Chapter 66: One Man Intimidates a Host of Warlords, Abandons Luoyang to Plague the Regional Lords

All of this left Gu Yi dumbfounded.

Gu Chen's progress is too fast!

Though Niu Fu is no top-tier general, he is far from ordinary.

Now he cannot even hold ten rounds against Gu Chen.

If Gu Chen continues progressing like this, can he carve through the entire chaotic era?

His expectations for Gu Chen grew ever stronger.

——This battle is destined to have far-reaching consequences.

All the regional lords are now marching their armies toward Luoyang, under the banner of "Rescuing the Monarch."

Gu Chen certainly understands that the Emperor's edict is useless at this moment, yet he must seize this moral high ground.

He immediately issued an edict in the Son of Heaven's name, denouncing Dong Zhuo's crimes and rebuking the regional lords.

But this decree is destined to have no effect.

The Han dynasty's power structure has completely collapsed.

The people have long lost faith in the court, fully emboldening the regional lords to carve out their own territories.

But Gu Chen naturally understands this.

After capturing Dong Zhuo, he saw that Dong Zhuo's remaining troops had already retreated.

He then began using the Son of Heaven's name to cleanse the Eight Passes of Luoyang.

He planned to use the Eight Passes of Luoyang to build a defensive line, trapping all the regional lords' rescue armies there.

These so-called rebel forces could never stand against Huangfu Song, Lu Zhi, and others.

As long as he could buy some time until all the regional forces arrived, the situation would be firmly stabilized.

The troops still guarding the Eight Passes of Luoyang were those left behind by Gu Xi.

He Jin's upheaval had only purged the mid- and high-ranking officers loyal to the Gu clan within the passes.

He had no time to replace them before Gu Chen seized control.

Moreover, Gu Chen has now suppressed all news from within Luoyang.

With this so-called imperial edict as aid, reclaiming the Eight Passes of Luoyang was naturally no difficult task.

He carried out a massive purge of the officers within the Eight Passes.

He stationed Julu youths within them and began constructing the defensive line.

Suanzao.

Regional lord armies arrived one after another.

This "Rescuing the Monarch" army included provincial governors and aristocratic clans.

Leading among them were the Runan Yuan clan, the Hongnong Yang clan, the Qinghe Cui clan, as well as Liu Dai, Inspector of Yanzhou, and Wang Kuang, Commandant of Henei.

In truth, Yuan Shao had never anticipated the situation would turn into this.

Originally, he had merely intended to join Gu Xi in launching a campaign, seizing extra merit along the way to prepare for his future official career.

The initial developments unfolded exactly as he expected.

Leveraging the Yuan clan's prestige, his power grew rapidly during the suppression of the rebellion.

Unfortunately, subsequent events exceeded his expectations.

In truth, the Runan Yuan clan and the Gu clan had always been staunch allies.

But human nature is fickle.

Since Liu Zhi dismissed Gu Xi, the Yuan clan had long dreamed of one day reaching the same stature as the Gu clan.

This may be the fundamental reason why the two sides were destined to walk opposite paths.

Gu Xi's reforms threatened their interests.

And most crucially—

Gu Xi's very existence blocked too many people's paths.

If Gu Xi had not pursued reform,

they might have still waited.

But once Gu Xi took that step, they could only press forward despite the obstacles.

In truth, even they had not anticipated this current situation.

Their Original Thought had been—

To use Dong Zhuo and He Jin to first target Gu Xi.

Then they could return to Luoyang, clear Gu Xi's name, not only securing power for themselves but also enhancing their own family's prestige.

But now it is different.

Once they began ignoring Liu Bian's condemnatory edict,

a certain restraint had been utterly shattered.

The weakening of imperial authority had planted rebellious thoughts in many hearts.

This is human nature.

Inside the great tent.

Watching as the lords arrived one after another, Liu Dai laughed twice and said, "All the heroes of the realm are gathered here."

"Our Han dynasty is safe."

As Inspector of Yanzhou and Head of the Imperial Clan,

Liu Dai's status among this group was the most distinguished.

His move was meant to seize the initiative and establish his own authority.

"Brother Gongshan speaks wisely."

Wang Kuang smiled and agreed: "All our great talents are here—Han's fate is assured."

