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

Another month passed, and news came from Hebei.

After Yuan Shao returned to Ye City, he was so angry that he vomited blood—literally vomited blood, not just a figure of speech.

"Cao Cao! Liu Bei! I swear I will never let you get away with this!" Yuan Shao cursed as he lay on his sickbed.

"My lord," the strategist Ju Shou advised, "the most urgent matter is to recover your health. We have already sent people to appease Zhang Yan, offering him an official position, and things have been temporarily stabilized. As for Gongsun Du... we have also sent people to negotiate peace."

"Peace talks?" Yuan Shao roared. "When have I, Yuan Benchu, ever bowed my head to anyone!"

"My lord, this is a temporary measure," Ju Shou said. "Our army has just suffered a defeat and morale is low. If we go to war with Liaodong again, things may change. It would be better to appease Gongsun Du first, and deal with him after we have recovered our strength."

Yuan Shao remained silent.

After a long pause, he asked, "Then... what about Cao Cao and Liu Bei?"

"Cao Cao is busy suppressing bandits in Yu Province and has no time to look north for the time being," Ju Shou said. "As for Liu Bei... he is cunning and should not be confronted head-on. We can send an envoy to feign reconciliation while secretly making preparations."

"Fixed?" Yuan Shao sneered. "Aren't you going to avenge Yan Liang and Wen Chou?"

"Of course we must avenge our grievances," Ju Shou said, "but not now. My lord, you must endure this moment of anger in order to achieve great things."

Yuan Shao took a deep breath and finally nodded: "Alright...we'll do as you say."

Therefore, Yuan Shao sent an envoy to Xuzhou to "seek peace" with Liu Bei.

The envoy was Tian Feng—Yuan Shao's most upright strategist. Because he often spoke frankly and offered advice, he was neglected by Yuan Shao. Sending him on this mission was clearly...a way of making things difficult for him.

Shouchun, the prefectural governor's residence.

When Tian Feng entered, his face was ashen.

"Lord Liu," Tian Feng bowed, "Lord Yuan has sent me to ask you a question: Are you satisfied with the Battle of Qingzhou?"

That was a very provocative statement.

Liu Bei smiled: "Mr. Yuanhao, please sit down. The battle of Qingzhou was not my wish. When Lord Yuan attacked, I could only defend myself. Now that Lord Yuan has withdrawn his troops, I am very pleased."

"Relieved?" Tian Feng sneered. "You, my lord, used someone else to kill Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, and now you say you're relieved?"

"Mr. Yuanhao, you are mistaken," Liu Bei said solemnly. "Yan Liang and Wen Chou were killed by Xiahou Yuan. What does it have to do with me? Moreover... on the battlefield, swords have no eyes, and life and death are preordained. I admire the bravery of the two generals, but... they each served their own lord, and there was nothing I could do about it."

Tian Feng stared at Liu Bei for a long time.

"Your Excellency is truly eloquent," Tian Feng said. "Then let me ask again: what is your explanation for the matter of Zhang Yan and Gongsun Du?"

"Zhang Yan and Gongsun Du?" Liu Bei feigned ignorance. "What happened to them?"

"They're causing trouble behind our lines; wasn't that instigated by you, sir?"

"Mr. Yuanhao has wronged me," Liu Bei protested. "Zhang Yan is a mountain bandit, and Gongsun Du is a border general. What virtue or ability do I have to command them? They rebelled because they saw that Yuan Shao was heading south and Ji Province was vulnerable, so they took the opportunity to gain benefits. It has nothing to do with me."

Tian Feng laughed in exasperation.

To lie through one's teeth and yet speak with such conviction.

"Very well," Tian Feng said. "Lord Yuan asked me to inquire of the magistrate: Is it possible to cease hostilities, make peace, and agree to non-aggression?"

"I would be delighted if you would agree," Liu Bei said immediately. "I never wanted to be enemies with Lord Yuan. However... Lord Yuan's army of 100,000 is pressing on our borders, and I have no choice but to be on guard. If Lord Yuan truly wishes to make peace, I am willing to treat him with the respect due to a son or nephew."

That's a well-said statement.

Tian Feng's expression softened slightly: "Then... the border of Qingzhou..."

