Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

Chapter 134 Zhuge Liang arrives, Liu Feng discusses the Northern Expedition strategy (6K)

More than a month later.

Mi Wei transported a large amount of Shu brocade from Chengdu.

With Shu brocade in hand, the large amount of Zhibai coins stored in the bank were no longer just a pile of scrap copper.

Mi Zhu worked out a complete trading chain of "Shu brocade, Zhibai, grain and wheat".

For example, the wealthy families in Nanxiang County sold grain to money shops and specified that the payment currency be Zhibai.

For example, the wealthy families in Nanxiang County used Zhibai as payment currency to purchase Shu brocade.

For example: the money sold by the Sichuan brocade is deposited in a bank.

and many more.

This process is repeated until all the Shu brocade is sold.

During the process, some wealthy families in Nanxiang County also wanted to barter, but they were all rejected by Mi Zhu.

Mi Zhu's reason was simple and direct: Shu brocade was bartered with grain and wheat, so what would Liu Feng gain? If Liu Feng could not gain any benefit, was there any need for the Shu brocade sales channel from Xincheng County to Nanxiang County?
Ever since.

Even the wealthy families in Nanxiang County who wanted to barter had to reluctantly accept the new currency, Zhibai.

You don't want it, but there are many wealthy families who do.

after all.

Shu brocade is the best in the world. If Shu brocade is sold to Luoyang and other places, the profit can be doubled or even several times.

With the circulation of Zhibai.

When all the Shu brocade in Xincheng County was sold out, the wealthy families in Nanxiang County still had a large amount of Zhibai in their hands that had not been spent.

What should I do if I don’t spend the money?
Stay in the warehouse?

impossible!

The nobles in Nanxiang County are not stupid either.

Leaving it in the warehouse has the risk of becoming broken copper, especially the newly circulated direct hundred, which has a greater risk.

Ever since.

The wealthy families of Nanxiang County spontaneously circulated in Nanxiang County.

As the straight hundred became more popular, the straight hundred before and after gradually fell into short supply.

Mi Zhu offered another plan to Liu Feng: write a letter to Liu Bei, asking for permission to set up a coin mint in Xincheng County.

The Shaofu originally had the duty of minting coins.

However, in order to unify the coinage, the county Shaofu did not have the right to mint coins. Only the Shaofu in the central government of the imperial court had the right to mint coins.

Considering the long distance from Chengdu to Xincheng.

Liu Bei, who was still in Jiangling, agreed to Liu Feng's letter.

A special commander of the Water Balance was appointed, and Dong Hui, a subordinate of Guan Yu, was promoted to the position, in charge of coinage in Xincheng County.

After receiving Liu Bei's order.

Mi Zhu also proposed: allowing the nobles and common people in Xincheng County to deposit the old five-zhu notes into money banks, and melt the old five-zhu notes to mint Zhibai five-zhu notes.

Although the Qianhang was set up by Liu Feng in imitation of later generations, Mi Zhu was far more proficient in the detailed operation of the Qianhang than Liu Feng, who was a half-baked person.

Therefore.

Liu Feng had almost no questions about Mi Zhu's proposal.

Just two words: do it!
Under the command of Mi Zhu.

Just a few months.

Liu Feng's treasury in Xincheng County became full.

Not only did they stockpile large amounts of grain, but they also circulated the Zhibai Wuzhu currency to most cities in Xincheng County and Nanxiang County.

Even Xiahou Shang turned a blind eye to the circulation of Zhibai Wuzhu.

It’s not that Xiahou Shang didn’t understand that the essence of Zhibai Wuzhu was Liu Feng plundering wealth, but that Xiahou Shang was powerless to stop it.

In short: Liu Feng eats meat, while the nobles of Nanxiang County can drink soup.

If Xiahou Shang prevented the circulation of Zhibai Wuzhu, he would be cutting off the financial resources of the wealthy families in Nanxiang County.

Destroying someone's wealth is like killing one's parents.

Plus.

In order to prevent their Zhibai Wuzhu coins from turning into scrap copper, the wealthy families in Nanxiang County gave Xiahou Shang a large amount of Shu brocade.

more than this.

I don't know where he found a beautiful woman and gave her to Xiahou Shang.

The beauty trap is the hardest to resist.

