EBE Chapter 163 Two Emperors
Chapter 163 Two Emperors
Just as the various princes were fighting for territory and trying to curry favor with Emperor Xian of Han in order to gain greater benefits, the armies of Dou Xian, Ran Min, and Suo Chao rushed towards Xiliang with the force of thunder and lightning like a raging torrent.
With Dong Zhuo's fall from power and Li Jue and Guo Si's armies in crushing defeat, this was undoubtedly the perfect opportunity to seize control of Western Liang. The 250,000-strong army was high in morale, their blades razor-sharp, the cold gleam of their swords gleaming in the sunlight, as if ready to slice through anything that stood in their way. They advanced with resounding force, the clatter of horses' hooves and the roar of battle deafening. They quickly conquered the two prefectures of Yong and Liang with overwhelming force.
Speed is of the essence in war. After taking Xiliang, Suo Chao and Ran Min's army did not rest for a moment. Suo Chao's eyes were determined, and he waved his hand and shouted loudly:
"Soldiers, follow me and continue forward!"
Ran Min rode on a tall horse, his armor clanking, brandishing his weapons and roaring to encourage his soldiers. They led the remaining 150,000 troops straight to Sizhou without stopping, leaving only a small number of troops to garrison the various counties.
The two armies advanced like a hot knife through butter and directly occupied Zuo Fengyi, You Fufeng, Hedong County, Jingzhao Yin and Hongnong County, and headed straight for Luoyang.
Now Suo Chao's army was only separated from Cao Cao's troops led by Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, and Cao Chun by one city. Instead of continuing their advance, they needed time to consolidate their victory.
Cao Cao harbored great ambitions. After welcoming Emperor Xian back to China, he seized the lands of Henan Yin and Henei Commanderies. He also wanted to seize the remaining four counties of Sizhou, ultimately achieving his goal of conquering the entire region. However, his plans were thwarted.
Suo Chao acted decisively and led his army to capture most of Sizhou like a storm.
At the same time, Suo Chao also released the deposed Emperor Liu Bian, determined to restore him to the throne. Suo Chao stood on a high platform, his gaze as firm as a rock, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate all obstacles. His expression was solemn and dignified, like a majestic god of war. He placed his hands on his hips, channeling his energy into his Dantian, and spoke loudly:
"Dong Zhuo's act of deposing and enthroning the emperor was a heinous act. Now we should restore the throne to Prince Liu Bian!" His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing between heaven and earth.
Once this news came out, it was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing thousands of waves and shocking the whole world.
Ultimately, with Suo Chao's strong support, Liu Bian successfully restored the throne, and Suo Chao was awarded the prestigious title of Imperial Preceptor for his contributions. This situation of two emperors in one dynasty caused great sorrow throughout the world, and all parties were plunged into panic and anxiety.
Cao Cao frowned as he watched the sudden, drastic change in the situation. He clenched his fists, his heart filled with anger and resentment.
"This Suo Chao ruined my plan! The cooked duck flew away." His teeth were chattering and his eyes were burning with anger.
"Gentlemen, what are your opinions?" Cao Cao suppressed his inner anger and asked as he looked at everyone eagerly.
Xun Yu bowed slightly, took a step forward, and said solemnly:
"My lord, Suo Chao has a strong army and is in high spirits. We should not make enemies with him at this time. We can unite with Yuan Shao, the governor of Jizhou, Liu Yan, the governor of Yizhou, and Yuan Shu of Nanyang to form an alliance to check and balance Suo Chao." After saying this, he raised his head and looked at Cao Cao with a firm gaze.
"Well, Wen Ruo has a clear understanding of the world situation. Let's do it." Cao Cao felt relieved, his brows relaxed, and he smiled knowingly.
Since Xi Zhicai's illness, the position of Cao Cao's top advisor had been firmly locked in Xun Yu's hands. Xun Yu's brilliant mind, like a beacon of light, constantly sought out talent for Cao Cao. He successively recommended Zhong Yao, Chen Qun, Zhao Yan, Du Xi, and finally Guo Jia.
Guo Jia had originally intended to go north to seek refuge with Suo Chao, but by chance, he attended a dinner party organized by Xun Yu. That night, candlelight flickered, and a warm atmosphere filled the room.
Cao Cao and Guo Jia sat opposite each other, their eyes meeting, a spark of thought ignited. Cao Cao's face lit up, his eyes full of insight into the world's situation and lofty ambitions. He spoke eloquently, his hands waving from time to time as if he were sketching a grand blueprint.
Guo Jia leaned forward slightly, his brows furrowed, his expression focused as he listened carefully to Cao Cao's every word. As the conversation deepened, Guo Jia's eyes brightened, and admiration and recognition emerged in his heart.
Finally, Guo Jia was captivated by Cao Cao's charm and decided to join his army. He stood up, clasped his hands together, and solemnly declared, "Lord Cao, I am willing to dedicate myself to your great cause!"
"Fengxiao, I heard that you have an old relationship with Suo Boyi, why don't you go and join him?" Cao Cao asked with a smile, a bit of curiosity and temptation in his eyes.
"My lord, the General Zhengbei is a great hero, known to all. And though you are a mortal, you possess extraordinary generosity and ambition. Staying by your side will allow me to better realize my ambitions." Guo Jia raised his head slightly, his gaze firm and his words sincere. His lips curled upward, revealing his longing for the future and his trust in Cao Cao.
Thanks to years of practicing Qigong, Guo Jia's body was no longer frail. He stood tall, walked with a swift gait, and his face radiated with confidence. If Suo Chao knew this, he would probably be disheartened.
.....
Sizhou, Hongnong County.
Suo Chao stood upright on the city wall, his cloak rustling in the breeze. He folded his arms across his chest, looking majestic and imposing. His piercing gaze surveyed the land beneath him, his face brimming with confidence and complacency.
Suo Chao raised his head slightly and looked towards the northeast, with the corners of his mouth raised, as if everything in the world was under his control.
"The north still lacks an outlet to the sea, Youzhou," Suo Chao spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful. A glint of determination and determination flashed in his eyes as he secretly plotted his next strategic move, as if he had already foreseen future victory.