"Well said! The fate of the realm lies in our hands. Now that heroes have gathered, we need only march to rescue the Son of Heaven, and then peace will spread across the land!"

"Why not, in this alliance, emulate the time of Emperor Guangwu and paint a mural to spread the word throughout the realm?"

"Hahaha! That is an excellent idea!"

"."

The crowd spoke one after another, the atmosphere utterly harmonious.

Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu had said not a word from start to finish.

Yuan Shao was fine, his expression natural.

But in Yuan Shu's deep eyes lay a faint sneer—he looked down on these men.

At that moment, someone suddenly spoke: "Since we are an alliance to rescue the emperor, we must choose one as leader."

At these words, the atmosphere inside the tent instantly changed.

Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu both nearly showed signs of interest.

But they were no longer like in history, holding high official ranks.

Everyone immediately turned to Liu Dai.

"Brother Gongshan is Imperial Clan Director and Governor of Yan Province—key to this rescue mission. The leadership must be yours."

"This is reasonable! With Brother Gongshan here, our rescue effort gains great advantage!"

"."

Hearing their words, Liu Dai's eyes lit up instantly, yet his face showed reluctance: "All of you are pillars of Han—how could I possibly—"

Before he could finish,

Someone immediately interrupted: "Brother Gongshan, why be so modest? Only you can rightfully hold this leadership and command the respect of all!"

The crowd spoke again.

Liu Dai's eyes grew brighter, yet his face wore an air of helplessness; he slowly nodded: "Since you all honor me so, then I, Liu Dai, shall no longer refuse."

"Rest assured."

"When we storm Luoyang, I shall report to the realm and record each of your merits in rescuing the emperor."

He was promising future rewards to all.

Liu Dai, a royal clan governor,

in today's situation, still had to bow to the power of local great clans.

Indeed, upon hearing this,

the smiles on everyone's faces grew even warmer.

Though Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu had said little, the Runan Yuan clan was not to be forgotten.

Under these circumstances, Yuan Shao was elected vice-leader.

Only then did they begin discussing troop movements.

Yuan Shu was truly displeased.

Giving the leadership to Liu Dai, a Han royal, was acceptable—after all, it benefited everyone.

But why should the vice-leadership go to Yuan Shao?

He was the Yuan clan's legitimate son.

Yuan Shao? Merely a bastard!

This also had to do with their personalities.

Yuan Shao had always enjoyed associating with heroes; during this rebellion-suppression period, he had forged deep ties with clans across the land.

Yuan Shu, by contrast, favored the wandering knightly style.

He was fond of luxury and younger than Yuan Shao.

Naturally, this widened the gap between them.

But how could he endure such disregard?

Seeing them discuss military affairs, he sneered: "I have a fierce general under my command who can serve as vanguard."

"Oh?"

At this, everyone turned to Yuan Shu.

"Who is this general you speak of, Highway?" Liu Dai asked Yuan Shu.

But Yuan Shu did not even glance at him; only when others began asking did he speak.

"His name is Sun Jian."

"I recruited him during my suppression of rebels in Nanyang—a tiger among generals."

Yuan Shu said proudly: "He is fit to be vanguard."

Authority is seized, not given.

He meant to make a name for himself.

Upon hearing the name, many showed surprise.

Clearly, they had all heard of Sun Jian's valor—astonished that Yuan Shu had managed to recruit such a warrior.

Sun Jian had already gained some renown.

He came from a humble family in Wu.

Leveraging the policies proposed by Gu Xi, he had repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats in suppressing the rebellion.

It was for this reason that Yuan Shu had sought to recruit him.

In the name of the Yuan family's four generations of Three Excellencies, he promised that one day he would help Sun Jian rise to the top of officialdom.

In truth, the two were not what one might call commander and subordinate.

They were allies.

Sun Jian cleared bandits while simultaneously boosting his own and Yuan Shu's prestige.

Yuan Shu, in turn, used his influence to supply him with grain and provisions.

This time, he had followed Yuan Shu to aid the emperor.

"So it is him," Liu Dai said, not angered by Yuan Shu's indifference, but sighing: "The Yuan family truly deserves its four generations of Three Excellencies."

"Such prestige is truly enviable."

He spoke sincerely.

Though he now held the title of Inspector of Yan Province, in truth, there were still families within Yan Province who opposed him.

His eagerness this time was precisely to eliminate these opposing great clans.

