Chapter 308 Invitation to All Lords

Chapter 308 – Invitation to All Lords

As Sun Jian received the invitation, other forces also got theirs.

Chengdu Commandery, Yi Province, south of Liang Province of Xiongnu.

This was the mountain areas that Liu Bei occupied and established his Kingdom of Shu in history. Right at the moment, however, this place was under the protection of Liu Yan.

Liu Yan stared at the letter content as he pondered in silence. He did not read the letter out loud like Sun Jian or allow his subordinates to make a suggestion.

He was the type who relied on his brain instead of consulting with a strategist or an advisor.

"Tell Zhang Tong, we refuse."

The messenger's face paled as he realized that he failed his task.

"W-Won't you reconsider? Once Xiongnu moves south, it will be your territories."

"That's none of your business. We'll handle the borders ourselves."

"T-Then, excuse me. I'll return to report this to my lord."

…

…

Hanzhong County, Northeastern part of Yi Province, south of Chang'An.

Zhang Lu's territory, the country of Five Peck of Rice Sect.

As he did to Dong Zhuo's messenger. Zhang Lu killed Tong's messenger without giving his answer.

"Foolish Zhang Tong. You can't manipulate me into your war. Fight him yourself!"

…

Wan County, south of Luo Yang and Hongnong.

Yuan Shu's City.

"We'll join the coalition! I have to get my Hongnong and Luo Yang back from those mongrels!"

…

Xiangyang County, the Capital City of Jing Province where Shu Kingdom of Liu Bei and Sun Quan of Wu fought to gain control in history.

Liu Biao clicked his tongue and answered without consulting his men.

"We'll join the war. Huang Zu, Huang Zhong, prepare our troops."

Kuai Liang, the right-hand man of Liu Biao and his advisor, stepped forward to stop him.

(Author Note: This is not Subzero from Mortal Kombat Series. They have the same name.)

"Lord Liu, please reconsider a bit. May I speak a few words?"

Kuai Liang was a brilliance strategist who saved Liu Biao from Sun Jian in the historical timeline. He was partly responsible for the ambush of Sun Jian as he and Lu Gong came up with the ambush strategy for Huang Zu.

"Zirou? Speak!"

"Please don't join this coalition. Decline the invitation for now, and I'll tell you the reason later."

Kuai Liang gave Liu Biao a meaningful glance between Liu Biao and the messenger.

Liu Biao shook his head, "Regardless of what conspiracy or strategies you have in mind, I can't afford to not show up in this coalition. It affects my reputation as one of the last two [Liu] clan member. How can I explain to my people if Zhang Tong fails and Xiongnu gets to Jing Province?"

"Understood. Then, I shall not trouble you."

Kuai Liang accepted Liu Biao's refusal and stepped backward, pretending that nothing had happened.

…

Beihei City, southeast of Pingyuan.

Wang Xiu returned to report everything about Tong's forces, his coalition invitation, and He Xing.

Kong Rong placed his elbow on the armrest as he held his head in resignation.

"We can't afford to allow Xiongnu to harm Her Majesty. We're going to work with Zhang Tong."

"What about our stance and the coalition against Yuan Shao, sir?"

"Keep it quiet for now. We'll resume our plan once Xiongnu is out of the way. Moreover, we should get on Zhang Tong's good side right now, so we can negotiate a surrender term with him to keep our territory and our positions when the northern land is unified."

"A brilliant decision, my lord."

…

Xiapi County, Xu Province of Tao Qian.

The old veteran gazed at an elder physician, who had a wry smile on his face.

"Sir Hua Tuo, your son-in-law sent me an invitation to war, what should I reply?"

Hua Tuo glanced at the messenger and sighed, "I'm a humble physician. My job is to treat your health and the citizens that are suffering from the aftermath of the drought. I have no comment on politics."

"But, isn't your daughter with him? Why don't you return to see them? They are your family."

Hua Tuo sighed again.

"There are thousands of reasons I can think of to postpone my return."

"Name one."

"I don't want to see a beast that slaughtered the people of Liyang!"

"Well, that makes sense. But from what I know, the people there are also at fault for resisting Zhang Tong and killed so many of his soldiers. If normal civilians take arms to fight soldiers, I, too, won't consider them innocent bystanders."

"War only brings more death. I won't return even if I have to cut ties with my daughter!"

"That's too extreme, isn't it? I'm sure it's not your real reason for not returning."

"…"

"I've been an official for decades, and I've seen so many kinds of people. I know that you're lying, sir Hua."

Hua Tuo sighed and slightly nodded, "I … can't show my face to Shi'er. How can I explain to her that her mother dies because I failed to treat her disease?"

"Life comes and goes. There is no shame for trying to save someone's life but failed. The only shame you can have is a scenario where you can save a person, but you chose not to save him."

"…"

"Well, for now, you can stay with me as long as you want. But first, mister messenger, please tell Zhang Tong that I accept his invitation."

Tao Qian's gentle smile brightened the mood of everyone in the government hall as this person had been long seen as a kind and honest old politician worthy of the title of Protector of Xu Province.

…

Beiping City, You Province of Gongsun Zan.

Unlike the invitation to other lords which Tong used ordinary soldiers as messengers, Lu Zhi volunteered to take this role himself to persuade his disciple.

Gongsun Zan, however, had a wry smile on his face.

