Upon hearing that Li Huan wanted to stay at an inn and that Zhou Yu would come to apologize, Xiao Qiao looked a little embarrassed.
Sun Shangxiang said, "Governor Zhou suffered a crushing defeat and should learn from it. We should thank Li Huan for rescuing Sister Xiao Qiao."
Li Huan sneered: "I'm afraid Zhou Yu doesn't think that way; on the contrary, he hates me even more!"
Sun Shangxiang frowned slightly: "If Governor Zhou shows no remorse, I will be extremely disappointed in him!"
Xiao Qiao hurriedly said, "I will return to the Zhou residence immediately and tell Zhou Lang everything. He should understand the greater good."
Li Huan said no more and said to Zhao Zilong, "General Zhao, get in my carriage, let's go to the inn."
Zhao Zilong smiled and said, "Thank you, sir. I am used to riding horses."
After saying that, Zhao Zilong turned around and mounted the "Magnolia White Dragon Steed," following behind the electric tricycle.
Li Huan drove through the streets and arrived at the luxury inn where he had stayed earlier.
He instructed the waiter to prepare a superior room for Zhao Zilong.
Afterwards, Li Huan took out boxed lunches and beer, set out a table, and invited Zhao Zilong to share.
Seeing the table full of dishes, Zhao Zilong was flattered and quickly clasped his hands in greeting.
"What merit or ability do I, Zilong, possess to deserve such hospitality from you, sir?"
Li Huan laughed and said, "General Zhao is too modest. You are loyal, brave, and resourceful. To save the young lord, you single-handedly stormed Cao Cao's camp, charging in and out seven times, killing more than fifty of Cao Cao's generals. You are truly a great hero! Please have a seat!"
Zhao Zilong took his seat and clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying, "I am but a mere warrior, only capable of fighting on the battlefield. I cannot compare to your superb culinary skills, your profound divination abilities, and your uncanny ability to predict the future!"
"Moreover, sir, you do not curry favor with the powerful and wealthy, act freely and unrestrainedly, possess an outstanding personality, and are extraordinary and unconventional. Zilong greatly admires you!"
Zhao Zilong spoke these words sincerely, and they were by no means flattery.
Li Huanqi opened a beer: "General Zhao, don't be shy. Just call me Brother Huan from now on, and I'll call you Brother Long."
In fact, Zhao Zilong was over thirty-five years old, but he was handsome and dashing, making him look very young.
Zhao Zilong quickly filled the beer glass and held it with both hands: "Brother Huan, let me toast you."
After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.
"Brother Long, that's great!" Li Huan also tilted his head back and finished his drink.
Next, Li Huan let Zhao Zilong taste dishes such as "spicy crayfish, braised pork with preserved mustard greens, braised ribbonfish, and sweet and sour pork with pineapple".
Zhao Zilong ate with great relish, praising it highly.
Soon, a bottle of beer was gone.
Zhao Zilong burped and laughed, "This wine tastes different from yellow wine; it's extremely refreshing."
Li Huan opened a few more bottles of beer: "Brother Long, if you like it, drink more."
Zhao Zilong picked up a "spicy crayfish" and said as he peeled it.
"There is something I don't understand, and I hope Brother Huan can enlighten me."
Li Huan swallowed the pineapple in his mouth: "Brother Long, please go ahead."
Zhao Zilong said, "If Zhou Yu goes back on his word in public and refuses to give us five hundred taels of gold, Brother Huan can go to Sun Quan to settle the matter and make Zhou Yu pay for the meal. Why go to Cao Cao's camp and use Cao Cao to deal with Zhou Yu?"
Li Huan laughed and said, "Zhou Yu is arrogant and has a high opinion of himself. I don't like him and I must punish him so that he will realize his mistakes, obediently hand over five hundred taels of gold, and apologize to me."
Zhao Zilong nodded: "I heard from Mr. Kongming that Zhou Yu is quite jealous and ordered Mr. Kongming to make 100,000 crossbow bolts within ten days in an attempt to make things difficult for him and kill him."
Li Huan said, "That's right. Don't be fooled by Zhou Yu's elegant demeanor and refined temperament. He is actually ruthless and cunning!"
Zhao Zilong sighed, "Fortunately, Huan helped Mr. Kongming by using straw boats to trick Cao Cao into giving him 200,000 crossbow bolts, which prevented Zhou Yu from succeeding."
Li Huan asked, "Have the other 100,000 crossbow bolts been sent to Xiakou?"
Zhao Zilong said, "It has already been handed over to General Guan's navy."
Li Huan laughed. No wonder Guan Yu was even more polite to me; it turns out he got the benefit of 100,000 crossbow bolts.
The two continued drinking and talking freely.
...
The next morning.
Zhou Yu did not come to the inn.
In the afternoon, Sun Shangxiang arrived at the inn.
She told Li Huan that Zhou Yu was still in the military camp by the river, and probably had just learned that Xiao Qiao had returned home.
Li Huan asked, "Hey girl, what do you need me for?"
Sun Shangxiang said, "My mother's fiftieth birthday is in three days. I'm buying fifty boxed meals to celebrate her birthday! Please prepare them in advance when I come to the inn today."
Li Huan asked, "These fifty boxed meals were bought with gold by your brother Sun Zhongmou, weren't they?"
Sun Shangxiang nodded and smiled sweetly: "My brother already knows what you have done. Please come to my residence as a guest."
Li Huan said, "On the day of the birthday banquet, I will deliver boxed lunches to the Wu Hou residence, where I will naturally meet your brother."
Sun Shangxiang said, "Latest military intelligence: Liu Bei has captured Jiangling City and repelled Cao Ren!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zilong was overjoyed.
Sun Shangxiang continued, "According to the scouts, Cao Cao has lost his left eye and his injury has worsened. Upon learning of the fall of Jiangling, Cao Cao has lost the will to fight and is about to retreat."
Zhao Zilong said, "Just as Huan-di predicted, Cao Cao indeed withdrew his troops."
Li Huan said with a smile, "With Hua Tuo not by Cao Cao's side, his injuries will inevitably worsen. It is a wise move to retreat as soon as possible."
Sun Shangxiang said, "My brother has sent someone to Xiakou to invite Liu Bei to Wu County to discuss important matters and to celebrate Mother's birthday."
Zhao Zilong laughed and said, "I will see my lord in three days!"
...
Another day has passed.
Zhao Zilong went out to investigate and learned that Zhou Yu had returned to Wu County.
Li Huan stayed in the inn, waiting for Zhou Yu to arrive.
Noon.
Li Huan and Zhao Zilong sat in the room, drinking and eating, discussing the Battle of Changban.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out downstairs.
Li Huan and Zhao Zilong stood up, walked to the window, and peered out.
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