Chapter 95: The Imperial Jade Seal Offered to the Emperor

“Blasphemy!”

As soon as Liu Bei finished speaking, Hu Che’er, standing nearby, glared fiercely and drew his sword from its sheath, his face radiating menace.

“I see your life ends here today!”

Unfazed by Hu Che’er’s drawn blade, Liu Bei rebuked him sternly with a piercing gaze. “Impudence! I am conversing with your general; how dare you, a mere deputy officer, interrupt?!”

“You’re courting death!” Enraged, Hu Che’er raised his sword, ready to strike.

“Hold it!” Zhang Xiu swiftly intervened.

Despite his boiling fury, Hu Che’er had no choice but to obey Zhang Xiu’s command. He sheathed his sword and stepped back.

Zhang Xiu looked coldly at Liu Bei and said, “Xuande, are you not afraid of this general taking your life?”

Liu Bei remained composed, showing no trace of fear in his eyes. Calmly, he replied, “I’ve already stated that my purpose here is for your future and well-being, General. If you do not care, then feel free to kill me.”

In negotiations, maintaining one’s composure is paramount.

Liu Bei’s indifference to life and death made it impossible for others to gauge his true intentions.

Zhang Xiu clapped his hands, and two soldiers promptly entered, each escorting a captive bound tightly with ropes.

“Do you know who they are, Xuande?” Zhang Xiu asked, his gaze filled with amusement as he pointed at the trembling captives. “One is Cao Cao’s envoy, and the other represents Sun Ce. Like you, they came here for negotiations.”

“If Xuande continues to withhold information, you’ll share their fate and become prisoners of war.”

“Ummmphh!” With their mouths gagged and securely tied up, the envoys could only lie on the ground, emitting muffled cries.

Most individuals faced with such circumstances would be either paralyzed by fear or overwhelmed with anxiety. However, Liu Bei had arrived with the resolve to face death head-on; how could he feel any fear? Instead, he burst out laughing, “In that case, General, I believe you now understand my purpose here.”

Zhang Xiu chuckled, “It’s merely another attempt to persuade me to surrender.”

“What is your plan, General?” Liu Bei stared intently at Zhang Xiu. “Surely you understand that Shouchun can withstand our assault for a time, but not indefinitely. The city’s fall is only a matter of when, not if.”

“When Shouchun falls, it will be your last day on earth,” Zhang Xiu retorted. “It would be wiser to surrender to General of Valor sooner rather than later and spare your life.”

Zhang Xiu knew well that Liu Bei spoke the truth, yet surrendering posed too great a risk.

“Enough! Shouchun stands impregnable. This general eagerly awaits seeing how you intend to breach its walls!”

“You’ve traveled far, with insufficient supplies to sustain prolonged warfare against such a formidable force. In my estimation, within three months—or at most half a year—you’ll have no choice but to retreat.”

The simultaneous arrival of multiple armies exerted immense pressure on Shouchun. However, Zhang Xiu was acutely aware of their weakness—Cao Cao, Lu Bu, Sun Ce, along with Yan Liang and Wen Chou’s Jizhou forces, all faced significant logistical challenges.

Feeding tens of thousands of soldiers daily required staggering amounts of provisions. Even if they transported supplies from their territories, it would be impossible to amass enough to support sustained combat operations.

By holding steadfastly onto their fortifications and enduring until the various armies retreated, Zhang Xiu could then use Shouchun as his base to gradually amass forces and reclaim Yuan Shu’s lost territories.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei shook his head with a smile and softly replied, “If you truly intend to die for Yuan Shu, further discussion is futile; go ahead and behead me. However, given that you’ve engaged in conversation with me for so long, it suggests your loyalty to Yuan Shu may not be unwavering, nor do you seem entirely confident in defending Shouchun.”

“Perhaps ever since envoys from Sun Ce and Cao Cao arrived, General, you have been waiting for my presence?”

Zhang Xiu paused momentarily while sipping tea, his expression stiffening. “What do you mean?”

Liu Bei calmly explained, “You harbor deep animosity towards Cao Cao, fearing his retribution, which led you to abandon Wancheng and seek refuge with the usurper Yuan Shu. Upon reaching Yangzhou, however, you did not anticipate how swiftly Yuan Shu would falter.”

“Now, with no other options, you desperately need a place to settle and can only take things one step at a time. Consequently, you find yourself trapped in the perilous situation within Shouchun.”

As Zhang Xiu listened to Liu Bei’s words, although his face remained impassive, there was a noticeable change in his eyes, and his grip on the teacup tightened slightly.

“Knowing Yuan Shu’s defeat was inevitable, unwavering loyalty to him would lead only to your demise.”

