Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 289 Going through fire and water, following each other to the death!
Xuzhou, Donghai Commandery.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the sea breeze swept the waves against the shore.

Suddenly, the fog parted a little, the sky brightened, and heavy dark shadows appeared on the sea surface, like dark clouds pressing down on the city, sweeping in from all directions.

As they approached, one could see rows of ships, their masts like a forest, banners fluttering in the wind, bearing the four characters: "Acting on behalf of Heaven."

Armored soldiers, holding spears and wearing yellow turbans, stood in formation, their drums thundering like lightning, shattering the tranquility of Xuzhou and pressing in with overwhelming force.

On the ship, Gan Ning frowned and asked, looking at the Donghai County that was about to dock.

"Brother Jiang, weren't we ordered to transport supplies to Gongsun Zan?"
Why have we not gone to Youzhou, but instead landed in Xuzhou?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qin smiled mysteriously, "Xingba often asks me why the King of Han has ordered us to support Gongsun Zan, yet he hasn't brought any supplies."

I tell you, you will know when the time comes.

It seems that today is the day when the divine secret has been revealed!

As he spoke, he waved his hand and pointed towards Xuzhou.

"Xingba, let's see."

Xuzhou is rich in grain and resources, and since the last time someone came, the powerful families and wealthy clans have been plundering the people's wealth for a whole year.

This is precisely the time for us to act on behalf of Heaven!

He then ordered the boat to dock, shouting in a practiced, loud voice:

"The Emperor Star shines in the North Star; this is the time when the Yellow Heaven shall rise!"

The soldiers were clearly in sync with this, skillfully taking out yellow turbans to cover their faces and responding in unison:
"The hidden brilliance of the Purple Star foretells the impending demise of the Han Dynasty!"

Gan Ning: “???”

Before he could even process what was happening, Jiang Qin handed him a yellow veil covering his face, saying:
"Xingba, remember this: from now on, you must address me as General Haigong, the fourth brother of the great and virtuous teacher Zhang Jiao."

Your other elder brother, Zhao Yun, when he came last time, called himself General Longgong and said he was the posthumous son of Zhang Jiao.

To act prudently, you should also adopt a nickname and decide on an identity, so that you can give your name if you encounter enemy troops.

Gan Ning: "."

Although he felt something was off, he roughly understood what it meant.

Good heavens, so he's back to his old ways, coming to Xuzhou to freeload. No wonder the King of Han said he was sure he could do it.

After a moment's thought, I realized that you've already taken the names of Heaven, Earth, Man, Sea, and Dragon. What can I call myself then?
After a moment, Gan Ning replied:
"If that's the case, then call me General Ghost, so that Zhang Jiao's wronged soul may not die and may rise from the netherworld. My heart is set on destroying the Han, and I will die a hundred times without regret!"

Jiang Qin was shocked!

Looking at Gan Ning with an expression that said, "Well done! With such a nickname, you'll scare him half to death before the battle even begins."

The powerful families of Xuzhou would tremble at the mere mention of your name; how could they dare to fight?

"That's exactly right!"
As long as the Han dynasty survives, and Zhang Jiao lives on, we today act on behalf of Heaven to uphold the Great Way, to overthrow the Han dynasty and save the people. This is to fulfill the last wish of our great and virtuous teacher, and we will fight to the death!

The two men hit it off immediately, stopped their ships, and led a massive naval force of 20,000 men to attack Donghai County.

"You people eat the people's blood and squander their wealth! Heaven has no eyes, the Yellow Heaven will punish you!"

Within days, the governors of Donghai County, who had experienced the same thing last year, urgently issued a call:

"Oh no! Those thieves from last year who can use sorcery, fly, turn beans into soldiers, and are invulnerable to swords and spears are back!"

Having gained fame last time, they saw the Yellow Turbans coming in overwhelming numbers again. They knew that when these people came before, they liked to kill corrupt officials and enforce the law after breaking through the city in order to win the hearts of the people.

The local prefect was already terrified at the mere mention of it and had abandoned the city to flee; how could he possibly stop him?
In just a few days, they conquered three counties, robbed the rich to help the poor, and distributed porridge and grain widely.

