Chapter 17: Taishi Ci's Bravery

  The person who presented the plan was Chen Deng, a member of Tao Qian's staff from Guangling, with the courtesy name Yuanlong. Chen Deng suggested that they invite Kong Rong from Beihai and Tian Kai from Qingzhou to come and assist in the battle, and also send someone to ask for help from Yuan Shao in Jizhou. He further stated that Cao Mengde was now only matched by Yuan Benchu. Tao Qian accepted Chen Deng's suggestion and wrote three letters, asking who among his staff dared to go to Qingzhou to seek rescue. One person responded immediately, willing to go. Everyone looked at him, and it turned out to be Chen Deng himself. Tao Qian first sent Chen Yuanlong to Qingzhou, then ordered someone to take the letter to Beihai and Jizhou to seek help, while he led his troops in defending the city, preparing for an attack.

  Kong Rong, also known as Wenju, was a native of Qufu in the state of Lu. He was the 20th generation descendant of Confucius and the son of Kong Zuo, the governor of Mount Tai. From a young age, KONG Rong was intelligent and talented. At the age of ten, he visited Li Ying, the governor of Henan, who asked him about his relationship with his own ancestors. KONG Rong replied that Confucius had once asked Laozi about rituals, implying that their families were connected through generations.

  Li Ying was impressed by KONG Rong's wit and introduced him to Chen Wei, a high-ranking official. Chen Wei commented that while KONG Rong was intelligent as a child, it remained to be seen whether he would remain so as an adult. KONG Rong responded quickly, saying that if Chen Wei's words were true, then he must have been intelligent as a child.

  Chen Wei and the others laughed at this remark, predicting that KONG Rong would become a great talent in the future. From then on, KONG Rong gained fame for his intelligence and wit. He later became a general and was appointed governor of Beihai, where he was known for his hospitality and generosity.

  KONG Rong often said to himself, "My wish is that my guests are always satisfied, and my wine cups are never empty." During his six years in Beihai, he gained the hearts of the people. One day, while entertaining guests, a messenger arrived announcing the arrival of Chen Deng from Xuzhou.

  KONG Rong invited Chen Deng to enter and asked about his purpose for coming. Chen Deng presented a letter from Tao Qian, which read: "Currently, Cao Cao is attacking us urgently. I hope that you, sir, can take pity on the people of Xuzhou and send troops to rescue us from this crisis."

  KONG Rong replied, "I have a close relationship with Tao Qian, and Yuan Long has come personally to ask for my help. How could I not go? However, since Cao Cao and I have no grudge against each other, I will first send someone to deliver a letter to negotiate peace. If he refuses, then we will rise up and attack."

  Chen Deng responded, "Currently, Cao Cao relies on his military power, and it is unlikely that he will agree to negotiations." KONG Rong realized the truth in Chen Deng's words and ordered his troops to prepare for battle while also sending someone to deliver the letter.

  Just as they were discussing this, a sudden report arrived that the Yellow Turban bandit Gan Ji was leading tens of thousands of rebels to attack the city. KONG Rong was shocked and quickly mobilized his troops to go out and fight the rebels.

  Gan Ji rode out on horseback and said, "I know that Beihai has abundant grain. I will borrow 10,000 stones of it, and then we will retreat. If not, we will break into the city and kill everyone!" KONG Rong angrily rebuked him, saying, "I am a minister of the great Han dynasty, guarding the land of the great Han. How could I give grain to bandits?"

  Gan Ji became enraged, charged at KONG Rong with his sword, and killed his general, Zong Bao. KONG Rong's troops were greatly defeated and retreated into the city. Gan Ji divided his troops to surround the city on all sides, causing KONG Rong to become anxious.

  Chen Deng was also worried and could not speak. The next day, KONG Rong ascended the city wall and looked out at the enemy lines, which were even more numerous than before. Suddenly, he saw a lone figure riding a horse and wielding a spear, charging into the enemy ranks with ease.

  The figure killed several people and then called out for the gate to be opened. KONG Rong did not recognize the person and was afraid to open the gate. The rebels chased after the figure, who turned around and killed several more people before retreating back to the city wall.

  KONG Rong quickly ordered the gate to be opened and invited the figure in. The figure dismounted his horse, discarded his spear, and went straight to the top of the city wall, where he bowed to KONG Rong. KONG Rong asked for his name, and the figure replied that he was Tai Shi Ziyi from Donglai County.

  KONG Rong was overjoyed and realized that although he had not met Tai Shi before, he knew him to be a heroic figure. It turned out that Tai Shi's mother lived 20 miles outside the city, and KONG Rong had often sent people to deliver grain and silk to her as an act of kindness.

