Shuhan

After Liu Chan closed the net, the situation in the court changed drastically and an unprecedented storm swept across Luoyang City.

He sat on the dragon throne with a firm and cold look in his eyes. He immediately ordered Zhong Hui to lead the imperial guards to Luoyang to search the mansions of the aristocratic families.

Zhong Hui, the general who came from an aristocratic family, felt mixed emotions at this moment.

He knew very well that the emperor's order would undoubtedly make him cut off from his family and that he would be a lone minister from then on.

Zhong Hui walked out of the palace. It was already late at night and the moonlight shone on the bluestone slabs, emitting a faint cold light.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil.

He was originally a descendant of an aristocratic family, and was well aware of the complicated relationships among the aristocratic families. He also understood that this action would leave him isolated and helpless among the aristocratic families.

But when I think of my family, my wealth and my future, what does this little pain matter?
He soon led the imperial guards to the Chen family's mansion in Yingchuan, Luoyang.

Chen Mansion, this towering mansion, appears particularly quiet in the night.

Zhong Hui sent troops to surround Chen's mansion. They were equipped with iron armor and spears like a forest. The imperial guards all had solemn expressions and were ready for battle.

"Open the door, or we will attack!" Zhong Hui sent someone to shout, and the voice echoed in the night sky with unquestionable majesty.

Soon, the courtyard door slowly opened, and a gust of cold wind mixed with a tense atmosphere blew in.

Zhong Hui waved his hand and immediately ordered the imperial guards to rush in.

However, just before the imperial guards entered, a figure hurriedly walked out of the mansion gate.

That was Chen Tai, the direct descendant of the Yingchuan Chen family. He was dressed in gorgeous clothes, his face was pale, and his eyes were filled with hatred and a hint of pleading.

Chen Tai looked at Zhong Hui, his lips trembling slightly, and his voice was low and hoarse: "The conspiracy is my own business, and has nothing to do with my family. Zhong Hui, you and I were friends, how could you bear to do this?"

There was a trace of pain in his eyes, which was despair of friendship and worry about the fate of his family.

Zhong Hui just looked at him coldly, without any fluctuation in his eyes.

He knew very well that he had no way out at this moment.

He spoke slowly, his voice firm and cold: "The crime of treason shall be punished with the entire clan. Chen Tai, you are a descendant of an aristocratic family, but you betrayed the court. Your crime is unforgivable. Although I, Zhong Hui, come from an aristocratic family, I am more loyal to the emperor and the Han Dynasty. Don't say anything more, get out of the way!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Tai's body trembled violently and a trace of despair flashed in his eyes.

He knew that he could no longer change Zhong Hui's decision, nor could he save the fate of his family.

He slowly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then opened his eyes and looked at Zhong Hui, with a hint of determination in his voice: "Zhong Hui, your actions today will be punished by heaven! My Chen family has been loyal for generations, but it has ended up like this. It is really unfair!"

Zhong Hui just smiled coldly, with a hint of mockery in his eyes: "God is unfair? Humph! Chen Tai, you betrayed the court, and you still dare to say that God is unfair? Get out of the way quickly, otherwise don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Are you, Chen Tai, loyal to the Han Dynasty or against the Wei Dynasty?

Upon hearing this, Chen Tai's body trembled again.

He knew that he could no longer change anything and could only watch the imperial guards rush into the Chen Mansion.

He turned around and looked at the mansion that was once filled with laughter and joy, his heart filled with endless pain and despair.

There was chaos in the Chen Mansion at this moment.

The family members panicked and fled in all directions.

Some tried to hide, some tried to resist, but they were all captured by the imperial guards.

The cries, shouts, and pleas mixed together and echoed throughout the Chen Mansion.

Zhong Hui stood outside the mansion and watched all this coldly.

Although he felt a little reluctant in his heart, he knew that this was the emperor's order and his own choice.

He must be loyal to the emperor and loyal to the Han Dynasty.

He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

At this time, a general of the imperial guards came hurriedly and reported to Zhong Hui: "Sir, the Chen Mansion has been searched and all the family members have been captured. Please tell me how to deal with them."

Hearing this, Zhong Hui nodded slightly, with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "According to your majesty's order, the crime of treason will be punished with the nine clans. All the people in the Chen Mansion will be taken to the Heavenly Prison to await their fate."

Upon hearing this, the general of the imperial guards immediately responded and left.

Zhong Hui looked in the direction of Chen Mansion, his heart filled with endless emotion.

He knew that this move would leave him completely isolated and helpless among the aristocratic families, but he also understood that this was his choice and his destiny.

He took a deep breath, then turned around and led the imperial guards to the next aristocratic family mansion.

As the night deepened, a tense and depressing atmosphere filled the streets of Luoyang City.

Zhong Hui led the imperial guards through the streets, their figures appearing particularly cold and determined in the moonlight.

