NOVEL FULL

The Eastern Han

Chapter 74: The destruction of the Xiliang rebellion

Ma Chao, Pang De, and Zhang Xiu, these three brave and fearless generals, led over a thousand elite Flying Bear Army soldiers, like a group of fierce and courageous falcons, swiftly forging a path and charging valiantly on the battlefield.

Each of them displayed astonishing bravery and a fearless spirit, with immense momentum that awed all quarters.

With Ma Chao and the two other generals at the forefront, the valiant charge of over a thousand elite Flying Bear Army soldiers was like a raging fire, instantly igniting the previously low and dispirited morale of Dong Zhuo's various divisions.

Dong Zhuo's officers and soldiers seemed to be driven by a powerful force, eager to escape the humiliating shadow of three consecutive defeats, each of them as if injected with a stimulant, their blood boiling, full of fighting spirit and passion, rushing fearlessly into the enemy lines.

However, in stark contrast to the high morale of Dong Zhuo's divisions, Han Sui's side suffered a heavy blow.

Yan Xing was unfortunately severely wounded while fighting Ma Chao, which made the situation even more critical.

As Ma Chao led the Flying Bear Army directly into Han Sui's formation, under these difficult circumstances, Han Sui had no choice but to order his main force to retreat, while Ma Chao pursued relentlessly, showing no mercy.

The rebel generals of the West Liang Eight Divisions knew it was difficult to stop the charge of Ma Chao and the others, but they still tried their best to put up a stubborn resistance.

Generals such as Yang Qiu, Cheng Yin, Ma Wan, and Liang Xing led their respective troops and resolutely charged towards Ma Chao and the others.

After Yang Qiu and Cheng Yin fiercely clashed with Ma Chao for more than ten exchanges, they were unfortunately swiftly swept off their horses by Ma Chao's incredibly mighty strength.

Subsequently, they were quickly captured by the Flying Bear Army who followed closely behind.

As for Ma Wan and Liang Xing, during their engagement with Pang De and Zhang Xiu, despite their strenuous resistance, after more than twenty rounds, they were still unable to withstand the powerful offensive of Pang De and Zhang Xiu.

Not only that, they were also wounded by Pang De and Zhang Xiu, eventually fleeing with injuries.

Other generals like Li Kan, upon seeing such a scene, were filled with fear and helplessness; they knew they could no longer stop Ma Chao and the others, and could only lead their remaining troops to cover Han Sui's escape.

For a time, the entire Western Liang rebel army camp plunged into chaos and collapse, like a mountain crumbling and the earth splitting.

The army's defeat was like a landslide; soldiers panicked, fleeing in all directions.

Ma Chao and the others pursued relentlessly, showing no mercy, while Dong Zhuo's various divisions in the rear also fought bravely, not retreating in the slightest.

In this fierce battle, countless rebel soldiers were captured and slain, and the battlefield was a horrific scene, with blood flowing like rivers.

Finally, the leaders of the West Liang Eight Divisions led their elite forces to cover Han Sui, as Han Sui's main force desperately fled.

When they finally escaped the pursuit and regrouped their remaining forces, they sadly discovered that there were less than twenty thousand men in total, and a significant portion of them were wounded.

At this point, Han Sui's Western Liang rebel army alliance was completely defeated, and the once formidable rebel army was now in a sorry state, its vitality greatly diminished.

When the rebel forces gathered again, they had to face the painful consequences of this defeat.

Han Sui's main forces suffered a tremendous blow, their vitality greatly diminished, and even Yan Xing, the fierce general he had always heavily relied on, was severely wounded in this fierce battle, which made Han Sui's situation even more difficult.

The capture of Ma Wan and Liang Xing was even more of a blow to the West Liang Eight Divisions.

Originally eight divisions, now only six leaders remained, making the situation even more severe.

Under these circumstances, the alliance could no longer be maintained and instantly disintegrated.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, the six division generals, for their own benefit, directly absorbed the subordinates of Ma Wan and Liang Xing.

Subsequently, they completely parted ways with Han Sui, each leading their remaining few soldiers back to their respective garrisons.

At this point, the once tumultuous Western Liang rebel army alliance completely fell apart, and the Western Liang rebellion was finally quelled.

This war brought immense destruction and suffering to the Western Liang region, and Han Sui also had to face the reality of his declining power.

Dong Zhuo's Army achieved a great victory in this battle, seizing numerous weapons and horses, and capturing over thirty thousand Western Liang rebels.

Dong Zhuo still harbored resentment over the failures of the previous three wars, and for these captives, he angrily demanded that the rebel soldiers be directly executed.

