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Sun Ce and Zhu Zhi were engaged in an animated discussion inside the tent, the atmosphere gradually intensifying. Sun Ce's eyes sparkled with eagerness, as if he could already see Jiangdong firmly within his grasp. Just then, the tent flap was suddenly lifted, and a calm figure walked in, his voice low yet impossible to ignore: "I am fully aware of your plans."
Both Sun Ce and Zhu Zhi stood up simultaneously, their gazes alert as they turned towards the newcomer. The man was slender, wearing a smile that belied the sharpness of his hawk-like eyes. He cupped his hands in greeting and said nonchalantly, "Bo Fu need not be alarmed. I am not here to obstruct you; rather, I come to lend you a helping hand."
Sun Ce furrowed his brow slightly, scrutinizing the man before finally recognizing him, his expression relaxing. "You are... Lu Fan, also known as Lu Fan, the strategist of Yuan Gonglu? What brings you to my camp today?"
Lu Fan nodded with a smile and took a seat, casually lifting a teacup from the table and taking a sip before speaking at a measured pace. "Bo Fu, how could anything happening in Shouchun City escape my ears? I am already aware of your plan with Zhu Junli to seize Jiangdong. I have come because I command a hundred capable men who are willing to lend their strength to help you achieve this grand endeavor."
Upon hearing this, Sun Ce's eyes lit up with surprise. He quickly stepped forward and clasped his fists in gratitude. "If Lu Fan is willing to assist, Bo Fu is immensely grateful! Please take a seat; let us discuss this matter together."
Zhu Zhi quietly asked from the side, "Since Mr. Lu is close to Yuan Gonglu, does his coming today hold any deeper significance?"
Lu Fan chuckled softly and replied meaningfully, "Yuan Gonglu is narrow-minded and shortsighted. Having followed him for many years, I am unwilling to be subservient to such small-minded individuals. Today, seeing Bo Fu's grand aspirations to carry on his father's legacy has inspired me to come and offer my assistance."
Sun Ce expressed his thanks repeatedly upon hearing this and turned to Zhu Zhi, saying, "Since Lu Fan is willing to help, our ambitions for Jiangdong are surely achievable!"
Lu Fan's expression grew serious as he stated, "That may be true, but there remains a significant challenge ahead. Yuan Gonglu is notoriously suspicious; if we ask him for troops, he may not agree."
Sun Ce frowned at this and pondered for a moment before raising his head with newfound determination in his eyes. "Lu Fan is right. However, my late father left behind the Imperial Jade Seal, which Yuan Gonglu has coveted for a long time. If we use this seal as collateral, he will undoubtedly find it hard to refuse!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Fan burst into laughter and clapped his hands in delight. "Excellent! The Imperial Jade Seal is indeed a treasure of the realm; Yuan Gonglu has long yearned for it. If we use it as leverage, not only will he lend us troops, but he may also go out of his way to curry favor."
Zhu Zhi appeared somewhat hesitant and quietly asked Sun Ce, "Bo Fu, the jade seal is of great importance; are we truly going to use it to exchange for troops?"
Sun Ce answered without hesitation, his eyes bright with determination. "No matter how precious the Imperial Jade Seal is, it is merely an inanimate object. It cannot compare to the future of the Sun Family. If I can exchange it for an army to reclaim Jiangdong, what does the loss of the seal matter?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Fan spoke loudly, "Bo Fu indeed possesses the spirit of a great general! In that case, I will return and arrange for the necessary personnel to assist you in executing this plan!" Sun Ce and Zhu Zhi watched as Lu Fan left, a spark of hope igniting in their eyes for reclaiming Jiangdong.
The next morning, Sun Ce, dressed in plain clothes and wearing a worried expression, entered Yuan Shu's residence. In the main hall, Yuan Shu sat at the head of the table, flanked by civil and military officials, creating a solemn atmosphere. As soon as Sun Ce entered, he knelt on the ground and spoke with a heavy heart, "Honorable Duke! My heart aches like a knife wound; I have come to seek your command!"
Seeing this, Yuan Shu raised an eyebrow slightly, setting down his wine cup with a hint of confusion. "Bo Fu, what troubles you so deeply?"
Sun Ce looked up, tears in his eyes and his voice choked with emotion. "My late father, Sun Jian, died on the battlefield, leaving me with unfulfilled grievances. Now my maternal uncle, Wu Jing, is being pressured by Liu Yao, the Inspector of Yangzhou. My family is trapped in Qu'a and in danger at any moment. I am powerless to save them and can only turn to you for help. Please lend me several thousand troops to cross the river and rescue my family!"
Yuan Shu raised an eyebrow slightly, a glimmer of interest flashing in his eyes but maintaining a calm tone. "Bo Fu, while your filial piety is commendable, crossing the river for battle is no small matter. How can I be sure that your personal affairs will not jeopardize my troops?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Ce revealed a resolute look in his eyes. He took out a brocade box from his bosom, raised it high with both hands, and said solemnly, "If you do not believe me, Honorable Duke, I will offer my father's Imperial Jade Seal as collateral to demonstrate my sincerity!"
