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

Chapter 2 Yellow Turbans? No, that's my KPL.

On the fifteenth day of the first month of the first year of Zhongping, at Liu Bei's manor in Zhuo County.

When Zhang Fei rushed into the study carrying a jar of freshly brewed "Liehuo Shao" liquor, Liu Bei was writing and drawing on bamboo slips.

"Brother! Something's happened!" Zhang Fei slammed the wine jar onto the table, making the bamboo slips bounce. "The Taiping Dao followers all over Youzhou are saying that on the fifth day of next month, 'The Azure Heaven is dead, the Yellow Heaven shall rise!'"

Liu Bei didn't even look up: "Okay, I understand."

"You know?" Zhang Fei's eyes widened. "This is tantamount to rebellion! Should we report it to the authorities, or run away first?"

"Report to the authorities?" Liu Bei finally put down his pen, looking at Zhang Fei with a half-smile. "Third brother, do you think the authorities will believe us? The Way of Peace has millions of followers, spread across eight provinces. You say they're going to rebel, where's the evidence?"

"This..." Zhang Fei was speechless.

"Even if they believe it, would the government dare to take action? If they do, a million believers will riot, and who can bear the responsibility?" Liu Bei stood up and walked to the window. "So, you have to be skillful when it comes to reporting things."

Zhang Fei scratched his head: "What technique?"

"First, the timing has to be right. It can't be too early, or no one will take it seriously; it can't be too late, or it will be too late." Liu Bei turned around, a sly glint in his eyes. "Second, the person reporting it has to be right. Our report isn't influential enough. We need to find someone with real influence."

"Who?"

"Lu Zhi," Liu Bei uttered two words, "my teacher—although we haven't formally become disciples yet, we will soon be."

Zhang Fei was even more bewildered: "Lu Zhi? That great scholar? Brother, you know him?"

"We don't know each other now," Liu Bei smiled, "but we'll get to know each other soon."

He walked to the desk and picked up a bamboo scroll: "This is a collection of information I've gathered over two years, detailing all the strongholds, leaders, and troop deployments of the Taiping Dao in Youzhou, as well as... their detailed plan to launch an uprising on March 5th."

Zhang Fei gasped, "Two years? Brother, you knew they were going to rebel two years ago?"

"Just a guess," Liu Bei said without changing his expression. "The Way of Peace has developed too quickly and its organization is too tight. It would be strange if they didn't rebel."

He actually "knew" it, but he couldn't say it.

"So what do we do now?"

"Send someone to deliver this bamboo scroll and this letter," Liu Bei picked up another wax-sealed letter, "to Lu Zhi's residence in Luoyang. Remember, find reliable people to disguise them as a merchant caravan and travel along the official road."

What did the letter say?

"So, I, Liu Bei, am a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan. I have stumbled upon evidence of a rebellion by the Daoist sect, and I dare not act on my own authority. Therefore, I present this to you, my teacher. Furthermore, I have already recruited three hundred local militia in Zhuo County, and they are training day and night. If the court needs them, I am willing to serve as their vanguard." Liu Bei spoke fluently, clearly having prepared his speech beforehand.

Zhang Fei was taken aback: "Brother, isn't this... a bit too formal?"

"That's what we need—formalism." Liu Bei patted his shoulder. "Third brother, in this world, reputation is more important than swords. This time, our report is about reaping the benefits while maintaining a respectable image, understand?"

Zhang Fei nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

"By the way," Liu Bei called to Zhang Fei, who was about to leave, "have Yun Chang come over; I have something to say to him."

When Guan Yu entered, he was still covered in dust from the training ground.

"Is my older brother looking for me?"

"Hmm, sit down." Liu Bei gestured to the mat opposite him. "Yun Chang, how's your sword?"

Guan Yu unfastened the ring-pommel sword from his waist and placed it on the table: "An ordinary military sword is fine for killing chickens and dogs, but for fighting on the battlefield... it's not quite up to par."

"I think so too." Liu Bei pulled a roll of silk from under his desk, unfolded it, and said, "Take a look at this."

A knife is drawn on the silk. But unlike the common ring-pommel sword, this knife has an extremely long blade, a curved tip, a thick back, and a long handle, making it look like it can be used for both slashing and dragging.

Guan Yu's eyes lit up: "This is..."

"I call it the 'Crescent Moon Blade'," Liu Bei said, pointing to the design. "It's nine feet five inches long, weighs eighty-two pounds, and the blade is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name 'Crescent Moon.' What do you think?"

