Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3934 A man who does not plan for the future will have trouble in the present (Bonus Chapter)
The fact that Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang left and then returned clearly indicates that they did not want too many people to know certain things.

The two men paid their respects to Fei Qian again, both with solemn expressions on their faces.

Fei Qian was reviewing troop deployment documents by candlelight when the two returned. He wasn't surprised, put down the military register, and looked up to ask, "Liang Dao, Kongming, is there anything else? Is there any oversight in our discussion?"

Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang exchanged a glance, both slightly hesitant. Finally, Jia Qu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said in a low voice, "Our lord's arrangements just now were extremely thorough. However… after we withdrew and pondered further, there remains a crucial point, one that is of great importance, and we are uneasy about it. We must report this again and request your guidance, lord."

"Oh? What is so important?" Fei Qian leaned forward slightly, pretending to listen attentively, but in reality, he had already guessed what was going on.

Zhuge Liang glanced at Fei Qian, his eyes gleaming, and said, "This matter concerns the Emperor."

Zhuge Liang's tone was very calm.

The phrase "Son of Heaven" is used in a downward tone, suggesting that the speaker is describing an object.

In a sense, it is indeed a kind of object.

Fei Qian nodded, signaling the two to continue.

Seeing that Fei Qian's expression remained unchanged, Jia Qu continued, "Tomorrow's attack will be a thunderous and fierce battle, a clash of blood and fire. Arrows and stones will fly across the walls, cannons will roar, and the situation will change in an instant. There's no guarantee of success. What if... what if Cao Cao, in his desperation, decides to take a risky tactic and deliberately takes the Emperor to a conspicuous spot on the city wall to use as a human shield... or what if the Emperor, in his panic and fleeing, accidentally climbs onto the city wall... or even... stray arrows, flying stones, cannon fire, etc., unintentionally injure the Emperor..."

Jia Qu carefully observed Fei Qian's expression, as if trying to discern Fei Qian's innermost thoughts.

Zhuge Liang was also looking at Fei Qian.

This is indeed a problem...

Whether Emperor Liu Xie acted voluntarily or was forced into it, he is now in Sishui Pass.

Couldn't Liu Xie ask for leave?

Ok……

Well...

In any case, China has a long tradition of linking the words "voluntary" and "leave of absence".

However, whether or not one can request leave when it is voluntary is another matter entirely.

It's like Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang were ostensibly asking what to do if the emperor was accidentally injured, but in reality they were asking something else entirely.

Should we make Emperor Liu Xie volunteer...?

Or rather, ask for leave...

You know everything.

After listening, Fei Qian remained silent for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

After a moment, Fei Qian looked at the two men and spoke in a steady voice, "Your concerns are indeed reasonable. However, I believe that Cao Mengde is unlikely to resort to such a drastic measure."

Fei Qian slowly said, "Cao Mengde... Heh, Cao Mengde once wielded a five-colored staff, his ambition being to bring peace to the region. Now, though he has risen to the position of Chancellor, he faces a perilous situation, using the Emperor as a shield to avoid his own demise. This is not Mengde's true intention. If he were to actually do this, then the Cao and Xiahou families would be utterly wiped out."

The claim that Cao Cao "aspired to a peaceful and prosperous era" is just that—a claim. Most people initially set their sights on something positive. Even if they wanted to take advantage of the city's wealth, they'd only be determined to take a bite, not intend to eliminate everything from the start by burning them alive.

It was only later, as things gradually evolved and the conflict of interests reached its extreme, that irreconcilable violent conflict ensued.

The point of Fei Qian's statement was clearly not to emphasize Cao Cao's ambitions, but rather the last few words...

Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang pondered this for a moment.

Fei Qian paused for a moment, then continued, “If the emperor himself were to ascend the city walls, he might be struck by a stray arrow… This would indeed be a perilous situation. However, in battle, weapons have no eyes, and there are no fixed rules to follow. When I previously discussed the concept of a figurehead emperor and a prime minister with Cao Cao, I clearly stated that the emperor should be the emperor, and the prime minister should be the people's son… This is the meaning… The transformation of the world cannot be accomplished by the emperor alone, nor can the reform of the empire be achieved by the emperor alone. The responsibility for the rise and fall of the world, and the well-being of the people, should be shifted from the mandate of heaven of one family to the shared responsibility of the virtuous and capable throughout the world. The world… belongs to all people; without the people, what is the nation? Therefore, it is not about ruling the world, but about the world ruling.”

Upon hearing this, Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang exchanged a glance and remained silent.

Fei Qian's strategy was to undermine Liu Xie's position as a political figure, fundamentally reducing Liu Xie's irreplaceable status.

Times have changed.

The emperor is still the same emperor, but he is no longer the same emperor as before.

