Chapter 33: Liwei

Lu Bu's eyes narrowed as he glared at Hu Zhen. "What do I mean? General Hu Zhen, you dare to question my actions after deliberately delaying our departure with your subordinates? These officers and captains openly disobeyed orders, and you dare to defend them?"

Hu Zhen was caught in a difficult position. He had orchestrated the delay in hopes of undermining Lu Bu's mission and reputation. However, his plan had backfired, and now he found himself on the receiving end of Lu Bu's anger.

"General Lu, I apologize if my subordinates acted recklessly," Hu Zhen said, trying to salvage the situation. "It was not my intention to delay our mission. I take full responsibility for their actions."

Lu Bu's anger was not so easily dissuaded. He pointed at the captured officers and captains and barked, "These men openly disobeyed orders and followed your reckless command. You bear responsibility for their actions as their commanding officer."

The colonel who had been captured earlier finally spoke up, his tone indignant. "General Hu Zhen, you promised us that following your orders would be to our advantage. You assured us that this delay was necessary for our safety."

Hu Zhen's face turned even redder as he stammered, "I... I received information suggesting potential ambushes on our route. I wanted to ensure the safety of the army, so I ordered a delay to gather more intelligence."

Lu Bu's expression darkened further. "You based your decision on unverified information and caused a significant delay in our mission. Lives are at stake, and you compromised our ability to respond effectively. General Hu Zhen, you have demonstrated a severe lack of judgment and leadership."

The other officers and captains who had been captured exchanged nervous glances, realizing that their fate hung in the balance. They had been following Hu Zhen's orders, and now those orders had landed them in hot water.

Lu Bu turned to Cheng Fang and his personal guards. "Release them for now," he ordered. "But keep them under close watch. We will deal with this matter once we reach Chenggao."

Cheng Fang nodded and signaled for the prisoners to be released. They were given a reprieve for the moment, but the consequences of their actions would be addressed in due course.

Hu Zhen, his face flushed with embarrassment, finally spoke up. "General Lu, I deeply regret any harm my actions may have caused the mission. I will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate."

Lu Bu's eyes bore into Hu Zhen. "Your reckless actions have jeopardized our mission, and we may face increased risks as a result. You will answer for this when we reach Chenggao. Until then, we move forward. We've already wasted enough time."

With that, Lu Bu signaled for the army to resume its march. The delay had tested their patience, but they could ill afford further setbacks. As they continued toward Chenggao, the tension within the ranks remained palpable, and the loyalty of certain officers and captains came into question. Lu Bu knew that his leadership would be put to the test in the days ahead as they faced the challenges of their mission against Dong Zhuo.

The march toward Chenggao continued, albeit with a renewed sense of discipline among the troops. Lu Bu's decisive action in dealing with the officers and captains who had delayed the army had sent a clear message: military discipline would be enforced without compromise. It was a lesson that resonated with the soldiers, who knew that unity and obedience were paramount for success in the upcoming battles.

As they traveled, Lu Bu couldn't help but reflect on the complex dynamics within his army. The Xiliang Army, originally under the command of Dong Zhuo, had its own hierarchy and traditions. Integrating them into the greater army structure of Lu Bu's forces was proving to be a challenge. Hu Zhen, who had once been a loyal subordinate to Dong Zhuo, was now placed in an awkward position.

Gao Shun, on the other hand, had proven himself to be a capable and loyal officer, winning the respect of both the Bingzhou and Luoyang armies. His strict adherence to military discipline had contributed to the success of Lu Bu's forces so far.

As they approached Chenggao, Lu Bu couldn't afford any further delays. The alliance of princes against Dong Zhuo awaited their arrival, and the situation in Luoyang remained unstable. The city was still under the control of Dong Zhuo's forces, and Lu Bu's return would likely be met with resistance.

Upon reaching Chenggao, Lu Bu ordered his troops to prepare for the upcoming battles. The alliance needed to strategize and coordinate their efforts if they were to have any chance of confronting Dong Zhuo's formidable army. Lu Bu knew that his role in this alliance was crucial, and he was determined to prove himself as a capable and effective leader.

As he stood at the forefront of his troops, Lu Bu's thoughts turned to the challenges ahead. The fate of the entire region hung in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming battles would shape the course of history. With determination in his heart, Lu Bu prepared to face whatever obstacles lay in his path, ready to prove himself as a formidable force against the tyranny of Dong Zhuo.