Chapter 90 Jinglue, you are indeed a genius! Don't worry, Lao Liu, he can't escape with just one ship!
"We will take control of the Yangtze River and go north to compete with Yuan and Cao for the Central Plains..."

Sun Ce threw away the bow and arrow in his hand, put his hands behind his back and muttered to himself, weighing the gains and losses in his mind.

Seeing that he seemed to be hesitant, Zhou Yu handed him a cup of tea and said meaningfully:
"If you don't take what God gives you, you will suffer the consequences."

"If we don't seize this opportunity, once the situation in Jingzhou stabilizes, no matter which of the two Lius is in power, it will be difficult for us to get involved again."

"Bofu, this is your only chance."

Sun Ce's body shook, and three parts of the tea in his hand splashed out, scalding his fingers.

This heat also melted away all his hesitation.

"Gongjin is right. It is God's will to give Jingzhou to me, Sun Ce. How can I not accept it?"

Sun Ce slammed the tea bowl heavily on the stone table and finally made up his mind.

Zhou Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

"However, I just broke up with Yuan Shu and dismissed the officials appointed by Yuan Shu from various counties. Jiangdong has just been secured."

"There are hidden dangers from the Shanyue inside, and those Jiangdong noble families have not been completely subdued by me."

"To the west, there is also Taishi Ci, an old subordinate of Liu Yao, who is entrenched in the Jingxian area and calls himself the governor of Yuzhang. He refuses to come and submit."

"Under this situation, it may be difficult for us to advance westward with all our strength."

Although Sun Ce was tough and brave, his mind was as clear as a mirror and he had a clear view of the internal and external situations in Jiangdong.

"Liu Yao is dead, and his former followers have scattered. Although Taishi Ci is brave, he lacks prestige and cannot cause any major waves. At most, he can only control a few counties."

"For this person, Bo Fu can monitor him as the main task and appease him as the secondary task."

"Yuan Shu has to face Cao Cao's attack and deal with Lu Bu. He has no power to covet Jiangdong. There is no need to pay attention to him."

"As for the Shanyue, although they are known for their ferocity, they are just a mob. We only need to suppress and appease them, and they will not be able to cause any trouble."

Zhou Yu eloquently presented the countermeasures that he had already thought of in his mind.

Sun Ce nodded his head and praised:
"I was right. Gongjin, your wisdom is far superior to Zhang Zibu's."

"Yes, your suggestions are all excellent."

Zhou Yu smiled faintly, then changed the subject:
"The only thing you need to worry about right now, Bofu, is those wealthy families in Jiangdong."

"In order to quickly pacify Jiangdong, Bo Fu had to resort to killing. Now you can use some gentle tactics as appropriate."

"For example, Lu Xun, a descendant of the Lu family, is quite talented. Bofu can recruit him as an official. On the one hand, it can resolve the hatred with the Lu family, and on the other hand, it can also take the opportunity to show his support for the heroes of Jiangdong."

When Sun Ce heard this, he curled his lips:

"My family, Sun, is from Jiangdong. When I led the army back home, these Jiangdong gentry and powerful people not only refused to surrender, but also became my enemy everywhere. How could I not kill them?"

"I originally wanted to kill them all, but out of sight, out of mind!"

Zhou Yu looked embarrassed.

Changing the subject, Sun Ce's tone softened:

"But Gongjin, what you said makes sense. It will take a while to kill all these so-called Jiangdong heroes. Instead, they have delayed my conquest of Jingzhou."

"Let's follow your plan. Give them some sweet treats first, then change to appeasement as the main approach and killing as a supplement."

"As for the Lu Xun you mentioned, if he is willing to serve in the government, I, Sun Ce, am not a stingy person, so it would be fine to use him."

"If he still cares about the grudge between me and his Lu family and refuses to come out and work for me, then I will kill him!"

Hearing his good friend and lord talking about "kill" in every sentence and his bloodthirsty and murderous aura, Zhou Yu sighed inwardly.

But at least Sun Ce has agreed to appease the heroes of Jiangdong and reduce the killing, which is finally a concession.

Zhou Yu was somewhat relieved, and he bowed and complimented:

"Bofu, you have such a broad mind and character, so why worry about not achieving your goals?"

"If Jiangdong can be safe, we can free up our hands and concentrate on taking Jingzhou in the west!"

"Jingzhou can be conquered, and the world can be fought for!"

Hearing these words, "Jingzhou can be conquered and the world can be fought for," made Sun Ce's blood boil, and the ambition in his heart was suddenly ignited.

"What a great world to fight for!"

"With your assistance, I, Sun Ce, will have the confidence to compete for the world!"

Sun Ce made a bold statement, then turned his sneering gaze to the west:

"As for Liu Bei, if I can take Jingzhou, I will thank him for all his hard work!"

The two looked at each other and laughed.

...

Wancheng.

Liu Bei led an army of tens of thousands and returned in triumph.

Xiao Fang, who had been away from home for nearly two months, finally stepped into his own door again.

"Brother-in-law is back, brother-in-law is back!"

