After washing up and having dinner, Liu Qi went to Liu Bei’s memorial hall. He first paid respects to Liu Biao, then personally put on mourning attire to watch over the deceased, greatly moving Zhao Yun and the others.
It must be noted that while Liu Qi was known for his timidity, he was a true scion of the Han dynasty and the legitimate eldest son of Liu Biao. By mourning Liu Bei, he effectively elevated Liu Bei’s status to that of Liu Biao.
Although Liu Bei did not die directly by Liu Qi’s hand, his covert actions had certainly played a role in the events leading to his death.
Moreover, considering Liu Bei’s age and lack of a solid foundation, the responsibility of revitalizing the Han dynasty would now fall upon Liu Qi.
Once the world was unified in the future and the Han dynasty restored, a tablet would be erected in the ancestral temple for Liu Bei, allowing him to be honored alongside the imperial family.
After shedding some crocodile tears, Liu Qi ordered Cai He to be brought in to apologize to Liu Bei. Upon seeing the two heads on the table—those of Cai Mao and Cai Zhong.
Cai He was seized with fear, collapsing to the ground in a panic, begging for mercy.
“This was all planned by my elder brother alone, I was unaware. Please spare my life, Young Master.”
Liu Qi sneered, “You don’t know that you and your sibling have been tampering with the medicinal herbs of my father and I?
“What?” Cai He’s face paled, his mind already in disarray. He hurriedly exclaimed, “This was my sister’s plan, I had no part in it.”
“Damn it!” Liu Qi erupted in anger, kicking Cai He over. What he had casually mentioned earlier was merely a bluff, but even Liu Biao fell victim to the plot.
Zhao Yun and the others were still unaware of these hidden truths. Upon hearing this, they were all shocked, realizing that Liu Qi’s resistance was born out of desperation.
Cai He wept, “My elder brothers are already dead. Their heads can atone, I beg only for my life.”
“Hmph, you scoundrels, how dare you compare yourselves to my royal kin?” Liu Qi said sternly. “Tomorrow, you will be taken to Xinye to explain yourselves to the two generals slowly.”
“What? Young Master, this cannot be, absolutely not…” Cai He’s face turned pale.
Liu Qi waved his hand, and the soldiers took the struggling Cai He away, restoring calm to the memorial hall.
Zhao Yun bowed respectfully, saying, “Thank you, General, for your thorough consideration in resolving this matter for me.”
Liu Qi sighed, “Having received Uncle’s trust, we must do our utmost to fulfill his wishes. I am only concerned that the two generals might act impulsively and disappoint his high expectations.”
Zhao Yun nodded silently. Regardless of his explanations upon returning, it seemed like he would be seen as evading responsibility, trying to absolve himself.
Returning Cai He to Xinye, along with the heads of Cai Mao and Cai Zhong, and with Yi Ji accompanying to explain the situation, things were much clearer now.
Liu Qi not only considered his own interests but also insisted on staying to watch over the deceased. Zhao Yun couldn’t persuade him otherwise, so they all sat silently in the memorial hall, lost in their own thoughts.
Leaning against a pillar, Liu Qi also tried to recall this segment of history. After Liu Bei left on his steed towards Tan river, he went to the Shuijing Mountain Village.
Xu Shu joined Liu Bei and defeated Cao’s forces in Xinye but was later deceived by Cheng Yu. Before parting ways, Xu Shu recommended Zhuge Liang on horseback, leading to the famous story of the Three Visits.
However, this also led to the joke that “Xu Shu entered Cao’s camp without saying a word,” burying his talents and knowledge, a cause for regret and sighs.
Thinking up to this point, Liu Qi’s heart stirred once more. The upcoming confrontation with Cao Cao was the main event. While they had capable warriors, they lacked strategists. Recruiting talents was of utmost importance.
However, these individuals were waiting for a true leader. They didn’t trust Liu Biao and even less so Liu Qi. To win their loyalty, a change in image was essential.
The upheaval in Xiangyang would soon be known far and wide. With the thunderous removal of the Cai clan, one could only wonder how they would be judged.