"Let the Yellow River be the boundary," Liu Bei said. "Hebei belongs to Yuan Shao, and Henan belongs to me. We will not invade each other and will form an eternal alliance."

Is the Yellow River the boundary?

Tian Feng pondered: North of the Yellow River lies Ji Province; south of the Yellow River lies Qing Province. Is Liu Bei... about to acknowledge Yuan Shao's rule over Hebei?

"Is what you say true, my lord?"

"Really?" Liu Bei nodded. "I can swear that in my lifetime I will never cross the Yellow River to invade Yuan Gong's territory."

Tian Feng stared at Liu Bei, trying to find a flaw in his expression.

But Liu Bei looked completely sincere.

"Very well," Tian Feng finally said. "Then I will report back to Lord Yuan. However... Your Excellency must sign a written agreement."

"Alright," Liu Bei readily agreed. "I'll write the alliance agreement right away."

He immediately wrote a pledge: Liu Bei and Yuan Shao shall take the Yellow River as the boundary and neither shall invade the other. If either party breaks this oath, may they be punished by Heaven and man.

Sign your name and stamp it.

Tian Feng accepted the alliance document, wondering: Is Liu Bei... really that easy to talk to?

"Mr. Yuanhao," Liu Bei said again, "I have another request."

"Please speak, Your Excellency."

"I intend to establish a trade market at the border of Qingzhou and Jizhou," Liu Bei said. "Jizhou has horses, and Qingzhou has salt. Trading these goods will benefit both sides. What do you think, Lord Yuan?"

Border trade?

Tian Feng's eyes lit up.

That's a good thing.

Ji Province is short of salt, and Qing Province is short of horses. If they could trade with each other, it would indeed be a win-win situation.

"This matter... Feng needs to report to Lord Yuan."

"Of course," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Then I will wait for Lord Yuan's good news."

After seeing Tian Feng off, Xu Shu asked, puzzled, "My lord, do you really intend to form an alliance with Yuan Shao?"

"An alliance?" Liu Bei laughed. "That piece of paper is too stiff to even wipe your butt with."

"That..."

"It's a delaying tactic," Liu Bei said. "Yuan Shao has just suffered a defeat and needs time to recover. We also need time to consolidate our power in the three provinces. Let's keep him calm for now, and deal with him when we're ready."

"The Covenant..."

"The alliance agreement says I won't cross the Yellow River voluntarily," Liu Bei blinked. "But it didn't say I can't cross it 'passively.' What if... someone within Yuan Shao's ranks rebels and asks me to cross the river to quell the rebellion? What if... the Yellow River changes course, turning Hebei into Henan? What if... Yuan Shao dies, and his son invites me to cross the river?"

Everyone was stunned.

Then, he burst out laughing.

"My lord," Zhang Fei gave a thumbs-up, "when it comes to shamelessness, you're the best!"

After Tian Feng left, Liu Bei continued to reorganize the three provinces.

That day, he posed a question to Zhuge Liang.

"Kongming, now that the three provinces are pacified and external threats are temporarily appeased, what should we do next?"

Zhuge Liang thought for a moment and said, "In my opinion, there are five urgent matters."

Which five items?

"First, we must develop water conservancy projects," Zhuge Liang said. "The three provinces have many rivers, so we can build reservoirs and dikes to both prevent floods and irrigate the land. Only when the people have food to eat can they live in peace."

"And the second one?"

"Secondly, we must develop education," Zhuge Liang said. "We should establish schools in all counties and prefectures to teach the people to read and write. Talent is fundamental, and education is a long-term strategy."

"third?"

"Third, we must encourage commerce and industry," Zhuge Liang said. "If the horses of Youzhou, the salt of Qingzhou, and the cloth of Xuzhou can circulate freely, they can enrich the three provinces. We need to reduce commercial taxes and protect trade routes."

"fourth?"

"Fourth, reorganize the military," Zhuge Liang said. "The three provinces currently have 60,000 troops. We can select 30,000 to form a standing army and train them year-round. The remaining 30,000 should be converted into agricultural settlers, farming during the agricultural season and training during the off-season."

"And the fifth one?"

"Fifth, stockpile grain," Zhuge Liang said solemnly. "I have calculated that the three provinces currently have three million shi of grain stored. We need to store another three million shi before we can use our troops in Hebei. At the current rate of land reclamation, it will take three years."

