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

1. Liu Yu's tea is still as awful as ever.

The Governor's Mansion in Ji County: the same reception room, the same tea brewing, the same blandness.

Liu Yu looked much more haggard this time, with puffy eye bags, clearly indicating that he hadn't slept well.

"Xuande has arrived?" Liu Yu forced a smile. "Sit down and have some tea."

Liu Bei sat down, picked up the earthenware bowl, and took a sip without changing his expression.

Hmm, it still tastes the same—bland as ever.

"The governor has summoned me. What important matter is it?" Liu Bei put down his bowl and got straight to the point.

Liu Yu sighed, took out a scroll of silk from his sleeve, and handed it to Liu Bei: "Take a look at this."

Liu Bei took it and unfolded it.

It was a secret letter, written hastily in messy handwriting. The content was simple: Luoyang was in chaos, He Jin had been killed, the Ten Attendants had kidnapped the emperor and fled, and Dong Zhuo had led the Xiliang army to Mianchi and would soon enter the capital.

The signature reads "Lu Zhi".

Liu Bei felt a chill run down his spine.

The news that Lu Zhi is in Luoyang should be true.

And... Dong Zhuo has already arrived at Mianchi? That's faster than in history.

"Lu Shi..." Liu Bei looked up, "How is he now?"

"I'm being held under house arrest by Dong Zhuo," Liu Yu said with a wry smile. "Dong Zhuo, under the pretext of 'protecting the emperor,' led five thousand cavalry into the capital. Now in Luoyang, he's the one in charge."

Liu Bei remained silent.

Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital occurred at least half a month earlier than is historically expected.

The butterfly effect is becoming increasingly apparent.

"Governor," Liu Bei asked, "you summoned me here because..."

"To defend the Emperor," Liu Yu said solemnly. "I have received a secret edict from the Empress Dowager, ordering Youzhou to send troops to Luoyang to defend the Emperor. Xuande, you have just been appointed as the General Who Subdues Rebels, and you are the perfect candidate."

coming.

Liu Bei sneered inwardly, but outwardly feigned difficulty: "The Governor has given his order, and I will naturally obey. However... Youzhou is a thousand miles from Luoyang, and the route passes through Jizhou and Henan, where the situation is currently unclear. Moreover..."

He paused, then added, "Moreover, I only have five thousand soldiers under my command, three thousand of whom are new recruits and poorly trained. Sending such a small force to Luoyang would be... a drop in the ocean."

Liu Yu waved his hand: "If we lack troops, we can recruit them. I have already ordered all counties in Youzhou to allow you to recruit soldiers. As for money and provisions... the state government will provide half, and you will raise the other half yourself."

These conditions are good.

But Liu Bei knew it wasn't that simple.

"Governor," Liu Bei probed, "since you need to aid the Emperor, why not send General Gongsun Zan? His army is strong and well-equipped, and his White Horse Cavalry is renowned throughout the northern frontier..."

"Bo Gui..." Liu Yu's face darkened. "He has another mission. The Wuhuan have been restless lately, and we need him to guard Liaoxi."

Liu Bei understood.

Liu Yu was trying to use someone else to do his dirty work—to use the chaos in Luoyang to weaken his own strength.

Or rather, he wanted to transfer himself away from Youzhou to prevent himself from becoming too powerful there.

"Governor," Liu Bei said slowly, "the matter of defending the emperor is of utmost importance. I need time to prepare—to recruit soldiers, gather provisions, and train them. At least... three months."

"Three months?" Liu Yu frowned. "That's too long. The situation in Luoyang is constantly changing. In three months, I'm afraid..."

"Then two months it will be," Liu Bei conceded, "but with two conditions."

"What are the conditions?"

"First, the three commanderies of Zhongshan, Changshan, and Dai should be placed under my direct jurisdiction so that I can recruit soldiers and store grain." Liu Bei held up his first finger. "Second, the commanderies and counties in the southwest of Youzhou should cooperate with my forces and provide them with food supplies."

Liu Yu pondered.

These two conditions aren't exactly demanding, but...

"The first condition is acceptable," Liu Yu nodded. "Those three counties are already impoverished, so it's good to hand them over to you. But the second condition... Youzhou is also short of food right now, and the counties may not cooperate."

"Then please issue an order, Your Excellency the Governor." Liu Bei was prepared, "authorizing me to 'act as I see fit' during my service to the Emperor."

Take the easy way out.

These four words can be big or small.

