With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Liu Xie and Cao Cao met privately, and the two reconciled with a smile. This was unknown to outsiders, and Liu Xie also wanted to keep it a secret for the time being.

He successively mobilized 40,000 troops to Xudu. Every day, people patrolled outside the city, and cavalrymen rode by from time to time, protecting Xudu while also making many people anxious.

The annual meeting was held in such a tense atmosphere. Liu Xie commented on Chen Qun, Zhang He, Zhong Yao and others one by one during the meeting, rewarding those who deserved it and punishing those who deserved it.

During the banquet, Liu Xie proposed reforming the Secretariat. Under the Minister of the Secretariat, the original Three Dukes' Office, Personnel Office, Civil Affairs Office, Guest Affairs Office, Two Thousand Stone Officials Office, and Central Capital Officials Office were transformed into six simpler and more efficient Ministries: the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Works.

The position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat was naturally held by Xun Yu.

The Minister of Personnel, who was mainly responsible for the selection and transfer of officials, was Chen Qunlai.

The Minister of Justice was concurrently held by Jia Xu, the Magistrate of Xudu.
Lu Jun, Minister of Works
Minister of War Zhuge Liang

Hua Xin, Minister of Rites
Tian Kai, Minister of Revenue
Hua Xin was very excited. Holding the wine cup, her hands trembled slightly. In the past few years, she had been running errands everywhere and working hard without complaint. Finally, she had regained the emperor's appreciation.

But Hua Xin also knew that she couldn't be too happy yet. If she made another mistake in the future, she would be demoted or disciplined as appropriate, and the emperor would not show any leniency.

As the lights of every household shone brightly in Xuchang, and the people rejoiced and celebrated with Liu Xie and his court officials, war broke out almost simultaneously in two different places.

One place is Jiangling, and the other is Zhang Zhao's home in Chaisang!
Tonight is Lunar New Year's Eve, and Sun Quan has given everyone a rare holiday, allowing his ministers to go home early to reunite with their families. He is also busy gathering his family together to celebrate.

His younger sister Sun Shangxiang, his mother Wu Guotai, his wife Lady Xie, and his concubines Lady Xu and Lady Bu were all by Sun Quan's side.

Lady Xie had an old and sickly face. She was not beautiful and had not given birth to any children for Sun Quan. Even someone as powerful as Sun Quan could not escape the fate of an arranged marriage.

Sun Quan didn't like Lady Xie, but there was nothing he could do; she was chosen for him by Lady Wu.

Lady Xu was not liked by Sun Quan either, but it was a helpless choice made through family alliance.

Lady Bu, Bu Lianshi, was Sun Quan's favorite woman. He chose her himself, but unfortunately, he was never able to make her his official wife.

Madam Xie has been ill for the past two years, but even if she dies, the one who will be promoted to the rank of official wife will not be Bu Lianshi, but Madam Xu, because she is the daughter of Xu Kun, a local powerful family.

Despite being the historically renowned Emperor of Eastern Wu, Sun Quan was at least a hundred times worse than Cao Cao when it came to choosing women. Cao Cao's women, whether they were seized or taken by force, were all chosen by him.

As for Sun Quan, only Bu Lianshi was someone he had his eye on.

Jiangdong was filled with powerful clans, and Sun Quan's foundation was not so stable. Moreover, he was a famously filial son, and he simply could not refuse the woman that Lady Wu chose for him.

Sun Quan carefully accompanied Lady Wu, taking the rare opportunity to spend time with his family.

That very night, Liu Biao gathered several leaders together. Looking at them, he said, “Gentlemen, we have been raising an army for a thousand days to use it for one. Everyone in Jiangdong knows that Zhang Zhao has been placed under protection by Sun Quan. However, we are acting on His Majesty’s orders. Every day we delay will damage His Majesty’s prestige. Therefore, we must take action. Otherwise, some people will think that His Majesty’s words do not carry weight in Jiangdong.”

"Commander, we all understand. Tonight, we will take action and massacre Zhang Zhao's entire family!" Wei Zhi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists tightly.

Liu Kui and Zhan Fei both nodded in agreement, "Let's do it!"

Liu Biao nodded. "I must remind you all that I have gathered three hundred men and infiltrated Chaisang in advance. This is Sun Quan's stronghold. As soon as we make our move, their reinforcements will arrive quickly. Therefore, many of us will die tonight. Anyone who is afraid can withdraw now."

Not a single one was afraid to back down. Wei Zhi said in a loud voice, "Commander, none of the brothers are afraid of death. Just give the order."

Liu Biao nodded in satisfaction, "Good, that's great! Tonight I will personally lead the team. We will make Sun Quan understand, and we will make the people of Jiangdong understand, that His Majesty still calls the shots here. Tonight, we will massacre the Zhang family together!"