Guan Yu gently stroked the design, his eyes blazing with fervor: "What a fine blade! If I truly possessed such a blade, I could slay any enemy general under heaven!"

"Then let's make it," Liu Bei said with a smile. "I've found the three best blacksmiths in Zhuojun, and they've prepared three months' worth of good iron. As long as you give your approval, we'll start the furnace tomorrow."

Guan Yu looked up at Liu Bei: "Brother, why do you treat me like this..."

"Because you are Guan Yu," Liu Bei said matter-of-factly. "The future greatest warrior in the world deserves the greatest sword in the world."

Guan Yu's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't.

He simply bowed deeply: "I, Guan... will certainly not fail this sword."

"There's one more thing," Liu Bei said, pulling out another roll of silk. "This is a military treatise for you."

"Military strategy?" Guan Yu was taken aback. "Although I have read the Spring and Autumn Annals, I have no knowledge of military strategy..."

"This is no ordinary military strategy." Liu Bei unfolded a silk cloth, which was covered with dense writing. "This is the 'Guan Family Warfare Strategy,' which I specially compiled based on your characteristics. The core has three points: First, overwhelming momentum; second, capturing the leader; and third, swift victory."

Guan Yu looked closely and became increasingly alarmed.

This military strategy is exactly to his liking! It doesn't involve any flanking maneuvers or encirclements; it's all about head-on confrontation, relying on individual martial prowess to break through enemy lines and defeat enemy generals, thus crushing the enemy's morale in one fell swoop.

"Big brother...is this really made just for me?"

"Of course." Liu Bei lied without changing his expression—actually, he deduced it from Guan Yu's battle examples in the Records of the Three Kingdoms: "Yun Chang, your personality is arrogant and unwilling to be subservient to subordinates. You are suitable to be a vanguard, a sharp blade, but not suitable to command a large army. Therefore, your strategy is to be the sharpest blade, tear through the enemy's defenses, and leave the rest to others."

Guan Yu remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he knelt on one knee: "Brother, you know me better than I know myself. From this day forward, my life is yours to command."

"Get up, get up." Liu Bei helped him up. "We're brothers, let's not talk about these things. By the way, there might be a battle on the fifth of next month, so make preparations."

"The Way of Peace?"

"Hmm." Liu Bei nodded. "I've already delivered the intelligence to Lu Zhi. The court will definitely take action. It's time for our local militia to see some blood."

A fighting spirit ignited in Guan Yu's eyes: "My blade is already itching for battle."

February 28th, seven days before the Taipingdao Uprising.

Two uninvited guests arrived at Liu Bei's manor.

One was a tall, thin young man dressed in a scholar's robe, the hem of which was tucked into his belt, and he walked with a brisk pace; the other was a wiry man with a sword at his waist and sharp eyes.

"Xuande! Is Xuande here?" the tall, thin man called from outside the door.

Liu Bei went out to greet him, and upon seeing him, he was stunned.

Jian Yong? Qian Zhao?

Why would these two early members of Liu Bei's team approach him so early?

"Xianhe? Zijing?" Liu Bei tentatively called out their courtesy names.

Jian Yong laughed loudly: "It really is you! I knew it! Liu Bei of Zhuo County, a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, who else could it be but you?"

Qian Zhao clasped his hands in greeting: "Brother Liu, I've long admired you."

Liu Bei welcomed them into his study: "How did you two find my place?"

"I've heard there's a Liu Bei in Zhuo County who recruits local militia, teaches them to read, and provides them with meat at every meal." Jian Yong plopped down, poured himself a glass of water, and said, "How could I, Jian Yong, not come and see such an interesting person?"

Qian Zhao was more direct: "Brother Liu, I heard you're recruiting soldiers here, so I've come to serve you."

Liu Bei was secretly delighted, but remained outwardly calm: "Isn't Zijing working in the prefectural government?"

"I'm resigning," Qian Zhao said decisively. "The county troops are corrupt and incapable of fighting. I want to find a place where I can truly do something."

"That Xianhe..."

"Me?" Jian Yong chuckled. "I'm just here to freeload. I heard your braised pork is amazing?"

Liu Bei laughed and said, "Enough is enough."

He carefully examined the two men. Jian Yong was Liu Bei's childhood friend in history, an eloquent debater who later became an important civil official of Shu Han; Qian Zhao was skilled in both literature and military affairs and later became a border general of Cao Wei.

