Choose Liu Bei at the start, I am the only one who knows the plot of the Three Kingdoms.

The messenger continued to report.

"My lord, you are wise to know that the main force of the Shatuo has indeed been annihilated."

However, the force that came to intercept their lord this time was not his ordinary remnant. According to reliable intelligence, this cavalry was the most elite force among the remaining Shatuo tribes, the last royal guard! Their equipment, horses, and personnel were all handpicked, and they retained some of the Shatuo's tactical traditions from its heyday, making their combat power far superior to that of ordinary tribal cavalry.

"Royal Guards?"

Gu Rubing paused, his eyes sharpening.

Why are they here? What is their purpose?

"Reporting to our lord, based on the analysis of a lone Shatuo scout we captured and other intelligence, their actions this time were highly provocative and demonstrative."

Their aim seems to be to demonstrate that the Shatuo people have not perished and still possess formidable military power by ambushing you, my lord, the de facto ruler of the Han Dynasty, thereby restoring their prestige and intimidating the surrounding tribes. However…”

The messenger paused.

"Judging from the course of the battle, they seem to be flexing their muscles, and have not shown any intention to kill you personally, my lord. It is more like... a warning or a declaration."

Gu Rubing slowly sat back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the intelligence summary, his gaze deep. After the messenger left, he fell into a long period of contemplation.

The royal guards of the Shatuo Kingdom...provoking a show of force...to regain their prestige...

These words swirled in his mind, gradually sketching a vague outline.

He absolutely refused to believe that a remnant tribe from the far west, which should have been barely surviving, would appear on his only route back to Linjiang City for no apparent reason and by chance, and carry out a seemingly "accidental" demonstrative ambush.

What a coincidence!
"Their appearance was by no means accidental!"

Gu Rubing suddenly raised his head, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"There must be someone guiding this, or rather, someone is using these Shatuo people! Using someone else to do their dirty work, testing the waters!"

His mind immediately raced, and he began to investigate any forces that had the motive and the capability to do so.

Sun Jian?

This opportunist has always wanted to expand his influence in the Western Regions and grasslands, and it is not impossible that he colluded with the remnants of the Shatuo tribe to cause him trouble.

Liu Zhang?

Although he was confined to Jiaozhou, it is not impossible that he did not have the ambition to seize the Central Plains. It is plausible that he secretly funded the Shatuo people to restrain him.

Cao Cao? This villain is the most ambitious and ruthless. He is currently locked in a stalemate with me in Yizhou, and he could very well use external forces to distract me or even create a border crisis!
One name after another flashed through his mind, and they were all listed as suspects.

However, he made no connection between this incident and Shi Xie, who had just been severely injured by him and was now like a stray dog.

In his mind, Shi Xie was now in dire straits, living in constant fear, and had only survived thanks to the protection of Penglai. How could he possibly have the strength or the courage to collude with the Shatuo people in the Western Regions to take revenge on him?

He ruled out that possibility outright.

"Regardless of whether it's Sun Jian, Liu Zhang, or Cao Cao behind this, the appearance of the Shatuo cavalry is a dangerous signal!"

Gu Rubing stood up, a resolute look on his face.

"If the Western Regions are unstable, Liangzhou will be in danger; if Liangzhou is in chaos, Yizhou will be attacked from both sides! We must return to Linjiang City as soon as possible to discuss countermeasures with Zijing and Kongming!"

He realized that a new variable had been introduced into the game of power. The struggle with Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Zhang was already complex enough, but now the Shatuo tribe, controlled by an unknown force, had emerged, making the situation even more unpredictable and dangerous.

"Send the order!"

Gu Rubing gave the order in a deep voice.

"Order the Colonel of the Crossbowmen to send more men to closely monitor the remnants of the Shatuo tribe, especially the movements of their royal guards. If there is any unusual activity, no matter how small, the intelligence must be transmitted to Linjiang City and Xudu immediately!"

"promise!"

"Furthermore, the army's rest is over! Tomorrow at dawn, we will break camp and set off, traveling light and simply, to return to Linjiang City as quickly as possible! Yide and Mengqi, you will accompany me, and you must remain vigilant throughout the journey!"

"Order!"

Zhang Fei and Ma Chao responded in unison, as they also sensed the urgency of the situation.

The next day, just as dawn broke, Gu Rubing, without further delay, led his core team like an arrow released from a bow, leaving the city where they had only briefly stayed and heading rapidly towards Linjiang City.

The sound of galloping hooves kicked up a cloud of dust, carrying with it Gu Rubing's vigilance against the new threat and his determination to deal with it.

The reason Gu Rubing was in such a hurry to return to Linjiang City, even disregarding the potential risks along the way, was because he already had an extremely serious and highly probable guess in his mind—

The mastermind behind those elite Shatuo cavalry was most likely Cao Cao!