Everyone stood up and shouted in unison, "Sweep the Zhang family mansion in blood!"

After several months of recuperation, Zhang Zhao's health had barely recovered. With so many family members and clansmen gathered together, all watching him, Zhang Zhao mustered his strength, got out of bed, and gathered everyone together to prepare for the festival.

There were nearly two hundred people, big and small, and the meal was very lavish. Sun Quan even had his younger brother Sun Kuang send a lot of wine and meat.

Sun Quan sent more than two hundred guards to Zhang Zhao's residence. Even so, these people never dreamed that the Dragon Guards would not only dare to come, but also be fully prepared.

The banquet was only halfway through when groups of men in black appeared in the front and back yards almost simultaneously. They seemed to have suddenly emerged from the ground. More and more people gathered, and the front and back doors were attacked at the same time.

"Fire arrows!"

The guards of the Zhang residence began to fight back, but the men in black simply threw grappling hooks at the wall and then climbed up the courtyard wall one by one using the ropes.

Although some shots hit, these people were fearless and could not be stopped at all.

Holding a long sword, Liu Biao was the first to climb over the courtyard wall and leap into the courtyard. Without saying a word, he led his men to rush towards the main gate, cutting down several guards and forcibly opening the main gate.

Wei Zhi and Zhan Fei rushed in, but Wei Zhi volunteered to stay behind, saying, "You two go ahead, I'll guard the main gate."

Guarding the main gate is the most stressful job, because reinforcements could arrive at any moment.

Liu Biao gave him a grateful look. There was no need for extra words between brothers. Turning around, Liu Biao raised his blood-dripping longsword and shouted, "Brothers, let's finish this quickly and kill Zhang Zhao's entire family, leaving no one alive!"

"Kill!"

Shouting, the crowd followed Liu Biao into the mansion, killing and hacking at anyone they saw. Amidst the flashing of gleaming swords, Zhang Zhao's home was turned into a living hell, a scene of utter chaos.

Zhang Zhao and his group were gathered in the backyard when suddenly, the steward came running up to them, shouting, "Master, something terrible has happened! They're attacking!"

Zhang Zhao didn't ask who it was. Because there was no need to ask; the only person who wanted to kill him was the Emperor of Han.

Everyone in the courtyard was terrified. The little grandson, Zhang Zhen, was deathly pale, clutching Zhang Zhao's clothes tightly, repeatedly crying out, "I'm scared, I'm scared..."

Liu Kui stormed in through the back door, while Liu Biao and Zhan Fei charged in from the front. Soon, they rushed into the backyard.

The guards of Zhang's residence were all terrified. They had seen bold people before, but never anyone as bold as this. They dared to launch a strong attack on Sun Quan's capital and massacre someone else's family. Were these people crazy?
Zhang Zhao's face also turned pale. He struggled to his feet, wanting to reassure everyone, but the words remained unspoken.

Turning to Liu Biao and his men, Zhang Zhao angrily questioned, "Why did you do this? Even if you kill me, you won't escape."

Liu Biao laughed disdainfully, "Zhang Zhao, whether we live or die is none of your concern, but today all of you must die, not a single one of you can be spared! From the day His Majesty gave the order, you should have died. Living this long is already too good for you."

“Betraying the court and mocking the emperor, Zhang Zhao, this is the punishment you deserve.” Zhan Fei said, leaping up and slashing down with his sword. The steward, who tried to escape, was knocked to the ground by Zhan Fei, and blood gushed out immediately.

Zhang Zhao's family was terrified. They screamed frantically and ran around like headless flies, trying to escape the slaughter.

However, this was obviously difficult. Liu Biao, carrying a blood-dripping longsword, strode straight toward Zhang Zhao. Some guards tried to rush over to stop him, but Liu Biao remained expressionless, mercilessly swinging his longsword again and again, cutting them down one by one.

"Oh no!"

The incident at Zhang Zhao's house quickly caused a stir, and Zhou Shan rushed to Sun Quan's courtyard in a panic.

His panicked expression immediately brought the lively atmosphere in the courtyard to an abrupt halt.

"What's going on?" Sun Quan demanded.

Zhou Shan opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

Zhou Shan glanced at Sun Quan, then at Wu Guotai, unsure whether he should speak.

Sun Quan stood up, nodded apologetically to Wu Guotai, and wanted to leave to find a secluded place to question Zhou Shan alone.

However, Zhou Shan's flustered expression made everyone at the table, not just Wu Guotai, realize that something was wrong.

Even Sun Shangxiang, who was only thirteen years old, blinked her eyes and looked at Sun Quan with curiosity.

“What can’t be said here? What could possibly happen on New Year’s Eve? Zhou Shan, you might as well tell me what you have to say.”

Zhou Shan immediately grimaced, his face full of embarrassment. Wu Guotai had no idea what was going to happen, so she asked again, "What? Can't I hear this?"

