Chapter 189: All the princes in the world are inferior to me! Even the three dukes of four generations must kneel down! Do you know your crime as a traitor who usurps the country?

at dusk.

The sound of killing finally died down.

From the mouth of the Rushui River to the north, the fields that stretch for several miles are littered with the corpses left behind by Yuan’s army, and there are countless weapons, flags and drums.

The Ruxu water turned red.

On the plain, thousands of Huainan soldiers were kneeling on the ground, trembling with fear, waiting for the decision.

"My lord, in this battle our army killed 6,000 enemies and captured more than 10,000."

"My lord, General Huang has captured the main camp of Yuan's army. Nearly 50,000 bushels of Yuan's food and fodder have all been captured by General Huang."

"My lord, General Yide asks for instructions on whether we should continue to pursue northward and attack Shouchun directly!"

The scouts came running and reported the battle results to the generals one by one.

All the soldiers present were excited and encouraged.

When Old Liu heard about the great results, he couldn't hide his joy on his face.

With Xiao Fang's brilliant strategy, they are invincible in every battle and attack.

Now the army under his command, which is mainly composed of soldiers from Jingzhou, can defeat powerful enemies even in a head-on confrontation.

The combination of regular troops and special forces will help support the Han Dynasty and eliminate Han traitors, giving us more confidence!

"Congratulations, my lord, for avenging the shame of Xuzhou's defeat at the hands of Yuan Shu."

"From today on, our army can be called a truly elite force. Even Cao Cao will have to retreat if he sees us!"

Xiao Fang bowed and smiled, congratulating Old Liu.

Liu Bei laughed heartily, full of high spirits and great joy.

"My lord, General Yide is going to attack Shouchun directly. Should we take advantage of the situation and head north?"

Xu Chu beside him couldn't help but remind him. Apparently he still hadn't killed enough and looked eager to try.

Old Liu stopped laughing and quickly regained his composure.

"If we go north to capture Shouchun, we will be fighting on two fronts. If we add Cao's troops in Ye County, we will be fighting on three fronts. This is not in line with the art of war."

"Besides, we are advancing eastward along the river this time only to capture Jiangdong. If we divide our forces to go north to capture Huainan, we will not be able to concentrate all our efforts to conquer Jiangdong, which will give Sun Ce a chance to catch his breath."

"If Shouchun cannot be conquered quickly, and Sun Ce takes advantage of the situation to recruit more soldiers and horses and recover his strength, wouldn't that mean both sides will lose?"

"Destroy Sun Ce first, let's leave Huainan alone for now."

Old Liu was obviously not carried away by the victory. He was able to distinguish the priorities and did not put himself in the disadvantageous situation of fighting on three fronts.

Such calmness was truly commendable, causing Xiao Fang to nod slightly in approval.

"My lord, you are so calm. It is a blessing for our army."

Xiao Fang first cupped his hands in approval, then said:
"But even if we don't attack Shouchun directly, you must order General Yide to lead more than 10,000 troops north to at least capture Hefei."

"This city is the throat of Huainan. Taking this city will protect Jiangdong. No matter who controls Huainan, they will not be able to go south to interfere with our seizure of Jiangdong."

"After you take Hefei, it will be like driving a nail into Huainan. When the time is right, you can use it as a forward base at any time to attack Shouchun in the north and take over Huainan!"

As a person with "foresight", how could Xiao Fang not know how important the city of Hefei is.

Back then, Sun Shiwan was stuck in the city of Hefei for his entire life. Zhang Liao had defeated him countless times, but he still couldn't take it down.

How could he not let Lao Liu take over such a strategic town? He just took it away first.

"Hefei City..."

Old Liu obviously doesn't understand the importance of Hefei City very well.

But after a brief pause, he said happily:

"Since the military advisor said that Hefei is the throat, then it must be correct."

"Quickly pass on my order, order Yide to lead the army northward, and after capturing Hefei City, garrison there. Do not continue to pursue further."

As soon as Lao Liu gave the order, the sound of horse hooves was heard and Zhang Xiu came galloping over on his horse.

"My lord, my lord——"

Before Zhang Xiu's men arrived, people from far away started shouting excitedly.

Xiao Fang smiled and said:

"Looking at Wenjin's excitement, it's probably because we've gained a lot from this battle. Maybe there will be a surprise for the lord."

Upon hearing that there was a surprise, Lao Liu immediately became interested and stepped forward.

Zhang Xiu dismounted from his horse, stepped forward excitedly and bowed:

"My lord, I have captured the traitor Yuan Shu alive. Please make your decision!"

Capture Yuan Shu alive!

These four words instantly caused an uproar of surprise around them.

Liu Bei was stunned for a moment, and then a look of great surprise suddenly flashed across his face.

This is really a big surprise.

Who is Yuan Shu?

That was no ordinary prisoner; he was a traitor who had usurped the throne!

If we really talk about crimes, Yuan Shu's crimes are even greater than Dong Zhuo's!

After all, although Dong Zhuo deposed the emperor and brought disaster to the country and the people, he regarded himself as a Han minister and never made any move to usurp the Han Dynasty and establish himself as king until his death.

