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

In the first month of the third year of Jian'an (198 AD), in Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

The sound of firecrackers for the New Year had just faded, and Xiangyang City was still enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

Red paper scraps fluttered in the wind in the streets and alleys, and children chased and played, completely unaware that this city was standing at a crossroads of fate.

Liu Biao has not attended court for ten days.

His illness is worse than it was last winter.

The physicians came and went, dumping out basket after basket of dregs from the medicine, but that once rosy face was now just skin and bones.

The entire household was in a state of panic, and various forces were eager to make their move. Cai Mao visited Liu Cong's residence every day, while Kuai Yue refused to see any guests. Liu Qi stayed by his father's bedside, never leaving his side.

Just as a storm was brewing, a carriage quietly entered Xiangyang City.

The person sitting in the carriage was dressed in a blue robe and cloth shoes, with a peculiar face, but his eyes were surprisingly bright.

It was Pang Tong, also known as Pang Shiyuan.

He lifted the carriage curtain, looked out at the familiar streets and alleys, and felt a surge of emotions.

Xiangyang, his hometown.

He has not returned for several years since he left Shuijing Manor that year to go north to join Ji Xuanyuan.

"gentlemen."

The attendant whispered, "Should we return to the manor first, or...?"

Pang Tong lowered the carriage curtain and smiled slightly: "Let's go pay our respects to my uncle first."

Pang Degong's residence was located in the south of the city, a quiet oasis amidst the bustling city.

This renowned scholar from Xiangyang was as famous as Sima Hui and Huang Chengyan, and was a leading figure among the gentry of Jingzhou.

Pang Tong studied under him when he was young, and their relationship was that of uncle and nephew, as well as teacher and friend.

Pang De was pruning flowers and trees in the backyard when he heard footsteps. He looked up and saw Pang Tong. With a "snip," he cut off a plum blossom that was in full bloom.

"Shiyuan?"

He put down the scissors and hurried to greet him: "Why are you back?"

Pang Tong bowed deeply: "Nephew greets Uncle."

Pang Degong helped him up, looked him up and down, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Good, good. I heard that you are highly valued under the Prime Minister. I am very pleased."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "Did the Prime Minister send you?"

Pang Tong did not deny it, but simply nodded.

Pang Degong was silent for a moment, then sighed: "Let's go inside and talk."

In Pang Degong's study, the uncle and nephew sat facing each other.

Pang Tong explained Ji Xuanyuan's plan in detail.

After listening, Pang Degong remained silent for a long time.

"Does the Prime Minister mean that Jingzhou should submit to the imperial court?"

Pang Tong nodded: "Uncle, you are wise. Now that the north is pacified, it is only a matter of time before the world is unified. If Jingzhou can submit at this time, it can preserve the ancestral temples and avoid the ravages of war. The Prime Minister said that the noble families of Jingzhou will remain as before, their official positions will not be changed, and their land will not be confiscated. Liu Qi will succeed as the governor of Jingzhou, and Kuai Yue and Cai Mao will each remain in their positions."

Pang Degong stroked his beard, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "The Prime Minister is indeed generous, but Cai Mao will probably not agree. He is determined to help Liu Cong ascend the throne and form an alliance with Sun Jian. If Liu Qi succeeds to the throne, his wishful thinking will be thwarted."

Pang Tong smiled slightly: "Therefore, I must first see Kuai Yue, then Liu Qi, and as for Cai Mao..."

He paused, his gaze sharp: "Once the overall situation is settled, whether he agrees or not is no longer important."

Looking at his nephew, Pang Degong suddenly laughed: "Shiyuan, you've changed. Back in Shuijing Manor, you weren't this decisive."

Pang Tong smiled as well: "Uncle, the world has changed."

Jingzhou, Kuai Prefecture.

Kuai Yue was pacing back and forth in his study, looking anxious and restless.

Liu Biao's condition worsened day by day, and Cai Mao's activities became increasingly frequent.

He tried several times to persuade Liu Biao to make Liu Qi his heir, but each time he was interrupted by Cai Mao's men.

If Liu Cong succeeds to the throne and Cai Mao takes power, Jingzhou will inevitably fall to Sun Jian.

What will happen to the Kuai family then?

"master."

A retainer rushed in: "A guest requests an audience."

Kuai Yue waved his hand impatiently: "I won't see you!"

The retainer said, "That man said his name was Pang Tong."

Kuai Yue was startled, then abruptly turned around: "Pang Tong? Pang Shiyuan?!"

He strode out of the mansion to greet them.

