The Battle Looms

The Yellow Turban Army is stationed not far from Ji City, in Gong County. "If you're a man, take your sword to the battlefield and kill a few more bandits. Acting tough here makes you a coward in the end!"

The young man's words were sharp, leaving the bully soldier unable to retort.

"Damn it, I'll teach you a lesson for meddling!" the bully soldier shouted, swinging his sword at Qin Longyang. Sun Lang, quick as a flash, leaped out from behind Qin Longyang, disarmed the soldier with a palm strike, and then kicked him several meters away.

The soldier groaned as he was sent flying. Sun Lang picked up the long sword and handed it to Qin Longyang.

Qin Longyang took the sword, stepped on the soldier's chest, and pressed the blade against his neck, his eyes cold and filled with killing intent.

The soldier trembled in fear, unable to utter a word. Qin Longyang pulled him up and sheathed the sword.

"You're lucky you're not under my command, or you'd be dead a thousand times over. Now, get lost!"

"You... just wait!" the soldier tried to save face with a threat but quickly fled with his companions.

"Good!" The crowd cheered. The scene was impressive, even stunning Qin Longyang himself. It had been quite the moment of glory.

However, Qin Longyang didn't notice Qu Jing silently watching from the crowd. Qu Jing left with a sullen expression.

"Thank you, General, for saving my life!" The man who was saved was grateful, bowing to Qin Longyang.

Qin Longyang helped him up. The man stood tall like a tower.

"Brother, how did you get involved with those soldiers?"

The man sighed. "It's infuriating! My mother is seriously ill and needs treatment, but my family is too poor. I had to sell the saber my father left me. But those scoundrels took a liking to it and wanted it for themselves. When I refused, they tried to steal it!"

"It's a good saber!" Sun Lang admired the saber, hefting it in his hand.

Qin Longyang nodded and took out a piece of silver, handing it to the man, who stood there, stunned.

"Use this silver to save your mother's life," Qin Longyang explained.

The man was overjoyed, taking the silver and thanking Qin Longyang profusely.

"Don't rush; I'm not done yet," Qin Longyang continued. "This silver is also your life-buying money. I see you're strong and skilled. Would you consider joining my army as an officer?"

The man hesitated, then knelt down again, cupping his fists. "Thank you for not abandoning me. From now on, my life belongs to you my lord, I am Gao Lan, Awaiting your command!"

"Gao Lan?" Qin Longyang's expression changed. Could this be the Gao Lan, once known as one of the Four Pillars of Hebei? That would be quite a find.

Qin Longyang composed himself and patted Gao Lan's shoulder. "Settle your affairs at home, then come to see me at the camp west of the city."

"Yes!" Gao Lan had long wanted to join the army. Meeting Qin Longyang today was indeed a stroke of fate.

Gao Lan stood up, slung the saber over his shoulder, bowed to Qin Longyang, and left. Qin Longyang smiled and said to Sun Lang, "Nothing else is going on; let's return to the camp. I'm sure Liu Yan will be looking for us soon."

...

Last night, Guan Hai was supposed to be in his bridal chamber. Drunk, he stumbled into the inner room. The Governor's Mansion was decorated with celebratory banners. Guan Hai, grinning lasciviously, entered the hall, thoughts full of the wedding night.

But to his horror, instead of his bride, he found his guards with their throats slit and a strong scent of blood in the air. His drunkenness vanished instantly.

"Someone! Help!" Guan Hai's desperate scream echoed through the county...

That night, the entire Yellow Turban army searched for the assassin. Guan Hai, terrified, couldn't sleep. At dawn, he called all the commanders for a meeting.

"Last night, I was almost murdered! The villain was bold and cruel!" Guan Hai was still trembling as he recounted the event.

Everyone knew what had happened. General Bo Cai stepped forward. "Great General, I have an idea."

"Speak!"

"I believe the assassin is still in the city."

Bo Cai's words made everyone murmur.

"Why do you think so?"

"Judging by last night, the guards were killed without a fight, and the brides are missing. The assassin's intent is clear. Given that the guards were skilled, and there were no signs of struggle, the culprit must be someone who can move freely within the army, perhaps even among us." Bo Cai's analysis was sound, and the other generals nodded in agreement.

Guan Hai was furious, slamming the table. "I've treated you all as brothers, yet the knife over my neck is held by one of you!"

"We are loyal to you, General!" The commanders declared their loyalty. But deep down, they were all similar to Guan Hai, making it hard to identify the traitor.

