My Three Kingdoms is not right

When Liu Xun awoke from his drowsy state, he felt a dull pain in his neck.

Slowly opening my eyes, the first thing I saw was an unfamiliar canopy top—dark blue silk embroidered with simple cloud patterns, which didn't look luxurious, but was clean and tidy.

He was lying on a hard wooden bed with a thin mattress. He tried to move his fingers, and thankfully, all four limbs were still there, showing no signs of being bound.

Memories flooded back into my mind like a tide.

The fierce battle on Tangshan Mountain, the armored torrent of the Trapped Camp, the deafening roar of the collapsing stockade walls, and the screams of the soldiers.

Then came Lu Bu's sudden appearance, galloping ahead of everyone else. The cold glint of his halberd in the sunlight, and the final image etched in my mind was those eyes looking down from above.

Liu Xun closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.

Good news: He wasn't killed by Lü Bu.

Bad news: They've been captured.

He propped himself up and sat up, looking around. It was a small room, simply furnished: a bed, a small table, and two stools. A rough landscape painting hung on the wall, and the window frame was wooden, covered with white hemp paper. Light was streaming in from outside, so it must have been daytime.

The door was closed, but you could see shadowy figures moving around outside through the crack.

Okay, let's sort it out.

He had been captured by Lü Bu. Judging from his surroundings, he wasn't imprisoned, wasn't tied up, and was even provided with brocade and silk—his treatment wasn't bad. This indicated that Lü Bu didn't intend to kill him, at least not yet.

Why?

Liu Xun analyzed the situation rapidly in his mind.

First, there's his own identity. He's the emperor's younger brother, Princess Wannian, and the Grand Master of Ceremonies. Lü Bu doesn't want to kill himself and completely break with the court.

Secondly, there's the question of his own usefulness. Lü Bu captured him alive simply to use him to blackmail Cao Cao. But would Cao Cao withdraw his troops for his sake?

A bitter smile appeared on Liu Xun's lips.

will not.

She's a true ruthless and cunning woman...

Therefore, Lü Bu needed to use himself to deal with Cao Cao, but he could not play a decisive role, and he dared not really do anything to Cao Cao.

This situation is neither particularly good nor particularly bad.

At least they won't die for now.

Liu Xun propped himself up and sat up, the dull pain in his neck making him gasp. He touched the spot where he had been hit, his fingertips brushing against a patch of swollen skin, the pain making him wince.

The room was simply furnished but not shabby. A teapot and several ceramic cups sat on a small table, a bronze mirror stood in the corner, and several bamboo scrolls lay by the window. His armor and sword were gone, and he was wearing a clean, plain-colored undergarment, which had obviously been changed.

"Is anyone there?" Liu Xun cleared his throat, his voice a little hoarse.

The curtain was lifted, and a young female soldier entered.

She was clearly taken aback when she saw Liu Xun's expression, then blushed and lowered her head.

"Um..." Liu Xun looked at her shy, girlish appearance and tried to make his voice sound gentler, "Excuse me, where is this place? What time is it?"

Just as the female soldier was about to speak, a stern voice from outside the door stopped her:

"Shut up! Don't talk to this person!"

A female officer in leather armor stepped across the threshold. She had a sallow complexion, rough skin, and a face as cold as ice.

The female soldier, startled by her fierce glare, trembled and retreated to the side with her head down, not daring to utter a sound.

The female officer then turned her face and looked coldly at Liu Xun.

"Once you're awake, stay put and don't wander around or ask any questions. I'll go report to Chen."

After saying that, he turned and left without looking back.

The female soldier also left, glancing at Liu Xun furtively before closing the door, her eyes filled with pity.

The room fell silent again.

Liu Xun leaned against the bed and let out a long sigh.

It seems I've been placed under house arrest as a prisoner. And judging from the female officer's attitude, Lu Bu's army probably won't be too lenient in their control over this "prisoner."

That's good. At least we know that Chen Gong is in charge now. Chen Gong is a sensible man; he probably won't do anything too outrageous.

He retreated to the edge of the bed and sat down, beginning to consider his next course of action.

