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The night was thick, with stars and the moon barely visible. Tai Shici rode swiftly, his mind focused solely on one thought: to rescue Beihai. The sound of horse hooves was particularly clear in the stillness outside the plains, and the city guards, seeing a figure approaching in a cloud of dust, immediately drew their bows in readiness. Tai Shici shouted, "I am the one sent by Governor Kong Rong of Beihai to seek help! Inform Liu Xuande at once!"
A moment later, Tai Shici was led into the city and made his way directly to Liu Bei's residence. At that time, Liu Bei was discussing military matters under the lamp with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Upon seeing a visitor arrive late at night, Liu Bei stood to greet him. As Tai Shici entered, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply, saying, "Tai Shici pays his respects to Mr. Xuan De."
Liu Bei returned the gesture, his gaze appraising the dignified envoy before him. "You have traveled a long way and come at such an hour; may I ask what urgent matter brings you here?"
Tai Shici straightened up, his tone urgent. "Governor Kong Rong is besieged by Guan Hai of the Yellow Turban Remnants and is isolated without support. He has sent me to break through and seek your assistance, Mr. Xuan De." With that, he produced a letter and presented it with both hands.
Liu Bei took the letter, unfolded it, and began to read. His brow furrowed as his expression grew serious. He closed the letter and looked up to ask, "Ziyi, may I inquire who you are?"
Tai Shici replied with cupped fists, "I am Tai Shici from Huang County in Donghai. Though I am neither blood-related nor a fellow townsman of Kong Taishou, I have always respected his benevolence and have formed a bond with him through shared hardships. Now that Guan Hai is causing chaos and Beihai is under siege, perilously close to disaster with no one else to turn to, I have come at great personal risk on behalf of Mr. Xuan De, who is known for his compassion and ability to help those in distress."
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei placed his hands behind his back and spoke solemnly: "Kong Beihai knows of my existence in this world and has entrusted the safety of Beihai's people to me; how can I stand by idly?"
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei responded in unison, "Elder Brother, since Beihai has called for aid, we must mobilize our troops immediately! How can we let them down?"
Liu Bei nodded slightly and turned to Tai Shici with admiration in his eyes. "Ziyi's willingness to break through for a friend and risk his life is truly commendable! Kong Beihai is fortunate to have your assistance."
Tai Shici bowed again with cupped fists. "Kong Beihai is a man of great virtue; the innocent people of Beihai are suffering unjustly. I am willing to follow Mr. Xuan De into battle!"
Liu Bei then turned decisively to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. "Yun Chung, Yi De, quickly assemble three thousand elite troops; we will set off for Beihai at once!"
On a hilltop, Guan Hai gazed into the distance where dust was rising; he could see Liu Bei's banners fluttering as they approached. He snorted coldly and turned to his officers behind him, shouting, "They are just a few scattered soldiers; they are not to be feared! Come with me to confront them and capture Liu Bei!"
He personally led thousands of troops toward Liu Bei's army with great momentum. From afar on horseback, Guan Hai saw Liu Bei standing alongside Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Tai Shici at the front lines. He laughed heartily: "Liu Bei! You dare come here with just a few thousand men to seek death?"
Liu Bei did not respond but merely nodded at Tai Shici beside him. Just as Tai Shici was about to charge forward on horseback, Guan Yu spoke in a deep voice: "Ziyi should step back; this villain's life should be taken by me."
With a flick of his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Guan Yu urged his horse forward directly toward Guan Hai. Seeing this challenge, Guan Hai refused to back down and swung his Dadao in response. The clash of metal rang out loudly as their horses collided; soldiers on both sides shouted encouragements. Amidst the flashing blades and clashing weapons, Guan Hai fought fiercely with all his strength but gradually began to feel overwhelmed.
Guan Yu remained calm and composed, his blade becoming increasingly fierce. After thirty exchanges, he suddenly let out a low shout, swinging the Qinglong Yanyue Dao from above. The blade gleamed with a cold light as it cleaved through Guan Hai's helmet, cutting down to his throat. Guan Hai's eyes widened in shock as he fell from his horse, lifeless.
The Bandit Army was thrown into disarray upon witnessing their commander’s demise. Tai Shici and Zhang Fei could no longer hold back; they charged forward on horseback, each wielding a spear like tigers descending from the mountains. Tai Shici’s spear struck like a venomous snake, toppling one Bandit Troop after another with each thrust. Zhang Fei let out a thunderous roar as his Eighteen-Feet Serpent Spear swept through the ranks, sending Bandit Troops flying. The two fought as if in an uninhabited realm, breaking through enemy lines with unstoppable force.
Seeing the opportunity ripe for action, Liu Bei shouted loudly, "All-Out Attack! Follow me to break their formation!"
The army of Liu Bei roared in unison, pressing towards the Thief Formation. At this moment, Kong Rong atop the city walls felt his blood boil with excitement. Observing Tai Shici, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei wreaking havoc among the enemy ranks brought him great joy; he immediately ordered the city guards to open the gates and charge out. The troops from Beihai surged forth from the city to join Liu Bei’s forces in a pincer attack.
Without their leader, the Bandit Army lost morale and began to collapse. Countless surrendered, while the remaining scattered in all directions, finally resolving Beihai's crisis.
Inside Kong Rong's city, as lanterns were lit for the evening, Kong Rong personally welcomed Liu Bei and his party into his residence. The two exchanged respectful bows before taking their seats together. A banquet had already been prepared within, with the aroma of wine filling the air. With a beaming smile, Kong Rong raised his cup to Liu Bei in gratitude: "If it were not for Mr. Xuan De's righteous assistance today, how could Beihai have escaped this dire situation? The people of Beihai are immensely grateful."
