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

In the fourth year of the Chuping era, in October, Pengcheng.

Just ten days after Man Chong left, Cao Cao's envoy arrived again.

This time, it wasn't a civil official who came, but a military general—Xiahou Dun.

"Lord Liu," Xiahou Dun said, his single eye gleaming, speaking bluntly, "Cao Cao has sent me to ask you: What is the purpose of mobilizing troops across the three provinces?"

Liu Bei was watching Zhao Yun teach Zhuge Liang how to ride a horse at the training ground when he heard this and turned around: "General Yuanrang, that's a strange question. As the governor of three provinces, isn't it my duty to train and strengthen the army?"

Xiahou Dun stared at the small figure on the training ground—a seven-year-old child who could already trot on horseback.

"Whose child is that?" Xiahou Dun asked.

"My disciple, Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming," Liu Bei said proudly, "is extremely intelligent and has a photographic memory."

Xiahou Dun frowned: "Learning to ride a horse at seven? Isn't that too early?"

"Gan Luo became prime minister at twelve, and my disciple began learning martial arts at seven. What's wrong with that?" Liu Bei laughed. "General Yuanrang, you didn't come just to watch my disciple ride a horse, did you?"

Xiahou Dun withdrew his gaze and said solemnly, "Mengde asked me to convey a message: Yuzhou has been pacified, and Yanzhou has been secured. Next, he will attack Xuzhou."

That's too direct.

Guan Yu, who was standing next to him, immediately placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and Zhang Fei's eyes widened in surprise.

Liu Bei laughed: "Oh? Cao Cao wants to attack Xuzhou? What's his reason?"

"No reason is needed," Xiahou Dun said. "In chaotic times, the strong rule. Mengde believes that Xuzhou should change hands."

"Does Lord Cao think we can win?"

"It's a 50/50 chance," Xiahou Dun said honestly. "You have 60,000 troops, while Mengde has 80,000. You have Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, while Mengde has Xu Chu, Dian Wei, and Xiahou Yuan. If a real fight breaks out, the outcome is hard to predict."

"Then why fight?" Liu Bei asked. "To ensure both sides are severely weakened, allowing Yuan Shao to reap the benefits?"

"That's why Mengde sent me to negotiate," Xiahou Dun said. "If you're willing to cede Pengcheng and Xiapi, Mengde can guarantee you won't lose Qingzhou and Youzhou. Otherwise..."

"What else?"

"Otherwise, we will be at war next spring."

The air freezes.

On the training ground, Zhao Yun reined in his horse, and Zhuge Liang also stopped, watching from a distance.

After a long silence, Liu Bei slowly said, "General Yuanrang, go back and tell Cao Cao: every inch of land in Xuzhou belongs to Xuzhou. I, Liu Bei, have been entrusted with this responsibility by Tao Qian and have a duty to defend this territory. If Cao Cao attacks, I will fight him to the bitter end. However..."

He then changed the subject: "If Cao Cao truly wanted to expand, why focus on Xu Province? Yuan Shu of Huainan is arrogant, extravagant, and dissolute, and has lost the hearts of the people. Liu Yao of Yang Province is weak and incompetent, and unable to defend his territory. Aren't these two places easier to conquer than Xu Province?"

Xiahou Dun was stunned: "You mean..."

"I say," Liu Bei said with a smile, "that instead of fighting a mutually destructive conflict with me, Cao Cao should instead attack Yuan Shu and Liu Yao. I am willing to form an alliance with Cao Cao to jointly conquer Huainan. After the success, Huainan will belong to Cao Cao, and I will only request Guangling County as a gateway to the sea. What do you say?"

This proposal came as a surprise.

Xiahou Dun was momentarily stunned.

"You...are you really willing to help Mengde fight Yuan Shu?"

"It's not helping, it's cooperating," Liu Bei corrected. "Yuan Shu is wicked and should have been punished long ago. Cao Cao is eliminating a scourge for the Han Dynasty, so I naturally support him."

Xiahou Dun stared at Liu Bei, a hint of doubt flashing in his single eye.

He couldn't understand Liu Bei.

To say he wasn't greedy? He seized control of the three prefectures of You, Qing, and Xu.

To say he was greedy? Yet he voluntarily gave up Huainan.

"This matter... must be reported to Mengde," Xiahou Dun said.

"Of course," Liu Bei nodded. "But please tell Cao Cao that if we're going to fight, we should do it quickly. Yuan Shu is currently fighting Liu Yao on two fronts and is in a weakened state. If we wait until he can free up his forces, it will be much more difficult to defeat him."

