Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

At this time, the afterglow of the setting sun was like a layer of gauze, gently sprinkling on Liu Bei and Pang Tong, stretching their figures long on the grass, like an ancient painting.

Pang Tong suddenly burst into laughter, and the sound seemed particularly abrupt in this quiet suburb: "Hahaha, I was just joking with the envoy. I didn't expect that Envoy Liu took it seriously." After that, he neatly untied the donkey's reins with brisk movements, and it seemed that he was about to turn over and ride away on the donkey.

Seeing this, Zhang Fei instantly went into a rage mode, his eyes wide open like copper bells, and he shouted loudly: "You ugly guy, how dare you tease my elder brother like this!" Before he finished speaking, he rushed forward and stretched out his hand to stop Pang Tong.

Liu Bei's face darkened slightly, and he shouted angrily, "Yide, please don't be rude!" Then he straightened his clothes, stood up straight, clasped his fists, and said to Pang Tong, "Since you don't want to help, I won't force you. But it's getting late now, and I see you're alone. If we continue on our journey, it will get dark, and it will inevitably be inconvenient. Why don't you come with us to Xiangyang first? Let's rest for a while, and we can make plans tomorrow morning."

Pang Tong's lips curled up into a playful smile, and he looked at Liu Bei and asked, "I teased you so much, and you don't blame me?"

Liu Bei looked calm and serious as he said, "A true man should be fair and peaceful in his conduct. I sincerely seek your help, but whether you will help or not is a matter of debate. If you are so self-centered and narrow-minded, how can you achieve great things?"

Pang Tong nodded silently, his heart growing fonder of the envoy, Liu. But he continued, "I hope you will be safe and sound in the future. I'll see you again when the time is right. But it's getting late. If I go back too late, my uncle will start nagging me again. So, I'll take my leave now." He patted the donkey's back, and it began to move slowly forward.

Liu Bei looked at Pang Tong's departing back. Although he felt a little regretful, he still clasped his fists and said, "Sir, take care. I'll wait for the day when we meet again." Zhang Fei was standing aside, looking at Pang Tong as he went away angrily, muttering, "This weird guy really doesn't know what's good for him..." Liu Bei turned around, patted Zhang Fei on the shoulder, and said, "Third brother, don't be like this. Everyone has their own ambitions and can't be forced. Let's just do our own thing and continue to work hard to restore the Han Dynasty." After that, he led everyone to continue heading towards Xiangyang City.

After Pang Tong secretly departed, he felt deeply satisfied with Liu Bei. Although Liu Bei's power was currently weak, his territory was a tiny patch, and he struggled to survive between various factions, even in such adversity, Liu Bei remained courteous and humble, his demeanor unaffected, and his broad-mindedness truly captivated Pang Tong. He felt that this was the wise leader he had always dreamed of, a leader worthy of his service.

However, his uncle, Pang Degong, always considered Pang Tong too arrogant. He often suppressed him, and his cousin, Pang Shanmin, was so outstanding and now a highly valued official under Liu Biao. Pang Tong's unattractive appearance had inevitably fostered a sense of inferiority since childhood. However, this inferiority complex, when taken too far, led to his current seemingly conceited personality.

Pang Tong looked back in the direction Liu Bei and his men were heading, thinking to himself that Liu Bei's arrival meant Jingzhou was about to make a major move. After much deliberation, he decided to leave without saying goodbye and follow Liu Bei, hoping to build a grand foundation together.

As night deepened, Pang Tong rode his donkey, slowly advancing along the winding path. Moonlight cast a dappled shadow on his solitary figure. He was filled with anticipation for the future, yet also with a subtle worry about his uncle's reaction upon learning of his decision. But when he thought of Liu Bei's sincere eyes and his extraordinary demeanor, he felt that this might be the opportunity he had been waiting for—a chance to realize his ambitions and leave his name in history.

When Liu Bei arrived in Xiangyang with Liu Yang, the son of the previous emperor, Liu Biao, in order to show his high regard for this matter, personally led a group of civil and military officials from Jingzhou to welcome them in a grand manner.

Liu Yang was just a young child, held in Liu Bei's arms. Facing this large group of unfamiliar and imposing people, he was so frightened that he barely dared to breathe, and only regarded them cautiously with a timid gaze. Liu Biao wore a benevolent and amiable expression and whispered, "Prince, I am also a member of the Liu clan. Come, come, come to me." However, Liu Yang clung to Liu Bei's clothes in terror, refusing to let go.

Liu Bei gently soothed Liu Yang while carrying him to Liu Biao's side. Liu Biao, still smiling kindly, summoned Liu Qi's wife, Huang, and gestured for her to take Liu Yang. Though filled with fear, Liu Yang, at Liu Bei's insistence, reluctantly let go and handed Liu Yang to Huang. Then, pointing to Zhao Yun, Liu Bei said, "This is Zhao Yun. He often interacts with the prince. Let him help take care of his daily life." Liu Biao nodded slightly, tacitly agreeing.

This was the first time that Prince Liu Yang had appeared in public. In the following days, Liu Biao and Liu Bei appeared together many times. Every time he mentioned the prince, Liu Biao would talk about the various strange circumstances surrounding the death of the previous emperor, gradually laying the groundwork for launching an army to attack Cao Cao.

During this period, undercurrents surged within Xiangyang. Jingzhou's civil and military officials were divided on this matter: some believed Liu Biao's move was an act of revival for the Han Dynasty and in line with righteous principles, and should be fully supported; others, however, worried that it would anger Cao Cao and bring disaster to Jingzhou, and therefore harbored concerns.

