Chapter 0009: Subduing Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao

Pei Yuanshao was equally shocked, his copper bell-like eyes wide open, filled with astonishment. Shaking his head, which was still dizzy from Wang Can's impact, he found himself unable to comprehend Wang Can, unable to understand what exactly was in the mind of the young man before him. A mere centurion actually harbored ambitions of seizing power and plotting for the world.

Pei Yuanshao, upon seeing this, also knelt down with a thud and clasped his fists, saying: "Pei Yuanshao pays his respects to the Lord!"

Zhou Cang's shock was no less than when he followed Zhang Jiao to rebel. However, it must be said that Wang Can's words were indeed reasonable. With the identity of a Yellow Turban bandit, there was no possibility of seizing the world. Therefore, the only way to rid oneself of the universally condemned identity of a Yellow Turban was to ally with the court, change one's identity, and become a legitimate authority of the court. Only in this way could one stand upright and not be easily found by the feudal lords as an excuse for attack.

At this time, the eighteen warlords had not yet united to attack Dong Zhuo. Although the various warlords of the Han Dynasty had their own thoughts, they still outwardly remained loyal to the court. Particularly, those who secretly aspired to become kings or emperors were only a few. Even the ambitious Cao Cao was focused on establishing an immortal legacy like that of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, seeking titles and high positions, aiming to leave his name in history, and had not yet become arrogant enough to boast: "If there were no solitary ruler in the world, how many would claim the title of emperor, and how many would claim the title of king!"

Zhou Cang's expression turned cold. Upon realizing that Wang Can had taken the initiative to lead the soldiers, he felt something was amiss and asked, "Do you wish to ally with Yuan Shu, or with Bao Hong"

Alright, no need to stand, let's sit down and talk

"Rascals, hurry and pay your respects to the Lord!" With Zhou Cang's command, a group of lackeys, who had just eaten and were lounging on the ground, quickly stood up, knelt down, and shouted loudly: "We pay our respects to the Lord!"

He gazed at Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao, confidently stating: "How can a sparrow understand the ambitions of a swan? Such matters are indeed a long journey, and it is impossible to achieve them in one go. Moreover, I have long had a detailed plan in my heart; plotting for Runan is merely a matter of a flip of my hand. As for Liu Bi and Gong Du, they are currently facing the armies of Yuan Shu and Bao Hong attacking the city, and Runan is in imminent danger. Those two are likely... Hehe, in war, there are always those who gain and those who pay the price!" Hehe, in war, there are always those who gain and those who pay the price!

Get up! Wang Can said sternly, his voice loud. At this moment, the Huangjin soldiers standing at a distance showed expressions of deep surprise, especially Liu Cheng, whose eyes were filled with confusion and a hint of admiration. The commander is indeed different; a group of mountain bandits was subdued in the blink of an eye

Wang Can, however, openly revealed his ambitions, plotting to dominate the world

"Dong Zhuo, do you wish to support Dong Zhuo?"

But what happens after leaving? Will one continue to live a life in seclusion in the mountains like a wild man

Wang Can smiled and said, "Strength is not something given by others; it is gradually accumulated by oneself, not through books. This time, I took the initiative to volunteer and led over seventy soldiers under my command to attack Yuan Shu, and this is the reason behind it"

more than seventy people

Wang Can let out a long sigh of relief; he had finally captured these two burly men. However, he also understood that these two were merely following him temporarily. A ruler chooses his subjects, and subjects also choose their ruler. Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao had not yet reached the point of unwavering loyalty to him. Nevertheless, he did not mind; if he could not even win the hearts of Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao, what could he possibly achieve in his ambitions for the world? Laughing heartily, he helped Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao, who were kneeling on the ground, to their feet and joyfully said, "Good, good! With the assistance of both of you, great things will surely be accomplished!"

Wang Can smiled without speaking, merely shaking his head gently, remaining silent. Zhou Cang's gaze suddenly froze; for some reason, he felt that Wang Can must have a detailed plan. This arrogant individual could not possibly be going to his death without reason. He stared blankly at Wang Can, who remained silent, quietly observing him and Pei Yuanshao. Realizing that the conversation had reached this point, everything that needed to be known was already known, and Wang Can would not divulge what should not be known. Wang Can had already revealed too much. At this moment, it was time to make a decision.

A trace of pride flickered in Wang Can's eyes as he instructed Zhou Cang: "Zhou Cang, these twenty men have fought alongside you for many years and are seasoned veterans. They share a deep bond with you, so I will not break them up. These twenty men will still be under your command, and you do not need to heed the orders of others; you will report directly to me."

