Chapter 27: The Burning of Changshe

Outside the city of Changshe, the fire in the Yellow Turban camp was spreading deeper and deeper.

The wind grew stronger, intensifying the blaze. The entire field was lit up like daylight by the raging fire. The tents in the Yellow Turban camp to the north were completely destroyed, and the Yellow Turbans fled frantically south.

As the army moved with the fire, the timing was almost right. Liu Zhan's subordinates led their troops into the enemy camp, following Liu Zhan's orders to target and eliminate the Yellow Turban leaders.

Thanks to the scouts sent out beforehand, the exact locations of the enemy's camp were known. Some quick-reacting leaders might escape, but most of them were doomed to be slaughtered.

Without their leaders, the Yellow Turbans would be even more disorganized, increasing the chances of victory.

Zhao Yun's troops, led by him, were facing Bo Cai. Liu Zhan had intentionally assigned Zhao Yun this significant task.

When the war drums sounded, Zhao Yun's unit was divided into four small teams, advancing toward the Yellow Turban camp amidst the blazing fire. Zhao Yun led his elite guards straight to Bo Cai's tent.

The fire had been burning for too short a time; it was still a few steps away from reaching Bo Cai's main tent. The enemy camp had enough depth, and the farthest areas had not yet been burned.

Zhao Yun, fearless, charged into the flames.

Bo Cai was startled awake by the drums and the commotion outside. Without even properly dressing, he hurried out, realizing the severity of the situation when he saw the towering flames. He grabbed his weapon and tried to mount his horse.

At that moment, Zhao Yun arrived. Seeing Bo Cai's weapon and tent, Zhao Yun immediately recognized him. He spurred his horse forward, thrust his spear, and struck down Bo Cai, who had just managed to mount one leg over his horse.

Severing Bo Cai's head, Zhao Yun shouted, "Bo Cai is dead! Surrender now!"

Zhao Yun wasn't alone; other commanders were equally eager to prove themselves.

Guan Yu had a similar role, slaying Yellow Turban leaders and causing further collapse among the enemy forces.

Liu Zhan's troops were well-trained. Even in a run, the troops maintained an orderly formation, with a formidable and menacing presence.

When encountering large groups of Yellow Turbans, the signal would prompt a swift and fierce attack, with troops charging head-on and flanking from both sides, filling the air with battle cries.

Those who resisted were ruthlessly dealt with, with the command, "Drop your weapons and kneel down if you wish to live."

The elderly and weak were largely ignored; only the strong and capable Yellow Turbans were dealt with. Captured prisoners were gathered and guarded, while the rest of the army continued its advance.

The various units maneuvered aggressively, attacking wherever there were more enemy forces. Soon, the numbers thinned as the Yellow Turbans retreated south, with the army closely pursuing them.

Due to meticulous scouting and careful planning, the initial attack, led by the commanders targeting the Yellow Turban leaders, created chaos and disorganization among the Yellow Turban forces. It wasn't long before the Yellow Turbans were in full retreat.

Liu Zhan, accompanied by Huang Zhong and Dian Wei, led the central army forward.

Observing carefully, Liu Zhan identified the target and said to Huang Zhong, "Han Sheng, you lead the central army to engage the enemy. I will pursue and deal with the rebels."

Pointing to a flag in the distance, Liu Zhan instructed Dian Wei, "See that flag ahead? Follow me and capture that rebel leader."

Liu Zhan led the charge, accompanied by a team of guards, as they thundered toward their target.