Reborn Liu Bei: I'll lead this Three Kingdoms to victory!

The trouble began as soon as the army entered Jizhou territory.

The "supervisor" sent by Yuan Shao has arrived.

It wasn't one person, but a team—the leader was Chunyu Qiong, followed by fifty "guards".

Chunyu Qiong, courtesy name Zhongjian, was one of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden and a former subordinate of Yuan Shao. He had a particular characteristic: he loved wine, but had a low tolerance for it, and would become unruly when drunk.

"Liu Zhenbei!" Chunyu Qiong, mounted on his horse, spoke arrogantly, "I have come to supervise the army on the orders of General Yuan!"

Liu Bei dismounted and cupped his hands in greeting: "So you are General Chunyu, I have long admired you."

"No need for formalities," Chunyu Qiong waved his hand. "General Yuan said that your Youzhou army can only stay in Qingzhou for three months. After three months, regardless of whether the battle is over or not, you must withdraw. In addition, all spoils of war must be inspected by me before they are distributed."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei was about to explode.

He was held down by Guan Yu.

"General Chunyu," Liu Bei's smile remained unchanged, "I will naturally abide by the rules set by General Yuan. However... General, you have come from afar and must be tired. I have prepared a small feast to welcome you."

Upon hearing the word "wine," Chunyu Qiong's eyes lit up.

"Wine? What kind of wine?"

"It's 'Youzhou Chun,' a specialty of Youzhou," Liu Bei said with a smile. "It's much stronger than the wine from Luoyang."

"Excellent! Excellent!" Chunyu Qiong was overjoyed. "Liu Zhenbei is truly a good friend!"

That evening, a grand banquet was held in the camp.

Chunyu Qiong was indeed a heavy drinker, drinking one cup after another, and in less than half an hour, he was quite drunk.

"Liu...Liu Zhenbei!" Chunyu Qiong put his arm around Liu Bei's shoulder. "You're...not bad! Much better than those guys under Yuan Shao! They're always scheming against each other...it's so boring!"

"General, you flatter me." Liu Bei helped him sit down. "General Yuan's forces are full of talented people..."

"Talent my foot!" Chunyu Qiong slurred. "Feng Ji and Shen Pei, two scoundrels! Guo Tu and Xin Ping, two useless pieces of trash! Only Xu You is alright... but he doesn't get along with me!"

Liu Bei chuckled inwardly.

It was indeed true that there was internal discord within Yuan Shao's court.

"General," Liu Bei tentatively asked, "then this time, as the supervising officer..."

"Supervise my ass!" Chunyu Qiong waved his hand. "I'm just here to rack up credit! You guys do your fighting, I'll drink my wine! But... we have to maintain appearances, understand?"

"I understand, I understand." Liu Bei nodded. "And the spoils of war..."

"You decide!" Chunyu Qiong said, his eyes glazed with drunkenness. "Just leave me a little... enough to get by! As for the rest... divide it however you like!"

After saying that, he collapsed and began snoring loudly.

Liu Bei gave Zhang Fei a wink.

Zhang Fei understood and, together with two guards, carried Chunyu Qiong back to the camp.

"Brother," Guan Yu said in a low voice, "this man is usable."

"It can be used," Liu Bei laughed, "but we have to use the right method. People who love wine are the easiest to deal with. From now on, we'll send him wine every day and get him drunk. He won't care what we do then."

"And his guards..."

"Bribery," Liu Bei said calmly. "Ten gold coins per person, or twenty if that's not enough. It's only right to do things for money."

"Understood."

Three days later, the army entered Qingzhou territory.

First stop, Taishan County.

Before even arriving at Mount Tai, I received a "greeting gift".

"Report! My lord! Bandit troops have been spotted ahead!" a scout reported. "About three thousand men, carrying the banner of 'Sun Guan, the Bandit of Mount Tai'!"

Sun Guan?

Liu Bei remembered this person. Historically, he was a subordinate of Zang Ba, who later surrendered to Cao Cao.

"How many people are there? What kind of equipment do they have?" Liu Bei asked.

"Around three thousand, mostly infantry, poorly equipped. But... the general in charge was quite brave, killing three of our scouts in succession."

Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly, "Brother, let me go! I guarantee I'll wipe them out completely!"

"No rush," Liu Bei shook his head. "Let's try diplomacy first, then force. Send someone to ask Sun Guan whether he wants to fight or negotiate."

"Talk?" Zhang Fei asked, puzzled. "What's there to talk about with bandits?"

"Yide," Liu Bei patiently explained, "the Taishan bandits are not the Yellow Turbans. The Yellow Turbans were roving bandits who plundered everywhere. The Taishan bandits are local strongmen who rule the mountains. They are familiar with the terrain, and if we fight them head-on, even if we win, the losses will be great. If we can persuade them to surrender, we will not only gain more strength, but also save many lives."

"Then...who should we send?"

Liu Bei looked at Jian Yong: "Xianhe, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you again."

Jian Yong smiled wryly: "My lord, this time it was a bit risky."

"Don't worry," Liu Bei said. "I'll have Zijing lead a hundred elite troops to protect you. Remember, make it clear to Sun Guan: surrender, and all past transgressions will be forgiven; you can even become an official. Don't surrender... and when my army arrives, we'll all perish."

"clear."

Jian Yong has passed away.

Two hours later, he returned with a strange expression.

"My lord, Sun Guan... is willing to surrender."

"Oh?" Liu Bei was surprised. "It went so smoothly?"

"It went too smoothly for some reason," Jian Yong said. "He said he was willing to surrender, but on one condition."

"What are the conditions?"

"He wants to duel our general one-on-one," Jian Yong said. "He said if we can beat him, he will be completely convinced. If we lose... we will have to retreat."

Zhang Fei laughed heartily: "A one-on-one duel? That's my specialty! Brother, let me go!"

"Wait," Liu Bei asked Jian Yong, "What else did he say?"

"He also said..." Jian Yong hesitated, "that he heard that the Youzhou army has Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, two warriors capable of defeating ten thousand men, and he wants to see them for himself."

Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes: "A provocation tactic."

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "But since he's brought it up, it would seem guilty if we didn't accept. Yun Chang, go, but remember..."

"That's enough," Guan Yu replied. "I understand."

Half an hour later, the two armies met on the battlefield.

Sun Guan was in his thirties, with a dark face and a bushy beard. He held a large knife and rode a yellow horse, and indeed had the air of a fierce bandit.

"Who goes there?" Sun Guan shouted.

"Guan Yu, Guan Yunchang!" Guan Yu rode forward. "Sun Guan, my elder brother considers you a good man and does not wish to fight you. If you are willing to surrender, he will not let you down."

"Enough with the nonsense!" Sun Guan said. "Beat me, and everything else is negotiable!"

Having said that, he spurred his horse, brandished his sword, and charged straight at Guan Yu.

Guan Yu remained calm and composed, brandishing his Green Dragon Crescent Blade.

"when!"

The two swords clashed, sparks flying everywhere.

Sun Guan's arm went numb, and he was shocked: What incredible strength!

After ten rounds, Sun Guan gradually became exhausted.

Guan Yu seized an opening, slapped Sun Guan off his horse with the back of his sword.

The blade stopped just before Sun Guan's throat.

"Do you submit?" Guan Yu asked.

Sun Guan's face turned deathly pale: "I...I give up!"

"Are you willing to surrender?"

"We surrender! We surrender!"

Guan Yu sheathed his sword and reached out to help Sun Guan up, saying, "General Sun, please forgive me."

Sun Guan rose and knelt on one knee: "Sun Guan was blind and offended your majesty. From now on, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

After subduing Sun Guan, Liu Bei continued his southward march.

Next target: Langya.

Langya is now occupied by Zang Ba.

Zang Ba, courtesy name Xuan Gao, was a native of Hua County, Taishan. He was originally a cavalry captain under Tao Qian, but later broke away from Tao Qian and established his own faction. He was brave and skilled in battle, and had a great reputation in the Qing and Xu areas.

"My lord," Sun Guan volunteered, "Zang Ba and I have a past relationship; I can go and persuade him to surrender."

"Oh?" Liu Bei asked, "What do you think of Zang Ba?"

"He is brave and resourceful, a true general," Sun Guan said truthfully. "But he is proud and arrogant, and I'm afraid he won't surrender easily."

