My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 184 Lu Bu is Everywhere

The events that occurred in Zuoren City quickly became known to everyone in the rebel army within a few days.

Those who had once held official positions under Xianyu Xiuli flocked to Zuoren City.

The first purpose was to hold a funeral for Xianyu Xiuli, and the second was to elect a new leader.

Yuwen Luosheng led everyone back to the mansion, dismissing his attendants and having his trusted confidants guard the outside.

"What do you think about this matter?"

Yuwen Luosheng lowered his voice, "According to what I've heard, Xianyu Xiuli's personal guards all say that Ge Rong killed Yuan Hongye personally to avenge Xianyu Xiuli, cut off his head, and slaughtered Yuan Hongye's entire family."

Dugu Xin then spoke up, "I think this matter is not simple, but it seems that Xianyu Xiuli's personal guards are considering recommending Ge Rong as their leader."

Yuwen Luosheng nodded.

Based on what we've heard, isn't Yuan Hongye incredibly stupid?

He thought he could take over the throne by killing Xianyu Xiuli with just a few of his personal guards.
This is a bit too frivolous.

Ge Rong's presence at the scene was suspicious, especially given the familiar "borrowing someone's head" trope. Yuwen Luosheng offered his opinion.

"In my opinion, it was Ge Rong who was behind this. It is likely that Yuan Hongye and Ge Rong agreed to rebel together, kill Xianyu Xiuli and take his place. However, Ge Rong betrayed Yuan Hongye and used Yuan Hongye's head as a pledge of loyalty to gain the trust of Xianyu Xiuli's former subordinates."

"Probably."

Dugu Xin shared the same view: "This man was once the general of Huai Shuo Town, just like Yuan Hongye. If they were willing to surrender to the court, they could always find a way. Yuan Hongye also saw this, which is why he invited Ge Rong to act together."

The group exchanged glances, unsure of the specifics of what had happened.

Ge Rong emerged as the sole big winner in this incident.

Xianyu Xiuli had always been wary of Ge Rong, and those he had incorporated into Ge Rong's ranks were all Dingling people, which inadvertently helped Ge Rong.

These Dingling people lived and worked alongside Ge Rong day and night. Compared to the surrendered people of the other six towns, they were clearly closer to Ge Rong. This is why Xianyu Xiuli's personal guards insisted that Ge Rong was a great hero who avenged Xianyu Xiuli, expressing their desire to respect Ge Rong.

Having spent so much time together before, Ge Rong found it easy to recruit the Dingling people.

Yuwen Tai sighed, "The struggle for power is truly full of deceit and treachery...it seems like no one can be trusted."

Everyone's expression changed, and Yuwen Luosheng frowned and whispered a reprimand, "Black Otter, watch your words."

Yuwen Tai then realized he had misspoke. He could think that way in his heart, but saying it aloud would inevitably arouse suspicion. He immediately changed the subject, "So what should we do now?"

"Not urgent."

Yuwen Luosheng shook his head, "Let's see how Ge Rong will act next."

Two days later.

At Xianyu Xiuli's funeral, Ge Rong wailed and beat his chest.

"Your Majesty! It's all my fault! If I had seen through Yuan Hongye's wolfish ambitions sooner, this disaster would not have happened!"

"Release me, all of you! I will die for the king!!"

Yuwen Luosheng and the others watched coldly and quietly as Ge Rong put on his show at the funeral.

After the funeral.

at night.

Yuwen Luosheng was invited to Ge Rong's residence.

Ge Rong was still dressed in mourning clothes. When he saw Yuwen Luosheng, he forced a smile.

"It has been several days since I last saw you, and Mr. Yuwen still retains his charm."

"Meet the general."

"No need to be polite."

Ge Rong smiled broadly, “You and I are old acquaintances. Huai Shuo and Wu Chuan are different from other towns. The soldiers and civilians of the two towns are closely connected and like brothers. We fought together against the Rouran in the north. Now that we have come to the Central Plains, we are fellow countrymen. We should take care of each other.”

"General's words are reasonable." Yuwen Luosheng smiled. "The King's situation is heartbreaking, but the army cannot be without a leader for even a day. We are currently at the height of our power and need to elect a leader to take control of the overall situation. My brothers and I are willing to jointly honor the General as our leader!"

Ge Rong waved his hand modestly, "Young Master Yuwen was a meritorious official for assassinating the bandit leader Wei Kegu. In terms of merit and reputation, Young Master should be the leader."

Yuwen Luosheng was terrified and quickly bowed, "General, are you implying that you doubt me?"

"I am but a mere military commander in Wuchuan, while you, General, are a garrison commander. I can fight bravely against the enemy, but when it comes to controlling the overall situation and making strategic plans, I still need to rely on you, General. I hope you will not refuse. If you are unwilling, I will kneel here and not rise!"

Ge Rong looked troubled, quickly got up and helped Yuwen Luosheng up, and said with a smile, "Since that's the case, then I'll reluctantly do it. Don't worry, my lord, we are from the same hometown, and I will certainly not let you down!"

"Then I thank the general on behalf of my brothers! We will surely repay your kindness in the future!"

"it is good!!"

Ge Rong excitedly grabbed his arm, "With Young Master Yuwen's help, what worries do we have?!"

........................

Within the city of Fanyang, the seat of Youzhou.

The process of conquering Fanyang was much easier than Du Luozhou had imagined.

He just released the news.

The people of Fanyang City then bound Wang Yannian, the governor of Youzhou, and Chang Jing, the acting governor, and opened the city gates wide to welcome the "royal army" into the city!
He also kept his promise, strictly enforcing military discipline after entering the city, forbidding his soldiers from harming the people, and ensuring that they did not commit any offenses.

"Just as Gao Lang said, with the people's hearts on our side, taking the city will be a piece of cake!"

Du Luozhou was very happy.

Things went much more smoothly than he had imagined!
Who would have thought...

In less than a year, he had already acquired control of two states.

wrong!

Soon they will possess the land of three states!

"Dexing seems to be willing to surrender to me, but... Gao Lang said that we cannot accept their surrender and must annihilate them. Then, with the momentum of a great victory, we will take Pingzhou and Yingzhou."

Du Luozhou frowned.

He felt something was off, but Gao Huan's analysis made sense.

Ju Dexing had no control over his people, and his swarms of followers moved like locusts, causing much resentment among the people. If we were to accept his surrender, it would certainly damage our reputation for benevolence.

"Let's discuss it again in a few days."

at this time.

His personal guards entered and delivered a sealed letter, a message sent back by the scouts he had sent to the three prefectures of Ji, Ding, and Ying.

"What? Xianyu Xiuli is dead? Yuan Hongye is dead too? Ge Rong has become the new leader of the Dingzhou rebels?"

This series of news left Du Luozhou somewhat bewildered.

"No, no... Wasn't Xianyu Xiuli sworn brothers with Yuan Hongye? How could they be killing each other? Ge Rong... isn't he the garrison commander of Huai Shuo?"

"It's weird."

Upon learning this news, Du Luozhou thought of Gao Huan's strange behavior regarding the matter of Dexing.

Some doubts inevitably arose in my mind.

"Could it be..."

"Somebody come!"

PS: I've been trying to speed up the pace recently, and we're about to reach the crucial third year of Xiaochang. From this point onwards, the protagonist will no longer be idle.

(End of this chapter)