587

Chapter 589

Jiangdong’s capital Jianye was currently the economic, cultural and military center of Jiangdong. Although it could not yet be compared to Xiangyang that had been flourishing for decades, it was already beginning to flourish as well under the control of the Sun Family, only falling a little behind Yangzhou’s Shouchun.

In Jianye was the Qiao residence where Qiao Xuan lived. Qiao Xuan was originally from Wancheng and had a large foundation there. He was spared when Sun Ce attacked Wancheng because of their relationship. Qiao Xuan had also wedded his two daughters to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Unfortunately, his eldest daughter died two days after the wedding. When Sun Ce went for an expedition, Lu Bu had raided the place killing his daughter. This made Qiao Xuan very hardbroken.

Qiao Xuan did not know whether it is to compensate him or other reasons but Sun Ce had moved the Qiao Family to Jianye.

“Master!” The Qiao Family’s housekeeper ran into the room.

“Hm?” Qiao Xuan was practicing his painting when he was interrupted. This caused him to ruin his painting and wasting the paper.

“Why are you so flustered?” Qiao Xuan shouted in annoyance.

“Forgive me Master!” The housekeeper quickly knelt down when he realized that Qiao Xuan had become angry. “I wasn’t flustered. I actually have an important matter to inform you!” The housekeeper added.

“An important matter?” Qiao Xuan frowned. Since when did the Qiao Family have any important matters especially after they moved to Jianye? All of his connections were left behind at Wancheng and he did not really cared much for his family properties.

“Yes. Zhang Zhao… Lord Zhang is here.” The housekeeper replied as he gasped for breath.

“Zhang Zhao? Why is he here?” Qiao Xuan frowned. He was not familiar with Zhang Zhao. In fact, he hated Zhang Zhao a little as Zhang Zhao was someone who seek personal profit. He was talented but sly. That being said, Zhang Zhao was someone else’s problem.

Qiao Xuan had talent but refused to become an official while Zhang Zhao was appointed the Chief Envoy and the General of the reserve troops which can be considered as a high position.

If Zhou Yu is said to be the one commanding at the front, then Zhang Zhao was the one commanding at the rear. Why would such an important minister visit him? Maybe they would have worked together if Da Qiao was still alive as Qiao Xuan was Sun Ce’s father-in-law. However, with Da Qiao dead, his status as a father-in-law was worth nothing.

“Master! Lord Zhang Zhao came bearing a lot of gifts!” The housekeeper explained.

“Gifts?” Qiao Xuan was at a loss. Qiao Xuan was a scholar so he could understand if scholars came with gifts looking for advice. However, Zhang Zhao’s level was higher than his so this situation was unlikely.

Qiao Xuan could not understand why but at the same time, he could not abandon etiquette. He had the housekeeper invite Zhang Zhao in.

“Escort Lord Zhang in and treat him well. I will come out soon.”

“Yes.” The housekeeper nodded feeling very excited as Zhang Zhao was very famous. At Jianye, Zhang Zhao was even more famous than Sun Ce. The housekeeper was very pleased as Zhang Zhao’s presence showed others that the Qiao Family was a great family that even someone like Zhang Zhao personally paid visits to.

Just as he was about to leave to greet Zhang Zhao, he was stopped by Qiao Xuan. “Wait!”

“What’s wrong Master? No need to worry, I will properly serve Lord Zhang.” The housekeeper replied thinking that Qiao Xuan was worried that he would neglect Zhang Zhao.

“That is not the reason. Forget it, I will go out and greet him myself. Follow me.” Qiao Xuan shook his head. As Zhang Zhao was of much higher authority, it would be disrespectful had Qiao Xuan sent out a servant to take care of Zhang Zhao.

Qiao Xuan went out with his housekeeper while still dressed very casually. This couldn’t be helped as he could not allow Zhang Zhao to wait.

Zhang Zhao who had been waiting for Qiao Xuan actually didn’t care about Qiao Xuan to personally visit Qiao Xuan. Although Qiao Xuan was older, he did not have much reputation. The same happened in Jingzhou. There were other teachers in Jingzhou such as Shui Jing. Yet no one respected them like how people respected Pang Degong. The reason Zhang Zhao personally visited Qiao Xuan was because he was asked to by someone with a higher position.

“Lord Zhang.” Qiao Xuan greeted as he approached.

Zhang Zhao Zhang Zibu joined up with Jiangdong because he offended Tao Qian. Tao Qian had invited Zhang Zhao to become an officer but was rejected. After losing face, Tao Qian tried to arrest and kill Zhang Zhao but Zhang Zhao managed to escape after being he received advance warning from a friend. Because of this, Zhang Zhao was no longer upright and outspoken. Instead, he became slick and sly. His new attitude was detested by Qiao Xuan.

That being said, Qiao Xuan still had to enthusiastically receive Zhang Zhao as Zhang Zhao was already here.

“Lord Qiao.” Zhang Zhao nodded when he saw Qiao Xuan personally come out to greet him. He greeted back as respectfully.

“Lord Zhang is a busy man. Why have you come here? If Marquis Wu’s matters is delayed, it would become my fault” Qiao Xuan laughed as he spoke.

“You are too humble. It is only natural to find the time to visit Lord Qiao. After all, Lord Qiao is a highly esteemed person in Jiangdong.

The two exchanged polite greetings before moving to the actual topic.

“Lord Zhang. Why have you come to my residence?” Qiao Xuan asked as his servants prepared tea.

Zhang Zhao took a sip before replying. “Lord Qiao. I came this time because of Marquis Wu and his late wife.”

