Volume One: The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter Thirty-Three: The Imperial Jade Seal?

Liu Heng continued, "Just a few days ago, General Huangfu Song feigned compliance with the imperial edict and broke camp. However, halfway through the march, his trusted Chief Clerk, General Liang Yan, acting on secret orders from General Huangfu, led twenty thousand elite infantry and cavalry of the Youfufeng commandery. They muffled their drums, silenced their banners, and rode through the night, arriving at Tong Pass to join forces with my subordinate, Xu Gongming!"

Boom!

This news struck like a thunderbolt from the heavens, crashing heavily into the hearts of Zhang Ji and every Xiliang officer present.

Huangfu Song’s Fufeng troops! A full twenty thousand elites! They had actually... silently merged into Tong Pass?

"At this very moment!" Liu Heng continued, "The twenty thousand elite troops under Liang Yan have combined with the Tong Pass garrison under my general, Xu Huang. The garrison at the pass now exceeds thirty thousand! All of them are battle-hardened, courageous soldiers. Furthermore, with the pass being high and the terrain treacherous, can it withstand Dong Zhuo’s grand army?"

Liu Heng’s gaze swept over the ashen-faced Xiliang officers in the hall. "Thirty thousand elites guarding a majestic pass! General Zhang! Commandant Jia! Gentlemen! Tell me, with Dong Zhuo driving exhausted, resentful refugees and demoralized central troops, facing an iron-walled fortress ahead and over a hundred thousand coalition pursuers behind, what does he have to break through Tong Pass?"

He stepped forward abruptly, his presence overwhelming. "Will he use the gold and treasures he has pillaged to smash against the walls? Or will he use those displaced women, children, and the elderly to fill the trenches? Or perhaps he is counting on you, the general, to lead these tens of thousands of abandoned soldiers to hold off the coalition forces and then go on to attack Tong Pass to carve out a bloody path for him?"

Each of Liu Heng’s questions struck deeper into their hearts.

He used irrefutable facts—Huangfu Song’s defection, Liang Yan’s twenty thousand elites joining the pass, and the garrison swelling to thirty thousand—to thoroughly shatter the last shred of fantasy Zhang Ji and the others held about Dong Zhuo being able to breach Tong Pass.

The hall fell into a deathly silence, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Zhang Ji’s face was as pale as paper, as if all his strength had been drained away. His final psychological defenses were completely demolished by these cold, cruel truths presented by Liu Heng.

Jia Xu also gasped, his gaze toward Liu Heng filled with unprecedented shock.

Huangfu Song defecting, Liang Yan bringing troops into the pass... that Liu Heng could keep such critical intelligence so secret and reveal it at this exact moment—his intelligence network and his grasp of human nature were simply terrifying! Tong Pass had truly become an inescapable trap.

Zhang Xiu and the other officers were even more deathly pale, their eyes filled only with despair. Thirty thousand elites guarding Tong Pass? Dong Zhuo was finished! And they... they were finished too! Unless...

Observing the expressions of those present, Liu Heng knew the time was ripe.

His tone softened, yet it remained majestic and carried a touch of temptation. "General Zhang! Commandant Jia! Gentlemen! Submit to the imperial court and abandon the darkness for the light! I, Liu Heng, swear here: I will let bygones be bygones and treat you all equally! I will guarantee your ranks, your families, and your troops! Once we purge the rebel Dong, we shall welcome the Emperor, and you shall all be heroes of the Han, rewarded with noble titles and lasting fame! If you remain deluded..."

Liu Heng’s voice turned suddenly cold. "Under the walls of Tong Pass, all will be destroyed! You will lose your lives and reputations, and your kin will not escape the law! By then, it will be too late for regrets!"

"The choice of where to go is yours to make, General!"

Liu Heng’s gaze landed on the despondent Zhang Ji.

Zhang Ji looked at his officers, who wore the faces of the dead and had lost all will to fight. He looked at Jia Xu, who remained silent but whose eyes clearly signaled his inclination. Finally, he looked at Dian Wei, who stood watch behind Liu Heng with a predatory gaze, and at Liu Heng’s calm face, which seemed to perceive everything...

All his struggle, unwillingness, and fear finally dissolved into a long, heavy sigh. He seemed to age ten years in an instant. He slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Liu Heng, his head touching the ground.

His voice was hoarse and weary, filled with the resignation of despair. "Marquis of Yangwu... your plans are flawless. I... submit. However, I do not surrender to the coalition; I only wish to lead my original troops to submit... to the Marquis of Yangwu, to be at your command."

Once these words were spoken, the tense atmosphere in the hall suddenly eased, only to be replaced by a complex, heavy silence.

The Xiliang officers in the hall looked at one another, and finally, one after another, they clasped their hands and bowed silently to Liu Heng.

The situation was lost. Their commander had already declared his surrender, their lifeline for returning west was firmly held by the thirty thousand troops at Tong Pass, and the news of Huangfu Song’s defection had shattered their last illusions... they had no path left but to submit.

Jia Xu also stood up, bowed deeply to Liu Heng with his hands clasped, and humbled himself completely. "I... also wish to follow the Marquis and uphold the Han house together."