"Understood." Xiahou Dun clasped his hands in farewell. "Farewell."

After seeing Xiahou Dun off, Zhang Fei asked anxiously, "Brother! Are you really going to cooperate with Cao Cao?"

"Cooperation?" Liu Bei sneered. "I said 'to jointly conquer Huainan,' but I didn't say how."

"That Guangling..."

"Guangling was already in our hands, so what kind of condition is that?" Liu Bei laughed. "I'm getting something for nothing. Cao Cao will go and fight Yuan Shu, and we'll just watch from the sidelines. Once they're both exhausted, we'll make our move and take Huainan in one fell swoop."

Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes: "Will Cao Cao fall for this?"

"Yes," Liu Bei said confidently, "because Huainan is indeed tempting. And... Cao Cao needs a victory to consolidate his position. Attacking Xuzhou is risky. Attacking Huainan is less risky. Which will he choose?"

"But what if Cao Cao really conquers Huainan, making him even stronger..."

"That's why he can't take it down." A sly glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "I will 'help' him."

"How can I help?"

"Send 'reinforcements'," Liu Bei said. "Nominally, it's to help Cao Cao, but in reality... it's a hindrance. Supplies will be delayed, intelligence will be flawed, and they'll 'drop the ball' at crucial moments. In short, we'll let Cao Cao win, but it will be a hard-fought victory. By the time he takes Huainan, he'll be severely weakened."

Everyone looked at each other.

That's a really dirty trick.

"My lord," Xu Shu couldn't help but say, "isn't this... a bit unfair?"

"In chaotic times, being kind to the enemy is being cruel to yourself," Liu Bei said calmly. "Cao Cao is a ruthless and ambitious man. If we don't deal with him now, he will surely deal with me in the future. It's better to set a trap for him now."

Zhuge Liang rode over on horseback, his little face flushed: "Teacher, I heard some of it."

"Oh? What are your thoughts?" Liu Bei asked.

"I believe this plan is feasible, but we need to add another strategy," Zhuge Liang said earnestly.

"Add what?"

"Sow discord," Zhuge Liang said. "Cao Cao's strategists are divided into the Yingchuan faction and the Yanzhou faction. The Yingchuan faction is led by Xun Yu, and the Yanzhou faction is led by Cheng Yu. The two factions are at odds, which can be exploited."

Can a seven-year-old understand partisan struggle?

Liu Bei was surprised: "Continue."

"We can send someone to secretly contact Cheng Yu, offering him great rewards to persuade Cao Cao to launch a full-scale attack on Huainan," Zhuge Liang analyzed. "At the same time, through Zheng Gong's connections, we can contact Xun Yu and imply that Cao Cao's attack on Huainan is an overzealous and wasteful campaign. In this way, Cao Cao's internal opinions will be divided, and he will hesitate in his actions. Then we will have an opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

The entire room fell silent.

Even Xu Shu's eyes widened in surprise.

"Kongming..." Xu Shu murmured, "Who taught you all this?"

"Historical records," Zhuge Liang said, "There are many such examples in the Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han. I am simply... applying what I have learned."

Liu Bei laughed heartily and scooped Zhuge Liang up in his arms: "Excellent! What a brilliant example of applying what you've learned! Kongming, you truly are a teacher's treasure!"

Zhuge Liang said shyly, "Teacher, you flatter me."

"However," Liu Bei put him down, "you are still young. Don't think about these dark things. Think more about upright things, such as... how to govern the region, how to strengthen the army and enrich the people."

"I understand," Zhuge Liang nodded. "But I believe that only by knowing the hidden and guarding the open can one succeed. How can one guard against a conspiracy if one does not know its plot?"

These words shocked everyone once again.

"What a brilliant understanding of Yin and Yang!" Xu Shu exclaimed. "Young master, you will surely become a prime minister in the future!"

While Liu Bei was plotting against Cao Cao, Yuan Shu in Huainan was also scheming to conquer the world.

Shouchun, Yuan Shu's residence.

"The Imperial Seal... I've finally got it!" Yuan Shu stroked the Imperial Seal in his hand, his eyes filled with fervor.

This jade seal was obtained by Sun Jian from a well in Luoyang. After Sun Jian died in battle, the jade seal fell into the hands of Yuan Shu.

"My lord," Chief Clerk Yan Xiang advised, "the Imperial Seal is indeed precious, but it is ultimately an inanimate object. The realm is not yet at peace; it is not advisable to..."

"What is unsuitable?" Yuan Shu interrupted. "The Han dynasty has declined, and the Mandate of Heaven should change! My Yuan family has held high office for four generations, and our disciples and former officials are all over the land! If I don't become emperor, who will?"

