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

In the first month of the fourth year of the Chuping era, in Xiapi, Xuzhou.

Tao Qian lay on the bed, his face ashen and his breath faint.

This 63-year-old governor of Xuzhou was once a formidable figure—suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Xuzhou, fighting against Cao Cao, and protecting the prosperous land of Xuzhou in the midst of chaos.

But now, he can't.

"Yuanlong..." Tao Qian called out weakly.

Chen Deng quickly stepped forward: "My lord."

"Xuzhou...who should I entrust it to..." Tao Qian's eyes were filled with worry. "My two sons...they're useless..."

Tao Qian had two sons: Tao Shang and Tao Ying. Both were spoiled brats, incompetent in both literature and martial arts, and utterly incapable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of Xuzhou.

"My lord," Chen Deng said in a low voice, "Xuzhou is now beset by internal and external troubles. Cao Cao is eyeing us covetously in Yanzhou, Yuan Shu is stirring up trouble in Huainan, and Liu Bei in Qingzhou... is no pushover either. Without a strong leader to guard it, Xuzhou is in grave danger."

"Then...who do you think I can entrust with this?"

Chen Deng was silent for a moment, then said, "Liu Bei."

"Liu Bei?" Tao Qian frowned. "Is this man...trustworthy?"

"Liu Bei's reputation for benevolence and righteousness is known throughout the land," Chen Deng said. "He fought the Three Heroes against Lü Bu, saved officials from a fire, quelled the rebellion in Youzhou, and resolved the troubles in Qingzhou. More importantly... he is deeply loved by the people. If the people of Xuzhou knew that Liu Bei was taking over, they would certainly not object."

Tao Qian smiled wryly: "Yes... I've won the hearts of the people... but my two rebellious sons only know how to fight for power and profit..."

He caught his breath and continued, "But Liu Bei... is, after all, an outsider. Will the gentry of Xuzhou agree to this?"

"That's the key," Chen Deng said. "If our lord voluntarily yields, Liu Bei can rightfully take control of Xuzhou, and even if the gentry are dissatisfied, they will have nothing to say. But if we wait until our lord... cough... later, and the two princes fight for the throne, causing internal strife in Xuzhou, then if Liu Bei intervenes under the pretext of 'suppressing the rebellion,' the nature of the situation will be different."

Tao Qian understood.

Voluntarily yielding is an act of abdication, a beautiful story.

Taking something passively is an invasion, it is plunder.

"Alright..." Tao Qian nodded with difficulty, "Then... let Liu Bei have it. Yuanlong, you make the arrangements..."

"Rest assured, my lord," Chen Deng said solemnly.

Qingzhou, Beihai.

When Liu Bei received Chen Deng's secret letter, he was reading Zhuge Liang's book.

Seven-year-old Zhuge Liang had already been studying under Zheng Xuan for half a year and was making rapid progress. Now he could not only recite the Analects and Mencius, but also discuss the meaning of the classics with Zheng Xuan. Sometimes his insights even impressed Zheng Xuan.

"Kongming," Liu Bei put down the letter and smiled, "if it were you, what would you do at this moment?"

Zhuge Liang raised his head and put down the bamboo slips: "Is the teacher asking about the matter of Xuzhou?"

"Oh? How did you know it was Xuzhou?"

"The messenger came from the south, his face dusty and weary, clearly having traveled a long distance," Zhuge Liang analyzed. "The only southern matter that would warrant such attention from our teacher is either Xuzhou or Yangzhou. However, Yangzhou is currently contested by Yuan Shu and Liu Yao, and has no immediate connection to our teacher. Therefore, it must be Xuzhou."

Liu Bei was secretly alarmed.

This child is so smart.

"So, what do you think we should do?"

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment: "Tao Qian is seriously ill, and his two sons are incompetent. Among the gentry of Xuzhou, the Chen and Mi families are the most prominent. Chen Deng's letter indicates that the Chen family has already sided with you, Master. If we can also win over the Mi family, Xuzhou can be secured."

"How can we win over the Mi family?"

"A marriage alliance," Zhuge Liang said, surprising everyone. "I've heard that Mi Zhu has a younger sister who is of marriageable age. If you, Master, were to marry her, the Mi family would certainly give their full support."

Liu Bei was stunned.

A seven-year-old child, does he understand arranged marriage?

"Who taught you that?" Liu Bei asked.

