Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and their companions set up camp in Wucheng and took a meticulous rest. This wasn't just to allow the soldiers to recuperate, but also to forge a deeper purpose—they wanted to allow the events unfolding in Wucheng County to fully unfold. They wanted to let the people know that the arrival of this new power would not bring chaos, but rather hope for stability. They wanted to make the gentry and aristocratic families understand that surrender would not bring disaster, and that armed conflict was not an option for them.

For three or four days, Wucheng County appeared calm, but undercurrents surged. The city's citizens gradually lowered their guard, their fear replaced by relief as they watched the soldiers repair houses and reopen the market. Meanwhile, the aristocratic families were observing from the sidelines, sending out spies to gather information, attempting to ascertain the true intentions of Sun Ce and Ma Chao.

Over time, the news spread like ripples. Not only did the ancient prefectures and counties they were about to attack learn the details, but even Yangxian County, Wang Lang's former seat of government, and even the more distant Yunyang and Piling counties, and even the remaining prefectures and counties, heard about it. The connections between the aristocratic families were complex and intertwined, and the news spread quickly through their networks.

After three or four days of rest, the soldiers were refreshed and their morale high. At the command of Sun Ce and Ma Chao, the army marched towards Gujun County. The wheels rolled, the horses clattered, and the dust rose as they were about to embark on their next expedition.

In previous campaigns, Wang Lang had repeatedly reduced and redeployed troops from his counties to consolidate his defenses and resist foreign enemies. Now, his remaining counties were severely weakened. Take, for example, the Gu County they were about to reach. Wang Lang had even considered ceding the area to Sun Ce. The defenders had long since given up hope of resistance, desperately hoping for a way out. They had already prepared to surrender, awaiting the arrival of Ma Chao and his men.

When Ma Chao and Sun Ce's armies arrived at the gates of Gu County with impressive force, everything went as planned. The defenders, upon seeing the approaching force, opened the gates without hesitation and surrendered. The entire process was seamless, with virtually no casualties.

However, the spread of this news had mixed consequences. Ma Chao and his men had never anticipated that the 30,000 Xuzhou reinforcements, led by Chen Deng, would learn of the situation on the front lines in Yunyang County. Upon hearing that the Xuzhou army had been defeated, Wang Lang had been captured, the city they were supposed to support had been recaptured without a fight, and the fate of Xuzhou's second son hanging in the balance, Chen Deng was distraught. He knew the situation was critical; if Sun Ce and his men completely pacified Wujun, their power would undoubtedly increase significantly, posing a formidable threat to Xuzhou.

Anxious, Chen Deng had no time to dwell. He immediately turned and led his army, galloping towards Yangxian County at lightning speed. Along the way, the sound of hooves clattered, dust flew, and the Xuzhou soldiers wore solemn expressions, the atmosphere tense and oppressive. Chen Deng sat on his horse, brow furrowed, secretly plotting how to reverse this unfavorable situation and restore Xuzhou's reputation and interests. A new confrontation seemed to be quietly approaching.

Chen Deng, anxiously awaiting his arrival, led 30,000 reinforcements from Xuzhou to Yangxian County without stopping. From afar, the walls of Yangxian County loomed large, casting heavy shadows in the sunlight. Soldiers atop them, weapons in hand, stood on guard, creating a suffocating atmosphere.

Chen Deng urged his horse forward and when he arrived in front of the city gate, he looked up and shouted loudly: "I am Chen Deng from Xuzhou. I have come here from thousands of miles away on the orders of my lord to support you. The military situation is urgent. Open the gate quickly!" His voice echoed in front of the city gate, revealing unquestionable urgency.

The Yangxian County governor stood atop the city wall, his expression complex, his eyes filled with vigilance and hesitation. He gripped the bricks of the wall tightly and shouted, "General Chen, I know your name, but you also know that this is the seat of Lord Wang Lang, a vital place, and the seat of his family. As the commander, I shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting this place. I dare not slack off in the slightest. It would be unacceptable to let you in without authorization."

Upon hearing this, Chen Deng's heart raced, his brow furrowed into a frown, the veins on his forehead bulging slightly. He raised his voice again, his words earnest and anxious, "The situation is extremely critical. Sun Ce and his men are advancing with unstoppable force. They've captured numerous counties and prefectures, and their momentum is strong. If we don't unite and resist, Wujun and even Xuzhou will be in imminent danger, becoming prey on the chopping block! Please let me enter the city. Let's work together to discuss a plan to defend against the enemy and rescue Lord Wang Lang!"

The commander's face was agonizing, his muscles twitching slightly as he struggled internally. He paced back and forth, pondering for a long time. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "General Chen, this matter is too serious, far beyond my authority. I cannot decide it alone. Please be patient and wait outside the city. I will send for Lord Wang Lang's brothers to discuss this matter." With that, he turned hurriedly and trotted down the tower.

Soon, Wang Lang's brother, surrounded by the crowd, walked up to the tower. He was dressed in a long robe, his face gloomy, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. He looked at Chen Deng coldly, his voice questioning, "General Chen, my brother's life or death is uncertain, and his whereabouts are unknown. What are your intentions in leading such a large army here at this time?"

Chen Deng quickly clasped his fists, leaned forward, and spoke with utmost sincerity: "Sir, I, Chen Deng, swear to heaven with all my sincerity, witnessed by the sun and the moon. I have come here solely to protect the safety of Xuzhou and Wujun, without a single selfish motive. The power of Sun Ce and his men is spreading like a surging tide. If we don't join forces, the consequences will be disastrous. Let me enter the city, and together we will devise strategies to address this crisis and rescue Lord Wang Lang from this dire straits!"