They're all talented people.

"Since you two think so highly of me, I will naturally welcome you with open arms," Liu Bei said solemnly. "However, let me make it clear beforehand that there are many rules and the training here is tough, so you two should be prepared."

"I'm not afraid of hardship," Qian Zhao's eyes lit up. "I'm just afraid of not having any battles to fight."

"There are plenty of battles to fight," Liu Bei said meaningfully, "but I'm afraid you won't be able to win them all."

Just then, Zhang Fei's booming voice came from the training ground: "Brother! Come quick! Yun Chang's new sword is finished!"

IV. This knife is a bit green.

On the training ground, Guan Yu held a long sword.

The blade gleamed with a dark blue light, and in the sunlight, dragon patterns could be faintly seen emerging.

The sword was nine feet five inches long and weighed eighty-two catties. Guan Yu held it with one hand, yet he handled it with ease.

"What a fine knife!" Jian Yong exclaimed.

Qian Zhao's pupils contracted: "This knife... its killing intent is so strong."

When Guan Yu saw Liu Bei arrive, he took a deep breath, gripped his sword with both hands, and swung it fiercely!

"Buzz—"

The blade sliced through the air, emitting a roar like that of a dragon.

The weapon rack by the training ground, three zhang away from Guan Yu, held a long spear. With a "crack," it was snapped in two by the wind from the blade!

The entire room fell silent.

Zhang Fei's mouth dropped open: "My...my dear mother..."

Guan Yu himself was stunned. His swing hadn't even touched the weapon rack; it was just a gust of wind from the blade.

Liu Bei laughed, "Excellent! Truly a fine sword! Yun Chang, does this sword have a name?"

Guan Yu looked down at the faint dragon pattern on the blade and pondered for a moment: "The blade is bluish and has a dragon pattern, so let's call it... the Green Dragon Crescent Blade."

"The Green Dragon Crescent Blade..." Liu Bei repeated, sighing inwardly.

History truly changed at this moment.

This knife was created more than a decade earlier than its original historical counterpart.

"Brother," Guan Yu sheathed his sword, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit, "with this sword in hand, no one in the world can withstand my blade."

"Then let's give it a try." Liu Bei pointed to the other end of the training ground. "Zijing, I've heard your swordsmanship is quite good. How about sparring with Yunchang for a bit?"

Qian Zhao, unfazed, replied, "That's exactly what I was thinking!"

The two players left the field.

After thirty rounds, Qian Zhao was defeated.

It wasn't that their martial arts skills were far inferior, but rather that the Green Dragon Crescent Blade was too ferocious. With each clash, the blade groaned as Qian Zhao's hand was torn apart.

"Brother Guan, your martial prowess is beyond my reach," Qian Zhao readily admitted defeat.

Guan Yu shook his head: "Your swordsmanship is superb, but your sword is lacking. If you had a good sword, you could fight for fifty rounds."

Qian Zhao's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Guan never lies."

"Alright!" Qian Zhao turned to Liu Bei, "Brother Liu, I'm selling my life to you! I only ask that in the future, you forge me a fine sword!"

Liu Bei laughed heartily: "No problem!"

Jian Yong stroked his chin beside him and said, "Xuande, you're getting more and more interesting."

V. Luoyang's response was faster than expected.

On the second day of the third lunar month, there were still three days before the Taipingdao Uprising.

A troop of cavalry galloped into Zhuo County and headed straight for Liu Bei's manor.

"Imperial Edict Arrives—Liu Bei, Commander of the Volunteer Army of Zhuo County, Receive the Edict!"

Liu Bei and his men knelt to welcome them.

The newcomer was a middle-aged eunuch, pale-faced and beardless, with a high-pitched voice: "His Majesty has decreed: Zhang Jiao and others of the Taiping Dao are being investigated for spreading heresy and plotting rebellion; they are to be arrested immediately. Liu Bei of Zhuo County is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and has rendered meritorious service in offering strategies; he is hereby promoted to Cavalry Commandant and ordered to lead his troops to cooperate with the government troops of Youzhou to quell the Taiping Dao bandits in Youzhou. So be it!"

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude!" Liu Bei kowtowed.

After getting up, he secretly slipped a bag of gold to the eunuch: "Thank you for your hard work, sir."

