Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3795 Loyalty Wasted, Thousands of Bones Fall; A General's Favor Fails in the Afterlife.
"kill!"

At Ren Jun's command, the Cao army, disguised as Zhang Liao's troops, launched a fierce surprise attack on the outposts outside Zhao Yun's camp, like tigers released from their cages.

The battle broke out suddenly and fiercely.

And it seems to be going very smoothly.

The success was so smooth that Ren Jun was overjoyed!

Could it be that the Crown Prince has finally gotten it right this time?!

Ren Jun felt as if he had seen the test paper of a naughty child who was just one point away from passing the mark, and it seemed that hope was right in front of him!
Arrows pierced the air, swords clashed, and flames leaped up in the night.

Zhao Yun's men were clearly caught off guard and were in a state of chaos for a moment.

Following the plan, Ren Jun commanded his troops to launch a fierce attack, deliberately creating the illusion that Zhang Liao's troops were seeking retaliation. He even had his soldiers shout insults in their broken Bingzhou accent.

The attack lasted for about fifteen minutes, and then horns sounded repeatedly from the direction of Zhao Yun's camp, indicating that reinforcements were gathering.

Ren Jun knew that the first step had been completed and it was time to move on to the second step.

"Retreat! Retreat westward!"

Ren Jun ordered his troops to "retreat" towards Zhang Liao's camp.

The troops quickly disengaged, pretending to have made a hasty retreat after a successful "sneak attack," but their retreat route was biased towards Zhang Liao's camp, and they discarded some deliberately prepared miscellaneous items with Zhang Liao's characteristics along the way.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, but Zhao Yun's cavalry, 'enraged', quickly caught up, their battle cries shaking the heavens.

Ren Jun felt a surge of tension. He ordered his troops to retreat in a "disarray" manner while keeping a close eye on the movements behind him.

He saw that Zhao Yun's pursuers were beginning to approach along the route of the items he had left behind, and it seemed that his anger had been successfully provoked.

"Quickly! Even faster! Lead them to Zhang Liao's camp!"

Ren Jun urged.

The plan seemed to be progressing smoothly. He even began to imagine what a fierce conflict would occur when Zhao Yun's pursuers clashed with Zhang Liao's garrison.

Perhaps, the Crown Prince's plan will actually succeed?
If it succeeds, it will be an incredible achievement!
The ideal scenario would be for Zhang Liao to believe that Zhao Yun and his men were coming to ambush them, and then Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun's forces would fight to the death!
A slightly less desirable outcome was that after fighting for half a day, leaving the battlefield littered with wreckage, Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao finally realized they had fallen into a trap. However, it was too late; their casualties were heavy, and they had no choice but to retreat.

In this way, even if General Fei Qian personally leads a large army to Ye City, the people of Ye City will have enough confidence and morale to resist!
The Crown Prince is right!

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Ren Jun couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

As expected, 'execution' was the right thing to do!
Don't ask why, and don't overthink it, just 'execute'!
Ren Jun felt somewhat ashamed of his previous suspicions about Cao Pi...

loyalty!

If even a close general like Ren Jun is unwilling to obey Cao Pi's orders, then wouldn't there be no one left to use in Ye City?
Therefore, this success serves as the best example!

Once executed, orders must be obeyed without question!
Unwavering loyalty!
Just as they were about to approach a relatively open depression on the outskirts of Zhang Liao's camp, Ren Jun was preparing to order his troops to find an opportunity to disengage from the battlefield and clear a path so they could sit back and watch the two sides fight—

A sudden change occurred!

Before Ren Jun could give any orders, torches suddenly lit up the previously quiet earthen mounds and bushes on both sides of the depression, like stars falling from the sky, and the surroundings were instantly illuminated!
Immediately afterwards, the deafening sound of war drums and horns rose up, drowning out all the noise!
"Wind! Strong wind!"

It seemed someone was shouting loudly.

The shrill sound of countless arrows tearing through the air, like a deadly rain, covered Ren Jun's troops who were "fleeing"!

What's going on?!

Ren Jun felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, as if the blood in his body had instantly frozen. He stared wide-eyed at the cavalrymen surging out from both sides like a tide. Their armor was gleaming, their ranks were impeccable, and they showed no sign of panic whatsoever.

The torchlight flickered in the night, illuminating the cavalrymen's stern faces and the gleaming blades in their hands.

"There's an ambush!"