Guan Hai's eyes swept across the commanders and finally landed on one person—Liao Hua!

...

Two days later, the Yellow Turban army made a move. Guan Hai led 50,000 troops and 24 commanders from Gong County, launching a full-scale attack on Zhuo County, Dai County, and Shanggu County. Especially Zhuo County, which was the gateway to Ji City. If Zhuo County fell, Ji City would be in danger.

Scouts quickly reported to Liu Yan in Ji City. Liu Yan called his generals and Qin Longyang and Sun Lang to discuss their strategy.

"Everyone! The Yellow Turban army has made their move. What do you think?" Liu Yan asked directly.

Qin Longyang had already received the news. After a night of contemplation, he had several ideas, though their viability remained uncertain.

"My lord!" Qu Jing stepped forward, seeing no one else speak. "The Yellow Turban army is attacking from three directions. The defenders in Shanggu and Dai Counties should be able to hold them off. We should focus our main efforts on the Yellow Turbans attacking Zhuo County."

Liu Yan nodded and motioned for Qu Jing to continue.

"In my humble opinion, the forces attacking Zhuo County are not large. Instead of waiting, we should go out and meet them head-on, defeating them at Zhuo County!" Qu Jing proposed a preemptive strike.

The room was silent. Liu Yan was about to give the order when Qin Longyang interrupted.

"My lord, wait!"

Qu Jing squinted at Qin Longyang, wondering what he would say this time.

"What is it, General Qin?" Liu Yan asked with interest.

Qin Longyang smiled humbly. "Compared to Lord Qu's view, I have a different guess."

"Oh? Let's hear it."

"I think the Yellow Turban attack on the three counties is a diversion. Their real target is Ji City! If we attack first, we'll fall into their trap."

"Hmph! Nonsense," Qu Jing sneered, waving the military report. "The report clearly states that the Yellow Turban army split into three groups and moved towards Dai, Zhuo, and Shanggu Counties three days ago. How could it be false?"

Qin Longyang smiled. "The report is accurate, but Lord Qu, that was three days ago. For three days, the Yellow Turban armies attacking Shanggu and Dai Counties have been silent, while the one attacking Zhuo County is making noise. Why?"

"This..." Qu Jing was momentarily speechless. "I think it's a feint."

Qu Jing was uncertain. Qin Longyang continued, "No, it's because the Yellow Turban army has already set up their plan!"

Qin Longyang pointed to two places on the map behind Liu Yan. "These two Yellow Turban forces should be stationed here now!"

"Juyong, Baishui..." Liu Yan looked at the marked locations. "You mean..."

"Yes," Qin Longyang explained. "My informant brought me news of the Yellow Turban's movements last night. After analyzing it, I suspect a trap."

"If we follow Lord Qu's suggestion and march to Zhuo County, the enemy at Juyong will flank us, while the Yellow Turbans at Baishui will bypass Shanggu County and take Ji City. We'll be surrounded!"

"But... but this is just your speculation," Qu Jing frowned, admitting Qin Longyang's reasoning was sound.

Qin Longyang shrugged and smiled. "We can find out the truth."

Qin Longyang requested permission from Liu Yan. "Lord Liu, please allow me to take my men to Zhuo County to scout the enemy and determine our strategy."

Liu Yan hesitated but then nodded. "I'll send some men with you. Report back immediately if there's any situation."

"Don't worry, my lord." Qin Longyang was confident. He noticed Qu Jing looking sullen, smirked, and left the hall.

"Why didn't you mention Lady Zhao and her daughter?" Sun Lang asked.

Qin Longyang wasn't a genius strategist; he couldn't predict the Yellow Turban army's every move. The information came from Lady Zhao, who had escaped to Ji City with a secret letter detailing the Yellow Turban's plans.

On that night, Liao Hua secretly released Lady Zhao and her daughter, sending them with a letter detailing the Yellow Turban army's plans and movements. They reached the city gate, where the guards stopped them.

Fortunately, Sun Lang and Qin Longyang were passing by, and they resolved the misunderstanding. Thus, Qin Longyang obtained this crucial information.

"Why tell them?" Qin Longyang replied. "I want them to see me as unpredictable."

Qin Longyang smiled, patted Sun Lang's shoulder, and said, "Notify Gao Lan to prepare. We have work to do tonight."

"Yes, sir!" Sun Lang understood and left.