Chapter 8: Sun Ce's Decision

“Master, the fate of this world is that what is long divided must unite, and what is long united must divide; this is an unchanging truth. You are but twenty-five years old—if you dream of spending your remaining years guarding this foundation in Jiangdong, I fear you are merely chasing shadows.”

With the guidance of two wise counselors and the martial prowess of generals such as Cheng Pu and Huang Gai, Sun Ce could stride unopposed across Jiangdong. Yet Zhang Hong saw clearly: the turmoil in the Central Plains had merely granted Sun Ce a chance to quietly build his strength in Jiangdong. The heart of the realm could not remain in chaos forever—sooner or later, the world would bear either the name of Cao or Yuan. When that day came, if Sun Ce still cowered in Jiangdong, he would lose the initiative.

That was why Zhang Hong risked his life to infiltrate Xuchang and obtain an official position—to see if he could bring about the downfall of Cao Cao and let Sun Ce take his place. In such a scenario, Jiangdong would be their solid rear base, allowing for both offense and defense—a most ideal outcome.

Yet now, Dong Cheng had been seized by his imperial son-in-law. Perfection was out of reach. Whether Dong Cheng had confessed to Liu Xie of his own accord or otherwise, somehow Liu Xie had learned that Zhang Hong had been sent by Sun Ce. The very day he received Liu Xie’s letter, Zhang Hong resolved to persuade Sun Ce to adapt to the changing circumstances. Though the Central Plains could not yet be seized, bringing the emperor over in proper form would at least be a timely remedy.

Eight years had passed since Sun Ce inherited his father Sun Jian’s legacy. To have earned the sincere respect of the veteran ministers of Jiangdong, he was clearly more than a mere warrior; his mind was sharp, though he was sometimes too impetuous.

“Sir, your words are most true. Should we summon the nobles to discuss this matter together?”

Sun Ce was ever impatient—once resolved, he could not wait. Now that the decision was made, he wished nothing more than for Liu Xie to immediately arrive in Wu County, so he could at once wield the imperial sword, sweeping away the traitors. His eagerness surpassed even his original plan to quickly finish his affairs and return to Wu County to vie with his dear friend Zhou Yu for the daughters of Old Master Qiao.

“There’s no need. My return has been kept secret from everyone. Now, as the warlords rise, even Cao Cao is surrounded by only a handful of trusted men. Though our Jiangdong officials are honest and steadfast, this matter is unlike any other. If you consent, I must return to Xuchang at once. When Cao Cao campaigns against Yuan Shao in person, he will empty his stronghold—then, that will be my chance to bring His Majesty here. You need only await good news in Wu County!”

Clearly, Zhang Hong had planned everything to perfection, following Liu Xie’s instruction to him and Sun Ce: under no circumstances should they make a spectacle of it. They were to depart in utmost secrecy, taking only two or three women close to Liu Xie, the Imperial Seal, and other symbols of legitimacy—nothing more.

“Very well! I will do as you say. Once you depart, I shall marshal the troops and return to Wu County at once!”

With just these few words, the matter was settled. Though the power of Jiangdong still could not match that of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, or even Liu Biao, in one respect they excelled: the harmony between their lord and ministers was genuine. In all the Han realm, there was nowhere more united in spirit than Jiangdong.

Their unity was unlike that of Liu Bei and his men—Sun Ce, after all, was no swindler or deceiver.

Once their discussion ended, Zhang Hong mounted his horse and departed the encampment without even meeting many of his old friends in Jiangdong. Sun Ce, as if nothing had happened, continued his affairs in Yuzhang.

What did surprise Sun Ce was that Zhang Hong left him a separate letter, said to be personally instructed by Liu Xie, to be opened only after Zhang Hong’s departure.

Meanwhile, in Xuchang, after Cao Cao’s departure, Liu Xie maintained his composure, but Lady Fushou was far less calm. Though outsiders could not see it, ever since learning of Liu Xie’s intention to break free from Cao Cao, she had barely slept. Were it not for her sleeplessness, Liu Xie might have slept little as well, and the news reaching Cheng Yu would not have followed such a predictable rhythm.

“Your Majesty, my father came today. He said that Cao Cao has dealt a crushing blow to Liu Bei in Xuzhou—even Lord Guan, Liu Bei’s foremost general, and several of Liu Bei’s wives have fallen into Cao Cao’s hands. In a few days, he will return in triumph. But that Zhang Hong…”

Though their bedchamber was empty and it was night, Liu Xie still gestured for Fushou to be silent. Walls have ears—a phrase full of dire possibilities. One never knows whose ear might be lurking under the bed or behind a curtain. Perhaps the Han court was not so treacherous, but in his previous life, Liu Xie had seen such things often enough.

“I have always said the Imperial Uncle is no match for Cao Cao. Though Guan Yu has been taken, the uncle will turn to Yuan Shao. Now that the secret of the Edict in the Girdle is out, he cannot survive his return.”

“Why did Your Majesty voluntarily reveal Liu Bei’s involvement?”

“If I had not named Liu Bei, I cannot say whether Cao Cao would trust me—but Guo Jia would surely see through it. Do not worry, Empress. When Cao Cao returns to Xuchang, he will not stay long; his attention is not on us. Neither he nor Yuan Shao can wait any longer—the great battle approaches.”

Fushou nodded slightly. She had come to accept the changes in Liu Xie—he was no longer that emperor who only threw tantrums at Cao Cao when displeased.

In all Xuchang, only Fushou and her father Fuwan knew the truth.

In reality, Liu Xie trusted Fuwan more out of necessity than choice. Fuwan, while not inherently flawed, was so timid that Liu Xie believed if Cao Cao got hold of him, he would certainly betray him. But aside from Fuwan, there was no one else Liu Xie could reliably use to pass messages. Zhang Hong, though a Han official, had never been privately received by Liu Xie, and he came from Jiangdong. If Liu Xie had summoned him in person, unless Cao Cao and his strategists were fools, they would have immediately guessed his intentions.

Liu Xie had considered all this in his first days at court. When he decided to sacrifice Dong Cheng and Liu Bei, Fuwan was already on his white list.

Sometimes, to win, one must take risks—especially when sharing a bed with the man’s daughter. After all, trust is needed between people.

All Liu Xie could do now was to remain steady and trust his own judgment. Since Cao Cao had captured Guan Yu and several of Liu Bei’s wives, his attention would not linger on an emperor who had spent six peaceful years in Xuchang.

At that moment in Xiapi, Cao Cao was indeed in high spirits.

Before him knelt a bound Guan Yu. Behind him, a few women of fair appearance stood, their faces filled with fear and anxiety.