The Banquet of Jicheng

On a seemingly ordinary morning, Xi Zhicai was early at his desk, writing something in his own home. Just as he looked up to stretch his stiff neck, he saw Gao Lan hurriedly arriving at his residence.

"Strategist, the lord urgently summons you."

"The lord summons me?" Hearing that the lord was looking for him, Xi Zhicai quickly set down his brush, put on a long robe, and left with Gao Lan.

"Did the lord mention what it's about?"

"He didn't say, but just recently, Liu Yan sent someone to the city to visit the lord. It seems he wants to invite the lord to a banquet in Jicheng."

Gao Lan was uncertain, but Xi Zhicai laughed silently. "As the saying goes, the weasel pays a New Year's visit to the chicken. It seems Liu Yan plans to make a move against us."

"What do you mean, sir?"

Before they could finish their conversation, they arrived at the governor's mansion. Xi Zhicai didn't respond to Gao Lan but instead gave a cryptic smile and walked inside.

At this moment, Qin Longyang was resting his chin on one hand while rhythmically tapping the table with the other. In front of him was a map of the entire Youzhou region, marked with various circles and lines.

"My lord..." Xi Zhicai said softly with a bow.

Qin Longyang looked up, and the melancholy in his eyes disappeared. He quickly stood up and said, "Sir, you've come. You've been working hard lately, dealing with the refugees."

"It's my duty to serve my lord. How dare I speak of hardship? But it seems the lord has been pondering this map for a long time."

Qin Longyang smiled, "Just some thoughts. After the Yellow Turban Army was wiped out in Youzhou, the Xianbei, Wuhuan, and Xiongnu in the north started becoming restless again. In the west, there's the formidable Black Mountain Army in Zhongshan County. Gong County, bordering three counties, must always be prepared."

"Haha, the lord indeed has foresight. I've heard that Liu Yan invited you to a banquet in the city today?"

Qin Longyang nodded, "Since sir already knows, I called you here to discuss this matter."

Xi Zhicai closed his eyes and stroked his beard, pondering for a moment. "What does the lord think?"

"Since the Yellow Turban Army in Youzhou was destroyed, Liu Yan has always seen us as a thorn in his side. Not to mention, it's been a while. Such a sudden invitation must be a trap."

Xi Zhicai nodded with a smile, "The lord's analysis is accurate. If it were just an invitation for you alone, there might be a chance for negotiations. But this time, Liu Yan also invited Gongsun Zan from Jizhou. He probably plans to make an example of us."

Hearing Xi Zhicai's words, Qin Longyang also nodded approvingly. Gongsun Zan, occupying the northern part of Jizhou, controlled three counties and ten cities, with tens of thousands of soldiers and many generals and strategists. Naturally, Liu Yan wouldn't dare to target him easily. As for Qin Longyang's new power, with neither territory nor strength, he was a perfect target.

It seemed that he was the chicken to be slaughtered, while Gongsun Zan was the monkey watching the show. Seeing Qin Longyang deep in thought, Xi Zhicai smiled faintly, "My lord need not worry. Why not imitate the story of Liu Bang attending Xiang Yu's banquet at Hongmen?"

"Just do this..." Xi Zhicai leaned in close to Qin Longyang's ear and whispered a few words, causing Qin Longyang's eyes to light up, repeatedly nodding in agreement.

"Sir, what a brilliant plan! Very well, we shall follow your advice. Summon Yun Chang to accompany me to Jicheng for the banquet!"

...

Meanwhile, in Beiping, Gongsun Zan also received an invitation from Liu Yan. He gathered his generals and strategists to discuss the matter.

"Just after the Yellow Turban Army in Youzhou was resolved, Liu Yan immediately wants to strike us." Gongsun Zan waved the letter in his hand, his tone full of contempt.

"Hmph," Gongsun Zan's eldest son, Gongsun Xu, also sneered. "That old fox Liu Yan, being overly courteous for no reason. Father, I think Liu Yan is plotting something! You can't go."

Gongsun Zan's younger brother, Gongsun Fan, agreed, "My nephew is right. Big brother, you can't go. That old fox is cunning; don't fall into his trap!"

"Yes! You can't go." The officers under his command also chimed in, all advising Gongsun Zan not to attend the banquet.

Gongsun Zan waved his hand, "Rest assured, everyone. Our army is strong; Liu Yan wouldn't dare plot against me. His main target is Qin Longyang!"

"Qin Longyang?" Everyone looked at each other, unfamiliar with the name.

Gongsun Zan nodded, "The elimination of the Yellow Turban Army was entirely due to his command. If not for him seeing through the Yellow Turban Army's plans, Jicheng would have fallen."

"So, Qin Longyang is quite a figure."

"Precisely because he's a capable figure that Liu Yan wants to kill him. This banquet in Jicheng might be a ploy to eliminate him."

"From your tone, big brother, you seem to want to keep Qin Longyang?" Gongsun Zan's third brother, Gongsun Yue, was the first to catch on and brought it up.

"Hahaha, third brother, you know me well." Gongsun Zan stroked his tiger beard. "Keeping Qin Longyang alive can help us deal with Liu Yan and Ding Yuan. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I must ensure his safety on this trip!"

"The lord is wise!"

...

