Your Majesty, please spare Diao Chan; your yang energy is too strong.

So, why do you think Zhou Heng did this?

In reality, there are many times when there is nothing that can be done.

Because he was not from a prominent family and did not have their support.

All they could rely on was marriage alliances.

Especially political marriages.

Otherwise, why do you think Zhao Yun would join him?

Isn't Liu Bei appealing?

It's all because of his sister.

If Zhou Heng hadn't married his sister, why would Zhao Yun have pledged allegiance to you?

Even if you surrender, will you not betray me?

Zhao Yun had previously served under both Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao, which was different from his previous actions.

What happened in the end?

They've already left.

If it weren't for a marriage alliance, why would Yuan Shu have given him such great benefits?

Just because he's a lowly bandit?

Let alone in this ancient times.

This is still true even in modern times.

Which of the sons and daughters of those powerful families and wealthy merchants wasn't used for marriage alliances?

Given that Zhou Heng currently lacks the support of powerful families.

They want to grow and expand.

The only option left is a marriage alliance.

For those powerful forces, marriage alliances are the most stable path.

That's it.

This was part of Zhou Heng's plan.

They planned to use Zhang Yan's troops to trap him.

This made him irreconcilably opposed to Yuan Shao.

This way.

Whether Zhang Yan liked it or not, the final result was inevitably a life-or-death struggle with Yuan Shao.

Zhang Yan was no match for Yuan Shao.

So he wanted to survive.

The only option left was to seek refuge with other feudal lords.

If it weren't for Zhang Ning...

Zhou Heng could never be Zhang Yan's first choice.

Even though they were both born in the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

But precisely because they were born into the Yellow Turban Rebellion, they were all too aware of Zhou Heng's disadvantages.

Is this world ultimately the domain of powerful families?

Without the approval of a powerful family, you cannot gain control of the world.

Therefore, without Zhang Ning, Zhang Yan would never have considered joining Zhou Heng, even if she were beaten to death.

But if Zhou Heng wins over Zhang Ning.

Then the situation becomes completely different.

Zhang Ning does not have any power at present.

However, she represents the daughter of Zhang Jiao, the Heavenly General.

They represent the Yellow Turban Army.

His prestige was far beyond what Zhang Yan could compare to.

If the other party is wholeheartedly following Zhou Heng.

No matter how much Zhang Yan refused?

I absolutely refuse.

We also have to consider the other person's feelings.

Why was Zhang Yan able to gather a million-strong Black Mountain army?

Besides his own abilities.

Is it really just relying on Zhang Niujiao?

Zhang Niujiao was already dead.

Even if it had some prestige, how could it have remained in use until now?

Actually, it's Zhang Ning who's the real one.

Zhang Jiao's prestige among the Yellow Turban rebels was irreplaceable.

As his daughter.

Zhang Ning's prestige is naturally irreplaceable.

This is also why Zhang Yan was able to refuse the million-strong Black Mountain Army without anyone causing trouble.

Therefore, once Zhou Heng wins over Zhang Ning...

Basically, the probability of subduing Zhang Yan will increase by at least 70%.

It's such an exaggeration.

To put it another way...

Even though Zhang Yan was not at the end of her rope.

The other party will also provide Zhou Heng with considerable assistance in military strategy.

The result was such a crucial moment.

It was interrupted by someone else.

How could he not be confused?

As for Zhang Ning, she was startled and quickly let go of Zhou Heng's hand.

Then, her face flushed, she turned and walked outside without looking back.

The commotion naturally attracted the attention of Zhang Yan, who was chatting with Zhao Yun.

All eyes immediately turned to the person who had spoken.

"Wang Dang, what are you yelling about...?"

That's right, this person is Wang Dang, a general under Zhang Yan.

It also comes from Changshan.

Having studied for several years, this is why he was able to appreciate the merits of Zhou Heng's poems.

"My lord, please forgive me. It was truly astonishing that Brother Cai Zhou did such a thing that I couldn't help myself."

Wang Dang said somewhat awkwardly.

"Oh, Brother Zhou just composed a poem? If that's true, then I'd love to hear it."

Zhang Yan also became interested.

Although Zhang Yan was also born into the Yellow Turban Army, as I said before, don't assume that everyone in the Yellow Turban Army is a peasant.

How could someone reach such a position without any education?

Even if they had no education before.

Having reached this level, one would at least have read some books, right?

Just like Lü Meng.

Wasn't he just a nobody before? Guan Yu always mocked him for being uncultured.

As a result, people look at each other with new eyes after only three days apart.

He beat Guan Yu so badly that Guan Yu's head was nowhere to be found.

It's tough.

As the leader of a faction, Zhang Yan could not possibly act solely on passion.

"My lord, you really must listen carefully."

"I would say that this poem is unparalleled throughout history. To this day, no other poem about a beautiful woman can compare to it."

"Brother Zhou is truly a man of great talent, and I admire him immensely."

Wang Dang became even more excited when the poem was mentioned.

It was as if he had written the poem himself.

"You're welcome, brother."

Zhou Heng felt somewhat embarrassed.

Some were reluctant to recite that poem.

After all, it's obvious to anyone with eyes that the poem is about a beautiful woman.

And who else besides Zhang Ning is the only beauty present?

He recited the poem himself.

It wasn't an open conversation; he was speaking directly to Zhang Yan.

I'm planning to rob your house while you're chatting with my brother-in-law.

This is fucking...

If Zhang Yan found out, you can imagine how ugly his face would be.

However, sometimes things don't go as planned.

And so, Wang Dang, who had become a big fan of Zhou Heng after hearing that poem...

He immediately spoke with great enthusiasm.

"My lord, since Brother Zhou doesn't want to say it, then I'll read it for him?"

"This poem is the most stunning poem I have ever seen, both ancient and modern."

"The clouds resemble her garments, the flowers her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, the dew is heavy. If not seen on the branches of the Jade Pavilion, she will be met under the moon on the Jade Terrace."

As Wang Dang slowly read it aloud.

For a moment, everyone present stared wide-eyed, as if a strange scene had appeared in their minds.

There stood a stunningly beautiful woman, like a celestial being from the heavens, in the distant Jade Pool Wonderland.

dance to tune.

The beauty is beyond compare.

However, Zhou Heng soon felt two murderous gazes again.

The first one, needless to say, is undoubtedly Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan, being able to become the leader of a force, could not possibly be stupid; in fact, one could say she is quite clever.

Almost immediately after reciting the poem, he knew what it represented.

Then he watched Zhang Ning, who had already left.

How can I not know what this poem is referring to?

Knowing Zhou Heng even more, what does it mean that he wrote this poem for Zhang Ning at this time?

This is fucking...

I asked him why he traveled all the way to Jizhou alone.

I was still wondering about it before.

Why did he come to me to borrow troops to protect his safety?

So you're trying to steal my girlfriend?

Grass.

Zhang Yan was numb.