As early as when He Jin was the Grand General, his military power had unknowingly been gradually divided by aristocratic scions like Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shu. These aristocratic scions, relying on their respective influence and methods, had infiltrated the military camps with their trusted followers and cultivated their own forces.
Cao Cao secretly maneuvered, arranging some shrewd and capable confidants into the army, gradually gaining a certain amount of military power. His meticulous planning quietly expanded his influence.
Yuan Shao, relying on his family's prestige and extensive network, had long since drawn in Bao Xin and also planted many of his own confidants in the army. These individuals, under Yuan Shao's instruction, secretly worked to secure more benefits for him.
Yuan Shu was equally unwilling to be outdone; he used various opportunities to place his trusted followers into the military camps. These confidants served Yuan Shu, helping him gain a firm foothold in the army.
Thus, under their covert operations, the military power was fragmented. He Jin, however, remained completely unaware of this. Now, facing the impending changes, the struggles and rivalries among these factions would become even more intense.
Emperor Ling of Han questioned He Jin's capabilities. In August of the fifth year of Zhongping (188 CE), he recruited able-bodied men in Luoyang, the capital, and established the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden. He wanted to have military power in his own hands, but because Emperor Ling was already gravely ill and lacked energy, it was still divided by various factions. This can be seen from the appointments of the colonels:
- Colonel of the Upper Army: Xiao Huangmen Jian Shuo
- Colonel of the Central Army: Colonel of the Tiger Guards Yuan Shao
- Colonel of the Lower Army: Colonel of the Tunqi Bao Hong
- Colonel of the Army Registrar: Councilor Cao Cao
- Assistant Colonel of the Left Army: Zhao Rong
- Assistant Colonel of the Right Army: Feng Fang
- Left Colonel: Grandee Remonstrant Xia Mou
- Right Colonel: Chunyu Qiong
Without going into detail about the other colonels, just Cao Cao and Yuan Shao alone had already firmly grasped control of the new army.
After leaving He Jin's Residence, they each returned to their respective headquarters to prepare their troops.
As night, like a heavy curtain, enveloped the land, Cao Cao, with a stern expression, left without the slightest delay, quickly mustering his troops. His gaze was firm and sharp, his movements urgent and efficient, every command clear and decisive, without a hint of hesitation. His household generals quickly assembled and formed ranks; their steps were uniform, emanating an awe-inspiring aura. Cao Cao mounted his horse, leading the charge, and galloped towards the Northern Camp. His figure was tall and resolute, showcasing his consistent decisiveness and determination.
At the same time, Yuan Shao's camp presented a different scene. Yuan Shao had always been renowned, attracting many strategists and martial generals to pledge allegiance. At this moment, strategists Tian Feng and Shen Pei were discussing strategy in the tent, clearly analyzing various possibilities. Meanwhile, martial generals Gao Lan and Ju Yi were assembling troops in the camp; their shouts and training noises intertwined, full of power and fighting spirit. Yuan Shao appeared composed; he only needed to listen to the strategists' advice and make the final decision. He sat upright in the tent, his demeanor self-assured, exuding an aura of confidence and authority.
However, inside He Jin's residence, there was chaos. He Jin, clad in splendid armor, paced back and forth in the room. His face was filled with anxiety and unease, and fine beads of sweat even seeped from his forehead. He kept muttering, at one moment worrying about insufficient troops, at another about inadequate planning. His preparations appeared disorganized and sluggish, a stark contrast to Cao Cao and Yuan Shao's composure. His household servants, on the other hand, were busily preparing various items, flustered and at a loss.
Yuan Shu, meanwhile, appeared particularly excited; he incessantly incited He Jin, exaggerating the threat posed by Dong Cheng. His eyes gleamed with a cunning light, as if anticipating a chaotic outbreak. He repeatedly claimed that figures like Dong Cheng were nothing to fear, and that as long as He Jin gave the order, he could lead his soldiers to charge and capture Dong Cheng and the others in one fell swoop. His smug demeanor made He Jin even more irritated, and his unease grew stronger.
Ma Chao showed no concern for personal honor or disgrace; he quickly returned to the Lu Residence. At the Lu Residence, he found his horse and weapons, then swiftly donned his armor.
With everything ready, Ma Chao galloped towards the Northern Camp. However, when he arrived outside the Northern Camp's gate, he found he could not enter. Just as he was burning with impatience, Cao Cao arrived at the Northern Camp with his main force, a mighty procession. Upon seeing Ma Chao, Cao Cao's face broke into a warm smile, and he enthusiastically invited Ma Chao to join his ranks.
Not long after, Yuan Shao, fully armored and astride his warhorse, also arrived in a flurry with his main force. He saw Cao Cao and Ma Chao, and a complex emotion flickered in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
Chunyu Qiong had already transferred his main force to He Jin's Northern Camp. He Jin trusted Chunyu Qiong greatly, entrusting him with command of the Northern Camp.
At this moment, the Northern Camp was bustling with activity and noise. He Jin's Northern Camp was already in full swing, preparing for battle. Various forces were assembled, tents stood in rows, and military banners fluttered, indicating a tense yet spirited atmosphere.
An hour later.
The gates of the Northern Camp were wide open, and the soldiers from various divisions marched out, full of vigor.
At the same time, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao quietly and skillfully merged their main forces and the units they had rallied, forming a powerful formation.
The two of them stood at the forefront of this mixed force, their expressions calm yet subtly sharp, patiently waiting with Chunyu Qiong for He Jin's arrival.
The agreed-upon hour had passed, but He Jin still did not appear to lead the army. Everyone waited for about another fifteen minutes before cavalry was seen approaching in the distance. It turned out to be Yuan Shu leading a detachment of cavalry; he conveyed He Jin's order for all units to proceed directly to the outskirts of Luoyang city to assemble.
Although everyone felt helpless, they still obeyed the order and advanced towards the outskirts of Luoyang city, to be unified under the command of the Grand General.
After a forced march, the various units finally arrived outside Luoyang city. There, Grand General He Jin sat in a magnificent carriage, wearing shining armor, looking majestic as he was surrounded by numerous guards.
At this point, the Grand General ordered Cao Cao's main force to serve as the vanguard, to attack Changhe Gate; Yuan Shao was appointed the left vanguard, responsible for attacking Shenwu Gate of the Northern Palace; Yuan Shu, leading a force from the Northern Camp, was also assigned to attack Pingcheng Gate of the Southern Palace.
He Jin and Chunyu Qiong led the Northern Camp as the central army. The Northern Camp's formidable forces provided a solid backing for the entire operation.
Everyone, according to the established deployment, rapidly and orderly moved to their designated battlefields. The general originally responsible for Luoyang's city defense, after verifying the tiger tally and seal, opened the gates of Luoyang. Soldiers surged into Luoyang like a tide, and under the deep shroud of night, Luoyang city was instantly engulfed in clamor and chaos.
Hoofbeats echoed through every street, and the clang of weapons was incessant, as if to tear apart the entire night. The continuous line of torches, like strings of burning hope and fear, illuminated half of Luoyang city in a fiery red. The city's inhabitants, terrified, tightly shut their doors, trembling and hiding in their homes, fearing that these sudden chaotic troops would break in and take their lives and peace.
The entire city of Luoyang was plunged into chaos and panic, and the storm of war had only just begun to sweep through this ancient city.