However, the peaceful days did not last long. As Zhang Fan's influence continued to expand in the north, some wealthy nobles in the Central Plains began to feel uneasy. They were worried that Zhang Fan would threaten their status and interests, so they began to secretly plan in an attempt to weaken his power.
These wealthy nobles colluded together to form a considerable force. They continued to slander the court and framed Zhang Fan for treason. Some ministers in the court were deceived by their slander and began to be suspicious of Zhang Fan.
Zhang Fan did not panic after learning the news. He knew that only speaking with facts could dispel the court's doubts. Therefore, he took the initiative to request to lead his army south to assist the court in quelling some rebellions and foreign invasions.
His request was approved by the court, so Zhang Fan led the army south. In the next few years, he successively put down the rebellions in Yuzhou, Xuzhou and other places, defeated the Shanyue tribe in the south and the barbarians in Jingzhou, and made great military exploits for the court.
These achievements not only gradually eliminated the court's suspicion of Zhang Fan, but also won him more popular support and prestige. People praised him as the guardian of the Han Dynasty and the hope of the Central Plains.
However, Zhang Fan was not complacent. He knows that his mission has not been completed and he must continue to fight for the country and the people. So, he began planning a new expansion plan.
This time, his target was the Di and Qiang people in the west. These two tribes often invaded the western border of the Han Dynasty, causing great trouble to the local people. Zhang Fan decided to send troops to eliminate this security risk.
After careful deployment and preparation, Zhang Fan led the army to march west. During the march, he focused on appeasing the people and enforcing strict military discipline, winning the support and trust of the local people.
When the army arrived at the territory of the Di and Qiang people, Zhang Fan was in no hurry to launch an attack. Instead, he sent people to persuade the two tribes to surrender. He explained to them the power and benevolence of the Han Dynasty, and promised to give them land and resources as long as they were willing to submit to the Han Dynasty.
The leaders of the Di and Qiang tribes were moved by Zhang Fan's kindness and sincerity, and they all expressed their willingness to submit. Therefore, Zhang Fan held a grand surrender ceremony and accepted the two tribes.
With the surrender of the Di and Qiang people, the western border of the Han Dynasty achieved unprecedented stability. Zhang Fan's resourcefulness and bravery were fully demonstrated again, and his name spread throughout the Han Empire.
However, Zhang Fan did not stop. He knows that his mission has not been completed and he must continue to fight for the country and the people. So, he started planning a new expansion plan...
At the same time, Liu Bei also lived a peaceful life in Zhuojun. In addition to practicing martial arts and reading and writing every day, he also works with the villagers and experiences the hardships of life. However, this peaceful life did not last long. One day, Zhang Fan suddenly came to Zhuojun and found Liu Bei.
Liu Bei was very surprised when he saw Zhang Fan. He did not expect that this famous general would come to this small Zhuojun. Zhang Fan explained his purpose to Liu Bei. He told Liu Bei that he had conquered most of the north and was now planning to expand westward, hoping to get Liu Bei's support.
Although Liu Bei was a little surprised by Zhang Fan's intention, he did not express his position immediately. He told Zhang Fan that he needed to think about it, after all, it involved the fate of the entire Zhuojun. So Zhang Fan stayed in Zhuojun and waited for Liu Bei's reply.
In the next few days, Zhang Fan and Liu Bei often discussed world affairs and military strategies together. They found that they had many similarities in each other's ambitions and ideas, and they were both full of expectations for the future of their country and nation. Zhang Fan also introduced his expansion plan and strategic layout to Liu Bei in detail, allowing Liu Bei to better understand the general's ambitions.
In a small house in Zhuojun, Zhang Fan and Liu Bei sat opposite each other. Outside the window was the drizzle of early spring, moistening everything silently. Zhang Fan took a sip of hot tea, looked at Liu Bei firmly, and said slowly: "Brother Liu Bei, the Han Dynasty is in decline, traitors are in power, and the people are displaced. I want to pacify the four directions and stabilize the country. What do you think?"
Liu Bei frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and replied: "How could I not know what Brother Fan said? It's just the land of Zhuojun. The people are poor and the soldiers are weak. How can I help you?"
Zhang Fan smiled and put down the teacup gently, "Brother Liu Bei is too modest. I know you are kindhearted and resourceful, and with the help of two tiger generals, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, why worry about not succeeding?"
Liu Bei remained silent after hearing this, but his heart was filled with ups and downs. He knew that what Zhang Fan said was true, but the matter was so important that he could not accept it easily. So he proposed to discuss it with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei again.
That night, the three of them sat around the fire, and the firelight shone on their faces, showing some perseverance and determination. Liu Bei relayed Zhang Fan's words, and both of them looked solemn. Guan Yu stood up, snapping the case and said, "As national warriors, how can we not worry about the well-being of the people? We are just a small army, so how can we help General Zhang?"