Everyone present fully agreed.

The vanguard was thus decided.

Afterward, the others began arranging the overall battle strategy.

In truth, for them, no strategy was needed.

This was not the original history.

Gu Chen could not magically summon troops; his strength was far inferior to Dong Zhuo's power in the original history.

Faced with this situation,

how could the allied forces possibly bother discussing tactics?

It was obvious: they would simply charge forward with their entire army.

——Zhao Ning Year 3, fifth month.

The entire allied force began its assault on Luoyang.

This was now vastly different from the original history.

The existence of the Gu family was enough to make these men suppress all internal conflicts and unite against a common enemy.

This greatly strengthened the entire allied force's combat power.

Hulao Pass.

Gazing at the endless allied army beyond the pass, Gu Chen's expression grew increasingly grim.

The number of troops was truly overwhelming!

Had it not been for Hulao Pass, where mountains and ridges formed a natural fortress,

he could have simply ordered a full retreat.

But even so, his current situation was dire.

Morale was the problem he had to confront.

He was not Gu Xi.

He had not earned a reputation for invincibility.

Facing an enemy of such overwhelming numbers would naturally sap morale, let alone the coming battle that would surely spill rivers of blood.

He must find a way to steady his troops' morale!

Outside the pass.

The warlords stared intently at the pass ahead, their eyes filled with longing.

Break through this pass, and Luoyang lay directly ahead.

Whoever could storm Luoyang would gain unimaginable benefits!

"Wentai."

Yuan Shu, with a faint smile, called out: "Can you break through this pass ahead?"

"Why not?"

Sun Jian, behind him, replied loudly: "Though this place is perilous, our forces are vast, and their morale is already three parts weaker."

"With unstable morale, how can he win?"

"Good!" Yuan Shu was highly satisfied and immediately prepared to order Sun Jian to attack.

But Sun Jian shook his head: "General, do not rush."

"Let me first send someone to challenge them."

"Whether they fight or not, it will drop their morale another three parts!"

With that, he waved his hand: "Da Rong, dare you go challenge them?"

"Why not?" A loud cry rang out instantly.

The next moment, Zu Mao charged forward with twin blades, roaring: "Warriors within the pass—dare you fight?"

He did not know who currently guarded the pass.

Nor did anyone else.

In fact, none of these so-called warlords knew either.

The sixth-generation members of the Gu family had already earned some reputations.

Most notable were Gu Tao and Gu Wei.

But Gu Chen was different.

Gu Chen was truly ordinary, and his personality would not tolerate falling behind others—he had never left his mansion.

This left the world unfamiliar with Gu Chen.

"I'll go fight him!"

At the pass, Gu Chen immediately prepared to ride out and meet the enemy.

For him, this was an opportunity he had to seize.

If he could slay a general before the enemy lines.

The boost to morale would be unimaginable.

"Ziyan." Hearing this, several brothers immediately held Gu Chen back, looking at the burly Zu Mao calling for battle below the pass: "A man so massive must be a great general."

"Ziyan absolutely cannot take the risk."

"Let your elder brother go instead."

Gu Chen had already become the backbone of everyone.

His performance had won the respect of all.

"Elder brother must not." But Gu Chen simply shook his head, his expression solemn: "No matter who that man is, elder brother need not go."

"No son of the Gu clan fears death."

"All you brothers can go to your deaths — why then can I not?"

These brothers all knew each other's level; Gu Chen would never agree no matter what.

Hearing this, that Gu Shizi could only sigh helplessly, shaking his head: "I only lament that I cannot carry on the light of our ancestors."

He was a scion of the Marquis of Huan's line.

That branch had always prized martial prowess above all.

It was just a pity that his own martial skill was truly quite ordinary.

Gu Chen clapped him on the shoulder, then without further hesitation, immediately donned his armor and prepared to charge out of the pass.

Seeing this scene, Gu Yi's heart immediately leapt into his throat.

This was Zu Mao!

Compared to Niu Fu, his fame in history was even greater.

Although Gu Chen could now fight Li Jue and Guo Si, it still made him somewhat worried.

Gu Yi was silent for two or three seconds.

Then he directly summoned the words "Lottery."

He planned to draw again.

By Gu Yi's judgment, the achievement points Gu Xi could bring him would absolutely not be less than two hundred thousand.

