Liu Biao's birthday fell on the twentieth of November. The year before last, for his grand sixtieth birthday, he had been in low spirits due to his wife's miscarriage and had canceled the pre-arranged celebrations. Last year, he had again foregone a celebration due to ill health. With two consecutive years passing without such festivities, and now his sixty-second birthday coinciding with the great victory in Jiangxia, bringing jubilation to Jing Province, Liu Biao finally resolved to host a grand birthday ceremony.

He not only summoned all officials in Jing Province holding a salary of five hundred *shi* or more to converge upon Xiangyang, but also dispatched invitations to fifty prominent aristocratic families throughout Jing Province, requesting their attendance at the festivities.

Invitations had been dispatched during the latter half of October. As November dawned, the atmosphere grew increasingly vibrant each day. Both Xiangyang and Fancheng were bedecked with lanterns and festive garlands; streets were cleansed with pure water; people donned new attire, their faces alight with joy.

Entourages arriving for the birthday celebration began to stream into Xiangyang from various regions. For a time, inns in both Xiangyang and Fancheng became completely filled. The local government even cleared out over thirty unoccupied grand residences to quarter the officials arriving for the felicitations.

As dusk settled, five large vessels from Jiangxia slowly drew near Xiangyang's pier. These were Liu Jing's ships. Even before the large ships could fully dock, news of Young Master Jing's arrival swept through the area outside Xiangyang City like a tempest.

Street vendors outside the city, patrons within the taverns, passing travelers, and even residents within the city walls near the North Gate, all received the tidings and swiftly converged upon the pier.

Within moments, the pier was teeming with thousands. Every heart swelled with excitement and anticipation. The moment Liu Jing's silhouette emerged at the ship's edge, a roar of cheers erupted from the throng.

Numerous individuals, overcome with emotion, cried out, "Welcome back, Young Master Jing!"

Liu Jing had not anticipated such a reception in Xiangyang. Gazing upon each fervent and appreciative face, an inexpressible warmth stirred within him. He raised his hands high, clasping them in a respectful salute, and declared, "I thank you all for your welcome! My deepest gratitude to every one of you!"

A second wave of cheers swept across the pier. By now, the gathering crowd had swelled further; even a number of city guards had stealthily made their way there. The Wangjiang Tavern even brought forth gongs and drums, typically reserved for festive occasions, and over a dozen tavern hands beat them enthusiastically, creating a clamorous and festive din.

Upon the city battlements, Cai Zhong, who had been demoted to a mere city guard commander, cast a frigid gaze upon the boisterous scene unfolding at the pier. His eyes were alight with resentment. Though the Jing Province reinforcements had suffered a disastrous defeat in Jiangxia, a tragedy for which he bore inescapable responsibility, Liu Biao, out of consideration for Cai Mao, had mercifully pardoned him, albeit with a year's salary forfeiture and a two-rank demotion.

Cai Zhong had since become more circumspect, arriving early and departing late each day, conducting himself with caution. Yet, this did not signify a change of heart; in unguarded moments, his true inner nature would still emerge. For instance, at this very moment, the sight of five or six thousand people welcoming Liu Jing at the pier filled him with boundless indignation.

He turned to his subordinate and commanded, "Conduct a thorough investigation for me. Any soldier found to have absconded to the riverbank shall receive a hundred military floggings!"

With a heavy snort, he turned and departed in haste.

Cai Zhong jogged swiftly, reaching the main gates of the Cai Manor just as Cai Mao's carriage, escorted by dozens of guards, slowly approached from the opposite direction.

Cai Zhong hastily rushed forward, halting the carriage. "Elder Brother, I have urgent news!"

A narrow slit in the carriage window opened, and Cai Mao, displeased, inquired, "Why such a commotion? What news could be so pressing?"

"Elder Brother, Liu Jing has arrived."

Silence descended upon the carriage. After a prolonged pause, Cai Mao finally spoke, "Come to my study; we shall speak there!"

Matters concerning Liu Jing always made Cai Mao rather wary, unfit for roadside discussion. He returned to his study, with Cai Zhong following close behind.

Cai Mao settled into his seat, then cast a glance at Cai Zhong. "Where did he make his appearance?" he inquired.

"His ships have just reached the pier," Cai Zhong reported. "Thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, thronged to welcome him—a sight even grander than when the Governor returned from his southern campaign that year."

Cai Mao let out a cold snort. "He certainly cuts a formidable figure!"

"Indeed, sir! One wonders what the Governor will make of such a spectacle. Elder Brother, ought we not inform His Excellency?" Cai Zhong proposed with utmost caution.

"He will learn of it naturally; there is no need for me to meddle."

Pausing briefly, Cai Mao then inquired, "How many men did he bring with him?"

"Five large ships arrived, and their decks were bristling with soldiers. I estimate at least four or five hundred men."

"Hmph! He fancies himself Huang Zu."

