Chapter 28: Huang Fusong

Outside Changshe city, a great commotion ensued as the troops began to assemble. After a quarter of an hour, the city gates swung open, and Huang Fusong and Zhu Jun, leading their forces, encountered Liu Ye and his soldiers approaching.

"Who goes there? Which general are you leading these troops for?" Huang Fusong inquired.

Liu Ye clasped his hands and replied, "Are you General Huang Fusong? We are troops under the command of Liu Zhan, the Inspector of Youzhou, who has sent us here to offer assistance."

"Oh, I am indeed Huang Fusong. Are you the general leading these troops?"

"I am Liu Ye, styled Ziyang. The troops are led by Liu Zhan, known as Liu Zituo. He is currently pursuing the Yellow Turban army."

"Liu Zhan, Liu Zituo, is the Inspector of Youzhou?"

"Yes, that is our Inspector Liu Zhan."

"Inspector Liu is indeed remarkable. To defeat tens of thousands of Yellow Turban troops is truly a feat of great valor!"

"Everywhere we have been, people speak highly of our Inspector. He is indeed extraordinary," Liu Ye boasted without modesty.

"Why did you not notify us of your arrival? We could have coordinated an internal and external attack, which would have been more effective. Acting recklessly like this might lead to disaster if you fall into the enemy's encirclement," Huang Fusong questioned.

"Our troops from Youzhou have only just arrived. Although contacting the city was an option, we feared that alerting the Yellow Turbans might be counterproductive. Tonight, a strong wind arose, and such opportunities are fleeting. Our Inspector Liu made a decisive move to attack, and fortunately, we have lifted the siege of Changshe," Liu Ye explained smoothly, winning Huang Fusong's admiration for seizing the moment and acting decisively.

As dawn broke, nearing the end of the fourth watch, Liu Zhan returned with the spoils of war, while the vanguard continued to chase down the enemy.

Liu Zhan was aware that historically, after the Yellow Turban uprising broke out, Huang Fusong and Lu Qiang petitioned to lift the party ban, were appointed as Left General and led troops with Zhu Jun to suppress the rebels. After the victory, Huang Fusong was promoted to Left Cavalry General, became the Governor of Jizhou, and was granted the title of Marquis of Huai Li.

After assuming office, Huang Fusong requested that the people of Jizhou be exempt from tax for a year. However, he was later dismissed due to offending Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang, and was reappointed as Marquis of Duxiang.

In the fifth year of Zhongping, he was appointed as Left General and defeated the Wang Kingdom rebels.

Liu Zhan hurriedly approached and greeted, "I am Liu Zhan, the Inspector of Youzhou. I greet General Huang Fusong and General Zhu Jun. We were sent by Youzhou Governor Liu Yan to lift the siege of Changshe. The Yellow Turban army has been routed and is in disarray. Under your command, our troops have achieved a great victory."

Liu Zhan, crafty as ever, flattered the two generals, which made Huang Fusong and Zhu Jun feel quite pleased. Huang Fusong responded, "Inspector Liu, you have indeed done well. Defeating over a hundred thousand Yellow Turbans in battle is a feat unparalleled, and it makes us feel ashamed."

"I am unworthy of such praise. General Huang, General Zhu, you have seen the overall situation. We were merely the ones charging into the fray."

Liu Zhan then presented a document from Youzhou Governor Liu Yan. After reviewing it, Huang Fusong handed it to Zhu Jun. In addition to official matters, Liu Yan mentioned that Liu Zhan's assistance was funded by the Zhen family and suggested capturing more prisoners to compensate the Zhen family.

After a brief discussion, Huang Fusong and Zhu Jun agreed that capturing prisoners for the Zhen family was a feasible plan.

Liu Zhan signaled, and Dian Wei presented the head of the Yellow Turban leader, Bo Cai. Liu Zhan said, "This is Bo Cai of the Yellow Turbans. He hoped to rally the bandits for resistance but was struck down by Zhao Yun's spear before he could mount a significant defense. With their leader gone, the Yellow Turbans cannot pose a substantial threat. Unfortunately, we still do not know if other leaders have been captured."