"But..."

"No buts!" Yuan Shu stood up. "Issue the order: Next January, I will ascend the throne in Shouchun, and the state name will be 'Zhongjia'!"

Yan Xiang was greatly alarmed: "My lord! This matter requires careful consideration! Cao Cao is in Yanzhou, Liu Bei is in Xuzhou, Liu Biao is in Jingzhou... How could these people sit idly by?"

"Them?" Yuan Shu sneered. "Cao Cao has just pacified Yan Province and is too busy to care about himself. Liu Bei is nothing to worry about. Liu Biao is just a guard dog; what can he do to me? Once I ascend the throne, I will command the world in the name of the emperor. Who will dare disobey me?"

"That Sun Ce..."

When Sun Ce was mentioned, Yuan Shu's face darkened.

Sun Jian's son is brave and skilled in battle. He is currently under Sun Jian's command, but he has never been very obedient.

"Sun Ce..." Yuan Shu pondered, "This man is useful, but we must be wary of him. Here's what we'll do: send him to attack Liu Yao and keep Yangzhou occupied. After I ascend the throne, I'll deal with him slowly."

"And Lu Bu..."

"Lü Bu?" Yuan Shu sneered. "A stray dog, now barely clinging to life in Hanoi. Send someone to contact him, offer him high office and generous rewards, and entice him to surrender. Though he is fickle, he is brave and can be used by me."

Yan Xiang wanted to persuade him further, but seeing that Yuan Shu's mind was made up, he could only sigh and say, "Then... I will make the arrangements now."

The news of Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor quickly spread throughout the land.

Pengcheng, the prefectural governor's residence.

"Yuan Shu wants to declare himself emperor?" Liu Bei was reading Zhuge Liang's "Three Strategies for Governing Xu" when he received the news.

"Yes," Jian Yong replied. "The scouts report that Yuan Shu has ordered the construction of an altar in preparation for his ascension to the throne next January."

"Excellent!" Liu Bei slammed his hand on the table. "Fantastic!"

Everyone was taken aback.

it is good?

"My lord," Xu Shu said, puzzled, "Yuan Shu's declaration of himself as emperor is a heinous crime. Why do you say it's a good thing?"

"Because he's courting death," Liu Bei laughed. "Yuan Shu is ambitious but incompetent, arrogant, extravagant, and licentious. If he had just stayed as the ruler of Huainan, he could have lived a few more years. Now that he's declared himself emperor, he's essentially cutting himself off from the world. Cao Cao, Liu Biao, Sun Ce... even his brother Yuan Shao won't stand idly by."

"Then let's..."

"We must take the lead," Liu Bei said, rising to his feet. "Under the pretext of 'punishing the rebels,' we will send troops to Huainan. We must seize this prize before anyone else."

"But what about Cao Cao's side..."

"Cao Cao?" Liu Bei sneered. "He's even more eager to attack Yuan Shu now. Which warlord wouldn't want the crime of murdering the emperor and the merit of suppressing a rebellion? We can 'cooperate' with Cao Cao, but we must take the lead."

"How to take the lead?"

"Send a proclamation," Liu Bei said, "in the name of the imperial court—although the court is powerless now, its name still stands. Send a proclamation to the world, condemning Yuan Shu's usurpation and calling on all the warlords to join forces against him. We will be the leaders of the alliance."

"Alliance Leader?" Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly, "That's great!"

"But having a name alone is not enough," Xu Shu said. "We also need strength. Yuan Shu has 100,000 troops and is holding Huainan, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack."

"Therefore, we need to unite," Liu Bei said. "We need to contact Liu Biao, Sun Ce, and even... Lü Bu."

"Lü Bu?" Guan Yu frowned. "This man is fickle and untrustworthy."

"We don't need him to be trustworthy," Liu Bei said. "We just need him to send troops. Lü Bu is in Hanoi, short of food and money. We'll give him supplies and let him attack Huainan from the north. After that...we'll deal with him then."

"That Sun Ce..."

"Sun Ce is the key," Liu Bei said solemnly. "Sun Ce is brave and has a blood feud with Yuan Shu for killing his father—although Sun Jian was killed by Huang Zu, Yuan Shu was Sun Jian's superior at the time and refused to come to his aid. Sun Ce must hate Yuan Shu. We can secretly contact Sun Ce and promise him that after the matter is accomplished, he will be in charge of Jiangdong."

"Jiangdong?" Xu Shu exclaimed in surprise. "Our lord intends to cede Jiangdong to Sun Ce?"

