Chapter 330

Chapter 330: Vow to Destroy the Mountain Yue

“Is he insane!”

After a long silence, a roar erupted in the room.

They were indeed quite dissatisfied with Sun Ce appointing Zhu Zhi, a descendant of the Zhu family from Pei State, as the Prefect of Yuzhang Commandery. However, Zhu Zhi’s appointment had already been officially approved by the court in Chang’an, making him a legitimate official of the court. There was no way to reverse this decision, let alone kill Zhu Zhi like a bandit.

But Huang She did just that!

Not only did he do it, but he also sent the “gift” to Wu Commandery, which was utterly absurd!

This move undoubtedly dragged the noble families of Wu Commandery into the mess.

If Sun Ce didn’t find out, it would be fine. But if he did, given his temper, he would surely come after them.

Sun Ce had been waiting for the right moment to act, and now, wasn’t this the perfect opportunity handed to him on a silver platter?

Who else but a madman would act so recklessly, without considering the consequences or the feelings of those he visited?

Huang She was clearly such a madman.

When he was brought into the room by the gatekeeper, the impression that he was going mad became even clearer to everyone.

It had been nearly a month since Yuzhang Commandery fell. Huang She, once the son of a Prefect, had become a fugitive overnight. His face had thinned considerably, making his eyes stand out even more.

In those dark, sunken eyes, everyone could see a hidden aura of death, as if he didn’t care at all about the consequences of his actions.

“You…”

As soon as Lord Zhu opened his mouth, Huang She bowed to them and said, “I had no choice but to do this to avenge my father. Please forgive me.”

“This is not something you had no choice but to do. It’s just…” The man from the Gu family of Wu Commandery gritted his teeth, not finishing his sentence.

He wanted to say that Huang She was even crazier than Sun Ce, but considering that this man had the guts to assassinate Zhu Zhi, who knew if he might suddenly pull out a knife and go on a rampage? So he swallowed his words.

“You want to say that this is the act of a reckless madman,” Huang She replied calmly. “But a man with no way out doesn’t care about leaving himself an escape route.”

After the battle of Yuzhang, Sun Ce not only took his father Huang Zu’s life but also intended to behead him and display his head as a warning.

He wanted everyone in Yang Province to know that he, Sun Ce, was the rightful ruler of Yang Province, and once his power was consolidated, he would not tolerate anyone questioning his decisions.

Huang She was not only seeking revenge but also ensuring that he wouldn’t die easily under Sun Ce’s blade.

If death was inevitable, dragging a few people down with him would at least make it worth it!

Especially…

If one of those people was someone like Sun Ce, then it would be even more worthwhile!

After fleeing Yuzhang Commandery and boarding the ship of Qiao Lan and Qiao Ting, he arrived at Jing County, where he met Zu Lang.

Although Zu Lang didn’t mock him for his misfortunes, he also didn’t offer any help during their first meeting.

According to Zu Lang, “The saying ‘when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold’ is true, but the relationship between the lips and teeth is one thing, and the relationship between me and someone like you, who was once a Prefect, is another.”

So why should he believe that this sudden proposal for cooperation wasn’t just an attempt to use him, but a genuine alliance against Sun Ce?

Even Ze Rong, who wasn’t much higher in status than him, didn’t reveal his true intentions and instead treated him like a fool. So why would the noble families of Wu Commandery, who might be their allies, even consider them?

Zu Lang hadn’t changed his mind about opposing Sun Ce, but he didn’t like being led astray.

At most, he could lend Huang She a few subordinates familiar with the terrain of Yang Province’s commanderies to ensure that he wouldn’t be discovered by Sun Ce before he could come up with a convincing reason.

At first, Huang She thought that since Zu Lang wanted to see sincerity, he would send support from the Huang family of Jiangxia to Jing County while trying to establish contact with the noble families of Wu Commandery.

But problems arose at the very first step.

It wasn’t that Sun Ce had blocked the Yangtze River, preventing Huang She from returning to Jiangxia. Instead, as soon as he set foot in Jiangxia, before he could reach the Huang family’s ancestral home, he was ambushed by a group of assassins.

