Chapter 469

However, unlike Liu Zhang, Liu Biao, and Liu Yao,

Qingzhou, occupied by the remnants of the Yellow Turbans, panicked after receiving Liu Bian's imperial edict.

They were an army composed of people who couldn't survive; back then, the million-strong Yellow Turbans had been defeated by the Great Han's several hundred thousand troops.

And now, Liu Bian had directly dispatched the two hundred thousand Vermillion Bird Legion to attack them.

Three months ago, Vermillion Bird Legion General Guan Yu had only led one hundred thousand troops and, in less than ten days, had pacified the rebellion of Gongsun Zan in Youzhou.

This had shocked them severely.

They were quite wary of the strength of the Vermillion Bird Legion.

Qingzhou, inside the Yellow Turban camp, many people were sitting.

"Sage Maiden, Guan Yu's Vermillion Bird Legion has already set out; we must prepare early!"

At this time, Zhang Yan, the commander of the Black Mountain Army in Qingzhou, said to the Yellow Turban Sage Maiden Zhang Ning.

Back then, after Zhang Jiao died, his daughter, Yellow Turban Sage Maiden Zhang Ning, took over the remaining Yellow Turbans.

Zhang Ning, upon hearing this, said to the group of Yellow Turban generals:

"Now, the imperial court is powerful. Moreover, the reason my father rebelled back then was because the imperial court was corrupt and the emperor was incompetent."

"This led to everyone being unable to survive, so they followed my father, wanting to overthrow this corrupt empire."

"However, what kind of person is the current Great Han emperor? Presumably, you have all heard about it these days!"

"Now, the people living under the imperial court's rule have all been allocated their own land."

"They have planted high-yield crops, and the lives of the people under his rule have become prosperous."

"Moreover, he holds powerful armies in his hands."

"Now, all six great legions have set out, launching a war of unification."

"For the sake of these people, I have decided to submit to the imperial court!"

Zhang Ning told the crowd her thoughts.

"This..."

"Sage Maiden, but we are rebels after all. If we submit, will the imperial court let us off?"

Hearing Zhang Ning's words, Zhang Yan asked with some worry.

And the others showed expressions of being moved.

Just as Zhang Ning said, they were all people who had been forced by the imperial court to the point of being unable to survive.

If there had been even a glimmer of hope, they would not have chosen to rebel.

Moreover, since Liu Bian took the throne, the various policies he introduced had all benefited the people.

Now, the people living under Liu Bian's rule each had their own land.

Many families also had surplus grain.

Regarding the things that had happened in the Great Han Empire during this period, the whole world knew about them now.

They also envied such days.

Having their own land to plant and surplus grain at home.

Unlike now, still bearing the name of Yellow Turban remnants.

Living in fear every day, afraid that they would be wiped out by the imperial court one day.

Therefore, when Zhang Ning spoke of surrendering, no one opposed it.

Their only worry was that the imperial court would not accept their surrender.

"Judging by the actions of Emperor Liu Bian during this period, he should accept us."

"In this way, Guan Hai, you go to meet Vermillion Bird Legion Commander General Guan Yu and tell him our thoughts."

"Let's see if the imperial court will accept us!"

Seeing the crowd's worries, Zhang Ning comforted them.

"Yes, Sage Maiden!"

Guan Hai, hearing this, responded hurriedly and solemnly.

They all knew that with their strength, they were absolutely no match for the imperial army.

Moreover, Liu Bian was currently at the height of his power.

The entire world was about to fall into his hands.

From the few wars since Liu Bian's rise, they had already discovered that the army in Liu Bian's hands must be extremely powerful.

Whether it was the suppression of the Dong Zhuo rebellion in Liangzhou and Bingzhou back then,

or the Gongsun Zan rebellion in Youzhou three months ago,

they had all quickly pacified the rebel armies in a short time.

And as the Yellow Turbans, they had fought against the Han army back then.

They knew deeply how powerful the Han army was.

And Liu Bian's army could quickly pacify these rebellions.

One could imagine how powerful the army in his hands was.

Moreover, they had heard that Liu Bian's army had all cultivated martial arts.

Although they didn't know the specific details of martial arts,

just from the literal meaning, one could know that it must be a good thing.

After Guan Hai left, Zhang Ning said to the crowd:

"Alright, you all go down; everything will be discussed when Guan Hai returns!"

"Yes, Sage Maiden!"

After the crowd left, only Zhang Ning remained standing in the hall.

"Father, Ning'er has no other choice!"

"Father, do you know?"

"The current Yellow Turbans have started robbing the people!"

"The Yellow Turbans you established have already changed."

"They have become lazy and idle, doing nothing."

"Many of the people who followed me are now unable to dress warmly or eat their fill!"

Zhang Ning spoke thus to the empty hall.

"The current Son of Heaven of the Great Han is different from all the emperors of the past."

"He rose from humble beginnings and single-handedly propped up the Great Han Empire that was about to collapse!"

"He even used grand gestures to take back the land from the great clans and distribute it to the people of the world."

"Moreover, he also brought out many high-yield foods and gave them to the people to plant."

"The current emperor has already gained the recognition of all the people in the world; seven of the thirteen provinces of the Great Han are already in the hands of the Son of Heaven!"

"As for people like Liu Zhang and Liu Biao, they still cannot see the situation clearly, thinking that with the Yangtze River as a natural barrier, they can sit back and relax!"

"Do they not know that the Son of Heaven unifying the world is already an irresistible trend!"

To be honest, Zhang Ning was very disdainful of the actions of Liu Biao and the others.

Guarding such a large foundation, they only knew how to enjoy themselves and had no desire to forge ahead.

How could such people resist the imperial army that was at the height of its power?

Jingzhou, inside the Xiangyang Inspector's Mansion.

"Too much deception! Sun Jian, after I defeat Huang Zhong's Vermillion Bird Legion, I will deal with you properly!"

Looking at the alliance conditions brought back by Yin Ji, Liu Biao was immediately furious.

Sun Jian was clearly blackmailing him, and he could only accept it.

"My lord, please prioritize the big picture. Currently, defeating Huang Zhong's Vermillion Bird Legion is the top priority!"

Seeing Liu Biao's rage, Kuai Liang immediately stood up to comfort him.

"Hmph, if it weren't for defeating Huang Zhong's two hundred thousand Vermillion Bird Legion, I would want to kill him right now!"

Liu Biao, after hearing Kuai Liang's words, immediately snorted coldly.

Subsequently, he said to Yin Ji:

"Yin Ji, go and mobilize fifty thousand shi of grain and send it to Sun Jian!"

"Tell him to send people to Xiangyang immediately to support me!"

Yin Ji, upon hearing this, immediately responded respectfully to Liu Biao:

"Yes!"

After Yin Ji left, Liu Biao asked Kuai Liang again:

"Where is Huang Zhong's army now?"