Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Sun Ce led the last elite troops in the city and rushed to the battlefield like an arrow. Clad in silver armor and holding a spear, he rushed to the front with great majesty, while the soldiers behind him shouted and followed closely.

Atop the city walls, Xu Gong stared intently at the battlefield, his eyes wide open. Initially, he was filled with anticipation, hoping that Sun Ce would descend like a divine force and turn the tide of battle. But in the blink of an eye, the situation suddenly changed, leaving him speechless with horror.

The Shanyue, seemingly fleeing for their lives, unexpectedly joined forces with Zhou Yu's pursuing army as Sun Ce's troops approached. Like a well-trained unit, they quickly formed a massive encirclement around Sun Ce's troops. The Shanyue warriors shouted, their eyes gleaming with ferocity, their weapons gleaming coldly in the sunlight. Zhou Yu's soldiers, undeterred, advanced in an orderly fashion, shrinking the encirclement.

Sun Ce's troops were instantly trapped, caught in the middle and under attack from all sides. The soldiers cried out in terror, trying to break through, but all was in vain. A relentless slaughter ensued, the Shanyue and Zhou Yu's allied forces like hungry beasts, ravaging their prey.

Shamoke swung a huge axe and chopped at Sun Ce's soldiers with great force. Several people fell down with one axe. Zhou Yu commanded his soldiers to form a line of defense with spears, forcing Sun Ce's army, which was trying to break through, back into the encirclement.

In this brutal stranglehold, Sun Ce's troops were powerless to fight back. In just a moment, the team that had just left the city and was still full of vigor was devoured without leaving even a bone residue.

Xu Gong's legs gave way, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. His face turned pale as paper, his lips trembled, and he was speechless. He could never have imagined that Sun Ce, whom he had trusted so deeply and placed such high hopes on, had colluded with the Shanyue people to set this deadly trap.

"This... How is this possible..." Xu Gong muttered to himself, his heart filled with despair and regret. He looked at the empty battlefield and realized that he had made an unforgivable mistake. Jiaxing City was now a deserted city, and he was about to face a catastrophic disaster.

At this time, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Shamoke and others outside the city were slowly approaching Jiaxing City with victorious smiles on their faces, while what awaited Xu Gong was the ruthless judgment of fate.

On the walls of Jiaxing, Xu Gong felt as if struck by lightning, watching helplessly as Sun Ce's army outside the city was instantly engulfed. He stood frozen in place, his face ashen. The walls were now deserted, save for a few frantic servants. The once-imposing defenders had fled in droves, following Sun Ce on his journey of no return.

Xu Gong's legs gave way, and he slumped to the ground, his eyes empty and hopeless. For a long moment, he pounded the ground, roaring at the top of his lungs, "Sun Ce, you despicable villain! I, Xu Gong, treated you with sincerity, yet you schemed against me like this!" His voice echoed off the city walls, filled with resentment and anger, but the only response was the cheers of the enemy troops outside.

At the foot of the city, Sun Ce rode his majestic horse to the foot of the wall. He looked up at Xu Gong with a playful smile on his face. "Mr. Xu, by now, your situation is hopeless. Why fight like a trapped beast?"

Zhou Yu echoed, "Xu Gong, you are no match for us. If you surrender early, you can still save your life."

Shamoko, holding a battle axe, laughed wildly and said, "Xu Gong, today is the day you die. If you don't surrender, we will immediately destroy the city and leave no one alive!"

Atop the city walls, Xu Gong gazed at the ferocious coalition forces outside, his inner defenses completely crumbling. His mind raced, not with the safety of the city's inhabitants, but with how to preserve his own wealth and splendor. Images of lavish mansions, mountains of treasure, and overwhelming power flashed before his eyes like a revolving lantern.

Xu Gong's legs trembled uncontrollably, his hands clutching the corners of his clothes so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the strain. He knew there was no escape now. If he didn't surrender, he would be beheaded and his family destroyed.

"It can't end like this... I can't lose all this..." Xu Gong murmured softly, his forehead covered with dense beads of sweat, sliding down his cheeks and wetting his collar.

At the foot of the city, Sun Ce, with an impatient expression, shouted, "Xu Gong, stop dawdling! You can't escape today. Surrender now and avoid this painful punishment!"

Xu Gong gritted his teeth and shouted towards the city: "General Sun, as long as you promise to preserve the prosperity and wealth of my family, let my Xu family still enjoy a respected position in Wujun, and let our wealth be undiminished, I will surrender immediately!"

A sneer of disdain played across Sun Ce's lips, and he thought to himself: Even at this point, Xu Gong still only cares about his own selfish interests. But to successfully capture Jiaxing City, he forced himself to act magnanimous and laughed heartily, "Haha, don't worry, Mr. Xu! As long as you surrender obediently, I, Sun Ce, will keep my promise and ensure your family's prosperity and wealth!"

Xu Gong felt like he had finally grasped at straws after hearing Sun Ce's reply. He scrambled down the city wall, stumbling along the way, his hat tilted to one side and his hair disheveled. Upon reaching the city gate, he trembled as he opened it himself. Then, with a plop, he knelt on the ground, head bowed, not daring to look Sun Ce in the eye.