Cai Mao paced the room with his hands clasped behind his back. Though he had repeatedly deliberated on how to contend with Liu Jing, upon Liu Jing's actual arrival, he suddenly found his prior plans to be far too simplistic.

At this juncture, Cai Zhong could not resist interjecting, "Elder Brother, should you harbor any uncertainties, perhaps you might consult Second Uncle."

Those words jolted Cai Mao as if from a dream. Indeed! For such a significant matter, why had he not thought to consult Second Uncle?

Yet, Cai Mao offered no gratitude for Cai Zhong's prompting. How could he possibly require a reminder from such an imbecile as Cai Zhong? Cai Mao's face hardened, and he spoke in a lecturing tone: "Your transgressions in Jiangxia were sufficient to warrant your death a hundredfold. Though the Governor has granted you clemency, you must not become complacent. You are to conduct yourself with utmost humility, avoiding all trouble, especially with Liu Jing. You absolutely must not provoke him, lest you surely perish. Do you understand?"

Cai Zhong lowered his head under the reprimand, though resentment simmered within him. Yet, he dared not dispute with Cai Mao, only suppressing his anger to reply, "Your younger brother comprehends."

Cai Mao cast a fierce glare at him. "Begone!"

Cai Zhong slowly withdrew. Cai Mao paced the room for a few more steps, contemplating for a moment, before turning to command, "Prepare my carriage; we are going to the Cai ancestral estate!"

The welcoming ceremony at the pier endured for a full half-hour before the enthusiastic crowd gradually began to disperse.

Watching the throng slowly thin out, Liu Jing touched his face, which was now aching from prolonged smiling, and shook his head with a wry smile. Such veneration from the populace was undoubtedly an honor, yet simultaneously, it was a heavy burden.

At this moment, Tao Zhan emerged from the ship's cabin, slowly approaching Liu Jing. Observing his sweat-drenched face, etched with a hint of bitterness, she could not help but cover her mouth and let out a soft chuckle.

"My dear Jing, you bear the appearance of one who has fled to Xiangyang to escape his debts."

"Do I look like that?"

Liu Jing touched his own face, unable to suppress a smile. "In this state, I would sooner resemble a debt collector."

Tao Zhan produced a handkerchief, tenderly wiping the sweat from his brow and neck. She then surveyed him once more, her lips curving into a smile. "This time, you do not resemble a fleeing debtor. Hmm! Far more composed, like a scholar earnestly seeking knowledge."

The mention of scholars reminded Tao Zhan of something else. She lowered her voice. "I received a message from Yueying. She has urged me repeatedly to stay at her home for a few days upon my arrival in Xiangyang. I intend to visit her the day after tomorrow."

"That is excellent news! I shall personally lead a squad of soldiers to escort you."

"Why would you go?" Tao Zhan asked, perplexed. "Yueying does not wish to see you."

"I did not claim I wished to see *her*. Would seeing her husband suffice?"

Tao Zhan understood at last. A mischievous gleam entered her eyes as she smiled. "Do you perchance wish for me to act as your intermediary with the lady?"

Liu Jing saw that she was indeed shrewd, having divined his intentions. To possess such a sagacious companion was truly a blessing. He scratched his head and chuckled, "If you do not mind jeopardizing your friendship with Lady Huang, then I shall trouble you greatly."

"Precisely! My friendship with Yueying is not yet profound enough, thus such a matter would be challenging to assist you with. However, since you have broached the subject, it would be improper for me not to help. So be it! I can only aid you gradually. Do not hope for immediate success by tomorrow; it will require at least a year or two."

Another primary objective for Liu Jing's present visit to Xiangyang was to recruit new talents for Jiangxia. It was for this reason he had also brought Xu Shu back with him.

On his list, Zhuge Liang was, of course, a pivotal figure. Yet, Liu Jing understood that persuading Zhuge Liang would be no simple task. Historically, Zhuge Liang had observed for many years in Xiangyang before ultimately choosing to follow Liu Bei, a decision far more complex than mere 'three visits'.

As Tao Zhan happened to share a good relationship with Huang Yueying, pursuing the 'lady's path' might prove a valuable shortcut. Realizing this, Liu Jing bowed deeply to Tao Zhan and declared, "Then I thank you, my lady, in advance!"

"Away with you! Who calls herself your lady? Do not presume to take liberties with me."

Though she denied it verbally, a flicker of sweetness bloomed in Tao Zhan's heart. She covered her mouth, smiling faintly, then recalled another urgent matter of Liu Jing's. Alas! This man expected her to shoulder every concern on his behalf.

She asked, smiling, "Tell me, upon this arrival in Xiangyang, where do you and your soldiers intend to quarter?"

This was indeed a vexing issue for Liu Jing. By regulation, any military force exceeding twenty men was prohibited from entering Xiangyang. With his five hundred soldiers, it was certainly impossible to quarter them within Xiangyang; they could only stay in Fancheng.

However, the former barracks were already occupied by new garrisons, and he had just learned that inns were in short supply. Forget five hundred men, even fifty would be difficult to accommodate. Did he truly intend for his soldiers to remain on the ships?