This is a war without the smoke of gunpowder, and also a test of destiny and loyalty.

And they must face all this bravely.

The aristocratic families from all over the country who colluded with Cao Zhen of Xuzhou were like the last few stubborn fallen leaves in autumn. Although they clung tightly to the branches, they could not escape the fate of withering in the end.

During this half month, the Han army swept in like a surging torrent, unstoppable and wiped out those aristocratic families one by one.

These noble families, once upon a time, relied on their power and wealth to call the shots in Xuzhou, but now they are like candles in the wind, crumbling.

The Han army soldiers were clad in iron armor, holding spears, with eyes as firm as torches and steps as steady and powerful as a torch.

They were like heavenly soldiers and generals descended to earth, invincible.

Whenever they encountered stubborn resistance from the aristocratic families, the Han army soldiers were always fearless and charged forward, defeating the enemy with a thunderous force.

Although those members of the aristocratic families were also brave and good at fighting, they seemed so vulnerable in front of the Han army. It was as if they were just a mantis trying to stop a chariot and overestimating their own abilities.

Cao Zhen, the hero who occupied most of Xuzhou, was now in an unprecedented predicament.

His logistics were almost cut off, food and fodder were scarce, and military supplies were difficult to come by.

The amount of food and fodder transported by the aristocratic families is becoming less and less.

In order to expand his military strength, he had to conscript local civilians and forcibly drag these innocent people into the battlefield to serve as cannon fodder.

However, these armies, which were expanded from the people, although large in number, were poorly trained, poorly equipped, and in danger of running out of food at any time.

There was fear and anxiety in their eyes, and their hearts were filled with disgust and helplessness towards the war.

Cao Zhen stood on the city wall of Xuzhou City, gazing into the distance with a frown and a serious expression.

His face looked a little thin, and his eyes revealed a hint of anxiety and helplessness.

He knew very well that his current situation was extremely difficult. He had to deal with the fierce attacks of the Han army while also solving the urgent logistical problems.

And breaking through the Han army's defense was as difficult as climbing to the sky.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, is he really going to fail miserably like this?

Just then, a burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence on the city wall.

A spy covered in dust and panting ran up, knelt down in front of Cao Zhen, and reported in a trembling voice: "Reporting to the Grand Commander, the Duke of Ying of Han, Zhao Yun, is leading the elite Han army and is heading towards Xuzhou City. The army is fierce and unstoppable!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhen was shocked and his face turned as pale as paper in an instant.

He stood up suddenly, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from excessive exertion.

There was fear and anxiety in his eyes, as if he saw his own imminent destruction.

He knew very well that Zhao Yun was the best in the Han army, extremely brave and both wise and courageous.

Now that he personally led the elite Han army, it would undoubtedly be a fatal blow to himself.

Cao Zhen took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He understood that he could not panic at this moment and had to make a decision as soon as possible.

He looked around and saw that the soldiers on the city wall were all nervous, whispering, and their morale was low.

He thought to himself, how can I boost the morale of the army and resist Zhao Yun's attack? After a while, Cao Zhen finally made up his mind.

He shouted loudly: "Come here! Pass the order, gather all the soldiers and prepare to defend the city! Order the troops from all over the country to gather in Xuzhou and prepare to encircle Zhao Yun! We must annihilate Zhao Yun here with a thunderous force, only then can we break the situation!"

Although his voice was loud, it could not hide the trembling and anxiety in it.

His eyes flashed with determination and resolve, as if he was ready to fight to the death.

He knew that this was a battle of life and death, and he had to give it his all, otherwise he would be defeated.

As Cao Zhen's order was passed down, the city of Xuzhou suddenly fell into a bustle of activity.

The soldiers were ready to go, preparing for the upcoming fierce battle.

The flags on the city walls fluttered in the wind, as if cheering for the soldiers.

On the field outside the city, the elite troops of the Han army were approaching rapidly, raising dust and filled with murderous intent.

Zhao Yun rode a white horse, holding a spear, and took the lead, leading the elite Han army galloping towards Xuzhou City.

His posture is as straight as a pine tree, his eyes are as sharp as an eagle, and his whole body exudes an unparalleled bravery and domineering aura.

His face was a little dark, but it made him look more resolute and courageous.

His heart was filled with desire for victory and contempt for his enemies.

He knew very well that this battle was of great significance to him.

Not only was it necessary to annihilate Cao Zhen's manpower, but it was also necessary to boost the morale of the Han army and lay a solid foundation for the subsequent battle.

He looked around and saw that the Han soldiers were all in high spirits and morale, as if they had seen the dawn of victory.

As the distance got closer, Zhao Yun shouted loudly: "Soldiers! Xuzhou City is ahead, and Cao Zhen is right in front of us! We must break through Xuzhou City with lightning speed and annihilate Cao Zhen! Let our battle flag fly on the tower of Xuzhou City, and let our heroic name be recorded in history forever!"