Not only did they display the name of Huang Tian in the East China Sea, but they also prepared a considerable amount of supplies for the ship's cargo hold to be transported.

But to their surprise, they encountered a problem just as they were about to return home.

Having learned from his previous experience, Lü Bu was equally worried that the coast would be plundered again for no apparent reason.

He then ordered Zhang Liao to lead troops to guard Donghai Commandery in preparation for any unforeseen events.

Just as Jiang Qin and Gan Ning raised their banners and began their attack on the first county town, Zhang Liao had already received the news.

Having learned from his previous experience, he knew that a direct confrontation would only scare away the moth thieves who could fly and disappear.

Once they escape to the sea again, no matter how hard we try to catch them, we can only watch helplessly as they drift away.

Therefore, Zhang Liao blocked their only way back to the ship, set up camp, and waited to fight the enemy to the death.

In fact, Zhang Liao's original plan was to take advantage of the Yellow Turban rebels' looting to launch a surprise attack on the coast, board the ships in small boats, cut off the Yellow Turban rebels' retreat, and ensure that they would never return.

However, they did not expect that Gan Ning and his men were well-versed in naval warfare and had already made arrangements for this.

After dropping off Gan Ning and the others, the ships that were supposed to act on behalf of Heaven had their trusted sailors sail away and watch from afar. They would only dock again when Gan Ning and the others appeared.

Zhang Liao also tried several times to board the ship in a small boat, but the people on the ship saw him coming and sailed into deeper water.

The sea was too rough, and the small boat capsized frequently. When a wave came, it was impossible to even maintain a stable direction.

It truly caused Zhang Liao, a general who had fought on horseback his entire life, to suffer greatly, and in the end, he could only sigh in despair.

Seeing that the attempt to seize the ship was no longer feasible, he resorted to a less desirable option: leading his troops to block the Yellow Turban rebels' return journey.

Meanwhile, Jiang Qin and Gan Ning were packing up their troops and returning home laden with spoils when a scout came to report.

Zhang Liao, a general in Lü Bu's army, led 20,000 troops, set up camp in front of them, and blocked their retreat.

Jiang Qin and Gan Ning discussed, "Zhang Liao is a general under Lü Bu, experienced in battle, and well-versed in military strategy."

Today, we must not underestimate them. After all, we are a naval force fighting on land, and we cannot launch a direct attack.

They first established a fortified camp for defense, while secretly dispatching small teams to enter the sea from elsewhere to communicate with the ships and find another place to board, in order to relocate.

Gan Ning frowned and said:
"Brother Jiang's words are mature and prudent."

However, Zhang Liao was no fool. If we wanted to leave, would he let us go?
Now, returning with the baggage train, the march is slow. If they become entangled, how will we escape?

Jiang Qin was about to say that at this point, with their return route blocked, they shouldn't worry about supplies.

If Zhang Liao's army picks up the abandoned supplies, it will slow down their pursuit. In the end, they can escape.
However, before he could speak, Gan Ning slammed his hand on the table and stood up, proclaiming loudly:

"When two armies meet on a narrow path, the brave one will prevail!"

Zhang Liao is now blocking our way, and he doesn't yet know our strength or weakness.

We must first blunt their morale and intimidate their spirit, then press on with all our might, break through their lines, and return to our large ship.

Jiang Qin: "Huh???"

No, bro, is it really that radical?
Is it possible that we are the online army and they are the ground army?
They even have cavalry, I say?

You mean, we, a bunch of naval forces, should go all out and smash through their cavalry and army camps?
Qin then asked him:
"The enemy is strong; how can we defeat them?"

Gan Ning said:
"We now have one hundred horses for transporting supplies, and one hundred sets of armor prepared by the King of Han for Zilong, which is enough to defeat the enemy!"

I, with a hundred horsemen, raided the enemy camp, burning and killing them. Brother Jiang, seeing the enemy's camp ablaze and in chaos, you should sound the war drums, shout to the heavens, and charge into the enemy camp, defeating them in one fell swoop!

Jiang Qin: "???"

No, what are you doing?
You told me that you were going to lead a hundred men out for a night raid, intending to throw the enemy into chaos and set their lines ablaze?

I'll bring 20,000 men. After you've routed the enemy with just 100 men, I'll come and help you.

