Chapter 276: The Imperial Seal, Sun Ce's Choice
Like his father Sun Jian, Sun Ce became the first to attack Luoyang from the direction of Mengjin Pass.

The biggest impact of the last attack on Sun Ce was that he no longer had a large number of troops following him, and there were only 250 people behind him.

Originally, the number 250 had no special meaning, but after Jinmao came, it was given other meanings.

Zhou Tai also used this obscure way to scold Sun Ce, what an idiot!
However, Sun Ce didn't care.

Tonight is his chance to avenge himself.

"brothers!"

"Follow me!"

Sun Ce raised his Overlord Spear and shouted, "Sun Ce! Sun Ce!"

At this moment, Han Dang, who had just climbed up the city wall, felt dazed for a moment, as if he had returned to the time when he followed Sun Jian.

"It looks like it!"

Han Dang happily chopped down two soldiers and quickly approached Sun Ce.

Feeling someone approaching from behind, Sun Ce did not turn around. He continued to shout, "Sun Ce!" while killing the enemy.

"Sun Ce!"

Soon, many soldiers including Han Dang gathered behind Sun Ce.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Sun Ce led more than a hundred people to attack the city wall.

At this point, the Xiliang army no longer had the courage to hold on and they all fled in panic.

Sun Ce did not pursue him. The towering palace of Beigong appeared before his eyes. Even in the dark, he could see it clearly.

Luoyang North Palace is not far from the city wall, only one mile away.

According to later generations, this is the center of Luoyang City, and its prosperity is incomparable to that of the past.

Now it looks very desolate, as its former residents had long been forcibly relocated to Chang'an by Dong Zhuo.

Sun Ce headed straight for the imperial palace, with more and more soldiers gathering behind him.

Although everyone seemed disappointed with Sun Ce's stupid decision, they also saw Sun Ce's outstanding martial arts skills.

It is much better to have such a brave figure leading the way than to run around like a headless fly.

Veterans all know that street fighting is a meat grinder and one of the battles that the Yangzhou army dislikes the most.

Jin Mao has a famous saying that is circulated in the army.

"Only those who are alive are the real winners. If you die, you will have nothing!"

The new recruits didn’t understand what it meant, but the veterans took it as a golden saying.

So, in essence, the Yangzhou soldiers were a group of fierce yet cowardly troops.

When he is aggressive, it's unbelievable; when he is timid, it's unbelievable either.

Sun Ce broke in from the Valley Gate, passing through the Shuoping Gate, Fanglin Garden, the East Palace, and the Zhuque Gate, running through the entire North Palace.

As soon as he went out, he bumped into Xu Rong.

"Sun Ce!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Sun Ce raised the Overlord Spear high and charged into the enemy camp.

Han Dang and Zu Mao followed closely behind.

"Xu Rong!"

Xu Rong on the opposite side was not willing to be outdone and raised his long sword to meet the attack.

There was only a road less than fifty meters wide between the North Palace Suzaku Gate and the South Palace Xuanwu Gate, so the two sides could not deploy many teams.

Sun Ce and Xu Rong fought for ten rounds, but there was no winner, and they both retreated.

"The whole army forms an array!"

This time Sun Ce learned his lesson and began to rely on the power of the Yangzhou army.

Soon, the sword and shield soldiers of the Huaihe River Navy quickly formed several shield walls behind Sun Ce, with thirty people standing in an arc in each row.

In the darkness, Xu Rong could not see the movements of the Yangzhou army clearly, but he knew how powerful the Yangzhou army's formation was and he absolutely could not let them form a formation easily.

"Soldiers, the moment of life and death has come, follow me and kill!"

After saying that, Xu Rong spurred his horse forward. The Xiliang army behind him was like a pack of wolves. It seemed disorganized, but in fact it was well-organized. They attacked their prey.

"Shield! Shield! Shield!"

Sun Ce held the shield in his left hand and the spear in his right hand, and the Overlord Spear hit the shield with a loud roar.

The Huaihe River navy followed suit, roaring and slapping their shields, shouting "Roar! Roar! Roar!"

The two sides were getting closer and closer. Sun Ce suddenly glanced back and saw that his side had few people and more were rushing out of the Suzaku Gate. He made a decision immediately.

"Guard! Guard! Guard!"

The Huaihe River navy continued to march forward, and began to form small circular formations in groups of ten.

Sun Ce himself threw away his shield, held the reins in one hand and the Overlord Spear in the other, sat astride his warhorse, stood proudly, waiting for Xu Rong to rush forward.

Xu Rong approached and saw Sun Ce being so arrogant. He narrowed his eyes and twisted his sword. The whole sword seemed to become invisible and his figure could no longer be seen.

When they were five steps away, Xu Rong suddenly drew his sword and aimed at Sun Ce's head.

But Sun Ce fell down, and the Overlord Spear moved with him, rotating 270 degrees, like an autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves, straight towards the horse's leg.

