Chapter 1731: This Plan is Excellent

In the days that followed, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu continued to fight side by side. They not only consolidated Jiangdong's defenses but also gradually pushed northward, forming a greater threat to the Cao clan's power. However, in troubled times, the shift between allies and enemies often happens in a single thought. Yuan Shang's betrayal made Sun Ce and Zhou Yu understand even more that besides one's own strength, diplomacy and strategy were equally important.

One day, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were discussing the next strategy in the camp. Sun Ce held a map, his gaze wandering over the northern territory: "Gongjin, look, if we can take this place, we can cut off the Cao army's connection to northern supplies. For the Cao clan, this would undoubtedly be drawing the firewood from under the cauldron."

Zhou Yu looked along Sun Ce's finger; it was a key hub for the Cao army's supply lines—Xuzhou. "The lord's words are very true. Xuzhou is the Cao army's lifeline; if we can take it, the Cao army will surely fall into a passive position. But the Xuzhou garrison commander, Cao Ren, is brave and skilled in battle, and Xuzhou's city defenses are sturdy, making it not easy to capture."

Sun Ce smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with cunning light: "Precisely because of this, we must take it through wisdom rather than force. I think it is time to use our diplomatic means once again."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu already had some guesses in his heart: "The lord means..."

"Correct, I want to unite with Liu Biao of Jingzhou, as well as other small factions in the south, to jointly form pressure on the Cao army. At the same time, we can secretly incite some generals within Xuzhou city to rebel, working from the inside and outside to take Xuzhou in one fell swoop." Sun Ce's words were filled with confidence.

Zhou Yu nodded in agreement: "This plan is excellent, but the matter of inciting the generals within the city must be handled cautiously to avoid alerting the enemy."

"I already have a plan in mind," Sun Ce smiled mysteriously. "I will leave this matter to you, Gongjin; I trust in your ability."

Zhou Yu accepted the order and immediately began to make intensive preparations. He sent secret agents to infiltrate Xuzhou to secretly contact those generals dissatisfied with the Cao clan, while simultaneously engaging in secret negotiations with Liu Biao of Jingzhou to discuss the matter of jointly resisting Cao.

Several months later, everything was ready. On a dark and stormy night, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu led their great army to quietly approach Xuzhou city. At the same time, the generals incited to rebel within the city also acted according to plan, opening the city gates to welcome the arrival of the Jiangdong army.

Cao Ren was startled awake from his sleep. Looking at the Jiangdong army pouring in like a tide outside the city, he was dumbfounded. He hurriedly organized resistance, but it was already too late; Xuzhou city was already under the control of the Jiangdong army.

After Cao Ren was captured, he faced Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, his eyes filled with unwillingness: "How did you manage to do this?"

Sun Ce smiled and patted Cao Ren on the shoulder: "The general is brave, but it is a pity you followed the wrong master. In these troubled times, choices are often more important than effort."

Zhou Yu added from the side: "General, you and I are both heroes; why not work together to seek welfare for the common people of the world? The Cao clan's tyranny has already aroused the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people. If you and I join forces, perhaps we can create a new era."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ren was silent for a long time, finally sighing deeply and expressing his willingness to submit to Jiangdong and contribute to the peace of the world.

The victory in the Battle of Xuzhou not only cut off the Cao army's important supply lines but also greatly boosted the morale of the Jiangdong soldiers. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu struck while the iron was hot, continuing to push northward and engaging in multiple fierce battles with the Cao army, all of which they won.

However, just as the Jiangdong army was advancing like a hot knife through butter, unexpected news arrived—Liu Biao of Jingzhou had suddenly passed away from illness, and his son, Liu Cong, had succeeded to the position and announced an alliance with the Cao clan to jointly oppose Jiangdong.

This turn of events caught Sun Ce and Zhou Yu off guard. Liu Biao's betrayal not only caused Jiangdong to lose an important ally but also strengthened the Cao clan's power.

Facing this sudden blow, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu gathered once again to discuss countermeasures.

