Three Kingdoms: Conquer Wu from Maicheng with Cavalry and Swords, Don't Fall Behind

The path to Linju is winding and desolate, the mountains and fields vast and silent. A chill permeates the forest, eerily moving.

A soldier from Wu rubbed his hands together, exhaling white breath, and uttered a heartfelt sigh:

"Actually, there's not much difference between peaceful times and times of war. We ordinary people still have to risk our lives to make a living."

My companion sneezed loudly, bringing out a string of smelly snot, which he then flicked away:

"In times of peace, we plant in spring and harvest in autumn, paying grain and taxes; in times of war, we flee from the ravages of war and become displaced. Only the way of life has changed, but the struggle for survival has never changed."

Upon hearing these words, Pan Zhang let out a hearty laugh and downed a mouthful of strong liquor.

"When I was young, I was unruly and dissolute, addicted to wine. My family was destitute and had no savings. Whenever I smelled the aroma of wine, I couldn't help but drool. I would often go to the store to buy wine, promising to repay it sooner or later."

"The tavern owner, pitying my boldness and fearing my many vices, had no choice but to bring out his treasured possessions."

"I drank excessively and accumulated huge debts. At the end of the year, creditors swarmed to my door demanding repayment, making a ruckus. They grabbed my clothes, snatched my wine cup, and glared at me angrily."

Pan Zhang, his eyes still blurry with drunkenness, leaned against a pine tree, a squinting smile on his face. He casually tossed aside the empty jar, untied the wine gourd from his waist, and leisurely drank it down.

I replied: "Gentlemen, do not be hasty. The world is about to descend into chaos. A true man should wield his sword and establish his name. If I gain wealth and honor in the future, I will repay you tenfold."

"The creditors looked at each other in astonishment and scoffed, 'What nonsense is this beggar! How could he ever become rich?' I remained calm, pushed the creditors aside, staggered out the door, and sang in the market. Everyone thought I had gone mad because I couldn't pay my debts."

"After the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, I resolutely joined the army and followed the Emperor. For my merits, I was awarded the title of General Zhenwei, commanding a hundred officers and stationed in half of the province. Tell me, when will I ever have a day of wealth and honor when the world is at peace?"

"My former creditors didn't dare ask for their money back; instead, they fawned over me, giving me money. The more credit they extended to me, the more they gave me. Tell me, in a peaceful world, could anyone live as carefree as I do?"

Pan Zhang had a dark complexion, and a large gold lock around his neck swayed precariously. He was extravagant by nature, secretly setting up a market within the military camp to reap huge profits. He also enjoyed extorting wealthy and powerful families, never sparing even the rich men under his command.

Having experienced poverty and been terrified of it, once they have power, they naturally become even more ruthless in their pursuit of wealth.

The officials reported this to Sun Quan, but Sun Quan, remembering Pan Zhang's past service, ignored it. Pan Zhang became increasingly arrogant and reckless. Others said he was brave but lacked strategy and would die on the battlefield sooner or later.

Little did people know that many of the clever men of Jiangdong died young. Taishi Ci, Zhou Yu, and Lu Su—their virtues were so high, yet none of them are still serving under the emperor.

Pan Zhang possessed his own political acumen, creating "controllable leverage" for the monarch. In doing so, he demonstrated loyalty, dispelled suspicion, and tied his personal safety to the monarch's power, thereby gaining greater trust and more room for autocratic rule.

If Zhou Yu had been half as clever as him, he wouldn't have suffered from suspicion. He was more handsome than his lord, his achievements surpassed his lord's, and his character was flawless—truly a path to death.

The soldiers admired and feared Pan Zhang's charisma after hearing his words; no one would dare offend such a vengeful and vengeful villain.

The sound of galloping hooves rang out, and the messenger shouted, "Report! Maicheng has sent troops to attack the Northern Camp. General Zhu Ran has ordered me to come and request reinforcements."

Pan Zhang shook his head, sobering up considerably. He carefully read the letter, confirming it was Zhu Ran's handwriting and bore the official seal.

"What a shrewd Guan Yu! He really dares to take the initiative and attack. Does he really think there's no one else in Jiangdong?"

The Jiangdong youths, recalling the might of the Martial Saint, remained silent. Their first battle against him had been fraught with hardship, and Ma Zhong had perished. To hastily send reinforcements would not be a wise choice.

