Chapter 65

Gangnyeong Castle was plunged into chaos.

After Mi Bang’s surrender, the interior of Gangnyeong Castle was controlled by Ye Meng, and it seemed that Liu Bei’s army had given up. However, additional soldiers, appearing out of nowhere, launched a surprise attack on Sun Quan’s forces.

Amidst the clashing of weapons, shouts, and screams, Ban Jun leisurely walked towards the official residence.

Even as he crossed the battlefield, Ban Jun’s mind was focused on recalling past conversations rather than the surrounding battle.

After the Hanzhong siege, when Chang-ran settled in Shangyong, Pang Tong visited Ban Jun.

Though they had no prior connection other than being from the same Xiang Province, Pang Tong’s visit was somewhat unexpected but not entirely surprising.

Having heard of the deployment of military generals like Zhuge Liang in Yi Province and Pang Tong in Xiang Province, Ban Jun had anticipated meeting Pang Tong someday.

However, he hadn’t expected Pang Tong to bring a letter from Chang-ran.

“When discussing the grand plan for Xiang Province, Mingjing insisted that I consult with you. He said you would be of great help, being a talent worthy of the Three Excellencies.”

“Mingjing said that…?”

It was truly touching.

The words from before, that he was a talent destined for high office, were not empty. And the fact that Mingjing had recommended him to Pang Tong, a figure of great importance, showed trust in his abilities.

Though Ban Jun had risen to a high position in Xiang Province, it was still just an administrative role, not one to discuss national affairs.

Ban Jun strived to meet Chang-ran’s expectations. He actively participated in plans based on Chang-ran and Pang Tong’s predictions, even taking on dangerous roles himself.

“Mingjing, you asked me in your letter to protect Xiang Province.”

Ban Jun wasn’t satisfied with just that. To simply protect Xiang Province, they could have eliminated the traitor Mi Bang in advance and fortified Gong’an and Gangnyeong.

But Ban Jun suggested luring them into Xiang Province. Pang Tong agreed, praising Chang-ran’s foresight.

“Ye Meng’s goal in coming to Xiang Province is conquest, not suppression. This is significant.”

“As you said, Ye Meng is wise. Knowing the importance of public sentiment, he would never resort to plundering the people.”

Pang Tong and Ban Jun trusted Ye Meng. They believed he would focus on protecting the people and winning their hearts.

Based on that trust, they selected only the most loyal and hid them among the populace.

When Guan Yu requested reinforcements, Ban Jun pretended to send troops from Gangnyeong Castle while secretly recalling them. Despite Mi Bang’s incompetence, Ban Jun’s administrative and leadership skills shone in this operation.

If Ye Meng had allowed the plundering of the people, Ban Jun’s preparations would have been in vain.

But what’s the point of assumptions? Look at the results. The Sun Quan forces, caught off guard by the sudden attack from Liu Bei’s army, were utterly helpless.

The unexpected ambush disrupted their surveillance of captured soldiers, and Gangnyeong Castle was once again falling to Liu Bei’s forces.

“I’ve done all I can. The rest is up to others.”

Entering the official residence of Gangnyeong Castle with his escort, Ban Jun muttered as he saw Wu Ban glaring at him.

Just three days after Ye Meng took Gangnyeong Castle, it was back in Liu Bei’s hands, thanks to Ban Jun.

§

Unaware of the turmoil in Gangnyeong Castle, Lu Xun had reached the threshold of Yiling. On the way, Lu Xun was haunted by a sense of déjà vu that he couldn’t shake.

Capturing Yidao and Zhijiang was as easy as eating cold porridge. Though there was some resistance, it was a one-sided fight. Despite everything going according to plan, Lu Xun couldn’t shake off a nagging feeling.

He found a clue while pondering whether to attack Zigui County, where remnants were gathering, when a letter arrived.

The letter from Meng Da, stationed in Zigui County, expressed his intent to surrender.

The letter detailed Meng Da’s grievances, claiming Liu Bei favored his nephew Chang-ran over him, offering opportunities for military achievements like the Shangyong attack, while neglecting him.

It also included an active plan to eliminate resistance forces if Lu Xun arrived, with Meng Da cooperating from within.

Naturally, Lu Xun couldn’t act on a single letter, so he demanded more reliable evidence.

Meng Da sent detailed accounts of the number of officials and soldiers gathered in Zigui County and the amount of supplies, proving his sincerity.

Lu Xun carefully read Meng Da’s letter.

He noticed a strange phrase and finally realized the source of his unease.

