It's good to have you back.
Thank you all for bearing with my absence.
Commander, whatever hardship you're currently facing, we'll be by your side.
Let this old veteran finish his final days in battle, Steve.
I never doubted your command from the start, Commander.
Thank you. As you all know, we are facing a severe deficit to our treasury. Many officer's wages were delayed, and even I am forced to chip in and frankly, I'm all tapped out.
Commander, do not speak of it. It is no trouble. We are confident this is a temporary situation.
I wish that is the case, General Yuan. Guo Jia and I have discussed this over and over. And we've exhausted all alternatives in trying to keep our operations together.
Eh? We're splitting up then?
Not if we can help it, old man. Whoever disagrees with my decision are welcome to withdraw - I cannot begrudge you of that.
Cut down with the suspense already, what are we doing?
Gentlemen, we are revolting.
Wait - we're-what-now?
I've tried everything - I've won everything for this cause and look what it's gotten us - just a city. I'm long overdue for a promotion and so are you generals are due to govern cities.
Yes, it is indeed frustrating to see all of us limited to a single city...
Zhang Liang...that viceroy of ours is probably keeping you down, Commander.
That is what Guo Jia suspected, and regrettably, we'll never get what is rightfully ours unless we fight for it.
Chaos first, then Order - Dark Arts of War. Our military force is the strongest and most experienced in the region. No other Commanders and units have fought in over 50 battles and witnessed as many victories.
But Strategist, the entire Yellow Turbans army numbers over one million!
Liu Bang was severely outnumbered by Xiang Yu - but the latter is still defeated to form Han. Never underestimate strategies. We've went through so many hardships together and prevailed.
What Fengxiao said is true. He has gathered all the census information and defenses on each city for us to study.
By the Gods, they were our allies... Of course! They have no reason to suspect us!
A carelessness that will cost them dearly. Gentlemen, observe the cities in the Central Plains.
Xiao Pei is Zhang Bao's stronghold and is heavily guarded. That will not be our first destination.
But cutting off the head may trigger a meltdown in the chain of command...
Indeed, with Lord Zhang Liang busy in the western front fighting against Dong Zhuo, we have an opportunity to carve their core cities from within.
But our most immediate concern is gold. We need gold to pay our men.
Surely my lord remembers the northern bounties that were denied by Lord Zhang Liang?
How careless. Most of the northern territories are barely garrisoned and is laden with gold.
With speed and precision, we can raid the whole northern lands without pause. Seizing a few cities' worth of military funds - we can build a power base from there.
Strategist, forgive my interruption. Would it not be wise to stay in the Central Plains instead? Many of them are fully developed, and very prosperous from many years of peace we've bought them. For example, Chen Liu. Our former stronghold is only guarded by just a mere 17,000 men.
An interesting observation, General Yuan. Taking Chen Liu would offer us... a much tastier morsel - but response from Zhang Bao's main garrison will be swift. Not to mention the garrison in Bei Hai is quite sizable.
I like Xiahou Yuan's idea. Daring and brilliant, they'll never expect us coming. Zhang Bao is overconfident and will surely underestimate us. Let him come, and we shall take his head.
My lord, it seems you have rediscovered your flames.
I might've gained a few new tricks - like wizardry...
Yer a wizard now, Harry?
Shut up, old man. Alright, assemble the rest of the officers - I'm about to make my announcement.
All Hail Lord Shi Difen!
Down with the corrupt! Let us reclaim our rightful bounty!
Comrades, the days of Han are over - but the battle is not yet finished! Tomorrow, we harvest not crops, but men. Men's lives - those who dare to steal our dreams and stand in our way - a million shall oppose us but we shall scatter them like dirt beneath our feet!
Victory or death! Down with the Yellow Turbans!
Long Live the Divine Commander!
Guo Jia - thank you.
Don't thank me yet, we're only getting started.
Year 202 - a new storm gathers in the Central Plains right within the heart of the Yellow Turban Empire.
My Lord, Shi Difen has cast aside our banners and revolted! Pu Yang's army is now marching towards Chen Liu!
The audacity! Ready my army! We must crush them before they grow stronger!
Lord Zhang Yan! Surrender and I shall be merciful!
Traitor to the Heavens! Hell awaits you!
A guard dog like you should wag its tail to his new master.
Finish it quickly.
Fire!
Scatter!
Men! Into the city! Now!
Push on! I want this city taken within a week!
Retreat! The enemy is too strong!
Seize the treasury!
Commander, we've found 10,000 gold.
Distribute the pay accordingly and let's claim this city.