Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As early as He Jin's time as a general, his military power had been gradually divided up by Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and other aristocratic families. These aristocratic families, relying on their own power and means, placed their trusted aides in the military camp and cultivated their own power.

Cao Cao operated in secret, placing some of his most capable confidants in the army and gradually gaining control of the military. His layout was meticulous, and he quietly expanded his influence.

Yuan Shao, relying on his family's prestige and extensive connections, had already won over Bao Xin and placed many of his own confidants in the army. Under Yuan Shao's instructions, these people worked secretly to gain more benefits for him.

Yuan Shu was equally unwilling to be outdone, and he took advantage of every opportunity to place his trusted aides in the military camp. These trusted aides served Yuan Shu and helped him gain a firm foothold in the army.

Thus, the military power was divided up into pieces under the covert manipulation of several of them. He Jin was completely unaware of this. Now, facing the upcoming changes, the struggle and competition between these forces will become more intense.

Emperor Ling of Han, doubting He Jin's ability, recruited able-bodied men in the Xiyuan of Luoyang, the capital, in August of the fifth year of the Zhongping reign (188 AD) and established the Xiyuan Eight Schools. This was intended to strengthen military control. However, due to Emperor Ling's ailing health and limited energy, the army was still divided among various factions. This is evident in the appointment of the school lieutenants.

- Senior Colonel: Xiao Huangmen Jian Shuo

- Lieutenant of the Central Army: Yuan Shao, General of the Tiger Guards

- Lower Army Captain: Cavalry Captain Bao Hong

- Commander of the Army: Counselor Cao Cao

- Left Colonel of the Auxiliary Army: Zhao Rong

- Right Colonel of the Auxiliary Army: Feng Fang

-Left Colonel: Xia Mou, the Imperial Counselor

-Right Colonel: Chunyu Qiong

I will not go into details about the other captains, but just to say that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had already firmly grasped the new army in their hands.

After leaving He Jin's mansion, they all returned to their headquarters to prepare their troops.

Night fell like a heavy curtain over the land. Cao Cao, his face grim, left without a moment's delay, quickly mustering his troops. His gaze was firm and sharp, his movements urgent and efficient, each command clear and decisive, without a trace of hesitation. The generals quickly assembled, their steps in unison, exuding an awe-inspiring aura. Cao Cao mounted his horse, leading the charge, galloping towards the Beidaying. His back was straight and resolute, demonstrating his usual decisiveness and perseverance.

Meanwhile, within Yuan Shao's camp, a different scene unfolded. Yuan Shao's reputation had long attracted numerous strategists and generals to his side. Advisors Tian Feng and Shen Pei were discussing strategy in their tent, clearly analyzing various possibilities. Generals Gao Lan and Ju Yi were assembling their troops. Their shouts and the clamor of drills mingled, brimming with energy and fighting spirit. Yuan Shao, on the other hand, appeared unhurried, needing only to listen to his advisors' advice and make the final decision. He sat in his tent, composed and at ease, exuding an air of confidence and authority.

Inside He Jin's residence, however, a state of panic reigned. Clad in ornate armor, He Jin paced back and forth, his face etched with anxiety, beads of sweat even beading on his forehead. He muttered incessantly, worrying alternately about insufficient troops and inadequate planning. His preparations were disorganized and dawdling, a stark contrast to the calm deliberation of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. His servants, beside him, busily prepared various supplies, their hands fluttering and their hands trembling.

Yuan Shu, standing nearby, seemed particularly excited. He constantly fanned He Jin's flames, exaggerating Dong Cheng's threats. His eyes gleamed with cunning, as if anticipating an outbreak of chaos. He repeatedly declared that Dong Cheng and his ilk were nothing to fear, and that with He Jin's command, he would lead his troops into battle and capture Dong Cheng and his ilk. His smug expression further distraught He Jin, intensifying his unease.

Ma Chao didn't care about personal honor or disgrace at all. He quickly returned to Lu's residence. There, he found his horse and weapon, and quickly changed into armor.

After everything was ready, Ma Chao galloped towards Beidaying. However, when he arrived at the camp gate, he found himself unable to enter. Just as he was getting anxious, Cao Cao arrived with his troops. Upon seeing Ma Chao, Cao Cao smiled warmly and invited him to join his forces.

Not long after, Yuan Shao, also in full armor and mounted on a warhorse, arrived with his troops in a hurry. When he saw Cao Cao and Ma Chao, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

Chunyu Qiong had already transferred his troops to He Jin's Beidaying. He Jin trusted Chunyu Qiong very much and gave him the command of Beidaying.

At this moment, the Beidaying camp was bustling with activity. He Jin's Beidaying camp was already intensively preparing for battle. Troops from all directions were assembled, tents were erected, and military flags were flying, creating an atmosphere of tension yet high morale.

An hour later.

The gate of Beidaying was wide open, and soldiers from various units came out in high spirits and fully equipped.

At the same time, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao quietly and cleverly mixed their own troops and the troops they had recruited together to form a powerful formation.

The two of them stood at the front of the mixed team, their expressions calm but with hidden wit, and together with Chunyu Qiong, they waited patiently for He Jin's arrival.

An hour had passed, but He Jin still hadn't arrived to lead his troops. They waited another quarter of an hour before they spotted cavalry approaching from a distance. It was Yuan Shu, leading a cavalry unit. He relayed He Jin's orders, ordering the troops to assemble outside the Luoyang city gates.

Although everyone was helpless, they still obeyed the order and marched out of Luoyang City to accept the unified command of the general.

After a long and rapid march, the troops finally arrived outside Luoyang City. They saw General He Jin sitting in an extremely gorgeous carriage, clad in shining armor and surrounded by numerous guards, looking majestic and imposing.

At this time, the general ordered Cao Cao's main force to serve as the vanguard to attack Changhe Gate; Yuan Shao was appointed as the left vanguard, responsible for attacking Shenwu Gate of Beigong; Yuan Shu led an army from Beidaying, and was also responsible for attacking Pingcheng Gate of Nangong.

He Jin and Chunyu Qiong led the Beidaying as the central army. The Beidaying had strong military strength and provided solid backing for the entire combat operation.

Following the established deployment, everyone quickly and orderly rushed to their designated battlefields. After inspecting the tiger seal, the general in charge of Luoyang's defense opened the city gates. Soldiers poured into Luoyang like a tide. Under the deep cover of night, Luoyang was instantly engulfed in noise and chaos.

The clatter of horse hooves echoed through every street, and the clash of weapons was incessant, seemingly tearing the darkness apart. The endless stream of torches, like burning strings of hope and fear, illuminated half of Luoyang City ablaze. The city's citizens, terrified, shut their doors tightly and trembled in their homes, fearing that this sudden influx of rebels would rob them of their lives and their peace.

The entire Luoyang city fell into chaos and panic, and the storm of war had just begun to sweep across this ancient city.