“Marquis Wu?” Qiao Xuan was filled with doubt and his mood worsened. “Is it because of Yu’er?” Qiao Yu was dead. She died few days after marrying Sun Ce.

“What does Marquis Wu want to say?” Qiao Xuan felt uncomfortable. Qiao Yu was Sun Ce’s wife yet Zhang Zhao was the one here. Was Sun Ce already planning to take a second wife?

“So? Which family’s daughter caught Marquis Wu’s eyes now?” Qiao Xuan said with a sneer. “If Marquis Wu fancies her, there is no need to consult me. Take these gifts back with you.”

“Which family’s daughter?” For a moment, Zhang Zhao was confused at Qiao Xuan’s reaction. However, he quickly understood that Qiao Xuan was angry at the thought that his daughter had just died but Sun Ce was already planning to get another wife.

Zhang Zhao laughed. Having learned this, Qiao Xuan became manageable.

“Lord Zhang Zhao. What is so funny? Go back and tell Marquis Wu that there is no need to consider us relatives anymore! Take all these gifts back with you! I won’t be seeing you off!” Qiao Xuan said coldly.

After receiving the signal from Qiao Xuan, the housekeeper cupped his fist at Zhang Zhao. “Lord Zhang. This way.”

“Lord Qiao! People say that you are upright and outspoken. Now, I found out that the rumors are true!” Zhang Zhao laughed.

“Lord Qiao have misunderstood me. I did not come here to humiliate you. The Lord also did not order me to come here to request permission to get a second wife!”

“Then why are you here?” Qiao Xuan asked skeptically.

“I am here because of your second daughter, Xiao Qiao!” Zhang Zhao replied.

“For Xiao Qiao?”

“Lord Qiao. Have you forgotten about Miss Xiao Qiao’s engagement?” Zhang Zhao reminded.

At this moment, Qiao Xuan remembered that both his daughters were engaged.

“Did Zhou Yu send you here?” Qiao Xuan asked. Zhou Yu must have really good reputation to get Zhang Zhao to speak for him as Zhang Zhao had an equally high position.

“No.” Zhang Zhao shook his head.

“It is not Zhou Yu? Then who?”

“Lord Qiao. This is indeed a proposal of marriage for the Chief Governor. However, the one making this request is not the Chief Governor.” Zhou Yu himself did not know that Zhang Zhao would be here proposing a marriage for him. Zhou Yu also wouldn’t be able to send Zhang Zhao to speak for him. The only people that could move Zhang Zhao was Sun Ce and the late Lady Wu.

Sun Ce also kept this a secret from Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu had followed Sun Ce to war and missed his chance to get married. Initially, the two had sworn to marry at the same time but Zhou Yu missed the opportunity because of Jiangxia. Sun Ce who felt apologetic to Zhou Yu sent a letter to Lady Wu in Jianye, who then sent Zhang Zhao.

Qiao Xuan relaxed after hearing Zhang Zhao’s explanation. He now understood Sun Ce’s true intentions but there was another problem.

“Isn’t Jiangxia still engulfed in war? Can Gongjin find the time to come back?”

“Rest assured. The Chief Governor will spare some time to have the wedding soon.”

“How can this be acceptable?” Qiao Xuan quickly shook his head. “How could the marriage be placed before the war? I am speechless at Gongjin’s love for my daughter!” It feels wrong especially after since Huo Qubing had once stated “The Xiongnu are not yet eliminated. Why should I start a family?”

“There is no need for Lord Qiao to feel ashamed. I have not finished speaking. After this battle, Jiangxia will become peaceful! The Chief Governor should be able to take a break and return to have his wedding.”

“What do you mean?”

Zhang Zhao wanted to explain but then stopped when he saw the nearby servants.

Qiao Xuan understood this and dismissed his servants. He then took Zhang Zhao to a study where it was private.

“Lord Zhang Zhao can speak now. The study may be small but no one will eavesdrop here.” Qiao Xuan said.

Zhang Zhao then began to explain what was going on at Jiangxia. Although Qiao Xuan had no desire on becoming an official, he could still understand the war situation.

“In other words, Marquis Wu will be unmatched on the Yangtze River after this battle?”

“Haha. But Lord Qiao missed a point. After this battle, the Lord will be advancing towards the Central Plains to conquer the rest of the world!” Zhang Zhao explained as he stroked his beard. “And Lord Qiao who will become the Chief Governor’s father-in-law will also rise in status. Didn’t you want to start your own school?”

“Hm?” Qiao Xuan’s eyes glinted. Even though he was a scholar, he actually had huge desires. If it was not because of his desires, he would not have married his two daughters to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. If it was just to get his daughters into a good family, he could have married Xiao Qiao to Sun Quan. The reason he did not do this is because he could tell that Sun Quan would not go far when he has a brother as excellent as Sun Ce. Sun Quan would not have much opportunities unless Sun Ce dies young.

On the other hand, Zhou Yu was extremely talented to the extent that he had a nickname. On top of that, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were sworn brothers. Their relationship was stronger than blood.

As someone who helps Sun Ce seize power, Zhou Yu would become a very prominent figure. That was why Qiao Xuan decided to marry off his other daughter to Zhou Yu.

Zhang Zhao explained the details of the ongoing war to Qiao Xuan. After the battle at Jiangxia, Jiangdong would be able to capture Jingzhou easily. With Jingzhou’s prosperity along with the Yangtze River as a natural defense, even Cao Cao would not be able to attack so easily.

Qiao Xuan had his own desire. It was to become a famous scholar like Pang Degong. To do that, he would need to set up his own academy. It was something that the Qiao Family could not do alone even if they were rich. To set up an academy, he would need other scholars but he was not reputable or influential enough to get other scholars to assist him.

