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

In March of the fourth year of Jian'an (199 AD), in Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

Spring was in full bloom, the grass was lush and the birds were singing. Pang Tong, however, did not attend to official business in the governor's mansion. Instead, he traveled alone, traveling light and with few entourage, to Longzhong, twenty li west of the city. His attendants exchanged bewildered glances, wondering why their newly appointed Minister of Works would abandon the mountain of official documents and insist on heading to that desolate wilderness.

Pang Tong simply smiled and said, "I'm going to visit an old friend."

Springtime in Longzhong is as beautiful as a painting. The mountains are verdant, the waters flow like ribbons, and at the foot of the mountains, a few thatched cottages stand, their peach trees blooming brightly outside the fences. Pang Tong rode up, and from afar, he saw a young man fishing by the stream. The man wore a turban and a crane-feather cloak, his face was like jade, and his features exuded an extraordinary air. Pang Tong dismounted and laughed loudly, "Kongming, how have you been!"

Zhuge Liang put down his fishing rod, turned around and saw Pang Tong. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, then he smiled and said, "Shiyuan? What brings you here?" He stood up to greet him, and they shook hands. Years ago at Shuijing Manor, the two were classmates, as close as brothers. Several years had passed since they parted. Pang Tong had become the Minister of Works in the imperial court, renowned throughout the land; while Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion in Longzhong, diligently studying and farming, rarely interacting with the outside world.

"I've come to see you," Pang Tong said with a smile. "Why, won't you invite me in for a seat?"

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly and stepped aside to lead the way: "Please."

The two men sat down in the thatched hut, and Zhuge Liang personally brewed tea. The fragrant tea wafted through the air, and birdsong filled the air outside the window, creating a truly idyllic scene. Pang Tong, holding his teacup, looked around and sighed, "Kongming, you really are very composed. The world is in turmoil outside, yet you're here fishing and brewing tea, living a carefree life."

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly: "The fate of the world is already largely decided. With the Duke of Yan alive, with Shi Yuan alive, with Fengxiao and Gongjin alive, what difference does it make whether I come out of seclusion or not?"

Pang Tong put down his teacup and said seriously, "Kongming, I came to see you about this matter."

Zhuge Liang looked at him calmly.

Pang Tong said, "The Duke of Yan knows your talent and also knows that you live in seclusion in Longzhong, unwilling to come out of seclusion. But he asked me to tell you—the world is not yet settled, and we still need great talents. I have pacified Jingzhou and taken over its four counties, and I need you. There is also Cao Cao in Yanzhou, and Jingzhou is adjacent to Yanzhou; it is precisely the time when we need capable people. Kongming, are you willing to spend your whole life in Longzhong?"

Zhuge Liang remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Shiyuan, what you said is true, but it's not entirely true."

Pang Tong was taken aback.

Zhuge Liang stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the distant green mountains, and said softly, "Under the command of the Duke of Yan, strategists are as numerous as clouds, and fierce generals are as plentiful as rain. Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Xun You, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, you, Gongjin... which one of them is ordinary? With you all here, pacifying the world is only a matter of time. My coming out of seclusion would only be adding to the glory. But if I don't come out of seclusion..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Pang Tong understood. If he didn't step out of seclusion, Zhuge Liang would truly remain just a commoner farming in Nanyang.

Pang Tong stood up, walked to his side, took out a scroll of silk from his robes, and handed it to him: "Kongming, take a look at this."

Zhuge Liang took it, unfolded it, and was stunned.

It was a map. Not a map of the Han Dynasty, but... the entire world. The Han Dynasty was at the far east, beyond which lay the Western Regions, the Kushan Empire, and Parthia, and further west, Rome. To the south lay the Indochina Peninsula and the Malay Archipelago. To the north lay the Xianbei, Dingling, and Jiankun, and further north, the vast icy plains. The thirteen provinces of the Han Dynasty were but a small corner of this map.

"This is..." Zhuge Liang's voice trembled slightly.

"It was drawn by Lord Yan," Pang Tong said. "He said it's a world map. Beyond the Han Dynasty, there is such a vast land. Once the world is at peace, why worry about not having a place to use one's talents?" He paused, looked into Zhuge Liang's eyes, and said, word by word, "Kongming, do you think Lord Yan's ambition is limited to these thirteen provinces of the Han Dynasty?"

Zhuge Liang held the map, his hands trembling slightly. His gaze shifted from the Han Dynasty to the Western Regions, from the Western Regions to the Kushan Empire, from the Kushan Empire to Parthia, and from Parthia to Rome. That land he had never seen before lay quietly on the silk scroll, waiting to be conquered.

"Duke Yan said," Pang Tong's voice rang in his ears, "that once the world is at peace, he will send a fleet south to the Western Ocean to explore the unknown. He will send a cavalry west to the Western Regions to reopen the Silk Road. He will let the banner of the Han Dynasty be planted on every inch of the land."

