Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Xingyang was currently under fierce siege by the armies of Cao Cao and Sun Jian. Following the tragic fall of Xuanmen Pass, Duan Wei had hurriedly arrived at Xingyang with a group of defeated troops. From then on, Zhang Ji, guided by the resourceful military advisor Jia Xu, stubbornly held on.

Every day, the Xiahou brothers and Sun Ce would take turns challenging them. On the battlefield, Sun Jian's army surged forward like a surging tide. Their archers unleashed a hail of arrows, whistling towards the towers. Ladders were erected, and soldiers, shouting deafening cries of death, desperately climbed, attempting to reach the towers. Sun Ce led the charge, wielding his spear, and charging valiantly towards the city gates, attempting to break through the defenses.

On the city walls, Zhang Ji and Duan Wei, under Jia Xu's calm command, struggled to hold the line. Soldiers hurled rocks and logs at the enemy troops climbing the ladders, sending screams cascading down. Hot oil was poured down, instantly igniting a sea of ​​fire that ripped apart the approaching enemy soldiers. Despite this, the enemy's offensive remained fierce, seemingly unending.

However, Zhang Ji was well aware of the disparity in strength between the enemy and us. Even though he was furious, he could only choose to be like a turtle, not daring to act without authorization. He watched the arrogant enemy from the city wall, filled with anxiety, and could only pray in his heart that reinforcements from Luoyang would arrive quickly to relieve this urgent need.

Zhang Ji was not one for grand ambitions. He, along with Li Jue and Guo Si, was a veteran general in Dong Zhuo's camp. However, while Li Jue and Guo Si were ambitious and reckless, seeking greater power and wealth, Zhang Ji was completely different. He simply wished to secure the wealth and prosperity he currently possessed, and he was content with no further aspirations.

Back then, Zhang Ji, a man of courage and ruthlessness, joined Dong Zhuo in the army, eager to make a name for himself. However, fate played a cruel trick on him. While on the battlefield, his wife and children were tragically killed by the enemy. Upon returning to seek revenge, he was devastated. His former ambitions vanished in an instant, and he fell into a state of despair, indulging himself in alcohol and sex, hoping to numb his inner pain. Seeing his dejection, Dong Zhuo repeatedly offered earnest advice, hoping he would regain his courage and fighting spirit. However, Zhang Ji stubbornly persisted, completely ignoring Dong Zhuo's wise words. Gradually, he lost Dong Zhuo's favor and respect.

Later, fortunately, he found his nephew, Zhang Xiu. As if grasping a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, Zhang Ji placed all his hopes on Zhang Xiu, working tirelessly to build a prosperous family business for his nephew and pave his way for the future. Zhang Xiu proved to be a true hero, demonstrating exceptional martial prowess at a young age, his agility and bravery surpassing even Zhang Ji's own. After Zhang Xiu's defeat at the hands of Ma Chao, captivated by his extraordinary demeanor, he resolutely decided to follow Ma Chao of Xiliang on his campaigns, striving for success and fulfilling his ambitions. This seemed like a fitting end for Zhang Xiu, offering him the opportunity to showcase his skills and pursue his ideals amidst these turbulent times.

Following Dong Zhuo to Luoyang, Zhang Ji, already demoralized, forced Zou Shi to marry him amidst the chaos of war. His infatuation with her beauty reached a fever pitch, reaching such extremes that even during the turbulent times of war, he insisted on keeping her by his side, unwilling to be separated for a single moment. His advisor, Jia Xu, was known for his cautious nature, unwilling to show off his charisma. While meticulous and perceptive, Jia Xu keenly perceived subtle shifts in the situation, yet for his own safety, he carefully avoided potential danger.

The two men were quite compatible, both intent on making a fortune quietly, preferring to remain low-key and quietly amass their wealth, rather than face any potential risks or crises. Jia Xu knew Zhang Ji's deep desire to enjoy his current prosperity and wealth, so most of his strategies were centered around conservative and stable living. Zhang Ji, in turn, followed Jia Xu's advice without reservation, even when it led to contempt and ridicule.

Zhang Ji's previous inaction and his defensive stance during the battles with Cao Cao and Sun Jian led even Duan Wei, a defeated general, to think he was a bit too cowardly. Every time Sun Jian and Cao Cao launched an encirclement and suppression campaign, Duan Wei would clamor for Zhang Ji to join the fight.