  Tai Shi's mother had told him to go and rescue KONG Rong because of his gratitude towards him.

  When Kong Rong treated Taishi Ci with great respect, he gave him clothes, armor, and a horse. Taishi Ci said: "I want to borrow 1,000 elite soldiers to go out of the city and kill the bandits." Kong Rong saw this and said: "Although you are brave, the enemy is too strong, it's not possible to lightly go out." Taishi Ci heard this and smiled, saying: "My mother is grateful for your kindness, so she sent me; if I can't lift the siege, I will have no face to see my mother. I am willing to fight to the death! Moreover, the enemy general is Guan Yu, behead him! The enemy army will definitely retreat!" Kong Rong heard this and nodded in agreement: "Nowadays, there is only this plan! However, the enemy army is numerous, it's hard for me to feel at ease with just 1,000 soldiers. Now I'll give you 5,000 soldiers to go and break the enemy!" Taishi Ci bowed his head and said: "Please let the governor mobilize the troops, I will quickly go and defeat the bandits." Kong Rong heard this and was overjoyed, on one hand ordering people to mobilize the troops, on the other hand letting Taishi Ci eat a hearty meal and take a short rest.

  The troops were dismissed, and Taishi Ci put on his armor, mounted his horse, wore a bow and arrow at his waist, held an iron spear in his hand, ate a full meal, and dressed solemnly. As soon as the city gate opened, he led the way out first, followed by 5,000 iron cavalrymen behind him. Approaching the moat, the enemy general led his troops to battle. Taishi Ci was invincible, killing several people in a row, breaking through the siege and rushing straight to Guan Hai's location! Guan Hai knew that someone had come out of the city and was greatly surprised, never thinking that there would be such a heroic figure in Beihai City! He immediately led his elite soldiers to come and support him, surrounding Taishi Ci from all sides. Taishi Ci didn't take it seriously, leaning on his spear, drawing his bow and shooting arrows in all directions, none of which failed to hit their mark and fell off their horses. The enemy troops did not dare to come and fight.

  Guan Yu saw Taishi Ci in the army, leading his troops to charge left and right, and became enraged. He personally led his troops to meet the enemy. Why did Guan Yu dare to lead his troops alone? It was simple because he saw that Taishi Ci had few soldiers, estimated to be only a few thousand, while he himself had tens of thousands of men, so he didn't take it seriously.

  Moreover, Guan Yu didn't know about Taishi Ci's martial arts! At this time, Taishi Ci saw Guan Yu approaching and stood calmly in front of the army, not taking him seriously. Guan Yu was furious and charged out. Taishi Ci waited quietly for Guan Yu to approach, then raised his spear and took aim at Guan Yu.

  The two horses met, and the soldiers shouted loudly. How could Guan Yu resist Taishi Ci? In just a few dozen rounds, Taishi Ci's silver spear danced like the wind, while Guan Yu only had the strength to defend himself and couldn't counterattack!

  At this time, Taishi Ci waved his silver spear like a blooming peach flower, and Guan Yu's large knife could only be used for defense. He wanted to find an opportunity to retreat back to his own army! But Taishi Ci wouldn't give him the chance to escape! As the saying goes, "To capture the bandit, first capture the king!"

  Taishi Ci saw his chance and quickly stabbed his silver spear towards Guan Yu's heart. Guan Yu wasn't a fool, how could he let Taishi Ci get close? He raised his large knife with both hands to try and deflect Taishi Ci's spear! But he didn't know that Taishi Ci's move was just a feint.

  As soon as Guan Yu's knife reached Taishi Ci's silver spear, Taishi Ci quickly jumped up and used the momentum to strike back. The speed was even faster, and with a "whooshing" sound, Taishi Ci's silver spear pierced through Guan Yu's throat, and fresh blood splattered everywhere!

  Taishi Ci's divine power didn't diminish, and he used his arms to lift Guan Yu's corpse and throw it towards the enemy army! With a loud "thud", Guan Yu's dead body fell to the ground. The soldiers in Guan Yu's army saw their commander die, and their morale immediately plummeted.

  Moreover, the soldiers under Guan Yu were all undisciplined mobs, how could they match up against regular troops? Taishi Ci led his army to charge left and right, killing their way into the enemy formation. Kong Rong watched from the city tower in North Sea Castle and saw Taishi Ci single-handedly take down Guan Yu.

  He immediately ordered the soldiers in the castle to come out and attack the enemy from both sides! The two armies joined forces, killing their way into the enemy formation. At this time, Guan Yu's army had already been broken through by Taishi Ci.