Fortunately, with the help of the men Zu Lang had given him, he barely escaped with his life.

He immediately decided to return to Yang Province.

The identities of these assassins were completely unknown, as their clothing and faces revealed nothing. But Huang She felt that unless he was a complete idiot, he could guess their origins.

They could only be from the Huang family of Jiangxia.

Whether it was Liu Biao or Sun Ce who wanted to silence him, they wouldn’t need to be so secretive about it.

People like Cai Mao and Kuai Yue would have preferred him to return to the Huang family’s territory first, so they could find a reason to act against him. They wouldn’t need to stop him.

What does it mean for a young man to experience betrayal from his own family after losing his father? Huang She gave an extremely extreme answer.

Su Fei originally wanted to advise him that since he couldn’t get support from the Huang family of Jiangxia, he should flee to Jiaozhou and cherish the life his father had preserved for him. But if Huang She were just an ordinary, incompetent person, such a decision would be fine. However, he had some ability, so—

The Huang family of Jiangxia’s act of throwing him under the bus to protect themselves only strengthened his resolve to go all out.

It also forced him to find a way out of this extreme predicament.

Losing one source of support wasn’t a big deal, as long as he could replace it and find another ally.

He had to show these people that Sun Ce wasn’t invincible.

He secretly returned to Yuzhang Commandery from Jiangxia and heard that the counties of Yuzhang no longer allowed any unnecessary discussion of Huang Zu’s death. Instead, he heard news of the new Prefect of Yuzhang taking office.

Huang She made a decision.

He would do what a man with nothing to lose should do—make himself a target while also becoming the link between various forces opposed to Sun Ce!

Killing Zhu Zhi—this was the most suitable action he could think of!

Not only did the noble families of Wu Commandery find Huang She’s actions shockingly insane, even Su Fei, who had been entrusted by Huang Zu to look after Huang She, thought this was not a solution a normal person would come up with.

But out of gratitude for Huang Zu’s promotion, Su Fei decided to help Huang She one last time before fleeing to Jiaozhou himself.

They approached Zu Lang again and, using a batch of wealth left by Huang Zu for Huang She, exchanged for another group of men from Zu Lang. Then they began their ambush on Zhu Zhi.

Zhu Zhi was from Pei State in Yu Province, but his father had moved to Danyang Commandery in Yang Province early on, so he could also be considered a native of Danyang.

After Sun Ce took control of Yang Province, Zhu Zhi naturally stationed himself there.

This time, he was transferred from Danyang to Yuzhang Commandery.

Since Huang Zu was dead and only Huang She and Su Fei were left as fugitives, apart from the Mountain Yue tribes scattered across the commanderies, there were no other major threats within Yang Province. Zhu Zhi thought that traveling with a large entourage would make people think he was on a military campaign, so he decided to travel light.

After all, he was a military man himself. Even if he encountered bandits on the road, it wouldn’t be a big deal, and escaping wouldn’t be difficult.

But how could he have known that Huang She, now driven by the hope of revenge, was no longer the young man who once enjoyed discussing literature, but a venomous snake lurking in the shadows.

The journey from Guzhang County in Danyang to Yuzhang required passing through Liyang and then following the Li River westward into the Yangtze River. The stretch from Guzhang to Liyang was the perfect opportunity for Huang She to strike!

Zhu Zhi was completely unaware of the danger. As he passed through the hills, several tripwires suddenly appeared under his horse’s hooves, throwing him to the ground.

The men Zu Lang had given Huang She were even more mobile in mountainous terrain than Sun Ce’s army, let alone Zhu Zhi’s personal guards.

Amidst the chaos of falling men and horses, Huang She, under the cover of his men, beheaded Zhu Zhi.

Afterward, without hesitation, he led his men into the neighboring Wu Commandery and sought out the four major families there.

He revealed his entire plan to the people present without holding anything back.

“…What exactly do you want to do?” Lord Zhu finally snapped out of his shock and asked.

He didn’t believe that Huang She didn’t know that his actions, even if they temporarily gained their support, would at most make him a useful tool in their hands—one that they would eventually discard or even silence.








