Liu Qi hurried to the government office, only to find chaos reigning there. Officials of various ranks who had just attended the banquet were all anxiously waiting.
As Liu Qi strode in, his imposing presence causing a stir, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically. The eldest son, usually weak and timid due to illness, now seemed like a completely different person.
“Guard the main gate, no one is allowed to enter!”
With a command from Liu Pan, soldiers secured the entrance to the government office, protecting Liu Qi as he entered the backyard.
Along the way, there were shouts and clashes everywhere, with soldiers following behind, the sound of armor rubbing against each other ringing in his ears, stirring Liu Qi’s blood.
If the scene of quelling the Cai family was this intense, what grand spectacle would it be to command the army in the future and dominate the world, sweeping through the Nine Provinces with golden weapons and iron horses?
Suppressing the surge of emotions within him, Liu Qi remained calm and composed as he strode into the main hall of the backyard, a place he had not set foot in for almost half a year.
Glancing around casually, Liu Qi noticed that Kuai Yue, the deputy director, had a furrowed brow, lost in thought.
The Kuai brothers had indeed been of great help when Liu Biao first entered Jingzhou, but like Chen Deng and Zhang Zhao from prominent families, they were primarily concerned with safeguarding their family interests.
Now aligned with Liu Cong’s faction against Cao Cao, with Cai Mao being a key figure in their camp, without Kuai Yue’s planning, Cai Mao’s intelligence alone would not have been enough to dominate the situation.
Beside Kuai Yue, several key officials of Jingzhou were present. After Cai Mao chased Liu Bei out of the city and then sealed off the four gates upon his return, everyone was filled with anxiety.
Just then, Liu Pan suddenly emerged from the backyard, holding a golden token to mobilize troops, causing chaos within the city. Everyone sought to have Liu Biao take charge of the situation.
Seeing Liu Qi approaching swiftly, Kuai Yue’s expression changed slightly. His hand trembled as he grabbed his beard, pulling out a few tangled strands of hair. Only he knew about Cai Mao’s schemes.
“Eldest Son, please wait!” As Liu Qi was about to ascend the steps, he was blocked by someone. “The Lord is still unconscious and cannot be disturbed.”
Narrowing his eyes, Liu Qi looked at the elderly man before him, who was over fifty years old, none other than Cai Mao’s kinsman, Cai Zan. Liu Qi inquired, “What qualifications does the County Magistrate of Yicheng have to stand here?”
“I was transferred to Xiangyang three months ago and now serve as the Prefect of Xiangyang.”
Cai Zan lightly stroked his goatee, his demeanor proud, showing no regard for Liu Qi.
After today, the Cai family would become the masters of Jingzhou. Before Cai Mao’s return, Liu Qi must not be allowed to see Liu Biao.
“Get lost!” Liu Qi sneered, lifting his leg and delivering a harsh kick to Cai Zan’s abdomen.
“Ouch!” Cai Zan cried out in pain, rolling on the ground.
Although his body had not fully recovered, Liu Qi was confident in dealing with an elderly man over fifty.
He was simmering with anger, unable to vent his frustrations on Cai Mao, and this old troublemaker had the audacity to show up at his doorstep.
Everyone stood dumbfounded, shocked to see the once timid Liu Qi so resolute, forgetting even to help Cai Zan up.
“Cai Mao has betrayed us, killed Uncle Emperor, and plotted against me and my father. You all… must take care of yourselves!”
Liu Qi coldly glanced at the horrified faces of the onlookers, then swept his sleeves and strode into the backyard.
Liu Bei is the current Uncle Emperor, known for his benevolence, yet he was killed by Cai Mao. This was a shocking event of monumental proportions!
After a brief moment of silence, chaos erupted, with everyone surrounding Kuai Yue and Liu, bombarding them with questions.
Cai Zan lay on the ground ignored, clutching his stomach, his face turning purple with suppressed anger. “Damn it… I swear to avenge this.”
Liu Qi marched into the bedroom, only to be confronted by a graceful and elegant woman at the door—Madam Cai herself. She spoke sternly, “Young Master, the Lord is resting. You may not disturb him.”
“Move aside!” Liu Qi pushed past Madam Cai and went straight to the bedside.
On the bed, Liu Biao appeared pale, but as he turned his head, his once dull and cloudy eyes unexpectedly sparkled.
Listening to the startled cries and scolding of Madam Cai as she banged on the door, instead of showing any anger, Liu Biao’s lips twitched into a contented smile.