"It's not about letting him take over, it's about letting him manage it temporarily," Liu Bei said. "We don't have the energy to deal with Jiangdong right now, so let Sun Ce do his thing for now. Once we've unified the north, we can slowly plan our move on Jiangnan."

This game is getting bigger and bigger.

Zhuge Liang, who was listening nearby, suddenly spoke up: "Teacher, I have a plan that can quickly defeat Yuan Shu."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"Yuan Shu's claim to the throne will surely alienate the people," Zhuge Liang said. "The people of Huainan have suffered under Yuan Shu for too long. We can send spies to infiltrate Huainan and spread rumors that Yuan Shu will raise taxes by 30% and conscript 100,000 soldiers. The people will panic and cause internal strife. When the army arrives, we can quell the unrest with a single proclamation."

"A rumor..." Liu Bei pondered, "Wouldn't that be too malicious?"

"As my teacher always says, all's fair in war," Zhuge Liang said earnestly. "If we can reduce the number of deaths, that's a great achievement. Although rumors are harmful, they can save the lives of thousands of soldiers, so it's worth it."

Liu Bei looked at Zhuge Liang and sighed with emotion.

This kid is a natural-born politician.

"Alright, we'll do it your way." Liu Bei nodded. "Xianhe, I'm leaving this to you. Remember, it must be done discreetly, with 'conclusive evidence'—for example, forging a few 'edicts' from Yuan Shu and 'accidentally' leaking them out."

"Understood!" Jian Yong laughed. "Forging documents is my forte!"

Ten days later, Sun Ce's reply arrived.

This wasn't a verbal message, it was a handwritten letter.

"Lord Liu, I am filled with indignation upon hearing that the traitor Yuan Shu has dared to usurp the title of emperor. My late father served this traitor and died in battle, yet this traitor refused to come to his aid. This enmity is irreconcilable! If Your Excellency wishes to punish this traitor, I am willing to lead the charge! My only request is that after the deed is accomplished, Your Excellency appoint me as the Prefect of Wu Commandery, so that I may have the opportunity to personally avenge my enemy and bring peace to my late father's spirit!"

His words were harsh and full of hatred.

After Liu Bei finished reading it, he handed it to everyone.

"Sun Ce agreed," Liu Bei said, "and... he's even more enthusiastic than I expected."

"My lord," Xu Shu said, "Sun Ce is a brave and skilled warrior, but he is also very ambitious. If we let him gain control of Wu Commandery, I'm afraid..."

"I'm afraid he'll declare himself independent?" Liu Bei replied. "That's for sure. But it doesn't matter, we need him now. After we destroy Yuan Shu, our enemies will be Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. Sun Ce is in Jiangdong, which is good for keeping Liu Biao and Cao Cao in check. We can deal with him after we've dealt with the north."

"So how exactly will we cooperate?"

"Let Sun Ce attack from the south," Liu Bei said, pointing to the map. "Yuan Shu's main force is defending against us from the north, leaving the south vulnerable. If Sun Ce launches a sudden attack, Yuan Shu will be thrown into chaos. Then we can attack from the north, launching a pincer attack."

"Supplies and weaponry..."

"We'll provide it," Liu Bei said generously. "We'll give Sun Ce five thousand shi of grain, one thousand sets of armor, and five hundred warhorses. In addition, we'll give him a title—'General Who Subdues Rebels'."

"Will the imperial court recognize this title?"

"Whether the imperial court recognizes it or not is not important," Liu Bei said with a smile. "What's important is that Sun Ce needs this pretext. With this pretext, his recruitment of soldiers will be legitimate."

"My lord has a profound and far-sighted plan." Xu Shu admired him.

Five days later, Lü Bu's reply arrived.

It wasn't a letter, but a messenger—Chen Gong.

"Lord Liu," Chen Gong bowed, "Lord Wen asked me to inquire: What are the benefits of sending troops to Huainan?"

Lu Bu is Lu Bu; he always asks for benefits right away.

"Benefits?" Liu Bei smiled. "Lord Wen is currently in Hanoi, living under someone else's roof, lacking food and money. I will provide him with 50,000 shi of grain and 5 million coins. Furthermore, after the matter is accomplished, I will appoint Lord Wen as the Governor-General of Huainan. What do you say?"

Chen Gong's eyes lit up, but he quickly regained his composure: "Governor of Huainan... After Yuan Shu's defeat, Huainan will inevitably become a strategically vital location. Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and even Yuan Shao will all come to seize it. Can Marquis Wen hold it?"