You...you should think about this carefully. Was what you just said even human language?

Just as Jiang Qin was about to refute, a figure suddenly flashed through his mind.

It is none other than General Long Gong Zilong!

When Zilong cooperated with him, it seemed to be the same: one man, one horse, and one silver spear, treating a million enemy soldiers as nothing!
Although I cannot do it myself, perhaps each of the King of Han's adopted sons has extraordinary abilities.
Jiang Qin remained silent for a long time, carefully examining Gan Ning before him, and asked:
"A hundred riders raiding the camp, Xingba, are you really ready?"

"With a large number of men, it is inconvenient to move around. A hundred heavily armored cavalrymen rampage through the enemy camp, and no one can stop them!"

"Too many people breed chaos and create obstacles." After saying this, Gan Ning noticed Jiang Qin's dejected expression and laughed heartily, saying:
Why does Gong Yi act like a daughter?
A man is born to make a name for himself!
I would rather die in this battle than regret dying young; my only regret is that my name will not be known to the world!
On the battlefield, the brave will gain an early advantage!

"Father above, Heaven blesses me! This is the perfect time to display my might! I will surely let all the lords of the world know of my might!"

"General, you are so brave and valiant, how could I not risk my life to accompany you?"

On the other side, Zhang Liao's camp.

Seeing that the Yellow Turban rebels had arrived, Zhang Liao said to his men:

"The enemy has arrived. We can launch a night attack to break their momentum and then block them from entering."

Cao Xing and Wei Xu, whom Lü Bu had sent to assist him in commanding troops, remained silent upon hearing this.

"With the enemy in front, we are well-rested and waiting for them to tire themselves out. Why shouldn't we fight?"

Cao Xing hesitated before replying:

"I have heard that this thief has received the true teachings of Zhang Jiao and is skilled in using sorcery to harm people. He will launch a night attack, and I fear that victory will be difficult to achieve."

Wei Xu also said, "Now that we have blocked their way back, we only need to stay here and defend."

His isolated army, stationed here, will inevitably collapse in the long run.

"Nonsense!"

If we do not seize this opportunity to break through their lines and kill the enemy, and they flee to seek refuge in Xuzhou, the Yellow Turban Rebellion will rage like wildfire and become a great calamity.

However, Cao Xing and Wei Xu clearly disregarded his concerns.

"If the rebels dare to advance into Xuzhou, General Lü will kill them!"

"That's right, all we need to do is block his way and prevent him from escaping."

When General Lü's army arrives, this bandit will be no match for them.

Zhang Liao felt that the two men were short-sighted and not worth discussing things with, so he turned and left.

"Tonight I will personally lead three thousand cavalrymen in a night raid on the enemy, and fight to the death."

After saying this, he ordered his men to prepare the horses and left with a sigh.

That night, Gan Ning took the best of the looted baggage and rewarded the three armies.

He also gave an additional fifty jars of wine and fifty catties of mutton as a reward to the one hundred bravest men.

After the hundred people were seated in order, Gan Ning first filled his cup with wine, drank it all in one gulp, and then said to them:
"Now the King of Han has erected the Lingyan Pavilion and the Hall of Merit to reward those who have made contributions."

This is the kind of person who uses his martial skills. A true man is not afraid of not having a reputation, but only of not having accomplished anything.

The people of Huainan are free from war, which is something we should all envy.

Tonight, follow me in a desperate raid on the stronghold, achieve unparalleled feats, and win eternal fame!

Are you afraid?

As Gan Ning recounted the various benefits and rewards of the Lingyan Pavilion and the Hall of Merit, the generals' eyes burned with fervor, and they all exclaimed:

"If the general, as the adopted son of the King of Han, is not afraid of death, then what do we, mere commoners, have to fear?"

"I am willing to die alongside the general, to achieve unparalleled merit, and to make my name known throughout the land!"

"Very well! Gentlemen, please drink this cup to the brim. May Heaven protect us, and may we bravely advance!"

Everyone bowed and said, "Heaven above, we will follow you through life and death!"

They then drank heartily and ate all the wine and meat. At the second watch of the night, they went out of the camp and formed ranks. A hundred men were armored and on horseback, fully equipped.