Everything is in constant flux. Applying a fixed mindset to a changing situation will obviously only lead to an incorrect conclusion.

Previously, when the emperor was at Sishui Pass, Fei Qian chose not to attack but to detour because Ji Province and Jing Province were still under Cao Cao's control. In the relatively poor communication environment of the Han Dynasty, many powerful clans could not always have a god's-eye view like keyboard warriors. Therefore, if the emperor Liu Xie was harmed, Cao Cao's second alliance at Suanzao might very well have been formed!

It's important to understand why Dong Zhuo provoked the Suanzao Alliance and his subsequent massacre at Yangcheng; these events were somewhat related...

However, the situation has now changed dramatically.

With the successive falls of Ji and Jing provinces, Cao Cao's flanks were now vulnerable, and Sishui Pass was practically an isolated island.

Under these new changes, the emperor's role has been greatly reduced. Even if Fei Qian "accidentally" hurts the emperor now, the powerful clans and gentry in Shandong and the Central Plains no longer have the space or time to form any alliances like the Suanzao Alliance.

Fei Qian looked at Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

The first alliance at Suanzao during the Han Dynasty was not fundamentally about protecting the so-called "Son of Heaven," but rather about the instinctive division of territory, the carving up of interests, and the distribution of population and land among the ignorant people of Shandong and the Central Plains by various local lords.

So, regardless of whether Cao Cao harbored any ambition to gain fame or prestige, the fact that he was so eager to pursue and kill Dong Zhuo at that time suggests that he was the only one who actually did so…

Many things are judged by actions, not intentions...

Fei Qian's willingness to hold a special meeting with Cao Cao before the war was actually a way of giving Cao Cao a heads-up.

The Prime Minister's residence in Ye City remains untouched.

With Cao Cao's intelligence, he naturally understood what it meant...

However, risk is still risk.

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and solemnly said, "My lord's vision is truly remarkable, I understand... However, in tomorrow's battle, if... something unexpected happens, how should we respond? I humbly request your guidance, my lord."

Such a matter cannot be simply summarized by the word "voluntary".

Of course, if Fei Qian insists on using the "voluntary" method, it's not impossible, but it will inevitably hurt the feelings of the "volunteers" and leave some hidden dangers.

Although "volunteers" may not say anything in certain situations, and may even openly state that they are truly "voluntary," is there really no resentment accumulating?

Once resentment accumulates, it is not so easy to eliminate; even one or two generations may not be able to completely forget it.

Just like the Japanese pirates during the Ming Dynasty, although the government officially advocated friendly trade, when war actually broke out and killing Japanese pirates could earn merit, the pent-up resentment would be unleashed, and no one would care whether it was their mentor or a cute anime character...

Therefore, it's best to avoid using "voluntary" whenever possible.

Zhuge Liang raised this question cryptically, and Fei Qian did not disappoint him.

Fei Qian's gaze deepened, and he said in a solemn voice, "This matter should be prepared for... If the Emperor does indeed suffer a tragic fate, whether he dies in Cao Cao's army, perishes among the chaos of battle, or falls into the hands of our army... then we should select a close relative of the imperial clan from among the Liu family's fiefdoms in the various prefectures and counties to welcome him into the capital to inherit the throne."

These words, spoken calmly, sent a jolt through Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang.

This undoubtedly means that Fei Qian clearly stated that, if necessary, he could "change the emperor".

Fei Qian glanced at Zhuge Liang, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Speaking of which, isn't Liu Bei, who claims to be a descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan, also a member of the Han imperial family? In terms of bloodline and prestige, he is indeed an option..." "Absolutely not!" Zhuge Liang blurted out almost without thinking, his expression serious. "My lord, you are wise! Liu Bei, Liu Xuande, possesses the bearing of a hero, ambitious and far from being content to be subservient. Although he has traveled from north to south, holding a guest position, he has spread benevolence and made friends with heroes far beyond his station; his ambition is considerable. If he were to ascend to the throne, with legitimacy, he would certainly not be content with a figurehead position. He would undoubtedly try every means to seize power, accumulating strength for his own ends. At that time, external threats would be quelled, but internal strife would erupt, which would not be a blessing for the nation! This proposal is absolutely unacceptable!"

Zhuge Liang's judgment on Liu Bei's character and ambition was spot on.

Fei Qian laughed heartily, waved his hand, and said, "I was just joking. What Kongming said is quite true. Who, whether ruler or minister, is without ambition? The differences lie in the scale and the desires. When choosing a new ruler, the most important thing is to ensure he fulfills his duties. Only in this way can we ensure the smooth implementation of new policies and a stable transition of power."

Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang both fell silent and offered no objection.