From small-scale requisitioning of grain and fodder to large-scale...establishing a regional regime.

Liu Yu stared at Liu Bei for a long time.

This young man is quite bold.

But he does need someone to go to Luoyang right now—Dong Zhuo's power is immense, and someone must check him. And Liu Bei...is ambitious and capable, making him the perfect fit.

"Alright." Liu Yu finally nodded. "I will give you the warrant. But Xuande, you must remember, you are a Han subject, do not do anything to betray the court."

"I will remember your teachings, Governor." Liu Bei rose and bowed deeply.

The smile on Liu Bei's face disappeared as he walked out of the governor's mansion.

Liu Yu... he really is a cunning old fox.

Do you want to use me as a pawn?

can.

But who will be the scapegoat is still uncertain.

"My lord," a guard led his horse over, "Shall we return to Zhuojun?"

"No." Liu Bei mounted his horse. "To the military camp in the west of the city."

"Military camp?"

"Hmm." A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "Our 'loyal army' needs a proper command headquarters."

II. An Unexpected Discovery in the Military Camp

The area west of Ji County, which was originally the camp of the county troops, is now mostly empty—the county troops have been transferred to defend against the Wuhuan.

Liu Bei walked around the camp and made up his mind.

This campsite is nice.

It covers an area of ​​100 acres, has complete barracks, a spacious drill ground, and... is only three miles away from the city wall of Ji County.

"Who is in charge of this camp now?" Liu Bei asked the county official who was accompanying him.

"Reporting to the Commandant, the camp is now empty. All the county troops have been transferred out, leaving only fifty old soldiers to guard it."

"An empty camp..." Liu Bei smiled, "Perfect."

He summoned his personal guards: "Go back and tell Mr. Tian to bring five hundred men to take over this camp. From today onwards, this will be our 'General's Camp for Suppressing Rebellion'."

"yes!"

Just as the guard was about to leave, he was stopped again: "Wait. Tell Xianhe to immediately draft a 'Letter to the People of Youzhou,' stating that I have been ordered to defend the emperor and am recruiting righteous soldiers in Youzhou. Anyone who is willing to serve the country is welcome to join. The pay will be doubled, the food will be plentiful, and families will be given priority."

"clear!"

Having made these arrangements, Liu Bei continued to walk around the camp.

He stopped when he reached the warehouse area.

Several veterans were moving something—not provisions, but...books?

"This is..." Liu Bei walked over.

Upon seeing him, the veterans quickly bowed and greeted him: "Captain!"

"What are you moving?"

"Reporting to the Commandant, these are some old books," an old soldier replied. "They used to be the books in the prefectural school's collection. After the prefectural school was abolished, the books were piled up here and no one has taken care of them. Recently, the barracks have been leaking, and we were afraid the books would get moldy, so we moved them out to air them."

Liu Bei casually picked up a scroll.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

He picked up another scroll.

"Wu Zi"

Pick up another roll.

The Six Secret Teachings.

His eyes lit up.

These are military treatises, and not ordinary versions—the bamboo slips are covered with dense annotations in vigorous and powerful handwriting, clearly the work of a military officer.

"Who wrote these annotations?" Liu Bei asked.

"It seems to be a former commander named... Gongsun Ji?" the old soldier recalled. "I heard he had read many military books, but he died in battle, and those books were left behind."

Gongsun Ji?

Liu Bei had never heard of this name.

Judging from these annotations, this person should be knowledgeable about military affairs.

Pity.

"I want these books," Liu Bei ordered. "Pack them all up and send them to me."

"yes!"

Looking at that pile of military books, Liu Bei suddenly thought of someone.

Zhuge Liang.

They should still be playing in the mud in Langya right now.

But in the future...

"We must build a library," Liu Bei murmured. "No, let's call it... 'The Library.' To collect books from all over the world and cultivate talent. In chaotic times, knowledge is power."

Just then, Tian Yu arrived with his men.

"My lord!" Tian Yu hurriedly dismounted. "The five hundred men you requested have been brought. In addition, Jian Yong has already gone to draft the proclamation."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Guorang, you've come at the right time. This camp is yours. Transform it into our main base for supporting the emperor. Remember, make a big show of it. Let the whole of Youzhou know that we're recruiting soldiers here to prepare to support the emperor."

"Understood." Tian Yu understood. "Then what are the recruitment standards..."

"Lower the standards," Liu Bei said. "As long as they can wield a sword and are willing to follow us, we'll take them. Recruit first, then screen them. Those who don't meet the requirements will be transferred to auxiliary troops or land reclamation."