The eunuch weighed the matter in his hand, a smile spreading across his face: "Commander Liu is young and promising. Minister Lu has been strongly recommending you to His Majesty."

"I am deeply humbled by the teacher's kindness."

"Work hard, you'll have a bright future." The eunuch mounted his horse, then turned back before leaving. "Oh, by the way, Minister Lu asked me to pass on a message: come to Luoyang to see him after Youzhou is pacified."

"I will obey my master's orders!"

After the eunuch left, the crowd gathered around.

"Cavalry Commandant!" Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly, "Brother, your promotion has been too fast!"

Jian Yong frowned: "Xuande, this task is not easy. The Way of Peace has tens of thousands of followers in Youzhou, while we only have three hundred men, plus the county soldiers, we have less than two thousand. How are we going to fight?"

"Who said we were going to fight head-on?" Liu Bei unfolded the imperial edict, read it again, and laughed. "The edict says to 'annihilate the bandits of the Taiping Road in Youzhou,' not that we should kill all the believers."

"That..."

"Behead them." A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "Only punish the leaders, not the followers. The reason why the Way of Peace is so difficult to deal with is because it is organized. Kill the leaders, and the organization will fall apart. The remaining believers are nothing but a rabble."

Guan Yu nodded: "To capture the enemy, you must capture their leader; this is exactly the Guan family's battle strategy."

"But how do we know where the leader is?" Qian Zhao asked.

Liu Bei pulled a list from his robes: "These past two years, I haven't been working for nothing."

The list contained 37 names, followed by addresses, physical characteristics, and the number of subordinates.

The top three: Cheng Yuanzhi, Deng Mao, and Zhang Ju.

"Cheng Yuanzhi is in Ji County, Deng Mao is in Yuyang, and Zhang Ju is in Youbeiping." Liu Bei pointed to the map. "These three men are the three leaders of the Taiping Dao in Youzhou. As long as we kill them, the Taiping Dao in Youzhou will be leaderless."

"Which one should we attack first?" Zhang Fei rubbed his hands together, eager to fight.

"I won't fight either of them." Liu Bei's words surprised everyone.

"Big brother, didn't you just say..."

"I said beheading, not a full-scale attack." Liu Bei laughed, a laugh like a fox. "Tell me, what if on March 5th, these three chieftains were preparing to rise up, and suddenly they were assassinated in their bedrooms?"

The entire room fell silent.

Jian Yong was the first to react: "Xuande, are you... going to assassinate me?"

"It's not an assassination, it's 'divine punishment'," Liu Bei corrected. "Doesn't the Way of Peace like to play tricks? Let's make them really 'see ghosts'."

He looked at Guan Yu: "Yun Chang, Cheng Yuanzhi is yours. He lives in the eastern part of Ji County and has fifty guards with him. Make your move on the night of the fourth day of the third month. Be quick and clean."

"Guan obeys."

"Yide, Deng Mao is in Yuyang. He loves wine and gets drunk every night. On the fourth day of the third month, you disguise yourself as a wine merchant and give him a jar of 'Fiery Burn' liquor. Wait until he's drunk, then make your move."

"Okay!"

"Zijing, Zhang Ju is in Youbeiping. He's cautious, but also lecherous. I've arranged for a 'singing girl' to enter his residence on the fourth day of the third month. You'll meet her outside and wait for the signal."

"clear!"

Liu Bei then looked at Jian Yong: "Xianhe, your task is the most important."

"Me?" Jian Yong pointed to himself. "I'm completely powerless."

"You don't need to lift a finger." Liu Bei handed him a stack of papers. "This is a 'Letter to the Taiping Dao People of Youzhou.' On the morning of the fifth day of the third month, I want this letter posted throughout all the counties of Youzhou. The letter must clearly state: the court will only punish the ringleaders, and the followers will not be questioned; those who voluntarily report the ringleaders will be rewarded; those who lay down their weapons will be pardoned."

Jian Yong took it, glanced at it, and his eyes lit up: "Xuande, your writing is...too ruthless."

"How is it so harsh?"

"Every word is like a knife to the heart." Jian Yong clicked his tongue in amazement. "Look at this sentence, 'Zhang Jiao calls himself the Great Teacher of Virtue, yet he sends you to your deaths while he hides in Julu enjoying himself,' and this sentence, 'Has the Yellow Heaven you worship ever given you a full meal?' This is simply... killing someone and destroying their spirit."