Fei Qian looked at Jia Qu and said, "Liang Daoke can keep an eye on things secretly... No need to make a fuss, just keep it in mind in case of emergency."

Jia Qu respectfully bowed and said, "Your subordinate understands. I will soon review the list and compile one or two alternatives."

"Excellent," Fei Qian concluded. "Then let's proceed accordingly. In tomorrow's battle, we will go all out, without being held back by the Emperor... On the battlefield, victory, defeat, life, and death are all up to fate... If anything unexpected happens... then we will activate this contingency plan."

Jia Qu and Zhuge Liang replied in unison, "We humbly obey our lord's command!"

In just a few words, the three of them finalized a plan for a major event that would affect the entire world.

All that remains is to wait for dawn and welcome that decisive moment.

……

……

Just as the Flying Cavalry was preparing to attack Sishui Pass, Liu Bei was also preparing to make his move.

Although Jiangling City has gradually recovered some vitality from the devastation caused by Cao Cao's army, the air is still filled with the desolation of the post-war period and the subtle tension between various forces.

At his temporary residence, Liu Bei repeatedly read the victory reports sent by Guan Yu from the front lines.

"Yide, look," Liu Bei handed the report to Zhang Fei, who was sitting beside him, "Yun Chang, with only eight hundred cavalry, managed to force Xun Yu, who was stationed in Xuchang, to be overwhelmed and shaken several times. Cao Cao was forced to send troops to reinforce him..."

"Second Brother is mighty!" Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly as he read the report, a hint of envy in his voice. "If I, Old Zhang, were to go too, wouldn't we be able to take Xu County and behead that Xun family dog?!"

Liu Bei chuckled, not wanting to discourage Zhang Fei, and changed the subject, saying, "It seems that Cao Mengde's forces are exhausted and stretched thin! Even the heartland of Yingchuan is so weak! This Shandong Plain, though seemingly vast, has actually been drained of its strength and crippled by General Huo Qubing's previous battles!"

Zhang Fei, oblivious to Liu Bei's change in attitude, was still basking in Guan Yu's glory at capturing enemy generals and cities. "Brother is right!" he exclaimed.

Liu Bei glanced at Zhang Fei, knowing that Zhang Fei hadn't understood his meaning, but he wasn't angry. Instead, he silently pondered.

After a moment, Zhang Fei realized that Liu Bei seemed to have other ideas, so he put down the letter in his hand and asked Liu Bei.

Liu Bei nodded, a look of worry and pity crossing his face. He sighed, gazing at the dark night sky outside the window, his voice low and somber: "The decline of Cao Cao's forces is a good thing. However… the Emperor is trapped in the besieged city of Sishui, his fate uncertain at any moment. As a member of the Han imperial family, to be unable to rescue my sovereign from this peril, and instead to stand by and watch the fire burn, I… my heart is truly uneasy."

Liu Da'er's remarks were partly sincere and partly a habitual political gesture.

However, Liu Bei obviously didn't try to hide anything from Zhang Fei and quickly talked about his current situation.

Liu Bei was well aware that with Cao Cao's defeat and impending doom, Fei Qian's trend of unifying the north and even the Central Plains was irreversible!

And what about Liu Bei himself?

Liu Bei is currently residing in Jiangling, nominally assisting the General of the Cavalry in pacifying Jingzhou. However, in reality, the defense of Jiangling, the allocation of provisions, and even the connection with Xiangyang are still in the hands of the General of the Cavalry, Xu Huang.

Xu Huang was polite to him, but not trusting him enough.

Liu Bei knew perfectly well the root cause of this defensiveness...

The fact that he had a complicated and ambiguous love-hate relationship with Sun Quan when he traveled from Jiaozhi to Jiangdong had already determined his current outcome.

But who can be blamed for this?

When Liu Bei set off for Jiangdong, who knew that Cao Mengde would be so weak?
Now, things have turned out differently. With Fei Qian's power at its peak, Liu Bei's experience has gone from a temporary "expedient measure" to a political stain that could jeopardize his future!

This is a very serious hidden danger!

If this is not handled properly in advance, once Fei Qian has completely defeated Cao Cao and taken control of Shandong and the Central Plains, he will turn back to settle old scores...

Then the interactions between Liu Bei and Sun Quan during this period would become evidence of their crimes!
Whether Liu Bei truly intervened in Jiangdong or merely engaged in some minor skirmishes, it's all uncertain at that point!
Therefore, Liu Bei had to plan ahead and proactively sever ties with Jiangdong, even...

I'm offering my pledge of allegiance.

Just like ex-lovers who often blame their exes when discussing their past relationship, Liu Bei was prepared to do the same.

Whose head can prove that Liu Bei was clean?

