My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 463 The Change of Flags in Jiangling
These two individuals were prominent figures from powerful clans in Nanjun, holding significant positions in the region, second only to the Pang family.

Pang Degong's move, seemingly out of desperation, actually concealed a deeper meaning: he wanted to share the credit with the Feng and Wang families through this action in order to gain their support.

Feng Xi and Wang Yuan exchanged a glance, and they both saw a hint of attraction in each other's eyes.

In this turbulent situation, they also knew that only by assessing the situation and making the right choices could they protect the interests of their family.

Immediately, the two made a decision, bowed to Pang Degong in unison, responded in a low but firm voice, and then walked behind Pang Tong.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Pang Tong's face.

He knew that his uncle had made the right move, and the support from the Feng and Wang families would greatly increase the chances of success in the following actions.

Pang Degong stood at the entrance of the hall, his gaze fixed on Pang Tong's departing figure as he watched him lead Feng Xi and Wang Yuan away.

The setting sun cast its glow upon him, outlining a slightly weathered yet hopeful silhouette. At this moment, his eyes held both trust in the younger generation and trepidation about the situation, as he silently prayed for divine protection.

Pang Tong led a well-trained and imposing squad of Pang clan soldiers, marching in orderly and imposing steps, to the gate of the prefectural government.

He stood tall and straight, and after coming to a stop, he slowly turned around to face Feng Xi and Wang Yuan beside him.

With a solemn expression, he bowed slightly in a standard gesture and said sincerely, "Brother Feng, Brother Wang, this important matter still requires your assistance. I would like to trouble you two to return to your residence first, gather your clan soldiers, and meet me at the East Gate to jointly accomplish this great undertaking. What do you two think?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xi and Wang Yuan secretly admired Pang Tong's thorough consideration.

They understood that this was perhaps the price they had to pay for participating in the operation and sharing the credit.

However, they also knew that this was a rare opportunity that they could not afford to miss.

The two exchanged a glance and replied in unison, "Shiyuan is absolutely right. We will do our utmost and comply accordingly!"

After saying this, the two turned and left in haste, each returning to their respective residences to muster their troops.

Pang Tong watched the two figures disappear, hoping everything would go smoothly.

A quarter of an hour later, Pang Tong waited anxiously inside the East Gate.

Before long, Feng Xi and Wang Yuan arrived with their respective clan soldiers.

Behind Feng Xi were five hundred private soldiers, all of them spirited and well-equipped; Wang Yuan also had three hundred men behind him, not only fewer in number, but also far inferior in terms of elite status and weaponry compared to the Feng family.

However, the Wang family's troops were also in high spirits, which shows that the local powerful clans had accumulated a lot of dissatisfaction with Liu Biao's suppression.

With the order personally signed and sealed by Liu Qi, and with the strong support of the Feng Xi and Wang Yuan families, Pang Tong easily captured the western city of Jiangling. Everything proceeded quietly and without causing the slightest disturbance.

At this moment, the Yangzhou army outside the city was methodically building camps, preparing for the next attack. Little did they know that the situation in Jiangling City had undergone a dramatic change.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Jiangling City resembled a crouching beast. Its towering walls appeared exceptionally majestic in the twilight, and the deep moat shimmered, exuding an aura of solemnity. Yet, at that very moment, the bronze-clad iron city gates slowly opened, and the long iron chain drawbridge was gently lowered.

Pang Tong had already secured the entire west gate. He stood imposingly on his tall horse, his gaze fixed firmly on the lowering of the drawbridge. Without hesitation, he spurred his horse and leaped out of the gate, galloping towards the Yangzhou army camp.

As soon as the city gates opened, the Yangzhou army's scouts keenly sensed something amiss. When the drawbridge was lowered and the city gates swung open, a troop of knights galloped out. They dared not be careless in the slightest and immediately dispatched men on horseback to return to their rear camp to report the situation.

Upon receiving the message, Zhao Yun acted decisively, immediately rushing out of the camp. Clad in silver armor and wielding a long spear, he was dashing and imposing. Just as he emerged from the camp, he ran into Pang Tong, who was galloping towards him.

"Member Pang!"

Upon seeing Pang Tong, Zhao Yun was immediately filled with joy.

Pang Tong's operation was highly secretive; only the upper echelons of the Yangzhou army knew about his return to Jiangling to carry out the mission. And Zhao Yun happened to be one of these upper-class generals.

"General Zilong!"

