Chapter 51: The Flight of the Administrator of Anyi

Anyi, Prefect's Mansion.

The Prefect of Anyi received the military report stating that Luo Ang had completely crushed the nomadic coalition forces. Finding it hard to believe, he muttered, "Th-This is impossible! How, how could he..."

A top general under his command spoke to the Prefect of Hedong County with a deep sense of worry, "This news has already spread throughout the entire city. Not only the common people, but even the officers and soldiers in the army hold Luo Ang in high esteem. Today, today this subordinate even heard someone shouting: 'All hail the mighty Marquis of Yan!'"

Hearing this, the Prefect of Anyi's expression turned even grimmer.

At this moment, an officer rushed in frantically from outside, his face full of panic as he reported to Wang Kuang, "This is bad, My Lord! The Marquis of Yan, his, his army has already arrived outside the city!"

Upon hearing this, the Prefect of Anyi was struck dumb with horror, collapsing straight to the ground. Regaining his senses, he hurriedly led the others up to the city walls, where he was shocked to see that the fields outside were a forest of blades and spears, radiating a murderous aura. Luo Ang, clad in full military armor, was leading tens of thousands of troops right to the city gates, clearly coming with ill intent.

Swallowing hard, the Prefect of Anyi mustered his courage and shouted, "Luo Ang, what—what do you want?"

Luo Ang raised his voice and proclaimed, "Wang Lei! As the Prefect of Anyi, you failed to defend the land and protect the people, allowing foreign tribes to burn, pillage, and commit all manner of evil within your territory! How dare you have the face to ask me what I want!"

Wang Lei's face turned alternately green and pale, rendering him momentarily speechless.

Luo Ang then addressed the officers and soldiers on the city walls in a resounding voice, "Soldiers of Hedong County! I have come today to punish Wang Lei for his crimes, which has nothing to do with any of you. I hope you will not assist the tyrant in doing evil!"

Wang Lei put on a fierce facade and roared, "Luo Ang, what qualifications do you have to question my crimes?"

Luo Ang laughed heartily and called out, "Wang Lei, you allowed foreign invaders to overrun us, an act akin to high treason, and every person under heaven has the right to execute you. Let alone myself, even any ordinary soldier by your side is qualified to question your crimes and take your head!"

Instantly, waves of rousing shouts erupted from Luo Ang's massive army.

Shocked and furious, Wang Kuang couldn't help but glance at the soldiers beside him. He saw that they were completely overwhelmed by the opponent's imposing aura, and the looks they gave him filled him with deep unease.

Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Wang Lei roared at his subordinates, "Do not listen to his nonsense! Once he breaches the city, none of us will die a good death!"

Before his voice had even faded, the roll of battle drums sounded from outside the city.

Startled, Wang Lei hastily looked outward and saw Luo Ang's army forming up into battle arrays, slowly closing in. He immediately drew his treasured sword, raised it high, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Prepare for battle!"

The soldiers on the city walls exchanged glances, wearing expressions of utter helplessness and confusion.

At that moment, the whistling of the wind swept across from outside the city, followed immediately by a dense rain of arrows showering down upon the ramparts. Many soldiers, unable to dodge in time, were struck and collapsed to the ground, accompanied by a chorus of miserable screams and cries of alarm.

Someone suddenly shouted, "Brothers! The Marquis of Yan is right. There is no need for us to throw our lives away for the likes of Wang Lei. Run for your lives!"

This single cry struck Wang Kuang with terror as chaos erupted upon the city walls.

The soldiers dropped their weapons, turned around, and fled down the ramparts, intending to surrender to Luo Ang.

Wang Lei shrieked hysterically, attempting to stabilize the situation, but no one paid him any heed.

Soon, very few men remained left upon the city walls.

Wang Lei stared blankly at the scene before him, completely at a loss as to what to do.

A leading general by his side urgently said, "My Lord, we must leave quickly! If we delay, it will be too late!"

Outside the city.

Luo Ang was preparing to lead his troops in a full assault when, unexpectedly, the city gates suddenly swung open, and a large number of soldiers poured out.

Thinking the enemy was launching a sortie, Luo Ang immediately ordered his army to halt their advance and form battle arrays to prepare.

To his complete surprise, however, the soldiers pouring out of the city all dropped to their knees before him.

One man shouted loudly, "We are willing to surrender to the Marquis of Yan! We beg the Marquis to forgive our previous offenses!"

The others echoed the chant in unison.

Greatly surprised, Luo Ang muttered, "I didn't expect it to end just like this!"

With that, he spurred his horse forward and proclaimed, "The crimes were committed solely by Wang Lei and have nothing to do with the ordinary soldiers. You may all rest easy!"

Filled with joy, the soldiers kowtowed and expressed their gratitude.

Luo Ang waved his hand and led his victorious army into the city.

Inside the main hall, the former civil and military officials of Hedong County came to pay their respects to Luo Ang.

