Chapter 307

The Southern Xiongnu were also no longer able to control the lands they had occupied.

But even under such circumstances.

Zhang Yang's influence was still limited to that one-third of an acre in Shangdang Commandery.

It could only be said that it was fortunate for Zhang Yang that he was born in Bingzhou.

If he had been placed in Jizhou or Yanzhou, he would have likely been swallowed up by Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and the others long ago.

Zhao Zilong and Lu Bu had fought their way to Jiuyuan Commandery at the northernmost end of Bingzhou without expending much effort.

At the same time, this was also Lu Bu's old home.

When the banners of the Dong Zhuo Army were planted all over the cities of Jiuyuan Commandery.

The six thousand Bingzhou Wolf Riders following Lu Bu felt a sense of "returning home in glory."

Further north from Jiuyuan was the royal court of the Southern Xiongnu.

If it hadn't been for the fact that they hadn't brought enough supplies, Lu Bu would have really wanted to strike directly at the old nest and take out the Southern Xiongnu's royal court in one go!

However.

Even so.

The military achievements this time could already be called extremely bountiful.

The entire Bingzhou had been officially incorporated into the territory of the Dong Zhuo Army.

When Lu Bu and Zhao Zilong returned to Luoyang.

Gu Yi had already been waiting here with the civil and military officials.

Subsequently, the group rested in Luoyang for a few days before they were about to embark on the journey back to Chang'an.

……

At this moment, in Chang'an City.

Old Dong had already received the battle reports sent from the front line.

The Guandong coalition army was defeated, Tao Qian was dead, Kong Rong and Zhang Yang were captured, the White Wave of Hedong was incorporated, and Bingzhou was incorporated into the territory.

Every battle report was a piece of good news worth celebrating for Old Dong.

After this battle.

The Guandong aristocratic group had suffered a fatal blow once again.

Perhaps.

The unification of the world was not far off.

However.

Just as Old Dong was immersed in joy.

A sudden feeling of discomfort in his body made him almost faint to the ground.

Fortunately, Li Ru was by his side at this moment and timely supported Old Dong, which prevented him from falling to the ground.

"Father-in-law, you must take care of your health."

Li Ru said with a face full of worry.

Although.

Old Dong's body had always been very robust.

But after all, he was already old.

Added to that was the constant indulgence in the pool of wine and forest of meat.

Even an iron body could not withstand the ravages of time.

"Of the people of my generation, apart from that old fellow Cai Bojie, everyone else has withered away."

Dong Zhuo shook his head with a bitter smile.

Time spares no one.

In the past, Dong Zhuo, Liu Yan, Tao Qian, Ding Yuan, and others were all rising stars in the Han imperial court.

But now.

The people of the same generation had all passed away one after another.

Old Dong couldn't help but feel a sense of "the vicissitudes of time."

Hearing this, Li Ru squeezed out two smiles on his face and comforted Dong Zhuo with a smile:

"Father-in-law, you are not old."

"The world has not yet been unified, and you still have plenty of time!"

However.

Old Dong waved his hand and responded:

"Wenyou, although I can be considered a leader in this chaotic world."

"But... with my ability, at most I could only dominate one region, and it would be impossible to shake the Guandong aristocrats."

"The reason our army has been able to grow to this day, the contribution of Linzhi is no less than mine."

What Old Dong said, Li Ru naturally knew in his heart.

Compared to four years ago, the current Dong Zhuo Army was more than twice as strong.

The Dong Zhuo Army of four years ago seemed to be very powerful.

But in reality.

Internal conflicts were constant, and the Guandong aristocratic group was taking various measures to restrict and attack it.

If it hadn't been for Gu Yi's assistance.

Dong Zhuo would likely have been forced to the point of burning Luoyang and sneaking off to move the capital to Chang'an.

As for the western border of Han territory, Liangzhou, Yizhou, and Hanzhong.

If it hadn't been for Gu Yi, it would have been very difficult for Dong Zhuo to send troops to recover them.

Not to mention anything else.

Just look at that broken road from Chang'an to Hanzhong.

If it hadn't been for Gu Yi's foresight.

Sending Jia Xu early on to hoodwink Zhang Lu and have him help the Dong Zhuo Army repair the road together.

I am afraid that even if the Dong Zhuo Army were given another ten years, it would be impossible to repair it on its own.

"Wenyou, after Linzhi returns."

"How about I promote myself to Grand Tutor and let Linzhi serve as Chancellor?"

Old Dong asked Li Ru with a smile.

Old Dong's current official title was Prime Minister.

But in reality, the duties of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor were exactly the same, just with a slightly higher status.

During the Western and Eastern Han periods, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor would not be established at the same time.

If there was a Prime Minister, there would be no Chancellor, and if there was a Chancellor, there would be no Prime Minister.

And Grand Tutor was another position.

This position was a nominal one.

It was also the highest nominal official position under the Emperor.

But it held no substantive power.

It was generally used for retirement.

Old Dong wanted to promote himself to Grand Tutor and let Gu Yi serve as Chancellor, precisely to transition power into Gu Yi's hands.

And this also meant.

From now on, Gu Yi would officially become the true leader of the Dong Zhuo Army!

But what Old Dong and Li Ru did not know was.

At this moment in Chang'an City, a bloody storm was about to be unleashed.

……. ===== CHAPTER 308 =====