Bab 482: 465. The Death Of Liu Biao
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Ying Yue, ever the supportive sister-wife, placed a reassuring hand on Lingqi's shoulder. "You will be a wonderful mother when the time comes, Sister Lingqi. For now, focus on your journey with our husband." Cai Wenji, with her gentle demeanor, added, "Each of us has our own path and timing. When you are ready, it will be a joyous occasion for all of us." Diao Chan nodded in agreement. "Yes, Sister Lingqi. We all look forward to that day. But for now, let us enjoy these precious moments with our children."
Lu Lingqi smiled at the encouragement from her sisters, and they continued to talk about their daily lives and concerns about Lie Fan's increasing busyness, which could impact his health. The bond between the women grew stronger as they shared their worries and joys, creating a sense of unity and support within the household.
To the southwest of Xiapi, at Wuling, the situation continued to worsen for Liu Biao's forces. Cai Mao and the remnants of his army had not yet reached Wuling from Changsha, leaving Zhang Yun to lead the defenses as best as he could.
Despite his efforts, several times their defenses were nearly broken by Guan Yu's relentless attacks. Lady Cai, seeing the deteriorating situation, had Liu Cong order the entire high-ranking government of Liu Biao's administration to prepare for an emergency withdrawal to Lingling in case Zhang Yun and his army could no longer hold the defenses.
In Liu Bei's army encampment, Ju Shou and Kuai Yue were deep in discussion, strategizing ways to break through Wuling's defenses in a single attack. Their tent was filled with maps and tactical plans as they exchanged ideas. Guan Yu entered the main tent, his presence commanding attention.
"General Guan Yu," Ju Shou began, "we need your input on this plan. We're considering a night assault, taking advantage of the enemy's fatigue and lower visibility."
Kuai Yue nodded in agreement. "We believe that with the right timing and precise coordination, we can overwhelm their defenses before they have a chance to mount a proper response."
Guan Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A night assault is indeed a bold move, Master Kuai Yue and Master Ju Shou. Zhang Yun had proven to be a capable defense leader, but even he would struggle to maintain discipline and readiness in his troops throughout the night."
Ju Shou pointed to a map. "We can split our forces into three groups. One will launch a frontal attack to draw their attention, while the other two flank from the sides, cutting off any retreat and reinforcing our main assault."
Kuai Yue added, "If we can create enough chaos and confusion, their lines will crumble. Zhang Yun will have no choice but to fall back or face complete annihilation."
Guan Yu nodded, his eyes glinting with determination. "Very well. We will execute this plan tonight. Prepare the troops and ensure they are ready for swift and silent movement."
As the preparations began, the mood in Liu Bei's camp was one of focused anticipation. Soldiers sharpened their weapons and reviewed their positions, knowing that the coming night could bring a decisive victory.
Meanwhile, in Wuling, night fell, and the tension in the air was palpable. Zhang Yun's forces were on high alert, knowing that Guan Yu's army was poised to strike at any moment. The silence of the night was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant sounds of the enemy camp.
As the appointed hour approached, Guan Yu's forces moved with practiced stealth. The night assault commenced with a sudden, fierce intensity. The frontal attack drew the defenders' attention, while the flanking forces moved in swiftly from the sides, creating chaos and confusion within Zhang Yun's ranks.
Zhang Yun fought valiantly, rallying his troops and trying to maintain order. But the coordinated assault proved overwhelming. Guan Yu's forces breached the defenses, and the battle turned into a rout. Zhang Yun, realizing the futility of further resistance, ordered a retreat. His forces fled towards Lingling, harried by Guan Yu's pursuing troops.
Lady Cai's foresight in preparing for an emergency withdrawal proved invaluable. The high-ranking officials and their families managed to escape the chaos, making their way towards Lingling. The loss of Wuling was a significant blow to Liu Biao's forces, and the morale of his troops plummeted.
In the aftermath of the battle, Guan Yu and his commanders surveyed the battlefield. The victory was decisive, and the path to further conquests lay open before them. Ju Shou and Kuai Yue discussed the next steps, planning to capitalize on the momentum and continue their campaign.
Zhang Yun, retreating from Wuling, quickly dispatched a messenger to inform Cai Mao to head toward Lingling. With Wuling now in Liu Bei's hands, the urgency of the situation weighed heavily on him. After sending the messenger, Zhang Yun rode swiftly towards the Liu Clan caravan, which carried Liu Biao, Liu Cong, and Lady Cai, all guarded by the Liu Clan's personal army.
