Shuhan

Yecheng appears even quieter and more mysterious under the cover of night.

In a corner of the city, a temporary palace stands tall. It is brightly lit inside, but it exudes an unusual atmosphere.

Inside the palace, there are winding paths, winding corridors and high eaves, each of which demonstrates the luxury and majesty of the royal family.

However, behind this solemnity, there are hidden unknown secrets.

Deep in the bedroom, the flickering candlelight illuminates the charming scene within the curtains.

The light gauze dances gently, swaying in the wind, like an illusion in a dream, hazy and alluring.

The air is filled with a faint fragrance mixed with the scent of powder, which makes people fascinated and unable to stop.

The Emperor of the Han Dynasty, Liu Gongsi, was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe with the collar slightly open, revealing the exquisite gold-embroidered underwear underneath.

He had a handsome face, and his brows revealed an extraordinary temperament, but at this moment, his usually majestic eyes were flashing with a fiery light, as if driven by some force and unable to extricate himself.

He held the beauty in his arms tightly with both hands, and his fingertips gently stroked the silky smooth skin, causing waves of tremors.

The beauty was the concubine Zhen Mi, she was wearing a long gauze dress, the hem of her skirt swaying gently, like the brightest star in the night sky, dazzling. Her face was stunningly beautiful, her eyebrows were like distant mountains with smoke, her eyes were like autumn water, her red lips were slightly parted, and her breath was as fragrant as orchid.

At this moment, she was nestling in Liu Gongsi's arms, her eyes closed, a shy blush on her face.

She wrapped her arms around Liu Gongsi's waist and her fingertips gently stroked his back, as if expressing her endless tenderness and attachment.

The music started, and the soft sounds were like threads, lingering around the ears of the two people and bringing them into a dreamlike world.

The music was sometimes low and gentle, and sometimes high and passionate, just like the moods of the two people.

Zhen Mi felt Liu Gongsi's enthusiasm and an indescribable emotion surged in her heart.

She opened her eyes and looked at the man in front of her who was both familiar and unfamiliar to her, feeling both shy and expectant.

At this moment, they are no longer the king and his subject, but two men and women who are attracted to each other and lean on each other.

Liu Gongsi whispered softly: "Mi'er, you are the concubine I love most in this life. I want to spend this life with you and never separate."

Liu Gongsi gently stroked Zhen Mi's hair, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction and happiness. Zhen Mi nestled in his arms, her face filled with a happy smile.

At this moment, the bedroom was quiet and peaceful.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the faces of the two people, as if covering them with a layer of golden gauze.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, falling on the eaves of the palace, emitting a faint silver light. The night breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness, but also blew away the ambiguous atmosphere in the bedroom.

Liu Gongsi looked at Zhen Mi in his arms, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

As the emperor of the Han Dynasty, he shoulders the heavy responsibility of the world.

However, at this moment, he just wanted to be with Zhen Mi and forget about the troubles and disputes in the world.

He sighed softly and said, "Mi'er, it would be great if there were only the two of us in this world."

When Zhen Mi heard this, a feeling of sadness welled up in her heart.

She knew that as the emperor, Liu Gongsi had too many frustrations and constraints.

She raised her head, looked into Liu Gongsi's affectionate eyes, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I only wish to be with Your Majesty, no matter life or death, separation or reunion, I will have no regrets."

When Liu Gongsi heard this, he was moved.

He hugged Zhen Mi's waist tightly, as if he wanted to keep her by his side forever.

The two smiled at each other, happiness and satisfaction shining in their eyes.

However, after a moment of silence, Liu Chan's eyes fell on Zhen Mi, who was sweating profusely.

She had just experienced a love affair, her hair was slightly disheveled, her cheeks were flushed, and there were a few drops of sweat on her forehead, which made her even more charming.

There was a complex flash in Liu Chan's eyes, showing both pity for the beauty in front of him and helplessness about the situation.

He sighed softly, his voice heavy: "Your son has made a big move in Luoyang. I have been besieging Luoyang for a long time. I wanted to destroy the Wei Kingdom in one fell swoop, but I never thought that Cao Wei would be so tenacious. My troops have besieged the city for several months, but have never been able to capture it. Now, I have no choice but to use more troops. Are you willing to do so?"

Liu Chan's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Zhen Mi's heart.

Her body trembled violently, and the tenderness in her eyes was instantly replaced by horror.

Her son, Cao Rui, is now the emperor of Wei.

But she was the concubine of Liu Chan, the last emperor of the Han Dynasty.

This change of identity made her feel mixed emotions.

She had imagined countless times the scene of reuniting with her son, but she had never imagined it would be in such a context.

Zhen Mi bit her lower lip tightly, trying not to let her gaffe show.

She knew very well that her current status did not allow her to have too many personal emotions.

She slowly raised her head and looked at Liu Chan with a firm gaze, with a resolute light flashing in her eyes.

"I am your Majesty's person now, so naturally I have no regrets about leaving you." Although Zhen Mi's voice was soft, it was firm and unquestionable.

