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The cannon fire echoed through the night sky, resembling thunder that tore through the dark curtain. Huang Zu, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao led their respective forces, surging out from Xiangyang City, directly targeting the Jiangdong Army. The shouts from all directions shook the heavens, arrows and flames intertwined, causing chaos within the Jiangdong Army's ranks. Huang Gai sensed something was amiss and urgently directed his naval forces from the Han River to clash with Huang Zu's center. The two armies met, the sounds of blades clashing like thunder, and the water surface churned as if boiling. Huang Gai wielded his Dadao, striking directly at Huang Zu, shouting, "Will you surrender or not?" Before Huang Zu could raise his long knife, he was subdued by several Jiangdong soldiers and captured alive.
Cheng Pu protected Sun Ce as they sought a way out of the chaos. Sun Ce's face was as solemn as water, his gaze cold and stern: "Lord Lü must be here; if we can slay this thief, it will stabilize our troops!" Just as he finished speaking, a group from Liu Biao's Army charged down the mountain path. Lord Lü immediately stepped forward, his spear aimed at Cheng Pu and Sun Ce, loudly declaring, "You pests shall die!" Cheng Pu glared furiously and stepped forward to engage in battle. The two exchanged blows with sparks flying. Lord Lü was agile, but Cheng Pu was like a fierce tiger; in less than five exchanges, Cheng Pu dodged and lunged forward, thrusting his spear directly into Lord Lü's chest. Lord Lü's eyes widened in shock as blood gushed from his mouth, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud.
At this moment, dawn broke; weapons lay scattered across the battlefield, and blood flowed like a river. Both armies withdrew to their respective camps; Liu Biao's Army retreated back into the city. Sun Ce led the remnants of his troops to the banks of the Han River, where mist rose from the water's surface, chilling and dampening their spirits. He sat on horseback for a long time without speaking. A soldier cautiously approached and knelt to report: "Young Master, Lord... Lord has been killed by stray arrows; his body has been taken by Liu Biao's Army into the city."
Upon hearing this news, Sun Ce felt as if struck by lightning. He looked up at the sky, anger and sorrow intertwining within him as tears streamed down his face. He suddenly drew his Pei Jian from his waist and forcefully plunged it into the ground, crying out loudly: "Father—" His voice was hoarse and mournful; all soldiers present wept uncontrollably.
Huang Gai stepped forward and knelt on one knee, speaking solemnly: "Young Master, Huang Zu is still in our hands; we can use him to exchange for Lord's body. Please make a swift decision; do not delay any longer." Sun Ce's eyes flickered with rage as he looked at Huang Zu, his fists clenched tightly in trembling anger.
Huan Kai volunteered to enter the city. Sun Ce gazed at him for a long time before nodding: "This concerns my father's remains; I trouble you to take charge. You must speak cautiously and act prudently; do not trust others lightly." Huan Kai accepted the military order with a bow and led several attendants carrying a white flag into Xiangyang City. Liu Biao awaited him inside with a heavy expression and clasped hands said: "Though Sun Wentai had grievances with me, he was indeed a great hero. Hearing of his demise by stray arrows fills my heart with regret. His body has been placed in a fine coffin and is ready to be returned at any time."
Seeing Liu Biao's sincere attitude eased Huan Kai's heart slightly; he bowed in response: "Lord's kindness will surely be deeply appreciated by Jiangdong. Huang Zu is waiting by the riverbank; if Lord is willing to fulfill this agreement, both armies can cease hostilities and return peace to the people."
Just as Huan Kai was about to take his leave, a cold laugh suddenly came from below the steps. Kuai Liang stepped forward from among the crowd, his gaze icy as he spoke ominously: "Lord must not trust this man's words lightly! Sun Ce is young and impetuous; he is currently deep in scheming—how can we let him go easily? If we return Huang Zu today, tomorrow he will surely gather Jiangdong’s forces to come back for revenge. It is better to eliminate him now than to let a tiger return to its mountain!"
Liu Biao frowned: "Kuai Ziru, this matter concerns great righteousness; how can we lightly entertain thoughts of killing? Huang Zu is also a key member of my forces; if we do not release him back, it may disturb our troops' morale."
Kuai Liang’s narrow eyes flashed with cold light as he spoke firmly: "If Lord only considers minor righteousness, then we risk losing sight of the greater picture. Moreover, since Huan Kai has come as an envoy, it would be better to capture him first to prevent Jiangdong from learning of our plans." He paused before suddenly pointing at everyone present with an intense tone: "We could also use the pretext of returning Wentai’s body to ambush heavily armed troops along the banks of the Han River; when Jiangdong Army comes for the body, our ambushers can strike decisively! In this way, how can we worry about Jiangdong not being subdued?"
At these words, everyone present was taken aback. Huan Kai’s expression hardened as he raised his head angrily: "Kuai Ziru! The Sun Family Army sincerely seeks peace; if Lord believes your plan and breaks military regulations and righteousness, heroes across the land will hear of it—this will not only endanger Jiangdong but also Jingzhou!"
