Bai Xiaowen secretly summoned the Cai brothers, Cai Zhong and Cai He.
"Since I entered Jingzhou, I have yet to reward any members of the Cai Clan. You must have quite a few grievances in your hearts, no?"
Cai Zhong and Cai He were greatly alarmed and hurriedly said, "We admire Your majesty's heavenly might. How would we dare harbor resentment?"
Bai Xiaowen smiled. "Enough. You need not be afraid. The reason I did not reward you before was because there is a great merit I want the two of you to claim with your own hands. If you succeed, your future power and status will certainly not be beneath Cai Mao's."
Cai Zhong and Cai He were overjoyed and cautiously asked what this merit was.
Bai Xiaowen said, "I intend to campaign against Jiangdong and lack an inside agent. You two may secretly cross the river and defect to Jiangdong, claiming that you suffered my cold treatment and bear resentment in your hearts. Sun Ce will surely not suspect you. Then secretly relay Jiangdong's military intelligence. Once I pacify Jiangdong, I will grant you great wealth and honor."
Cai Zhong and Cai He initially hesitated, too frightened to agree. But seeing the majesty on Bai Xiaowen's face, they did not dare refuse. They could only steel themselves, kneel, and accept the order.
Bai Xiaowen said, "The two of you had better be careful. Do not harbor ulterior motives and send me false intelligence. If you delay the battle, military law will deal with you."
Cai Zhong and Cai He hurriedly swore to heaven, saying, "Our families and clansmen are all in Jingzhou. How would we dare betray you?"
Bai Xiaowen nodded and offered a few more reassuring words before Cai Zhong and Cai He departed with their orders.
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