Pang Degong succeeded because of his own and his brother’s reputation. Besides that, he also had help from Sima Wei and others. Even then, he needed to spent all of the Pang Family’s wealth succeed.

Qiao Xuan needed money and people. If his eldest daughter was alive, he could obtain Sun Ce’s help. When his elder daughter died, Qiao Xuan lost his ambition. Now, another opportunity has arose.

If what Zhang Zhao had said about Jiangxia was true, Zhou Yu was going to become even more famous. Qiao Xuan would also be able to invite other scholars. These scholars will have to call him Lord Qiao Xuegong. Qiao Xuan smiled when he thought of this.

“This gifts are from the Madam as a representative for the Chief Governor. Please accept it.” Zhang Zhao said with a smile. He knew what Qiao Xuan was thinking of. Zhou Yu’s family had already been killed by people who did not want to exist together with Zhou Yu. They instead wanted to use the Zhou Family’s life to find a way to survive from the Lu Bu’s Army. In the end, they were also killed by the Lu Bu’s Army.

As the Zhou Family were dead, it was difficult to find Zhou Yu’s elders. Qiao Xuan could simply become that elder.

“The Madam is too polite.” Qiao Xuan replied. The two who cooperated with each other for benefits laughed happily and continued to discuss matters regarding the wedding preparations.

Meanwhile in a room at the backyard of the Qiao Family residence, a delicate woman was looking at the flowers. The delicate woman was such a beauty that the flowers might as well be withered.

“Sister. Are you doing well at Yangzhou?” Xiao Qiao mumbled to herself. “Haha. Of course you are doing well if he is accompanying you. How could he make you feel heartbroken?” The woman laughed at herself.

“Sister, since you were young, you never compete with me for things. Why did you take what is mine this time? Sister, how I envy you.”

“Then there is you. Did you forget there is another still waiting for you at Jiangdong? Perhaps my love is not reciprocated. Hahaha!” Xiao Qiao muttered crazily.

“Second Miss!” A servant ran over while Xiao Qiao was acting pitifully.

“Xiang Xiang?” Xiao Qiao quickly hid the cloth she was holding. This cloth was the one Liu Mang had used to treat their injuries.

“It is me, Second Miss.” The servant responded.

“Enter.” Xiao Qiao replied to Xiang Xiang.

“Second Miss! There is good news!” Xiang Xiang smiled as she entered the room.

“Good news? What good news?” Xiao Qiao asked with doubt.

“Second Miss, the Chief Governor is coming back!”

“Brother Gongjin?” Xiao Qiao smiled. To Xiao Qiao, Zhou Yu was an elegant nobleman that always protected her. He was like a brother to her. Initially, Xiao Qiao thought she loved Zhou Yu. However, she now realized she was wrong after she met Liu Mang.

“Brother Gongjin is coming back after a victory?” Xiao Qiao gave a faint smile. She knew that Jiangdong and Jingzhou were at war as it has always been.

“Second Miss. That is not the good news!” Xiang Xiang shook her head.

“Oh there are other news?”

“Yes, Miss. You are getting married.” Xiang Xiang said with a smile. All woman yearn for love and Zhou Yu is a young, handsome and capable man. Many woman would definitely like Zhou Yu. Xiang Xiang was one of them.

“Marry?” Xiao Qiao stared blankly. She still have not reacted to the news.

“Yes. The Chief Governor is coming back. I heard of this when I served tea earlier. They said the Chief Governor is coming back to marry you. Lord Zhang Zhao has even brought the betrothal gifts over.” Xiang Xiang explained excitedly. It was as though she was the one getting married instead of Xiao Qiao.

“Marry me? No! I don’t want to marry Brother Zhou!” Xiao Qiao panicked.

“Second Miss, what’s wrong?” Xiang Xiang was confused at Xiao Qiao’s reaction. She thought Xiao Qiao was confused out of happiness. It was not surprising as Zhou Yu was handsome and talented. On top of that, Zhou Yu was devoted to Xiao Qiao. If it was her, Xiang Xiang would be willing to die for Zhou Yu. Now, Xiang Xiang hoped that Xiao Qiao would take her as a servant after she get married. That way she could stare at Zhou Yu every day.

“Second Miss. You must be too happy. The Master was also like this when he heard that Zhou Yu would come back to take you as his wife after defeating Yangzhou.”

“Defeating Yangzhou?” Xiao Qiao could not help but raise her voice. “Why is it Yangzhou? Wasn’t there a cease fire?”

“I do not know but I heard that we would join forces with Jingzhou to attack Yangzhou.”

“No! How could this be?” Xiao Qiao shook her head. She had never seen Jingzhou’s troops before but she knew that they must be quite strong as well since Jiangdong had never completely won against Jingzhou.

“Brother Liu!” Xiao Qiao panicked and ran out of her room as she thought of Liu Mang.

“Second Miss?” Xiang Xiang chased after Xiao Qiao without understanding why Xiao Qiao was acting this way.

Xiao Qiao returned after getting caught but she remained inattentive.

“Xiang Xiang. Do you want to marry Brother Zhou?” Xiao Qiao suddenly asked.

“Why are you mentioning this?” Xiang Xiang’s face turned red. Xiang Xiang naturally wanted to marry Zhou Yu since the man was so outstanding. “The Chief Governor is so excellent while I am just a servant. It will not happen.” Her wish was for Xiao Qiao to marry Zhou Yu and take her along with her. She was satisfied with just gazing at Zhou Yu.

“It will happen. I will make it happen.” Xiao Qiao said resolutely.

“Huh?” Xiang Xiang could not understand what was going on in Xiao Qiao’s head.

