My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

The sound of war drums gradually subsided, and the shouts of battle turned into sporadic echoes.

Shouchun City has fallen.

It took no more than three days, even faster than Sun Jian had anticipated.

Those allied soldiers, starving but driven to desperation by their last full meal and the order to "execute all," were like tigers descending a mountain, unstoppable.

Yuan Shu's defending troops were already demoralized, and they were no match for such a frenzied offensive.

When the city fell, Yuan Shu fled in panic through the north gate, escorted by a hundred or so personal guards.

His imperial robes were lost somewhere during his escape, and his dragon robes were stained with blood, leaving him in a sorry state.

Of the 150,000 troops, less than 20,000 have been lost.

He himself was also seriously wounded, with an arrow piercing his left arm and the shaft still hanging on it, dripping blood all the way to the wilderness of Huainan.

Behind them, the city of Shouchun was ablaze with flames.

The palace he had spent a fortune building was reduced to ashes in the raging fire.

In the city of Shouchun, in front of the ruins of Yuan Shu's palace.

Sun Jian, Liu Bei, and Cao Cao stood side by side, gazing at the ruins before them.

The smell of burning blood mingled with the heat of summer.

Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the collapsed pillars and shattered glazed tiles, a smile appearing on his lips: "After this battle, Brother Wentai's achievements will be remembered throughout history, and his name will resound throughout the world. Congratulations, Brother Wentai."

Sun Jian laughed heartily and patted Cao Cao on the shoulder: "Without Mengde's help, how could I have achieved such a great feat? Mengde, don't leave, stay!"

He turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Cao Cao, and said, word by word, "You, me, and Xuande, if we join forces, we will surely achieve great things and restore the Han Dynasty!"

Liu Bei stood to the side, stroking his beard and smiling, without saying a word, but his gaze was equally fervent.

Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat. Sun Jian was... laying his cards on the table.

After capturing Shouchun, Yuan Shu was defeated and killed. Before the rich prize of Huainan could even be divided, Sun Jian was already eager to tie him to his war chariot.

The so-called "jointly support the Han Dynasty" was nothing more than asking Cao Cao to join them in fighting against Ji Xuanyuan.

Cao Cao remained expressionless, only smiling as he said, "Brother Wentai, what are you saying? My base is in Yanzhou. This trip south was in response to the imperial edict to punish the rebels. Now that Yuan Shu has been defeated, it is time for me to return."

Sun Jian shook his head, pointed to the north, and said seriously, "Mengde, to the north of Yanzhou is Jizhou, to the west is the Sili Commandery, and to the east is Xuzhou. Zhao Yun of Jizhou, Xiang Yu of Chang'an, and Zhang Fei and Guan Yu of Xuzhou—which of them are easy to deal with? If you go back, Mengde, wouldn't you be living next to a wolf's den?"

He paused, then said earnestly, "Why not use Yanzhou as a defensive line and shift our focus to Yuzhou? With Xuande and I in Yuzhou, the three of us can join forces, attacking or defending as we please. What is there to worry about in achieving our great cause?"

Cao Cao sneered inwardly.

Use Yanzhou as a defensive line?

It's easy to say, but Yanzhou was his foundation, the base of Cao Cao's empire.

Should we persuade him to give up Yanzhou and move his entire fortune to Yuzhou to live under someone else's roof?

Sun Jian was trying to turn Cao Cao into his vassal.

However, he feigned a troubled expression, pondered for a moment, and slowly said, "Brother Wentai, I appreciate your kindness, but the soldiers of Yanzhou are all locals, and their families and properties are all in Yanzhou. If I abandon them, I'm afraid the morale of the army will be unstable. Besides..."

He lowered his voice and leaned closer to Sun Jian: "Cao Cao is in Yanzhou, which can help Wentai brother to restrain the north. If Cao Cao moves to Yuzhou, Ji Xuanyuan can then focus all his efforts on going south, which would be counterproductive."

Sun Jian and Liu Bei exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.

Cao Cao is right.

If he insists on staying in Yuzhou, then the 50,000 troops of Yanzhou will inevitably change.

They could hold Cao Cao hostage, but they couldn't take down his 50,000-strong army.

Sun Jian sighed and patted Cao Cao on the shoulder: "Mengde is right, but..."

He suddenly smiled and said, "Mengde's southward campaign has been remarkably successful. How could Xuande and I let you return empty-handed? The land of Huainan will be divided equally among the three of us. We'll discuss the details after we've dealt with Yuan Shu's remaining forces."

Cao Cao felt somewhat relieved, knowing that Sun Jian was wary of his 50,000 troops and wouldn't do anything to him for the time being.

The three looked at each other and smiled, their understanding unspoken.

Yanzhou, Changyi.

Cheng Yu, Mao Jie, and others sat in a circle around Xi Zhicai's sickbed.

The atmosphere was heavy.

"Our lord is trapped in Yuzhou," Cheng Yu said in a deep voice, handing the newly received secret report to everyone.

"Sun Jian is trying to force our lord to choose sides. If our lord does not comply, I'm afraid..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood.