  Taishi Ci wielded his silver spear like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, unstoppable and unmatchable. Kong Rong led his troops to attack from behind, driving the enemy back for thirty miles before returning to the city.

  Chen Deng also came out of the city to welcome Kong Rong and Taishi Ci, and they exchanged greetings. Kong Rong then introduced Chen Deng to Taishi Ci and told him about Zhang Yan killing Cao Song: "Now Cao Cao is leading his troops to plunder and besiege Xuzhou, we have come to seek help."

  Taishi Ci said: "Tao Qian is a benevolent man, I didn't expect him to suffer this unjust fate." Kong Rong also said: "You are the hero of today's world. Now Cao Cao is harming the people, relying on his strength to bully the weak, why not help me go and rescue them?"

  Taishi Ci bowed and said: "I am willing to be the vanguard! Everything will follow your orders!" Kong Rong was overjoyed and ordered Chen Deng to return to Xuzhou to inform Tao Qian. He then immediately mobilized 20,000 troops for Taishi Ci as the vanguard and led 30,000 troops himself as the rear guard, heading towards Xuzhou.

  But Chen Deng reported back to Tao Qian, saying that Kong Rong of Beihai had already risen up in arms to come and assist; the messenger also reported back that Tian Kai of Qingzhou was leading his troops to come and rescue with a happy heart. Tao Qian's mind was at ease. It turned out that the two armies led by Kong Rong and Tian Kai were afraid of Cao Cao's powerful army, so they set up camp far away at the foot of the mountain, not daring to advance lightly. When Cao saw the arrival of the two armies, he also divided his forces and did not dare to attack the city head-on.

  Taishi Ci and Tian Kai's army arrived at the camp to wait for Kong Rong. The next day, Kong Rong arrived, and Taishi Ci and Tian Kai came to see him. Kong Rong said to them: "Now Cao's army is powerful, and Cao is good at using troops, so we can't fight lightly. Let's observe their movements before advancing." Taishi Ci bowed his hands and said: "The current situation is that the city has no grain, and it's hard to hold on for long. I have a plan - I'll lead the vanguard; you and Tian Kai will rush to Cao's camp and go to Xuzhou to discuss with Tao Qian." Kong Rong was overjoyed after hearing this, and he joined forces with Tian Kai, forming a pincer movement. Taishi Ci led his troops at the front, while Kong Rong and Tian Kai brought their troops from behind. That day, Taishi Ci rode his horse, waving his spear and leading 10,000 soldiers to charge into Cao's camp. As they advanced, a drumbeat sounded from within the camp, and cavalry and infantry poured out like a tide. The leader of the enemy army was Yu Jin, who shouted: "Where are you going, you rebels?" Taishi Ci didn't say a word, but instead charged straight at Yu Jin with his spear. Their horses clashed, and they fought for several rounds. Kong Rong waved his sword from behind, leading his troops to advance. Yu Jin had no choice but to abandon Taishi Ci and retreat. Taishi Ci pursued him, killing all the way until they reached the foot of Xuzhou city.

  On the city wall, a red flag with white letters was seen, which read "Beihai Governor Kong Rong". Tao Qian hastily ordered the gate to be opened. Kong Rong, along with Tian Kai and Taishi Ci, led their troops into the city, where they were received by Tao Qian at the government office. After the formalities, a banquet was held in their honor, and the army was rewarded.

  But Cao was in the army, discussing matters with his generals. Suddenly, a report came that an envoy from Han Xing Wang Liu Bei had arrived. Cao immediately invited him in, and it turned out to be none other than Guo Youzhi, the deputy commander of Yi Province. After paying his respects, Guo Youzhi handed over a letter to Cao.

  Guo Youzhi said, "I was sent by our commander-in-chief, Li Yu, to deliver this letter to Lord Cao." Cao opened the letter and read it carefully. The contents were as follows:

  "The world is in chaos, and the imperial authority is weak. Meng De (Cao) is a loyal and honest subject of the Han dynasty. It is only right that you should join forces with my brother, Liu Bei, to support the imperial court. Tao Qian may be old and weak, but his reputation for benevolence and righteousness is renowned throughout the land.

  "I have heard that your father, Cao Song, was killed due to the treachery of Zhang Kai, not because of any fault on the part of Tao Qian. The remnants of the Yellow Turbans are causing chaos outside, while the remnants of Dong Zhuo's party are entrenched within. I hope you will prioritize the urgent needs of the imperial court and put aside your personal grievances.

  "Please withdraw your troops from Xu Province to rescue the country from its difficulties. This would be a blessing for Xu Province and for the entire nation. The common people throughout the land would also be blessed."