Pang Tong hastily bowed on horseback, then said solemnly, "My uncle has successfully taken control of Liu Qi and the prefectural government. I, along with Feng Xi and Wang Yuan, led the three clans' troops and successfully captured the west of the city. Now the city is empty, and it is the perfect time to enter. I urge you, General, to immediately send troops to enter Jiangling and take control of the situation!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun was overjoyed and immediately agreed.

However, Xiahou Yun, Zhao Yun's deputy, was somewhat worried when he saw that Zhao Yun wanted to enter the city himself. He quickly stepped forward, interrupted Zhao Yun, and then volunteered, saying, "General, this humble general is willing to volunteer to enter the city first and scout the way for the army!"

Zhao Yun was slightly taken aback, but then he realized Xiahou Yun's good intentions. Xiahou Yun was clearly worried that Pang Tong was feigning surrender, so he volunteered to lead the way into the city to ensure the safety of the army.

If Zhao Yun could see it, how could Pang Tong not see it?

Pang Tong immediately laughed and said, "General Zilong, what General Xiahou said is very good. The most urgent task is to enter the city and control the west gate. If that's the case, why don't we send the vanguard to take over the city's defenses first, and then the main army can gather and enter the city at a leisurely pace?"

Although Zhao Yun didn't believe Pang Tong would betray Liu Feng, Xiahou Yun's words were for the safety of himself and his soldiers. Seeing that Pang Tong was so understanding and had come up with such a good plan for him, Zhao Yun immediately agreed and began to gather his troops.

After a short while, Xiahou Yun personally led a thousand elite soldiers to escort Pang Tong directly towards the western city of Jiangling. Meanwhile, Zhao Yun continued to anxiously gather troops in the camp and quickly reported the situation to Taishi Ci, who was still in Jinxiang. However, Zhao Yun was unaware that the unusual activity in Jiangling had already triggered a reaction in Jinxiang. Upon receiving the news, Taishi Ci immediately led three hundred elite cavalry, galloping at full speed towards the front camp to provide reinforcements.

These three hundred elite cavalrymen were not all of Taishi Ci's cavalrymen; most of their warhorses were not used to waterways, and even though they were traveling on large warships, they were still quite unaccustomed to disembarking.

Only these three hundred-odd horses were in relatively good condition and could be ridden, so Taishi Ci gathered them together to deal with the strange occurrence. And now they came in handy.

After Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun met, they exchanged a few words, and Taishi Ci's face showed a look of surprise. He secretly calculated that if Pang Tong really succeeded, Jiangling would surrender without a fight.

In this way, the army might be able to turn towards Jiangnan first and intercept Kuai Yue. Although it is highly unlikely that they will be able to stop the enemy from entering Chanling, if they can capture either Gong'an or Lexiang, the situation will tilt even more in Yangzhou's favor.

At that time, by stationing several thousand elite troops in Gong'an and Lexiang, along with several thousand naval troops, we can effectively contain the tens of thousands of remnants of the Jingbei army in Chanling.

Pang Tong led Xiahou Yun and a thousand elite troops back to the city first. Watching Xiahou Yun quickly and methodically take over the city's defenses at key locations such as the city gates, towers, and watchtowers, Pang Tong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that, given the current situation, even if there were still forces loyal to Liu Qi in Jiangling City, the enemy had no chance of turning the tide.

Before long, dust billowed in the distance, and a well-organized and composed army slowly approached Jiangling City.

The two leading generals were quite different. One was imposing, clad in silver armor and wielding a long spear; he was none other than Zhao Yun, known as "White Horse Silver Spear." The other was dashing and heroic, wearing a red cloak and carrying two halberds on his back; he was none other than the incomparably brave Taishi Ci.

Upon seeing this, Pang Tong's lips curled up slightly, revealing a relaxed smile. He turned to Feng Xi and Wang Yuan beside him and said, "Brother Feng, Brother Wang, the two generals have arrived. Please come with me to welcome them into the city."

Feng Xi and Wang Yuan were overjoyed. This was a chance to show off. They had done so much before, and this was the moment they had been waiting for.

The two hurriedly followed Pang Tong and headed towards the city gate.

Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun led their troops into Jiangling City in orderly formation.

After meeting Pang Tong and the others at the city gate, they began to talk. Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun both had a good impression of Feng Xi because Feng Xi was quite accomplished in military strategy and could answer Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun's questions fluently and with unique insights.

On the contrary, Wang Yuan received a slightly cold reception.

However, Pang Tong, being perceptive, noticed this immediately. He simply lagged behind two steps and began talking with Wang Yuan. His words subtly hinted at his preferred position, which stirred Wang Yuan's heart and deeply moved him.