"My lord, Liu Biao's betrayal is indeed beyond our expectations," Zhou Yu said with a solemn expression. "But at this moment, we must absolutely not lose our footing; we need to analyze calmly and find a way to break the situation."

Sun Ce nodded, his gaze firm: "Although Liu Biao has passed, we must absolutely not abandon the land of Jingzhou. My mind is made up; I will personally lead troops to attack Jingzhou, while you remain to guard Jiangdong to prevent a sneak attack by the Cao army."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu said worriedly: "The lord personally leading the expedition will certainly boost the army's morale, but this journey is extremely dangerous; you must think thrice before acting."

Sun Ce laughed: "Gongjin, do not worry. I have my own sense of proportion. You only need to guard Jiangdong well and wait for my triumphant return."

Seeing that Sun Ce's mind was made up, Zhou Yu no longer tried to dissuade him, only nodding solemnly: "My lord, take care. I will surely exhaust all my strength to guard Jiangdong."

Sun Ce led his great army and marched toward Jingzhou in a grand manner. On the way, he encountered the army sent by Liu Cong to intercept them, and both sides engaged in a fierce battle. Sun Ce was incomparably brave, leading from the front, and finally defeated Liu Cong's army, pressing directly to the foot of Jingzhou city.

However, just as Sun Ce was preparing to launch a full-scale attack, shocking news arrived—Cao Cao was personally leading a great army and was marching toward Jiangdong, intending to wipe out the Jiangdong power in one fell swoop.

Upon hearing the news, Sun Ce was shocked. He knew well Cao Cao's cunning and bravery; if Cao Cao were to succeed, Jiangdong would surely fall into an irredeemable situation.

At this moment, Sun Ce faced an unprecedented choice: should he continue to attack Jingzhou, or return to reinforce Jiangdong?

He urgently summoned his generals to discuss this matter. Some generals advocated continuing to attack Jingzhou to take the city with lightning speed; others suggested immediately returning to reinforce Jiangdong to prevent Cao Cao from taking advantage of the situation.

Sun Ce was silent for a moment, finally making a decision: "Although Jingzhou is important, Jiangdong is our foundation. Pass the order down: retreat immediately and return to reinforce Jiangdong!"

Although the generals were unwilling, they all understood that Sun Ce's decision was correct. They quickly organized their troops and followed Sun Ce in retreating toward Jiangdong.

However, on their way back, they encountered an interception by Cao Cao's great army. Both sides engaged in a thrilling battle. Sun Ce was incomparably brave, holding his long spear and charging into the fray, invincible. But Cao Cao was no ordinary person either; he commanded with composure, and the Cao army's morale was high, fighting the Jiangdong army to a standstill.

Just as both sides were locked in fierce combat, Zhou Yu arrived with Jiangdong reinforcements. They joined forces with Sun Ce's army to jointly oppose Cao Cao's great army. Zhou Yu was both wise and brave; he used clever tactics to successfully repel Cao Cao's attack.

Seeing that the Jiangdong army's morale was high and that Zhou Yu commanded with skill, Cao Cao knew that this battle would be difficult to win. He sighed deeply and ordered a retreat.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu met, and both breathed a sigh of relief. They knew that although they had won this battle, Jiangdong's future was still filled with challenges.

"Gongjin, this time it is thanks to your timely arrival," Sun Ce said gratefully.

Zhou Yu replied modestly: "The lord is peerless in bravery; I was merely adding flowers to the brocade. But this battle also makes us understand that Jiangdong's future still requires our joint efforts."

Sun Ce nodded, his gaze firm: "Indeed, as long as we are united as one, nothing can block our path forward. Jiangdong's future must belong to us!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, their hearts filled with infinite longing for the future. They knew that although the road ahead was still bumpy, as long as they marched forward hand in hand, they would surely be able to create a glorious future for Jiangdong.

In the days that followed, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu continued to fight side by side. They not only consolidated Jiangdong's defenses but also gradually expanded Jiangdong's territory. They used wisdom and courage to defeat the enemy's attacks time and again, making Jiangdong a pure land in troubled times. ===== CHAPTER 1732 =====