coobybook Chapter 229: Spending All the Family Wealth to Help Sun Ce
Chapter 229: Spending All the Family Wealth to Help Sun Ce
At this moment, Sun Ce suddenly remembered something and said, "Before that, I want to go to Shucheng to visit my sworn brother Zhou Yu."
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Cheng Pu frowned and spoke first, "My Lord, the journey to Shucheng is long and full of uncertainties. Furthermore, our situation is difficult, like a lone boat tossed in a storm. Every day of delay increases the danger, and we may even be plunged into a situation from which there is no return."
Sun Ce's gaze was firm, his tone resolute as iron: "Zhou Yu is resourceful and talented, his wisdom and strategy are truly rare in this world. He and I are even closer, as close as brothers. I believe that with his wisdom, he will be able to guide me and provide me with sound advice. Moreover, his insight into the current situation is undoubtedly more profound and unique. It would be a great pity if I did not go and seek his advice. Although this journey is risky, I have made up my mind and must go!"
Everyone was silent for a moment, looked at each other, and felt that what Sun Ce said made sense, so they made a decision to visit Zhou Yu first, and then return to join Ma Chao together.
Sun Ce then summoned Huan Jie. His expression was solemn, his eyes filled with expectation and trust. He said, "Mr. Huan, I've seen your wisdom, courage, and loyalty since you personally went to Xiangyang to retrieve my father's body. Now, the situation is difficult, and I have another request. I hope you will spare no effort. The important task of locating my mother and siblings is now entrusted to you. You must do your utmost, even if you encounter countless difficulties and dangers, to find their whereabouts."
Huan Jie clasped his fists firmly and replied, "Rest assured, my lord. I will definitely fulfill my mission! Even if I have to travel thousands of miles and endure countless hardships, I will definitely find the whereabouts of the madam and the young masters and ladies."
With that, everyone began packing up and preparing to set off for Shucheng. Sun Ce gazed into the distance, his eyes burning with determination, and he vowed to himself: No matter how difficult the road ahead, no matter how many hardships and obstacles there are, I, Sun Ce, will rally my forces, avenge my father, and accomplish something earth-shattering! Even at the greatest cost, I will never retreat.
After packing up, they hurriedly set off for Shucheng. Along the way, Sun Ce and his companions endured the elements, sleeping in the open air and daring not to slack off. Braving the scorching sun and fierce winds, they journeyed day and night, just to reach Shucheng as soon as possible.
Finally, they arrived in Shucheng. Sun Ce arrived at Zhou Yu's residence, filled with excitement and anticipation. The concierge hurried in to announce his arrival, and soon Zhou Yu himself emerged to greet him. Zhou Yu remained as elegant and refined as ever, but his mourning attire was particularly striking, clearly a sign of his mourning.
Sun Ce hurried forward, his expression concerned, and asked, "Gongjin, what happened?" Zhou Yu's eyes welled with tears, and he spoke with a touch of sorrow, "Ever since Brother Sun Ce and I parted ways in Luoyang after escorting Mr. Qiao back, I've returned to Shucheng. My father, consumed by grief and anger over Dong Zhuo's perverse actions, has been seriously ill and hasn't recovered. A while ago, he received the emperor's edict to return to Chang'an, announcing Dong Zhuo's execution. In his excitement, he burst into laughter, but it triggered his old illness, and he passed away." Sun Ce patted Zhou Yu's shoulder gently, offering comfort, and he sighed, "Alas, so much has happened in the past couple of years."
Zhou Yu also spoke curiously, "Brother, I heard the news of the princes' campaign against Dong Zhuo at the beginning of the year before last. Your Sun family, as a local prince, was also very excited when I heard the news. Why did you suddenly come to me now?" Sun Ce also sighed and said with a sad face, "Alas, so much has happened in the past two years. We followed the princes to fight Dong Zhuo together. We clashed with Yuan Shao outside Luoyang City. My father and I were pursued by Yuan Shao and fled all the way. Later, we were ambushed by the traitor Liu Biao, and my father was unfortunately killed in the ambush. Now my base in Changsha has also been captured. I am really desperate and only thought of coming to you."
Zhou Yu was horrified and said quickly, "Don't worry, brother. Let's go into the mansion first and then tell me in detail."
Everyone entered the mansion and took their seats, divided into host and guest. Sun Ce recounted to Zhou Yu, in detail, his experiences along the way and the difficulties he now faced. Zhou Yu listened, his brow furrowed, his eyes wide with anger at times, his head bowed in thought at others.
After Sun Ce finished speaking, Zhou Yu said, "Brother, although the situation is difficult now, it is not hopeless. With your bravery and courage, as long as you plan well, you will surely make a comeback."
Sun Ce sighed and said, "I am now short of troops and have no place to stand. I don't know what to do."
