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墨書 Inktalez
Street Folk say, "The poor live in bustling cities unnoticed, while the rich have distant relatives in the deep mountains." Zhang Jian, as the Yingzhou Commander, naturally attracts countless sycophants. Among them, he particularly favors his brother-in-law Han Fuqi. This is because, although Han is uneducated and lacks skills, he is utterly loyal and obedient, truly a die-hard follower.
Han is martial-minded and does not involve himself in state affairs; his position as a Sima is merely nominal. He usually enjoys hunting down bandits alongside Wei of Liucheng County and maintains close ties with the County Prefect, often mingling within the military.
Previously, Han Fuqi was a notable figure in Liaoxi's Green Forest. After joining the official army, his open-mindedness and straightforward bravery earned him the respect of many soldiers. Now, seeing nearly three hundred remnants of the previous dynasty wrapped up with Xu Zhenren's Horse, he seizes the opportunity to give Xu Zhen a harsh lesson.
Having received Zhang Jian's instructions and eager to experience commanding troops, he personally selected these three hundred veterans, each fierce as wolves or tigers, to intercept Xu Zhen and her entourage.
When Xu Zhen arrived in Yingzhou, she had already gathered information and knew that Zhang Jian was a disciple of Changsun Wuji. Aware that Zhang Jian would not welcome her, she was surprised that he not only failed to greet her personally but also sent someone to block her path!
Han Fuqi stood imposing and arrogant, refusing to dismount. He haughtily asked, "Is this Xu Zhen ahead?"
Xu Zhen frowned, thinking that she was a dignified Colonel Murong Xiao, bestowed with the title of Loyal Martial General by the Sovereign. How could she be treated so dismissively? Not only did small Captain Yang Kui dare to offend her, but even Gao Di, a Chief of Staff from a province, had the audacity to detain her in a private prison. Now that she had arrived in Yingzhou without any local or military officials coming to greet her, it was outrageous for someone to directly call Xu Zhenzhi's name!
However, this was Zhang Jian's territory after all. Xu Zhen did not want to provoke anger from the heavens upon her arrival and risk losing control over the military forces in the future. Thus, she endured and calmly replied.
"I am indeed Xu Zhen. May I ask who you are and why you are blocking my official passage?"
Xu Zhen spoke plainly, but Zhou Cang and others were already filled with indignation. Han Fuqi's strong sense of chivalry from Green Forest was palpable; Zhou Cang sensed it as well since they were kindred spirits. The saying goes that two tigers cannot coexist on one mountain; both Green Forest Heroes are known for their fierce competitiveness. As their eyes met, they felt each other's ferocity; Zhou Cang thus gripped his knife tightly, causing the killing intent to dissipate instantly!
Han Fuqi was secretly astonished and thought to himself: "What a man!"
However, as he scanned Xu Zhen's troops, he noticed that behind her were three hundred personal guards protecting covered supply carts. Three hundred remnants clad in Mingguang Armor flanked her sides—these were seasoned soldiers who had seen life and death and were no less formidable than those on Yingzhou's side.
Xu Zhen knew Zhang Jian's character well and did not want her Throwing Cart to fall into his hands. Therefore, she had disassembled it completely for transport along with various supplies. This not only saved travel time but also kept her secrets safe. Now that Han Fuqi saw there were many supplies, he couldn't help but regard her with higher esteem and thus cupped his hands in response.
"I am Han Fuqi, Sima of Yingzhou Prefecture. Under orders from General, I have come ten miles outside the city to welcome Commander Xu. However... it seems Colonel Murong Xiao has quite a few guards; how about allowing my men on both sides to enter the city first for arrangements?"
Xu Zhen thought this was bad news; what was meant to come had finally arrived. These cavalrymen were originally from Youzhou Prefecture but had disguised themselves as remnants of the previous dynasty due to Gao Lvxing's scheme against Xu Zhen. Unfortunately, Xu Zhen traveled light without armor for replacement; thus she could only allow them to wear Mingguang Armor. She had hoped to explain things better once they reached their destination but never expected Han Fuqi would intercept her here.