And he only needed to ensure he had achievement points for one manipulation.

As long as he kept the achievement points around one hundred and fifty thousand.

Then no accident would occur.

He had to make thorough preparations; judging from Gu Chen's current performance, the value he could bring in these chaotic times was simply beyond imagination.

Now Gu Chen could be said to be dancing on a knife's edge.

If any accident occurred.

By then it would be too late for him to draw.

No matter what, Gu Yi could not let any accident befall him.

Still no lottery UI — after a full fourteen draws, dense notification prompts popped up one after another.

【Draw successful.】

【Congratulations to host on obtaining: Common-grade item — Recovery Talisman.】

【(Common) Recovery Talisman: After use, designate one clan member to quickly recover their peak condition.】

【Congratulations to host on obtaining: Common-grade item — Cure-All Talisman *4, Strength Talisman, Inspiration Talisman.】

【.】

【Congratulations to host on obtaining: Common-grade item — Inspiration Talisman】

【(Common) Inspiration Talisman: After use, designate one clan member to raise the probability of a flash of inspiration.】

【.】

【Congratulations to host on obtaining: Mystic-grade item — Divine Concealment Card.】

【(Mystic) Divine Concealment Card: After use, reduces the attention those around you pay to you.】

【Congratulations to host on obtaining: Mystic-grade item — Lucky Card, Focus Card.】

A string of prompts kept popping up.

What surprised Gu Yi most was that he had actually drawn an Earth-grade item!

【Congratulations to host on obtaining: Earth-grade item — Revolving Jade Counting Rods.】

【(Earth) Revolving Jade Counting Rods: Combined with celestial observations, can predict the weather within seven days.】

(Note: Those who divine the workings of heaven must suffer backlash; if the prediction is truly accurate, it will reduce the user's luck for a short period.)

Looking at how few of these items there were, Gu Yi's expression could not help but shift slightly.

Predict the weather within seven days?

In this kind of feudal era, this too was a divine artifact!

But the requirement within it — combined with celestial observations, is that even feasible?

This was clearly an item with a threshold.

And as long as the prediction succeeds, it would reduce the user's luck?

Gu Yi suddenly thought of the Lucky Card's effect.

The item's reduction

It might be instantly fatal!

"Keep the Recovery Talisman, the Medicine That Cures All, and these other items as the family's foundation."

"The Divine Concealment Card?"

"Can it prevent others from noticing you?"

"This item might protect the family's young ones at a critical moment."

"As for the Xuanji Counting Rods, they must be used at specific times."

Gu Yi carefully considered the uses of these items.

From his experience with these few draws, he was gradually understanding the gaps between different items.

Divine-grade items, if their effects are exceptional, could clearly destroy heaven and earth.

A single item might determine the rise or fall of a nation.

Common-grade items have one-time effects, and some even carry backlash.

Mystery-grade items have a certain duration.

As for Earth-grade—

Use this well, and it becomes a divine artifact; use it poorly, and it's a direct life-for-a-piece-of-information exchange.

He thought for a moment, and decided not to bring out this item.

Perhaps the Gu clan's young ones were too pragmatic.

They paid almost no attention to celestial phenomena.

Clearly, it didn't meet the item's usage conditions—only to be kept for the future.

Though it pained him somewhat, his heart finally settled a little; he immediately closed all notifications and fixed his gaze on the battlefield.

At this moment, Gu Chen had already ridden out beyond the pass.

Without saying a word, he charged straight at Zu Mao with his long spear.

Gu Chen's confidence far surpassed that of others.

Only he knew his own state—this visible progress had gradually given him an invincible mindset.

His long spear was like lightning.

He thrust straight at Zu Mao.

Zu Mao was no ordinary man; he sidestepped instantly and avoided the strike.

Seeing how young Gu Chen was,

he sneered, "Whelp! State your name!"

"Enough talk!"

Gu Chen had no respect whatsoever for such people.

He roared loudly, squeezed his thighs against the horse's flanks, and charged again at Zu Mao.

Clang!!

The clash of weapons rang out continuously.

Zu Mao was Sun Jian's personal general; how could a man who reached this level be weak?

Facing Gu Chen's assault, he remained utterly calm.

His twin blades moved with strict discipline.

Within a few exchanges, he had already gained the upper hand.

