Chapter 28 Entering Luoyang

  Wine has gone through three rounds, dishes have gone through five flavors.

  Wang Can also spoke, and got to know Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Cheng Yu. Wang Can knew that saying too much would arouse suspicion among the four men, so he picked up a cup of wine and toasted them, saying: "Gentlemen, meeting each other is fate, being able to drink and chat with you all is one of life's greatest pleasures. Unfortunately, I have urgent business in Luoyang and must take my leave. Please excuse me, and let us get drunk together next time we meet."

  After finishing speaking, Wang Can and the other three people bowed their hands to Cheng Yu, called out to Pei Yuanshao, and then left.

  Guo Jia carried a jug of wine and gazed at the receding back of Wang Can, smiling: "Gentleman Zhongde, what do you think of this man?"

  Cheng Yu smiled without saying a word, but Xun Yu coldly laughed and scolded: "I observe that this person has the heart of a wolf, definitely a Dong Zhuo or Wang Mang type. Although I'm not clear about Wang Can's specific identity, he claims to be from Runan, and I have great confidence that Wang Can is the leader of the Runan Yellow Turbans. Think about it, Wang Can not only has an outstanding temperament but also intentionally or unintentionally reveals a fierce and courageous air of a battlefield commander. I deduce that Wang Can's identity is either a major clan in Runan or the Yellow Turbans, and I have great confidence that Wang Can is likely to be the Yellow Turbans. Given the nature of the Yellow Turbans, they would not let the major clans of Runan survive, so I am certain that Wang Can is indeed the Yellow Turbans."

  Xun Yu's face also turned gloomy as he spoke, and thinking of Wang Can's identity as a Yellow Turban bandit, Xun Yu felt as if he had been pierced by a thorn. Such an outstanding talent was actually a Yellow Turban bandit - what a waste of his natural abilities!

  It has to be said that Xun Yu's vision and observation skills are extremely sharp.

  Just by Wang Can's few words, his identity was inferred, and his ability was really terrifying.

  Cheng Yu sneered and said, "Wen Ruo, you're a knowledgeable person, don't you know that the Han dynasty has been around for over 400 years and is now in decline? Since the time of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, eunuchs have held power, imperial relatives have dominated, and women's chambers have interfered with politics... there are countless examples. In the court, Yuan Benchu advised He Jin to let Dong Zhuo enter the capital, which led to him seizing control, bullying officials, and dominating the government. Outside, various warlords have carved out their own territories and declared themselves lords of their domains. The great Han dynasty has become so rotten that it's beyond salvation. What does it matter if Wang Fu is a Yellow Turban rebel? Even Emperor Gaozu was just a green-skinned vagabond in his youth, but he still managed to achieve greatness. So what if Wang Fu is a Yellow Turban rebel? Heroes don't ask about their origins; as long as they have ability, opportunity, and means, nothing is impossible."

  "Cheng Zhongde, you, you..."

  Xun Yu's face turned red with rage, and he rebuked: "You are still an official of the imperial court, yet you utter such treasonous words. Humph! You are truly a man without a lord or father."

  Cheng Yu flung his sleeve and laughed maniacally, saying: "Wen Ruo, you've read the classics, haven't you heard that if a ruler views his subjects as hands and feet, then the subjects view the ruler as their heart; if a ruler views his subjects as dogs and horses, then the subjects view the ruler as a fellow citizen; if a ruler views his subjects as dirt and weeds, then the subjects view the ruler as an enemy. The emperor is without virtue, and there's also the eunuchs' exclusive power, the vassals are rising up, this kind of court has already reached the point of no return, why must you insist on defending yourself? You're originally a wise person, with the talent to assist a king, like Zhang Liang or Chen Ping, why suffer for a foolish 'loyalty', and draw a prison around yourself, trapping yourself to death?"

  Xun Yu let out a sigh and shook his head, his face filled with disappointment.

  Cheng Yu's gaze fell on Xun Yu like a sharp knife, and seeing Xun Yu's listless expression, he was not moved in his heart.

  He smiled in his heart and continued to add fuel to the fire: "I observe that Wang is a man of decisive action, firm and resolute. He will surely be one of the lords who will divide the world's great fortunes."

  Xun You smiled and asked: "Zhang De Gong, we only met Wang once before, how can you be so sure?"