"Historical records," Zhuge Liang said earnestly, "Since ancient times, political marriages have been a common way to form alliances. If you want Xuzhou, you need the support of the Mi family. And the fastest way to get the Mi family's support is through marriage."

Liu Bei sighed with emotion.

He truly lived up to his reputation as Zhuge Liang.

To have such insight at the age of seven.

"If it were you, would you be willing to exchange marriage for political benefits?" Liu Bei asked again.

Zhuge Liang was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "I am unwilling. But my teacher... is a man destined for great things. A man destined for great things does not concern himself with trifles."

Liu Bei smiled.

"Well said. However... the teacher already has a solution; there's no need for a marriage alliance."

"Oh?" Zhuge Liang asked curiously, "What brilliant plan do you have, teacher?"

"It's a secret." Liu Bei winked. "I'll tell you when you grow up."

After saying that, he got up and left.

Zhuge Liang was left completely bewildered.

Back in his study, Liu Bei immediately summoned his core members.

"Brother, has a letter arrived from Xuzhou?" Zhang Fei asked first.

"It's here." Liu Bei circulated the letter among the others. "Tao Qian is seriously ill and wants to cede Xuzhou to us. Chen Deng asked when we should go to take it over."

"Great news!" Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly. "Xuzhou is wealthy, with abundant money and provisions! If we take Xuzhou, we'll have three provinces under our control!"

Guan Yu frowned: "Brother, there seems to be something fishy about this. Why would Tao Qian give it to an outsider instead of his son?"

"Because his son is useless," Liu Bei said. "Moreover, Chen Deng said that Xuzhou is now divided into two factions: one supports Tao Shang and the other supports Tao Ying. If no one can keep them in check, Xuzhou will surely descend into chaos."

"Then let's..."

"Go," Liu Bei said decisively, "but we can't make a big fuss. Yunchang and Yide, you two come with me to Xuzhou. Zilong, you stay and guard Qingzhou. Guorang, the administration of Qingzhou is in your hands."

"How many soldiers do you want to bring?" Guan Yu asked.

"One thousand," Liu Bei said. "Just bring my personal guards. Too many people will only make it look like we're trying to rob you."

"A thousand?!" Zhang Fei's eyes widened. "Brother, isn't that too risky? We don't even know what the situation is like in Xuzhou right now..."

"Precisely because we don't know, we should bring as few men as possible," Liu Bei explained. "We're going to 'receive,' not 'attack.' What will Tao Qian think if we bring a large army? What will the gentry of Xuzhou think?"

"But what if..."

"There's no chance of anything going wrong," Liu Bei said confidently. "Chen Deng has already made arrangements. Besides... I have other plans."

He looked at Jian Yong: "Xianhe, you set off ahead of schedule to see Chen Deng in Xiapi. Tell him we'll arrive in ten days. Also, have him contact Mi Zhu—the Prefect of Xuzhou and the head of the Mi family. Tell him I want to see him."

"clear."

"Furthermore," Liu Bei added, "in my name, send Tao Qian a 'gift of condolence': ten catties of ginseng from Youzhou, one hundred shi of sea salt from Qingzhou, and fifty jars of Youzhou liquor. Remember, send it in a grand manner, so that the whole of Xuzhou knows that I, Liu Bei, care about the health of Tao Qian."

"Brilliant!" Jian Yong gave a thumbs up. "My lord, you've shown courtesy before resorting to force, demonstrating true benevolence and righteousness."

"Not only that," Liu Bei laughed. "In my personal capacity, I will also send a gift to Tao Shang and Tao Ying: Tao Shang is fond of martial arts, so I will send him a precious sword; Tao Ying is fond of literature, so I will send him a set of the Book of Poetry annotated by Zheng Xuan. Remember, send them at the same time, and they should be of equal value."

Guan Yu understood: "This is... to keep them calm?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Let them feel that I treat them all equally and without favoritism. That way, they won't be in a hurry to oppose me."

Everyone was impressed.

That's incredibly thoughtful.

Ten days later, Liu Bei arrived in Xiapi.

The welcoming ceremony was very grand—Chen Deng, along with all the civil and military officials of Xuzhou, greeted them ten miles outside the city.

But the atmosphere was subtle.

The civil officials had complex expressions, while the military officers' eyes flickered.

Only Chen Deng's smile was genuine.

"Liu Zhenbei!" Chen stepped forward. "You must have had a long journey!"

"Mr. Yuanlong," Liu Bei dismounted, "how is Governor Tao's health?"