Although Cao Cao led an army of 50,000 south, those 50,000 men were an isolated force, and they had to rely on Sun Jian for food and supplies.

If Sun Jian turns against him, Cao Cao will have no chance of escape.

Mao Jie sighed, "If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have let our lord go south in the first place."

Xi Zhicai waved his hand and struggled to sit up.

His face was still a little pale, but his spirits had improved considerably.

After Zhang Zhongjing traveled south to treat him, his life was saved, but his health was not as good as before.

"It's no use talking about this now." He coughed lightly twice and glanced at everyone.

"The most urgent task is to get our lord out of trouble."

Cheng Yu nodded, pondered for a moment, and then his eyes suddenly lit up: "I have a plan."

Everyone turned to look at him.

Cheng Yu slowly said, "We can send Chen Deng and his son from Xuzhou to sow discord between Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Sun Jian."

Mao Jie was taken aback: "Chen Deng and his son?"

Cheng Yu nodded: "Chen Gui and his son Chen Deng were originally the Chancellor of Pei State and the Prefect of Guangling in Xuzhou. Their families had been rooted in Xuzhou for generations. After Tao Qian died, Xuzhou was divided between Ji Xuanyuan and our lord. These two eventually followed our lord. They had been operating in Xuzhou for many years, with extensive connections and many ways to get things done. They also had a past relationship with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Sending them to Xuzhou would be the most suitable thing for them."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Xi Zhicai's eyes: "How do we sow discord?"

Cheng Yu lowered his voice: "Tell them that Sun Jian is still not satisfied after occupying Yangzhou. He is secretly plotting with Liu Bei to lead troops to attack Xuzhou in a few days, take the heads of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and have the Chen family father and son cry in front of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, saying that their lord is trapped in Yuzhou and begging the two of them to save him."

Mao Jie hesitated and asked, "Would Guan Yu and Zhang Fei be fooled?"

Cheng Yu sneered, "Zhang Fei is as fiery as a flame and cannot be provoked. Guan Yu, though calm, is proud and values ​​his reputation above all else. If someone tells him that Sun Jian wants to take his head, how could he not be furious? Besides, they already harbor resentment over Liu Bei's defection. Now that Liu Bei has surrendered to Sun Jian, how could they not feel resentment?"

Xi Zhicai pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "This plan is feasible. As long as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei clash with Sun Jian, our lord can take advantage of the chaos to escape."

He looked at Cheng Yu: "Quickly send someone to Xuzhou to contact the Chen family."

"promise!"

Xuzhou, Xiapi.

When Chen Deng and his son received the secret letter, they were playing chess in their residence.

Chen Gui was over fifty years old, with a thin face and three long strands of beard.

Chen Deng was nearly thirty years old, with a robust build, a resolute face, and shrewd, reserved eyes.

The father and son had been operating in Xuzhou for many years and had a deep-rooted business.

After Tao Qian's death, Xuzhou was divided between Ji Xuanyuan and Cao Cao. They assessed the situation and knew that people like them had no future under Guan Yu, so they surrendered to Cao Cao.

"Father."

Chen Deng put down the chess piece and said in a low voice, "Cheng Zhongde has sent a letter."

Chen Gui took the secret letter, read it carefully, and frowned slightly: "This plan is ingenious, but it requires us, father and son, to play the villains."

Chen Deng smiled bitterly: "In chaotic times, who isn't a villain? Besides, our lord has treated us well. If he dies in Yuzhou, we won't be able to stay in Xuzhou peacefully either."

Chen Gui remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "Very well, I will visit Generals Guan and Zhang tomorrow."

Several days later, in Xuzhou, at Guan Yu's residence.

Guan Yu was practicing his swordplay in the back garden.

The Green Dragon Crescent Blade was wielded with effortless skill in his hands, its blade flashing and swirling up fallen leaves.

Zhang Fei sat on the veranda, holding a wine jar, yawning as he watched.

"Third Brother, you practice your sword every day, don't you get tired? Come, come, have a couple of drinks with me!"

Guan Yu sheathed his sword, stroked his beard, and said, "Fifth Brother, drink less. The defense of Xuzhou is of utmost importance. What if Yuan Shu's remnants escape here..."

Zhang Fei waved his hand: "That scoundrel Yuan Shu is already a stray dog, what's there to be afraid of?"

Just then, a personal guard came to report: "Generals, Chen Gui and his son Chen Deng request an audience."

Zhang Fei was taken aback: "Chen Gui? What's that old man doing here?"

Guan Yu put down his sword and straightened his clothes: "Please."

The Chen father and son entered the mansion and exchanged pleasantries.

Chen Gui was an elder, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei treated him with courtesy.

After several rounds of drinks, Chen Gui stopped talking about serious matters and instead discussed military strategy with Guan Yu, reminiscing about the old days when Tao Qian governed Xuzhou.

Chen Deng then challenged Zhang Fei to a drinking contest. The two drank until their faces were flushed and they became sworn brothers.