"If we can't hold it, we can leave," Liu Bei said. "Huainan is rich. If Marquis Wen can occupy it for a few months, he can obtain countless amounts of money and grain. At that time, whether he stays or leaves is up to him."

Chen Gong was deep in thought.

These conditions are indeed tempting.

What Lü Bu needs most right now is money and provisions. With money and provisions, he can recruit soldiers and make a comeback.

"Then... what does Your Excellency need Marquis Wen for?"

"Attack from the north," Liu Bei said. "Yuan Shu has deployed 30,000 troops in northern Huainan, commanded by General Zhang Xun. Marquis Wen's mission is to hold Zhang Xun back and prevent him from heading south to relieve Shouchun."

"Just stalling?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "We don't need a fight to the death, just a stalemate. Of course, it would be even better if we could defeat Zhang Xun. For every city we capture, Marquis Wen can take thirty percent of its treasures."

Chen Gong was tempted.

"This matter... Gong Xu reports to Marquis Wen."

"Please do as you wish," Liu Bei said, "but be quick. Yuan Shu is about to ascend the throne, and we must make our move before he does."

"clear."

After seeing Chen Gong off, Zhang Fei pouted, "Brother, that Lu Bu is fickle and unpredictable. We gave him so many benefits..."

"The benefits are illusory," Liu Bei said calmly. "I'll give him 50,000 shi of grain, and he'll receive aged grain. I'll give him 5 million coins, and he'll receive cheap coins. As for the governor of Huainan... whether the court recognizes him after the war is over is up to me."

"What if Lü Bu really defeats Zhang Xun..."

"Then he deserves to die even more." A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "If Lü Bu can truly defeat Zhang Xun, it means he still has strength. Such a person cannot be allowed to live."

"Big brother wants to kill Lü Bu?"

"We don't necessarily have to kill him," Liu Bei said. "We can 'invite' him to Xuzhou as a guest. Then...place him under house arrest. As for his generals, those who can be incorporated, we can incorporate; those who can't... you know what to do."

Zhang Fei understood: "Brother, you're really ruthless."

"In chaotic times, if you're not ruthless, you won't live long." Liu Bei patted Zhang Fei on the shoulder. "Yide, remember, being merciful to your enemies is being cruel to your own brothers."

By early November, everything was ready.

Liu Bei, in the name of "General Who Punishes Rebels," issued a proclamation to the world, calling on the warlords to join forces against Yuan Shu.

Few responded – apart from Sun Ce and Lü Bu, only Liu Biao symbolically sent five thousand soldiers.

Cao Cao did not express his opinion, but his scouts reported that he was gathering troops.

"Cao Cao is about to make his move," Xu Shu said. "We need to hurry."

"Then let's set off." Liu Bei ordered, "Yun Chang and Yi De, come with me on this expedition. Zi Long will stay and guard Xuzhou. Yuan Zhi and Xian He will accompany the army. Guo Rang, I will entrust the administration to you."

"My lord," Tian Yu said, "what should we do about Prince Kongming?"

Zhuge Liang stood aside, watching Liu Bei expectantly.

"Kongming..." Liu Bei thought for a moment, "You go too."

"My lord!" Xu Shu exclaimed urgently, "He's only seven years old! Swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield..."

"Seven years old, so what?" Liu Bei laughed. "I'll have him stay in the rear, observe and learn, not go to the front lines. Kongming, do you dare to go?"

"I dare!" Zhuge Liang shouted.

"Alright!" Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "Then I'll show you what war is all about."

The army set off, with 30,000 elite troops departing from Pengcheng and heading south to Huainan.

Zhuge Liang sat in the carriage, with Xu Shu accompanying him.

"Sir," Zhuge Liang asked, "can we win this battle?"

"Yes." Xu Shu nodded. "Yuan Shu is unpopular, but our army is well-trained and well-supplied, and with the support of Sun Ce and Lü Bu, we will surely win."

"Will...a lot of people die?"

Xu Shu was silent for a moment, then said, "Yes. In war, people always die."

"The students don't want anyone to die," Zhuge Liang said earnestly. "Is there any way to reduce the number of deaths?"

"Yes," Xu Shu said. "A swift victory is crucial, and winning hearts and minds is paramount. If we can persuade the enemy to surrender, we can save many lives."

"What can those students do?"

"What you need to do now is to watch, listen, and think," Xu Shu said. "Watch how the generals command, listen to how the strategists plan, and think about what you would do if you were in their shoes."

"The student understands."

As they were talking, the carriage stopped.

Liu Bei's voice came: "Kongming, come out and take a look."