During his time in Xiangyang, Liu Bei closely discussed the military campaign with Liu Biao while also secretly observing the movements of various factions in Jingzhou. He knew the operation was fraught with difficulties, and a single misstep could lead to total failure. Zhao Yun, in compliance with Liu Bei's instructions, remained by Liu Yang's side, meticulously caring for his daily needs and helping the frightened child gradually calm down.

As Liu Biao publicized the mysterious circumstances surrounding the previous emperor's death, the people of Xiangyang began to discuss the matter privately. Some were indignant at Cao Cao's actions, believing he had improperly enthroned the emperor, and supported Liu Biao's rebellion; others, fearing the disaster that war would bring, were filled with anxiety.

In this tense and delicate atmosphere, all forces are waiting for an opportunity to explode. Liu Bei knows that he must seize this opportunity, unite with Liu Biao and other possible forces, and launch a desperate battle with Cao Cao, taking a crucial step towards restoring the Han Dynasty.

As Liu Bei arrived in Xiangyang with Liu Yang, the son of the previous emperor, the news that Liu Biao used this opportunity to question Cao Cao's support for Liu Xie spread rapidly throughout the world like a gust of wind, and even rumors spread in Jiangdong.

The doubts surrounding Sun Ce's death, which had been gradually subsiding, were now being resurfaced, quietly circulating through the streets and alleys of Jiangdong. These rumors, like invisible hands, gently plucked at Sun Quan's heartstrings, sending shivers down his spine. Sun Quan wondered to himself, "Why is this matter spreading like wildfire? Why won't it die out?"

Recalling that Sun Quan had already relaxed his strategy of encircling Zhou Yu due to Ma Chao's presence, the threat posed by Ma Chao's forces was clear, and focusing on encircling Zhou Yu seemed pointless, leading to a period of peace between the two sides. However, after this sudden news spread, a subtle tension gripped Jiangdong, roiling the aristocratic families and Sun Quan himself.

Within Jiangdong, the four veteran generals—Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao—still held a firm grip on half of the military power and held pivotal positions within the region. Following this incident, these four veterans seemed oblivious to the unfolding events outside. Sun Quan, distraught, urgently summoned them to the palace to discuss countermeasures.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn. Sun Quan sat in the main seat, brow furrowed, his gaze sweeping over the four veteran generals one by one. He was the first to break the silence: "These rumors are spreading rampantly in Jiangdong. What are your thoughts on this? How should we respond?" However, Cheng Pu and the other four veterans simply stood silently, their faces solemn and complex.

Sun Quan felt a little displeased, but he couldn't get angry. He knew these four veterans had served their father and brother for many years, boasting impressive military achievements and immense prestige within the army. If he couldn't properly handle their relationship, it could negatively impact the situation in Jiangdong.

"Generals, the situation is serious now. Cao Cao and Jingzhou are on the verge of a war, and these rumors are disturbing the people in Jiangdong. If we don't come up with a response plan as soon as possible, Jiangdong will be in danger!" Sun Quan emphasized his tone, trying to evoke a response from the four veteran generals.

A depressing silence still reigned in the hall. Ever since Sun Quan gradually eased his hold on Zhou Yu, the four veteran generals—Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao—had frequently interacted with him. Taking advantage of a border patrol, they traveled to Wu Commandery and met the young prince, Sun Shao. Zhou Yu cared well for Sun Shao, proving that he had no desire for power.

As the news of the Jingzhou incident spread, the mysteries surrounding Sun Ce's death were further amplified. The four veteran generals knew they might have wrongly blamed Zhou Yu. But now, despite their guilt, they felt powerless. If Sun Ce's death were brought up again, the entire Jiangdong region would be plunged into unrest.

The four veteran generals were reluctant to intervene in this rumor, which had arisen from nowhere. They simply wanted to use their control of half of Jiangdong's military power to protect the region and ensure the safety of its people. After all, in these chaotic times, preserving Jiangdong's pristine land was their most important concern.

Sun Quan observed the four veteran generals' silence and roughly guessed their thoughts. He was well aware of their influence in Jiangdong and their loyalty to the region. However, if this rumor was not properly addressed, it would pose a significant threat to Jiangdong.

"Four generals, I understand your concerns. But now this rumor has disturbed the people of Jiangdong. If it is not stopped, it will probably bring us greater trouble." Sun Quan broke the silence and said sincerely.

Cheng Pu raised his head slightly, looked at Sun Quan, and said, "My lord, it's not that we, your old servants, are unwilling to contribute to Jiangdong. However, this matter involves so many people, and if it is not handled properly, the consequences will be disastrous. We are truly worried about the stability of Jiangdong."

Sun Quan nodded and said, "I understand your concerns, generals. But we cannot sit idly by. I hope you will work with me to devise a solution that will both quell the rumors and ensure stability in Jiangdong."

Huang Gai said, "My Lord, how about we first secretly investigate the source of the rumor and see who is behind it? Then we can take appropriate measures based on the results of the investigation."

Han Dang and Zu Mao also nodded in agreement. Sun Quan, upon hearing this, felt the plan was feasible and said, "Very well, let's do as you say. Generals, I'll trouble you to investigate this matter in secret and uncover the mastermind behind this rumor."

The four veterans responded in unison: "We will obey the Lord's orders!"