"Sigh..." Chen Deng sighed, "It's getting worse every day. The doctor said... it's probably just a matter of days."

Liu Bei said with feigned concern, "Take me there quickly."

The group entered the city.

People lined both sides of the street, watching and discussing the scene.

"That's Liu Bei? He's so young!"

"I heard that he fought Lü Bu alongside three other heroes, saving the officials of Luoyang..."

"What is he doing in Xuzhou?"

"I don't know... They said they were coming to visit Tao Xuzhou..."

Upon arriving at the governor's mansion, the atmosphere became even more somber.

The two brothers, Tao Shang and Tao Ying, each led a squad of guards, standing on either side of the mansion gate, glaring at each other like two roosters about to fight.

Upon seeing Liu Bei, the two stepped forward simultaneously.

"Liu Zhenbei!" Tao Shang spoke first, "My father is seriously ill, thank you for coming to visit!"

"Liu Zhenbei!" Tao Ying retorted, not to be outdone. "A banquet has been prepared at the manor to welcome Zhenbei!"

The two spoke almost simultaneously, their voices overlapping, creating an awkward situation.

Liu Bei chuckled inwardly, but his expression remained gentle: "My two lords, there's no need for such formalities. I've come here solely to visit Tao, the Governor of Xuzhou, with no other intentions."

That's a clever way of putting it—I'm here to see the patient, not to take over territory.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying exchanged a glance, and the hostility in their eyes lessened slightly.

"Please, Zhenbei," Chen Deng said, trying to smooth things over.

Upon entering the inner room, Tao Qian could no longer sit up and could only lie down.

Upon seeing Liu Bei, he struggled to sit up.

"Lord Tao, there's no need for you to get up." Liu Bei quickly stepped forward, "Your health is of utmost importance."

"Xuande..." Tao Qian grasped Liu Bei's hand, "Now that you're here... I'm relieved..."

Why did Tao Gong say that?

"I'm entrusting Xuzhou to you," Tao Qian said bluntly. "My two sons... are useless. If I leave Xuzhou in their hands, it will be lost sooner or later... It's better to hand it over to you; perhaps you can save it..."

That's too blunt.

The expressions on the faces of Tao Shang and Tao Ying, who were present, changed.

"Father!" Tao Shang exclaimed urgently, "You've become confused! Xuzhou belongs to the Tao family; how can we hand it over to outsiders!"

"Yes, Father!" Tao Ying echoed, "Although my elder brother is useless, he is... but I am a scholar, and I can govern Xuzhou!"

Tao Qian roared, "Shut up! The two of you combined aren't even worth a single finger of Xuande's!"

That's too harsh a statement.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying's faces turned ashen.

Liu Bei quickly replied, "Lord Tao, you flatter me. Your two sons are young, and given time, they will surely achieve great things. I came here only to visit them, and have no other intentions."

"No..." Tao Qian shook his head, "My mind is made up... Yuanlong, bring me the seal..."

Chen Deng retrieved the seal of the Governor of Xuzhou.

With trembling hands, Tao Qian handed the seal to Liu Bei: "Xuande...take the seal..."

The entire room fell silent.

All eyes were on Liu Bei.

Answer or not answer?

Liu Bei looked at the seal of office before him and fell silent.

According to the historical script, he should have declined three times before finally accepting with "reluctance".

But he didn't want that kind of trouble.

"Lord Tao," Liu Bei said, not accepting the seal but helping Tao Qian lie down. "This matter is not urgent. You should rest and recover first. We can discuss this further when you are better."

Tao Qian panicked: "My illness... is incurable... Xuande, you must take it..."

"No," Liu Bei firmly shook his head. "Tao Gong is still alive, and the two young masters are still alive. How can I overstep my bounds? If word gets out, what will the world say about me? Seizing someone else's land and bullying their sons—wouldn't I become an unjust person?"

These words were spoken with great righteousness and awe.

Tao Qian was moved.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying were also stunned.

They didn't expect Liu Bei to refuse.

"Xuande..." Tao Qian wept uncontrollably, "You...you are truly benevolent..."

"You flatter me, Lord Tao," Liu Bei said. "How about this: while you are recuperating, I can temporarily handle the affairs of Xuzhou and soothe the people's hearts. Once you have recovered, or when your two sons are capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities, I will immediately return them to you. What do you say?"

This proposal is a compromise.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying exchanged a glance and nodded.

