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

When Xu Shu entered, Liu Bei was looking at a map.

I looked up and froze.

Contrary to expectations, Xu Shu was dressed in coarse cloth short clothes, with a long sword at his waist and his hair casually tied with straw rope, making him look more like a wandering knight than a strategist.

"This humble citizen, Xu Shu, courtesy name Yuanzhi, is from Changshe, Yingchuan. I pay my respects to Prefect Liu." Xu Shu bowed, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Please rise, Mr. Yuanzhi." Liu Bei helped him up and looked him over carefully.

Xu Shu was around thirty years old, with a thin face but sharp eyes. His hands were particularly striking, with distinct knuckles and calluses on the base of his thumbs—the result of years of wielding a sword.

"Sir, are you from Jingzhou?" Liu Bei asked.

"Yes." Xu Shu nodded. "When I was young, I was a chivalrous man. I once killed someone for a friend and fled to Jingzhou. In Jingzhou, I met the famous scholar Sima Hui and was taught by him. I began to study and understand principles. Hearing that Your Excellency is recruiting talented people, I came here to join you."

His resume is straightforward: he was a wandering knight-errant, killed people, and was on the run before he went to school.

Most people would probably frown upon hearing this.

But Liu Bei's eyes lit up.

People with stories are interesting.

"What are you good at, sir?" Liu Bei asked.

"I have a basic understanding of swordsmanship," Xu Shu said modestly. "I have a basic understanding of military strategy and tactics."

"You know a little about everything?" Liu Bei smiled. "Then, sir, what do you think I need most right now?"

Xu Shu walked to the map, looked at it for a moment, and said, "What Your Excellency needs most right now is not expansion, not war, but... assimilation."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Within a year, you have gained control of Qing and Xu provinces, and together with the original You province, you now control three provinces," Xu Shu analyzed. "On the surface, things look great, but in reality, crises lurk everywhere: You province has just been annexed, and the people's hearts are not yet settled; Qing province has just been pacified, and everything needs to be rebuilt; Xu province has just been acquired, and there is suspicion both inside and outside the province. If we rashly launch an attack at this time, we will inevitably lose sight of one aspect and cause chaos in all three provinces."

Liu Bei nodded: "Please continue, sir."

"Therefore, the most urgent task is to digest these three provinces." Xu Shu pointed to the map. "Youzhou is defended against the Wuhuan to the north and Bingzhou to the west; Qingzhou is bordered by the sea to the east and Yanzhou to the west; Xuzhou is connected to Yangzhou to the south and Qingzhou to the north. The three provinces are arranged in a triangular shape, forming a defensive perimeter. If they can be properly integrated, they can form an impregnable fortress."

"How to integrate them?"

"Three strategies." Xu Shu held up three fingers. "The first strategy is personnel consolidation. Officials in Youzhou, Qingzhou, and Xuzhou need to be rotated to avoid the formation of local factions. Important positions must be held by the governor's trusted confidants."

"What's the second option?"

"The second strategy is economic integration," Xu Shu said. "The three provinces have different products: Youzhou has horses and furs; Qingzhou has salt and fishing; and Xuzhou has grain and cloth. We can establish a 'Three Provinces Trade Office' to coordinate the allocation of resources and facilitate the exchange of goods. In this way, the economies of the three provinces will be integrated, their interests will be linked, and they will be able to work together."

"A third option?"

"The third strategy is military integration," Xu Shu said solemnly. "The troops of the three provinces need to be organized, trained, and commanded in a unified manner. The cavalry of Youzhou, the navy of Qingzhou, and the infantry of Xuzhou each have their own strengths. If they can be integrated into a multi-service joint operations army, no one in the world will be able to defeat them."

After listening, Liu Bei remained silent for a long time.

Then, he rose, bowed deeply, and said, "Sir, you are a man of great talent. I humbly request that you serve as my Military Advisor and General, overseeing the military and political affairs of the three prefectures. Please assist me!"

Xu Shu quickly returned the greeting: "Your Excellency's kindness is too great, I am humbled. However... I am new here and fear I am not up to the task."

