Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3884 What He Wanted to Do
In Xiangyang, at the side hall of the government office.

While Fei Qian received news of the great victory in Jingxiang, some storms were brewing in Jingxiang once again.

Cao's army retreated in a great hurry, only managing to burn down the main hall of the Xiangyang government office. They had no time to do anything else before fleeing in haste.

Currently, Liao Hua and others can only hold meetings in the side hall, which is not yet completely destroyed.

It was early winter afternoon, and sunlight streamed through the exquisitely carved wooden window frames, casting long, slightly hazy patches of light on the blue brick floor.

Dust particles floated in the air, slowly rotating within the beam of light.

Outside the window, one can occasionally hear the faint sounds of the streets gradually coming back to life...

The intermittent cries of vendors, the rumble of cartwheels rolling over stone slabs, and the playful shouts of children who had recovered fastest from the war...

Although it is not as prosperous as it was in its heyday, it has been given a new vitality as it strives to survive.

The common people are truly like grass growing in the cracks of rocks; with just a little sunshine and rain, they will tenaciously grow upwards!
However, the atmosphere inside the side hall of the government office was somewhat different from the vibrant activity in the distant marketplace; it seemed rather frozen and stiff.

The furnishings in the side hall were simple and practical, without many ornate items, and were clearly temporary.

Several black lacquered tables, a few mats, a bamboo and wooden cabinet for storing documents standing in the corner, and a rough map of Jingzhou and the surrounding area hanging on the wall were used for meetings.

Guan Yu, dressed in his signature green brocade battle robe, stood tall and straight like a lone pine tree on a cliff, sitting motionless on one side of the hall. His phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, and a burning light shone through his long, narrow slits as he stared at Liao Hua and Zhuge Liang, who were seated at the head of the table.

Since Guan Yu led his troops to Xiangyang under the pretext of "assisting in defense," he initially kept Liu Bei's instructions in mind, maintaining a superficial harmony with Liao Hua and others, participating in discussions about the city's defense arrangements, and debating military intelligence from the north and south. The military officers and soldiers he brought were also properly settled in designated camps within the city, with no shortage of food and provisions.

However, as time went on, an invisible sense of alienation made this valiant general, who was used to taking charge and commanding the world, feel increasingly uncomfortable and frustrated.

From generals like Liao Hua to ordinary officers, everyone in the General of the Cavalry treated him with utmost courtesy and respect, leaving no room for criticism.

However, when it came to core military affairs, such as the specific deployment of the various troops within the city, the deployment and rotation of scouts outside the city, the detailed rules for the distribution of provisions and equipment, and even the defense arrangements for certain key areas within the city, Guan Yu could always sense a just-right 'avoidance,' or a sense of 'there are already established plans, no need for General Guan to worry about it'...

This was to be expected, but the proud Guan Yu always felt uncomfortable.

When Guan Yu made certain suggestions, the other party would always listen politely, then delay or politely refuse with reasons such as "I need to inform my superior," "I need to discuss it with General Liao," or "This is the cavalry's system, and I dare not change it without permission." Although the troops he brought were not restricted in their movements, their activities seemed to be implicitly limited to the camp and a few nearby streets. If they wanted to go out of the city for large-scale training or missions, the procedures would be extremely complicated.

This feeling of superficial respect but underlying distance, apparent cooperation but actually wariness, made the proud and arrogant Guan Yu feel extremely uncomfortable.

He felt like a ferocious tiger or leopard that had been invited into an exquisitely and sturdily constructed cage. Although he was provided with meat every day and no one dared to approach or offend him, he had completely lost the freedom and power he once had to roam the mountains and forests and look down on other beasts.

The recent reports from the front lines in the Heluo region, delivered through military channels, ignited a burning passion within him.

He was unwilling to become a bystander, standing outside the massive war machine!

I can't do anything, I can only watch!

Of course, perhaps out of a sense of responsibility for the greater cause of "restoring the Han Dynasty," or perhaps to secure more space, influence, and initiative for his own and his brother Liu Bei's future, Guan Yu also felt he had to take the initiative to do something...