Their thinking was simple: their father wouldn't live much longer. They figured they could drive Liu Bei away after he died.

"Okay...okay..." Tao Qian agreed, "Then...let's temporarily take over..."

"I will obey your command." Liu Bei bowed deeply.

Stepping out of the inner room, Chen Deng asked in a low voice, "Why doesn't Zhenbei accept the seal? This is a perfectly legitimate opportunity."

"Righteous and justifiable?" Liu Bei smiled. "To take over now would be taking advantage of someone's misfortune. It would be more in line with public opinion to take over under the pretext of 'pacifying the rebellion' after Tao Gong...

Chen Deng understood.

What Liu Bei wanted was not Tao Qian's offer of concession, but the hearts of the people of Xuzhou.

"So, what's next..."

"Next, we should meet with Prefect Mi," Liu Bei said.

That evening, Mi Zhu hosted a banquet to welcome Liu Bei.

The Mi family was the wealthiest family in Xuzhou, possessing immense riches and employing tens of thousands of servants. Mi Zhu himself held the position of Prefectural Governor of Xuzhou, wielding great power and influence.

The banquet was lavish, but Mi Zhu remained cautious.

"Liu Zhenbei," Mi Zhu toasted, "I have long admired your name, and it is my great honor to meet you today."

"You're too kind, Prefect Mi," Liu Bei returned the greeting. "When I was in Qingzhou, I heard that the Mi family was known for its philanthropy and was a benevolent family in Xuzhou. Meeting you today, I can see that their reputation is well-deserved."

The businessmen flattered each other, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks, Mi Zhu tentatively asked, "I heard that Zhenbei is temporarily in charge of the administration of Xuzhou?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Lord Tao is seriously ill, and the two young masters are still young. I will temporarily share the burden. Once Lord Tao recovers or the two young masters are mature enough, I will naturally step down and yield my position to the more capable ones."

Mi Zhu sneered inwardly: Abdicate and yield the throne to a worthy successor? It's like throwing a meat bun to a dog—gone and never to return.

But outwardly he praised, "Zhenbei is a man of noble character."

"Prefect Mi," Liu Bei changed the subject, "I have a request to make."

"Please speak, Zhenbei."

"Having just arrived in Xuzhou, I am unfamiliar with the place and its people. There are countless matters to attend to in both government and military affairs, and I urgently need talented people to assist me," Liu Bei said sincerely. "I have heard that Mi Fang, the younger brother of Prefect Mi, is quite skilled in martial arts. I wonder if he would be willing to come out of seclusion and assist me?"

Mi Zhu was taken aback.

His younger brother, Mi Fang, was indeed quite capable, but he stayed at home managing the business and never took up an official post.

What does Liu Bei mean by this? Is he trying to win him over?

"This..." Mi Zhu hesitated, "My younger brother is young, I'm afraid he's not up to the task..."

"Youth is good," Liu Bei said with a smile. "I am young myself and I like to use young people. How about this, let Mi Fang be a captain first, to gain experience under Yun Chang. If he really has the ability, he will definitely be given an important position in the future."

Mi Zhu was tempted.

Captain, that's quite a high-ranking official.

Moreover, he was under Guan Yu's command—who doesn't know that Guan Yu was Liu Bei's right-hand man?

"Well... thank you, Zhenbei." Mi Zhu raised his cup. "I'll leave my younger brother in your care, Zhenbei."

"Of course, of course." Liu Bei finished his drink and then said, "By the way, I heard that Prefect Mi has a younger sister who is both beautiful and talented?"

Mi Zhu's hand trembled, and the wine spilled.

coming.

He had heard that Liu Bei might propose a marriage alliance, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon.

"It is... my younger sister, Mi Zhen, who is sixteen years old..." Mi Zhu answered carefully.

"Are you betrothed?"

"Not yet..."

"That's perfect," Liu Bei said with a smile. "I have a sworn brother named Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong, who is currently the governor of Qingzhou. He is young and promising, loyal and brave, and will surely become a great general in the future. If you, Prefect Mi, are willing to accept this, I am willing to act as matchmaker and bring this marriage together."

Mi Zhu was stunned.

It wasn't Liu Bei himself?

Is it Zhao Yun?

"Zhao Yun...Zhao Zilong?" Mi Zhu recalled, "Is he the one who killed Guan Hai with his spear in Beihai?"

