Volume One: The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter Thirty: A Surprise from the Three Dependencies

The newcomer was not wearing armor, but was dressed in tight-fitting, dark-colored attire. Covered in the dust of the road, with fine frost clinging to his shoulders and temples, it was none other than Zhao Yun, who had traveled through the starry night all the way from the Sanfu region!

"My Lord!"

Zhao Yun’s breath was slightly ragged, but his voice remained clear and steady, despite the hoarseness of his long journey.

Disregarding the dust on his clothes, he knelt on one knee and cupped his hands in a salute, his movements crisp and efficient. The candlelight illuminated his young, handsome face; though his sword-like brows and star-bright eyes betrayed a hint of fatigue, they could not hide his sharpness and high spirits.

"Zilong!"

Liu Heng exclaimed in surprise. He stepped forward quickly to help Zhao Yun up, his gaze intense. "Why have you come? How is Tong Pass? Is there any news from the direction of Chang'an?"

His voice carried a trace of urgency.

Zhao Yun stood up smoothly. "Reporting to my Lord! It was Master Wenruo who ordered me to come. General Huangfu Song, who holds the Right Fufeng, has been successfully persuaded by Master Wenruo, along with Governor Gai and Chief Clerk Liang!"

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Heng took a sudden step forward. Huangfu Song, a timely savior? He had been worried that the troops at Tong Pass were insufficient and that the losses would likely be catastrophic when blocking Dong Zhuo's main army! With Huangfu Song’s support at such a time, the pressure on Tong Pass would surely be greatly reduced!

Liu Heng did not hesitate and motioned for Zhao Yun to continue.

"Dong Zhuo fears General Huangfu, who commands a strong force in Fufeng with ample provisions and deep support from the soldiers and civilians there. Fearing that he might respond to the Kanto Allied Forces and launch a pincer attack from both east and west, Dong Zhuo recalled the General to the capital several days ago."

There was a hint of coldness in Zhao Yun's tone.

Liu Heng nodded. "Dong Zhuo has calculated well!"

A promotion in rank but a demotion in power, followed by a hollow title—this was a clear attempt to seize Huangfu Song's military command.

"General Huangfu initially intended to obey the imperial decree and return to the capital," Zhao Yun continued, "but his Chief Clerk, General Liang Yan, is a man of great integrity. He forcefully argued that Dong Zhuo is ruining the country and that entering the capital would be no different than walking into a trap. Upon learning of this, Master Wenruo, through the mouth of Governor Gai (Gai Shun), tactfully informed the General of your Lordship’s ambition to purge the court and restore the Han, and that the Sanfu region is already under your control."

"Master Wenruo made it clear," Zhao Yun emphasized, "that Dong Zhuo’s perverse actions have incited the wrath of both heaven and men, and his collapse is imminent! General Huangfu is a man of generations of loyalty, renowned throughout the Western Provinces. If he were to raise his forces now to join yours and hold the natural stronghold of Tong Pass, cutting off Dong Zhuo’s path back to the west, then the rebel Dong would be like a turtle in a jar, doomed to die! This is an unparalleled achievement, and the only righteous path to preserve the Huangfu family’s long-standing reputation and honor the imperial grace!"

Liu Heng stood with his hands behind his back, listening quietly.

"After hearing this, the General pondered for a long time." Zhao Yun’s voice carried a hint of excitement. "In the end, the old general sighed deeply: 'Dong Zhuo is a national traitor! How can I be an accomplice to his tyranny? The Marquis of Yangwu is a scion of the imperial house, wise and resolute, and deeply trusted by the people. I am willing to serve him!'"

"Good!"

Liu Heng clapped his hands hard and let out a low shout, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "Huangfu Yizhen is truly a noble man! He lives up to his name!"

Zhao Yun continued his report: "General Huangfu then played along, feigning compliance with the decree and breaking camp to depart. However, midway through the march, Chief Clerk Liang followed the General’s secret orders and led twenty thousand elite infantry and cavalry of Fufeng straight to Tong Pass, arriving two days ago! Now, Chief Clerk Liang’s forces have merged with those of General Gongming. Master Wenruo, concerned for your safety, ordered Zhou Hui and Jia Hao to temporarily guard the Wu Pass area, and sent me here to Sishui Pass."

The tent fell silent. Dian Wei had already stood up, his bell-like eyes widened to their limit.