Zhou Shan looked at Sun Quan for help, and Sun Quan nodded at him.

Zhou Shan had no choice but to tell the truth: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, a large number of thieves have suddenly entered Zhang Zhao's residence. They have already broken in, and I have come here specifically to report to the lord."

"What? They dared to make a move openly on New Year's Eve."

Wu Guotai was taken aback, and so were Madam Xie and the others.

Sun Quan's face immediately darkened. Without saying goodbye to everyone, he hurriedly left and immediately sent people to provide support.

"We must not let them succeed; we must protect Lord Zhang."

Zhou Shan and Sun Kuang each led a thousand elite soldiers. Zhou Shan intercepted the enemy at the main gate, while Sun Kuang led his men to surround the back gate.

As soon as Zhou Shan arrived, he ran into Wei Zhi. Without saying a word, Zhou Shan led his men to launch an attack. Wei Zhi hurriedly sent someone to inform Liu Biao.

Raising his Hundred-Refined Blade, Wei Zhi coldly locked his gaze on the approaching Zhou Shan, his eyes filled with disdain.

Zhou Shan shouted, "How dare you! This is Chaisang. None of you will escape!"

"Haha, what a joke! Of course we're bold, because we're the emperor's men." Wei Zhi seemed to have heard the most ridiculous joke.

"Wherever there is the territory of the Han Dynasty, there the Dragon Guards will appear. Isn't Jiangdong part of the Han Dynasty's territory?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wei Zhi accelerated forward, unleashing a series of slashes with his Hundred-Refined Blade, instantly felling two Jiangdong soldiers to the ground.

Zhou Shan was somewhat shocked. He stepped forward and swung his sword at Wei Zhi. Wei Zhi neither dodged nor evaded, but raised his Hundred-Refined Sword to exchange blows with him.

The weapons clashed, but soon, with a snap, Zhou Shan was surprised to find that his sword had broken.

Zhou Shan was also a fierce general, and he was very ruthless in battle in his early years. However, he is now a retainer of Sun Quan.

Even if his weapon was of poor quality, it couldn't have been cut in half so easily. Zhou Shan was shocked and found it hard to believe.

He stared wide-eyed at the Hundred-Refined Blade in Wei Zhi's hand. The blade gleamed with a dazzling, cold light, giving off an irresistible chill.

To this day, the Hundred-Refined Blade has not achieved large-scale mass production; only a few dozen have been made. Historically, Cao Cao only made five, which shocked the world.

Zhou Shan was shocked, but Wei Zhi showed no mercy. He swiftly slashed at Zhou Shan with his sword. Zhou Shan couldn't dodge in time, and his armor was immediately ripped open, blood flowing out. He hurriedly retreated backward without regard for anything else.

As Zhou Shan retreated, he shouted, "Kill him! Kill him!"

The Jiangdong soldiers, like a surging tide, launched a fierce attack on the main gate. They were aggressive and numerous, brandishing their swords and spears, determined to take over the courtyard.

Wei Zhi and his men stood guard at the gate. He gripped his Hundred-Refined Blade tightly, his gaze firm and resolute, with only one belief in his heart: never let the Jiangdong soldiers step into the courtyard.

The leading soldier brandished his broadsword and slashed menacingly at Wei Zhi. Wei Zhi dodged to the side, skillfully avoiding the fierce attack. Then, his broadsword shot out like a venomous snake, swiftly stabbing at the enemy. The soldier couldn't dodge in time and was pierced through the chest, screaming as he fell to the ground.

More and more Jiangdong soldiers poured in, some wielding spears and others brandishing swords, attacking Wei Zhi from all directions.

Wei Zhi showed no fear. He parried left and right, his Hundred-Refined Blade wielding itself so tightly that it was impenetrable, and he killed the approaching Jiangdong soldiers one by one.

The other members of the Dragon Guard were also fearless, and neither side would give way, resulting in a fierce battle in the narrow space of the main gate.

Liu Kui, who was at the back gate, was also fighting with Sun Kuang's men. After receiving the news, Liu Biao, whose side had almost finished killing, decisively gave the order, urging, "Don't dawdle! Show no mercy!"

Despite the urgency and the critical situation, Liu Biao carried out the emperor's orders without fail, never rushing through them or being perfunctory.

Finally, Liu Biao arrived in front of Zhang Zhao. Without thinking, Zhang Zhao pushed his grandson back and shouted, "Run!" while shielding his grandson with his body.

Liu Biao grinned menacingly at him, "From the moment you refused His Majesty, you should have known this would be your fate. Tonight, not a single person here will die innocent!"

Having said that, Liu Biao stepped forward, his longsword aimed straight for Zhang Zhao's heart. Zhang Zhao tried to block with his own sword, but he was old and his reaction was too slow. (End of Chapter)