“It’s a trap.”

A lightning-like shiver ran down his spine.

Realizing the truth, Lu Xun barely held onto his composure. But unable to hide his dismay, he let out a sigh.

“A trap? What do you mean, Deputy Commander?”

Lu Xun’s deputy asked.

“Their response is too quick. I should have realized when we captured Yidao and Zhijiang.”

“Maybe they just panicked and fled? They abandoned Yiling and fled to Zigui County.”

“True. Meng Da, stationed in Zigui County, even sent a letter of surrender like Mi Bang…”

“Meng Da is a double agent. He’s pretending to surrender to lure us deeper.”

Lu Xun visualized the terrain, even the entire Xiang and Yi Provinces.

His sharp mind immediately conjured a mental map.

He pondered the phrase in the letter that revealed the trap.

“Mentioning the Governor of Fangling makes no sense. Wang Ping, who was in charge there, followed Chang-ran. It should have been vacant, so why mention the Governor of Fangling?”

During the warlord era, the Governor was a nominal position without military authority. So why mention the Governor of Fangling?

Lu Xun thought it was to divert attention from Fangling. As if to say, “The Governor of Fangling is here, so don’t worry about Fangling.”

Lu Xun’s mind shifted west of Fangling.

Shangyong, Sesheng, and Hanzhong.

“Zhang Fei is in charge of Hanzhong…”

Lu Xun considered the flow of the war if he had advanced to Zigui County.

After entering deep into Zigui County, trusting Meng Da’s surrender, they would attack. But Meng Da’s promise to cooperate from within would be a lie. Instead, they would be counterattacked, and Liu Bei’s forces would descend from Fangling to block Yiling.

They would be isolated between Zigui and Yiling.

“No, this is strange. Fangling to Yiling is far. They could time it if they expected us. But to avoid detection, they would need a swift and secret march. In their exhausted state, if the Deputy Commander of Gangnyeong Castle sent reinforcements…”

Would Pang Tong not think of that? That strategist?

No. They must have considered it. So they must have devised a way to prevent reinforcements from Gangnyeong Castle.

The most likely method is Meng Da’s plan, a double agent scheme.

“It was from the beginning…!”

Mi Bang, Si Ren, Ban Jun.

The traitors who surrendered Gangnyeong Castle and Gong’an City. Lu Xun didn’t think all of them were plotting a double agent scheme.

If it’s psychological warfare, Ye Meng, Lu Xun, and Wu Ban are all experienced. The operation’s starting point was Lu Xun’s letter to lure Guan Yu into complacency.

Mi Bang, whom he personally confirmed, couldn’t be the culprit. That leaves only one suspect.

“Ban Jun…”

Though he didn’t know the exact method, they must have prepared for Sun Quan’s forces to betray them.

Thoroughly enough to plant a double agent among real traitors.

“Retreat.”

“Deputy Commander! That’s too hasty.”

“Meng Da might genuinely want to surrender!”

“Perhaps. So we’ll pretend to retreat.”

If Meng Da leads his troops to pursue, it’s a false surrender. If he truly wants to surrender, he’ll wait for another chance to betray from behind.

“If they pursue, we’ll encircle and annihilate them.”

Lu Xun’s prediction was accurate.

Hearing of Lu Xun’s retreat, Meng Da sensed his scheme was exposed. Fearing to miss a great opportunity, he eagerly led a pursuit force after Lu Xun.

The result was devastating.

Like Cao Cao’s defeat by Xu Ying while pursuing Dong Zhuo, Meng Da’s pursuit force was slaughtered by Lu Xun.

The difference between Meng Da and Cao Cao was that Cao Cao had Zhao Hong to save him, but Meng Da had no one.

Seeing Meng Da captured and dragged before him, Lu Xun coldly ordered.

“Wasted effort on something useless. No need to capture him. Execute him.”

Understanding there was no way out, Meng Da resigned himself but felt unjustly treated.

Hoping to make Lu Xun look back, Meng Da said.

“Blinded by greed, I missed my chance. It’s my fault, who can I blame? But Lu Xun, you’re too late. The Deputy Commander from Hanzhong must have reached Yiling by now.”

Lu Xun didn’t look back. Only after Meng Da’s execution and his blood soaking the ground did Lu Xun mutter.

“As expected.”

The return journey, unlike the smooth advance, would be arduous and difficult.

The once clear direction of the war had become too chaotic to predict.

‘In the worst case…’

Lu Xun closed his eyes, envisioning a bleak scenario.

It was dark.

§