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

In the autumn of the third year of Jian'an (198 AD), in Wu County, in the secret room of the Lu family.

The night was deep and quiet, and all was still.

Inside the secret chamber of the Lu family in Wu County, the candlelight flickered, illuminating several solemn faces.

Lu Kang sat in the main seat, his face calm and composed. Beside him sat Gu Yong, Zhang Yun, and Zhu Huan, the heads of the four major families of Jiangdong.

In addition, there were several young faces, including Lu Kang's nephew Lu Xun and Gu Yong's son Gu Shao, who stood by.

"Gentlemen!"

Lu Kang paused for a moment, then slowly spoke, his voice low and deep: "I have summoned you all here today for only one matter: Sun Jian intends to attack us!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed slightly, but they quickly returned to normal.

Gu Yong nodded in acknowledgment, took out a prepared document from his wide sleeve, and gently unfolded it, placing it on the table.

Then, Gu Yong, his expression grave and his words earnest, said, "This is the 'Land Inspection Order' that Sun Jian just issued to officials in various regions. According to this order, starting tomorrow, each prefecture and county must remeasure the area of ​​all land within its jurisdiction and investigate unregistered households and related matters. On the surface, this seems to be to regulate the tax system, but what is the truth? Hmph... It is clearly an attempt to seize the vast amounts of fertile land and tenant farmers owned by our aristocratic families!"

At the end, Gu Yong slammed his fist on the table in anger to vent his frustration.

Seeing this, Zhang Yun gritted his teeth and said, "How utterly despicable! His actions are practically an attempt to wipe us all out!"

At the same time, Zhu Huan, who had been silent all along, suddenly let out a cold laugh and curled his lip in contempt, saying, "Hmph, Sun Jian is truly laughably naive!"

"Does he really think that killing Yu Ji will intimidate the people of Jiangdong? Little does he know that even if people temporarily submit to his tyranny out of fear, they will never truly respect him in the slightest!"

"Moreover, a noble family like ours harbors deep resentment towards such a cruel and ruthless man. How could we possibly willingly submit to his dictates? If he remains obstinate and insists on his own way, the entire Jiangdong region will inevitably descend into chaos!"

Lu Kang waved his hand to stop the discussion and looked at Gu Yong: "Yuan Tan, is there any news from the Prime Minister's side?"

Gu Yong took out a secret letter from his bosom and handed it to Lu Kang with both hands: "This was sent by General Taishi Ci. The Prime Minister has agreed that as long as the Jiangdong aristocratic families rise up, the court will send troops south to jointly attack Sun Jian."

Lu Kang took the letter and unfolded it to read it carefully.

The handwriting on the letter was clear and neat, and it was indeed Ji Xuanyuan's own handwriting.

The letter reads: "Sun Jian is arrogant and cruel, and has persecuted loyal officials. The court has long intended to punish him, but has hesitated due to a lack of justification. Now, the powerful families of Jiangdong are willing to act as our inside agents, which is a golden opportunity. I urge you gentlemen to make a decision soon and not miss this chance."

After reading the letter, Lu Kang passed it around for everyone to read.

The secret room was completely silent, with only the crackling of the candlelight.

"Gentlemen!"

Lu Kang looked around at everyone and said, "You have all seen what the Prime Minister said. Sun Jian has acted against the natural order and has angered both the people and the heavens. Now that the court is willing to stand up for us, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we hesitate any longer, I'm afraid the Jiangdong aristocratic families will never have a chance to rise again."

Gu Yong nodded: "I agree, however, this matter needs careful consideration. Sun Jian has an army of 100,000, Sun Ce is stationed in Huainan, Huang Gai is stationed in Lujiang, and Cheng Pu is stationed in Danyang. If we start an uprising rashly, I'm afraid..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

Lu Kang smiled slightly: "Yuan Tan, don't worry, the Prime Minister has already laid a tight net on his side."

