Jiangdong, Chibi…
The night was as dark as ink. In the Great Wei military tent, Zhou Yu was at the crescendo of playing the *Konghou Yin*.
The music suddenly became uncontrollable, playing faster and faster, more urgently. With a "zing," a string snapped. Zhou Yu irritably pushed the instrument away and let out a long sigh, "Alas."
Just then…
The sound of footsteps, "tap, tap," echoed.
Accompanying it was Lu Yu's voice. "This morning, when Gongjin sought a marriage proposal from the Sun clan of Jiangdong for surrender, he didn't seem this agitated. Now, he must have heard about Xiliang!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu looked up abruptly…
Indeed… it was the matters of Xiliang that were troubling him.
You see…
The reason Jiangdong was offering surrender through a marriage proposal was fundamentally due to the precedent set by Xiliang. And now… the news of Ma Teng of Xiliang being assassinated had reached Jiangdong, causing ripples in Zhou Yu's plan to "escape Jiangdong."
In fact… during the day, he and Zhang Zhao had already agreed with Lu Yu…
On the day of the grand wedding, they would offer the city in surrender!
But now…
With Ma Teng's life uncertain, and Ma Yunlu and Ma Tie missing, this undoubtedly cast a heavy shadow over Jiangdong's "grand wedding day, offer of surrender."
"I suppose Marquis Nanshou can also feel what it means for good news not to travel beyond the doorstep, while bad news travels a thousand miles?" Zhou Yu lamented.
"Yes!" Lu Yu had no intention of hiding it from Zhou Yu…
The changes in Xuchang City were too immense; it was no exaggeration to say that one move affected all, and one move concerned "Jiangdong."
Lu Yu did not believe that now was the best time for Jiangdong to offer surrender.
At least, the surrender that was initially heartfelt had become fraught with variables!
"Gongjin, let's be frank. If Jiangdong were to surrender now, then…"
Before Lu Yu could finish speaking…
Zhou Yu quickly waved his hand. "Now is not the best time. Guanzhong is unstable, and the hidden dangers in Xiliang are not removed. Jiangdong's surrender would be worse than no surrender…"
How fierce the factional struggles in Jiangdong were, how deeply intertwined the powerful clans were!
Clearly, Zhou Yu understood this better than Lu Yu.
The "hidden dangers" could not be left in Jiangdong.
This would be disadvantageous to Great Wei, and to Lu Yu!
Lu Yu nodded in agreement.
Then, his eyes narrowed, and he sighed, "It seems I must go back as well!"
Zhou Yu nodded. "Chibi and Ruxukou are in the hands of Great Wei. The overall situation in Jiangdong is set. It's just a matter of whether it can be stabilized and transition smoothly… Of course, Marquis Nanshou can also choose to subdue Jiangdong with his might, but then he would become Marquis Wu'an."
Speaking of which, Zhou Yu reiterated, "Xiliang secured, Guanzhong pacified, Jiangdong surrenders… Compared to Bai Qi, Marquis Wu'an, Jiangdong still hopes that Marquis Nanshou will become the 'inclusive' Lord of Xinling…"
Evidently…
The conversation between Zhou Yu and Lu Yu held deep meaning.
It seemed they both foresaw some impending actions by the Sun clan of Jiangdong.
Indeed…
Even though envoys had been dispatched, and an agreement to seek peace had been reached, the sudden turn of events in Xiliang would inevitably sow doubt in the hearts of the Sun clan of Jiangdong.
Instead of surrendering, it would be better to… observe first.
The situation had changed!
As expected…
While Zhou Yu and Lu Yu were conversing.
An urgent dispatch from the north reached Jiangdong…
Without saying it shook Jiangdong, it at least gave Lu Su renewed hope.
A bright moon illuminated the vast sky, and its silvery glow cast a layer of white frost across the main hall of the Sun manor…
"My Lady… the current situation has changed."