He did it anyway, even though he knew the risks.

That’s what makes him truly terrifying!

Huang She’s eyes flickered as he replied, “A man who doesn’t fear death can become your most useful tool to break the deadlock, but this tool still needs some sharpening—”

“He needs your attitude to help him pull the Shanyue forces into an alliance, and he also needs you to find some people for him, such as the former guests of Xu Gong, the Prefect of Wu County, who was killed by Sun Ce.”

These two points are indeed not difficult for them, and it wouldn’t even be hard to keep this alliance with the Shanyue hidden from Sun Ce’s eyes.

Huang She continued, “A son avenging his father, a subject avenging his lord, these are righteous acts. Please, elders, grant us your support.”

The phrase “a son avenging his father” was almost simultaneously spoken by another person.

Sun Ce looked at the young boy in mourning clothes before him, his expression dark.

The boy, no more than thirteen or fourteen years old, had a pale face filled with stubborn determination.

He repeated to Sun Ce, “General, please allow me to avenge my father.”

The boy’s original name was Shi Ran, but since Zhu Zhi had no sons, he adopted his sister’s son in his thirties, and the boy changed his name to Zhu Ran. It had been seven or eight years since then.

To him, Zhu Zhi was no different from his own father.

It was precisely because Zhu Zhi served under Sun Jian and Sun Ce that Zhu Ran, meeting the age requirement, became a study companion to Sun Quan, who was born in the same year.

Logically, with his adoptive father serving as the Prefect of Yuzhang and rising through the ranks under Sun Ce, and with his growing friendship with Sun Quan during their studies, their situation should have been improving.

So why did such a sudden tragedy occur?

The assassination in Danyang County was soon discovered by passersby and reported to the county office.

Zhu Zhi, a prominent figure in Danyang County, had suddenly been killed, his head missing, and he died on his way to take up the post of Prefect of Yuzhang. This was not just a provocation to Sun Ce but also to Qiao Yan!

The county magistrate of Guzhang County didn’t dare delay and immediately sent the news to Sun Ce, also informing Zhu Zhi’s family.

“General, I don’t believe my father was killed by mountain bandits,” Zhu Ran said, holding back tears. “During the Zhongping era, my father served as a Sima under General Wentai, distinguishing himself in battles against the Guangu rebellion in Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang, and was promoted to Duwei.”

“During the Guangxi era, in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, General Wentai attacked Luoyang, second only to the Marquis of Leping in breaching the city, and my father participated in the battle, earning the title of Military Supervisor and commanding his own troops.”

“Since you took command of Yang Province, aside from the Shanyue, no bandits would dare to harm my father. Only they have the capability!”

He knelt down, prostrating himself, “General, please allow me to join the army early, to fight alongside my uncles and avenge my father!”

“Yifeng, you…”

Sun Ce looked helplessly at the boy, whose resolute tone made it clear that if Sun Ce didn’t agree, he would simply refuse to get up.

But he was still too young.

He was even younger than the students from Leping Academy who were out on trials. If something happened to him, how could Sun Ce face Zhu Zhi?

Sun Ce was well aware of everything Zhu Ran had mentioned, especially the past events he brought up.

The recounting of Zhu Zhi’s career reignited the fury Sun Ce had felt upon hearing of his death.

How dare they!

If they dared to kill a Prefect, what wouldn’t they dare to do?

The boy before him reminded Sun Ce of himself when he faced his father’s death. Seeing his own reflection in the boy, Sun Ce wished he could grab a sword and head straight to Danyang to find the murderer.

“General, I am not too young. I have studied the books on propriety, filial piety, and loyalty alongside Zhongmou. If you think I’m not ready to wield weapons, please send me to the military camp.”

As Zhu Ran was about to kowtow again, someone grabbed his collar, “Get up. I agree, but you must promise me one thing—”

Meeting Zhu Ran’s eager gaze, Sun Ce felt his tone grow heavier, “The Shanyue forces in Yang Province are numerous. Once they retreat into the mountains, it’s nearly impossible to find them. Zu Lang’s occupation of Jing County may seem easy to attack, but he can shift positions at any time. We must strike decisively this time.”

