Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Furious, Zuo Rong spurred his steed towards Yong'an County, his hooves pounding the ground, sending clouds of dust billowing in his chest. Anxiety and unease filled his heart. Previously, he had been engaged in a bloody battle with the enemy in Linshui County, the battle stalemated. Who could have foreseen the sudden turn of events? He was defeated by the Shanyue. His army collapsed, his soldiers abandoned their armor, and he was left fleeing in panic.

The gates of Yong'an County stood silently in the sunlight. From afar, the guards on the wall watched as Zuo Rong and his group hurriedly approached, their faces filled with confusion. As Zuo Rong and his companions approached, the gates slowly opened. Zuo Rong dismounted and strode into the city. Upon hearing the news, the county magistrate hurried from the government office to greet them, his face filled with surprise. After all, Zuo Rong had been engaged in a fierce battle in Linshui County, with no definitive news. Now, his sudden appearance in Yong'an County, bypassing Anji County, was truly baffling.

The county magistrate suppressed his inner surprise and hurried forward to ask Zuo Rong what had happened. Zuo Rong was still in shock, gasping for breath and said, "Hey, don't mention it. We were defeated by the Shanyue. The army suffered countless casualties and was scattered!" After hearing this, the county magistrate's face instantly showed a look of shock. His eyes widened and he looked at Zuo Rong in disbelief. After a long pause, he continued to ask, "Since you were defeated, why didn't you retreat to Anji County, but instead ran all the way to Yong'an?" Zuo Rong's expression was gloomy, and he sighed deeply, "Anji has also been captured by the Shanyue. Now Yong'an will probably face the Shanyue army soon."

Upon hearing this, the county magistrate turned pale with fear and said in a trembling voice, "We've already withdrawn a lot of troops from the county, and we're simply not enough. What should we do?" Seeing the magistrate's frightened expression, Zuo Rong comforted him, "Don't panic. I'll be here with you to defend Yong'an. I'll report the reasons and details of this defeat to Wang Lang. You just need to lead everyone to defend Yong'an to the death."

Despite receiving Zuo Rong's promise, the county magistrate remained uneasy and uneasy. After Zuo Rong left, he didn't hesitate to inform the county lieutenant, demanding he immediately strengthen the county's defenses. Within Yong'an County, soldiers hurriedly moved stones, reinforced the city walls, and gathered provisions. The entire county was enveloped in a tense, pre-war atmosphere.

At that time, Wang Lang was in his Yangxian County residence, receiving Cao Bao with great honors. Cao Bao stood majestically before the hall, with the elite Danyang troops under his personal command behind him. The neat formation and the impressive aura of their troops relaxed Wang Lang's heart, which had been tense from the pressure of war.

Wang Lang, beaming, spoke cautiously with Cao Bao, his words overflowing with praise and compliments. After all, as a prominent representative of a prominent Xuzhou clan, Cao Bao possessed deep roots and extensive connections in the region. More crucially, he wielded significant military power, even entrusting Tao Qian with command of his most trusted elite troops from Danyang. This was a testament to Cao Bao's importance to Tao Qian, undoubtedly making him a trusted and influential official.

Wang Lang warmly exchanged pleasantries with Cao Bao while meticulously arranging the grand banquet. Soon, everyone moved to the banquet hall, where a dazzling array of delicious food and wine was on display. Wang Lang raised his glass and said respectfully, "General Cao, you must have come a long way and endured hardships. Now that General Cao has led these renowned Danyang troops to aid us, I can truly rest easy from now on!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Bao tilted his head slightly, his face brimming with innate pride and smugness. After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet intensified. Cao Bao, looking slightly tipsy, set down his glass and inquired about the progress of the battle ahead. Wang Lang's expression straightened as he explained earnestly, "Currently, our army and the Shanyue are in a standoff in front of Linshui County. Recently, however, the Shanyue seem to have received reinforcements, making the situation somewhat challenging."

Upon hearing this, Cao Bao's lips curled up slightly as he let out a chuckle, a laugh tinged with disdain. "The Shanyue are just a bunch of rabble lurking in the mountains, like untamed monkeys. It's truly difficult for you to suffer repeated defeats at their hands. It seems to me that you, Your Majesty, have been somewhat neglectful of military duties. Otherwise, how could you allow these untamed men to run wild and act so recklessly?"

Wang Lang's face flickered with embarrassment when he heard this, but he quickly regained his composure and said with a smile, "Hey, General Cao, you're absolutely right. I'm just a scholar, spending most of my time writing. How could I possibly have much experience in military operations, fighting, and deploying troops? I hope General Cao will take the trouble to help me quell this war."

A smug smile played across Cao Bao's lips, a hearty laugh that made the battle seem like a piece of cake. "Don't worry, Your Majesty," he patted his chest, his tone firm and undeniably confident. "Since I, Cao Bao, have come here, and I have these elite Danyang soldiers under my command, I will absolutely not let you repeat the mistakes of that old man Xu Gong."

The words left his mouth, carrying with them a certain invisible pressure, like a slap in the face. Xu Gong, after all, had once been a minor vassal, possessing power and prestige within his own territory. But now, he'd become a mere topic of conversation, a byword for failure. Human nature is complex. When facing warriors, the aristocratic families and the literati naturally align, seemingly fighting the "threat" posed by the warriors. Yet, when facing the common people, the aristocratic families tacitly stand together, safeguarding their superior status. But within their own circles, beneath the surface of harmony, undercurrents swirl, mutual disdain and secret rivalry simmer.

