Chapter Sixty-Five: Liu Biao—Something Is Not Quite Right with My Lady

Inside the side chamber, traces were scattered everywhere.
On the desk, the bed, the door frame—evidence of their explorations lay in abundance, flourishing in every corner.
Chu Feng pressed his lips together.
Ah, in these days, it truly ruins the waist!
Fortunately, both of them tacitly pretended ignorance; Chu Feng received his reward and enjoyed a taste of novelty, feeling quite satisfied. After all, it was his first time in such a situation.
At that moment, Lady Cai fastened her belt again.
Her exquisitely beautiful face turned cold once more, adopting the demeanor of someone who, having taken everything, refused to acknowledge anything. She said, “What happened today shall be forgotten by both of us. Otherwise, it will not end well for either.”
“And next time…” Chu Feng teased.
“You…” Lady Cai’s heart trembled, her silver teeth nearly grinding to pieces. By temperament she wanted to refuse, yet as the words reached her lips, she strangely hesitated to say them.
Why was she like this? It shouldn’t be!
Chu Feng’s smile deepened; it was clear Lady Cai had tasted the pleasure and now craved more. Once a cat has savored fish, how can it resist the scent again?
“We’ll discuss next time,” Lady Cai replied in a chilly tone.
She turned her back, feeling the heat rising in her cheeks. She had changed, and it was mortifying.
“General, don’t forget the promised snowflake salt!”
“Certainly. And you, madam, don’t forget the warships you promised. When the time comes, the Cai family will surely become the most powerful house in Jingzhou—bar none!”
Chu Feng laughed softly.
No losses this time; only profits!
With Lady Cai whispering in his ear, he could spare himself many troubles. Lady Cai was not only able to sway Liu Biao but also represented her family’s interests.
With the Cai family leading the way, everything would be twice as effective!
Lady Cai nodded, signaling her understanding.
“I’ll be staying in Jingzhou for another day or two. If you wish, you may seek me out anytime,” Chu Feng’s eyes twinkled, probing her boundaries.
“Get out!” Lady Cai scolded, embarrassed and angry.
Chu Feng pouted; this woman was still too wild, fierce as ever—not nearly as gentle and virtuous as his own Da Qiao, he thought, grumbling to himself as he slipped away.
—
The next morning.
Liu Biao woke slowly, his head still throbbing. Seeing Lady Cai in the distance, he called out, “Madam, where is my esteemed nephew? Did I drink too much last night?”
Lady Cai was speechless; he was still thinking about Chu Feng? Last night, Chu Feng had…
“Husband, you overindulged last night. General Chu helped you back to your chambers and then departed.”
“Ah,” Liu Biao sighed. “Oh right, what about the fine wine my nephew gave me last night?”
“I’ve had the servants put it away safely.”

