Chapter 25: To catch big fish, one must cast a big net.

  That night, several generals of Jiangdong Army had dinner with Zulang. After others went to rest, Sun Ce and Zulang, Lv Fan continued to discuss the details of future cooperation. After finishing, Sun Ce asked Lv Fan to return to their temporary residence together.

  "Zi Heng, tomorrow morning after you come down the mountain, go to my mother's place in Jiangdu. I estimate that Xu Zhou is about to have a big war, and it doesn't seem safe there either now. Are your family members and servants also all in Jiangdu?"

  "When you arrive, observe the situation at all times. If anything feels off, send my mother and younger siblings to stay with my uncle Wu Jing in Danyang for the time being. Don't forget to greet Hua Tuo on my behalf!"

  "Alright! The young master is probably thinking of the beautiful Huai Wei girl, right? This time, the old lady should have already agreed to your marriage. I wonder when the young master will get married and have children!"

  "Really miss her! As for children, wait until we get married, I will definitely work hard on it. Haha."

  Lv Fan and Sun Ce laughed together: "Is it necessary for the young master to move the whole family to Danyang? According to Zi Heng, Xuzhou is still very peaceful!"

  Besides, Jiangdu is located in the southeast of Xuzhou, it should be relatively quiet. Even if there's a war in Xuzhou, it's unlikely to affect Jiangdu, right? Do you really think there will be a big battle in Xuzhou?"

  "Right!"

  Sun Ce nodded affirmatively: "In Cao Bao's view, Xuzhou is a place where the north and south are connected. Yuan Shu and Cao Cao will inevitably covet this last rich land. They will definitely plot to take Xuzhou after stabilizing their internal affairs. Tao Qian has no great military strength and it is impossible for him to keep Xuzhou, this piece of fat meat, under the siege of many wolves."

  "Besides, Tao Qian is just a superficially kind and gentle elder on the surface, but in his heart, he's actually a narrow-minded and short-sighted person. This time you go to Jiangdu, be careful, he might pose a threat to us."

  "The young master spoke very reasonably, and Ziheng remembered. With the presence of Cheng Gong, Huang (Ge) Gong's personal soldiers, as well as Mr. Zhang Yun, Ziheng would consult with them on matters. Given our actual strength in Jiangdu, unless a large army comes to attack, there should be no danger."

  Besides, Ziheng will also have his men keep an eye on Tao Qian. On the other hand, this time when Master and General Handan return to Shouchun, they must be careful too! You are the hope of all of us!

  Don't take it lightly! Chen Yu still has over 10,000 soldiers under his command. Judging from his small actions, he's likely to hold power for himself. Once Yuan Shu is defeated and dead, I'm afraid that will be the day he rebels.”

  Sun Ce glanced at Lü Fan and said, "Zi Heng's concerns are well-founded, Bo Fu understands. I will also be careful in my actions, and so should you."

  The two of them looked at each other and burst out laughing in mutual understanding.

  The next day, before dawn broke, all the generals bid farewell to Zulang and descended the mountain.

  Earlier, Sun Ce had ordered Zu Lang to instruct his subordinates not to casually tell outsiders that the Jiangdong army had come. Otherwise, they would be expelled from the mountain stronghold. Of course, even if someone wanted to talk, no one would know where this cavalry came and went like the wind, who they were, or what they were doing.

  Except for Zulang and his trusted men, Sun Ce never leaked a single move to anyone else. The mountain stronghold occupied by Zulang was already in a remote location, and no one would come to this bandit's lair to visit. Otherwise, it would be either too much money or too long a life.

  When the whole army left this desolate mountainous area, they ran a long way without seeing anyone. It wasn't until the troops got on the official road that they saw sparse streams of people moving along the official road.

  At the crossroads of east and west, Sun Ce and Lü Fan bid each other farewell once again before going their separate ways. He went to Jiangdu, while Sun Ce set foot on the road back to Shouchun.

  The sunshine in June of the lunar calendar is the most scorching time of the year, equivalent to the summer vacation period in later generations.

