Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and Sun Ce, escorting the captive Wang Lang, successfully took over the former prefectures and counties. Immediately upon arrival, they vigorously embarked on post-war reconstruction. Knowing that talent was the key to local governance and intent on breaking the monopoly of the established aristocratic families, they deliberately sought to recruit officials from humble backgrounds. To this end, they posted a notice detailing the selection criteria, ensuring that no one, regardless of social status, would be selected based on merit.

As soon as the news spread, young men from humble backgrounds across the country eagerly signed up. On the day of the exam, Ma Chao and Sun Ce personally supervised the examination, which covered a wide range of subjects, including classics, history, civil affairs, and military strategy. They patiently questioned and carefully screened the numerous candidates. One humble scholar, Zhou Xing, though poorly dressed, possessed unique insights into local governance. His proposals, including reducing taxes and levies and developing water conservancy projects, immediately won the approval of Ma Chao and Sun Ce. Ultimately, a large number of talented and knowledgeable individuals from humble backgrounds emerged and entered the local administrative system.

Next, they set about pacifying the people. They opened granaries to distribute grain, providing relief to those left hungry and homeless by the war. They organized craftsmen to repair war-damaged houses and planned the reconstruction of markets, gradually restoring the old counties. Although some of the old nobility secretly resisted this process, and the people also had some concerns about the new policies, everything proceeded smoothly under the strong implementation of Ma Chao and Sun Ce.

After all was done, the army rested briefly in the old county. Ma Chao and Sun Ce discussed leaving some troops behind to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth implementation of the new policy.

Afterwards, the army marched towards Yangxian County. Everyone assumed that with Wang Lang captured, Yangxian County, leaderless, would offer no serious resistance. In their tents, the generals casually discussed post-war rewards, while the soldiers eagerly anticipated a swift triumphant return. However, no one anticipated that what awaited them in Yangxian County was the third wave of reinforcements from Xuzhou, Chen Deng's troops.

As was customary, the army arrived in a mighty procession outside Yangxian County. Before them lay the towering walls of the city, mottled and shabby, yet still radiating a sense of past glory. Everything went according to plan, and the generals dispatched envoys to the city walls to persuade them to surrender. This scenario had happened so many times before, and it seemed inevitable. Everyone expected the other side to surrender.

During this period, Ma Dai and Wei Yan interacted frequently. Ma Dai now commanded all the cavalry. Ma Chao, as commander-in-chief, was mindful of his status as a foreigner in this region and had not insisted on seizing control of the cavalry. Instead, he was interested in training his brother Ma Dai. Wei Yan, who had never commanded cavalry before, was enthusiastic about the opportunity and devoted himself to learning.

Following the customary marching and fighting methods, the armies led by Ma Chao and Sun Ce arrived at the outskirts of Yangxian County with overwhelming momentum. Looking up, the towering city stood majestically, its thick walls and sturdy gates a reminder of its past glory. Flags atop the walls fluttered loudly, dancing in the wind, as if demonstrating the city's heritage and resilience.

As usual, the persuasion for surrender was essential. Ma Dai and Wei Yan, commanded by their orders, rode majestically to the city walls on their majestic horses. Ma Dai, slender and agile, controlled his horse with the grace and skill worthy of a cavalry commander; Wei Yan, with a resolute expression and a piercing gaze, stared intently at the city gates. Their voices, at the top of their lungs, demanded the defenders surrender immediately. Their voices echoed across the vast plains, carrying an undeniable momentum.

However, to everyone's surprise, the commander who appeared from the tower was none other than Chen Deng. His face was stern, his eyes etched with determination and resolve. He glanced at Ma Dai and Wei Yan below the city walls, then turned without hesitation and shouted to the soldiers beside him, "Shoot!" Instantly, the previously quiet walls erupted in excitement. Soldiers quickly drew their bows and arrows, unleashing a dense hail of arrows that poured down on the city walls like a swarm of locusts.

Ma Dai and Wei Yan were completely unprepared for the sudden attack, and were caught off guard. Arrows whistled towards them, and they hurriedly tightened the reins, spurring their horses to turn and retreat. Ma Dai whipped his whip and shouted, "Be careful! Retreat!" Wei Yan followed closely behind him, brandishing his long sword, trying to deflect the arrows.

Finally escaping the hail of arrows, the two, still shaken, hurried back to the main army camp to report the sudden situation to Ma Chao and Sun Ce. Seeing the two commanders, Ma Dai and Wei Yan dismounted, trotted forward, and knelt on one knee. Ma Dai's expression was serious, with a hint of annoyance in his tone: "Brother, the commander was directing the arrows from the tower. We were completely unprepared and had no choice but to retreat." Wei Yan added, "This commander is holding his ground with utmost determination. It seems Yangxian County will not be easily captured." Ma Chao and Sun Ce exchanged a glance, a solemn look in their eyes, and a hint of doubt. Now that Wang Lang was in their grasp, had the Yangxian County commander gone mad and actually resisted to the death?

Sun Ce's face instantly darkened to the point of dripping water, and a chilling aura emanated from him. He turned his head sharply, staring intently at Wang Lang, who was being escorted to the side, and squeezed out a few words from between his teeth: "Bring Wang Lang to me!"

In the blink of an eye, Wang Lang was dragged and thrust before Sun Ce by the soldiers. He saluted respectfully, his entire body trembling like a sieve, his face filled with terror. Sun Ce took a few steps to Wang Lang, his eyes wide with rage, and roared, "Do you know who the Yangxian County governor is? Why are they so stubborn and resisting to the death? Are they truly not afraid of death?"

