Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3784 Uncle Yuan will surely suffer a great calamity; Heaven will take away his soul.
If Yuan Shao had chosen Anyang instead of building the new city of Ye when he chose his base, would Anyang's fate have been different?
If Cao Cao hadn't been a close friend of Yuan Shao in their youth, would he still have chosen Ye City instead of establishing his capital in his hometown of Qiao County?

In any case, Ye City is currently 'glittering with jewels', while An Yang, Ye City's classmate, naturally appears 'dull and unremarkable' and is not so eye-catching.

But Anyang was right next to Yecheng, and its fate was almost tied to Yecheng.

The Shen family, along with their clansmen, are also inextricably linked to the land assets in Anyang.

Shen Rong couldn't bear to give up his property here, clinging to it tightly. Naturally, he was stuck here, unable to move. Even though he knew that the cavalry would come and there would be danger, he still held onto a glimmer of hope.

This wishful thinking led Shen Rong to simultaneously issue strict orders for vigilance in the city's defenses, requiring patrols day and night to maintain a tight grip; on the other hand, he secretly dispatched his trusted servant with a personal letter, attempting to detour to Xu County to gather accurate information, ideally contacting the emperor to demonstrate that Anyang was still holding out, hoping that in the event of any unforeseen circumstances, he, Shen Rong, could still retain a reputation as a "loyal minister."

At the same time, he secretly instructed his family to quietly pack up their valuables, including the most valuable gold and jade jewelry, and to prepare for either surrendering or fleeing at any time.

He was caught in a dilemma, wanting both things at the same time, which nearly tormented him to the point of being emaciated.

He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, and was startled by the slightest sound.

He became increasingly suspicious and irritable, frequently scolding his subordinates and rarely showing kindness to his family.

He's easily startled by the slightest disturbance; even the smallest thing can make him jump.

He felt like a wild beast trapped in a cage, knowing the hunter was approaching but not knowing where the deadly arrow would come from, and could only suffer in fear.

The rain gradually stopped.

But the sky remained terribly gloomy, with thick, dark clouds pressing low over the city walls, making it hard to breathe.

"Oh no! The cavalry is here!"

That day, Shen Rong forced himself to take a nap in his study, trying to alleviate the anxiety of the past few days, but he couldn't really fall asleep. The swaying shadows of the trees outside the window seemed to him like fluttering banners.

Suddenly, a series of urgent and frantic shouts came from afar, accompanied by stumbling footsteps, shattering his feigned sleep!

"Master! Something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened! They're...they're here! The cavalry! The cavalry are here!"

The trusted servant scrambled into the study, his face ashen, his lips trembling so much he could barely utter a coherent sentence, his eyes filled with an apocalyptic terror.

Shen Rong felt as if a thunderbolt had exploded in his head!
The soul flew away in an instant!

The thing he had always feared most and least wanted to face had finally happened!
"Wh...what?!" Shen Rong sprang from the bed, his heart pounding wildly, as if it would burst from his chest. "Where...where are they? How many troops do they have? But...but the General of the Cavalry has come in person?!"

Finished!

It's over!
His first thought was that his hands were stained with the blood of those who had defected to Guanzhong, and how could the Flying Cavalry spare him?

"No... I don't know the exact number... There was a lot of smoke and dust... They said, they said they were originally going out of the city to gather firewood, but they saw smoke and dust on the mountain! A lot of smoke and dust!" The servant stammered.

Huge, lots of them?!

Shen Rong's legs went weak, and she almost collapsed to the ground again.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant...

resistance?

That's a dead end!
surrender?

Is it too late to surrender now?
Will the other party accept it?

Will they just use him as a scapegoat to scare the monkey?
"Quick! Quick!" Shen Rong's voice trembled as he almost instinctively roared, "Quickly prepare the white banners! Open...open the city gates! No...wait! Go to the treasury first, get...get some gold, silver, and silk! Hurry!"

He panicked like a headless fly, pacing around the study, sometimes thinking of surrendering to save his life, sometimes thinking he should prepare some 'gifts' that might buy him a way out.

The entire courtroom was thrown into chaos and confusion.

The servants were at a loss. Some went to find white cloth, while others ran to the storeroom. Some stood there dumbfounded, completely bewildered; some wept and wailed, their cries echoing through the air; still others darted around, secretly rummaging for valuables and hiding them in their robes…

However, amidst this chaos and fear, another private soldier of the Shen clan came running back breathlessly, bringing unexpected news.