He stood up, walked to the map on the wall, and traced the location of Yangzhou with his finger: "General Zhou Yu leads 50,000 troops and is stationed in Luoyang. He can march south at any time. Once the uprising in Jiangdong begins, he will take Yuzhou directly and cut off Sun Ce's retreat. General Xiang Yu leads 30,000 elite troops and has already entered Jingzhou. He is just waiting for the battle in Yangzhou to start before he will attack Danyang and Wu County. General Taishi Ci has already infiltrated Jiangdong and contacted the rebel armies in various places. At that time, the imperial army will attack from the north and west. Sun Jian will be unable to defend both ends and will surely be defeated."

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted.

Gu Yong stroked his beard and laughed, "The Prime Minister is indeed far-sighted. In that case, let's proceed according to the plan."

Lu Kang nodded: "Then it is agreed that ten days from now, all the families will rise up simultaneously. The Lu family will control Wu County, the Gu family will control Kuaiji, the Zhang family will control Danyang, and the Zhu family will control Yuzhang. General Taishi Ci will lead his army to provide support. Once the imperial army arrives, we will coordinate from within and without to take over Jiangdong!"

Everyone stood up in unison, clasped their hands in greeting, and said, "We are willing to obey Lord Lu's orders!"

Outside Wu County, at Taishi Ci's camp.

Taishi Ci stood in front of the tent, gazing at the outline of Wu County in the distance, remaining silent.

Behind him, a guard rushed over: "General, the Lu family, the Gu family, the Zhang family, and the Zhu family have all agreed to start an uprising, and have agreed to raise their troops simultaneously in ten days."

Taishi Ci nodded, his gaze deep: "Pass down the order, tell the brothers to prepare, and to follow me into the city in ten days."

"promise!"

Luoyang, Zhou Yu's camp.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Luoyang, Zhou Yu was standing in front of a map, discussing military affairs with Yuwen Chengdu and Zhang Liao.

"military adviser."

Yuwen Chengdu pointed to Yuzhou on the map: "Sun Ce is stationed in Huainan with 50,000 elite troops under his command. They are all veterans who have followed Sun Jian for many years. If we launch a strong attack, the casualties will be heavy."

Zhou Yu smiled slightly: "Therefore, we will not launch a direct attack."

He traced his finger across the map: "After the Jiangdong aristocratic families rise up, Sun Jian will surely summon Sun Ce back to reinforce them. At that time, Huainan will be undefended, and our army can drive straight in and take Shouchun. If Sun Ce returns to reinforce, he will fall into our trap of besieging the city and attacking the reinforcements. If he does not return, Huainan will be ours for the taking."

Zhang Liao's eyes lit up: "Then when shall we make our move?"

Zhou Yu looked south, his gaze distant: "Wait for news from Jiangdong. Once Jiangdong is on fire, we will immediately send troops."

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

Xiang Yu stood on the city wall, gazing in the direction of Yangzhou in the east, remaining silent.

Behind him, Pang Tong walked slowly: "General Xiang, everything is ready. Thirty thousand elite troops, with ample provisions, are waiting for the battle to begin in Jiangdong."

Xiang Yu nodded, a cold glint flashing in his double pupils: "Sun Jian thought that by purging the aristocratic families, he could secure his position in Jiangdong. He was wrong. In Jiangdong, the aristocratic families are like water, and he is the boat. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. He forgot this principle."

Pang Tong smiled slightly: "That's why the Prime Minister wants to use this river to capsize his boat."

Xiang Yu turned around and looked at him: "Shiyuan, tell me, how will Sun Jian die?"

Pang Tong shook his head: "I don't know, but I know he will definitely die."

Wu Commandery, the residence of Sun Jian.

Sun Jian sat in the hall, with land inspection reports from various counties spread out in front of him.

His face was ashen, and he held a secret report that had just been delivered in his hand.

"My lord!"

Zhang Zhao rushed in: "It's terrible! The powerful families of Wu Commandery, Kuaiji Commandery, Danyang Commandery, and Yuzhang Commandery have all risen up in rebellion! They've colluded with Taishi Ci and have already occupied several county towns!"