It's certain that we can't provoke Lü Bu. That woman has a violent temper and acts entirely on her whims; if you really anger her, she's capable of anything.

But he can't completely submit. He has to find a way to gain some space to move around, at least to know where he is and what his surroundings are like.

Most importantly, he had to survive until Cao Cao conquered Xiapi.

Moreover, they must not be caught in the chaos of the army on that day, nor should they be taken hostage by the desperate Lü Bu and die together.

Just as I was pondering this, I heard footsteps outside the door again. This time, there was more than one person.

Liu Xun straightened his clothes and sat up straight.

The curtain was lifted again.

The people who came in this time had a completely different demeanor.

He wore a simple blue robe, his hair was neatly styled, his face was fair, and his brows carried a quiet, scholarly air. Every gesture he made exuded a composed and unhurried demeanor.

"Your Highness is awake. I have instructed the kitchen to prepare some congee and side dishes, which will be delivered shortly." Chen Gong bowed respectfully, his tone as gentle as if meeting an old friend. "Since you fainted last night, are you still feeling unwell anywhere?"

Liu Xun looked at her but did not answer immediately.

He was courteous, respectful, and extremely caring.

If it weren't for the cold-faced female officer's attitude just now, Liu Xun would have almost thought he was really visiting Xiapi.

"You're too kind, Mr. Chen." Liu Xun nodded slightly. "I'm fine."

Chen Gong continued, "General Lü has always admired Your Highness's demeanor, and seeing Your Highness's heroic bearing on the battlefield today has only increased his respect. Therefore, he invited Your Highness to come to Xiapi as a guest, so that the general can fulfill his duty as a host."

"General Lü has already given instructions that Your Highness's daily needs and necessities here will be arranged to the best of his ability. If there is anything you need, please just give the order."

"What are your orders?" Liu Xun raised an eyebrow slightly. "What can I order?"

"Your Highness, please speak freely."

Liu Xun thought for a moment, then tentatively said, "I don't need anyone standing at my door."

Chen Gong smiled and shook his head: "For Your Highness's safety, the general has specially ordered Yao Tian to lead a team of personal guards to protect Your Highness. Commander Yao is a veteran in the army and acts with composure. She will do her best to accommodate Your Highness's needs."

The cold-faced female officer who had been standing outside the door glanced into the room upon hearing this, her expression unchanged.

"Then I'd like to let my elder sister in Xudu know I'm safe, is that alright?" Liu Xun asked again.

Chen Gong waved his hand and said, "Your Highness, please forgive me. With Cao Cao's army besieging the city, messengers cannot deliver the letter. Once the fighting has subsided, I will send someone to escort Your Highness's letter."

Liu Xun was prepared and not disappointed: "I want my armor and sword."

Chen Gong shook his head again: "Armor and swords are all weapons of mass destruction. Your Highness is a guest in my army and has no need for these things. I have already ordered people to prepare a newly made brocade robe. The material is tribute satin from Shu, and the tailoring is done by the best tailors in Xuzhou. Your Highness will surely find it fits you well."

Liu Xun shrugged: "I want to be free to move around the city."

Chen Gong bowed slightly: "Your Highness, please forgive me. The city of Xiapi is in chaos. If Your Highness wishes to clear your mind, you may take a walk in the courtyard. Although my courtyard is not large, the flowers and trees are quite serene, and it should not cause Your Highness any distress."

really.

Liu Xun leaned against the armchair, looking calmly at Chen Gong.

The woman's manner was impeccably polite, but behind every polite word lay an iron grip. Surveillance would not be lifted, weapons would not be provided, and freedom would not be granted.

The goal is to confine him to this courtyard, like a caged bird.

"Any other instructions?" Chen Gong asked.

Pshaw, what a hypocrite!

"That's all."

"Then I have something I would like to discuss with Your Highness," Chen Gong said in a gentle tone.

"Please speak, Mr. Chen."

"Tomorrow, General Lü would like to invite Your Highness to walk on the city wall," Chen Gong said, looking into Liu Xun's eyes. "Let the Cao army outside the city see that Your Highness is safe and sound in my Xiapi city and is being treated with great courtesy."