***

Lu Xun woke up at Yangzhou’s naval camp and sat upright. In the past few days he was being taken care of by a woman. It was thanks to her that he could rest peacefully.

Lu Xun did not have the chance to thank her or ask her name. He smelled the hand that was held while he was asleep.

“There is still a fragrance.” Lu Xun could not help but mutter before turning red. “Lu Xun. What the hell are you thinking of!” Lu Xun berated himself. As a nobleman, their upbringing was strict. Although Lu Kang had thought him how to be a person of noble character, he was not taught about love. It was natural for a man who hit puberty to think of woman.

While he was still thinking about that woman, a messenger suddenly came with a report.

“General! It is not good! The enemy is here!” The messenger stammered from fear.

“Enemy?” Lu Xun repeated blankly when the alarm sounded. Lu Xun immediately stop thinking about the woman and picked up his armor and ran towards the stronghold. When he arrived, he took a deep breath as he looked at the huge number of enemies. Yangzhou had twenty ships while the enemy had at least two hundred ships.

“The enemy think too highly of me.” Lu Xun muttered as he looked at the Jingzhou and Jiangdong navy.

“General. Are the Jiangdong and Jingzhou navy bringing out their full force?” Lu Xun’s deputy general asked.

“It seems like they both want to eliminate us.” Lu Xun smiled bitterly in reply. His expression and demeanor changed from the love-struck boy to an ice cold and decisive general.

“General. What should we do?” The deputy general asked. There were too many enemies. Even if the enemies offered up their lives willingly, they would not be able to wipe out the enemy.

“Pass down my orders. Open up the gates. We will go out to meet the enemy head on!” Lu Xun replied.

“Meet the enemy head on? General! Have you gone mad?” The deputy general asked. It was beyond reckless. If they had stayed at the stronghold, they would at least have some defense.

“If we stay at camp, we will definitely lose. If we go out and fight, we would have a chance at winning.” Lu Xun explained. He had little confidence in actually winning but he knew that if the enemy reaches the camp, there would be no chance of winning at all.

Unlike cities that were on land, the naval camps and strongholds were made of wood. The defense given was very little. On top of that, they could only fit thirty thousand troops and that number could withstand against fifty thousand. Meanwhile, the enemy has a hundred thousand troops.

Even if they could fight against a hundred thousand with only thirty thousand, they would first need thirty thousand troops. Yangzhou only had fifteen thousand troops, they would just be overrun.

That is why Lu Xun intends on fighting in front. That way they could use their advantage which was the new ships. At the same time, they could strike fear in the enemy. At worse, Lu Xun would be able to escape with his men. He did not believe that Jingzhou and Jiangdong would dare land. They only dared bully the Yangzhou Navy because the Yangzhou Navy was small. On land, no one would dare fight against Yangzhou.

Lu Xun knew he just needed to protect the new ships. They could not be allowed to fall into the enemy’s hands.

“Go quickly!” Lu Xun shouted at his Deputy General. “Do you want to wait for death?”

“Yes General!” The Deputy General immediately acted. He felt relieved when he saw that Lu Xun was still calm. If his commander is not worried, why should he be worried?

None of them knew that Lu Xun was actually sweating buckets. He was most nervous one in the army.

“A hundred thousand men! They really think too highly of me!” Lu Xun said bitterly. He saw the many banners on the huge fleet. He had heard of Zhou Yu’s reputation while he was still a student. Most of Jiangdong’s achievement was Zhou Yu’s contribution. Then there was the Little Conqueror Sun Ce. This one made Lu Xun feel anger as Sun Ce’s act of attacking Lujiang caused him to lose his grandfather.

There was also Wen Pin. Lu Xun believed he was not a match for Wen Pin. The only reason he won was because Wen Pin was unfamiliar with the new ships. This time, the battle would go differently. Last but not least was Zhuge Liang. Lu Xun did not know much but he knew that Zhuge Liang was Jingzhou’s Military Advisor. It was his strategies that stopped the Jiangdong Navy at Jiangxia despite them having Zhou Yu’s assistance. Clearly, Zhuge Liang was very talented.

Lu Xun felt a sense of dread when he thought of fighting against these people. He took a deep breath and turned his fear into fighting spirit. “Come. The worse that could happen is death.”

“Ten thousand against a hundred thousand. If I lose, it would be glorious way of going out. If I somehow win, I would become famous.”

“Report!” A messenger ran in. “There is a letter for General Lu Xun from Wancheng!” The messenger gave a letter to Lu Xun.

“A letter from Wancheng? Is it Military Advisor Chen Gong?” Lu Xun believed it was Chen Gong as Lu Bu was still attacking Yuzhou.

Just as he was about to open and read the letter, the messenger said. “General. The Military Advisor said that you cannot open this letter right now?”

“I cannot open it? Then how do I read it?” Lu Xun asked skeptically but he still stopped opening the letter.

“The Military Advisor said you can open it once Jingzhou and Jiangdong have fallen into desperate straits when you meet them head on. Otherwise, it would be of no use.” The messenger repeated Chen Gong’s words.

“Hm? The Military Advisor said that?” Lu Xun was confused. Was this not a letter with a command?

“Yes. The Military Advisor insisted that I tell you not to open the letter until Jingzhou and Jiangdong have fallen into desperate straits.”

“Alright. I understand.” Lu Xun did not fully understand Chen Gong’s intentions but he admired Chen Gong’s talent. He kept the letter on his person.

“General! The ships are ready! We are just waiting for your orders!” The deputy general returned and reported.

“Good! Yangzhou Navy! Follow me!” Lu Xun ordered. He and his direct subordinates went towards the flagship. Yangzhou’s ships slowly started moving out of their naval camp.