"Three years..." Liu Bei pondered, "That's too long."

"Then...two years," Zhuge Liang said. "If we increase the scale of land reclamation, build water conservancy projects, and increase production, we can store enough grain in two years."

"Two years..." Liu Bei nodded. "We can wait. But, Kongming, who do you think we should attack two years from now?"

"Yuan Shao." Zhuge Liang said without hesitation, "Yuan Shao is outwardly generous but inwardly suspicious, fond of scheming but indecisive. His advisors are at odds, and his generals are disloyal. If he doesn't die in two years, he will be too old. His sons Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang will surely vie for the throne. At that time, we can send troops and conquer Hebei in one fell swoop."

"What about Cao Cao?"

"Cao Cao..." Zhuge Liang pondered, "Cao Cao is a man of great talent and ambition, but he is also suspicious and fickle. Within two years, he will surely first pacify Yu Province, and then make his move on Xu Province. Therefore... we need to keep him at bay for now."

"How do we stabilize the situation?"

"A marriage alliance," Zhuge Liang said. "Doesn't my teacher have a sworn sister? She could marry Cao Cao's son, Cao Pi. In addition, we could recommend Cao Cao to be Grand Marshal, a position above Yuan Shao. Let Cao Cao compete with Yuan Shao for that position."

Liu Bei was surprised.

An eight-year-old child, understands arranged marriage? Understands how to sow discord?

"Kongming, who taught you all this?"

"It was the student's own idea," Zhuge Liang said earnestly. "The teacher often says that in chaotic times, marriage is politics, and official positions are bait. The student is just... applying what he has learned."

Looking at Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei was filled with emotion.

This kid... is a born politician.

"Alright," Liu Bei decided. "We'll do it your way. But... where did I get a sworn sister?"

"We can adopt one as a teacher," Zhuge Liang said. "I've heard that Mi Zhu has a younger sister who is both beautiful and talented. We can take her as our sworn sister and marry her to Cao Pi."

Mi Zhen?

Liu Bei thought of that girl, who seemed to be fourteen years old this year?

She married Cao Pi... Cao Pi was only twelve years old at the time.

They're quite a good match.

"This matter...we should ask Mi Zhu," Liu Bei said.

"The students are willing to speak," Zhuge Liang volunteered.

"You?" Liu Bei laughed. "An eight-year-old child, trying to be a matchmaker?"

"Though the students are young, they represent their teachers," Zhuge Liang said earnestly. "Prefect Mi is a wise man; he knows how to choose."

Liu Bei thought for a moment and nodded: "Alright, then go and give it a try."

When Zhuge Liang went to find Mi Zhu, Mi Zhu was doing accounts.

"Prefect Mi," Zhuge Liang bowed.

"Young Master Kongming?" Mi Zhu asked in surprise. "What is it?"

"The student has come to discuss a marriage on the orders of the teacher."

"A marriage?" Mi Zhu was taken aback. "Who and whom?"

"Cao Pi, son of Cao Cao, and Miss Mi Zhen, the adopted sister of my teacher," Zhuge Liang stated directly.

Mi Zhu's hand trembled, and the account book fell to the ground.

"This...this..."

"Prefect Mi," Zhuge Liang said solemnly, "Lord Cao is a man of great talent and ambition, and Cao Pi is a young prodigy. If Miss Mi marries into that family, she will surely become a noble person in the future. The Mi family will also rise to a higher level as a result."

"But... Cao Cao was a ruthless and fickle man..."

"That's why a marriage alliance is necessary," Zhuge Liang said. "After the marriage alliance, we'll be related by marriage. Even if Cao Cao wants to harm Xuzhou, he'll have to consider Miss Mi's feelings. This is politics, and it's also a safeguard."

Mi Zhu looked at the eight-year-old child in front of him and was deeply moved.

These words don't sound like something an eight-year-old would say.

"Then... what does Your Excellency mean..."

"The Master has already adopted Miss Mi as his sworn sister, and her dowry is quite generous," Zhuge Liang said. "In addition, he has recommended that Mi Biejia be appointed as the Chief Clerk of the General Who Guards the East, with a salary of two thousand shi."