Duan Wei was extremely anxious and shouted at Zhang Ji, "General Zhang, the enemy is coming in full force, but we can't just retreat! If we don't fight now, when will we fight?" However, Zhang Ji's face was gloomy and unmoved. He simply replied in a muffled voice, "Fight? How easy is that? The enemy is powerful. If we attack rashly, wouldn't we be courting death?"

Duan Wei's eyes widened and his face flushed: "General, if you are so timid, how can you defend this city and restore the prestige of our army?" Zhang Ji remained silent, but frowned and thought secretly in his heart.

When the armies of Sun Jian and Cao Cao were approaching again, Duan Wei once again urged them to fight: "General Zhang, if you don't fight again, the morale will drop to the bottom. By then, the city will be broken without even attacking!" But Zhang Ji just sighed deeply and turned to look at Jia Xu who was silent on the side, as if waiting for Jia Xu to give some advice.

Jia Xu still felt that it was not the time to send troops, and shook his head silently. Zhang Ji perfunctorily said a few words to Duan Wei, and continued to go back to the tent to drink and have fun. However, the faint sadness in his heart could not be dispelled. Zou Shi tried to persuade him, "Why are you so sad, husband?" Zhang Ji just smiled bitterly. Seeing this, Jia Xu analyzed the current situation to Zou Shi: "Madam, Prime Minister Dong is acting domineeringly in Luoyang. Now there is the coalition of princes from the Kanto region eyeing Luoyang covetously, and there is a riot in Chang'an behind. Luoyang is in crisis. If there is a change in one side, Luoyang will face a catastrophe. And this is not the most terrible thing. The most terrible thing is that Prime Minister Dong has no children. If he encounters an accident, this huge force will collapse in an instant. Now we are in this situation, and there is really no good way to deal with it."

Zhang Ji waved his hand, signaling Jia Xu to stop. He knew all this, but he didn't want Zou to worry. Zhang Ji sighed wistfully, "Alas, I wonder how my nephew Zhang Xiu is doing. I haven't seen him in a year or two since I came to Luoyang from Xiliang. I miss him so much. I wonder if he's grown taller and if his martial arts skills have improved." Zou didn't know how to advise them, so she could only watch silently as Zhang Ji and Jia Xu worried together. Her brow furrowed slightly, her eyes revealing helplessness and worry, but she didn't dare say anything, fearing it would only add to their troubles.

The reinforcements from Luoyang finally arrived, but they also brought Dong Zhuo's stern orders: defend Xingyang to the death. If Xingyang fell, Zhang Ji and Duan Wei would be brought to him with their heads. Duan Wei, however, was incredibly excited. The arrival of reinforcements from Luoyang instantly boosted his confidence. He was no longer the defeated general who depended on Zhang Ji for support. He seized control of the reinforcements and eagerly anticipated another battle with Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and the others.

Zhang Ji observed all this, becoming even more worried. He hurriedly discussed countermeasures with Jia Xu. Jia Xu, his face grim, analyzed, "Given the current situation, I'm afraid Prime Minister Dong is already stretched to the limit in Luoyang. If they can hold Xingyang and Hulao Pass, there might be a chance. However, if something happens in Xingyang or Hulao Pass, Luoyang will fall in an instant. And Prime Minister Dong has issued this stern order. If Xingyang is truly lost, given Prime Minister Dong's violent temper, I'm afraid we will be executed by military court upon returning to Luoyang." Zhang Ji agreed, knowing full well that given Dong Zhuo's temperament, returning defeated would be disastrous.

Zhang Ji pressed on, "How can we break this impasse?" A flicker of determination flashed in Jia Xu's eyes as he spoke, "General, Prime Minister Dong is old, and the situation is critical. He has no children. If he were to be defeated, and another accident were to occur, the Xiliang army would be leaderless and would surely be defeated piecemeal. But you have soldiers and generals at your disposal, so we can preserve our strength. If we really have to, we can break out of the coalition. The north is embroiled in a major war, so we can move south and temporarily seize a city. Once the situation in the world becomes clear, and you have soldiers and generals, we can take the initiative, whether to fight or make peace. We're in such a passive situation now. If we stick our heads out, we'll die, and if we retreat, we'll also die. We might as well give it a try."

Zhang Ji was shocked upon hearing this and hesitated, saying, "Although this plan is risky, it seems there is no other way. However, if I act this way, I am afraid people will see me as disloyal and unrighteous." Jia Xu shook his head and said, "General, in troubled times, survival is paramount. If you are blindly loyal, you will end up with your head and body separated." Zhang Ji pondered for a long time, and finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I will follow your plan!"