Just as Liu Feng was unable to refuse Shen Shu, the adopted daughter sent by Shen Dan, Xiahou Shang was also unable to refuse the beauty sent by the nobles of Nanxiang County.

According to reliable sources, Xiahou Shang doted on this beauty so much that he forbade his wife to visit Nanxiang on the grounds that "Nanxiang County borders Xincheng County and wars are frequent."

As the treasury became full, Liu Feng's prestige in Xincheng County grew day by day, and he had many supporters.

however.

In the midst of prosperity, some people are happy while others are worried.

The increasing formalization of Xincheng County also caused Shen Yi's dissatisfaction.

Before Liu Feng came, the Shen family was a veritable local emperor.

As a result, when Liu Feng came, the influence of the Shen family plummeted.

Shen Dan saw it clearly.

The family moved to Chengdu, and the adopted daughter became Liu Feng's concubine.

As long as you don't do stupid things, your future will be bright.

Shen Dan can take it and let it go.

Shen Yi thought differently.

In the past, you could get whatever you wanted, and only Shen Yi could set rules for others, no one could set rules for Shen Yi.

Results now.

The governor of Xicheng became the magistrate of Xicheng, and the power of the position became extremely small.

Even when he acted arrogantly in Xicheng, he would be rebuked by the Inspector Ma Yu.

Ma Yu even punished Shen Yi's offending servants according to the law in front of Shen Yi.

In addition, Liu Feng's troops patrolled nine counties, eradicated old evils, eliminated bandits, and straightened the circulation of the 100-5-zhu note.

Almost all of Shen Yi's businesses that made him quick money were destroyed, and he almost had to remeasure the amount of land.

From a local snake feared by everyone, it turned into a fangless pet snake.

Shen Yi naturally refused to accept this.

to this end.

Shen Yi complained to Shen Dan many times, thinking that surrendering to Liu Feng was a mistake.

Shen Dan would always advise Shen Yi that one should be content and not be arrogant.

Too many times.

Shen Yi felt that Shen Dan was getting old and cowardly, and he began to hate Shen Dan.

Shen Dan, who realized that something was wrong with Shen Yi, hurried from Shangyong to see Liu Feng, asking Liu Feng to dismiss Shen Yi and select another capable person to be the magistrate of Xicheng.

Liu Feng has always had a bad impression of Shen Yi.

According to historical records, Shen Yi was the first to betray Liu Feng, while Shen Dan surrendered to Wei after Liu Feng was defeated. As a result, Meng Da mocked him, "Liu Feng and Shen Dan were in a position to defend a city thousands of miles away. Are they really men?"

After the brothers Shen Dan and Shen Yi surrendered to Wei, Shen Dan was appointed General Huaiji and lived in seclusion in Nanyang, while Shen Yi became the governor of Weixing and was granted a title of nobility.

When Shen Yi became the prefect of Weixing, his straightforward nature was revealed. Not only was he domineering and overbearing, he also often carved seals privately.

In fact, the Shen Yi that Liu Feng met was almost the same.

Ma Yu dared to punish Shen Yi's offending servant in accordance with the law in front of Shen Yi, because he had Liu Feng's support behind him.

Liu Feng's original intention was to hit.

As long as Shen Yi behaves himself from now on, Liu Feng will not pursue the matter to the end for Shen Dan's sake.

But if Shen Yi didn't know what was good for him, there would be no need for Liu Feng to keep Shen Yi.

otherwise.

One day Xiahou Shang will lead his men to take Xincheng County, and Shen Yi will surely rebel as recorded in history.

Liu Feng agreed to Shen Dan's request and appointed Shen Dan's cousin Shen Ru as the magistrate of Xicheng. Letting Shen Dan's cousin Shen Ru succeed Shen Yi as the magistrate of Xicheng was also a sign of his trust in Shen Dan.

after all.

As the head of the family, Shen Dan discovered that his younger brother might cause a disaster in the future. In order to prevent future troubles, he asked for the dismissal of Shen Yi. Liu Feng could not deprive the Shen family of their interests in Xicheng because of this.

As for how Shen Dan would complete the power transfer in Xicheng, Liu Feng did not interfere.

If Shen Dan can't even handle this matter, he might as well return to Chengdu to retire.

Liu Feng's main focus is still on Nanxiang County.

a few days later.

Liu Feng visited Jiangling again.