Wang Lang's brother, upon hearing this, fell into deep thought. He paced slowly on the city wall, his hands behind his back, his brow furrowed, his face wrinkled with worry. If he allowed Chen Deng to enter the city, he feared it would be like inviting a wolf into the house, making it impossible to resist the enemy and endangering the safety of Wang Lang's family. But if he didn't let him in, the existing forces in the city wouldn't be able to withstand Sun Ce's ferocious army.

After a long silence, he slowly stopped and spoke in a low, somewhat helpless voice, "General Chen, this matter is of grave importance. It involves the safety of my brother's family and the entire Yangxian County. It is difficult for me to make the decision alone."

Seeing Wang Lang's brothers lost in thought, Chen Deng knew they couldn't miss this opportunity. He stepped forward again, his words even more earnestly: "Sir, please calm down and think about this. If you were from an ordinary aristocratic family, you might still have a glimmer of hope. But you are Lord Wang Lang's closest relative. Now that you've suffered such a defeat, if Yangxian County were to fall to Sun Ce and his men, do you think they would let you go easily? By then, I'm afraid you would all be dead without a burial place. How could you possibly survive?"

He paused, looking earnestly at the people on the tower, and continued, "Why not let me enter the city first and garrison Yangxian County? With my 30,000 troops from Xuzhou here, we can then negotiate with Sun Ce. We will voluntarily hand over the county to show our sincerity. At the very least, I can escort your family and accompany you to Xuzhou. My lord and the prince have been close friends for many years, and their friendship is deep. Upon hearing this, he will surely accept you. This way, your clan can survive and avoid destruction."

These words struck Wang Lang's brother like a hammer. Thinking of the family's future and those innocent members, a chill ran down his spine. Seeing his expression wavering, Chen Deng struck while the iron was hot, offering gentle solace: "Sir, the situation is critical right now. There's no room for hesitation. This is your only chance of survival. Missing this opportunity could have disastrous consequences."

After Chen Deng's persuasive and emotional appeal, Wang Lang's brother finally sighed, his defenses completely crumbling. He turned to confer quietly with those around him, then spoke loudly to Chen Deng below the city walls, "General Chen, as you say. I hope you'll keep your promise and protect my family." With that, he ordered the city gates opened, allowing Chen Deng to lead his troops into the city for garrison duty. The gates slowly opened with a dull thud, and Chen Deng, delighted, whipped his horse and led the way into Yangxian County. It seemed a new battle was about to unfold here.

After Chen Deng led the Xuzhou army into Yangxian County, he wasted no time in quickly taking charge of the county's defense. He was well aware of the formidable forces of Ma Chao and Sun Ce, and knew that if he didn't make thorough preparations, Yangxian County would be in imminent danger.

He patrolled the city walls relentlessly, inspecting the fortifications and re-deploying his troops. Crossbowmen were stationed at locations with a wide view of the city walls, equipped with ample arrows. Sword and shield soldiers and spearmen were assembled at strategic points within the city, ready for immediate reinforcement. He also ordered the collection of supplies within the city, stockpiling food and forage, and forging weapons, fully preparing for the potential protracted battle.

As a descendant of an aristocratic family, Chen Deng was well-versed in the minds and tactics of the elite. He understood that these families, usually pampered, would vacillate in uncertain situations, willing to sacrifice the greater good for their own benefit. Therefore, he decisively issued an order, demanding that all members of the aristocratic families participate in the defense and not stand aside. This order was like a bombshell, causing an uproar among the aristocratic families.

The usually high-ranking members of the aristocratic families grumbled upon hearing they would be personally involved in the defense. Accustomed to a comfortable life, they had never imagined the day they would bear arms and endure the elements on the city walls. But Chen Deng was unwavering, refusing to challenge any aristocratic families who attempted to shirk responsibility. With no other choice, the aristocratic families reluctantly sent their men to participate in Yangxian County's defense.

For a time, Yangxian County was gripped by tension and fear. The common people worried, fearing war would soon engulf them; the aristocratic families harbored discontent, yet dared not voice their anger. Chen Deng's actions successfully thwarted some of the clans' plans to secretly defect to the enemy. Some had planned to exploit the chaos and secretly contact Ma Chao and his men in an effort to protect themselves. However, Chen Deng's close surveillance and forceful tactics nipped their plots in the bud before they could even begin.

Everything was ready. Chen Deng stood alone on the city wall, gazing at the sky outside, dyed blood red by the setting sun, his brow furrowed in worry. With Tao Ying's life or death uncertain, this news was like a hammer, hammering down on his heart.

He knew that, while his relationship with Tao Ying wasn't particularly close, his previous support for Tao Ying had already incurred Tao Shang's displeasure. This undoubtedly planted a hidden danger in the power struggle within Xuzhou. As the ruler of Xuzhou, Tao Qian was deeply devoted to his son and valued his son's life extremely highly. If Tao Ying truly died on the battlefield, and he himself had done nothing, how could Tao Qian let him go so easily? If he truly died, he would fight Sun Ce, even if it was just for show.

Tao Qian and Tao Shang, the two generations of Xuzhou lords, if they became dissatisfied with him, the Chen family's situation in Xuzhou would definitely be difficult. In fact, Chen Deng secretly prayed in his heart that Tao Ying would only be captured and not killed in battle. If so, the situation would be much better.