His voice remained calm, but beneath that calm was a total surrender to the unfathomable strategy, intelligence, and control of this young Marquis. Huangfu Song, Liang Yan, Tong Pass... these key pieces had been used by Liu Heng with such exquisite mastery! He knew his choice was correct; only by following such a person could he preserve his life in these chaotic times, and perhaps... even fully display his talents.

A look of relief appeared on Liu Heng’s face. He stepped forward quickly, helping Zhang Ji and Jia Xu up with both hands, his tone sincere and forceful. "General Zhang is a man of great insight! Master Wenhe has abandoned darkness for the light! This is the fortune of the state! Please, rise!"

He turned to the officers in the hall and said loudly, "Gentlemen, you are also meritorious ministers! From this day forward, all past grievances are wiped clean! You are all loyal and brave soldiers of the Han! When we purge the rebels and restore order to the state, I will certainly petition the court for your rewards!"

These words of reassurance, along with a clear promise, completely dissipated the remaining tension in the hall. Many Xiliang officers showed expressions of relief, even hints of anticipation.

Liu Heng then grew stern and said in a deep voice, "However, there is no time to lose! General Zhang, please issue the order immediately to open the gates of Sishui Pass and welcome the coalition forces! At the same time, seal all information and enforce strict military discipline! Anyone showing signs of dissent is to be executed on the spot!"

"Understood!"

Zhang Ji no longer hesitated, clasping his hands in acknowledgment. He knew he had no way back and could only cooperate fully with Liu Heng.

"Master Wenhe," Liu Heng looked at Jia Xu, "please draft a detailed military report immediately. Include Dong Zhuo’s westward route, troop deployment, accompanying personnel, and... the movements of Li Jue’s vanguard, as detailed as possible. This report must be sent with the utmost haste to Generals Xu Huang and Liang Yan at Tong Pass before Dong Zhuo’s army arrives! This concerns the entire situation and is of the utmost importance!"

A flash of brilliance crossed Jia Xu’s eyes; he immediately understood Liu Heng’s intent—not just to take Sishui Pass, but to use the intelligence he possessed to pave the way for the decisive battle at Tong Pass! He bowed and replied, "I accept the order! I shall not fail the mission!"

Liu Heng nodded in satisfaction, casting his gaze to the west, toward Tong Pass, the final place of Dong Zhuo’s struggle. He said to Jia Xu, "Once matters here are concluded, would you be willing to accompany me... to Chang'an?"

Jia Xu’s heart stirred. Meeting Liu Heng’s unfathomable gaze, he bowed deeply once more. "How could I refuse!"

He knew this was Liu Heng’s trust, and also the true beginning of his own standing before a new master. Tong Pass would be Dong Zhuo’s graveyard, and also the starting point of Jia Xu’s rebirth.

Liu Heng’s journey had been a massive success. Not only did he gain Zhang Ji and thirty thousand Xiliang troops, but also the fierce general Zhang Xiu, and most importantly, the addition of a top-tier strategist like Jia Xu, making Liu Heng’s strength grow day by day.

The heavy gates of Sishui Pass, under the gaze of countless pairs of eyes—some shocked, some complex, some relieved—roared open!

Outside the pass, the coalition vanguard under Sun Jian, having received Liu Heng’s signal, had long been prepared.

When they saw the gates swing open and Liu Heng and Dian Wei emerge on horseback, followed by the complex expressions of Zhang Ji, Jia Xu, and the Xiliang officers, an expression of disbelief burst forth in Sun Jian’s eyes!

"The Marquis of Yangwu... he actually... succeeded? And he even recruited Zhang Ji and Jia Xu?"

He muttered to himself, then suddenly waved the ancient blade in his hand, his voice shaking the fields: "Lads! Sishui Pass has fallen! Follow me into the pass!"

The coalition forces surged into this majestic pass that had blocked them for so many days like a tide, without spilling a drop of blood!

As for Liu Heng, he only nodded slightly under Sun Jian’s complex gaze, his eyes once again firmly fixed on the west—Tong Pass, for that was the final battlefield!

After Sishui Pass was controlled by the coalition, the warlords rested there for three days. Liu Heng used this time to reorganize the Xiliang surrender troops, and for those with ulterior motives, he had Zhang Ji strictly implement the "execute on the spot" policy he had used many times before.

Three days later, the coalition broke camp and headed straight for Luoyang.

When the grand army arrived at Luoyang, the scorched earth of the city was still emitting wisps of smoke, and the air was filled with a pungent, burning odor.

Broken walls and ruined tiles, the sight was one of devastation. The most prosperous imperial capital of the Han Dynasty was left with nothing but endless sorrow.

The camps of the various warlords were stationed outside the ruined palace city of Luoyang. The joy of entering the city was soon washed away by the tragedy before them.

Soldiers searched the ruins for possible survivors or lost property, while the generals were busy taking over the remaining storehouses—though they had been largely looted by Dong Zhuo. At the same time, they were busy pacifying, or rather controlling, the terrified people around Luoyang.

The incident occurred near a collapsed palace building to the south of the palace city.