"That's the effect we wanted." Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "Remember, in this battle, seven parts depend on fighting and three parts on persuasion. If we can talk things out, we can save a lot of lives."

"Understood." Jian Yong nodded solemnly.

The group accepted the order and left.

Liu Bei stood alone on the training ground, watching three hundred local militiamen training.

These people will soon see bloodshed.

But he wasn't worried. Two years of training, meat at every meal, doubled pay, and literacy and ideological education classes... the cohesion of this army far surpassed that of any other unit in this era.

More importantly, they know what they are fighting for.

"My lord," Zou Jing appeared beside him unnoticed, "Is everything arranged?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Elder Zou, on the fifth day of the third month, you will lead two hundred men straight to the Taiping Dao headquarters in Ji County. Remember, only kill those who resist; spare those who surrender. Do not harm the common people you encounter."

"Then, my lord..."

"I'm taking a hundred men to a place," Liu Bei said, looking south. "There's someone there I need to meet beforehand."

"Who?"

"A scholar who farms," Liu Bei laughed. "His surname is Zhuge, his given name is Liang, and his courtesy name is Kongming."

Zou Jing was stunned: "Zhuge Liang? Never heard of him. Is he that important?"

"He is very important," Liu Bei said seriously. "Having him alone is worth 100,000 soldiers."

Although Zhuge Liang is only four years old now.

But... investing in advance is never a bad thing, right?

VI. Assassination is a skilled profession.

March 4th, night, Ji County.

Cheng Yuanzhi was very excited.

Tomorrow is the day of the uprising. He has already contacted three thousand followers, and they are just waiting for dawn to seize the government office in Ji County and then respond to Zhang Jiao in Julu.

"The old order is dead, the new order shall rise!" He raised his wine cup to the assembled leaders, "Gentlemen, wealth and glory await you tomorrow!"

"Salute to Commander!"

Everyone drank heartily.

After a few rounds of drinks, Cheng Yuanzhi was a little drunk. He waved for everyone to leave and went back to his bedroom.

He froze the moment he pushed open the door.

There was a person sitting in the bedroom.

Red face, long beard, phoenix eyes, holding a long sword in his hand, the blade gleaming with a bluish light.

"Who...who are you?" Cheng Yuanzhi sobered up a bit.

"Guan Yu, Guan Yunchang." Guan Yu stood up, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade dragging on the ground with a screeching sound. "By order of Commandant Liu, I will take your life."

"Liu Duwei? Which Liu..."

He hadn't finished speaking.

A flash of light.

Cheng Yuanzhi felt a chill on his neck, and then saw that his body was still standing in the same place, but his head had flown away.

So this is what it feels like to be beheaded...

This was his last thought.

Guan Yu sheathed his sword, looking expressionlessly at the headless corpse lying on the ground.

He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and, using Cheng Yuanzhi's blood, wrote four large characters on the wall:

Heaven punishes the traitors of the nation.

Then he turned and disappeared into the night.

On the same night, in Yuyang.

Deng Mao, drunk, embraced a songstress and walked into the bedroom.

"My beauty...this wine...is so delicious..." he slurred.

The songstress giggled, "I'm glad you like it, sir. This wine is called 'Blazing Fire,' a specialty of Zhuo County."

"Zhuoxian...good...someday...we'll take Zhuoxian...and drink it every day..."

Deng Mao lay down on the bed, snoring loudly.

The songstress's smile vanished. She gently pushed open the window and meowed three times like a cat.

A moment later, a dark figure climbed in through the window.

Zhang Fei.

He looked at Deng Mao on the bed, grinned, and drew a short knife from his waist.

A knife.

Clean and neat.

The same four characters, "May Heaven punish the traitors of the nation," were also left on the wall.

The situation in Youbeiping was slightly more complicated.

Zhang Ju was very cautious; even when he was drunk, there were eight guards outside his bedroom.

Qian Zhao lay in ambush on the roof and waited for half an hour.

Finally, Zhang Ju dismissed the songstress and went to sleep alone.

Qian Zhao slid down from the roof with the lightness of a raccoon. He took out a bamboo tube and blew out a poisoned needle.

The needle was coated with anesthetic, not poison.

Zhang Ju groaned and fell into a coma.

Lure him in, sneak in, and finish him off with a single blow.

Leave a message.

It was just dawn on the fifth day of the third lunar month.

The three prefectures of Youzhou were in an uproar at the same time.

