Three Kingdoms: Conquer Wu from Maicheng with Cavalry and Swords, Don't Fall Behind

On the wide official road of Jingzhou, four divine steeds pulled a luxurious carriage, moving forward in a grand procession. The sound of their hooves was rapid and thunderous, shaking the fields.

A large banner bearing the character "Sun" fluttered proudly in the wind. Torches illuminated the route, providing unobstructed views.

Sun Quan held his documents, reading them carefully by lamplight, and then wrote his comments. Since inheriting the great cause of his father and brother, he had worked tirelessly through the night, never daring to slacken his efforts. Even when traveling, he would personally review and approve documents, never entrusting them to his trusted confidants.

The officials of Jiangdong were all convinced of his authority and bestowed upon him the highest honorific title, "Supreme," implying that his status was no different from that of the emperor. When important ministers such as Zhang Zhao offered advice or discussed matters, they would often use the title "Supreme," which sounded both intimate and distant.

The feudal lords were always surrounded by a multitude of attendants, their laughter and chatter never ceasing. But Sun Quan had only one person attending to him.

On ordinary days, when Sun Quan was engrossed in reading documents and writing, Bu Lianshi would serve him by his side, grinding ink, adding incense, and serving tea.

Sun Quan looked slightly tired, so Bu Lianshi stepped forward to massage his shoulders and back to relieve his fatigue.

Outside the car, the north wind whipped up the ground, and the wind and snow mingled in the sky, turning the world into a blanket of white.

Sun Quan didn't turn the page for a long time, his gaze fixed on the lamp.

Bu Lianshi, intrigued, leaned closer and breathed a fragrant scent into his skin: "Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night, governing diligently and loving the people, winning the hearts of the people. Today, Your Majesty's face is not radiant; may I ask what troubles you?"

Sun Quan closed the letter and said, "Recently, news has come one after another that Jiang Qin, Han Dang, Ma Zhong, and Sun Jiao have died in battle. I just can't understand how things have developed to the point that I have to personally take charge."

Jiang Qin served as "Separate Commander" under Sun Ce in pacifying Jiangdong, and later distinguished himself in battles against Cao Cao's army. Han Dang served three generations of the Sun family, personally leading the navy to a great victory over Cao Cao's army at the Battle of Red Cliffs, and later followed Lü Meng in conquering Jingzhou, expanding the territory of Eastern Wu.

All four men died in battle at Maicheng.

Sun Quan lowered his head, secretly clenching his fist: "I have failed my father and brother's expectations. Now everyone is saying that my father is the Tiger of Jiangdong, my brother is the Little Conqueror of Jiangdong, and I have become a coward in Jiangdong!"

Bu Lianshi lowered her head, wisely remaining silent. She had been spoiled rotten; she even dared to listen to such words.

Sun Quan held the beauty in his arms, his tone casual: "I've received the latest intelligence; Ling Tong and Gan Ning have both been killed in battle. Generals Ling and Gan were both valiant advisors under my command, not merely strategists..."

The Battle of Red Cliffs was considered a certain death trap, yet even Sun Quan never lost so many generals. The Battle of Xiaoyao Ford was a nightmare for Eastern Wu. Only Chen Wu fought valiantly in the battle and unfortunately died in action.

Others, such as Ling Cao and Dong Xi, sacrificed their lives in other battles.

Sun Quan ruled for nineteen years, and the soldiers of Eastern Wu who died in service to the king piled up like mountains. All nineteen years of mourning did not result in as great a loss as the Battle of Maicheng.

He once suspected that Lü Meng might have some grievance and deliberately made these arrangements. They had already taken Jingzhou in one fell swoop; only one city remained. How could they possibly fail when attacking a few hundred with tens of thousands of troops?

Bu Lianshi covered Sun Quan's mouth, preventing him from letting his mind wander aimlessly:

"Your Majesty has secured Jiangdong, pacified the mountain tribes; later, you attacked Jiangxia in the west and beheaded Huang Zu. In the Battle of Red Cliffs, you defeated Cao Cao and preserved your foundation. Now, you have seized Jingzhou and extended your influence to Nanjun, Wuling and other places, thus controlling the entire Yangtze River defense line of Jingzhou."

"Our territory extends north to Wancheng, west to the Wuxia Gorge, south to Jiaozhou, and east to the sea. Our achievements in expanding our territory far surpass those of our fathers and brothers; why should we belittle ourselves?"

