With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?
Chapter 373, Zhu Rong's New Man
In this fierce battle, Emperor Liu Xie's figure was like a beacon, illuminating the hearts of every Han soldier. Their worship of Liu Xie ran deep in their bones; it was a reverence and loyalty that came from the soul.
They didn't understand faith or belief, but they were willing to do anything for the emperor.
After a fierce battle, the rebel army in the south was no match for the Han army. They fled in disarray, abandoning their armor and weapons.
Under the protection of his trusted confidants, Meng Huo led his remaining troops back into the city, closed the city gates, and dared not go out to fight.
On the battlefield, smoke filled the air, and corpses littered the ground. The cheers of the Han army in victory echoed between heaven and earth.
Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and others were covered in blood, yet they still looked heroic and valiant. Their bravery filled the Han soldiers with confidence for victory.
Meng Huo kept the city gates tightly shut, resulting in a stalemate with the Han army. Liu Xie frowned, pondering a strategy to defeat the enemy. He sent out scouts to investigate, hoping to find a weakness in the enemy's defenses.
Suddenly, news reached Liu Xie's ears that Meng Huo and Zhu Rong of the Fire God Tribe had not yet married, but the marriage had been arranged.
On this day, Fa Zheng came to see Liu Xie and advised with a smile: "Your Majesty, I have already found out that the woman Meng Huo wants to marry is quite beautiful, and the Fire God tribe is also quite prestigious in the south. Your Majesty, why don't you accept that woman and wait for her to be won over? Then we can pretend to retreat and let their marriage proceed as planned. We can then secretly send some of our own people to sneak into the city and then work together from the inside to seize the city in one fell swoop."
“Even if your idea is good, how can you let that woman marry Meng Huo if she has already fallen for His Majesty?” Zhao Yun retorted directly.
Fa Zheng smiled and said, "General Zilong, this is fake; it's just to deceive Meng Huo."
Zhao Yun snorted lightly, "Even a fake one won't do, it would damage His Majesty's reputation."
Liu Xie waved his hand, indicating that he didn't really care.
Liu Xie decided to meet with Zhu Rong first, so he sent someone to invite her to the camp.
Zhu Rong wore a fiery red leather armor, the tight-fitting garments outlining her graceful yet powerful figure. Her long, jet-black hair was tied up high, flowing in the wind like black silk.
Her face possessed a delicate yet wild beauty, with eyebrows like distant mountains and eyes as bright as stars, conveying courage and determination. Beneath her high, straight nose, her slightly upturned lips exuded an irresistible charm.
Liu Xie gazed at her, inwardly admiring her. Her beauty was unlike that of those delicate and gentle women; it was full of vitality and exuberance.
It's a temperament honed in the grasslands and forests, free and unrestrained, yet possessing a power that commands respect.
Her skin, tanned from years of exposure to the sun and wind, had a healthy wheatish hue, which only added to her unique charm.
When she saw Liu Xie, she was furious, her eyes blazing with anger. "Why did you bring me here? Who are you people?"
Liu Xie glanced at Fa Zheng with a puzzled look. Fa Zheng, however, showed no embarrassment and chuckled, "Your Majesty, time was short, so I had no choice but to have her forcibly brought here."
"You."
Liu Xie sighed, not knowing what to say to him.
Zhu Rong looked at Liu Xie with suspicion, "He calls you Your Majesty, could it be that you are...?"
Liu Xie nodded. "That's right, I am the emperor of the Han Dynasty. This time, we are sending troops to punish Meng Huo and Yong Kai."
Fa Zheng seized the opportunity to interject, "I heard that you and Meng Huo are already engaged. I think you should give up the idea of marrying Meng Huo as soon as possible. Meng Huo led troops in rebellion and will surely be executed. Why don't you marry our Emperor and lend us a hand?"
Zhu Rong couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. She had just gotten engaged, and now she was being asked to change her man again. Even if the social atmosphere in the South was open-minded, she couldn't just change her man so easily.
"What if I don't agree?" Zhu Rong asked after a while.
Fa Zheng smiled and said, "Even if you don't marry His Majesty, Meng Huo is doomed. He might even implicate you. You might as well think it over carefully."
Fa Zheng's smile grew wider, but a hint of cunning was hidden within it.
If Zhu Rong refused, Fa Zheng advised the emperor to use force. In short, the matter had to be resolved, otherwise, she would not be allowed to leave.
Liu Xie waved his hand gently, "I respect your wishes. If you do not agree, you can go back immediately and choose another husband in the future."
Fa Zheng was so anxious that he stamped his feet, feeling that the emperor shouldn't be doing this.
Women? Just accept it directly, is there any need to be polite with her?