"Ma Teng of Xiliang has been assassinated, and his daughter and son have disappeared after the assassination. In Guanzhong, Han Sui and Ma Chao are leading the Xiliang army towards Xuchang, with the intent of abducting the Emperor. In such circumstances… our Jiangdong need not request surrender; observing from the sidelines and waiting is the best strategy. This is heaven helping Jiangdong!"
Lu Su analyzed the current situation with conviction.
The smile gradually curling on his lips revealed his relieved mood…
Even he, the "number one meritorious official in resisting Cao," had almost given up. But… the situation had flipped in an instant, and he saw hope again.
"Zi Jing, are these words true?" Lady Wu quickly inquired.
"Absolutely true," Lu Su's tone was firm. "Scouts from various sources have all sent back the same intelligence: the rear of Great Wei is in chaos. I heard that Cao Cao rushed north this morning upon receiving the news to return to Xuchang. If anything happens in Xuchang, Chibi and Ruxukou, the Cao army will surely abandon them… At that time, my Jiangdong will still have a chance!"
This…
Lady Wu hesitated.
This was not about "the realm," nor about "the people of Jiangdong, the common folk," but solely about Lady Wu not wanting to hand over the Sun family's foundation.
As long as there was a sliver of hope, she would… strive for it.
"Then… let's postpone it!"
Lady Wu said softly…
Lu Su felt as if he had received a great amnesty, "My Lady is wise!"
Shortly after, a swift horse galloped out from the Sun manor. He was to immediately rush to Chibi to inform Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao there…
The request for surrender… is postponed!
Observe the situation quietly!
…
…
In the land of Bashu, on Jianmeng Pass, which connected the eastern and western passes.
After a month of arduous travel, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, leading a detachment of troops, had arrived here.
Speaking of which, Zhuge Liang's diplomatic methods were by no means weak. He had dispatched Sun Qian to Bashu to explain… that Liu Bei, a collateral relative of Liu Zhang, the lord of Bashu, was at his wits' end.
He humbly requested to come to Bashu to serve Liu Zhang…
Precisely at this time… Liu Zhang and Zhang Lu were at odds with each other for "unspeakable" reasons.
One was the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, deeply entrenched in the land of Bashu, and the other was Liu Zhang, the son of Liu Yan, the biggest beneficiary of the "abolition of governorship and establishment of pastoralism," who had been cultivating the Shu region for many years.
Coincidentally… the situation was unfavorable for Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang was desperately in need of an external ally.
And at the same time, the scholars of Bashu also longed for a wise lord…
At least, Liu Bei's reputation was still good. As for the slander against Liu Bei in the newspapers, its impact in Bashu was minimal… This place was extremely closed off and isolated from the world… Let alone newspapers, even an army would not find it easy to invade.
Thus… Liu Bei arrived!
And upon his arrival, Liu Yan entrusted him with an important task.
"Kongming, Han Sui and Ma Chao of Xiliang are advancing westward… The rear of Great Wei is full of holes!"
Standing on a cliff, Liu Bei frowned, conversing with Zhuge Liang beside him.
Zhuge Liang lightly waved his fan.
"This might be an opportunity for us!"
"An opportunity?" Liu Bei retorted.
Zhuge Liang's eyes narrowed. "Now, whether it is Lu Ziyu or Cao Cao, they will be too preoccupied to pay attention to us. Now is the time to take the entire territory of Yizhou in one go!"
Zhuge Liang's tone became increasingly solemn. "The scholars of Yizhou have long suffered under Liu Zhang. Everyone harbors rebellious intentions, but they lack a wise lord. Recently, I arranged for Sun Qian to secretly contact them. Over a hundred civil and military officials are willing to surrender to you, Lord, and act as internal allies. This is our only chance, Lord, you must not hesitate any longer."
Upon hearing this…
Liu Bei was taken aback. He seemed to have gained several times his previous energy.
