Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3840 Host and Guest
Inside Xu Huang's central command tent in Jiangling City, the atmosphere was heavy.

Coming from Sichuan, Xu Huang defeated the Jiangdong army all the way and then captured Jiangling, achieving numerous victories. However, after arriving in Jiangling, Xu Huang also deeply experienced the predicament of being at the end of one's rope.

People get tired and get injured, especially after a long journey. A little carelessness can lead to all sorts of problems.

An upset stomach is a minor issue; it's not uncommon for people to even be bitten by a snake while defecating.

The longer the distance, the more problems arise.

The long supply line is like a fragile ribbon, winding its way from Sichuan, and any slight disturbance could break it.

After Zhuge Liang went north, there were some news at first, but now all news has stopped and we don't know what happened.

Moreover, Gan Ning returned wounded...

On the other side, Jiangdong was like a snake in the grass. Although it was temporarily lying dormant, its watchful eyes never left Xu Huang's lower body.

The situation in Jiangling inevitably stagnated.

Now, an unexpected visitor has broken this stagnation...

Kuai Liang has arrived.

The key figure of the Kuai clan of Jingzhou.

Kuai Liang used the pretext of contracting an illness to escape from northern Jingzhou.

General Xu,

Kuai Liang's voice was not loud, but carried a composure unique to the gentry. He bowed slightly in greeting, then took out a jade pendant from his bosom and gestured for Xu Huang's guard to hand it over.

Kuai Liang said calmly, "This is De Gui's personal token. Entrusted by De Gui, I have come to pay my respects to the General..."

Xu Huang carefully examined the jade pendant. The jade was warm and lustrous, and it was engraved with the intricate emblem of the Cai family. It did not seem to be a forgery, nor would there be any need to forge it.

However, this jade pendant alone cannot guarantee absolute safety.

Xu Huang appeared somewhat relaxed, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Sir, what brings you here?"

Kuai Liang cut to the chase: "To assist the general in conquering Jingbei!"

After saying that, Kuai Liang took out a silk map from his sleeve.

The map features a meticulously drawn depiction of the mountains and rivers of northern Jingzhou, along with finely detailed vermilion characters indicating Cao Cao's troop deployments, grain storage points, and even some hidden paths and ferry crossings.

Kuai Liang didn't waste any words, nor did he show any condescension. "Cao Zixiao is now all bark and no bite!"

Kuai Liang said, "The situation in Heluo is critical. Cao Cao has already drawn six or seven out of ten of the troops he can muster from Jingbei. Xiangyang appears well-defended, but it's actually weak internally, with fewer than ten thousand soldiers, mostly newly recruited, and their morale is low. Although Cao Cao's two generals are brave, they have no troops to use; they're like tigers without claws! As long as you, General, bring your army to the city gates, the Kuai and Cai families, who remain inside as internal allies, will respond to your call! At that time, Xiangyang can be captured within ten days, and Jingbei can be pacified!"

Xu Huang listened and nodded slowly.

What Kuai Liang describes is naturally very appealing.

but……

If it were an ordinary general, he would probably be slamming his fist on the table and cheering, then excitedly discussing with Kuai Liang how to advance. But Xu Huang was a veteran of many battles; how could he not know that all's fair in war?
Kuai Liang's words were extremely tempting. If Xiangyang could be captured so easily, the entire Jingbei war situation would be reversed instantly.

but……

Who can guarantee that Kuai Liang is truly loyal to us?
Is it true, as he claims, that he is optimistic about the future of the Flying Cavalry, or is it yet another carefully designed trap?

Kuai Liang took out Cai Mao's jade pendant, but who can guarantee that this jade pendant was "given" by Cai Mao and not "taken" by Kuai Liang?

"Mr. Kuai," Xu Huang began slowly, his voice steady and unreadable, "what you say is indeed moving. However, there is one thing I do not understand. Leaving aside the Cai family for now, may I ask that the Kuai family has deep roots in Jingbei, and Cao Mengde... I have heard that the Cao family has treated you well? Why then do you now... this act of switching allegiance?"

Kuai Liang seemed to have anticipated this question. He coughed lightly twice, his face displaying just the right amount of helplessness and indignation, and said with a sigh, "General, you are wise. Prime Minister Cao... alas, at first he did treat his officials with courtesy. However, he is by nature suspicious and uses the law harshly. Recently, due to the unfavorable situation in the Heluo campaign, he has become quite suspicious of the gentry of Jingbei, readily accusing them of treason... He has also repeatedly conscripted and extorted, plundering the people without restraint, causing them untold suffering..."

At this moment, Kuai Liang seemed to become the representative who spoke up for the people of Jingzhou.