Wang Lang's teeth chattered with fear. He saluted desperately and cried out in tears, "General, spare my life! I really don't know what's going on. That garrison commander is like a madman! Since I surrender, I have absolutely no intention of deceiving anyone. Heaven and earth can bear witness!"

Sun Ce snorted coldly, his eyes filled with suspicion and disdain, clearly not fully convinced by Wang Lang's words. He quickly turned to look at Ma Chao, and their eyes met. Without further ado, they understood each other. With a sudden wave of his hand, Sun Ce commanded in a voice as resounding as a bell: "Full force, advance! I want to see just how capable this Yangxian commander is, daring to challenge us!"

The military order was as firm as a mountain, and the army surged toward Yangxian County like a surging tide. The soldiers, each holding a sharp blade, were filled with fighting spirit, and their shouts were deafening, as if they were about to shatter the very fabric of the world. Ma Chao and Sun Ce, riding majestically on tall and powerful horses, stood side by side at the front of the battle.

Sun Ce raised his head and looked towards the tower. He gathered his strength and shouted, "Listen up, defenders! I am Sun Ce. You have refused to surrender and even dared to shoot arrows at me today. Are you tired of living? Leave the city and speak to me!"

Atop the city walls, Chen Deng remained calm and composed, his posture erect, unfazed by the overwhelming force of the army. He unhurriedly adjusted his attire and steadily walked to the edge of the tower. With a sharp gaze, he surveyed the vast army below. He responded in a resounding voice, "I am Chen Deng of Xuzhou. I have accepted the city's defense and will hold it to the end. I will not surrender easily. If you desire Yangxian County, then come and take it with your true strength!"

Sun Ce heard Chen Deng's words, a cold smile appeared on his face, his eyes gleaming with coldness. He shouted, "Are you truly not afraid? Do you not care about your son Tao Ying's life? Don't think we dare not touch him!"

Chen Deng trembled slightly when he heard this, but he quickly stabilized his body, his expression became more resolute, and he responded loudly: "If you defeat Wang Lang, it is equivalent to defeating the army of Wang Lang and my second son Tao Ying. Now there is no hope of reinforcements, and I am in a dilemma. In this case, I can only fight you to the death! There is no point in talking more, if you want to fight, then fight!" His voice echoed on the city wall, revealing a sense of determination and tragedy.

At this time, Ma Chao also shouted loudly in the formation: "You really don't care about Tao Ying's life or death?" Ma Chao's voice was low and powerful, with a bit of unquestionable majesty.

Chen Deng's face was full of suspicion, his brows twisted into the shape of a "川" character, and he shouted loudly towards the people below the city: "Don't lie to me! Young Master Tao Ying hasn't shown up for so many days, and the news outside is that Wang Lang is still alive. If you really caught Tao Ying, why didn't you let him show up?" His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, staring at Ma Chao and Sun Ce below the city, trying to find a flaw in their expressions.

Sun Ce's heart tightened, but his face remained calm. He explained loudly: "Chen Deng, don't be suspicious! Master Tao Ying is safe and sound, but his previous injuries have not healed, so it is inconvenient for him to show up. Now that you don't believe it, I will send someone to bring him here so that you can see it with your own eyes!" After speaking, he turned around and winked at the personal soldier beside him. The personal soldier immediately understood and galloped back to the camp.

A moment later, Tao Ying appeared before the battle line, supported by his personal guards. He looked slightly haggard, his steps unsteady, but his eyes held a stubborn determination. Seeing this, Ma Chao shouted, "Chen Deng, look carefully! Is this your son?"

Chen Deng's eyes widened as he stared at Tao Ying. His eyes instantly turned red, and his voice trembled a little: "Sir, it really is you!" Tao Ying forced himself to stay calm and shouted towards the tower: "Chen Deng, don't be impulsive! Listen to them and surrender! Don't resist in vain and sacrifice the lives of our soldiers!"

Chen Deng stood atop the city wall, his gaze fixed on Tao Ying below. In that instant, the heavy weight that had weighed on his heart for days seemed to loosen a little, and a flicker of uncontrollable joy crept across his face. He knew the situation was difficult, Tao Ying's defeat was inevitable, and the long-awaited reinforcements had vanished. But if he could bring Tao Qian's second son back to Xuzhou unharmed, he would feel he had fulfilled his duty to his former master, Tao Qian, and that his mission had achieved a satisfactory outcome.

Chen Deng took a deep breath to calm his complicated emotions, then put his hands to his mouth and shouted loudly towards the city: "Since Master Tao Ying is safe and sound, I am willing to discuss surrender with you! But you must promise me that you will return Tao Ying and Wang Lang intact, and let Wang Lang's family retreat to Xuzhou with me, otherwise, I will never open the city gate easily!" His voice echoed in the empty battlefield with an unquestionable firmness.

Ma Chao was riding on a tall horse. After hearing Chen Deng's call, he looked up at the city wall, his eyes showing calmness and confidence, and responded loudly: "We can agree to your conditions. However, in order to ensure a smooth handover between the two sides, you must withdraw your troops first. Wang Lang's family can evacuate with you, but Wang Lang and Tao Ying must stay temporarily. After we successfully take over the following counties, we will keep our promise and return them unharmed at the border between Xuzhou and Wujun." Ma Chao's words were loud and clear, and every word was clearly heard by everyone on the city wall.