"If I say it's possible, then it's possible." Liu Bei grasped Xu Shu's hand. "Yuanzhi, although this is our first meeting, I know you've come to serve me sincerely. I, Liu Bei, may not be able to say anything else, but my judgment of people has never been wrong."

Xu Shu looked at Liu Bei, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

In chaotic times, it is rare to gain such trust.

"Then... I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

After arranging things for Xu Shu, Liu Bei went to see Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang now lives in the backyard of the governor's mansion, a secluded little courtyard in a quiet and peaceful environment.

When Liu Bei entered, Zhuge Liang was writing.

The seven-year-old child held the pen with remarkable skill, writing in the clerical script, neat and elegant.

"Kongming," Liu Bei called out.

Zhuge Liang looked up, put down his pen, and said, "Teacher."

"What should I write?"

"From 'Guanzi: The Chapter on Governing the People,'" Zhuge Liang said. "Zheng Gong said that the way to govern a country begins with governing the people. I am copying this down to deepen my understanding."

Liu Bei picked up the bamboo slips, examined them, and nodded: "The handwriting is quite good. How is your understanding?"

"There are some parts I don't understand," Zhuge Liang admitted honestly. "For example, this saying: 'When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame.' I think that a full granary and sufficient food and clothing are the foundation, but knowing etiquette and honor and shame still requires education. Otherwise, if people are well-fed and clothed, they will think of lust, which will only make things worse."

Liu Bei was surprised.

Could a seven-year-old child think of this?

"Then what do you think should be done?"

"We must give equal importance to education and enriching the people," Zhuge Liang said earnestly. "We must ensure that the people have food to eat and clothes to wear, and we must also teach them propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame. Otherwise, enriching them without educating them is like raising tigers and wolves."

"Well said," Liu Bei praised. "Then what do you think is the most important thing to do in Xuzhou right now?"

Zhuge Liang thought for a moment and said, "To pacify the people, enrich the people, and educate the people. To pacify the people, we need to suppress bandits and eliminate traitors; to enrich the people, we need to encourage agriculture and sericulture; and to educate the people, we need to establish schools."

The ideas are clear and well-organized.

Liu Bei was secretly delighted: He had struck gold.

"Kongming," Liu Bei sat down, "from today onwards, you will study every morning and in the afternoon... learn practical skills from me."

"In practice?"

"Yes," Liu Bei said. "I will have the various counties send you administrative reports. You can read them, analyze them, and then tell me how to handle them. I will teach you, but you will have to figure out most of the things yourself."

Zhuge Liang's eyes lit up: "This student is willing!"

"However," Liu Bei changed the subject, "it's not enough to just study; you also need to practice martial arts."

"Practicing martial arts?"

"That's right." Liu Bei nodded. "In chaotic times, even scholars need to know martial arts. Not to mention fighting on the battlefield, at least it can strengthen the body and help you protect yourself in times of crisis. Starting tomorrow, every morning, I will have Zilong teach you spear techniques."

Zhuge Liang was a little confused: "But the student... is only seven years old..."

"Gan Luo became prime minister at the age of twelve, and you started practicing martial arts at the age of seven. What's wrong with that?" Liu Bei asked with a smile. "Don't worry, I'll proceed step by step and it won't tire you out."

After arranging things for Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei returned to the front hall.

Xu Shu is reviewing reports from various prefectures and counties.

"My lord," Xu Shu looked up, "the situation in Xuzhou is more complicated than I imagined."

"How so?"

"When Tao Qian was in power, Xuzhou seemed stable, but in reality, it was fraught with hidden dangers," Xu Shu said. "There were many powerful families within the territory, each acting independently. The Chen family of Guangling, the Mi family of Donghai, the Cao family of Xiapi... these families all had private armies and were not very obedient to the orders of the state government."

"As expected," Liu Bei said. "Tao Qian is old and can't control them. Now that it's my turn, they're even more resentful."

"So, what does my lord intend to do..."

"Use both kindness and severity." Liu Bei had already planned this. "Those who obey will be given official positions and benefits. Those who disobey... make an example of them."

"Which chicken should we kill?"

"The Chen family of Guangling." A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "Chen Deng is a member of the Chen family, but the head of the Chen family, Chen Gui, has always been outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant towards me. Let's start with him."

