Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

This battle was of extraordinary significance in every sense. Although the Shanyue forces ultimately fled into the mountains, it was undoubtedly a victory for Tao Ying's forces. After all, Cao Bao and the forces of Wucheng County had previously engaged in numerous battles, but had been unable to defeat this Shanyue force. However, Tao Ying's immediate arrival successfully routed them, forcing them to retreat into the mountains.

Wang Lang pondered that this victory not only demonstrated Tao Ying's military prowess but also, to a certain extent, enhanced his prestige within the Xuzhou army. He knew that expressing his admiration at this moment would not only strengthen his relationship with Tao Ying, but also help consolidate his own position in the situation, and potentially alienate Tao Ying from Cao Bao. So, with a broad smile and a look of measured approval in his eyes, Wang Lang addressed Tao Ying, "My nephew, your command of the troops is truly admirable! Cao Bao and the Wucheng County troops fought tooth and nail, unable to defeat these Shanyue people. But my nephew, upon his arrival, crushed them with a thunderous force, forcing them to flee in panic. Such military strategy and decisiveness are truly unmatched. You will surely become a great man in the future!" As Wang Lang spoke, he shook his head slightly, his expression of admiration evident, as if to say he had witnessed an unprecedented military miracle.

Although Tao Ying did not make any grand speeches or devise any brilliant strategies during the battle, as the commander-in-chief, the victory was naturally attributed to him. After all, Zang Ba and Sun Guan, who led the troops in the battle, were both his trusted and beloved generals and capable officers under his command.

At this point, Wang Lang deliberately compared Cao Bao's men to Tao Ying's, his words full of praise for Tao Ying's side, bluntly stating that Tao Ying's generals were far superior to Cao Bao's. While seemingly praising the generals, this statement subtly hinted at Tao Ying's leadership, indirectly proving that Tao Ying was superior to his brother Tao Shang in military talent and leadership.

Tao Ying felt a surge of pride at Wang Lang's compliment. He maintained a humble demeanor, nodding slightly, but his lips curled up unconsciously, his eyes revealing a barely concealed smugness. This comparison was undoubtedly a validation of his status and abilities, filling him with a sense of accomplishment, as if he had reached the pinnacle of power and glory.

As Wang Lang offered his compliments, he observed Tao Ying's demeanor from the corner of his eye. He saw the corner of Tao Ying's mouth curl slightly upward, a subtle flicker of smugness in his eyes. Wang Lang knew immediately that the relationship between Tao Ying and Cao Bao was not harmonious. He thought to himself, perhaps this was an opportunity to exploit.

If he could exploit this and subtly sow discord between Cao Bao and Tao Ying, creating a rift between them, he would be able to eliminate many potential threats after defeating the Shanyue. The more Wang Lang thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. He even began to fantasize about further conflict between Cao Bao and Tao Ying, which would be even more advantageous. Then, he could intervene at the right time and win Cao Bao over to his side. This way, even if Tao Ying was unwilling, he would be unable to plot against his territory. After all, Cao Bao commanded a considerable force, and if he defected, it would undoubtedly significantly alter the balance of power. At this thought, a sly glint flashed in Wang Lang's eyes, but his face remained permeated with a smile, as if he hadn't even considered any of this.

Knowing that Tao Ying and Wang Lang were about to arrive and the threat from the Shanyue people behind Yong'an City had been lifted, Cao Bao and Zuo Rong prepared to go out of the city to welcome them.

However, Cao Bao showed little interest, completely lacking the enthusiasm he should have. Zuo Rong, convinced that a more formal ceremony was warranted, earnestly urged him, "General Cao, let's go a little further to greet him. That way, we can fully demonstrate our respect." But Cao Bao, seemingly oblivious, replied with a cold, indifferent expression, "No need. Meeting him at the city gate will suffice." He then ignored Zuo Rong and stood still at the gate, his eyes etched with a hint of stubbornness and disdain.

Cao Bao had always served only the eldest son, Tao Shang, and the rift between him and Tao Ying was long-standing. As the commander of the Danyang troops, he commanded a large force and held considerable prestige within the army. Tao Ying, likewise a commander of his own army, held equal status. In Cao Bao's mind, why should he be so servile to Tao Ying, or even lose to him in power? Therefore, no matter how much Zuo Rong tried to persuade him, he refused to take another step forward.

Zuo Rong found Cao Bao's actions difficult to understand and was filled with doubt, but he dared not disobey Cao Bao's decision. After some hesitation, Zuo Rong decided to lead the troops alone and marched another five miles to meet them. He rode a tall horse with a respectful expression. Behind him, the soldiers lined up in neat formation, quietly awaiting the arrival of Tao Ying and Wang Lang. This was in stark contrast to Cao Bao's cold attitude at the city gate.

Tao Ying and Wang Lang led their army slowly forward, spotting the welcoming troops from the city in the distance. Smiling, they rode to the front of the column. Behind Tao Ying, Sun Guan and Zang Ba followed closely.

At this time, Zuo Rong stepped forward quickly, his expression solemn and a bit guilty. He first saluted respectfully to Wang Lang and Tao Ying, his voice full of self-blame: "Greetings, my lord, and Mr. Tao. In the previous battle, I failed to command effectively and suffered heavy casualties. I am really ashamed to face my lord and am willing to accept any punishment." After he finished speaking, he knelt on his knees, his body trembling slightly, and it can be seen that he was extremely uneasy in his heart.

