Chapter 123: Betrayal!

Wu County, Xu Mansion.

The members of the clan gathered for a council. A middle-aged man frowned and said, "Family Head, Sun Ce's fate remains unknown, and Chu Feng's troops are now at the gates. It is clear that the Sun family wants to force us to pick a side. One wrong move, and we shall be doomed beyond redemption."

Xu Kun furrowed his brows: "And in your opinion, what should we do?"

"Family Head, the Sun family favors the Jianghuai faction and their own kin. Now that Wu County is in crisis, he remembers our Xu family. Why didn't he speak up when Sun Ce allowed Wu Jing to squeeze you out of your position as Administrator of Danyang? Isn't it just because Wu Jing is Sun Ce's own uncle?" the middle-aged man said in a deep voice.

At the mention of this, Xu Kun’s expression darkened. He had followed Sun Jian and then Sun Ce, always charging into the fray first, and he shared kinship with the Sun family. Yet, Sun Ce had promised him the position of Danyang Administrator only to hand it to Wu Jing later—a betrayal that had always rankled him.

"Family Head, Chu Feng is a descendant of the Yuan clan. He is both brave and cunning; he toyed with Sun Ce and captured Sun Quan. Now that he is at the gates, I suspect all the other clans in the city are itching to make their move."

"Furthermore, Chu Feng sent word earlier, promising to place great trust in you, Family Head, and agreeing to take a daughter of our Xu family as his wife. How can we ignore such sincerity? Since the Sun family has shown no benevolence, do not blame us for lacking loyalty."

"Why not take this opportunity to surrender the city? Once Chu Feng takes Wu Commandery, he will inevitably command the entire region of Jiangdong. As he is new to the area, if our Xu family offers surrender, we will surely be heavily favored. The position of Wu Commandery Administrator will then belong to our Xu family, sparing us from having to fight the other powerful clans in the city for it later," the middle-aged man urged solemnly.

"That may be so, but I am related to the Sun family by marriage. If we rebel, will we not be mocked by the whole world?" Xu Kun hesitated, his brow creased.

"Family Head, the Sun family was the first to act without benevolence; how can you blame the Xu family? Besides, the interests of the clan are paramount, and the Sun family has offended the powers of the East; they are finished."

"Rather than perish with the Sun family, it is better to align with Chu Feng," the middle-aged man suggested.

With these words, the members of the Xu clan all began to voice their agreement; indeed, it was clearly better not to follow the Suns. Especially since Chu Feng had frequently exchanged letters with them.

"Quiet, everyone. Your words are not without merit. However, as a family of our standing, how can we just throw it all away? This matter requires careful deliberation." At this moment, an elder of the clan spoke up. He possessed significant influence. After offering some vague sentiments, he intentionally steered the council toward supporting the Sun family.

"Very well, life and death are fated, and wealth lies in the hands of Heaven. Do not worry yourselves overmuch," the elder concluded, allowing the various branches of the clan to disperse.

Finally, under the elder's guidance, the decision was made to help the Sun family. However, once most had departed and only a few remained, the Xu family held a small, private meeting.

Xu Kun glanced at the few core members present: "With so many people around earlier, there were things that could not be made public. This time, we turn to Chu, not Sun!"

"Family Head, in that case, why not play along? We shall agree to their request and feign a willingness to help the Sun family resist Chu Feng. They will surely place their trust in us then."

"Once that happens, they will have no choice but to rely on us." The middle-aged man laughed heartily; this strategy of deception was quite novel.

"Well said. Our Xu family has old ties with the Sun clan, so stepping forward is only natural. First, we gain the Sun family’s trust, and second, we take the opportunity to seize control of the city’s passes and gates."

"Once Lady Wu sends us out, we shall accomplish our grand goal." Xu Kun mused, having already mapped out the process in his mind. Even if they did not surrender, given the prestige of the Yuan name, the Zhang, Lu, or even the Zhu families would surely do so. Rather than lose out, it was better to seize the opportunity himself.

"Enough, you may all go and prepare. I shall go to answer their summons and see for myself."

***

A long while later, inside a mansion, Lady Wu was meeting with the heads of the various families, though few had arrived.

Lady Wu looked grave as she gazed at Sun Yi, who was waiting at the door: "Yi, have the heads of the great families arrived?"

"Mother, no. They have all been notified, and they all said they would be here shortly," Sun Yi said, his face etched with anxiety.

The garrison of Wu County consisted of only a few thousand men—a pitifully small number. Whether the city could be held depended entirely on the attitudes of the local aristocratic families. If they helped Chu Feng, Wu County would surely fall; if they helped the Sun family, the city would hold.

The fact that these people were stalling was clearly a ploy to drive up their price, leaving her in a passive position. She even had to use her own guards to keep a watch on them.

"Urge them! Keep sending messengers until they arrive!" Lady Wu looked frantic. Regardless of the cost, she had to secure the support of the local clans today. Even if it meant swallowing her pride and begging, she had to stabilize their foundation.

"Yes, I will send more messengers!" Sun Yi nodded. Just as he was about to leave the mansion, he saw Xu Kun arrive, accompanied by the leaders of several smaller families.

Sun Yi was overjoyed and turned to call out, "Mother, my cousin Xu Kun is here."

"Quick, invite him in!" Lady Wu rose, eager to greet him personally.

Although the Xu family was not one of the four great families of Wu Commandery, they were a powerful local clan with significant influence. They had old ties to the Sun family; they were cousins of Sun Ce and his brothers, and he even called her "Aunt." Most importantly, he had followed Sun Jian since the beginning of his rise, making him absolutely reliable.

Entering the mansion, Xu Kun cupped his hands: "My humble self greets you, Lady!"

"Xu Kun, you have finally come. Quick, sit!" Lady Wu cried out with relief. This was hope; with Xu Kun taking the lead, there was hope for Wu County.

"Lady, what is the situation exactly?" Xu Kun asked, feigning ignorance.

"Alas, Chu Feng is treacherous. He likely used the ruse of retreating to advance, deceiving us all, only to launch a surprise counterattack, leaving Wu County in this passive state." Lady Wu sighed, visibly agitated.

"Lady, with Chu Feng’s troops at the gates, I fear the only enemy we face is not merely Chu Feng!" Xu Kun spoke as if he were truly concerned for the Sun family.

"Alas, I have already sent men to invite the heads of all the great families. Whatever they want, I will grant it," Lady Wu said, gritting her teeth. She was truly at her wit's end.

"To be honest with you, Lady, the name of the Yuan clan is known throughout the land. On my way here, I heard that the major families had refused your summons; it is clear they intend to defect."

"At this moment, we must secure the city’s vital thoroughfares and gates, and wait for Bo Fu (Sun Ce) to lead his troops to our rescue," Xu Kun said with grave, calculated advice.

"Our manpower is insufficient, but since you have brought men to help, we can barely alleviate this predicament. Very well, you shall take charge of the East Gate and the various key passes."

"As long as you can hold off Chu Feng, I will certainly speak well of you to Bo Fu," Lady Wu said, offering a promise while expressing a touch of apology to soothe Xu Kun’s feelings.

"Lady, you are too kind. I am Bo Fu’s elder cousin; now that he is in trouble, how could I stand by and watch? I shall take my men to secure the East Gate immediately. As long as I am there, the East Gate shall never fall."

Xu Kun spoke with absolute conviction. His words even made Lady Wu feel a pang of shame, recalling how Sun Ce had indeed shown little regard for Xu Kun in the past.

After a few more words, Xu Kun took his men and departed. Yet, in Xu Kun’s eyes, the time had come for a complete reshuffling of Wu Commandery.