Chapter 3: The Scholar Encounters a Soldier

"General, you have worked hard," Liu Xie said lightly, turning around and glancing at Yang Feng.

Yang Fenggang's chest, which had just been puffed out, immediately sank back down, and his expression became somewhat awkward. "Uh... I was momentarily confused and thought that Li Jue was a high-ranking official of the court. I did not expect him to have such a wolfish ambition. Your Majesty, please rest assured, since I have realized my mistake, I will not share the same sky with Li Jue and will make amends for my previous errors"

Yang Feng was known for his bravery and ferocity, relying on his achievements in protecting the emperor, and he was often quite arrogant in his demeanor

Even when facing Duan Wei alone, he still needs to unite with Yang Ding and Dong Cheng, which is also the reason he requires an imperial edict from the Son of Heaven

Yang Feng, filled with anger and humiliation, also became fierce in demeanor

In contrast, Wang Yue remains as steadfast as a mountain, fully embodying the demeanor of a master

Yang Feng ascended the earth mound and saw the Emperor standing with his hands behind his back, accompanied only by a middle-aged tiger general. He was somewhat surprised but did not pay it much mind. He strode confidently to Liu Xie, casually cupped his hands in salute, and loudly said: "General Xingyi, I, Feng, have come to pay my respects to Your Majesty. Your Majesty summoned me; is it to decide on the attack against Duan Wei?"

For individuals who are intimidated by power but lack virtue, the use of military deterrence is still necessary. Only in such special circumstances may they exhibit some restraint, thereby reducing their own troubles

He once served under Li Jue, was aware of Li Jue's capabilities, and clearly understood the combat strength of the Xiliang troops, which was absolutely not something he and his subordinate Bai Bo army could contend with

Although the Tiger Ben and Yu Lin under his command are numerous, they are no match for Yang Feng's hundred riders

As soon as Liu Xie spoke these words, Wang Yue and Yang Feng were both taken aback, exchanging glances with each other, and then, almost simultaneously, turned their gaze towards Liu Xie

Liu Xie leisurely inquired again, "Li Jue is at Chiyang. If we attack Duan Wei, and Li Jue comes to battle, along with Guo Si and Zhang Ji, what are the chances of victory for the general?"

Yang Feng smiled broadly, puffed out his chest, cupped his hands, and replied loudly: "This is my duty as a subject."

Yang Feng let out a sigh of relief, sheathed his sword, and forced a smile as he said: "Your Majesty speaks too heavily. Your Majesty is the one upon whom the world depends, so it is only right to be cautious."

Yang Feng no longer cast a glance at Deng Quan, but instead looked up towards the plateau, coincidentally locking eyes with Liu Xie, which made his heart tighten involuntarily

He can contend with the Son of Heaven according to the rules of propriety, refusing to yield an inch. However, when faced with a rough man like Yang Feng, he truly has no way to deal with him. Even if he risks his life and draws his sword to advance, it would only result in the futile loss of his life, and he would be utterly unable to do anything to Yang Feng

With the great swordsman Wang Yue by my side, I indeed feel much safer, allowing me to disregard Yang Feng's hostility and act with great confidence.

When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason cannot be clearly articulated, which is the most fitting depiction of the current situation

Yang Feng furrowed his brow slightly, a hint of unease evident in his eyes

This is very important

From Yang Feng's performance, it is evident that having Wang Yue stand by the side is more effective than meeting Yang Feng alone. This arrangement not only demonstrates one's sincerity but also prevents Yang Feng from being too presumptuous, thereby allowing one to maintain control over the initiative.

Born into the Baibo Army, and having once served as a subordinate to Li Jue, he is almost entirely tainted, which justifies the suspicions others have of him

Yang Feng tightly closed his mouth, his large hand stroking the knife ring, remaining silent for a long while

Yang Feng was tall and long-armed, with a slightly dark complexion. His expression was fierce, tinged with a hint of hostility, which indeed made people feel uneasy. Deng Quan's concerns were not without reason. However, in extraordinary times, simply rejecting martial men is not a wise strategy; some issues cannot be resolved by mere avoidance.

Wang Yue was surprised that Liu Xi would introduce him to Yang Feng

Liu Xie cleared his throat lightly. "A few days ago in Xinfeng, thanks to the general's valiant efforts in battle, I am deeply grateful."