Wang Lang looked at Zuo Rong, remembering the previous defeat, and inevitably felt a little unhappy. But when he saw Zuo Rong's red eyes and his face, which was obviously thin due to days of hard work, the dissatisfaction instantly dissipated a lot. He sighed, and his tone became gentle and a little understanding: "Alas, the Shanyue forces are already strong. This defeat cannot be blamed entirely on you. General Zuo Rong, get up quickly. You have been working hard for the war these days. Even if you have no military merits, you have worked hard. After the battle, we will reward you according to your merits and punish you according to the rules."

After hearing this, Zuo Rong finally relaxed, and the tension on his face gradually faded. He looked at Wang Lang with gratitude and slowly stood up.

Tao Ying's brows furrowed instantly, a hint of displeasure on his face as he asked, "General Zuo Rong, why isn't General Cao Bao here to greet us?"

An awkward smile appeared on Zuo Rong's face, and he reluctantly explained, "General Cao Bao is waiting for you at the city gate. He said it would be the same if we greeted you there."

When Tao Ying heard this, his dissatisfaction grew stronger. He thought to himself that as the commander-in-chief, he had come to relieve Cao Bao from the crisis of being attacked from all sides. Moreover, although Cao Bao went to the battle first and he was the second batch of Xuzhou troops to come to the rescue, anyone with a discerning eye could see that he was here to help him out. To put it another way, even if the two of them were commanders of the same army, as the son of Tao Qian, his status was naturally higher than Cao Bao's. But he was just waiting at the city gate and didn't come to greet them. Isn't this obviously embarrassing himself? Thinking of this, Tao Ying's face became more gloomy, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Sun Guan, who was standing aside, could not contain his anger and shouted, "This Cao Bao is so ignorant of his superiors! Who is he and what is the young master's? We came all the way here and helped him resolve the crisis as soon as we arrived, but he was so arrogant and rude that he didn't even want to go out of the city to greet us. What's even more infuriating is that if he had seized the opportunity and joined us in attacking from both sides of the city, that Shanyue army would never have escaped!" Sun Guan became more and more excited as he spoke, his face full of indignation.

Tao Ying's face instantly turned livid, his eyes blazing with anger. Just then, Wang Lang sensed his opportunity and quickly added insult to injury: "Hey, nephew, General Cao Bao's actions are indeed unkind. But then again, as a general of the Xuzhou army, backed by one of Xuzhou's most prestigious families, and commanding the elite troops of Danyang, it's inevitable that he has a bad temper. The war is intense now, nephew, please don't get angry. If conflicts arise between commanders, the subordinates will be in trouble. We must always prioritize the overall situation." Wang Lang ostensibly tried to persuade them to reconcile, but his words were like a spark that ignited a powder keg, causing Tao Ying to lose control. He snorted, "Hmph, that old scoundrel!" and his dissatisfaction with Cao Bao intensified.

Seeing this, Zang Ba secretly said to himself, "This situation is obviously adding fuel to the fire!" The elite Danyang troops and the Xuzhou army are both Xuzhou troops. Before they officially merged, such a big gap had already arisen between the commanders. How could they cooperate in the future? He hurriedly stepped forward, bowed to Tao Ying and said, "Second Young Master, please calm down. General Cao Bao's move is indeed inappropriate, but now that we are facing a powerful enemy and the Shanyue has not yet been pacified, we cannot afford to lose our composure internally. We are all working for the stability of Xuzhou and have the same goal. Some minor frictions can be put aside for the time being. It will not be too late to discuss these things after the Shanyue is pacified. Right now, working together to repel the foreign enemy is the top priority." Zang Ba's words were sincere, his eyes full of sincerity and concern, hoping to persuade Tao Ying and let this potential conflict be resolved.

Tao Ying listened to Zang Ba's advice, but his face was still gloomy. Although he did not lose his temper on the spot to embarrass Zang Ba, he still couldn't help but said coldly: "Xuan Gao (Zang Ba's name was Xuan Gao), I know you mean well. But who can swallow this breath? I came to rescue him at the cost of my life, but he is so arrogant. Some things cannot be put aside just like that. He was so rude today, how can he convince me in the future?" His words were full of dissatisfaction and grievance. It was obvious that he was still brooding over Cao Bao's behavior, and Zang Ba's consolation could not dispel the resentment in his heart.

Zang Ba groaned inwardly, thinking, "What the hell is going on?" Ever since he led the troops on this expedition, he had clearly sensed a subtle change in Second Young Master Tao Ying's attitude. He had become increasingly arrogant, his temper had worsened, and his actions had become more cavalier. After all, the temptations of holding such power were truly not easily resisted by ordinary people.

Zang Ba tried to persuade Tao Ying to calm down and prioritize the greater good. But before he could speak again, Tao Ying's face was already sullen. Without waiting for a reply, he scurried up to his horse, swiftly mounted, and declared through gritted teeth, "Let's go! Let's go meet Cao Bao and see what this old scoundrel is up to!" With a flick of the reins, his horse's hooves kicked up a cloud of dust as he galloped off toward the city gate. Seeing this, everyone hurriedly spurred their horses to follow, the atmosphere tense and tense as if it were about to explode.