The city's inhabitants hid at their doorsteps, observing the unfamiliar army with a mixture of curiosity and fear. To their surprise, however, the army entered the city without committing any offenses; their discipline was extremely strict. Led by their officers, all the soldiers swiftly and orderly took control of the main streets, without disturbing the peace in the slightest.

Meanwhile, the army also dispatched three groups, carrying documents signed and sealed by Liu Qi, to take over the defense of the other three gates. The South Gate, in particular, was a port, capable of accommodating far more ships than Jinxiang Port.

These two ports combined could accommodate three to four thousand ships, enough to provide a base for the entire Yangzhou navy. Therefore, the port and wharf at the south gate of Jiangling were of paramount importance to the Yangzhou navy, and it was imperative to bring them under complete control.

Zhao Yun and Taishi Ci, riding tall horses and led by Feng Xi, arrived before Pang Degong in the main hall of the prefectural government. The two dismounted, clasped their hands in greeting, and said in unison, "Greetings, Lord Pang!"

Pang Degong was overjoyed, a pleased smile spreading across his face. He repeatedly declined, smiling as he descended the steps, helping the two men to their feet, and said, "Generals, you must be tired from your journey. The Prefect is in the main hall; would you like to come with me to pay our respects?"

Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun naturally wouldn't refuse; in fact, they were also thinking of Liu Qi.

Afterwards, it was discovered that Liu Qi was unharmed under the care of the Pang family members. However, Liu Qi seemed quite trembling when he saw Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun, clearly worried about his safety.

Taishi Ci stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, “My lord has long admired Young Master Liu. If he were to learn that he could meet you, he would be overjoyed. Please do not worry, Young Master. I will arrange for a ship as soon as possible to take you to Shaxian to meet my lord.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Qi's worries lessened somewhat, and a look of gratitude appeared on his face.

After exchanging pleasantries, Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun began to deal with the affairs of the city.

First, they sent soldiers to post notices throughout the city to reassure the people, assuring them that the army would not harass them and that everyone could live in peace. At the same time, they also organized soldiers to help the people repair their houses, clean the streets, open granaries and storehouses, and distribute food to the elderly, widowed, and children in the city.

Seeing the friendly demeanor of the Yangzhou soldiers, the people's fear gradually dissipated, and Jiangling City began to regain its former prosperity and tranquility. The streets and alleys were bustling with activity, shops lined the streets, and shouts and laughter echoed throughout. The people's faces beamed with long-lost smiles, grateful to have escaped the ravages of war and to have their peaceful and prosperous lives preserved.

At the same time, the people of the city also developed a great fondness for General Liu Feng and began to secretly inquire about and spread his deeds.

Regarding city defense, Taishi Ci was stationed in the central army, while Zhao Yun personally inspected the armory, checked the inventory, and patrolled key locations such as city walls, towers, watchtowers, enemy platforms, and gates. Whenever he saw any damaged or dilapidated areas, he immediately ordered the mobilization of craftsmen to repair and mend them.

At the same time, all four city gates were guarded by Yangzhou soldiers, and the guard force at the city gates was strengthened. Patrol teams were also arranged in Jiangling City. While the city gates were reopened to allow people to enter and exit freely, people and vehicles entering and leaving the city were strictly checked to ensure the safety of Jiangling City.

The thousands of able-bodied men previously conscripted by Liu Qi were all released and returned home to reunite with their families. The retainers of the various families also returned to their respective residences. As for the two or three thousand county soldiers originally stationed in Jiangling City, they were merely required to remove their weapons and armor and return to their garrisons to rest.

Most of these people will later be used for logistical transportation, such as transporting food and military equipment.

From Pang Degong, Pang Tong, Feng Xi, Wang Yuan, and others to ordinary people and prisoners of war, all in Jiangling City were brought to peace through these measures.

Thanks to the efforts of Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun, Jiangling City quickly returned to its former prosperity and peace, and the people were able to live and work in peace and contentment. Meanwhile, in the countryside outside Jiangling City, summer planting continued in full swing.

On the first day of taking control of Jiangling, Taishi Ci drafted a document in Liu Qi's name and handed it over to Zhou Tai's troops to take over Gong'an and Lexiang, and to investigate the situation in Chanling.

Upon receiving the order, Zhou Tai immediately divided his forces, sending Jiang Qin to take Gong'an and Dong Xi to take Lexiang. All the supply and logistics ships were moored in the port south of Jiangling City, while he himself was stationed at Jinxiang Port, ready to provide support at any time.

(End of this chapter)