Zhuge Liang raised his head, his eyes gleaming. He was only eighteen, a time of youthful vigor and ambition. Even a century after Ji Xuanyuan's death, he could still assist the second and third emperors. His stage was not just the Han Dynasty, but the entire world.

"Shiyuan," he said, his voice steady, "could I keep this map? I'd like to study it carefully for a few days."

Pang Tong smiled: "Of course. I'll be waiting for you in Xiangyang. Kongming, don't keep me waiting too long."

He turned and strode away. Behind him, Zhuge Liang, holding the map, stood by the window, silent for a long time. Outside, spring was in full bloom, peach and plum blossoms fragrant. But his gaze had already passed beyond that sea of ​​flowers, beyond the mountains and rivers of the Han Dynasty, and was now fixed on the distant west.

Yanzhou, Changyi.

Unlike the leisurely atmosphere in Longzhong, the atmosphere in Cao Cao's residence was as heavy as lead. He sat in his study, an imperial edict from Shuntian laid out before him, his face ashen. He had already read it three times; every word felt like a branding iron, searing his heart.

The imperial edict was written in a very polite tone: "Duke Yan has heard that Cao Cao's eldest son Ang and second son Pi are both young talents. Therefore, he has specially summoned Ang to serve as an official in the court, and Pi to enter the capital's academy. It is hoped that Cao Cao will quickly send the two to the capital and not fail the court's high expectations."

Cao Cao put down the imperial edict and looked at Xi Zhicai: "Zhicai, what do you think?"

Xi Zhicai was pale and coughed lightly from time to time. Although Zhang Zhongjing had saved him from his illness, he could no longer exert himself as before. Yet, even now, he was still supporting his ailing body to analyze the situation for Cao Cao.

"My lord, these are hostages." His voice was hoarse. "Ji Xuanyuan wants you to send the two young masters to Shuntian, ostensibly to serve as officials and study in his household, but in reality, to take them hostage. He fears that while you are campaigning in Jiaozhou in the south, you might take the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Yuzhou."

Cao Cao nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "I understand. But should we accept this imperial decree or not?"

Xi Zhicai was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "There are advantages and disadvantages to both accepting and not accepting."

Cao Cao looked at him and said, "Speak."

Xi Zhicai said, "If we don't accept, it will be considered disobeying the imperial decree. Ji Xuanyuan will then have an excuse to attack our lord. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei of Xuzhou can march south at any time. Although Zhou Yu of Yuzhou has gone to Jiaozhou, Xiang Yu is still in Yangzhou. If the imperial army presses in, Yanzhou will be attacked from all sides, and I'm afraid..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Cao Cao understood. Yan Province, though small, was a strategically vital location, bordered by Ji Province to the north, Xu Province to the east, the Sili Commandery to the west, and Yu Province to the south. If the imperial court truly took action, Cao Cao would have nowhere to escape.

Cao Cao then asked, "What if we accept?"

Xi Zhicai said, "If we accept, our lord will be completely controlled by Ji Xuanyuan. The two young masters in Shuntian will be hostages. In the future, our lord will have to think twice before making any moves."

Cao Cao remained silent. He was well aware of the consequences of accepting the imperial decree. Cao Ang and Cao Pi were his own flesh and blood; sending them to Shuntian was tantamount to handing his life over to Ji Xuanyuan. But if he refused…

Xi Zhicai added, "However, receiving the imperial decree is not entirely without its advantages."

Cao Cao looked up at him.

Xi Zhicai said, "If our lord accepts the decree, Ji Xuanyuan will surely lower his guard. He will think that our lord has already submitted and dare not harbor any disloyal thoughts. At that time, if Zhou Yu and Xiang Yu are embroiled in a fierce battle in Jiaozhou, our lord may have an opportunity..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Cao Cao understood. Using his two sons as hostages to gain Ji Xuanyuan's trust, then launching a surprise attack on Yu Province—this was a risky, even fatal, move. Success might turn the tide; failure would mean certain death for Cao Ang and Cao Pi.

Cao Cao stood up, walked to the window, and gazed northwards towards Shuntian, remaining silent for a long time. Outside, a spring breeze blew, bringing a touch of warmth. But in his heart, a bone-chilling cold prevailed.

"Zhicai," he began, his voice hoarse, "tell me, if I were to gamble with Ang'er and Pi'er's lives on this, what are the odds of winning?"

Xi Zhicai was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Less than 30%."

Cao Cao turned around and looked at him: "Thirty percent?"

Xi Zhicai nodded: "Although Zhou Yu has gone to Jiaozhou, Xiang Yu is still in Yangzhou. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are in Xuzhou. If our lord launches a surprise attack on Yuzhou, they will definitely send troops at the same time. At that time, Yanzhou will be attacked from all sides. Even if we can take Yuzhou, we will not be able to hold it."

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, Liu Bei is barely able to protect himself in Jiaozhou, let alone support our lord. If our lord were to confront the imperial court alone, defeat would be inevitable."