"Indeed." Liu Bei nodded. "Zilong is twenty-five this year and still unmarried. If he could marry Miss Mi, it would be a wonderful story."

Mi Zhu was deep in thought.

Although Zhao Yun was Liu Bei's subordinate, he was indeed a talented individual. Moreover... he wasn't Liu Bei's principal wife; Liu Bei acted as matchmaker, which showed him considerable respect.

More importantly, refusing would be tantamount to offending Liu Bei.

"It is an honor for the Mi family for Zhenbei to act as matchmaker." Mi Zhu finally nodded, "However... we need to ask my younger sister's opinion first."

"Of course," Liu Bei said. "Marriage is a serious matter that requires mutual affection. If Miss Mi is unwilling, I will not force her."

That's a well-said statement.

Mi Zhu was completely relieved.

"Then... Zhu will go and ask."

That evening, Mi Zhu went to ask his younger sister, Mi Zhen.

When Mi Zhen heard that the other party was Zhao Yun, the White Horse General who charged into battle alone in Beihai, she blushed.

"It's entirely up to my elder brother to decide..."

That means you've agreed.

Mi Zhu was overjoyed and replied to Liu Bei the next day: the marriage is settled.

Liu Bei was overjoyed.

By arranging a marriage alliance with the Mi family, the most powerful clan in Xuzhou, they secured their alliance.

Another half month passed, and Tao Qian couldn't hold on any longer.

On his deathbed, he called Liu Bei to his side.

"Xuande..." Tao Qian gasped weakly, "I...I'm dying...Xuzhou...I'm leaving it to you...Please...treat my two sons well..."

"Rest assured, Lord Tao," Liu Bei said solemnly. "I will certainly treat the two young masters well and ensure their lifelong wealth and honor."

"Okay...okay..." Tao Qian smiled, then closed his eyes.

Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, died of illness.

The news sent shockwaves through Xuzhou.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying immediately jumped out to vie for the position.

"I am the eldest son, and I should inherit the governorship of Xuzhou!" Tao Shang declared.

"My elder brother is unworthy; a virtuous person should succeed him!" Tao Ying disagreed.

The two factions were on the verge of war.

The atmosphere inside Xiapi was tense.

At this moment, Chen Deng stepped forward.

"My two young masters," Chen Deng said loudly before Tao Qian's coffin and in front of the civil and military officials of Xuzhou, "before his death, Lord Tao entrusted Xuzhou to Liu Zhenbei, and his will is here!"

He produced a "last will and testament"—of course, it was forged, but it bore Tao Qian's seal, so no one could verify its authenticity.

"Impossible!" Tao Shang shouted, "How could Father hand over Xuzhou to outsiders!"

"Yes!" Tao Ying chimed in, "It must have been you, Chen Deng, who forged it!"

"Whether it's a forgery or not, you can all tell at a glance." Chen Deng passed his last words to everyone.

The will clearly states: Tao Qian felt that his days were numbered and that his two sons were incompetent. For the sake of the people of Xuzhou, he entrusted Xuzhou to Liu Bei, hoping that Liu Bei would treat the people well and protect the Tao family.

The handwriting resembles Tao Qian's, and the seal is genuine.

Everyone looked at each other.

"I don't believe it!" Tao Shang drew his sword. "It must be you, Chen Deng, who colluded with Liu Bei to seize my Tao family's business!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of orderly footsteps came from outside the door.

Liu Bei entered with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and a thousand personal guards.

"Young Master Tao," Liu Bei said calmly, "is it appropriate for you to raise weapons before the coffin so soon after the death of Lord Tao?"

Tao Shang's expression changed drastically: "Liu Bei! You... what do you want to do!"

"I don't want to do anything." Liu Bei walked to the altar and bowed deeply. "Tao Gong treated me like a son or nephew. How could I cause trouble in front of his altar? But... Tao Gong's last wishes are here. Although I am not talented, I dare not disobey Tao Gong's last instructions."

He turned to the crowd and said, "Let's do this: in front of Lord Tao's memorial tablet and the civil and military officials of Xuzhou, let's vote. Those who support Young Master Tao's succession, stand on the left. Those who support Young Master Tao Ying's succession, stand on the right. Those who support Lord Tao's dying wish for Bei to temporarily lead Xuzhou, stand in the middle."

The entire room fell silent.

No one dared to make the first move.

Chen Deng was the first to stand in the middle: "Chen Deng follows the dying wish of Tao Gong."