Zhuge Liang climbed out of the carriage and was stunned.

Ahead lies a great river—the Huai River.

The other side of the river is the territory of Huainan.

On this side of the river, an army of 30,000 was setting up camp, their banners obscuring the sun, their imposing presence overwhelming.

"Is this... war?" Zhuge Liang murmured.

"This is just the beginning." Liu Bei stood beside him. "Kongming, remember what you see today. In the future, when you become a general and a prime minister, every decision you make will affect the lives of millions. You must be extremely careful."

"I will remember this," Zhuge Liang said solemnly.

Upon receiving the battle report in Shouchun, Yuan Shu panicked.

"Liu Bei... Sun Ce... Lü Bu... attacking from three directions?!" Yuan Shu's face turned pale. "How...how dare they!"

"My lord," said General Zhang Xun, "Liu Bei is coming from the north, Sun Ce from the south, and Lü Bu from the west. They are surrounding us from three directions, and the situation is critical."

"Then...what should we do?"

"We shall divide our forces to defend against them," Zhang Xun said. "This general shall lead 30,000 troops north to resist Liu Bei. Qiao Rui shall lead 20,000 troops south to resist Sun Ce. Ji Ling shall lead 10,000 troops west to defend against Lü Bu."

"Then Shouchun..."

"Shouchun still has 30,000 troops garrisoned, personally overseen by our lord," Zhang Xun said. "If we can hold out for three months, the enemy will run out of food and retreat on their own."

"Three months..." Yuan Shu gritted his teeth. "Fine! We'll hold out for three months! Issue the order: all troops prepare for battle! Anyone who successfully defends the city will be rewarded with a thousand gold pieces!"

The order was passed down, but morale among the troops was already low.

The rumors about Jian Yong have spread throughout Huainan.

"Have you heard? His Majesty... oh no, Yuan Shu wants to increase taxes by 30%!"

"They need to recruit another 100,000 soldiers! All three of my sons will be drafted!"

"I can't live like this anymore..."

The people were full of complaints, and the soldiers' morale was low.

Zhang Xun led his army north and set up camp on the north bank of the Huai River, confronting Liu Bei across the river.

On the north bank of the Huai River, Liu Bei's main camp.

"My lord," a scout reported, "Zhang Xun has set up camp on the opposite side, digging trenches and building fortifications. He intends to defend to the death."

"He wants to stall," Liu Bei said, "to stall until we run out of food. Unfortunately... he can't afford to stall."

"Why?" Guan Yu asked.

"Because Sun Ce is fighting fiercely in the south," Liu Bei laughed. "Sun Ce is attacking relentlessly in his quest for revenge. Qiao Rui can't hold him off. Yuan Shu will definitely transfer troops from Zhang Xun to the south to provide support. That will be our opportunity."

"How long will it take?"

"It will be soon," Liu Bei said, looking south. "At most ten days."

Sure enough, seven days later, a scout reported that Zhang Xun had divided his forces into 10,000 and marched south to support Qiao Rui.

"Excellent!" Liu Bei slammed his hand on the table. "Issue the order: Cross the river tomorrow!"

"My lord," Xu Shu said, "although Zhang Xun has divided his forces, he still has 20,000 troops, and they are holding a defensive position in a strategic location. A direct attack would result in heavy losses."

"Therefore, we will not launch a direct attack," Liu Bei said. "We will use a strategy."

What plan?

"A feint to the east while attacking the west." Liu Bei pointed to the map. "Tomorrow, Yide will lead 5,000 troops to launch a feigned attack from the north to draw Zhang Xun's main force. Yunchang will lead 10,000 troops to cross the border from the south. I will lead the central army to provide support from behind."

"If Zhang Xun sees through it..."

"So he needs an 'insider'," Liu Bei said with a mysterious smile.

"An inside man?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Zhang Xun has a captain named Li Feng. He's greedy, so I've already sent someone to contact him and offered him a thousand gold pieces to make him 'make a mistake' at a crucial moment."

Xu Shu was convinced: "My lord is truly... a master strategist."

"I learned all of this from the enemy," Liu Bei laughed. "In chaotic times, those who don't know how to strategize are long dead."

The next day, the battle began.

Zhang Fei made a big show of it from the north, beating drums and shouting, making it seem like he was going to force his way across.

Zhang Xun indeed fell for the trap and led his main force to the north.

Meanwhile, to the south, Guan Yu led his army to secretly cross the river.

Li Feng was in charge of the southern defenses.

"General!" the lieutenant reported urgently, "Enemy troops have been spotted crossing the river!"

