Chapter 22: Guan Hai
After bidding farewell to Governor Gong, the army set off, heading southwest.
Following the usual routine, the army continued to march while also reorganizing. Once the reorganization was nearly complete, they would focus on training. Therefore, the pace of their advance was not very fast.
Just over a day out of Qingzhou, a new situation arose. A scout galloped back with news.
"Report, we've found traces of Yellow Turban soldiers about five miles ahead. There are approximately three thousand Yellow Turban troops on the move."
Oh, a small contingent of Yellow Turbans. Fine, we'll take care of them. Liu Zhan conferred with Tian Feng and others, quickly arranging troops to eliminate this small force.
"Zhang He, Gao Lan, listen up. You two will lead your respective troops and march quickly to intercept the enemy's retreat route. Ensure there are no mistakes."
"Yes, we will carry out the order."
Zhang He and Gao Lan led their troops and hurried off.
"Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, you are to lead your troops on the left and right flanks, respectively. Upon hearing the signal from the main army, encircle the enemy without delay."
"Yes, we obey the order."
Zhao Yun and Guan Yu each took their troops and set off.
"The rest of the troops will follow me to engage the enemy."
"Yes, we will follow your command."
After sending out the various units, Liu Zhan ordered the main army to advance towards the Yellow Turban troops.
It wasn't long before the Yellow Turban troops were sighted.
The two armies met on the road, each stopping to form up and prepare for battle. The Yellow Turban army was disorganized, and it would take time for them to get into formation. In contrast, Liu Zhan's troops were well-arranged and battle-ready. The difference was evident.
After a cannon fired, troops emerged from the left and right flanks of the Yellow Turban position, and two more groups emerged from behind. The three thousand Yellow Turbans were surrounded.
The Yellow Turbans were already in disarray and, with this sudden development, their confusion increased. The entire camp was thrown into chaos.
After the cannon fired, Liu Zhan rode out from the army.
"Who is the commanding general here? Step forward and talk."
The Yellow Turbans, seeing someone come forward to speak, did not back down. From the disordered ranks, a general emerged. This man wore a yellow turban, was burly, with a disheveled beard, and his clothing was in a state of disarray.
"I am Guan Hai. Who are you, that you block our way?"
"I am Liu Zhan, a military officer from Youzhou. Guan Hai, you are surrounded. Surrender and you may live; resist and you will perish. You should understand your situation. Make your decision quickly; we are not patient."
Guan Hai looked around and saw that his troops were indeed surrounded. Since they were farmers, they had little chance against the official troops in a head-on fight.
Guan Hai assessed Liu Zhan, who, though young, was robust and likely skilled. However, Guan Hai was reluctant to surrender outright. He decided it would be better to challenge Liu Zhan directly, thinking that if he could defeat the commander, he might secure his own survival. With this plan in mind, he stepped forward.
"It's unreasonable to ask for surrender without a fight. I'm not sure of your skill, but Guan Hai, despite my lack of talent, would like to have a duel with you. I just wonder if you have the courage."
Guan Hai was quite crafty, using the challenge to provoke Liu Zhan.
Liu Zhan laughed upon hearing this. Guan Hai, a nameless figure in the Three Kingdoms, dared to issue a challenge. Though his intention was good, the outcome was predictable.
"What? Doubting my skills? To be honest, I don't need to go through such trouble. My army could annihilate you in an instant. However, if you guarantee that you'll surrender immediately if you lose, I don't mind having a few bouts with you."