I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 231 - 19: The Luoshui River Ceremony and the Renewal of Battle

Chapter 231: Chapter 19: The Luoshui River Ceremony and the Renewal of Battle

"After Liu Biao’s death."

"Jingzhou State will surely fall into our lord’s hands."

Upon hearing this, a smile finally reappeared on Cao Cao’s face.

His current entourage could be described as magnificent.

This is actually related to Gu Chen’s governing attitude; although Gu Chen did not deal with all the great clans, his requirements for them were indeed much stricter.

And Cao Cao was the exact opposite.

This certainly brings more support from the aristocratic families.

The crowd then once again discussed important matters.

Guo Jia once again pointed out a path to Cao Cao, which was to use the advantage of the court in his hand to brand Gu Chen and Liu Bei as rebels and seize the initiative.

A great battle between the two sides is absolutely inevitable.

Since this is the case, there’s no need to have so many scruples.

With Liu Xie, the Emperor in his hands, he could still cause some influence on Gu Chen and Liu Bei after all.

In this world, intelligent people always remain in the minority.

And this move could also indirectly affect the reputation of the Gu Clan.

With Cao Cao’s suspicious nature, the existence of the Gu Clan of Julu was always a thorn.

He must gradually dismantle the prestige of the Gu Clan of Julu.

At least, bring them down to the level of other aristocratic families, so they no longer threaten his foundation.

And at the same time, it was not beyond Zhuge Liang’s expectations.

As expected, Cao Cao intended to ally with Sun Ce.

To him, this was heaven-sent assistance, capable of relieving the pressure from Liu Bei.

Sun Ce would certainly not refuse such an alliance.

With the blood feud of his father’s assassination, he and Gu Chen were destined arch-enemies.

If he doesn’t ally with Cao Cao now, when would he avenge?

.....

The world was in turmoil once more.

Cao Cao’s move seemed like a signal, causing the world, which had just calmed down for a few years, to boil over again.

———Accuse Gu Chen of being a rebel!

This was the first time since Emperor Guangwu revived the Great Han that a member of the Gu Clan was labeled a "rebel" by a Great Han Emperor.

The impact of this news was unimaginable.

But Gu Chen had already prepared for this.

He immediately allied with Liu Bei under the pretense of Han Dynasty kinship, denouncing Cao Cao for "being a Han minister in name, but a Han traitor in essence."

The news spread, the world was in uproar.

Jingzhou State.

What delighted Liu Bei was that Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu actually came to join him.

Clearly, the situation hadn’t changed at all.

But somehow, Liu Bei’s state greatly improved.

However, before he could take any action, Liu Biao’s message arrived.

———Liu Biao is gravely ill!

This news hit Liu Bei like a bolt from the blue!

Given the current situation in Jingzhou State, although Liu Biao could not completely control the aristocratic families, he could maneuver among them.

If Liu Biao had problems now, Jingzhou State would undoubtedly be thrown into chaos.

"My lord, if Liu Biao shows any inclination to entrust Jingzhou to you on this visit, please do not refuse."

Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu both placed great importance on Liu Bei’s journey.

At such a critical moment, with Liu Biao summoning Liu Bei, he must have had his own deep considerations.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei’s face immediately showed a look of hesitation as he shook his head and said, "Liu Jingsheng is my blood brother."

"Moreover, he has descendants still alive; how can I...."

He didn’t finish speaking, but the meaning was already very clear.

"My lord."

Zhuge Liang’s expression remained utterly composed as he calmly looked at Liu Bei and asked, "Reviving the Han Dynasty, and this situation—which is more important?"

A simple question instantly left Liu Bei dumbfounded.

Which is more important?

Is there even a need to ask?

"Jingzhou is the heart of the world; if Liu Jingsheng truly passes away, if my lord doesn’t take Jingzhou, Cao Cao will surely take it instead...."

Xu Shu also spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei’s expression suddenly became complex.

In just an instant, he had already made up his mind!

This was Liu Bei’s transformation.

The trip to Luoyang had already changed Liu Bei in many, many ways.

He was no longer the Liu Bei who cared only about "benevolence and virtue."

Liu Bei remained silent for a long time, finally nodding slightly.

Then he led Zhao Yun and five hundred elite cavalry away from Xinye....

....

Liu Biao’s health was indeed failing.

He was already quite advanced in age.

Especially in recent years, he could sense the changes throughout the world, and even in Jingzhou State.

This further filled him with anxiety, living in worry every day, ultimately wearing down his health completely.

Liu Biao was not a fool.