"Though I, Kuai Liang, dare not call myself a hero, I do understand the sentiments of my homeland and the suffering of the people..." Kuai Liang's voice was deep and resonant. "In the past, the Cai family had no choice but to submit to the Cao family to prevent Jingzhou from being utterly destroyed... Today, I have come to seek you out, General, also for the sake of peace and tranquility for the people of Jingzhou... Moreover, the general trend of the world is gradually becoming clear. The General of Chariots and Cavalry reigns supreme in the northwest, eyeing the Central Plains with predatory intent. His reputation for benevolent governance is widespread, and his army is well-trained, well-supplied, and filled with fierce generals. Cao Mengde... is already in his twilight years, merely putting up a last-ditch resistance. I, Kuai Liang and De Gui, are simply seeking a true path to survival for the people of Jingzhou."

Xu Huang neither confirmed nor denied Kuai Liang's statement.

Kuai Liang's words are half true and half false, or perhaps more complicated.

Such a mix of truth and falsehood is even harder to distinguish than a complete lie.

Xu Huang believed that Cao Cao's suppression of the gentry in Jingbei was genuine, and that Cai Mao and Kuai Liang's search for a way out was also genuine. However, he needed time to judge the sincerity of this "insider" and whether there were other schemes behind it.

What if Kuai Liang is a two-way plug, plugging it in on one side and on the other?

What if I accidentally get infected...

No, we accidentally fell into a trap and lost Jiangling, our bridgehead. It would be even more troublesome to organize troops and ships to fight back.

At this delicate moment, a soldier suddenly came to report that a guest was requesting an audience, claiming to be Sun Qian from Beihai, who had come on the orders of the General Who Conquers the South.

Sun Qian?

Liu Bei's envoy?
Xu Huang's eyes flashed; the water in the pool was getting increasingly murky.

Xu Huang glanced at Kuai Liang.

A hint of surprise flashed in Kuai Liang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and gestured slightly to Xu Huang, indicating that he could temporarily evade the situation.

Xu Huang, however, was quick-witted. He stopped Kuai Liang from taking refuge and said in a deep voice, "Sir, please stay here and see what this Sun Gongyou wants..."

Kuai Liang paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Very well, I will go and see him on behalf of the general..."

A moment later, Sun Qian, dressed in a scholar's robe, walked in with an elegant demeanor and a warm, welcoming smile.

Sun Qian looked up and saw Xu Huang, as well as Kuai Liang sitting to the side. His smile seemed to freeze for a moment, but he regained his composure, stepped forward to greet Xu Huang, and gave his account.

In essence, this indicates that Liu Bei's visit to Jiangdong was merely a "friendly visit," and he had no intention of breaking ties with the Flying Cavalry...

Sun Qian reiterated his respect for the General of the Cavalry, explaining that the Han Dynasty needed the General of the Cavalry, and that Liu Bei would continue to strive under the guidance of the General of the Cavalry.

Sun Qian himself believed it.

However, when Sun Qian's eyes met Kuai Liang's again, he couldn't help but tremble slightly.

Sun Qian was obviously there to fight the initial battle for Liu Bei.

If the cavalry in Jiangling were too weak, Liu Bei would have had no need to send Sun Qian. He could have simply pretended not to know anything, and even if he was found out later, he could have made it look like an accidental attack...

Anyway, this wasn't the first time Liu Bei had done something like this.

However, Xu Huang remained remarkably composed in Jiangling, holding his ground firmly despite being attacked from both sides by Cao Cao's army and the Jiangdong army. This naturally forced Liu Bei to send Sun Qian to demonstrate his abilities, hoping to find a suitable position for intervention.

After all, the Imperial Uncle of the Han Dynasty was very flexible; whether it was Lady Bamboo, Lady Jade, or Lady Chastity, they were all acceptable...

But Sun Qian never expected that he would actually meet Kuai Liang at Xu Huang's place!
What did this mean?! Kuai Liang, ever as astute, immediately grasped the key point from the fleeting look of surprise in Sun Qian's eyes. His mind raced, and without waiting for Xu Huang's introduction, he proactively cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Sun Gongyou of Beihai? I've long admired your name! I am Kuai Liang, Kuai Zirou."

Kuai Liang didn't say that he was also a guest, but he also didn't say that he wasn't a guest.

A simple introduction is like the blank space in a painting.

"Kuai... Ah, I've met Mr. Kuai..." Sun Qian had actually met Kuai Liang before. However, back then Liu Bei was just a "minor figure," and Sun Qian, a civil official under Liu Bei, was not on the same level as the important minister under Liu Biao. Naturally, they could not have much interaction.

Now that Kuai Liang has appeared with Xu Huang, what does this mean?
Suppressing the various thoughts rising in his mind, Sun Qian bowed respectfully and said, "I heard you were unwell, sir. It's truly fortunate that you seem to be in good health."