Gan Ning ordered that a hundred cotton-padded coats be taken to keep warm, and that they be soaked in water and worn over his armor.

With the year-end approaching, everyone was freezing cold, but fortunately, the effects of the alcohol hadn't worn off yet, so they were still able to endure it.

Gan Ning then ordered his men to bring out brocade sails, making a hundred of them, soaking them in kerosene, and in front of everyone, he was the first to tie one to his body as a cloak.

This was the fire-controlling technique he learned while watching street performances in Shouchun.

He then addressed his generals:
"When the camp is burned, the fire will start from you and me. Either we kill our way through the enemy before the fire is extinguished, and then we can take off our clothes."

"Either we are engulfed in flames, or we perish together in the chaos of war!"

After speaking, he led his troops, fully armored and gagged, to Zhang Liao's camp at full speed.

On the other side, Zhang Liao also led 3,000 cavalrymen, taking advantage of the night, to quietly approach Gan Ning's army.

In the darkness of night, neither army dared to make a sound, and they moved silently toward each other.

As they approached, they saw many figures in the darkness of the night, which greatly alarmed both sides!
Zhang Liao was horrified, realizing that his plan had failed and he had fallen into an enemy ambush.
He urgently ordered his army to retreat in formation, remaining vigilant and constantly alert to any enemy forces lying in ambush nearby.

In contrast, Gan Ning didn't have this problem!
He was equally shocked, not expecting the enemy to be so cunning as to have seen through his plan.

But he only had a hundred men!

Why withdraw?

What good would it do if my mere hundred people withdrew?

So what if we fall into an ambush?
The situation can't get any worse anyway!

He only has a hundred men, and it's a fight to the death, so what is there to fear?

It's true that those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose.

He cried out urgently:
"Fire!"
When two armies meet on a narrow path, only the brave will prevail!

Why don't you gentlemen be prepared to die for your cause?

Heaven is dead; let divine punishment be carried out to burn the Han dynasty!

The Yellow Heaven shall rise, riding the blazing flames and treading upon the sea of ​​fire!

"All generals, heed my command! Follow me through the flames!"

After saying this, Gan Ning was the first to set his brocade robe ablaze and walk away amidst the flames.

"We'll go through fire and water, even death!"

After he finished speaking, all one hundred people lit the fire, and in an instant, the brocade robes of hundreds of people fluttered in the wind, and the flames danced endlessly.

Fortunately, only the cloak caught fire, which fluttered wildly during the charge, and the soaked cotton clothes, combined with the full-coverage heavy armor, prevented any immediate harm.

On the other hand, Zhang Liao's army on the opposite side was simply astonishing.

They had already retreated in formation under Zhang Liao's orders, and knew they had fallen into an ambush. Now that they saw a hundred fire-men charging towards them, how could they not be afraid?

Then Gan Ning charged into the enemy ranks, blocking their advance with unstoppable force.

"General Ghost Lord, Zhang Jiao is here!"

Heaven is dead, Huang Tian shall stand!
"Let this fire burn the Han Dynasty to ashes!"

"It's Zhang Jiao's sorcery!"

"The sorcerer Zhang Jiao has come to attack. How can we mere mortals possibly stand against him?"

"Damn it! These fire-wielding warriors are impervious to swords and spears; they must be Yellow Turban warriors under Zhang Jiao's command!"

"Immune to water and fire, and impervious to swords and blades!"
This is a divine weapon! Who can stand against it?

After only a brief encounter with these fire-breathing figures, seeing that they were impervious to swords and spears, and could not be harmed by water or fire, and even shouting the name of Zhang Jiao of the Yellow Heaven, how could Zhang Liao's army dare to fight?

The original formation retreat immediately turned into a hasty escape, and Zhang Liao was unable to stop it for a while.

Knowing he could not allow the enemy to run rampant, Zhang Liao picked up his spear and spurred his horse, ready to fight Gan Ning.

Gan Ning knew that his time was limited, and all the men had followed him on this perilous journey. If they could not defeat the enemy in a short time, their mere hundred men would be doomed!
He then completely ignored Zhang Liao, fought his way through the enemy lines, and chased after the fleeing soldiers, heading straight for Zhang Liao's camp.

(End of this chapter)