Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

A waiter arrived, announcing that Liu Biao had invited him. Liu Bei's spirits instantly lifted, and he quickly gathered his racing thoughts. He subconsciously straightened his clothes and followed the waiter to the study. The guard at the door, upon seeing Liu Bei arrive, immediately announced, "My lord, Envoy Liu has arrived!" Before Liu Bei even entered the room, he saw Liu Biao, with a warm smile on his face, striding out of the study, laughing heartily as he walked. "Hahahahaha, my dear brother, why are you still standing at the door? Come on, come on, follow me into the room and have a chat."

Entering the room, Kuai Yue and Cai Mao were already there to greet him. Liu Bei hurriedly bowed and politely said, "Mr. Kuai, Commander Cai." The two men returned the greeting with smiles on their faces, saying in unison, "Why are you being so polite, sir?" Their attitudes were unusually enthusiastic. Liu Bei had been on the sidelines for months, and now, faced with such a warm atmosphere, he was momentarily bewildered.

As soon as the host and guest were seated, Liu Bei spoke with concern, "I've been wanting to see you these past few days, but I heard you weren't feeling well. I wonder if you're feeling better today?" Liu Biao looked at Liu Bei with a faint smile on his face, and said slowly, "Xuan De, I feel fine today. I've thought about what you said before, and I've made up my mind." Liu Bei's mind was completely focused on his own request, so he didn't have time to wonder why everyone was so unusual today. As soon as he sat down, he hurriedly bowed and asked impatiently, "Do you agree?"

Liu Biao looked at Liu Bei and slowly said, "Xuan De, you are wholeheartedly concerned about the Han Dynasty and support the late emperor's orphan. I understand your feelings. But Cao Cao has already supported Liu Xie as emperor in Xudu and established a new court." Upon hearing this, Liu Bei became anxious and said, "Brother, there are many doubts about the late emperor's death! Liu Xie is probably involved. How can he convince the people by claiming to be emperor like this? Moreover, I hold the late emperor's will in my hands, and I am accompanied by his son. This is the legitimate right!"

Liu Biao hurriedly patted Liu Bei on the shoulder and comforted him, "Hey, Xuande, don't be anxious, don't be anxious, just listen to what I say." Although Liu Bei was extremely anxious, he could only bear it and listen to Liu Biao continue.

Liu Biao's expression was solemn. He continued, "As the saying goes, there can be no two suns under the sky, and no two masters under the people. Since Cao Cao has welcomed Liu Xie to the throne in Xudu, if we wish to enthrone the late emperor's son, we must first defeat Cao Cao. It's not that I'm reluctant to support you immediately. As a member of the Han royal family, how can I bear to see our ancestors' foundation in such obscurity? I've been intensively planning this matter for days. Ever since you informed me that the late emperor had a son, I've been contacting various princes across the country. Now, I've finally reached a consensus with Yuan Shao of Hebei, and we're willing to join forces to defeat Cao Cao. When the time comes, once Cao Cao is defeated, we'll reveal Liu Xie's true identity, and then we can use the opportunity to enthronize the late emperor's son and establish the Han dynasty's legitimacy."

Liu Bei's emotions calmed down a bit after hearing Liu Biao's words, but he still had some doubts. "Brother, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao are on good terms. Can Yuan Shao really go all out on this campaign? Not to mention the long journey, how will we secure food and supplies? Will all parties be able to cooperate effectively?"

Liu Biao smiled faintly and said, "Don't worry, Xuande. Yuan Shao has made up his mind this time. Xu You has come to discuss matters. He has promised Yuan Shao that his army will march on time and that he will also prepare the necessary provisions. As for the coordination of all parties, we will also discuss a detailed plan in advance. As long as we work together, we will surely defeat Cao Cao."

Kuai Yue nodded and said, "Envoy Liu, this is a rare opportunity. Cao Cao has been campaigning extensively in recent years and has made many enemies. If we unite with Yuan Shao and other vassal states, our chances of victory will be very high. Moreover, we in Jingzhou will be fully prepared to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Cai Mao echoed, "Yes, Lord Liu. This is a great cause to restore the Han Dynasty. We in Jingzhou will definitely give it our all. Just rest assured and work with us."

After hearing this, Liu Bei was overjoyed. He quickly stood up and bowed deeply again: "Brother, this move is a blessing for the Han Dynasty and the world! I am willing to follow your lead and go through fire and water for you without hesitation!" However, Liu Bei also felt that this matter was too smooth and seemed a little unreal, but the excitement still prevailed, leaving him no time to think about the reasons.

Liu Biao nodded slightly, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at Liu Bei and said, "Hey, dear brother. Does the late emperor's son have a name?" Upon hearing this, Liu Bei quickly straightened his expression and said solemnly, "Brother, when the late emperor was dying, he left this son's name, Liu Yang."

Liu Biao pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Liu Yang... This name carries profound meaning. I hope he will illuminate the path to the Han Dynasty's revival like the sun. Xuande, this child is of vital importance; we must protect him properly. This campaign against Cao Cao must be successful, allowing Liu Yang to ascend the throne and revive the Han Dynasty."

Liu Bei nodded vigorously, his eyes full of determination: "Brother, you are absolutely right. I will do my utmost to protect Liu Yang and live up to the trust of the late emperor."

Liu Biao looked at Liu Bei and said solemnly, "My dear brother, this expedition is of great significance, and we need the help of you three brothers. However, the battlefield is full of swords and sabers, and it is extremely dangerous. Liu Yang's status is special, and he is the only one left by the late emperor. How can we allow this child to be in danger during the war?"

