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Liu Bei entered the city with Guan Yu and arrived at Lü Bu's residence for a visit. Lü Bu, clad in armor, sat in the center of the hall. Upon seeing Liu Bei bowing in greeting, he immediately rose to welcome him with a warm smile. "Liu Shijun, it is truly fate that we meet again today. The previous events were unavoidable; I hope you can understand."
Liu Bei slightly lowered his head, his demeanor humble. "General Lu, your protection of Xuzhou and care for the people is something I am deeply grateful for. How could I harbor any resentment? I have come today to thank you for your care of my family."
Upon hearing this, Lü Bu waved his hand dismissively, his tone seemingly casual yet laden with meaning. "Liu Shijun, you flatter me. My actions in seizing the city were not to contest with you for territory, but rather due to your brother Zhang Fei's drunken rampage that could lead to disaster; I had no choice but to intervene."
Liu Bei's expression remained unchanged, but waves of emotion stirred within him. He understood that Lü Bu was attempting to shift the blame, yet in this moment and place, he could not afford to argue. He replied softly, "Zhang Fei is straightforward and occasionally makes mistakes, but he did not intend to offend. If this has caused General Lu to guard the city, I truly feel sorry."
He paused for a moment before speaking earnestly, "To speak frankly, Xuzhou was never mine to begin with. Since General Lu has contributed by guarding it, I am willing to relinquish this city as a sign of respect."
Lü Bu feigned surprise and waved his hand again. "Liu Shijun is joking! Xuzhou City was gained through your benevolence; how could I take what belongs to another? Please take back the city and continue to govern it well."
Liu Bei shook his head sincerely. "General Lu sincerely protects the people and possesses both virtue and talent; you are indeed a blessing for Xuzhou. I, Liu Bei, am unworthy and do not dare covet this place; it is better for you to remain in charge."
The two exchanged polite refusals for a while longer until Liu Bei insisted on declining and proposed returning to Xiao Pei to settle down. Seeing Liu Bei's firm attitude, Lü Bu decided not to press further and said cheerfully, "In that case, please return to Xiao Pei for now. When the time is right in the future, we can discuss important matters together. I will have someone send some provisions and silk as a token of goodwill."
Liu Bei clasped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your generosity, General."
---
Upon returning to Xiao Pei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were both filled with discontent. Zhang Fei clenched his fists, unable to hide his anger. "Elder Brother! That Slave to Three Masters Lü Bu has taken our city and now comes pretending to be friendly! I cannot swallow this indignation!"
Guan Yu also frowned slightly and said solemnly, "Brother Three has a point. Lü Bu has always been untrustworthy; if we do not reclaim Xuzhou today, it may be even harder in the future."
However, Liu Bei remained calm and spoke earnestly. "My dear brothers, the situation is still uncertain; the time is not right. We should not act out of momentary anger or challenge fate directly. By bending low and enduring now, we can preserve our strength. When the time comes, we can settle accounts with Lü Bu then."
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged glances; though they still felt aggrieved in their hearts, they could find no rebuttal and could only nod silently in agreement.
A few days later, Lü Bu indeed sent people to deliver grain and silk. After Liu Bei received them, he distributed the supplies to the soldiers and the common people, stabilizing the situation. Although the two factions were temporarily at peace, undercurrents were stirring, and the shadow of war quietly brewed not far away.
Inside Shouchun City, lights blazed brightly as Yuan Shu hosted a grand feast for the generals. The atmosphere was lively with songs and dances, and the aroma of wine filled the air. Yuan Shu sat at the head of the table, beaming with joy as he raised his cup to everyone, saying, "Our army has won battle after battle; today we should drink heartily and share this moment of glory!"
As the banquet was in full swing, a scout hurried into the hall and knelt to report, "Sun Ce has captured Lujiang from Governor Lu Kang, achieving a great victory and is returning home!" Hearing this, Yuan Shu was overjoyed and immediately commanded, "Quickly, summon Sun Ce! I want to personally reward this young man!"
Before long, Sun Ce entered the hall. He was young and handsome, exuding an air of heroism. Clad in battle armor still dusted with dirt from his campaigns, he wore a Pei Jian at his waist and walked steadily. Approaching the front of the hall, Sun Ce clasped his fists in salute and said, "I have not failed my mission; I am fortunate to have lived up to your expectations, my lord."
Yuan Shu was even more pleased by his demeanor and personally rose to greet him, helping him up. "Sun Lang, you are truly the pride of Yuan Shu! Come, sit beside me; let us enjoy a drink together today!" Sun Ce could not refuse and took a seat next to Yuan Shu.
During the feast, Yuan Shu raised his wine cup and looked at Sun Ce with admiration in his eyes. He sighed softly, "Sun Lang, you are indeed a young hero! If I had a son like you, I would have no regrets even in death!" His words carried both praise and a hint of wistfulness.
Sun Ce humbly lowered his head and cupped his hands in response, saying, "Your lordship's kindness is overwhelming; I shall do my utmost to repay your grace."