Liu Xie could see clearly and had made a judgment in his heart. In terms of personal martial prowess, Wang Yue was indeed superior. Although Yang Feng was brave, he ultimately lacked composure and was still some distance away from being a true master

Upon this thought, Yang Feng felt a chill run down his back, instinctively taking a step back, his hand resting on the hilt of the knife at his waist

He understood the meaning of the emperor, but he lacked the confidence to refute it

Yang Feng quietly glanced at Wang Yue behind him, let out a long sigh, restrained his temper, and nodded.

That said, his complexion was not very good, and it was evident that his mood was quite complex, though he simply could not express it

The Son of Heaven summoned me, is it merely to humiliate me

Liu Xie cleared his throat lightly and smiled, saying: "I originally wanted to have a private conversation with the general, but Guanglu Xun was not at ease and insisted on arranging for Wang Yue to guard me." He raised his hand, signaling Wang Yue to take a few steps back and stand further away. "The general wouldn't mind, would he?"

Why has the Son of Heaven arranged this person here? Could it be that...

Yang Feng's anger flared up; he turned over and dismounted, tossing the reins to his bodyguard, and strode towards the ridge. As he passed by Deng Quan, he snorted, shouldered him roughly, nearly knocking Deng Quan over. Two Tiger Ben soldiers with halberds stepped forward, about to call out, but were met with Yang Feng's cold glare, which instantly deflated their spirits. They timidly retreated to the side, watching as Yang Feng walked up the ridge with his hands behind his back, striding with great confidence.

"May I inquire what Your Majesty's instructions are?" Yang Feng proactively shifted the topic while avoiding Wang Yue's gaze

These valiant warriors lack even a trace of the formidable spirit that should be characteristic of true valiance; they are nothing but a group of useless individuals

Liu Xie quietly watched this scene, secretly sighing in his heart

Only Duan Wei stands a chance; he might still have some odds. However, if Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji are added, he has no chance at all

Deng Quan was so angry that his whole body trembled, yet he did not dare to erupt

In comparison, it is already commendable that Your Majesty is willing to meet him alone and, at the strong suggestion of the ministers, has arranged for only Wang Yue to guard the carriage, rather than dispatching a group of elite guards with weapons drawn.

General Yang, this is the renowned swordsman Wang Yue, known as the Tiger Ben. Surely you have heard of his name

Deng Quan has aged, and his habitual way of thinking is difficult to change, yet he cannot act in this manner

Are the White Wave Army and the Black Mountain Army both part of the Yellow Turban faction?

"I trust General." Liu Xie expressed his agreement and then asked, "What is your evaluation of Li Jue's military tactics and the combat effectiveness of the Xiliang troops?"

Liu Xie wore a faint smile on his face, tinged with a hint of sarcasm

Yang Feng was surprised to find that the seemingly ordinary Hu Ben Lang before him was actually a swordsman, and a great one at that. Although he had never been to Luoyang, he had heard of Wang Yue's name.

Unbeknownst to him, his tone had taken on a few more degrees of humility

They have been discussing with Dong Cheng these past few days, hoping to get him involved in taking action, but Dong Cheng has not yet given a clear response.

Liu Xie nodded slightly and changed the subject. "Were you previously a subordinate of Li Jue?"

Sensing Yang Feng's hostility, Liu Xie, however, remained calm and instead felt a sense of gratitude towards Deng Quan

Yang Ding and Duan Wei were at odds, and had long been contemplating an attack on Duan Wei. However, Dong Cheng was somewhat hesitant and believed that a decree from the Emperor was necessary to proceed.

Although he is a renowned swordsman in Luoyang, his official position is lowly; he is merely a Hu Ben Lang. What virtue or capability does he possess that warrants an introduction from the Emperor himself

Liu Xie was very satisfied

The sword in Wang Yue's hand is more effective than the great righteousness between monarch and minister

As Your Majesty has stated, both the Baibo Army and the Heishan Army were originally part of the Yellow Turban. The Heishan Army was originally from Jizhou, while the Baibo Army was from Bingzhou

They were situated on the plateau, with steep yellow earth slopes on the edges. When Yang Feng retreated, he nearly lost his footing, which inevitably caused him to panic

If one can persuade Dong Cheng, it no longer matters whether the Son of Heaven issues an edict or not

Seeing Yang Feng silent, Liu Xie understood that he had backed down. He changed the subject and said: "Before allying with Li Jue, General, what were you doing in Baibo Valley?"