"Then let's give it a try." Liu Bei nodded. "Go and tell him: if he surrenders, I'll give him the position of governor. If he doesn't surrender... I'll respect him as a hero and let him go. But Langya, I'm determined to have him."

"clear."

Sun Guan has left.

He returned a day later, bringing Zang Ba with him.

"Zang Ba of Langya pays his respects to Liu Zhenbei." Zang Ba cupped his hands, neither humble nor arrogant.

Liu Bei sized up Zang Ba: around thirty years old, with a robust build, a resolute face, and sharp eyes.

"General Zang, please rise." Liu Bei helped him up. "General Sun should have conveyed my message. I wonder what General Zang's choice is?"

Zang Ba looked at Liu Bei, then at Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and the orderly army formation behind Liu Bei.

"Liu Zhenbei," Zang Ba said slowly, "I have a question that I would like to ask Zhenbei for clarification."

"Speaking."

"Zhenbei has led troops from Youzhou, a thousand miles away, to attack Qingzhou. Is it for fame or for profit?"

"For fame, and for profit," Liu Bei said frankly. "For fame, the Yellow Turbans are rampant in Qingzhou, and the people are suffering terribly. As a Han official, I should save them from this misery. For profit, Youzhou is located in the north. If we want to contend for the world, we need the Central Plains. Qingzhou is the first step."

That's a very straightforward answer.

Zang Ba paused for a moment, then smiled: "Zhenbei is frank. Now, let me ask again: If I surrender, how do you plan to settle me and my soldiers?"

"General Zang will continue to lead his troops and be stationed at Langya," Liu Bei said. "However, he must undergo reorganization and adhere to my rules. In addition, I will station 5,000 troops at Langya, just in case."

"That government affairs..."

"I will appoint someone to be the Prefect of Langya," Liu Bei said. "But General Zang can also serve as Commandant and take command of the troops."

Zang Ba pondered.

The conditions weren't particularly generous, but they weren't harsh either.

At least, he still held military power.

"One last question," Zang Ba looked up, "If Zhenbei were to contend with Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others in the future, what would become of me?"

"I will obey orders," Liu Bei said solemnly, "but not orders to send you to your death. When I, Liu Bei, use troops, I never treat the lives of my soldiers as a game. I will fight when it is time to fight, I will retreat when it is time to retreat, and I may surrender when it is time to surrender."

This statement was unexpected.

"Can we lower our guard when it's time to do so?" Zang Ba asked, puzzled.

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "If the situation is hopeless, a direct confrontation will only increase casualties. Preserving our strength for a future resurgence is the right path."

Zang Ba stared at Liu Bei for a long time.

Suddenly, he knelt on one knee: "Zang Ba, I surrender!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed and helped Zang Ba up, saying, "With Xuan Gao's assistance, we are like a tiger with wings!"

That evening, Liu Bei hosted a banquet in Langya to entertain Zang Ba, Sun Guan, and other generals from Qingzhou.

During the banquet, Zang Ba privately said to Liu Bei, "Zhenbei, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

"Please speak freely, Xuan Gao."

"The Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou, led by Guan Hai, have gathered 100,000 followers and are entrenched in the North Sea," Zang Badao said. "This man is brave but lacks strategy. If Zhenbei wants a quick victory, he can take the North Sea directly. But... he must be wary of one person."

"Who?"

"Guan Hai's strategist was Sima Ju," Zang Badao said. "This man was originally an official in Beihai Commandery, and he was quite intelligent. Guan Hai's rise to power was largely due to him."

Sima Ju?

Liu Bei remembered this name.

"Thank you for the reminder, Xuan Gao."

"Furthermore," Zang Ba lowered his voice, "many of the gentry in Qingzhou are in cahoots with the Yellow Turbans. They are officials in name only, but thieves in secret. If Zhenbei wants to govern Qingzhou, these people... must be dealt with carefully."

"clear."

After resting for three days in Langya, Liu Bei set off for Beihai.

On the way, he made a detour to Gaomi—Zheng Xuan's hometown.

When we arrived in Gaomi, all we saw was ruins.