"How is the surgery performed?"

"Investigate the taxes," Liu Bei sneered. "Which of these powerful families hasn't evaded taxes? Find them and deal with them according to the law. Lighter offenses will result in fines, and more serious offenses...confiscation of their property."

Xu Shu frowned: "Isn't this... too drastic? It might incite a popular uprising."

"No," Liu Bei shook his head. "I'm only investigating Chen Gui's family, and I'm doing it 'according to the law.' Other families will naturally restrain themselves after seeing this. This is called... a warning shot."

"What about Chen Deng..."

"Chen Deng is a smart man," Liu Bei said. "I have already spoken with him. He supports tax investigation and is even willing to put aside family ties for the greater good. The condition is... that he will be appointed as the governor of Guangling afterward."

Xu Shu understood.

This is a deal.

Chen Deng sacrificed his family's interests for his own future.

Liu Bei not only rectified official corruption but also won over Chen Deng.

"My lord is wise." Xu Shu admired him.

"That's not all," Liu Bei laughed. "Confiscating Chen Gui's wealth, one-third will be given to the public, one-third will be distributed to the people, and one-third... will be rewarded to meritorious soldiers. In this way, the people will support us, the soldiers will fight to the death, and who would still cry foul for Chen Gui?"

Xu Shu was completely convinced.

This lord truly understands people's hearts.

Ten days later, Cao Cao's reply arrived.

It wasn't an official document; it was a private letter.

"My dear brother Xuande: I am overjoyed to hear that you have acquired Xuzhou. Tao Gongzu had a discerning eye, and you truly deserve the title. However, Xuzhou is a strategically important place, and since you have only recently assumed power, I fear there may be some difficulties. You are in Yanzhou, which is adjacent to mine. If you encounter any problems, please feel free to ask. As for marriage... my daughter is still young. We can discuss it when she comes of age. Also, I have heard that you have recently acquired the strategist Xu Shu. He was originally from Jingzhou and is an old acquaintance of yours. If you have the opportunity, please give him my regards."

Liu Bei smiled after reading it.

"My lord, what does Cao Cao mean by this?" Jian Yong asked.

"There are three layers of meaning," Liu Bei analyzed. "First, it acknowledges my occupation of Xuzhou, but implies that Xuzhou is difficult to defend. Second, it rejects the marriage alliance, but leaves room for maneuver. Third... Xu Shu."

"What happened to Xu Shu?"

"Cao Cao knew Xu Shu." Liu Bei looked at Xu Shu. "Yuanzhi, did you meet Cao Cao when you were in Jingzhou?"

Xu Shu shook his head: "No. But... when I was in Jingzhou, I corresponded with Cheng Yu, a strategist under Cao Cao. Cheng Yu invited me to Yanzhou, but I declined."

"I see." Liu Bei nodded. "Cao Cao is... trying to poach our talent."

"Rest assured, my lord," Xu Shu said solemnly, "Now that I have pledged my allegiance to you, I have no other intentions whatsoever."

"I believe you." Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder, "However... Cao Cao's move has given me a reminder."

"What reminder?"

"Remind me that we should arrange a safe place for your mother, Yuanzhi," Liu Bei said.

Xu Shu was taken aback, then understood, and gratitude appeared in his eyes.

Historically, Cao Cao detained Xu Shu's mother, forcing Xu Shu to leave Liu Bei.

Now Liu Bei has considered this possibility in advance...

"My lord..."

"No need to say anything," Liu Bei waved his hand. "Your mother is my mother. I have already sent someone to Yingchuan to bring her to Xuzhou. She will be escorted by five hundred elite soldiers on the way, so there will be no mishap."

Xu Shu bowed deeply: "My lord's kindness is beyond my ability to repay."

"We're brothers, let's not talk about these things." Liu Bei helped him up. "By the way, has Yuan Shao replied?"

"Not yet," Jian Yong said. "However, scouts have reported that Yuan Shao has already captured Yijing, and Gongsun Zan... has committed suicide by burning himself."

Gongsun Zan died.

Liu Bei remained silent for a moment.

That white-horse general has finally come to this.