"Since the day I stepped into this Han Palace, my heart has belonged only to Your Majesty. My son, since he has chosen that path, he will have his own destiny. Now I only have Your Majesty and Ji'er in my heart."

As she spoke, Zhen Mi gently leaned her head on Liu Chan's shoulder and put her arms around his waist, as if she wanted to completely merge herself into his arms.

Her movements were gentle yet firm, as if showing her determination and loyalty to Liu Chan.

Liu Chan felt Zhen Mi's tenderness and firmness, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

Zhen Mi is a smart woman. She understands her situation and her choices.

He gently stroked Zhen Mi's hair, his eyes full of pity and care.

"Mi'er, I know the pain in your heart." Liu Chan's voice was low and gentle.

When Zhen Mi heard this, she was moved.

She knew that Liu Chan was telling the truth.

In this chaotic world, as a weak woman, she would have been beheaded if she had not been protected by Liu Chan.

She snuggled tightly in Liu Chan's arms, feeling his warmth and strength.

"I understand your majesty's painstaking efforts." Zhen Mi's voice was choked with sobs.

"Although I miss my son, I know that my fate is closely linked to your majesty. I am willing to give everything for your majesty and for the Han Dynasty."

When Liu Chan listened to Zhen Mi's words, he felt a surge of emotion in his heart.

Zhen Mi is a sensible woman who understands her responsibilities and obligations.

He sighed softly and said, "Mi'er, I know you feel bad. But I promise you that when I conquer Luoyang, I will treat Cao Rui well. After all, he is your son and mine..."

of course
If Cao Rui heard this, he would probably start to scold.

Cao Rui: I treat you as my opponent, but you want to be my father?

Liu Chan didn't finish his words, but Zhen Mi already understood what he meant.

A warm feeling surged in her heart, knowing that Liu Chan was a man of affection and righteousness.

She hugged Liu Chan tightly, wishing to give everything she had to the man beside her.

At this time, the candlelight in the bedroom flickered, illuminating the figures of the two people leaning on each other. Outside the window, the night was as dark as ink, and only the occasional sound of insects broke the moment of tranquility. In the bedroom, Liu Chan and Zhen Mi hugged each other tightly, as if they wanted to merge each other into their bodies.

Since the siege was useless, Liu Chan immediately ordered the attack on Luoyang!
The imperial edict of the Han emperor, like a spring breeze, quickly spread to every corner and soon reached the front-line command center of the army - Wude City. This city, as the front-line command center of the Han army, was filled with a tense and orderly atmosphere.

On the city walls, flags were flying and soldiers were patrolling, their eyes revealing firmness and determination.

In the city's meeting hall, Crown Prince Liu Si sat in the main seat. Although he was young, his brows revealed an extraordinary bearing.

His armor gleamed in the sun, making him look heroic. His eyes showed both awe for his father's will and anticipation for the upcoming battle.

Prime Minister Zhuge Liang stood aside. He was wearing a plain robe and holding a feather fan, which he gently waved, appearing calm and unhurried.

Although his face was thin, his eyes were as deep as a pool, as if he could see through all the mysteries of the world.

There was a faint smile on the corner of his mouth, which showed his confidence in the situation and his trust and encouragement for Crown Prince Liu Si.

A group of civil and military officials stood on both sides, some wearing armor, some holding documents. They all had solemn expressions and listened attentively to Crown Prince Liu Si reading out the emperor's will.

In the hall, only Liu Si's steady and powerful voice echoed, and every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart.

"Father has ordered our army to prepare for the siege immediately. There must be no mistakes."

After Liu Si finished reading the decree, he swept his eyes over the crowd and said in a firm tone: "When we besieged Luoyang before, we wanted to wait for the food supply to run out before attacking. However, Cao Rui used iron-blooded means to reduce the population of Luoyang and organized the people of Luoyang to cultivate land and save themselves. If this continues, I'm afraid Luoyang will not be able to run out of food. Since there is no need for our army to wait any longer, we can attack the city directly!"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang gently shook his feather fan, and a gleam of approval flashed in his eyes.

He slowly said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is right. Although Cao Rui's move may seem cruel, it actually provides an opportunity for our army to attack the city. Luoyang City has sufficient food and grass, but our army is strong and our morale is high. As long as we work together, we will be able to capture Luoyang in one fell swoop!"

A general in armor stood up. He was tall and strong, with a resolute face. It was Ah Hui Nan. He cupped his hands and said, "I am willing to lead my troops as the vanguard and fight to the death to capture Luoyang City!"

His voice was passionate and powerful, full of desire for battle and confidence in victory.

Other generals also responded, and the hall was suddenly filled with high morale.

Crown Prince Liu Si was moved when he saw the determined eyes and high morale of the soldiers.

He knew that these soldiers were fighting for the country and people of the Han Dynasty and striving for their father's grand cause.

He took a deep breath and said slowly: "I know that this battle concerns the future of our Han Dynasty and the ambitions of my father. I am willing to fight side by side with you soldiers and go through life and death together!"

Zhuge Liang looked at this scene and felt relieved.

At this moment, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the hall.

