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

However, the news of Liu Biao's death still struck like a thunderbolt, shattering the brief peace of Jingzhou.

In Xiangyang, the cries of weeping had not yet ceased, but undercurrents were already stirring.

Cai Mao cried the loudest before Liu Biao's spirit tablet and left the fastest.

No sooner had he left the mourning hall than he went straight to Liu Cong's residence, where he summoned his confidants and held a secret meeting until dawn.

"Our lord was deceived by a villain before his death and entrusted Jingzhou to Liu Qi. This was not our lord's original intention!" Cai Mao slammed his fist on the table and stood up, looking around at everyone.

"Liu Qi is weak and incompetent, unfit for great responsibility. Although young, Prince Cong is exceptionally intelligent and enjoys the support of the soldiers of Jingzhou. Prince Cong should be established as the heir apparent to secure Jingzhou!"

Under the tent, generals Zhang Yun and Wen Pin looked at each other in bewilderment.

Wen Ping hesitated and said, "General Cai, our lord's dying wish has been made. If we establish Prince Cong as the successor, I'm afraid..."

"A dying wish?"

Cai Mao sneered, "Our lord is seriously ill and delirious. That will was written under duress from Kuai Yue, Pang Tong, and others! Jingzhou belongs to the Liu family; how can we simply hand it over to Ji Xuanyuan?"

Zhang Yun chimed in, "General Cai is right! That Ji Xuanyuan is tyrannical and domineering, effectively controlling the emperor. To ally with him is tantamount to seeking help from a tiger! Sun Wentai is a remarkable hero, and he has a deep friendship with our lord. We should join forces with Sun to oppose Ji!"

There was much discussion in the tent; some supported Cai Mao, while others hesitated.

Wen Ping remained silent, simply standing with his sword in his arms, his face grim.

Seeing that everyone's minds were already set, Cai Mao made a decisive move: "There's no time to lose! Tomorrow, we'll enthrone Prince Cong! At the same time, we'll send an envoy to Jiangdong to form an alliance with Sun Jian to jointly resist Ji Xuanyuan!"

The next day, Cai Mao took the initiative.

He set up a mourning hall in his mansion, summoned the civil and military officials of Jingzhou, and announced in public: "Our lord's dying wish was to appoint Prince Cong as the governor of Jingzhou! Liu Qi, as the eldest son, has colluded with outsiders and plotted rebellion; he must be deposed!"

Before the words were even finished, Zhang Yun, Fu Xun, and the others echoed in unison, "Young Master Cong is wise and should succeed to the throne!"

Liu Cong was helped to the main seat. The fourteen-year-old boy was pale and at a loss.

Cai Mao stood beside him, his hand on his sword, his eyes like an eagle's, scanning the crowd.

"Who dares to disobey?"

The hall was deathly silent.

Wen Ping stood with his sword in his arms, his face expressionless.

Wang Wei lowered his head and remained silent.

Li Gui hesitated to speak, but was pulled back by the person next to him.

Those generals who had originally supported Liu Qi fell silent when they saw Cai Mao's growing power.

Cai Mao nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, "Promulgate the funeral! At the same time, send an envoy to Jiangdong to inform General Sun of the death and request that he send troops to assist in protecting Jingzhou and Xiangyang!"

When the news reached Liu Qi's residence, Liu Qi was keeping vigil for his father.

After hearing the report, his face turned pale, and the incense and candles in his hand fell to the ground with a "clatter".

"Cai Mao... how dare he..."

Pang Tong emerged from behind the screen, his face calm and composed: "My lord, Cai Mao has already made his move. If we hesitate any longer, Jingzhou will be handed over to him."

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

Pang Tong walked to the map and pointed to the location of Xiangyang: "Your Highness is the eldest son of Lord Liu, and your succession is legitimate. Although Cai Mao supported Liu Cong, he is nothing but a bunch of clowns. As long as Your Highness raises a call, the soldiers of Jingzhou will surely flock to join you."

He paused, then said, "Moreover, the Prime Minister is already prepared. General Guan Yu's 30,000 troops have reached the border of Xuzhou and can march south at any time. As long as you give the word, the imperial army can be at the city gates within three days."

Liu Qi remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Alright, I'll have a go at Cai Mao!"

That night, Liu Qi, as the governor of Jingzhou, issued a proclamation listing Cai Mao's crimes and calling on the soldiers of Jingzhou to jointly punish the traitor and submit to the imperial court.

