Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Upon hearing this, Sun Ce's expression instantly became even colder, with a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. He suddenly took a step forward, emitting a fierce aura all over his body, like an enraged beast: "So what if it's old Liu Biao? How could I be afraid of him! If he dares to come, I will make sure he never returns, and let him see how powerful I, the sons of Jiangdong, are!" After saying this, he clenched his hands into fists, his knuckles turning white, as if he was ready to fight a decisive battle with Liu Biao's army.

Upon seeing this, Kuai Liang felt nervous and bowed deeply again, his attitude becoming more humble: "The general's mighty power is well-known throughout the world. We are naturally well aware of the general's bravery and strategy, and we also know that the general must have a plan to defeat the enemy. But once this battle starts, it will surely be a protracted war. The soldiers on both sides will fight, and there will surely be countless casualties. The people will also fall into dire straits, displaced, and miserable. Long-term warfare, food and grass supply, and loss of manpower are all huge problems. This is undoubtedly a huge loss and obstacle to the general's great cause." Kuai Liang spoke until his mouth was dry and his voice was a little hoarse, but he did not dare to pause for a moment and continued.

"But if the general could show mercy and release General Huang and me and take us hostage, the situation would be very different. As long as you spare our lives, with our prestige and connections in Jingzhou, we can certainly persuade the defenders of Yuzhang County to lay down their weapons and surrender to the general. In this way, the general can take over the entire Yuzhang County without bloodshed, without losing a single soldier or damaging a single blade of grass. My lord Liu Jingzhou has suffered heavy losses this time and has witnessed the general's bravery. He will certainly not dare to easily invade again. In this way, the general's Yuzhang territory will be truly stable, and he can concentrate on planning his great cause and compete for the world." After Kuai Liang finished speaking, he let out a long sigh, and the sweat on his forehead slid down his cheeks. He quietly waited for Sun Ce's reply, his heart uneasy, as if he had a deer in his arms, his heart beating fast.

Sun Ce paused, his brow furrowed slightly as he glanced around the tent, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. A hush fell over the tent as everyone held their breath, awaiting his decision.

Gu Yong stepped forward first. He looked respectful, bowed slightly, and said with his hands clasped, "My lord, what Kuai Liang said is not without reason. Although our army's morale is high now, if we start a war with Liu Biao of Jingzhou, on the one hand, we will lose manpower and food, and on the other hand, we may fall into a long-term war and let the people suffer. If we can take the entire Yuzhang County without bloodshed, it will be the best strategy. I hope my lord will think twice." Gu Yong has always been calm and sincere in his words. His analysis was clear and logical, which made many generals nod secretly.

Lu Meng then stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said loudly: "My lord, you are brave and not afraid of Liu Biao. But the situation is delicate now. If Yuzhang County resists desperately, our army will suffer heavy losses even if we win. Moreover, if Liu Biao comes out in full force, our army will be attacked from all sides, and the situation will be worrying. Taking Huang Zu and Kuai Liang as hostages can not only get Yuzhang, but also deter Liu Biao. It is a good plan." Lu Meng was brave in battle, but he also knew the cruelty and loss of war. At this moment, he persuaded Sun Ce with sincerity.

Amidst the chorus of persuasion, Sun Ce appeared lost in thought, weighing the pros and cons, but his thoughts were already far away. He knew that with his own strength and that of his men, Liu Biao was no match for him. Taking Yuzhang County would be a simple task, even with a violent assault.

But his real concern was the increasingly tense situation. It was almost the end of April, with May just around the corner, and time was pressing like a taut bowstring. His thoughts were etched on his brother, Ma Chao, who was far away, facing Yuan Shu's army. Ma Chao's kindness to him was immense, a bond he cherished forever. The thought of Ma Chao facing Yuan Shu's army alone filled him with anxiety, wishing he could fly to his aid.

He knew the battlefield situation was ever-changing. Every day of delay would put Ma Chao's side in greater danger, and the situation would become increasingly complex. If this campaign became a protracted war, delaying the army here for a long time would not only miss the best opportunity to support Ma Chao, but also risk leaving his brother in a desperate situation of isolation and helplessness.

With this thought, Sun Ce looked up at the people in the tent, then at Kuai Liang, who anxiously awaited a response. A decision had already been made. He nodded gravely and said in a deep voice, "As you say, I will spare Huang Zu's life and yours for now. But you two must remember: if you dare to resort to any tricks, don't blame me for being ruthless! I will capture the entire Yuzhang County without bloodshed in the shortest possible time."

Seeing Sun Ce finally relent, Kuai Liang felt relieved. He quickly wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, secretly glad that his words had not been in vain. Suppressing his inner excitement, he bowed and said, "Thank you, General Sun, for your magnanimity. I hope you will have General Huang and I untied. We will cooperate fully to help you successfully capture Yuzhang." Sun Ce glanced at him and coldly ordered, "You may untie them, but keep them under strict guard. If they do anything unlawful, they will be killed without mercy!" The soldiers quickly stepped forward to untie the two men, but they still surrounded them like wolves and tigers.

After dealing with Huang Zu and Kuai Liang, Sun Ce turned his gaze to the silent Xu Shao. His expression softened slightly, and he asked, "Mr. Xu, now that things have come to this, what are your plans?" Xu Shao gave a wry smile, his face filled with helplessness and sadness. "I am at the mercy of others. I am now a prisoner, so what plans can I make?"

