Which Country's "Three Unlikes" Is He?

Following Lan Yuan's instructions, Chu Qing deliberately left a few survivors alive to return to Linyi and spread the alarm, immediately drawing the ruler and ministers of the capital's attention.

Linyi had been an independent kingdom for several decades. Never before had Han troops penetrated deep into Linyi territory. How had these several hundred Han cavalrymen bypassed the defensive line formed by the four northern cities?

Qu Lian had killed a Han official and declared himself king, taking advantage of the chaos engulfing the Central Plains at the end of the Han Dynasty. The Han armies had been unable to spare attention for the borderlands, allowing the Kingdom of Linyi to pass several decades in peace.

The Qu family had carved out territory and divided the land, their claim to the kingdom illegitimate. Moreover, the Han Dynasty had a tradition: "Those who openly offend mighty Han, though far away, shall surely be punished." Cold sweat sprang across the back of the current ruler, Qu Jin.

Seeing King Qu Jin seated in the place of honor with worry written all over his face, Linyi's Protector-General Fan Shanhu stepped forward. He struck his chest with his right hand in salute and advised, "Your Majesty need not worry. There are only several hundred cavalrymen at South Mount Heng. Even if they truly are invading Han troops, there is nothing to fear. This general is willing to lead over a thousand royal soldiers to crush them."

"Protector-General, do not underestimate the enemy. If the Han army can send a hundred men now, they may send a thousand later—or even ten thousand, or several tens of thousands. Could it be that the strife in the Central Plains has ended, and the imperial court has finally freed its hands?" Qu Jin's expression was as dark as