Volume One: Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter Thirty-Two: Entering Sishui Pass

"What?"

Inside the main military tent, Yuan Shao stood up abruptly, knocking over the small table in front of him. Wine spilled all over his robes, yet he remained oblivious. The bamboo slips in Cao Cao’s hand clattered to the floor; for the first time, his usual composure vanished, replaced by sheer shock and fury.

Liu Bei’s fists were tightly clenched, his eyes filled with sorrow and indignation. The other warlords were in chaos—some horrified, some bewildered, others pounding their chests in grief.

"Dong Zhuo, that dog! To dare burn the imperial capital and slaughter the innocent! This is an atrocity that enrages both heaven and man!"

Yuan Shao’s beard and hair stood on end as he roared in rage, though his voice carried an imperceptible tremor. The burning of Luoyang was a crime that exceeded the limits of everyone’s imagination.

"Alliance Leader! What are we waiting for?"

Sun Jian drew his sword with a sudden strike. "Dong Zhuo has burned the city and is fleeing west; this is the perfect time to pursue! I am willing to lead my own troops as the vanguard to slay this scoundrel and recover the Emperor!"

His nature was fierce, and at this moment, his reason had been consumed by the flames of wrath.

"Yes! Pursue and kill Dong Zhuo!"

"Recover the Emperor!"

The tent was filled with indignation and deafening cries for battle. The frustration of days of surrounding the city without attacking was ignited instantly by this monstrous crime. Almost all the warlords were red-eyed, scrambling to volunteer, desperate to break camp immediately, chase after Dong Zhuo, and tear him limb from limb.

Cao Cao quickly recovered from his shock. His brow furrowed as he stared fixedly at the map showing the route west from Luoyang. His fingers tapped unconsciously on the location of Tong Pass, his eyes heavy with gravity, before he turned his gaze toward Liu Heng.

Liu Heng remained seated, though his expression was somber. His eyes were downcast, fixed on the brief secret report that had just arrived via clandestine channels. It contained only a single line of small characters: "Physician Liu is safe."

*It is fortunate that I sent Liu Tao and the others away in advance. That bastard Dong Zhuo—he burned the city after all!*

*I should have expected it; I pushed him too hard. I thought that once the rumors spread, Dong Zhuo would be wary and wouldn't dare commit such a universally condemned act. I never expected history to repeat itself. I wonder... am I truly capable of changing the course of history?*

"Marquis of Yangwu!"

Yuan Shao’s gaze swept across the crowd like a hawk, finally settling on Liu Heng. It held a questioning tone and a hint of imperceptible scrutiny. "Dong Zhuo has burned the city and is fleeing west; his crimes are unforgivable! Everyone here wishes to pursue, yet why is the Marquis of Yangwu silent? Could it be... that your troops, holding Tong Pass, have other plans?"

He deliberately emphasized the words "holding Tong Pass," instantly focusing everyone’s attention on Liu Heng. The clamor in the tent subsided slightly, and the atmosphere became subtle and tense. Indeed, Dong Zhuo’s retreat west would inevitably pass through Tong Pass! Liu Heng’s attitude was of critical importance.

Liu Heng slowly raised his head. Facing the urgent and suspicious gazes of Yuan Shao and the others, he took a deep breath, rose, and said, "Gentlemen, Dong Zhuo’s burning of the city and his flight west are heinous acts that enrage both heaven and earth. I, too, wish to eat his flesh! However, the matter of pursuit requires careful planning; we must not launch an army out of mere anger."

He walked to the map, his finger pointing to the long road from Luoyang to Chang'an. "Dong Zhuo is holding the Emperor and his officials hostage, driving a million refugees ahead of him. This is his poisonous tactic: using human shields to block our pursuit! If our army attacks rashly, the first to suffer will not be the Xiliang Iron Cavalry, but countless unarmed, innocent civilians being trampled. In that event, are we killing the enemy or slaughtering the people? That is the first point."

His finger moved to several key nodes on the map. "Secondly, Dong Zhuo is using the elite forces under Li Jue as a vanguard to clear the path, while Fan Chou leads the main force to protect the center. Although the Xiliang army was recently defeated, their main force remains intact. The troops within Sishui Pass are unharmed, and they have the reinforcements of Zhang Ji and Jia Xu. If we are to pursue, we must first capture Sishui Pass before we can even speak of pursuit."