He may not be the heroic leader capable of restoring the world, but he is more than adequate in managing a region.

In the current state of the world, the changes in Jingzhou State cause him immense worry.

Are his two sons truly capable of enduring the internal and external turmoil of Jingzhou?

At this time, outside the hall.

Cai Mao and several aristocratic clans were discussing significant matters.

"Given the current state of the world, Grand Tutor Cao has extended an olive branch to us."

"If you all do not make a decision soon, it will be too late to regret."

"Are you planning to follow Gu Chen?"

Upon hearing these words, everyone present had increasingly serious expressions.

Following Gu Chen was certainly not an option.

Even though Gu Chen has not yet fully acted against the great clans, losing benefits is undesirable for them.

"De Gui, what do you suggest?" someone couldn’t help but ask.

Cai Mao slightly raised the corners of his mouth and smiled, saying, "The Lord has summoned Liu Bei to a meeting."

"As long as we can stabilize the Lord, once he passes, we can surrender Jingzhou to Grand Tutor Cao."

"To be honest, Grand Tutor Cao has promised me...."

"If we pledge allegiance, we can continue to exist in this land of Jingzhou...."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s eyes couldn’t help but brighten.

Being able to stay in Jingzhou is an incredibly tempting offer for these aristocratic clans.

As one person nodded in agreement first, the matter was thus decided.

The entire land of Jingzhou was full of undercurrents.

Liu Bei galloped all the way, leading his army straight to Xiangyang.

He thought he could still meet Liu Biao.

But the outcome exceeded his expectations.

Along the way, he encountered numerous obstacles, even bandits who wanted to take his life.

He was too tired to ponder who sent these forces.

But it was clear that Jingzhou had completely changed hands.

He had no chance to meet Liu Biao, not even having reached Xiangyang, when news of Liu Biao’s death was brought by his son, Liu Qi‌.

Now Liu Cong‌, under the support of Cai Mao and the Jingzhou aristocratic clans, claimed the position of Governor of Jingzhou.

Cai Mao further labeled Liu Bei as a rebel.

Demanding the mobilization of troops to eliminate him!

This immediately placed Liu Bei in a perilous situation.

Fortunately, he led five hundred elites on this journey, with the formidable Zhao Yun by his side.

Several groups of attackers were all blocked by Zhao Yun.

Zhuge Liang seemed to have foreseen this, having already instructed Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others to prepare their army.

It wasn’t until reinforcements arrived that Liu Bei was truly extricated from danger.

But the situation in Jingzhou remained very unstable.

And the most critical point is———

Cao Cao also chose this moment to mobilize forces, aiming to crush Gu Chen and Liu Bei in the name of "Grand Tutor."

As the news spread, the land was in turmoil!

Amidst these circumstances, Liu Bei finally resolutely made up his mind.

Following Zhuge Liang’s advice.

Using the name of "Liu Qi‌," the eldest son of Liu Biao, he formally launched an attack on Jingzhou from Xinye.

All over the world, chaos erupted once more.

Gu Chen certainly would not let Cao Cao easily interfere in the situation of Jingzhou; he also assembled his forces in Luoyang.

With Cao Cao’s current might... if anyone else were in his position, perhaps he wouldn’t care.

But Gu Chen was ultimately different.

He could only send envoys to Jiangdong, asking Sun Ce to mobilize his forces from Jiangdong to support the Jingzhou aristocratic clans.

Jingzhou was thrown into great chaos.

This time, Liu Bei was truly enraged, attacking without the slightest reservation.

Although his own abilities weren’t particularly outstanding;

———yet now, he possessed both exceptional literary and military talents!

With Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, and others in civil matters, and warriors like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun in military affairs.

This lineup was formidable across the entire world.

Let alone in the land of Jingzhou.

Before Sun Ce could even move his troops, Liu Bei had already swiftly captured the entire Nanyang.

The assault was exceedingly fierce!

This momentum only slightly weakened when Sun Ce’s forces eventually approached.

And just as the situation in Jingzhou was slightly stabilized, both Gu Chen and Cao Cao also mobilized their forces.

Cao Cao personally led 200,000 troops to Yingchuan, declaring that this battle was to pacify the entire world.

Their forces aimed directly at Henei and Nanyang.

Gu Chen also led 130,000 troops to confront Cao’s army in Henei.

Liu Bei contended with Sun Ce in Nanyang.

Heroes and powerful lords from all corners gathered for a showdown;

The world, which had been calm for several years———

In an instant, the flames of war reignited!....

... 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

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