Chương 373: "My dear nephew~"

The fifth step was to reorganize the cavalry separately.

The cavalry of the Xiliang army were selected and reorganized separately, and placed under the command of cavalry masters such as Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong, Lü Bu, and Gongsun Zan. They were to be properly trained and transformed into sharp blades in their own hands.

In just a few days, the previously chaotic group of over 200, 000 surrendered soldiers was brought under control and made obedient.

Guo Jia looked at the well-organized troops and said to Liu Ce with a smile:

"My lord, this is wonderful! With these surrendered soldiers, our military strength has increased several times over! Whether we advance westward or southward in the future, we will have sufficient resources."

Liu Ce nodded with a smile.

He knew perfectly well that to stabilize the territory, the army had to be stable first. By dispersing these people to various states, he eliminated potential threats and replenished the local population—a win-win situation.

...

Once the reorganization was mostly completed, the messengers sent by Xu Da and Li Ji arrived.

In Luoyang, everything remains as stable as Mount Tai.

Chang'an is impregnable.

The defenses at Hangu Pass and Tong Pass were also fortified.

Xue Rengui and Su Lie, along with the Third Army, also arrived to join them.

Everything is ready.

Liu Ce waved his hand and said:

"Let's go! To Luoyang!"

At a single command, the army broke camp and set up camp.

Liu Ce rode his black horse at the very front.

Behind him were a host of talented individuals, including Li Jing, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Xue Rengui, Su Lie, Dian Wei, Xu Chu, and Lü Bu.

Behind them followed the vast main force of Youzhou army, their banners blotting out the sky, and the sound of their hooves shaking the ground.

The sight was so impressive that not only the local people along the way, but even the stray dogs on the roadside would stand up straight and tuck their tails between their legs in a show of respect.

Zhang Fei, carrying his eighteen-foot spear, cheerfully said to Guan Yu:

"Second brother, do you think we should bring that young emperor over to Luoyang on this trip, so that eldest brother can take control of the empire?"

Guan Yu stroked his long beard, his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded with a smile, saying:

"That's for sure. In today's world, besides my elder brother, there is no one else who can bring peace to the Han Dynasty and protect the people."

Liu Ce, who was walking at the front, smiled as he listened to the murmurs of his two brothers behind him.

...

A few days later, the outline of Luoyang appeared on the horizon.

The majestic city walls, the towering city towers, and the winding Luo River are still as magnificent as I remember them.

The city wall bore the marks of repairs, scars left by previous wars.

Liu Ce reined in his horse, looking at the familiar capital city, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

This is the fourth time.

The first time was in 183 AD. At that time, he was still a newbie who had just transmigrated, carrying glass beads he bought from the system, and through Zhang Rang, he obtained the official position of Prefect of Zhuojun. When he came to Luoyang that time, he was like a country bumpkin entering the city, everything was new and everything seemed big.

The second time was in August of 184. He had just quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion and came to Luoyang to receive his titles of Marquis of Champion, General of the Cavalry, and Governor of Youzhou, boasting of his great military achievements. At that time, the whole city cheered, and he rode his horse through the streets, full of pride and high spirits.

The third time was in 186 AD. He destroyed the Wuhuan, defeated the Xianbei, pacified Goguryeo, sealed the Wolf-Dwelling Mountain, and drank from the vast sea. That time he came to Luoyang to receive the title of King of Yan, enjoying boundless glory.

The fourth time, now...

They broke in.

Life is truly wondrous.

Liu Ce shook his head, dispelling these emotions, and waved his hand, saying:

"Walk!"

The massive army marched towards Luoyang.

The gates of Luoyang were wide open.

Xu Da was already waiting at the city gate.

Seeing Liu Ce approaching, he quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:

"This humble general, Xu Da, greets my lord! Luoyang has been pacified; I respectfully welcome you into the city!"

Liu Ce dismounted and helped him up, saying:

"Tiande, you've worked hard. Get up."

He mounted his horse and slowly entered Luoyang City.

Upon entering the city, Liu Ce was stunned.

The streets were lined with people.

The crowds were enormous, stretching from the city gate all the way to the palace.

Men, women, young and old, supporting the elderly and leading children, all crowded to the side of the road.

Some climbed onto rooftops, some clung to trees, and some carried their children on their shoulders, all just to catch a glimpse of the legendary Prince of Yan.

The moment Liu Ce's horse appeared, the crowd erupted!

"Welcome, Your Highness Prince Yan!"

"Long live the Prince of Yan!"

"Thank you, Prince Yan! Thank you, Prince Yan, for eliminating Dong Zhuo!"

"The Prince of Yan is here! We're saved!"

"Prince Yan! Prince Yan! Prince Yan!"

..................

The shouts grew louder and louder, making people's ears ring.

Some people shouted until their voices were hoarse, but they kept shouting; others shouted until tears streamed down their faces.

An elderly man with white hair, leaning on a cane, knelt shakily on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and said:

"Thank God! Someone has finally come to our rescue! That Dong Zhuo... that Dong Zhuo has caused us so much trouble!"

A woman nearby, holding her child, was also wiping away tears, saying:

"With the Prince of Yan here, life will be much easier from now on!"

As Liu Ce rode on his horse, looking at these people, his heart warmed.

He slowed down and waved to both sides as he walked.

Each time he waved, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"Prince Yan! Prince Yan! Prince Yan!"

The shouts echoed from the city gates all the way to the imperial palace, resounding throughout the entire city of Luoyang.

Liu Ce knew that these people were sincere.

During the six months that Dong Zhuo occupied Luoyang, he wreaked havoc on the city.

They dug up imperial tombs, robbed ordinary people... and committed all sorts of atrocities.

Now that Dong Zhuo is dead, they can finally live in peace.

Liu Ce waved as he walked slowly forward.

Liu Ce's initial feelings of emotion turned into warmth.

This country, these people, it's all worth it.

...

After spending a considerable amount of time on the street, Liu Ce finally arrived at the gates of the imperial palace.

The majestic palace gates, the towering palace walls, and the magnificent golden halls shimmered in the setting sun.

Liu Ce looked at the palace and smiled.

The last time I came was to be enfeoffed as the Prince of Yan.

At that time, the palace was still filled with singing and dancing, and Liu Hong was drinking wine with a beautiful woman in his arms.

Now, things have changed.

Then, he rode his horse alone and slowly went inside.

The horses' hooves clattered on the bluestone slabs.

The imperial guards standing on both sides had been replaced by Xu Da's own men.

They looked at Liu Ce with eyes full of admiration.

Liu Ce rode his horse all the way to the outside of Deyang Palace before dismounting.

He was dressed in armor, with a sword at his waist, his hand on the hilt, and slowly walked towards Deyang Palace, step by step.

The boots made a "thump, thump" sound as they stepped on the white marble steps.

The sound echoed in the empty square in front of the palace.

Liu Ce walked into the corridor and suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Ugh... Pshaw..."

"Second nephew! Nephew!"

"My dear second nephew~"

"Where are you~ Hahaha~"

"Your royal uncle is looking for you~ Hahaha~"

"Even your imperial uncle would feel bad seeing you being held hostage by Dong Zhuo and made emperor."

The sound echoed through the empty palace, carrying far and wide.

The palace maids and eunuchs on both sides were so frightened that they huddled in the corners of the walls, not daring to breathe.