Chương 57: Departure, Liu Ce Deceives His Generals

Zhang Jiao shook his head and said definitively:

"I will explain things clearly to Ning'er before I leave."

She'll understand... for the sake of survival, and for... the sake of the remaining brothers.

She was a sensible child; she knew what to choose. Hatred... could be set aside in the face of survival and greater responsibilities.

Liu Ce stroked his chin and then posed a seemingly frivolous but actually crucial question:

"There's another question... How does your daughter look? If she doesn't meet my standards, then I won't agree to it."

Although I, Liu Ce, am not a 'womanizer,' I am unwilling to marry someone I don't like."

When Zhang Jiao heard this question, he was not angry at all; instead, he showed a relieved smile.

He knew that since Liu Ce had started bargaining, the matter was mostly settled, so he quickly assured him:

"General, rest assured! I am quite confident in my daughter's appearance."

While I wouldn't dare say she's a beauty that could topple kingdoms, she's certainly pretty and charming, intelligent and virtuous—enough to meet the general's standards.

He paused, then offered another crucial bargaining chip:

"Moreover, if the general agrees to this, my daughter will not come empty-handed when she marries the general."

She will bring with her most of the gold and silver that my Yellow Turban Army has collected from powerful families, wealthy clans, and corrupt officials in various places over the past few days, as her dowry.

Furthermore... my most loyal and elite force, two thousand Yellow Turban warriors, will serve as her guards and also as part of her dowry.

From this day forward, they pledged their loyalty to the general and would serve him at his beck and call! Each and every one of them was a brave warrior, handpicked from the best, skilled in battle, and fearless in the face of death!

Upon hearing "gold and silver" and "Yellow Turban warriors," Liu Ce's eyes lit up!

This dowry is real hard currency and elite troops! It will not only greatly replenish his military expenses and strength, but the two thousand Yellow Turban warriors are also rare elite veterans!

A smile immediately appeared on his face, and without any further hesitation, he replied crisply and decisively:

"Alright! Since General Tiangong is so sincere, then I, Liu Ce, agree to this deal!"

"I will agree to all your conditions! I will take Zhang Ning as my concubine and ensure her safety. I will also give a way out to the Yellow Turban brothers in the city who are willing to surrender!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiao's tense nerves finally relaxed, and a truly relieved smile appeared on his face, as if he had accomplished the last major task in this world. He said:

"Thank you, General! I am deeply grateful. My time is almost up, and it will be within the next few days."

Three days later... General, please... lead your troops to attack the city. Your soldiers will attack the north gate. At that time, things will be arranged within the city...

Liu Ce nodded, then suddenly remembered something and said:

"Oh, right, there's something I forgot to tell you. I didn't send the heads of your second brother Zhang Bao and third brother Zhang Liang to Luoyang to claim credit, as is customary."

What was sent was a modified, unrecognizable stand-in.

I had already secretly sent people to find a beautiful and auspicious burial site for their heads and bodies, and buried them together.

So that the two brothers can keep each other company in the afterlife.

Zhang Jiao was stunned. He stared blankly at Liu Ce, and two streams of hot tears welled up in his cloudy eyes.

He struggled to bow to Liu Ce, but Liu Ce raised his hand to stop him.

Zhang Jiao's voice choked with emotion, filled with boundless gratitude, as he said in a trembling voice:

"Thank you so much, General! This kindness... I will repay in my next life!"

Liu Ce said calmly, "No need for thanks. This is just my way of showing my respect to you three brothers."

Three days later, I will go to the city to attack. At that time, I will arrange for people to help Zhang Ning, Zhou Cang, and Pei Yuanshao leave safely.

After the city falls, I will find an opportunity to relocate your remains to the burial place of your two brothers, so that the three of you can be reunited in another world.

Zhang Jiao was in tears, sobbing uncontrollably, only repeating:

"Thank you... thank you, General... for granting my request..."

Thus, this secret meeting, which took place under the moonlight in the grove, finally came to an end.

Supported by Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao, Zhang Jiao boarded a sedan chair and quietly returned to Guangzong City.

Liu Ce, along with Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and Dian Wei, rode back to the Han army camp.

Last night's meeting with Zhang Jiao was packed with information; he needs time to process it and make the necessary arrangements.

The next morning, in the central command tent of the Han army.

All generals of the rank of military commander and above were summoned again.

Inside the central command tent, all the generals gathered together, their eyes filled with questions, curious about Liu Ce's next plans.

Liu Ce cleared his throat, sat in the main seat, and glanced at the generals standing solemnly below. He adopted an expression of "everything is under control" and said in a steady and clear voice:

"Gentlemen, I have gathered you all here today to announce an important matter."

The spies stationed in Guangzong City risked their lives last night to deliver reliable news: the bandit leader Zhang Jiao is terminally ill, and according to his physician, he may not survive more than two days.

Upon hearing this, a low murmur immediately arose within the tent.

Zong Yuan, Guo Dian and others were filled with disbelief. They had been besieging the city for months and had heard about Zhang Jiao's illness, but they did not expect it to have reached this point. They also did not expect that General Liu had such powerful "spies" in the city!

Some generals who had previously criticized Liu Ce for holding back their troops were now completely convinced, realizing that the general was waiting for the best opportunity to attack.

Standing at the end, Liu Bei's eyes also flashed with a shrewd light, making him feel even more that this General Liu was unfathomable.

After a brief moment of astonishment, their fighting spirit soared, and the generals clasped their fists, vying to be the first to volunteer for battle.

"General! This is an opportunity not to be missed! I am willing to be the vanguard!"

"Please order the attack on the city, General!"

Looking at the generals below, who were in high spirits, Liu Ce raised his hand and gestured for them to be quiet.

"alright!"

A confident smile appeared on his face.

"I have summoned you all for this very reason. With Zhang Jiao dead, the Yellow Turban rebels in the city are leaderless, and their morale will inevitably be thrown into chaos! This is a golden opportunity, and now is the time for our army to breach the city!"

"Issue my order: The entire army shall immediately enter a state of combat readiness! All units shall promptly inspect and repair siege equipment, and prepare ladders, bows, and arrows! The kitchens shall prepare sufficient rations for battle!"

All soldiers, rest and recuperate, sharpen your weapons! Two days later, at dawn, the army will move out, encircling and attacking Guangzong from all sides!

"Your subordinate obeys!" The generals responded in unison, their voices echoing through the camp, each face filled with high fighting spirit.

Seeing this, Liu Ce began to assign and deploy his troops:

"Zong Yuan, Guo Dian, Liu Bei, heed my command!"

The three men immediately stepped forward, bowed, and clasped their hands in greeting: "Your subordinates are here!"

Liu Ce issued specific combat orders:

"Zong Yuan, you will lead 10, 000 troops to attack the east gate! Make sure to create a great impression and draw the enemy's main force away!"

"Guo Dian, you will lead 10, 000 troops to attack the West Gate! You must launch a relentless and persistent attack to apply pressure!"

"Liu Bei, you and the other generals will lead the remaining ten thousand troops to oversee the attack on the south gate! There must be no mistakes!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" the three replied in unison.