Chapter 343 Gongsun Du’s Betrayal (2/2)
The next day, Gongsun Zan Army departed from Liyang County. They expected to reach Ye City within a week.
As they traveled forth, they encountered another troop with the banner of Gongsun. In front of the 5,000 man group, someone whom Gongsun Zan knew rode toward the caravan with a white flag.
Gongsun Zan rode forward to greet this battalion's leader.
”Shengji, what are you doing here?”
Shengji or Gongsun Du, a clan member under Gongsun Zan, came to greet his clan leader.
.
In history, Gongsun Du did not participate in the anti-Dong Zhuo alliance.
However, during the time when Dong Zhuo reigned in power, Dong Zhuo commanded Gongsun Du to expand their territories, which Gongsun Du took the helm this expedition army.
He was a talented warlord at that time as he successfully took control of the present-day Daifang and Lelang district.
Gongsun Du also sent his clan members and his relatives to attack Korea by the sea while he personally seized Xiangping as his headquarter for his clan, establishing the foundation for the Gongsun Clan in the next generations.
During the conflict between Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao, Gongsun Du stayed out of the battle and claimed that he took no part in the Gongsun Clan's movement.
After Yuan Shao was victorious, Yuan Shao did not care for the far north and oversea lands. Meanwhile, Gongsun Du focused on conquering Korea.
As a result, Gongsun Du and Yuan Shao did not fight against each other as they had no interest in the other's territory.
Gongsun Du died in the year 204 from a natural cause, and his son, Gongsun Kang, succeeded his legacy.
Gongsun Kang surrendered his father's territories to the Wei Kingdom and also passed on his legacy to his son, Gongsun Yuan.
Following years, Sima Yi led his forces to eradicate Gongsun Clan when they staged a rebellion against the Wei Empire, ending the powerhouse of the north.
Scholars commented on Gongsun Du's decision for not participate in the civil war struggle. Because of his choice, the Gongsun Clan remained independence throughout of the pre-Three Kingdoms Period.
Unfortunately, this world's Gongsun Du was not sent to Korea. He remained behind to fight in this grand civil war.
.
”We've heard about her majesty, so we've come to help you escorting her.”
”Ah, I'm already here. That isn't really necessary.”
”It is. How could you not allowing us to seek an audience with her majesty? Please let us see her, too.”
”Hey, you sounded impudence just now. Her majesty is not someone you can meet any time you want.”
Gongsun Du stopped talking. He simply smiled at his clan lord.
”I've discovered a secret of the Xiongnu. Unfortunately, I can't reveal this in public. Can you lean over? I'll tell you this personally, so no spy can hear us.”
Gongsun Zan frowned and puzzled by his subordinate's action, but he followed this person's instruction anyway.
Gongsun Zan rode a bit further. Both men's head almost touched the other's ear.
”Now, tell me.”
”Yes, lord. Actually, we allied with the Xiongnu, and our clan decided to disown you.”
”YOU!!”
*SOEK*
A knife pierced Gongsun Zan's neck. On the knife handle, Gongsun Du clenched it with all his strength.
”I also heard that the empress is still alive. Don't worry, my lord. I'll make her surrender Zhang Tong's territories to our clan. Then, our Gongsun Clan will rule the north!”
Gongsun Du twisted his blade, sealing the fate of Gongsun Zan.
”AGH”
”Also, I'm the new clan head. Treat me with a bit of respect in Hell, my lord.”
Gongsun Zan could not speak. He glared at the betrayer with resentment before his consciousness faded.
Slowly collapsing on the ground, Gongsun Zan body fell from the horse.
Without hesitation, Gongsun Du bellowed, ”SOUND THE HORN!”
*BWOO*
Instead of having only 5,000 soldiers, another 10,000 horsemen appeared from the east and west, charging at the marching army of Gongsun Zan.
The main force of Gongsun Zan consisted of 30,000 cavalries with Tong's previous iron equipment. They looked around in a panic when an ambush appeared.
Lu Zhi, who was marching in the middle of the troops, heard the chaotic sounds from the front. It was not hard to tell that they were under attack.
”Sounds the alarm! Gather everyone into arrays! Get ready for defensive battle formation!”
*GONG*
*GONG*
War gongs and war-drums echoed through the open field. All Gongsun Zan's soldiers from the back heard it and rushed to the front, forming platoons of formations as they were trained.
Zhao Yun and Tian Yu hurried to the side of He Xing and Liu Xie, fearing for their safety.
Within less than a minute, the front marching troops were slaughtered before they could defend themselves.
5,000 of 30,000 men fell instantly from the ambushing cavalry charge.
However, Lu Zhi was not someone who can be easily beaten in terms of troops commanding. Within that same minute, two battalions formed a phalanx formation, creating a large square with shields and spears as walls.
12,000 spearmen were ready for the horse charge.
Also, Lu Zhi opened a box behind his horseback. A shotgun that Tong gave everyone was in there.
Lu Zhi loaded the shotgun.
*CLICK*
”Bring it.”