Kuai Liang claimed he was faking illness, but that wasn't entirely true.

Medical conditions in the Han Dynasty were generally poor, and the Jingzhou area was close to a large marshland. In addition, as people reached middle age, they inevitably suffered from various sequelae, complications, and chronic diseases caused by the decline in their physical health.

Therefore, Kuai Liang's health was not very good, which was one of the reasons why Cao Ren was not very suspicious at first when he was feigning illness. By the time he tried to arrest him later, it was too late...

Sun Qian made a point of mentioning Kuai Liang's health, ostensibly to offer his greetings, but in reality to demonstrate his good information network and control over the situation.

It's like a stranger you don't know well, but have only heard of by name, suddenly coming up to you and asking if you had a comfortable stay at a certain hotel a few days ago.
"Gongyou is concerned." Kuai Liang smiled calmly, as if he could see through Sun Qian's thoughts. "I was indeed slightly unwell before... but it's just a minor ailment, how can it be compared to the well-being of millions of people in Jingbei?"

Kuai Liang, placing himself on a morally superior position, immediately changed the subject, getting straight to the point: "Gongyou, have you come here to ascertain General Xu's strengths and weaknesses on behalf of the General Who Conquers the South?"

Sun Qian, his thoughts exposed, maintained his smile but inwardly felt a chill. He chuckled and said, "Mr. Kuai, you jest... I've come here to maintain harmony between our two families and avoid conflict..."

"Why must you conceal this, Gongyou?" Kuai Liang interrupted him, his tone sharpening. "The Cao family is now in decline, and the people of the land eagerly await the arrival of General Huo Qubing! Your expedition to Jiangdong is nominally an ally, but in reality, you are a vassal, dependent on their every whim. The bitterness of this situation is something you and Xuande must deeply understand. Why not consider the people's wishes, join hands, and dedicate yourselves to the unification of the Han Dynasty?"

"This..." Even though Sun Qian was adept at diplomacy, he was still somewhat unable to defend against Kuai Liang's direct approach. "Sir... why do you say that... my general is merely a guest in Jiangdong..."

Kuai Liang chuckled, "If Gongyou acts this way, then he has no sincerity left..."

Kuai Liang flicked his sleeves, seemingly indicating that he was about to see the guest out.

Xu Huang remained silent, sitting at the head of the table, neither expressing dissatisfaction with Sun Qian nor opposing Kuai Liang's seemingly overbearing behavior.

However, Sun Qian was unaware that Kuai Liang had only recently arrived. Seeing Xu Huang and Kuai Liang's actions, he quickly concluded that Xu Huang and Kuai Liang had already cooperated. If he were simply driven away, he wouldn't be able to find out more. Therefore, following Kuai Liang's lead, he asked in a deep voice, "If I may be so bold... how would you explain this cooperation?"

Kuai Liang laughed and said, "This is easy! Those Jiangdong brats want to seize Jiangling, so they'll need to provide General Zheng Nan with plenty of soldiers and warships… Once they reach Jiangling, they'll naturally be out in the field…"

Looking at the smile on Kuai Liang's face, Sun Qian felt that Kuai Liang was mocking Liu Bei.

But thinking back to what happened back then, Sun Qian couldn't help but swallow his resentment.

Kuai Liang, seemingly not wanting to make the atmosphere too tense, slowly continued, "Once General Xu has taken Jingbei, we can join forces and sail down the river to help the Southern Expedition conquer Jiangdong! Such a unified empire would be the greatest good!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Qian sneered inwardly.

Kuai Zirou is quite the shrewd strategist!
Let Liu Bei launch a feint attack to draw fire, and he might even use the feint to wear down Liu Bei's strength, while your cavalry reaps the rewards from behind and takes Jingbei. In the end, will they really help Liu Bei take Jiangdong, or will they be discarded like a dog after the rabbit is killed? Who can guarantee that?
Sun Qian maintained his gentle smile, cupped his hands, and said, "Mr. Kuai's plan... is indeed ingenious. However, this matter is of great importance, concerning the lives of my general and his soldiers, so I... dare not speak lightly."

Xu Huang remained silent, seemingly determined to remain a background figure.

Kuai Liang waved his hand, signaling Sun Qian to calm down, "Gongyou, there's no need to rush to conclusions... just wait and see..."

Kuai Liang gestured for Sun Qian to look at the jade pendant on Xu Huang's desk.

Xu Huang simply waved his hand, signaling the guards to hand the jade pendant to Sun Qian.