"Herod!"

With a neighing of a warhorse, Xu Rong lost his balance and was thrown off the horse's back and fell into the shield formation.

Similarly, Sun Ce also fell off his horse, but he did so voluntarily as it had been planned long ago.

"ah!"

Just at this time, soldiers from Xiliang came to attack. Sun Ce did a Thomas turn, and the Overlord Spear rotated twice, sweeping down a large number of cavalry.

Like a domino effect, the cavalrymen behind were unable to brake in time and fell to the ground.

Just as Sun Ce was feeling proud of his masterpiece, he heard angry shouts from behind him.

It was Han Dang who started fighting with Xu Rong. The two of them fought with all their might, forcing the Huaihai Navy to make way to avoid accidental injuries.

"not good!"

Sun Ce looked at the fearless Xiliang cavalry in front of him and felt something was wrong.

At this moment, the formation was unstable, and if the cavalry rushed in, the consequences would be disastrous.

Without time to think, Sun Ce jumped onto a nearby warhorse, adjusted his direction, and rushed towards the enemy formation.

If Xu Rong can disrupt the formation, so can Sun Ce!
"Sun Ce of Jiangdong!"

"Who dares to fight!"

"kill!!"

In the darkness, a young general in a white robe, holding a blood-stained Overlord Spear, charged into the endless enemy formation without hesitation.

This scene deeply moved the Yangzhou army who had just walked out of the Suzaku Gate.

"Kill!" "Kill!" "Kill!"

For a moment, the Huaihe River Navy, which had just set out, did not even form a formation. They were filled with enthusiasm and rushed towards the east.

This is what I just said, the Yangzhou army is extremely powerful when it is fierce.

When is the strongest?
Naturally, it’s when the emotions are in place!
Using infantry to attack cavalry would definitely be the only combat case in history if it were not for the terrain restrictions.

The two torrents collided.

When cavalry loses their mobility, they are no different from fish on a chopping board.

Xu Rong watched with anger as his followers were being harvested like wheat, but he was helpless.

Han Dang's fighting power was not weaker than his, and there was also Zu Mao raiding the formation next to him, so he was in danger several times.

"what!"

Xu Rong fought back Han Dang and Zu Mao, and shouted at the Xiliang cavalry: "Go!"

"leave me alone!"

"Go!"

Just three short words seemed to drain all the strength from Xu Rong, and he was knocked to the ground with the back of his sword by Han Dai and Zu Mao who approached him again.

capture!

Xu Rong breathed in the air that smelled of dust, blood and sweat, and thought to himself that he would try to escape as many as possible.

however!
"With the total death!"

"General!" "We'll go first!"

The Xiliang cavalry let out their last roar and launched a final attack on the Yangzhou army.

When the battlefield quieted down, Xu Rong's eyes were filled with tears of blood.

Sun Ce and others were silent.

This was the first time that everyone present encountered an army that was equally fearless of death.

Although the Xiliang cavalry were hateful, no one could hate these cavalrymen who died bravely.

"Give him a grand funeral!"

Sun Ce added: "I will apply to my lord."

"Thank you."

Xu Rong's voice was low and hoarse, and it sounded particularly sad in the silent night sky.

...

The next morning.

The Yangzhou army searched the entire city for the Xiliang army.

On one side is a notice to reassure the people, and on the other side is a notice to conceal the same crime.

Some Luoyang citizens who "did not understand" tested the law with their own bodies, but the Yangzhou army showed no mercy.

After the three Yi tribes came three times, the people of Luoyang became obedient and identified or handed over the Xiliang soldiers.

Sun Ce escorted Xu Rong to Jia Xu and returned to the palace.

According to the principle of whoever occupies the place first shall be in charge, Sun Ce made the Huaihe River Navy very proud this time.

I also gained a lot of goodwill, and my hope of leading the team became much greater.

This afternoon.

Sun Ce opened an unknown well and fished out a rotten corpse with something wrapped in bright yellow silk in his arms.

As soon as he picked it up, he felt that the square object was hard. When he opened it, Sun Ce was so scared that he quickly wrapped it with cloth.

Looking around like a guilty thief, Sun Ce heaved a sigh of relief only after he realized there was no one else around.

The four people present were all Sun Ce's confidants, except Han Dang and Zu Mao, as well as Sun Ben and Wu Jing.

Everyone knew that this thing was of great importance just by looking at Sun Ce's expression, and they all tacitly kept silent and covered for Sun Ce.

Wait until nightfall.

The four of them couldn't wait to find Sun Ce, wanting to see what kind of treasure could scare Sun Ce like that.

Sun Ce did not hide anything and placed the items on the table.

Suddenly, the other four people present also looked around nervously like Sun Ce.

It was a square jade seal with eight large characters "Received the Mandate from Heaven, May You Live Long and Prosper" written on it in small seal script.

