Chapter 107: Guan Yu Is a Spy

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Liu Biao had originally paid little attention to this matter, but when Cai Mao mentioned it, a small spark of curiosity was ignited within him. After returning to his residence with Cai Mao, he immediately inquired about the affair.

In fact, both Liu Biao and Cao Cao held considerable interest in such matters, especially when it concerned Liu Bei’s wife—a woman not particularly old, yet quite experienced. Despite Liu Biao’s apparent favoritism toward Cai Mao’s sister, Lady Cai, he could only manage to spend a night or two with her every few days. The rest of his time was spent with younger sisters or concubines from other households.

From Liu Biao’s years of experience, other men’s wives were far more enticing. One moment, they would politely urge, “Please, my lord, show restraint,” but shortly after, the same words would shift to, “My lord, please take the initiative.” The difference of just one character, yet in reality, it was a world of difference.

“Could it be that something unspeakable occurred between Guan Yu and Liu Bei’s two wives while he was escorting them?” Liu Biao mused teasingly after some thought.

When Cai Mao first brought up the issue, Liu Biao assumed it was a simple scandal of a romantic nature—such things were common in these chaotic times. Everyone wanted to witness the spectacle, yet no one wished for it to happen to themselves.

“I haven’t delved deeply into it, but this matter has raised a concern I must share with you, my lord,” Cai Mao said with a grave expression. It was almost as if it was not Liu Bei’s wives who had spent the night elsewhere, but Cai Mao’s own sister. Liu Biao was taken aback; after all, Cai Mao had acted with Liu Biao’s interests in mind, especially for his sister’s sake. Cai Mao had played a significant role in the development of Jingzhou over the years, so his words deserved some weight.

“Even if Guan Yu had such a liaison with Liu Bei’s wives, what concern is it of ours? Let them cause a stir in Xinye all they want,” Liu Biao responded, showing little concern over the small city he had granted to Liu Bei.

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“Then, my lord, who do you believe is the greatest threat to Jingzhou at present?” Cai Mao straightened his expression and lowered his voice to ask.

This was a serious question, and Liu Biao found it difficult not to answer thoughtfully.

“Before the battle between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, Yuan Shao was still our ally. I did not send troops to strike at Cao Cao’s rear during their conflict. Now that Cao Cao has won, Yuan Shao’s former glory is difficult to restore. We have made the right move. Among the heroes of this land, I believe few dare to regard me, Liu Biao, as their enemy.”

This was the conviction Liu Biao had long held. As long as he offended no one and his power was sufficiently strong, others would not dare provoke him.

So far, this approach had served him well. His rule over Jingzhou was stable, with many troops and generals, and no one troubled him. Instead, people came to seek refuge, like Guo and Liu Bei.

But Cai Mao remained vigilant, often voicing his concerns on such matters.

“Perhaps before, they dared not act, but now the situation around us has changed, especially in Jiangdong. The Emperor has moved from Xuchang to Jiangdong. The one who now controls the Emperor to command the lords is Sun Ce, a man of war. Over these years, he has nearly wiped out the forces entrenched in Jiangdong. With the Emperor in hand, I believe Sun Ce’s boldness has only grown. I have heard that the unclear incident between Guan Yu and Lady Mi occurred in the imperial palace in Wu Commandery. Later, His Majesty conducted an investigation in the Emperor’s name and cleared Guan Yu of wrongdoing. Afterward, Lady Mi remained in Wu Commandery. My lord, have you not noticed the strangeness of this situation?”

Cai Mao spoke rapidly, ignoring his dry throat and thirst, fixing his gaze intently on Liu Biao, awaiting his approval.

“Strangeness? You think this involves Sun Ce?” Liu Biao, an old statesman of the Han, had already caught the implication beneath Cai Mao’s words.

“The Emperor, whether in Xuchang or Wu Commandery, is nothing but a puppet. Even if the common folk do not see it, my lord surely understands. So, the events in the Emperor’s palace, the Emperor exonerating Guan Yu—all of this is orchestrated by Sun Ce, isn’t it?” Cai Mao pressed.

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Liu Biao nodded slightly, sensing no fault in Cai Mao’s reasoning. In Jiangdong, in Wu Commandery, the one who truly held power was indeed Sun Ce.

“And what does Sun Ce gain from this?” Liu Biao asked.

“Is it not to scheme against our foundation in the nine commanderies of Jing and Xiang?” Cai Mao stated confidently, leaving Liu Biao somewhat puzzled—how had this escalated to a plot against Jingzhou’s very foundation?

“Consider this, my lord: the Liu Bei’s wife who stayed behind in Wu Commandery is Lady Mi. Her two elder brothers are close confidants of Liu Bei. If their sister were stranded in Wu Commandery, regardless of any impropriety with Guan Yu, she would surely be brought back. Yet Guan Yu has not taken her back this time. Doesn’t this grant Jiangdong an opportunity?”

At this moment, the playful expression on Liu Biao’s face vanished. He was compelled to ponder the matter seriously.

“Then Guan Yu came prepared?” Liu Biao inquired.

“If he were not prepared, how could he have learned of Liu Bei’s arrival in Xiangyang so swiftly? Guan Yu once personally slew Yan Liang on the battlefield under Cao Cao’s command. Would Sun Ce not desire Guan Yu’s service? Remember, it was the Emperor himself in Xuchang who bestowed upon Guan Yu the title of General of the Left. The investigation clearing him of Lady Mi’s affair was also personally conducted by the Emperor. This is far too suspicious. I believe Guan Yu is most likely a spy for Sun Ce. Once they return to Xinye, the city will become the core of Jiangdong’s infiltration into Jingzhou. If we do not act, it will soon be too late!”

Cai Mao presented a grim picture, one that made Liu Biao—who had spent ten years building his domain—deeply concerned.

Indeed, based on Cai Mao’s findings, Guan Yu’s close ties in Wu Commandery with Liu Xie (the Emperor) were suspicious. Though Sun Ce was not directly involved, Liu Xie’s puppet status meant proximity to him was closeness to Sun Ce himself.