Mi Zhu went to the second stop: "Mi Zhu follows the dying wish of Tao Gong."

Then, one after another, the civil and military officials of Xuzhou took their places in the center.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying were left with only a few dozen trusted confidants.

"You...you all..." Tao Shang trembled with anger.

"My two young masters," Liu Bei said gently, "I promised Lord Tao that I would treat you well. How about this, Lord Tao Shang, I will recommend you for the position of Prefect of Guangling. Lord Tao Ying, I will recommend you for the position of Chancellor of Donghai. What do you think?"

The prefect and the prime minister were both high-ranking officials with salaries of two thousand piculs of grain.

But anyone with a discerning eye can see that this is a demotion in disguise—he's being transferred away from Xiapi and has lost his foothold.

Tao Shang and Tao Ying exchanged a glance.

They're not stupid; they know the tide has turned.

"Fine..." Tao Shang gritted his teeth, "Thank you... Liu Zhenbei."

"Thank you... Liu Zhenbei." Tao Ying also bowed his head.

In this way, Liu Bei took Xuzhou without bloodshed.

When the news reached Yanzhou, Cao Cao was eating and dropped his chopsticks upon hearing it.

"Liu Bei...has acquired Xuzhou?" Cao Cao's face darkened.

"Yes." Cheng Yu nodded. "Tao Qian passed away, leaving a will that Xuzhou be given to Liu Bei. Liu Bei has already taken over Xiapi and recommended Tao Shang as the governor of Guangling and Tao Ying as the chancellor of Donghai."

"A dying wish?" Cao Cao sneered. "It was probably that brat Chen Deng who pulled the strings!"

"My lord, you are wise," Cheng Yu said. "But Liu Bei is meticulous in his actions. He first stabilized Tao Shang and Tao Ying, then formed a marriage alliance with the Mi family, and also gained the support of the Chen family. Now, everyone in Xuzhou is convinced of Liu Bei's power. We... cannot get involved."

Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table.

He's wanted Xuzhou for a long time!

His father, Cao Song, was killed in Xuzhou, and he used this as a pretext to attack Xuzhou, massacring five cities and almost taking Xiapi. However, Lü Bu launched a surprise attack on Yanzhou, forcing him to return to defend it.

Now look what's happened, Liu Bei got the benefit!

"Liu Bei... Liu Bei..." Cao Cao murmured, "If this man is not eliminated, he will surely become a great threat."

"My lord," Xun Yu advised, "we have just pacified Yan Province. Although Lü Bu has been defeated, his remnants are not yet eliminated. Yuan Shao is in Hebei, eyeing us covetously. It is not wise to make another powerful enemy."

"So we're just going to watch Liu Bei grow stronger?"

"No," Xun Yu said. "Although Liu Bei has obtained Xu Province, his foundation is not yet stable. My lord can submit a memorial to the court, recommending Liu Bei as the governor of Xu Province, as a gesture of goodwill. At the same time, secretly contact those who are dissatisfied within Xu Province and wait for an opportunity to act."

Cao Cao pondered.

This plan is feasible.

"Alright." Cao Cao nodded. "Do as Wenruo said. Also... send someone to Xiapi to congratulate Liu Bei. And while we're at it... check the situation in Xuzhou."

"clear."

Almost simultaneously, Ye City.

Yuan Shao also received the news.

"Liu Bei...has gained Xuzhou again?" Yuan Shao's face turned ashen.

"Yes." Feng Ji gritted his teeth. "This man is cunning. He first took Youzhou, then Qingzhou, and now he has taken Xuzhou. He has already gained the momentum to contend for hegemony over these three provinces."

"I should have killed him back then!" Yuan Shao regretted.

He should have stopped Liu Bei when Liu Bei asked him to pass through Qingzhou. Instead, Liu Bei fooled him, and now he's nurtured a tiger that will eventually turn on him.

"My lord," Shen Pei said, "it's too late to talk about this now. The most urgent matter is how to deal with this."

"How is things going with Gongsun Zan?" Yuan Shao asked.

"Yijing has been besieged for months, and its food supplies are running low. It won't last much longer," Shen Pei said. "At most, it will fall in three months."

"Alright." Yuan Shao nodded. "After we eliminate Gongsun Zan, we'll deal with Liu Bei. But... before that, we need to cause him some trouble."

"Does my lord mean..."

"Cao Cao," Yuan Shao sneered, "Cao Cao also wanted Xu Province, but Liu Bei got there first, so he must hate us. We can... secretly contact Cao Cao and plot against Liu Bei together."