Chapter 589

Jiangdong’s capital Jianye was currently the economic, cultural and military center of Jiangdong. Although it could not yet be compared to Xiangyang that had been flourishing for decades, it was already beginning to flourish as well under the control of the Sun Family, only falling a little behind Yangzhou’s Shouchun.

In Jianye was the Qiao residence where Qiao Xuan lived. Qiao Xuan was originally from Wancheng and had a large foundation there. He was spared when Sun Ce attacked Wancheng because of their relationship. Qiao Xuan had also wedded his two daughters to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Unfortunately, his eldest daughter died two days after the wedding. When Sun Ce went for an expedition, Lu Bu had raided the place killing his daughter. This made Qiao Xuan very hardbroken.

Qiao Xuan did not know whether it is to compensate him or other reasons but Sun Ce had moved the Qiao Family to Jianye.

“Master!” The Qiao Family’s housekeeper ran into the room.

“Hm?” Qiao Xuan was practicing his painting when he was interrupted. This caused him to ruin his painting and wasting the paper.

“Why are you so flustered?” Qiao Xuan shouted in annoyance.

“Forgive me Master!” The housekeeper quickly knelt down when he realized that Qiao Xuan had become angry. “I wasn’t flustered. I actually have an important matter to inform you!” The housekeeper added.

“An important matter?” Qiao Xuan frowned. Since when did the Qiao Family have any important matters especially after they moved to Jianye? All of his connections were left behind at Wancheng and he did not really cared much for his family properties.

“Yes. Zhang Zhao… Lord Zhang is here.” The housekeeper replied as he gasped for breath.

“Zhang Zhao? Why is he here?” Qiao Xuan frowned. He was not familiar with Zhang Zhao. In fact, he hated Zhang Zhao a little as Zhang Zhao was someone who seek personal profit. He was talented but sly. That being said, Zhang Zhao was someone else’s problem.

Qiao Xuan had talent but refused to become an official while Zhang Zhao was appointed the Chief Envoy and the General of the reserve troops which can be considered as a high position.

If Zhou Yu is said to be the one commanding at the front, then Zhang Zhao was the one commanding at the rear. Why would such an important minister visit him? Maybe they would have worked together if Da Qiao was still alive as Qiao Xuan was Sun Ce’s father-in-law. However, with Da Qiao dead, his status as a father-in-law was worth nothing.

“Master! Lord Zhang Zhao came bearing a lot of gifts!” The housekeeper explained.

“Gifts?” Qiao Xuan was at a loss. Qiao Xuan was a scholar so he could understand if scholars came with gifts looking for advice. However, Zhang Zhao’s level was higher than his so this situation was unlikely.

Qiao Xuan could not understand why but at the same time, he could not abandon etiquette. He had the housekeeper invite Zhang Zhao in.

“Escort Lord Zhang in and treat him well. I will come out soon.”

“Yes.” The housekeeper nodded feeling very excited as Zhang Zhao was very famous. At Jianye, Zhang Zhao was even more famous than Sun Ce. The housekeeper was very pleased as Zhang Zhao’s presence showed others that the Qiao Family was a great family that even someone like Zhang Zhao personally paid visits to.

Just as he was about to leave to greet Zhang Zhao, he was stopped by Qiao Xuan. “Wait!”

“What’s wrong Master? No need to worry, I will properly serve Lord Zhang.” The housekeeper replied thinking that Qiao Xuan was worried that he would neglect Zhang Zhao.

“That is not the reason. Forget it, I will go out and greet him myself. Follow me.” Qiao Xuan shook his head. As Zhang Zhao was of much higher authority, it would be disrespectful had Qiao Xuan sent out a servant to take care of Zhang Zhao.

Qiao Xuan went out with his housekeeper while still dressed very casually. This couldn’t be helped as he could not allow Zhang Zhao to wait.

Zhang Zhao who had been waiting for Qiao Xuan actually didn’t care about Qiao Xuan to personally visit Qiao Xuan. Although Qiao Xuan was older, he did not have much reputation. The same happened in Jingzhou. There were other teachers in Jingzhou such as Shui Jing. Yet no one respected them like how people respected Pang Degong. The reason Zhang Zhao personally visited Qiao Xuan was because he was asked to by someone with a higher position.

“Lord Zhang.” Qiao Xuan greeted as he approached.

Zhang Zhao Zhang Zibu joined up with Jiangdong because he offended Tao Qian. Tao Qian had invited Zhang Zhao to become an officer but was rejected. After losing face, Tao Qian tried to arrest and kill Zhang Zhao but Zhang Zhao managed to escape after being he received advance warning from a friend. Because of this, Zhang Zhao was no longer upright and outspoken. Instead, he became slick and sly. His new attitude was detested by Qiao Xuan.

That being said, Qiao Xuan still had to enthusiastically receive Zhang Zhao as Zhang Zhao was already here.

“Lord Qiao.” Zhang Zhao nodded when he saw Qiao Xuan personally come out to greet him. He greeted back as respectfully.

“Lord Zhang is a busy man. Why have you come here? If Marquis Wu’s matters is delayed, it would become my fault” Qiao Xuan laughed as he spoke.

“You are too humble. It is only natural to find the time to visit Lord Qiao. After all, Lord Qiao is a highly esteemed person in Jiangdong.

The two exchanged polite greetings before moving to the actual topic.

“Lord Zhang. Why have you come to my residence?” Qiao Xuan asked as his servants prepared tea.

Zhang Zhao took a sip before replying. “Lord Qiao. I came this time because of Marquis Wu and his late wife.”

“Marquis Wu?” Qiao Xuan was filled with doubt and his mood worsened. “Is it because of Yu’er?” Qiao Yu was dead. She died few days after marrying Sun Ce.