  Cheng Yu stroked his mustache and smiled: "I await with bated breath!"

  Guo Jia smiled and said, "What Zhongde Gong said is very true. We only need to wait with our eyes open. However, if Wang Zhi is indeed the Yellow Turban bandit from Runan, then his trip to Luoyang is likely a preparation to surrender to the imperial court, relying on Dong Zhuo's power, and then change his identity to become the orthodox of the imperial court. In this way, Wang Can can openly conquer the four directions without worrying about the issue of righteousness."

  Xun You's eyes lit up, and he smiled: "Zhang De Gong, Yuan Shu and Feng Xiao are preparing to go north to Yu Province to join Yuan Shao and observe the situation. As for us two, we have nothing to do now, why not follow Wang Wei and head to Luoyang as well, and see what will happen in Luoyang? What do you think, Zhang De Gong?"

  Cheng Yu thought for a long time and said, "Alright, let's go to Luoyang."

  Tongguan Pass, belonging to ancient Chenggao County, also known as Zishui Pass.

  Tiger Pass is located east of Luoyang, in the present-day Xingyang City, Henan Province, 16 kilometers northwest of the city's downtown area, within the territory of Zishui Town. Tiger Pass, as the eastern gate of Luoyang and an important pass, was named after King Mu of Zhou who caged tigers here.

  Two days later, Wang Zhen and Bae Won-seo finally arrived at Hubao Pass.

  Wang Can ordered Pei Yuanshao to stop his horse carriage in front of Tiger Trap Pass.

  Getting off the carriage, Wang Can stood in front of the Tiger Trap Pass, looking at the majestic and ancient Tiger Trap Pass, with a peaceful mind.

  The vassals will discuss Dong, and it will happen at the Tiger's Mouth Pass. Wang Can has a reason to stop at the Tiger's Mouth Pass, and he remembers the terrain and topography of the Tiger's Mouth Pass clearly. However, this is also a habit cultivated by Wang Can in his previous life as a sniper special soldier, where every time he passes through a strategic location, he will stop to remember the surrounding terrain and topography.

  "Young master, we'll be able to enter Luoyang in just one day. What should we do after entering Luoyang?"

  Pei Yuanshao's face was tinged with worry, and a hint of concern flashed in his eyes.

  He and Wang Zan were Yellow Turbans, and Dong Zhuo had also participated in the suppression of the Yellow Turbans. Dong Zhuo killed countless Yellow Turbans and had no good feelings towards them. Wang Zan went to Luoyang to surrender to Dong Zhuo so hastily, if Dong Zhuo directly captured Wang Zan, wouldn't it be a case of "having gone, there is no return"?

  The closer he got to Luoyang, the more worried Pei Yuanshao became.

  Wang Cai gazed at the magnificent and majestic Tiger Cage Pass, smiling: "Old Pei, you don't have to worry anymore. Once I enter Luoyang, I will have my own plan, you don't need to worry."

  "But, however..."

  Pei Yuanshao's face still had a look of worry that hadn't dissipated.

  Wang Can waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's hurry on our way. The matter of surrendering to Dong Zhuo is not for you to consider. You just need to ensure my safety, and if we can arrive in Luoyang sooner, we can return sooner."

  "No!" Pei Yuanshao shook his head and said, "Get on the carriage, Your Excellency!"

  Wang Can glared at Pei Yuanshao and shouted: "Remember, when we're outside, you must address him as Young Master."

  Pei Yuanshao muttered, "Isn't there anyone here?"

  Wang Can hummed and returned to the carriage, saying: "Let's hurry along!"

  Pei Yuanshao returned to the carriage, his left hand grasping the reins and his right hand holding a whip that cracked out a flower shape as he shouted: "Drive!"

  The whip cracked, the horse spread its four hooves and pulled the carriage to gallop quickly. The wheels turned round and round, and the carriage passed through the Tiger Trap Pass and went straight to Luoyang.

  The next day at noon, Wang Can and Pei Yuan Shao had arrived in Luoyang.

  At the city gate, row upon row of fierce and formidable soldiers wearing steel knives at their waists and armor on their bodies stood at the gates of Luoyang City.

  These soldiers stood at the gate and set up a checkpoint. Every person entering the city had to pay a toll before they could enter Luoyang City.

  PS: The third update is done, there's still one more tonight, come on brothers and sisters, asking for flowers.