Mythical Three Kingdoms

In a situation where there was hope of victory, Liu Biao believed that with Huang Zhong, Liu Pan, Kuai Yue, and Kuai Liang—such excellent civil and military talents—whenever progress seemed promising, he would invade Jingbei, often yielding remarkable results. Although he never managed to capture any territory in Jingbei, these actions were still seen as successes.

Over time, Liu Biao gradually realized that every one of his perceived victories was, in fact, thoroughly orchestrated by Zhou Yu in Jingbei.

Due to Zhou Yu’s deliberate arrangements, Jingbei appeared strategically vulnerable, giving Liu Biao the illusion of an opportunity to counterattack. This illusion allowed Zhou Yu to systematically eliminate Yuan Shu’s miscellaneous troops.

If Liao Li, Yuy Fan, and Gu Yong were to face Kuai Yue together, they would certainly be a match. However, due to Liu Biao’s initiative, Kuai Yue only needed to deal with one opponent at a time. In such situations, even someone like Liao Li could only retreat in frustration.

At first glance, Liu Biao seemed to hold a significant advantage. Yet, the Four Commanderies of Jingnan continued to weaken from repeated northern campaigns. Weapons, armor, and supplies were plundered in abundance, but the cost was an ever-declining population.

As for seizing population, whenever Kuai Yue captured large numbers of people to transport them to Jingnan, Sun Ce’s elite troops would appear, forcing him into a major battle due to the burden of protecting the civilians.

Kuai Yue had once attempted to use this dynamic to ambush Sun Ce. However, after a sole ambush attempt backfired with Zhou Yu’s intervention, Kuai Yue completely abandoned such thoughts. Facing Sun Ce or Zhou Yu individually wasn’t daunting for him, but confronting both together, Kuai Yue knew he should stay as far away as possible.

This method of population plundering gradually eroded Liu Biao’s reputation among the common people of Jingbei. At that time, Gu Yong, acting under the name of the Government Office, relocated the populace from the battlegrounds to Eastern Wu. Consequently, Liu Biao was left with no more than weapons, armor, and supplies.

It can be said this was the pressure that forced Liu Biao into a desperate gamble. He had to take a risk, or he would be left with nothing and manipulated to death by Zhou Yu!

Kuai Yue did foresee the nature of Zhou Yu’s scheme. However, following the raid of Jingnan by the combined forces of Jiang Qin, Liu Xun, and others stationed in Jingbei, Kuai Yue decisively chose to attack rather than defend. Though this accelerated the erosion of Liu Biao’s forces, Zhou Yu had left Liu Biao only two paths.

One was total annihilation. The other was to attack in place of defense, potentially prolonging the situation and awaiting a turnaround. Even for someone as brilliant as Kuai Yue, there was no other choice but to drink poison to quench his thirst while biding his time for an opportunity.

Truthfully, Kuai Yue was not overly optimistic about this campaign to fully mobilize forces from Jingnan. However, the subsequent cooperation from Liu Zhang and Liu Bei’s unexpected attack gave Kuai Yue a glimpse of hope.

This is why Kuai Yue agreed to Liu Biao leading the army to Tigu. They aimed to unite the strength of three factions to eliminate Sun Ce as quickly as possible. Only then would they have a chance to reverse their fortunes; otherwise, it would all be a futile expenditure.

”So, Liu Biao has deployed his forces.” Amidst a reed marsh in the midstream stretch of the Yangtze River, Zhou Yu casually folded the letter and smiled faintly. ”Youping, summon Junli.”

”Understood.” Zhou Tai clasped his fists in salute and then left to find Zhu Zhi.

It wasn’t long before Zhu Zhi arrived. This former general who had followed Sun Jian during his conquests was now relatively less renowned compared to figures like Huang Gai. Nonetheless, his ability was unquestionable.

”General Zhu, please take a seat.” Zhou Yu returned the courtesy and gestured toward a nearby tea table. Despite enjoying the highest level of treatment under Sun Ce’s banner, Zhou Yu was almost always warm and courteous in his conduct with others.