His voice was loud and powerful, full of motivation and inspiration.

Upon hearing this, the Han army soldiers responded loudly and their morale was even higher.

They gripped their weapons tightly, with determination flashing in their eyes, as if they were ready to fight for victory.

At this moment, the city of Xuzhou has fallen into a tense and solemn atmosphere.

Cao Zhen, who was on the city wall, felt an inexplicable fear in his heart as he watched the elite Han troops approaching.

He knew very well that he was about to face an unprecedented fierce battle.

However, he did not retreat or show any fear, but stood firmly on the city wall, ready to meet the coming challenge.

He secretly vowed that no matter what the outcome, he would fight with all his might.

Even if he dies, he must make the Han army pay a heavy price.

There was determination and resolve in his eyes, as if he was ready to live and die with Xuzhou City.

As the Han army approaches, a thrilling battle is about to begin.

The fate of Xuzhou City and Cao Zhen's life and death will be revealed in this battle.

The two sides soon launched a fierce offensive and defensive battle around Xuzhou City.

At dawn, the sound of war drums roared, shaking the heavens and the earth, as if foreshadowing that the fighting on that day would be extremely brutal.

The Han army led by Zhao Yun, like a surging tide, attacked Xuzhou City wave after wave.

They came well prepared, with all kinds of siege equipment, including ladders, battering rams, and catapults, all of which were extremely powerful.

Zhao Yun, riding a white horse, wearing silver armor and holding a spear, stood in front of the army, looking heroic and majestic.

His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, revealing his firm will to fight and confidence in victory.

He shouted loudly to boost morale: "Soldiers, today we must capture Xuzhou, capture Cao Zhen, and make great contributions to the Han Dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, the morale of the Han army soldiers rose and their shouts shook the earth, as if they were going to shatter the crystal palace of Xuzhou city.

On the city wall, Cao Zhen's face was solemn, and his eyes revealed a bit of anxiety.

He was wearing armor and holding a long sword, constantly commanding the Wei army defending the city.

However, faced with the Han army's overwhelming offensive, the Wei army seemed unable to cope.

The huge stones thrown by the catapults fell like raindrops, smashing the city tower to the point of collapse; the battering rams hit the city gates again and again, making them shaky and seem like they would collapse at any time.

The Wei army suffered heavy casualties and their morale was low. Fear and despair flashed in the eyes of many.

In just one day, Xuzhou City fell into a precarious situation.

Cao Zhen was extremely anxious. He knew that if this continued, Xuzhou City would definitely be captured.

He could only hope that the armies from all over the country would be able to surround and annihilate Zhao Yun's troops in time.

He kept sending messengers, urging reinforcements from all over the place to come as soon as possible.

However, the situation in various parts of Xuzhou was not what Cao Zhen wanted.

Those "rebel armies" that revolted were originally supported by major families.

Today, these aristocratic families have been annihilated by the Han army. Without follow-up support, how can these people have the fighting power?

Some of them were not very ambitious, and when they saw that the situation was not good, they simply disbanded their troops and fled.

They either hide their identities or flee to other places, just to save their lives.

There are others who are ambitious but have to face the cruel reality.

They knew that they could not compete with the Han army, so they began to plunder and defend themselves.

They robbed the people of their food and property and built fortifications, attempting to use the dangerous terrain and strong fortifications to resist the attack of the Han army.

However, their actions aroused the anger and resistance of the people, making their situation even more isolated and helpless.

There were also some smart people who judged the situation and saw the strength and justice of the Han army.

They knew that continuing to fight against the Han army would only lead to their own destruction, so they began to change their course and prepare to serve as the vanguard of the Han State.

They took the initiative to contact the Han army and expressed their willingness to surrender and submit to the Han Kingdom.

The Han army welcomed their surrender and granted them certain treatment and status.

During the attack and defense of Xuzhou City, the Han army's offensive became increasingly fierce.

Zhao Yun personally led an elite force and rushed to the bottom of the city wall.

He raised his spear high and shouted, "Charge!"

Then he led the way and rushed to the city gate, followed by the Han army soldiers, rushing towards the city gate like a tide.

Seeing this, the Wei soldiers on the city wall shot arrows to resist.

However, the Han army soldiers marched forward bravely, regardless of life and death, using their bodies to block the rain of arrows and open a path for the follow-up troops.

Zhao Yun held a spear and charged left and right as if he was in an empty space.

His spear skills were extremely sharp, and every shot hit the vital points of the Wei army.

The Wei army soldiers fell one after another under his attack, and no one could stop him.

He rushed all the way to the city gate, only to see that it was already crumbling.

He shouted loudly and stabbed the city gate with a powerful shot.

There was a loud bang and the city gate was broken.

The city of Xuzhou seemed like a piece of paper in front of Zhao Yun. (End of this chapter)