Chapter Six: Arrival in Jixian

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On the road to Ji County, Chen Qun, Xi Zhicai, Chen Jiao, and Cai Yong talked about everything under the sun—from the Four Books and Five Classics to the lives of common folk. They chatted merrily, inadvertently leaving their lord, Luo Ang, standing aside, which left him feeling quite vexed.

At that moment, a hurried woman appeared ahead, followed by several bandits seemingly intent on abducting her to their mountain stronghold.

Seeing this, Luo Ang, Guan Yu, and Pan Zhang immediately reined in their horses, halting their advance.

Cai Yong lifted the carriage curtain and looked at Luo Ang, asking, "Zicheng, what’s happening?"

Luo Ang glanced at Cai Yong and replied, "Sir, just some bandits chasing a woman. No need to worry. I will send Pan Zhang to deal with them."

Cai Yong nodded, saying, "Be sure to be careful."

Luo Ang cupped his fist in acknowledgment, "Yes."

Then Cai Yong lowered the carriage curtain.

Luo Ang looked to Pan Zhang and said, "Pan Zhang, go rescue that woman!"

Pan Zhang cupped his fist, "Yes."

He then spurred his warhorse forward, wielding his large saber, charging toward the bandits pursuing the woman.

The woman, seeing Pan Zhang rushing to her aid, approached him earnestly, "General, please save me!"

Pan Zhang assured her, "Don’t worry, I’m here to save you. Hurry and hide in the back; it’s dangerous here!"

The woman nodded and ran toward Luo Ang’s direction.

The bandit leader, furious at Pan Zhang’s interference, shouted, "How dare you steal my woman!"

"You’re a kidnapper making a fuss—let me take your life!" Pan Zhang retorted, charging at the leader.

The bandit leader ordered his men to kill Pan Zhang.

Pan Zhang, seeing the attackers approaching, cut them down one by one, killing those who reached him.

Startled by the loss of his men, the bandit leader fled in panic.

Pan Zhang, seeing the leader escape, did not pursue but turned his horse back to Luo Ang.

Luo Ang asked with concern, "Thank you for your efforts, Pan Zhang."

Pan Zhang cupped his fist, "My lord, no need for thanks."

Luo Ang nodded, signaling Pan Zhang to rest, then turned to the woman. "Who are you, and why are these bandits chasing you?"

"My name is Ren Hongchang. These bandits are enemies of my family; they killed my whole family and now chase me," the woman sighed.

Luo Ang was filled with anger. "How hateful! Don’t be afraid; we will protect you. From now on, you will stay with us. I will take you in."

Ren Hongchang expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, my lord."

Luo Ang looked at Guan Yu and Pan Zhang. "Yunchang, you cover the rear. Pan Zhang, protect Master Cai and the others."

Both cupped their fists, "Yes."

Thus, Luo Ang led the way, Pan Zhang guarded Cai Yong’s group in the middle, Guan Yu covered the rear, and Ren Hongchang boarded the carriage with Cai Yong and Cai Yan.

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After a long time, Luo Ang and his company left Yuzhou territory and entered Yanzhou territory.

At this moment, the same bandits from before appeared behind them.

Guan Yu saw the bandits and shouted to Luo Ang, "My lord, those bandits have returned!"

Luo Ang’s voice came from the front, "Yunchang, I entrust this to you. But remember, do not get attached to the fight!"

Guan Yu responded loudly, "Yes."

Gripping his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, he turned his horse and engaged the bandits in battle.

Gradually, his strength waned; after all, the enemy outnumbered him, and he alone could not fend off their attacks.

Gritting his teeth, Guan Yu cursed, "Damn, the enemy keeps growing. Looks like I must fight while retreating!"

Just then, a tremendous roar came from afar.

A towering, imposing figure charged forward, wielding twin halberds, slaughtering the bandits and rescuing Guan Yu from the brink of death.

Guan Yu watched as the man with twin halberds scattered the bandits, routing them completely.

He sighed, "There are still men of such formidable skill in this world; I must make this man an ally."

Soon, the towering man reached Guan Yu.