Fa Zheng hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, if she does not agree, we will have no choice but to launch a full-scale attack. In that case, the number of casualties will be incalculable. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."
Fa Zheng glanced at Zhu Rong again and said, "Girl, marrying the emperor won't treat you badly, so what are you still hesitating about?"
Zhu Rong hesitated for a moment, looked at Liu Xie again, and suddenly said, "Although you are the emperor of the Han Dynasty, I do not like weak men."
Zhu Rong was wild by nature from a young age, possessing an unruly temperament. Liu Xie's refined and cultured appearance inevitably disappointed her.
Some women are naturally drawn to strong men!
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Zhu Rong stood in the center of the arena with bright eyes and a heroic bearing, and loudly requested Emperor Liu Xie to participate in the contest.
Liu Xie smiled slightly, readily agreed, and calmly stepped into the venue.
Holding a ten-foot-long spear, Zhu Rong looked majestic. She didn't think Liu Xie was that powerful, and even found it somewhat amusing that the emperor agreed to spar with him.
"You'd better be careful, or I'll hurt you."
Liu Xie remained calm, smiled faintly, and slowly drew his sword.
Zhu Rong let out a shout and launched the first attack. Her long spear, like a dragon emerging from the sea, thrust straight at Liu Xie with fierce momentum.
Liu Xie, however, appeared calm and unhurried. With a light flick of his sword, his seemingly frail figure displayed extraordinary agility and composure. He dodged Zhu Rong's fierce thrust, his sword moving with him, his steps light and graceful.
A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Rong's eyes. She then brandished her long spear, her moves becoming increasingly fierce and powerful.
But Liu Xie's sword moved like a nimble snake, skillfully deflecting her attacks. Each clash between the sword and the long spear sparked dazzling sparks, eliciting gasps of amazement from the crowd.
Over the years, Liu Xie has never slacked off in his swordsmanship. Whenever he has time, he practices every day. Every movement of his is just right, seemingly gentle, yet containing profound power.
Despite Zhu Rong's relentless and fierce attacks, he remained calm, his gaze focused and resolute.
Zhu Rong fought with increasing ferocity, her long spear wielding with impenetrable force. Liu Xie also ceased his purely defensive stance, suddenly shifting his attack from defense to offense.
He flashed forward, his sword piercing out like lightning, aiming straight for Zhu Rong's vitals. Zhu Rong was startled and quickly defended, and the two instantly fell into a fierce stalemate.
Everyone around watched the exciting sparring with bated breath. Sunlight shone on the two men, highlighting their resolute features.
Taking advantage of a moment of weakness in Zhu Rong's defenses, Liu Xie skillfully deflected her long spear, the tip flashing past her eyes. Zhu Rong was startled, realizing she had lost this round.
However, there was no anger in her eyes; instead, her fighting spirit ignited even stronger. The battle became increasingly intense, but Liu Xie was ultimately more skilled. Soon, he once again deflected Zhu Rong's weapon, and his longsword pierced through the air, pressing against Zhu Rong's chest.
Liu Xie steadily stopped the sword, and Zhu Rong's breathing became rapid, her chest heaving as if waves were rising.
Zhu Rong was completely convinced and praised, "I never expected you to be so unassuming. Your swordsmanship is so superb. I lose. I'm willing to be your woman!"
The uninhibited nature of the women in the south made Liu Xie mistakenly believe that he had traveled back to the modern era.
It was somewhat unexpected for him, but then he thought, since a woman had already agreed, what was there for him to hesitate about?
Besides, having another woman by his side, who is also quite attractive, means he won't be at a disadvantage.
So Liu Xie nodded in agreement.
After a period of stalemate, Liu Xie ordered a retreat.
After receiving the news, Meng Huo personally went out of the city to investigate and confirmed that the Han army had indeed withdrawn. Meng Huo then laughed triumphantly: "The emperor is nothing special. Faced with the strong cities of the south, he has no choice but to retreat."
Therefore, Meng Huo decided to hold the wedding as scheduled and sent people to the Fire God's tribe to fetch the bride.
Liu Xie secretly selected a group of shrewd and capable soldiers and had them disguise themselves as Zhu Rong's attendants, sneaking into the city.
The sky over Nanzhong was exceptionally blue, and the sunlight bathed the land, creating a festive atmosphere. Today was the wedding day of Meng Huo and Zhu Rong, and the entire city was immersed in jubilation.
The streets were decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and red ribbons fluttered in the breeze. People's faces beamed with radiant smiles. The wedding procession was grand and imposing, accompanied by the resounding beat of drums and music.
Meng Huo rode a tall horse, dressed in a magnificent wedding robe, a triumphant smile on his face. He straightened his back and waved to the cheering crowds on both sides.
