Chapter 345 (1/2)

“Faster! Faster!” Liu Mang’s Army was moving as quickly as possible. He did not even have time to organize the Xiliang Cavalry. The Xiliang Cavalry were formidable on horses but if they were then put on a s.h.i.+p, they become like sheep. Meanwhile, Liu Mang’s main army set out to Shouchun. There were too many important things at Shouchun. He could not lose it. If he loses Shouchun, he would lose Yangzhou and all of his hard work such as his invention and the sweet potatoes would belong to others.

They followed the Yellow River. If they had used cavalries, they would take three days but following the river would only take half the time.

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The day pa.s.sed quickly as the sun sets. Time would not wait for one man.

“Military Advisor!” Zhao Yun went to Shouchun’s governor’s building around midnight. He would always come here at this hour. He saw Xu Shu there, quiet and motionless.

Zhao Yun noted that Xu Shu was still wearing the same clothes since evening. In other words, the man had never left the hall and had not gone to bed.

“Military Advisor!” Zhao Yun called out again. This time, Xu Shu heard him and turned his head.

“Zilong. You are here.” Xu Shu’s voice was hoa.r.s.e. Zhao Yun was stunned the moment Xu Shu turned around. Xu Shu now looked aged despite being at the prime of his life. His eyes were bloodshot and the corners of his mouth was dry. Even his hair had started to turn white.

“Military Advisor! You…” Zhao Yun did not know what to say.

“Come. Sit!” Unlike Zhao Yun, Xu Shu seemed unaffected. Although he looked haggard, his free and easy nature remained. Xu Shu invited Zhao Yun to sit and even poured tea for him although the tea was already cold.

“Zilong. Are you willing to part with Shouchun?” Xu Shu was seemingly out of form.

“Shouchun?” Zhao Yun did not know how to reply. He had only been in Shouchun for a few months. If it was not because of what happened at Hefei, he would simply be like a guest at Shouchun. However, in the past few days, he had been defending Shouchun.

“I would have to part with Shouchun.” Xu Shu said again and then explained his feelings of desolation. “Milord handed to me five regions in Yangzhou. I swore to Milord that no harm would come to Yangzhou as long as I am around. But now, Gus.h.i.+ and Hefei have fallen. Anfeng surrendered. All that is left is Lujiang and Shouchun. Lujiang is only a river stronghold. Shouchun is the key point in Yangzhou. However, I, Xu Shu, is incapable of protecting this place.” Xu Shu lost his bearings as though he was drunk although all he had was tea.

“Miltary Advisor. We will not lose Shouchun!” Zhao Yun replied with determination. “As long as I, Zhao Yun, am here, I will not let the Liu Bei’s Army even take a step into the city!”

“Ah, Zilong. It is useless!” Xu Shu smiled bitterly and shook his head. “If Shouchun was lost, the life of Milady would not be guaranteed!” Pang Tong had meant to exchange Shouchun with Lu Lingqi’s life.

As a subject, Xu Shu could not ignore the life of his Lord’s wife. It was the same with Zhao Yun’s actions in the original history. There were things that a loyal subject could not ignore. This meant that Lu Lingqi needed to live and Liu Mang’s escape path needed to be secured regardless of whether Shouchun still stood. They would need to return to Lujiang and make a comeback. If Lu Lingqi dies at Shouchun, they would have no way out. They would not be able to go to Lu Bu as their connection to the Lu Bu’s Army would be severed. Liu Mang would also become someone who has no grat.i.tude, as everything in Yangzhou could develop because of Lu Bu’s support. Regardless of what Liu Mang did, if Lu Lingqi dies, he would need to bear the blame. As Xu Shu could not allow this to happen, he had to fight back on his own.

Xu Shu already said that Shouchun would only fall after his death. However, he would need to give Shouchun in exchange for Lu Lingqi.

“Zilong. I will leave everything to you once Shouchun falls. You must safely bring Milord’s wife to him!” Xu Shu said as he looked at Zhao Yun. It was as though he was speaking of his will.

“Military Advisor!” Zhao Yun finally understood what was said and quickly cupped his fist. “I know martial arts but I cannot plan strategies like you! I am not qualified for the task, please withdraw your orders!”

Xu Shu did not give Zhao Yun a reply and simply looked at the sky as it slowly turned brighter1. “Go, Zilong. It is about time we greet Milady.”

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Outside Shouchun, Pang Tong quietly looked at the city.

“s.h.i.+yuan. Do you also have trouble sleeping?” A voice rang out while Pang Tong was deep in thought. Pang Tong turned around to see Liu Bei. He immediately cupped his fist and greeted. “Milord.”