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

In the third month of the fifth year of the Chuping era, in Qingzhou.

Yuan Shao really couldn't hold on any longer.

Yan Liang and Wen Chou were killed in battle, Zhang Yan caused trouble in Ji Province, Gongsun Du was plotting in You Province, and Cao Cao was eyeing Yan Province with predatory intent...

"Withdraw!" Yuan Shao finally ordered, "The entire army retreats to Ye City!"

The army of 100,000 men came with great momentum, but left dejected and disheveled.

In Qingzhou, the city gates were wide open, and the garrison troops went out to pursue the enemy—of course, it was just for show, and they would only chase for ten miles before returning.

After all, Liu Bei's order was: let him go, but make it look like you're giving him a chase.

On the city wall of Jinan, Zhao Yun watched Yuan Shao's army depart into the distance and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Commander Zhao," Xiahou Yuan, covered in blood—mostly the blood of his enemies—"should we pursue them or not?"

"Let's not pursue them," Zhao Yun shook his head. "Don't pursue a desperate enemy. Besides... our lord has other plans."

"What arrangements?"

"This... I cannot say," Zhao Yun said calmly. "General Xiahou, you have worked hard. Please return to the city and rest."

Xiahou Yuan looked at Zhao Yun, feeling furious.

In this battle, he killed Yan Liang and made a great contribution, but he always felt... that he had been used.

But I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong.

"Governor Zhao," Xiahou Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Was Lord Liu... all this planned long ago?"

Zhao Yun glanced at him and smiled, "General Xiahou is overthinking it. The battlefield is ever-changing; there's no room for so many plans. It's simply a matter of acting according to circumstances."

That's as good as saying nothing at all.

Xiahou Yuan, seething with anger, returned to his camp.

Shouchun, the prefectural governor's residence.

Liu Bei held a grand victory celebration banquet.

Not only to celebrate the great victory at Qingzhou, but also to celebrate... Xi Zhicai's "July 7th" anniversary.

Yes, Xi Zhicai has been dead for forty-nine days.

"Gentlemen," Liu Bei raised his cup, "today's banquet is twofold: first, to celebrate our victory, and second... to pay tribute to Mr. Xi. Though Mr. Xi is gone, his wisdom and integrity will live on in my heart forever. This first cup of wine is a toast to Mr. Xi!"

"A toast to Mr. Xi!" Everyone raised their glasses.

The atmosphere was a bit heavy.

But Liu Bei quickly changed the subject: "Alright, let's get down to business. Yuan Shao has retreated, but the trouble isn't over yet. What do you all think we should do next?"

Xu Shu was the first to speak: "My lord, the most urgent task is to stabilize the three provinces and consolidate the spoils of war. Qing Province needs to recuperate after this battle. Xu Province and You Province also need to be reorganized."

"Anything else?"

"And then there's Cao Cao," Xu Shu said. "Xiahou Yuan's 30,000 troops are still in Qingzhou. We need to find a way... to get them to leave."

"How should we invite him?" Liu Bei asked.

"In the name of the imperial court," Xu Shu said, "we should recommend Cao Cao to be appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Yu Province. Let him go to Yu Province to suppress the bandits—there are indeed remnants of the Yellow Turbans there. Once he gets an official position and new territory, he will have no reason to stay in Qing Province."

"Excellent!" Liu Bei exclaimed. "Anything else?"

"And then there's Lü Bu and Sun Ce." Guan Yu frowned. "Those two haven't been behaving themselves lately."

"Why are you so restless?"

"After Lü Bu occupied Lujiang, he set his sights on Jiujiang," Guan Yu said. "Sun Ce is even more outrageous; he has already captured Danyang and is currently besieging Kuaiji. Judging from his posture, he intends to unify Jiangdong."

Liu Bei laughed: "Let them make a scene. The bigger the scene, the better."

"Brother," Zhang Fei asked, puzzled, "if they become stronger, aren't they a threat to us?"

"Being strong now doesn't guarantee being strong in the future," Liu Bei said. "Sun Ce's attack on Jiangdong will deplete his troops and supplies. Lü Bu's occupation of Lujiang will offend the local gentry. We'll deal with them when they've been weakened enough."

"But what if they team up..."