Liu Bei returned the toast with a slight smile: " Lord Wenju is too kind; I merely did my small part and dare not accept such great honor."
During the feast, Kong Rong signaled for a guest to be brought forth. Liu Bei looked up to see a person of steady demeanor but with an anxious expression. Kong Rong pointed at him and introduced: "This is Mi Zhu, Assistant Officer of Xuzhou, who has come to appeal to Mr. Xuan De."
Mi Zhu stepped forward and clasped his fists in greeting: "Mr. Xuan De, I am Mi Zhu. I have come today seeking your help. Xuzhou is now in grave danger; Cao Cao is leading troops on a rampage, causing suffering among the common people. My lord Tao Gongzu is benevolent and kind but has unjustly borne this calamity. I hope Mr. Xuan De will show mercy and send troops to rescue us from this peril!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei furrowed his brow and replied solemnly: "Tao Gongzu is indeed a man of virtue; I have heard much about him. Learning of this unjust plight troubles me greatly. However, my forces are few and my generals scarce; if I were to act rashly without sufficient strength, it could lead to failure and further harm to the people."
Kong Rong set down his wine cup, his tone revealing some dissatisfaction: "Mr. Xuan De is of the Han Dynasty’s royal lineage; why do you hesitate? Cao Cao harms the people and bullies the weak—shouldn't we send troops for such a righteous cause?"
Liu Bei looked at Kong Rong and replied gravely: " Lord Wenju speaks rightly; however, my military strength is indeed limited. It is not that I am unwilling to help but rather that I lack the capability to do so effectively. If we were to suffer defeat, would that not worsen matters?"
Kong Rong stared at Liu Bei with a hint of sarcasm: "Today’s desire to save Tao Gongzu stems not only from past ties but also from the greater good of the world. If Mr. Xuan De refuses to assist, surely many will be disappointed."
Liu Bei fell silent for a moment before taking a deep breath and speaking firmly: "If that is the case, how could I dare refuse? Lord Wenju may proceed first; allow me to borrow three to five thousand troops from Gongsun Zan before heading to Xuzhou to join you."
Kong Rong's expression softened slightly but still held some skepticism: "Is Mr. Xuan De serious? If borrowing troops fails, will we abandon this plan?"
Liu Bei smiled and stood up, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, his gaze sincere. "Lord Wenju, is there really a need to elaborate on what kind of person Liu Bei is? As the Sage said, 'Since ancient times, all must face death; without trust, a man cannot stand.' Whether I borrow horses or not, I will certainly come to Xuzhou and stand together with you."
Kong Rong gazed at Liu Bei for a moment, then smiled slightly and raised his cup in salute. "Mr. Xuan De, since you have expressed yourself so clearly, I can rest easy and await your arrival. May we join forces to defeat Cao and rid the world of its troubles!"
After Kong Rong made the decision, he immediately instructed Mi Zhu. "Mi Zhu, please return to Xuzhou first and inform Tao Gong about the reinforcements from Beihai to reassure the troops."
Mi Zhu clasped his fists in gratitude. "Your kindness will be remembered by everyone in Xuzhou!" With that, he hurriedly departed.
The next day, Kong Rong was at home packing his belongings in preparation for departure when Tai Shici came to bid farewell. Clad in armor, he bore an expression tinged with reluctance. He cupped his hands toward Kong Rong and said, "Governor, I have come at my mother's behest to assist in Beihai. Now that the siege has been lifted and the people are safe, I cannot stay long. The Inspector of Yangzhou, Liu Yao, is a fellow townsman of my mother; he has recently sent word asking for my help, and I cannot refuse him. I hope the Governor will forgive me; if there is another opportunity in the future, I will gladly offer my service!"
Kong Rong listened with a look of regret but nodded in understanding. "Ziyi, you are loyal to your mother's wishes and faithful to your friends; how could I not understand? Although you cannot stay today, the people of Beihai will surely remember your noble deeds." He then ordered someone to bring several boxes of gold and silk and handed them to Tai Shici with both hands. "This is a small token of my appreciation; I hope Ziyi will accept it."
However, Tai Shici firmly declined with resolute words. "Governor's generosity overwhelms me; I am already deeply grateful. My actions were meant to repay your kindness toward my mother. If I were to accept such a lavish gift now, it would go against my original intent." Seeing that Tai Shici would not accept it, Kong Rong did not press further and could only watch him leave.
Tai Shici rode home alone as night fell. Upon arriving home, he dismounted and pushed open the door to find his mother sitting calmly under the candlelight. Upon seeing her son return, she immediately rose to greet him with a joyful expression. "My son has been able to repay Governor Kong Rong by alleviating the people's suffering; this brings me great comfort!"
Tai Shici knelt on one knee and replied solemnly, "I have not forgotten my mother's command; thankfully, I have fulfilled my mission. The siege has been lifted and the people are safe; you need not worry!"
His mother smiled gently and helped him up, her tone warm yet carrying a hint of admonition. "The matter of repaying kindness is settled; however, you now have a new duty ahead of you that requires your utmost effort."
Tai Shici nodded in agreement. "The Inspector Liu Yao has invited me through his letter; I shall set off immediately and do my best." The next morning, he bid farewell to his mother, donned his armor, mounted his horse, and set off toward Yangzhou, his figure gradually disappearing into the dawn light.
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