The wine cups sat on the table, Zhao Yun’s expression was grim. Zhuge Liang, sensing his mood, tapped his chopsticks and began to hum.
“The conduct of a gentleman begins with self-cultivation through tranquility, and the fostering of virtue through frugality. Without indifference, one cannot clarify ambition; without serenity, one cannot achieve far-reaching goals! Years fly by with time, intentions fade with the days, leading to a withered state, often disconnected from the world. To lament in a poor dwelling, what can be done then! What can be done then!”
Though meant to be a melancholic song, for some reason, it now conveyed a deeper sadness and desolation.
Indeed…
As Liu Bei’s strategist, reversing the tide of this era remained incredibly difficult, as arduous as ascending to heaven.
Just as he had said:
“In this chaotic world, everyone lives on the brink!”
“And to truly exhibit benevolence and virtue in this world requires even greater courage than that of the most wicked!”
Zhao Yun sighed with awkward respect, “The strategist’s path is not easy!”
Just then.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside. A troop of soldiers burst in, led by Zhang Fei who bellowed, “Strategist, something has happened, something major! Eldest Brother… Eldest Brother has fainted from anger!”
Ah…
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang was taken aback and asked in alarm, “He was perfectly fine during the day, how could he… he…”
“Strategist, don’t speak of such things. Quickly… quickly, Eldest Brother urgently summons you!”
Zhang Fei’s voice boomed like thunder.
Zhuge Liang glanced at Zhao Yun and hurried after Zhang Fei.
Zhao Yun’s heart was also filled with countless questions as he slowly walked out of the official residence.
He then heard people discussing outside.
“Did you hear?”
“Are you talking about that newspaper from the north?”
“Yes, it’s full of our lord’s scandals!”
“Who isn’t saying so? But… is any of this true?”
“I didn’t believe it at first, but now… I have no choice but to believe. Otherwise, why would the lord’s two sons be named ‘Feng’ and ‘Chan,’ both forming ‘Feng Shan’? Is the lord truly supporting the Han dynasty?”
“Alas, who in this world doesn’t want to be emperor?”
At this point, as if realizing Zhao Yun had emerged from his room, the two guards hastily fell silent.
Zhao Yun walked up to them and deliberately spoke in a stern voice, “Are you the strategist’s guards? How dare you speak so carelessly about our lord! If there’s a next time, don’t blame me, Zhao Yun, for showing no mercy!”
With that said…
Zhao Yun strode out with a cold expression.
In his heart, he murmured, “Has Young Master Lu made a move against Liu Bei? Is the hidden malevolence beneath the benevolence about to be revealed?”
With this thought…
Zhao Yun’s eyes narrowed to slits.
For a moment, he found it difficult to comprehend the rapidly shifting situation in Jingxiang.
…
…
Zhuge Liang was escorted into Liu Bei’s sleeping quarters, where a crowd had already gathered.
Zhuge Liang had rushed, running most of the way, and was now drenched in sweat. Upon seeing Liu Bei on the couch, he paused. He hadn’t expected their lord, who had been so spirited during the day, to be so weak tonight.
The lord and minister exchanged a glance filled with a multitude of emotions.
A gust of wind stirred, lifting the curtain and blowing in a few drops of cold rain. Zhuge Liang suddenly came to his senses and quickly adjusted the quilt for Liu Bei, asking, “My lord, are you alright!”
“Cough cough…”
With a violent cough, Liu Bei struggled to prop himself up. He waved his hand, signaling for everyone else to withdraw, leaving only Zhuge Liang.
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, along with Madam Gan and Madam Mi, exited the room.
Liu Bei reached out and pointed to a newspaper on the bedside table.
“Kong Ming, you… you see…”
His voice was almost hoarse, and more than just hoarse, it seemed… pained!
Zhuge Liang could feel his pain.
He quickly unfolded the newspaper and scanned it from top to bottom. As he read, he shuddered violently.
This… this…
Upon reading about Liu Bei eating human flesh, Liu Bei’s betrayal of Gongsun Zan to join Tao Qian, and even… killing with a borrowed knife at Bai Men Tower, and how he harmed whoever he sided with, his emotions might have stirred, but overall, he remained calm.
However… when he saw the names “Liu Feng” and “Liu Shan,” Zhuge Liang’s heart grew suddenly cold.
No one was more familiar than he with the origin of these two names.
Liu Feng!
He was the son of Kou Shi, the Marquis of Luo in Changsha. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by his uncle Liu Mi. After Liu Bei arrived in Xinye… he took him as his adopted son, naming him “Feng”…
At that time, Zhuge Liang had not yet perceived the profound meaning contained within the small character “Feng”!
Now, with this newspaper, coupled with Liu Shan’s character “Chan,” put together, it became “Feng Shan.” Was this a mere coincidence? Or was it an expression of his heart, a cry from Liu Bei’s soul?
Then… restoring the Han dynasty?
Which Han was it truly meant to be?
“Cough…”
Zhuge Liang coughed sharply.
Wait…
Zhuge Liang suddenly realized that even he would hesitate and grapple with this point!
