Chapter 210: Mutual Compromise

However, Zhu Yuanzhang was no ordinary man.

He fully understood Zhang Tianxuan's character and strategy, and also grasped his intention in hiding Gu Yilong.

In his view, Zhang Tianxuan's move was nothing more than wanting to suddenly reveal this trump card in future battles, catching him off guard.

But how could Zhu Yuanzhang let him succeed so easily?

Zhu Yuanzhang knew clearly that although Zhang Tianxuan hid deeply, he was not invulnerable.

The reason he has been able to keep Gu Yilong hidden away until now without anyone knowing.

The reason behind this appears deeply hidden.

But upon careful examination, there are still traces to be found.

Within the Yellow Turban Army, the two major forces of Zhang Tianxuan and Zhu Yuanzhang contend openly and secretly.

Their rivalry and probing have never ceased.

During this period, the main forces exerting effort under Zhang Tianxuan's command were clearly those martial artists of the jianghu.

These extraordinary individuals repeatedly achieved remarkable feats on the battlefield, becoming a trump card in Zhang Tianxuan's hand.

These jianghu folk either excelled in martial arts or were versed in Mysterious Gate Escape and Concealment.

Their performance on the battlefield often defied expectation, leaving the enemy unable to guard against them.

Precisely because of the aid of these jianghu people, Zhang Tianxuan could remain undefeated in his contest with Zhu Yuanzhang.

This is also precisely the key to his ability to keep Gu Yilong hidden away.

As for the army, Zhang Tianxuan's forces have consistently performed unsatisfactorily.

Compared to the well-trained, strictly disciplined Hongwu Ming Army and the Five Divisions' Vanguard under Zhu Yuanzhang's command.

Zhang Tianxuan's troops are evidently far inferior.

This also puts him at a disadvantage on the frontline battlefield, making it difficult to match Zhu Yuanzhang's army head-on.

However, this does not mean Zhang Tianxuan has no usable cards.

On the contrary, he has been steadily accumulating strength in secret.

Waiting for the optimal moment.

During this period, the Yellow Turban Army unit known as the Heavenly Gang Army, trained by Gu Yilong for Zhang Tianxuan, has been goofing off the whole time.

Making them appear idle on the battlefield while actually accumulating strength in secret.

This strategy not only lulled the enemy into lowering their guard.

But also provided Gu Yilong and his Heavenly Gang Army with precious time and space.

To refine their own tactics and skills.

"Haha, Bo Ren, it is only natural that you should contribute your share to the Yellow Turban cause."

Zhu Yuanzhang's laughter echoed in the tent, but its deep meaning made Zhang Tianxuan frown slightly.

Their dialogue was more like a war without smoke.

"But during this period, my Hongwu Ming Army and the Five Divisions' Vanguard have suffered heavy losses."

Zhu Yuanzhang again emphasized his predicament, trying to win Zhang Tianxuan's sympathy.

However, Zhang Tianxuan is no easy opponent; how could he be easily deceived by Zhu Yuanzhang?

Zhang Tianxuan knew clearly that Zhu Yuanzhang's words were not sincere.

He said this merely to shift the burden of sending troops onto himself.

During this period, Zhu Yuanzhang's Hongwu Ming Army and the Five Divisions' Vanguard have indeed suffered heavy losses.

But this does not mean he has no other troops at his disposal.

On the contrary, ever since they both broke free from the high pressure of Meng Zhang and Zhang Jiao.

The forces under his command have expanded like a rolling snowball.

Zhu Yuanzhang certainly still holds many elite troops in his hand.

He simply is unwilling to commit these troops to battle.

"I really am unable to do this; I find it hard to bear such a heavy responsibility."

Zhu Yuanzhang said this while feigning hesitation.

"Losing troops and generals is a small matter, but if this leads to the destruction of millions of Yellow Turban elders and youths, then we would be sinners for all ages!"

He then suddenly raised his voice, his tone filled with indignation and helplessness.

