Chapter 94: Upholding the Han Dynasty - Who Else but Me? Seize Yangzhou to Serve the Emperor!

“Cao Cao and Sun Ce have also led their armies to attack!”

Yuan Shu’s voice trembled uncontrollably, feeling a chill run through his entire body.

Dealing with Lu Bu alone was already overwhelming, forcing him to retreat and hunker down within Shouchun. Now, with the addition of Cao Cao and Sun Ce, he saw only darkness ahead, barely able to stand firm.

“Cao Cao’s assault is one thing, but that vile Sun Ce seeks to exploit our vulnerability too. What can we do? Oh, what can we do?!”

Yuan Shu, utterly distraught, collapsed onto his bed, completely shaken.

Zhang Xiu’s expression grew grave as well. He had not anticipated this turn of events. Initially, he thought their enemies would be limited to Lu Bu, Yan Liang, and Wen Chou. However, now both Cao Cao and Sun Ce had joined the fray.

It was clear these factions aimed to carve up Yuan Shu’s territory. Moreover, they all had justifiable reasons for their campaigns; attacking Yuan Shu, who dared to usurp imperial power, would not invite criticism but rather enhance their own reputations.

Could Shouchun truly withstand the onslaught from such formidable forces?

Zhang Xiu began to regret his decision. Had he known this would happen, he might have disbanded his troops and returned home to Liang Province instead of aligning with Yuan Shu, which now put his life at risk.

Suppressing his deep-seated concerns, Zhang Xiu composed himself and reassured Yuan Shu, “Your Majesty, it is not yet time to despair.”

“Although enemy forces surround our city, each harbors ulterior motives and remains wary of the others. No one will risk launching the first assault, fearing attrition from our defenses.”

“As long as they maintain their suspicions, Shouchun shall remain safe.”

Like how proximity can influence character, Zhang Xiu’s extended association with Jia Xu had rubbed off on him. Over time, he absorbed some skills in gauging situations through observation.

“Great General!”

Hearing this, hope rekindled within Yuan Shu. He grasped Zhang Xiu’s hand firmly and spoke with utmost sincerity, “You are now Our last reliance. You must defend Shouchun at all costs!”

“Once the enemy retreats, We shall bestow upon you the title of Noble King, sharing wealth and power together!”

With little tangible reward left to offer Zhang Xiu, he could only make such empty promises.

Zhang Xiu’s expression turned solemn, and he deeply cupped his hands, pledging, “Fear not, Your Majesty. I shall exert every effort to protect the city!”

He had no avenue for retreat; if Shouchun fell, his fate would be dire as well. The only choice was to staunchly defend the stronghold!

Ten miles outside Shouchun.

Lu Bu’s formidable army had advanced to encamp near the city, facing off against it from afar.

Despite the nightfall, the camp was brightly illuminated with torches, as squads of soldiers patrolled diligently, maintaining strict vigilance.

Inside the central command tent, Lu Bu sat frowning deeply on his commander’s throne. A lavish feast lay spread out before him, but he found no appetite for it.

Although his forces had reached the outskirts of Shouchun, he had no idea how to attack the city effectively.

Apart from Yan Liang and Wen Chou, both Cao Cao’s and Sun Ce’s armies were nearby. If Lu Bu recklessly launched an assault, it would likely benefit one of them instead.

Yet if he chose not to engage, simply dragging this stalemate out, his supplies would soon run out.

“Attacking is risky; waiting is also perilous!”

“How can we conquer Shouchun?!” Frustrated beyond measure, Lu Bu slammed his hand forcefully onto the table.

The terrifying strength behind his strike instantly shattered the table, sending food and drink scattering across the floor.

This scene happened just as Liu Bei entered the tent.

Taken aback, Liu Bei asked, “General, what troubles you so? Is it the food?”

Recognizing Liu Bei, Lu Bu did not hold back his frustration. With a grim expression, he said, “Xuande, glad to see you. I’ve been deeply vexed about how to attack Shouchun…”

Liu Bei smiled. “Coincidentally, I have a plan that might allow us to capture Shouchun without spilling blood. That’s precisely why I came to discuss with you, General.”

