My lady, I'm going to rebel.

Ever since Yunniang came back, Mu Zheng has been smiling every day and seems to be very energetic in doing anything.

Every day he would check on the progress of spring plowing, care about the living arrangements of the refugees, arrange manpower to open up new fields, and plan construction on the mountains.

Yunniang assisted silently. She was gentle and considerate. She often visited the newly arrived refugees and rescued girls, bringing them clothes and food, patiently listening to their stories, and comforting everyone with warm words.

And so, the day came to 23 AD.

In late spring, Qingyan Mountain is still shrouded in a layer of chill. The pines and cypresses all over the mountain sway in the wind, making weeping and complaining sounds, as if telling the sadness of this troubled world.

Mu Zheng, a burly general with a fierce, eagle-like gaze, clad in black armor, his red cape rustling in the wind, stood atop the observation tower of Qingyan Mountain, overlooking the winding path below. Since the outbreak of the Green Forest Rebellion, the world has been plunged into chaos, with various factions rising up and vying for supremacy in the Central Plains. Mu Zheng, under Deng Yu's orders, has defended Qingyan Mountain and transformed it into a stronghold for the Green Forest Army's offensive against Hebei and other regions.

Qingyan Mountain is located in a dangerous area and is a strategic point for the surrounding areas. Therefore, Mu Zheng dare not slack off at all and is always alert to the actions of all parties.

That afternoon, Mu Zheng had just returned to his tent and was about to take a short rest when he heard the rapid sound of horse hooves outside. Immediately afterwards, Li Lian quickly opened the tent curtain, knelt on one knee, and eagerly reported, "Brother Mu, General Deng Yu is here!"

Mu Zheng's heart suddenly trembled. He quickly stood up, straightened his clothes, and strode out of the tent.

Deng Yu dismounted in front of the camp. He was dressed in a cyan suit, a sword at his waist, and looked imposing, his eyes gleaming with wisdom and determination.

Deng Yu was dusty, yet his face was etched with excitement. The two men met, and before they could exchange pleasantries, Deng Yu spoke urgently, "Brother Mu Zheng, big news! We have established the Gengshi regime, but upon hearing the news, Wang Mang was furious and immediately dispatched Grand Marshal Wang Yi and Grand Minister of Justice Wang Xun with an army of 430,000 men to encircle and suppress us. Our army has decided to fight them to the death in Kunyang. This is a crucial battle for the survival of the Gengshi regime. They said they sent over 400,000 troops, and we are shorthanded, so we're here to request reinforcements!"

More than 400,000?

Mu Zheng's heart trembled.

Mu Zheng remembers this war very clearly.

The Battle of Kunyang was a strategic decisive battle between the peasant uprising army and the Wang Mang regime of the Xin Dynasty in Kunyang (in present-day Henan Province) in the first year of the Gengshi reign (23 AD). The Green Forest Army of less than led by Liu Xiu and others fought against the main force of Wang Mang's army of more than led by Wang Yi and Wang Xun. In the end, the Green Forest Army headed by Liu Xiu won. It is one of the classic battles in Chinese history where the outnumbered army defeated the larger one.

But history is history, and reality is reality.

Although the result was victory, no one knows what the process was like.

Deng Yu came to ask for help.

Mu Zheng's mind raced as he rapidly weighed the pros and cons. While the defense of Qingyan Mountain was crucial, if he left with his troops, the mountain would likely be in danger. However, if he lost the Battle of Kunyang, the Gengshi regime would be in jeopardy. The country would continue to be mired in Wang Mang's brutal rule, and the people would continue to suffer.

Moreover, if the Gengshi regime collapses, it will be difficult for him to gain a foothold in Qingyan Mountain.

After a moment's silence, Mu Zheng suddenly raised his head, a resolute glint in his eyes, and said firmly, "General Deng, don't worry. I will immediately gather 500 elite soldiers and follow you to Kunyang!"

Deng Yu's face lit up with joy. He shook Mu Zheng's hand tightly and said, "General Mu is very understanding of justice. With your help, we will surely win the battle of Kunyang!"

After saying this, he suddenly frowned again, his face showing difficulty: "Brother, to be honest, we can only muster 20,000 troops right now."

Mu Zheng was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Twenty thousand? That's enough!"

Anyway, the final result is a win.

Unexpectedly, Deng Yu's eyes widened: "The other party wants 400,000."

Mu Zheng knew what Deng Yu meant, that the disparity in military strength between the two sides was too great, and this battle would most likely be a one-way battle.

Thinking of this, Mu Zheng felt that Deng Yu was a person who could get along with him, at least he was honest.

"I believe you!" Mu Zheng said with a smile!

……