Chapter 12: Why Does Liu Bei Defy Expectations?

One by one, the warships slowly set sail from the naval camp, using the cover of night to speed toward the southern bank of the Han River.

In less than half an hour, the flagship led the way, docking at the southern ferry crossing.

By this time, soldiers fleeing from the north had already spread the news of Liu Bei’s offensive, causing the ferry guards to scatter in chaos.

Over a hundred warships, large and small, landed on the ferry without a fight.

Nearly eight thousand soldiers of Liu Bei’s army swiftly disembarked, surging like a tide toward the nearby city of Xiangyang.

…

Xiangyang City, the provincial capital.

At this moment, it was in utter turmoil.

Liu Cong, still deep in sleep, was abruptly awakened. Kuai Yue and Cai Mao hurriedly arrived upon hearing the news.

Kneeling soldiers reported that Liu Bei had launched a surprise attack on the naval camp at Fan City and was forcing a crossing of the Han River.

“What? Liu Xuande has launched a surprise assault on the naval camp and forcibly crossed the Han River?”

“What is he trying to do? Could he be aiming to attack Xiangyang?”

Liu Cong’s face turned pale with shock, his gaze darting anxiously toward Kuai Yue.

He knew well the capability of his uncle, Xuande.

Across the land, he was one of the few capable warriors who could challenge Cao Cao.

If he had truly come to raise arms against them, how could Liu Cong endure it?

Kuai Yue’s face was also clouded with doubt and suspicion; Liu Bei’s move had clearly taken him by surprise.

But as the chief strategist of Jingzhou, after a brief moment of panic, Kuai Yue quickly composed himself.

“Do not worry, my lord. I believe Liu Bei’s intent is not Xiangyang; most likely, he aims to move south and seize Jiangling.”

“This move by Liu Bei was still within my expectations.”

“We only need to firmly close the four gates and remain steady to respond to whatever comes.”

Kuai Yue stroked his fine beard and analyzed the situation, regaining his commanding air.

“Your reasoning is sound. I doubt Liu Bei has the courage to attack Xiangyang with less than ten thousand troops.”

Cai Mao also regained his composure, clasping his hands respectfully.

“Rest assured, my lord, with me here, Xiangyang will be as solid as a fortress.”

Cai Mao then turned toward the gates, ready to oversee the city’s defense.

Before he could step out, a scout stumbled in, breathless.

“My lord, General Cai, a large force bearing the ‘Liu’ banner is approaching our North Gate!”

Liu Cong’s face changed drastically, staring in shock at Kuai Yue and Cai Mao.

Weren’t you two so certain Liu Bei wouldn’t attack Xiangyang?

What then is this large force from Liu Bei doing here?

Could it be that they intend to seize Liu Biao’s territory?

“That can’t be. Liu Bei is bound by righteousness. How could he lead troops to attack while the late lord’s coffin is not yet cold?”

“That’s not something Liu Bei would do.”

Kuai Yue broke out in a cold sweat, disbelief written all over his face.

Cai Mao swallowed hard and gritted his teeth.

“I’ve said it before—the big-eared bandit is ambitious, coveting Jingzhou for a long time. Now he finally reveals his true face.”

“There are thirty thousand troops in Xiangyang. I want to see what strength that big-eared bandit has to get past this barrier!”

With a disdainful snort, Cai Mao drew his sword and strode away.

Liu Cong slumped into his seat, calming his nerves but still feeling cold to the bone.

“Fear not, my lord. With De Gui holding the city, Liu Bei won’t set foot in Xiangyang.”

“Cao Cao’s army is less than three days from Fan City. If we can hold out three days, Liu Bei will abandon the siege and retreat south to Jiangling.”

Kuai Yue poured a cup of tea to soothe Liu Cong’s nerves.

Liu Cong drank deeply, his trembling hands finally stilling.

“Let us hope you are right…”

…

Xiangyang North Gate.

Nearly five thousand of Liu Bei’s soldiers arrayed beneath the city walls.

The number of battle flags was more than double the usual number, creating the illusion that the entire division was present.

Though the city walls were brightly lit, the darkness before dawn made it difficult to discern the true strength of Liu Bei’s forces.

Surrounded by Chen Dao and a group of personal guards, Liu Bei spurred his horse forward to the gate.

Taking a deep breath, he shouted loudly:

“I am Liu Bei! Summon your provincial governor to respond!”

A murmur ran through the Jingzhou soldiers on the walls.

Cai Mao cleared his throat and called out:

“Our lord is currently keeping vigil over the late lord and cannot meet you.”

“Liu Xuande, the late lord Jing Sheng’s coffin is not yet cold, yet you rebel and attack Xiangyang. How can you justify this to the great kindness he showed you?”

Liu Bei’s heart filled with disgust.

As a trusted minister of Liu Biao, Cai Mao had forced his son to surrender to Cao Cao immediately after his death, yet had the audacity to publicly invoke the “coffin not yet cold” excuse.

Truly shameless beyond measure.

“Cai Mao, you unfaithful traitor, how dare you spout such lies here!”

“The late lord Jing Sheng regarded you as his right hand, entrusting you with the province’s military power, even marrying your sister to bind our families.”

“Now, with his coffin barely cold, you and Kuai Yue conspire to force Liu Cong to surrender to Cao, handing over the legacy left by Jing Sheng, betraying your lord for wealth and glory.”

“Today I bring my troops across the river to enter Xiangyang and purge the disloyal traitors like you, to repay the great kindness of the late lord!”

Liu Bei lashed out at Cai Mao atop his horse, his words sharp and fierce.

The Jingzhou soldiers on the walls stirred again, many casting secret, questioning glances toward Cai Mao.

Cai Mao’s face turned red with shame and guilt, unable to respond.

Liu Bei gave no chance for rebuttal and loudly proclaimed:

“Soldiers of Jingzhou on these walls, I know you are all loyal and righteous men who do not wish to be forced to surrender by Cai Mao and Kuai Yue.”

“If you still remember the kindness of the late lord and have any fighting spirit left as sons of Jingzhou, then behead Cai Mao at once, to comfort your former governor’s spirit!”

His stirring words caused Cai Mao’s scalp to tingle.

He glanced anxiously around, though no one dared move against him, the looks they gave him felt like daggers in his back.

“Do not listen to this big-eared bandit’s nonsense! He is sowing discord among our ranks!”

Enraged and humiliated, Cai Mao drew his sword and pointed at the soldiers below.

“Archers, shoot! Kill the big-eared bandit—”

But the soldiers hesitated, looking to one another, unwilling to act.

Liu Bei was well respected in Xiangyang, and many were moved by his words.

Seeing the hesitation, Cai Mao signaled to Cai Zhong.

Understanding the cue, Cai Zhong ordered his loyal troops to shoot.

Hundreds of archers bent their bows, ready to fire at Liu Bei.

But Liu Bei had anticipated this. Before the arrows flew, he had already withdrawn to his own camp.

The arrows rained down, but found only empty ground.

Cai Mao’s anger swelled further. He pointed his sword at Liu Bei and snarled:

“Big-eared bandit, do not stir discord among my soldiers. If you have the courage, come attack! With me, Cai Mao, here, you shall not set foot in Xiangyang!”

At the central camp, Liu Bei had returned to his position, watching Cai Mao’s furious outburst with a faint, contemptuous smile.

“Cai Mao and the main force in the city have been drawn out. Quickly light the signal fires and order Yide and Wei Yan to strike!”