Sun Ce nodded slightly, his eyes sincere. "Sir, I've long heard of your talent. Now that Liu Yao is gone and the world is in chaos, we need men now. Why don't you join our army and help me support the Han Dynasty and save the people?" Xu Shao was stunned by this, then looked troubled. He sighed and said, "My master is dead. If I surrender to the enemy now, how can I face my master in the afterlife? I absolutely cannot do this."

Sun Ce frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, and his tone became cold and hard: "Sir, you have to think it over carefully. Aren't you afraid of death?" Xu Shao's face was ashen, but he looked calm, as if he didn't care about life and death. He said slowly: "If I die, I die. Why say more?" For a moment, the atmosphere in the tent froze, and no one dared to speak.

At this time, Sun Ce's advisor Gu Yong hurriedly stepped forward and said, "My lord, Xu Shao is, after all, a renowned scholar, known for his virtue and high prestige among scholars. If we kill him rashly, it will only chill the hearts of scholars. I hope you will reconsider."

Kuai Liang also took the opportunity to speak up: "General, in my opinion, you can also let Xu Shao go with us. He is alone and can't cause any trouble. This can be considered an act of kindness on your part. If this is spread, it will benefit your reputation."

Sun Ce's eyes swept over everyone's faces one by one. After weighing the pros and cons, he waved his hand and said in a deep voice: "Okay, let's do as you say. Xu Shao, I will let you go with Kuai Liang and Huang Zu today. You go and ask to open the city gate of Yuzhang County. If the task is accomplished, I will forgive you and give you other rewards. If you dare to play tricks, you know what will happen to you!" Although Xu Shao and others had their own plans in mind, under the intimidation of Sun Ce, they could only bow their heads and agree.

The next morning, Kuai Liang, Huang Zu, and Xu Shao arrived at the gates of Yuzhang County. The defenders on the city walls erupted in excitement upon seeing their generals and prominent figures being brought before the enemy. Huang Zu shouted at the top of his voice, "Listen up, you on the city walls! I am Huang Zu! The situation is hopeless. To save the lives of the people within, open the gates and surrender!" The defenders hesitated, knowing full well that Huang Zu had been captured, and he was unsure whether his words were true or false.

At this time, Kuai Liang stepped forward and shouted, "General, I am Kuai Liang. General Sun Ce is a benevolent and righteous man. If we surrender, he will treat the soldiers and civilians in the city well. If we continue to resist, when the city falls, we will all perish together. Can you bear to see this happen?"

The commander on the city wall frowned, looking at Huang Zu and the others below. His eyes were filled with struggle, and he couldn't help but argue loudly: "General, this matter is too sudden, and it is difficult for me to make a decision! Once the city gate is opened, it will be an act of surrender. How will I explain it to my lord in the future?"

Huang Zu was furious when he saw that the defending general was still hesitating. His usual arrogant demeanor was fully revealed, and he roared at the top of his voice: "What are you still waiting for? Open the city and surrender! If anything goes wrong with us, my Huang family will never let it go! Can you afford it then?" Huang Zu's voice became hoarse with anger and echoed under the city wall.

The defending general was intimidated by Huang Zu's aura, his face turning pale and red as he stammered, "But...but, I'm afraid the lord will blame me. I will be held responsible even if I die!"

At this time, Kuai Liang rode forward with a calm expression and said in a loud voice: "General, don't worry. If the lord blames you, our Kuai family and the Huang family will bear it! Now Sun Ce's army is approaching and is unstoppable. If you insist on resisting, when the city is broken, everything will be destroyed. General, can you bear to watch the people in the city suffer? For now, surrender is the only way to save the lives of the people and soldiers in Yuzhang." Kuai Liang spoke sincerely, staring at the general guarding the city, trying to make him waver.

The general's eyes flickered, sometimes looking at Huang Zu and Kuai Liang, sometimes at the densely packed civilians in the city. He was torn between his own thoughts and his own desires. He thought of Liu Biao's authority, the safety of the civilians in the city, his own future, and the lives of his fellow soldiers. His heart was filled with entanglement and pain.

After a long moment, the commander sighed deeply, as if all his strength had dissipated with this sigh. He slowly raised his hand, his voice filled with helplessness and fatigue, and ordered: "Open the city gate..."

Sun Ce rode his majestic horse into Yuzhang County, full of vigor and ambition. The citizens, terrified, shut their doors and windows, observing the incoming troops through the cracks. Acting decisively, Sun Ce issued a strict order: no action by any soldier should disturb the people, and violators would be severely punished. Regarding the soldiers defending the city, Sun Ce disarmed them and drove them north, refusing to surrender. Though reluctant, the soldiers reluctantly withdrew, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.

Huang Zu and Kuai Liang were treated as important hostages and held under strict guard. Sun Ce led them to various cities in northern Yuzhang. At each location, Huang Zu would shout from the city walls, "I am Huang Zu, and I have been captured by General Sun! Do not resist in vain! Open the city walls immediately! Any fault will be borne by Kuai Liang and me, and we will not hold you accountable for surrendering the city. Later, we will return to Jingzhou together!" Kuai Liang also helped persuade them, "Everyone, surrender is the best option right now. It will protect your own safety and spare the people from the flames of war. General Sun is magnanimous and will not make things difficult for you."

Upon hearing Huang Zu's words, and realizing that both Huang Zu and Kuai Liang were in Sun Ce's hands, the defending generals, after weighing their options and considering the safety of the civilians within, finally opened the city gates and surrendered the city. Thus, relying on Huang Zu and Kuai Liang's words, combined with his own intimidating power, Sun Ce was able to capture the cities in northern Yuzhang without a single drop of blood.