Yet even so, Sun Jian and the onlookers' expressions subtly changed.

"Who is this boy?"

He frowned and asked, "So young, and yet he can fight Zu Mao?"

Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and others also showed expressions of shock.

They all knew Zu Mao's strength.

How could they not be astonished that Gu Chen, so young, could battle Zu Mao?

Yuan Shao, too, frowned, staring intently at Gu Chen's face; after a long silence, he suddenly exclaimed, "This is the Gu clan's direct heir!"

"He is the grandson of the Grand Tutor—Gu Chen, Gu Ziyan."

At these words, everyone present's expression subtly changed.

Even though Gu Xi was now dead,

his name still caused them to turn pale.

"The Gu clan is truly extraordinary—so young, and yet so fierce?" Liu Dai couldn't help but exclaim.

Yuan Shu frowned tightly and said coldly, "No matter what, this boy must be killed—no lingering threats allowed."

No one would dare attack the Gu clan's stronghold, Julu.

This was because the Gu clan's prestige was simply too high—so high that everyone felt wary.

But the Gu clan's direct heir was this fierce.

That was something they could not accept.

Though this game of strategy had never been made public, both sides clearly already harbored enmity.

Yuan Shao stared intently at Gu Chen and said nothing.

On the battlefield,

both sides clashed back and forth.

Zu Mao was stunned—he never expected Gu Chen to gradually stabilize the situation.

Though at a disadvantage, he showed no sign of defeat.

Gu Yi also suppressed the urge to use a Qi-Power Card on Gu Chen again.

This was a good opportunity; as long as Gu Chen wasn't in mortal danger, it would let him rapidly increase his strength.

And the Qi-Power Card had backlash.

Last time Gu Chen used it, he lay bedridden for a full day before recovering.

At this moment, it was clearly unsuitable to use the Qi-Power Card.

The warhorses of both sides continuously clashed and maneuvered.

Seeing he still couldn't defeat Gu Chen, Zu Mao flew into a rage.

And most crucially, he could clearly feel that Gu Chen's strength was steadily closing the gap with his own.

This truly shook him to his core.

He no longer intended to drag this out.

His offensive grew even fiercer.

But Gu Chen remained utterly focused, blocking every one of his attacks.

He could sense his own condition.

It was this very state that made his invincible heart grow even stronger.

And after dozens of rounds,

he had fully stabilized the situation, trading blows with Zu Mao in perfect parity.

"Quick! Kill him!"

Yuan Shu's expression darkened further as he barked an order.

He refused to wait any longer.

Sun Jian had absolute faith in Zu Mao, but after thinking it over, he could only order Cheng Pu and the others to attack again.

"Ziyan, retreat quickly!"

A cry immediately rang out from the pass.

Gu Chen had no intention of lingering; seeing more enemies charging toward him, he sharply pulled his reins, dodged Zu Mao's strike, and swiftly retreated back to the pass, sneering as he did:

"You treacherous scoundrels—nothing but this!"

"You dared to issue a challenge—yet now you seek to overwhelm one with many?"

Psychological warfare!

He had never forgotten the need to boost his own troops' morale!

As soon as he spoke, shouts of defiance erupted throughout Tiger Pass.

Zu Mao's expression grew even uglier.

He pointed his blade straight at Gu Chen: "You brat—dare you face me again in mortal combat? I shall bathe my blade in your neck's blood!"

"Hmph!"

Gu Chen held his spear upright on horseback, glancing down coldly: "Today, you've exhausted your strength—yet you've only managed to fight me to a standstill—"

"How dare you speak so?"

He sneered, "When I slay you, I shall carve these eight characters upon your tomb: 'Rotting Corpse, Daring to Shake Mount Taishan!'"

With that, Gu Chen paid no further heed to Zu Mao or the others.

He immediately returned inside the pass.

"Attack the pass! Attack the pass!"

Zu Mao was utterly enraged.

Gu Chen's words also enraged the others.

"Attack the pass!"

Yuan Shu roared as well.

None refused; Gu Chen's displayed combat prowess had filled them all with unease!

The great battle erupted instantly!

But Tiger Pass, as a formidable stronghold,

already held the advantage of terrain, and with its defenders' morale now soaring, how easily could it be breached?

The entire allied army was, for a time, truly held at bay here.