So, in the council hall today, Guan Yu spoke directly, "Cao Mengde has suffered repeated defeats, losing troops and territory, retreating to the Heluo region. Now he is trapped in a corner, caught between a rock and a hard place. His heartland is surely empty and unstable, with people filled with anxiety and harboring their own ambitions. This is precisely a golden opportunity, a time to use unconventional tactics to achieve victory!"

Liao Hua was about to respond, but seeing Zhuge Liang subtly move his hand under the table, he understood immediately and feigned a thoughtful expression...

Zhuge Liang coughed lightly, smiled slightly, and said, "General Guan's ambition is lofty, and he is always concerned about the war situation. I deeply admire him... I wonder what specific insights General Guan has regarding 'using unconventional tactics'?"

Zhuge Liang looked focused, as if he were truly seeking advice humbly.

Guan Yu, his expression solemn, stood up, his imposing figure even more striking. He flicked his sleeves, revealing his thick arms, and pointed diagonally in the air, "Our army can march from Xiangyang, spread out numerous banners, advance north along the Yellow River, recapture Xinye, create the appearance of threatening Nanyang and Wancheng, advance towards Yique and Taigu, and coordinate with the Heluo battlefield to draw Cao Cao's attention..."

Guan Yu changed his finger gesture to a palm strike, swiftly slashing down towards the northeast, as if unleashing a lightning-fast attack. "In reality, this would lead elite troops out of the northeastern fork in the road from Xinye, lower their flags and drums in silence, and advance stealthily along the river valley, marching day and night, straight to Xuchang!"

Guan Yu's voice also became resounding: "Xu County is the place where Cao Cao has usurped power! If we can launch a swift and decisive attack to capture the city, it will surely shake the entire country! Cao Cao's power will be severely damaged! His foundation will be shaken! Furthermore, it will encourage the people of Shandong, who are already hesitant, to rise up and abandon their allegiance to the light! The power and benefits of such an attack are far greater than simply defending Xiangyang!"

Having said that, Guan Yu's eyes blazed like flames as he surveyed Zhuge Liang and Liao Hua.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang gently shook his head, his voice remaining steady, "General Guan's insightful observations and ingenious strategies truly demonstrate the wisdom and tactics of a great general, which I deeply admire. However…"

Zhuge Liang then changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious, "In my humble opinion, at this time and place, launching a distant attack on Xuchang is probably not the best course of action."

"Oh?" Guan Yu's phoenix eyes suddenly narrowed, his eyebrows rose, and a clear displeasure flashed across his face, but he suppressed it and asked in a deep voice, "I would like to hear Military Advisor Zhuge's insightful opinions."

Guan Yu emphasized the words "profound opinion" slightly, clearly indicating that he did not agree with them.

Zhuge Liang, unhurriedly, said, "Firstly, the situation in Jingzhou, though nominally settled, is only partially secure. While major cities like Xiangyang and Jiangling have fallen, remnants of defeated soldiers and bandits still remain in the surrounding wilderness. Therefore, the most urgent task is not a rash expedition, but rather close cooperation with General Xu of Jiangling to thoroughly consolidate Jingzhou, open up north-south routes, focus on pacifying the local population, eliminating remaining bandits, surveying land, registering households, and restoring the livelihoods of the people."

Zhuge Liang paused briefly, noticing Guan Yu's increasingly somber expression, yet still attentive, and continued, "Secondly, although Cao Cao's army has suffered repeated defeats, even a centipede with a hundred legs will not fall down. They have cultivated their power base in Yan and Yu provinces for many years, their influence is deep. Although Cao Cao's generals have been wounded or defeated, their prestige remains. If our army ventures deep into enemy territory alone, they will surely fight to the death to protect their base! Military strategy dictates, 'Do not block a retreating army, leave an opening when besieging an army, and do not pursue a desperate enemy.' This is not merely about benevolence and righteousness, but also about preventing a cornered beast from fighting. This is a concern regarding the enemy's situation, and it is something we must guard against."