Having these two individuals as enforcers is quite good

Zhou Cang displayed a deeply understanding expression, as he was also aware of the consequences of ineffective governance. He replied loudly, "My lord, rest assured, if such a situation arises, I will be the first to take his head off."

Wang Can laughed heartily, his face displaying an expression of having grasped the essence of the matter.

Zhou Cang believes that if he and Pei Yuanshao are determined to leave, Wang Can will not be able to stop them

It is indeed bold

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao were once again stunned by Wang Can; this fellow is not only incredibly bold but also fearless of death

Wang Can nodded and said: "Since you are following me, there are some matters that need to be clarified. This time, the attack on the coalition forces of Yuan Shu and Bao Hong must be approached with caution; we cannot afford any mistakes. Otherwise, if we encounter the army of officials head-on, it will be quite difficult for us to survive. Therefore, Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao, you must ensure that your subordinates are well-disciplined and that there are no issues with the implementation of orders. If such a situation is discovered, there will be no mercy!"

Zhou Cang's gaze shifted to Pei Yuanshao, who appeared indifferent, as if to say that he would leave the decision to Zhou Cang. Zhou Cang understood that this fellow had no intention of getting involved; as long as he decided to stay, Pei Yuanshao would also remain. He glanced at Wang Can again, who at that moment maintained a calm demeanor, exuding an air of confidence as if all matters were already settled in his mind.

With only seventy soldiers, they dare to go into battle; how truly formidable they are

Zhou Cang opened his mouth and smiled, saying: "Thank you, my lord"

Wang Can waved his hand and said: "Your clothes and weapons are all in tatters, and you look almost like beggars. I will have the soldiers prepare some clothes and weapons for you, so you can change into a new outfit. These clothes have been worn for many years and are covered in patches, which shows that life has indeed been quite hard."

"If you want to die, you don't have to go and die! What a fool!" Pei Yuanshao scoffed and muttered.

Wang Can shook his head and said, "Allying with Yuan Shu or Bao Hong is akin to seeking skin from a tiger; one will gain nothing beneficial. Moreover, according to your reasoning, if my more than seventy subordinates were to ally with Yuan Shu, he would probably not even cast a glance in my direction. Why should I offer my warm face to a cold backside? As for allying with the court, it is not with these warlords who carve out their own territories, but rather with that tyrant in the court, Dong Zhuo, who disregards the law and engages in acts of usurpation and deposition, the great demon king Dong."

The sound reverberated through the mountains and forests, startling the birds that resided there, causing them to spread their wings and flutter away into the distance

This guy is definitely a lunatic

Leave or stay

To die is not to perish ignobly in the mountains and forests. A man of eight feet should strive to achieve great deeds and strengthen the state when he ventures out, and upon returning, he should be wrapped in a horse's hide to honor his family's name. To die an old man in the mountains is not the way of a true man. With a thud, Zhou Cang knelt on one knee on the ground, clasped his fists, and said: "Zhou Cang pays his respects to the lord!"

Nuo!" Zhou Cang felt a surge of gratitude and responded loudly, his demeanor becoming much more humble. As a subordinate, he naturally could not speak so casually as he had just done.

Wang Can looked at Zhou Cang's serious expression, a hint of a smile crossing his face

Having submitted to Wang Can, he no longer felt the burden of responsibility weighing on him, nor did he have to worry about the livelihoods of the twenty men under his command. At the same time, he was filled with aspirations for the future, dreaming of seizing power and plotting for the world. Although at this moment Wang Can was still merely a centurion, if he were to rise in the future, he and Pei Yuanshao would be the first to serve him faithfully.

As he spoke, a chilling and ominous aura emanated from Wang Can.

Zhou Cang slowly exhaled, his face regaining calmness, only to instantly reveal a look of disdain as he mocked: "You are merely a centurion, commanding just over seventy men. If you were to seek allegiance with the court, they probably wouldn't even spare you a glance. Moreover, Runan City still belongs to Gong Du and Liu Bi; it is not for you, a mere centurion, to decide. If you wish to act according to your desires, you must possess the corresponding strength."

Zhou Cang chuckled softly, yet felt an inexplicable sense of relief in his heart

Zhou Cang was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "Isn't this the same principle? If you lack strength, how would others pay attention to you"

However, this indeed aligns with the objectives of the Yellow Turbans, to overthrow the court and restore order to the world

Zhou Cang gritted his teeth and secretly vowed to fight to the end

Bold!