Upon the release of the proclamation, the city of Xiangyang was immediately divided into two factions.

Kuai Yue, Pang Degong, and other prominent families in Jingzhou expressed their support for Liu Qi.

Generals such as Li Gui and Wang Wei also secretly made contact, willing to act as inside agents.

Although Wen Ping did not express his opinion, he also did not send troops to help Cai Mao.

Cai Mao was furious upon hearing the news, but dared not act rashly. Liu Qi had the support of Kuai Yue and Pang Tong, and was backed by the imperial court. If he acted rashly, the outcome would be uncertain.

Tensions were high between the two sides in Xiangyang, and a major battle was imminent.

Yanzhou, Changyi.

When Cao Cao received the urgent report from Jingzhou, he was playing chess with Xi Zhicai.

He put down the chess piece, handed the secret report to Xi Zhicai, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Zhicai, Jingzhou is in chaos."

Xi Zhicai took the document, skimmed through it quickly, and a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes: "With Liu Biao dead, Jingzhou is divided in two, which is the perfect opportunity for our lord to intervene."

Cao Cao stood up, walked to the map, and pointed to the location of Jingzhou: "Sun Jian will definitely make a move as well. If he gets there first, Jingzhou will fall into his hands."

Xi Zhicai nodded: "Therefore, my lord must seize control of northern Jingzhou before Sun Jian does. Nanyang and Xiangyang are both strategic locations. Taking them can threaten Jiangdong and also serve as a shield for Yanzhou."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "If I send troops to Jingzhou, what will happen to Ji Xuanyuan?"

Xi Zhicai smiled slightly: "My lord's trip is ostensibly to 'rescue Jingzhou,' but in reality, it is to control key locations. Even if Ji Xuanyuan is dissatisfied, he cannot find fault with it. Moreover, Liu Qi is his pawn. If my lord can win over Liu Qi, he can stay in Jingzhou legitimately."

Cao Cao's eyes lit up: "Zhi Cai means..."

Xi Zhicai said, "My lord, you can send an envoy to Xiangyang to meet Liu Qi and tell him that Cao Cao is grateful for Liu Biao's past kindness and is willing to send troops to help quell the rebellion. Liu Qi is currently trapped by Cai Mao and will surely accept it gladly. At that time, when your army enters Jingzhou, you can control Nanyang, Xiangyang and other places. By the time Sun Jian reacts, it will be too late."

Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed, "Brilliant plan! Let's do as Zhicai says!"

He immediately ordered Xiahou Dun to lead 20,000 elite troops as the vanguard and march south overnight, while he himself led 30,000 troops to follow, heading straight for Jingzhou.

Jiangdong, Lujiang.

When Sun Jian received Cai Mao's letter requesting assistance, he was discussing military affairs with Zhang Zhao.

He slammed the letter on the table and sneered, "That scoundrel Cai Mao certainly knows how to pick his timing. Liu Biao just died, and he's already trying to curry favor with me."

Zhang Zhao took the letter, read it once, and frowned, saying, "My lord, before his death, Liu Biao entrusted Jingzhou to Liu Qi and pledged allegiance to the court. Cai Mao's actions are a betrayal of his lord for personal gain, and we cannot trust him."

Sun Jian waved his hand: "Zibu, you are too cautious. What can Liu Qi, a mere child, accomplish? Cai Mao commands a large army and is willing to ally with Jiangdong. This is a golden opportunity!"

He stood up, walked to the map, and pointed heavily at the location of Jingzhou: "Jingzhou is the heart of the world; whoever controls Jingzhou controls the world. If Ji Xuanyuan takes Jingzhou, I will never have a chance to rise again! We must seize Jingzhou before he does!"

Zhang Zhao hesitated and said, "But what about Cao Cao..."

Sun Jian sneered: "Cao Cao? Does he even deserve to contend with me for Jingzhou?"

He immediately ordered Sun Ce to lead 30,000 elite troops as the vanguard and march north overnight, while he himself led 50,000 troops to follow, heading straight for Jingzhou.

Jingzhou, outside Xiangyang City.

At the end of the first lunar month, Xiangyang was bitterly cold, and the river was as cold as ice.

Two large armies appeared outside Xiangyang City almost simultaneously.

To the north, Cao Cao's banners fluttered in the cold wind.

The army of 50,000, with banners obscuring the sun and camps stretching as far as the eye could see, completely surrounded the north gate.