Kuai Liang remained unmoved and sneered: "Sun Ce will inevitably become a calamity in the future; I do not believe that leniency can deter his army. If Lord hesitates any longer, disaster will soon be upon us!"
Liu Biao listened to Kuai Liang's passionate words, lost in thought. His gaze swept over the assembled generals; some nodded in agreement with Kuai Liang, while others remained silent with their heads bowed. The atmosphere became as tense as ice, with two factions standing opposed to each other.
Seeing Liu Biao hesitating, Huan Kai's eyes flashed with a cold light. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Liu Jing Sheng! As the ruler of a region, you should respect Xinyi. Although Sun Wentai has grievances against you, he prioritizes the greater good of the country and is willing to negotiate peace with you; this act is meant to reduce casualties among the soldiers and seek tranquility for the people. If you follow Kuai Ziru's plan, it would be tantamount to betraying trust and becoming a laughingstock across the land! Sun Ce, son of a fierce father, will surely take revenge if betrayed, and he will leave no trace of your Liu Family behind in Jingzhou!"
Kuai Liang snorted coldly and retorted, "In chaotic times, one must use chaotic strategies. Sun Ce is young and impetuous; avenging his father will be his foremost thought. If we do not resolve the Jiangdong Army issue today while we have the chance, we may regret it too late! I do not believe Sun Ce will let Jingzhou go; if we do not cut off his claws today, he will become a raging fire!"
Liu Biao raised his hand to stop the argument, his brow furrowed as he gazed deeply at Huan Kai. "If Sun Ce truly seeks peace, can Jiangdong ensure the safety of Jingzhou?"
Huan Kai did not back down and looked directly at Liu Biao. "Sun Ce is honest and trustworthy. If you return Sun Wentai's body and release Huang Zu, he will certainly keep his promise and call for both armies to cease fighting. If you go against this, it will undoubtedly intensify hatred, and war will spread; Jingxiang will know no peace!"
Liu Biao's expression fluctuated between dark and light. Kuai Liang sneered, "If the Lord is so soft-hearted, I fear there will be endless troubles ahead. It would be better to take advantage of Jiangdong Army's instability now to ambush them and completely eliminate Sun Ce!"
The atmosphere in the hall was taut as a bowstring; the soldiers below held their breath in silence while Liu Biao wrestled with his thoughts. He turned his gaze toward Huang Zu, who remained silent with his head down. After a long contemplation, Liu Biao slowly spoke: "I trust Xinyi and do not wish to appear deceitful. Huan Kai, I will return the body to Jiangdong, but Kuai Ziru's plan cannot be entirely discarded. Huang Zu, lead the troops in defense; if Sun Ce breaks his promise, engage him immediately!"
Huan Kai felt relieved and clasped his fists in gratitude. "The Lord sees clearly; Jiangdong is immensely grateful!" Although Kuai Liang was dissatisfied, he refrained from further comments. Liu Biao waved his hand to order preparations for a coffin to return Sun Jian's body to Jiangdong.
According to the agreement, Liu Biao returned Sun Jian's body, and Huang Zu successfully returned to Jingzhou. Sun Ce personally led his troops to welcome his father's coffin, watching as the heavy casket was carefully lowered. His youthful face appeared even more resolute due to suppressed grief. He dismounted and knelt beside the coffin, placing his hands on it as he spoke in a low voice filled with emotion: "Father, I am incompetent and could not protect you well. Today I can finally bring you home; I will surely carry on your legacy and protect Jiangdong through all difficulties!"
Behind him, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and oth second brother nerals also knelt down together and vowed in unison: "We swear to serve the Lord unto death and revive Jiangdong's great cause!"
Sun Ce stood up, took a deep breath, his eyes burning with intensity as he clenched his fists and declared: "After burying my father, we must reorganize Jiangdong and prepare for future battles! The people of Jiangdong trust us; we cannot let them down!"
Subsequently, Sun Ce escorted his father's coffin to Qu'a Plain. On the day of the funeral, the people of Jiangdong donned white garments and gathered in the fields to bid farewell to Sun Jian. The wind rustled gently as mournful music echoed; it felt as though heaven and earth were enveloped in solemnity. Sun Ce knelt before the grave, slowly pouring out a jar of wine beside it while murmuring softly: "Father, today I vow that if Jiangdong faces difficulties, I will step forward; if there are enemies, I will fight valiantly against them!"
After the funeral, Sun Ce returned to Jiangdong and began to reorganize the army, calming the civil unrest. He often held court under his tent, summoning heroes from all directions and encouraging open dialogue. Whether from noble families or commoners, everyone was treated with respect. Cheng Pu once asked, "My Lord, your humility in dealing with others may lead to being exploited by deceitful individuals. Why do you choose this path?"
Sun Ce smiled slightly, his eyes shining brightly. "In Jiangdong, if there is no trust from the people, how can we establish a nation? Treating others with sincerity is the only way to unite the aspirations of the world. Whoever can assist me in Jiangdong will be considered my family!"
Before long, heroes from all corners heard of his reputation and flocked to him. Sun Ce's ranks gradually filled with countless talented individuals, and the power of Jiangdong grew stronger by the day.
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