"Does Gongyou know of this?" Kuai Liang's voice carried a certainty. "This is Cai Degui's token. To be honest, Gongyou, Degui has already personally gone to Fangling to contact General Liao Hua (Liao Yuanjian) under the command of General Huo Qubing! At that time, north of Xiangyang, there is Zhuge Liang at Wuguan Pass; to the west, there is General Liao at Fangling; and to the south, there is General Xu… while Cao Mengde's army is trapped in the Heluo region, unable to extricate itself… So, Gongyou, what will become of Jingbei…?"

Upon hearing this, even Sun Qian couldn't help but be slightly moved.

Cai Mao actually went to Fangling to find Liao Hua in person?
This is huge news!

This means that the Flying Cavalry will once again encircle Jingbei!

With concerted efforts from all sides, victory is assured!
No wonder Kuai Liang was here!
Kuai Liang pressed on, his tone firm and resolute, "Even without the assistance of the General Who Conquers the South, with the Cai and Kuai clans of Jingbei as our internal allies, General Xu advancing from the north, General Liao marching from the east, and Zhuge's army heading south, with three routes converging and advancing by land and water, taking Jingbei will not be difficult! At that time, who knows what will become of the General Who Conquers the South? Gongyou, at that time, the General Who Conquers the South's situation will probably be..."

Sun Qian's smile finally faded, and he frowned, lost in thought.

Kuai Liang's words were half enticement and half threat.

If the Flying Cavalry could truly take over Jingbei independently, then Liu Bei's situation in Jiangdong would indeed take a sharp turn for the worse.

They might even be sacrificed by Sun Quan as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the General of Chariots and Cavalry.

Sun Qian took a deep breath of West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, feeling a lump in his throat. He swallowed hard, deciding to stop beating around the bush and instead assess the strength and resolve of the Generalissimo's forces more accurately. He turned to Xu Huang, his tone becoming serious: "General Xu… I must report Mr. Kuai's words to my general before a decision can be made… However, I have a request, and I hope General Xu can enlighten me… What is the current state of the war in the Central Plains…?"

Although people in Jiangdong had heard some rumors, even those from Jiangdong who claimed it was a beautiful machine hand-assembled by a young lady probably didn't know how many hands it had passed through before being assembled into a machine with cylinder scoring and oil leaks...

Now that things have come to this point, Sun Qian decided to be direct and inquire about the current battle situation.

Xu Huang narrowed his eyes and first said that he came from Sichuan and that his information was not readily available. Then he recounted some things he knew, including the first battle for Xiangyang in Jingbei, and news of Cao Cao's arrival and departure in Jingzhou.

These events occurred in Xu Huang's vicinity, and he was relatively aware of them. As for the battles in Hedong and Heluo, Xu Huang did not elaborate further.

As Xu Huang narrated, Sun Qian's heart sank little by little, then rose again little by little.

If Xu Huang were to start by boasting about the invincibility of the Flying Cavalry, Sun Qian would most likely just hum and haw, not believing him at all.

However, Xu Huang's words were reasonable and well-founded, and they corroborated some of the information Sun Qian had previously heard, which made Sun Qian take Xu Huang's words seriously...

Cao Cao's situation was worse than he had originally imagined.

This means that the strength of the Flying Cavalry far exceeds expectations...

If the General of the Flying Cavalry can truly pacify the Central Plains quickly, then his momentum in conquering the world will be almost unstoppable...

Sun Qian remained silent for a long time, his mind racing as he considered various possibilities and weighed the pros and cons.

"General Xu, Mr. Kuai," Sun Qian finally raised his head, his face regaining its composure, "I understand your intentions. This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided by me alone. I must return immediately to report to my general and explain the advantages and disadvantages."

Xu Huang nodded, offering no feigned request to keep him. "It is only right. Please, Mr. Gongyou, proceed as you see fit."

Kuai Liang also cupped his hands and said, "I hope you will bring good news soon."

Sun Qian said no more, bowed once more, and then quickly left. He had to avoid all eyes and ears in Jiangdong and inform Liu Bei of everything that had happened here as quickly as possible.

Sun Qian came in a hurry and left in a daze.

Kuai Liang then stood up and, under the protection of the cavalrymen, escorted Sun Qian a short distance, demonstrating his exceptional demeanor.

After Sun Qian left, Kuai Liang returned to Xu Huang's place, bowed and apologized, saying that he had overstepped his bounds and was disrespectful to Xu Huang.

Xu Huang laughed heartily, saying that Kuai Zirou truly lived up to his reputation, having once possessed the "discourse of Yong Ji" and now engaging in "conversations under the command of the generals," demonstrating his unparalleled talent and wisdom...

In fact, both of them knew that Kuai Liang had used Sun Qian as a pledge of loyalty, and after this action, Xu Huang formally gave Kuai Liang a certain degree of trust and began to discuss specific military matters with him.

As for whether Jiangdong and Liu Bei will be able to sleep well after Sun Qian returns...

That's a different matter.