The Chief Clerk of the General Who Guards the East was an official under Cao Cao.

Mi Zhu understood.

This is to send him to Cao Cao's side as...a spy.

"This matter...you should ask my younger sister," Mi Zhu said.

"The student wishes to see Miss Mi."

Mi Zhu hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."

In the back room, Mi Zhen was embroidering.

The fourteen-year-old girl was graceful and beautiful.

"Miss Mi," Zhuge Liang bowed, "I, Zhuge Liang, have come on behalf of my teacher to propose marriage."

Mi Zhen blushed: "Propose marriage? Who's with whom?"

"Cao Pi, son of Cao Cao, will marry you, Miss," Zhuge Liang said. "Cao Pi is twelve years old this year. He is intelligent and studious and will surely achieve great things in the future. If you marry him, Miss will be the young mistress of the Cao family, enjoying endless wealth and honor."

Mi Zhen lowered her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes.

"I...I've never seen Young Master Cao before..."

"Marriage is a major event, decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers," Zhuge Liang said. "However, I can assure you that Prince Cao Pi is of good character and appearance, and is by no means a spoiled brat."

Mi Zhen looked at her brother.

Mi Zhu nodded: "The magistrate has already taken you as his sworn sister, and your dowry is generous. Moreover... this is for the sake of Xuzhou, for the sake of the Mi family."

Mi Zhen understood.

Political marriage.

"Then...it's all up to you, brother," she said softly.

"Okay." Mi Zhu breathed a sigh of relief. "Then it's settled."

Zhuge Liang bowed deeply and said, "This student will now repay his teacher."

Once the marriage was arranged, Liu Bei immediately sent someone to Yanzhou to propose marriage to Cao Cao.

At the same time, he recommended Cao Cao to be appointed as Grand Marshal, a position above the Three Dukes.

Ten days later, Cao Cao's reply arrived.

"My dear brother Xuande: I am deeply grateful for your kindness in arranging a marriage for my son. It is a blessing for Pi to marry my sworn sister. The marriage is approved. As for the position of Grand Marshal... I am not talented enough to be qualified. However, my intentions are good, and it would be hypocritical for you to refuse. So... I accept your offer. Also, I have heard that you are promoting water conservancy and education in Xuzhou, which is a good policy. You should follow suit in Yanzhou. I wish to join hands with you to support the Han Dynasty."

That's well said.

But Liu Bei knew that Cao Cao was probably cursing in his heart: "Liu Bei, you little brat, you've schemed against me again!"

"My lord," Xu Shu said, "Cao Cao agreed, but he also set conditions."

"What are the conditions?"

"He wants us to recommend Yuan Shao for the position of Grand Commandant," Xu Shu said. "The Grand Commandant is below the Grand Marshal. This is to make Yuan Shao... rank below him."

Liu Bei laughed: "Cao Cao is trying to infuriate Yuan Shao. But... what does it have to do with me? Let him submit his memorial; I'm the one who calls the shots in the court now anyway."

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

"Let Cao Cao deal with Yuan Shao," Liu Bei said. "We'll just watch the show."

Just then, Jian Yong hurriedly entered again.

"My lord, we have just received news: Sun Ce... has captured Kuaiji."

Kuaiji, Wang Lang's residence.

Sun Ce sat in the main seat, with Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and others standing on either side.

Wang Lang knelt below, his face ashen.

"Prefect Wang," Sun Ce said, "to surrender or not?"

"I...I surrender..." Wang Lang stammered, "I only beg the general...to spare my life..."

"Don't worry," Sun Ce said, "I won't kill surrendered generals. You can take your family and retire to Wu Commandery."

"Thank you... thank you, General."

After seeing Wang Lang off, Sun Ce laughed loudly: "Of the four commanderies of Jiangdong, we've already acquired three! Only Yuzhang remains!"

"Congratulations, my lord!" the generals exclaimed in unison.

Zhou Yu frowned: "My lord, Hua Xin, the governor of Yuzhang, is quite virtuous, and Yuzhang is a strategically important and difficult place to attack."

"Even if it's difficult, we must fight!" Sun Ce declared with boundless ambition. "Within six months, I will unify Jiangdong!"