Liu Bei decided to take the initiative to meet Xu Huang.

Xu Huang was somewhat surprised to see Liu Bei visit so late at night, but he still politely welcomed Liu Bei into the study and made sure he sat down.

"Your Excellency's arrival so late at night must be of great importance. Please speak freely," Xu Huang said bluntly, his gaze calm yet scrutinizing.

Liu Bei didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "General Gongming, I have recently pondered the situation and have gained some small insights... The traitor Cao is about to be defeated, and the General of Chariots and Cavalry will soon be able to pacify the world. This is a great fortune for the world. However, in the corner of Jiangnan, the Sun family still holds sway and may not be willing to submit. When the General launches an attack on the southeast in the future, I fear it will still require some twists and turns."

Xu Huang, without showing any emotion, asked, "What insightful opinion does Your Excellency have?"

Liu Bei leaned forward slightly, indicating his sincerity, and said, "I am unworthy, but when I was wandering around Jiangdong, I had many dealings with the powerful families of Jiangdong, such as the Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang. I know very well that although they outwardly respect the Sun family, they each have their own agendas and prioritize their own family interests. Their relationship with the Sun family is deeply entrenched, with old grudges and new conflicts. Sun Zhongmou (Liu Bei) initially relied on Zhou Yu and other former subordinates from the Huai and Si regions to suppress the powerful families of Jiangdong, but now… Zhou Yu is dead… Jiangdong is now rife with undercurrents…"

Liu Bei glanced at Xu Huang and continued, "I am willing to send a trusted confidant to secretly contact the powerful families of Jiangdong, promising to protect their clans in the future, and to entice Sun Quan to personally lead his main force north!"

"Oh?" Xu Huang's eyes flashed with a sharp light. "Sun Quan is a suspicious man; why would he easily abandon the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and personally go to the north bank?"

"The general's concerns are very valid."

Liu Bei had clearly been considering this for a long time. "Sun Quan is suspicious, so we must first dispel his suspicions! I have a plan… We can feign a break with General Gongming over the issue of Jiangling's control, even to the point of armed conflict! Using this as a pretext, we can spread rumors in Jiangdong that I have already taken control of most of Jiangling, that the general has retreated to Xiangyang, and that Jingbei will soon lead troops to seize Jiangling…"

Seeing that Xu Huang did not directly reject the idea, Liu Bei continued, "Jiangling controls a crucial point on the Yangtze River, making it vital to Jiangdong. Jiangdong may not know the details of the previous battle in Jingzhou… the specifics must be unclear… I will send my eloquent and trusted confidant to falsely claim that Jiangling is in turmoil, and without Jiangdong's reinforcements, it will surely fall back into Jingbei's hands. How could Sun Quan remain unmoved in such a situation?"

Isn't Liu Bei afraid that Sun Quan will find out about this blatant distortion of the truth?
I'm really not afraid.

At the time, Liu Bei was using tricks at the gates of Jiangling, and with the help of Xu Huang, he killed some of the military officers that Sun Quan had sent to monitor him. At the same time, he also did some post-war reorganization...

As for ordinary Jiangdong soldiers, they benefited from the local military system of Jiangdong and the factors related to the source of their soldiers...

Would those mountain and southern barbarians who "voluntarily" came to Jiangdong to serve as soldiers give Sun Quan a warning, or would those Jiangdong bigwigs' spies mixed in with the army give Sun Quan advice?

So what if the big man with only a confession is exposed?

Why not just rephrase it?
Liu Bei analyzed, "If we send a new army, it may be difficult to handle the chaos in Jingzhou, and the generals lack prestige; if we recall veteran generals like Huang Gai from Jianghuai to reinforce, Jianghuai will be vulnerable, and the troops will be exhausted from a long expedition... Sun Quan is greedy by nature and desperately wants Jiangling. He will most likely personally lead his elite troops westward to quell the chaos in Jingzhou and seize Jiangling! Even if he doesn't personally lead the campaign, he will certainly send a trusted general with a large army..."

"If he comes in person, we can seize the opportunity to attack! If he sends someone, we can still severely damage his army!" A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "Furthermore, we can take advantage of the weakness within Jiangdong to incite the powerful clans there, either to create trouble, to raise an army and declare independence, or to cut off Sun Quan's army's supply lines, leaving him unable to attend to both ends! At that time, Sun Quan will be caught in a dilemma, and Jiangdong will inevitably descend into turmoil! By the time the General of Chariots and Cavalry has pacified the Central Plains and shifts his troops south, Jiangdong will already be severely weakened, riddled with internal strife, making it far easier to quell than it is today!"

Liu Bei revealed a simple and honest smile.

As the saying goes, all the sweet words and romantic gestures from your ex are no match for a good price in the present!

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