Xiahou Dun stood at the front of the battle formation, his tiger-like eyes wide open, exuding a murderous aura.

To the east, Sun Jian's banner was also fluttering.

Eighty thousand troops, gleaming in armor, their warhorses neighing, completely blocked the east gate.

Sun Ce took the lead, his spear pointing diagonally, exuding a commanding presence.

The two armies were only a few miles apart.

They could see each other's flags and hear each other's bugles.

In Xiangyang, people were filled with anxiety.

Liu Qi stood on the city wall, looking at the two menacing armies outside the city, his face pale.

"gentlemen."

He turned to Pang Tong beside him; "Cao Cao and Sun Jian are both here, what should we do?"

Pang Tong stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calm as still water.

"Young master, there is no need to panic." He smiled slightly.

"Let them fight first."

Liu Qi was taken aback: "Sir, you mean...?"

Pang Tong did not answer, but simply gazed out of the city with a distant look in his eyes.

Outside the city, Cao Cao's army camp.

Cao Cao stood on high ground, looking at Sun Jian's camp to the east, his face grim.

Xiahou Dun strode over, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "My lord, that scoundrel Sun Jian has arrived too! His army numbers 80,000, 30,000 more than ours! Should we strike first?"

Cao Cao shook his head: "No rush. Sun Jian's arrival is ostensibly for rescue, but in reality for annexation. Liu Qi must know this. Let's see what he does first."

Xiahou Dun said anxiously, "But what if Sun Jian gets there first..."

Cao Cao waved his hand, interrupting him: "If Sun Jian wants to seize it, let him seize it. This Jingzhou is not so easy to take."

Outside the city, at Sun Jian's camp.

Sun Jian stood on high ground, looking at Cao Cao's camp to the north, and sneered.

"Cao Cao!"

He muttered, "You want a piece of the pie too? Dream on!"

Sun Ce stood beside him with his hand on his sword and said in a low voice, "Father, Cao Cao has also brought 50,000 men. If we fight him head-on, I'm afraid we'll both be severely injured."

Sun Jian nodded: "I know, so we can't make the first move."

He turned around and looked at Sun Ce: "Ce'er, take a group of men to Cao Cao's camp and tell him that I invite him to come over for a chat."

Sun Ce was taken aback: "Father, will Cao Cao come?"

Sun Jian sneered: "If he doesn't come, it means he's guilty. If he does come, I'd like to see what he's really up to."

Cao Cao's army camp, central command tent.

As soon as Sun Ce's messenger arrived, Cao Cao received the report.

Xi Zhicai whispered from the side, "My lord, Sun Jian is testing your strength. If you go, there may be danger; if you don't go, it will make you seem guilty."

Cao Cao laughed heartily: "Go! Why wouldn't I go? I want to see what tricks Sun Wentai can pull!"

He straightened his clothes, and together with Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren, rode straight to Sun Jian's camp.

Sun Jian's main camp, central command tent.

Cao Cao and Sun Jian sat facing each other, their eyes locked.

Inside the tent, Sun Ce stood behind Sun Jian with his hand on his sword, followed by four veteran generals including Han Dang and Zu Mao.

On Cao Cao's side, Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren also stood with their hands on their swords, glaring menacingly.

The atmosphere was tense, like a battleground.

Sun Jian spoke first, laughing, "Mengde, it's been several months since we last met. How have you been? Your departure without saying goodbye last time must have saddened me greatly."

Cao Cao laughed, "Thanks to Brother Wentai, I am doing well. Brother Wentai, you have come from afar, could it be that you are also here for the matter of Jingzhou?"

Sun Jian nodded: "Cai Mao sent an envoy to ask for help. How could I sit idly by? But Mengde, you came all the way from Yanzhou. Aren't you being a little too enthusiastic?"

Cao Cao remained expressionless: "I have a past relationship with Liu Biao and couldn't bear to see the people of Jingzhou suffer, so I came to help. Brother Wentai also has a past relationship with Liu Biao. If I can come, then Brother Wentai can naturally come as well."

The two stared at each other, their gazes sharp as knives.

The atmosphere inside the tent grew increasingly tense.

Sun Ce gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, and Xiahou Dun also pressed down on the hilt of his knife.

Sun Jian suddenly burst into laughter: "Mengde is right! We've both come for Jingzhou, why ruin our harmony?"