It was because three days ago, Liu Bei suddenly sent someone to deliver a message, asking Liu Feng to go to Jiangling as soon as possible.

Liu Feng was actually quite confused.

After Liu Bei came to Jingzhou, he seemed to have never thought about returning to Chengdu.

At the beginning, he was in charge of inspecting the counties.

Later, he toured Xiakou, Miankou and Yangkou.

He even took a boat to Yicheng, south of Xiangyang City, which frightened Guan Yu so much that he urgently dispatched the navy from Miankou and Yangkou to protect Liu Bei. Cao Ren and others in Xiangyang also treated him as a powerful enemy and mobilized heavy troops to guard against it.

The two sides almost came to blows!
However, the reason Liu Bei gave to Guan Yu was "In the first year of Jian'an, I was granted the title of Marquis of Yicheng. Now, more than twenty years have passed, and I still cannot repay your kindness. I feel deeply regretful, and I have revisited the old place to strengthen my resolve."

From then on, Guan Yu would stand by Liu Bei's side whenever he went on a tour.

After entering the city.

Liu Feng went straight to the government office.

Along the way, officials and people of Jiangling City who recognized Liu Feng's appearance greeted him one after another.

If Liu Feng had not fought bravely with Sun Quan in the past, Jiangling City would not be as peaceful as it is today.

Liu Feng's reputation in Nanjun did not decrease because of his move to Xincheng. Instead, it became higher due to various rumors.

after all.

The former Yicao official Wang Fu, former general's chief clerk Liao Hua, Supervisor of Posts Shi Xin, Menxia Thieves Cao Li Xun, Menxia Thieves Supervisor Wang Qi, Jincao official Yang Guang, Bingcao official Liu Yi, Guanji Liu Zhong, Ship officer Liu Rang and Warehouse Officer Wang Zhong were all promoted to core officials of Nanjun because of their loyalty.

In the army, people like Yue Ju, Yang Xing, Yan Cheng, He Yuan, Luo Yan, Yu Hua, Lu Wen, Niu Xian, Lu Yi, Guan Chong, Lin Sheng, Hu Yanshen, and Lu Zhuo were also given important positions.

Others such as Su Fei, Ma Liang, Fan Jun, Xi Zhen, Xi Hong and others had all heard of Liu Feng's reputation for a long time.

These people all had more or less interactions with Liu Feng, and were well aware of Liu Feng's bravery and fighting skills.

In other words: Although Liu Feng was not in Nanjun, the legend of Liu Feng was everywhere in Nanjun.

Arrived in front of the government office.

What I saw was the Bai Li soldiers led by Chen Dao who were on martial law.

When he saw Liu Feng, Chen Dao strode forward and greeted him: "Liu Taishou, the king has ordered me to pass on a message that Zhuge Liang is here."

Liu Feng was shocked: "Military Advisor Zhuge came to Jiangling City? When did it happen?"

Chen Dao said, "I have been here for six days."

Liu Feng's face turned serious.

Considering that Liu Bei had been staying in Jingzhou for most of the past six months, Liu Feng had some guesses in his mind.

"Did father say when he would return to Chengdu?"

"The king said he doesn't want to go back to Chengdu."

really!

Liu Feng couldn't help but hold his forehead. Zhuge Liang must have waited for Liu Bei in Chengdu for a long time and came to Nanjun to look for him.

Considering that Liu Bei once ran outside Yicheng when he was inspecting the counties, Liu Feng could probably guess why Liu Bei did not want to return to Chengdu.

In the Battle of Hanzhong, Liu Bei won the military victory but lost the population.

As a result, it has become extremely difficult to leave Hanzhong and Qinchuan now.

The road to Shu is difficult.

There is still no one living within a hundred miles, and the food supply route for the Northern Expedition has become a big problem.

It happened to be this time.

Guan Yu drove Sun Quan out of Jingzhou!
All the land south of the Han River belonged to Liu Bei.

Not only that, Guan Yu also seized a large number of warships, obtained the intact Lukou and Xiakou, and the 20,000 Wei prisoners that Yu Jin did not take away!

In other words: Liu Bei wanted to personally lead the Northern Expedition from Jingzhou!

For Liu Bei, the Northern Expedition through Jingzhou was as easy as an old horse knowing the way. He knew where to lead his troops without a map.