The three chieftains were all assassinated in their bedrooms overnight, and the words "Heaven punishes the traitors" were left in blood on the walls.

The Taiping Dao followers panicked.

At that very moment, Jian Yong’s “Letter to the Taiping Daoists of Youzhou” was posted all over the streets and alleys.

The letter was exceptionally well-written, appealing to reason, emotion, and force.

Many Taiping Dao leaders, upon seeing this, immediately packed their valuables and fled.

The followers at the grassroots level were at a loss – their leader was dead, should they still rebel?

VII. The real battle has just begun.

March 5th, noon.

Liu Bei arrived outside Ji County with one hundred local militiamen.

Zou Jing had already led two hundred men to control the city gates. The Taiping Dao followers inside the city were leaderless, with most surrendering and a small number escaping.

"My lord, Ji County has been pacified," Zou Jing reported. "Twenty-seven people were beheaded, three hundred were captured, and the rest scattered."

"Well done." Liu Bei nodded. "Issue the order: open the treasury, take 30% of the grain, and distribute it to the poor in the city. Remember, do it in the name of 'Commander Liu'."

"yes!"

"In addition, a notice was posted to reassure the people: the ringleader of the Taiping Dao has been executed, and his followers will not be questioned. Those who are experiencing financial difficulties may come to the military camp to collect three days' worth of rations."

"Isn't this... a bit too generous?" Zou Jing hesitated.

"Old Zou," Liu Bei looked at him, "what we need is not an empty city, but the hearts of the people. Food can be grown again, but once the hearts of the people are lost, they can never be regained."

Zou Jing solemnly replied, "This subordinate understands!"

The work to reassure the people is proceeding in an orderly manner.

Liu Bei, accompanied by Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Jian Yong, and Qian Zhao, arrived at the Ji County government office.

Inside the government office, Liu Yan, the governor of Youzhou, was already waiting—he had been "invited" over the previous night.

"Nephew! Nephew, you've finally arrived!" Liu Yan grabbed Liu Bei's hand, tears streaming down his face. "If it weren't for you, I would have lost my life!"

"Your Excellency has been frightened." Liu Bei helped him sit down. "The leader of the Taiping Road bandits has been killed, and the remaining bandits are being wiped out. Youzhou is safe."

"It's all thanks to you, my nephew!" Liu Yan exclaimed. "I have already submitted a memorial to the court, requesting commendation for you. With your merits, a mere Cavalry Commandant is far from enough; you should at least be a Colonel, no, a General of the Household!"

"Thank you, Prefect," Liu Bei said with a smile. "However, there is one more matter that requires your assistance."

"What is it? Speak freely!"

"Although the Way of Peace has collapsed, even a centipede with a hundred legs will not die easily," Liu Bei said solemnly. "I plan to recruit able-bodied men in various counties of Youzhou to train a new army to prevent the Way of Peace from rising again. I will provide the money and provisions; all I need is for the prefect to grant me a title."

Liu Yan's eyes lit up: "This is great news! I approve! How many spots do you want?"

"Three thousand." Liu Bei held up three fingers. "I'll take care of all the equipment. In peacetime, we'll suppress bandits and keep the people safe; in wartime, we'll defend the borders and protect the country."

"Three thousand..." Liu Yan hesitated, "Wouldn't that be too much? What about the imperial court..."

"Rest assured, Prefect," Liu Bei said in a low voice. "These three thousand men are nominally soldiers of Youzhou Commandery, under your command. The actual command is mine, but the credit belongs to you."

Liu Yan was tempted.

He had military power, no risks, and even the potential for rewards...

"Alright! Three thousand it is!" He slapped his thigh. "I'll issue you the recruitment order right now!"

Upon receiving the recruitment order, Liu Bei smiled.

Three thousand men—this was his first regular army.

Although it was still far from the tens of thousands of troops that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao could easily field, this was just the beginning.

More importantly, he had complete control over this army, from its formation and training to its equipment and ideology.

The true direct descendants.

"Brother," Zhang Fei leaned closer, "what do we do next? Go to Julu to fight Zhang Jiao?"

"No rush," Liu Bei shook his head. "We'll have Lu Zhi handle Zhang Jiao's situation. Let's focus on managing Youzhou first."

He walked to the map and pointed to the southern part of Youzhou: "Yuyang, Youbeiping, Liaoxi... the Taiping Dao forces in these places have not been completely eliminated. Our task for the next month is: to suppress bandits, pacify the people, recruit soldiers, and cultivate land."