The once prestigious Zheng family suffered the loss of their ancestral home, the abandonment of their fields, and the scattering of their members.

Only a few dozen elderly, weak, sick, and disabled people remained by the ruins.

"Old man," Liu Bei dismounted and asked an elderly man with white hair, "is this the ancestral home of Zheng Xuan, the Duke of Zheng?"

The old man looked up shakily: "Who...who are you?"

"Liu Bei, the governor of Youzhou, came here specifically to search for members of the Zheng clan, entrusted by Zheng Gong."

The old man froze, then tears streamed down his face: "Liu... Liu Zhenbei? The Liu Zhenbei who saved the officials from the fire?"

"Exactly."

"Heaven has eyes!" the old man cried, kneeling on the ground. "The Zheng family... the Zheng family can be saved!"

Liu Bei helped the old man up: "Old man, where are you now, a member of the Zheng clan?"

"Some scattered, some died..." the old man choked back tears. "When the Yellow Turbans came, they looted grain and killed people. The young and strong either fled or were captured. Only we old bones are left, unable to move, just waiting to die here..."

Liu Bei felt a pang of sorrow.

This is a chaotic world.

"Old man," Liu Bei said solemnly, "from today onwards, Gaomi will be under the control of my Youzhou army. I will send people to rebuild the Zheng family ancestral home and search for scattered clan members. You will no longer suffer."

"Thank you... thank you Zhenbei!" The old man was about to kneel again.

Liu Bei stopped them and ordered his personal guards: "Bring one hundred shi of grain and distribute it to the people here. Also, send men to search for members of the Zheng clan. Bring all those found to Gaomi. All expenses will be covered by the military budget."

"yes!"

When the news spread, the people of Gaomi were overjoyed.

"Liu Zhenbei is here!"

"Lord Zheng is saved!"

"We have food to eat!"

On that very day, hundreds of refugees came to seek refuge.

Liu Bei accepted all who came and incorporated them into his logistics team.

Zang Ba observed this and remarked with admiration, "Zhenbei is so benevolent and righteous; no wonder he has won the hearts of the people."

"Xuan Gao," Liu Bei said, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. Some people never understand this principle in their entire lives."

Ten days later, the army arrived outside Beihai City.

Guan Hai had already received the news and led 50,000 Yellow Turban soldiers to form ranks outside the city.

It was said to be 50,000, but in reality, less than 20,000 were capable of fighting. The rest were mostly the elderly, women, and children—a characteristic of the Yellow Turban Army, who would bring their families with them when they went to war.

"Liu Bei!" Guan Hai shouted at the front of the battle lines, "We've always kept to ourselves, why have you come to invade my Beihai?"

Liu Bei rode forward and said, "Guan Hai, you have instigated a rebellion and ravaged the people. I have been ordered by the Emperor to suppress you. If you surrender, you may be spared."

"Bullshit!" Guan Hai roared. "What emperor! That little emperor installed by the traitor Dong Zhuo, is he even an emperor? I only recognize the Great Teacher of Virtue!"

"So there's nothing to talk about?" Liu Bei asked.

"Talk my ass!" Guan Hai brandished his sword. "If you've got the guts, come and fight!"

Zhang Fei, who had been unable to contain himself any longer, exclaimed, "Brother, let me go and kill this scoundrel!"

"No rush." ​​Liu Bei looked at the enemy's formation. "Look, the Yellow Turban army's formation is loose and their morale is low. But the central force is quite well-organized. That should be Guan Hai's elite troops."

"My lord," Zhao Yun said, "this humble general is willing to lead the White Horse Cavalry to charge into battle and slay generals."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "But remember, the objective isn't to kill, but to disrupt the enemy formation. Break them up, and then..."

He looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "Yun Chang, Yi De, each of you lead a thousand soldiers to flank the enemy from both sides. Once Zi Long (Zhang Fei) disrupts the enemy formation, you two charge in and take Guan Hai directly."

"clear!"

"Xuan Gao, Sun Guan," Liu Bei then looked at Zang Ba and Sun Guan, "You will lead your troops to cut off the Yellow Turbans' retreat. Remember, those who surrender will not be killed, and those who resist... will be killed without exception."

"Yes, sir!"