“General Zhu followed my father and me for ten years. Now, he has been beheaded. I will avenge him!”

Sun Ce gritted his teeth as he spoke.

Zhu Zhi’s death shattered the sense of achievement Sun Ce had felt after successfully capturing Yuzhang and the joy of defeating Huang Zu.

If he didn’t avenge this, how could he deserve the title of Governor of Yang Province, supported by his soldiers?

He would also be betraying the bond he shared with his subordinates!

But what he never expected was that a few days later, Zhu Zhi’s head was delivered to Nanchang, the capital of Yuzhang.

Inside the box containing the head were the words, “Congratulations on your new post.”

Sun Ce was furious.

This act was undoubtedly a direct mockery and provocation.

What did “Congratulations on your new post” mean?

Zhu Zhi’s body remained in Danyang, waiting for his head to be reunited for burial, yet his head suddenly appeared in Yuzhang for his “new post.”

Sun Ce slammed his fist on the table, coldly asking his subordinate, “What have you found out?”

Since the head was delivered to the provincial capital, there must be a trail.

But the person who delivered the box had no idea what he was carrying. Under interrogation, he could only say that someone had paid him to deliver it. He did his best to describe the client, and with the help of Sun Ce’s officials, a portrait was drawn.

The subordinate handed the portrait to Sun Ce.

In those days, a wanted portrait capturing even a fraction of the person’s essence was rare, but if the portrait looked familiar to Sun Ce, he could still recognize the person.

He grabbed a nearby sheet of paper, on which were drawn the images of Huang She and Su Fei. The newly completed portrait was strikingly similar to Huang She’s.

“So it’s this escaped fish…” Sun Ce felt his blood boiling.

After Huang Zu’s death, he hadn’t thought Huang She, relying on his father’s legacy, could offer any resistance. But Huang She had indeed given him a “surprise”!

He initially thought the Huang Clan of Jiangxia was behind Huang She, but soon heard they had already distanced themselves from him, no longer considering him part of their clan. Thus, Huang She must have another force backing him.

Sure enough, he soon discovered that someone resembling Huang She had entered the Shanyue territory in Jing County.

Very well, it was indeed them!

The newly captured Yuzhang still needed to be stabilized, but that didn’t stop him from issuing orders: as soon as the autumn harvest was over, they would march against Zu Lang!

But the autumn and winter seasons were not ideal for campaigning against the Shanyue.

Descendants of the ancient Yue people in Yang Province, they not only occupied counties like Jing but also had fortresses in the mountains. Once the autumn harvest was in, they would retreat into the mountains.

The rugged terrain of Danyang made it nearly impossible for Sun Ce to launch a surprise attack like he had in Yuzhang.

Listening to his subordinate’s report, Sun Ce’s face was a storm of anger.

The vanguard sent to locate the Shanyue’s base was ambushed by Zu Lang’s forces, and less than one in ten escaped.

He immediately stood up, “Yifeng, come with me to Jing County. We will personally avenge your father’s blood debt!”

If they didn’t suppress Zu Lang and his Shanyue bandits soon, they would truly become lawless in this region!

This might not be the best time for such a move, but it was a necessary one!

Meanwhile, Qiao Yan was also carrying out her necessary actions in Bingzhou.

Cao Ang returned to Yanzhou and informed Cao Cao of her bargaining chip.

This unexpected method of negotiation was not something Cao Cao had considered, and he knew exactly what game Qiao Yan was playing.

To prevent the cultural invasion that had begun with the Leping Monthly Report from advancing further, Cao Cao decided to temporarily suspend the deal.

Qiao Yan wasn’t in a hurry.

The clowns in Chang’an provided plenty of entertainment, giving her plenty of news to pass the time while waiting for the seasons to change.

Besides, she already had her next move planned.

After the first batch of printed “Jijiu Pian” was released, it was time to launch the second publication.

Qiao Yan finished writing the last character on the memorial to Chang’an and said to Xi Zhicai, “If Cao Mengde doesn’t make a decision soon, I won’t be selling ‘Jijiu Pian’ with cotton anymore.”

This is the price of hesitation.