"Give him a grand funeral," Liu Bei said. "Erect a monument for him in Youzhou with the honors due to a general. Say... 'The late Governor of Youzhou, Gongsun Zan, resisted foreign invaders, protected the borders and ensured the safety of the people; his merits were invaluable to the state.'"

"Our lord is benevolent and righteous," the crowd praised.

But Liu Bei knew in his heart that this was not just about benevolence and righteousness.

It was also a demonstration to the world: I, Liu Bei, do not forget old friends, nor do I hold grudges.

Who wouldn't want to rely on someone like that?

Five days after Gongsun Zan's death, Yuan Shao's messenger arrived.

This time, it was Guo Tu who came.

"Lord Liu," Guo Tu said with a beaming smile, "Congratulations! That traitor Gongsun Zan has finally been brought to justice! This is all thanks to you, Lord Liu!"

Liu Bei sneered inwardly: What merit do I have? It was you, Yuan Shao, who killed him.

But he smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Lord Yuan's divine might; I dare not take credit for it."

"You are too modest, my lord," Guo Tu said. "My master said that with Gongsun Zan defeated, Hebei is now pacified. Next... we should talk about Youzhou."

coming.

Liu Bei was prepared: "What business does Youzhou have?"

"Your Excellency is currently in charge of the affairs of three prefectures, and I'm afraid you're too busy to manage everything," Guo Tu said. "Youzhou is located in the northern frontier and needs a high-ranking official to guard it. My lord is willing to send troops to 'assist' Your Excellency in guarding Youzhou."

That sounds nice, but it's just a way of saying "help".

In reality, they want a share of the profits.

"I appreciate Lord Yuan's kindness," Liu Bei said. "However, Youzhou is currently stable, the Wuhuan have submitted, and the Xianbei dare not invade. We do not need reinforcements for the time being."

Guo Tu's expression darkened slightly: "So, Your Excellency... has refused?"

"It's not a refusal," Liu Bei said with a smile, "it's just that I feel it's unnecessary. Lord Yuan has just finished fighting Gongsun Zan, his soldiers are exhausted, and his supplies are greatly depleted. Sending troops to Youzhou at this time would only make matters worse. I can't bear to see Lord Yuan working so hard."

That's a well-said statement.

Guo Tu was speechless for a moment.

"However," Liu Bei changed the subject, "if Lord Yuan truly wishes to share the burdens of the court, there is a place that needs reinforcements even more."

"where?"

"Bingzhou," Liu Bei pointed to the map, "Zhang Yang, the governor of Bingzhou, is weak and incompetent, and the Xiongnu and Xianbei frequently raid the borders. If Lord Yuan can send troops to pacify Bingzhou, that would be a truly great achievement."

Guo Tu was stunned.

Bingzhou?

That's a harsh, cold place; there's not much profit to be made from conquering it.

"This..." Guo Tu stammered, "I need to consult my lord..."

"That's natural," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Furthermore, regarding the matter of the marriage alliance..."

Guo Tu's eyes lit up: "The magistrate has agreed?"

"My sworn brother Zhang Fei is exceptionally brave and unparalleled in loyalty," Liu Bei said. "If Lord Yuan does not mind, I would like to ask for your daughter in marriage. Of course, if Lord Yuan feels that we are not of equal social standing... then just pretend I didn't say anything."

Guo Tu's mind works incredibly fast.

Zhang Fei? Liu Bei's sworn brother, one of the main generals of the Youzhou army.

By arranging a marriage alliance with him, Liu Bei effectively gained control of half of his military force.

"This matter... I, Guo, will certainly convey it," Guo Tu said. "I'm sure my lord... will consider it seriously."

"That's good." Liu Bei nodded. "By the way, I've prepared a batch of gifts. Please trouble Mr. Guo to deliver them to Lord Yuan."

He clapped his hands.

The guards carried in ten large boxes.

Open it, and inside are: 100 catties of ginseng from Youzhou, 1,000 shi of sea salt from Qingzhou, 100 bolts of brocade from Xuzhou, and... 300 jars of Youzhou liquor.

It is quite valuable.

Guo Tu's eyes widened in astonishment.

"This...this is too much trouble..."

"It's just a small token of my appreciation," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Lord Yuan is my senior, and it is only right that I show him respect."

