Liu Bei Meets Sun Quan at the Yangtze River

The Jiangdong Army suddenly mobilized. Having received a warning from Lan Ziyu, Gan Ning was well-prepared and immediately ordered his warships to form a battle array.

The Jing Province Navy's formation was orderly, with Doujian Warship and Mengchong Warship vessels interlocked like teeth to guard the massive Louchuan Warship in the center. The Jing Province Navy prioritized practicality in their shipbuilding; this particular Louchuan Warship had been captured from Su Fei, so using it to confront Sun Quan was a stinging slap to his face.

Sun Quan stood atop the deck of the Feiyun, and as the two sides came to a halt just a few paces apart, the tension was palpable. Following Sun Quan's signal, Zhou Tai shouted toward the opposing Louchuan Warship: "Ask Lan Ziyu to come out and speak."

After Zhou Tai shouted a few times, Lan Ziyu strode to the front of the deck, with Gan Ning and Gao Yuan standing to his left and right.

"General Sun, it has been many years, yet you remain as dashing as ever," Lan Ziyu said, cupping his hands in a salute.

Sun Quan nodded slightly in response, answering coldly: "When we met at Chaisang back then, I knew you were no ordinary man. I never imagined that years later, you would be a high-ranking official. Truly impressive."

Ignoring Sun Quan's sarcasm, Lan Ziyu replied in a clear voice: "I actually have little scholarly talent. It is all thanks to the diligence of my officials, the compassion of the common people, and the contrast provided by my opponents. General Sun, do not misunderstand—the opponent I speak of is Cao the Rebel."

Sun Quan's face turned livid upon hearing this. Why emphasize the 'contrast of opponents'? he thought. Who would believe Cao Cao serves as a foil for you? He