"But..." Zhou Yu hesitated, "What about Lü Bu..."

"Lü Bu?" Sun Ce sneered. "That traitor who served three masters—I'll deal with him after I take Yuzhang!"

Just then, a guard came to report: "My lord, Lord Liu has sent someone."

"Liu Bei?" Sun Ce raised an eyebrow. "Let him in."

It was Jian Yong who arrived.

"General Sun," Jian Yong said, bowing. "Congratulations on conquering Kuaiji. Lord Liu has specially sent me to offer my congratulations and present gifts: 10,000 shi of grain and 2,000 sets of armor."

Sun Ce was overjoyed: "Lord Liu, you are too kind!"

"Furthermore," Jian Yong said, "Prefect Liu has recommended that you be appointed Governor of Yangzhou and General Who Subdues Rebels. The imperial decree will arrive soon."

Governor of Yangzhou!

Sun Ce's eyes lit up.

With this pretext, his attack on Yuzhang became legitimate.

"Thank you, Lord Liu!" Sun Ce clasped his hands in thanks. "Please convey to Lord Liu that I will never forget this kindness!"

"Furthermore," Jian Yong lowered his voice, "Lord Liu asked me to remind the general that Lü Bu is in Lujiang and is poised to make a move. When the general attacks Yuzhang, he must be wary of a sneak attack."

Sun Ce's face darkened: "He wouldn't dare!"

"One should always be wary of others," Jian Yong said. "Lord Liu said that if Lü Bu dares to make a move, he will restrain him from the north and lend you a helping hand, General."

"Excellent!" Sun Ce exclaimed, moved. "Lord Liu is truly a man of integrity!"

After seeing Jian Yong off, Zhou Yu said, "My lord, Liu Bei is not a man to be trusted entirely."

"I know," Sun Ce nodded, "but he's in my favor right now. I'll consider other things after I unify Jiangdong."

"That Lu Bu..."

"Let Cheng Pu lead 5,000 troops to garrison the border and guard against Lü Bu," Sun Ce said. "The rest of the troops will follow me to attack Yuzhang!"

"yes!"

Shouchun, the prefectural governor's residence.

Jian Yong is back.

"My lord, Sun Ce is very pleased and has agreed to guard against Lü Bu."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "What about Lü Bu?"

"We've also sent people to Lü Bu's side," Jian Yong said. "They told him that Sun Ce is going to attack Yuzhang, and Lujiang is undefended, which is a good opportunity for him to expand."

"Did Lü Bu believe it?"

"I believe you," Jian Yong said with a smile. "Lu Bu is currently recruiting soldiers and horses, preparing to launch a surprise attack on Wu County after Sun Ce sends out his troops."

"That's good." Liu Bei smiled. "Let them scheme against each other, and we'll sit back and watch them fight it out."

"My lord," Xu Shu said, "if this continues, Sun Ce and Lü Bu will inevitably have a major battle."

"Then let's fight," Liu Bei said calmly. "The fiercer the better. Once they're both exhausted, we'll step in to clean up the mess."

"Then... Jiangdong..."

"Jiangdong will be ours sooner or later," Liu Bei said, looking at the map. "But not now. Our current target is... Hebei."

He pointed to Ji Province on the map: "Two years, at most two years. When Sun Ce and Lü Bu are almost exhausted, when Yuan Shao is old and sick, when the conflict between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao intensifies... that will be the time for us to send troops to Hebei."

"And in the last two years..."

"In the next two years, we need to do three things," Liu Bei said, holding up three fingers. "First, stockpile provisions and train elite troops. Second, develop the economy and win over the hearts of the people. Third... cultivate talent."

He looked at Zhuge Liang: "Kongming, in two years, you will be ten years old. Ten years old... you can go to the battlefield."

Zhuge Liang's eyes lit up: "This student is willing to follow his teacher on the expedition!"

"Alright." Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "Then you must work even harder these next two years. Not only must you study, but you must also practice martial arts, learn military strategy, and study politics. Can you do that?"

"Yes!" Zhuge Liang shouted.

Liu Bei smiled.

The chaos continues.

But his moves were already laid out.

Next, Hebei.

The next step... the world.

And this eight-year-old child beside him will be his most important pawn.

He was also...the most important disciple.

---