"An alliance?" Liu Bei sneered. "Lu Bu and Sun Ce? It's a miracle they don't fight each other."

Just then, Jian Yong hurried in.

"My lord, I just received news: Lü Bu and Sun Ce... have started fighting."

Here's the thing:

When Sun Ce attacked Kuaiji, he was short of food and sent someone to "borrow" food from Lü Bu.

Lü Bu was generous and gave it to them—but the grain he gave them was mixed with sand.

Sun Ce's soldiers ate the food, suffered from diarrhea, and their fighting strength was greatly reduced. They were almost killed by Wang Lang.

Sun Ce was furious and sent Zhou Yu to Lujiang to question him.

Lu Bu denied it: "Sand? How could that be! It must have gotten damp from improper storage!"

Zhou Yu was no pushover either, and immediately exposed the lie: "We've checked; the sand was mixed in with the grain, not because it was damp!"

"That...that must have been the grain merchants' doing!" Lü Bu shirked responsibility. "I'm a victim too!"

Negotiations broke down.

Enraged, Sun Ce dispatched 5,000 troops to launch a surprise attack on the border of Lujiang and seize the granaries of three counties belonging to Lü Bu.

Enraged, Lü Bu led his army in a counterattack, capturing two of Sun Ce's cities in succession.

And so, the two families started fighting.

"Well done!" Liu Bei slammed his fist on the table. "Let them fight! The fiercer the better!"

"My lord," Xu Shu said, "should we... add fuel to the fire?"

"How do I add it?"

"Secretly provide Sun Ce with weapons and armor," Xu Shu said. "And secretly provide Lü Bu with provisions. Keep them evenly matched, so neither can defeat the other, and the fighting continues."

"Good idea." Liu Bei nodded. "However... it must be done discreetly. Xianhe, this matter is yours. Remember, the things for Sun Ce should go through Jingzhou, pretending they are from Liu Biao. The things for Lü Bu should go through Yuzhou, pretending they are from Cao Cao."

"Understood!" Jian Yong laughed. "I'm good at sowing discord!"

"Furthermore," Liu Bei added, "send people to Jiangdong to spread rumors that Lü Bu had long wanted to seize Jiangdong and was deliberately trying to sabotage Sun Ce. Then send people to Lujiang to spread rumors that Sun Ce was ambitious and that after conquering Jiangdong, his next target would be Huainan."

"Is this... meant to make them fight to the death?" Guan Yu asked.

"That's right," Liu Bei said calmly. "In chaotic times, the fewer opponents you have, the better your chances of winning. Let them wear each other down, and we can reap the benefits."

Zhuge Liang, who was listening nearby, suddenly spoke up: "Teacher, I have a plan that can make Lü Bu and Sun Ce fight even more fiercely."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"Gao Shun, a general under Lü Bu, and Taishi Ci, a general under Sun Ce, are both loyal and brave men," Zhuge Liang said. "We can send someone to impersonate them and assassinate these two generals. If successful, Lü Bu and Sun Ce will surely believe it was the other's doing, deepening their hatred. If it fails... we can still frame the other for it."

Liu Bei was stunned.

How could an eight-year-old child come up with such a vicious plan?

"Kongming," Liu Bei looked at him, "this plan... isn't it too ruthless?"

"I know," Zhuge Liang said, bowing his head. "But in chaotic times, to be merciful to the enemy is to be cruel to oneself. That's what your teacher taught you."

Liu Bei remained silent.

He did indeed teach.

But seeing an eight-year-old say such things still makes me feel a little... conflicted.

"This plan cannot be used," Liu Bei shook his head. "Gao Shun and Taishi Ci are both loyal and righteous men, and they should not die in a conspiracy. Moreover... if it is exposed, it will only bring trouble upon themselves."

"The student knows he was wrong." Zhuge Liang quickly admitted his mistake.

"It's not wrong." Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "It's good that you have strategies. But remember, strategies must be used for the right thing. Harming loyal and virtuous people and violating the harmony of Heaven are not the actions of a gentleman."

"Students, please remember this."

Ten days later, the imperial decree arrived.

They didn't come from Chang'an—Chang'an is in complete chaos right now, with Li Jue and Guo Si fighting amongst themselves.