What about the common people? When others saw this newspaper, Liu Bei’s reputation built over the years would likely plummet overnight. This was his foundation!
No… this was their foundation!
“I know my lord meant no ill will, but I did not expect Lu Ziyu to exploit this!”
Zhuge Liang said in a low voice.
“Lu Ziyu attacks the land and the heart; this is his most practiced tactic,” Liu Bei lamented bitterly. “The world misunderstands me, but only Kong Ming knows me… My lifelong ambition is to restore the Han dynasty, to rescue His Majesty from the treacherous hands of the villains, and to re-establish the imperial court, but… but…”
“My lord, the urgent matter is to block the circulation of this newspaper! We must ensure that this newspaper does not reach the south…”
Zhuge Liang’s tone was resolute. “Moreover, Zilang has already succeeded. According to my plan, within two months, we will be able to support Liu Qi as the heir and take control of Jingzhou!”
“Everything is developing for the better, my lord. You… you must hold on!”
Cough, cough, cough…
With another series of coughs, Liu Bei grasped Zhuge Liang’s hand. “Kong Ming, it is fortunate to have you… fortunate to have you!”
In the past, when discussing the scheme for Jingzhou, Liu Bei would still pretend.
He would say things like, “As fellow clan members, I cannot bear to plot against you.” But now…
Because of this newspaper, his innermost thoughts were exposed. Was there still a need to pretend?
“I’ve laid my cards on the table, I’m no longer pretending!”
“I do have designs on Jingzhou.”
“Kong Ming…” Liu Bei held Zhuge Liang’s hand tightly. “Although plotting for Jingzhou is not righteous, in this chaotic world, it is too difficult, too difficult to find a place to settle!”
“My lord, I understand! I understand!” Zhuge Liang comforted him repeatedly, saying, “Madam Cai did not uphold her wifely duties. This… this is also the consequence she deserves! My lord is helping Liu Jingsheng!”
As these words left his mouth…
The wind outside blew even stronger, as if… fulfilling the saying:
“The wind fills the tower before the storm arrives!”
…
…
In Jingzhou, in the city of Xiangyang, within the government office…
Liu Biao lay on the bed, his eyes closed, a damp cloth wrapped around his head. Several maids brought the medicine and handed it to a lady dressed in luxurious robes, radiating elegance.
She was Madam Cai, the eldest daughter of the top aristocratic Cai family of Jingzhou, now the most influential person in all of Jingzhou.
“My lord, it’s time to take your medicine.”
She carried the medicine to Liu Biao’s side.
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Liu Biao coughed violently. “I… I fear I cannot hold on any longer.”
“My lord, do not speak like that. Take your medicine!” Madam Cai fed the medicine from the bowl into Liu Biao’s mouth, blowing on it lightly because it was too hot.
“You… you issue an order, tell… tell Qi’er to return, and tell Xuande to come over as well. I still have a few more words to say to them.”
Liu Biao murmured.
Unexpectedly, as these words were spoken, Madam Cai’s expression changed drastically, and her actions of feeding Liu Biao became impatient.
“My lord, you might not know yet, but it is widely rumored throughout Jingzhou that the northern newspaper has published an account detailing Liu Xuande’s ten major sins!”
As she said this, Madam Cai looked around at the maids. “When you have nothing else to do, read it to my lord, so he too may know what kind of treacherous and audacious man his brother, this kinsman of the Han dynasty, truly is!”
“Yes!” The maids readily agreed.
They were originally from the Cai manor, specially placed by Madam Cai beside Liu Biao.
In fact…
Currently, within the provincial government, from the maids to the servants to the guards, all were her people!
As long as Liu Biao was not recovered, the entire Jingzhou would be under the control of Madam Cai and the Cai family.
“Alright, my lord, rest now… I still have some matters to attend to at the manor,”
With these words, Madam Cai bowed and departed.
Liu Biao opened his mouth to call her back, but… “Cough, cough, cough, cough…” a series of coughs prevented him. He seemed completely drained.
He had grown old…
He looked truly old!
In his heart, he could only cry out – I am useless!
And at this moment, the maids had begun reading the black material about Liu Bei from the newspaper!
Leaving Liu Biao’s sleeping quarters, a maid handed Madam Cai a wet cloth. Madam Cai meticulously wiped her hands and softly murmured, “Bad luck,” before entering her own sleeping quarters.
Sitting in the main seat, about to drink some tea, another maid brought newly brewed medicine. Madam Cai dismissed the surrounding maids, leaving only the trusted confidante who brewed the medicine.
She took a sip…
And realized something was amiss. “Why is the taste so bland this time?”
“Madam, the two physicians proposed that for Madam’s long-term medication… if the dosage is not reduced, it will place a great burden on your body! Therefore, they reduced some of the ingredients, but only a little, it will not affect anything…”
It seemed…
The maid’s answer was quite satisfactory to Madam Cai. She nodded slightly and then drank the medicine in one gulp.
She even praised it.
“Indeed, brewing the medicine this way makes the taste better.”
“Madam!” Seeing Madam Cai in a good mood, the confidante maid fawned, “A new batch of young men has arrived at the Yanque Tower. I took a look, and they are all very handsome. I specifically came to tell Madam!”