Thirdly, if a portion of our army rashly mobilizes troops and opens up a new battlefield on its own, and suffers setbacks or even losses, it will not only fail to help the overall situation but may also become a burden, leading to unforeseen circumstances. This is a matter of overall importance and must be taken very seriously.

As Guan Yu listened to Zhuge Liang's analysis of his reasons for opposing the plan, his face gradually darkened, and he became very displeased.

Of course, Guan Yu believed that there was some truth to what Zhuge Liang said...

But it's only "some"!

More likely, these are conservative excuses and prevarications, the core intention of which is to prevent Guan Yu from breaking free of control and making this world-shaking achievement on his own!
Or rather, they didn't want the Jingzhou troops to be used by Guan Yu!
Suppressing his surging displeasure, Guan Yu took a deep breath and spoke again, his voice louder and more resolute than before, "How could I not know what Military Advisor Zhuge is worried about? However, warfare is based on deception and speed! This opportunity is once in a lifetime, and it will be fleeting! Xuchang is not merely a city or a fortified position; it is a vital stronghold of Cao Cao! If we can capture it with a swift and decisive blow, the people of the land will all know that the so-called Chancellor of Han is nothing but a desperate bandit! The rest of Shandong will surely surrender without a trace! This deterrent effect far surpasses the conquest of ten ordinary cities!"

"As for provisions and supplies..." Guan Yu waved his hand confidently, "I have a well-thought-out plan! We will select guides familiar with the roads, and lead elite light cavalry as the vanguard, carrying half a month's worth of provisions. We will avoid the enemy's strong points and attack their weak points, striking and retreating swiftly, never engaging the enemy's main force, nor coveting any cities along the way! We will move like the wind, striking when they are forced to defend, disrupting their heart and soul, and this battle will be won! How can we hesitate because of a few risks and let such a golden opportunity slip by?!"

Guan Yu paused, his gaze sweeping over Liao Hua and Zhuge Liang, a hint of arrogance creeping into his voice. "I need no large army," he said, "just two thousand elite soldiers, half a month's worth of provisions, and their warhorses, bows, crossbows, and armor—that's enough to accomplish this great feat! Within half a month, Xuchang will surely be captured! Even if Cao Cao is alarmed and furious, I will have already retreated far away to Xiangyang. What can he do to me then? Moreover, if this battle succeeds, it will not only be a victory for me and my men, but also a powerful boost to the overall grand plan of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, accelerating the downfall of the Cao family! Isn't that a win-win situation?"

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, seemingly agreeing with Guan Yu's words, but his words conveyed a different sentiment: "General Guan, it's not that I'm unwilling to assist you in achieving this great undertaking. It's simply that Jingzhou, especially the area around Xiangyang, is currently rife with complex and chaotic affairs, and our manpower is severely stretched thin, making it difficult to fully support the expedition..." Zhuge Liang's expression was sincere, and he gestured with his hand, "General Liao needs to remain in the central command, overseeing the defense of Xiangyang; he cannot leave your side for even a moment..."

"General Gan's old wounds have not yet healed and he still needs to recuperate. Moreover, Fancheng faces the north bank directly and is a vital transportation hub, so it cannot be separated from him..."

"As for myself, I am even more bogged down in trivial matters, such as the sorting out of household registrations and land records, the resettlement and repatriation of displaced people... There are countless things to do, and I am working day and night, yet I still feel that there is not enough time."

"However, Cai Degui and Kuai Yidu might be able to serve as assistants..."

At this point, Zhuge Liang turned his gaze to Cai Mao and Kuai Yue, who had been silently pretending to be clay statues on the side.

Cai Mao raised an eyebrow and hurriedly cupped his hands, saying, "General Guan, I am willing but unable! The Cai clan's foundation has been severely damaged by Cao Cao's army. Our people are scattered, our fields are overgrown, and we urgently need time to recover and rebuild our fortunes... I am not afraid of General Guan's ridicule, but thinking of the Cai clan, all widowed, orphaned, and destitute, without a roof over their heads or food to sustain them, I am heartbroken and utterly incapable of advising on military matters... It would be better to have Kuai Yidu assist General Guan..."