On horseback, his mind raced as he analyzed the current state of the world.

At present, several powerful warlords stand side by side in the world. Sun Jian is in a precarious position outside his territory, wavering between two sides. Liu Zhang is trapped in Jiaozhou and has limited strength. Shi Xie has just been defeated and is like a stray dog, not worth mentioning.

Only Cao Cao, who occupied the heart of the Central Plains, had well-trained troops and ample supplies, and had a wealth of strategists and fierce generals under his command, was the closest to his own strength and also the most threatening opponent!

"It is absolutely impossible for those remaining Shatuo tribes to regain their footing in the chaotic situation, or even restore their former glory, on their own."

They needed to find a powerful patron, an ally who could provide them with resources, protection, and help them restrain other powers.

Gu Rubing's gaze was cold as he stared at the receding road ahead, lost in thought.

"And the only candidates for this ally, besides myself, are Cao Cao! I have fought him in numerous battles, and our enmity runs deep. They are unlikely to come looking for me."

Therefore, the only choice is Cao Cao!

If this conjecture is true, what does it mean? It means that Cao Cao's influence may have extended into the Western Regions, and that he is building a broader strategic encirclement!

If the Shatuo cavalry were sent by Cao Cao to provoke, test, or even divert his attention, then Cao Cao would inevitably take bigger actions in his home province of Yizhou!
Linjiang City, the most important fortress on the front line of Yizhou, is likely to face unprecedented pressure!
Thinking of this, Gu Rubing became even more anxious and repeatedly urged the team to speed up.

Traveling day and night, weary from the journey, Gu Rubing and his group finally arrived safely in Linjiang City. Seeing the familiar and majestic city walls in the distance, Gu Rubing felt a sense of relief.

At the city gate, Lu Su, Deng Ai, and other civil and military officials who had been left behind had already been waiting there after receiving the news.

"Welcome back in triumph, my lord!"

When everyone saw Gu Rubing return safely, they all stepped forward to pay their respects, their faces filled with joy.

Gu Rubing exchanged a few simple pleasantries with everyone, then glanced at the city wall and saw that the defenses were tight and the order was well maintained, which put him at ease.

He patted Lu Su on the shoulder and said in a deep voice.

"Zijing, thank you for your hard work. Let's go back to the government office and tell me in detail what happened after I left."

"My lord, you must be tired from your journey, please!"

Lu Su quickly stepped aside to lead the way.

The group quickly returned to the core government office of Linjiang City. Gu Rubing dismissed all irrelevant people, leaving only core members such as Lu Su and Deng Ai.

Lu Su was the first to give his report.

"My lord, since you went to Youzhou to quell Shi Xie's rebellion, everything inside and outside Linjiang City has been peaceful and nothing major has happened."

As you instructed, I have increased our grain reserves, and the granaries are now full, enough to support the army for six months. Regarding the city walls, I have reinforced several weak points and added arrow towers and artillery positions. However…”

He changed the subject, his expression becoming slightly serious.

"According to reports from spies, Cao Cao has been making frequent moves in Yizhou recently. He has not only been recruiting soldiers on a large scale to expand his army, but he has also been stockpiling large quantities of grain and weapons in several important cities such as Chengdu and Zitong. The mobilization of his generals has also been quite frequent. Judging from this, he is probably planning something big."

After hearing this, Gu Rubing did not show any surprise on his face, but his eyes became even more profound.

Cao Cao's actions coincided with his previous speculation.

He nodded, indicating that he understood, and gestured for Lu Su to continue.

Lu Su continued.

"In addition, there is another matter. King Sun Jian of Wu has sent an envoy who has been waiting for you in the city for many days, saying that he has important matters to discuss. According to the envoy, it seems to be about forming an alliance again to jointly deal with the threat from Penglai."

"Oh? Sun Jian's envoy?"

Gu Rubing raised an eyebrow; this was somewhat unexpected. Sun Jian, that opportunist, had remained silent since the alliance broke down, so why was he suddenly sending an envoy? What was his intention?

At this moment, Deng Ai stepped forward and added with a cupped hand.

"My lord, there is one more thing I need to report to you. The artisans in the city have been working diligently to develop a new type of gunpowder, following the blueprints and instructions you left behind before you left."

After numerous trials, the new gunpowder is indeed more powerful than the previous formula, with a more violent explosion and improved stability.

However… the manufacturing process is more demanding, and some of the required raw materials are difficult to obtain, resulting in current production levels remaining low and unable to meet the needs of large-scale operations.

After listening to Lu Su and Deng Ai's reports, Gu Rubing had a clear understanding of the situation in Linjiang City during this period.

