Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 765: Secret Poisonous Plot to Conspire against Jiangdong

After listening to Zhang Zhao's description, Zhang Hong's thoughts gradually became clearer. He spoke slowly, "According to what you said, Madam Wu will definitely not watch helplessly as the Sun family's legacy, built by two generations of hard work, finally fall into Zhou Yu's hands. She will then secretly support Sun Quan's succession. With Madam Wu's intervention, the four veteran generals, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao, will surely compromise. In this way, power will smoothly pass to Sun Quan. But will Zhou Yu really let this go? After all, when Sun Ce was starting his career, Zhou Yu spent all his family wealth to help him. He values ​​the Sun family's legacy immensely. How could he give it up so easily?"

Zhang Zhao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile. "Naturally, Zhou Yu won't be willing to do this. But what can he do? Now that Ma Chao is dead, if Sun Ce meets with another disaster, he'll be isolated and helpless, a lonely man. Moreover, don't forget that the Shanyue forces are still within Wujun. I heard that Ma Chao and a Shanyue woman have a son, and he's hiding here. Why not trade Sun Ce's son for Ma Chao's? If Zhou Yu refuses to settle, do you think he won't have concerns?"

Zhang Zhao paused, a fierce glint in his eyes as he continued, "Furthermore, Sun Ce's mother is mediating, and the heir is Sun Quan. If Zhou Yu dares to cause trouble, wouldn't that justify his plotting against the Sun family's foundation? We just need to apply pressure through public opinion, making him a target of public criticism, and he'll be forced to compromise."

A huge stone in Zhang Hong's heart finally fell to the ground, and he breathed a sigh of relief and said: "In this way, the power transition in Jiangdong will not be too much of an obstacle. However, even if Sun Quan successfully ascends to the throne, what should we do if he does not obey our arrangements? Moreover, all this is still premature. Sun Ce is a martial arts master and has many capable guards around him. How can we ensure that we can successfully get rid of him?" Thinking of these difficult problems, Zhang Hong's face was full of worry and his expression was solemn.

Zhang Zhao remained silent, seemingly pondering a response. Just then, the sound of footsteps from outside broke the silence. Zhang Hong was startled and subconsciously tensed up. Seeing this, Zhang Zhao calmly waved his hand and said calmly, "Don't panic. This is my nephew Zhang Yu, a former counselor to Xu Gong. Zigang, don't you remember him?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Yu pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing Zhang Hong, he first bowed respectfully, and then separated from Zhang Hong.

Zhang Yu stepped forward, his expression stern and steady. "Ever since I noticed Sun Ce's ruthless tactics against the aristocratic families, I've been planning. It's both to avenge Xu Gong and to protect the future of our family. Back then, I lavishly recruited and nurtured a group of assassins, waiting for this opportunity. The most urgent task now is to leave Zhou Yu in Jiangdong and have Lü Meng and the others accompany Sun Ce on the expedition. I'll disguise myself as a soldier alongside Lü Meng and infiltrate the group along with the assassins. By the time we go, Sun Ce will be surrounded by our men. As long as Lü Meng and his men can hold off Sun Ce's guards, we can catch them off guard and assassinate them. In this way, Sun Ce will be dead and there will be no return."

Zhang Hong nodded secretly, approving of Zhang Yu's plan. But then he frowned, worried, "While this plan is brilliant, there's still a problem. Even if we successfully eliminate Sun Ce and install Sun Quan, what if he refuses to follow our instructions and is unwilling to be under our control?"

A fierce glint flashed in Zhang Yu's eyes, and a determined expression emerged on his face. He sneered and said, "Sun Quan is so young. If he could inherit his brother's throne and hold the power of Jiangdong, how could he resist such temptation? Everyone has desires. Since he is tempted and wants all this, he will definitely have to pay a price. You two can send someone to test him and see how he reacts."

Zhang Zhao shook his head slightly, his expression solemn. "He's now completely overshadowed by Sun Ce's brilliance. Although I've tried to probe him with words and sensed his desire for power, Sun Ce is at the peak of his powers, and he would never dare covet the position of Lord of Jiangdong."

A determined smile graced Zhang Yu's face, and he spoke with conviction, "He doesn't dare now, because Sun Ce is still alive. Once Sun Ce passes away, the situation will be completely different. He has his own desires, so how could he watch the Jiangdong cause fall into the hands of his infant nephew? When the time comes, as long as we fully support him, he will surely be tempted."

Zhang Hong, still visibly worried, took over the conversation, "I'm afraid he'll slip out of our control once he ascends to power. Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao, these four veteran generals, hold immense prestige within the army. Add to that the threat of Zhou Yu, and the generals trained by our aristocratic families won't be able to contend with them anytime soon."

A ferocious look flashed across Zhang Yu's face as he sneered, "If he wants to be the ruler of Jiangdong, he'll have to pay a price. If Sun Ce isn't dead yet, but is seriously wounded and dying, let Sun Quan kill him himself. If we successfully eliminate Sun Ce, then let Sun Quan kill Sun Ce's son. Whether it's killing his brother or his nephew to usurp the throne, as long as the evidence falls into our hands, no matter how powerful he is, he won't be able to escape the clutches of the aristocratic families!"

Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong were both horrified upon hearing Zhang Yu's ruthless plan. A momentary silence fell over the room, the only light from the candle dancing on the three men's faces, casting a flickering shadow. After a long pause, Zhang Zhao spoke slowly, his voice hesitant. "While this plan is risky, it's a good way to control Sun Quan. However, it's too ruthless. If word gets out, I'm afraid our family will also be stigmatized."