“Really?!” Overjoyed, Lu Bu quickly rose and pulled Liu Bei to sit beside him, eagerly asking, “What is your strategy? Tell me swiftly!”

The current situation had nearly overwhelmed him with worry; capturing Shouchun without bloodshed seemed too good to dare imagine.

Facing Lu Bu’s eager gaze, Liu Bei didn’t prolong the suspense and straightforwardly replied, “The general guarding Shouchun is none other than Zhang Xiu from Wancheng. If we can persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender, wouldn’t we take Shouchun effortlessly?”

Lu Bu expected some brilliant stratagem from Liu Bei, only to hear about persuading a surrender. Disappointment washed over him as he exclaimed, “How could such a plan possibly work?”

“General, please remain calm and allow me to explain,” Liu Bei said unhurriedly. “Shouchun is Yuan Shu’s stronghold, fortified over many years. It has ample supplies and a well-stocked garrison. If they choose not to engage, we would be forced into a prolonged siege.”

“If we launch a direct assault, aside from whether we can swiftly capture Shouchun, even if successful, our forces will suffer heavy casualties. Post-battle, we’d be unable to contend with Sun Ce, Cao Cao, and others, risking all our hard-won achievements for their benefit.”

“But if we maintain the siege without taking action, our own provisions may run out first.”

“The best strategy now is to persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender. This way, we can seize Shouchun at minimal cost and preserve strength to face those coveting our territory.”

While Liu Bei’s analysis was accurate, both attacking directly or maintaining the siege were inferior options.

However, expecting Zhang Xiu to surrender simply on these words seemed overly simplistic.

Lu Bu shook his head, “Xuande, you’re thinking too lightly. Would Zhang Xiu so easily switch sides? Had he intended to betray Yuan Shu, he wouldn’t have rescued him earlier.”

Although Shouchun appeared to be under threat, its defenses were formidable. With Zhang Xiu guarding it, the city could withstand at least a year-long siege, far from imminent collapse.

Putting himself in Zhang Xiu’s shoes, Lu Bu knew he would never surrender and hand over his city.

“General, you seem to have forgotten,” Liu Bei interjected. “Zhang Xiu killed Cao Cao’s eldest son, Cao Ang; nephew, Cao Anmin; and trusted general, Dian Wei. The hatred runs deep.”

“He fled to Yangzhou seeking refuge with Yuan Shu precisely to escape from Cao Cao.”

“While Shouchun may be formidable now, it will inevitably fall one day. When Cao Cao’s father died in Xuzhou, he retaliated by massacring its inhabitants. How could he possibly spare Zhang Xiu?”

“Even if Sun Ce captures Zhang Xiu, why would he risk enmity with Cao Cao for a defeated commander? Most likely, he’d hand him over.”

“If we show goodwill towards Zhang Xiu, there’s a chance we can persuade him to surrender.”

Zhang Xiu faced only two options: either hold steadfastly onto Shouchun, knowing that its fall would mean his demise, or surrender to Lu Bu, preserving his life and family.

Both Lu Bu and the Jizhou Army served the Emperor residing in Yecheng, viewing Cao Cao as a traitor. To Cao Cao, Zhang Xiu’s actions at Wancheng were unforgivable crimes, marking them as mortal enemies. However, to the Emperor in Yecheng, Zhang Xiu was seen as a distinguished hero who had achieved great merit.

Knowing that Zhang Xiu had no prior connection with Yuan Shu and sought refuge only to preserve his life, Liu Bei believed there was a significant chance he could persuade him to surrender.

“If indeed as Xuande suggests, Zhang Xiu might not refuse to yield,” Lu Bu agreed, finding Liu Bei’s reasoning compelling. He put himself in Zhang Xiu’s shoes once more and concluded that under such circumstances, he too would undoubtedly surrender.

Liu Bei added, “Furthermore, I have maintained relations with the Mi family from East China Sea. According to their information, Jia Xu, Zhang Xiu’s advisor, has already visited Yecheng to pay respects to His Majesty and has been appointed as Supervisor of Court Ceremonies. With Jia Xu setting this precedent, Zhang Xiu will surely be swayed.”

