C184 (2/2)

Xu Zhu said with emotion as he stood beside Yang Lin. It was also at this time last year that Dian Wei, Xu Zhu and the others followed Yang Lin and walked towards the Youzhou and the desert from here. After a year, they seemed to have returned to their starting point.

It was winter and the cold wind was howling in the wilderness of Jizhou as usual. A thick layer of snow was piling up in the hearts of every single person in the Jizhou. There were very few pedestrians, even wild dogs could see it. There were only a few annoying crows jumping on the branches, the Jizhou's winter was still desolate.

Above the vast snowy plain, two hundred and fifty thousand yellow cloth army captive s, over sixty thousand Jizhou government army s, and over fifty thousand cavalry of Youzhou s were advancing forward. The difference was that even the yellow cloth army captive held a weapon against them. They were now the army of riders under General Yang Lin.

In the early morning of a winter day, the sky was overcast. Thick clouds were slowly roaming in the sky, pressing down on the hearts of the people. On the eastern horizon, the sun was squeezing out a few warm rays of light to greet the early risers. The distant forest gradually dyed, the mountains began to redden.

A small convoy of several large wagons was slowly moving forward, the wooden wheels slowly rolling forward, making a series of creaking sounds, monotonous and endlessly repetitive, as if singing a lullaby of the last days.

Liu Yu rode on the old horse that had followed him for many years by himself, and once again turned to look at Youzhou behind him. Although the sun had just revealed its smile, Youzhou was still immersed in the hazy clouds, and could not see any light at all.

Another year had passed. Just like the old horse he was riding, the Youzhou was also getting old day by day. Just like the big man's mountains and rivers, it was inevitable that he would get old day by day. This big man's body was riddled with thousands of holes. There was no cure. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't change this cruel fact.

”Am I wrong?”

Looking at his own heart, Liu Yu felt that he had let down his ancestors, the imperial court, and his own conscience. He wanted to pacify the rebellion of the fresh inferior and the Urushion, he also wanted to get along with the barbarians in the desert, and he also wanted to make a living for himself and the citizens in the Youzhou. However, the Emperor did not give him time to finish everything, and his subordinates did not understand what he had done.

”Sigh …”

He looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh. The sorrow in his heart could not be put into words. As he saw that everything he had done had gone down the drain, a feeling of sadness that he had never felt before surged into his heart. He closed his eyes sadly. Inadvertently, a few uncontrollable tears suddenly flowed out from the corner of his eyes.

”Milord, large amounts of troops have been discovered up ahead.”

Just as Liu Yu was sighing and groaning, a servant suddenly ran over to report to him. He couldn't help but turn his head and look forward. From somewhere in the south, a black mass of troops appeared, moving forward towards Youzhou.

Not long later, Liu Yu could see the army riding on Banner s. Liu Yu immediately understood that these were Yang Lin and his cavalry of Youzhou. The sun that had just risen shone onto their dazzling armor, reflecting rays of multicolored light that instantly lit up the Youzhou's grey sky.

”Lord General, the outgoing Youzhou Spider, Shi Liu Yu, is right in front. It seems like he is preparing to go to Luoyang.” A exorcism ran over to Yang Lin and reported the situation of his group.

”Let's go take a look.” Yang Lin waved his hands at the few strategists before he ran forward. Although he did not like Liu Yu and did not like what he had done in the Youzhou, this did not stop him from respecting Liu Yu.

”Greetings Master Liu Yu, why did you leave without saying a word? We were even planning how to send Master Liu Yu off. ”

Yang Lin cupped his fists in salute towards Liu Yu and said loudly. This was what Yang Lin meant from his heart. Other than disliking Liu Yu's Gou He Policy with the Hu people, Yang Lin also greatly appreciated Liu Yu's other achievements. He was extremely good at internal affairs, and was loyal to defend his country under the agreement of the benevolent and capable. If the heavens could give Liu Yu another ten years time to peacefully develop his economy, the history of the Darkhan Empire might even extend to at least a hundred years.

”Thanks to Master Yang Lin's good intentions, Liu Yu understands.”

Just like how Yang Lin didn't like Liu Yu, Liu Yu also didn't like Yang Lin. Although they had never met each other before, they had a better understanding of each other. Just like how he didn't like Gongsun Zan, he didn't like those Generals who tried to be brave and fierce. He liked to solve problems in peaceful ways and opposed those Generals who liked to solve problems using force.

”Master Liu Yu, you have been in the Youzhou for a year, and worked hard for the Youzhou, yet left empty-handed. Please wait, we have arranged a small gift for you, I hope that Master Liu Yu will accept it. ”

Seeing Liu Yu's convoy, Yang Lin could not help but sigh. As the lord of a region, he was still as calm as ever. Why didn't he make others respect him?

”No need, Master Yang Lin. In order to pacify the fresh inferior and the rebellion within it, Lord Yang Lin still needed to gather many things, such as food and valuables. As a Han Dynasty, Liu Yu had received a great debt of kindness and could only serve his ancestors and not himself. I hope that Master Yang Lin will prioritize the imperial government and the citizens of the Youzhou, and pacify the rebellion of the fresh inferior and the Urushion as soon as possible. ”

Indeed, as Yang Lin had expected, Liu Yu would not care about the money. Amongst the numerous clan members of the Darkhan Imperial Family, Liu Yu could be considered a good official that was related to the imperial government and the common people. It was a pity that his ability and courage were limited, and he was unable to reverse the large man's fate.

”Yang Lin will remember Master Liu Yu's teachings and insults, I hope that Master Liu Yu will take care of yourself.”