Pang Tong stood outside the door with his hands behind his back, his blue robe fluttering, exuding composure.

"Mr. Kuai, how have you been?" Pang Tong greeted him with a cupped-hand salute and a smile.

Kuai Yue quickly returned the greeting and invited him into the study.

The two sat down, and Kuai Yue cut to the chase: "Shiyuan, have you come here regarding the matter of Jingzhou?"

Pang Tong nodded: "Exactly."

Kuai Yue smiled wryly: "Did the Prime Minister send you here to have Jingzhou submit to the imperial court?"

Pang Tong said, "Master Kuai is a wise man. I will not beat around the bush. The seven northern provinces have been pacified. The overall situation of the world is in the hands of the Prime Minister. If Jingzhou can submit now, it can ensure the wealth and honor of the whole family. If you insist on resisting, you should know the fate of Yuan Shao and Han Sui."

Kuai Yue remained silent.

Pang Tong continued, "Sir, you are the head of the prominent families in Jingzhou, and are highly respected. If you are willing to step forward and support Liu Qi's succession to the throne and submit to the court, then Jingzhou can be preserved, and the Kuai family can be preserved. The Prime Minister has said that after Liu Qi succeeds to the throne, you will be appointed as the Prefect of Jingzhou and take charge of all government affairs."

A glint of light flashed in Kuai Yue's eyes: "Prime Minister, is that really a promise?"

Pang Tong solemnly replied, "How dare I speak presumptuously?"

Kuai Yue stood up, walked to the window, and remained silent for a long time.

Outside the window, the winter sun shone on the snow in the courtyard, its whiteness almost blinding.

"Cai Mao will not stand idly by." He turned around and looked at Pang Tong.

"He has soldiers under his command."

Pang Tong smiled slightly: "Soldiers? Do you think Cai Mao's troops can stop the imperial army?"

Kuai Yue was taken aback.

Pang Tong stood up, walked up to him, and said in a low but clear voice: "The Prime Minister has ordered General Guan Yu to gather troops in Xuzhou, ready to march south at any time. As long as there is any change in Jingzhou, the imperial army will be at the city gates within three days."

He paused, then continued, "Furthermore, sir, don't forget that Liu Yan of Yizhou has already submitted to the imperial court. If there is any unrest in Jingzhou, the Yizhou troops will sail down the river and attack from both sides with the imperial army. What will Cai Mao use to resist?"

Kuai Yue gasped.

He suddenly realized that Ji Xuanyuan had not come to ask for Jingzhou, but to take it over.

He didn't give us a choice; he gave us an ultimatum.

"Shiyuan".

He spoke slowly, "Let me think about it some more."

Pang Tong nodded: "I will wait for news from you in Xiangyang, but..."

He looked at Kuai Yue meaningfully: "Sir, you'd better hurry up with this 'thinking it over,' because Liu Shijun's health may not be able to wait much longer."

Jingzhou, Liu Qi's residence.

Pang Tong left Kuai Yue's residence and went straight to Liu Qi's residence.

Liu Qi has lost a lot of weight these days, with sunken eyes and a haggard appearance.

His father's illness, Cai Mao's aggressive behavior, and his brother's clandestine activities left him exhausted.

"Young Master!"

Yi Ji said softly, "Mr. Pang Tong requests an audience."

Liu Qi was taken aback: "Pang Tong? Pang Shiyuan?"

He quickly got up to greet him.

Pang Tong entered the mansion and greeted Liu Qi.

After a few pleasantries, Pang Tong got straight to the point: "Does Your Excellency know that Cai Mao has been frequently in contact with Sun Jian's envoys lately?"

Liu Qi's expression changed: "Sir, are you sure you mean it?"

Pang Tong took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Qi: "Please take a look, young master."

Liu Qi took the letter, unfolded it, and his face grew paler and paler.

The letter was written by Cai Mao to Sun Jian. In it, he expressed his willingness to support Liu Cong's succession to the throne and to form an alliance with Sun Jian to jointly resist the imperial court.

"this……"

Liu Qi's hands trembled slightly: "Cai Mao, he..."

Pang Tong withdrew his letter and said solemnly, "My lord, the situation is critical. If you hesitate any longer, Jingzhou will surely fall into Cai Mao's hands, and your life will be in danger."

Liu Qi gritted his teeth: "Teach me, sir."

Pang Tong said, "Young Master is the eldest son of Prefect Liu, and his succession is legitimate. Now, Master Kuai Yue has agreed to support Young Master, and Lord Pang De is also willing to speak on Young Master's behalf. As long as Young Master agrees, we can make this happen in front of Prefect Liu."