"The grain supplies..."

"Use what the state government provides first," Liu Bei sneered. "If that's not enough, we'll 'borrow' more."

"Borrow?" Tian Yu was taken aback.

"Yes." A sly glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "We are now a righteous army loyal to the emperor, ready to go through fire and water for the Han Dynasty. Shouldn't those powerful clans 'donate' some provisions as a token of their support?"

Tian Yu understood.

Is this... a move to take down the rich?

"My lord, wouldn't this be...?"

"Don't worry." Liu Bei patted his shoulder. "We have a valid reason and evidence. We have the Empress Dowager's secret edict and the Governor's order. We have the righteous cause in our hands. Anyone who dares not to 'donate' is hindering the loyalty to the Emperor and is considered to have treacherous intentions."

He paused for a moment: "Of course, we can't go too far. Those who donate more will be given the title of 'righteous citizen,' which will be beneficial in the future. Those who donate less... we'll write it down and settle accounts later."

Tian Yu was convinced.

This lord has truly mastered the art of Machiavellianism.

"Oh, right," Liu Bei said, remembering something, "send people to various counties to collect books—especially military, agricultural, and medical books. We need to build a library to cultivate our own talent."

"yes!"

After arranging everything, Liu Bei rode back to Zhuojun.

He kept thinking on the way.

We can't really go to the capital to serve the emperor.

But the appearance must be convincing.

Two months...

That's enough for him to do a lot of things.

Third, the effect of the manifesto was a bit excessive.

Three days later, Jian Yong finished writing his proclamation.

After reading it, Liu Bei remained silent for a long time.

"Constitutional peace..."

"How was it?" Jian Yong asked smugly. "Wasn't it passionate and deeply moving?"

"Yes," Liu Bei nodded, "but... it went a bit too far."

"Where did it go too far?"

"Look at this sentence," Liu Bei said, pointing to the bamboo slips. "'Though I am unworthy, I am willing to take up my three-foot sword, lead five thousand elite warriors, march straight to Luoyang, kill Dong Zhuo, cleanse the court of corrupt officials, and restore peace to the world.'...Do we have five thousand elite warriors?"

"Exaggeration, an exaggeration," Jian Yong chuckled. "When writing, you always need some artistic embellishment."

"And this line," Liu Bei continued, "'All sons of the Han dynasty should stand together in times of national crisis; how can we sit idly by and watch treacherous officials run rampant and the state crumble?'... If these words were spoken, wouldn't those warlords who didn't come to the king's aid hate us to death?"

"That's the effect we want," Jian Yong said seriously. "My lord, we need a good reputation right now. The greater our reputation, the more people will come to us. As for whether those feudal lords hate us or not... well, we'll have to fight them sooner or later anyway, so what's there to be afraid of?"

Liu Bei thought about it and agreed.

In chaotic times, reputation is capital.

"Alright," Liu Bei nodded. "Let's send it like that. But... one more thing."

"Add what?"

"All those who donate grain, fodder, and military supplies will be recorded in a register, reported to the Emperor, and await rewards." Liu Bei smiled, "Just dangling a big pie in the sky for those nouveau riche."

Jian Yong gave a thumbs up: "Brilliant!"

The proclamation sent shockwaves through Youzhou.

The common people were abuzz with discussion, and the powerful and influential families were restless.

To donate, or not to donate?

I donated it, but it hurt my wallet.

Not donating... that would be a crime of "obstructing the loyalist king."

Moreover, Liu Bei is currently riding high and has the governor's order. If he really pushes us too far, he might bring his troops to "borrow grain" from us. Who could stand that?

Thus, in just ten days, Liu Bei's army camp received three thousand shi of grain, five hundred gold coins, and... fifty warhorses as "donations".

"My lord, this trick really works!" Zhang Fei grinned from ear to ear as he looked at the warehouse full of grain. "Those nouveau riche, who are usually so stingy, are being so generous now!"

"It's not generosity, it's fear," Liu Bei said calmly. "In chaotic times, the guns speak. If we have soldiers, they have to obey."

Just then, Guan Yu entered.

"Brother, something's not right with the recruitment."

"What's wrong?"

"Too many people have come," Guan Yu frowned. "Five thousand people have arrived in three days. At this rate, we could recruit fifty thousand in two months. But we... can't afford to support them."

Liu Bei was taken aback.

Five thousand people? That many?

He went outside the camp gate and saw that it was indeed true.