Kuai Yue quickly cupped his hands and said, "My many manors and fortified villages around Xiangyang were also damaged in the war, resulting in significant losses of manpower and resources. Many elderly and young people have been lost in the mountains and forests, and I have not been able to contact them yet... I'm afraid... alas! I don't know where my family elders are. If I were to abandon them, wouldn't I be an unfilial person? I hope you can grant me some time. After I find my family elders and settle my children, I will certainly do my utmost without hesitation!"

Are they all really that busy?
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu's inward sneer intensified.

Leaving aside Liao Hua and Zhuge Liang, what about Cai Mao and Kuai Yue?
He never expected these opportunistic and two-faced local bullies from Jingzhou to provide him with any substantial help, and in fact, he held them in considerable contempt...

It's better if you don't come!

Guan Yu, his pride surging, straightened his back and spoke in a booming voice, "I have not expected any assistance from others in this campaign! I have brought my own men, all battle-hardened elites, unparalleled in loyalty and bravery! All I need are two thousand auxiliary troops, and the standard allocation of sufficient armor, bows, arrows, and provisions! As for strategists, advisors, and lieutenants? Since I followed my brother in raising an army, I have traversed the land, slaying generals and capturing flags; have I ever relied on anyone else? I dare to venture into the lion's den alone! To Xuchang, I alone will suffice!"

Zhuge Liang looked even more troubled. "General Guan is a divine warrior, invincible against ten thousand men; who in the world doesn't know this? However… this is, after all, a lone army deep behind enemy lines, separated by mountains and rivers, with the enemy's situation unpredictable. The matter is extremely serious. Without reliable support and a secure rear, I… I truly cannot rest easy… This is not because I don't believe in your abilities, General, but simply because it is my duty, and I must be cautious…"

Guan Yu finally lost his patience. His phoenix eyes flashed with a sharp light. He stood up, striding into the hall with imposing presence, and resolutely shouted: "Military Advisor Zhuge! Why waste words and excuses! A true man acts decisively! I am willing to sign a military pledge to demonstrate my resolve! If this expedition fails to capture Xuchang, or results in the loss of troops and generals, thus failing in my duty, I am willing to accept military punishment! Whether killed or tortured, I will have no complaints! In that case, may I be allowed to lead the troops and receive provisions and weapons?"

That’s what I’ve been waiting for!

Zhuge Liang was reassured, but on his face he appeared to be "shocked" by Guan Yu's resolute attitude of burning his boats.

Zhuge Liang stared at Guan Yu in astonishment, his lips moving as if he wanted to persuade him again, but he seemed overwhelmed by Guan Yu's righteous spirit and fearless determination. He hesitated for a good dozen breaths before finally making a great decision, sighing deeply, "Enough! Enough! General Guan's loyalty and courage are as bright as the sun and moon! If I were to stop him again, I would not only appear cowardly, but I would also be letting down your sincere heart! In that case... bring me pen and ink!"

As Zhuge Liang instructed his attendants and guards to quickly bring pen and ink, he stood up and solemnly bowed to Guan Yu. "Please, General, personally write this military order as proof! I will do my utmost to procure the necessary provisions and equipment, and allocate warhorses and soldiers to your command! However, I also earnestly hope that you, General, will exercise utmost caution, making decisions based on the utmost priority on preserving the lives of your soldiers, achieving a swift victory, and returning in triumph as soon as possible! I... await your good news!"

Seeing that Zhuge Liang had finally agreed, Guan Yu, though still harboring some doubts, was now completely ignited with ambition and filled with heroic spirit. He couldn't afford to savor the strange feeling of that moment and immediately and readily agreed, his voice resounding through the roof tiles, "Rest assured, Military Advisor Zhuge! A true man's word is as good as his bond!"

A servant presented pen and ink.

Guan Yu lifted the sleeve of his right robe with his left hand, took a brush in his right hand, dipped it in thick ink, and wrote the military order in a flurry of strokes.

His handwriting was vigorous and powerful, revealing its sharp edge, just like his mood at that moment...