"Land reclamation?" Jian Yong's eyes lit up. "Xuande, you know about this?"

"I know a little," Liu Bei said modestly—actually, it was based on his experience playing Three Kingdoms games in his previous life. "Youzhou is sparsely populated and has a lot of wasteland. We recruit refugees, give them land, seeds, and farming tools. In the first year, the government takes 30% of the harvest, and the remaining 70% goes to the people. From the second year onwards, the government only takes 20%."

"This...this is even lower than the imperial court's taxes!" Qian Zhao exclaimed in surprise.

"That's exactly what we want," Liu Bei laughed. "If taxes are low, people will be willing to come. With more people, land will be cultivated, and then we'll have grain, soldiers, and a solid foundation."

Everyone was convinced.

Guan Yu suddenly asked, "Brother, you just said you were going to see a scholar who farms... are you still going?"

"Go," Liu Bei nodded, "but we'll wait until Youzhou is stable. Kongming is only four years old this year; he can't run away."

"Four years old?!" Zhang Fei's eyes widened. "Brother, why are you getting a four-year-old? To raise him as your son?"

"What do you know?" Liu Bei smiled mysteriously. "That's the future... Never mind, you wouldn't understand even if I told you."

He looked south and silently recited in his heart:

Kongming, Kongming, although you are still playing in the mud in Langya now, I will come to find you in a few years.

This time, you will no longer have the helplessness of "preserving your life in chaotic times".

Because I will give you a solid foundation from the very beginning.

8. The rewards bestowed in Luoyang are quite interesting.

A month later, Youzhou was pacified.

Liu Bei's three thousand new troops had already taken shape, wiping out more than a dozen remnants of the Taiping Dao, settling tens of thousands of refugees, and reclaiming tens of thousands of acres of wasteland.

The rewards from Luoyang were also announced.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Cavalry Commandant Liu Bei, loyal, brave, and diligent, has rendered meritorious service in suppressing the bandits of Taiping Road in Youzhou. He is hereby promoted to Colonel of the Vanquishing Army, concurrently serving as the Commandant of a Separate Division in Youzhou, and is granted one hundred catties of gold and one thousand bolts of silk. So be it!"

The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree was the same one, and this time his smile was even brighter: "Lieutenant Liu, congratulations! You've been appointed Commander of a Separate Division in Youzhou. That's real power; you can command five thousand troops."

"Thank you, sir." Liu Bei stuffed another bag of gold into the bag. "How is Master Lu doing these days?"

"Minister Lu is doing very well, he's just busy suppressing Zhang Jiao." The eunuch lowered his voice, "However, there are some people in the court who are not very satisfied with you, Commandant."

"Oh? Who?"

"Zhang Rang, the eunuch," the eunuch's voice lowered, "He said that you, a member of the Han imperial family, have privately recruited soldiers, which may indicate disloyalty."

Liu Bei felt a chill run down his spine, but smiled on the surface: "My loyalty to the court is as clear as the sun and moon. I beg you, Your Excellency, to put in a good word for me with Zhang Changshi."

As he spoke, he stuffed another bag of gold into his hand.

The eunuch grinned broadly, "Of course, of course. Actually, Zhang Changshi just wants to see a gesture. If you're interested, Captain, why not... show your support?"

"Understood." Liu Bei nodded. "Three days later, I have a token of my appreciation to ask you to pass on to Attendant Zhang."

"That's good, that's good."

After seeing the eunuch off, Liu Bei's face darkened.

Zhang Rang...

As expected, the head eunuch of the Ten Attendants started causing trouble.

But that's alright, problems that can be solved with money aren't really problems.

"Brother, Zhang Rang is clearly extorting money!" Zhang Fei said indignantly.

"I know," Liu Bei said calmly, "but he now wields immense power in the court and cannot be offended."

"So we just let him blackmail us?"

"Of course not." Liu Bei laughed. "I can give you the money, but you have to keep track of the account. In the future... we'll collect it all back, principal and interest."

He looked at Guan Yu: "Yun Chang, have you prepared the things I asked you to prepare?"

"It's all ready." Guan Yu handed over a list: "Five hundred catties of gold, ten pairs of jade discs, three bushels of pearls, and... one hundred jars of 'Blazing Fire' liquor."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Add another one: say that I acquired a fine horse named 'Dilu' in Youzhou and presented it to Zhang Changshi."