Zhuge Rong came running over like a bird, her pretty face full of joy, and immediately hugged Xiao Fang's arm.

"Brother-in-law, you finally know to go home."

"My uncle and sister are waiting inside. They have prepared some wine and food to welcome you. Please go in quickly."

Zhuge Rong kept smacking her lips and pulled Xiao Fang to the main hall.

Zhuge Lan, who heard the news, had already supported Zhuge Xuan and walked out of the door, with Zou Wan following closely behind.

When Zhuge Lan saw that her sister had no manners and hugged her husband's arm, she couldn't help but frown and cough a few times.

Zhuge Rong then realized that her behavior was too intimate, and she quickly let go of Xiao Fang's arm, her face slightly dizzy.

Xiao Fang and Zhuge Lan looked at each other and smiled at each other tacitly.

It was obvious that Zhuge Lan had a lot to say after their short separation, but she was not in a position to speak in front of so many people.

"I have met Uncle Fang. I have been away for a few days. Is Uncle in good health?"

Xiao Fang first saluted Zhuge Xuan, then stepped forward to support him.

Zhuge Xuan looked kind and said with a smile:

"With the medicine prescribed by you, the reincarnation of Bian Que, how can my uncle be in bad health?"

"Jinglue, you've worked hard along the way. Come in and have your meal first."

So the whole family entered the hall and sat down.

Zou Wan knew that she was an outsider, so she tactfully kept quiet and just served Xiao Fang silently.

"Jinglue, is it true that you defeated Liu Jingsheng in Yuyang?"

Zhuge Xuan and Xiao Fang had almost finished eating, and finally couldn't help asking.

Xiao Fang nodded while eating.

"Then is it true that you captured Xinye and killed Cai Mao, forcing him to flee?"

Zhuge Xuan's expression became serious and he asked again.

Without waiting for Xiao Fang to answer, Zhuge Liang said with a smile:

"Uncle, please don't doubt it. Could the battle reports you heard in the rear be false?"

"My lord, you have used your brother-in-law's clever tricks to defeat Liu Biao repeatedly. Our next step is to capture Fancheng, cross the Han River to the south, and take Xiangyang!"

Zhuge Xuan took a deep breath and looked his nephew-in-law up and down, his eyes full of shock.

Although he saw that Xiao Fang was different from others and not an ordinary person, and out of gratitude for Xiao Fang's life-saving grace, he betrothed his niece to him regardless of Xiao Fang's humble background.

But he didn't expect that his nephew's husband would be so different from others! With his own wisdom, he helped Liu Bei, who had come from nowhere, to rise up as a sudden force, and defeated Liu Biao with only one county's soldiers.

Now, they have captured Xiangyang and are about to seize Jingzhou!

Zhuge Xuan was not at the front line and had not witnessed the brilliant strategy of his nephew's husband with his own eyes, so he had some doubts in his heart.

Now, after hearing what Zhuge Liang said in person, the doubt in my heart was dispelled, and was replaced by shock.

"Jinglue, can you tell me what trick you used to help Lord Xuande swallow an elephant with a snake?"

After Zhuge Xuan calmed down, he asked curiously.

Xiao Fang smiled faintly, but said self-deprecatingly:

"Uncle, don't listen to Aliang's exaggeration. They are just some trivial tricks. There is nothing much to say."

His words came from the bottom of his heart, and he really felt there was no need to show off his masterpiece in front of his family.

But the brother-in-law was different. He immediately described in vivid detail all of Xiao Fang's brilliant plans and tactics.

After hearing this, Zhuge Xuan's expression was overwhelmed and he couldn't calm down for a long time.

It was unknown how long it took before he calmed down and looked at Xiao Fang with admiration.

"I was right. Jinglue, you are truly a rare talent. I betrothed Lan'er to you. This is the best decision I have ever made in my life."

"Aliang has your support and guidance. He will surely become a pillar of the country in the future. This is a blessing for our Zhuge family."

Zhuge Xuan sighed with emotion, and did not try to hide his relief in his words.

Seeing her uncle praising her husband so highly, Zhuge Lan felt secretly proud and couldn't help but purse her red lips in delight.

"Uncle, what you said is too polite. What do you mean by support and guidance? We are family, and this is our responsibility."

After Xiao Fang was humble for a while, he suddenly remembered something and put down his bowl and chopsticks.

"Speaking of Aliang, I do have something to do with Aliang, and I still need my uncle to make the decision."

"On the way back to Wancheng, the master mentioned that Madam Su has a niece who will be of marriageable age in a few years. Madam Su has taken a fancy to our Aliang and wants to arrange a marriage for them."

"It's not right for me to make the decision on my own. I have to report to my uncle first."

Zhuge Liang obviously knew about this, and the young man immediately looked unhappy and a little embarrassed.

When Zhuge Xuan and the Zhuge sisters heard this, they were immediately surprised.

Mrs. Su was the sister of Su Shuang, a wealthy businessman in Zhongshan. Although she was not from a prominent family, she was also a powerful figure in the area.