Yuan Shu laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder. "Your father Sun Jian was renowned for his bravery throughout his life. Now that you carry on his legacy, your future is boundless! Come, let us drink to Sun Lang!"
Sun Ce raised his cup and downed it in one go as everyone cheered in unison, filling the hall with a lively atmosphere.
From a young age, Sun Ce was exceptionally intelligent and fond of befriending talented individuals. After his father Sun Jian passed away, he felt the situation had become dire. To avoid enemies, he retreated with his family to Jiangnan and settled within Governor Wu Jing's territory in Dan Yang. However, due to conflicts between Tao Qian and Wu Jing, Jiangnan's situation became unstable. Consequently, Sun Ce had no choice but to move his mother and family to Qu'a while he sought opportunities by aligning himself with Yuan Shu.
Yuan Shu appreciated Sun Ce's bravery and intelligence greatly; he often remarked to others, "If I had a son like Sun Lang, it would be an immense blessing!" Soon after, Yuan Shu appointed Sun Ce as Hua Yi Colonel and sent him to lead troops against Jing County. In a flash of brilliance, Sun Ce crushed the enemy forces decisively in his first battle against Zu Lang, gaining widespread acclaim.
Seeing Sun Ce's remarkable valor only increased Yuan Shu's trust in him. He sent him again to attack Lujiang Governor Lu Kang. Leading his troops to conquer several cities in succession, Sun Ce ultimately defeated Lu Kang decisively and brought Lujiang under Yuan Shu's influence. This victory not only solidified Yuan Shu's position in Jiangnan but also elevated Sun Ce's reputation far and wide.
Yuan Shu raised his wine cup once more, toasting Sun Ce with a bright gaze. "Sun Lang, do you know what today's victory signifies? The land of Jiangnan is beginning to fall under our control. You have achieved such great merit; how could I let it go to waste?"
Sun Ce smiled faintly, lowering his head slightly. "My Lord is far-sighted. I have merely done my humble part in expanding your territory."
Yuan Shu laughed heartily, slamming his cup down on the table. "Sun Lang is too modest! With such ambition, I will surely entrust you with great responsibilities in the future. Together, we will secure the realm; what is there to fear about achieving great things?" He then turned to the soldiers in the hall and called out loudly, "Come, let us drink another toast to Sun Lang!"
After the banquet ended, Sun Ce returned to his camp, removed his armor, and sat alone in his tent, feeling dejected. He recalled Yuan Shu's attitude towards him during the feast; on the surface, it seemed friendly, but beneath it lay a sense of arrogance and condescension that left him feeling humiliated.
As night deepened and moonlight poured into the camp like water, Sun Ce felt restless and stepped outside into the courtyard. The cold wind brushed against his face as he gazed up at the starry sky, and the figure of his father, Sun Jian, appeared in his mind. He was a heroic figure who had fought valiantly for great ambitions but had died young. Now, as Sun Jian's son, he found himself living under someone else's roof, enduring Yuan Shu's cold glances and neglect. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, he clenched his fists and sighed deeply towards the heavens. "Father! You were such a hero, yet you left me isolated and helpless. How can I carry on your legacy when I am at the mercy of others?" Tears streamed down his face as he cried out in anguish.
At that moment, footsteps approached. Sun Ce turned abruptly to see someone strolling in from outside the camp; their silhouette appeared particularly upright under the moonlight. The person walked closer with a laugh, their voice bright and cheerful. "Bo Fu, why do you look so sorrowful? I've never seen you like this!" They stopped in front of Sun Ce, their gaze teasing. "When your father was alive, he often relied on me. If you have any unresolved matters, why not ask me instead of crying here?"
Sun Ce looked at the newcomer in surprise and wiped away his tears with a hand. After examining them closely, his eyes lit up. "You are... Zhu Junli! Indeed it is Zhu Junli!" The visitor was Zhu Zhi from Dan Yang, who had once served under Sun Jian; for some reason, he had come to this place.
Sun Ce hurried forward and grasped Zhu Zhi's hand excitedly. "Brother Junli! What brings you here? Where have you been all these years? I often think of old friends but find it hard to seek anyone for counsel!"
Zhu Zhi laughed heartily and patted Sun Ce's shoulder. "Don't rush; we can talk slowly. First tell me what troubles you so deeply."
Sun Ce composed himself and invited Zhu Zhi to sit down before letting out a long sigh. "My father has been gone for many years now, and I am powerless to fulfill his ambitions. I am forced to live under Yuan Shu's roof and endure humiliation daily. If it weren't for my family's safety, I would never wish to live like this! This is my great resentment; I cannot sleep at night!"
Hearing this, Zhu Zhi's expression grew serious as he pondered for a moment before his eyes brightened with an idea. "Bo Fu, you have always been brave and wise; how can you be content to remain beneath someone else? Listen to me: this place is not where you should linger for long. Why not borrow troops from Yuan Gonglu under the pretense of aiding Governor Wu Jing of Dan Yang? In reality, seize the opportunity to take Jiangdong for yourself! Once Jiangdong is in your hands, you can establish your own power without needing to rely on others!"
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