  Cao was furious after reading the letter: "Who is this Li Yu? He's just a general under Liu Bei, and he dares to send me a letter with such condescending language!" Cao wanted to execute the envoy, but he knew it wouldn't be wise to offend Yi Province at this time. After all, Liu Bei was powerful and had defeated Dong Zhuo several times.

  Cao decided to placate Guo Youzhi instead: "I will let you pass." He ordered his soldiers to clear a path for Guo Youzhi.

  Guo You was able to travel unimpeded and entered Xuzhou City that night! Tao Qian personally went to the city gate to welcome Guo You after learning that the envoy from Yizhou had arrived. From this point, it can be seen that a weak country has no diplomacy! Now Liu Bei is strong in Yizhou, even if he sends an envoy, all the lords of the world will give him three points of courtesy! After Guo You entered Xuzhou City, Tao Qian ordered a banquet to be held in his honor. At this time, Kong Rong, Tian Kai, Taishi Ci, and other officials from Xuzhou also came to accompany him. Guo You took out the letter that Li Yu had given to Tao Qian and handed it over personally! Tao Qian opened it and saw that the letter said: "Now that Tao Gong's matter has been known to Han Xing, he dare not be slow, and overnight, he sent someone to hurry to the front line of the two armies to persuade Tao Gong and Meng De to make peace! I hope Tao Gong will take this as a warning and not become enemies with Meng De. Let us work together to support the great Han dynasty and eliminate the treacherous ministers to revive the great Han spirit!" After reading the letter, Tao Qian handed it over to Kong Rong, and the two of them looked at each other in dismay! Tao Qian said: "Han Xing Wang and Li Yuanshuai are kind to me, Tao Qian, but how can Cao Mengde give up so easily? It's difficult! Difficult!" Kong Rong also said: "Cao Mengde is a treacherous hero, now he is using his father's name as a pretext. In fact, it is to take Xuzhou!" Guo You smiled and said: "Don't worry, gentlemen, tomorrow morning Cao's army will retreat!" Tao Qian and Kong Rong asked in surprise: "Why?" Guo You shook his head and didn't answer, saying that the heavenly machine cannot be revealed! Tao Qian and Kong Rong had no choice but to stop asking further questions.

  At this time, Cao also temporarily stopped the siege. He ordered the whole army to take a short rest and capture the city the next day! However, in the deep night, a flying horse suddenly reported a disaster. Cao didn't know what was going on and asked what had happened. The scout reported that Lü Bu had raided Puyang and occupied Yangping. It turned out that after Lü Bu suffered from Li and Guo's rebellion, he escaped from Wuguan and went to join Yuan Shu; Shu thought Lü Bu was unfaithful and refused to accept him. He joined Yuan Shao, and Shao accepted him as a general, and together they defeated Zhang Yan in Changshan. Lü Bu indeed made great achievements in that battle, but he thought he had succeeded and became arrogant towards Yuan Shao's generals. Yuan Shao was furious and wanted to kill Lü Bu, but the news leaked out, and Lü Bu went to join Zhang Yang instead. At that time, Pang Shu was hiding Lü Bu's wife and children in Chang'an City and returned them to Lü Bu. Li Jue and Guo Si found out and beheaded Pang Shu, writing a letter to Zhang Yang telling him to kill Lü Bu. Lü Bu had no choice but to abandon Zhang Yang again and join Zhang Miao. Coincidentally, Zhang Miao's younger brother Zhang Chao brought Cheng Yu to meet Zhang Miao. Zhang Chao said to his older brother Zhang Miao: "Now I have received a letter from Chen Gong in Yi Province, saying that the world is divided and heroes are rising; you have a thousand miles of troops, but instead, you are controlled by others, isn't it humiliating?! Now Cao is attacking the east, and Puyang is empty; Lü Bu is a brave warrior of our time. If we join forces with him to take Puyang, we can achieve great things!" Cheng Yu also said: "If we do this, General, you can become a hegemon!" Zhang Miao was overjoyed and ordered Lü Bu to raid Puyang and occupy Yangping. It turned out that all of this was designed by Li Yu beforehand! Only the three cities of Juancheng, Dong'a, and Fanxian were successfully defended by Xun Yu and Chen Qun's designs. Cao Ren fought several battles but couldn't win, so he sent an urgent report. Cao heard the news and was shocked, saying: "If Puyang is lost, Qingzhou will definitely not be able to hold! If that happens, we will have no home to return to! We must think of a plan quickly!" Xun You also advised: "My lord can take this opportunity to make peace with Liu Bei and retreat the army to retake Puyang." Cao immediately wrote a letter to Liu Bei, letting Guo Yi present it to Liu Bei and Li Yu, ordering them to withdraw their troops.