As Liu Pan had predicted, Liu Qi had learned from his shame and become courageous, displaying a demeanor reminiscent of when he had entered Jingzhou alone on horseback years ago.
“Father, your child sees that you have come!” Liu Qi knelt down, lowered his head, and rubbed his eyes to begin the act.
Madam Cai hurried over, “Lord, the Young Master has gone mad. You must be careful…”
Liu Biao raised his withered hand, “My son and I have important matters to discuss. Madam, please withdraw.”
“Oh husband…” Madam Cai’s expression changed slightly as she moved closer to the bedside.
“My family’s affairs are not for women to meddle in!” Liu Qi stood up to block her, instructing Liu Pan at the door, “Please escort Madam back to rest.”
Liu Pan entered, his hand on his sword, staring at Madam Cai, “Madam, please!”
Though not giving up, Madam Cai saw Liu Biao subtly shake his head, and her eyes immediately betrayed a sense of panic.
These siblings are truly foolish, thinking that killing Liu Bei would solve all their problems without considering the consequences.
Not to mention that Liu Biao would be the first to eliminate them!
After Madam Cai left, Liu Pan instructed everyone to leave and closed the door.
“My son has grown up!” Liu Biao was very pleased with Liu Qi’s performance…
Sitting at the bedside, Liu Qi sighed, “Uncle was forced by Cai Mao and died”.
Liu Biao’s eyes widened, and he asked urgently, “And Cai Mao?”
“Fortunately, our cousin arrived just in time. Cai Mao is currently being chased out of the city by Zhao Yun. I believe his chances are slim.”
“Good… good…” Liu Biao repeated several times, unsure of which aspect he was referring to.
After a moment of silence, he grasped Liu Qi’s hand, “My son has shown his talent. Can you hold onto Jingzhou?”
Liu Qi nodded earnestly, “I was ignorant before, oppressed by the Cai family. With this illness and your guidance, I have seen the light. I not only aim to defend Jingzhou but also to eliminate the traitors and support the Han dynasty.”
“Very well, so be it, for the descendants of the Yan and Liu families!” Upon hearing these bold words, Liu Biao’s face flushed with excitement, wanting to sit up immediately.
Liu Qi tightly held Liu Biao’s thin, cold hand and comforted him, “Father, take good care of yourself and rest. As for matters in Jingzhou, your child will share your burdens.”
Liu Biao sighed, “My son is too weak to take charge. I had intended to appoint your younger brother, but the disaster from the Yuan family is looming. If I were to appoint the eldest, the problem lies in Cai’s control over military affairs. I fear for your safety under their influence, and I have been unable to make a decision. Now, fortunately, the heavens have not forsaken my line. My son has grown, Cai’s family will fall, this is also the will of heaven…”
Liu Qi nodded slightly. While Liu Biao had no ambitions for power, he was not foolish. He understood the situation in Jingzhou clearly like a mirror, but it was the incompetence of his two sons that truly left him in despair.
With hope now emerging, Liu Biao hesitated no longer. He opened a hidden compartment at the head of the bed, retrieved the seal of Jingzhou, and instructed, “My son, take charge of Jingzhou. Treat your younger brother well. He is young and naive, manipulated by the Cai family. You must not harm each other.”
“Your teachings will be followed diligently!” Liu Qi’s heart raced as he bowed to receive the seal.
“The city is still in turmoil. Go and restore order quickly!” Liu Biao nodded and instructed, “Summon the officials and advisors to enter.”
Liu Qi stood up, opened the door, and walked out with the seal held high, his heart pounding, his hands trembling.
The setting sun cast its light from the corner of the hall, illuminating Liu Qi as he stood tall and noble, exuding a sense of heroism.
Among the group of astonished onlookers stood Kuai Yue, Liu Xian, Yi Ji, Fu Xun, and several other important officials, who were summoned inside.
Liu Qi scanned the unsettled crowd with the seal in his hands, his eyes gleaming.
His own era was about to begin!
Regardless of Liu Bei, Sun Quan, or Cao Cao, whether through open or covert schemes.
Whoever dared to try to seize Jingzhou would meet their end this time!
Just as he was about to utter some diplomatic words, a soldier burst in, panting, “Bad news! Cai Zhong has surrounded the government office with troops!”
Cai Zan, who had been slumped on the ground like a deflated ball, jumped up at the news, laughing harshly, “Haha, Liu Qi, you are as good as dead.”
“Shut up!” Liu Qi strode down the steps, kicked him over, and hurried outside with Liu Pan.
Comment