Guan Yu said coldly, "Brother, there is no need to mention this matter again. In these troubled times, we must strive to ensure that those who bring disaster to the country pay the price!"
Gongsun Zan laughed heartily, riding forward and patting Liu Bei on the shoulder. "Good! With a capable brother assisting, this journey will surely succeed!"
Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei followed Gongsun Zan to Cao Cao's military camp. At this time, various feudal lords' troops were arriving one after another, the camp stretching for hundreds of miles, with flags like a forest and weapons gleaming brightly, creating a magnificent scene. Cao Cao had prepared a lavish banquet to welcome the lords and discuss plans for the campaign.
At the banquet, Governor Wang Kuang stood up and raised his cup, speaking loudly, "Since we have gathered here to form an alliance against the rebels, we should elect a leader. Only with a leader can we restrain our forces and unify our actions."
Cao Cao scanned the crowd and slowly rose to his feet, speaking in a steady tone. "Heroes and righteous men have gathered here for the sake of our nation. In my opinion, Yuan Benchu has served as a minister for four generations and has connections throughout the land. He is also a descendant of the renowned officials of the Han Dynasty. In terms of virtue and reputation, he is worthy of being our leader."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement and echoed in unison, "It must be Yuan Shao!"
Yuan Shao quickly waved his hands in refusal, his face showing humility. "I am truly honored by your support, but there are countless heroes here. If I were to lead them, I fear I would not be able to command their respect."
Cao Cao smiled lightly and said, "Yuan Shao, why be so modest? Who else besides you is fit for this position? If you refuse again, wouldn't that jeopardize our great cause?"
The crowd responded once more in unison, "The position of leader can only belong to Benchu!"
Seeing that he could no longer decline, Yuan Shao straightened his posture and said seriously, "Since you all trust me so much, I will do my utmost to join you in fighting against the traitors and restore the Han Dynasty!"
The next day, a high platform was constructed in the army camp. On top of the three-tiered platform hung white banners and yellow halberds, surrounded by flags from all directions fluttering in the wind, creating an atmosphere of solemnity. Yuan Shao donned clean ceremonial robes and wore a sword as he ascended the platform. Holding an incense altar in hand, he bowed to heaven and then read aloud the alliance agreement:
"In these chaotic times when the world is unsettled, Dong Zhuo—the rebel—takes advantage of the situation to wreak havoc, harming the people and deceiving our sovereign while committing heinous crimes. We lords gather here to preserve the legacy of the Han Dynasty for our ancestors by forming a Righteous Army to jointly eliminate this wicked villain! Anyone who joins this alliance must remain loyal and united; they must not harbor any treachery or betray this agreement. Should anyone violate this oath, they will face divine retribution and be condemned forever!"
Yuan Shao burned incense and prayed to heaven as those below responded fervently with voices that shook the heavens: "We vow not to coexist with Dong Zhuo!"
The soldiers below raised their weapons, the blades glinting in the sunlight, and their shouts echoed through the valley, stirring the hearts of all who heard. Yuan Shao stood atop the platform, surveying his surroundings with unwavering determination. He knew that from this moment on, he and every lord present would decide the future of this land.
As the oath was completed, everyone smeared blood on their foreheads, their spirits ignited. Yuan Shao's voice resonated throughout the gathering; each word struck like a hammer against the hearts of those present, bringing tears to their eyes. Some wept softly, while others could not help but raise their voices in a vow to eradicate Dong Zhuo.
After the ceremony concluded, Yuan Shao descended from the platform, and the crowd erupted in cheers as they helped him into the main tent. Inside, a red lacquered throne adorned with intricate carvings awaited him, symbolizing the authority of the alliance leader. Yuan Shao took his seat, and lords arranged by rank and seniority settled around him. Cao Cao paced within the tent, raising a wine goblet to toast everyone, declaring, "Now that our leader is established, we must cast aside personal ambitions. Today we unite for our country; we must stand together against our enemies. Regardless of strength or weakness, we shall pursue this righteous cause without concern for personal gain!"
Yuan Shao nodded slightly, scanning the crowd with a solemn tone: "From this day forth, I shall serve as your leader and feel the weight of this responsibility. Those who achieve merit will be richly rewarded; those who defy orders will face no leniency. The nation has laws and the army has discipline; this is our foundation, and we must all adhere to it!"
"We vow to obey unto death!" everyone responded in unison, their voices booming like thunder, shaking the banners within the tent.
Yuan Shao continued, "My brother Yuan Shu possesses exceptional wisdom and will oversee the supply of provisions for all camps; he will ensure we do not suffer from hunger. However, this battle requires someone to take the lead and challenge Si Shui Pass first to initiate our campaign against Dong Zhuo. Who is willing to take on this mission?"
Silence fell over the tent as all eyes turned to Yuan Shao. Suddenly, Sun Jian, Governor of Changsha, stood up with fierce determination in his eyes and a powerful voice: "I, Sun Jian, am willing to take point and challenge Dong Zhuo! I shall pave the way for the Han Dynasty with my loyal spirit!"
Yuan Shao nodded with a smile, admiration evident in his gaze: "Wentai is indeed the Jiangdong Tiger; this battle is yours alone. Lead your troops to Si Shui Pass and be our vanguard for all heroes under heaven!"
Sun Jian bowed deeply, fire flashing in his eyes: "I will not fail my mission!"
Immediately after receiving his orders, Sun Jian exited the tent and hurried to his camp. His troops began to assemble swiftly; battle flags fluttered in the wind as soldiers lined up in formation, their weapons gleaming under the sun. The sound of hooves echoed as war drums thundered through the camp. Sun Jian mounted his horse, sword in hand, shouting to his soldiers: "Today we march on Si Shui Pass to behead that villain Dong Zhuo! In the name of Loyalty and Righteousness, let us reclaim the dignity of the Han Dynasty!"
"Kill Dong Zhuo! Protect the Han Dynasty!" The soldiers roared in response, their voices soaring into the sky. Sun Jian swung his sword and led his army like a tempest sweeping across the land toward Si Shui Pass.
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