"Furthermore, our army consists mostly of infantry. If we pursue in haste and leave the protection of our fortified camps, encountering their elite cavalry in the open field would make the outcome unpredictable! That would be attacking the enemy’s strength with our own weakness!"

Finally, his fingertip landed heavily on the words "Tong Pass." "Thirdly, and this is the key! Dong Zhuo is fleeing west; his ultimate goal must be Tong Pass! To enter the Guanzhong region, he must pass through this natural stronghold! Tong Pass is currently under our control—the trenches are deep, the walls are high, and we have ample men and supplies! As long as Tong Pass does not fall, Dong Zhuo is a turtle in a jar; he cannot escape. Why should we risk a pursuit and suffer unnecessary casualties?"

"We should wait at our ease, capture Sishui Pass with minimal cost, and then wait for Dong Zhuo to dash himself against the iron walls of Tong Pass. When his troops are exhausted and his movements are in disarray, we shall advance west and strike him from both sides with the garrison at Tong Pass. Then, Dong Zhuo can be captured in one fell swoop, and the Emperor can be safely restored!"

Liu Heng’s words were like ice water poured over the heads of those blinded by rage.

The tent fell silent once more, save for the sound of heavy breathing. The fervor for pursuit gradually cooled, replaced by a weighing of reality.

Cao Cao took a deep breath and broke the silence first, his voice filled with profound admiration. "Boyu’s words are those of a seasoned strategist; he sees through the fire as if it were clear as day! I agree! Dong Zhuo uses the people as shields; if we pursue, we will surely fall into a dilemma. With the natural stronghold of Tong Pass in our hands, we should plan carefully and proceed slowly!"

The anger on Yuan Shao’s face softened, and his eyes glinted, evidently weighing the pros and cons. Sun Jian looked at the position of Tong Pass on the map, then at Liu Heng’s calm and unquestionable gaze. Finally, he gave a resentful huff and said nothing more.

Most of the other warlords also calmed down, realizing the risks of a reckless pursuit and the stability of holding Tong Pass.

***

"The Marquis of Yangwu’s words are indeed reasonable."

Yuan Shao spoke slowly, making his decision. "Pass the order! Every army is to hold their camps tightly, reinforce the defensive lines, and send out more scouts to monitor Dong Zhuo’s western retreat closely! We shall decide our next move once he is trapped beneath Tong Pass! In the meantime, we must break Sishui Pass immediately!"

Liu Heng nodded slightly. "The Alliance Leader is wise. The most important thing for our army right now is to capture Sishui Pass as quickly as possible while minimizing casualties. As for Tong Pass, I have my own arrangements; I will certainly not fail the task entrusted to me."

His tone was flat but carried an unquestionable sense of authority.

Cao Cao remarked, "I have a thought. That scoundrel Dong ordered Zhang Ji to lead his troops to reinforce Sishui Pass. While their numbers are greater, the rest of the army is fleeing west. Only Zhang Ji’s troops have moved east to guard the pass. How could he be truly willing? This is to our advantage. Perhaps we can take Sishui Pass without a fight, and then plan our pursuit!"

Yuan Shao nodded. "Mengde’s suggestion is excellent. We can send a silver-tongued envoy into the pass to see Zhang Ji! Who is willing to go?"

As soon as Yuan Shao spoke, the tent fell silent again. Everyone looked at one another. *Are you joking?* There were tens of thousands of Xiliang troops in Sishui Pass. What if Zhang Ji was fiercely loyal to Dong Zhuo and had the envoy beheaded the moment they spoke?

For a moment, the atmosphere in the tent became awkward.

Liu Heng tapped his index finger against his leg. The scouts had reported that Jia Xu had arrived at Sishui Pass.

He didn't know much about Zhang Ji’s character, but he knew Jia Xu and Zhang Ji’s nephew, Zhang Xiu, very well.

Jia Xu was famously cautious, always keeping a low profile and excelling at self-preservation. Otherwise, how could he have instigated Li Jue and the others to attack Chang'an, rejected their proposal to make him a marquis, later persuaded Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao, earned high favor under Cao Cao, and finally supported Cao Pi’s ascension to the throne, eventually being ranked among the Three Excellencies and honored in the ancestral temple?

He was truly the evergreen tree of the Three Kingdoms' chaotic era. With his grasp of the situation, he likely saw Dong Zhuo’s impending defeat long ago; following Zhang Ji to Sishui Pass certainly wasn't to fight to the death against the coalition.

