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After leaving Beihai, Liu Bei hurriedly made his way to the military camp of Gongsun Zan. He traveled through dust and fatigue, and upon reaching the border of Youzhou, he entered the tent to seek an audience with Gongsun Zan.
Inside the tent, Gongsun Zan was discussing matters with several generals. Upon seeing Liu Bei's arrival, he rose to greet him with a smile, saying, "Mr. Xuan De has traveled a long way; you must have important matters to discuss."
Liu Bei clasped his hands in salute and spoke sincerely, "I have come today regarding Tao Gongzu of Xuzhou. Cao Cao has raised an army to besiege Xuzhou, harming the common people. Kong Beihai is unable to assist, and thus I seek your help. However, my forces are limited, so I come to borrow troops from you."
Gongsun Zan furrowed his brow slightly, expressing doubt as he replied, "Tao Qian of Xuzhou is not related to you; why go out of your way for him? Moreover, you have no enmity with Cao Cao; what is your purpose in this?"
Liu Bei's expression was resolute as he replied, "Though I am not deeply acquainted with Tao Gongzu, he is a man of benevolence. What wrong have the people of Xuzhou committed? Since I have promised to provide assistance, I cannot go back on my word. The principle of integrity is fundamental; if I betray this heart, I would be ashamed as a member of the Han Dynasty!"
Seeing Liu Bei's earnest words, Gongsun Zan sighed inwardly: "Liu Xuande truly is a man of his word and righteousness." He smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Since Xuan De values loyalty so highly, how can I stand by idly? I will lend you two thousand cavalry and infantry; that should help you significantly."
Liu Bei thanked him with a deep bow. "Thank you for your righteous assistance! However, Cao Cao's forces are formidable. If I could borrow Zhao Zilong to accompany me, it would surely enhance our chances."
Gongsun Zan looked at Changshan beside him and smiled. "Zilong, Mr. Xuan De trusts you greatly; are you willing to accompany him in this endeavor?"
Changshan stepped forward immediately and declared loudly, "I am willing to follow Mr. Xuan De into battle and save the people of Xuzhou from peril!"
Liu Bei was filled with gratitude and bowed deeply once more. "With Zilong accompanying me, Xuzhou will surely be saved! This assistance will be remembered by Xuan De."
Gongsun Zan waved his hand and promptly ordered preparations for the troops. Liu Bei led Guan Yu and Zhang Fei with three thousand men as vanguard while Changshan followed closely with two thousand soldiers. Once the troops were assembled and banners unfurled, they marched grandly towards Xuzhou. Liu Bei looked back towards the distance with determination in his eyes and silently vowed, "Tao Gongzu and the people of Xuzhou, please hold on a little longer; Liu Bei will not fail you!"
Mi Zhu hurried back to Xuzhou and immediately sought an audience with Tao Qian upon entering the city. He clasped his hands in report: "Lord, Kong Taishou from Beihai has secured Liu Xuande's assistance; troops are on their way to Xuzhou. Additionally, Governor Tian Kai from Qingzhou has also agreed to send reinforcements; their army will soon arrive at Xuzhou."
Upon hearing this, Tao Qian let out a long sigh of relief; his tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly as he nodded in acknowledgment. "With two routes of reinforcements arriving together, we finally have hope for Xuzhou."
However, although reinforcements were on their way, they halted outside the city. Kong Rong's and Tian Kai's troops set up camp at the foot of the mountain, watching Cao Cao's massive army from afar but daring not to act rashly. Cao Cao was seasoned in battle; his forces were like a raging torrent—strictly disciplined and overwhelming—striking fear into their hearts. The commanders of both reinforcements understood Cao Cao's capabilities well enough to remain temporarily entrenched at the mountain base while waiting for an opportunity.
Cao Cao also noticed the movements of the two reinforcements and smiled faintly as he tapped his fingers lightly on the table while muttering to himself: "Kong Rong and Tian Kai? They are merely posturing with their troops; they fear my might and do not dare engage!" He then ordered his generals: "Divide our forces for defense and maintain our formation; we need only stabilize their movements for now—Xuzhou City will fall soon enough without haste."
---
At this moment, Liu Bei's army finally arrived at Beihai. Inside the camp, Kong Rong personally welcomed Liu Bei with a joyful expression. "Mr. Xuan De! You have finally arrived! Cao Cao's forces are fierce like a tiger descending from the mountain; we cannot underestimate them. To be cautious, we shall hold our positions for now and observe before making further plans."
Liu Bei's gaze was steady, yet he shook his head and said, " Lord Wenju, your words are misguided. Cao Cao has besieged the city for a long time, and the people inside are running low on supplies. If this drags on, chaos will surely ensue. I worry that Xuzhou cannot hold out much longer; we must act quickly to relieve the situation."
Kong Rong was momentarily taken aback, then furrowed his brow and replied, "Mr. Xuan De is not without reason, but Cao Cao is well-versed in military strategy. If we rashly send troops, we might fall into his trap."
Liu Bei spoke decisively, "I have come to provide aid; there is no turning back! Yun Chung, Zilong, heed my orders!"
Guan Yu and Changshan immediately stood up and clasped their fists, responding in unison, "We are at your service!"
Liu Bei turned to the two of them: "You will each lead two thousand troops to assist Kong Taishou and Tian Kai in guarding the two military camps. If Cao Cao sends troops to battle, you must do your utmost to resist; retreat is not an option."
"We will obey!" Guan Yu and Changshan replied together.