Liu Qi was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Prime Minister... what do you want?"

Pang Tong looked at him with a sincere gaze: "What the Prime Minister wants is a Jingzhou that submits to the court, and a stable south. After you succeed to the throne, you only need to submit to the court, pay tribute every year, and come to court every year. Everything in Jingzhou will remain the same, and you will still be the ruler of Jingzhou."

Liu Qi was stunned.

He originally thought that Ji Xuanyuan would take this opportunity to annex Jingzhou, but unexpectedly...

"Is the Prime Minister... truly so magnanimous?"

Pang Tong smiled slightly: "In the Prime Minister's heart, he cares about the common people. He said that the people of Jingzhou have suffered for too long and cannot be allowed to suffer from war any longer."

Liu Qi stood up and bowed deeply to Pang Tong: "Sir, I am willing to submit to the imperial court!"

Jingzhou, Liu Biao's residence.

Liu Biao had not eaten for three days.

He lay on the couch, his face sallow, his eyes sunken, and he was so thin that he was just skin and bones.

The physician said that his life was nearing its end, and it would be over in the next few days.

Before the bed, Liu Qi knelt on the left, tears streaming down his face, while Liu Cong knelt on the right, head bowed, lost in thought.

Cai Mao stood behind Liu Cong with a gloomy expression, while Kuai Yue stood behind Liu Qi with a solemn look.

Liu Biao opened his eyes and looked at his two sons, a complex light flashing in his cloudy eyes.

"Qi'er..." he said with difficulty, his voice so hoarse it was almost inaudible.

Liu Qi crawled forward on his knees and took his father's hand: "Father, your son is here."

Liu Biao looked at him, his lips moving slightly: "You... come here..."

Liu Qi put his ear close to his father's mouth.

With his last ounce of strength, Liu Biao said haltingly, "Jingzhou... is entrusted to you... Do not... fail your father..."

Liu Qi burst into tears: "Father! Your son will do everything in his power to protect Jingzhou!"

Liu Biao nodded slightly, then looked at Liu Cong. Liu Cong lowered his head, not daring to meet his father's gaze.

Liu Biao sighed and closed his eyes.

A moment later, he suddenly opened his eyes again and looked at Kuai Yue: "Otherworld..."

Kuai Yue stepped forward: "My lord."

Liu Biao took a letter from under his pillow and handed it to him: "This letter...is for the Prime Minister..."

Kuai Yue took the letter, his hand trembling slightly.

He didn't know what was written in the letter, but he understood that it was Liu Biao's last wish and the final order for Jingzhou to submit to the imperial court.

Liu Biao then looked at Cai Mao.

Cai Mao's face turned ashen, and he remained silent.

Liu Biao didn't say anything, he just waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

The crowd filed out.

Liu Qi walked to the door and glanced back.

My father had closed his eyes, his face was calm, as if he were just asleep.

Liu Qi knelt outside the door and kowtowed deeply towards his father's bedroom.

Behind him, Kuai Yue, Pang Tong, Yi Ji, and others knelt down in unison.

Cai Mao stood under the eaves, his face gloomy, and remained silent.

That night, Liu Biao died in Xiangyang at the age of sixty-seven.

Before his death, he entrusted Jingzhou to his eldest son Liu Qi and left a will.

Submit to the imperial court and never betray it.

When the news spread, weeping filled the city of Xiangyang.

Cai Mao summoned his confidants overnight to secretly discuss countermeasures.

However, Pang Tong had already laid a trap, Guan Yu's 30,000-strong army had reached the border of Xuzhou and could march south at any time, Kuai Yue controlled the gates of Xiangyang, and Liu Qi's guards took over the treasury.

Cai Mao knew that the situation was hopeless.

The following day, with the support of Kuai Yue and Pang Tong, Liu Qi succeeded as the governor of Jingzhou.

His first order was to submit to the imperial court and send envoys to Shuntian to acknowledge the emperor as their subject.

Shuntian, Tiance Prefecture.

When Ji Xuanyuan received Liu Qi's letter of surrender, he was playing chess with Guo Jia.

He put down the document and smiled slightly.

Guo Jia leaned closer for a look, his peach blossom eyes curving into a smile: "Congratulations, my lord! Jingzhou is now secured!"

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head, his gaze deep: "Jingzhou is settled, but the south is not yet settled. Sun Jian will not give up easily, and Cao Cao will not sit idly by."

He stood up, walked to the map, and pointed to the location of Jiangdong.

"Next, it's time to deal with Sun Jian."