A large, dark mass of people, including young adults, teenagers, and even... an old man?

"What's going on?" Liu Bei asked the clerk in charge of registration.

"My lord, they all came here because they heard that the pay is high, the food is good, and there are rewards for meritorious service," the clerk said with a wry smile. "Moreover... many of them are refugees who simply cannot survive."

Liu Bei understood.

In chaotic times, joining the army is a way to survive.

Besides, the conditions here are indeed good—the salary is doubled, the food is plentiful, and the family members can also be allocated land.

"Let's do a screening," Liu Bei instructed. "Keep the able-bodied men and women, and ask the old and weak if they are willing to participate in land reclamation. Those who are willing will be allocated land to cultivate; those who are not will be given some grain and sent away."

"Yes."

Looking at the emaciated refugees, Liu Bei felt a pang of emotion.

This is a chaotic world.

Human life is like a mustard.

"My lord," Tian Yu approached and said in a low voice, "there are too many people and not enough food. The food provided by the prefecture, plus the donations from the local tyrants, is only enough for one month."

"I know," Liu Bei nodded, "so we need to hurry."

"What are we rushing to do?"

"Fight a war." A cold glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "Fight the Wuhuan, seize their horses and grain. Fight the Black Mountain bandits, seize their people and territory."

Tian Yu was startled: "My lord, we're currently operating under the banner of serving the emperor..."

"Serving the emperor and fighting wars are not contradictory," Liu Bei said with a smile. "The Wuhuan raid our borders, so we fight them to protect our territory and ensure the safety of our people. The Black Mountain bandits wreak havoc, so we fight them to eliminate evil and restore order. Both of these are acts of loyalty to the Han Dynasty; who dares to say otherwise?"

Tian Yu was convinced.

This logic is impeccable.

"Who should we attack first?"

"The Wuhuan," Liu Bei decided. "The Wuhuan have horses, and we lack them. Besides... it's a good opportunity to test the quality of our new army."

He turned and said, "Issue the order: In three days, we will send troops to attack the Wuhuan. Yunchang, Yide, and Zilong will accompany me on the expedition. Guorang will stay behind to guard the city, and Xianhe will continue to recruit soldiers."

"yes!"

IV. Let's fleece the Wuhuan again.

Five days later, on the border of Youzhou.

Liu Bei arrived in the territory of the Wuhuan with two thousand cavalry and three thousand infantry.

Instead of launching a direct attack, he first sent Jian Yong to "negotiate".

"Go tell Tadun," Liu Bei instructed, "that we're not here to fight, but to do business. As long as he's willing to continue trading with us, the price is negotiable."

Jian Yong has passed away.

He returned half a day later, looking rather pale.

"My lord, Tadun says... he wants to raise prices. Horse prices will double, and grain prices will be halved. Otherwise, he won't do business with us anymore."

"Double?" Zhang Fei's eyes widened. "Why doesn't he just rob us!"

"He's just robbing us," Liu Bei sneered. "He saw we were in a hurry for horses."

"Then what should we do?" Guan Yu asked. "Fight?"

"Let's fight," Liu Bei nodded, "but not a real fight, Zilong."

"Here!" Zhao Yun stepped forward.

"Take five hundred cavalrymen and go to the outskirts of the Tadun tribe to harass their herds. Remember, only steal horses, don't kill anyone. Steal and run, don't get surrounded."

"clear!"

"Yun Chang, take a thousand infantrymen and set up an ambush on the border. If the Wuhuan people chase after us, drive them back."

"yes!"

"Yide, you take the Mo Dao team and guard the camp. In case the Wuhuan people storm the camp, let them see our new weapon."

"Okay!"

After making the arrangements, Liu Bei sat in the central command tent, leisurely drinking tea.

He didn't come here for a real fight.

Rather, it's about establishing authority.

Let the Wuhuan people know who's in charge.

Two hours later, Zhao Yun returned.

They brought back more than two hundred horses.

"My lord, mission accomplished," Zhao Yun reported. "We seized over three hundred horses, some of which escaped on the way. The Wuhuan people chased after us, but General Guan drove them back."

"What are our casualties?"

"Seventeen people were lightly wounded, and no one was killed in action."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Get the horses locked up. We'll continue tomorrow."

For three consecutive days, Zhao Yun went out to steal horses, and Guan Yu fought off the pursuing troops.

The Wuhuan people were enraged.

On the fourth day, Tadun personally led three thousand cavalrymen to challenge Liu Bei to a decisive battle.