It was issued by Liu Bei in the name of the "Imperial Court"—he had Zheng Xuan draft it and then stamped it himself, since the Imperial Court was now merely a name without substance, and whoever had the troops was in charge.

The imperial decree states: Cao Cao has rendered meritorious service in the campaign against Yuan Shu and is hereby appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Yu Province. He is to immediately assume his post and quell the remaining Yellow Turban rebels in Yu Province.

When the imperial decree was delivered to Qingzhou, Xiahou Yuan was dumbfounded.

"This...this is an imperial edict?" Xiahou Yuan held the silk scroll, unable to believe it.

"Absolutely true." Zhao Yun nodded. "General Xiahou, congratulations! Cao Cao has been promoted; you should return to report now."

"But... what about Qingzhou..."

"With me here in Qingzhou, there's nothing to worry about," Zhao Yun said. "General Xiahou, go back with peace of mind. Cao Cao needs you more than ever."

Xiahou Yuan hesitated.

He didn't want to leave.

During his months in Qingzhou, he came to understand: Qingzhou was wealthy and had a strong military, far superior to Yanzhou.

Moreover... he killed Yan Liang and performed a great service, but when he returned, he would only receive a reward. However, in Qingzhou, he might be able to gain even more benefits.

"Commander Zhao," Xiahou Yuan tentatively suggested, "how about... I leave some troops here to assist in the defense? In case Yuan Shao comes again..."

"No need," Zhao Yun refused decisively. "Qingzhou is defended by the Qingzhou army. Cao Cao has just acquired Yuzhou and is in dire need of capable men. General Xiahou should return to assist Cao Cao."

Having said all that, if Xiahou Yuan didn't leave, he would be disobeying orders.

"Well... alright then." Xiahou Yuan said helplessly, "I will withdraw my troops in three days."

"This humble general respectfully sees you off."

Three days later, Xiahou Yuan led 30,000 troops and withdrew from Qingzhou.

When he left, Liu Bei personally came to see him off.

"General Miaocai," Liu Bei said, holding Xiahou Yuan's hand with genuine emotion, "it is thanks to your help this time that Qingzhou was able to be preserved. I have nothing to repay you with, so please accept this small gift."

He had ten large boxes carried over.

Inside were: a thousand catties of gold, a hundred bolts of brocade, and... three hundred jars of Youzhou wine.

It is quite valuable.

Xiahou Yuan was in a better mood.

"Lord Liu, you are too kind."

"Of course," Liu Bei said. "Furthermore, I have already recommended you for the title of General Who Subdues the Barbarians, and the imperial decree will arrive soon."

Xiahou Yuan was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Excellency!"

The title of General Who Subdues Barbarians is two ranks higher than his current rank of Lieutenant General.

"After you return, General, please give my regards to Cao Cao," Liu Bei said. "Tell him that I will always remember Cao Cao's kindness and will repay him if I have the opportunity in the future."

"I'll definitely bring it!"

After seeing Xiahou Yuan off, Zhang Fei scoffed, "Brother, you gave him both money and an official position; that's too easy on him!"

"Cheap?" Liu Bei laughed. "Thirty thousand soldiers in Qingzhou, how much food and fodder do they consume every day? I'll give them some money in exchange for them getting out of here. It's worth it."

"That general who quelled the rebellion..."

"It's just an empty title," Liu Bei said indifferently. "Anyway, I'm in charge of the court now. Let him have a general's title to make him happy. Maybe he'll be able to use it in the future..."

"Use it?"

"That's right." A sly glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "Xiahou Yuan is a close relative and general of Cao Cao. If I treat him well, what will Cao Cao think? Will he suspect that he's colluding with me? Even if he doesn't suspect me, he'll still have a grudge. That's enough."

Zhang Fei's eyes widened: "Brother, you even schemed against this?"

"In chaotic times, how can you survive without scheming?" Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "Yide, you still have a lot to learn."

After Xiahou Yuan left, Qingzhou was completely stabilized.

Liu Bei began to reorganize the three provinces.

The first thing to do: survey and measure land acreage and implement the "land tax reform".

The second thing: to rectify official corruption and establish the "Supervision Department".

The third thing: reorganize the army and unify its training.