Luo Ang offered them words of comfort and instructed them to remain in their original posts.

This gesture finally set the minds of the previously anxious officials at ease.

Scanning the assembly, Luo Ang asked, "Where is Wang Lei?"

An officer immediately stepped forward, cupped his fists, and reported, "Reporting to the Marquis: before the Marquis entered the city, Wang Lei had already fled in fear of his crimes!"

Hearing this, Luo Ang was unconcerned. To him, Wang Lei was merely a useless nobody, much like a minor bit player in the era of the Three Kingdoms. His life, death, and whereabouts would have zero impact on the grand scheme; if he ran, let him run.

The common people of Huai County had experienced a brief period of panic when Luo Ang's army entered the city. However, upon witnessing the strict discipline of Luo Ang's troops and the swift implementation of policies abolishing Wang Lei's various exorbitant taxes and levies, their fear vanished completely, replaced by a surge of heartfelt devotion and support.

Shortly after Luo Ang occupied Anyi, all the counties under Anyi's jurisdiction sent envoys to surrender, expressing their allegiance to Luo Ang and submission to the imperial court.

Chang'an.

Dong Zhuo and his entourage fled into Chang'an, immediately deploying large armies and setting up defenses everywhere to guard against the nomadic forces invading Guanzhong. However, news soon arrived of Luo Ang's great victory over the nomadic coalition at Anyi, along with the news that Li Jue had been beheaded by one of Luo Ang's subordinates. Dong Zhuo quickly dispatched men to Luoyang to reward the army first, and then summoned Luo Ang to Chang'an to explain the situation.

Strolling through his back garden, Dong Zhuo experienced a complex mix of emotions. The gloomy shadow that had long weighed upon his heart had dissipated entirely, and even the sunlight seemed exceptionally bright—only to realize that his trusted subordinate had been killed by Luo Ang's men, sending his mood plunging to rock bottom.

Dong Zhuo murmured, "I never expected that Li Jue would actually be killed by my good son-in-law. Alas."

Luoyang.

Accompanied by Zuo Ci and Zhao Yun, Luo Ang stood upon the city gate tower, gazing out at the bustling streets of Luoyang.

Though it was not yet noon, the streets were already a scene of vibrant noise and bustle.

Merchants from all regions shuttled back and forth, the shops on both sides were packed with guests, and the din of clamor felt extraordinarily loud even from such a great distance.

Luo Ang turned to Zuo Ci and said, "Daoist Master, I wish to ask you and Zilu (Zhao Yun) to stay and assist me. What are your thoughts on this?"

Looking out over the bustling market, Zuo Ci sighed with emotion, "Seeing such a prosperous sight, how could anyone imagine that right here, a great battle had just taken place not long ago! The ability of the Marquis of Yan is truly awe-inspiring! To tell you the truth, this old Daoist and my young disciple have already discussed this. Even if the Marquis had not mentioned it, the two of us wished to stay and offer our humble efforts in service to the Marquis!"

Zhao Yun cupped his fists and said, "The Marquis of Yan is a hero without peer. Being able to serve the Marquis is my greatest honor!"

Filled with joy, Luo Ang grabbed Zhao Yun's clenched fist and exclaimed happily, "Splendid! With the two of you staying, your worth easily surpasses tens of thousands of troops!"

Seeing Luo Ang grasp his fist, Zhao Yun appeared somewhat uncomfortable. He pulled his hand back from Luo Ang's grasp, a faint flush rising across his cheeks.

Seeing this reaction, Luo Ang was momentarily stunned.

Zuo Ci laughed and said, "Zilu will surely become a great pillar of support for the Marquis. As for this old Daoist, I am a man of the mountains and the Way, likely of little use to the Marquis. If the Marquis does not find me unworthy, please grant this old Daoist a small Daoist temple so that I may pray for blessings and dispel misfortune for the Marquis and the people!"

Turning back, Luo Ang smiled, "Daoist Master is being too modest. Then let the Daoist Master serve as the abbot of the Laojun Temple in the city. I shall issue the order immediately."

Bowing deeply, Zuo Ci said, "Many thanks, Marquis."

Luo Ang continued, "Once I have settled all matters here, I will return to Ji County. If the Daoist Master finds life at Laojun Temple unsuited to your wishes, simply write to me and I will send someone to fetch you. I can also build a Daoist temple for you in Ji County."

Deeply moved by Luo Ang's consideration, Zuo Ci bowed deeply once again, "Thank you very much, Marquis."

Luo Ang looked at Zhao Yun, falling into a momentary trace of bewilderment before smiling, "As for Zilu, for now, serve as a Commandant of the Dependent States and stay by my side."

Zhao Yun cupped his fists in salute and acceptance.

At that moment, an officer hurried up and reported, cupping his fists to Luo Ang, "Reporting to the Lord: the Grand Tutor's envoy has arrived!"

Curious upon hearing this, Luo Ang turned and walked toward the main hall.