“What does Marquis Wu want to say?” Qiao Xuan felt uncomfortable. Qiao Yu was Sun Ce’s wife yet Zhang Zhao was the one here. Was Sun Ce already planning to take a second wife?

“So? Which family’s daughter caught Marquis Wu’s eyes now?” Qiao Xuan said with a sneer. “If Marquis Wu fancies her, there is no need to consult me. Take these gifts back with you.”

“Which family’s daughter?” For a moment, Zhang Zhao was confused at Qiao Xuan’s reaction. However, he quickly understood that Qiao Xuan was angry at the thought that his daughter had just died but Sun Ce was already planning to get another wife.

Zhang Zhao laughed. Having learned this, Qiao Xuan became manageable.

“Lord Zhang Zhao. What is so funny? Go back and tell Marquis Wu that there is no need to consider us relatives anymore! Take all these gifts back with you! I won’t be seeing you off!” Qiao Xuan said coldly.

After receiving the signal from Qiao Xuan, the housekeeper cupped his fist at Zhang Zhao. “Lord Zhang. This way.”

“Lord Qiao! People say that you are upright and outspoken. Now, I found out that the rumors are true!” Zhang Zhao laughed.

“Lord Qiao have misunderstood me. I did not come here to humiliate you. The Lord also did not order me to come here to request permission to get a second wife!”

“Then why are you here?” Qiao Xuan asked skeptically.

“I am here because of your second daughter, Xiao Qiao!” Zhang Zhao replied.

“For Xiao Qiao?”

“Lord Qiao. Have you forgotten about Miss Xiao Qiao’s engagement?” Zhang Zhao reminded.

At this moment, Qiao Xuan remembered that both his daughters were engaged.

“Did Zhou Yu send you here?” Qiao Xuan asked. Zhou Yu must have really good reputation to get Zhang Zhao to speak for him as Zhang Zhao had an equally high position.

“No.” Zhang Zhao shook his head.

“It is not Zhou Yu? Then who?”

“Lord Qiao. This is indeed a proposal of marriage for the Chief Governor. However, the one making this request is not the Chief Governor.” Zhou Yu himself did not know that Zhang Zhao would be here proposing a marriage for him. Zhou Yu also wouldn’t be able to send Zhang Zhao to speak for him. The only people that could move Zhang Zhao was Sun Ce and the late Lady Wu.

Sun Ce also kept this a secret from Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu had followed Sun Ce to war and missed his chance to get married. Initially, the two had sworn to marry at the same time but Zhou Yu missed the opportunity because of Jiangxia. Sun Ce who felt apologetic to Zhou Yu sent a letter to Lady Wu in Jianye, who then sent Zhang Zhao.

Qiao Xuan relaxed after hearing Zhang Zhao’s explanation. He now understood Sun Ce’s true intentions but there was another problem.

“Isn’t Jiangxia still engulfed in war? Can Gongjin find the time to come back?”

“Rest assured. The Chief Governor will spare some time to have the wedding soon.”

“How can this be acceptable?” Qiao Xuan quickly shook his head. “How could the marriage be placed before the war? I am speechless at Gongjin’s love for my daughter!” It feels wrong especially after since Huo Qubing had once stated “The Xiongnu are not yet eliminated. Why should I start a family?”

“There is no need for Lord Qiao to feel ashamed. I have not finished speaking. After this battle, Jiangxia will become peaceful! The Chief Governor should be able to take a break and return to have his wedding.”

“What do you mean?”

Zhang Zhao wanted to explain but then stopped when he saw the nearby servants.

Qiao Xuan understood this and dismissed his servants. He then took Zhang Zhao to a study where it was private.

“Lord Zhang Zhao can speak now. The study may be small but no one will eavesdrop here.” Qiao Xuan said.

Zhang Zhao then began to explain what was going on at Jiangxia. Although Qiao Xuan had no desire on becoming an official, he could still understand the war situation.

“In other words, Marquis Wu will be unmatched on the Yangtze River after this battle?”

“Haha. But Lord Qiao missed a point. After this battle, the Lord will be advancing towards the Central Plains to conquer the rest of the world!” Zhang Zhao explained as he stroked his beard. “And Lord Qiao who will become the Chief Governor’s father-in-law will also rise in status. Didn’t you want to start your own school?”

“Hm?” Qiao Xuan’s eyes glinted. Even though he was a scholar, he actually had huge desires. If it was not because of his desires, he would not have married his two daughters to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. If it was just to get his daughters into a good family, he could have married Xiao Qiao to Sun Quan. The reason he did not do this is because he could tell that Sun Quan would not go far when he has a brother as excellent as Sun Ce. Sun Quan would not have much opportunities unless Sun Ce dies young.

On the other hand, Zhou Yu was extremely talented to the extent that he had a nickname. On top of that, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were sworn brothers. Their relationship was stronger than blood.

As someone who helps Sun Ce seize power, Zhou Yu would become a very prominent figure. That was why Qiao Xuan decided to marry off his other daughter to Zhou Yu.

Zhang Zhao explained the details of the ongoing war to Qiao Xuan. After the battle at Jiangxia, Jiangdong would be able to capture Jingzhou easily. With Jingzhou’s prosperity along with the Yangtze River as a natural defense, even Cao Cao would not be able to attack so easily.

Qiao Xuan had his own desire. It was to become a famous scholar like Pang Degong. To do that, he would need to set up his own academy. It was something that the Qiao Family could not do alone even if they were rich. To set up an academy, he would need other scholars but he was not reputable or influential enough to get other scholars to assist him.

