Chapter 10, Offering a Human Head

In response to the king's words, it is stated that there are still sixty miles to Wan City. The one stationed in Wan City is Liu Pan, the nephew of Liu Biao, who commands eight thousand troops. This man is fierce in battle and has a bold character, having launched several campaigns to encircle and suppress us. I fear that before we can enter the city, he will launch an attack to encircle us.

Where have General Liao and Captain Du Yuan gone

"General Liao, I am honored to have your acknowledgment," Hua Rong said with a smile as he collected his long spear and clasped his arms towards Liao Hua.

Ah?

Hua Rong wielded his gun with an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, while Liao Hua used a halberd, focusing on overwhelming force. After more than twenty exchanges, Hua Rong identified a flaw in Liao Hua's technique. He feigned an attack with his gun, and Liao Hua, indeed, fell for the ruse. As he lunged forward, he unexpectedly missed his target. Hua Rong swiftly reversed the direction of his gun and struck Liao Hua's hand, causing his weapon to be knocked from his grasp with a sharp "clink" as it fell to the ground

Liu Bian gave it some thought and then rejected Empress He’s proposal: "The soldiers on the mountain are all dressed in the attire of bandits. When Liu Pan's troops come charging in, who will be able to withstand them?"

I pledge to serve the king with utmost loyalty, and I shall do my best to eliminate the traitor Dong. Hua Rong was overjoyed and immediately knelt down to bow his head.

The next day, Liu Bian, along with Empress He and Lady Tang, under the protection of Mu Guiying, still rode on two horses together, descending from the mountain stronghold and heading towards the county seat of Nanyang, Wancheng.

The guilty minister receives the command

Liao Hua announced loudly to the soldiers of the entire mountain stronghold: "From today onwards, General Hua will be our commander, and our training will be under his responsibility. Anyone who dares to disobey will be dealt with according to military law"

Liu Bian's attitude was resolute: "That is not acceptable. How can a fierce tiger sleep soundly beside the bed? Nanyang is Liu Biao's territory, and they will never allow another force to exist. When the time comes, they will claim to have eliminated our people in the name of suppressing bandits, and then say it was a case of mistaken identity, leaving us with no recourse. If the Empress wishes to enter the city, I will accompany you, and it will be a good opportunity to raise some funds from your family to provide uniforms for the soldiers, forge armor, and purchase warhorses."

Empress He displayed a look of indifference: "That was in the past. Since you have now pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince, you are considered officials and soldiers. Does Liu Pan dare to cause trouble again?"

Hua Rong sat quietly beside, waiting patiently. Upon seeing Liu Bian open his eyes, he smiled and said, "The king is awake? Liao Hua has already instructed the cook to prepare dinner and has been waiting for the king to awaken."

I truly cannot withstand any more turmoil; I am grateful for General Hua's care. Liu Bian smiled apologetically, patting Hua Rong's shoulder to express his gratitude

Liu Bian, while washing up, said to Hua Rong: "Although I granted official positions to Liao Hua and Du Yuan this morning, I also know that with their abilities, they cannot train a capable fighting force. The revival of our great cause still relies on you, General Hua. I am now promoting you to the position of General for Suppressing Rebellion, responsible for leading this army. I will announce this at the banquet later."

Liu Bian, while revealing his identity, helped Liao Hua to his feet. He also requested a valuable piece of goldware as a reward for Liao Hua from Empress Dowager He: "This is a treasure from the palace, bestowed upon you as a reward"

During the meal, Liu Bian noticed that he had not seen Du Yuan

Ding dong ... ... Acquired 9 Joy Points, the host now holds 17 Joy Points and 0 Hatred Points

Nobility is truly a wonderful thing; it can bring joy to anyone. Gaining points of pleasure is so effortless, far more gratifying than earning points of hatred.

Liao Hua expressed his admiration sincerely, saying: "General Hua's skills are indeed remarkable. No wonder the king has entrusted you with such an important responsibility. This spear of yours is even more formidable than that of General Zhang Mancheng, whom I followed in the past. I, as a subordinate, am truly convinced and willing to follow General Hua's orders."

Not able to descend the mountain for the time being

In September two thousand years ago, the temperature had already dropped significantly. The light afternoon rain gradually transformed into drifting snowflakes, marking the silent arrival of the first snowfall of the first year of the Chuping era

Empress Dowager He and Lady Tang were drinking soup when they suddenly witnessed this gruesome scene, causing them to spit it out and turn pale with fright

At that moment, the two individuals entered the courtyard, each wielding a weapon, exchanged a formal greeting, and became entangled in a fierce struggle.

Upon hearing Hua Rong's proposal, the bandits outside all cheered in agreement for the idea of having a communal meal.

Having completed their instructions, four men on two horses rode south, heading straight for Wan City

The bandits held the highest respect for those with exceptional martial skills. Upon witnessing Hua Rong defeat their chieftain in just over twenty exchanges, they were all left in awe, exclaiming in unison: "We are willing to follow General Hua's command, and to learn martial arts from General Hua is our honor!"

Empress Dowager He believed that Liu Bian's words were reasonable, and that her son had changed significantly from the past, so she had no choice but to let him make his own decisions

After a false alarm, we continued to eat.