“That is excellent news!” Lu Bu exclaimed, pleasantly surprised. If even one of Zhang Xiu’s advisors received the title of Supervisor of Court Ceremonies upon visiting Yecheng, what prestigious position would Zhang Xiu himself be offered if he went?

“But…who should we send to persuade Zhang Xiu?”

Persuading someone to surrender isn’t like inviting them for dinner; it wouldn’t suffice simply to write a letter expecting immediate acceptance. They needed someone skilled in persuasion to travel to Shouchun and engage Zhang Xiu directly.

“General.” Liu Bei abruptly stood up, looking solemnly at Lu Bu. “I am willing to enter the city and convince Zhang Xiu to surrender!”

Lu Bu was taken aback, initially shocked by Liu Bei suggesting they persuade Zhang Xiu, but now even more astonished by his willingness to undertake the task personally.

“Xuande, what did you just say?” Lu Bu, uncertain if he had heard correctly, repeated his question with a hint of disbelief in his voice: “Are you volunteering to enter the city and persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender?”

Liu Bei nodded solemnly, “Yes, I will go alone to negotiate with Zhang Xiu.”

Lu Bu immediately rejected Liu Bei’s proposal, “Absolutely not, it’s far too perilous. If Zhang Xiu refuses to surrender, you’ll be at grave risk; he might even kill you to boost his troops’ morale.”

Throughout history, numerous examples exist of envoys being executed, especially those bearing messages of surrender.

Just recently, Lu Bu himself had killed an envoy sent by Yuan Shu for arranging a marriage alliance, displaying the severed head atop Downstream City gate as proof of his loyalty to the Great Han.

Smiling calmly, Liu Bei replied, “I am fully aware of the dangers involved. Yet, even if faced with a sheer cliff ahead, I must forge onward regardless.”

Lu Bu found this utterly incomprehensible. Even if Liu Bei successfully persuaded Zhang Xiu to surrender, the primary beneficiary would not be him. With limited forces under his command, there was little territory he could realistically control.

“Why put yourself in such danger? What compels you to take this risk?” Lu Bu asked, perplexed.

Liu Bei sighed deeply, his expression gravely serious. “Since the onset of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, chaos has engulfed the land, with warlords carving out their territories. Dong Zhuo’s tyranny further weakened the Han Dynasty, leaving the Emperor vulnerable amidst dwindling loyal subjects.”

“Sun Ce of Jiangdong, ambitious and ruthless, once concealed the Eternal Jade Seal of the Realm with his father.”

“Yuan Shao of Jizhou, fourth generation descendant of three generations of ministers, who enjoyed imperial favor but now holds the Emperor hostage to command the nobles—a traitor to the nation.”

“Cao Cao of Yanzhou, no different from Yuan Shao—another traitor to the nation.”

“Liu Biao of Jingzhou, a kinsman of the Han Dynasty, should rightfully uphold the state and punish those who defy it. Yet during this campaign against the false emperor, he has not dispatched a single soldier.”

“The noble lords across the land behave much as these examples illustrate.”

“But you, General, understand righteousness, leaving me deeply impressed.

“You not only returned Xiaopei to me and rescued me from peril, but also responded promptly to His Majesty’s call, leading your forces personally to punish Yuan Shu and restore the Emperor’s authority. You are truly a loyal subject of Great Han!

“Now, His Majesty is held captive by Yuan Shao, confined within Yecheng, where Imperial Edicts cannot reach beyond the palace walls. Though lacking your courage, general, I am willing to risk my life, using whatever strength remains, to assist you in capturing Shouchun for the sake of our sovereign.”

“If successful, you can annex Yangzhou, establishing a foundation from which to gradually grow stronger, ultimately rescuing His Majesty from the clutches of the traitorous Yuan Shao.”

“If unsuccessful, swiftly withdraw your troops and consolidate control over the captured cities. Do not let them fall into the hands of Caesars, Yuan villains, or Sun rogues.

“And if fate decrees that I perish…” Liu Bei paused, reached into his robes, retrieved a letter, and placed it in Lu Bu’s hand.

“If I should meet my unfortunate demise, please entrust this letter to my second and third brothers. They will surely assist you.”

“My only wish is that you can hold up the crumbling edifice and stem the tide of chaos.”