Liu Biao finally relaxed. The wine was aromatic and rich, with a slight spicy kick but wonderfully smooth. As for that jade bottle, it was a rare treasure—no ordinary craftsman could have carved it so exquisitely.
“Husband, I believe General Chu means to foster genuine exchange. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gifted you such a precious item. Jingzhou lacks armor; perhaps…”
Lady Cai spoke while pouring tea.
“Ah, but I worry he’ll swallow Sun Ce. If he seizes Yangzhou, he’ll inevitably threaten Jingzhou. That’s no different from raising a tiger!
“Besides, Jingzhou may have many warships, but they’re not mine alone to command.”
Liu Biao spoke with concern.
“Husband, you worry too much. Jiangxia is upstream of Yangzhou, and Chu Feng has no navy. Even if he trains them to be elite, it will take years—he wouldn’t dare sail upstream against the current!”
Lady Cai reassured him.
Liu Biao glanced at her skeptically, probing, “Madam, are you suggesting we sell ships to Chu Feng? But not long ago, you were…”
“Husband, times have changed.”
“Changed?” Liu Biao looked surprised.
“I mean, the terms Chu Feng now offers are irresistible. If this batch of cloth armor enters Jingzhou, our strength will increase greatly. Besides, there’s Sun Ce’s ambition to consider, isn’t there?”
Lady Cai spoke somewhat nervously.
“That’s true, and he gave me two bottles of fine wine as well. If I refused now, it would seem inappropriate. But what about the other families…”
Liu Biao hesitated.
“Husband, with the Cai family leading the exchange for mutual benefit, they won’t object. But as for the snowflake salt business in the future…” Lady Cai hinted.
Liu Biao understood but did not address it directly. He smiled, “Chu Feng wants a thousand warships. How many do you think we should provide?”
“Eight hundred will suffice!” Lady Cai suggested.
Liu Biao nodded, then eyed her strangely. She was unusually quick and decisive today, as if she had already planned everything out.
By rights, the Cai family should have been most opposed to this.
Seeing Lady Cai’s cheeks slightly flushed, Liu Biao mused that she must be in a good mood today—likely related to these events, for he could think of no other reason.
—
At noon, in the General’s residence.
Chu Feng returned once more. Upon entering, he found all the families of Jingzhou gathered, laughter filling the hall. Chu Feng smiled; it seemed the deal was done.
“Cloud-clear nephew, you’re finally here!”
“The matter of warships has been settled with the families. We can sell you eight hundred vessels, large and small. But all exchanges will be valued at Jingzhou market rates!”
“Of course, the ships as well!”
Liu Biao spoke cheerfully.
Chu Feng raised an eyebrow; it was expected. After all, the price of grain differed greatly between war-torn and prosperous regions.

“That’s fine—these are minor details!”
“Here’s the inventory and the total value of corresponding supplies, including all materials I require and their total worth. Please look it over; if there are no issues, we can sign the alliance pact!”
Liu Biao raised his hand, smiling.
Chu Feng took the inventory. The prices were generally fair—at least there was no cheating. However, Liu Biao’s request for two thousand sets of cloth armor was quite steep.
“Most of it is acceptable, but the price for two thousand sets of cloth armor is far too low. In these turbulent times, armor and warhorses are hard to come by, and the price is unreasonably cheap.”
“How about this: add two hundred thousand bushels of millet, and if you agree, we can sign right now!” Chu Feng demanded resolutely.
Liu Biao frowned slightly; two hundred thousand was substantial, but Jingzhou was rich in grain, so it was manageable. “Agreed. How soon can you deliver these supplies?”
“Before next spring, delivered in batches.”
“Nephew, you know merchants deal cash for goods. Therefore, I’ll let you take some ships back first; as each batch of supplies arrives, you’ll take that many ships home.”
Liu Biao squinted; he dared not let Chu Feng walk away empty-handed.
“You jest, my lord. These warships are meant to campaign against Jiangdong. The river is rough—how could I transport supplies so? Or should I send them through Runan, crossing into Cao Cao’s territory?”
Chu Feng challenged.
“Hmm…” Liu Biao hesitated.
“Let’s do this: I’ll take half the ships listed. When I’ve defeated Sun Ce and secured the river, then all supplies can be shipped over. How about that?”
Chu Feng spoke reasonably.
But Liu Biao was uneasy.
“My lord, the Yuan family has served as ministers for four generations—what’s there to fear? Or do you think I’d dare default on my word?” Chu Feng declared firmly.
Liu Biao pondered briefly and finally decided, “Very well. General Cai, take my dispatch and head to the naval camp to transfer the ships to our esteemed nephew Chu Feng.”
“Yes, sir!” Cai Mao nodded.
“My lord, war is urgent. I’ll return to prepare my belongings and come back later to bid farewell!” Chu Feng bowed.
With that, he left with Cai Mao.
Looking at Cai Mao, Chu Feng said with a smile:
“General Cai, thank you. Please thank your sister for me, and remind her sometimes not to be too tense—she needs to relax a little!”
Cai Mao: “!!??”
Watching Chu Feng’s departing figure, Cai Mao was puzzled. What did he mean by not too tense?
And to relax a little?
PS: The next chapter will be a bit later!