Zhang Fan laughed loudly after hearing this, "Two generals, don't worry. I have the support of the court and an army of tens of thousands. As long as you are willing, nothing will be a problem."
Liu Bei fell into deep thought after hearing this. He knew that this was a big decision, and once he made it, there was no turning back. Just when he was hesitant, Zhang Fan said again: "I know what Brother Liu Bei is worried about. I guarantee that as long as we join forces, we will be able to wipe out the traitors and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty."
These words shocked Liu Bei's heart. He raised his head and looked at Zhang Fan firmly, "Okay, I have decided. I am willing to join forces with Brother Fan to achieve a great cause."
Upon hearing this decision, Zhang Fan showed a happy expression on his face. He stood up and bowed deeply to Liu Bei, "Brother Liu Bei, as soon as these words came out, the world was shocked. I believe that our cooperation will create a new era."
In this way, a huge storm targeting the late Eastern Han Dynasty was about to brew in the small place of Zhuojun.
At the same time, in another corner of Bingzhou, Jushou was also watching all this silently. He knew that this was a turning point in history and a moment full of challenges and opportunities. He took a deep breath and secretly made up his mind to dedicate his wisdom and talents to this era and contribute his modest contribution to the future of the country and nation.
In the days that followed, Zhang Fan began to actively prepare for westward expansion. He applied to the imperial court for more troops and resources, and at the same time recruited new soldiers in Zhuo County and strengthened training. Liu Bei studied tactics with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and formulated a battle plan. They are fully aware of the importance of this battle and understand that the key to victory lies in unity and collaboration.
In addition to intense preparations for the war, Zhang Fan also specially invited Ju Shou to come to Zhuojun to discuss the war together. The arrival of Jushou made the entire army rejoice. They all knew that Jushou was a wise and courageous general, and his joining would definitely make this battle more likely to win.
At a military meeting, Jushou proposed a bold battle plan. He suggested using a strategy of suspicion to distract the enemy and then take the opportunity to launch an attack. Zhang Fan and Liu Bei both agreed very much after hearing this. They thought this was a very creative plan and it was in line with their strategic intentions.
So on a dark and windy night, the army quietly left Zhuojun and advanced westward. Along the way, they encountered many difficulties and challenges, such as unfamiliar terrain, enemy ambush, etc. But they all overcame these difficulties one by one with unity and wisdom.
After several days of marching, the army finally arrived at the predetermined location. According to Jushou's plan, they set up an ambush here and waited for the arrival of the enemy. Soon after, the enemy fell into the trap and entered their ambush. For a moment, arrows rained like rain, and the sound of killing shook the sky. The enemy was caught off guard by this sudden attack and quickly became disorganized.
Zhang Fan was overjoyed when he saw this and immediately ordered the entire army to attack. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took the lead and led their troops into the enemy's formation. They wielded the Qinglong Yanyue Sword and the Zhangba Snake Spear, making them invincible and unstoppable. Under their leadership, the Han soldiers also fought bravely to kill the enemy, and the situation was completely reversed for a while.
The sounds of killing, screams, and weapons clashing intertwined together, and the entire battlefield was in chaos. Zhang Fan led his own soldiers to fight the enemy bravely. He waved the long sword in his hand, fended off an enemy's attack, and then quickly counterattacked, slashing down with his sword and beheading the enemy off his horse.
Liu Bei led an army forward, and his target was the enemy's general. Liu Bei accurately shot his arrow, hitting the enemy's general with one arrow, which immediately caused the enemy's morale to plummet. When Liu Bei saw this, he immediately waved Fang Tian's painted halberd and charged towards him. He is strong and invincible, and almost no one can stop his attack.
Throughout the battlefield, the Han army's morale was greatly boosted and they quickly suppressed the enemy. Seeing that the situation was settled, Jushou immediately led an elite force to bypass the enemy's rear and implement a comprehensive encirclement. The enemy troops were flanked and fell into despair.
The battle lasted for several hours, and in the end, the Han army in Zhuojun achieved a brilliant victory. The enemy troops were defeated and surrendered one after another. Zhang Fan and Liu Bei climbed to the high ground of the battlefield together, overlooking the quiet battlefield.
Zhang Fan said with emotion: "This victory is inseparable from everyone's hard work and wisdom. We have brought peace and prosperity to Zhuojun."
Liu Bei said with confidence: "This is just the beginning. We want to bring this peace and prosperity to more places and rebuild the glory of the Han Dynasty."
Since Zhang Fan took office as the governor of Zhuojun, the entire Zhuojun has been immersed in an atmosphere of joy and expectation. The new governor was young and promising, and he was reused by the court. The people all thought he was lucky. Zhang Fan is also well aware of the great responsibility, and he is determined to use his talents and efforts to bring real prosperity and peace to Zhuojun.