With the arrangements made, Liu Bei retreated to his own camp.

Zhao Yun led five hundred White Horse Cavalry and began the charge.

Riding in white armor, they charged straight into the Yellow Turban army ranks like a white lightning bolt.

The Yellow Turban army had never seen such elite troops before, and they were immediately thrown into chaos.

"Don't panic! Don't panic!" Guan Hai shouted. "Spearmen, advance! Archers, fire!"

But the orders simply couldn't be passed down.

Zhao Yun led the charge, his silver spear gleaming like a dragon, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Five hundred white-horse cavalry followed closely behind, like tigers among sheep.

The Yellow Turban army's formation was completely thrown into chaos.

"Now!" Liu Bei ordered.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei each led a thousand soldiers and charged out from the left and right.

Zang Ba and Sun Guan also led their troops to outflank the enemy's rear.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Guan Hai wanted to run away.

But it's too late.

Zhao Yun had already charged close.

"Guan Hai! Prepare to die!"

Guan Hai braced himself and accepted the challenge.

After five rounds, he was pierced through the shoulder by Zhao Yun's spear.

"Protect the commander!" The Yellow Turban guards risked their lives to save Guan Hai and retreated into the city.

"Chase!" Zhang Fei ordered the pursuit.

"Don't pursue a desperate enemy," Liu Bei called out. "Let's clean up the mess first."

This battle was won cleanly and decisively.

They annihilated 3,000 enemy soldiers, captured 20,000, and the rest scattered.

Guan Hai led his remaining troops back to Beihai City and secluded himself inside the city.

That night, Liu Bei set up camp outside the city.

Too many prisoners and not enough food is a problem.

"My lord," Tian Yu said, "the 20,000 prisoners consume 400 shi of grain every day. Our provisions will only last for ten days."

"Have Zang Ba bring grain from Langya," Liu Bei said. "Also, these prisoners shouldn't be kept for nothing. Select the able-bodied men and women, and the old and weak... give them some food and send them away."

"Disband them?" Jian Yong frowned. "They have nowhere to go, and they'll just regroup into bandits."

"Therefore, we need to set up military farms in various parts of Qingzhou." Liu Bei had already planned this out. "Those who are willing to farm will be allocated land and cultivated separately, and will be exempt from taxes for three years. Those who are unwilling... well, there's nothing we can do about that."

Just then, a guard came to report: "My lord, there is a man outside the camp requesting an audience. He claims to be Sima Ju."

Sima Ju?

Guan Hai's strategist?

"Bring it in."

A moment later, a scholar-like man was brought in.

He was in his thirties, with a thin face and shrewd eyes.

"Sima Ju, the defeated general, pays his respects to Liu Zhenbei." Sima Ju bowed deeply.

"Please rise, Mr. Sima." Liu Bei sized him up. "What brings you here so late at night?"

"I dare not," Sima Ju said. "I have come specifically to surrender the city."

"Oh?" Liu Bei raised an eyebrow. "What about Guan Hai?"

"Guan Hai is seriously injured and unconscious," Sima Ju said. "The city is leaderless, and the army's morale is low. I am willing to be an inside agent to help Zhenbei take the city."

"What are the conditions?"

"Nothing more," Sima Ju said with a wry smile. "I only ask that Zhenbei doesn't kill indiscriminately after entering the city. Most of the people in the city are innocent."

Liu Bei stared at Sima Ju for a long time.

"Sir, you are a wise man," Liu Bei said slowly. "But there is one thing I do not understand: since you knew Guan Hai was destined to be defeated, why did you not surrender earlier?"

Sima Ju remained silent for a moment, then said, "Although Guan Hai is ruthless, he has treated me well. If I were to surrender now, it would be unjust. Now that he is seriously injured and unconscious, I am surrendering the city for the sake of the lives of tens of thousands of people in the city. Although I have failed one person, I have saved ten thousand, and I believe it is all worthwhile."

That's a very honest statement.

Liu Bei nodded: "Alright, I trust you. How do you plan to surrender the city, sir?"

"Tomorrow at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), at the North Gate," Sima Ju said. "I will transfer the garrison troops and open the city gate. Zhenbei can lead his troops into the city and head straight for the government office. I will find a way to transfer Guan Hai's personal guards away."