If he could win over Jia Xu, and add the fierce warrior Zhang Xiu to his ranks, his capital in this chaotic era would increase significantly!

Thinking of Zhang Xiu, Liu Heng subconsciously glanced at Cao Cao, then flicked his gaze toward Dian Wei standing behind him. If not for Cao Cao’s "Jian'an style," Dian Wei probably wouldn't have died. *Indeed, no matter how beautiful a widow is, one must not touch her!*

*But, I still don't know Zhang Ji’s temperament. What if he hacks me to pieces before I can even speak? That would be too unjust!*

*Jia Xu, oh Jia Xu, you must cherish your life. You must persuade Zhang Ji...*

Thinking of this, Liu Heng hesitated no longer. He stood up and said, "Though I am untalented, I am willing to enter the pass and see Zhang Ji!"

Facing Liu Heng’s voluntary request, everyone in the tent was stunned.

All eyes focused on this young member of the Han imperial clan.

Entering the pass personally to meet Zhang Ji, the fierce Xiliang general who had just arrived with his troops and was brimming with killing intent? This was no different from walking into a tiger’s den!

"The Marquis of Yangwu is truly righteous. Gonglu admires you!"

While everyone was still in shock, the first to respond was surprisingly Yuan Shu, though his expression held a hint of schadenfreude.

Yuan Shao’s eyes held an incredulous scrutiny. "Marquis of Yangwu... are you serious? Zhang Ji has just arrived at Sishui Pass; his troops are sharp and their morale is high. Furthermore, there is Lu Bu... no, Lu Bu has been recalled, but the Xiliang soldiers are fierce, and there are tens of thousands of them! You are a man of noble status; how can you walk into such danger lightly?"

Although he was wary of Liu Heng’s control over Tong Pass, if Liu Heng were to die at Sishui Pass, it would not only strike a blow to the coalition’s morale but also cause the situation at Tong Pass to spin out of control—something he certainly did not want to see.

Liu Bei frowned and stepped forward. "Marquis, do not act on impulse! Zhang Ji is a trusted veteran of Dong Zhuo; his temperament is unpredictable. Moreover, Jia Wenhe is with the army. That man is deeply cunning, but his heart is inscrutable; he may not be willing to help us!"

Cao Cao also advised, "Boyu, you must think thrice! The dangers within the pass are unknown. If something were to happen..."

As soon as Yuan Shu’s obviously gloating "admiration" faded, it drew several contemptuous glares.

He didn't care at all. Instead, stroking his beard, he added with a thin, insincere smile, "The Marquis of Yangwu’s loyalty and courage are commendable, and his concern for the state makes him a model for us all! If that Zhang Ji does not know what is good for him and turns hostile, I, Gonglu, will lead the vanguard to take Sishui Pass and avenge the Marquis!"

Liu Heng’s expression remained calm, as if they were not discussing his own life and death. He raised a hand to stop their dissuasions, his gaze sweeping across their faces—some suspicious, some worried, some gloating.

His voice was steady and powerful, carrying an unquestionable confidence. "Brother Benchu, Brother Mengde, Brother Xuande, I appreciate your good intentions. However, precisely because the pass is dangerous and the situation is critical, a frontal assault would result in heavy losses, exhaust our strength, and delay our opportunity to pursue the scoundrel Dong and rescue the Emperor! As a member of the Han clan and Colonel of the Sili, how can I shrink back out of fear for my own life when the state is in peril and the people are suffering?"

He paused, his gaze as sharp as a sword, piercing their hearts. "Furthermore, I am not acting with the recklessness of a common brute. Zhang Ji came east following Dong Zhuo’s chaotic orders, but is his heart truly in it? His soldiers have families back in the Guanzhong region; are they willing to be buried with Dong Zhuo? As for Jia Wenhe..."

The corners of Liu Heng’s mouth curled into a knowing smile. "Since Brother Mengde says this man is deeply cunning, how could he not seek a way out for himself and Zhang Ji’s troops? This is a heaven-sent opportunity. Instead of watching our two armies slaughter each other and flow with blood, it is better for me to go personally and explain the pros and cons. Perhaps I can subdue the enemy without a fight and take Sishui Pass without shedding a drop of blood! That is the superior strategy!"

"If I should perish at Sishui Pass, I hope General Gonglu will lead the charge to avenge me. Do not shrink back!"

Liu Heng finished with a subtle, mocking jab at Yuan Shu.