For several days in a row, the Chen father and son visited every day.

He was either drinking with Zhang Fei or discussing philosophy with Guan Yu.

The father and son worked together, charming Zhang Fei completely.

Guan Yu didn't show it on his face, but every time Chen Gui praised him, "General Yun Chang is truly a match for ten thousand men. Back then, he killed Yan Liang at Baima and his might shook the whole country," he would only smile faintly, but a hint of pride would flash in his eyes.

That day, Chen Deng brought two jars of fine wine to see Zhang Fei again.

As the two were drinking merrily, Chen Deng suddenly put down his wine bowl and let out a long sigh.

Zhang Fei glared at him: "Brother Chen, why are you sighing all of a sudden?"

Chen Deng wiped his eyes, seemingly about to shed tears: "General Zhang, you may not know, but I am thinking of my lord, and my heart is heavy with sorrow."

Zhang Fei was taken aback: "Cao Mengde? Didn't he go to fight Yuan Shu? What, he was defeated?"

Chen Deng shook his head and lowered his voice: "We won the battle, but my lord... is trapped in Yuzhou and can't come back."

Zhang Fei sobered up a bit: "Trapped? Who trapped him?"

Chen Deng looked around and whispered in Zhang Fei's ear, "Sun Jian has detained my lord, trying to force him to join forces with him against the Prime Minister."

Zhang Fei frowned: "Sun Wentai? Didn't he have an alliance with my elder brother? How could he...?"

Chen Deng sighed, "General Zhang, you are unaware of this. Sun Jian harbored rebellious intentions by sheltering the traitor Liu Bei. Now that he has seized Yangzhou, his ambitions have grown even greater. He told my lord that he will soon lead his troops to attack Xuzhou and take the heads of the two generals!"

"What?!"

Zhang Fei abruptly stood up, kicking over a wine jar: "Sun Jian, you scoundrel! I even considered him a hero! And his son, Sun Ce, is my second brother's sworn brother! How dare he covet Xuzhou?!"

Chen Deng quickly pulled him back: "General Zhang, please calm down! I only heard this secondhand, it may not be true, but... but my lord is being held captive in Yuzhou, his fate unknown, I am truly worried..."

Zhang Fei angrily said, "Cao Mengde is a good man! He was already more than kind and righteous to let Liu Bei go back then. Now that Sun Jian is associating with Liu Bei and repaying kindness with enmity, how can I sit idly by!"

He strode quickly towards Guan Yu's residence.

The main hall of Guan Yu's residence.

Zhang Fei rushed in like a whirlwind, startling Guan Yu, who was enjoying tea with Chen Gui.

"Third Brother! That bastard Sun Jian is going to attack Xuzhou! And he wants to take our heads! I'm going to lead troops to flatten Yuzhou!"

Guan Yu put down his teacup, frowned, and said, "Fifth Brother, you're drunk. What nonsense are you spouting?"

Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "I'm not drunk! Brother Chen said it himself! Sun Jian has detained Cao Cao and is still going to attack Xuzhou!"

Chen Gui, standing to the side, feigned alarm: "General Yun Chang, this matter... I didn't want to speak of it, but my lord is indeed trapped in Yuzhou. Sun Jian and Liu Bei are plotting to take Xuzhou. My father and I have been managing Xuzhou for many years, and we couldn't bear to see this place ravaged by war again, so..."

Guan Yu's expression darkened, and he looked at Zhang Fei: "Fifth Brother, please sit down first."

Zhang Fei sat down angrily, glaring at her.

Guan Yu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Sun Wentai has an alliance with my elder brother. Without solid evidence, we must not start a war lightly."

Chen Gui nodded repeatedly: "General Yun Chang is right. I have only heard rumors, which may not be true. However... my lord is indeed being held in Yuzhou. This is absolutely true. If General Yun Chang could write a letter to persuade Sun Jian to release him, I would be extremely grateful."

Guan Yu nodded: "This is not difficult. I will write a letter to Brother Wentai and inquire about the situation."

He glanced at Zhang Fei: "Fifth Brother, go back first, don't act rashly."

Zhang Fei was unwilling, but dared not disobey his second brother, so he had no choice but to leave in a huff.

Chen Gui watched his retreating figure, exchanged a glance with Chen Deng, and both saw the smile in each other's eyes.

The seeds of fire have been sown.

Just add one more bundle of firewood, and the fire will start burning.

That night, Chen Deng and his son held a secret meeting.

Chen Gui said in a low voice, "Guan Yu has become suspicious of what happened today, but he is cautious by nature and will not easily take action."

Chen Deng nodded: "Then let's add fuel to the fire. Tomorrow I will go to find Zhang Fei again and tell him that Sun Jian has sent troops towards Xuzhou and ask him to send troops to rescue our lord. Zhang Fei is of a fiery nature and will surely not be able to resist."

Chen Gui pondered for a moment: "If we can persuade Zhang Fei to send troops, Guan Yu will have no choice but to take action, even if he is unwilling. When the two sides fight, our lord can get away."

The father and son looked at each other and smiled.