“However, you hold grudges against both Cao Cao and Sun Ce. It’s not that you ignored their offers of surrender; rather, you dared not trust them.”

“Only General of Valor Lu Bu has no grievances with you, ensuring there’d be no reprisals later.”

“That is why I said, General, you’ve been waiting for my arrival all along.”

With a sudden crack, Zhang Xiu’s teacup shattered in his hand, spilling tea onto his fingers and clothes.

Having been completely seen through by Liu Bei, any further scheming seemed futile. It was now time to negotiate straightforwardly.

Zhang Xiu looked directly at Liu Bei and stated, “I am willing to surrender, but under certain conditions.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei’s spirits soared, his tense nerves finally relaxed, and a hint of joy flashed across his eyes involuntarily.

Earlier, he had utilized the Mi family’s network to gather intelligence on Zhang Xiu, concluding that Zhang Xiu wouldn’t remain loyal to Yuan Shu and instead sought survival above all else. As it turned out, his assessment was accurate!

Suppressing his excitement, Liu Bei managed a warm smile,

“What conditions does General Zhang have? Please feel free to state them.”

“Xuande, please wait a moment.” Zhang Xiu rose and drew the long sword from Hu Che’er’s waist, then approached the envoys sent by Cao Cao and Sun Ce.

With two dull thuds, both envoys collapsed in pools of blood.

Liu Bei, observing this, secretly nodded with satisfaction. If these messengers had not been killed, it would have left him uneasy.

“Do you know where your advisor Jia Xu is currently located, General?”

After dispatching the envoys, Zhang Xiu’s demeanor shifted significantly. With a hearty laugh, he said, “Xuande, speak your mind freely.”

“Liu Bei replied, “Jia Xu is now in Yecheng, having been appointed as Supervisor of Court Ceremonies by His Majesty the Emperor.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu’s eyebrows twitched, his eyes sparkling with delight.

Lu Bu, acting on the Emperor’s decree, was waging war against Yuan Shu. By joining Lu Bu, Zhang Xiu would effectively be aligning himself with the Emperor.

If Jia Xu has been granted the title of Supervisor of Court Ceremonies, then wouldn’t Zhang Xiu…

Zhang Xiu stepped forward, clasping Liu Bei’s hands tightly despite their bloody state. “Xuande, come, let us discuss thoroughly how to seize Shouchun without spilling blood.”

Late at night, just before midnight, Yuan Shu was deep asleep in his palace chambers when suddenly, a pair of large hands yanked him off the bed and tossed him onto the floor.

The abrupt shock jolted Yuan Shu awake. Clutching his arm, he roared furiously, “Who dares to be so audacious!”

However, as he lifted his head, he saw that several armored soldiers had entered his chambers unnoticed. Each one, clad in armor with swords drawn, glared menacingly at him.

A chill raced from the soles of his feet straight up to his skull, and he stammered fearfully, “Who are you? How dare you invade the Emperor’s private quarters?”

Hu Che’er, leading the group, sneered and waved his hand. “Bind this fellow and bring him before the general!”

Two armored soldiers stepped forward, swiftly restrained Yuan Shu, and dragged him outside.

“Help! Guards, come quickly!” Yuan Shu screamed frantically, his voice strained. “Protect the Emperor! Protect me!”

Yet, there was no response whatsoever.

Before long, they hauled him into a grand hall.

“General, we have brought the false emperor!”

“Good, you may now withdraw.”

Recognizing the familiar voice sent shivers down Yuan Shu’s spine. He abruptly raised his head, only to be met with a look of utter horror on seeing who it was.

Seated on the throne was the man who had become his recurring nightmare.

“Lu Bu!” Yuan Shu’s heart pounded with terror, questioning if he were dreaming.

How could Lu Bu appear within his imperial palace?!

He glanced around, realizing it wasn’t just Lu Bu; Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were all present!

High above on the throne, Lu Bu looked down disdainfully at the bound Yuan Shu, sneering, “Traitor! Did you ever imagine falling into this general’s hands?”

Yuan Shu’s face paled as disbelief washed over him. “Our Shouchun is impregnable! How can you be here?! This-this is impossible!”

“The Great General! We still have our Great General!”

“Where is the Great General? Where is Our Great General?!”

Yuan Shu struggled relentlessly, calling for help, hoping Zhang Xiu would come to his rescue.

“Silence, traitor!” A voice shattered Yuan Shu’s last shred of hope.

Turning towards the sound, he saw Zhang Xiu leading a contingent of armored soldiers into the Great Hall, carrying a box in hand, his expression filled with fury as he glared at Yuan Shu.

