Chapter 4: Full Counterattack (1 / 2)

Liu Bei handed another sword to Zhao Yun and said, “I had a vow with Guan and Zhang that we would live and die together. These two are hot-tempered and will never want to live alone. Zilong, you must persuade them, a true man hasn’t achieved anything yet, how can he die now?”

Zhao Yun nodded repeatedly, clenching his teeth but unable to speak.

Liu Bei continued, “The two of them must remember their original resolve, and fully assist Liu Qi to restore the Han Dynasty: until the rebel Cao is captured and the traitors are eradicated, they must not take their own lives. Also, take care of A Dou day and night. Even from the underworld, I will protect you all and help you accomplish great things.”

Zhao Yun took the sword, tears streaming down his face, and said, “I am willing to serve like a dog or a horse, with my liver and brain spilled on the ground.”

Liu Qi’s heart was stirred. Liu Bei truly understood his two brothers, entrusting them with the great cause and Liu Shan, giving Guan and Zhang a reason to keep living.

Just as they were talking, Yi Ji arrived in a hurry. Seeing Liu Bei soaked in sweat and his face turning black, he was shocked. “Lord, what happened?”

Liu Bei gave a bitter smile, sighed, and said, “I regret not listening to your advice, Dilu really has hindered the master.”

Yi Ji hurriedly asked, “Cai Mao has returned to the city and locked the gates. What should we do now?”

Suddenly, Liu Bei shouted, “Nephew, you must kill this man, avenge me—”

Before he could finish, he spat out another mouthful of black blood and died on the spot. His eyes widened, glaring at the sky with rage and unwillingness.

“Uncle!” Liu Qi called out twice, seeing that Liu Bei was truly dead. He raised his hand and closed his eyes.

“Cai Mao, you bastard, I swear I’ll kill you!” Zhao Yun kneeled on the ground, howling to the heavens, his eyes bloodshot.

Cai Mao had returned to the city, and Liu Qi feared Liu Pan couldn’t hold the fort alone. He quickly persuaded Zhao Yun to leave a few people to guard Liu Bei’s body and lead the soldiers to Xiangyang for revenge.

Zhao Yun’s face was dark, full of murderous intent, holding his spear and shouting at the city walls, “Cai Mao, you dog, come out and die!”

Cai Mao was waiting atop the city walls for news. Seeing Liu Bei absent and with the gates locked, he shared a triumphant laugh with Zhang Yun.

Zhang Yun, who had just been humiliated by Zhao Yun, laughed loudly, “Zhao Yun, Liu Bei is dead, you’re just a dog with no master now. Let’s see how long you can keep acting so arrogant!”

Zhao Yun was furious and spurred his horse straight towards the moat, intending to jump over it. But his steed was just a regular warhorse, and when it reached the edge, it pulled back in fear.

Arrows rained down from the walls, and Zhao Yun used his spear to swat them away, but he couldn’t keep up. His horse was struck by several arrows and, in pain, fled.

“Changshan Zhao Zilong, this is all you can do?” Zhang Yun laughed hysterically as Zhao Yun retreated in disgrace.

“This is infuriating!” Zhao Yun jumped off his horse, like a beast looking for prey.

“General Zhao, please don’t be hasty!” Liu Qi whispered to Zhao Yun, “My cousin Liu Pan is visiting my father at the residence. When he left the city, he already informed my father, who has always valued the royal uncle. He will surely send troops to assist us.”

Huang Zhong also nodded, “Cai Mao has moved his men to guard the city, and the residence is empty. General Liu will surely succeed.”

After calming Zhao Yun, Liu Qi rode forward and shouted, “Cai Mao, you murdered the royal family and tried to rebel! Open the gates quickly!”

Cai Mao stroked his beard and laughed, “Young master, you should be resting and taking care of your health. Why are you conspiring with Liu Bei? I am acting under the orders of the lord. You have no right to speak here.”

Liu Qi’s anger flared, “You acted on your own and harmed the royal uncle, even framing my father. This is outrageous.”

Cai Mao coldly replied, “Liu Bei first worked with Lü Bu, later with Cao Cao, and then allied with Yuan Shao, all of which ended in failure. That shows what kind of person he was. Just the other day, he wrote a rebellious poem in the guest house, clearly intending to betray. If I don’t remove him, he will be a future threat.”

Yi Ji stepped forward and said, “General Cai, the lord has treated you well, and Liu Xuande is your relative. Why are you committing such an unjust act?”

Cai Mao knew it was Yi Ji who had reported him and yelled, “You old scoundrel, you’ve been sabotaging me, I’ll make sure you don’t die a good death! I’m going to report this to the lord and see what you have to say!”

Liu Qi wanted to buy time for Liu Pan and shouted loudly, “Cai Mao, open the gates! I’m going with you!”

Cai Mao sneered, “You and Liu Bei are in cahoots, what face do you have to meet the lord?”