The national jade seal!

Although the imperial edicts of the Eastern Han Dynasty no longer relied on the jade seal passed down by Qin Shihuang, what time is it now?
Troubled times!

In the troubled times, the majesty of the Han Dynasty was rapidly weakening. When the imperial seal appeared, it meant the emergence of a new inheritance.

The imperial seal does not carry any power, but it is a symbol!
A totem!
If you own this thing, you own the name.

"Son!"

The eagerness in Han Dang's eyes was about to overflow from his eyes.

After several battles, the ambition that had gradually faded away resurfaced. Han Dang looked at Sun Ce and said, "This is the best opportunity!"

Everyone present knew what it meant and looked at Sun Ce.

"Uncle Han, uncles."

After a long silence, Sun Ce finally spoke: "If I want to go out on my own, first of all, I will offend the lord, and even become his enemy."

"Secondly, the Yangzhou Army does not recognize me. They only regard me as a good general, not a good lord."

"Finally, I still say the same thing. There is no place for the Sun family in this world anymore."

“Why independent?”

Sun Ce stood up and pointed at the imperial seal and said, "How many soldiers and grain can you get with this piece of broken stone?"

The four of them knew that what Sun Ce said made sense, but this was the imperial seal!
Somewhat unwillingly.

Sun Ce patiently explained: "My uncles, don't be fooled by the immediate benefits."

"What will happen if I follow you, my lord?"

"Yangzhou! Jingzhou! Jiaozhou!"

"Isn't the land of three states enough for us to display our talents?"

"If you really want to create something, why not use the strength of the Yangzhou Army to expand your territory to the north or west?"

"My lord never hesitates to reward his meritorious officials."

Sun Ce said earnestly, "Let's not talk about the distant future. If I hand this thing over, what kind of reward will the lord give me? Have you ever thought about it, uncles?"

"If you are indecisive, you will only lose grace."

"Don't learn from Guan Yu!"

Sun Ce used Ling Cao as an example: "Even though the captain of the previous battalion was disabled, he was unwilling to leave the army. What was the result?"

"Ling Cao has become the chief instructor of the new recruits' camp. It is said that the lord will establish a military academy in the future, and outstanding and loyal generals like Ling Cao will be arranged to enter the academy and become lecturers!"

"What an honor this is?!"

The Yuan family, the Yang family and other aristocratic families of our time have such great reputations because they have many students all over the world.

Just imagine, if one day you become a soldier in a military academy, and then train one or two outstanding people among your students, it will be no less impressive than making a great name for yourself.

No matter who talks about it, they can't help but mention who the other person's teacher is.

These words are undoubtedly very convincing.

Han Dang gave up his unrealistic thoughts and said, "Since you have made up your mind, I don't need to waste my words on you."

Sun Ce quickly walked around the table, came to Han Dang, held his hands and said, "Uncles' understanding is what I need most!"

"If this stone can bring you uncles a better future, it will be worth it!"

Han Dang was instantly moved, "Sir, there is no need to do this. We will do our best to assist you."

Sun Ce said half-jokingly and half-seriously: "Uncle should say that he has done his best to serve the Lord!"

Han Dang still couldn't bring himself to call him "Lord", so he forced a smile and said, "Of course I will."

Suddenly, the scene was extremely harmonious. Everyone was talking and laughing, letting go of the pressure and having the leisure to look at and play with the imperial seal.

...

Changan.

When the news came that Xu Rong was captured alive and beheaded in public, Dong Zhuo had no heart to be sad.

He was still scheming with the ministers in the court.

No one knew how much Wang Yun had fooled Lu Bu, this incompetent dog, into openly rebelling and even leading 20,000 vanguard troops to resist.

To make matters worse, this is not the only thing that happened.

Dong Cheng joined forces with Lu Bu and took away another 5,000 troops.

At this time, Dong Zhuo only had more than 30,000 troops.

Although it is still the most powerful force, the new force headed by Wang Yun has shown signs of competing with Dong Zhuo.

Originally, Dong Zhuo was going to divide his troops to guard the Sanfu area, but after what happened, he decided to just stop caring about it, withdrew his troops and preserved his strength.

The construction plan of Meiwu had to be shelved. Dong Zhuo took out all the extra money, grain and other valuables and distributed them to the soldiers. The rest was exchanged for food and supplies.

Dong Zhuo was recruiting soldiers and Wang Yun also wanted to do something.

The Wang family of Taiyuan had little influence in the Guanzhong region, and everyone still recognized Dong Zhuo more.

However, Wang Yun is not without opportunities.

After the Western Liang army arrived in Guanzhong, there was no difference from Luoyang. Dong Zhuo allowed his soldiers to plunder, which caused public resentment, but they dared not speak out.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to change one’s nature.

After Wang Yun gained power, he became just like Dong Zhuo and looked down on others.

(End of this chapter)