Pang Degong succeeded because of his own and his brother’s reputation. Besides that, he also had help from Sima Wei and others. Even then, he needed to spent all of the Pang Family’s wealth succeed.

Qiao Xuan needed money and people. If his eldest daughter was alive, he could obtain Sun Ce’s help. When his elder daughter died, Qiao Xuan lost his ambition. Now, another opportunity has arose.

If what Zhang Zhao had said about Jiangxia was true, Zhou Yu was going to become even more famous. Qiao Xuan would also be able to invite other scholars. These scholars will have to call him Lord Qiao Xuegong. Qiao Xuan smiled when he thought of this.

“This gifts are from the Madam as a representative for the Chief Governor. Please accept it.” Zhang Zhao said with a smile. He knew what Qiao Xuan was thinking of. Zhou Yu’s family had already been killed by people who did not want to exist together with Zhou Yu. They instead wanted to use the Zhou Family’s life to find a way to survive from the Lu Bu’s Army. In the end, they were also killed by the Lu Bu’s Army.

As the Zhou Family were dead, it was difficult to find Zhou Yu’s elders. Qiao Xuan could simply become that elder.

“The Madam is too polite.” Qiao Xuan replied. The two who cooperated with each other for benefits laughed happily and continued to discuss matters regarding the wedding preparations.

Meanwhile in a room at the backyard of the Qiao Family residence, a delicate woman was looking at the flowers. The delicate woman was such a beauty that the flowers might as well be withered.

“Sister. Are you doing well at Yangzhou?” Xiao Qiao mumbled to herself. “Haha. Of course you are doing well if he is accompanying you. How could he make you feel heartbroken?” The woman laughed at herself.

“Sister, since you were young, you never compete with me for things. Why did you take what is mine this time? Sister, how I envy you.”

“Then there is you. Did you forget there is another still waiting for you at Jiangdong? Perhaps my love is not reciprocated. Hahaha!” Xiao Qiao muttered crazily.

“Second Miss!” A servant ran over while Xiao Qiao was acting pitifully.

“Xiang Xiang?” Xiao Qiao quickly hid the cloth she was holding. This cloth was the one Liu Mang had used to treat their injuries.

“It is me, Second Miss.” The servant responded.

“Enter.” Xiao Qiao replied to Xiang Xiang.

“Second Miss! There is good news!” Xiang Xiang smiled as she entered the room.

“Good news? What good news?” Xiao Qiao asked with doubt.

“Second Miss, the Chief Governor is coming back!”

“Brother Gongjin?” Xiao Qiao smiled. To Xiao Qiao, Zhou Yu was an elegant nobleman that always protected her. He was like a brother to her. Initially, Xiao Qiao thought she loved Zhou Yu. However, she now realized she was wrong after she met Liu Mang.

“Brother Gongjin is coming back after a victory?” Xiao Qiao gave a faint smile. She knew that Jiangdong and Jingzhou were at war as it has always been.

“Second Miss. That is not the good news!” Xiang Xiang shook her head.

“Oh there are other news?”

“Yes, Miss. You are getting married.” Xiang Xiang said with a smile. All woman yearn for love and Zhou Yu is a young, handsome and capable man. Many woman would definitely like Zhou Yu. Xiang Xiang was one of them.

“Marry?” Xiao Qiao stared blankly. She still have not reacted to the news.

“Yes. The Chief Governor is coming back. I heard of this when I served tea earlier. They said the Chief Governor is coming back to marry you. Lord Zhang Zhao has even brought the betrothal gifts over.” Xiang Xiang explained excitedly. It was as though she was the one getting married instead of Xiao Qiao.

“Marry me? No! I don’t want to marry Brother Zhou!” Xiao Qiao panicked.

“Second Miss, what’s wrong?” Xiang Xiang was confused at Xiao Qiao’s reaction. She thought Xiao Qiao was confused out of happiness. It was not surprising as Zhou Yu was handsome and talented. On top of that, Zhou Yu was devoted to Xiao Qiao. If it was her, Xiang Xiang would be willing to die for Zhou Yu. Now, Xiang Xiang hoped that Xiao Qiao would take her as a servant after she get married. That way she could stare at Zhou Yu every day.

“Second Miss. You must be too happy. The Master was also like this when he heard that Zhou Yu would come back to take you as his wife after defeating Yangzhou.”

“Defeating Yangzhou?” Xiao Qiao could not help but raise her voice. “Why is it Yangzhou? Wasn’t there a cease fire?”

“I do not know but I heard that we would join forces with Jingzhou to attack Yangzhou.”

“No! How could this be?” Xiao Qiao shook her head. She had never seen Jingzhou’s troops before but she knew that they must be quite strong as well since Jiangdong had never completely won against Jingzhou.

“Brother Liu!” Xiao Qiao panicked and ran out of her room as she thought of Liu Mang.

“Second Miss?” Xiang Xiang chased after Xiao Qiao without understanding why Xiao Qiao was acting this way.

Xiao Qiao returned after getting caught but she remained inattentive.

“Xiang Xiang. Do you want to marry Brother Zhou?” Xiao Qiao suddenly asked.

“Why are you mentioning this?” Xiang Xiang’s face turned red. Xiang Xiang naturally wanted to marry Zhou Yu since the man was so outstanding. “The Chief Governor is so excellent while I am just a servant. It will not happen.” Her wish was for Xiao Qiao to marry Zhou Yu and take her along with her. She was satisfied with just gazing at Zhou Yu.

“It will happen. I will make it happen.” Xiao Qiao said resolutely.

“Huh?” Xiang Xiang could not understand what was going on in Xiao Qiao’s head.

