My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 226 Taking Control of Anyi
Upon hearing this, Liu Xie was both pleased and moved, and looked at Zhong Yao with his eyes.

Zhong Yao replied at the opportune moment: "Your Majesty, the grain and supplies are all in the treasury, and we should be able to report back later."

"well."

Emperor Liu Xie praised, his tone laced with admiration, "The Commandant led his troops from Xuzhou to Hedong, a journey of more than a thousand miles. I am delighted. I originally thought it would be Minister Liu of Xuzhou who came in person, but unexpectedly, the Commandant's son took on the task in place of his father. Seeing him today, I realize how young and capable the Commandant truly is!"

"Your Majesty, I dare not accept such praise."

Liu Feng's eyes reddened as he kowtowed and thanked them, saying, "Tens of thousands of soldiers set out from Xuzhou and, after two months, finally arrived in Hedong. This is all thanks to Your Majesty's great blessings."

Cao Cao cursed the little fox in his heart. He wanted to speak up, but he realized that it would be better not to speak. If he did, wouldn't it turn into a situation where he was competing for favor with a young man?

Cao Cao was a governor of a province and a high-ranking official of the court who was over forty years old.

However, being Cao Cao, he quickly devised a plan after a moment's thought.

Just as Liu Feng and the emperor were discussing a certain topic, Cao Cao suddenly interjected, "Your Majesty may not know, but this Cavalry Commandant of Donghai is only twelve years old this year, though he is quite tall."

"Is what Minister Cao said true?"

The emperor looked at Liu Feng with some shock. The man was almost 1.7 meters tall, not inferior to the burly men of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

As a result, Cao Cao jumped out and said that Liu Feng was only twelve years old, which naturally shocked the emperor.

Especially when he looked at himself, at sixteen years old he was not as tall as Liu Feng, who was twelve years old. In an instant, Emperor Liu Xie lost the desire to chat.

Liu Feng turned and glared at Cao Cao with hatred. This fat, dark-skinned man was just jealous of his pleasant conversation with the emperor, and he was so despicable. He was indeed a treacherous minister, unlike Liu Feng, who was so loyal.

However, judging by the time, the news of the grain convoy entering the city should have reached Yang Feng and the others by now.

Sure enough, the silence inside the "palace" had barely faded when angry shouts erupted outside.

Emperor Liu Xie looked at Grand Commandant Yang Biao in surprise, who then gave Zhong Yao a wink.

Then, Zhong Yao quietly went to the door to peek, and was immediately startled, so he quickly ran back.

The room was only so big, so Zhong Yao didn't need to hide anything. He directly reported to the Emperor and Yang Biao: "Your Majesty, General Xingyi and others had a conflict with the Cavalry Commandant and the attendants of Cao Yanzhou."

"Oh, I see."

The emperor was both nervous and eager.

From the moment Dong Zhuo began his reign of terror, his treatment of his officials plummeted.

Although he became emperor, none of the military men around him ever truly respected him.

Now that Liu Feng and Cao Cao have finally arrived with utmost respect, Liu Xie is eager to use their help to escape the control of the White Wave bandits.

Yang Biao suggested from the side, "Your Majesty, why don't you let General Xingyi and the others go in first?"

"good!"

Emperor Liu Xie nodded, and then said to Liu Feng and Cao Cao in a reassuring tone, "General Xingyi fought bloody battles against the rebels all the way to Hedong. Although he was not polite enough, he was loyal and devoted. I hope you two ministers will understand and not take it too seriously."

Liu Feng and Cao Cao bowed at the same time and said, "Your Majesty, we will obey your will."

A moment later, Yang Feng and the others entered, while Pan Zhang and Dian Wei also led armored soldiers into the house to protect Liu Feng and Cao Cao.

Yang Feng's expression was not good, or rather, the expressions of Bai Bo and the other handsome men were all very unpleasant.

Actually, they had already suffered a loss outside the house, being taught a lesson by Pan Zhang and Dian Wei. If Yang Biao hadn't intervened, given Yang Feng and his companions' true abilities, they wouldn't have been able to enter this miniature palace.

Pan Zhang and Dian Wei stood behind Liu Feng and Cao Cao respectively, but their temperaments and personalities were completely different.

Pan Zhang strutted around like a victorious rooster, while Dian Wei remained silent, like a stone statue, simply guarding Cao Cao.

Looking at Dian Wei, Liu Feng couldn't help but drool, but there was no way he could ever get his hands on him.

Dian Wei was originally a chivalrous knight-errant from Yanzhou, a native of Jiwu in Chenliu. In his youth, he killed for others to avenge their crimes and was known for his bravery.

Later, when Dong Zhuo seized power, Dian Wei was recruited into Zhang Miao's army. Due to his amazing strength, he was highly regarded by Sima Zhao Chong.

