Chapter 7, Huang Zhong

This is far from the image of the unparalleled general described by Han Xin, leading them to doubt.

However, now that Han Xin's authority has been established, they do not dare to oppose him

Finally, Han Xin appointed generals on the training ground, directly dividing the army into three parts. He personally led 5,000 troops southward to conquer Xiangyang, Jiangxia, Shouchun, Lujiang, and Huainan.

Upon closer inspection, I saw that several generals and commanders whom I had encountered in Zhu Jun's camp were present, and I immediately felt relieved

Huang Zhong led 7,000 soldiers south to conquer Changsha, Wuling, Lingling, Nanchang, and Nanjun

Qin Xie, accompanied by the highly motivated crowd, hurried towards the camp gate, where he could see from a distance several thousand soldiers in neat formation lined up at the entrance.

He ordered the gate of the stockade to be opened, and he personally led the crowd in front, preparing to welcome Zhu Jun.

Qin Xie and others, being the leaders and standing in front of the camp gate, were trampled by the cavalry at the first opportunity

Huang Zhong's wife, at this moment, also became younger and more beautiful, standing beside Huang Zhong, gentle and silent

Capture as many southern cities as possible, gather the populace, and deepen strategic depth and war potential

Liao Hua received the order and then hurriedly left with Huang Zhong and his family

Moreover, the faces of their group, having been baptized by the portal, appear rather youthful.

Qin Xie quickly stood up, took a step forward, and stared excitedly at the messenger, casting aside the oath he had just made.

Having shed his burdens, Huang Zhong has become ten years younger, his white hair turned black, and the wrinkles on his forehead have vanished

However, Qin Xie casually asked a familiar general, "Captain Li, is Lord Zhu Jun not in the ranks?"

Certainly, individuals under the age of twenty who pass through can only be cured of all ailments and have their lifespan extended, but they will not experience a reversal of aging

In the coming month, with the maps and books, there were few cities that offered resistance. However, even so, due to the numerous places conquered, we recruited local troops along the way while eliminating those who led the rebellion.

It is indeed, it is indeed, when one personally goes to welcome it

Just getting off the carriage, such a small action, caused the young Huang Xu to cough incessantly, and one could see that his forehead was already drenched in cold sweat

"Return to the governor's words, the general is in the central camp."

The gates were wide open, and the cavalry rode forward, driving away the soldiers who had gathered together. Meanwhile, the infantry at the rear shouted for surrender and mercy while swiftly cutting down those who still stood.

He knows that Huang Zhong has aged prematurely, which is certainly due to his worries about his son's illness

The common people were again encouraged to report those families that committed heinous acts. Consequently, the most egregious offenders were beheaded, while the remaining male members were reduced to slavery and taken away to work as a form of punishment. The women were assigned to single soldiers in the military to form families.

And throughout the South, there are no longer any significant military forces capable of resisting him

The next day, at the Yamen of Wancheng County

It is unexpected that Han Xin's words imply that they also have the opportunity to be directly promoted to the rank of Xiaowei, instantly making them eager and ready to take action.

In the cities captured across various regions, the stationed troops remained, and Han Xin's forces not only did not diminish but instead grew even stronger

There is a durability aura, and a newly added skill at level 10: the bonus from the rapid aura

Moreover, in order to collect money and grain, as well as to win the hearts of the people, many families were plundered and exterminated along the way, among which the well-known ones include Cai Mao, Huang Zu, and Zhang Yun.

Pity the hearts of parents everywhere

Han Xin understood that, at this moment, no amount of heartfelt persuasion could compare to the improvement of Huang Xu's condition.

Han Xin is more aware of the effects of the portal than anyone else, as it was originally planned by him

Outside the county office, Huang Zhong was riding on his yellow steed, looking up at the two characters "County Office" above. Behind him, his wife, Huang, was carefully assisting their son, Huang Xu, down from the carriage.

Anyone who passes through the first portal will become ten years younger, and their entire lifespan will be extended by ten years

Thus, Han Xin and Huang Zhong traveled southward, capturing cities along the way. When they reached Jiangxia, the two parted ways.

Taking advantage of Zhao Hong's unpreparedness, he beheaded the opponent, and after killing several hundred more, he forced the remaining Yellow Turbans in the city to surrender

The result, of course, is Huang Zhong, who effortlessly defeats those daring enough to challenge him with just a few moves.

"Yes, yes, the little moth thief, when it turns to ashes and smoke"

Ladies and gentlemen, we must not keep Lord Zhu Jun waiting any longer; we should personally go to welcome him

Han Xin convened a military meeting, and just as the meeting was about to commence, someone came to report from outside the hall

He was very pleased and instructed the kitchen to prepare a banquet, both to celebrate the achievements of the soldiers and to host Huang Zhong's family

Han Xin knew that these individuals must have taken a detour at the portal

Twenty days later, Han Xin returned, crossed the Jiangxia, and along the way encountered many migrating groups of people

The crowd is forcibly displaced, their spirits not inferior to those of the refugees; one by one, they are full of vitality, and apart from their frail bodies, they have no ailments.

This battle resulted in the surrender of approximately 10,000 soldiers, and countless supplies of food and equipment were also obtained

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Huang did not dare to speak, but looked at Han Xin with a face full of gratitude. Even Huang Zhong, who was sitting on his horse, was deeply moved. He dismounted and clasped his fists, saying: "Thank you, Sir. Everything will depend on your intentions."

The general behind him scrutinized the old man sitting on the horse with suspicion

At this moment, what Han Xin needed to do was to race against time, to act before everyone, especially the upper echelons of the Han Dynasty, realized what was happening

Han Xin nodded and summoned Liao Hua, instructing, "Yuan Jian will take Huang Zhuangshi's family to the teleportation gate for a round trip. If there is anything needed along the way, do your utmost to fulfill it." "Understood, my lord."