Hua Rong could see the defiance in Liao Hua's eyes and smiled, saying: "There is no joy at the banquet, and I have eaten enough. How about we two spar a little to entertain the Empress Dowager and the King?"

Liu Bian did not rush to make a decision and asked Liao Hua: "How far is it from here to the administrative center of Nanyang, Wancheng? Who is the governor? How many troops are stationed there?"

Hua Rong and Mu Guiying simultaneously sprang into action, taking up a defensive stance, and questioned: "Bold Liao Hua, do you intend to rebel?"

Liao Huajing walked directly in front of Liu Bian and knelt on one knee: "This Du Yuan is duplicitous; he falsely claims loyalty to the King of Hongnong, yet just now he urged me to use drugs to incapacitate the young master and others, seizing several ladies. I am ashamed of his character, and thus I have slain this thief and present his head as a token of loyalty"

Liao Hua then realized the identities of Empress He and Liu Bian, received his rewards, and once again knelt down to express his gratitude: "I, a humble commoner, am dull-witted and fail to recognize the greatness before me. It turns out that the Empress and the King have personally graced us with their presence. To behold the esteemed countenance of the King and the Empress is a fulfillment for Liao Hua, even unto death."

Hua Rong hurriedly bowed and said: "Your Majesty is being too polite. I, your humble servant, am willing to pledge my life in loyalty; this matter is nothing in comparison."

Liao Hua, wishing to showcase his skills in front of the Empress Dowager and Prince of Hongnong, clasped his arms and said: "Since General Hua has brought it up, how could Liao Hua dare to refuse? Please instruct me!"

Liu Bian feels fortunate to have traversed into his current identity. If he were merely a commoner, trying to earn money by pleasing others would likely not be so easy. With no wealth or power, would he have to rely on his charm to amuse other men? Even if he were willing to go to great lengths, it does not necessarily mean that others would reciprocate his affections.

Liu Bian introduced Hua Rong to Liao Hua: "This is General Hua Rong, the General of the Anti-Rebellion under my command. His martial skills are exceptional. From now on, this troop will be led by General Hua, and you will serve as his deputy."

Good

Liu Bian clapped his hands in applause: "High mountains and flowing water, the qin and se harmonize. Seeing the two of you getting along so well, I am at ease."

When Liu Bian opened his eyes, the sky had completely darkened.

Liao Hua responded to Liu Bian and then cupped his hands towards Hua Rong, saying: "In the future, I hope General Hua will provide me with much guidance!"

Liao Hua did not respond directly, but silently retrieved a bundle from beneath the table, with the bloodstains clearly visible underneath. As he slowly opened it, there lay the severed head of Du Yuan.

The king must be cautious in the city, but if there is any sign of disturbance, a person can be sent up the mountain to inform the ministers, who will undoubtedly risk their lives to come to the rescue. At the moment of parting, Hua Rong still felt uneasy and repeatedly urged caution.

Liu Bian confidently said: "You two loyal generals need not worry. Even though I am no longer the emperor, I am still the Prince of Hongnong, a descendant of Emperor Gaozu and the son of the late emperor. I believe Liu Pan would not dare to act recklessly. Moreover, my mother's family is a prominent clan from Nanyang, so Liu Pan must think twice before taking action. You may return and diligently train your troops. Once I have arranged for the weapons and armor, I will send someone to deliver them to you on the mountain. At that time, when you descend, no one will dare to regard you as mountain bandits anymore"

"First, send someone to notify Liu Pan, how about that?" Empress He still felt that it was safer to keep the troops close at hand and tried to persuade her son

Listening to Liao Hua's words, Liu Bian recalled a story described by Lao Luo. It was the first appearance of Liao Hua, during the time when Guan Yu was making his solitary journey. Taking advantage of the negotiations between Guan Yu and Xiahou Dun, Liao Hua and Du Yuan mistakenly abducted two of Liu Bei's women and took them up the mountain. Du Yuan also suggested dividing Liu Bei's women, but upon learning the identities of the two ladies, Liao Hua drew his sword and killed them. Unexpectedly, due to his time travel, the fictional story created by Lao Luo had become a reality. One cannot help but say that this world is truly marvelous!

It is rare for General Liao to be so loyal, so I will speak frankly with you. I am Liu Bian, who was deposed by the traitor Dong and made the King of Hongnong. Although I am currently being bullied by the traitor Dong, I possess the courage and determination to make a comeback. As long as you serve me well, I will not treat you unfairly.

Empress He had been quietly observing Liu Bian's actions. Seeing her son casually recruit a bandit under his command, she felt quite pleased and asked, "My son, since Liao Hua has already submitted, shall we lead our troops down the mountain to enter Nanyang City tomorrow?"

So it is, General Liao is truly loyal and is indeed a model of a faithful minister Liu Bian signaled for Mu Guiying and Hua Rong to take a seat, as this was merely a misunderstanding

Indeed, the bandits were their former identity, but now they have become the righteous soldiers of the King of Hongnong, considered as part of the official forces. However, they still wear tattered clothing, lacking any discipline, and cannot change the essence of being mountain bandits. To truly become official soldiers, they still need gradual and subtle transformation step by step

Hua Rong, fearing unforeseen events on the road, selected a dozen capable soldiers with Liao Hua and proceeded directly to a location only four or five li away from Wan City, where he dismounted to respectfully send them off