However, Liu Bei did not tell the generals in Xichuan about this idea.

Even Fa Zheng only vaguely guessed that Liu Bei had this idea. Since Liu Bei didn't say it, Fa Zheng didn't dare to ask directly.

Liu Bei hadn't returned to Chengdu for more than half a year, so naturally there was a lot of noise in Chengdu.

Zhuge Liang sent people many times to invite Liu Bei to return to Chengdu to take charge of the situation, but Liu Bei always found excuses to refuse.

Without any choice.

Zhuge Liang had no choice but to come and invite Liu Bei in person.

Inside the mansion.

Liu Bei leaned against the table, listening to Zhuge Liang's words of advice with a sad face.

Zhuge Liang came for six days and advised Liu Bei for six days.

Doorway.

When Liu Feng heard Zhuge Liang's words "If there is no king sitting in Chengdu to reconcile the barbarians in the west and pacify the Yi and Yue in the south, how can the soldiers feel at ease?", he silently retracted his left foot that was about to cross the threshold.

Just as he was about to turn around, Liu Bei's voice rang out.

Looking at Liu Bei's wide eyes, Liu Feng smiled awkwardly and went in to greet him: "My son greets my father and my military advisor."

Liu Bei took the opportunity to interrupt Zhuge Liang's persuasion and changed the subject: "Gong Zhong, the military advisor is quite impressed by the "Longzhong Diagram" you drew. Since you are here today, you can discuss it with the military advisor."

Liu Feng knew Liu Bei's intentions, and seeing Liu Bei's crazy hints, he naturally couldn't go against Liu Bei's wishes, so he asked Zhuge Liang: "Liu Feng is not talented, I would like to ask the military advisor for advice."

Zhuge Liang stopped persuading him and sat up straight: "Liang, I'm all ears."

Liu Feng said loudly: "I just heard the military advisor say, 'If my father is not in Chengdu to make peace with the barbarians in the west and pacify the Yi and Yue in the south, the soldiers will not be able to rest assured.' I think this is inappropriate.

Since ancient times, it has been difficult to establish a career, and it often takes several generations of hard work to achieve great things.

In the past, the old Qin was just a small country in the west. After six generations of hard work, it finally gained control of the world. The fundamental reason for this was that every generation of Qin kings were capable rulers.

Later, the First Emperor gained control of the world, but the Second Emperor perished. The fundamental reason for this was that Fusu was cowardly, Hu Hai was narrow-minded, and the other philosophers were mediocre and incompetent.

Using history as a mirror, we can see the rise and fall.

Although the prince is young, he is already twelve years old. In the past, Gan Luo was the prime minister at the age of twelve. How could the prince not have the same ambition as Gan Luo?

Moreover.

Since you are the crown prince, you should share your father's worries.

Since your father is not in Chengdu, the Crown Prince should follow his father's wishes, make peace with the barbarians in the west, pacify the Yi and Yue people in the south, and supervise the country and ensure its people's safety.

Father did not return to Chengdu in order to train the prince, the military advisor should understand Father. "

Liu Bei clapped his hands and said seriously: "Military Advisor, this is exactly what I mean! It's not that I don't want to go back to Chengdu, but I want to hone the prince."

Seeing Liu Bei and his son Liu Feng singing the same tune, Zhuge Liang was speechless.

If you don’t want to go back, then don’t go back. Why bother dragging the prince out?

Zhuge Liang originally wanted to use the excuse that Liu Chan was young to persuade Liu Bei to return to Chengdu, but Liu Feng blocked Zhuge Liang's excuse with just a few words.

"Even if Your Majesty wants to train the Crown Prince, you should first return to Chengdu to inform all the officials and let the Crown Prince govern the country." Zhuge Liang thought of another reason.

Liu Bei looked at Liu Feng and winked at him again.

Liu Feng said sternly, "We have to make decisions in an emergency. Something big is about to happen in the north. Father can't go back to Chengdu now. Otherwise, it will be difficult to send messages over a distance of thousands of miles, and it will easily delay the event."

Zhuge Liang remained calm and said, "I wonder if there are any signs of the great event that Master Feng mentioned?"

Liu Feng took a deep breath and sighed, "Military Advisor, you don't know. I am now the governor of Xincheng, and I have sent many spies into Nanxiang County, and have uncovered many secrets.