With these words, Liu Bei bowed deeply before Lu Bu.

Stunned, Lu Bu remained rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend what he had just heard from Liu Bei’s impassioned plea.

He glanced at the letter in his hand, then looked at Liu Bei, who stood resolute with a willingness to die for their cause. A lump formed in his throat as his eyes reddened, filled with tears.

“Xuande…”

At that moment, deep shame engulfed Lu Bu’s heart.

His primary motivation for attacking Yuan Shu was to amass military achievements, hoping they would lead to greater power and position—a selfish ambition.

In contrast, Liu Bei willingly faced death to help Lu Bu seize Yangzhou, intending to strengthen their forces against Yuan Shao and ultimately rescue the Emperor.

Such noble virtue left Lu Bu profoundly admiring.

Having entrusted his aspiration to save the Emperor and restore the Great Han to Lu Bu, Liu Bei strode confidently out of the camp.

As Lu Bu watched Liu Bei gradually vanish into the night, he felt deeply moved. If Liu Bei could demonstrate such commitment, why couldn’t he? Clenching the letter tightly, his fierce gaze intensified, and he roared:

“A man born under heaven must not live idly!”

“In today’s world, warlords vie for power, while traitors usurp authority.”

“To uphold the Han Dynasty, who else but me?”

After leaving Lu Bu’s tent, Liu Bei found a horse and rode alone out of the encampment, heading straight for Shouchun.

He chose to depart at night so that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei wouldn’t find out. Knowing their temperaments, even if they didn’t try to stop him, they would insist on accompanying him.

Liu Bei glanced back at the camp with a faint smile, his expression resolute.

As a descendant of the Han imperial family, he owed allegiance to the Emperor, regardless of whether he possessed Lu Bu’s bravery or not!

Even if I lack his prowess, I must serve the throne in my own way!

“Whoa!” Outside Shouchun City, Liu Bei reined in his horse.

His arrival immediately raised the alertness of the soldiers on the city walls.

“Identify yourself below!” shouted a guard commander. Archers behind him nocked their arrows, ready to fire at any moment.

Unfazed, Liu Bei looked up at the defenders and declared loudly, “I am Liu Bei, sent by General Lu Bu to negotiate peace. Open the gates promptly!”

“A messenger?” The commander was taken aback, not expecting negotiations amidst such fierce conflict. Following the principle of sparing messengers during warfare, he did not hinder Liu Bei. Out of caution, however, he didn’t open the gate but lowered a basket instead, hoisting Liu Bei onto the city wall.

In Shouchun, at Zhang Xiu’s official residence:

“Lu Bu sent someone to negotiate? Who is their envoy, and where are they now?” Upon hearing about the arrival of an emissary, Zhang Xiu set aside his administrative duties.

“Sir, he claims to be Liu Bei and is currently outside the residence.”

“Liu Bei?” At the mention of this name, Zhang Xiu’s expression shifted. “Quickly escort him to the main hall; do not show any disrespect!”

Zhang Xiu was well aware of Liu Bei’s reputation. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Bei had achieved notable accomplishments. Later, while serving under Yuan Shao during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, he famously battled Lu Bu alongside his sworn brothers on the battlefield, earning fame throughout the land.

Once, Liu Bei controlled Xuzhou but later lost it to Lu Bu himself. Zhang Xiu couldn’t comprehend why Liu Bei, who should harbor deep resentment towards Lu Bu, would now serve as his envoy.

Entering the main hall, Zhang Xiu spotted Liu Bei, already escorted inside.

Despite being surrounded by over a dozen armored soldiers wielding sharp weapons, Liu Bei remained unfazed, calmly sipping his tea.

“Remarkable composure.” Zhang Xiu couldn’t help but admire internally upon witnessing this scene. Such unflappable demeanor indeed marked Liu Bei as no ordinary individual.

As Zhang Xiu entered the hall, Liu Bei put down his teacup, rose, and slightly bowed with hands cupped, “Greetings, General Zhang.”

“No need for formalities.” Zhang Xiu nodded briefly, walked straight to the head seat, and got straight to the point, “What brings Xuande here alone?”

Liu Bei, hands tucked within his sleeves, replied calmly, “To discuss your future and safety, General.”