Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao, anxious and distraught, stood on a high slope outside Juchao County, Lujiang Commandery, gazing at the towering city walls, his eyes filled with resentment. He longed to lead his army through the city gates and end this arduous battle. Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight fully illuminated the earth, Ma Chao was already at the battlefront, spear in hand, commanding his soldiers to launch a new siege. His voice echoed across the battlefield, inspiring the soldiers' morale. Yet, each attack was stubbornly repelled by the defenders led by Zhang Xun.

Zhang Xun's response to the news of Yuan Shu's return reinforcements was like a shot of adrenaline. Filled with excitement, he paced back and forth on the city walls, personally directing the defense. "Brothers, our lord's reinforcements are arriving soon. Let's make every effort to hold Lujiang. Prosperity and wealth are just around the corner!" His voice was hoarse from days of shouting, but every word was filled with determination. The soldiers' morale was boosted, and they fought with all their might against Ma Chao's attack.

Throughout this fierce battle, Ma Chao constantly adjusted his tactics. He ordered the construction of a massive battering ram, and dozens of soldiers, shouting in unison, pushed the ram against the city gate again and again. The heavy gate clunked under the impact, sending wood chips flying, but it remained stubbornly upright. The defenders on the city wall threw down burning oil drums, and a raging fire instantly spread among the attackers, causing screams to cascade in.

Days passed, the battlefield thick with smoke and strewn with corpses. Finally, Yuan Shu's army arrived in Lujiang County like a tide. They rushed to support Juchao County, their banners flying and the sound of horses' hooves shaking the earth slightly. Zhang Xun stood on the city wall, watching the reinforcements arrive, tears welling in his eyes. He raised his arms and shouted, "The lord has arrived! Brothers, hold on!"

With Yuan Shu's army entering the city, Juchao's defenses became even stronger. Ma Chao, observing the new troops in the city, knew the battle would become even more difficult. But he showed no sign of retreat. With a gleam of determination in his eyes, he vowed, "Even if Lujiang proves difficult to capture, I will take it!"

Yuan Shu's army returned to Lujiang in a mighty procession, and the situation suddenly shifted. Inside Ma Chao's tent, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as if water could drip from it. Everyone knew the coming battle would be increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, news of Yuan Shu's return from Yuzhang County spread like a gust of wind, spreading far and wide.

Inside Liu Yao's residence, counselor Xu Shao, his face brimming with excitement, quickly approached Liu Yao, cupped his hands, and said with excitement in his eyes, "My lord, our opportunity has arrived! Yuan Shu has hurriedly returned to Lujiang from Yuzhang County, leaving Yuzhang County empty. This is the perfect opportunity for us to recapture it!"

Liu Yao's expression shifted when he heard this, and a thoughtful look appeared on his face. He slowly said, "But relying solely on our own military strength, I'm afraid it will be difficult to accomplish this. What should we do?"

Xu Shao smiled faintly and said confidently, "Don't worry, my lord. We can ask Liu Biao of Jingzhou to borrow troops. Liu Biao controls Jingzhou and has a strong army. If we can get his help, we will have great hope of retaking Yuzhang County."

Liu Yao frowned, still worried: "Will Liu Biao agree to lend us troops? What benefits will he get?"

Xu Shao stepped forward and patiently explained, "My lord, Liu Biao has long coveted the land and resources of Yuzhang County, but he's been struggling to find a suitable excuse to send troops. Yuan Shu and Ma Chao are currently locked in a fierce battle, leaving them no time to focus on Yuzhang. If we go to borrow troops and offer to share the benefits of retaking Yuzhang, he'll undoubtedly be tempted. Furthermore, if we successfully recapture Yuzhang, we'll also be able to contain Yuan Shu and Ma Chao to a certain extent. This is a perfect opportunity for Liu Biao, with no real downsides. How could he refuse?"

After hearing this, Liu Yao nodded slightly, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "Okay, I'll do as you say, sir. I'll immediately ask Liu Biao for troops! This time, we must recapture Yuzhang County and restore our military might!"

Liu Yao and Xu Shao hurried to the City Lord's Mansion. The moment they saw Liu Biao, his eyes instantly reddened and tears welled up. He fell to his knees with a plop, crying, "Brother Jingsheng!" Liu Biao was surprised to see him. He hurried forward to support him and said with concern, "Brother, what's wrong? Are you bored staying in Xiangyang? If so, you can go hunting nearby to amuse yourself."

Liu Yao stood up, wiped his tears with his sleeve, and sobbed, "Brother, ever since we were defeated by Yuan Shu and lost Yuzhang County, I have been restless day and night. I feel I have failed my country, and even more so, I feel ashamed of my status as a descendant of Emperor Gao. Now Yuan Shu has withdrawn from Yuzhang County, leaving only a small number of troops to confront Sun Ce. But Sun Ce is also ambitious and covets my Yuzhang land. Brother, I have come here to beg you to lend me some troops to help me recapture Yuzhang County and avenge my previous humiliation!"

Liu Biao's expression shifted after hearing this. He had long heard about Yuan Shu withdrawing his troops to confront Ma Chao, and he was still weighing the pros and cons, undecided. He hadn't expected Liu Yao to approach him. He frowned slightly, slowly pacing the hall. After a moment's silence, he said, "I've heard what you said, brother. However, this matter of borrowing troops is of grave importance. Let me consider it. Yuzhang County is a long way away, and sending troops to assist would require a great deal of manpower and resources, and the outcome is uncertain. What if..."