And Su Shuang had funded Liu Bei's uprising and betrothed his sister to him, so the Su family's status was similar to that of an in-law.

If Zhuge Liang could marry Mrs. Su's niece, he would become the nephew-in-law of his lord Liu Bei, which is something he would love to have!
"Madam Su has such a kind intention. This is to show her respect for our Zhuge family and her appreciation for Aliang."

"This marriage is very good. How can I not agree to it?"

Zhuge Xuan was so delighted that he couldn't stop smiling and agreed immediately.

Xiao Fang also smiled slightly.

The Xiao family and the Zhuge family prosper together. If the brother-in-law can become a relative of Old Liu, it means that he himself has indirectly become a relative of Old Liu.

Even if there is no such relationship, given Lao Liu's character, his position will be unshakable both now and in the future.

But having this additional relationship is always a good thing.

"Aliang, what do you think?"

Xiao Fang smiled again and looked at Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang coughed a few times, clasped his hands and said:
"As for marriage, I will leave it to my uncle and brother-in-law to decide!"

Looking at Zhuge Liang's blushing face, Xiao Fang laughed and said:

"Okay, okay, I'll reply to my lord and finalize this marriage when the young master celebrates his full moon in a few days."

The two sisters, Zhuge Lan and Zhuge Rong, were grateful to Xiao Fang for arranging such a good marriage for their brother, and they were busy and attentive in serving wine and serving food.

The family dinner ended in a joyful atmosphere.

The family dinner ended when the lights were high and the moon was up above the eyebrows.

The half-drunk Xiao Fang, supported by his wife, staggered into the bedroom and sat on the couch.

Zhuge Lan didn't even have time to catch his breath, and helped Xiao Fang take off his boots and undress.

Looking at his gentle and beautiful wife, Xiao Fang's heart was pounding and he pulled Zhuge Lan into his arms.

"Lan'er, I haven't been back for two months. Do you miss me?"

Xiao Fang asked while looking at his wife's shy face with a smile.

Zhuge Lan's face flushed like clouds, she lowered her eyebrows shyly for a moment, but still answered softly:
"Of course I do~~"

Looking at Zhuge Lan's shy smile and affectionate expression, Xiao Fang chuckled and flicked his sleeves to extinguish the candle.

...

Four days later, a grand full moon banquet was held in the county government.

All the noble families and celebrities in Nanyang County came to congratulate with generous gifts.

Even some powerful people south of the Han River did not hesitate to offend Liu Biao and sent their sons and daughters to Wancheng to congratulate him.

The people's attitude in Jingzhou was clearly revealed at this full moon banquet.

When the lights were on, Liu Bei, who had been drinking happily with the guests, came to the back hall accompanied by Xiao Fang, under the pretext of sobering up.

In the hall.

Generals Zhang Xiu and Xu Sheng were already fully armed and had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing Liu Bei coming, the two generals stood up and greeted him.

"My lord, I have assembled eight hundred cavalrymen and we are only waiting for your order!"

"My lord, the three hundred sailors are also assembled and waiting for your orders!"

Generals Zhang Xiu and Xu Sheng bowed and reported.

The festive expression on Liu Bei's face turned into solemnity in an instant, and he turned around to look at Xiao Fang.

"The lord has held a full-month banquet for the young master with great fanfare. The invitations have been sent to Xiangyang City. Now half of the people in Jingzhou know that the lord is enjoying family happiness in Wancheng."

"Whether it's Liu Biao or Liu Qi, how could they have expected that the lord would lead light cavalry to attack the Fancheng water camp tonight and seize their father and son's warships!"

Xiao Fang sneered and told the whole plan, then bowed to Liu Bei:

"My lord, whether we can successfully cross the Han River depends on this battle. Please give the order!"

With Xiao Fang's judgment, Liu Bei no longer had any worries and immediately shouted:
"Wenjin, you must lead 800 cavalrymen to march south day and night and attack Fancheng directly."

"Remember, your goal is to capture the water camp and seize the enemy's warships. Hand them over to Wen Xiang for the time being."

"As for Fancheng, I have already sent a message to Wen Zhongye to send troops from Xinye as scheduled to stop Liu Qi from sending troops from Fancheng to retake the water camp!"

"There is no time to lose, the two of you should set off immediately!"

The two generals accepted the order with great enthusiasm and immediately took their leave.

After watching the two generals leave, Liu Bei's eyes flashed with a hint of worry again, and he turned around and asked:
“Although this battle can kill Liu Biao and his son by surprise, there are still more than a thousand Jingzhou navy troops in the Fancheng water camp.”

"Jinglue, are Wenjin's 800 cavalry really enough to capture the water camp and intercept those hundreds of warships?"

"What if the Jingzhou navy reacts a little faster and sends the warships out of the water camp?"

A strange look flashed across Xiao Fang's eyes, and he sneered:
"Don't worry, my lord. Fang has already arranged a chess piece to cooperate with Wen Jin to seize the ship."

"None of those 300 warships will be able to escape to the Han River!"

(End of this chapter)