***

Lu Xun woke up at Yangzhou’s naval camp and sat upright. In the past few days he was being taken care of by a woman. It was thanks to her that he could rest peacefully.

Lu Xun did not have the chance to thank her or ask her name. He smelled the hand that was held while he was asleep.

“There is still a fragrance.” Lu Xun could not help but mutter before turning red. “Lu Xun. What the hell are you thinking of!” Lu Xun berated himself. As a nobleman, their upbringing was strict. Although Lu Kang had thought him how to be a person of noble character, he was not taught about love. It was natural for a man who hit puberty to think of woman.

While he was still thinking about that woman, a messenger suddenly came with a report.

“General! It is not good! The enemy is here!” The messenger stammered from fear.

“Enemy?” Lu Xun repeated blankly when the alarm sounded. Lu Xun immediately stop thinking about the woman and picked up his armor and ran towards the stronghold. When he arrived, he took a deep breath as he looked at the huge number of enemies. Yangzhou had twenty ships while the enemy had at least two hundred ships.

“The enemy think too highly of me.” Lu Xun muttered as he looked at the Jingzhou and Jiangdong navy.

“General. Are the Jiangdong and Jingzhou navy bringing out their full force?” Lu Xun’s deputy general asked.

“It seems like they both want to eliminate us.” Lu Xun smiled bitterly in reply. His expression and demeanor changed from the love-struck boy to an ice cold and decisive general.

“General. What should we do?” The deputy general asked. There were too many enemies. Even if the enemies offered up their lives willingly, they would not be able to wipe out the enemy.

“Pass down my orders. Open up the gates. We will go out to meet the enemy head on!” Lu Xun replied.

“Meet the enemy head on? General! Have you gone mad?” The deputy general asked. It was beyond reckless. If they had stayed at the stronghold, they would at least have some defense.

“If we stay at camp, we will definitely lose. If we go out and fight, we would have a chance at winning.” Lu Xun explained. He had little confidence in actually winning but he knew that if the enemy reaches the camp, there would be no chance of winning at all.

Unlike cities that were on land, the naval camps and strongholds were made of wood. The defense given was very little. On top of that, they could only fit thirty thousand troops and that number could withstand against fifty thousand. Meanwhile, the enemy has a hundred thousand troops.

Even if they could fight against a hundred thousand with only thirty thousand, they would first need thirty thousand troops. Yangzhou only had fifteen thousand troops, they would just be overrun.

That is why Lu Xun intends on fighting in front. That way they could use their advantage which was the new ships. At the same time, they could strike fear in the enemy. At worse, Lu Xun would be able to escape with his men. He did not believe that Jingzhou and Jiangdong would dare land. They only dared bully the Yangzhou Navy because the Yangzhou Navy was small. On land, no one would dare fight against Yangzhou.

Lu Xun knew he just needed to protect the new ships. They could not be allowed to fall into the enemy’s hands.

“Go quickly!” Lu Xun shouted at his Deputy General. “Do you want to wait for death?”

“Yes General!” The Deputy General immediately acted. He felt relieved when he saw that Lu Xun was still calm. If his commander is not worried, why should he be worried?

None of them knew that Lu Xun was actually sweating buckets. He was most nervous one in the army.

“A hundred thousand men! They really think too highly of me!” Lu Xun said bitterly. He saw the many banners on the huge fleet. He had heard of Zhou Yu’s reputation while he was still a student. Most of Jiangdong’s achievement was Zhou Yu’s contribution. Then there was the Little Conqueror Sun Ce. This one made Lu Xun feel anger as Sun Ce’s act of attacking Lujiang caused him to lose his grandfather.

There was also Wen Pin. Lu Xun believed he was not a match for Wen Pin. The only reason he won was because Wen Pin was unfamiliar with the new ships. This time, the battle would go differently. Last but not least was Zhuge Liang. Lu Xun did not know much but he knew that Zhuge Liang was Jingzhou’s Military Advisor. It was his strategies that stopped the Jiangdong Navy at Jiangxia despite them having Zhou Yu’s assistance. Clearly, Zhuge Liang was very talented.

Lu Xun felt a sense of dread when he thought of fighting against these people. He took a deep breath and turned his fear into fighting spirit. “Come. The worse that could happen is death.”

“Ten thousand against a hundred thousand. If I lose, it would be glorious way of going out. If I somehow win, I would become famous.”

“Report!” A messenger ran in. “There is a letter for General Lu Xun from Wancheng!” The messenger gave a letter to Lu Xun.

“A letter from Wancheng? Is it Military Advisor Chen Gong?” Lu Xun believed it was Chen Gong as Lu Bu was still attacking Yuzhou.

Just as he was about to open and read the letter, the messenger said. “General. The Military Advisor said that you cannot open this letter right now?”

“I cannot open it? Then how do I read it?” Lu Xun asked skeptically but he still stopped opening the letter.

“The Military Advisor said you can open it once Jingzhou and Jiangdong have fallen into desperate straits when you meet them head on. Otherwise, it would be of no use.” The messenger repeated Chen Gong’s words.

“Hm? The Military Advisor said that?” Lu Xun was confused. Was this not a letter with a command?

“Yes. The Military Advisor insisted that I tell you not to open the letter until Jingzhou and Jiangdong have fallen into desperate straits.”

“Alright. I understand.” Lu Xun did not fully understand Chen Gong’s intentions but he admired Chen Gong’s talent. He kept the letter on his person.

“General! The ships are ready! We are just waiting for your orders!” The deputy general returned and reported.

“Good! Yangzhou Navy! Follow me!” Lu Xun ordered. He and his direct subordinates went towards the flagship. Yangzhou’s ships slowly started moving out of their naval camp.