Liu Bei frowned slightly and said quickly, "Brother, please rest assured about this. I brought him out of Chang'an and survived the turmoil in Xuzhou, and he is safe and sound. I will definitely protect him during the march."

Liu Biao, however, kept shaking his head and insisted, "That's not right, my dear brother. The battlefield situation is ever-changing. Even with all your martial arts skills, there's no guarantee of infallibility. If Liu Yang were to fail, how could we possibly face the late emperor?"

Cai Mao, standing by, quickly echoed, "Envoy Liu, the Lord is absolutely right. This time, we must focus all our efforts on dealing with Cao Cao. If we have to distract ourselves from caring for Liu Yang, it will likely affect the battle. It would be better for us to leave Liu Yang in Jingzhou and let him take good care of him. That way, we can all focus on the battle."

Kuai Yue also advised, "Envoy Liu, everyone in Jingzhou will definitely regard Liu Yang as a top priority and ensure his safety. You should focus on fighting at the front and defeat Cao Cao as soon as possible. This will be the best protection for Liu Yang. It would be unwise to make you worry about the battlefield because of Liu Yang."

Liu Bei hesitated. He knew what everyone was saying was true, but he couldn't help but worry about Liu Yang. After all, he had carried Liu Yang through so many hardships and dangers, and he had long considered him dear to his heart. After a long moment of contemplation, Liu Bei slowly said, "I appreciate your kindness. However, to me, Liu Yang is not only the orphan of the late emperor, but also like one of my own flesh and blood. It is difficult for me to let him go. Let me reconsider."

Hearing that Liu Bei was still hesitant, Liu Biao feigned anger and raised his voice, saying, "You are the only one who is a relative of the Han Dynasty, but I am not? Liu Yang is the blood of the late emperor. How could I not protect him with all my heart? If you don't trust me, then you can't trust the entire Jingzhou!"

Liu Bei was startled upon seeing this. He quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Brother, calm down! I have absolutely no such intention. It's just that Liu Yang means so much to me. I've protected him all this way, and it's hard for me to let him go easily. Since you've made this promise, how could I not believe it? I was just reluctant to let him go just now. I hope you can forgive me."

Cai Mao also advised, "Envoy Liu, your lord's loyalty to the Han Dynasty is evident to all. Leaving Liu Yang behind is for his safety, and more importantly, for the smooth progress of the campaign against Cao. If you insist on taking Liu Yang with you, and if anything goes wrong, it would be a great disrespect to the late emperor."

Kuai Yue nodded slightly and continued, "Yes, Lord Liu. Our lord has fought against Cao Cao, allied with Yuan Shao, and negotiated with various parties, all for the revival of the Han Dynasty. Leave Liu Yang in Jingzhou. We will do our utmost to protect him. You can just focus on fighting on the front lines."

Liu Bei slowly straightened up, his face filled with helplessness and worry, but he finally nodded solemnly and said, "Okay, I'll listen to you, brother. But please make sure everything is done properly. If Liu Yang makes any mistakes, I will not give up, even if it costs me my life."

Although Liu Bei agreed outwardly, he was still worried and couldn't help asking, "Brother, I know your arrangements will be good, but Liu Yang is too important. Who should I entrust him to?"

To reassure Liu Bei, Liu Biao quickly said, "If I entrust the care of Liu Yang to someone else, I'm afraid you'll be worried. I've heard that Liu Qi and you have a good relationship, so how about leaving the care of Liu Yang with Liu Qi's wife? During the day, Yi Ji can take care of Liu Yang's studies and other matters, while Liu Qi's wife will take good care of him at night. Yi Ji and you have always had a good relationship, so this arrangement should reassure you, right?"

Liu Bei pondered, "Yi Ji was indeed reliable, but it would still be better to have someone he could trust by his side." After a moment's deliberation, he chimed in, "Brother, this arrangement is certainly appropriate. However, I have a humble request. Could Zhao Yun be allowed to serve alongside?"

Liu Biao laughed and nodded, saying, "Okay, okay, all is up to you. You, in Jingzhou, still don't trust me? Are you still blaming me for my negligence these days?" After saying this, he still had a reproachful look on his face.

At this moment, Kuai Yue chimed in, "Envoy Liu, you've wronged my lord. He's been working tirelessly to rally all the parties involved in the campaign against Cao Cao, and he even fell ill a few days ago due to exhaustion. He's finally feeling better, and having just finalized matters with Yuan Shao, he's hurried to discuss this important matter with you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei felt a pang of guilt and hurriedly bowed, saying, "I was wrong. Brother, you have worked so hard for the great cause of the Han Dynasty, how could I blame you? I was simply worried about Liu Yang and was in a state of urgency. I hope you and everyone else will forgive me. Now that you have made all the arrangements, I am relieved. From now on, I will definitely work together with you and everyone else to defeat Cao Cao. I just don't know what the specific battle plan is for this expedition."

Reassured that Liu Bei had given up on Liu Yang's concerns, Liu Biao, along with Kuai Yue and Cai Mao, detailed the preliminary battle plan they had discussed with Yuan Shao. They engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues such as marching routes, troop deployment, and the transportation of rations, striving to formulate a rigorous and feasible strategy. Throughout this process, Liu Bei gradually shifted his focus from Liu Yang's placement to the impending battle. He knew that this battle not only hinged on Liu Yang's future, but also on the fate of the Han Dynasty itself.