"Report—! Master! We...we've figured it out!" The private soldier gasped, "The one who came...the one who came wasn't the General of the Cavalry! It...it came from the north! They were carrying banners with the characters 'Wei' and 'Gan' on them! Their forces...they should have been around a thousand cavalry, not like...not like the General of the Cavalry himself!"

Like someone about to drown taking a deep breath, Shen Rong suddenly felt alive again!

Then it sank again in the blink of an eye...

Not Fei Qian's main force?

Did they come from the north?

Did they come from Ye City?
Has Ye City fallen?
No, no, how could Ye City possibly fall?

Wait, Wei?

Is it that fugitive 'Wei' from last time?
Is it possible that they're going to start "wandering" again this time?

Upon thinking this, Shen Rong suddenly felt the immense fear recede like a tide, replaced by a feeling of utter exhaustion, as if he had survived a catastrophe, and...

A strange, inexplicable feeling of shame and annoyance at being tricked.

Everyone only truly sees the world and understands the universe after realizing that they are not a princess, prince, or heir, much less a god or deity...

Shen Rong was like a "local emperor" in Anyang, believing himself to be the "ruler" of the place, a being like God or a deity. If he didn't have extraordinary composure and wisdom, how could he have seen himself clearly and understood the world?

Can the General of the Cavalry be compared to Wei Yan?

Of course not.

If Fei Qian came, Shen Rong felt that there was nothing wrong with surrendering, because Shen Rong's own position was definitely lower than Fei Qian's. But what was this Wei Yan, this fugitive? If he surrendered and Wei Yan went on the run, wouldn't he be left hanging on the city wall in the sun, just like Cui Yue?

As for the general named "Gan," Shen Rong was even less familiar with him. He seemed to be a brave general, but he was definitely not a commander-in-chief and could not be compared with Fei Qian.

"You bastard!"

Shen Rong slammed his fist on the table, his previous panic instantly turning into fury, as if he hadn't been the one who had been so terrified he almost wet himself. "A mere detachment dares to make such a grand display, disturbing me! They've caused... caused the whole city to be in turmoil!!"

He forcibly swallowed back the words "almost made me surrender" that were on the tip of his tongue, and changed them to "disturbed the whole city." His mindset also underwent a dramatic change in an instant.

Shen Rong, who had just been thinking of surrendering the city immediately, straightened his back again, and the calculating and manipulative look that was common among local tyrants reappeared on his face.

Shen Rong felt that her "identity" had returned.

When the General of the Cavalry arrived in person, he naturally had to kneel to welcome him.

But only two reckless generals came, and they wanted Shen Rong to open the city gates and surrender.
The once mighty Shen family was second only to Yuan Shao, and although they have declined somewhat, they are not a family that just anyone can trample on!

"Hmph! It must be one of Wei Yan's ilk, sneaking in from the direction of Ye City, perhaps heading south to find food, just passing through Anyang." Shen Rong stroked his beard, beginning his self-righteous analysis, trying to regain his composure and confidence. "With the Crown Prince and Chen Changwen in Ye City, how could it be so easily taken? This kind of flanking force is nothing more than a minor ailment, just passing through the city in search of food and survival."

The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and his tendency to bully the weak and fear the strong, and to treat people differently based on their status, returned.

"Pass down the order! Close all four gates tightly and increase vigilance! But... there's no need to be overly tense," Shen Rong instructed, his tone much more relaxed. "Also, prepare some cattle, wine, and provisions. The quantity doesn't need to be too large, just enough for several thousand men for a day or two. Just... just follow the old practice of distributing tolls to passing troops! Send them outside the city and tell them that Anyang is a small place with poor people, unable to support a large army. Please accept this small token of our appreciation and find somewhere else to eat!"

Shen Rong was determined to show that Anyang was "not to be trifled with" and could not be easily extorted, while also making some concessions to get rid of these "plague gods" as soon as possible.

Shen Rong even felt that this might be an opportunity to show off his "backbone" and "ability"!
Look, I easily dealt with a detachment of the Flying Cavalry!