Cao Cao slumped back onto his couch, his face deathly pale. He knew Xi Zhicai was telling the truth. He, Cao Cao, wasn't that foolish to gamble the lives of his two sons on a chance of less than 30%. But if he didn't gamble, he could only watch helplessly as Ji Xuanyuan gradually devoured the world, ultimately swallowing him whole.

Xi Zhicai looked at him and said softly, "My lord, as long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. It's not necessarily a bad thing that the two young masters are in Shuntian. Ji Xuanyuan is not Dong Zhuo; he won't indiscriminately kill innocent people. As long as my lord doesn't act rashly, the two young masters will be safe. When the time is right, there may be an opportunity to bring them back."

Cao Cao remained silent for a long time before slowly nodding: "You're right. This general... cannot gamble with Ang'er and Pi'er's lives."

He stood up, walked to the desk, picked up his brush, and wrote a reply. The letter read: "Your subject Cao Cao bows again to Your Excellency, the Duke of Yan. My sons, Ang and Pi, have been honored by Your Excellency's favor, entering the court to serve as officials and studying in your residence. I am deeply grateful. I will send someone to escort them to the capital immediately, hoping Your Excellency will treat them well. I will diligently guard Yanzhou and live up to the court's high expectations." After finishing, he read it again and again; each word felt like a knife, piercing his heart.

Xi Zhicai took the letter, read it through, and nodded, saying, "This letter from my lord is well written. Ji Xuanyuan will surely be at ease after reading it."

Cao Cao smiled wryly: "Relax? He's never been at ease. He's testing me. If I don't send Ang'er and Pi'er, he'll have an excuse to take action. If I do send them, he'll think I'm afraid and won't touch Yanzhou for the time being."

He paused, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "But I know this is only temporary. Once he has dealt with Liu Bei, I will be next."

Xi Zhicai remained silent.

Cao Cao sealed the letter and handed it to his personal guard: "Send it to Shuntian by express courier, 800 li away."

The guards obeyed and left. Cao Cao stood by the window, gazing north, and murmured, "Ang'er, Pi'er, I've failed you..."

Several days later, in Shuntian, at the Yan Duke's residence.

Ji Xuanyuan sat in his study, a reply from Cao Cao laid out before him. After reading it, he smiled slightly and handed the letter to Guo Jia: "Fengxiao, take a look. Cao Mengde has agreed to send his son."

Guo Jia took the decree, scanned it quickly, and his peach blossom eyes curved into a smile: "Congratulations, my lord! With this decree, Cao Cao is completely under your control. From now on, he'll have to think twice before making any moves."

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head: "Cao Cao is not someone who is easily manipulated. He sent his son here only to buy time. He is waiting for us to make a mistake in our southern expedition to Jiaozhou, and for internal strife to occur within our ranks."

Guo Jia nodded: "My lord is right. So what should we do?"

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to the map, and traced the location of Yanzhou with his finger: "No rush. First, settle Cao Ang and Cao Pi. Give Cao Ang a sinecure when he enters the court; don't give him important positions. Send Cao Pi to the academy in the capital and let him study hard there."

He turned to look at Guo Jia, his gaze deep and unwavering: "Have Ran Min keep a close eye on Cao Cao. If he dares to make any rash moves, send troops at any time."

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

Ji Xuanyuan gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance. Outside, spring was in full bloom, and peach and plum blossoms were fragrant. But he knew that this tranquility was merely the calm before the storm. Once the southern campaign was over, it would be time for his decisive battle with Cao Cao.

Longzhong, thatched cottage.

Zhuge Liang had been standing by the window for three days and three nights. Before him lay the world map. From the Han Dynasty to the Western Regions, from the Western Regions to the Kushan Empire, from the Kushan Empire to Parthia, from Parthia to Rome. Every inch of land was etched in his heart.

He raised his head, gazing at the distant green mountains, and murmured, "Beyond the Han Dynasty, there is such a vast world... The ambition of the Duke of Yan is indeed not limited to the mere thirteen states."

He suddenly smiled. In that smile, there was relief, anticipation, and a hint of indescribable pride.

"Someone come here," he called to his page, "pack our things. Tomorrow, we're going to Xiangyang."

Xiangyang, the governor's residence.

Pang Tong was handling government affairs when a guard suddenly came to report: "Lord Situ, there is a guest outside the gate requesting an audience, who claims to be Zhuge Liang."

Pang Tong abruptly stood up, laughing loudly, "Please come in!"

A moment later, Zhuge Liang, dressed in a blue robe, calmly entered the mansion. He and Pang Tong looked at each other and smiled.

"Shiyuan, Liang is here."

Pang Tong grasped his hand and smiled, "I knew you would come."

The two entered the hall hand in hand, brewing tea and discussing the world. Outside the window, spring was in full bloom, and all things were coming back to life. A new era was about to begin for them.