As the sun set in the west, nightfall began to engulf Xiangyang, with a brisk spring breeze blowing.
This night in Xiangyang was destined to be tumultuous. Liu Bei was probably contemplating how to win over hearts the next day, while Cai Mao was likely plotting an assassination scheme.
Within the mansion, everyone was busy preparing for the banquet. The mansion consisted of four courtyards: Liu Biao resided in the central courtyard, with Liu Qi and Liu Cong on either side, while the rear courtyard housed the servants and guest rooms.
Liu Fu quietly brought Liu Pan to the rear courtyard. In recent years, Liu Pan had led troops in Jingnan and confronted Taishi Ci, becoming even more robust, exuding a martial air.
Accompanying him was a grey-haired elderly man, tall and sturdy—it was Huang Zhong.
Huang Zhong was like a chief retainer to Liu Pan, fiercely loyal to Liu Biao. Liu Qi had specifically requested his transfer from Changsha, seeing him as one of the few reliable individuals available.
“Young master, I heard that Liu Xuande will be hosting the banquet tomorrow. Are you prepared to ask for his help?” Liu Pan inquired.
Liu Qi sighed inwardly. Everyone was seeking external assistance, doubting his ability to resolve the situation.
“Cai Mao has attempted to kill Liu Bei several times without success. I believe tomorrow’s banquet may lead to a critical juncture. We will act accordingly. If things go awry, elder brother, you guard the master, while Hansheng and I will go to the rescue. With Liu Bei’s help, we can eliminate Cai Mao in one fell swoop.”
“Excellent plan!” Liu Pan exclaimed joyfully, and the three of them discussed their strategy together.
As he was about to leave, Liu Qi asked, “Huang Zhong, in Changsha, do you happen to know Wei Yan?”
Huang Zhong furrowed his white eyebrows slightly and shook his head, “I have never heard of this person.”
Liu Qi was puzzled. Both Huang Zhong and Wei Yan should have been under Han Xuan’s command. Where could this lad have gone?
It was said that Wei Yan was rebellious, but Liu Qi didn’t think much of it. His strength was no less than that of the Five Tigers. He was loyal and had achieved great feats repeatedly. Otherwise, why would Liu Bei have stationed him in Hanzhong?
In the end, character determines destiny. Wei Yan’s arrogance had offended many, leading to his manipulation by Yang Yi and his demise in political struggles.
Returning to his chamber, Liu Qi saw the beauty who looked like a startled little white rabbit, momentarily forgetting about the burly man with the flushed face.
.…..
The next morning, Liu Qi was summoned to the government office by Cai Mao’s messenger. He appeared fatigued, with a pale complexion.
This was an act of helplessness. To avoid revealing any flaws, he had to accompany Du Ling last night and explore a few new positions.
The hall had already been set for a feast, with many officials exchanging greetings. Shortly after, Liu Bei arrived at the mansion gates.
Having met the day before, there was no need for many words. Liu Bei was directly invited into the mansion.
Horses were led into the rear garden, with guards remaining outside the gate. Only Zhao Yun followed into the main hall.
Today, Liu Bei wore a red brocade robe, with three braids of beard and a refined air, appearing even more dignified and noble.
Zhao Yun, fully armed behind him, had a face like carved jade, slightly furrowed brows, a body as straight as a spear, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
Liu Bei was hosting guests on behalf of Liu Biao today, seated at the main table, with Liu Qi and Liu Cong on his left and right, while Cai Mao and other officials sat in order.
Before the feast began, Zhang Yun came in to invite Zhao Yun to drink outside the hall, where a seat had been prepared for him, accompanied by the generals of Xiangyang.
At today’s grand feast, everyone was dressed in their best, yet Zhao Yun stood out with his full armor, seeming somewhat out of place. Liu Bei, wanting to appear friendly and composed, asked Zhao Yun to sit outside.
As the banquet commenced, Liu Bei made the usual pleasantries and subtly promoted himself, with the officials coming forward to offer toasts.
At this moment, the two brothers Liu Qi were completely ignored, having no presence whatsoever.
Liu Qi, as usual, remained composed, focusing on eating and silently restoring his strength.
However, deep inside, he smirked, knowing that after today, he would become the brightest star in the room!
After three rounds of drinks, Yi Ji entered from outside, walked up to Liu Bei, exchanged a glance, and Liu Bei used the excuse of needing the restroom to leave the table.