"We've fallen for their trap!"

Terrified screams instantly erupted among Cao Cao's army.

"Run! General! Run!"

Ren Jun's personal guards shouted hoarsely, their voices filled with despair.

Ren Jun instinctively swung his sword to parry, and a stray arrow grazed his arm armor, leaving a shallow bloodstain. The burning pain instantly brought him to his senses.

He looked around and saw that his troops were in complete disarray.

The soldiers scattered in panic, some trying to form ranks to resist, but were shot down by more arrows; some dropped their weapons and knelt down to beg for mercy; many more, like headless flies, bumped into each other in the narrow hollow, trampling their fallen comrades.

The colorful flags disguised as Zhang Liao's troops were discarded on the ground and trampled into filth by the panicked crowd, as if mocking this clumsy scheme.

"Hold your ground! Form a circular formation! Break through towards Ye City!"

Ren Jun roared hoarsely, trying to reorganize the troops, but his orders sounded so weak amidst the deafening shouts and war drums.

He brandished his sword, cutting down two charging cavalrymen, but more enemies surged in from all directions.

He saw one of his old men trying to organize a small squad of shield bearers, only to be riddled with crossbow bolts and fall to the ground like a tattered old grain sack.

Ren Jun felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer, experiencing a sharp pain.

Many of the private soldiers who followed him were garrison soldiers he had personally trained...

They should have been working in the fields, not wasting their lives on this bloody battlefield.

Loyalty, execution...

These words involuntarily flashed through Ren Jun's mind.

Once upon a time, this belief was as firm as a rock, supporting him through countless difficult years.

But now, it's like a cold iron chain, dragging him into this abyss of despair.

Ren Jun suddenly recalled a scene from many years ago when he was stationed in Yanzhou to cultivate land...

At that time, he had just been appointed as the Director of Agriculture, responsible for reclaiming a barren piece of land. An official suggested that he change the traditional crop rotation method and try new crop combinations to increase yield.

Of course, the so-called new approach is just a euphemism for the new technology in Guanzhong.

The subordinate official knelt on the ground, speaking earnestly: "General Ren, this area spans a hundred li, and the soil is unique. If we follow the ancient methods, I fear there will be little harvest. My ancestors were farmers, and I have some knowledge of the land. I am willing to guarantee with my life that the new methods will be feasible!"

How did Ren Jun respond at the time?

He remembered shaking his head with a stern face: "How can the imperial regulations be lightly altered? We only need to follow the orders and ensure the supply of provisions. Execute them first, and we'll discuss everything else after that."

He rejected the suggestion and insisted on implementing the land reclamation regulations issued by his superiors.

As a result, the harvest that year was extremely poor.

The charge, of course, fell on that subordinate official.

Later, the subordinate official left in dejection.

Ren Jun never took the matter to heart, believing that he had simply done his duty.

The greatest merit is to faithfully carry out orders.

But now, at this critical juncture of life and death, the disappointed look in the subordinate's eyes clearly appeared before him.

Perhaps, in the beginning...

No, if only he had been a little more flexible and a little less stubborn back then...

His entire life was bound and led into the abyss by these few words.

Ren Jun attempted to lead his troops in a breakout.

Once a tragedy unfolds, it doesn't end quickly.

The rain of arrows subsided briefly, but an even more terrifying shock followed.

The cavalry charged into the chaotic Cao army formation like an iron torrent.

Ren Jun saw a cavalry officer, holding a long spear, charging ahead. The spear tip easily pierced the leather shield and chest of a Cao army shield bearer, killing him on the spot.

Blood splattered in the night, emitting a strong, pungent stench.

"Hurry! Hurry!"

Ren Jun fled hastily under the cover of his guards.

A cavalryman fired at Ren Jun, who frantically swung his sword to parry.

His martial arts skills were not very good to begin with, and at this moment he was even more overwhelmed.

A stray arrow struck his thigh, the excruciating pain nearly causing him to fall off his horse.

Perhaps the arrow wasn't originally intended to hit him, but rather to hit the horse...

The arrow pierced his muscle, and blood quickly soaked his trouser leg. It was a piercing pain, accompanied by the sensation of tearing muscle, causing him to break out in a cold sweat with every movement.

Ren Jun gritted his teeth and continued to charge forward, but the number of guards around him was dwindling.

They shielded Ren Jun from fatal attacks with their bodies, falling one after another.