  The long official road was empty and desolate, without a single extra figure in sight. In the distance, you could see the steaming water vapor faintly rising and surging upwards in the air. With each breath, it felt like the air might scald your lungs.

  The only thing that seems to be moving between heaven and earth is the cavalry of Jiangdong Army, still sitting on horseback, persisting in advancing under this scorching sun that can almost dry a person up.

  Everyone was only wearing loose casual clothes, the armor had long been put away in the package on the horse's back. Jokingly, under such a big sun, wearing iron armor, unless someone wants to eat their own iron plate roasted meat at night.

  Sun Ce also wanted everyone to rest, but all the way here, there wasn't even a shaded area by the road. In the morning, they had planned to take advantage of the cool weather to hurry along for several more miles, but ended up missing their rest stop. Before they knew it, nearly an hour had passed and there was still no place to stop and rest.

  It's impossible to go back. Everyone had no choice but to grit their teeth and move forward, thinking that this wasn't a solution. They still needed to find a shaded place to rest as soon as possible, otherwise even if the person could hold on, the horse that had been rushing along would probably not be able to withstand it.

  When everyone was on horseback, being scorched by the scorching sun and desperately persevering with aching heads and brains. The vanguard scouts who were exploring the road ahead came back with news that they had discovered a forest not far ahead after turning a bend. It was just right for the whole team to rest, and everyone's spirits were greatly lifted. Without regard for the horses' strength, each of them let their own horse trot along.

  The whole army soon arrived in front of the forest, just as everyone was about to stop their horses, the vanguard suddenly issued a warning. It meant that there were ambushes in the forest, and everyone became tense at once. In this weather, encountering an ambush would be unbearable. The combat effectiveness of the troops could only be exerted by half at most.

  They were afraid that before the battle even started, people would be overwhelmed by the heat. What to do? However, everyone still drew out their weapons and picked up the shields hanging on the horse's back. Just in case! Making some necessary defenses was also a must. Only about a hundred soldiers came out of the forest.

  He was wearing the uniform of a regular Han army, but it wasn't very tidy. His hands didn't hold any long-range weapons like strong bows either. Nor did he make any aggressive moves.

  Sun Ce couldn't help but feel a little relieved, and he nodded at Lü Meng to come forward and strike up a conversation.

  Then Lü Meng urged his horse forward and asked in a somewhat dry voice: "Which unit are you from? Where did you come from? Where are you going? Do you have a pass? Which one is the commanding general? Please come out and answer!"

  At this time, a big man with a height of over eight feet and a rough appearance walked up from the back of the crowd. He said to Lü Meng: "This little brother is invited, we are the garrison troops of Chang'an. This time we came to Yangzhou on our way, there are important things to do. If you want to check the documents, please ask your commander to come and see them. How about that? Under such a big sun, it's better for everyone to get off their horses and rest in the woods."

  Everyone heard this and thought it was one of their own. They put down their swords and shields, turned to look at Sun Ce, waiting for him to give the order to enter the forest and rest.

  Sun Ce thought to himself: "This guy's image is really similar to the Zhang Fei I imagined. Tall, strong, dark face, big beard, could he be Zhang Fei?"

  Just as he was about to speak, Han Dang beside him pulled Sun Ce lightly and said in a low voice: "Young Master, I know him, isn't he Xu Rong, one of Dong Zhuo's generals?"

  "I followed the general to the Liangshan Mountain battle before the Yang people's war and saw him with my own eyes, it must be him. He defeated us twice at Liangshan, I won't mistake! Even if he turned into ashes, I can still recognize him. Moreover, he is so ugly!"

  Sun Ce couldn't help but feel delighted: "Just yesterday I heard Jia Hua report the news of Xu Rong's death, and I was secretly regretting not being able to defeat him personally?"

  Today, he can deliver it to my doorstep from thousands of miles away for me to avenge myself. If this isn't fate, what is? It must be that Father is bored in heaven and brought him before me to help him pass the time! Haha!" Sun Ce couldn't help but think to himself with a sly smile.

  Sun Ce said in a low voice, "Uncle Han, he doesn't recognize me. I'll go up first to stabilize them. You get the brothers ready to make their move. This time we're going to catch this big fish alive! Heh heh!"

