  It may also be possible that he and Lao Cao didn't get along, but more likely it's because of the deeply ingrained idea among scholars of this era that a loyal minister does not serve two masters.

  Now, Gao Shun is an official of Pingzhou, while Liu Zhang has the identity of a Han dynasty royal relative and the son of the governor of Jizhou, but first, he has no troops or power, just a young man with a reputation that is not prominent; secondly, between Gao Shun and him, they are actually two forces.

  In this case, if you want to win over Gao Shun smoothly, I'm afraid it's absolutely impossible without some real skills that can move his heart. After all, it's just two words: strength.

  Just mentioning the word "strength", Liu Zhang now has no troops and no prestige, except for a few dazzling halos on his head, he is actually penniless and empty-handed. In this form, if you want to take down Gao Shun, then you can only use an unconventional approach, one strike must be decisive. This, however, requires careful consideration.

  With these thoughts in mind, Liu Zhang was no longer anxious to rush to the west of the city. After parting with Zhang Liao, he returned to his lodging house with Zhao Yun.

  That night, Zhao Yun was still busy taking care of his beloved jade lion. Liu Zhang, on the other hand, stood by the window with his hands behind his back, carefully thinking through the details of his upcoming meeting with Gao Shun, considering every possible step...

  The next day, a strong wind blew. In Jin Yang, which was located at the border, the chill in the air became even more intense.

  The two of them left the inn, wrapped their cloaks around themselves, and then whipped up their horses to head straight west. Zhao Yun cherished his mount and had not hastily ridden the white horse Jade Lion, but was still riding that blue-flowered horse.

  They rode in silence, and after about half a watch, the Jin army camp had already appeared before their eyes. Liu Zhang reined in his horse, gazed steadily at the sky above the large camp for a while, where the military flags were fluttering in the wind, then took a deep breath, gave a low shout, and led his horse forward.

  "This is a military camp, who dares to ride in? Quickly dismount, otherwise we'll shoot arrows!" Just as they ran to the front of the camp gate, the soldiers inside had already discovered them. Following a loud shout, a team of armored soldiers rushed out from behind the gate, bows bent and arrows drawn, aiming at the two of them.

  Zhao Yun's eyes narrowed, and his body suddenly tensed up. Liu Zhang, however, squinted at him for a moment before reaching out to pat Zhao Yun's shoulder, signaling him to relax, then calmly dismounted and walked over.

  "Please inform General Gao Shun that an old acquaintance has come to see him." Liu Zhang said with a smile, his face showing no signs of unease.

  Zhao Yun secretly wiped away his sweat, his own brother's ability to talk nonsense with a straight face was truly unparalleled. What old friend? Before today, he didn't even know what the other person looked like...

  The soldiers in the camp heard that it was Gao Shun's old friend, and hesitated for a moment before letting the two wait. First, they let the crowd put down their bows and arrows, turned around and went to report inside.

  Liu Zhang was not in a hurry, he just smiled and stood still, but his eyes were secretly observing the large camp in front of him.

  As far as the eye can see, row upon row of barracks stand in a seemingly chaotic yet orderly manner, with each one aligned according to its position and entering and exiting in an orderly fashion. In the distance, high above, on top of the flagpole, a large white banner with a black background flutters loudly in the strong wind, and amidst the fluttering ribbons, a giant "T"-shaped emblem occasionally flashes into view.