Liu Heng paced slowly to the entrance of the tent and suddenly pulled back the flap. A biting cold wind rushed in, causing his robes to flutter violently and the candlelight to flicker wildly.

Outside the tent lay an boundless, deep night. The sky hung low, devoid of stars or moon, like a vast ink-colored canopy enveloping the wilderness.

Now that the troops under Huangfu Song had merged with Xu Huang, Tong Pass was completely secure, and Dong Zhuo’s last glimmer of hope was extinguished! Furthermore, by using Tong Pass to hold back the Kanto warlords, he could claim the Guanzhong region for himself at will.

He turned abruptly, the candlelight illuminating his youthful face, which no longer held a trace of calm. He clapped his hands and laughed, the clear sound echoing in the silent tent: "Good! Good! Good!"

"With the assistance of the old General Huangfu, Tong Pass can withstand Dong Zhuo’s hundred-thousand-strong army! Guanzhong will fall into my grasp!" Liu Heng’s voice, filled with irrepressible excitement, echoed in the small tent.

He then murmured, "Dong Zhuo, it seems you won't have a chance to reach Chang'an; Tong Pass will be enough to bury you..."

***

He turned sharply and strode back to the low table, the hem of his dark robe stirring a gust of wind that made the candles flicker. His finger pressed heavily on the location of Tong Pass on the map, as if trying to push the pass deep into the earth.

"Zilong, you have traveled through the night, you have worked hard. Wenruo, Gongming, Liang Yan, and others have all performed great service!"

"This is but my duty, my Lord!"

Zhao Yun cupped his hands, his dust-covered face unable to hide his excitement.

Liu Heng’s gaze, sharp as a torch, swept across the map as his mind raced, integrating fragments of intelligence from all sides: "Dong Zhuo’s forced recall of Huangfu Song was out of fear that his own backyard might catch fire, an attempt to remove a thorn in his side. Now that the old General is willing to help me, Dong Zhuo’s scheme has failed, and instead, he has plunged a steel blade into his own back! Wenruo truly understands my heart."

A smile curled the corner of his mouth: "Dong Zhuo, at this moment, is likely still dreaming his dream of holding the Emperor hostage and commanding the Kanto region, completely unaware that his path of retreat to the west has been severed!"

"My Lord, what shall we do now?" Dian Wei asked, his voice muffled. Though simple-minded, he was no fool. Having heard Liu Heng and Zhao Yun, he knew this was a monumental opportunity. The stifling feeling in his chest vanished, replaced only by a burning desire for battle: "Should we muster our troops, charge into the pass, and capture the old thief Dong Zhuo alive?"

"Patience, Junming."

Liu Heng raised a hand, his gaze fixed on the winding Yellow River and the densely marked passes on the map: "Setting aside the fact that we only have fifty riders, Dong Zhuo’s main force is currently stationed between Luoyang and Sishui Pass, and his Xiliang foundation remains unshaken. A direct assault on Sishui Pass, even if successful, would result in a pyrrhic victory. The Kanto warlords all have their own agendas; who would be willing to sacrifice their own elites here? Moreover..."

Fifty riders to break the pass? Even with Dian Wei, it was likely impossible. If he brought Xiang Yu and his twenty-eight supermen, it would still be a stretch!

Liu Heng’s finger then moved toward Luoyang: "If Dong Zhuo senses that the situation is dire, he may not immediately flee west. Of course, he might also take the Emperor and the court officials hostage and retreat to the fortified city of Luoyang. In that case, the significance of me holding Tong Pass to cut off his rear would be greatly diminished."

Zhao Yun’s sword-like brows furrowed: "My Lord means... to force Dong Zhuo to flee west?"

"Exactly!"

A flash of light appeared in Liu Heng’s eyes: "Only when he flees west in a panic will Tong Pass become his gateway to hell! Originally, I was worried that the troops at Tong Pass could not hold off Dong Zhuo, but now, with the old General’s divine assistance, my worries are gone! Keep the news of the old General’s defection under wraps for now; not a single word must leak out! Let Dong Zhuo believe that his rear is still secure and that only one Tong Pass is slightly obstructed."

He turned to Zhao Yun, his speech speeding up: "Zilong, rest for the night, and when the night is deep tomorrow, take my command token and return to Tong Pass in secret!"