"What does the gentleman need me to do?"

"After entering the city, please have Zhenbei restrain his men and ensure they do not harm the civilians," Sima Ju said solemnly. "Also... if Guan Hai awakens, please spare his life. Although he is a bandit, he is not inherently bad; he was merely forced into this situation."

Liu Bei thought for a moment and said, "Alright. As long as he doesn't resist, I'll guarantee his life."

"Thank you, Zhenbei." Sima Ju bowed deeply.

After Sima Ju left, the crowd began to discuss the matter.

"Brother, could it be a feigned surrender?" Zhang Fei asked.

"It doesn't seem like it," Liu Bei shook his head. "Sima Ju's words are reasonable. Moreover... he didn't make any personal demands, he only pleaded for the people. Such a person wouldn't be feigning surrender."

"Then let's..."

"Proceed according to plan," Liu Bei said, "but we must be prepared for both scenarios. Yunchang, you lead a thousand soldiers and enter through the north gate. Yide, you lead a thousand soldiers and lie in ambush outside the south gate. If there is any trickery, we will coordinate an attack from within and without."

"yes!"

The next day at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), at the North Gate.

The city gates opened as expected.

There were no guards, only Sima Ju standing at the city gate.

"Mr. Sima," Guan Yu spurred his horse forward, "what is the situation in the city?"

"General Guan," Sima Ju bowed, "I have transferred Guan Hai's personal guards to the east gate, supposedly to guard against a sneak attack. There are only about a hundred men guarding the government office. General, you may enter quickly."

Guan Yu nodded and led his army into the city.

The journey was smooth and unobstructed.

Upon arriving at the government office, they found that the guards were indeed few in number, and they surrendered after offering little resistance.

Guan Hai lay unconscious on the couch, the wound on his shoulder already festering.

"Find the army doctor," Guan Yu ordered.

The military doctor examined him and shook his head: "His injuries are too severe, and treatment has been delayed. I'm afraid... he won't survive three days."

Guan Yu remained silent.

Regardless of the circumstances, Guan Hai was a real man.

"Take good care of him," Guan Yu said. "If he can be saved, that's a blessing. If not... give him a quick death."

"Yes."

After taking control of the government office, Guan Yu gave a signal.

Liu Bei led his army into the city.

Beihai was captured just like that.

It's so easy it's unbelievable.

"My lord," Jian Yong exclaimed, "this Sima Ju... is truly a capable man. He captured a city without losing a single soldier."

"Therefore, we should give him an even greater responsibility," Liu Bei said. "Issue the order: Sima Ju has rendered meritorious service in surrendering the city and is hereby appointed as the Prefect of Beihai Commandery to assist in governing Beihai. In addition, post notices throughout the city to reassure the people: The Yellow Turban Rebellion has been quelled, and those who followed him will not be questioned. The people should continue their work in peace and not cause any disturbance."

"yes!"

The work to reassure the people is proceeding in an orderly manner.

Liu Bei personally went to see Guan Hai.

Guan Hai has woken up, but he is very weak.

Upon seeing Liu Bei, he struggled to sit up.

"Lie down," Liu Bei said, pressing him down.

"You...you are Liu Bei?" Guan Hai's voice was hoarse.

"it's me."

"Why don't you kill me?"

"Why should I kill you?" Liu Bei retorted. "You were also forced into rebellion. If you live, live a good life. If you don't... in your next life, don't be born in a chaotic world."

Guan Hai stared at Liu Bei for a long time.

Suddenly, he smiled.

"Liu Bei...you are different from them."

"What's different?"

"They... treated us like thieves," Guan Hai said. "You... treated us like human beings."

After saying that, he closed his eyes and stopped talking.

Three days later, Guan Hai died.

Liu Bei ordered that he be buried with the honors due to a general.

When the news spread, many former members of the Yellow Turban Rebellion surrendered.

After the pacification of Beihai, Liu Bei began to reorganize Qingzhou.

Zang Ba was appointed Prefect of Langya, Sun Guan was appointed Commandant of Taishan, and Sima Ju was appointed Assistant Prefect of Beihai Commandery.