This guy Yuan Shu openly usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor when all the princes in the world nominally respected the Han Emperor.

Is there any greater crime in the world than this? You, Cao Cao, claimed to be serving the emperor to punish the disloyal, but you only fought a few symbolic battles with Yuan Shu, then ran to seize Xuzhou first, and then turned back to attack Nanyang.

When you, Cao Cao, ignored Yuan Shu, the traitor who usurped the country, I, Liu Bei, captured Yuan Shu alive in one battle and eliminated this traitor who usurped the country for the Han Dynasty!

How dare you, Cao Cao, attack me, a great contributor who helped the Han Dynasty and eliminated the bandits?
From then on, in the eyes of the knowledgeable people who truly supported the Han Dynasty in the world, Liu Bei was the one who truly supported the Han Dynasty. How many heroes would come to join him?

What a significant impact this will have on people's hearts and minds across the world?
Be it Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, or even Sun Ce, Lu Bu and other princes, from now on, they will bow their heads and be humble in front of me, Liu Bei.

How could Liu Bei not know the great significance of Zhang Xiu's capture of Yuan Shu?

Even Xiao Fang could not help but show a look of joy, and was greatly surprised by Zhang Xiu's extraordinary achievement.

"Wen Jin captured Yuan Shu alive. This is a huge surprise!"

"My lord, the first merit in this battle must go to Wen Jin!"

Xiao Fang reminded with a smile.

Old Liu came back to his senses from his surprise, quickly jumped off his horse, supported Zhang Xiu, and patted his shoulder heavily.

"Okay, okay, Wen Jin, you captured Yuan Shu alive. This is an unparalleled achievement!"

"I will reward you greatly!"

Old Liu laughed out loud, his surprise and approval were beyond words.

Zhang Xiu was naturally quite modest.

After praising and rewarding Zhang Xiu, Lao Liu put away his smile, and murderous intent slowly emerged on his face.

"Return to camp and raise the tent!"

"Bring Yuan Shu, the traitor who usurped the throne, to me!"

Liu Bei then rode back to the camp.

Half an hour later.

Liu Bei's eyes were as sharp as blades and his expression was domineering and cold as he sat high up in the throne.

A series of groans were heard, and a fat figure covered in blood, with a knife wound on the shoulder and a broken right hand, was dragged into the big tent.

"boom!"

Yuan Shu's heavy fat body was thrown in front of the tent.

Yuan Shu, who was still dazed, finally realized that something was wrong with the atmosphere. He knelt up with difficulty and raised his head tremblingly.

When he saw clearly the face of the man sitting high up in the throne, his body suddenly trembled violently.

"Liu...Liu Bei~~"

Yuan Shu's voice trembled and he pronounced the name through gritted teeth.

Of course he knew Liu Bei.

When the princes were fighting against Dong Zhuo and the alliance was held in Suanzao, he had once met that little county magistrate.

But Yuan Shu never dreamed that one day he would kneel at the feet of a small county magistrate in such an embarrassing and humiliating manner as a prisoner.

He is Yuan Shu!

The true legitimate son of the Yuan family, which has three generations of officials, was once the most powerful prince in the world, and now he is the emperor.

But he knelt at the feet of a mat weaver and shoe seller, a man who was once as insignificant as an ant in his eyes.

What a shame!
Although Liu Bei did not say a word or make any sarcastic remarks, just the condescending look in his eyes made Yuan Shu feel unprecedented humiliation!

In anger, Yuan Shu didn't care about his injuries and struggled to get up.

No one knew where Yuan Shu got the strength from, but after trying his best, he managed to support his fat body and was about to stand up shakily.

Just as he raised his head and wanted to look Liu Bei in the eye, Xiao Fang spoke.

"You traitor who usurped the Han Dynasty, what qualifications do you have to stand before my Lord!"

"Zhongkang, let him kneel down before the lord!"

Xiao Fang pointed with his feather fan and shouted sternly.

Xu Chu had been waiting for him to say this, so he stepped forward and held Yuan Shu down hard.

Unexpectedly, Yuan Shu was too fat, and Xu Chu was unable to push him to the ground with just a push.

Xu Chu was enraged and kicked him hard on the calf.

"Crack!"

There was a dull sound of broken bones.

Yuan Shu howled, and his knees fell to the ground, kneeling at Liu Bei's feet again.

This time, Yuan Shu was dizzy from the pain and no longer had the strength to struggle to get up.

However, Liu Bei did not stop Xu Chu's brutal methods.

Although this was inconsistent with his usual generosity, Old Liu felt indescribably happy when he saw Yuan Shu wailing in pain.

The person in front of him is a tyrant who levied heavy taxes and oppressed the people, a traitor who openly usurped the Han Dynasty and proclaimed himself emperor!

As a member of the Liu royal family, what could be more gratifying than seeing people like Yuan Shu suffer?

After enjoying Yuan Shu’s wailing.

Liu Bei took a deep breath and asked in a deep voice:

"Traitor Yuan Shu, do you admit your guilt?"

(End of this chapter)