"What's the panic!" Li Feng shouted. "Fire the arrows! Stop them!"

Arrows were sparse – Li Feng had already transferred most of the archers away.

Guan Yu's army successfully crossed the river and landed on the south bank.

"General! The enemy has landed!" the lieutenant cried out even more urgently.

"Understood!" Li Feng said "anxiously," "I'll go and hold them off myself! You all stay here and guard!"

He led his personal guards in a "brave" attack, but... they were "outmatched" and retreated.

The south bank defense line collapsed instantly.

Guan Yu led his army in a long drive, directly attacking the rear of Zhang Xun's camp.

Upon hearing the news, Zhang Xun was greatly alarmed and rushed back to provide assistance.

But it's too late.

Caught in a pincer attack, Zhang Xun's army was thrown into chaos.

"Withdraw! Withdraw to Shouchun!" Zhang Xun ordered.

The 20,000-strong army was routed and fled.

When Zhang Xun retreated to Shouchun, he had only 8,000 remaining soldiers.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei's army had already reached the city gates.

On the city wall of Shouchun, Yuan Shu looked at the dark mass of troops below and his legs went weak.

"How...so fast..."

"My lord," said the strategist Yang Hong, "why not... seek peace?"

"Sue for peace?" Yuan Shu's eyes lit up with hope. "Yes! Sue for peace! Give Liu Bei whatever he wants! Just make him withdraw his troops!"

"Then...who should we send?"

"Go!" Yuan Shu said. "You are a strategist; you will surely be able to persuade Liu Bei!"

Yang Hong smiled wryly, but had no choice but to accept the order.

Below the city, in Liu Bei's main camp.

When Yang Hong entered, Liu Bei was teaching Zhuge Liang how to read a map.

"Kongming, look, Shouchun is a fortified city with high walls and deep moats; a direct assault would result in heavy losses. If you were in my shoes, how would you attack?"

"Besiege without attacking," Zhuge Liang said. "Shouchun is a large city with a large population, and its food supplies are consumed quickly. If we besiege it for a month, chaos will surely break out in the city. At that time, we can persuade them to surrender and win without a fight."

"Well said," Liu Bei praised, "However... some people are getting impatient."

He looked at Yang Hong: "Mr. Yang, Yuan Gonglu sent you here to surrender or to sue for peace?"

Yang Hong bowed deeply and said, "Lord Liu, my lord is willing to offer the Imperial Seal of the State and cede three northern counties of Huainan, only asking that you withdraw your troops."

"The Imperial Seal?" Liu Bei raised an eyebrow. "What would I do with that thing? It's a hot potato; whoever touches it will be in trouble."

"What would you like, my lord?"

"I want Yuan Shu's head," Liu Bei said calmly. "Usurping the title of emperor is a heinous crime. According to the law, he should be executed."

Yang Hong's face turned deathly pale: "My lord... why must you be so ruthless? My lord is willing to relinquish his imperial title and plead guilty to the court..."

"It's too late." Liu Bei shook his head. "From the moment he declared himself emperor, his fate was sealed. Mr. Yang, you are a smart man; you should know what to choose."

Yang Hong remained silent.

After a long silence, he looked up and asked, "What if I... surrender the city?"

"Then you are a hero," Liu Bei said with a smile. "After this is accomplished, the position of Prefect of Huainan will be yours."

"really?"

"I, Liu Bei, never lie."

Yang Hong took a deep breath: "Alright... I, Yang, am willing to be an inside man."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Tomorrow at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), at the East Gate," Yang Hongdao said. "I will move the garrison to open the city gate. Your Excellency can then lead your troops into the city and directly attack the government office."

Both Sima and others offered their services in the North Sea, which was exactly the same.

Liu Bei chuckled inwardly: Why do all these strategists love to use this trick?

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Rest assured, sir, I will not let you down after this is accomplished."

After seeing Yang Hong off, Xu Shu said, "My lord, could it be a trap?"

"No," Liu Bei said. "Yang Hong is a smart man. He knows that Yuan Shu is doomed to defeat. Joining us now is the best choice for him."

"Then let's..."

"Proceed according to plan," Liu Bei said, "but we must prepare for both possibilities. Yunchang, you lead the army in through the east gate. Yide, you lie in ambush outside the south gate. If there is any trickery, we will coordinate an attack from within and without."

"clear!"

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

The city gates opened as expected.

Yang Hong stood at the city gate, with no guards by his side.

"Lord Liu," Yang Hong said, bowing slightly, "please."

Guan Yu led his army into the city.

The journey was smooth and unobstructed.