Another group of officials were transferred from Youzhou to serve as magistrates and chief secretaries in various counties.

At the same time, the policies of Youzhou were implemented in Qingzhou: land survey, merging land tax into land tax, building water conservancy projects, and developing military farms.

The people gradually settled down.

But trouble is brewing.

Yuan Shao's envoy has arrived again.

This time, it was Feng Ji who came.

"Liu Zhenbei," Feng Ji said with a forced smile, "Congratulations on pacifying Qingzhou so quickly."

"It's all thanks to Lord Yuan's support," Liu Bei said politely. "If it weren't for Lord Yuan lending me passage and supplies, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this."

"Yes." Feng Ji changed the subject, "Now that Qingzhou has been pacified, what about the spoils of war we agreed on..."

"It's already prepared," Liu Bei said. "Please check it, sir."

He had more than a dozen large boxes brought out.

Inside, there were some worn-out weapons and armor, as well as some copper coins and cloth.

The total value... does not exceed a thousand gold pieces.

Feng Ji's expression changed: "Liu Zhenbei, what...what do you mean by this?"

"What do you mean?" Liu Bei feigned confusion. "Didn't Lord Yuan say that he would get 50% of the spoils? This is 50%."

"You..." Feng Ji trembled with anger, "Qingzhou is wealthy, and you're trying to fool Lord Yuan with this junk?"

"Sir, you are mistaken," Liu Bei said solemnly. "After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Qingzhou was decimated, with nine out of ten houses empty. Where would there be any wealth left? This is all that is left. If you do not believe me, you can check for yourself."

Feng Ji, of course, did not believe it.

But what can he do?

搜？

Liu Bei had 50,000 troops in Qingzhou.

Not searching?

He wouldn't be able to explain it to Yuan Shao if he went back.

"Liu Zhenbei," Feng Ji said, barely suppressing his anger, "Lord Yuan has another matter: the selection of the governor of Qingzhou..."

"Oh, that?" Liu Bei said with a smile. "I have already submitted a report to the court."

"Whom should we report?"

"Myself," Liu Bei said frankly. "I am not talented, but I am willing to take on the duties of the Governor of Qingzhou and guard the east for the court."

Feng Ji's eyes widened: "You...you want to take the position of Governor of Qingzhou for yourself?!"

"Why not?" Liu Bei countered. "Qingzhou has just been pacified and needs a senior official to guard it. Although I am not talented, I have done my part in suppressing the Yellow Turbans and pacifying the people. The court will surely grant my request."

Feng Ji finally understood.

Liu Bei is planning to seize control of Qingzhou!

"Liu Xuande!" Feng Ji snapped, abandoning all pretense of civility. "Are you trying to make an enemy of Lord Yuan?!"

"Mr. Feng, you flatter me." Liu Bei still smiled. "I have always respected Lord Yuan. The matter of Qingzhou was also to share the burden of the court. If Lord Yuan is dissatisfied, he can submit a memorial to the court to impeach me. I await the court's decree."

Feng Ji was so angry that he couldn't speak.

The imperial court?

What imperial court is there now?

The small court in Chang'an was controlled by Li Jue and Guo Si, and it could hardly protect itself, so how could it care about the affairs of Qingzhou?

Liu Bei is clearly...playing the rogue!

"Alright...alright!" Feng Ji gritted his teeth. "I will definitely convey Liu Zhenbei's words! Farewell!"

"Take care, sir." Liu Bei bowed. "By the way, General Chunyu is still here with me, having a good time. Would you like to have a few drinks before you go?"

Feng Ji turned his head and left without looking back.

Watching Feng Ji's retreating figure, Jian Yong laughed and said, "My lord, we've really offended Yuan Shao this time."

"So be it," Liu Bei said calmly. "We'll have to break off relations sooner or later. Now we have the two provinces of Youzhou and Qingzhou, with well-trained troops and ample supplies. We have nothing to fear from Yuan Shao."

"That Chunyu Qiong..."

"Keep him alive," Liu Bei said. "Provide him with good food and drink, and have him write a letter to Yuan Shao, saying how good we've been to him and how fairly we've divided the spoils. Even if Yuan Shao doesn't believe it, he'll still doubt Feng Ji's words."