"General! The city gate! The city gate is about to close!" A blood-covered guard pointed towards Ye City, his voice shrill.

Ren Jun looked up and saw the drawbridge at the south gate of Ye City slowly rising, and the heavy city gate made a dull thud as it gradually closed.

On the city wall, torches blazed brightly, and he could vaguely see Cao Pi's figure, surrounded by numerous guards, anxiously giving instructions.

The distance wasn't far, only a hundred steps or so, but at this moment, the path felt like an insurmountable chasm.

If he can't enter the city, his troops will be completely surrounded by the Flying Cavalry!
Some fleeing soldiers, who were even faster than Ren Jun, tried to rush towards the city gate, but were forced back by arrows shot down from the city walls...

Those were arrows from our own people!
Ren Jun's heart sank completely, overwhelmed by a despair far worse than physical pain.

He was abandoned.

In order to protect Ye City, the Crown Prince did not hesitate to sacrifice these "pawns".

implement?

He carried out the crown prince's orders, but this was the result he received.

loyalty?

Why...why did this happen...?

Ren Jun muttered to himself, his sword growing heavier in his hand.

He recalled the scene when he conquered Jizhou.

At that time, Cao Cao personally led a large army, advancing with unstoppable momentum. Ren Jun was in charge of logistics, transporting grain and fodder day and night. He remembered the cheers that resounded through the sky when the army entered Ye City.

Cao Cao held a grand banquet for his generals at Yuan Shao's residence. Patting Yuan Shao on the shoulder, he said to the crowd, "Without Boda's diligence, how could our army have achieved this? This deserves great credit!"

At that time, he was filled with pride and excitement.

He believed that as long as he served loyally, he would receive the rewards he deserved.

He didn't understand the power struggles between generals, nor did he care about political strategies and tactics. He only focused on doing his job well—supervising grain production, cultivating land, and manufacturing weapons.

He even looked down on those literati and strategists who spent their days pondering "ingenious schemes," believing that practical work was the key.

But now he understands that in this cruel world, "hard work" and "loyalty" alone are far from enough.

He was like an old ox pulling a cart with its head down, only knowing how to move forward, but never looking up to see the road ahead, and eventually fell off a cliff.

"You thieving general! Prepare to die!"

A loud shout, like a thunderclap, resounded across the chaotic battlefield.

Ren Jun suddenly looked up and saw a general charging into the enemy lines alone.

The man, clad in white robes and silver armor, exuded an aura of martial prowess even in the dim firelight. He wielded a long spear and rode a white horse as swift as a dragon; wherever he went, Cao Cao's soldiers fell like weeds.

It's Zhao Yun!
Ren Jun's pupils constricted.

Ren Jun had never faced this renowned general of the cavalry so closely before, and at this moment he felt like a sheep seeing a tiger or leopard, his blood almost freezing in his veins!
Some call it "killing intent" or "evil aura," but from a biological perspective, it should be classified as a biological pheromone, such as hormones...

It's like a sheep in a flock, which can be quite timid, constantly butting against this or bumping into that. But when it smells the scent of a tiger or leopard, its legs go weak and it defecates and urinates everywhere.

As Zhao Yun rushed closer, Ren Jun felt an invisible pressure envelop his entire body, making it hard for him to breathe.

He instinctively wanted to back away, but for some reason, he couldn't move at all...

Protect the general!

The remaining guards shouted and charged forward desperately, trying to stop Zhao Yun.

But Zhao Yun was too fast.

Zhao Yun flicked his spear, which transformed into several cold stars, precisely piercing the guards' throats, hearts, and other vulnerable points.

Zhao Yun's movements were as fluid as flowing water, seemingly containing the ultimate truths of the universe, drawing profound and mysterious traces...

(Huang Gong: Hmm...)
Amidst screams, Ren Jun's remaining guards fell like harvested ears of wheat.

The next moment, Ren Jun didn't even see how Zhao Yun drew his spear. He only saw a blur before his eyes, and the last guard in front of him was already clutching his bleeding neck and slowly collapsing.

Now, only he and Zhao Yun remained, facing each other.

Ren Jun opened his mouth, as if to say something, but no sound came out.

He wanted to argue that it was just the crown prince's order and he was merely the executor.

Perhaps Ren Jun also wanted to ask why the Flying Cavalry could set up an ambush so tacitly?

Why didn't Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao fight each other as expected?

Why……

There were so many whys, but now all those whys are meaningless.