And under these circumstances,

news suddenly arrived from Luoyang: someone wished to meet Gu Chen.

Tiger Pass encampment.

"Xun Yu pays his respects to Young Master."

Looking at the man before him, steeped in scholarly air, Gu Chen nodded slightly and said: "What strategy does Master Xun wish to impart to me?"

He had naturally heard of Xun Yu's name.

The Yingchuan Xun clan currently held considerable prestige across the land.

Xun Shu had been a minister during the reign of Emperor He, just like Gu Xi, and had once been heavily relied upon by Liu Zhao.

Xun Shu's descendants were clearly far stronger than the fifth-generation heirs of the Gu clan; his family members were famed as the "Eight Dragons of the Xun Clan."

They were renowned throughout the realm.

Even as a youth, Xun Yu had been rated by famous scholars as "a minister who could aid a king."

Even Gu Xi had once praised him.

Unfortunately, because he married the daughter of the eunuch Tang Tangheng, he was never promoted by Gu Xi.

As for why Xun Yu suddenly wished to meet him—

Gu Chen was somewhat surprised.

Hearing this, Xun Yu was not the least bit flustered, and did not answer directly. Instead, he looked intently at Gu Chen and asked in return: "Before that, I would like to ask Young Master one question."

"Does Young Master wish to restore the Han?"

Restore the Han?

Gu Chen furrowed his brow.

In truth, among the current generations of the Gu clan's descendants, the sixth generation held the weakest sentiment toward the great Han.

Because from the time they could remember things,

they had only known rulers like Liu Zhi and Liu Hong, who had cast Gu Xi aside.

Were it not for Gu Xi's lingering influence, given the Gu clan's upbringing, they would not have harbored any feelings for the great Han.

"Young Master need not worry."

Xun Yu looked at Gu Chen, seemingly guessing his thoughts, and said with a light laugh: "I am not referring to the current Son of Heaven."

How could he not know that Gu Chen had already killed He Ceng and the Empress Dowager?

Regardless of the outcome,

Liu Bian had no hope left in this life; he had already been dragged down by his own mother.

Not only could he no longer intimidate the great noble clans,

he had also completely lost the Gu clan's support.

Hearing this, Gu Chen immediately revealed a look of surprise.

He watched Xun Yu with great interest, paused in silence, then asked in return: "When has my Gu clan ever betrayed the great Han?"

Xun Yu neither agreed nor disagreed, nodding slightly, then once more bowed deeply toward Gu Chen: "If that is so, though I am talentless, I am willing to follow Young Master and together restore the Han dynasty."

Xun Yu's attitude did indeed come as something of a surprise to Gu Chen.

The Xun clan's influence was by no means low.

To say that the Xun clan had taken no part whatsoever in the current situation was absolutely impossible.

Gu Xi's reforms had pointed directly at the great noble clans.

Under such circumstances, how could Xun Yu possibly come to support him?

"Lord Xun, what do you mean by this?"

He stared fixedly at Xun Yu and asked in a deep voice, his gaze exceedingly sharp.

"Young Master need not worry."

Xun Yu sighed softly and said: "In the past I did not understand why Lord Gu had reformed the system, but now I realize it was the only way to save the Han."

"Yet now I can only lament that Lord Gu has passed."

"The realm's situation is about to fall into chaos; the great Han is about to reach the point where it exists in name only."

"I observe Young Master's ability and believe he may yet save the great Han; this is also the strategy I have considered for the sake of my clan."

Xun Yu's expression was utterly serious.

Gu Chen stared fixedly at him, deliberated for a moment, and asked: "What strategy does Lord Xun have?"

"Abandon Luoyang!"

This time, Xun Yu did not hesitate in the slightest, and laid out all of his thoughts directly.

"In the current situation, the lords of the four directions will certainly not allow Young Master's brothers to return to the capital easily."

"Even if Lord Gu truly left behind plans,"

"they have already become entirely unworkable."

"Moreover, as long as Young Master remains in Luoyang for a single day, the lords and great clans of the four directions will unite as one."

"But once Young Master departs, the situation will naturally change."

His tone paused briefly, and he shook his head as he said: "Those who gather for profit will scatter for profit — these are words Lord Gu spoke in years past."

Abandon Luoyang?

Gu Chen looked at Xun Yu in astonishment.