Beneath the walls of Anyang, Wei Yan and Gan Feng led their elite cavalry in a black torrent of iron. Their military bearing was impeccable and their killing intent was palpable, but they did not carry any large siege equipment, nor did they make any indication that they intended to attack Anyang.

Shen Rong, standing atop the city wall, watched as a knight charged out from the enemy ranks, arriving at the city walls and loudly demanding provisions. Though his words were impolite, he did not force the city to open its gates.

Shen Rong was even more certain that he was indeed just passing by to freeload!
So, Shen Rong, acting on behalf of the Anyang County magistrate, responded from the city wall. His tone was a mix of politeness and the arrogance and impatience of a local tyrant, as if dismissing a beggar: "So it is the mighty army under General Wei and General Gan! I have long admired you! Anyang is a small county, long ravaged by war, and truly lacks resources; I fear we cannot meet the needs of such a large army. However, General, you have come from afar with great difficulty. As the head of the local gentry, I cannot bear to see the soldiers hungry and thirsty. Therefore, I have prepared ten oxen, fifty jars of wine, and five hundred shi of millet as a token of my sincerity. I hope General will accept them with a smile! I humbly request that General understand our county's predicament and show leniency!"

Shen Rong deliberately emphasized his status as the "head of the gentry," implying that he could represent Anyang, while also keeping the supplies provided within a "dispensable" range...

Wei Yan, mounted on his horse, looked at Shen Rong, who was feigning composure but couldn't hide his scheming nature, on the city wall, and sneered twice.

Wei Yan had seen far too many local gentry and powerful figures in Ji Province.

This Shen family member, in Anyang, considered himself a recluse from the countryside, a local emperor, but he didn't realize that once he left Anyang, his safe haven, he was nothing...

Wei Yan glanced sideways at the clearly symbolic "reward" supplies being sent outside the city and said to Gan Feng, "This is just to appease the fleeing troops..."

Wei Yan's target was not a small city like Anyang at all, but to quickly infiltrate Cao Cao's undefended territory and cause chaos. Therefore, he had no intention of wasting time in Anyang.

"Hmph, you're smart enough to know what's good for you!" Wei Yan deliberately roared in a gruff voice, sounding both greedy and impatient. "Is that all? Not even enough to fill a tooth gap! Double it! Hurry up and send it over! Otherwise, Ye Ye will attack!"

Hearing this from the city wall, Shen Rong felt even more reassured, and a hint of disdain even flashed across his face.

They were indeed a bunch of reckless brutes who only knew how to fight, and all they cared about was the grain and fodder.

Shen Rong feigned hesitation, then gritted his teeth and agreed: "There is indeed no extra grain in the city! I will give the general three oxen, twenty jugs of wine, and two hundred shi of millet! Please leave as soon as you receive them, so as not to cause further distress to the people of Anyang!"

Soon, the extra provisions were gathered and sent out.

Wei Yan didn't waste any words, accepted the gift without hesitation, loaded it onto a cart and took it away. Then, just as Shen Rong had wished, the army bypassed the city without stopping and continued to surge southward.

As the black torrent gradually receded into the distance and finally disappeared on the southern horizon, Shen Rong on the city wall, along with the Anyang County Magistrate and his officials hiding to the side, all breathed a long sigh of relief.

Shen Rong turned to look at the magistrate of Anyang County and the other county officials, and gradually raised his chin, revealing his nostrils with black hair sticking out.

Compared to these incompetent cowards who didn't even have the courage to stand on the city wall and answer questions, Shen Rong felt that he was truly "incomparably powerful"!
Overwhelmed by the joy of "victory" and his inflated confidence, he felt that he was incredibly wise and insightful, having outmaneuvered the enemy with just a little cattle, wine, and provisions, and had "outwitted" the thousands of elite cavalry!

Doesn't this demonstrate his exceptional interrogation skills?
Does this mean the Flying Cavalry was "nothing special"?
"Hahaha!" Shen Rong couldn't help but burst into laughter, as if his previous fear and humiliation had never existed. He pounded on the battlements, full of pride, and boasted to the still-trembling, pale-faced magistrate of Anyang County beside him: "How about it? Magistrate, what do you think? I told you! What cavalry, nothing but a bluff! A mere detachment, seeing the strong defenses of Anyang and the unity of its people, how dare they lightly attack? A few cows and wine, and they were sent away! Hahaha!"

