Chapter 462: Blood Valor
"Anzhi, be careful."
As Zhao Yun spurred his horse through the chaos, his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings while he casually reminded Song Que, who was riding close behind him.
"Zilong, shouldn't we at least inform the lord?" Song Que's face showed a hint of helplessness. "Even if you won't tell him, at least tell me—what exactly are we going to do?"
The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry had finally broken into the army led by Liu Bei. Against armored cavalry, the defenseless civilians could do nothing but scream and cry for help. The resulting panic nearly threw Liu Bei's forces into complete disarray.
In such turmoil, friend and foe were indistinguishable. As a general, Zhao Yun should have remained at Liu Bei's side without leaving a single step. Yet he seemed to have discovered something. Turning abruptly, he led Song Que straight into the thick of the battlefield between the two armies.
Had Song Que not grown up with Zhao Yun since childhood, he might have thought Zhao Yun had defected.
Hearing Song Que's question, Zhao Yun wore the same expression of resignation.
"To rescue the young lord."
"The young lord?"
Song Que's eyes widened. He whipped his head toward Zhao Yun, nearly struck by a stray arrow but not caring in the slightest.
"Isn't Young Lord Liu Shan with our lord?"
"No…" Zhao Yun shook his head. "The young lord is too young, so he was placed in the rear under the care of several ladies. In such chaos, our lord likely cannot turn back to aid them. While Cao Chun still doesn't know the young lord and the ladies are among the crowd, I may yet slip in and rescue them."
A faint, self-mocking smile crossed Zhao Yun's face.
"At times like this, I'm almost grateful I don't have much of a reputation. If General Zhang Fei were to charge in, Cao Chun would immediately suspect something unusual in the crowd. But if I go, I won't attract his notice. As long as I avoid confronting the enemy commander, it won't be overly dangerous."
Worry surfaced on Song Que's face. "Then I'll go with you—"
"—No. Once I enter the battle zone, you remain outside and prepare to support me," Zhao Yun said firmly, shaking his head. "The Qingzhou troops may be fierce, but their discipline is lax. Having broken into the civilians in the rear, they are likely already killing and looting."
Pain flashed through Zhao Yun's eyes. But he knew clearly which weighed more—the young lord or the common people.
He was but a man, not a god. Saving every civilian was impossible. If he forced himself to try, not only would he fail to rescue the young lord, he would likely lose his own life as well.
"They are burning and looting, but that chaos is our opportunity. The fewer of us, the smaller the target. If both of us go, we're more likely to be discovered. That would only increase the danger. Stay nearby and prepare to receive me."
Song Que opened his mouth but found no words to persuade him. In the end, he nodded sharply and reined in his horse.
"I'll wait here. Be careful."
…
After galloping at full speed for some time, Liu Bei suddenly pulled hard on his reins and shouted:
"Are all the generals still here?"
He looked around swiftly to see whether his sworn brothers and subordinate officers were still at his side.
But as he did, he froze slightly.
Where was Zilong?
"Elder Brother, Zhao Zilong is missing." Zhang Fei scanned the surroundings and also noticed Zhao Yun's absence. His temper flared, and he snorted. "I knew that fellow wasn't reliable. He looks so pale and delicate, hardly fit to be a general. Brother, do you think he might have—"
"Third Brother, do not speak nonsense." Liu Bei cut him off sharply. Then he frowned and looked toward the rear. "Zilong has always been loyal to me. How could he do such a thing? Do not slander his name!"
"…Fine." Zhang Fei shrank back slightly and fell silent.
"My lord…" On the other side, Zhuge Liang's face was grave. "The young lord…"
"Chan'er!"
Only then did Liu Bei remember—he had fathered this son in his fifties. Now the child was among the civilians in the rear.
His face turned deathly pale. The hand gripping the reins tightened so hard that streaks of blood slowly appeared where his nails bit into his palm.
"Elder Brother, I'll bring Chan'er back!"
Zhang Fei's eyes were red with urgency. This was his nephew, his elder brother's most cherished child. How could he not rescue him now that he was lost?
"No!" Liu Bei shook his head violently. His body swayed as if he might faint at any moment, yet he forced himself to speak, each word seeming to drain all his strength. "There are thousands of Tiger and Leopard Cavalry in the rear. How can you go alone? …Sons can be born again. Let it be."
"No!" Zhang Fei clenched his teeth. "Elder Brother, forgive me for disobeying you this once!"
With that, he spurred his horse, breaking past the other generals who tried to stop him. Brandishing his serpent spear, he galloped toward the rear.
"Elder Brother, I will bring Chan'er back!"
"Yide!"
…
"Why isn't he back yet?"
Song Que gritted his teeth, unconsciously tightening his legs against his horse's flanks, his gaze fixed intensely on the battlefield ahead.
After a while, joy suddenly spread across his face. "They're coming!"
A young general in white robes rode hard toward them on a white horse. In one hand he held a silver spear; in the other, he cradled an infant against his chest. Behind him sat a woman.
It was Zhao Yun, returning with the young lord. The woman behind him was Liu Bei's principal wife, Lady Gan.
Because of the added weight, the horse ran somewhat slower. Fortunately, only two or three riders pursued them.
Song Que snorted coldly and swiftly took a longbow from his back. Drawing it, he loosed arrows at the pursuers.
His archery was not exceptional, but it was enough to drive them back.
He shot three arrows in quick succession. Only one struck—piercing a rider's arm—but that was sufficient to force them to retreat.
"Zilong, you—" Song Que began, but his expression suddenly changed.
At some unknown moment, Cao Chun had appeared in the rear. Drawing his bow, he released an arrow straight at Zhao Yun's back.
"Zilong, watch out!"
With a furious shout, Song Que clamped his legs against his horse and hurled himself directly into the path of the incoming arrow.
Puchi.
"Anzhi!!"
…
"Hmph!"
Seeing his arrow fail, Cao Chun's face darkened.
Though he had arrived quickly, he was still one step too late.
While his men were burning and looting, a civilian had revealed the whereabouts of Liu Bei's son and wives in exchange for mercy. The report reached Cao Chun, who was overjoyed and hurried over with his guards—only to find that Liu Bei's most important son and principal wife had already been rescued. Only a few maids and two daughters remained.
"Men!" Cao Chun barked angrily. "Seize Liu Xuande's two daughters and the rest of his household! The others follow me in pursuit!"
Would Liu Bei care about daughters? Only by capturing that infant named Liu Shan could they truly threaten him.
Just one step short—damn it!
…
"Anzhi, hold on!"
Zhao Yun looked anxiously at Song Que, who forced himself to remain on horseback at his side.
"You mustn't die. I promised your parents!"
Song Que's face was pale, but he forced a smile. "Zilong… I'm your bodyguard. Since when does a general protect his own guard?"
He glanced at the pursuing cavalry behind them and gave a bitter smile.
"Zilong… take the young lord and Madam and go first."
"I—" Zhao Yun began, frustration rising—when he suddenly saw who was ahead. His face lit with wild joy.
"General Zhang! The young lord and Madam are here! Please hold the rear!"
"Hm?" The towering, dark-skinned man with tiger-like eyes glared. "Good!"
Clamping his legs to his horse, he rode past Zhao Yun and Song Que. His serpent spear dragged across the ground, carving a deep furrow.
"I am Zhang Yide of Yan! Who dares to fight me?!"
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