Sun Jian abruptly stood up, his expression changing drastically: "What?!"

Zhang Zhao said urgently, "Taishi Ci's men have already entered Wu County! The Lu, Gu, Zhang, and Zhu families have all rebelled! They're using the banner of punishing traitors, claiming they want to attack our lord!"

Sun Jian slammed his hand on the table, shattering it with a crash: "These ungrateful bastards! I treated them well, yet they dared to betray me!"

Zhang Zhao said, "My lord, the most urgent task is to mobilize troops to quell the rebellion. General Sun Ce is in Huainan, General Huang Gai is in Lujiang, and General Cheng Pu is in Danyang. We can send them back to reinforce us immediately."

Sun Jian gritted his teeth: "Order Sun Ce to return immediately! Order Huang Gai and Cheng Pu to quell the rebellion on the spot!"

"Yes!" Zhang Zhao turned and left.

Sun Jian slumped back onto the couch, his face deathly pale.

Huainan, Shouchun.

When Sun Ce received his father's transfer order, he was discussing military affairs with his subordinates.

His face turned ashen after reading the letter.

"General!"

The lieutenant cried out urgently, "The powerful families of Jiangdong have rebelled! Our lord orders us to return immediately to their aid!"

Sun Ce gritted his teeth: "Send the order down! The entire army must assemble and prepare to return!"

Before the words were finished, a scout rushed in, stumbling and crawling: "General! Something terrible has happened! Zhou Yu has led 50,000 troops south from Luoyang, heading straight for Qiao County! The vanguard has already reached Runan!"

Sun Ce's expression changed drastically: "What?!"

The scout reported, "Zhou Yu is coming with overwhelming force, claiming to be acting on imperial orders to quell a rebellion! Yuwen Chengdu and Zhang Liao are leading the vanguard; their momentum is unstoppable!"

Sun Ce slumped back onto the couch, his face deathly pale.

He realized that this was a trap set by Ji Xuanyuan.

The uprising by the Jiangdong aristocratic families was merely bait.

Zhou Yu's army was the real killer move.

If he returns to Jiangdong, Huainan will surely be lost; if he stays to defend Huainan, Jiangdong will surely fall into chaos.

No matter which path you choose, it's a dead end.

"General."

The lieutenant asked anxiously, "What do we do?"

Sun Ce remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking: "Send down the order for the entire army to return to Jiangdong."

The deputy general was taken aback: "Then Yuzhou..."

Sun Ce gritted his teeth: "So what if we lose it? Jiangdong is my home now. If I lose my home, what use is Yuzhou?"

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

Xiang Yu stood on the city wall, gazing eastward, silent.

Pang Tong rushed over: "General Xiang! An uprising has broken out in Jiangdong! Zhou Yu has already dispatched troops and is heading straight for Huainan!"

Xiang Yu nodded, a cold glint flashing in his double pupils: "Send the order down: the entire army will attack and take Danyang head-on!"

"promise!"

The bugles sounded loudly, and the war drums thundered.

Thirty thousand elite troops surged out of Xiangyang like a tidal wave, heading straight for Yangzhou.

Shuntian, Tiance Prefecture.

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

After reading it, he smiled slightly and handed the secret report to Guo Jia: "Fengxiao, take a look, the fire in Jiangdong has started."

Guo Jia took the document, scanned it quickly, and his peach blossom eyes curved into a smile: "Congratulations, my lord! This time, Sun Jian has no way to escape."

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to the map, and traced his finger across the Jiangdong region: "Sun Jian thought that purging the aristocratic families would consolidate his power, but he forgot that the roots of these families run much deeper than his sword."

He turned around, looked at Guo Jia with a deep gaze: "Send an order to Zhou Yu, tell him not to rush to attack the city, but to trap Sun Ce in Huainan first, and then attack from both sides after Xiang Yu takes Danyang."

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