That day, Sun Jian, the Prefect of Changsha, was patrolling the rubble with his trusted generals, Cheng Pu and Huang Gai.

Suddenly, a soldier reported that they had discovered something unusual while clearing out an old, deep well. Sun Jian’s heart skipped a beat, and he personally led his men to investigate.

The well was located in a corner of the abandoned palace, its mouth half-hidden by rubble. After the soldiers drained some of the water, they discovered a vermilion lacquered box fastened with a golden lock in the silt at the bottom!

The box was ancient and exquisite; despite being soaked for so long, it could not hide its luxury. After the box was salvaged and opened under the nervous and expectant eyes of all present:

A square seal, four inches in size, translucent and emitting a warm, moist luster, lay quietly on yellow brocade. One corner of the seal was inlaid with gold—it was the legendary Imperial Jade Seal, symbolizing the mandate of heaven and supreme imperial power!

"The Imperial Jade Seal!"

Cheng Pu gasped in shock. Huang Gai and the other generals also widened their eyes, their breathing stopping for a moment.

Sun Jian’s pupils contracted sharply, his heart pounding wildly. An indescribable ecstasy instantly seized him! He snatched the seal in his hand; its warm, smooth texture seemed to penetrate straight to his soul.

He looked around, his gaze like lightning, his voice carrying unquestionable majesty, along with a trace of imperceptible trembling: "This is truly bestowed upon me by heaven! Not a word of today’s events must be leaked; otherwise, I will show no mercy! Quickly, hide the seal away safely!"

Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and the others were all trusted aides who had followed Sun Jian for years. Although shocked, they immediately obeyed with solemnity, quickly resealing the box and having it hidden on the person of Sun Jian’s most trusted guard.

However, there is no wall that does not leak.

The news that Sun Jian’s troops had discovered a rare treasure in a well spread quietly through the coalition camp as if it had grown wings. And among those most concerned, none were more attentive than the commander, Yuan Shao.

A few days later, in the main command tent.

The atmosphere in the tent was tense. Yuan Shao sat in the main seat, his face as dark as water, his eyes scanning the people below. Cao Cao was lost in thought, Liu Heng’s gaze was calm, and Yuan Shu could hardly conceal his greed. Sun Jian, meanwhile, stood proudly in the tent, his expression open and honest, as if nothing had happened.

"Brother Wentai," Yuan Shao’s voice carried a deliberate calm, "there have been many rumors in the camp recently, saying that your troops obtained a rare treasure in an abandoned well in the palace. I wonder what kind of treasure it is? Could you bring it out so we might all have a look?"

Sun Jian’s heart tightened, but his face remained extremely calm, even showing a trace of indignant anger at being wronged. "Where does the commander get such ideas? Luoyang has suffered this great catastrophe; ten houses out of nine are empty, the palaces are destroyed, so where would there be treasure? I have been clearing rubble and pacifying the people, and all I have obtained are some broken utensils, which have already been registered and handed over to you, Commander, for disposal! These groundless rumors are clearly from someone who envies my achievement of being the first to enter Sishui Pass, maliciously slandering me! You are a man of keen insight, Commander, how can you easily believe the slander of petty men!"

Sun Jian’s voice was loud and clear, ringing with the air of someone who had suffered a great injustice.

Yuan Shao sneered, clearly not believing him. "Oh? Why is Brother Wentai so angry? After all, there is no smoke without fire. If you have truly obtained the Imperial Jade Seal, such a heavy treasure of the state is not something a minister can privately possess! It should be handed over to me for safekeeping until it can be returned to the Emperor!"

"The Imperial Jade Seal?" Sun Jian acted as if he had heard a colossal joke. "Hmph, Yuan Benchu, stop spitting blood! If I, Sun Wentai, possessed such a thing, may heaven loathe me! May I die by ten thousand arrows and suffer a miserable death!"

Sun Jian swore to the heavens, his expression furious, as if he had truly been subjected to a great humiliation.

The tent fell silent. At this point in time, the incident where Sima Yi would point to the Luo River to swear an oath had not yet occurred, and everyone still took such poisonous oaths quite seriously. Moreover, Sun Jian’s oath was so vicious that even Yuan Shao was momentarily choked, not knowing how to continue his interrogation.

Cao Cao frowned slightly, while Liu Heng watched coldly from the sidelines, though his mind was clear as a mirror: the more vehemently Sun Jian denied it, the more he confirmed that the seal was in his hands. This oath was merely a matter of expediency. Besides, this fellow’s habit of swearing reckless oaths needed to change, or retribution would come soon enough!

Yuan Shao’s face turned livid, his eyes staring viciously at Sun Jian. The atmosphere in the tent was stifling.

Finally, Yuan Shao suppressed his anger and snorted coldly. "In that case, I hope Brother Wentai knows what he is doing! I will get to the bottom of this matter!"

Sun Jian looked back at Yuan Shao without fear, clasped his hands, and said, "My actions have always been open and honorable; I only seek to have a clear conscience! If there is nothing else, Commander, I shall take my leave!"

With that, without waiting for Yuan Shao’s response, he turned and strode out of the main tent.