Shinno Castle.

On this day, Liu Bei received a letter from the envoy of Jingzhou, saying that Liu Biao was critically ill and asked him to go over to discuss the future.

After the envoy left, Kong Mingxi said: "As expected, its meaning is self-evident. Don't miss this opportunity!"

Liu Bei didn't say anything, only said: "I'll go over." ”

He took Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhiming to Xiangyang and met Liu Biao in front of the sickbed.

Liu Biao looked weak and said, "Brother Xian, I am terminally ill and have a short life, so I specially called you here to grant you the state seal and let you inherit my inheritance." ”

After saying that, he coughed again, and his condition did not seem optimistic.

Liu Bei stroked his chest and said: "Brother Xian treats me like a mountain, I haven't yet found an opportunity to repay it, and now I want my brother to give up the position of state lord, why is this? The elder brother should give the state seal to the eldest prince Liu Qi and let him succeed in managing the state affairs. ”

Liu Biao sighed and said, "The dog is not talented and incompetent! Today, only a virtuous brother can take on this important task. Without further ado, please be sure to take over the state seal!"

Liu Bei still shook his head and said: "In the past, Xuzhou Assassin Shi Taoqian also gave him three times to me, but I refused to do so. Besides, I have no merit or merit for Jingzhou, how dare I accept this position in vain? Even if I accept it, who will obey me?"

When Liu Biao heard this, he coughed even more severely, and actually coughed up bloody phlegm. He said with difficulty: "This disease has been cured by the medicine, and I will not be immortal in the future." When I was dying, I thought about this matter, and my brother should do me one last favor, I don't want to end up with regrets. What the virtuous brother is worried about is nothing more than the fear that Cai Mao's officials will not be convinced and jealous, so how can I not know it! But I am also a sensible person, and if I grant the state seal to others, Jingzhou will be buried in my hands! The virtuous brother will succeed to the throne, and this is the common wish of the people of Jingzhou! If the virtuous brother does not accept it again, teach me how to turn a blind eye under the nine springs!"

Seeing this situation, Liu Bei couldn't help but tear his robe, bowed down in front of the bed, and cried: "Brother Xian's great kindness is unforgettable! But Bei swore in his early years that he would never do anything contrary to humanity in this life and this life. Bei swears that he will do his best to assist him in order to repay his brother's kindness!"

Liu Biao listened, had nothing to say, and looked at the ceiling in despair.

Guan Yu persuaded: "Big brother, Liu Jingzhou is also a good intention, you just go along with it." ”

Others persuaded each other. Liu Bei is in a dilemma, on the one hand, Liu Biao's deathbed trust, and on the other hand, his own principles of life, it is really difficult to choose.

At this time, it was reported that Cao Cao's army was marching south and would arrive in Jingzhou in a few days; the soldiers also said that Cao's army was so powerful that in addition to his own army, even the White Tigers also participated.

The crowd was shocked. Zhiming thought: "Cao Cao actually showed his trump card this time, it seems that he is planning to fight to the death." It came just in time, so I didn't have to go to them. I must protect Uncle Huang and not let him succeed!"

Liu Bei saw that the situation was urgent, so he said: "Brother Xian, Cao Cao is obviously coming at me, if I succeed as the pastor of Jingzhou now, I will not have time to run in with the officials of various counties and counties, even if the official documents are delivered to the counties and counties in time, there is no way to ensure that everyone obeys me, and the people of Jingzhou will definitely suffer from the ravages of Cao's army." For now, I have to rush back to Shinno and prepare for the battle. Brother Xian should appoint Prince Liu Qi as the state lord as soon as possible, and I will do my best to assist him. Liu Qi Gongzi has been guarding Jiangxia for a while, and I believe that he has accumulated a lot of management experience, and I am convinced that he will be able to do this job. ”

In a desperate situation, Liu Biao had no choice but to agree. Liu Bei said goodbye to Liu Biao with tears and rushed back to Xinye with everyone.

After Liu Bei left, Liu Biao immediately ordered someone to bring paper, ink and pencils, and made a will, saying that Liu Qi was appointed as the state lord and Liu Bei was the auxiliary government. Due to the urgency of time, he was anxious to summon Liu Qi by using the flying pigeon to hand over the will to him in person.

Mrs. Cai was shocked when she learned about it, and hurriedly asked Cai Mao and Zhang Yun to close the inner door of the state capital, and asked Cai Mao and Zhang Yun to hold the outer door, and they must not let their father and son meet.

