Chapter 15: Changshan Zhao Zilong, Courageous and Fearless
After an extensive conversation with Lu Zhi, Wang Yan took his leave. Lu Zhi had received a letter from Wang Fen, which included a recruitment order for Zhao Yun. Overjoyed, Wang Yan led his men towards the northwest, aiming for Changshan.
Changshan County bordered Julu County, and the distance between Guangzong and Zhen Ding was close. Lying in the carriage, with his head on Ren Hongchang's lap, Wang Yan's thoughts were fixated on Zhao Yun. He was anxious about any possible delays preventing him from recruiting Zhao Yun, who he hoped would not end up serving Gongsun Zan.
With the official position of the vanguard in the anti-rebellion campaign granted by Lu Zhi, Wang Yan's recruitment efforts were now legitimate. When distributing rations, Wang Yan made a clear distinction: soldiers received two portions each, the elderly and weak received one, and young men received half a portion. This strategy aimed to incentivize enlistment.
From Guangzong, passing through Xiaquyang to Zhen Ding, Wang Yan's army proliferated, thanks to his persuasive speeches and the allure of white steamed buns and rice porridge. By the time they reached Zhen Ding, the number of civilians following them had swelled to over 6,000, and the army had grown to 8,000.
At this time, the Yellow Turban Rebellion was widespread.
"Master, there is fighting ahead; it's the Yellow Turban Army!"
Reluctantly leaving Ren Hongchang's embrace, Wang Yan got off the carriage. Before him, a fierce battle raged outside Zhen Ding city. The field was littered with corpses, and the stench of blood filled the air. Amidst the chaos, a small group of cavalry, led by a general in white armor, charged back and forth, cutting down enemies like a knife through butter.
Wang Yan's eyes lit up at the sight. A roar reached them from afar, like a dragon's roar.
"Sun Qing, Sun Ji, I, Zhao Yun, will kill you today!"
Under the scorching sun, the white-armored general charged towards the leader under the Sun banner. As he rode, his spear danced in the air, slicing through limbs and bodies.
His white horse's hooves thundered like a storm as if they could shatter boulders. The Yellow Turban soldiers froze in fear at this one-person cavalry charge.
Wang Yan watched in awe at the bravery and prowess of Zhao Zilong.
Zhao Yun truly embodied the phrase "courageous and fearless"!
In the blink of an eye, Zhao Yun reached the leaders Sun Qing and Sun Ji, thrusting his spear forward. Despite their efforts to block, they were different from Zhao Yun. He passed between them like a white shadow, and a spurt of blood sprayed into the air. Sun Ji clutched his shattered throat, coughing violently before falling from his horse.
In one swift move, Zhao Yun killed one of the two leaders, leaving Wang Yan stunned.
"Into the fold," he murmured.
Ren Hongchang, just emerging from the carriage, was puzzled. "Into a fold? How can a person fit?"
On the battlefield, Zhao Yun, after killing Sun Ji, turned his horse to face Sun Qing. Terrified, Sun Qing fled, calling for his archers to shoot Zhao Yun's horse. The white horse neighed in pain, throwing Zhao Yun off. But he rolled to his feet, sweeping his spear in a wide arc, sending several archers flying.
Seeing Zhao Yun dismounted, Sun Qing ordered his soldiers to surround him. Zhao Yun, fearless, fought valiantly; each swing of his spear met with enemy screams. Despite his bravery, the overwhelming numbers caused concern among the city defenders.
Zhao Yun was their pillar of support. Seeing him surrounded unsettled the soldiers, who grew increasingly anxious.
These Yellow Turban soldiers made up mostly of displaced people, were notorious for their brutality, causing fear wherever they went. The situation was dire, with Zhen Ding under siege for a long time, and its supplies were depleted.
Wang Yan, observing the scene, thought:
"The army must undergo the baptism of fire to grow stronger, and now is the perfect opportunity to test the recruits raised on white buns and porridge."
He mounted his horse and addressed his soldiers with a fervent speech.
"Look at that brave general fighting amidst the enemy forces!"
"He's taking enemy heads as easily as plucking fruit, striking fear into thousands of Yellow Turban soldiers!"
"That's Changshan Zhao Zilong! He's defending his hometown and his people!"
"He's your role model and hero!"
Zhou Cang, inspired by Wang Yan's words, admired Zhao Yun's valor. This was the ultimate dream for a warrior. The soldiers, though hastily conscripted, had found new purpose and confidence under Wang Yan's leadership. Most of them were eager to prove themselves in battle.
"Soldiers!"
"We are here not just for ourselves but for our families!"
"The Yellow Turban rebels are pillaging today. If we don't stop them, they'll come for us next. Can we let that happen?"
The soldiers, roused by Wang Yan's speech, shouted in unison:
"No!"
"We won't let them!"
"Master, just tell us what to do. We can't live on free meals forever!"
"What else do we need to ask? We kill the Yellow Turban rebels!"
Wang Er, usually timid, felt a surge of courage listening to Wang Yan. Though he was in charge of logistics, he wished he could fight on the front lines.
"We're ready to follow you into fire and water, Master!"
"Just point, and we'll charge!"
[Emotion Value +99]
[Emotion Value +99]
.....
Wang Yan, with his stirring speech, continued to rally his troops.
"Today's battle is not just a test of your courage but an opportunity for you to earn glory!"
"After this battle, your names will be remembered!"
"When we quell the rebellion, you'll be heroes of the state!"
"Soldiers, charge!"
As soon as Wang Yan finished speaking, Zhou Cang led 5,000 soldiers into the fray.
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