"clever!"

After Qingzhou was pacified, Liu Bei remembered something else.

He sent someone to Langya to bring Zhuge Liang and his family to Beihai.

It's not about Zhuge Liang taking up a government post right now—he's only seven years old, what kind of government post would he take up?

We need to find him a good teacher.

Who is the teacher?

Zheng Xuan.

A renowned Confucian scholar of our time, he is now running a school in Beihai.

"Lord Zheng," Liu Bei said personally as he visited, "I have a request to make."

"Please speak, Zhenbei."

"While I was in Langya, I discovered a child prodigy named Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming," Liu Bei said. "This boy is exceptionally intelligent and has a photographic memory. I would like to request that Lord Zheng take him as his disciple and teach him with great care."

Zheng Xuan became interested: "Oh? To be valued so highly by Zhenbei, it must be no ordinary person. Where is he?"

"They're already on their way," Liu Bei said. "They should arrive in about three to five days."

"Alright." Zheng Xuan nodded. "If it is truly a fine piece of jade, I will gladly impart all my knowledge to you."

Five days later, Zhuge Liang arrived.

The seven-year-old child is already a head taller than his peers, with delicate features, bright eyes, and an intelligence far beyond his age.

"Zhuge Liang greets Lord Zheng." Zhuge Liang bowed meticulously.

Zheng Xuan tested him with several questions, all of which were basic Confucian classics.

Zhuge Liang answered fluently.

Zheng Xuan then posed several more difficult questions.

After thinking for a moment, Zhuge Liang also answered.

"A prodigy!" Zheng Xuan exclaimed in amazement. "If this child receives a good teacher, he will surely achieve great things in the future!"

"So, Lord Zheng has agreed?" Liu Bei asked.

"I agree!" Zheng Xuan took Zhuge Liang's hand. "From today onwards, you will be my last disciple. I will dedicate all my knowledge to teaching you to become a useful person."

Zhuge Liang bowed again: "Thank you, teacher!"

Liu Bei watched this scene with mixed feelings.

History has truly changed.

Zhuge Liang will not have another ten years of "cultivating the fields".

He will receive the best education and have the best resources from a young age.

What will it be like when I come out of seclusion in the future?

I'm really looking forward to it.

After making arrangements for Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei returned to his official residence.

Tian Yu was waiting for him.

"My lord, we have just received a message."

"What news?"

"Cao Cao defeated Lü Bu in Yan Province, and the entire territory of Yan Province now belongs to Cao Cao," Tian Yu said. "In addition, Sun Jian was killed by an arrow while attacking Xiangyang. His son, Sun Ce, went to join Yuan Shu."

Liu Bei remained silent.

Although the general trend of history has changed somewhat, the overall direction has not changed.

Cao Cao is about to rise to power.

Sun Jian is dead, but Sun Ce... is also a problem.

"Furthermore," Tian Yu continued, "Gongsun Zan is besieged by Yuan Shao in Yijing, and I'm afraid he won't be able to hold out for much longer."

Gongsun Zan...

Liu Bei remembered the White Horse General.

Once invincible, now at the end of its rope.

"Issue the order," Liu Bei said, "to strengthen the border defenses of Youzhou. After Yuan Shao destroys Gongsun Zan, our next target may be us."

"yes!"

Liu Bei walked to the window and looked at the sky outside.

Qingzhou has been pacified, but the world is still in chaos.

The next question is whether to consolidate the gains or continue expanding.

Just then, Jian Yong hurriedly entered.

"My lord, news has arrived from Xuzhou."

"Tao Qian?"

"No, it's Chen Deng." Jian Yong lowered his voice. "Tao Qian is seriously ill and probably won't make it. There's a dispute within Xuzhou about who should succeed him. Chen Deng asked... if our lord is interested?"

Xuzhou?

Liu Bei's eyes lit up.

That's a piece of fatty meat.

"Reply to Chen Deng," Liu Bei said, "saying... I am willing to share Tao's burdens. But we need his cooperation from within and without."

"clear!"

After Jian Yong left, Liu Bei looked at Xuzhou on the map and smiled.

Tao Qian, oh Tao Qian.

You've come at just the right time.

Xuzhou, I want it.

--