Facing the setting sun, which was about to dim, Lü Tu waved forward: "Let's go, rescue Longcheng!"
He then rode ahead, the setting sun casting a long, slanted shadow. The image of a man on horseback, wielding a halberd, left an indelible and eternal memory on the 100,000 soldiers present.
The general was always at the forefront, charging into battle in every engagement. Why should the soldiers, as ordinary soldiers, fear danger? These simple details alone greatly enhanced the cohesion of everyone.
Nie Yun stepped forward and reported, "This place is about 50 li away from Longcheng. We should be able to arrive tonight. Brother, how about I lead a small team ahead to scout the way and negotiate with the garrison of Longcheng?"
Lu Tu looked at him and said, "You've really grown up, not bad!" Then Lu Tu reached out, and someone immediately took out Lu Tu's special charcoal pencil and paper. Lu Tu wrote on it quickly and slowly, and finally took out his seal of the Wuchuan Commandant and stamped it.
He then handed it to Nie Yun and said, "Giving it to the Dragon City garrison will prove your identity, but they may not believe it. It will depend on your own methods. Remember to try to avoid conflict and prioritize peace."
"clear!"
Traveling through the night, the 100,000-strong army, along with its provisions and supplies, took more than ten hours to cover a distance of 50 li. It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky at noon the next day that Lü Tu and his men arrived outside Longcheng.
From a distance, they saw the city gates open, and Nie Yun and the others came out of the city, shouting as they ran: "Big brother, everything is settled, we can go into the city now."
Fortunately, Lu Tu had previously ordered the surrendered soldiers to remove and burn the red turbans tied to their heads, otherwise this could have easily caused a misunderstanding.
Lu Tu was somewhat surprised that Nie Yun was able to enter the city directly and arrange everything properly.
Beside Nie Yun was an old general with white hair and beard. Zhu Zhaozhou reminded him, "This is Xing Hua, a subordinate general of Longcheng Prefecture. I have met him a few times."
Lu Tu took the initiative to go to meet him.
Nie Yun said solemnly, "I have already told Commander Mo of the Longcheng Garrison about our purpose. This is Xing Hua, a subordinate general of Longcheng."
Lu Tu nodded to Xing Hua. Xing Hua, who was three ranks below Lu Tu, quickly dismounted, clasped his hands, and knelt on one knee, saying, "This humble general, Xing Hua, pays his respects to Commandant Lu!"
Lu Tu waved his hand: "General Xing, please rise. Let's cut to the chase and let the troops enter the city first, lest the Red Turban Army return."
Xing Hua's face lit up with joy: "Commander Mo has the same idea, Commander Lü, please!"
Although it was his first time meeting Lü Tu, Lü Tu's name from Wuchuan was renowned and he had heard of him. Now that Lü Tu had the seal of a captain and was coming with a large army, although they had some doubts, at least Lü Tu belonged to the border army and was much more reliable than the Red Turban Army.
Lu Tu did not set off immediately. Instead, he turned to everyone and ordered, "After entering the city, no one is to take a single needle or thread from the people. You must ensure that the people have no worries. Anyone who violates this rule will be dealt with by the warlord!"
"Yes, sir!" 100,000 men shouted in unison, startling Xing Hua and the Longcheng garrison who had followed him.
They had long heard about the state of the Six Garrisons' border troops, and when they first saw these thin border soldiers, they didn't have much confidence at first, only hoping to gain more strength.
But to their utter surprise, the sheer force of that single roar completely overturned all their preconceived notions.
Xing Hua's face lit up with joy, and he gestured for him to enter: "Commander Lü is a man of great integrity and strict military discipline. I truly admire him. Commander Mo has already prepared a banquet for you at his residence."
Lu Tu did not refuse. He waved his hand and took the lead into the city. As soon as he entered the city, he saw a large number of citizens gathered in the distance to welcome him.
"Welcome, Commandant Lü!"
Lu Tu was searching quickly through the crowd when he suddenly heard a voice: "Brother Lu! Master!"
Lu Tu turned his head and saw Qin Qianqian, Uncle Fu, Lin San and others in the crowd. Seeing that they were all safe and sound, Lu Tu was relieved.
She rode forward directly to the group. Qin Qianqian wanted to throw herself into Lu Tu's arms, but she restrained herself. Instead, she went to Lu Tu's side and handed him a pot of water with concern: "Brother Lu, are you thirsty? Have some water first."
Uncle Fu and Lin San stepped forward and grabbed Lü Tu's sleeves, looking at him with teary eyes: "Master, to see you again, my life has been worthwhile!"
Lu Tu patted them on the shoulder reassuringly and said, "Don't worry, once I'm here, Dragon City won't be able to be broken!"
Hearing this, not only were Uncle Fu and Qin Qianqian relieved, but everyone present was overjoyed!
Longcheng and Wuchuan are not far apart, and the two places have always maintained close trade relations, so news is basically shared between them. The people of Longcheng are well aware of the great achievements that Lü Tu made in Wuchuan.
Lu Tu rubbed Qin Qianqian's head and said, "Go home with Uncle Fu. I'll go to the Commandant's Mansion and come right back."
"Okay, big brother."
Lu Tu mounted his horse again and headed to the Commandant's Mansion. Although he entered Longcheng very smoothly, he still had to be careful. Lu Tu brought his 2,000 most elite cavalrymen with him, which were his most treasured fighting force.
From a distance, one could see a burly man with broad shoulders and a thick waist standing in front of the Commandant's Mansion, wearing a pair of tiger-shaped shoulder armor, looking very imposing.
The two looked at each other across the distance, and both saw a sharp edge in each other's eyes. Although the other person was around 40 years old, the murderous aura in his eyes was in no way weak.
"Commander Lü, I've long admired you!"
"Commander Mo, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
Lu Tu dismounted, and the two exchanged a fist and palm salute.
"I am deeply grateful for Commander Lü's assistance to Longcheng. I have prepared a small feast for you!"
At the same time, Nie Yun, Tuoba Yue, and Xiang Ze dismounted in unison, handed their Mo Dao (a type of long-handled sword) to the soldiers beside them, and followed Lü Tu with their swords at their waists.
Mo Tienan's gaze swept over the three men, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. After years of military service, how could he not see the extraordinary qualities of these three?
All of this happened unintentionally. Lü Tu casually handed the halberd to Nie Yun, and they walked into the Commandant's Mansion together.
Lu Tu and Mo Tienan sat in the main seats, while Nie Yun, Tuoba Yue, and the other two naturally stood behind Lu Tu.
Mo Tienan praised, "Commander Lü, these three generals are so valiant; they must be your favorites. You have all made great contributions today, why not sit down and have a good drink?"
Before Lü Tu could speak, Nie Yun said, "Thank you, Commandant Mo. Don't worry about us. Drinking alcohol is not allowed in the army during wartime. This is an order given to us by the general."
Mo Tienan nodded: "Since that's the case, I won't force you. Commandant Lü, I'd like to ask you something. Are Prince Duan and the Second Princess doing well in Wuchuan?"
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