Hearing Cao Bao's disdain for Xu Gong, Wang Lang felt an indescribable irritation. Though Xu Gong had fallen on hard times, he still came from an aristocratic family. Being so wantonly disparaged, Wang Lang felt a certain pang of grief. Clearing his throat deliberately, he spoke slowly, "General Cao probably doesn't know that the aristocratic families in Xu Gong's territory were completely slaughtered by the Shanyue. The scene was truly horrific."

As soon as these words were spoken, Cao Bao's smile froze, his expression turning solemn. As a member of a prominent family, he naturally understood the social status and significance of aristocratic families. Even during the turbulent times of dynastic change, the aristocratic families, relying on their knowledge, talents, and accumulated wealth, had always managed to survive the storm and continue their family bloodlines. But now, the Shanyue were so brutal, exterminating the soldiers and aristocratic families in Xu Gong's territory. How could this not be terrifying? At this thought, Cao Bao shuddered, and his contempt for the Shanyue faded, replaced by a deep sense of vigilance.

Cao Bao's eyes widened in anger, his teeth chattering, his face filled with rage and resentment. He cursed viciously, "These Shanyue thieves are simply a group of wild monkeys jumping around in the trees and mountains at will! How dare they treat the noble families so disrespectfully, with no regard for hierarchy! Don't worry, my lord! I will help you repel the Shanyue first, and then I will go and avenge Xu Gong's former subordinates and those noble families who were brutally slaughtered!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Lang shook his head slightly, his expression filled with helplessness and regret. He slowly said, "I'm afraid it's too late." Cao Bao, puzzled, asked, "Why do you say that, Your Majesty?" Wang Lang sighed and explained, "Sun Bofu of Kuaiji Commandery has been continuously dispatching troops to attack the Shanyue, but he has now repelled them. And all of Xu Gong's territory has been occupied by that little tyrant, Sun Ce."

Upon hearing this, Cao Bao was stunned at first, then he couldn't help but sigh, "Hey, this little overlord of Jiangdong really lives up to his reputation. He really does have some real skills!" After sighing, he looked at Wang Lang with a puzzled look on his face and suggested, "My Lord, since that's the case, why don't we invite Sun Ce to join us for a hunting trip in Linshui County and completely wipe out the Shanyue?"

Wang Lang's face was filled with worry, his brow furrowed. He spoke slowly, "Since his sudden emergence, Sun Ce and Sun Bofu have swept through Kuaiji County with unstoppable force. Now, they've seized most of Wu County. If we invite them to help defeat the Shanyue, I'm afraid even this half of my territory won't be secure!"

Cao Bao fell into deep thought upon hearing this. He knew full well that Sun Ce of Jiangdong had risen to prominence too quickly, and his methods were swift and decisive. He was incredibly powerful, and given time, he would become a formidable force that could not be underestimated, and he was likely to become a formidable rival to himself and Wang Lang.

After a moment's contemplation, Cao Bao regained his composure and, looking at Wang Lang, reassured him with a firm expression, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. These elite Danyang soldiers under my command are veterans who have experienced countless battles and have been tempered by countless trials. Back when Danyang County was recruiting soldiers, we saw the hardship of life here, and the bravery and recklessness of the people in their quest for survival. Furthermore, Danyang County is mountainous, and its unique terrain has honed their agility and combat prowess. With these elite Danyang soldiers here, dealing with those Shanyue barbarians will be a piece of cake. Your Majesty, there's really no need to worry."

After hearing what Cao Bao said, Wang Lang showed a slightly embarrassed smile on his face, and nodded quickly to agree: "Yes, yes, we have to rely on General Cao's divine power to eliminate the threat of Shanyue." After that, he picked up the wine glass and continued to toast Cao Bao. The atmosphere at the table seemed harmonious, but the two of them had different thoughts in their hearts.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the banquet hall was in high spirits. Suddenly, a soldier, looking panicked, rushed into the hall, knelt down with a thud, and reported loudly: "Your Excellency, General Zuo Rong has sent an express horse with an urgent letter, requesting an immediate audience!"

Wang Lang's face, still slightly drunk, suddenly turned serious. He stood up and walked quickly towards the soldier. He looked at the soldier and asked anxiously, "What happened? Why the rush?" The soldier lowered his head, his voice trembling as he stammered, unable to explain. He only stammered, "Sir, I came from Yong'an, but I really don't know how General Zuo Rong was defeated..."

When Wang Lang heard the word "defeat," his heart sank, his head buzzing. He couldn't think straight anymore and anxiously reached out to snatch the letter from the soldier's hand. He unfolded the letter and read it quickly. As his eyes moved, his face grew paler and his lips began to tremble uncontrollably.

When Wang Lang read the letter stating that his army had been nearly annihilated and that even Anji County had fallen to the Shanyue, he felt a sudden blackness before his eyes, as if struck by a heavy hammer. He instinctively slapped his forehead with his hand, letting out a long, despairing sigh, "Alas, God has doomed me!" His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, his whole body limp, as if his muscles and bones had been drained.