One warship after another slipped out of the water camp and, under cover of night, sped toward the south bank of the Han River.
In less than half an hour, the flagship reached the ferry landing on the southern shore.
The soldiers who had fled from the north had already spread the news that Liu Bei had used force, so the guards at the landing had long since scattered.
More than a hundred warships of every size landed without shedding a single drop of blood.
Nearly eight thousand of Liu Bei’s soldiers disembarked in swift order and surged toward nearby Xiangyang like a flood.
Inside Xiangyang, the provincial government had already descended into chaos.
Liu Cong was still asleep when he was dragged awake, and Kuai Yue and Cai Mao also hurried over as soon as they heard the alarm.
A kneeling soldier reported that Liu Bei had launched a surprise attack on the Fancheng and was forcing a crossing of the Han River with his army.
“What?
Liu Bei attacked the water camp and forced a crossing of the Han River?” “What is he trying to do?
Is he coming to attack my Xiangyang?” Liu Cong’s expression changed sharply, and his face turned white at once.
His eyes shot toward Kuai Yue in alarm.
He knew very well what his Uncle Liu Bei was capable of, and in the whole realm, there were hardly any left who could stand against Cao Cao.
Liu Bei was one of them.
If he had truly come to call him to account, how could he possibly endure it?
The same shock flashed across Kuai Yue’s face.
Liu Bei’s move had clearly gone far beyond his expectations, but as the leading strategist of Jing Province, he quickly forced himself calm after a brief moment of panic.
“My lord, do not panic.
I believe Liu Bei is not aiming at Xiangyang.
He is most likely planning to head south and seize Jiangling.” “His move is still within my expectations.” “We only need to shut all four gates tight and respond by not changing.” As Kuai Yue stroked his thin beard and laid out his analysis, his usual composure gradually returned.
Cai Mao also settled down and cupped his hands.
“Kuai Yue is right.
No matter what, Liu Bei would not dare attack Xiangyang with fewer than ten thousand men.” “My lord, put your mind at ease.
As long as I am here, Xiangyang will stand firm as iron.” With that, Cai Mao turned with one hand on his sword, ready to take charge of the city’s defense.
Before he could even take a step, a scout stumbled in.
“Reporting to my lord, reporting to General Cai, a large force has appeared outside the north gate.
They are carrying the ‘Liu’ banner and are advancing on our north gate!” Liu Cong’s face changed again, and he stared at Kuai Yue and Cai Mao in shock.
Had the two of them not just sworn that Liu Bei would never attack Xiangyang?
Then what was this large force doing here, if not to attack?
“There is no reason for this.
Liu Bei is bound by his concern for honor and duty.
How could he lead troops to attack my lord while our former lord’s body is not yet cold?” “This is not something Liu Bei should be able to do.” Cold sweat appeared on Kuai Yue’s forehead, and disbelief filled his face.
Cai Mao swallowed hard, then gritted his teeth.
“I said long ago that that big-eared bandit was full of ambition and had long been plotting against our Jing Province.
Now he has finally shown his true face.” “There are thirty thousand troops in Xiangyang.
I want to see what ability that big-eared bandit has to get past me.” With a cold snort, Cai Mao strode away with his sword in hand.
Liu Cong slumped heavily into his seat, his fear easing a little, though his hands and feet were still cold.
“My lord, do not worry.
With Cai Mao holding the city, Liu Bei will never step even half a foot into Xiangyang.” “Cao Cao’s army is less than three days from Fancheng.
As long as we hold out for three days, Liu Bei will abandon any hope of taking the city and flee south to Jiangling.” Kuai Yue personally poured him a bowl of hot tea to calm him.
Liu Cong took it and drank several mouthfuls before his trembling hands finally steadied.
“I hope it is as you say.
Ah…” At the north gate of Xiangyang, more than five thousand of Liu Bei’s soldiers had already formed ranks beneath the walls.
The number of battle flags in the formation was more than double the usual amount, creating the illusion that the entire army had arrived.
The walls were brightly lit, but the sky had not yet fully brightened, making it difficult to judge the true strength of Liu Bei’s forces.
Protected by Chen Dao and a group of personal guards, Liu Bei rode out from the formation and advanced to the very front of the north gate.
He drew a deep breath and shouted loudly.
“I am Liu Bei.
Call your Governor of Jing Province to answer me!” A wave of commotion spread among the Jing Province soldiers on the wall.
Cai Mao cleared his throat and shouted back.
“My lord is now keeping vigil for our former lord and cannot come to see you.” “Liu Bei, our former lord Liu Biao’s body is not yet cold, yet you have rebelled and brought troops against Xiangyang.
How can you face the great kindness Liu Biao showed you?” Disgust rose in Liu Bei’s heart.
As a chief minister under Liu Biao, this man had forced Liu Biao’s son to surrender to Cao Cao the moment Liu Biao died, yet he still had the nerve to stand there speaking of how the former lord’s body was not yet cold.
It was shameless beyond words.
“Cai Mao, you treacherous villain without loyalty or honor, and you still dare speak like this!” “While he lived, Brother Liu Biao treated you as his right hand.
He entrusted the military power of the whole province to you, and he even married your elder sister, joining himself to the Cai clan by marriage.” “Now Brother Liu Biao’s body is not yet cold, yet you have joined with Kuai Yue to force Liu Cong to surrender to the Cao Cao traitor.
You are handing over the foundation Brother Liu Biao left behind and selling your lord for wealth and glory.” “I have led troops across the river today for one purpose: to break into Xiangyang, cut down all you treacherous and faithless schemers, and repay the great kindness Brother Liu Biao showed me!” Liu Bei pointed his horsewhip at the city wall and cursed Cai Mao without mercy.
Another wave of unrest spread through the Jing Province soldiers around him, and doubtful eyes quietly turned toward Cai Mao.
His face flushed red, and guilt flickered in his eyes.
For a moment, he was scolded into silence and could not find a reply.
Liu Bei did not give him the chance to answer.
Raising his voice again, he shouted to the soldiers on the wall.
“Soldiers of Jing Province on the wall, listen well.
I know that all of you are loyal and upright men, and none of you truly wishes to be forced by Cai Mao and Kuai Yue into surrendering to Cao Cao.” “If you still remember Brother Liu Biao’s kindness, and if you still have even a little courage as sons of Jing Province, then cut off Cai Mao’s head at once and comfort the spirit of your former Governor of Jing Province in heaven!”