The talents in Jingzhou were no less than those in the Central Plains or Jiangdong, but unfortunately, Liu Biao was not adept at utilizing them…
Liu Qi’s thoughts fluctuated, pondering over various future scenarios, combined with the fatigue of the day, he drifted off into a deep slumber.
Tonight in Xiangyang was destined to be a sleepless night. In a single day, with the coup, the fall of the Cai clan, and Liu Qi’s emergence, it was tantamount to turning the tables.
After midnight, the lights were still on in the backyard of the Kuai family mansion.
Kuai Yue sighed, “I regret trusting Cai Mao’s words and plotting with him, almost bringing disaster upon myself.”
The recent events in Xiangyang left him somewhat bewildered, causing a lingering sense of unease. He had to disturb his recuperating elder brother to discuss the matter.
Kuai Liang lay in bed and shook his head after a moment, saying, “How foolish you all are! There are still thousands of soldiers in Xinye. How could killing Liu Bei end well? This action not only fails to resolve the issue in Jingzhou but invites great calamity.”
Kuai Yue regretted his actions, saying helplessly, “Liu Bei is indeed a crafty man, and being enemies with Cao Cao will bring trouble. Cai Mao falsely claimed it was our lord’s intention, which led me to advise him at the last minute…”
“It is useless to dwell on it now!” Kuai Liang furrowed his brow. “Observing what the eldest son is doing now, isn’t he laying low, biding his time? Liu Qi is the only one who can safeguard Jingzhou.”
Kuai Yue was surprised, “Brother, do you also think the eldest son is waiting patiently? If he truly has such foresight, it is truly frightening.”
Kuai Liang sighed, “If he acts hastily, that would be even more terrifying.”
Kuai Yue frowned, “Are you suggesting that Liu Pan is not an inside accomplice but rather rising up spontaneously?”
Kuai Liang explained, “Liu Pan has been in Xiangyang for several days. Even if there were plans between him and Liu Qi, it wouldn’t be for this. Cai Mao only discussed this with you this morning. How could Liu Qi have made preparations so early? Unless he has the gift of prophecy.”
Kuai Yue furrowed his brow, pondering for a moment, and asked, “What should we do in the future? And Cao Cao…”
Kuai Liang raised his hand to stop him, saying, “The eldest son’s intentions are unclear; we should observe quietly. If action is not feasible, it’s best to make an early exit to avoid dragging down the family.”
In a daze, Liu Qi was startled awake by a loud noise, finding it already dawn the next day.
Soldiers were preparing to depart, cleaning up the horses and carriages, draped in white battle robes, which happened to be Zhao Yun’s cloak.
Liu Qi felt a hidden joy in his heart, knowing that efforts always yield rewards, and the night’s companionship was not in vain.
Although Zhao Yun was reserved and spoke little, Initially following Liu Bei’s last wishes, from this action, it was evident that he had basically pledged his loyalty.
Shortly after, Liu Pan and Yi Ji also arrived, escorting the terrified and desperate Cai He, loading him into a prisoner carriage.
Liu Pan clasped his fists and said, “Madame Cai, upon hearing of the defeat, took her own life in fear in her chamber last night.”
This statement served as both a report to Liu Qi and an announcement to Zhao Yun and the guards. At this point, all the main instigators had been eliminated.
Liu Qi nodded slightly, returning the cloak to Zhao Yun and instructing, “For now, please oversee Xinye, be vigilant against any potential attacks from Cao’s forces. Once things settle in the province, I will follow shortly.”
Zhao Yun clasped his fists in acceptance, setting out with Yi Ji, heading from the east gate to the north gate. The streets were packed with commoners. Upon seeing Liu Bei’s coffin, they pointed at Cai He, cursing and spitting at him incessantly.
The events of Xiangyang from the previous day had spread like a spring breeze throughout the lands. The common folk could hardly believe it. Only upon witnessing it with their own eyes today did they finally believe the rumors to be true, causing the reputation of the Cai family to plummet.
After escorting Zhao Yun and his group ten miles away, Liu Qi returned to the city. Liu Pan reported that the city’s troops had been brought under control. The members of the Cai family were locked up in their mansion, presenting a thorny issue to be dealt with.
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