In the third month of the first lunar month, a yellow dragon appeared in Qiao County.

On April Dingsi, Raoan County reported the appearance of a white pheasant.

In other places, there are also rumors of the appearance of unicorns, white tigers, nectar, sweet springs, and strange beasts.

On the Xin day of June, Cao Pi assembled his troops in the eastern suburbs. On the Geng day, he issued an order to march south, but the army went directly to Qiao County, where he held a grand feast for the six armies and the people of Qiao in the east of the city. On the Bing day, he drove his troops to Quli, which was close to Xu Du.

There is also a prophecy that in the fifth year of Xiping, a yellow dragon appeared in Qiao County. The then Grand Historian Shan Yang said, "A king will appear here in fifty years, and the yellow dragon will appear again. This is a sign from the sky."

Later, there was a prophecy saying, "The one who will rule the world is Prince Huan of Wei. He is appointed by the gods and will be in accordance with the prophecy to fulfill the position of heaven and man."

Zhuge Liang's face changed drastically.

Liu Bei also sat up straight, his eyes were filled with anger, and his tone became more severe: "Is it really so?"

This is not a secret at all!
It is clearly a hint that Cao Pi wants to replace the Han Emperor!
Zhuge Liang's tone darkened: "Since Master Feng knew about the events in March, why didn't he tell the king earlier?"

Obviously.

Zhuge Liang doubted the authenticity of these secrets of Liu Feng.

Liu Feng said in a serious tone: "There are often evil people in the north who spread rumors and cause chaos. It is not enough to judge that there will be major events in the north based on hearsay.

It was not until Cao Pi suddenly marched south in June that I realized something was wrong. Cao Pi did not go to Ruxukou or enter Wancheng, but went to Qiao County to hold a grand feast for the six armies and the people of Qiao, and then went to Quli south of Xu County.

This was not a southern expedition at all, but a show of military might to the Han Emperor!

Afterwards, I sent people to sneak into Luoyang, and only then did I learn that the prophecy of Cao Pi's destiny was in Luoyang.

Cao Pi's ambition to usurp the Han Dynasty is even greater than Cao Cao's, which is why I said, "Something big is about to happen in the north, and father cannot return to Chengdu now."

This is what Liu Feng said.

Half true, half false.

Some are unverified historical records, and some are intelligence obtained through actual investigation by spies.

After listening.

Liu Bei's face also turned serious: "Military Advisor, I admit that I didn't want to return to Chengdu before because I wanted to stay in Jingzhou and wait for an opportunity to retake Xiangyang.

Now it seems that I can never go back to Chengdu; if there is a change in the north, I will be unable to respond to the situation in Jingzhou in time if I stay in Chengdu. "

The corners of Liu Feng's mouth twitched.

Father, father, admit it now, how can you stay in Jingzhou?

I have wasted my breath!

As Liu Feng expected, Zhuge Liang suddenly stood up and bowed to Liu Bei: "This is a serious matter. Your Majesty, please return to Chengdu as soon as possible to discuss countermeasures with the ministers!"

Liu Bei was stunned for a moment, then reacted:
I was careless!
Looking at Liu Feng again, he had lowered his head and seemed to have hidden his neck in his clothes.

"Gongzhong!"

Liu Bei sounded a little depressed.

I asked you to come to Jiangling so that I could stay in Jingzhou. How come you forced me to go back to Chengdu?

Liu Feng was speechless.

I have already made up all the reasons for you, Father. Do you have to admit that you were deceiving the military advisor just now?
Who is the military advisor?
Our acting skills are so bad, there's no way we could fool the military advisor!

To be fair.

Liu Feng didn't want Liu Bei to return to Chengdu.

The reason is very simple: you have to work hard and let Liu Bei see your efforts.

If Liu Bei was in Chengdu, Liu Feng could only send someone to Chengdu to see Liu Bei when there was an important matter.

But many things cannot be communicated face to face, which can easily lead to misunderstandings.

Since ancient times, there have been many cases of misunderstandings between royal fathers and sons due to the inability to communicate face to face.

For example:
Fusu committed suicide because of a false imperial edict.

Because Liu Ju could not meet Emperor Wu of Han, he was accused of rebelling.

It was different for Liu Bei in Jiangling.

If anything happens, we can see you in three or four days at most.

If you want to do something special, the round trip will only take six or seven days.