The magistrate of Anyang County wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and forced a smile: "It is all thanks to Lord Shen's strategic planning and foresight that we were able to turn danger into safety... I admire you, I admire you!" Although he also felt lucky, he was far less optimistic than Shen Rong and always felt uneasy.

"Hey!" Shen Rong waved his hand, becoming increasingly smug, and began to spout arrogant words, "Let alone a reckless brute like Wei Yan, even if the General of the Cavalry personally led a large army here, what could he... um, cough cough, my Anyang city is small but sturdy, and the people's hearts are with us! As long as we are united and defend the city, we will not allow others to look down on us!"

Shen Rong became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see his bright future of becoming famous throughout the world and restoring the glory of the Shen family by defeating the cavalry army with the "strong city" of Anyang.

Putting aside the facts, was it true that Wei Yan and the other cavalry were "beaten"... well, "sent away" by Shen Rong?
"To hit" and "to deal with" are not that different!
If we approximate it, isn't it equal to one hundred million?
"Don't worry, Magistrate! With me, Shen Rong, here, with the Shen family, Anyang will exist! Our wealth and honor will be here too!" Shen Rong rolled his eyes, patted the Anyang Magistrate's arm, and laughed heartily.

Once fear subsides, greed rises...

That night, Shen Rong, under the pretext of "celebrating the safety of Anyang and rewarding the soldiers and civilians who defended the city," disregarded the lingering concerns in the county magistrate's heart and forcibly held a grand banquet in the county government office.

In an instant, the county government office was filled with the sounds of string and wind instruments, singing and dancing, and clinking of cups.

Shen Rong sat at the head of the table, his face flushed, accepting the flattering toasts from his subordinates and the gentry who were attached to the Shen family, as if he had not just managed to send away a detachment that had no intention of getting entangled, but was a great hero who had truly achieved a glorious victory on the battlefield.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Shen Rong's greedy nature, fueled by alcohol and the thrill of "victory," was laid bare. He put his arm around the magistrate's shoulder, reeking of alcohol, and said, seemingly speaking from the heart, "Father, although we have temporarily repelled the enemy today, the city's defenses still need strengthening! My Shen family's troops have contributed greatly this time, and suffered considerable losses… Look, that unclaimed public land west of the city, isn't it… Hmm? It's just lying fallow anyway, so why not allocate it to my Shen family to fund the army, recruit more brave men, and better… protect the county town, which is also protecting you, Father?"

The magistrate of Anyang County inwardly groaned. Those weren't unclaimed public fields; they were fertile fields cleared during the purge of the Cui family! But seeing Shen Rong's seemingly drunk but actually threatening gaze, how could the magistrate dare utter a word of dissent? He could only force a smile and nod: "Of course, of course! Everything is up to you, Your Excellency! It's all for the safety of Anyang!"

"Good! Excellent!" Shen Rong laughed and immediately ordered someone to bring out the land deeds that had been prepared beforehand, spread them directly on the wine table, and forced the magistrate to affix his seal on the spot.

Looking at the bright red official seal stamped on the document, Shen Rong felt satisfied, as if he had earned another substantial fortune for the Shen family.

The banquet continued, and the singing and dancing became even more boisterous, as if the world outside was not a chaotic world of war and danger, but a peaceful and prosperous one.

Shen Rong and his cronies lived a life of debauchery, indulging in false victories and greedy gains.

However, just as this decadent music permeated the county government office, and Shen Rongzhi was smug, believing the crisis was over, and even beginning to fantasize about greater wealth—

The real thunder has descended!
A scout, covered in dust and practically crawling in, burst through the revelry, his face more terrified and desperate than before, his voice a shrill wail: "B-b-b-c-bad news!!! The General of the Cavalry... General Fei... Fei... is here! He's here!"

*Clang!*

The bronze wine cup in Shen Rong's hand suddenly fell onto the table, splashing wine all over him.

The singing and dancing came to an abrupt end.

The sound was as mute as if the silk and bamboo had broken.

All the laughter, boasting, and greedy scheming were crushed to dust in this moment!

The color drained from Shen Rong's face instantly, leaving him paler than ever before. His mouth was agape, his pupils dilated to the extreme, and he stood there completely petrified, as if all his bones and soul had been ripped away in an instant.

The General of the Cavalry, has he really arrived?