It seems that Han Fuqi is not a reckless person; he fears Zhou Cang's strength and does not dare to directly detain him. However, Xu Zhen and the others are well aware that if these three hundred Cavalry follow Han Fuqi into Yingzhou, they will inevitably be disarmed and captured.
Han Fuqi, having received Zhang Jian's instructions, deliberately avoids calling Xu Zhen an angel and only refers to her by Colonel Murong Xiao's title, thus sidestepping the etiquette that requires a high-ranking official to personally welcome a messenger sent by the Sovereign.
While Xu Zhen is still considering her words, Zhou Cang points at Han Fuqi and angrily shouts, "What kind of business is being conducted in Yingzhou Prefecture? My Lord's esteemed angel has only been met by some County Official, who stammers and tries to evade responsibility. Does he think my Lord has no temper?"
Zhang Jiunian is usually very tolerant, but after being treated with disdain throughout the journey and facing hidden dangers, he can no longer hold back his anger. If it were any other time, he would have stopped Zhou Cang, but this time he finds it quite satisfying!
The three hundred Cavalry are usually managed by Zhou Cang and are very obedient to him. Seeing Han Fuqi covet them and wanting to take them into the city, many Brothers are already seething with anger. When they see Zhou Cang stepping up for them, their hearts warm, filled with affection for Zhou Cang!
The personal guards also feel a surge of relief, and morale rises dramatically, overpowering Han Fuqi's side!
Zhou Cang is accustomed to life-and-death situations; his fierce aura spreads out, making it hard for anyone to withstand it! Yet Han Fuqi is a fierce character who cannot bear to be insulted. Hearing Zhou Cang's scolding of Yingzhou and his disregard for his status as a County Official makes him furious. He draws his sword and charges forward!
"You reckless man! A traitor hiding among us! This time I will take you into the city to face justice!"
Seeing that this man does not know how to back down and dares to provoke him, Zhou Cang can no longer contain himself. Xu Zhen knows she cannot stop him; she merely nods. Zhou Cang grins widely, draws out his massive broadsword, and his Dragonborn Steed neighs loudly as it gallops forward like an arrow released from a bow!
This broadsword is a heavy weapon that ordinary people cannot wield. Zhou Cang's unique broadsword comes from the Heavenly Strategy Tomb and is wider than usual. As he drags it along, its imposing presence shakes the heavens, causing the Veterans on Yingzhou's side to change color in shock!
"Only noisy dogs! Watch your grandfather's big sword!" Zhou Cang roars like thunder as his Dragon Breed steed sweeps through like a black wind. The broadsword in his hand unleashes a dazzling silver light as he passes by Han Fuqi!
Clang!
Han Fuqi feels a sudden numbness in his arm; the grip of his sword cracks under the pressure. In their first clash, his horizontal sword nearly gets knocked away by Zhou Cang's strike, leaving him horrified!
He was once a well-known hero in Liaoxi Green Forest and had mixed with Yingzhou's military forces. He thought himself exceptionally brave and strong but found that he could barely withstand Zhou Cang's attack. In contrast, Zhou Cang appears relaxed as if strolling through a garden without even breaking a sweat. How could this not chill Han Fuqi’s heart?
"Brothers, the Xu Zhen has colluded with traitors and intends to attack Liucheng. Quickly report to the General and lead the troops to suppress them!" Han Fuqi had a sudden inspiration and hurriedly issued the order. Three hundred soldiers behind him sent one rider back to Yingzhou to communicate, while the remaining soldiers drew their blades, determined to capture the Xu Zhen and her companions at all costs!
The Xu Zhen had three hundred personal guards and cavalry under her command, along with many fierce generals. How could they allow Han Fuqi to act recklessly?
