Whether the people present believed Liu Biao’s words or not, at this point in time, there was no difference between waiting another five days or not. Thus, they were all indifferent, waiting for the time Liu Biao had mentioned. If Yuan Shu hadn’t retreated by then, they all felt it was only right for them to surrender voluntarily! In doing so, they could also thoroughly embarrass Liu Biao, and they would have something to discuss when they went to Yuan Shu.
On the very day Liu Biao made his declaration, Jiangling City nearly fell to the enemy. The city’s defences shook on the brink of collapse, and many of Yuan Shu’s soldiers killed their way up the walls. If it hadn’t been for Huang Zhong killing several of Yuan Shu’s military officers with continuous volleys of arrows, followed by Liu Pan leading the reserve troops to block them off, Yuan Shu’s army would have perhaps conquered Jiangling City.
Witnessing this scene, the great aristocratic families who had retreated to Jiangling with Liu Biao sneered continuously. Regardless of whether Yuan Shu would retreat in five days or not, whether Liu Biao could hold Jiangling was questionable.
That very night, persuaded by Yang Hong, Yuan Shu slowly retreated under the cover of darkness. However, Yang Hong, whose intelligence had always been average, remembered this time to make sure some troops stayed behind as a rear guard.
The next day, Yuan Shu’s camp was deathly silent. Liu Biao’s army, weary from exhaustion, prepared for battle for a long time until Huang Zhong, whose eyesight was excellent, spied the emptiness inside the camp through the gaps of the lifted tent. He was stunned for a moment before he hurriedly informed Liu Biao. Recently, Huang Zhong had become somewhat more determined. He thought, ’If a son dies, another can be born. If Liu Jingsheng can do it, why can’t I?’
After receiving medicine from Liu Biao, Huang Zhong finally saw hope. Feeling greatly improved, he also started to acknowledge Liu Biao. At least now when he saw Liu Biao, he would respectfully call him "Governor Liu," rather than the indifferent attitude he held before. Truly, people still need some goals in life to strive for.
"Zhongxing, quickly inform Governor Liu, Yuan Gonglu has retreated!" As soon as Huang Zhong discovered the situation, he immediately notified Liu Pan.
"What?" Liu Pan was taken aback and then run joyfully towards the city walls. Soon after, the whole of Jiangling City erupted in cheers.
"What’s that shouting outside..." Kuai Yue’s eyes were sunken, his cheekbones protruding. Since using his Spiritual Talent that day, Kuai Yue had been lying here, even requiring assistance to eat, and had lost a lot of weight. However, Kuai Yue’s spirit had become exceptionally invigorated, despite the continuous pain in his skull.
"Master, the Yuzhou Army has retreated!" The servant, having heard clearly the sounds from outside, reported with a hint of excitement. The constant shoutings of battle these past days had left all the servants of the aristocratic families nervous, fearing that if Jiangling fell, their current way of life would cease to exist.
"The Yuzhou Army has retreated, I know," Kuai Yue replied with a bland expression, yet he was filled with emotion inside. After this battle, he expected that Liu Biao would hold the Kuai family in even higher favor, and he, Kuai Yue, would become Liu Biao’s most trusted arm.
As for those aristocratic families he had already sentenced to death, after this battle, they probably wouldn’t be able to interfere in Jingzhou’s affairs even if they didn’t die—an outcome which would likely lead to the whole of Jingzhou uniting, becoming stronger than ever.
"Yuan Shu has withdrawn?" Upon receiving the news, Liu Biao was startled, and then overwhelmed with joy. The assertion he made before everyone that "Yuan Shu would definitely retreat within five days" seemed extremely confident, but Liu Biao was very aware that he had no real assurance, and Kuai Yue, who hadn’t yet had the chance to explain his reasons, had already fallen into a deep sleep. However, by that time he had been left with no other choice. The five days were both a way to buy time and a display of trust in Kuai Yue. He hadn’t expected Kuai Yue’s prediction to be so accurate!