"Dilu?" Jian Yong frowned. "Xuande, isn't that your favorite horse?"

"Horses are dead, but people are alive," Liu Bei said calmly. "A horse in exchange for Zhang Rang not causing trouble is worth it."

He looked westward toward Luoyang, a cold glint in his eyes.

Zhang Rang, you can keep it.

I will make you pay back this money and these gifts a hundredfold in the future.

Along with your life.

IX. The Butterfly Effect Begins

June of the first year of Zhongping.

Julu, Guangzong.

Lu Zhi has been besieging Zhang Jiao for three months with 50,000 government troops.

The Taiping Dao followers in the city still number 70,000, but their food supplies are running out and their morale is low.

Zhang Jiao himself was also seriously ill—historically, he would have died in August, but now, history has changed.

Because Lu Zhi had a copy of "Internal Intelligence of the Way of Peace" sent by Liu Bei.

This includes a defense map of Guangzong City, the location of granaries, the location of water sources, and... Zhang Jiao's daily routine.

"That Liu Bei..." Lu Zhi looked at the intelligence report and sighed, "His meticulousness is terrifying. How did he get all this information?"

The deputy general, Zong Yuan, laughed and said, "I heard they sent spies to infiltrate the area for two years. Lord Lu, your student is quite something."

"Indeed, it's not simple." Lu Zhi nodded. "Send the order: three days from now, a night attack on the east gate. The garrison there is the weakest, and it's close to Zhang Jiao's residence."

"yes!"

Three days later, at night.

The government troops launched a surprise attack, throwing the Taiping Dao into chaos.

Zhang Jiao, under the protection of his personal guards, attempted to break out through the west gate, but instead ran right into an ambush led by Lu Zhi.

"Zhang Jiao! Surrender now!" Lu Zhi shouted.

Zhang Jiao's face turned deathly pale. Looking at the approaching government troops, he suddenly burst into laughter: "The Yellow Heaven... the Yellow Heaven will not perish!"

He drew his sword, intending to commit suicide.

An arrow flew by and struck his wrist.

The sword fell to the ground.

Lu Zhi spurred his horse forward, looked at the wicked Taoist priest who had stirred up trouble across the land, and said coldly, "Take him back to Luoyang and execute him in a public ceremony!"

Guangzong City fell.

Zhang Jiao, the biggest leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, was captured alive.

This is two months earlier than in history.

When the news reached Youzhou, Liu Bei was training new recruits on the drill ground.

"Brother! Zhang Jiao has been captured!" Zhang Fei rushed over, excitedly exclaiming, "Minister Lu fought a brilliant battle!"

Liu Bei frowned: "Arrested? Not dead from illness?"

"Yes, captured alive! I heard they're going to take them back to Luoyang and have them torn apart by chariots as a warning!"

Liu Bei remained silent.

The butterfly's wings did indeed flap.

Zhang Jiao did not die of illness, but was captured alive, which means...

The Yellow Turban Rebellion will be quelled faster than in history.

But the turmoil in the world will not stop because of this.

On the contrary, because the Yellow Turban Rebellion was quelled too quickly, those ambitious individuals might have emerged even sooner.

"Issue the order," Liu Bei rose, "that the entire army enter a state of combat readiness. Also, send men to Luoyang to closely monitor the court's movements."

"Big brother, you think..."

"The weather is about to change," Liu Bei said, looking at the gloomy sky. "And it will happen sooner than we expect."

Sure enough, the news came a month later.

Zhang Jiao was torn apart by chariots in Luoyang.

At the same time, the imperial court announced that the Yellow Turban Rebellion had been quelled and that all local rebel armies should disband within a specified period.

The first to object was Dong Zhuo of Xiliang.

He refused to relinquish military power, citing the "Qiang people's rebellion."

Following them were Ding Yuan of Bingzhou, Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, and Liu Dai of Yanzhou...

Each warlord had their own reasons for refusing to relinquish military power.

The imperial court was helpless—in reality, they didn't really want to take it; it was just a formality.

Thus, the Han Dynasty entered a new phase:

The prelude to the fragmentation of the country into warlord states had begun.

This is six years earlier than in history.

When Liu Bei received the news, he was looking at a map in his study.

"Six years..." he murmured, "Well, better to start sooner and end sooner."

He drew a circle on the map.

At the center of the circle is Youzhou.