He raised his glass: "Come, let's drink!"

Cao Cao also raised his cup, and the two drank together, smiling on the surface, but each harboring their own ulterior motives.

That night, in Cao Cao's army camp.

Xi Zhicai sat opposite Cao Cao and said softly, "My lord, Sun Jian has come here determined to win. If we fight him head-on, I'm afraid we'll both suffer heavy losses."

Cao Cao nodded: "I know, so we can't make the first move."

He paused, then asked, "Any news from Liu Qi?"

Xi Zhicai shook his head: "Not for now, but Pang Tong is a smart man, he won't sit idly by and watch Sun Jian annex Jingzhou."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "Then let's wait and see how Pang Tong plays this game."

Outside the city, at Sun Jian's camp.

Sun Jian was also discussing things with Zhang Zhao.

"My lord."

Zhang Zhao said, "Cao Cao's arrival is ostensibly for rescue, but in reality, it's to seize territory. If we don't drive him away, it will be difficult to take over Jingzhou."

Sun Jian nodded: "I know, but now is not the time to fight him head-on."

He stood up and walked to the map: "First, send someone into the city to contact Cai Mao and tell him to take control of Xiangyang as soon as possible. Once the deed is done, even if Cao Cao wants to seize it, it will be too late."

Zhang Zhao nodded: "I will make the arrangements immediately."

In Xiangyang City, at Liu Qi's residence.

Pang Tong sat opposite Liu Qi, with two secret reports spread out in front of him.

One was sent by Cao Cao, and the other by Sun Jian.

The two secret reports were very similar in wording; both requested to enter the city to "assist in suppressing the rebellion" and to meet with Liu Qi.

Liu Qi said anxiously, "Sir, Cao Cao and Sun Jian are both going to enter the city. What should we do?"

Pang Tong smiled slightly: "Let them in."

Liu Qi was taken aback: "Sir! If they enter the city, wouldn't that be like inviting wolves into the house?"

Pang Tong shook his head: "My lord, think about it, between Cao Cao and Sun Jian, who is more afraid of whom?"

Liu Qi was taken aback.

Pang Tong continued, "Cao Cao is afraid that Sun Jian will seize Jingzhou, and Sun Jian is afraid that Cao Cao will gain the upper hand. The two of them are restraining each other, and neither dares to make a rash move. If only one side is allowed to enter the city, the other side will definitely make a move. If both sides enter the city, they will keep an eye on each other and neither of them will dare to make a move."

Liu Qi suddenly realized: "Sir, you mean to let them check and balance each other?"

Pang Tong nodded: "That's right. My lord, you only need to stay in the city and let them fight it out. Once they are both exhausted, the imperial army will arrive."

A gleam of joy flashed in Liu Qi's eyes: "Brilliant plan, sir!"

The next day, at the gates of Xiangyang.

Cao Cao and Sun Jian received invitations from Liu Qi almost simultaneously, inviting the two generals to enter the city to discuss a plan to quell the rebellion.

After reading the letter, Cao Cao laughed heartily: "Pang Shiyuan, you are indeed remarkable!"

After reading the letter, Sun Jian's face darkened: "That Pang Tong fellow certainly knows how to play the game."

But they all knew that they had to accept the invitation.

To refuse would be to show guilt, while to accept would be to step into the trap set by Pang Tong.

But they had no other choice.

On that day, Cao Cao and Sun Jian each led several hundred personal guards and entered Xiangyang City at the same time.

In the city, Liu Qi hosted a banquet to entertain them.

During the banquet, Cao Cao and Sun Jian sat opposite each other, smiling and drinking merrily.

But they all knew in their hearts that this banquet was just the calm before the storm.

After the banquet, Cao Cao and Sun Jian returned to their respective camps.

They all knew that the real contest had only just begun.

Shuntian, Tiance Prefecture.

Ji Xuanyuan sat in his study, with a secret report from Jingzhou spread out in front of him.

After reading it, he smiled slightly and handed the secret report to Guo Jia.

Guo Jia took the document, scanned it quickly, and his peach blossom eyes curved into a smile: "Cao Cao and Sun Jian are keeping each other in check, neither of them dares to make the first move. Jingzhou is temporarily stable. Next, it depends on who can remain calm."

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to the map, and pointed to the location of Xiangyang.

"Order Guan Yu to send the army south and station it in Xinye, ready to support Jingzhou at any time."

Guo Jia clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, sir!"