Guo Tu beamed, "Lord Liu, you're too kind! I will certainly put in a good word for you with Lord Yuan!"

After seeing Guo Tu off, Zhang Fei became anxious: "Brother, do you really want me to marry Yuan Shao's daughter?"

"Whether or not to marry him is another matter," Liu Bei said calmly. "Let's appease Yuan Shao first. Once we've conquered the three provinces and our army is strong, even if he wants to marry me, I won't want him."

"What if he actually agrees?"

"Then marry her." Liu Bei patted Zhang Fei on the shoulder. "Yide, I'm sorry to have troubled you for the sake of our great cause. But don't worry, if Yuan Shao's daughter dares to bully you, your elder brother will stand up for you."

Zhang Fei scratched his head: "No, it's not that... it's just... well, never mind, I'll listen to my elder brother."

Everyone laughed.

Another half month passed, and Xu Shu's mother arrived.

The old lady, in her sixties and in good health, scolded Xu Shu as soon as she saw him: "You unfilial son! You ran so far away without even sending a message home!"

Xu Shu knelt down and begged for forgiveness.

Liu Bei, standing nearby, advised, "Madam, please calm down. Yuanzhi is a man destined for great things and cannot always be by your side. From now on, you can stay in Xuzhou. If you need anything, just let us know."

The old lady's anger turned to joy: "I have long heard of Lord Liu's benevolence and righteousness. It is my son's good fortune to be able to follow him."

After settling Xu's mother in, Liu Bei breathed a sigh of relief.

Now, Xu Shu was completely bound to them.

That afternoon, Zhuge Liang came to find Liu Bei carrying a thick stack of bamboo slips.

"Teacher, this is a summary of government affairs reports from various counties and prefectures in Xuzhou, compiled by the students." Zhuge Liang's face was serious. "The students have found a few problems."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"First, the taxes are unevenly distributed," Zhuge Liang said. "Large counties like Xiapi and Pengcheng have light taxes, while border counties like Donghai and Langya have heavy taxes. This does not conform to the principle of 'reducing the surplus to make up for the deficiency.'"

"And the second one?"

"Secondly, there is corruption in the bureaucracy," Zhuge Liang continued. "I have compiled statistics on the 'tribute' expenses reported by various counties and found that the amounts are enormous and increasing year by year. In the end, all of this money is passed on to the people."

"third?"

"Third, military preparedness is lax." Zhuge Liang pointed to the bamboo slips, "The troops stationed in various counties of Xuzhou are poorly trained and equipped with outdated equipment. If war breaks out, they may not be able to shoulder great responsibilities."

Liu Bei was increasingly alarmed as he listened.

Can a seven-year-old child see these things?

"So, in your opinion, how should this be resolved?"

"I have three strategies," Zhuge Liang said, holding up three fingers. "First, standardize taxation, levying taxes based on the amount of land owned, and abolishing miscellaneous taxes. Second, rectify official corruption, establishing an 'Inspectorate' to rigorously investigate corruption. Third, reorganize the army, unify training, and update equipment."

It was almost exactly the same as Xu Shu's suggestion.

Liu Bei stared at Zhuge Liang for a long time.

"Kongming," he said slowly, "are these... truly your own ideas?"

Zhuge Liang nodded: "The student read the briefing, consulted historical records, and summarized the findings by referring to the reforms of Guan Zhong and Shang Yang."

"Good, good, good!" Liu Bei said three times. "From today onwards, every afternoon you will go to Xu Shu to learn about government affairs. Learn whatever he teaches you. But remember, you must have your own thoughts and not blindly follow."

"The student understands."

After Zhuge Liang left, Liu Bei remarked, "This young man... will surely have the talent of Xiao He and Zhang Liang in the future."

Xu Shu laughed and said, "My lord has struck gold. However... isn't it too early to expose him to these things at the age of seven?"

"It's too early." Liu Bei shook his head. "Jade that is not carved cannot become a useful object. Kongming is a natural gem; the earlier he is carved, the greater the potential he will become."

Another month passed, and the tax investigation yielded results.

The Chen family of Guangling evaded taxes, and the amount involved was enormous.

According to the law, their property should be confiscated.

