Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Meanwhile, Liu Biao, far away in Jingzhou, was lost in a sweet dream within the city of Xiangyang. Jingzhou was now caught in a two-front war. The battle towards Wancheng was at a stalemate. Initially, the Jingzhou army advanced smoothly, advancing with unstoppable force, rendering Zhang Ji virtually defenseless. However, this success was short-lived. Zhang Xiu, with his troops from Wancheng, quickly arrived to reinforce them, and the situation suddenly shifted. Despite his exceptional strategic prowess and martial prowess, Wen Pin was helpless against Zhang Xiu's elite forces. The two sides reached a stalemate, and the battle became a chaotic mess.

Despite the disappointing results of the battle at Wancheng, Liu Biao remained generally cheerful. This was due to the fact that Huang Zu and Kuai Liang had been making steady progress in Yuzhang County, with reports of success coming in. Just a few days earlier, news had arrived from the front that they had successfully captured Yuzhang County, while internal unrest had broken out within Sun Ce's forces, who were now facing them. Seizing this opportunity, Huang Zu and Kuai Liang were marching south from Yuzhang County, heading towards southern Yuzhang. If they could successfully capture Yuzhang, Jingzhou's territory would expand by nearly one-third—a remarkable achievement that would surely excite and excite everyone. More importantly, the Jingzhou army had not invested excessive manpower or energy in this battle. Yuan Shu had been forced to retreat due to Ma Chao's presence in the rear, and Sun Ce, a mere infant, was hardly a formidable threat.

From the beginning of the year until April and May, Jingzhou was a land of jubilation. Liu Biao, lavishly flattered by the nobles and his courtiers, gradually grew intoxicated, lost in the illusion of prosperity and victory, dreaming of a future in which Jingzhou was already the unrivaled hegemon of the world.

It was May, the heat rising, a gentle breeze bringing a touch of warmth. Liu Biao had specially arranged a banquet in the tranquil bamboo forest outside Xiangyang City, entertaining the renowned Xiangyang scholars Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong. The slender, verdant bamboos, their rustling branches swaying, added a touch of elegance to the feast.

Liu Biao sat high up in the main seat, a smug smile on his face. His advisor, Kuai Yue, and the governor of Jingzhou, Cai Mao, sat respectfully below him, serving tea and water to the others from time to time, their manners humble.

Over a banquet filled with fine wine and delicious food, Huang Chengyan engaged in a lively conversation with Pang Degong and Liu Biao. As they toasted, the conversation shifted to state affairs. Pang Degong gently set down his glass, his expression slightly solemn, and spoke first: "Right now, the court is in turmoil, and the feudal lords are rising up, each ruling independently. The situation is utterly chaotic." He shook his head slightly, his eyes filled with worry, as if he saw the hardships of the people and the crisis facing the country in these troubled times.

Huang Chengyan nodded slightly, with a look of emotion on his face, and said slowly: "Yes, the government of the world is dark and unclear now. Think about it, first of all, it was that old villain Dong Zhuo who had evil intentions and attempted to usurp the throne, disrupt the government and make the world restless. Fortunately, the emperor was wise and issued an edict to all the princes to fight against Dong Zhuo. From this point of view alone, the emperor can be regarded as a clear-headed person who knows how to follow the will of the people and save the country from danger." After that, he picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and his slightly squinted eyes revealed his memories of the turbulent years in the past.

Upon hearing this, Pang Degong couldn't help but sigh, his face full of helplessness and regret: "This emperor has indeed done something, but after the great success in defeating Dong Zhuo, he acted without thinking. There were many unfair ways in rewarding the aristocratic families, and the rewards and punishments were unclear, which caused the resentment in the hearts of the Yuan brothers. The Yuan family has three officials in four generations, and their students and former officials are spread all over the world. They are an important aristocratic family. How could they let it go when treated like this by the emperor? So they rose up to fight against the court, and the world has been in chaos since then." As he spoke, he shook his head slightly, his eyes revealing disappointment in the emperor's wrong decision.

Hearing this, Huang Chengyan unconsciously stroked his beard and took over the conversation thoughtfully: "Indeed, after stabilizing the government, the emperor failed to appease the emotions of the aristocratic families in time. It was a big mistake. The aristocratic families have deep roots and huge power in this world. Whether it is in the court or in the local provinces and counties, they have presence and influence. At such a critical moment, failing to handle the relationship with the aristocratic families properly has undoubtedly planted the seeds of disaster for the situation in the world. It is no wonder that it will lead to the rise of the princes and the stability of the government. It seems that although the emperor has the courage to fight against Dong Zhuo, he lacks the long-term vision and clear mind to govern the world." He frowned slightly and looked into the distance, as if he was worried about the chaotic situation in the world.

Pang Degong bowed slightly and looked at Liu Biao sincerely. He changed the subject and naturally brought the topic to Liu Biao: "Envoy Liu, our Jingxiang area is truly fortunate to have you as the governor. Looking at the world today, if there were no such outstanding talents and extraordinary prestige as yours, our Jingxiang area would have been engulfed in war and the people would have been living in misery. In recent years, Jingxiang has enjoyed good weather and the people have lived and worked in peace and contentment. All of these are due to your efforts." He spoke sincerely, and every word seemed to carry deep respect and gratitude for Liu Biao.