Then Liu Bei turned back to Kong Rong and said, " Lord Wenju, I and Yi De wish to personally go to Xuzhou City to meet with Governor Tao and discuss strategies to repel the enemy."
Kong Rong was overjoyed and immediately cupped his hands in salute, saying, "Mr. Xuan De's noble action will surely be remembered by the people of Beihai! In that case, I will coordinate with Prefect Tian and await our opportunity."
Liu Bei nodded slightly and turned to Zhang Fei, quietly advising him, "Yi De, follow me closely and be cautious."
Zhang Fei brandished his iron spear and laughed heartily, saying, "Big Brother, don't worry! As long as Cao Cao dares to come, I, Zhang Fei, will make sure he returns empty-handed!"
Liu Bei smiled faintly, his gaze resolutely fixed on the direction of Xuzhou. He then donned his armor and mounted his horse. With a command given, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led their troops galloping away, banners fluttering in the wind as dust rose high. Guan Yu and Changshan remained behind with their forces on alert, ready to observe Cao Cao's movements.
Kong Rong climbed a hilltop and gazed at Liu Bei's retreating figure while murmuring to himself, "Liu Xuande will surely accomplish great things..." Then he straightened up and issued orders: "Send word to the entire army to guard the camp strictly; if the Cao Army dares to move, we must respond with all our strength!"
Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led a thousand soldiers swiftly approaching the edge of Cao Cao's camp. The sky was dimming as a gentle breeze stirred the banners; soldiers held their breath tightly gripping their weapons, ready for action at any moment. Zhang Fei rode ahead on horseback with his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear in hand and whispered to Liu Bei, "Big Brother, let me charge in first and catch them off guard!"
Liu Bei's expression grew serious as he cautioned him in a low voice, "Do not underestimate them; proceed with caution. If there are ambushes, retreat immediately without engaging in battle!"
Zhang Fei laughed heartily at these words: "What do I have to fear from that bunch of youngsters under Cao Cao?" With that said, he tightened the reins of his horse, his eyes shining like a fierce tiger as he stared at the camp ahead.
Just as the army drew near, a thunderous drumbeat suddenly echoed from within the camp. Accompanied by the long sound of horns, countless horse hooves and cries of battle erupted from inside. Cavalry and infantry surged forth like a tidal wave; banners flew wildly amidst an atmosphere thick with killing intent. Leading the charge was Yu Jin, a fierce general under Cao Cao's command. Clad in armor and wielding a long spear, he reined in his warhorse and shouted loudly: "Who dares disturb my Cao Army's camp? Speak your name at once!"
Zhang Fei's eyes widened in fury as he roared, "I am Yanman Zhang Yide! Who are you? Come and meet your death!" Before his words had faded, he charged forward on his horse, thrusting his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear directly at Yu Jin.
"Come on then!" Yu Jin, seeing Zhang Fei's fierce advance, did not back down. He swung his spear to meet the challenge. The two horses collided, the sound of iron clashing echoing across the field, sparks flying. Zhang Fei was filled with murderous intent, each thrust of his spear faster than the last, forcing Yu Jin to retreat step by step. After exchanging blows for a dozen rounds, Yu Jin began to tire, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Liu Bei saw his opportunity and with a wave of his hands brandished his Twin Sabers, shouting, "All-Out Attack!" The soldiers rallied with renewed vigor, unleashing a barrage of arrows towards the Cao Army. The cries of battle rose and fell like waves; seeing the dire situation, Yu Jin had no choice but to rein in his horse and shout, "Retreat! Retreat!" The Cao Army's defeat became evident as soldiers scattered in disarray.
Seeing the enemy in retreat, Zhang Fei spurred his horse to pursue them, wielding his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear and bellowing, "Bandit Army, do not flee! Zhang Fei is here!" He charged forward like a fierce tiger descending from the mountain, and no one dared to stand in his way; they all abandoned their armor and fled.
Liu Bei soon followed, directing his troops to advance straight towards Xuzhou City. The guards atop the city walls spotted the banners fluttering in the wind, boldly emblazoned with the name "Liu Xuande." A cheer erupted among the defenders as they hurried to report within the city.
"It is Lord Liu Xuande!" the guards shouted excitedly.
Inside the city, Tao Qian was deeply worried but felt a wave of relief upon hearing that Liu Bei's forces had arrived. He sprang up from his seat and declared, "Quickly open the city gates! Welcome Liu Shijun into the city!"
The gates slowly opened as Liu Bei and Zhang Fei rode in triumphantly, followed by their troops. The citizens of Xuzhou beheld Liu Bei's imposing army and disciplined soldiers with admiration and applause. Tao Qian had been waiting at the gates; upon seeing Liu Bei dismount, he personally stepped forward to greet him, grasping Liu Bei's hand with gratitude evident on his face.
"Liu Shijun!" Tao Qian said excitedly. "Xuzhou is in peril; we are immensely grateful for your righteous assistance on behalf of all the citizens!"
Liu Bei smiled modestly and replied, " Governor Tao need not say so much; I have merely done what little I can. The urgent matter now is to reassure the people and secure our defenses against the Cao Army."
Tao Qian nodded repeatedly and smiled as he invited Liu Bei into the city hall for further discussion. A banquet was prepared while the soldiers settled down. During the feast, as they enjoyed their drinks, Liu Bei assured Tao Qian, "Do not worry, now that Xuan De has arrived, I vow to defend Xuzhou with my life and ensure peace for all its people!"
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