When Chen Gui was taken to Xiapi, he was still very resentful.

"Liu Bei! I am an official appointed by the imperial court, how dare you touch me?!"

"Lord Chen," Liu Bei said calmly, sitting in the hall, "I'm not targeting you, I'm acting according to the law. These are your Chen family's account books for the past three years, and these are the prefectural government's tax records. Take a look for yourself, how much money is missing?"

Chen Gui glanced at it, and his expression changed.

"This...this is defamation!"

"Whether it's slander or not, you know in your heart," Liu Bei said. "However, for Chen Deng's sake, I'll give you a choice: First, pay the outstanding taxes, pay a fine of three times the amount, and be dismissed from your post. Second, if you don't plead guilty, then you'll be dealt with according to the law—your property will be confiscated, and you'll be exiled."

Chen Gui gritted his teeth: "I want to see Chen Deng! He's my nephew!"

"Chen Deng is currently in Guangling, reforming the bureaucracy, and has no time to see you," Liu Bei said calmly. "Make your choice."

Chen Gui looked at Liu Bei, then at the fully armed soldiers outside the hall, and finally collapsed to the ground.

"I...I plead guilty..."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Then we'll proceed according to the first rule. You have ten days to pay the outstanding taxes and fines. If you haven't paid them in ten days, we'll proceed according to the second rule."

Chen Gui was taken away.

The news sent shockwaves through Xuzhou.

Each major family conducted its own investigation and paid the outstanding taxes.

In just half a month, the state government received the equivalent of three years' worth of tax revenue in previous years.

"My lord," Mi Zhu reported, "all the major families have behaved themselves. Now the government orders are being implemented smoothly, and no one dares to disobey."

"That's good," Liu Bei said. "However, we can't just punish without rewarding. Issue an order: families that actively pay back taxes will have their sons given priority for official positions. As for those who resist paying... Chen Gui is a good example."

"clear."

After dealing with the Chen family matter, Liu Bei went to see Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang was learning military strategy from Xu Shu.

"...Therefore, the art of war dictates that if you have ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if you have five times their strength, attack them; if you have twice their strength, divide them..." Xu Shu was explaining "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.

Zhuge Liang listened attentively, asking questions from time to time.

"Sir, if our forces are evenly matched, but the enemy is holding a defensive position in a strategic location, what should we do?"

"Then we must use a strategy," Xu Shu said. "We could lure the enemy out of the city, cut off their supply lines, or divide and conquer them..."

Liu Bei stood outside the door, not disturbing the conversation.

He thought to himself: Zhuge Liang is seven years old now. At this rate, he will be able to leave the mountain at fifteen.

By then, I should have already unified Hebei.

Then... they marched south, west, and unified the world.

Just then, Jian Yong hurried over.

"My lord, there is an urgent report."

"explain."

"Cao Cao... has launched an attack."

"Who are you going to hit?"

"Yuzhou," Jian Yong said. "Cao Cao used the pretext of 'punishing the rebels' to attack the remnants of the Yellow Turbans in Yuzhou. But in reality... Yuzhou borders Xuzhou. Cao Cao's move is probably not what it seems."

Liu Bei frowned.

Cao Cao finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Issue the order," Liu Bei said in a deep voice, "all counties in Xuzhou shall enter a state of war preparedness. Also... send men to Jingzhou."

"Jingzhou?"

"Yes." Liu Bei's eyes gleamed. "Liu Biao has a grudge against Cao Cao, so we can ally with him. And... Sun Ce."

"Sun Ce? The one under Yuan Shu?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Sun Ce is Sun Jian's eldest son, brave and skilled in battle, but he will surely be unwilling to live under someone else's roof. We can... make contact secretly."

"My lord intends to..."

"Let Cao Cao's backyard catch fire." Liu Bei sneered. "If he attacks Yu Province, we'll contact Jing Province and Yang Province to contain him. Let's see how long he can hold out."

Jian Yong exclaimed in admiration, "My lord's insight is brilliant!"

Ten days later, Sun Ce's reply arrived.

It was not a letter, but a verbal message—brought by a messenger.

