Chapter 161: Cao Cao

On the road from Xingyang to Changancheng,

Xu Rong was in a good mood. Dong Zhuo had ordered him to cover the retreat, and he had easily crushed Cao Cao's army.

He had even managed to land an arrow on Cao Cao. It was a pity he hadn't been able to take Cao Cao's life, but it still counted as a great merit.

He was not one for flattery or sycophancy. Although his ability to lead troops was top-tier among the Xiliang soldiers, he was still just a Captain.

"This time, I should be promoted to Commandant."

"Boom—!"

"Wooo—!"

The earth shook, and the sound of the charge horn echoed across the land!

Xu Rong gave a start and looked back.

Dust was billowing in the rear, and suddenly a large number of cavalry charged out, with a banner bearing the character 'Liu' prominently displayed!

"Oh no, it's Liu Bei's cavalry!"

Having led troops for years, he knew from the formation of Liu Bei's charging cavalry and their mountain-like momentum that they would be difficult to deal with.

What's more,

Liu Bei was valiant; his subordinate Guan Yu had beheaded Hua Xiong, Zhao Zilong had captured Zhang Liao, and Zhang Fei had fought Lu Bu to a standstill!

Liu Bei himself had even defeated Lu Bu; there was no way he could win in a duel!

"Quick, turn the rear guard into the vanguard, defend!"

Unfortunately, the cavalry was moving too fast, and the soldiers couldn't react in time.

"Boom!"

Liu Bei's cavalry crashed directly into the rear of Xu Rong's army.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Zilong each led a unit of cavalry, splitting into three prongs, charging and smashing through.

In an instant, Xu Rong's army was in total disarray, and they collapsed immediately!

Xu Rong cut down several deserters, but he could not save the situation.

"Whoosh!"

Zhao Zilong drove his horse forward, unleashed several strikes with his spear at Xu Rong, and swept him off his horse!

"Ah!"

Zhang Fei, riding his Cloud-Stepping Black, also charged over, intent on finishing Xu Rong with one thrust of his spear!

Zhao Zilong hurriedly swung his spear to save Xu Rong!

"Yide, the Lord has taken a liking to this Xu Rong, don't hurt him."

Xu Rong: "???"

"Liu Bei actually knows who I am? And he's taken a liking to me? I heard he likes to sleep in the same bed as his great generals? Could he be... that kind of person?!"

A wave of lingering fear washed over Xu Rong!

Zhang Fei let out a great roar,

"Xu Rong has been captured, why haven't you surrendered yet!"

His voice was so loud it drowned out the screams and shouts!

Seeing their commander's banner fallen and Xu Rong captured, his subordinates dropped their weapons one after another and knelt on the ground!

Only a small number of cavalry, seeing the situation was dire, whipped their horses and fled wildly!

Liu Bei let Guan Yu and the others chase them for a while before beginning to reorganize the troops.

"Xu Rong, are you willing to surrender?"

Xu Rong did not hesitate much. Dong Zhuo was lawless and did not value him, while Liu Bei had a high reputation and was loyal and righteous—he was a wise lord!

He knelt on one knee,

"This subordinate is willing to surrender!"

Liu Bei helped Xu Rong up—another fine general!

After learning of the Dong Zhuo army's movements from Xu Rong, he began to deploy his troops.

"Yunchang, Yide, Zhang Liao,"

"Subordinates are here."

"Follow me to pursue the Xiliang soldiers. If you see them escorting grain, fodder, and supplies, or driving the common people along the way, crush them immediately."

"Understood!"

"Zilong, Xu Rong, Jia Kui, take the infantry and the supply train to collect the grain and wealth captured by Yunchang and the others, and escort the common people toward the Maojin Ferry."

"Tell them we have built a shelter in Hedong, with food and meat broth; they should just get through this winter first."

"Understood!"

Jia Kui cupped his hands,

"My lord, the people of Luoyang will surely be extremely grateful to you."

Liu Bei shook his head,

"I only hope the people can safely get through this winter. Dong Zhuo moved the capital in such a rush without any preparation; I fear the million people of Luoyang will have a very hard time if they actually reach Changancheng."

Xu Rong and Zhang Liao felt deeply moved; their lord was truly considering the people!

"Yide, follow me and lead the other troops to pursue the Xiliang soldiers!" ===== CHAPTER 162 =====