The wedding venue was beautifully decorated, adorned with flowers and fluttering colorful flags. Under the huge tent, a sumptuous feast was laid out, filling the air with enticing aromas.
The guests, dressed in their finest attire, chatted and laughed, offering their best wishes to Meng Huo and Zhu Rong.
Zhu Rong sat in an elaborately decorated sedan chair, her beautiful face partially obscured by a thin veil.
The wedding ceremony began, and Meng Huo excitedly walked towards the bridal sedan chair, personally welcoming Zhu Rong down. Zhu Rong was dressed in a red wedding gown, and her beauty captivated everyone present.
During the banquet, people drank and danced to their hearts' content. Fine wines and delicacies were served continuously, and everyone raised their glasses in celebration, offering their blessings to the newlyweds.
Meng Huo moved among the guests, accepting their congratulations. His laughter was hearty and unrestrained, and his pride was evident.
"Today, I, Meng Huo, have married such a beautiful bride; it is truly a great blessing in my life!" Meng Huo raised his wine cup and said loudly.
Everyone echoed their agreement, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.
However, at this joyous moment, fierce shouts of battle suddenly erupted from the city gate. Meng Huo's face instantly darkened, and an ominous premonition welled up in his heart.
"What's going on?" Meng Huo roared.
A soldier rushed in, reporting in a panic, "Something terrible has happened! A fierce battle has broken out at the south gate, and someone is trying to seize the city!"
Meng Huo was startled and hurriedly led his trusted followers toward the city gate.
The city gates were already in chaos. It turned out that Han soldiers had infiltrated the city, led by Ma Xiu and Ma Tie, who had previously blended in with Zhu Rong's retinue.
Taking advantage of the wedding festivities, they launched a surprise attack and successfully opened the city gates.
Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others led the Han army into the city like a tidal wave. Guan Yu, wielding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, was awe-inspiring, and wherever he went, enemy soldiers fell. Zhang Fei brandished his eighteen-foot spear, roaring loudly.
"I, Zhang Fei, have arrived! Your marriage is over!" Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly.
The sudden attack by the Han army caught Meng Huo's troops off guard. They hastily engaged in battle amidst the chaos, but were utterly unable to withstand the powerful offensive of the Han army.
"kill!"
After Guan Yu entered the city, he gave an order, which greatly boosted the morale of the Han army, who then charged forward bravely.
When Meng Huo arrived at the city gate, he was met with a scene of utter carnage. His soldiers had suffered heavy casualties and were retreating in disarray.
"Damn Han army! How dare you ruin my plans!" Meng Huo roared angrily, brandishing his weapon and charging towards the Han army.
But the Han army, with overwhelming momentum, surged into the city like a raging flood. Meng Huo, though brave, also felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
What was supposed to be a joyous and festive wedding instantly turned into a nightmare, plunging the city into war and chaos.
The Han army stormed into the city like a surging tide, their shouts of battle and the clash of weapons shattering the joyous and peaceful atmosphere of the wedding.
Looking at the rapidly deteriorating chaos, Meng Huo's face darkened. He knew that the situation was hopeless, and his priority was to leave with Zhu Rong in order to make a comeback in the future.
"Zhurong, come with me!" Meng Huo shouted after finding Zhurong and reached out to pull her.
However, to his utter surprise, the warmth in Zhu Rong's eyes was gone, replaced by a deep resolve.
Just as Meng Huo's hand was about to touch her, Zhu Rong suddenly pulled out a dagger, its cold light flashing.
Meng Huo's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief. "Zhu Rong, you..."
Zhu Rong's hand did not tremble at all. She gripped the dagger tightly and used all her strength to stab Meng Huo in the heart.
The dagger pierced through Meng Huo's clothes and plunged deep into his chest, blood gushing out instantly and staining his magnificent wedding robes red.
Meng Huo groaned in pain, staggering back a few steps. He stared in disbelief at the woman he was about to marry, his eyes filled with shock, confusion, and anguish.
"Why? Zhu Rong, why?" Meng Huo asked in shock, his voice filled with despair and resentment.
Zhu Rong showed no pity. She gritted her teeth and said, "Meng Huo, you barbarian! You only know how to be brave and fierce, stirring up war and causing suffering to the people. I, Zhu Rong, refuse to associate with you any longer! I'll make sure you die knowing why I'm killing you on behalf of my man!"
Meng Huo gasped for breath, trying to grab Zhu Rong's hand, "Zhu Rong, your man? Who's your man?"
Meng Huo was dumbfounded. He was her man, wasn't he? How did another one suddenly appear?
Matthew rushed over and, seeing this, was also incredulous, muttering in confusion, "His Majesty didn't tell her to do it, so why did she do it herself?" (End of Chapter)
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