"Lord Liu," the messenger, Lü Fan, a confidant of Sun Ce, said, "My young master said he appreciates your high regard. However, he is currently living under someone else's roof and is in dire need of protection, so I'm afraid I cannot help him. We will wait until he has established his own power before we drink and make merry with you."

The words were polite, but the meaning was clear: I can't help you right now.

Liu Bei was not surprised.

Sun Ce is only nineteen years old now, and he really doesn't have the qualifications to be a colonel under Yuan Shu.

"Report back to General Sun," Liu Bei said to Lü Fan, "that I, Liu Bei, have high hopes for him and believe he will surely achieve great things in the future. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask. Also... send General Sun a gift."

He had someone bring him a suit of armor and a precious sword.

"This is a bright armor made of fine iron from Youzhou, and this is a ring-pommel sword forged by craftsmen from Qingzhou," Liu Bei said. "These are for General Sun as a token of my appreciation."

Lü Fan's eyes lit up.

Both of these items are exquisite and of considerable value.

"Thank you, Your Excellency! I will certainly deliver it!"

After seeing Lü Fan off, Xu Shu said, "Our lord seems to value Sun Ce quite highly?"

"Because he is Sun Ce," Liu Bei said calmly. "This man is brave, no less so than his father Sun Jian, and even more ambitious. He will surely become the ruler of Jiangdong in the future. Establishing a good relationship now will be useful in the future."

"What about Liu Biao's side..."

"I wrote a letter to Liu Biao myself," Liu Bei said. "I heard that he has a blood feud with Cao Cao for killing his father."

"The revenge for killing one's father?"

"Liu Biao's father, Liu Xiang, once served as Grand Commandant, but was framed and killed by Cao Cao's father, Cao Song," Liu Bei said. "Although Cao Song is dead, the sins of the father must be paid by the son, and Liu Biao has always held a grudge against Cao Cao."

"I see." Xu Shu nodded. "Then how does my lord plan to make contact?"

"Marriage alliance," Liu Bei suggested again. "Liu Biao has a daughter who is of marriageable age. I will act as matchmaker for him."

"To whom should it be given?"

"Cao Bao," Liu Bei said, "is a former general of Xu Province and a confidant of Tao Qian. If we can marry Liu Biao's daughter, it will be equivalent to binding the old forces of Xu Province with Liu Biao."

Xu Shu smiled wryly: "My lord, you've... taken marriage alliances to a whole new level."

"In chaotic times, marriage is politics," Liu Bei said. "By the way, Yuanzhi, you're not young anymore, it's time to settle down. Do you have a girl you like? I'll be your matchmaker."

Xu Shu quickly waved his hand: "My lord, I am focused on state affairs and have no such intention at the moment."

"That won't do," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Men should marry when they come of age, and women should marry when they come of age. Here's what I'll do: I'll have Mi Zhu help you find some fine ladies from prominent families in Xuzhou. You can choose any one of them."

Xu Shu was both amused and exasperated.

This lord really... worries too much.

Another month passed, and Cao Cao's campaign in Yuzhou was progressing rapidly.

They captured three cities in succession and accepted the surrender of 100,000 Yellow Turban rebels.

When the news reached Xuzhou, everyone was worried.

"My lord," Guan Yu said, "Cao Cao's power is great, and he may threaten Xuzhou."

"I know," Liu Bei nodded. "So we need to speed things up. Yuanzhi, how's the reorganization of the three provinces going?"

"We've completed seventy percent," Xu Shu reported. "Youzhou has reorganized 20,000 cavalry, Qingzhou has reorganized 10,000 naval troops, and Xuzhou has reorganized 30,000 infantry. That's a total of 60,000, all of whom are ready for battle."

"Where's the equipment?"

"The Youzhou cavalry have all been refitted with bright armor and ring-pommel swords. The Qingzhou navy has built fifty new warships. The Xuzhou infantry have been equipped with new crossbows with a range of two hundred paces."

"Good." Liu Bei said with satisfaction, "What about the provisions?"

"The granaries of the three prefectures hold a total of three million shi of grain, enough to supply an army of 60,000 for a year's campaign."

"Enough." Liu Bei stood up. "Order the entire army to assemble and garrison Pengcheng. I want to see if Cao Cao dares to invade Xuzhou."