Zhang Yu curled his lips in disapproval, a cold glint in his eyes. "Those who achieve great things don't dwell on trivial matters. The situation is pressing now. If we don't do this, once Sun Ce has established himself, our family's situation will only become increasingly difficult. As long as we can hold power in Jiangdong, what does a little infamy matter?"

Zhang Hong nodded slightly, his expression still tinged with worry. "That being said, this matter requires further consideration. Assassinating Sun Ce is a catastrophic undertaking. The slightest mistake will lead to total failure. We must ensure that nothing goes wrong. Furthermore, those veteran generals and Zhou Yu are loyal to the Sun family and will do their utmost to uncover the truth. We must devise a strategy in advance."

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice, "These veteran generals are loyal to the Sun family. With Madam Wu's intervention, that's enough. As for Zhou Yu, we just need to successfully detain him in Jiangdong during the assassination attempt. After the assassination is successful, we can exploit the suspicion between Sun Quan and him to slowly weaken his power."

Zhang Zhao stroked his beard gently, his eyes darting back and forth between the two men's faces. "This way, the plan is more comprehensive. Since I've been providing daily guidance to Sun Quan, it's most appropriate for me to conduct the subsequent probing work. I'll subtly drop some hints during the lecture and see how he reacts."

Zhang Yu and Zhang Hong looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

The three of them discussed the details in detail until the sky gradually brightened outside the window, then they dispersed. And in this pre-dawn darkness, a conspiracy that could change the situation in Jiangdong quietly began to unfold, waiting for the right moment to unleash a storm.

When Sun Ce relayed the news of Ma Chao's death to the Shanyue leader, Shamoke, he felt a dizzying sensation, as if the very sky above him had collapsed. He stood there, his mind blank, bewildered and helpless, unsure how to face his younger sister and the families of Ma Chao's personal guards.

Shamoke stood there in a daze for a long moment, his expression gradually hardening, a resolute glint in his eyes. The Shanyue people were known for their generosity and loyalty. While they hated the separation of life and death, they were also not afraid to face the harsh reality. He knew this matter couldn't be concealed; he had to be honest.

So, Shamoke took a deep breath and strode towards the tent where the guards and their families lived. Seeing him enter, everyone cast inquiring glances at him. Shamoke's eyes slowly swept over the crowd, his lips trembling slightly as he spoke with difficulty, revealing the news of Ma Chao's death, word for word. In an instant, the tent erupted in weeping. The women's wailing seemed to pierce the sky, and Shamoke's sister collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Watching this scene, Shamoke's eyes welled up, and he secretly vowed to seek justice for Ma Chao and his poor family.

Shamoke looked at his grief-stricken sister Sariel, his eyes reddened. He waved his hand and said loudly: "Sister, don't cry! You still have children with you. We, the people of Shanyue, will never forget this blood feud! You just stay at home and take good care of the children. I, your big brother, will lead the troops and will seek justice for your brother-in-law!" His voice was full of unquestionable determination, and the rough voice echoed in the tent.

Upon hearing this, Sariel suddenly raised her head. Tears still stained her face, but her eyes gradually hardened. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Brother, since my husband is dead, it would be unwise for us not to seek justice. We must not be reckless in this expedition. We, the Shanyue, are weak, while Sun Ce has a powerful army. Without their assistance, it would be extremely difficult for us Shanyue to achieve our goal. We should contact Sun Ce first and discuss our plan of revenge with him."

Shamoke's expression was solemn, his eyes filled with concern and worry. He said in a deep voice, "That's right, sister. Now that Sun Ce has invited me to join the rebellion, this camp is in danger. It's really unsafe for you and these guards and their families to stay here." He paused slightly, his eyes falling on the swaddled child in Sariel's arms. His eyes softened instantly, and he continued, "Your brother-in-law is gone. The one you hold in your arms is his only remaining flesh and blood, the continuation of the Ma family's bloodline. No matter what, you must protect him."

He looked out of the tent, seemingly pondering the safest place to stay. After a moment, he turned back and said to the group, "In my opinion, it's better for you all to go to Wujun together. Although it's within Sun Ce's sphere of influence, there are more people there, making it easier to hide and providing better protection. It's definitely better than staying here."

After saying this, a trace of determination and firmness flashed in Shamoke's eyes. He clenched his fists tightly and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, as long as I, Shamoke, am still breathing, I will never let my brother-in-law's blood flow out into the world. One day, the bloodline of the Ma family will be revived, and revenge will be taken!"

Shamoke wore thick animal hide armor, a sharp broadsword slung at his waist, the jewels inlaid in the scabbard gleaming coldly in the sunlight. He stood in the center of the Shanyue camp, his expression solemn, methodically directing the warriors of his tribe to pack their belongings. The warriors polished their weapons to a shine, strapped their rations and water bags to their horses, and everything was ready.

Nearby, a group of women huddled together, their expressions tinged with anxiety, yet more so with a hope for revenge and a resolute commitment to the future. Children flanked the women, some peering curiously, others a little timid because of the unknown. Shamoke strode over to them, his gaze gently sweeping across them, finally resting on his sister, Sariel, and the child in her arms, whispering a few words of comfort.

With a resounding shout, Shamoke leaped onto his horse, tightened the reins, and galloped off in the direction of Wujun. The strongest men of the tribe followed closely behind, the sound of their horses' hooves shattering the silence of the forest and raising clouds of dust.