Reincarnation in the Three Kingdoms Era with a System

Chapter 650 650: 650 Zhang Yan of the Black Mountain Army

A short while later, a cavalryman arrived, saying he was acting on orders from Yuan Bao, the Prefect of Zhongshan Commandery, to request reinforcements from Lu Ming, hoping Lu Ming would aid Wuji County.

"By order of the Prefect, you are here to immediately aid Wuji County. Anyone who delays will be executed!"

The messenger cavalryman spoke arrogantly.

Even when speaking to Lu Ming, he remained haughty.

He seemed completely unaware of Lu Ming's status, and didn't understand that a so-called prefect was no match for a governor. Could a prefect of a commandery compare to a governor of a province?

It was like comparing a soybean to a basketball.

Lu Ming frowned slightly and said to Lin Rong, "Cut off his ears and nose, and throw him out. Tell the Yuan family that if they want my help, they should speak politely. Who gave them the audacity to order me around without even offering any conditions?"

"You dare! Ah!"

Before the messenger finished speaking, Lin Rong sliced ​​off his nose with a single stroke.

They dragged him out by the hair, and with two swift strokes, severed his ear as well.

"Get out of here!"

"Ah!"

The messenger lay on the ground like a dead dog, two soldiers grabbed him and dragged him out, throwing him out of the camp.

After doing all this, Lu Ming became even more curious about the situation in Wuji County.

For Yuan Bao to risk offending him by coming out, either someone was in Wuji County, and an important figure in the Yuan family at that.

Or someone disliked his presence in Wuji County and was deliberately provoking him.

So, who was it in Wuji County?

At this moment, in Wuji County.

In the Zhen family residence, a middle-aged man with a beautiful beard sat in the main hall, a sword at his waist—a truly dashing figure.

This man was Yuan Shao!

The dignified Prefect of Bohai Commandery had actually crossed Hejian Commandery to come to Zhongshan Commandery, and even appeared at the Zhen family residence—truly astonishing! Yuan Shao stroked his beard, feigning composure, but inwardly he was terribly uncertain.

He had no idea why the Black Mountain Army had suddenly attacked the city. Who had leaked the information?

In truth, Yuan Shao and the Black Mountain Army had a deep-seated grudge.

He had even robbed them when passing through the area, establishing a grudge.

Furthermore, during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Yuan Shao had been ordered to suppress the Yellow Turban rebels in the Black Mountain region, killing many in the process. These repeated incidents had solidified their enmity.

This time, he had come solely for revenge. No one knew the exact nature of this deep-seated hatred, but it was certainly not going to be pleasant.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shao was still waiting. He had received news that Lu Ming's troops would be departing from here for Luoyang.

If he was lucky, he could rescue her. Therefore, he ordered his clansman Yuan Bao to send a message to Lu Ming, urging him to come and rescue him.

However, Yuan Bao, whether out of madness or a desire to kill Yuan Shao, actually sent cavalry to speak rudely—a suicidal act!

Lu Ming, always one to back down from pressure, was merely a prefect. Did he think he could order around a governor?

"Prefect, the east gate is about to collapse!"

Zhen Yan rushed in upon receiving the news.

Yuan Shao's visit to the Zhen family was essentially an attempt to extract funds.

In simpler terms, he was seeking investment. As the prefect of Bohai, he wanted to develop water conservancy projects, stimulate commerce, and achieve political success.

But all of this required money…

Hebei was a wealthy land, teeming with numerous affluent families.

The Zhen family was the easiest to manipulate, as their influence was limited to Wuji County and had not extended to Zhongshan Commandery. Therefore, Yuan Shao was there to secure investment.

The investment had just been finalized when news arrived of the Black Mountain Army's attack.

This led to their entrapment in Wuji County. Fortunately, the city walls of Wuji were high, preventing an immediate fall.

However, only the second day had passed, and the city was already on the verge of collapse.

The Black Mountain Army also discovered Lu Ming's cavalry, and for a moment, they were filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

The commander in charge of the siege was Zhang Yan, considered one of the most capable fighters among the Yellow Turbans, and one of the few who had a peaceful end.

Lu Ming sent a cavalryman with a message, inviting him to speak.

Zhang Yan was somewhat suspicious. He had received news that Lu Ming had set out from Xiliang, decisively defeating the Wuhuan and Xianbei cavalry, and even beheading the leader of the Nanlou clan.

As a bandit entrenched in the Taihang Mountains, despite Emperor Ling's offer of amnesty,

good intelligence was essential for survival.

If it were anyone else inviting him, Zhang Yan would have hesitated, but Lu Ming's invitation made him question whether he should accept.

Soon, the two cavalrymen met at the foot of a mountain.

Lu Ming, his lance slung behind him, rode with only ten personal guards, exuding an imposing and awe-inspiring presence, like a powerful overlord.

Zhang Yan was a lithe middle-aged man, riding a first-rate warhorse. However, the daily sustenance of cavalry was immense, and even he couldn't afford to maintain a full cavalry force. He only had a few hundred personal guards who could ride horses.

Upon seeing Lu Ming, Zhang Yan was astonished by the man's skill and audacity. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Zhang Yan, General of the Pacification Army, greets Your Excellency!"

"No need for formalities. Zhang Yan, who in Wuji County is worthy of your personal visit? Don't misunderstand, this governor has no interest in such trivial matters. A true man repays kindness and avenges wrongs—it's only right. You are a man of principle, and we both come from humble backgrounds. Reaching this point is a natural consequence of being ostracized by powerful families. I've come to ask you some questions."

Lu Ming cut to the chase. If he truly wanted to provide aid, he could simply send troops in a surprise attack; there was no need for further explanation.

"Thank you for sparing my life, Your Excellency!"

Zhang Yan was very sensible, first expressing his gratitude and bridging the gap between them. They were complete strangers, yet now they had some common ground.

Lu Ming felt pleased by the flattery; everyone loves to hear kind words, especially him. No wonder emperors love having a sycophantic lackey; the feeling of being flattered is truly comforting.

"Zhang Yan, speak, who's inside?"

"Yuan Shao, the Prefect of Bohai. Yuan Shao has a grudge against me; he killed my sworn brother. This scoundrel is in Wuji County, and I will capture him alive!"

Zhang Yan spoke through gritted teeth, seemingly harboring deep hatred for these aristocratic young masters.

"I have a suggestion for you: don't kill him. It's best to capture him and demand supplies from the Yuan family. Treat him like a sustainable fat sheep, slowly slaughtering him. The Yuan family is very wealthy. You know, the Yuan family has always been at odds with me; if they suffer misfortune, I'll be happy to see it."

Lu Ming looked at the distant Wuji County, a sinister smile playing on his lips.