Ironically, when Zhang Miao decided to respond to Chen Gong's call to welcome Lü Bu into Yanzhou and betray Cao Cao, Dian Wei actually bid farewell to Zhang Miao, switched allegiance to Cao Cao, and went directly to the command of the hostage general Xiahou Dun.

After that, Dian Wei made many meritorious contributions in the battle against Lü Bu in Yanzhou. He even turned the tide for Cao Cao in the Battle of Puyang, which brought him into Cao Cao's sights and led to his appointment as a personal general.

It can only be said that in this era of great contention, it is not only monarchs who choose their ministers, but ministers who also choose their monarchs.

A mediocre ruler like Zhang Miao, lacking both lofty ambitions and the skill to employ people, could not ultimately hold onto a powerful and capable general, even if he managed to acquire one by chance.

In terms of loyalty to Liu Feng, Pan Zhang was no less loyal than Dian Wei to Cao Cao.

Pan Zhang's smug demeanor was somewhat off-putting, far less impressive than Dian Wei's charismatic silence.

However, no matter how smug Pan Zhang was, Yang Feng and the others could only glare at him angrily, since they were the ones who had just suffered a loss, not Pan Zhang and Dian Wei.

Upon seeing Yang Feng arrive, Liu Feng knew the main event was about to begin.

Thus, under the watchful eyes of the Bai Bo generals, Liu Feng respectfully bowed to the emperor and said, "Today, the world is in turmoil, with drought and little rain, and the people are suffering. I earnestly request Your Majesty to return to the capital as soon as possible to set an example for the world and rectify the people's hearts."

Upon hearing Liu Feng's earnest plea for the emperor to return east, the anger on the faces of the White Wave generals vanished instantly, replaced by panic.

But at this very moment, the Emperor turned to Yang Feng and asked, "General Yang, the Cavalry Commandant has petitioned me to return to the capital as soon as possible and go east to Luoyang to stabilize the realm. I wholeheartedly agree. Moreover, the Cavalry Commandant has not only brought several thousand elite troops, but also ten thousand shi of grain, enough for the army to set off eastward. What is your opinion, Minister Yang?"

The total strength of Bai Bo's troops was about 15,000 men. Hu Cai and Li Le had the fewest troops, with only a little over 2,000 men each. Han Xian had a little more, with 4,000 men. The remaining 7,000 men were all under Yang Feng's command. Among them, Xu Huang had more than 1,000 men, which was almost as many as Hu Cai and Li Le. Otherwise, he would not have been appointed as a Cavalry Commandant and granted the title of Marquis of Duting.

Ten thousand shi of grain, if eaten sparingly, would barely be enough for the generals and commanders of Bai Bo for more than half a month.

And half a month is enough time for the emperor to travel to Hanoi.

Once in Hanoi, resupply will be much easier.

It should be noted that just transporting 10,000 shi of grain could cost several thousand shi.

This is under the condition that the distance is not far and there are a lot of carriages and horses; otherwise, the cost would probably be several times or even more than ten times.

Therefore, Liu Feng's desire to return east was no less than that of the emperor.

Yang Feng and the other White Wave generals looked extremely grim, especially Yang Feng, who was still being asked for his opinion by the emperor, but naturally he did not want to move.

Ideally, Liu Feng would continue to send tribute of grain, while the emperor remained in Hedong; that was the situation the White Wave generals desired most.

"Your Majesty, the matter of returning east should be discussed at length."

Yang Feng spoke after careful consideration. Since he couldn't openly object, he wanted to use a delaying tactic.

Since the food is already in our mouths, there's no way we'd spit it out.

But how could Liu Feng allow Yang Feng's low-level tricks to succeed? After all, the emperor dreamed of returning east, but was only forced to do so by the military force of Yang Feng and his men.

Now that I'm here, the Emperor has more confidence. Why would he be afraid of a mere Yang Feng?
Liu Feng spoke up, saying, "Your Majesty, the matter of returning east should be decided solely by the Emperor. General Yang is, after all, just a military man and does not understand the people's desire for stability and their eager anticipation for the Emperor's return to the capital. I urge Your Majesty not to dampen the spirits of the people."

The emperor was clearly moved by Liu Feng's words. He turned to say something to Yang Feng, but was interrupted by the latter, who said, "Your Majesty, I also agree to return east. However, we were short of food before, and the soldiers were starving. How could they protect you on your return? Now that we have food, we only need to rest for a few days until the soldiers recover their strength. Then I will escort Your Majesty back to the capital safely."

Cao Cao suddenly sneered and interjected, "In that case, why don't we escort the Emperor back east first? General Yang's troops can continue to rest in Anyi. After they have rested, they can come to Luoyang to serve the Emperor."