Before long, a military order with resolute wording was completed.

Guan Yu threw down his pen, took the cinnabar ink from the clerk, and without hesitation dipped his thumb in it, pressing it down heavily to leave a bright red fingerprint.

Having done all this, Guan Yu declared with boundless pride, "The military order is here! You may all verify it!"

The general's order was presented to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang carefully examined the contents and seal, and after confirming that everything was correct, he carefully rolled it up and handed it to Liao Hua beside him for safekeeping.

Guan Yu squinted, stroked his white beard, and then, without lingering any longer, gave a slight bow to Zhuge Liang and Liao Hua before striding away from the side hall with a powerful and imposing air. He was clearly in a hurry to return and reorganize his troops in preparation for the expedition.

Zhuge Liang didn't take it seriously. He then gave Cai Mao and Kuai Yue some instructions and sent them off to do their work.

After everyone had left, Liao Hua, who had been standing silently like a statue, frowned. "Kongming... what is this...?"

"Yuanjian," Zhuge Liang spoke slowly, his aura calm, "Guan Yu is no ordinary man! His pride is innate and difficult to control... If he stays in Xiangyang for too long, trouble will inevitably arise, which will only damage harmony... or even provoke resentment in him, causing him to act on his own, making the situation even more uncontrollable... It would be better to do this... to clearly define responsibilities through a military order..."

Zhuge Liang paused, his tone turning cold, "Firstly, since he has volunteered to sign a written pledge, complete with official seals, he is taking full responsibility for the success or failure of this operation... If successful, his merit will be evident, and it could shake the foundation of the Cao family; at the very least, it could draw away the remnants of the Cao family's army, which would be advantageous to our lord in the Battle of Heluo..."

"If we are defeated, and our soldiers suffer setbacks, there are ironclad military laws to govern. At that time, both favor and punishment will be determined by our lord. This will also weaken Liu Bei, which may be beneficial for our lord to completely control Jingbei and solidify his foundation in the future..."

Liao Hua suddenly realized, and whispered, "So... Kongming doesn't think highly of Guan Yu..."

"It's a fifty-fifty situation," Zhuge Liang sighed. "The lands of Yan and Yu are crucial to the Cao family, and have been cultivated by powerful Shandong clans for centuries. How could it be so easy? Even Jingzhou... without the Cai and Kuai clans..."

Zhuge Liang shook his head slightly, no longer continuing the topic. His expression turned serious as he said to Liao Hua, "Yuanjian, our immediate priority is to seize the opportunity presented by Guan Yu leading his troops north to draw Cao Cao's army away, and firmly secure Xiangyang, Fancheng, and indeed the entire Jingzhou region! As for Cai Degui and Kuai Yidu, on the one hand, we must appease them, offering them the convenience and promises to restore their families' fortunes; on the other hand, we must strengthen our surveillance, paying close attention to their movements to prevent any further rebellion… Also, we must maintain close contact with General Gongming to jointly eliminate the remaining enemy forces within Jingzhou and quickly open and consolidate the north-south passage."

"Only by forging Jingzhou's foundation to be as solid as a rock can we, with our presence here, calmly deal with whatever comes, regardless of whether General Guan returns victorious or... encounters setbacks, ensuring that the overall situation in Jingzhou remains firmly in our lord's hands, unmoved by any unforeseen circumstances! Only in this way can we fulfill our lord's trust!"

Zhuge Liang paused for a moment, then continued, "Furthermore, we must pacify Jingbei as soon as possible... so that I can then withdraw north and report the situation in Jingzhou to my lord..."

"Huh?" Liao Hua frowned. "Wuguandao?"

Taking the detour via Wuguan Road, regardless of its ease of travel, would likely take a very long time.

Zhuge Liang shook his head and laughed, "No... If I'm not mistaken, Yique Pass is probably already in our hands..."

"Yique Pass? Or... or is it still a bit risky?" Liao Hua frowned.

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "Therefore... I still want to thank General Guan..."

Liao Hua was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.

(End of this chapter)