I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 542: The atmosphere is subtle, Zilong confronts Wen Pin

"Zilong, please remember that this mission is of great significance."

At Yique Pass, Su Yao told Zhao Yun:
"Wen Pin is a warrior after all."

"Zilong must explain the pros and cons and the righteousness. When necessary, he must also be prepared to show his power. He must not let down the prestige of our army and let him underestimate us."

"I will finally understand!"

After receiving the order, Zhao Yun prepared his luggage without any delay, took Lu Zhi's letter and more than ten guards, and rode out of the pass at high speed, heading straight for Wen Pin's team.

Along the way, Zhao Yun rode at full speed, traveling day and night, and arrived at Wen Pin's camp just one day later.

At this time, this army of 5,000 people was no longer in Nanyang but had entered Sili and camped twenty miles northwest of Liang County.

Zhao Yun stood outside the camp and saw that the camp was neatly arranged with flags flying, and the soldiers in the camp were training in an orderly manner. He secretly praised this man for his strict military discipline, and his evaluation of this Sima Wen increased a little bit.

Just as Zhao Yun was looking around the camp, he knew that the guards would not just let these people hang around at the gate, so they stepped forward and asked to verify their identities.

"Zhao Zilong of Changshan, under the order of Marquis Guanjun, has come to pay a visit to Sima Wen."

Zhao Yun announced his identity and purpose in a loud and dignified voice.

He thought that this army, which was secretly colluding with him, would give him a warm welcome, or at least an equal reception without servility or arrogance.
However, Zhao Yun did not expect that these people showed a serious vigilance, and even seemed to have some inexplicable hostility in secret?

How is this going?

Zhao Yun frowned slightly and held the sword at his waist with his right hand:
"Do you have any difficulties?"

The captain of the guard was embarrassed when he heard this. After hesitating for a moment, he whispered:

"General Zhao, it's not that we are being negligent on purpose. It's just that the camp has been busy these days. In addition, some incidents have occurred in the camp in recent days. Sima Wen has ordered that we must be extra cautious with outside visitors."

"You came at an unfortunate time. Why don't you go to the city ahead to rest and come back another day?"

Zhao Yun frowned when he heard this. He was keenly aware of the subtle emotions in the guard captain's words and became suspicious.

Your Excellency has made it very clear about this mission. There must be no mistakes. This concerns the lives and safety of our colleagues at Yique Pass.

Therefore, facing the captain's persuasion to retreat, Zhao Yun resolutely shook his head and refused:
"I have urgent military matters to discuss with Sima Wen. This matter concerns the overall situation of the world and the lives of all of you. It cannot be delayed!"

"Please be accommodating and allow me to meet with Sima Wen immediately."

The captain of the guard looked embarrassed, but seeing Zhao Yun's firm attitude and sincere words, he hesitated for a moment and finally said:
"Since General Zhao insists, I will go and inform him, but please wait for a moment, General Zhao."

After that, the captain of the guard left in a hurry. Not long after, he returned and said to Zhao Yun, "Sima Wen agrees to see you, but please let General Zhao follow me."

Zhao Yun nodded, feeling a little relieved, and called for his followers to follow him. However, he immediately realized something was wrong.

The captain of the guard actually led them in a circle, and instead of going through the main gate in the north, they went to the side door on the west side of the camp gate.

By the way, the guards even brought over the horses that were tied outside the main gate.

"Why don't we go through the main gate?" Zhao Yun was puzzled.

Upon hearing this, the captain of the guard looked a little embarrassed and explained, "General Zhao, to be honest, there are indeed special arrangements in the camp recently. There has been a lot of traffic at the main gate. In order to avoid disturbing the camp's affairs, we will guide the distinguished guests in through the side door. I hope General Zhao will forgive me."

Although Zhao Yun had some doubts in his heart, he remained calm on the surface and nodded, saying, "I see. Thank you, Captain, for leading the way."

As the captain of the guard passed through the side door, Zhao Yun and his party entered the camp. Although the soldiers they saw along the way were well-trained, the atmosphere was more tense than outside the camp. Zhao Yun was secretly alert, looking around with a sharp gaze, and soon they were brought to a side tent.

"Sima Wen is still handling military affairs. General Zhao, please take a rest here for a while."

After saying that, the captain of the guard left in a hurry, leaving behind several fully armed and strong guards to watch over them.

“Not good, not good, not good!”

Inside the tent, Zhao Yun's fellow countryman Li Ji said in a panic:
"How can they regard us as their allies?"

"It's like being on guard like a thief!"

"I think this Wen has bad intentions. I hope he won't come back and find a chance to chop off our heads and send them to Dong Zhuo."

Zhao Yun's eyes shone when he heard this, and he said in a low voice: "Don't talk nonsense, everything remains to be seen."

He knew that this was a heavy responsibility and that he could not afford to make any mistakes. Even if he had doubts in his mind, he had to remain calm and vigilant.

Zhao Yun stood up and paced in the tent, thinking about how to deal with this sudden change.

However, Zhao Yun and his companions who were trapped in this side tent had no information and were unable to make an effective response.

Fortunately, Wen Pin did not capture them directly, but sent someone here at dusk to invite Zhao Yun to meet him in the general's tent.

"Everyone pay attention to me."

Before Zhao Yun set out, he gathered with his trusted men and whispered:

"Right now our future is uncertain and the Nanyang Army's intentions are unclear. We must all do our best to find out what happened here while we can still move, so that we can prepare for the response."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and after Zhao Yun gave a few more instructions, he took a deep breath, straightened his clothes and armor, strode out of the tent, and headed towards the central army commander's tent.

The lights were on inside the general's tent. Wen Pin had been waiting for a long time. His face was solemn, and a subtle complex emotion flashed in his eyes. When he saw Zhao Yun, he bowed slightly and motioned Zhao Yun to take a seat.

"General Zhao, you have come a long way and have worked hard." Wen Pin's voice was steady and powerful, yet with a hint of subtle temptation.

"Sir Wen, your words are too serious. I am just a clerk in the general's office and I am not worthy of the title of general."

After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, Zhao Yun got straight to the point and handed over the letter:

"Sir, I am here on behalf of Lord Su and Lord Lu. I have many questions in my mind. I hope you can enlighten me."

"The champion marquis is the bravest in the world, and Lu Gong is a great scholar in the country. I have always admired them. If the Zhao family asks anything, I know I will answer it."

Wen Pin bowed slightly. Although his tone was polite, the wariness in his eyes was clearly visible.

Zhao Yun took a deep breath and got straight to the point:

"After Marquis Guanjun and Minister Lu issued a manifesto to call on the world to fight against the traitor Dong Zhuo, many princes and heroes followed suit."

"Nanyang County is the number one county in the world, and the army led by Sima Wen is also the most powerful in the world. They should be the first to bear the brunt, hold high the banner of justice, and lead the heroes."

"However, since the announcement was made, the Nanyang Army, which is closest to the capital, has not responded publicly. Instead, it has acted in secret and has been cautious against friendly forces. What is the reason for this?"

(End of this chapter)