Guan Yu cupped his fist, "Thank you, brave warrior. I am Guan Yu. May I ask your name?"

"I am Dian Wei, a fugitive who happened to see your trouble and came to aid you," Dian Wei returned the gesture.

Guan Yu said, "I will recommend you to my lord. He will surely value your service."

Dian Wei expressed gratitude, "Thank you, General."

Mounting his horse, he rode alongside Guan Yu toward Luo Ang and the others.

At that moment, Luo Ang and company were slowly making their way toward Ji County, awaiting Guan Yu’s arrival.

Soon, Guan Yu arrived with Dian Wei by Luo Ang’s side.

Guan Yu addressed Luo Ang, "My lord."

Luo Ang nodded, "Thank you for your efforts, Yunchang. Hey, Yunchang, who is he..."

He then noticed Dian Wei standing beside Guan Yu.

Guan Yu cupped his fist, "This is Dian Wei. When I fought those bandits, he saved me; without him, I would not be here with you."

Luo Ang was stunned that Dian Wei had appeared so quickly, his eyes wide. "You are Dian Wei?"

Dian Wei cupped his fist, "Indeed."

Luo Ang said to Dian Wei, "Very well. Dian Wei, you are now under my command. Perform well. If you have any questions, ask me or others."

Dian Wei thanked him, "Thank you, my lord. I will repay your kindness doubly."

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Ten days later, Luo Ang and his group arrived at the administrative seat of Youzhou—Ji County.

Youzhou, an ancient administrative region, was historically renowned for the Youzhou cavalry.

It was one of the Nine Provinces in antiquity and one of the thirteen Han inspectorates. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it served as a northern military stronghold, transportation hub, and commercial center. Although its jurisdiction shifted with each dynasty, Youzhou’s core region remained consistent.

At the Governor’s Mansion in Ji County, Luo Ang led Chen Qun, Chen Jiao, Xi Zhicai, Guan Yu, Dian Wei, and Pan Zhang inside. They sat according to rank.

Luo Ang addressed them, "Gentlemen, we are new here and unfamiliar with local customs, but one thing is crucial: defending against the Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Wuhuan! These tribes are the greatest threats to our great Han. We must protect Youzhou from their invasion, or we fail its people."

Chen Jiao replied, "My lord’s words are wise. We must recruit soldiers and train them to safeguard Youzhou from foreign occupation."

Luo Ang nodded, "Zhibi speaks well. Victory lies not in numbers but in quality. Many ancient generals proved this. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing defeated the Xiongnu with elite troops. Zhibi, I appoint you as Military Commissioner. Recruitment across Youzhou’s counties is your responsibility."

Chen Jiao cupped his fist, "Understood."

Luo Ang then looked at Chen Qun, "Changwen, I appoint you as Logistics Officer, responsible for supplies across Youzhou."

Chen Qun responded, "Yes."

Turning to Xi Zhicai, Luo Ang said, "Zhicai, I appoint you as Internal Affairs Officer to help recruit talents from the provinces."

Xi Zhicai cupped his fist, "Yes."

Luo Ang faced Guan Yu, "Yunchang, I appoint you General Who Pacifies the East, responsible for training new soldiers."

Guan Yu cupped his fist, "Yes."

Luo Ang looked to Pan Zhang, "Pan Zhang, you are City Gate Captain, responsible for city security."

Pan Zhang replied, "Yes."

Finally, Luo Ang addressed Dian Wei, "Dian Wei, I appoint you General Who Conquers the Barbarians, to serve at my side."

Dian Wei cupped his fist, "Yes."

Luo Ang said to Chen Jiao, Chen Qun, Xi Zhicai, Guan Yu, Dian Wei, and Pan Zhang, "That will be all for today. Starting tomorrow, we will spare no effort to elevate Youzhou’s people and prosperity to the heights of the Wen-Jing era."

They all stood, cupped their fists, "We are ready to serve, my lord."

Luo Ang waved his hand, "Go and rest for now."

They cupped their fists again, "Yes."

Then they withdrew.

Luo Ang watched them leave, stood, took a deep breath, and walked toward the rear courtyard.