Since the enemy intended to frame the Xu Zhen for treachery, she saw no need to uphold sibling loyalty. She commanded in a deep voice, "Zhou Cang, take this person down!"
Zhou Cang initially aimed to intimidate the villain but was enraged when Han Fuqi accused her lord of colluding with traitors. He charged back on horseback, swinging his blade once more. Han Fuqi raised his weapon to block, but Zhou Cang's strike severed half of it. As they passed each other, Zhou Cang kicked Han Fuqi's horse in the belly, causing the Liaoxi steed to topple over, throwing both Han Fuqi and himself to the ground!
"This person possesses great strength!"
Han Fuqi fell to the ground and immediately lunged for his short sword on the horse's saddle. However, his hand froze in mid-air because Zhou Cang's blade was already resting on his neck; with just a little pressure, Han Fuqi would lose his head!
"Han Simar!"
Many of his personal guards drew their swords but dared not approach. The Xu Zhen rode forward a couple of steps and saw that the messenger horse had already galloped two hundred paces away. She smiled and said, "It’s just a misunderstanding; why trouble the General? Brother Renwu, can you catch that Brother?"
Gou Renwu squinted slightly, saying nothing as he rode forward. He unstrapped a massive Rhinoceros Horn Bow from his back, nocked an arrow in one fluid motion, and drew the bowstring back like a full moon. A White Feather arrow shot forth with a whoosh, disappearing into the distance while the bowstring hummed.
After a breath's time, everyone looked up to see the White Feather arrow soaring high, heading toward the messenger cavalry three hundred paces away!
"This... this is impossible!"
As they watched the feathered arrow fly over three hundred paces, Han Fuqi and his Yingzhou soldiers felt a surge of panic. Even those on the Xu Zhen's side were left dumbfounded!
This sharpshooter might have wielded a heavy bow, but even at full draw, its range was only about two hundred paces. Yet Gou Renwu, who appeared as delicate as a scholar, could draw such a massive Rhinoceros Horn Bow and shoot an arrow three hundred paces away—what incredible strength and skill!
Not only were these people speechless with surprise, but even the Xu Zhen was taken aback. She knew well that Gou Renwu was a skilled archer, and considering the power of his peculiar giant bow, she wanted to test his capabilities. After all, she had a vague suspicion about Gou Renwu's identity, and this was a perfect opportunity to verify it.
To her astonishment, Gou Renwu truly achieved such a feat!
The White Feathers shot through the air, and the cavalry messenger was about to be knocked off his horse. However, this person was an extremely alert scout; sensing danger, he instinctively turned and drew his sword, managing to deflect the Feathered Arrow!
"What a pity..." Gou Renwu sighed and shook his head, while the Xu Zhen nodded at him in approval.
Since the news had leaked, Zhang Jian would undoubtedly take this opportunity to retaliate, leading to some nagging and friction. The Xu Zhen stroked her mustache thoughtfully and suddenly came up with an idea. She drew her sword and pointed it at the three hundred Yingzhou Soldiers ahead, sternly commanding, "Capture these offending soldiers who have disrespected the Superior!"
Zhang Jiunian and others loudly acknowledged the order, their presence intimidating. Han Fuqi was restrained by Zhou Cang, and those soldiers dared not resist any longer. With a clatter, they threw down their weapons and surrendered.
After disarming and dismounting, the Xu Zhen gathered these Yingzhou Veterans together, merely smiling without speaking. Zhang Jiunian was puzzled about her intentions, as were his subordinates. Only Caesar noticed the cunning smile on the Xu Zhen's face; he secretly pinched his lower back and whispered, "Cunning Tang People! Up to no good again!"
The Xu Zhen feigned authority and glared at Caesar. With a wave of her hand, she ordered the three hundred Cavalry Brothers, "Ahem... strip them of their armor!"
"What?!!!"
Everyone was shocked; however, Zhang Jiunian and Qingxiazi among the elders had already sensed something amiss and understood what the Xu Zhen intended to do...
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