He took Zhuge Liang with him when he did these things.

"Kongming, look at this land acreage statistic," Liu Bei said, pointing to the bamboo slips. "Xiapi County in Xuzhou reported 500,000 mu of land. But according to my estimate, the actual acreage is at least 800,000 mu. Where did the other 300,000 mu go?"

Zhuge Liang thought for a moment and said, "The powerful families have kept it from us."

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Then what should we do?"

"Take a thorough survey," Zhuge Liang said. "Send people to measure the land on-site, and severely punish anyone who conceals anything."

"It will offend people."

"If you don't offend people, you'll offend the common people," Zhuge Liang said earnestly. "My teacher said that he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. The powerful and wealthy are a minority, while the common people are the majority. It's worth offending a minority for the sake of the majority."

"Well said," Liu Bei praised. "Then... I'll leave this matter to you. Do you dare?"

Zhuge Liang was taken aback: "This student... is only eight years old..."

"Gan Luo became prime minister at twelve, and you started handling cases at eight. What's wrong?" Liu Bei laughed. "Don't worry, I'll have Xu Shu assist you. The two of you, one eight and the other thirty, complement each other perfectly."

Xu Shu smiled wryly from the side: "My lord, you're... putting me in a difficult position."

"Yuanzhi," Liu Bei said solemnly, "Kongming is a genius, but he needs experience. You are a good teacher, so you are perfect to mentor him. If you handle this matter well, I will give you credit."

"What if it goes wrong?"

"If it goes wrong...it's on me," Liu Bei said. "Anyway, I'm thick-skinned and not afraid of offending anyone."

Everyone laughed.

And so, at the age of eight, Zhuge Liang began his first "independent case handling".

With Xu Shu's assistance and Liu Bei's support, he worked very hard.

In ten days, the land in the three counties of Xiapi Prefecture was surveyed, and 200,000 mu of land were found to be concealed, involving 17 powerful families.

"Teacher," Zhuge Liang reported, "some of these powerful families are willing to pay the back taxes, while others... are resisting."

"How can you resist?"

"Collusion, threats, and...bribing students." Zhuge Liang pulled a bag of gold from his sleeve. "This was sent by the Chen family, who said it was 'a reward for their hard work.'"

"You accepted it?"

"I'll take it," Zhuge Liang nodded, "but I'll register it as evidence."

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "Good! Well done! So what's next?"

"Handle them according to the law," Zhuge Liang said. "Pay back the taxes and impose a fine of three times the amount. Those who resist...confiscate their property."

"Isn't that too harsh?"

"In chaotic times, harsh punishments are necessary," Zhuge Liang said. "If we don't punish severely, others will follow suit. Only by making an example of one to deter a hundred can we implement new policies."

Liu Bei looked at Zhuge Liang and sighed with emotion.

This child is growing up too fast.

It was so fast it was... a little scary.

"Kongming," Liu Bei said slowly, "remember, a ruler must be both strict and lenient. Be strict when necessary, and lenient when appropriate. The Chen family is a powerful clan in Xiapi; confiscating their property would be easy, but it would cause panic among other powerful families. Perhaps... we should give them a chance."

"What opportunity?"

"Let them 'donate' half of the concealed land as public land to be distributed to landless people," Liu Bei said. "For the remaining land, they can simply pay the taxes. In this way, we gain land, win the hearts of the people, and give the powerful a way out."

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment, then nodded: "I understand. A combination of firmness and gentleness, kindness and severity."

"Yes," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Go ahead and do as I say."

After Zhuge Liang left, Xu Shu said, "My lord, Kongming... is too clever. So clever... that he doesn't seem like an eight-year-old child."

"I know," Liu Bei nodded, "but this is a good thing. In chaotic times, geniuses are needed."

"But what if..."

"What if he becomes too powerful and threatens the emperor in the future?" Xu Shu hesitated.

Liu Bei laughed: "Yuanzhi, you're overthinking it. Kongming is my disciple; I watched him grow up. If he truly has ulterior motives... then it's my fault for not teaching him well."

Despite saying that, Liu Bei knew in his heart that a person like Zhuge Liang could only be a friend, not an enemy.

Fortunately, they are now master and apprentice.

In the future... it will be the same.