Seeing Yi Ji also heading to the back courtyard, Liu Qi’s heart began to race, and his hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly.
Just as Cai Mao had arranged for reinforcements to return, he noticed Liu Bei’s absence, his expression shifting slightly, and asked, “Where did the lord go?”
Liu Cong, standing nearby, replied, “Uncle went to the restroom.”
Cai Mao nodded slowly, sat back down, and occasionally glanced towards the back courtyard, his fingers gripping the wine cup turning pale.
A quarter of an hour later, a soldier suddenly ran out from the back courtyard to Cai Mao, reporting, “General, it’s bad news. Liu Bei has escaped!”
“Quick, pursue him!” Cai Mao’s face changed drastically. He abandoned his wine cup and rushed out to the back courtyard.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, the revelry continued with singing and dancing, everyone engrossed in drinking and some watching the dancers, oblivious to the situation unfolding elsewhere.
Liu Qi patted the bewildered Liu Cong on the shoulder and followed to the rear garden, where a dozen horses were still tied, but the horse had indeed disappeared.
Liu Fu stood under the porch, nodding slightly to him, indicating that everything had gone smoothly.
“This Liu, every time it’s a critical moment, he always just thinks about running away on his own.”
Liu Qi thought to himself, estimating that Cai Mao had probably chased after Liu Bei out of the city and had hurriedly returned. He went to the gate and found Zhao Yun.
“General Zhao, Uncle just went to the backyard to use the restroom, but he’s nowhere to be found.”
“What?” Zhao Yun exclaimed, getting up and walking to the gate, indeed finding the seat empty and Cai Mao gone.
“General Zhao, Lord Liu must have…”
“Get out of my way!”
Zhang Yun had been about to stall for time but was pushed down the steps by Zhao Yun, crashing onto a table below, soaked in soup and wine.
Hearing Zhang Yun’s cries, Liu Qi felt a sense of satisfaction, quickly following Zhao Yun and saying, “General Zhao, quickly gather the guards. I will come with you to search.”
“Thank you, young master!” Zhao Yun didn’t even look back, rushing off in a hurry.
Liu Qi returned to the mansion, where Liu Pan and Huang Zhong had long been prepared, informed of the situation at the banquet. The three acted according to the plan.
Leading Huang Zhong and twenty guards out of the city, upon reaching the west gate, they saw Zhao Yun also arriving with troops. The defending soldiers moved to block them, but Liu Qi shouted them down and they all left the city together.
After walking two or three miles, suddenly Zhao Yun’s horse neighed, stumbled, and fell by the roadside, causing chaos among the soldiers.
Zhao Yun let out a low shout, leaped from the horse, bracing the ground with his spear, landing steadily.
Liu Qi reined in his horse and asked, “General Zhao, what happened?”
“Not good, my horse was tampered with,” Zhao Yun’s face darkened, his greater concern being Liu Bei’s horse.
“General Zhao, switch to my horse. I’ll go ahead to rescue the person.”
Liu Qi urged his mount forward, heading straight ahead. He was genuinely anxious, fearing Cai Mao might succeed.
Zhao Yun’s White Dragon horse couldn’t keep up.
Turning around two mountain ridges, the sound of rushing water reached their ears. Tan Creek lay before them, its river span around ten meters wide. This was where a river bay emptied into the Xiang River, with strong currents.
Not far away, the troops raised dust on the river bank as they pursued. Just a few dozen yards ahead, Liu Bei was seen lingering by the riverbank.
Ahead lay a dense forest and a cliff, with no way forward. There were no boats visible by the shore.
Seeing the pursuers closing in, Liu Bei urged his warhorse forward.
At this moment, Cai Mao had led his troops to the vicinity and directly ordered the soldiers to shoot arrows. Liu Bei lifted his reins and fiercely whipped the horse.
Ah!
A majestic neigh, like the sound of metal and stone shattering silk, drowned out the sound of the roaring waves.
From afar, he truly resembled a soaring dragon, graceful and elegant, with its tail raised high, incredibly agile.
“What a horse…” Huang Zhong couldn’t help but admire from his horse. Before he could finish his sentence, his expression suddenly changed. “Huh.”
As the white horse had just leaped, suddenly a foam surged from below its tail, like a fountain spurting out, then plummeting straight down.
Liu Qi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With a loud splash, water sprayed above Tan Creek. Liu Bei, horse and all, plunged into the river, disappearing without a trace.
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