The other Western Liang generals were also cruel and bloodthirsty, each appearing exceptionally excited.

It was at this moment that Ma Chao stepped forward to intercede.

He said, "Lord Dong Zhuo, the Western Liang region is inherently vast and sparsely populated, and most of these rebels were simply coerced by others.

Now that the majority of the rebels have been suppressed, it would be better to treat these captives leniently.

We can select able-bodied young men from the captives to form new units, and as for those who do not wish to join the army, they can be released to return home."

Li Ru, who was standing by, also suggested, "My Lord, our army has now achieved a great victory, and we should indeed show compassion to Western Liang.

This will also be beneficial for the stability of the nation and help restore the people's strength."

Dong Zhuo pondered for a moment, then stroked his beard and laughed heartily, saying, "Hahaha, since it is General Ma Chao's counsel, how can this old man not heed it!"

Then, he commanded, "Come, do as General Ma Chao says, and treat these captives leniently!"

The captives, who had originally expected to be all annihilated, were unexpectedly treated with leniency and released, and each of them was filled with gratitude towards Ma Chao.

Dong Zhuo glanced at Li Ru, a thoughtful expression flashing in his eyes.

Li Ru, seeing this, also seemed to want to speak but held back.

At this moment, Dong Zhuo's Army camp was filled with the joy of victory and a celebratory atmosphere.

The officers and soldiers drank heartily, cheering loudly, celebrating this hard-won victory.

They fully enjoyed the fruits of victory, immersed in a sea of joy.

After this, Wuwei City, having endured this calamity, Ma Teng also opened the city gates to welcome Dong Zhuo's grand army into the city.

Wuwei City, having survived such a calamity, was finally preserved.

Ma Teng widely opened the city gates to welcome Dong Zhuo and summoned all the generals to enter the city to celebrate together.

This, of course, included Ma Chao.

At this time, Dong Zhuo sat on a luxurious warhorse, while Ma Teng personally walked out of the city gates, bowing deeply and expressing his gratitude for Dong Zhuo's assistance in a loud voice.

He stated that if it weren't for Dong Zhuo's help, Wuwei City would likely have fallen into enemy hands, and for him, Ma Teng, this could be considered a life-saving grace.

Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, stepped forward, and helped Ma Teng up, comforting him, "General Ma, you speak too highly, too highly indeed.

General Ma is a loyal and patriotic man, who would rather die than surrender while defending the city, united in spirit.

Such a heroic feat is precisely what we should learn from.

With General Ma guarding this place, Wuwei Commandery will surely be as stable as a rock, and Liang Province will not easily fall into chaos."

After the two exchanged compliments, they chatted happily and walked arm-in-arm into the city.

Inside the Commandery Governor's mansion, cups clinked and laughter filled the air.

Dong Zhuo sat in the main seat, with Ma Teng seated beside him, while Dong Zhuo's Army's generals were seated in order below.

Dong Zhuo burst into laughter, pulling Ma Chao over and saying to Ma Teng, "Shoucheng, your Ma family's Kirin is a true warrior!

If it weren't for his valiant fighting, that old scoundrel might not have been so easily defeated!

It's all thanks to Ma Chao's continuous charges that we can enjoy this feast today!"

At this time, Ma Teng and Ma Chao, father and son, finally had a chance to speak.

Ma Chao hurriedly stepped forward to pay respects to his father, saying, "Father, when I heard that Wuwei was besieged, my heart was filled with anxiety.

Thanks to Dong Gong lending troops to assist, I am able to see Father again today.

Father, you have suffered!"

Ma Chao looked at Ma Teng, seeing that he had grown much thinner and his face was haggard.

A wave of sadness welled up in his heart, and tears could not help but stream down, falling to the ground.

Ma Teng pulled Ma Chao up, and then the father and son turned together, respectfully kneeling before Dong Zhuo.

Ma Teng, filled with gratitude, said, "Thank you, Dong Gong, for your timely assistance!

If it weren't for Dong Gong's help, my father and I might not have had a chance to meet again.

Wuwei City's siege was lifted entirely thanks to Dong Gong!"

Dong Zhuo, seeing this, laughed heartily, stepped forward, and helped Ma Teng and Ma Chao up, saying magnanimously, "Shoucheng, there is no need for such formality.

You and I are both officials of the same court; supporting each other is simply what should be done.

It is indeed a fortunate thing to be able to drink and feast together here today!"

For a time, the atmosphere inside the Commandery Governor's mansion became even more lively, with hosts and guests alike enjoying themselves, all immersed in this joyful atmosphere.