Sun Jian left behind a legacy of prestige and a powerful army. Sun Ce succeeded him, fighting across Jiangdong, but only managed to expand his territory by six commanderies. Sun Quan, however, conquered Jiaozhou and Jingzhou in one fell swoop, making him a truly meritorious figure.

Bu Lianshi, her flowing robes billowing gracefully, revealed glimpses of her white silk stockings and her skin as white as jade: "It is late, Your Majesty, please rest. Conserving your energy is not for personal gain, but for the sake of the nation and its people!"

Sun Quan declined, saying, "I have lost my pillar of Jiangdong and my beloved minister; I have no heart for this."

Bu Lianshi trembled and spoke softly, her hair disheveled, as she retreated to one side.

The sound of light cavalry hooves rang out, quickly approaching the carriage. Several officers loudly reported:

"Your subordinates Hu Zong and Xu Xiang pay their respects to Your Majesty!"

"Your subordinate, Fu Shiren, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Sun Quan sat down and replied in a clear voice, "Come in."

The coachman tightened the reins and stopped the carriage. The three men took off their shoes and put on their socks, boarded the carriage, and bowed respectfully, afraid of being negligent in any way.

Xu Xiang and Hu Zong were both capable ministers who achieved great things during Sun Quan's reign. Xu Xiang was repeatedly sent on diplomatic missions, facilitating communication between the interior and exterior of the country; Hu Zong was a man of exceptional literary talent and practical ability.

The two men, along with Shi Yi, jointly managed military and state secrets and were Sun Quan's confidants.

The last person was behind Xu Xiang and Hu Zong. It was Fu Shiren, short and stout, wearing black armor. His eyes were small, occasionally revealing a cold glint, and he was extremely sinister.

Sun Quan took a sip of tea, feigning surprise: "What brings you here so late at night?"

Fu Shiren's eyes gleamed, and he spoke first: "I'm willing to be the vanguard in the attack on Maicheng! No one knows Guan Yu better than me, not even Mi Fang!"

Hu Zong sneered contemptuously: "Your Majesty, give me eight thousand men. Within a day, we will conquer Maicheng and kill its defenders."

Sun Quan commanded several elite troops. Sun Jiao led the Danyang soldiers, and Zhou Tai led the Chexia Tiger Warriors.

The remaining force, known as "Invincible and Capable of Rescuing from Danger," was designated "Relief from Trouble." It was divided into left and right divisions, with Xu Xiang and Hu Zong serving as commanders of the left and right divisions, respectively.

Since arriving in Jiangdong, Fu Shiren has yet to be properly regarded and is eager to prove himself. Lü Meng's major blunder in this battle presents a golden opportunity. Seizing this chance is crucial for him to turn his life around and escape the contempt he has been met with.

"Your Majesty, grant me three thousand men. Within half a day, I will surely conquer their city and kill their lord!"

Xu Xiang turned his head, his eyes fixed on Fu Shiren with a cold stare. How dare a surrendered general compete with them? He's truly courting death.

Fu Shiren and Mi Fang were both scoundrels and did not deserve to be in the Eastern Wu court.

Hu Zong clasped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Give me eight hundred soldiers, and within two hours, I will surely capture the city and kill its lord!"

Fu Shiren raised his voice: "I will arrive at Maicheng with ten men, and we will surely capture the city and kill its lord within an hour!"

Having been established for three generations, Jiangdong is now a sprawling and interconnected region. If it seeks an opportunity for war, it cannot do so without seizing merit.

Hu Zong laughed heartily: "Hahaha, ten people, how are you going to attack the city?!"

Xu Xiang mocked mercilessly: "Why don't you mention that Shang Yang single-handedly divided his troops into five routes to attack the city and kill its ruler?"

Fu Shiren's eyes were sinister: "If I cannot take the city, I am willing to accept military law. I request Your Majesty's judgment!"

Sun Quan's gloomy expression vanished; with morale high, what was there to worry about in achieving his great cause?

"Fu Shiren, I never speak lightly before the emperor. Tell me your strategy."

Fu Shiren stepped forward and whispered something to Sun Quan, who nodded repeatedly, showing that they were of one mind. What a brilliant and unparalleled scheme!

Sun Quan waved his hand and said generously, "Wei Ze and Zi Ming, you two will be the left and right commanders, awaiting Fu Shiren's orders to break through their city and kill their lord!"

Hu Zong looked utterly shocked: "?"

Xu Xiang gasped, "!"