The entire territory of Yizhou, this sentence was too tempting, almost causing Liu Bei to lose himself…
However, after calming down, he said, "Now that Han Sui and Ma Chao of Xiliang are advancing westward, isn't this precisely the time for us to ally with them and advance westward together? Great Wei's main force is in Jiangdong. This battle can welcome the Emperor back! We can control the Sanfu and Sili regions. Whoever controls the Central Plains controls the world!"
"If we counterattack Yizhou, ultimately… Liu Zhang and I are collateral relatives. I truly cannot bear it!"
Hoo…
At this point, Liu Bei sighed.
Zhuge Liang's eyes narrowed slightly, and he shook his head. "Lord Liu, this is not a choice, but rather that we can only attack Yizhou and seize Yizhou at this moment."
Mentioning this, Zhuge Liang opened his eyes and gazed towards the northwest.
"Whether our army marches north to attack Jingzhou, or rushes to Xiliang to join forces with Han Sui and Ma Chao, the final outcome… even in the best case, is to welcome the Emperor back. What's the difference from Lord Liu being dependent on others in the past? The current trend is that only by finding a city or prefecture can we compete with Cao Cao and Lu Yu in the future… Otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain!"
"Furthermore, Xuchang City is guarded by Xun Yu, with tens of thousands of elite soldiers. Moreover, how can Cao Cao and Lu Yu ignore this? With the speed of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, it would take half a month to return to Xuchang City. In my opinion, Ma Chao and Han Sui of Xiliang cannot amount to anything."
"However, Lord, if you do not seize this heaven-sent opportunity to conquer Bashu, and wait until Lu Ziyu has the free time to turn his attention to Bashu, it will be too late… The general trend will be gone! Once he discerns our plan to seize Bashu, even if he is a thousand miles away, he will surely be able to stop us. I implore… I implore Lord to think thrice!"
Zhuge Liang spoke a stream of words.
Liu Bei pondered…
He lowered his head, thought for a long time, and then, as if deliberately thinking for a long time, he finally looked up.
"If… Kongming, I mean if, our army were to go to Yizhou? How should we proceed?"
"To capture the ringleader first, capture the king!" Zhuge Liang's tone was stern. "In the past month, my wife, Madam Huang, has secretly made ten flying spheres. These spheres can assist our top generals in secretly infiltrating Chengdu. Lord only needs to send Zilong, Yide, and Yongchang each leading a troop, and infiltrate from the air. As long as Liu Zhang and Zhang Ren are controlled, our internal allies in Chengdu will immediately open the city gates, and all the civil and military officials of Bashu will surrender to us!"
At this point, Zhuge Liang paused.
"How powerful are those flying spheres? Xuan De should know better than I do. This is the only chance to enter Bashu, and the only chance for Lord to turn the tide!"
Since emerging from Wolong Ridge, Zhuge Liang had been waiting for an opportunity…
An opportunity to prove himself. Previously… it wasn't that he wasn't outstanding enough, but that his opponent was Lu Ziyu, who was too strong. Therefore… now, facing an opponent like Liu Zhang, using Lu Ziyu's "air raid" tactics to seize Bashu has become possible!
On the other hand, Liu Bei frowned and fell into contemplation again.
"This…"
The atmosphere in the entire area instantly turned somber.
Ten breaths…
Twenty breaths…
Liu Bei was thinking, weighing, and carefully contemplating!
The place also fell into a silence where the falling of a needle could be heard. Zhuge Liang remained silent, seemingly waiting for Liu Bei to make a decision.
Finally…
Liu Bei slowly opened his eyes.
He clenched his fists, as if he had finally made a decision.
"Enough. My reputation, under the newspaper offensive of that Lu Ziyu, will sooner or later become worthless. Therefore, this time… I, Liu Bei, will be unrighteous, and a ruthless person will achieve his goals!"
— I've shown my hand…
— I'm not pretending anymore!
— I have ambitions for the land of Bashu, for this Tianfu, bite me if you can!
Liu Bei had completely let go.