Zhou Yu thought for a moment, then said with a determined look, "Brother, you can rest in my Shucheng for a while. I am willing to do my best to help you recruit soldiers."
Sun Ce shook his head and said firmly, "No, I have decided to go to my sworn brother first and find a place to stay before making any plans."
Zhou Yu nodded slightly, expressing deep understanding, and said, "That's fine. My brother is now renowned for his righteousness and prestige, and he controls the entire Western Liang. I'm sure he will take me in."
The two discussed for a long time, and Sun Ce's sadness was slightly relieved.
At this time, Sun Ce looked at Zhou Yu in mourning clothes and said sincerely, "Gongjin, I hope you will show some understanding for your father's death."
A trace of sadness flashed in Zhou Yu's eyes, but he still managed to muster up the courage to say, "Thank you for your concern, brother. I will definitely turn my grief into strength."
Afterward, Zhou Yu arranged for everyone to rest in the guest rooms and instructed his servants to prepare wine and food to welcome Sun Ce and the others. The servants busied themselves, and soon a sumptuous meal was laid out in the hall. Everyone sat together, each with their own worries, but in this brief moment together, they managed to relax and reminisce about brotherhood.
During the banquet, Zhou Yu pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, "Brother, I've thought it over. I'm willing to spend all my family wealth to recruit soldiers for you. The journey to Xiliang is long and full of uncertainties. Without soldiers, I'm afraid the journey will be unsettled, and the many difficulties and obstacles will be difficult to overcome." Sun Ce was shocked when he heard this and said quickly, "How can you let me sacrifice myself for your humble brother? Gongjin, I appreciate your kindness, but this is absolutely unacceptable." Zhou Yu smiled faintly, his eyes filled with determination. He said, "Brother, my father has passed away. I wanted to observe mourning for him. But now that you are in this predicament, how can I stand by and watch without doing my best? In the past, you and I were as close as brothers. Now is the time for me to stand up for you."
After the banquet, Zhou Yu immediately began selling off his family property with swift action. Without hesitation, he disposed of his land, houses, and other possessions, all in an effort to raise sufficient funds as quickly as possible. Later, in Shu County, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce worked together to recruit talented individuals and soldiers. They posted notices and sought out talented individuals from the public, treating all who came to join them with respect and courtesy.
After staying for a few days, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce went to the tomb of Zhou Yu's father to pay homage.
Zhou Yu knelt before his father's grave, his voice choking with sobs, tears streaming down his face. He said, "Father, I, your unfilial son, Zhou Yu, have come to bid you farewell. Father, you always taught me that loyalty and trust are paramount in life. I, Ma Chao, and Sun Ce have sworn brotherhood, and I will certainly live up to that promise. Today, my brother Sun Ce has fallen upon hard times. To help him, I have spent all my family wealth. I intend to join you in seeking refuge with Ma Chao, avenging your blood feud. Together, the three of us will uphold our country. I hope you will forgive me for not being able to pay my respects at your grave. In the future, on every festival, I will sweep the grave and pay my respects to you, fulfilling my filial duty."
Sun Ce also knelt before the grave, his expression solemn. He spoke in a serious tone, "Uncle, it is because of my affairs that Gongjin must accompany me to the Western Liang region. I swear here to protect my brothers and never let them suffer the slightest harm. We brothers will work together and forge ahead courageously to create a glorious foundation, to appease the spirits of my father and uncle in heaven."
After saying this, the two knelt before the tomb for a long time, tears streaming down their faces, soaking their clothes. After a long while, they slowly stood up and looked at each other, their eyes firmer than ever, as if burning with a raging fire.
Back at the palace, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu assembled their newly recruited troops and prepared to embark on their journey to Xiliang. Before they departed, the people of Shucheng heard of Zhou Yu's departure and came from all directions to see him off. It turned out that Zhou Yu's father, like Zhou Yu, had done many good things for the people of Shucheng, and the people of Shucheng loved them both deeply.
An old man trembled as he stepped forward from the crowd and said, "Mr. Zhou, I heard you were going on a long journey. Take care on your journey! The kindness between you and your father will always be remembered by the people of Shucheng."
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, riding on their horses, gazed upon the simple folks before them, deeply moved. Together, they bowed in gratitude. Sun Ce then took a deep breath, gave the order, and the troops slowly set off. Along the way, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu discussed their future plans. They knew the journey to Xiliang was uncertain, filled with unforeseen challenges and hardships. But as brothers united, they firmly believed that with their shared friendship and ambition, they would forge new paths.
Looking back at Shucheng in the distance, Sun Ce was filled with emotion. He sighed deeply and said, "Gongjin, I wonder what my sworn brother will think of our current predicament."
Zhou Yu consoled him, "Don't worry, Bofu. With your generosity and generosity, you'll definitely accept us. Furthermore, as brothers, we are united in purpose and can certainly accomplish something, showing him our resolve and ability."