"Quickly muster the troops and dispatch pursuers!" Liu Biao wrote an order and authoritatively handed it over to a messenger. This time, he was truly ready to wield the butcher’s knife—he believed in Kuai Yue’s judgment, and leveraging others to kill on his behalf was the right course of action!
This kind of relentless pursuit and harassment of the enemy, forcing them to retreat without escape and only able to preserve their lives by cutting off what’s behind, is the favorite activity of miscellaneous soldiers who love to accumulate military achievements. Upon seeing Liu Biao’s edict, families such as the Li, Yin, and Qi all rejoiced, believing that Liu Biao was showing favor and hoping to pacify these clans. Therefore, they all promptly prepared their private soldiers and tenant farmers, ready to eliminate the fleeing Yuan Shu.
As for the covert dealings of the previous days, those had all been cast aside. Prestigious titles such as "Four Generations Three Dukes" and the preferential treatment of great families paled in significance to the imminent military exploits. In the eyes of these people at this moment, turning Yuan Shu into military merit was the most substantial aid to them; everything else was inconsequential.
Liu Biao stood atop the city gate, sneering at the tens of thousands of troops charging out. He admired the courage of these people, but he believed even more strongly that there was no chance for their return. The place Kuai Yue indicated, where an ambush could be laid by merely five hundred elite troops, would trap Yuan Shu’s forces when they turned back. These soldiers, mere tenant farmers and serfs with basic military training, would be slaughtered within minutes even if they numbered tens of thousands!
"Huang Hansheng, heed my command!" Liu Biao turned and spoke to the few who truly served him.
"Present!" Huang Zhong hesitated a moment before stepping forward and bowing in response.
"Lead a thousand soldiers westward along the Yangtze River to take over Yiling, Tigu, and other cities. Yuan Shu had no time to replace the guard generals in these cities; it’s simply a matter of taking them over. As you receive control along the way, integrate the soldiers, and once you reach Wux County, organize your army and march northward. Attack cities when you encounter them, and seize forts when you find them, pressing directly towards Xiangyang!" Liu Biao’s heart leapt with joy when he saw Huang Zhong bowing his head, and then lavish rewards followed.
Huang Zhong was startled by the power entrusted to him; he looked up at the smiling Liu Biao and sighed, "I am willing to follow my lord."
"Hahaha, General, there’s no need for formalities. Quickly take command of your troops. All the materiel, provisions, and soldiers you encounter shall be at your disposal!" Liu Biao laughed out loud. It wasn’t that he wanted to give Huang Zhong so much power, but rather he understood very well that Huang Zhong was the only one capable of taking over most of South Commandery in a short time. Liu Biao was willing to bet that his style of leadership could win over Huang Zhong!
"Acknowledged!" Huang Zhong clenched his fist in salute, radiating a dignified air. He accepted the orders from Liu Biao and immediately prepared to select his soldiers and leave Jiangling to capture the cities to the west. [Since my lord treats me with such respect due a national scholar, I shall repay him as a national scholar would!]
After watching Huang Zhong depart, Liu Biao began to assign tasks to Cai Mao, Wang Wei, and Wen Pin. Jingzhou’s Jiangxia Navy had been decimated by Huang Zu, and as for the forces of the Yangtze River originally under Cai Mao’s control, they still existed but could hardly leave port due to Zhou Yu’s suppression.
After all, Zhou Yu, who had absorbed the Jiangxia Navy, was not only comparable in military strength and ship numbers to Cai Mao but also far surpassed Cai Mao’s intellect, beyond what he could fathom.
As for Wei Yan, he had already escorted Jian Yong and Liu Yan back to Mount Tai, and when he would return was anyone’s guess, for Wei Yan himself was not part of Jingzhou’s military establishment.
Sun Ce, lying in ambush in the valley, saw a cloud of dust in the distance and was thrilled. Zhou Yu’s prediction was flawless; Jingzhou indeed pursued, and they had truly taken this route. Military glory was within reach! (To be continued. If you work, we welcome you to come to Qidian ) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)