The name of benevolence and righteousness, he had carried for a long time, and it had now become his constraint and burden. It was too difficult to be a good person in this world… Only by being a bad person could he stand invincible.
This was also what Liu Bei had learned after repeatedly failing and being tormented by Lu Yu over the years…
If you are not ruthless—you cannot stand firm!
"Kongming…" Liu Bei cupped his hands towards Zhuge Liang. "Everything is entrusted to Kongming!"
"Lord, rest assured…" Zhuge Liang took out a map from his embrace. "This is a topographical map of Bashu secretly presented to me by Fa Zheng and Yang Song. The mountains surrounding Chengdu are clearly visible. With this map, our army's flying spheres will be unstoppable!"
…
…
…On the main road from Bing Province to Guanzhong
Like a dark night, the sky was devoid of a bright moon, devoid of stars…
The earth was completely dark.
Wang Yue's sword lit up again. His eyes were fixed on a nearby farmhouse.
This time, the target… was Ma Tie and his companions resting in this farmhouse.
The cold wind was like a knife, each blow aging a person!
The sky was like a sword, each stroke taking a life!
In less than half an hour, the people and livestock in this farmhouse were all dead…
Even Ma Tie, after facing Wang Yue for one move, was defeated. In the second move, he perished under the Zhongxing sword.
"Master…"
Just then, a group of black-clad men behind Wang Yue clasped their hands and asked, "Should we bury these bodies?"
"No!" Wang Yue waved his hand. "Leave behind some fine steel weapons forged by Great Wei. Be discreet… create the illusion that it was Great Wei personnel who carried out the assassination!"
"Yes!" The group of black-clad men took their orders and went to carry them out.
As for Wang Yue, he took out a silk cloth from his embrace and gently wiped the sword in his hand, stained with scarlet blood. It seemed that the Zhongxing sword had become even more chilling.
Things were becoming more interesting.
Speaking of which, Wang Yue was ordered by the late Emperor. Holding the "Zhongxing Sword" and carrying the vision of "restoring the Han Dynasty" in his heart, he had many disciples scattered throughout the Central Plains.
Especially in Luoyang and Xuchang…
He had planted many disciples. Ultimately… he had not seen Ma Teng's corpse!
This was the only thing that worried him.
…
…
Xuchang City, the back mountain of Yangshan, in a cave.
Cold…
Bone-chilling cold permeated this place.
Delicate hands rubbed together, and with great effort, a bonfire was lit. Unexpectedly, the bonfire was blown out again by the cold wind while adding firewood.
"Have to start again…"
The woman gritted her red lips, picking up the damp flint again.
This woman was Xiahou Yuan…
Speaking of which, outsiders only knew that she had come to the manor in Yangshan to recuperate, but few knew exactly where. Of course, this was a little secret that only she and Cai Zhaoji knew!
Yangshan, Xiahou Yuan was too familiar with it, so… she had arranged for Zhaoji sister's location to be extremely secret…
Now, Sister Zhaoji's stomach was already six months pregnant… this was not subtle, it was quite obvious…
Therefore…
Except for one of Zhaoji sister's personal maids, it was she, Xiahou Yuan, who went to gather firewood and cook meals every day. This way, it was least likely to be discovered, and it also prevented any leaks.
Originally… a few days ago, Xiahou Yuan was gathering firewood as usual, but… suddenly, she found a person floating by the water in Yangshan.
The person was unconscious, covered in blood…
One arm was almost crippled. More importantly, when Xiahou Yuan brought him into a tree hollow and prepared to apply some herbs,
She heard many sounds nearby…
It was the sound of assassins. They were continuously searching Yangshan, as if looking for something…
Now… Xiahou Yuan dared not leave the cave either…
She was terrified…
Now, several days had passed. It seemed that assassins were still searching every day. The food was almost gone, and there was also… this middle-aged man. If… if he didn't get herbal treatment, he… he would be crippled.
…
…