"you!?"

Yang Feng glared fiercely at Cao Cao, only to find that Dian Wei behind Cao Cao suddenly stared at him.

This burly, menacing man exuded an astonishing aura of oppression, which even this seasoned veteran found difficult to withstand. Especially after witnessing this man take down three of their armored soldiers in just a few breaths, his fighting prowess was probably only comparable to that of Gongming.

With Gongming not around right now, if this burly man gets angry, no one can stop him, not to mention there's another equally brave and nimble rooster warrior beside him.

Pan Zhang had a fondness for glamorous and extravagant things.

Although he toned it down considerably under Liu Feng's command, he still liked to dress his armor in a dazzling and eye-catching way, resembling a rooster.

Therefore, Yang Feng and the other White Wave generals did not know Pan Zhang's name and simply called him the Rooster Warrior.

Yang Feng was thinking of Xu Huang at this moment, but little did he know that Xu Huang was also thinking of him, Yang Feng.

When Xu Huang saw the grain carts continuously entering the city, he became wary and led three hundred elite troops to the city gate to strengthen the city's defenses. Xu Huang's caution did have an effect, but it also seemed to have no effect.

Because there are too many variables.

When the White Wave Army soldiers saw the thousand-plus knights galloping towards them from afar, and the billowing dust rising behind them, even Xu Huang's face turned pale, let alone the other ordinary soldiers.

"Enemy attack!"

Although Xu Huang's face turned pale, he still shouted a warning and ordered the city gates to be closed immediately.

Unexpectedly, the grain carts inside and in front of the city gate dispersed simultaneously, creating two simple defensive cart formations inside and outside the city gate.

Xu Huang stood on the city wall and only glanced at it briefly, but his heart sank to the bottom.

The wagon formation inside the city was perfectly aligned, and powerful bows and crossbows were constantly being taken out of the grain wagons outside the city and sent into the city.

At the same time, the coachmen jumped off the carriages, drew spears from the grain carts, and went into the city to provide support.

Looking at the makeshift vehicle formation that resembled a hedgehog, Xu Huangzhi came to a conclusion.

That means even if all three hundred of his elite troops were wiped out, he would definitely not be able to close the city gates before the cavalry arrived from afar.

Xu Huang made a quick decision: since the city gates couldn't be saved, they might as well go directly to the palace.

So Xu Huang led three hundred elite troops straight to the palace, where a full-blown brawl was taking place.

The two sides confronted each other before the emperor, with one side insisting on an immediate return to the east, while the other stubbornly refused to agree and insisted on delaying the process. The emperor, however, was quite inclined to allow an immediate return to the east.

In the midst of the struggle, Han Xian inadvertently took two extra steps toward the emperor, which immediately sparked a brawl on the spot.

"Does this traitor intend to kidnap the emperor?!"

Liu Feng cried out in alarm, as if it were a signal, and Pan Zhang and Dian Wei instantly rushed out and pounced on the other side.

The house was small to begin with, and each of Bai Bo's men only brought one personal guard, so they were no match for Pan Zhang and Dian Wei.

Liu Feng immediately sprang into action, rushing to Liu Xie's side, sword at his chest, protecting the emperor behind him.

The fat, dark-skinned Cao Cao was a little slower, not because he wasn't quick enough, but because he simply couldn't move quickly enough.

Unlike Liu Feng's father, Cao Cao's martial prowess was always quite weak. If the two of them were to fight, probably ten Cao Caos wouldn't be able to defeat one Liu Bei.

But if two people led the troops, Liu Bei would be thoroughly defeated by Cao Cao.

In an instant, the entire "palace" was thrown into chaos.

The scholar-officials and high-ranking officials were surprisingly experienced; they each found a corner to hide in, and if all else failed, they would all huddle up to the emperor.

At the same time, the sound of weapons clashing rang out outside the "Imperial Palace," clearly indicating that Liu Feng and Cao Cao's entourage were dealing with the guards of the White Wave Army.

Pan Zhang and Dian Wei were like tigers descending the mountain; in just two or three exchanges, they had killed the four guards opposite them.

Yang Feng and the others tried to struggle, but they were no match for Pan Zhang and Dian Wei.

In just a moment, Yang Feng and the others had all fallen to the ground, trampled under Pan Zhang's feet.

"My dear minister, do not lay a hand on him!"

Emperor Liu Xie suddenly cried out in alarm, grabbing Liu Feng's arm and saying, "Minister Liu, please don't hurt Minister Yang and the others."

Liu Feng never intended to kill Yang Feng and his men. In any case, these White Wave generals fought a bloody battle to escape the control of the Liangzhou warriors with the emperor.

During his time in Hedong, although he was somewhat arrogant, compared to the warriors of Liangzhou, he was definitely just a minor villain.