For example, setting up a mint in Xincheng County was easy with Liu Bei's authorization.

The same is true today when we help Liu Bei solve his problems.

For Liu Feng, who was in a suspicious position, it was particularly important to let Liu Bei see his efforts.

therefore.

After confirming that Liu Bei did not want to return to Chengdu, Liu Feng no longer wanted Liu Bei to return to Chengdu.

Jiangling is so wonderful!
The clear water, blue sky and colorful clouds make you want to leave Jiangling.

soon.

Liu Feng found another excuse for Liu Bei.

"Military advisor, actually I have a doubt about the "Longzhong Plan", which I didn't have the time to tell you just now. I hope you can listen to it and then decide whether to let my father return to Chengdu." Liu Feng bowed again.

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly and said, "Master Feng, you should understand why I want to ask the king to return to Chengdu."

Liu Feng certainly understood.

If Cao Pi usurped the Han Dynasty and established himself as emperor, then Liu Bei would have to become emperor to succeed the Han Dynasty.

If they wanted to persuade Liu Bei to become emperor, the people in Jingzhou would definitely not be able to persuade him. It would still take the people in Chengdu who persuaded Liu Bei to become king.

but.

To persuade Liu Bei to become emperor, Liu Bei doesn't have to return to Chengdu. The people in Chengdu can also come to Jiangling!
Seeing Liu Feng, he said nothing.

Zhuge Liang sighed and said, "Liang, I'm all ears."

Liu Feng said solemnly: "Although the military advisor's Longzhong Plan is considered a unique strategy in the world, it is no longer suitable for the current situation.

Today, Hanzhong is sparsely populated and most of the plank roads are destroyed. It will be difficult for Hanzhong to recover without ten years. In addition, the road to Shu is difficult. If my father, who is nearly 70 years old, takes the dangerous road to the north to fight, how can he reassure the ministers?

Moreover, our military strength is already weaker than Cao Wei's, and it is difficult to win if we have to divide our forces twice as much as they can over a distance of thousands of miles.

Therefore, I think that the troops from Xichuan should be mobilized to enter Jingzhou. If Cao Pi really intends to usurp the Han Dynasty, we should concentrate our superior forces to capture Xiangyang and Fancheng first.

Then, 50,000 troops were stationed south of the Han River, with two-tenths of them taking turns to rest, leaving 40,000 permanent soldiers stationed there to farm and guard the area at the same time.

In six or seven years, we can store 30 million hu of grain in the Han River, enough to feed a 100,000-man army for five years. Then, when the right time comes, we can march toward Wan and Luo, and we will be able to conquer anything we can.”

If the "Longzhong Strategy" that was initially drawn for Liu Bei was hastily drawn and seemed to be flattering, then the strategy that Liu Feng was discussing at this moment was the result of careful consideration after he had served as the prefect of Xincheng County for more than half a year.

It refers to the great man's evaluation of the Longzhong Plan, Deng Ai's military farming and storing grain by the Huai River, Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei's repeated northern expeditions, Huan Wen's northern expedition, Cao Pi's short life, and so on.

Liu Feng also sent people to Hanzhong to ask Wei Yan about the difficulty of leaving Qinchuan.

Wei Yan's reply was simple and direct: It is better to take the risk and go through Ziwu Valley, perhaps you can accomplish your goal in one battle.

The implication is: although taking the Ziwu Valley route is risky, there is a possibility of success; taking any other route is almost impossible.

Liu Feng did not doubt the truthfulness of Wei Yan's words.

When Liu Feng was in Hanzhong, he had dealt with Wei Yan. Although Wei Yan was aloof and arrogant, he was also a practical man who dared to fight to the death.

Wei Yan's reply meant that he had personally traveled through several routes out of Hanzhong and out of Sichuan.

In the end, he concluded that it would be better to "take the risk of going through Ziwu Valley". It was not because Wei Yan thought that going through Ziwu Valley was a smart move, it was simply a helpless move!

It’s so difficult to leave Qinchuan!
In addition, Liu Bei refused to leave Jingzhou, which made Liu Feng more inclined to the Northern Expedition strategy of first capturing Xiangfan and then establishing military farms by the Han River to wait for the right opportunity.

The mansion fell into silence.

Both Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang fell into deep thought.

(End of this chapter)