”May I ask why Gongjin has summoned me this time?” Zhu Zhi asked bluntly as he took his seat.

”General, you once joined Old General Sun Jian in campaigns through Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. You must have substantial familiarity with Jingnan,” Zhou Yu inquired calmly.

”Aren’t we supposed to aid the Junior General?” Zhu Zhi exclaimed in surprise. His expression betrayed unease as he looked at Zhou Yu. Among Sun Ce’s subordinates, it was often unclear where Sun Ce’s authority ended and Zhou Yu’s began. But to veterans like Zhu Zhi, who had served under Sun Jian, the distinction was of utmost priority.

”I will personally attend to my elder brother Bofu’s situation. I merely intend to now finalize our plans for another matter,” Zhou Yu responded, his tone completely unfazed by Zhu Zhi’s reaction. He understood this instinctive response of the older generals all too well.

As expected, Zhu Zhi sheepishly apologized moments later. Zhou Yu, unconcerned, continued his questioning.

”I am indeed well-acquainted with Jingnan, but if we divide our forces now, I fear our resources will be stretched too thin,” Zhu Zhi replied with a furrowed brow.

”You will go to Jingnan. Zihengg is already there, and the Wu Creek Barbarians have likely been marshaled by now. Initially, they were my hidden card in Jingnan, meant to carry out a pincer attack on Liu Biao from the south and north. However, things now seem simpler,” Zhou Yu explained as he observed Zhu Zhi closely.

”The Wu Creek Barbarians? Can they be trusted?” Zhu Zhi asked, frowning.

”They can. Their leader, Shamoke, joined our forces long before I left Jingzhou. However, remember to treat the people of Wu Creek on equal footing with our troops once you arrive in Jingnan,” Zhou Yu emphasized. This time, he refrained from using the term ”barbarians,” instead referencing them by their territory, a distinction laden with meaning.

”Understood.” Zhu Zhi hesitated no longer. Zhou Yu’s thorough preparation made it apparent that this mission was an opportunity for Zhu Zhi to earn significant merit.

”After capturing Jingnan, establish defenses along the river. Do not harm Liu Biao or Kuai Yidu’s families—they may still be of use. Once Jingnan is stabilized, establish trade between the People of Wu Creek and the Shanyue—a large-scale trade!” Zhou Yu’s tone grew sterner with these instructions. After all, it involved millions among the Shanyue population, matters Zhou Yu could not treat lightly.

”Understood!” Zhu Zhi bowed respectfully in response.

Afterward, Zhou Yu and Zhu Zhi discussed various matters regarding Jingnan’s governance, carefully going over certain prohibitions. Once all was thoroughly communicated, Zhou Yu turned his attention to the map, analyzing the current situation. As for the upcoming war in Jingnan, Zhou Yu felt entirely assured.

Owing to Zhou Yu’s years of suppression, along with the unique opportunity of this moment, Zhou Yu estimated that by now, Liu Biao hardly had any troops left for basic regional stability.

[Kuai Yue is indeed an exceptional strategist. Perhaps this desperate gamble of his was of his own design. If there were no contingencies, he might actually have had a chance to succeed. But the one thing he didn’t foresee is that I’ve long been prepared. Even while Bofu is under siege, I can still capture Jingnan.]

Standing on the bow of his ship, gazing across the surface of the Yangtze River, Zhou Yu confidently predicted that, in a short while, Kuai Yue would be stunned to discover that Jingnan was no longer under their control—like a city stolen in the dead of night.

[Now, I only need to compose one more letter. If Kuai Yue manages to seize Yi City as planned, even if he wishes to send reinforcements, it will already be too late.] Contemplating further, Zhou Yu called for silk cloth to draft a letter to Gu Yong, explaining his strategy and instructing a soldier to deliver it to Xiangyang.

Ironically, Zhou Yu couldn’t have predicted that the letter would never reach Gu Yong but instead fall into the hands of Liao Li, leading to unexpected complications. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)