Huang Chengyan quickly agreed, his face full of smiles, his tone full of compliments: "Yes, yes, now the Han royal family is spread all over the world, but when it comes to who can take on the great responsibility and lead the royal family, only you, the envoy, have the ability and courage to take the lead. For example, at the moment, you first decisively raised an army to fight against Wancheng, which was occupied by Zhang Ji, a remnant of Dong Zhuo, to protect the country and the people, demonstrating extraordinary courage; and taking the overall situation into consideration, you borrowed troops from your royal family member Liu Yao on behalf of the court to fight against Yuan Shu. No one can match your loyalty and responsibility to the Han Dynasty. In this troubled time, only you, the envoy, are truly worthy of the title of leader of the royal family!" As he spoke, he raised his thumb, his eyes full of respect.

Liu Biao sat upright in the main seat, his smile growing wider as he listened to the two men's compliments, his eyes gleaming with pride. He waved his hand gently, feigning humility, "You two are too kind. I have only done my humble part to protect the land of Jingxiang and live up to the trust of the court and the people." Even so, his straight back and upturned lips betrayed an inner deep satisfaction, as if he had become a well-deserved pillar of the Han Dynasty in these troubled times.

Pang Degong stroked his beard, a look of pride on his face, and spoke first: "Speaking of the character of our Jingxiang scholars, they are truly unique in this troubled world. Jingxiang, a land of natural beauty, has nurtured countless talented and virtuous people. They care about the world and refuse to be tainted by the world. Such character is truly a blessing for Jingxiang."

Huang Chengyan nodded quickly, his eyes full of agreement. "Your Excellency is absolutely right. These renowned scholars are all valuable assets to Jingxiang. Take your son Pang Shanmin, for example. He is resolute and diligent in his official duties, offering advice and solving problems for Envoy Liu. He is truly a capable assistant to Envoy Liu. With such a talented person as Shanmin at your side, Envoy Liu's governance of Jingxiang will be even more powerful."

Upon hearing this, Liu Biao's smile widened. He raised his wine glass and gestured to Pang Degong, "Mr. Pang is young and promising. He will surely become a great man in the future. With his help, I can now handle government affairs with much ease. This is truly a blessing for me, Liu Biao, and for the people of Jingxiang."

Duke Pang De hurriedly stood up and said humbly, "Your Excellency is too kind. It is an honor for this mountain man to serve under you, and it is also a glory for our Pang family. He only did some of his duties. Compared with your great talent and strategy, it is really not worth mentioning."

Huang Chengyan then turned the topic to his nephew Huang Zu. "Speaking of my nephew Huang Zu, he's currently leading his troops in Yuzhang County. He's been receiving frequent reports of victory, one after another, and he's been putting Sun Ce on the defensive. He's dedicated himself to serving the envoy and expanding the territory of Jingxiang. His loyalty and bravery are truly admirable."

Liu Biao laughed heartily and said with satisfaction, "General Huang has lived up to everyone's expectations. I have witnessed all his achievements in Yuzhang. With him fighting bravely on the front lines, I am very confident about the situation in Yuzhang. If we can successfully capture Yuzhang this time, General Huang will be the first to be credited."

Huang Chengyan bowed and thanked him, saying, "It is all thanks to your wise leadership that Huang Zu was able to achieve so much. I am just following your wishes and doing my bit for the great cause of Jingxiang." People came and went, complimenting each other. The scene was very lively and full of flattery.

Amidst the laughter and joy, the atmosphere was lively and enthusiastic. A soldier hurried toward the banquet table, his steps swift and frantic. Cai Mao, seated at the lower table, saw him from afar. He felt a pang of worry, and his eyes shot towards the soldier, signaling him not to approach rashly. Then, with a look of apology on his face, Cai Mao stood up, bowed to Liu Biao and the others, and quickly walked towards the soldier.

Liu Biao and others also noticed this scene, but in their opinion, it might just be some ordinary military affairs, so they didn't take it to heart. They continued to chat and laugh, holding up their wine glasses and sipping them leisurely.

Cai Mao, anxious, rushed to the soldier's side, pulled him aside, and whispered anxiously, "What happened? Why are you so flustered?" The soldier gasped, his face filled with panic, and almost cried, "General, this is urgent! There's a huge change in Yuzhang County. General Huang Zu fell for Sun Ce's trick and was defeated and captured. Even Mr. Kuai Liang was taken hostage! Sun Ce used these two to force the Yuzhang County garrison to open the city gates. Not only that, but the county towns in northern Yuzhang that we previously occupied are now afraid to surrender because General Huang Zu and Mr. Kuai Liang are in Sun Ce's hands!"

Cai Mao's scalp went numb upon hearing this, as if struck by thunder. He grabbed the soldier's arm fiercely, his eyes wide, his voice unconsciously rising a few degrees as he demanded, "What did you say? Huang Zu and Kuai Liang surrendered? How is that possible?" The soldier's face was painfully hurt by Cai Mao's grip, but he didn't care at the moment. He hurriedly explained, "Commander-in-Chief, you misunderstood! Although General Huang Zu and Mr. Kuai Liang were unfortunately captured, they would rather die than surrender. Their integrity is commendable! Their subordinates occupied those counties after negotiating with Sun Ce. They only surrendered the cities, and the troops will not surrender. They are even secretly gathering strength."

After hearing this explanation, Cai Mao relaxed his grip on the soldier's hand slightly, and his tense nerves also eased a little. He secretly rejoiced: "Fortunately, fortunately, as long as the people haven't surrendered and the troops are still there, there is still hope." But then, his brows were tightly twisted into a knot, and he was troubled. How should he report such terrible news to his lord? The lord was still immersed in the joy of victory and the compliments of everyone. Once this news was revealed, it would be like a basin of cold water, instantly extinguishing all the joyful atmosphere, and might even trigger the lord's thunderous wrath. Cai Mao stood there for a long time, his heart was in turmoil, thinking over and over the wording, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.