"I obey!" Zhao Yun replied solemnly.

"There are three orders!" Liu Heng held up three fingers, his tone iron-clad: "First, tell Gongming and Liang Yan that the defense of Tong Pass must remain as usual! Lower the flags and silence the drums; be relaxed on the outside but tense on the inside. Without my personal wax-sealed order, not a single soldier is to be allowed through the pass, not even with an imperial decree! Those who disobey will be executed!"

"Second, order Gongming and Liang Yan’s forces to step up training, dig deep trenches, build high ramparts, and prepare ample logs, stones, heavy bows, and crossbows. If the Xiliang Iron Cavalry dares to strike, make sure they break their heads against the walls! At the same time, send out skilled scouts to strictly monitor the movements of Dong Zhuo’s forces toward Luoyang, as well as the troops of Li Jue, Guo Si, and Zhang Ji. If there is any movement, have the agents report to me!"

"Third," a flash of severity crossed Liu Heng’s eyes: "Send a message to Wengong. Order him to use all our hidden assets within Luoyang to spread rumors at any cost! Say that... the Kanto Allied Forces are powerful, Lü Bu has been defeated, and Sishui Pass is in jeopardy. Dong Zhuo has thoughts of retreating, planning to take the Emperor hostage, burn Luoyang, and drive millions of people to relocate the capital to Chang'an! Ensure this news reaches the ears of the court officials, the common people, and especially... those old Xiliang generals who are at odds with Dong Zhuo!"

Zhao Yun’s eyes gleamed with realization: "My Lord’s plan is brilliant! Rumors will spread, causing panic, which will not only shake Dong Zhuo’s military morale but also cause those Xiliang generals who fear being abandoned by Dong Zhuo to harbor disloyal intentions! By then, Dong Zhuo will be beset by internal and external troubles, and his path of retreat will be blocked..."

"He will have only two choices," Liu Heng added coldly: "Either hole up in the isolated city of Luoyang and wait to be surrounded by the Allied Forces while facing internal turmoil; or take a gamble and flee west in a panic, attempting to break through my iron wall at Tong Pass! As long as he dares to flee west..."

Liu Heng’s hand clenched tightly, as if he were already holding Dong Zhuo’s throat: "He will be walking straight into a trap, unable to escape even with wings!"

"I understand!" Zhao Yun cupped his hands, his voice ringing with strength: "There is no need for me to rest."

"Zilong, there is no need to push yourself so hard!"

"The military situation is urgent; I must depart at once!"

Liu Heng could not dissuade him, so he called him back, his tone softening: "Be careful on the way. Tell Wenruo and the others to stabilize the situation and wait for the right moment. When the time comes, I have my own arrangements."

***

"Understood!"

Zhao Yun saluted again, turned, and pulled back the curtain, his figure quickly melting into the thick night.

The tent flap fell, shutting out the cold wind. Silence returned to the tent, save for the crackling of the candles.

Dian Wei pondered the previous conversation and finally sorted out the details, grinning widely: "My Lord, you’ve dug a massive pit for that old thief Dong Zhuo! Just waiting for him to jump in himself! Satisfying! Truly damn satisfying!"

Liu Heng did not laugh; his gaze returned to the dense network of mountains, rivers, passes, and cities on the map. Sishui Pass, Luoyang, Tong Pass...

Each name seemed to come alive, transforming into a giant chessboard. Dong Zhuo was a trapped beast, and he, Liu Heng, had quietly placed his stones, laying out a net from which there was no escape. But this game was too big; Dong Zhuo was only the beginning. There were stronger opponents watching like tigers. Yuan Shao’s ambition, Cao Cao’s depth, Liu Bei’s resilience, and those other warlords with their various agendas... Some were within the game, others were outside the board...

"Junming," Liu Heng’s voice deepened: "Tomorrow at the Allied Forces' council, they will surely discuss how to seize the opportunity after Lü Bu’s recent defeat to launch a fierce assault on Sishui Pass. You will accompany me."

Dian Wei patted his chest: "My Lord, rest assured! With these two giant halberds of mine, I’ll see which blind fool dares to show disrespect to you!"

Liu Heng shook his head: "It is not for fighting. Tomorrow, we simply need to... watch the show."

The next day, in the main tent of the Allied Forces.