Aside from Cao Cao's unexpected movements, the arrival of Sun Jian's envoy and the progress of the new gunpowder were two noteworthy points. Overall, Lu Su and his team managed the rear area very well, which greatly pleased him.

"The matter of gunpowder is fundamental to our army's future confrontation with powerful enemies, and it must be continuously advanced!"

Gu Rubing first gave instructions to Deng Ai.

"Shizai, go and make preparations immediately. I will personally go to the artisan workshop later to see just how much the power of this new gunpowder has increased!"

"Yes, sir! This subordinate will make the arrangements immediately!"

Deng Ai clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, then turned and quickly left.

After Deng Ai left, Gu Rubing turned his gaze to Lu Su and pondered for a moment.

“Sun Jian is a man who will not act without self-interest. There must be something fishy about him sending an envoy here now. Zijing, go and invite that envoy from the King of Wu. I want to hear what he has to say.”

"Yes, my lord."

Lu Su acknowledged and withdrew.

Before long, a middle-aged civil official dressed in Wu-style clothing and with a capable appearance entered the main hall of the government office, led by Lu Su.

Upon seeing Gu Rubing seated in the main seat, he quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and showed great deference.

"Your humble servant, by order of the King of Wu, pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Lie! Congratulations on Your Highness's triumphant return after quelling the banditry in Youzhou!"

Gu Rubing slightly raised his hand, his expression calm.

"Envoy, there's no need for such formalities. The King of Wu has sent you from afar; may he have some important business to discuss with you?"

The messenger straightened up, a smile spreading across his face, and spoke earnestly.

"Your Highness, my lord, the King of Wu, deeply regrets the previous breakdown of the alliance."

Now, the forces of Penglai have reappeared, their methods are treacherous, their ambitions are boundless, and they treat our lords like pawns and straw dogs. They are truly a common enemy of the world!
The King of Wu believed that it would be difficult for either side to contend with him.

Therefore, we have specially dispatched foreign officials to reiterate our intention to form an alliance, and to set aside past grievances with His Highness Prince Lie, and join hands once again to fight against Penglai!
My lord promises that if the alliance is re-established, the Anluo Empire will provide warhorses and provisions, and will also be able to restrain Cao Cao's flank, helping Your Highness achieve your great cause!

The envoy's words sounded sincere and earnest, elevating the fight against Penglai to the level of "righteousness for all under heaven," and offering seemingly generous terms.

However, after listening, Gu Rubing did not show much emotion on his face; instead, his doubts deepened.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his chair, looked calmly at the envoy, and slowly began to speak.

"King Wu is very kind. However... I am a little curious, there were various reasons why the alliance collapsed back then."

Why has the King of Wu suddenly changed his attitude and become so eager to re-establish an alliance? Could it be... that the King of Wu has encountered some trouble that can only be resolved with the help of external forces?

Almost instinctively, he connected this incident with the Shatuo cavalry he had just encountered, and with Cao Cao, who might be behind them. Could it be that Sun Jian had sensed Cao Cao's collusion with the Shatuo and felt threatened, hence his eagerness to reconnect with Cao Cao?
"Go and bring Sun Jian's envoy here. I want to question him personally."

Gu Rubing gave Lu Su instructions, his eyes filled with scrutiny and inquiry.

Lu Su accepted the order and left. Not long after, the Wu envoy was brought to the hall again. His face was still respectful, but there seemed to be a hint of anxiety in his eyes that was more subtle than before.

Gu Rubing didn't beat around the bush; he went straight to the point, staring intently at the envoy, his tone calm yet imposing.

"Envoy, the King of Wu has suddenly brought up the alliance again, speaking earnestly and even offering to send troops to help us. There is no such thing as goodwill without a reason. Tell me, what exactly happened that made the King of Wu change his mind? Is it related to Cao Cao's recent movements?"

The envoy felt a little guilty under Gu Rubing's sharp gaze, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He hesitated for a moment, seemingly weighing the options, but ultimately decided that telling the truth would be more convincing to Gu Rubing.

He sighed, a look of lingering fear on his face, and lowered his voice.

"Your Highness, please understand... There are indeed other hidden reasons for this matter, but... it's not because of Cao Cao, but because of... Penglai!"

"Penglai?"

Gu Rubing's eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Tell me carefully!"

The envoy dared not conceal the truth and quickly replied.

"Just half a month ago, within the territory of my Anluo Empire, someone... someone personally witnessed the immortal Yu Ji from Penglai!"

"What? Yu Ji?!"

Zhang Fei, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, and Ma Chao and Lu Su's expressions also changed drastically.

Gu Rubing was even more shocked. Yu Ji was not dead! And he had indeed left Yizhou!
The envoy continued. (End of Chapter)