At these words, the hall erupted in murmurs as all eyes fell upon the brocade box. Yuan Shu's expression changed dramatically; he straightened up and stared intently at the Imperial Jade Seal in Sun Ce's hands. Suppressing his inner excitement, he waved his hand and said, "Bring it to me."
The attendant delivered the brocade box to Yuan Shu's hands. He carefully opened it to reveal a crystal-clear jade seal engraved with the words "Mandate of Heaven, Long Life and Prosperity." The ancient script was majestic and powerful. A look of ecstatic joy flashed in Yuan Shu's eyes as he couldn't help but exclaim softly, "Indeed it is the Imperial Jade Seal! The greatest treasure under heaven is right here!"
He held the seal carefully and examined it repeatedly before nodding in satisfaction. Turning to Sun Ce with a more lenient and smiling tone, he said, "Bo Fu, your father was a hero of the realm; you possess such resolve as well—truly worthy of your name! I am not coveting this item; you may rest assured that the seal will remain here temporarily. I am willing to lend you three thousand soldiers and five hundred horses to assist you in crossing the river to rescue your uncle and restore order."
Hearing this, Sun Ce felt overjoyed in his heart and quickly bowed again with sincerity. "Thank you very much for your generous favor, Honorable Duke! I promise not to disappoint your trust; I will surely pacify Jiangdong and repay your kindness."
Yuan Shu laughed heartily and continued speaking. "Bo Fu, I will also officially appoint you as Colonel Zhechong General to command these troops properly. From today onward, prepare your army; we shall depart within three days without delay!"
Sun Ce quickly accepted the command, his tone resolute: "I will not fail in my mission and will surely expand the territory for the Honorable Duke!"
Yuan Shu was in high spirits as he watched Sun Ce depart. Turning around, he placed the imperial seal on the table beside him, a look of satisfaction gleaming in his eyes, as if he had already grasped the world in his hands. After leaving the hall, Sun Ce clenched his fist and gazed toward the south, his determination unwavering; the grand vision for Jiangdong had already unfurled in his heart.
Sun Ce organized his troops, with three thousand soldiers ready for battle, banners fluttering and weapons glinting like a forest. He personally led his strategists Zhu Zhi and Lu Fan, along with veteran generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang, departing from Shouchun with great momentum toward Jiangdong.
As the army reached the borders of Liyang, dusk approached and the mountains appeared hazy. Just as Sun Ce rode ahead to survey the terrain, he spotted a small troop approaching from a distance. Their banners were simple, yet their steps were synchronized, clearly indicating they were well-trained. Sun Ce felt a twinge of curiosity and halted his troops to observe as the group drew closer.
Moments later, the troop stopped a hundred paces away. The leader dismounted and walked towards Sun Ce with purposeful strides. Sun Ce focused intently and saw that this person was handsome and poised, exuding an air of calm confidence in every gesture. As he approached, he respectfully clasped his fists in greeting and then bowed deeply, speaking warmly and familiarly: "Bo Fu! It has been several years since we last met; I am truly delighted to see you today!"
Sun Ce was taken aback for a moment but then filled with joy. He dismounted to help the other up, laughing heartily: "Gong Jin! It’s you! What a surprise to reunite here after so many years!"
The man was none other than Zhou Yu, styled Gong Jin, from Shucheng in Lujiang. He had known Sun Ce since childhood; when Sun Jian was campaigning against Dong Zhuo, Zhou Yu's family moved to Shucheng. They were of similar age and shared a deep bond that led them to become brothers. Sun Ce was two months older than Zhou Yu, who often treated him as an elder brother.
Zhou Yu stood up, his eyes sparkling with joy as he smiled: "Bo Fu still exudes charisma! Today you lead your troops across the river; your great undertaking is about to succeed—truly admirable! I happened to pass through here on my way to visit my uncle Zhou Shang in Dan Yang; what a stroke of fate that we meet again."
Seeing Zhou Yu brought Sun Ce immense happiness. The two sat down together and shared stories of their recent experiences and aspirations. Sun Ce expressed his heartfelt sentiments: "Gong Jin, ever since my father passed away, I have longed to fulfill his wishes and bring peace to Jiangdong. However, it has been fraught with difficulties along the way. If it weren't for your assistance today, this journey would have felt even lonelier."
Zhou Yu's gaze was steadfast as he replied softly: "Bo Fu harbors great ambitions and cares for the world; how could I stand idly by? From this day forth, I am willing to devote all my efforts alongside you to achieve our grand enterprise!"
Upon hearing this, Sun Ce felt reassured and laughed heartily: "With Gong Jin's support, how can we worry about not achieving great things!"
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