Liu Bei and his entourage rushed back to Xinye overnight to discuss strategies to break the enemy.

As soon as Kong Ming heard that Liu Bei refused to accept the state seal, he immediately became anxious: "Why doesn't the lord accept Liu Biao's trust? This is his last wish, and the name is justified, why not!"

Liu Bei retorted: "This position should be left to Liu Qi's son; I am an outsider, without merit and virtue, and I am not expected by the public, so how can I compete for the position!"

Zhang Fei said: "This is the old man (Liu Biao) voluntarily, and he has nothing to do with the eldest brother! I think his two sons together are not as good as the eldest brother!"

"These are two different things. You don't need to say more, I have persuaded Jing Sheng to appoint Liu Qi as the state lord, and he should listen to me. The top priority is to deal with Cao Jun, so let's hurry up and discuss it!"

Everyone knew his stubbornness and didn't dare to mention it again.

Zhiming said: "Cao Cao has lost twice in a row, but he dares to come again, and he also dispatched the White Tiger team, his ambition can be seen. We must take it seriously and not be careless. ”

Zhang Fei patted his chest and said, "Big brother, don't worry, with us, even if the White Tigers come, don't be afraid!"

These words somewhat calmed Liu Bei's heart.

Kong Ming shook the feather fan and said: "Don't panic, my lord, I have already said that last time he was attacked by fire, this time I want him to be hit! ”

Liu Bei said: "I also have this intention, please ask the military advisor to decide." ”

Kong Ming thought for a moment and said, "Since the lord is unwilling to take over as the pastor of Jingzhou, this is the only way to go. It's decided, and the whole city will immediately march towards Fancheng!"

Guan Yu asked, "How does the military advisor plan to deal with Cao Jun?"

Kong Ming said: "Cao's army is tired from afar, and when he sees that Xinye City is empty, he will definitely enter and rest for one night." I will arrange for some soldiers to lie in wait in the city, and when the time comes, I will set fire to the new field. Cao Jun should not have expected this, when he was relaxing and resting, he would be in chaos when he encountered danger, and he would not be able to escape all. If the plan is successful, it is conservatively estimated that they will lose about 40% of their troops. After the deed is done, ......"

Kong Ming explained his detailed plan to everyone, and everyone felt that it was feasible.

"The problem now is that a shrewd man must be sent to lead a death squad to ambush the city and wait for an opportunity to set fire. Kong Ming said to the generals, "I don't know who wants to take on this heavy responsibility?"

"I'll go!" Zhiming stood up without hesitation, "Strategist, let me complete this task! After the arson, I have to fight with them!"

"Okay!" Kong Ming clasped his hand and looked at him with trust, "Since General Lei volunteered, this glorious task will be handed over to you!"

"I will definitely complete the task smoothly!" Zhiming was confident. In fact, he wanted to take the opportunity to eliminate the people of the White Tigers in the city, this was his mission, and this arson mission seemed destined for him to complete.

Zhao Yun patted him on the shoulder and said, "Zhiming, you must come back alive!"

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, I'll go and meet you when I'm done with my mission. After Zhiming finished speaking, he whispered to Guan Yu and the others, "You must protect Kong Ming's military division, he is the core figure of our army!"

Guan Yu and the others nodded their heads, indicating their understanding.

"Okay, that's it. Kong Ming said to everyone, "Without further ado, let's go our separate ways." ”

After the meeting, Kong Ming sent people to set up a list in the city and told the people: Cao Cao personally led a large army to the south, and it was about to arrive in Xinye; Xinye City was small and should not stay for a long time, so the army decided to move to Fancheng for temporary refuge, and the people, regardless of men, women, and children, could follow; if they wanted to leave or stay by themselves, please do their own convenience, but bear the consequences; they were initially scheduled to set off at five watch the morning after tomorrow, so please make preparations for the migration in advance.

Sun Qian was instructed to prepare several large and small boats and rafts by the river, and asked Mi Zhu to escort the officials and their families to set off first.

Zhiming was authorized to go to the barracks and select thirty people, all of whom were strong men. He also ordered people to collect phosphorus, grease, dry firewood, and other fire-burning substances to prepare for special training overnight. Although he had never carried out such a mission before, with the military knowledge instilled in him by the old immortals, coupled with his innate wisdom and ability, he was able to train a professional arson team on his own.