Xu Gong, now a figure of his former dignity, had lost none of his former dignity. His clothes were stained with dust, his knees raised a cloud of dust, and his body trembled uncontrollably. "I, your humble servant, Xu Gong, surrender to General Sun. I hope the general will remember our past friendship and spare my Xu family..." Xu Gong's voice was filled with tears and utter humility.

Sun Ce looked down at Xu Gong, who knelt and begged for mercy, with contempt in his heart. He waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to take Xu Gong away. As the soldiers pulled him, Xu Gong floundered to his feet, and was escorted away from the city gate. Thus, thanks to Xu Gong's cowardice and selfishness, Jiaxing City easily fell into Sun Ce's hands.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive. Sun Ce sat high in the main seat, his gaze stern as he surveyed the crowd. Xu Gong's defeat was inevitable, but how to deal with him became a focal point of debate.

Zhou Yu was the first to break the silence. "Xu Gong's power has crumbled, and he's unlikely to stir up any more trouble. In my opinion, sparing him would be more beneficial than harmful to us. Wu County has just been through war, and the people are in a state of panic. Sparing Xu Gong's life would demonstrate our army's generosity to all factions, and would help to stabilize the people and consolidate our rule here."

Ma Chao nodded slightly, agreeing, "Gongjin is absolutely right. Although Xu Gong was once our enemy, the situation is now hopeless, and he is nothing more than a prisoner. Sparing his life will not only prevent excessive killing from causing panic and rebellion among other clans, but will also allow those wavering factions to see our tolerance, helping us win over their hearts."

However, Shamoke suddenly stood up, clenched his fists, and roared, "No! This Xu Gong is guilty of heinous crimes. His men have killed countless of my Shanyue brothers. He is one of the main culprits behind the aristocratic families who abuse their power and oppress the people. Now that we have finally captured him, how can we let him go so easily? We must kill him and avenge our fallen brothers!"

Everyone's eyes turned to Sun Ce, awaiting his decision. Sun Ce pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Everyone's words make sense. Xu Gong has indeed committed many evil deeds, but the situation is delicate right now. If we rashly kill him, we risk causing unnecessary trouble. However, if we don't kill him, it will be difficult to allay the hatred in the hearts of the Shamoke brothers and the many soldiers."

After some thought, Zhou Yu proposed, "How about this: we imprison Xu Gong and publicly declare he's spared to appease all parties. At the same time, we must completely deprive him of his freedom, preventing him from causing further trouble. This way, we can avoid exacerbating the conflict and show the Shamoke brothers and the soldiers that Xu Gong has received the punishment he deserves."

After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Sun Ce also thought this plan was feasible, so he ordered Xu Gong to be imprisoned in a secret place and sent people to guard him strictly.

Thus, Xu Gong, once a powerful figure in Wu Commandery, was reduced to a prisoner. His dream of remaining rich and powerful was shattered by Sun Ce's order.

In a dim, damp prison cell, Xu Gong, his face gaunt and emaciated, clutched the bars of the prison door with both hands. His eyes, filled with pleading, looked at Zhang Yu beside him. "Sir, my life hangs by a thread. I'm counting on you. When you see Sun Ce and the others, please speak well of me and ask them to save my family. If you can preserve my wealth and glory, I, Xu Gong, will reward you handsomely."

Zhang Yu frowned slightly, feeling helpless and sad. However, thinking of the relationship between master and servant, he nodded gently: "Master, rest assured, I will do my best."

Not long after, Zhang Yu was brought before Sun Ce and his men. The atmosphere in the tent was oppressive. Sun Ce's gaze was sharp as a knife, as he scrutinized Zhang Yu like prey. "I've heard you're exceptionally talented, sir. Seeing you today, I can see you're truly extraordinary. It's a pity you've followed the wrong lord."

Zhang Yu remained calm and responded with neither arrogance nor servility, "A wise bird chooses its tree to roost in, and a virtuous minister chooses his master to serve. I follow Lord Xu simply to fulfill my duty as a subject."

Zhou Yu asked, "Now that Xu Gong has been defeated, are you willing to join us? If we can utilize your talents, we can surely achieve great things together."

Zhang Yu sneered, "Though I am a defeated general, I understand the meaning of loyalty and righteousness. Lord Xu has been so kind to me. How could I betray him and join you when he is in dire straits?"

Ma Chao couldn't help but praise him, "What a courageous man! You truly are Xu Gong's advisor. But Xu Gong's fate is lost, so why are you so stubborn, sir?"

Zhang Yu straightened his back, his eyes determined. "A gentleman will die for his friend. Lord Xu has been very kind to me. I have come here today to ask you to spare Lord Xu's family. I am willing to sacrifice my own life in exchange."

Sun Ce and the others, upon hearing this, were even more impressed by Zhang Yu's courage. However, their praise remained unchanged.

A few days later, Xu Gong was secretly executed. Upon hearing the news, Zhang Yu stood stunned, tears welling up in his eyes. "Sun Ce, Ma Chao, Zhou Yu... you treacherous men!" Zhang Yu cursed through gritted teeth, his desire for revenge growing wildly within him.

From that moment on, Zhang Yu remained calm on the surface, but secretly he was searching for an opportunity. He carefully watched the movements of Sun Ce and his men, quietly waiting for the moment to strike a fatal blow, simply to avenge Xu Gong. Of course, all this can only be said later.