Upon arriving at the government office, they found it sparsely guarded and surrendered after offering little resistance.

Yuan Shu was sleeping in his palace, clutching the imperial seal—he had been too anxious these past few days and had taken tranquilizers.

He was still groggy when his bodyguard woke him up.

"What's wrong...?"

"My lord! Liu Bei... has entered the city!"

Yuan Shu instantly snapped to attention: "What?! Where's Yang Hong?!"

"Yang Hong... has defected to the enemy..."

Yuan Shu collapsed to the ground.

It’s over.

It's all over.

"Run...run away quickly..." He struggled to get up.

But it's too late.

Guan Yu has already led his troops in.

"Yuan Gonglu," Guan Yu said coldly, "surrender."

Yuan Shu looked at Guan Yu, then at the jade seal in his hand, and suddenly burst into laughter.

"The Imperial Seal... the Imperial Seal... for you, I lost my kingdom... was it worth it?"

He raised the imperial seal and slammed it hard onto the ground.

The imperial seal was intact—the Imperial Seal of the State was made of solid materials.

But Yuan Shu's heart was broken.

"Tie them up," Guan Yu ordered.

The guards stepped forward and tied Yuan Shu up.

At this time, Liu Bei also entered the city.

Upon seeing Yuan Shu, he sighed, "Brother Gonglu, why did you do this?"

"Liu Bei..." Yuan Shu stared at him, "The victor is king, the loser is villain. Kill me or torture me, it's up to you."

"I won't kill you," Liu Bei shook his head. "You are a member of the Yuan family, a descendant of four generations of high-ranking officials. Killing you would discourage scholars throughout the land."

"Then what do you want?"

"I'll send you to Chang'an," Liu Bei said, "so the court can decide your fate."

Yuan Shu was stunned.

Go to Chang'an? I'd rather die.

Chang'an is now controlled by Li Jue and Guo Si; going there would be worse than death.

"You...you're so cruel..."

"This is out of benevolence and righteousness," Liu Bei said calmly. "Brother Gonglu, take care of yourself."

Yuan Shu was taken away.

Shouchun was thus pacified.

Shouchun was pacified, but a problem arose.

Huainan is so big, how can it be divided?

Sun Ce is fighting fiercely in the south and has already occupied Wu Commandery and Kuaiji.

Lü Bu occupied Lujiang in the west.

Liu Bei himself occupied Shouchun and the surrounding area.

"My lord," Xu Shu said, "Sun Ce has sent someone to demand that he honor his promise—to appoint him as the governor of Wu Commandery."

"Give it to him," Liu Bei readily agreed. "In addition, appoint him as General Who Subdues Rebels and Governor of Yangzhou."

"The Governor of Yangzhou?" Xu Shu exclaimed in surprise, "This..."

"It's just an empty title," Liu Bei laughed. "Once Sun Ce has this reputation, he'll go and fight Liu Yao for Yangzhou. Let them fight it out; we won't interfere."

"That Lu Bu..."

"As for Lü Bu..." Liu Bei pondered, "...appoint him as the Prefect of Lujiang."

"What about other places in Huainan...?"

"We only want the two commanderies of Shouchun and Jiujiang," Liu Bei said. "The rest can be given to Sun Ce, Lü Bu, and... Cao Cao."

"Cao Cao?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Cao Cao is already on his way. When he arrives, we'll share some soup with him. That way, he won't get jealous and turn against us."

"My lord has considered everything very thoroughly."

At this moment, Zhuge Liang asked, "Teacher, there is something I don't understand."

"explain."

"Huainan has been pacified, why not occupy it entirely? Why give it to others instead?"

Liu Bei laughed: "Kongming, remember this: the bigger the territory, the better; the more stable, the better. We already have three provinces, which are already difficult to digest. If we take Huainan as well, we'll be overwhelmed. It's better to divide them up and let them check each other. Once we've digested the three provinces and have a well-trained army and sufficient supplies, we can deal with them slowly."

"The student understands." Zhuge Liang nodded. "This is called... trading space for time."

"Yes." Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "What did you learn during this military trip?"

"I have learned a lot," Zhuge Liang said earnestly, "but the most important point is: war is not the goal, but the means. True victory is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

"Well said," Liu Bei exclaimed. "Kongming, you've grown up."

It's a bit funny for a seven-year-old to say "I'm all grown up".

But in Liu Bei's eyes, Zhuge Liang was indeed growing rapidly.

Perhaps in a few years, he will be able to truly emerge from seclusion.

By then...

Liu Bei gazed into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation.

In the midst of chaos, there was such a disciple.

very nice.