Three Kingdoms: Ten Times Speed, Diao Chan Says I'm Too Fast

The moonlight at 9 PM shone through the eaves of the governor's mansion, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone slabs. The palace lanterns under the corridors swayed, their dim yellow light stretching the shadows of people to varying lengths. The air was filled with the oppressive atmosphere of an impending mountain rain.

Tao Qian sat in his study, the flickering candlelight on his desk making his tired face appear even older.

The days of busy government work and worries about Duan Yu's army had already left him exhausted.

He rubbed his throbbing temples, put down the bamboo scroll in his hand, and was about to get up to rest when a guard announced from outside the door:

"My lord, Mr. Zhuge and Mr. Sima have sent word that they have urgent official business to discuss and request an audience."

Tao Qian frowned slightly, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes, but he didn't think much of it.

Zhuge Gui and Sima Fang have recently gained his trust, so their request to see him late at night must be of great importance.

But he was too tired, so he said to the people outside the door, "Let me tell you two that it is late today, and we can discuss important matters tomorrow."

He then summoned his son, Tao Ying, and said, "Go there yourself and tell the two gentlemen to rest early."

"Yes, Father." Tao Ying, dressed in a brocade robe, replied respectfully, then turned and hurriedly left with two guards.

The study was eerily quiet, save for the crackling of the candlelight and the occasional chirping of night birds outside the window, which only amplified the desolation.

Tao Qian picked up his cool tea and took a sip. Looking at the pile of documents on his desk, he felt that the burden on Xuzhou was becoming increasingly heavy.

After an incense stick had burned for a while, the study door creaked open, breaking the silence.

Tao Qian looked up and saw Zhuge Gui and Sima Fang entering side by side. The two were dressed in dark robes, their faces were calm, but their eyes were sharp and undeniable.

What made his heart sink was that behind the two men, Tao Ying was being supported by two men in black, his face was pale, there was blood at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were full of terror;

Taishi Ci, the commander of the guards, followed at the back with a long spear in hand and a cold expression. His gaze swept across the study with a resolute look.

Tao Qian's heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He suppressed his panic, his fingers secretly clenching the short knife hidden in his sleeve, while maintaining a calm expression. He tentatively asked, "Gentlemen, what brings you into the study so late at night? And why is Ying'er in such a state?"

Zhuge Gui walked straight to the table, his gaze falling on Tao Qian, and said in a calm and steady tone: "My lord, now that things have come to this, there's no need to put on an act anymore."

Sima Fang added, "The guards in the mansion are all under the control of General Taishi Ci, and Young Master Tao is also in our hands. My lord, you are in dire straits."

Tao Qian's face turned pale instantly, and his fingers gripping the knife trembled slightly.

He never expected that the two people he trusted so much would betray him!

He forced himself to remain calm and glared at the two men: "Zhuge Gui, Sima Fang!"

I have treated you well, entrusting you with important responsibilities, why have you betrayed me?

"betray?"

Zhuge Gui shook his head slightly, his tone devoid of any remorse, but rather carrying a hint of pity, "My lord, it is not that we two betrayed you, but rather that the circumstances are such."

With Duan Yu's army pressing in, Xuzhou was in imminent danger. Although the magistrate was kind, he lacked the ability to control the overall situation.

If he continues to control Xuzhou, it will inevitably be conquered by Duan Yu sooner or later, and the people will likely suffer terribly.

Sima Fang replied, "What we two seek is not personal wealth and honor, but the safety of Xuzhou. Only by yielding the throne can we preserve this land."

"My lord, you should cede Xuzhou."

"You...you are Duan Yu's men!" Tao Qian glared at Sima Fang and Zhuge Gui.

However, the two shook their heads slightly.

"Your Excellency misunderstands. We are certainly not Duan Yu's men, but that is not important. What is important is that things have come to this point, and Your Excellency has no further choice. We urge Your Excellency to step aside."

Not one of Duan Yu's men?

Tao Qian's gaze faltered slightly.

But I quickly realized what was going on.

Zhuge Gui and Sima Fang are right; it doesn't matter whose side they are on now.

The important thing is...

"Abdicate?" Tao Qian laughed in anger, his eyes full of mockery. "If you want Xuzhou, just say so. Why bother with high-sounding reasons!"

"Your Excellency is wise." Zhuge Gui stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Today's actions are not out of betrayal, but for the sake of the people of Xuzhou."

Once the Imperial Uncle takes over Xuzhou, he will surely lead the army to resist Duan Yu and ensure the peace of the region.

"Royal Uncle?" Tao Qian was startled, then suddenly realized.

Previously, when Liu Bei was in Xuzhou, he had some dealings with the Zhuge family.

When Liu Bei brought 300,000 refugees from Qingzhou, it was only through Zhuge Liang's intercession that the local gentry were persuaded to support him.

With the support of the Yuan family of Runan, Liu Bei had no chance of gaining a foothold in Langya Commandery and gathering 300,000 troops from Qingzhou.

Later, the Zhuge clan of Langya always followed Liu Bei's lead.

However, I later heard that Liu Bei burned himself to death in Luoyang.

But now it seems that Liu Bei is not dead.

The "Imperial Uncle" mentioned by Zhuge Gui should be Liu Bei himself.

"So you've been in cahoots all along! The imperial uncle you're talking about... is it Liu Bei?" Tao Qian gritted his teeth as he looked at Zhuge Gui.

Zhuge Gui nodded: "Your Excellency is indeed wise. As a member of the Han imperial family, the Imperial Uncle is a man of great talent and ambition, and is the only one who can take charge of Xuzhou."

If Your Excellency is wise enough to abdicate, we guarantee your and Young Master Tao's safety and will even find you a quiet place to enjoy your later years.

"What if I don't comply?" Tao Qian's voice trembled, but he still refused to give in.

Sima Fang's gaze turned cold, and his tone became threatening: "Why must you refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit?"

We have taken control of the mansion, and General Xu Rong is leading troops to provide support outside.

If you do not comply, not only will your own life be in danger, but Young Master Tao and the people of Xuzhou may also suffer because of you.

Tao Qian looked at Tao Ying, who was being supported, and his eyes flashed with regret and struggle.

He knew that what Zhuge Gui and others said was true, and that he was already trapped. But Xuzhou was the culmination of his life's work, so how could he give it up so easily?

The atmosphere in the study grew increasingly heavy. The flickering candlelight cast the shadows of everyone on the wall, making them appear like distorted ghosts.

Zhuge Gui and Sima Fang appeared calm and confident, exuding an air of certainty. Taishi Ci stood ready with his spear in hand. Tao Ying trembled, his eyes filled with pleading. Tao Qian's expression shifted as he struggled to make a difficult decision.

Just then, hurried footsteps and faint sounds of killing came from outside the study.

Zhuge Gui frowned slightly and looked at Taishi Ci: "What is it?"

A guard in black rushed in and reported: "General, there is a sudden attack outside the mansion by men in black, and they seem to be coming for us!"

"Man in black?"

Zhuge Gui and Sima Fang exchanged a glance and immediately read the answer in each other's eyes.

At this point, only one faction could take action in Xuzhou City.

The Military Affairs Bureau, under Duan Yu's command, was hidden within Xuzhou City, hoping to reap the benefits of the upheaval in the city.

but......

But it's good that you came.

They had already made preparations in advance.

"General Ziyi, the outside is in your hands now. Our 'distinguished guest' has arrived. Capture him alive if possible," Zhuge Gui said, looking at Taishi Ci standing to the side.

Taishi Ci clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Don't worry, sir, it's just a few small fry!"