"Zhu Ran's camp is impregnable; there's no need to reinforce it. I suspect Guan Yu is using a feint, his real target being Father. Given his bravery, how can we possibly withstand him?"

The speaker was a burly man with a rugged appearance and a fierce and resolute nature. He was skilled with a broadsword and had the bearing of a military family's son, but he lacked refinement and behaved improperly, which made him notorious in the army.

This man was Pan Ping, son of Pan Zhang. Historically, Sun Quan could not tolerate his cruelty and exiled him to Kuaiji for peace and quiet.

"Foolish! The crimes your father committed are enough for the Supreme Being to behead ten thousand of you. If you're afraid to fight, what use am I, a mere warrior,? Without the ruthlessness in my heart, I'm finished!"

"I'm not foolish enough to challenge Guan Yu to a duel. How insignificant one person is amidst a thousand men!"

Pan Zhang drank to bolster his courage, his blood surging with energy. He was determined to save Zhu Ran.

"Gather troops and come to reinforce my comrades. If I can perform a feat of slaying Guan Yu while the wine is still warm, I will be worthy of being called a true hero."

Pan Zhang tilted his head back and drank, then loudly gave the order. The troops quickly assembled and headed towards the northern camp. He was joking, but it still boosted morale considerably.

A general must never say anything discouraging.

The messenger exclaimed excitedly, "The phrase 'righteousness reaching the heavens' refers to General Pan, what does it have to do with Guan Yu!"

The soldiers all looked at Pan Zhang, and they all felt that he made a lot of sense. General Pan was fierce, but he had a good heart.

Yu's bravery is unparalleled in the world. To rescue Guan Yu from his attack must mean he is prepared to die for his cause.

Truly, his righteousness is as high as the heavens.

The Jiangdong reinforcements were halfway there when a force attacked. The troops were well-disciplined and their spirits were high as they charged forward.

Guan Yinping rode ahead, her imposing figure like a celestial being descended to earth: "You thieving rats and petty thieves, come quickly and face your death!"

Pan Zhang panicked briefly, glancing left and right, but not seeing that peerless, arrogant figure, he inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. His tiger-like eyes pierced through the clouds and steam, transforming into two bolts of lightning:

"A mere woman like you dares to act so arrogantly? You've come here to die; don't blame me for my swift blade!"

Pan Zhang exuded an imposing aura, his black hair danced wildly, and his entire being seemed to possess the majesty of the Twelve Tiger Generals of Jiangdong!

The horse's hooves pounded the rocks, and with an explosive force beyond the reach of ordinary people, it leaped into the air. Guan Yinping struck first, moving like lightning, and slashed at the bandit general's head with her blade.

But then a dragon's roar suddenly rang out, followed by a crisp metallic clang. Pan Zhang precisely parried the decapitating blow. A tremendous force struck, nearly causing him to drop his weapon.

"This girl is incredibly strong! Truly a daughter of a military family! Marrying her to the son of Marquis Wu is a waste of her talent. Watch how I capture her and make her Ping'er's concubine!"

Pan Zhang took a step forward, his hand raised, and before the afterimage faded, his blade was already upon her, slashing at Guan Yinping's hesitant, charged attack. Guan Yinping parried with her horizontal blade, the blade rising with immense force, piercing the sky, the two blades clashing in a fierce battle.

Pan Zhang seized the opportunity to sweep backward, using a move to lure his opponent into a trap, employing a strategy of retreat as a form of advance, and then turning around to fight like a dragon. Clang clang clang, they exchanged blows several times, neither gaining the upper hand, and sparks flew everywhere in an instant.

Guan Yinping possessed innate superhuman strength, her cold light gleaming, her momentum like thunder. Pan Zhang calmly parried, using the opponent's force to deflect it with unparalleled precision, barely managing to block several deadly strikes.

The two armies clashed fiercely, creating chaos and confusion. Weapons clashed frequently, and the sounds of battle shook the heavens.

"Jiangbei Camp, our army is determined to take it. We will never let you ruin your father's grand plan." Guan Yinping immediately drew her sword, displaying exceptional grace.

Pan Zhang was secretly delighted, growing ever more courageous in battle. Fighting against equals was like drinking fine wine, intoxicating him without him even realizing it. Holding off a Han general without having to deal with Guan Yu was truly a stroke of luck.