For Liu Xie, Yang Feng and others were actually closer to him on some level than Liu Feng.

After all, they had been together for more than half a year and had repeatedly risked their lives to protect him. Liu Xie had to protect them both morally and logically.

To put it another way, if Yang Feng and the others were all dead, and the White Wave Army was absorbed, wouldn't only the Guandong Loyalist Army be left?

For the emperor, a single dominant power is never a good thing.

If Dong Cheng's forces had been able to restrain the White Wave Army back then, the latter wouldn't have expanded so rapidly.

"Your Majesty need not worry. Your humble servant never intended to harm General Yang and the others."

Liu Feng turned around and said gently, "It is only for His Majesty's safety and the plan to return east that we have no choice but to temporarily trouble General Yang and the others."

Liu Xie breathed a sigh of relief after Liu Feng explicitly assured him that no one would be harmed.

Then, he stepped out from behind Liu Feng and came to Yang Feng and the others, comforting them, "My beloved ministers, my return to Luoyang to oversee the capital is the hope of the people, and I dare not fail you. This journey eastward is long and arduous, and I cannot do without the protection of you four. I urge you four to be patient for the sake of the country, understand the difficulties faced by Ministers Liu and Cao, and not hold grudges against them."

At this moment, Yang Feng and the other three were all in a state of panic and unease. Suddenly receiving comfort from the emperor, the four of them were almost moved to tears of gratitude.

Just moments ago, they thought they were doomed, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better, and they were able to save their lives and even their military power.

This delighted Yang Feng and his three companions, who immediately prostrated themselves on the ground and pledged their loyalty to Emperor Liu Xie: "We are willing to follow Your Majesty back east, and we swear to protect Your Majesty to the death. We would never dare to have any other thoughts."

The emperor was overjoyed upon hearing this, but after forcibly suppressing his emotions, he turned back to thank Liu Feng and Cao Cao.

"The loyalty and integrity of my two ministers are evident to Heaven and Earth, and I will certainly reward them handsomely."

Liu Feng and Cao Cao exchanged a glance and bowed in gratitude.

It seems that although the emperor is young, he is no less cunning.

At such a young age, he has already begun to try to seize military power.

However, the emperor never dreamed that Liu Feng had no intention of getting his hands on the White Wave Army. These people were bandits by nature, undisciplined and slippery, and were not good soldiers at all.

If the emperor wants it, just give it to him. Anyway, Cao Cao will be the one who has to worry, it won't concern me much.

Zhong Yao stepped forward and advised the emperor, "Your Majesty, you should quickly send envoys to pacify the various armies and prevent any unrest."

Emperor Liu Xie readily agreed and then went to see Liu Feng and Cao Cao.

After exchanging a glance, Liu Feng said, "Why don't we have Colonel Pan lead twenty men to escort General Yang and the others out to appease the troops?"

The emperor then inquired of Cao Cao, who could only nod in agreement.

Therefore, under Liu Feng's orders, Pan Zhang left ten armored soldiers outside to accompany Liu Feng, and then took twenty men with Yang Feng and others to leave and go into the city to appease the White Wave Army.

They hadn't gone far when they saw two groups of people facing off in the middle of the road.

One side was Xu Huang, who came looking for Yang Feng, and the other side was Gao Shun.

It turned out that Xu Huang had come to the palace to find Yang Feng to deliver a message, while Gao Shun was going to help seize the city gate. As luck would have it, the two groups of people ran into each other on this main road.

Both sides were wary of each other, and for a moment they found themselves in a standoff.

Xu Huang's side had only three hundred men, while the enemy had seven or eight hundred men, well-equipped and fully armed. It was clear that Xu Huang's side was no match for them.

Therefore, Xu Huang immediately adopted a defensive stance, trying to restrain the opponent.

However, Xu Huang didn't have many people, so he was under a lot of pressure.

In this way, Gao Shun had the opportunity to secretly send four hundred men to bypass the city gates from both sides to provide support, while he himself stayed behind to restrain Xu Huang and prevent him from going to the "Imperial Palace".

The two sides remained locked in a stalemate until Yang Feng was captured by Liu Feng. After that, he received an imperial edict to come out and pacify the White Wave Army.

Xu Huang only breathed a sigh of relief after he saw Yang Feng from a distance and heard him shouting.

I was secretly relieved that this internal strife wouldn't escalate into a full-blown fight.

Gao Shun immediately dispatched two hundred armored soldiers to follow Pan Zhang in order to "protect" the Bai Bo generals, while he himself led the remaining two hundred men to the city gate.

Xu Huang, having no other choice, could only order his troops to clear the way and watch helplessly as Gao Shun's forces headed towards the city gate.

(End of this chapter)