His words made Cao Cao’s eyes shine even brighter, and Yuan Shao fell into deep thought. If they could truly take Sishui Pass without losing a single soldier and open the path to the west, it would be a monumental achievement. Furthermore, they could absorb those tens of thousands of Xiliang troops. It was just... the risk was truly too great; no one was willing to gamble.

"My Lord!"

Dian Wei, who had been standing guard behind Liu Heng, could no longer contain himself. He stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell. "If you are going, I, Dian Wei, am going with you! I don't care if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair; these dual halberds of mine will ensure your safety! If that Zhang Ji dares to touch a single hair on your head, I'll twist his neck off and use his head as a chamber pot!"

Liu Heng looked at the loyal Dian Wei and nodded. "Very well! With your courage, Junming, what is there to fear in a mountain of blades or a sea of fire? Besides, this trip is not for slaughter, but for persuasion. You and I shall travel light to show our sincerity."

Seeing that Liu Heng’s mind was made up and that his analysis was indeed logical, Yuan Shao finally nodded slowly. "The Marquis of Yangwu’s loyalty is unparalleled, and his courage is extraordinary. Benchu... admires you! In that case, let us proceed according to your plan! What do you require, and when will you depart?"

"There is no time to lose; delays lead to changes," Liu Heng said decisively. "Just two fast horses. I shall depart immediately!"

***

Sishui Pass, looming over the mountain pass, stood with its gates tightly shut.

On the ramparts, the Xiliang soldiers were clad in bright armor, their blades and spears like a forest, watching the coalition camp below with vigilance. The atmosphere was murderous and oppressive. Inside the gatehouse, the mood was equally heavy.

In the seat of honor, Zhang Ji was in full battle gear, his face as dark as water. He was in his forties, with a burly build and sharp, angular features, his jaw sporting a short beard. At this moment, his brows were furrowed, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.

He had followed Dong Zhuo’s strict order to lead his troops through the night to reinforce Sishui Pass. It was called defending against the enemy, but in reality, he was being used as a sacrificial lamb! Dong Zhuo was fleeing west to Chang'an with the Emperor, the officials, and the immense wealth he had plundered, while leaving him here to withstand the fury of hundreds of thousands of coalition troops! What was even more hateful was that even Lu Bu, whom he had relied upon, had been recalled to guard the center!

"General," a low, calm voice sounded. The speaker, sitting to Zhang Ji’s lower left, was none other than the Pingjin Commandant, Jia Xu.

He was in his thirties, with a lean face and a long, three-stranded beard. His eyes were deep and reserved, making it impossible to see his true intentions. "The coalition is powerful. Lu Bu has just been defeated, and the Grand Preceptor has burned Luoyang. We are trapped in this pass with no reinforcements from outside and the fear of wavering morale within. If this continues for long, it is not a good strategy."

Zhang Ji slapped the table hard. "Wenhe! Do you think I want to guard this godforsaken place? The Grand Preceptor’s strict orders are here; what can I do? Abandoning the pass without authorization is a capital crime! Return to Chang'an? Would Grand Preceptor Dong spare me?"

Jia Xu stroked his long beard, his voice remaining steady. "General, calm your anger. I am not advising you to abandon the pass, but to remind you that you must make plans early. Grand Preceptor Dong is heading west, and his future is uncertain. Tong Pass..."

He paused slightly, a flash of imperceptible brilliance in his eyes. "It is rumored that it has been firmly controlled by the Colonel of the Sili, Liu Heng. This man, Liu Heng, is no ordinary person. If Tong Pass is impassable, the Grand Preceptor... will likely become a turtle in a jar."

Hearing this, Zhang Ji’s heart sank even further. Tong Pass! That was the road home for their Xiliang army! And now it was blocked by that inexplicably rising member of the Han clan, Liu Heng! He stood up irritably and paced back and forth. "That brat Liu Heng! He has ruined our Xiliang cause! If Tong Pass is lost, we... we will all become rootless duckweed!"

Just then, a guard rushed in breathlessly. "Report! General! Someone has arrived below the pass. The leader claims to be the Colonel of the Sili and Marquis of Yangwu, Liu Heng! He says he wishes to enter the pass to see you!"

"What?!"

Zhang Ji stopped in his tracks, doubting he had heard correctly. "Liu Heng? He... he dares to come to the foot of the pass himself? And he wants to enter the pass to see me?"