After shooting a menacing stare at Yuan Shu, Zhang Xiu approached Lu Bu, holding out the box. “General, the stolen Imperial Jade Seal by the traitor Yuan Shu lies within.”

“Excellent!” Overjoyed, Lu Bu took the Imperial Jade Seal, glanced at it briefly, then handed it to Liu Bei. “Xuande, keep this jade seal safe; it is a grand gift from this general to His Majesty. Ensure its protection.”

“Do not worry, General.” Liu Bei accepted the box with some excitement.

The return of such a sacred artifact to the Emperor’s hands might herald a new dawn for the Great Han.

Yuan Shu was utterly stunned. He stared blankly at Zhang Xiu and trembled as he asked, “Great General, why have you done this?”

“Why?” Zhang Xiu snorted coldly. “Yuan Shu! Your usurpation and declaration of empire has incited fury among gods and men alike, rendering you intolerable to all under heaven!”

“My feigned obedience earlier was solely to obtain the Imperial Jade Seal for presentation to His Majesty! With General of Valor’s forces now upon us, how could I continue aiding your tyranny? It is my duty to open the city gates in welcome!”

Upon hearing these words, Yuan Shu realized that Zhang Xiu had already surrendered and offered the city. This revelation filled him with both despair and rage.

“Pang Xiu! You treacherous villain! We have treated you generously, appointing you as Great General. How dare you betray us!”

Yuan Shu’s fury had clouded his judgment; he ignored Zhang Xiu’s drawn sword and continued to hurl insults relentlessly, abandoning all decorum expected of someone from a lineage of three generations of high-ranking officials.

The vulgar language made Zhang Xiu consider beheading Yuan Shu on the spot.

“General Zhang, pay no heed to this stray dog,” Lu Bu hastily intervened. He intended to present both Yuan Shu and the Imperial Jade Seal to the Emperor. If Zhang Xiu were to kill him now, it would be a significant loss.

“Hmph!” Zhang Xiu scoffed at Yuan Shu, sheathed his blade, and stepped aside.

Lu Bu then addressed Zhang Xiu, “By turning away from darkness and embracing the light, surrendering and handing over the city, you have made a truly wise decision. This general will surely report your merits to the Emperor.”

“Many thanks, General!” Zhang Xiu expressed gratitude, secretly rejoicing within himself. His achievement far surpassed Jia Xu’s solitary journey to Yecheng. If Jia Xu could attain the title of Supervisor of Court Ceremonies, securing the position of Commander-in-Chief should not be an issue for Zhang Xiu, right?

Turning to Liu Bei, Lu Bu said, “Xuande, capturing Shouchun owes much to your efforts. Once we fully secure control, join me in escorting the traitor Yuan Shu to Yecheng to meet the Emperor.”

Liu Bei undoubtedly deserved primary credit for persuading Zhang Xiu to surrender, enabling them to seize Shouchun without spilling blood.

“Many thanks, General,” Liu Bei graciously accepted.

“Excellent!” Lu Bu’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he waved his hand grandly and declared, “Issue the orders! Our forces shall enter and take control of Shouchun!”

With Zhang Xiu’s surrender, Lu Bu’s forces marched into the city.

Yuan Shu’s ambitions were now utterly shattered.

Cao Cao, who had been closely monitoring Lu Bu’s movements, was so shocked upon receiving the news that he rushed to the deck of his warship without even bothering to dress, staring towards Shouchun.

As wave after wave of troops entered the wide-open gates of Shouchun, his expression darkened to its utmost gloom.

“That whelp Zhang Xiu, constantly thwarting my plans!” Cao Cao cursed through gritted teeth, seething with anger at Zhang Xiu.

Just days earlier, he had sent envoys urging Zhang Xiu to surrender, promising to erase all past grievances if he complied and even offering to recommend him for noble titles and military appointments from the Emperor. However, the envoys never returned.

He initially assumed Zhang Xiu was incredibly foolish, choosing to face certain death alongside Yuan Shu.

Yet unexpectedly, Zhang Xiu silently defected to Lu Bu instead.

After glaring bitterly at Shouchun, Cao Cao reluctantly ordered, “Issue commands to the three armies: retreat!”

With Shouchun under Lu Bu’s control, there was no reason for Cao Cao to remain. He must swiftly withdraw and focus on seizing other territories within Yangzhou.

At the same time, Sun Ce also received word about Zhang Xiu’s surrender and the city’s handover.

“Ah, what a pity,” Sun Ce lamented, visibly distressed.

Having already secured six commanderies in Jiangdong, capturing Shouchun would have solidified his path to dominance.

“Summon the Chief Commander immediately for consultation!”