"Brilliant!" Feng Ji praised. "Let Cao Cao contain Liu Bei from the south, while we exert pressure from the north. Liu Bei will be unable to defend both ends and will surely be defeated."

"Then let's do it this way," Yuan Shao said. "Send an envoy to Xiapi to 'congratulate' Liu Bei. And while we're at it... let's sound him out."

"yes!"

Xiapi, the governor's residence.

Liu Bei received congratulatory letters from both Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

"Interesting," Liu Bei laughed. "One comes from the south, the other from the north. They're trying to attack me from both sides."

"My lord, what should we do?" Jian Yong asked.

"Simple," Liu Bei said. "Reply to Cao Cao with humble words, saying that I am of limited talent and learning, and have been given temporary command of Xu Province by Tao Yuanming. If Cao Cao does not disdain me, I wish to form an alliance and jointly support the Han Dynasty."

"What about Yuan Shao's side..."

"Reply to Yuan Shao with respectful words, saying that I will always remember your kindness in allowing me passage. If you have any needs, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse."

Guan Yu frowned: "Brother, is this... trying to please both sides?"

"It's not about appeasement, it's about stalling," Liu Bei explained. "Cao Cao has just pacified Yan Province and needs time to consolidate his power. Yuan Shao is busy fighting Gongsun Zan and can't spare any attention. What we lack most right now is time. If we can stall for a year or two, once we've consolidated Xu Province and have a well-trained army and sufficient supplies, we won't be afraid of them anymore."

"But will they believe it?"

"Whether you believe it or not is not important," Liu Bei laughed. "What's important is that none of them want to go to war with us right now. Cao Cao is wary of Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shao is fighting Gongsun Zan. We can take this opportunity to reorganize Xu Province and build up our strength."

"What if..."

"There's no 'what if'," Liu Bei said confidently. "I've already thought it through. Xuzhou has two major problems: internal instability and external threats. The internal problems can be solved with 'new policies.' The external threats... can be alleviated with 'marriage alliances.'"

"A marriage alliance?" Everyone was taken aback.

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Cao Cao has a daughter, and Yuan Shao also has a daughter. We can... propose marriage."

"A marriage proposal?!" Zhang Fei's eyes widened. "Brother, you're not even married yet!"

"It wasn't me," Liu Bei shook his head. "It was to propose marriage to Yun Chang and Yi De."

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were both stunned.

"Cao Cao's daughter will marry Guan Yu. Yuan Shao's daughter will marry Zhang Fei," Liu Bei said. "Of course, this is just a suggestion. Whether they agree or not is another matter. But by making this suggestion, we show our 'sincerity'."

Jian Yong was impressed: "My lord, that move of yours... was too clever."

"There's something even more outrageous," Liu Bei laughed. "In the name of the imperial court, recommend Cao Cao as General Who Guards the East and Yuan Shao as Grand General. Let them be suspicious of each other and have no time to bother with us."

"Will the imperial court listen to us?"

"The imperial court is now in the hands of Li Jue and Guo Si," Liu Bei said. "I have already sent someone to Chang'an with a thousand gold pieces. Li Jue is greedy and will surely agree."

Everyone was completely convinced.

This lord has truly mastered the art of political maneuvering.

"By the way," Liu Bei suddenly remembered something, "how is Kongming doing lately?"

"He has made rapid progress under Zheng Gong's tutelage," Tian Yu said. "Zheng Gong said that this young man's talent is rare, perhaps only seen once in a hundred years."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Send someone to Beihai to bring Kongming to Xiapi. I want to personally instruct him."

"He's only seven years old..."

"What's wrong with seven years old?" Liu Bei laughed. "Gan Luo became prime minister at twelve, and Zhou Yu led troops at thirteen. Kongming is seven, just the right age for his enlightenment."

Actually, what he wanted was to bring Zhuge Liang under his wing as soon as possible and cultivate a relationship with him. That way, when Zhuge Liang came out of seclusion, he would be loyal to him to the death.

Just then, a guard came to report: "My lord, someone is requesting an audience, saying he comes from Jingzhou."

"Jingzhou? Who?"

He said his name was Xu Shu, courtesy name Yuanzhi, and that he had come to serve his lord after hearing that the lord was recruiting talented people.

Xu Shu?!

Liu Bei's eyes lit up.

Another great talent has arrived!

"Please come quickly!"