A young man named Xiao Chung recommended himself to Zhiming Mao Sui as the deputy captain because he had similar experience before. Seeing his quick skills and quick mind, Chi Ming appointed him as a vice-captain, mainly responsible for assisting in the assignment of tasks and training team members.

After the ignition materials were in place, they began to train in batches, including hiding, burying fires, ignition, emergency escape, etc.

After Jiangxia Taishou Liu Qi received the news that his father was critically ill, he rushed to Xiangyang overnight to see his father for the last time. He had just arrived at the outer gate when he was stopped by soldiers. The soldier urgently reported Cai Mao.

Cai Mao and Zhang Yun hurried to arrive. Cai Mao was not polite, and asked directly: "The son was ordered by his father to guard Jiangxia, but why did he leave his post and come here without permission?"

Liu Qi said: "I heard that my father was seriously ill, so I came to visit him. ”

Zhang Yun said: "The lord has instructed that no one is allowed to enter the meeting, so please go back." ”

Liu Qi took out his father's letter and said angrily: "Nonsense! I am his son, and he used the flying pigeon to summon me, why can't I see him?"

Cai Mao turned a blind eye to the letter and said: "Jiangxia and Dongwu are only separated by a wall, if Dongwu suddenly attacked, what should I do? If you know that the prince is coming, the lord will not be happy, but will aggravate the condition, and if you want to be a filial son, please return quickly. ”

"Then it's always okay for me to see my mother, right?" Liu Qi saw that they were deliberately making things difficult.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Cai made us do this. Zhang Yun said.

"Why?"

"Because Madame is afraid that you will be too sad to see the seriously ill lord and will not be able to guard Jiangxia properly, so let us persuade the prince to go back. ”

Liu Qi knew that the two of them were arguing with reason, but he was helpless for a while, so he had to go back.

As soon as he took a few steps, he felt very unwilling, walked back again, and pointed at him and scolded: "You two animals, my father treats you very well on weekdays, and you actually took advantage of his serious illness to prevent me from meeting him, obviously with a ghost in mind! Get out of the way, I want to go in!"

"Forgive me!" Zhang Yun said coldly.

"You... How dare you stop my son?!" Liu Qi involuntarily clenched the hilt of his sword.

Cai Mao and Zhang Yun also clenched the hilt of the sword, and the two sides were tense.

In a fit of rage, Liu Qi pulled out his sword and slashed it with a sword. Zhang Yun is also a person who understands martial arts, he easily blocked it with his forearm armor and knocked Liu Qi away with one palm.

Liu Qi was slapped in the face, unwilling, and attacked again. Zhang Yun didn't dare to really hurt him, so he drew his sword, blocked a few moves, and used the back of his sword to repel him.

Liu Qi saw that he couldn't beat him, but he couldn't force it through, so he was at a loss for a while, so he had to stand in place with an unwilling expression.

The two sides confronted each other for a moment, and Cai Mao said: "We have our lives, and we can't let Gongzi pass! If Gongzi doesn't want to suffer, please go back quickly, otherwise don't blame us for being polite!"

Looking at those two indifferent and ruthless faces, Liu Qi was angry, but now it was one against two, he knew that he couldn't mess around, so he could only hold back his anger, spit at them, and left.

On the way, he cried bitterly: "Father, the child can't even see you for the last time, it's really unfilial! I know this is Cai Mao's trick! One day I will slaughter them with my own hands to comfort your soul in heaven! Father, please rest in peace!"

In fact, Liu Biao is indeed looking forward to Liu Qi's arrival day and night, and he has a lot to say to him, because he knows that Liu Qi does not yet have the qualifications to be the state lord and needs to be sharpened, so he wants to tell his son what needs to be improved in the future before he dies, so that he can remember it and grow into a real new state lord as soon as possible. Time is short, and he looks forward to it day and night, hoping that he can take care of everything before Cao Jun arrives. Suddenly, he heard that Liu Qi had come to the outer gate, but was driven away by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.

After Liu Biao's death, Mrs. Cai discussed with Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, tore up the original will, and Cai Mao imitated his handwriting and drafted another copy, saying that the second son Liu Cong would be the state lord and the auxiliary government of the Cai clan;

After the funeral, Cai Mao gathered everyone to the mourning hall, read out the fake will in public, and put his nephew Liu Cong on the position of the state lord, and the Cai clan assisted the government, in charge of the affairs of the state. Liu Cong is only fourteen years old, smart and clever, but has no experience in governing the state, so the real power of Jingzhou is equivalent to in the hands of Cai Mao.