Inside the caravan, the atmosphere was tense. Liu Biao, weakened by illness, was scolding both Lady Cai and Liu Cong for their incompetence, which had led to the loss of Wuling. "Incompetent fools! Wuling was our last hope for a stronghold, and now it's lost because of your failures!" Liu Biao's voice was strained but furious. Liu Cong shrank behind his mother, silent and fearful, while Lady Cai tried to calm Liu Biao despite her own rising annoyance.
"Calm down, my lord," Lady Cai said soothingly, though her eyes betrayed her irritation. "We did what we could under difficult circumstances. This is not the time for blame."
Her attempts at placation only fueled Liu Biao's anger. "Not the time for blame? Your machinations and incompetence have brought us to this ruin!" His face contorted with rage, Liu Biao's frail body seemed to shake with the effort of his outburst.
In a sudden fit of anger, Liu Biao slapped Lady Cai, the sound of the impact echoing through the caravan. Liu Cong gasped in shock, stepping back as he saw his mother clutch her cheek, a red mark already forming. Just at that moment, Zhang Yun arrived, intending to report. Hearing the slap and the ensuing commotion, he threw open the curtain, only to see the aftermath of the slap.
Fury ignited within Zhang Yun as he saw the mark on Lady Cai's face. As a staunch ally and friend to both Cai Mao and Lady Cai, he couldn't contain his anger. "Lord Liu Biao, this is unacceptable!" he shouted. "Lady Cai has been nothing but loyal and dedicated, and yet you raise your hand against her?"
Liu Biao, shocked by Zhang Yun's reprimand, struggled to respond. "How dare you...?" he began his voice weak but laced with anger. However, before he could finish, a sharp pain pierced his chest. He grasped at his left side, his eyes widening in agony and realization.
Liu Cong rushed to his father's side. "Father, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice panicked. Liu Biao, however, was focused on the cruel smirks on the faces of Lady Cai and Zhang Yun. The pieces of a dark puzzle fell into place in his mind as he pointed a trembling finger at them.
"You... you've been poisoning me," Liu Biao gasped, the words barely audible. The realization struck him like a hammer blow. The closest people to him, the ones he had trusted, had been the architects of his downfall.
Liu Cong looked between his father and the two conspirators, confusion and fear written across his face. "What are you talking about, Father?"
Liu Biao's eyes, filled with a mixture of rage and betrayal, never left Lady Cai and Zhang Yun. "It was you all along," he managed to say, his voice a whisper of disbelief. "You've poisoned me... brought about my illness... why..."
Lady Cai's expression hardened, the facade of concern dropping. "Yes, my dear husband," she said coldly. "You were a hindrance to our plans. It's time for a new leadership, one that doesn't cling to the past and will always support the Cai Clan."
Zhang Yun stepped forward, his demeanor just as icy. "With you gone, Liu Cong will have the chance to succeed old fossil like you who clings to power. The future of the Liu Clan needs decisive action, not the feeble remnants of a sickly lord."
As Liu Biao's strength ebbed away, he looked at his youngest son, a mixture of regret and sorrow in his eyes. "Cong'er, beware of them," he said with his last breath. "Trust no one..."
Liu Biao's hand fell limply to his side as his life slipped away. Liu Cong, paralyzed by the revelation and the sudden loss of his father, could only watch as Lady Cai and Zhang Yun took control of the situation.
"We must keep moving," Lady Cai ordered coldly. "Liu Cong, you are the new leader of our clan. We will guide you through this, no need to worry. Mother, Uncle Cai Mao, and Uncle Zhang Yun will guide you through."
Still in shock, Liu Cong could only nod numbly. The caravan continued its journey towards Lingling, the atmosphere now filled with the cold reality of betrayal and the harshness of survival.
The fate of the Liu Clan of Liu Biao line now hung in the balance, resting on the shoulders of a young, inexperienced leader manipulated by those he should have trusted the most.
As they traveled, Zhang Yun and Lady Cai began to strategize their next moves, their voices low but firm. "We need to solidify our position in Lingling," Zhang Yun said. "The people must see that the transition of power is smooth and unquestionable."
Lady Cai nodded. "We will announce Liu Cong as the new lord immediately upon our arrival. His youth will be seen as a symbol of renewal and strength if we play this correctly."
Liu Cong, still reeling from the recent events, found himself at the mercy of these two calculating figures. His future, and that of the Liu Clan, would now be shaped by the ambitions and machinations of the people he thought as his family, the closest people to him who he trust and cared for but only thought of his as a puppet.
Back in Xiapi, the news of Wuling's fall and Liu Biao's death soon reached Lie Fan through the Oriole's network. Though he celebrated the birth of his son, he could not ignore the shifting political landscape. With Liu Biao's death, the power vacuum caused by his force would either crumble his force entirely or become some sort of a lifelong for the successor of Liu Biao, Liu Cong, who became the puppet of the Cai Clan.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 31 (198 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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