Kill

He could not have imagined that at this moment in the south, there was someone who could silently eliminate the Zhu Jun army.

The seven-year-old Huang Xu, at this moment, showed no signs of weakness, his eyes darting about restlessly, looking at him with a face full of curiosity

However, due to the loss of leadership, the entire camp was unable to organize an effective resistance

Han Xin, like a flying horse, after a month of travel, has already reached Kuaiji, the southernmost part of Yangzhou

Han Xin quickly helped Huang Zhong to his feet, noticing the lingering shock in the latter's eyes, which must indicate that he had realized his identity

Who else could compel these thousands of elite troops to cooperate so seamlessly in executing a feigned retreat at his encampment

However, the majority of them are the recently surrendered Yellow Turbans from Wancheng, many of whom are family members who were coerced and possess no combat capability

The leading Li Tunchang cupped his fists in response and did not urge Qin Xie to open the camp gate

Meanwhile, in the Wan City area

Hahaha, the heavens have bestowed sweet rain, my unparalleled warrior is about to arrive

Then a notice was posted, announcing the abolition of all harsh taxes and cruel laws of the Han Dynasty. Following this, an agreement was made with the people outlining three principles: those who commit murder shall be sentenced to death, those who cause injury shall be punished accordingly, and those who commit theft shall also face sentencing

Han Xin laughed heartily, rising to lead everyone in welcoming.

In this way, taking into account these surrendering individuals, Han Xin's troop strength exceeded 50,000.

Having agreed to return to Wancheng in one month, Han Xin and Huang Zhong set out with their troops

The valiant warrior Huang has traveled a long way to arrive here. It is customary to host a banquet in his honor; however, it seems that the warrior and his wife are more concerned about their child's illness. Therefore, let us first attend to the child's health before discussing anything else

Liao Hua and others easily deceived the brave yet unwise Zhao Hong. Liao Hua inadvertently inquired about Zhao Hong's ambitions and discovered that the latter harbored considerable aspirations

Cough cough cough

Then let those who are unconvinced come forward to challenge, stating who can defeat Huang Zhong, and they may replace Huang Zhong as the Colonel.

Moreover, the portal can cure all ailments for those who pass through it for the first time

When I saw the Huang family again, it was already close to dusk. At this time, the appearance and aura of the entire family had changed significantly.

Han Xin approached Huang Zhong, who was sitting proudly on his horse, and clasped his hands in salute, not minding Huang Zhong's arrogance, for who could blame Huang Zhong for not knowing who he was

Thus, the entire battle was easier than Han Xin had imagined. By the time Han Xin stepped into the camp, the battle had already concluded

Upon meeting again, I kneel on the ground and pledge my loyalty to Han Xin

Moreover, he believes that after curing Huang Xu, Huang Zhong will certainly pledge his loyalty to him

Haha, great! Lord Zhu Jun has returned, and now the Yellow Turbans in the city are finished

Han Xin was still promoted by two levels

Han Xin originally hoped that within the vast army, there might be overlooked gems, but in the end, he was disappointed. However, he still held great admiration for Huang Zhong's martial prowess

However, Han Xin did not harbor any doubts; he glanced at Huang Zhong and then at the child beside him who was coughing incessantly.

The renowned Huang Zhong from Nanyang has already been brought here and is now outside the county office

What is it, Lord Zhu Jun? Can you confirm if it is indeed you, Lord Zhu Jun?

Han Xin turned southeast, heading down to Yangzhou, while Huang Zhong took a southwestern route, moving south to Changsha and the surrounding prefectures of Wuling

I express my gratitude to the lord for the grace of re-creation bestowed upon my son. I am deeply honored by your regard, and Huang Zhong is willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and dedication

Huang Zhong turned around to look, and his wife, Mrs. Huang, was wiping the sweat off their son. Seeing this, Huang Zhong felt a pang of heartache and silently made a decision

In a moment of hesitation, when the familiar Li Tunchang swung his knife towards him, Qin Xie had not yet reacted. As his head flew through the air, he looked at the familiar figure, realizing that it was too late for regret

Liao Hua led the remaining soldiers to guard the portal, responsible for relocating the surrounding populace to the south

Han Xin laughed heartily, finally having collected a historical figure of significance whom he greatly admired

On the following day, Han Xin summoned everyone and arrived at the training ground outside the city, officially appointing Huang Zhong as the Colonel.

Along the way, the two men, under the banners of Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, leveraged the reputations of these two great Han generals, making the siege of the city remarkably easy. After capturing the city, Han Xin ordered the gathering of the local populace.

At the beginning, everyone was quite dissatisfied with the sudden promotion of Huang Zhong, who had just arrived and had not yet made any contributions, to the position of Colonel by Han Xin

At this time, the combat effectiveness of the army largely stemmed from the surrendered local troops, which was indeed quite low

The familiar camp of soldiers, the fluttering red flag of Zhu Jun, along with the courteous soldiers waiting outside the camp without any urgency, allowed Qin Xie to lower his guard

Whoever it may be, if they can cure my son's terminal illness, Huang will not hesitate to go through fire and water. If they are a fraud, do not blame Huang for the sharpness of his blade

He believes that the young Huang Zhong ranks among the notable military generals in history in terms of martial prowess

The crowd was abuzz with discussion, all quite excited

In the year 184 AD, Huang Zhong was only 37 years old; however, the person who appeared before Han Xin was already gray-haired, with wrinkles appearing on his forehead

Finally, after Han Xin led his troops to slay Yan Baihu, the renowned leader of the Shanyue, he returned with his forces.