The wind howled fiercely, blood flowed crimson, and mangled corpses littered the ground.
Clad in Black Armor and a Crimson Robe, Luo Yan rode forward at the head of Qingzhou's generals, his expression cold and stern, hooves clattering. His Spear stood beside his warhorse, and scarlet blood stained the steed's white coat like red upon snow.
Opposite the Qingzhou army, Yuan Shao approached with the ministers of Zhao State, banners surrounding his central Carriage. He rested a hand on its frame, his red cloak stirring behind him.
Luo Yan swung gracefully down from his horse, cupped his fists, and bowed. "Your servant Yan, Grand Commander of Qingzhou, pays his respects to Your Majesty. I arrived late. Please punish me, Your Majesty."
Looking at the martial figure of Luo Yan, Yuan Shao's eyes filled with smiles, and he laughed heartily. "Rise, Ziyan.
"This great victory owed much to your revitalization of Qingzhou, and you took many enemy heads besides. Yours was truly the foremost contribution. What offense could you possibly have committed?"
Neither Yuan Shao nor the others had expected Luo Yan to bring so many troops out of Qingzhou.
Their earlier calculations had allowed for forty thousand at most, yet he had brought a full twenty thousand more fighting men.
The company escorted Yuan Shao and Luo Yan back to camp in high spirits, all the worries they had felt when leaving Hebei swept away.
Once everyone was seated, Yuan Shao looked around and burst into laughter. "My ministers, it seems we worried too much before.
Lü Bu patted Gao Shun's shoulder. "Xiaofu, I leave Bingzhou to you while I lead the army out. If danger arises, you must ensure my wife's safety."
Cao Cao shot to his feet, paced twice around, and said through gritted teeth, "Wenruo, issue decrees