Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu's fathers had died, so they naturally could no longer let the allied army spend all day drinking, carousing, and bragging. The entire coalition was like a war beast, finally awakening completely from its slumber. The army began surging fiercely toward Hulao Pass.
"See that? Never mind how loudly they shouted before or how impassioned their proclamations were. They never really cared about Dong Zhuo abolishing and establishing emperors." Wang Xuan rode on horseback with the Straw Sandal Brothers and Dian Wei beside him, so he naturally had no qualms about speaking his mind. "Before, they dawdled around Suanzao, indulging in wine and pleasure. Along the way, they moved at a snail's pace. They claimed to be attacking Dong Zhuo, but in truth, it was just a grand celebration and publicity stunt. Rescuing the emperor, killing Dong Zhuo—they clearly never took any of it seriously!"
"But look at them now. The moment Yuan Wei's entire family died, these people immediately sprang into action, as if their own fathers had died. It's obvious that the emperor's position in their hearts is nowhere near as important as the Yuan family!" Wang Xuan clicked his tongue as he spoke, making Liu Bei beside him feel terribly awkward.
Yet Liu Bei had to admit that Wang Xuan was right. These feudal lords had truly gone too far!
Sometimes, Liu Bei genuinely wished Dong Zhuo would send troops to chop all those fellows down.
"Report!" A messenger ran toward Liu Bei.
"What is it?" Liu Bei looked up and asked.
"General Gongsun has arrived with two hundred White Horse Volunteers. He said he wanted to present them to the general." The messenger spoke loudly.
"Truly obscenely wealthy!" Wang Xuan gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed in admiration.
After spending this much time