Xu Shao, noticing Liu Biao's hesitation, stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Lord Liu, this may seem risky, but it actually holds great promise. With Yuan Shu's main force pinned down by Ma Chao in Lujiang, Yuzhang County is undermanned. This presents an ideal opportunity for us to dispatch our forces. Recapture Yuzhang, Lord Liu, and you will not only be able to help General Liu Yao regroup, but you will also be able to expand your sphere of influence in Jiangdong and strengthen your own strength. Jingzhou and Yuzhang will then form a mutually supportive vantage point, allowing for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. This is truly a long-term strategy. Furthermore, successfully repelling Sun Ce would eliminate a potential threat, greatly benefiting the stability of Jingzhou."

Liu Biao stopped and looked back and forth between Xu Shao and Liu Yao, his eyes revealing a thoughtful look. He was obviously moved by Xu Shao's words, but he still had doubts in his heart and could not make a decision for a while.

Liu Biao's gaze slowly shifted to the brothers Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue standing to one side, his eyes filled with inquiry, as if he was expecting them to come up with a foolproof plan. Kuai Liang understood, coughed lightly, and spoke first, his expression tinged with worry: "My lord, you and everyone else are aware that when you took in General Liu Yao last time, Yuan Shu sent envoys to question you. My lord, you are kind and compassionate, and you couldn't bear to see your relatives suffer. To deal with Yuan Shu, you even offered 150,000 dan of grain and fodder, only then did Yuan Shu stop pursuing the matter. Now that General Liu Yao has come to borrow troops to attack Yuan Shu, this is undoubtedly making a powerful enemy for yourself. If we completely break with Yuan Shu, the subsequent troubles will be endless. I hope my lord will reconsider."

Upon hearing this, Xu Shao's expression froze. He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and argued forcefully, "While Mr. Kuai's words are valid, times have changed, and the current situation is vastly different. Previously, Yuan Shu was so powerful that we were truly unable to confront him head-on. General Liu Yao, defeated and surrendered, was taken in by Liu Jingzhou, a favor we will always remember. But now, Yuan Shu is being held firmly in check by Ma Chao, and the bulk of his troops have retreated to Lujiang. Only a small force remains in Yuzhang County to confront Sun Ce. This presents a golden opportunity! Yuan Shu's ambitions are ruthless, and he's a traitor who seeks to usurp the throne. As a pillar of the Han royal family, Liu Jingzhou, at this moment of uncertainty between Yuan Shu and Ma Chao, should unite with the rest of the clan to raise an army of justice and defeat this traitor. Doing so would not only align with the people's wishes and demonstrate Liu Jingzhou's righteousness, but also allow him to expand his influence and consolidate his position in Jingzhou. Why not?"

Kuai Liang shook his head slightly and retorted, "That being said, the outcome of the battle between Ma Chao and Yuan Shu is still uncertain. If Yuan Shu wins, he will surely turn his wrath against us. Jingzhou will then face Yuan Shu's frenzied retaliation, and whether we can withstand it is still uncertain."

Xu Shao refused to back down. He continued, "Mr. Kuai is overly concerned. Even if Yuan Shu wins, he will undoubtedly be severely weakened, making it difficult for him to launch a large-scale attack on Jingzhou in a short period of time. Furthermore, our current expedition is justified, and we hold the moral high ground. If we can seize this opportunity to recapture Yuzhang, we will not only strengthen our own strength but also establish a counterbalance with the surrounding forces. Even if Yuan Shu wishes to retaliate, he will have to think twice."

Kuai Yue nodded slightly, a shrewd look flashed in his eyes, and he slowly said: "Having said that, out of clan loyalty, we should lend a helping hand, but sending troops will cost a lot of money and manpower. What tangible benefits can my lord get from mobilizing such a large army? We can't just act blindly based on passion." As he spoke, he gently stroked his beard, looking straight at Xu Shao, as if trying to find a flaw in his answer.

Upon hearing this, Xu Shao's expression remained composed. He took a step forward and spoke earnestly and provocatively, "Mr. Kuai is absolutely right. Sending troops shouldn't be done rashly. But please consider this carefully. The Yuan brothers are now defying the imperial court and openly defying it. The people of the world are deeply distressed. Liu Jingzhou, as the head of the Han royal family, holds considerable prestige. If he could step forward and proactively attack Yuan Shu at this moment, his righteous act would surely spread far and wide, earning the admiration and support of the people. The support of the people is the greatest reward." He paused, his eyes piercing as he scanned the crowd. He continued, "Furthermore, once the imperial court pacifies rebellious princes like the Yuan Shu brothers, Liu Jingzhou, as a leading figure among the clan, will have made significant contributions to the suppression of the rebellion. The rewards and honors he will receive will undoubtedly be immeasurable. His position in the court will then be as secure as a rock. Is there any fear that this won't bring long-term benefits?"

Seeing Kuai Yue's slight emotion, Xu Shao struck while the iron was hot, his tone becoming more resolute: "Moreover, if this can help my lord Liu Yao retake Yuzhang County, my lord will never forget Liu Jingzhou's great kindness. When the time comes, Yuzhang County is willing to be governed together with Liu Jingzhou, even if it means giving Liu Jingzhou half of Yuzhang, my lord will not refuse. In this way, Liu Jingzhou will not only expand his sphere of influence, but also gain an ally, and his influence in the Jiangdong region will be greatly enhanced. This immediate practical benefit cannot be ignored."

After listening to this, Kuai Yue fell into deep thought, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest of the chair. Obviously, Xu Shao's words had shaken him, and he was weighing the pros and cons in his heart.

Liu Biao listened to the debate, his thoughts shimmering in his mind, his expression impassive. In reality, he had been plotting against Yuzhang ever since he took Liu Yao in. Now that things had come to this, the time seemed ripe.