Chapter 17: Eldest Young Master Liu Qi Is Fit for the Task

“Quick, row away from the shore!”

…

On Sun Quan’s flagship, a messenger shouted orders loudly.

The flagship pulled away from the shore and moved out into the water.

Sun Quan stood at the bow, watching his fleeing soldiers with an expression darkened to the extreme.

Especially when he saw the fierce general wielding a long blade, who had just sent Dong Xi flying with a single strike, his mood plunged to the depths.

Dong Xi was the bravest and most valiant warrior among Sun Quan’s troops in Eastern Wu.

Yet when this man charged into battle, Dong Xi was no match for him at all.

Sun Quan was horrified and speechless. He stepped back into the cabin, knelt down, and sank into gloomy contemplation.

Had he truly won the campaign against Jiangxia?

His forces were battered and his advantage squandered, chased from land to water.

Had he lost?

He had broken through Xiakou, slain Huang Zu, and avenged the generations-old grudge of his family.

Sun Quan knew his foundation was unstable. The scholars and heroes of the southern lands often looked down on him. He had spent immense effort to unite their hearts on the surface. Now was the time to display his martial prowess and solidify their loyalty step by step.

Yet this battle had ended in a stalemate…

“I have not lost. If the enemy had not launched a surprise attack, if Lü Meng and others had not put personal matters above duty, if Zhou Yu and others had not withdrawn early, the outcome would have been clear…”

Sun Quan was mature beyond his years; he knew anger was useless. He forced himself to calm down and began thinking about how to turn the situation to his advantage.

After a moment, a guard hurried over and respectfully reported, “Your Majesty, General Lü Meng’s and General Ling Tong’s units have boarded the ship, but General Dong Xi has been captured by the enemy!”

Sun Quan’s eyes darkened with fierce hatred. He growled, “Do you know who the captor is?”

“General Lü Meng suspects it might be Guan Yu, the famed warrior under Liu Yuzhou,” the guard replied.

Sun Quan exploded with rage, “That big-eared thief is not resisting Cao Cao at Xinye—why would he come to Xiakou to oppose me?”

The guard stood silently, afraid to speak further.

Sun Quan grew ever more furious. Liu Biao had sent no reinforcements. Why had Liu Bei come?

After a long pause, Sun Quan slammed the table and coldly ordered, “Return to Chaisang!”

…

Inside Xiakou city.

Countless corpses littered the streets, the scene a living hell.

Gritting his teeth, Guan Yu said fiercely, “How is Sun Zhongmou any different from the Cao bandits? Avenging his father is one thing, but why slaughter the city?”

Pang Tong was equally enraged; after all, this was his homeland. Yet as a man of wisdom and tolerance, he knew life was cheap in times of chaos. He spoke solemnly, “General Guan, do not be angry. If Cao Cao moves south, the Sun clan of Jiangdong will still be our aid in Jingzhou.”

Pang Tong feared Guan Yu’s wrath might lead to the slaughter of captured Jiangdong soldiers.

Though Guan Yu deeply resented the actions of the Jiangdong troops, he had no intention of massacre; otherwise, how was he different from Sun Quan or Cao Cao? He nodded, “I understand.” Then he turned tactfully, “Shiyuan, maintain order inside the city. I will identify the Jiangdong soldiers—those who have not harmed civilians may join our army. The others shall be detained until Sun Quan comes to ransom them.” He did not want followers who indiscriminately killed innocents.

Pang Tong responded, “Understood.”

As they spoke, Gan Ning arrived in high spirits.

“General Guan, Shiyuan, I have something to discuss with you!”

Behind him followed many others.

“This is Su Fei,” Gan Ning whispered. “We were close under Huang Zu’s command. Now that Huang Zu has fallen, Su Fei has no lord to follow. I wish to recruit some Jingzhou soldiers to serve in our army.”

By the time they arrived, Liu Bei had already informed them that although they had retaken Xiakou, Jiangxia still belonged to Liu Biao.

Once Liu Biao’s reinforcements came, they would depart.

Guan Yu glanced at Su Fei.

Su Fei still wore a look of fear. After Sun Quan captured Huang Zu’s officers, his intention was to leave none alive. If Sun Quan had not ordered the city’s massacre and the troops had not been busy looting, and if Guan Yu and others had not arrived in time, they might all have met a grim fate.

“General Guan, I have long admired Liu Yuzhou and earnestly wish to serve under him!” Su Fei quickly pledged loyalty.

Guan Yu pondered a moment and said, “Very well. Then accompany me back to Fancheng to meet our lord!”

…

Xiangyang.

Liu Bei had arrived in Fancheng, making official business in Xiangyang much easier. After waiting several days, he went to Xiangyang.

At that moment, Liu Biao was furiously scolding Cai Mao, Kuai Yue, and others.

“That brat Sun Quan has repeatedly invaded Jiangxia. Why did you not prepare sooner?” Liu Biao’s anger was uncontrollable. Sun Quan had attacked Jiangxia so many times he had lost count.

The others looked grim.

Kuai Yue spoke up, “Governor, we have already dispatched reinforcements. Soon, we will retake Xiakou.”

Liu Biao cast Kuai Yue a cold glance, about to reply, when a messenger announced Liu Bei’s arrival. Liu Biao clenched his anger and received Liu Bei.

“Brother, do not be angry. I have already sent General Guan Yu with five thousand troops to aid Jiangxia,” Liu Bei said as he entered, greeting politely before dropping the news.

Everyone was shocked.

“Sent troops early?” Cai Mao immediately shouted, “How did you know Jiangdong would invade Jiangxia?”

Liu Bei replied, “It was a rumor among merchants. I was uncertain of its truth, so I dared not alert you in advance. Only when news of Sun Quan’s attack arrived did I confirm its veracity.”

Kuai Yue’s face darkened. He said coldly, “Liu Yuzhou—no, Liu Jiaozhou, you have too much leisure. Not only do you resist Cao Cao in the north, but you meddle in our Jingzhou affairs with Jiangdong. You stretch your hands far indeed!”

“If others did not know, they might think Jingzhou belonged to you, Liu Bei!”

The atmosphere in the hall grew icy.

All eyes turned to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei did not explain but looked toward Liu Biao.

Liu Biao’s expression also soured. Liu Bei had sent troops to Jiangxia without informing him—was this rebellion?

As tensions mounted, another messenger arrived.

“Governor, Jiangxia is safe. Guan Yu and his troops arrived just as Sun Quan’s forces engaged them. Sun Quan was driven into the water, and Jiangxia was recaptured. General Guan asks me to inform Jingzhou to send troops to occupy Xiakou. They intend to return to Fancheng!”

After the messenger’s report, the hall fell silent.

Everyone looked at Liu Bei in disbelief.

Liu Bei was so obedient?

Having taken Xiakou, he did not hold it but awaited Liu Biao’s forces to take over.

Cai Mao was especially incredulous.

Kuai Yue understood, though—Liu Bei had no right to occupy Jiangxia and was simply doing a favor with the current of events.

Liu Biao no longer doubted Liu Bei’s intentions. He laughed heartily, “Xuande, truly sincere and honest!” Then he asked the messenger, “What of Huang Zu?”

The messenger lowered his voice, “General Huang Zu was captured by Sun Quan and executed on the spot.”

Liu Biao’s face showed a flicker of emotion. “Ah, I caused his death. Had he obeyed our orders and not killed Sun Jian, Sun Quan might not have wanted to kill Huang Zu!” His gaze then swept over the assembly. “Who do you all think should succeed as Administrator of Jiangxia?”

Liu Bei immediately spoke, “The eldest son, Liu Qi, is fit for the post!”