Chapter 297 Unlucky Liu Bei (2/2)
Tian Feng did not like Liu Bei, but he had a task to complete.
”Lord Liu Bei, actually I also have a favor to ask you.”
”What's wrong? We're good neighbors, so we'll be glad to help out. Tell me, I'll help if I can.”
”The current Emperor, His Majesty Liu Xie, has commanded my lord to investigate the Beihei City of Kong Rong. You see, the previous uprising of the Yellow Turban, one of their commanders fled south into Kong Rong's territory, but the governor Kong Rong refused to cooperate with us. We suspect that he's in league with the rebels, but we have no proof.”
Liu Bei's eyes sharpened when he heard about Yellow Turbans. He still thought that the Yellow Turban had something to do with Tong.
”And what can I do to help you?”
Tian Feng grinned, ”Of course. Since you are good with commoners and your fame is well-known within Beihei areas, we wish to request you to visit Beihei to investigate about the Yellow Turban while you pretend that you are visiting Kong Rong for a friendly visit between friends. My master Yuan Shao will give you 100,000 gold, provisions, and additional 20,000 soldiers for your trouble. Can you help us?”
Guan Yu and Jiang Man frowned. They stepped to Liu Bei's side to stop him, but they were too late.
”That's natural! For the sake of getting rid of the Yellow Turban, we will help you!”
Jiang Man face-palmed, while Guan Yu sighed as he gave up. They knew that Liu Bei was tricked.
Tian Feng glanced at Guan Yu and Jiang Man for a second, 'Your Lord is incompetent, so do all of you. A good subordinate has to be bold and outspoken! None of you are qualified to stand against me!'
…
Beihei City, Qing Province Capital.
In this city, another aristocrat family hid here, the Kong Clan, led by Kong Rong.
Kong Rong was the twentieth generation descendant of the famous Kong Zi, the founder of the Confucius Religion which dominated ancient China.
This governor also had a deep root in the Han Court as a family of ancient aristocrats. He was also the current clan head of the Kong Clan.
In the previous years, he resided in Luo Yang to serve Emperor Ling like the other warlords. However, because of the chaotic power struggling between Liu Ping, Dong Zhuo, and others, he fled Luo Yang to his hometown and established his force here in Beihei.
Currently, Kong Rong sat on the throne in the government building, staring at his guest.
Guo Tu, one of the strategists under Yuan Shao, bowed at Kong Rong.
”I'm sorry for the sudden visit without a gift, but this is very important.”
Kong Rong glared at Guo Tu with suspicion, ”Speak.”
”My scouts have detected two armies of Yellow Turban rebels entering your territory, so I'm here to warn you to be careful about the possible uprising.”
”Hah? Are you kidding me? If it's that Zhang Kai, I've chased that bastard further south the moment he got into my land.”
”It's not only Zhang Kai, sir. There's one more that you have to be careful.”
”Which army is it?”
”Our spies told us that Liu Bei is in cahoots with the rebels. He will be coming here and disguising as a friendly visit. In reality, he is planning to assist Zhang Kai to take over Beihei from the inside.”
”Preposterous! Liu Bei is known to be a virtuous governor! I even confirmed this info with my men ages ago. Guards, drag this fool out of my sight!”
Guo Tu did not panic. He grinned, ”Do you know why I have the guts to say that? Do you even know about the existence of immortals?”
Hearing about immortals, Kong Rong squinted his eyes with a frown, ”What about them?”
Kong Rong would be a fool if he did not know about the superpower of Tong and his subordinates by now. As the Clan Head, the news about the immortals, including Sun Fang, Li Jing, had reached his ears.
Guo Tu bowed again, ”The immortals created the Yellow Turban to sow chaos in this land. You should be well aware of this information, am I correct?”
”And?”
”One of Liu Bei's sworn brother is also an immortal.”
Kong Rong's glare sharpened, ”Which one is it?”
”It's their fourth brother, Jiang Man. I believe Zhang Tong sent Jiang Man to infiltrate Liu Bei's ranks in secret. We have confirmed that his power related to manipulation of spirits.”
”…”
Kong Rong waved his hand, gesturing for a consult with his advisor. Wang Xiu, Kong Rong's secretary, whispered to him.
”The news is not confirmed. Moreover, I think Yuan Shao wants to borrow our knife to kill Liu Bei so he can rightfully take over his city. From our previous record of these guys, Gongsun Zan used Liu Bei as a proxy to steal Yuan Shao's city. They are not in good terms.”
Kong Rong nodded.
'Bastards of the Yuan! Do you want me to soil my hands and kill a saint? You know what? I'll return the favor and damage your non-existence reputation!'
Despite his thought, Kong Rong smiled, ”Please tell Lord Yuan Shao that I appreciate his tips. I'll do my best to repel the rebels.”
Guo Tu bowed again, ”You're welcome, Lord Kong. Then, I shall take my leave.”
Guo Tu left the building. He rushed back and exited the city without staying for the night.
Kong Rong and Wang Xiu still remained in the hall, planning a double scheme.
”We'll intentionally leak a rumor within our city that Yuan Shao is jealous of Liu Bei's reputation and wants to kill him. Let the rumor spread to the south, and let that old fox Tao Qian hear it. Exaggerate the rumor a bit. Make it look like that Liu Bei is a saint while Yuan Shao is a cheating villain. Use the controversy subject when Yuan Shao enthroned his son as the Emperor.”
”That would be very easy, my lord. But what is the purpose of this move?”
”We'll make Yuan Shao the public's enemy. Once his reputation falls to some extent, I'll rally a coalition against him. I'm sure Zhang Jiao and Zhang Tong won't miss this chance to get rid of Yuan Shao.”