Upon hearing the words “young men” and “handsome,” Madam Cai’s spirits immediately lifted.
“New arrivals?” she asked quickly.
“Yes!”
“Do they know the rules?” Madam Cai did not forget to add.
“They have all been trained and know them!” the maid replied truthfully.
Madam Cai’s lips curved into a smile, a blush appearing on her cheeks. “Good, this Madam will go tomorrow and have them prepare well.”
As she said this, inexplicably, Madam Cai’s tone became high-pitched, as if… her heart was already stirring.
“Yes…”
The confidante maid agreed and quickly went to make arrangements!
The aristocratic circles of Jingzhou were not just Liu Biao and his friends, who were fond of drinking and could consume three hundred cups!
Madam Cai had many more ways to find amusement!
Just like the aristocratic circles of later generations, beneath the light, there is darkness. Many things remain hidden from exposure!
The aristocratic circles! From ancient times to the present, they have been very chaotic!
Especially for women!
The status of women in the Han Dynasty was remarkably high, and the customs were even more open and confident. Public opinion was even relatively lenient and friendly!
A woman who remarried could give birth to an emperor!
Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che’s mother, had been married before entering the palace and even had a daughter!
Women who had affairs with others could even give birth to generals. The mothers of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing could both be cited as examples.
Of course, there were also female slaves who became empresses. That’s right, the renowned Wei Zifu.
Within this historical context, it was not exaggerated for Madam Cai to engage in some scandalous behavior. The truth of history is often more exaggerated and more exciting than fiction.
…
…
Late at night, in a secret underground chamber of a wine shop in Jingzhou, Yang Xiu stepped inside and placed a carved woodblock onto a letter.
Then he proceeded to transcribe and piece together the content of the letter.
“To my Chicken Rib, personally!”
These were the first four characters.
Yang Xiu subconsciously assumed it was still a task from Master Lu, related to Madam Cai or Madam Gan.
He immediately dared not be careless and hastily pieced it together.
However… as the piecing was completed, all the characters appeared, revealing a brand new task, a completely new content.
This…
Yang Xiu slowly lowered his sleeve, suddenly hesitating. He asked himself and answered:
“A pirate? Is all this fuss necessary? Is it reliable?”
For a moment, a trace of doubt flashed through his mind, but soon, this doubt vanished without a trace, and Yang Xiu’s eyes became firm.
“Master Lu said it’s reliable, so it must be… this pirate must be reliable!”
“Heh heh…”
Yang Xiu smiled lightly and immediately burned the letter.
He softly murmured.
“I didn’t expect Master Lu to place all the hopes of the entire Great Wei navy on this pirate. How interesting… how interesting!”
Upon saying this…
“Someone…”
“Present!”
Several cloaked censors entered the secret chamber with clasped hands.
“Prepare a large sum of money!” Yang Xiu immediately ordered. “I have important use for it!”
These few words inexplicably added a touch of mystery to this brand new task.
…
…
South of Xiangyang in Jingzhou lies the city of Jiangling.
Here, water and land transport were convenient, and later generations would have the poetic line, “A thousand miles of Jiangling returned in a day”…
In a gambling house here, a group of people entered in formation. The leader carried a bow and arrows, with feathers tucked into his hair and bells adorning his person, making “ding-dong” sounds as he walked!
His every entrance and exit was majestic. Even outside the gambling house, their luxurious carriages were displayed.
Especially the most ostentatious leader, his clothes sparkled, and he wore a red cape that was two people long. He looked extremely luxurious, yet strangely thieving!
“——Ding-lang-lang-lang!”
Accompanied by the pleasant sound of bells, this group entered the gambling house named “Let’s Gamble Once.”
With a “bang,” the leader slammed his fist heavily onto the gambling table.
“Do you know? Who am I?”
“Your excellency is…” The owner of the gambling house clearly didn’t recognize this person… However, judging by his attire, he seemed to have heard of him.
Perhaps in Jiangxia… or Bashu, or somewhere else he had heard of it.
He couldn’t recall the specifics.
This…
The owner tapped his forehead. “Your excellency brings so many people? Are you here to cause trouble?”
“Heh heh…”
With a “bang,” the leader placed a large bag of gold on the table. “Let me tell you first, who am I?”
“Before the age of twenty, in Ba County, I was a chivalrous rogue who killed people and hid in the wilderness. I would advance on foot with chariots and cavalry, and on water, I would connect light boats! Every time after a raid, I would announce my name!”
“Heh heh, the title of ‘Jin Fan You Xia’ refers to me!”
Jin Fan You Xia…
Upon hearing this, the gambling house owner gasped. He stammered… “Jin Fan… You… You… You… You Xia… Are you Gan… Gan… Gan… Gan… Gan…”
“Gan your uncle!” the man in opulent clothes exclaimed, slamming a trident onto the gambling table.
“—My name is Gan Ning!”
“—Today, I and my brothers are here to gamble and have some fun.”
“If you dare to play tricks, to cheat me, to treat me like a fool, then… I won’t be polite to you!”
“Brothers, let’s play! Let’s make some noise!”
…
…