A messenger covered in dust hurried in, knelt on one knee, and said with a folded hand, "Your Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, our spies have reported that Cao's army in Luoyang is stepping up its defenses. The city walls are densely guarded, and it seems that they are ready to fight."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Liu Si frowned and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

He said in a deep voice: "Cao Rui is indeed not an ordinary person. He has long expected that our army will attack the city, so he has made preparations in advance. However, this does not affect our army's determination and morale. Pass the order down, the whole army will immediately prepare, and at dawn tomorrow, we will officially attack the city!"

The messenger took the order and left, and the hall fell into deep thought again.

All the soldiers knew that this battle would be extremely difficult, but they were not afraid at all, because they believed that under the leadership of Crown Prince Liu Si and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, the Han army would be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve ultimate victory.

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, slowly walked to the map, and carefully studied the defense situation of Luoyang City.

He pointed to several key points on the map and said to the soldiers: "The key to this battle is to break through several key places in Luoyang City. As long as our army can occupy these places, we can control the entire Luoyang City. Soldiers must bravely take the lead and capture these key places at all costs!"

In front of Hangu Pass, it was almost dusk. The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the ancient city walls, giving this dangerous pass a layer of golden glow.

The wind blew through the mountains, bringing a bit of coolness, and made the battle flags flutter.

Zhang Bao was standing in front of the army at this moment, his face was firm and his eyes revealed unquestionable determination.

Naturally, he was also informed of the urgent order from his superiors - to speed up the attack on Hangu Pass.

This is not just an order, but also a key step in determining the outcome of the war. As the throat connecting the Central Plains and Guanzhong, Hangu Pass has a self-evident strategic position.

Once the barrier is breached, the army can march straight into the enemy's heartland.

Zhang Bao immediately called out his troops. His voice was loud and powerful, penetrating the din of the battlefield: "All soldiers, listen up! Get ready immediately. Bring enough gunpowder and prepare to take down Hangu Pass in one battle!"

His order was concise and clear, but full of irresistible majesty. The soldiers moved upon hearing the order and quickly prepared. The gunpowder boxes were loaded onto the chariots one by one, and the archers, infantry, and cavalry performed their duties. The entire military camp instantly fell into a busy and orderly scene.

Zhang Bao was wearing armor, which shone coldly in the setting sun.

He is tall and strong, with bulging muscles, a resolute face, and an indomitable spirit between his brows.

He held the hilt of the sword tightly with both hands. The patterns on the scabbard were intricate and exquisite, showing his identity and honor.

At this moment, there was a determination gleam in his eyes, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

However, Zhang Bao knew that it would not be easy to take Hangu Pass in one battle.

Hangu Pass is a steep place with undulating mountains and narrow pass, which is easy to defend but difficult to attack. The enemy has set up many defense lines here, including arrow towers, crossbow platforms, rolling logs and stones.

Moreover, the enemy troops inside the pass were in high spirits and vowed to defend this natural barrier to the death.

Zhang Bao took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner turmoil.

As a general, he must remain calm and not be intimidated by the difficulties ahead.

He looked around and saw that the soldiers were busy preparing, their eyes full of expectation and trust.

This trust made Zhang Bao feel that the responsibility on his shoulders was even heavier.

He walked up to an old soldier and asked softly, "Old Li, do you think we can capture Hangu Pass this time?"

Old Li raised his head and looked at Zhang Bao, with a gleam of determination in his eyes: "General, as long as you give the order, we will capture this pass even if we die!"

Zhang Bao patted Lao Li on the shoulder and nodded gratefully.

These soldiers are his brothers, and they are willing to go through fire and water for him.

As night falls, the lights in front of Hangu Pass are bright.

Zhang Bao stood on a high place and looked towards the direction of the pass.

A complex emotion surged in his heart - a desire for victory and fear of the unknown.

This battle will determine the fate of countless people, including himself.

The next morning, the sky was bright.

"General, everything is ready!" A deputy general stepped forward and reported respectfully.

Zhang Bao nodded and turned to look at the army: "Brothers, Hangu Pass is right in front of us. It is the last obstacle to our victory. I know that this battle will be extremely difficult, but as long as we work together, nothing can stop us from moving forward!"

His voice was passionate and powerful, like a warm current flowing into the hearts of the soldiers.

They raised their arms and shouted: "We are willing to follow the general and fight to the death to break through Hangu Pass!"

Zhang Bao looked at these brave soldiers and his heart was filled with pride and emotion.

The war drums sounded and the trumpets blew.

Zhang Bao waved his hand, and the army slowly marched towards Hangu Pass, their steps firm and their eyes flashing with a gleam of determination.

Zhang Bao rode on a warhorse, holding a long sword, and led the way. His eyes revealed his firm belief and determination to win.

When the army arrived at Hangu Pass, the enemy was already ready for battle.

On top of the arrow tower, archers pulled their bowstrings to their full potential; behind the crossbow platform, the crossbow had already been strung with strings; on top of the pass, rolling logs and rocks were piled up like a mountain.

However, Zhang Bao showed no fear. He brandished his sword and shouted, "Brothers, charge!" (End of this chapter)