Just as Liu Heng had expected, the atmosphere was completely different from the wild joy following Lü Bu’s retreat yesterday. The warlords were gathered together, yet the air was filled with anxiety and calculation.

Yuan Shao sat in the seat of honor, his face as dark as water. Although Lü Bu had been defeated yesterday, Sishui Pass still stood tall, its gates tightly closed and heavily guarded.

Scouts reported that the pass was well-supplied with troops and grain, and a direct assault would be no easy task. What annoyed him even more was that their grain supplies had been raided by Dong Zhuo’s army. Though not a fatal blow, it exposed the fatal weakness of the Allied Forces: a vulnerable rear and chaotic coordination.

"Alliance Leader!"

Wang Kuang, the Administrator of Henei, spoke first, his voice urgent: "Lü Bu has been defeated, and the rebel army is demoralized. This is the perfect opportunity to strike with one blow and launch a fierce assault on Sishui Pass! I am willing to serve as the vanguard, lead my own troops, and swear to take the pass!"

"Administrator Wang’s words are misguided!"

Kong Rong immediately retorted. Having lost his beloved general Wu Anguo yesterday, he was heartbroken and unwilling to lose more men: "Sishui Pass is a formidable barrier. Its walls are high and its moats are deep. Although Lü Bu was defeated, his main force remains, and Dong Zhuo is watching from Luoyang! A direct assault would only waste our strength; it is not the best strategy! It would be better to split our forces for a surprise attack or seek another way."

"Seek another way? Easier said than done!"

General of the Rear, Yuan Shu, snorted, his tone arrogant: "Since the alliance at Suanzao, hundreds of thousands of troops have gathered here. If we cannot even take a single Sishui Pass, will we not be the laughingstock of the world? Alliance Leader, in my opinion, we should order all armies to take turns in fierce assaults! Even an elephant can be bitten to death by a swarm of ants; we will exhaust Dong Zhuo to death!"

"Brother Gonglu’s words are heroic, but..."

Cao Cao twisted his short beard, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally landing on the silent Liu Heng: "War is a matter of national importance, a matter of life and death. A direct assault on a fortified city is the worst of strategies. I have observed that while Lü Bu is brave, he is not without strategy, and Dong Zhuo is an old fox who surely has contingencies. The raid on our grain supplies yesterday is proof! If our army pours all its strength into the assault and our rear is left empty, and we are then raided from the rear by Xiliang cavalry who cut off our grain route, then the cause is lost!"

Cao Cao’s words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the heads of the hot-headed warlords. The tent fell into a brief silence. A direct assault meant heavy losses and high risks; not attacking meant that hundreds of thousands of soldiers would be stalled before a fortified city, consuming countless amounts of grain while their morale slowly withered away.

Yuan Shao’s gaze wandered over the faces of the crowd, finally landing on Liu Heng: "Marquis of Yangwu, yesterday, your General Dian Wei displayed great might, and alongside General Guan and General Zhang under Xuande’s command, you dealt a heavy blow to Lü Bu, greatly boosting our morale. I wonder what insight you have on the current situation?"

The gaze of everyone in the tent instantly focused on Liu Heng. This young scion of the Han royal house, the first Colonel of the Capital to actually control the Sanfu region—since the alliance began, first with Dian Wei’s feat of slaying Hua Xiong while the wine was still warm, and then participating in the defeat of Lü Bu yesterday, his strength seemed unfathomable.

More importantly, he held the throat connecting Luoyang and Chang'an—Tong Pass! His stance was of paramount importance.

Liu Heng met their gaze, rose slowly, his manner calm, and his voice clear, carrying a steadiness that belied his years: "Everyone, I believe what Lord Mengde said is correct. Sishui Pass is a formidable barrier. A direct assault is not wise. Dong Zhuo possesses the advantage of the Xiliang Iron Cavalry and holds the Emperor hostage to command the subordinates; his foundation is in Luoyang, and his power has not yet faded. If our army commits all its forces to the attack and cannot break through in one go, we will certainly fall into a protracted war of attrition. Grain transport will be difficult, and we will be even more susceptible to his exploitation."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and the others, before continuing: "However, our army has just won a victory, and morale is high; we cannot sit idly by and let the opportunity slip away. I have a plan that might satisfy both sides."

"Oh? Please, tell us quickly!" Yuan Shao leaned forward slightly.