In truth, he had already entertained this very thought.

Hulao Pass, though it appeared impregnable, was in reality not so.

The great noble clans held a tremendous advantage in military strength.

Looking at himself, by contrast, his forces were only so many.

The Gu clan members from the four directions could not possibly return in a short time; continuing like this would clearly only lead to the city being broken and its people perishing.

Gu Chen was no stubborn, pedantic man.

Times change and the world shifts; he had to make all manner of judgments in accordance with the situation.

"Young Master."

Seeing that Gu Chen had not spoken, Xun Yu said again: "Young Master need not worry that the ministers will borrow the Son of Heaven's name to sully the Gu clan's reputation."

"The Gu clan's prestige stands like a mountain and absolutely cannot be shaken in a short time."

"Moreover—"

Xun Yu's tone paused briefly; after a moment's hesitation he continued: "Young Master may take the Imperial Seal and depart!"

The Imperial Seal!

A subtle shift flickered in Gu Chen's eyes.

He understood what Xun Yu meant.

It was to abandon Liu Bian and choose another day to enthrone a new ruler.

In an instant, countless thoughts surged forth from his mind without cease.

Gu Chen had never intended to help Liu Bian in the first place.

Xun Yu's words truly matched his thoughts.

He was silent for a moment, then spoke again: "When the time comes, the lords will surely seek the Imperial Seal."

"A fake seal." Xun Yu seemed to have long since worked out a plan, and said again: "In the national treasury, there are many fine jades."

"We can find craftsmen to forge a fake seal."

"As long as Young Master delays a little longer, this matter can be accomplished."

Gu Chen fell into thought once more.

And Xun Yu was not anxious either, silently waiting for Gu Chen's choice.

Gu Yi was also quite surprised at this moment.

That a man like Xun Yu, whose heart belonged to the Han dynasty, would, upon awakening, support the Gu clan was actually reasonable.

He just hadn't expected Xun Yu to come up with such a method.

Clearly, the existence of the Gu clan had already thoroughly influenced many people.

Gu Chen was not an indecisive man.

After pondering for a moment, he gave a slight nod, fixed Xun Yu with a burning gaze, and said: "Good!"

Bingzhou.

Ding Yuan was leading his troops straight toward Luoyang.

As a man of humble birth, Ding Yuan now naturally had to head to Luoyang to lend his aid.

But unfortunately, his march along the way was not exactly smooth.

The rebels of today were no longer merely the private soldiers of the great clans; vagrants from all over had risen in succession, and this momentum could no longer be stopped.

And the appearance of these rebel forces—

—was bound to affect Ding Yuan's advance. Looking at the reports coming from the Central Plains, he only felt increasingly melancholy.

"Father, the bandits have been broken!"

At that moment, a clear, ringing shout came from outside the tent.

A man appeared, drenched in blood from head to toe, gripping a bloodstained Fang Tian Painting Halberd, striding in from outside the tent.

"Brave lad, my son."

Ding Yuan gave a nod, offered a verbal word of praise, and gave no reward.

Seeing this, a flicker of displeasure immediately showed in Lu Bu's eyes.

But Ding Yuan never noticed any of it, and merely continued: "I only lament that our army's march is hindered; otherwise, with my son's valor, he would surely be able to lend Lord Gu a helping hand."

"Father, set your mind at ease!"

The displeasure in Lu Bu's eyes vanished at once, and he said with great confidence: "A mere rabble of rebels—nothing but chickens and tiles, dogs and clay."

"Father, let me lead the troops and clear the way for you!"

Lu Bu's tone was always that impassioned, brimming with confidence.

"You must not act too rashly." Ding Yuan waved his hand and refused the request. "Though my son is brave, if this goes on for long, the army's fighting strength will surely be worn down."

"Better to keep up our pace and march with all speed."

Displeasure flickered once more in Lu Bu's eyes.

He always felt that Ding Yuan was blocking his path to merit.

A handful of petty rebels—kill them and be done with it.

Ding Yuan never once looked at Lu Bu from beginning to end, and then went on to arrange the matter of the army's march..

PS: This chapter isn't short, right~

It's the end of the month. I'm on my knees begging for monthly tickets. Fish only asks to hold on to sixth place on the new book monthly ticket chart. Brothers, on my knees, please support!

(End of chapter)