Zhao Yun spurred his warhorse, and his spear, like a poisonous dragon emerging from its lair, thrust straight at Ren Jun's chest.

Upright and straight.

The shot wasn't fast, it was even a bit slow, but Ren Jun felt that all his escape routes were blocked.

Ren Jun saw the frost forming on the tip of Zhao Yun's spear, saw Zhao Yun's hand holding the spear as steady as a rock, and saw his own terrified and distorted face reflected in Zhao Yun's deep eyes...

Ren Jun struggled to raise his sword to parry, but with a crisp clang, Zhao Yun easily deflected the sword.

Ren Jun's tiger's mouth burst open, and blood gushed out.

Immediately afterwards, a cold sensation ran through his chest.

Ren Jun looked down and saw that Zhao Yun's spear had pierced through his armor, with the tip protruding from his back.

Strangely, he didn't feel much pain, only a bone-chilling cold that quickly spread throughout his body. His strength drained away like grain from a tattered sack, and he could no longer maintain his balance on the horse, falling off with a thud.

Ren Jun saw Zhao Yun, seated on his horse, slowly withdraw his spear, drawing out a spray of warm blood. His vision began to blur, and the sounds of battle, the clatter of hooves, and screams faded into the distance, until they disappeared completely…

"implement……"

"loyalty……"

Ren Jun uttered these words with difficulty, his voice so weak it was almost inaudible.

This was the principle he believed in throughout his life, but now it became his dying lament.

Ren Jun's consciousness was gradually fading. He felt lightheaded, as if he had detached from his increasingly cold body. The scene before him began to distort and change...

He felt as if he had returned to that wheat field in Yanzhou many years ago.

Under the bright sunshine, golden waves of wheat rippled in the wind, exuding the fragrance of ripeness.

The young Cao Cao, dressed in simple cloth, stood on the edge of the field, a gentle and approving smile on his face. He beckoned to Ren Jun, "Boda, come and see! This is all thanks to you! With ample provisions, the army's morale is high. The revival of the Han Dynasty is within reach!"

At that time, Cao Cao's eyes were clear, full of ideals and ambition.

Ren Jun felt a warm current flow through his heart. He quickly stepped forward, wanting to report on the results of the land reclamation and to express his loyalty and hard work.

But the next moment, the sunlight vanished, and the wheat field turned to scorched earth.

Cao Cao's smile twisted, becoming ferocious and terrifying. His eyes turned into two black holes, his skin withered like tree bark, and his voice shrill like an owl's: "Ren Jun! Why have you failed? Why have you caused the deaths of thousands of my soldiers? You incompetent fool! You have betrayed my high hopes!"

That was no longer the Cao Gong who appreciated him, but a vengeful ghost, stretching out its withered claws, seemingly about to drag him into the deepest hell.

"No...no..." Ren Jun struggled in his mind, "Prime Minister...this humble general...is carrying out the Crown Prince's orders...this humble general is merely...obeying...being loyal..."

The vengeful ghost before them suddenly changed again.

The face became young and twisted, filled with anger and contempt.

It's Cao Pi!
He pointed at Ren Jun, spitting as he shouted, "Useless! You can't even handle this small matter! You've ruined our elite troops and damaged our military prestige! What use are you?!"

The angry shouts were like sharp knives, piercing Ren Jun's last moments of consciousness.

Ren Jun wanted to say something, but darkness surged in like a tide, engulfing everything.

The fighting in the depression gradually subsided.

Ren Jun's body lay in a pool of blood, his eyes wide open, staring in the direction of Ye City, as if still questioning something.

His troops were almost completely wiped out, and the few survivors were taken prisoner.

Under the command of the captains, the cavalry quickly cleared the battlefield, and some cavalrymen continued to put pressure on the south gate of Ye City. Arrows occasionally fell on the city wall, causing a commotion among the defenders.

On the city wall, Cao Pi's face was ashen.

He witnessed the entire process of Ren Jun being killed by Zhao Yun, and also saw the tragic state of his own troops.

Chen Qun appeared beside him at some point, standing silently with no expression on his face, but the deep worry in his eyes carried more weight than any words.

"Those treacherous bandits! They've killed my general!" Cao Pi roared in fury, weeping bitterly. "Boda! Boda! How hateful are these bandits! How hateful are these bandits!"

Chen Qun couldn't help but glance sideways...

Forehead?
Can you do this?