Chapter 76: In One Month, a Great Battle Will Erupt!

Liu Xie walked toward the city gate, accompanied by generals such as Huang Zhong and Jia Xu. He was not surprised that Zhang Xiu had discovered his true identity; after all, these matters were inevitable, and he had never intended to hide the truth from Zhang Xiu and his men. The only reason he had concealed his position was to fend off Cao Cao. Now that everything was laid bare, he no longer bothered with disguise. He possessed enough power in his hands that even if his identity were revealed to the world, there was nothing to fear.

“Lord Zhang, please rise quickly,” Liu Xie said. “Let us continue this conversation inside the city.” With that, Liu Xie and his party entered Wan City and made their way to the prefectural office.

“Gentlemen,” Liu Xie began, seated at the head of the table, “I must first offer you an apology.”

His words caused the assembled men to exchange glances.

“I have repeatedly concealed my identity in the past. I ask your understanding. I fled from Xuchang and came here to escape Cao Cao's pursuit. I acted out of necessity. So, I hope you will forgive me.”

Liu Xie recounted all that had happened, and by the end, everyone present was deeply moved. None had imagined that the Emperor of today had endured such tribulations.

“Your Majesty worries too much,” Zhang Xiu declared, stepping forward with utmost respect. “No matter your identity, we will follow you.”

Liu Xie gently shook his head. “Lord Zhang, and everyone here—your presence proves you are all of my own people. Henceforth, do not call me 'Your Majesty.' I am committed to restoring the Han Dynasty, but for now, my title is empty, lacking substance. When the time comes, when the Han is restored and I reclaim the throne, then you may address me as 'Your Majesty.'”

His humility struck a chord with many, especially the generals who had come from Jiangdong. They realized that Liu Xie was no weakling; on the contrary, he possessed remarkable skill and could endure where most would falter. This earned him their admiration. Gradually, the men began to believe that following Liu Xie might indeed lead to a promising future.

“Now then, Lord Zhang,” Liu Xie continued, “I believe you recognize these gentlemen. From this day, the Wan City army will be commanded by them and General Hu. Lord Zhang, you will oversee and supervise. Lord Jia, please assist them.”

Liu Xie proceeded to make arrangements for the coming days. “Lord Zhang, tell us, how many troops do we have in Wan City now?” he asked softly.

Zhang Xiu understood that Liu Xie wanted him to announce their strength to generals like Huang Zhong, as a way of demonstrating Wan City's power.

“Master, aside from the one hundred thousand men you brought to Xiangyang, Wan City suffered losses in the last great battle. Now, within Wan City, there remain nearly five hundred and fifty thousand soldiers.”

Zhang Xiu detailed the number of troops, weapons, funds, provisions—all reported in full. Huang Zhong and the others were stunned; to think a single city could house over half a million soldiers was extraordinary.

“Very well. The fifty-five hundred thousand troops will be divided among Hu Che’er, Huang Zhong, Wei Yan, Huo Jun, Gan Ning, and Wen Pin—each commanding ninety thousand men, stationed throughout Wan City. Please familiarize yourselves with your forces swiftly. In a month, a great battle awaits us.”

Liu Xie spoke in a stern tone, setting forth all plans. “We obey!” the generals responded in unison, bowing with fervor. Each was filled with excitement, especially the five who had come from Jingzhou. To command ninety thousand men each was no small matter; none had ever led such forces before. Now, each was entrusted with so many—how could they not be thrilled?

Among them, Zhang Xiu was the most moved. Liu Xie had distributed all the troops among the others, leaving Zhang Xiu without a single soldier, yet he was excited nonetheless. He understood Liu Xie's intention: Liu Xie saw him not as a mere general, but as a commander-in-chief. This trust was an immense honor in Zhang Xiu's eyes. Afterward, the men dispersed under Zhang Xiu’s organization.

The remaining five hundred fifty thousand soldiers of Wan City were assigned to the generals for command. Within the prefectural office, Liu Xie and Jia Xu stayed behind.

“Master, are you planning to take revenge on those men?” Jia Xu asked quietly. Liu Xie had just mentioned that a great battle would occur in a month, and Jia Xu guessed that Liu Xie intended to retaliate against the lords who had come against him.

“Wenhe, you are correct,” Liu Xie replied. “Their sudden appearance caught me off guard. Now that our strength is established, I must show them that Wan City and I, Liu Xie, are not easily provoked. We need to assert our authority.”

Liu Xie spoke with conviction, but Jia Xu appeared concerned.

“Master, forgive my candor,” Jia Xu said. “We have only just conquered Jingzhou; many parts are still unstable. Our territory is not yet secure. If we rush into battle, serious problems may arise. I hope you understand my meaning. Please consider carefully.”

Jia Xu’s earnest words were thoughtful, and Liu Xie knew he was thorough. But for Liu Xie, he now needed not only caution, but decisive action. Steady progress was possible, but too slow, especially after the coalition of lords had attacked him, fueling his anger. This grievance must be avenged.

“Wenhe, I understand,” Liu Xie said. “But, Wenhe, to secure our territory, we need more than just good governance—we must employ certain measures. You know well that Jingzhou is different from other places. Though we have seized it, many still refuse to submit. How should we deal with them? By the most direct means. In this coming war, Wan City’s men will participate, but Jingzhou’s soldiers and generals will be the main force.”

Jia Xu nodded in earnest, grasping Liu Xie's intent.

“I understand. If they refuse to fight or delay the opportunity—then execute them!”