Chapter 25: Xuande's Night Escape to Guangzong

The grand army of over 18,000 soldiers moved south in an imposing procession. Chen Dao and Chen Shuzhi had just arrived and were now temporarily accompanying Dian Wei, moving with Liu Zhan's central army.

During their march, scouts reported continuously. While Liu Zhan was stationed in Zhongmou, he had sent several scouts to investigate the situation at Changshe. The scouts now reported that Huang Fusong and his forces had suffered several defeats and were forced to retreat and defend Changshe. Meanwhile, the Yellow Turban army, with several times their number, had encircled Huang Fusong.

"Send out more scouts, especially to observe the surroundings of the Yellow Turban encampments. Look for vegetation, dryness, and their level of vigilance and routines. Determine the distribution of their camps, especially the locations of the main leaders. Make sure to gather all this information."

"Yes, sir. We'll take care of it."

The scouts left, and the army continued to advance slowly, awaiting further intelligence. When they were about ten miles from Changshe, Liu Zhan ordered the army to halt, set up camp, and wait for the optimal moment to strike.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, the infamous Black Fiend, had finally joined forces.

Liu Bei, with his somewhat theatrical performance, persuaded Zhang Fei to accept him as an elder brother. Without a second brother, Zhang Fei was promoted to the role of the second brother. Liu Bei and Zhang Fei swore an oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden.

Zhang Fei, originally a wealthy local, would have dismissed Liu Bei if he had claimed to be from a family of grass mat and straw sandal merchants. Zhang Fei might have kicked him away, telling him to go wherever he pleased and to beware of provoking him.

However, when Liu Bei claimed to be a descendant of the Jing King of Zhongshan, a royal lineage, Zhang Fei's eyes lit up. Although Liu Bei was currently down on his luck, Zhang Fei saw the potential for future success. Hence, Zhang Fei willingly became his subordinate, serving Liu Bei with dedication and care.

Liu Bei took advantage of this opportunity to use his silver tongue to recruit strong men for the campaign against the Yellow Turbans. Zhang Fei, without hesitation, spent his wealth to help Liu Bei recruit four to five hundred strong men. They set off for Youzhou with their recruits.

One day, as Liu Zhan and his group were leaving Liu Yan, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei happened to be heading to Youzhou as well. The two groups crossed paths on the road but did not meet.

Unfortunately, Liu Bei, caught in a scheme, lost one of his subordinates. Arriving at the Youzhou Governor's residence with great enthusiasm, he presented his name card to meet Governor Liu Yan.

Governor Liu Yan was initially pleased to receive the report from his servant but was enraged when he saw the name card: "Liu Hong, descendant of the Jing King of Zhongshan." Liu Yan was furious, thinking it was an impersonation and decided to arrest him. However, considering that the official documents he sent hadn't reached the family yet and would require investigation, it was unreasonable to arrest Liu Bei. Thus, Liu Yan decided to let him go for the time being and ordered his dismissal.

Liu Bei, still at the gate, anxiously waited for a summons. After a long wait, he was surprised when a group of soldiers came and forcibly expelled him. He thought of shouting, "I am Liu Bei, descendant of the Jing King of Zhongshan," but decided against it. Liu Yan was a powerful figure, and it was better to avoid conflict.

Standing nearby, Zhang Fei was also confused and angered. "My elder brother is a descendant of the Jing King; he's a royal descendant. How dare they treat us with such disrespect?" Just as he was about to act, Liu Bei pulled him back and said, "Brother, let's leave for now and think of another way."