"My lord," Xu Shu cautioned, "is it too early to start a war with Cao Cao now?"

"It's not about starting a war, it's about flexing our muscles," Liu Bei said. "Let Cao Cao know that we're not pushovers. If he's smart, he should know when to stop and attack somewhere else."

"What if he's not smart?"

"Then let's fight." A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "I, Liu Bei, never provoke trouble, but I'm not afraid of it either."

The army set off and entered Pengcheng.

Pengcheng is located in western Xuzhou, bordering Yuzhou, and serves as the western gateway to Xuzhou.

On the third day after Liu Bei arrived in Pengcheng, Cao Cao's messenger arrived.

This time, it was Man Chong who came.

"Lord Liu," Man Chong said expressionlessly, "Cao Cao instructed me to ask you: What is the purpose of assembling such a large army at Pengcheng?"

"Protect the territory and ensure the safety of the people." Liu Bei answered decisively, "The war in Yu Province may affect Xu Province. As the governor of Xu Province, it is my duty to protect the people."

"Your Excellency is overthinking this," Man Chong said. "When Cao Cao uses his troops, he does not commit any offenses and will never invade Xuzhou."

"That would be best," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Please convey to Cao Cao that I am willing to live in peace with you and jointly support the Han Dynasty. But if anyone violates my borders... the sword in my hand is not just for show."

These words were soft but firm.

Man Chong stared at Liu Bei for a moment, then nodded: "This subordinate will certainly convey your message."

After seeing Man Chong off, Liu Bei said to Xu Shu, "Cao Cao will not make a move for the time being."

How do you know?

"Because he's not ready yet," Liu Bei analyzed. "Yu Province has just been pacified and needs to be consolidated. Within Yan Province, there are still remnants of Lü Bu's forces. If he starts a war against us now, he won't gain any advantage."

"Then let's..."

"We can't just sit idly by," Liu Bei said. "Let's take this opportunity to completely consolidate our control over the three provinces. Also... we should consider our next step."

"Next step?"

"Yes." Liu Bei walked to the map. "Cao Cao is in Yuzhou, Yuan Shao is in Hebei, Sun Ce is in Huainan, Liu Biao is in Jingzhou... The world is so big, which way should we go?"

Everyone stared at the map, lost in thought.

At this moment, Zhuge Liang's voice rang out:

"Teacher, I believe we should take Huainan."

Everyone turned their heads and saw seven-year-old Zhuge Liang standing at the door.

"Kongming?" Liu Bei exclaimed in surprise. "You mean to take Huainan?"

"Yes." Zhuge Liang walked in, pointing to the map, "Huainan is rich, and Yuan Shu is tyrannical, having lost the hearts of the people. If we take Huainan, we can obtain countless amounts of money and grain, and it will also connect with Xuzhou. At that time, with Qingzhou and Xuzhou in the north and Huainan in the south, we can advance to attack and retreat to defend, which will be the foundation for hegemony."

Xu Shu's eyes lit up: "Young master, your insight is brilliant!"

Liu Bei looked at Zhuge Liang, then at the map.

Huainan... Yuan Shu...

Historically, Yuan Shu did indeed declare himself emperor in Huainan, and was subsequently defeated by a coalition of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Lü Bu.

Should we act now?

"Kongming," Liu Bei asked, "if we are to take Huainan, when should we begin?"

"Next spring," Zhuge Liang said without hesitation. "After spring planting, the people will have enough grain to support a large army. Moreover, Yuan Shu is currently fighting Liu Yao for Yangzhou, fighting on two fronts, and is in a weakened state."

Liu Bei smiled.

"Okay, then next spring."

He patted Zhuge Liang on the head: "But before that, you need to grow up a bit. At least... you need to be able to ride a horse, right?"

Zhuge Liang said earnestly, "I practice every day. General Zhao Yun said that after three more months of practice, I will be able to mount a horse."

"Alright!" Liu Bei laughed. "Then three months from now, I'll take you to the battlefield and let you see what it's like."

Going to war at the age of seven?

Everyone was stunned.

But Liu Bei knew that for Zhuge Liang, this was not early.

Some people are born to change the world.

And he is personally nurturing this person who will change the world.

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