And so, three men with different agendas met in Jicheng. The difference was that Qin Longyang arrived with just himself and Guan Yu, while Gongsun Zan brought many of his generals and guards, subtly pressuring Liu Yan.

"Lord Junlang, it's been months since we last met."

Liu Yan had been waiting at the city gate with his men. Qin Longyang dismounted and respectfully greeted Liu Yan, starting with some small talk.

Liu Yan responded with a cold smile, "Heh, my little Jicheng can't accommodate a great figure like you. Qin Longyang, you're ambitious, a rare talent in the world!"

Liu Yan's words were a mix of praise and criticism, but each one was barbed. Qin Longyang smiled indifferently.

Soon, several white horses approached the city gate, and Liu Yan's eyes lit up as he went to greet them.

"Bogui! I've been waiting for you!"

The man was none other than Gongsun Zan. Qin Longyang observed him quietly, noting that he matched the historical descriptions. With a towering figure of over six feet, a dark complexion with some minor scars, and an imposing presence, he was the image of a heroic general.

"The White Horse General is indeed as impressive as they say!" Qin Longyang remarked to Guan Yu beside him.

Guan Yu nodded in agreement. At that moment, Liu Yan brought Gongsun Zan over to Qin Longyang.

"Brother Junlang, is this the renowned General Qin Longyang?" Gongsun Zan was surprised. He had imagined Qin Longyang to be a mature man, if not a steady-looking middle-aged man with the appearance of a formidable figure.

But the young man before him was not only young but also plain-looking. He was less impressive than the red-faced, long-bearded general behind him.

"General Gongsun Zan, everyone in Youzhou knows your name. It's an honor to meet you!" Qin Longyang quickly saluted, his flattery causing Gongsun Zan to laugh heartily.

"No, no, General Qin, you're known for defeating superior forces and your clever strategies. Recently, you've also taken in refugees, earning the praise of the people of Youzhou. I've long admired your name!"

"I don't deserve it..."

"Ahem!" Liu Yan, not wanting them to get too friendly, quickly cleared his throat. "We can talk more over the meal! Come, let's go to the banquet!"

"Alright, we'll follow your lead!" Gongsun Zan gestured, exchanging a few glances with Qin Longyang, seemingly signaling something. Qin Longyang understood and nodded slightly in response.

The banquet was filled with laughter and music. The guests discussed the state of the world over drinks.

Unnoticed, the night had fallen, and the room gradually darkened, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows and revealing several dark figures outside the window.

Qin Longyang glanced at the scene and sneered. He turned to look at Guan Yu, who immediately glared at Liu Yan.

Liu Yan, feeling Guan Yu's intimidating gaze, shuddered, his hand trembling as he accidentally dropped his cup. The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

Curious, Gongsun Zan looked outside and understood what was happening. Being one to enjoy the spectacle, he chuckled, "Lord Liu, why not invite the warriors outside to join us for a drink?"

Qu Jing, standing by Liu Yan's side, quickly stepped forward to remind him, "My lord! Hesitation will lead to disaster!"

Liu Yan gritted his teeth and waved his hand. At his signal, two attendants opened the hall's doors, revealing more than ten assassins armed and ready.

Gongsun Zan hadn't expected Liu Yan to actually make a move. Just as he was about to stand up, his advisor Guan Jing tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to act rashly. The situation was clear: if Gongsun Zan intervened, it could endanger him.

Liu Yan no longer hid his intentions, "Qin Longyang, don't blame me for today. If you continue to live, you'll become a threat to us. Today, killing you will bring peace to Youzhou!"

Guan Yu immediately stood up, kicking over the table and retrieving a sword he had prepared under it. He stood guard in front of Qin Longyang, looking at Liu Yan and the assassins with disdain.

With Liu Yan revealing his true intentions, Qin Longyang was done playing along. "Lord Liu, I naively thought we could negotiate. It seems there will be bloodshed today!"

Qin Longyang sneered, "General Gongsun, good thing I listened to your advice and prepared my troops. Now that our armies are united, taking Jicheng will be no problem!"

Liu Yan was shocked and panicked, everyone turning to look at Gongsun Zan. Even Gongsun Zan was stunned by Qin Longyang's sudden declaration.

"No, I..." Gongsun Zan was about to explain, but the shouts and cries from outside, along with the brightening flames, showed that Qin Longyang was not bluffing!

"The timing is just right; the banquet wasn't bad." Qin Longyang wiped his hands and, without another glance at Liu Yan, started walking out. "Yun Chang! Clear the way for me!"

"Yes, sir!" Guan Yu responded loudly, single-handedly charging at the assassins. In a flurry of blades, the sounds of wailing and screaming echoed as Guan Yu swiftly dispatched all the assassins, emerging unscathed but covered in blood.

Everyone inside was stunned, watching in silence as Qin Longyang and Guan Yu walked away. It was only after they had left that they finally snapped back to reality.

"Stop Qin Longyang! He must be killed in the city!" Liu Yan, now on the verge of madness, screamed, his facade shattered. He had only one goal: to kill Qin Longyang.

But before he could finish speaking, the governor's mansion was already ablaze, and the sounds of battle filled the air.

"What's happening!"

"My lord! Gongsun Zan's troops suddenly attacked the city, and the rebels set fire to the grain storage in the west of the city. The city is in chaos!" A soldier, covered in soot, reported breathlessly after escaping the fire.

"What!"