He fully understood Zhang Tianxuan's concerns and worries, and therefore deliberately used the goading tactic to force him to comply.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianxuan's heart sank; he naturally understood Zhu Yuanzhang's intention.

They sent personnel.

Possible!

But it's impossible to both send personnel and dispatch troops.

Troops—must be sent by Zhang Tianxuan!

However, he did not want to simply submit to Zhu Yuanzhang's coercion.

He understood clearly that once he agreed to send troops.

Then Zhu Yuanzhang would surely reap the fisherman's gain.

Their conversation appeared calm on the surface, but undercurrents surged beneath.

Both were trying to gauge each other's true intentions in order to make the most advantageous decision.

Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to use Zhang Tianxuan's hand to annihilate the enemy.

While Zhang Tianxuan wanted to use this opportunity to weaken Zhu Yuanzhang's strength and influence.

In the end, this contest fell to a close in the mutual compromise between the two sides.

The atmosphere inside the camp was tense and heavy, as if a string could snap at any moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Tianxuan sat facing each other, their gazes meeting in the air, carrying an indescribable complex emotion.

Tianxuan, I know the Heavenly Gang Army under your command is also brave and skilled in battle.

But the losses of my Hongwu Ming Army and the Five Departments' Vanguard are truly heavy; we have no strength left to fight.

I am willing to send people, but the matter of sending troops still requires you to take on more responsibility.

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath and spoke slowly.

Zhang Tianxuan frowned slightly, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

He also understood Zhu Yuanzhang's meaning, but he himself did not want to send troops so lightly either.

However, he also knew that now was not the time to continue contending with Zhu Yuanzhang; the Yellow Turban Great Cause was the utmost priority.

If these Yellow Turban troops were gone.

Even if he had more preserved strength, it would be of no use.

Alright, I agree.

I will order part of my Heavenly Gang Army to follow the expedition, but I ask Bo Ren to guarantee their safety and supplies.

Then Zhang Tianxuan lowered his head, pondered for a moment, and spoke expressionlessly.

That is natural.

Bo Ren will do his utmost to ensure the safety and supplies of the Heavenly Gang Army.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang felt pleased inside, but his face remained calm as he spoke.

The two exchanged a smile, and the gloom in their hearts seemed to dissipate somewhat.

They both knew this compromise was not easy.

But for the future of the Yellow Turban Great Cause, they had to set aside personal grudges and conflicts.

As Zhang Tianxuan's orders spread like a swift wind, the camp of the Heavenly Gang Army immediately became busy.

The soldiers poured out of their respective tents, beginning to prepare tightly and orderly.

These soldiers, each one, have been Gu Yilong lately.

The elite force carefully selected and trained for Zhang Tianxuan.

The armor on their bodies gleamed with a cold light in the sunlight, a rare unified armor among the Yellow Turban Army.

Each armor plate was polished to extreme smoothness, as if it could reflect the enemy's shock and fear.

The armor was inlaid with the unique insignia of the Heavenly Gang Army, highlighting their identity and honor.

For this elite army, Zhang Tianxuan could be said to have spared no expense, leaving no effort undone.

Zhang Tianxuan lately has taken advantage of the opportunity when the Yellow Turban Army marched south in force.

All the property plundered extensively in Lu Prefecture was poured into it.

Solely to forge an invincible iron army.

He knows well that to stand firm in chaotic times, one must have a strong army as a backing.

Therefore, he put great effort into selecting soldiers, training commanders, and purchasing weapons and equipment.

He spared no expense, even at any cost.

And in terms of weapons and equipment, Zhang Tianxuan also spared no expense, striving for the best.

He specially gathered a batch of skilled artisans from various places, personally supervising them as they forged weapons and sewed armor.

Each weapon and each set of armor is a masterpiece of meticulous craftsmanship and ingenious design.

Therefore, the Heavenly Gang Army currently under Zhang Tianxuan's command.

Every detail on the soldiers' bodies exudes the scent of money.

(End of chapter)