Chapter 2: The Horse Leaps over Tan Creek (1 / 2)

The sunset was sinking in the west, and the nightfall swallowed Xiangyang. The spring breeze blew strong.

This night in Xiangyang was destined to be full of undercurrents. Liu Bei was probably still thinking about how to win people’s hearts tomorrow, while Cai Mao should be plotting an assassination plan.

The household was busy preparing for the banquet. There were four courtyards in total, with Liu Biao in the central courtyard, Liu Qi and Liu Zong to the left and right, and the back courtyard for servants and guest rooms.

Liu Fu went to the back courtyard to secretly summon Liu Pan. After years of commanding troops in Jingnan and facing off against Tai Shi Ci, Liu Pan had grown more formidable, exuding an aura of bloodshed.

Accompanying him was an elderly man with gray hair, sturdy in build—none other than Huang Zhong.

Huang Zhong could be considered one of Liu Pan’s personal bodyguards, loyal to Liu Biao, especially after being summoned from Changsha. This was the only useful person Liu Qi could think of.

“Elder Brother, I’ve heard that tomorrow’s banquet will be hosted by Liu Xuande. Should we ask him for help?”

Liu Qi sighed inwardly. Everyone seemed to want external help, but no one believed he could solve the problem on his own.

“Cai Mao has tried to kill Liu Bei several times without success. I believe this is most likely a Hongmen Banquet. We’ll see how things unfold tomorrow. If there’s danger, Brother, you protect the Lord. Han Sheng and I will rescue him and, with Liu Bei’s help, eliminate Cai Mao once and for all.”

“Brilliant plan!” Liu Pan was greatly pleased. The three of them began to discuss the details.

As they were leaving, Liu Qi asked, “Huang Zhong, do you know Wei Yan from Changsha?”

Huang Zhong furrowed his white brows and shook his head. “I’ve never heard of him.”

Liu Qi was puzzled. Both Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had served under Han Xuan, so where had this guy gone?

It was said that Wei Yan had rebellious tendencies, but Liu Qi didn’t believe that. His strength was no less than the Five Tigers, and he had been loyal and accomplished many feats. If not, why would Liu Bei send him to guard Hanzhong?

In the end, it was still personality that determined fate. Wei Yan’s arrogance and pride had offended too many people. He was used by Yang Yi and died in political conflict.

Returning to his room, Liu Qi saw his beautiful wife, trembling like a frightened little rabbit, and for a moment, he forgot all about the red-faced warrior.

…

The next morning, Liu Qi was invited by Cai Mao to the government office. He looked exhausted, his face pale.

This was unavoidable. In order not to raise suspicion, last night he had to drag Du Ling’er along and unlocked a few new positions.

The banquet hall was already set up, with many officials exchanging pleasantries. Soon, Liu Bei arrived at the gates.

They had already met yesterday, so there was no need for more words. He was directly invited into the courtyard.

The horses were led into the back garden, and the personal guards stayed outside. Only Zhao Yun followed Liu Bei into the hall.

Today, Liu Bei wore a red brocade robe, with three strands of beard, his demeanor elegant, which made him appear even more dignified.

Behind him, Zhao Yun was fully armored, his face like a crown jade, his sword-like brows slightly furrowed, and his tall body stood upright, scanning his surroundings vigilantly.

Liu Bei sat at the head of the table, Liu Qi and Liu Zong on his left and right, with Cai Mao and the other officials seated in order.

Before the meal began, Zhang Yun came in and invited Zhao Yun outside to drink. A seat had already been prepared for him there, along with the generals of Xiangyang.

Today’s celebration banquet was grand, and everyone attended in their best attire, except for Zhao Yun, who was fully armored and somewhat out of place. Liu Bei, wanting to appear more approachable, asked Zhao Yun to take a seat outside.

As the feast began, Liu Bei, as usual, said some formal words, also promoting himself subtly. The officials stepped forward to toast him.

At this point, Liu Qi and his brother had been completely ignored and had no sense of presence at all.

As usual, Liu Qi remained calm and focused on eating, quietly regaining his strength.

But in his heart, he secretly laughed: After today, I’ll be the brightest star in the room!

After three rounds of drinks, Yi Ji entered from the outside and walked up to Liu Bei. Giving him a subtle glance, Liu Bei excused himself to go to the restroom.

Seeing Yi Ji head towards the back hall shortly after, Liu Qi’s heart raced, his hand holding the chopsticks slightly trembling.

Cai Mao, who had just arranged the personnel and returned, noticed Liu Bei was missing. His face changed slightly, and he asked, “Where did the Governor go?”

Liu Zong answered, “Uncle went to the restroom.”

Cai Mao let out an “oh” and slowly sat down, glancing occasionally towards the back hall, his fingers gripping the wine cup turning pale.