"This is not fair, master. If I refuse you, I'll be known as an unfilial lord."

"All is fair in war and politics, my disciple. Well, I'll confess something that you should have been guessing for a long time already. I've planned to merge your forces with Zhang Tong in the future. Since the country is in peril, I have to make a move prematurely."

"I figured that when you offered your service to me. It was too weird that Zhang Tong suddenly gave us many benefits. Please ask him for a condition that I get to keep You Province if he wants my service that badly. If I don't get it, I'll fight him to the death!"

"Bogui, Empress He Xing is taking Zhang Tong as her prince consort."

Gongsun Zan slammed his face on his work table before him.

"Please forgive me if I curse out loud, master."

"Go ahead. I don't mind."

"FOOOOOOK!! YOU ARE BEING OPPRESSIVE, MASTER!! YOU DID NOT GIVE ME A CHANCE AT ALL!! HOW CAN I FIGHT ZHANG TONG IF HE'S THE PRINCE CONSORT!!?"

"Well, if you don't mind being called a rebel, you can, actually."

Gongsun Zan raised both his hands above his head while his face still plastered on the table, "Okay! Fine! I give up! Please tell my junior that he must give me the title of the Viceroy of You Province or else! Also, I want his support on the economic, weaponry, and other supplies that we need to fight against the northern Xiongnu!"

"A wise decision, disciple. HAHAHA!"

All officers were shocked by the conversation between their lord and this Lu Zhi. More than half of the officers were delighted by this decision of Gongsun Zan as they knew that Tong's subordinates had a high salary and other incentives.

On the other hand, Gongsun Du and other Gongsun Clansmen were dissatisfied with the abrupt change. If they were to join Tong, they would lose their private soldiers, territories, and farmland that they owned. Because Tong's government system was still a centralized government and had not yet allowed the people to possess lands, they saw Tong as a power-hungry brat.

'Are you serious, Bogui!?'

'Clan Head, why!?'

'No, we shouldn't surrender to Zhang Tong!'

Both Lu Zhi and Gongsun Zan did not realize that they created a new underground force within their territory.

…

Pingyuan City, south of Nanpi.

Yuan Shao and all officers were having a meeting in the city hall, but they were interrupted by a visitor.

"A messenger from Zhang Tong!? That bastard dares to send a messenger!? Guards! Kill that messenger and send him his head!"

In furious, Yuan Shao bellowed as he straddled out of the hall to see the face of the soon-to-be-dead messenger.

Upon seeing the messenger's face, Yuan Shao paused. He had seen this person somewhere before, but he could not remember.

Four guards rushed at the messenger, who gazed at them with a bright smile.

"Amaterasu!"

*BOOM*

The four guards were engulfed in a black flame. They screamed and wailed before they turned into ashes.

"Remember me, Yuan Shao?"

Still looking at Yuan Shao with his fearless smile, Jiang Man stood firm with his hands crossing behind his back.

"Who are you!?"

"You don't remember me at all? Seriously?"

"I said, WHO. ARE. YOU."

Jiang Man sighed in a disappointment, but he was still in a good mood.

"An immortal you discarded, fool!"

"WHAT!?"

"I was injured back then, and I was crawling in front of Nanpi, remember? Had you rescued me and blessed me with your gold, food, and a place to call home, I would have joined you to fight against Zhang Tong. But no! You tossed me aside like a rag and left me to death!"

As if a lightning bolt struck on Yuan Shao. He remembered.

"I-It's you from back then!?"

"That's right, fool! Now that you've remembered me, do you have any last word?"

In the past years, Jiang Man managed to awaken one wing and use it to obtain enough lifespans to buy back one of his skills.

However, Jiang Man had yet to obtain enough lifespans to buy the other skills or free himself from a forceful quest of Lilim. He required more times to get more wings and lifespans, so he chose to keep his low profile under Tong for now.

But his chance to get his sweet revenge came earlier than Jiang Man had expected as Lu Zhi ordered Jiang Man to persuade Yuan Shao for the alliance against Xiongnu.

Although Jiang Man could summon his spirit and kill Yuan Shao and all his subordinates right here, he had another plan in mind.

'I'll bluff Yuan Shao into submission. Then, I'll manipulate him behind the scenes using the bargain chips that Tong acquired for me!'

At this moment, Yuan Shao was too panicked to think while the other guards stepped backward in fear.

Wen Chou and Yan Liang stood in front of Yuan Shao, but their legs were shaking.

Tian Feng observed the situation as he gritted his teeth. He walked toward Jiang Man and knelt.

"Please allow us to live, sir immortal. We have lost to you completely!"

Jiang Man grinned, "That's right. You've lost to me, not Zhang Tong."

"Hmm?"

A few words of hints sparked a light of hope in Tian Feng's mind.

"What do you have in mind, sir immortal? We're listening."

"Well, I'm supposed to persuade all of you to join the coalition against Xiongnu. But I have another proposal on top of the coalition. Are you interested? I'll help you free Yuan Shao's family in Nanpi as a bonus."

Wen Chou and Yan Liang lowered their guards while Yuan Shao regained hope. He walked to Jiang Man and knelt as well.

"Please guide us, lord immortal! What can we do to defeat Zhang Tong? And also, how can we help you?"

"Simple."

A system menu appeared before Yuan Shao.

[Will you join Jiang Man's Clan?]

"From now on, be my servants!"