At this moment, observing the gentle smile gracing Tao Zhan's countenance, a thought suddenly struck him. He asked, smiling, "Do you possess a solution?"

A hint of mischievous amusement played upon Tao Zhan's beautiful face. "What do you think?" she retorted.

Liu Jing extended an index finger, lightly tapping the tip of her nose, and smiled. "I am aware the Tao clan's premises are quite extensive, but could they truly house five hundred soldiers?"

"At its peak, it once quartered eight hundred retainers."

Liu Jing's heart instantly eased. The Tao clan's estate was situated near the city gate; should any incident occur, they could swiftly reach the pier.

He waved his hand, beckoning military commander Li Qing closer, and instructed him, "Anchor the ships in Fancheng. The brothers shall temporarily reside at the Tao clan's premises. Maintain strict military discipline; no unruly behavior is to be tolerated."

"Your humble subordinate obeys!"

Liu Jing imparted a few more instructions, and only then did Li Qing depart in haste.

Liu Jing then turned back to Tao Zhan, smiling. "Will you accompany me to Xiangyang now, or..."

"I have yet to agree to your housing at the Tao family estate, and you have already decided on your own. Now you presume to dictate where I should go? Forget it, I shall pay you no mind."

Tao Zhan shot him a playful glare, then turned and gracefully walked away. After a few steps, she looked back at Liu Jing, chuckling, her beautiful eyes shimmering with an unspoken softness and charm.

A warmth spread through Liu Jing's heart. He yearned to return with her at that very moment, but he suppressed his inner desires, smiling and waving to her. Only then did Tao Zhan turn and re-enter the cabin.

By this time, the crowd on the pier had entirely dispersed. Liu Jing observed the five large ships making their way to the opposite bank, keeping his gaze fixed upon them as they docked. Only then did he, accompanied by twenty soldiers, mount his horse and ride towards Xiangyang City.

As they passed through Yongcheng, Liu Jing suddenly heard a series of tragic wails. He paused, startled, and followed the sound. Not far off, at a corner of the city wall, he saw more than twenty soldiers pinned to the ground, while executioners wielded their 'Five-Color Might Rods,' severely beating the prostrate men.

"Sima, those appear to be our soldiers who welcomed us at the pier!" a retainer exclaimed, recognizing the twenty-odd men being beaten.

Liu Jing's heart instantly flared with indignation. His own welcoming soldiers were being beaten—was this not a blatant affront to his prestige?

He spurred his horse forward at a gallop. "Halt, all of you!" he bellowed.

The executioners paused their heavy rods. The barracks chief overseeing the punishment recognized Liu Jing and hastily stepped forward to salute, "Greetings, Sima Liu!"

Liu Jing pointed his riding crop at the soldiers. "What offense have they committed to merit such harsh punishment?"

"Reporting to Sima, they abandoned their posts."

Desertion of post, according to military regulations, indeed warranted a severe beating of a hundred rods. This fact rendered a direct rebuttal difficult for Liu Jing, who was momentarily at a loss for a counter-argument. Just then, the beaten soldiers cried out in unison, "Young Master Jing, we did not abandon our posts; we were not on duty!"

Liu Jing's face darkened. He glared at the barracks chief. "If they were not on duty, then it cannot be termed desertion. What crime, then, have they committed?"

The barracks chief's face was flushed with embarrassment. He stammered, "Your humble subordinate was merely following the military commander's orders; the specifics are not clear to me."

"Who is your military commander? Bid him come before me." Liu Jing had served as a general in Chai Sang for over a year, commanding ten thousand men in grand battles; his words naturally carried an imposing authority.

At that moment, a cold voice emanated from behind him. "I am indeed the military commander of the North City!"

The voice was remarkably familiar. Liu Jing turned, only to find Cai Zhong glaring at him with hawk-like intensity, his tone shifting from frigid to mocking. "Does Sima Liu also intend to undertake the training of my soldiers?"

Liu Jing fixed his gaze upon him, his eyes sharpening dangerously. He turned, mounted his horse, drew his halberd, and charged towards Cai Zhong. Suddenly, he let out a great shout, swinging the halberd to thrust directly at Cai Zhong's chest.

Gasps of astonishment erupted from all sides. Cai Zhong himself was thoroughly startled. Initially somewhat bewildered, he then perceived Liu Jing's ferocious momentum, as if intent on his demise. Only then did he react, letting out a startled cry, throwing himself to the ground to narrowly evade Liu Jing's chest-bound strike.

Unbeknownst to him, Liu Jing had no intention of assassination. He reined in his mount, which reared high on its forelegs with a prolonged whinny, halting directly before Cai Zhong. Just as Cai Zhong prepared to scramble away, the cold tip of the halberd pressed firmly against the back of his neck, sending a sharp, stinging sensation through him.

"Move but an inch, and you shall surely perish!"

This rendition, a labor of devotion, finds its sole home at truyen.free.