  Han nodded in understanding and went to arrange the manpower. The Jiangdong army had more than a thousand men, all of whom were robust and seasoned veterans; capturing them would be as easy as reaching out and taking them.

  Sun Ce dismounted his horse with ease, walked towards Xu Rong, cupped his hands and said: "General, I am the marching lieutenant of this cavalry unit, I am Jia Ming, son of Jia Long. You are noble guests from Chang'an! What should I call you? Can I take a look at your pass?"

  Xu Rong indeed did not recognize Sun Ce, and returned the courtesy: "I am Xu Yi, Rear Army Colonel of the Western Defense Army of Chang'an. Our pass documents are in the hands of our military advisor who is resting in the woods. Please ask General Jia to enter the woods to verify, and take a rest to avoid the sun. General Jia, you are still young and already a marching colonel, indeed a hero emerges in youth, accomplished at a young age! Haha! I wonder which family's son of a general you are?"

  "He even uses a pseudonym. How interesting! I wonder who his military advisor is. He thinks I, Sun Ce, am just a spoiled brat relying on my family's reputation to get by. Who let me grow up looking so innocent?"

  "It's really frustrating, I'm just a bit handsome, okay?! This Xu Rong, he's ugly himself and can't stand others being handsome and capable! I'm also working hard for my future, it's just that I've only just started."

  Sun Ce burst out laughing and grasped his wrist, pretending to be urgent: "Is Xu Gong a man from Chang'an? That's the imperial city, a big place! I'm sure he won't deceive us country bumpkins."

  Official documents are of no importance, they're just something to fool kids! How lively is it over there? Tell me some interesting things. I've been wanting to go to the temple fair for a long time, but my old man won't let me go.

  Also said that Zilong doesn't understand things, afraid I'll get into trouble, but Zilong is already 18 years old, every day trapped in this small state, small county, small mountain valley, not fun at all, boring! It's really boring me to death."

  Two people walked and talked, advancing into the forest, only to see three or two people standing or sitting not far from the entrance. One of them, who looked like he was in his thirties and wore a long shirt like a Confucian scholar, should be their military advisor. The others were dressed as servants and should be his attendants.

  As they saw them coming in, all the people in the woods also stood up to welcome them.

  Sun Ce turned his head and took a glance at Han Dang. He saw him nod slightly. It seemed that the brothers were all in position, not bad, quite fast, with prospects for plundering.

  He glanced around casually again, only to see that the entire forest was filled with soldiers from Jiangdong, and intentionally or unintentionally, there were at least two people standing beside each of Xu Rong's men.

  Xu Rong heard Sun Ce's words, and a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes. Sure enough! He was just a pampered young master who didn't even bother to read official documents carefully, yet he believed the words of a stranger.

  I don't know whose spoiled child this is, but it seems that in the vicinity of Yangzhou, there isn't a powerful and prominent family with the surname Jia. Jia Ming, fake name! Ah, I've been deceived!

  Just as he was about to make a move, he felt a surge of great force on his wrist, and his arm was immediately pinned behind his back by Sun Ce. The intense pain in his arm made him grit his teeth.

  He tried to lift his leg and kick back. Sun Ce had already kicked one foot into his ankle, and he was instantly kicked into a kneeling position. Lü Meng, who followed closely behind, brought two personal soldiers, and they were ready with ropes, immediately binding him tightly.

  Everyone saw Sun Ce make a move and immediately launched a joint attack. The entire forest, which was originally cool and quiet, suddenly became filled with smoke and dust, with roars echoing continuously.

  In just a few minutes, Xu Rong and his nearly hundred subordinates were all taken down by the Jiangdong army. There were a few who had some real power, although they resisted fiercely, but no matter how powerful their fists were, they couldn't withstand being tied up by seven or eight people at once!

  The Jiangdong army was ten times more numerous than theirs, and with Lü Meng and Chen Wu, the two camp conquerors, picking up leaks everywhere, Jia Hua, Song Qian, Han Dang, and Sun Ce, among several other generals, personally led the charge, who would dare not to submit?

  A glass of cold boiled water solved the problem easily.