This is what Liu Bei was waiting for.

"Form ranks!"

Five thousand new soldiers quickly formed ranks.

Front row: shield bearers; middle row: long-handled swordsmen; back row: crossbowmen.

On both flanks, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei each led five hundred cavalry.

In the central army, Liu Bei and Zhao Yun led the remaining cavalry as a reserve force.

Tadun was taken aback when he saw this scene.

He had fought many Han soldiers, but he had never seen such a well-organized formation.

Especially those burly men in the middle wielding long knives... those knives are way too long!

"Han Chinese!" Tadun shouted in broken Chinese, "Why are you stealing our horses!"

"Why?" Liu Bei rode forward, his smile gentle. "Chief Tadun, we're not here to steal horses, we're here to do business. But the price you're offering is unreasonable."

"Unreasonable?" Taton roared. "We can sell our horses for whatever price we want!"

"Then we can sell our grain for whatever price we want," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Look, we can continue our discussion."

"There's nothing to discuss!" Tadun drew his sword. "Either you pay my price, or... we'll fight!"

"Then let's fight," Liu Bei sighed, looking quite regretful.

Then, he turned his horse and returned to his position.

"Archers, prepare—"

Five hundred crossbowmen raised their crossbows.

"put!"

Arrows rained down.

The Wuhuan cavalry did not expect the Han army to attack so suddenly. They hastily raised their shields, but many of them still fell.

"Charge!" Tadun roared in fury and led his troops in a charge.

Then, they ran into the Mo Dao formation.

"Mo Dao Team! Slash!"

One hundred long-handled swords slashed down simultaneously.

The Wuhuan cavalry at the forefront were cleaved in two, horse and all.

The cavalry behind were terrified and couldn't rein in their horses in time. They collided, and both men and horses fell to the ground.

"Cavalry, flank them from both sides!" Liu Bei ordered.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei each led five hundred cavalrymen and attacked from both flanks.

The Wuhuan army was thrown into chaos.

"Retreat! Retreat!" Tadun ordered hastily, seeing the situation was dire.

But it's too late.

Zhao Yun led five hundred cavalrymen, attacking from the flank and heading straight for Tadun's central army.

"Protect the leader!" The Wuhuan guards fought desperately.

But Zhao Yun's spear skills were too ruthless.

The Seven-Strike Serpent Spear is like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, each thrust aimed at a vital point.

In less than ten rounds, Taton's captain of the guard was stabbed through the throat with a single spear thrust.

Tadun was so frightened that he turned his horse and fled.

"Pursue!" Liu Bei ordered.

After pursuing them for ten miles, Liu Bei ordered a retreat.

"Brother, why did we stop chasing?" Zhang Fei asked. "We almost caught Tadun!"

"Don't pursue a desperate enemy," Liu Bei shook his head. "Besides... we've achieved our goal."

"What's the purpose?"

"This will establish our authority." Liu Bei looked at the fleeing Wuhuan cavalry. "After this battle, the Wuhuan people will know how powerful we are. From now on, they won't dare to overcharge in business."

Sure enough, the next day, Tadun sent someone to sue for peace.

The terms were very favorable: horse prices would return to normal, grain prices would increase by 30%, and... they were willing to "donate" 500 fine horses as an "apology."

Liu Bei gladly accepted.

"Tell Tadun," Liu Bei said to the envoy, "that we are friends, not enemies. Let's do business together and make money together."

The envoy left, expressing his deepest gratitude.

"Brother, is that all?" Zhang Fei asked, still wanting more.

"What else do you want if not to wipe them out?" Liu Bei laughed. "Really wipe out the Wuhuan? We don't have the strength or the need right now. Isn't it better to let them live and raise horses for us?"

Zhang Fei scratched his head: "It seems...so it is."

"Pack your things and prepare to withdraw the troops," Liu Bei ordered. "This trip has been quite fruitful."

It is indeed quite large.

They robbed more than 800 horses, plus the 500 horses "donated" by Tadun, for a total of 1,300 horses.

That's enough to form a decent cavalry force.

Moreover, in this battle, the new army saw blood and gained real combat experience.

Worth it.

V. The news from Luoyang is getting worse.

On the way back to Zhuojun, news from Luoyang arrived again.

This is an urgent military report.

"My lord, a major incident has occurred in Luoyang." Jian Yong's expression was grave. "Dong Zhuo deposed the young emperor and installed the Prince of Chenliu as emperor, who is now Emperor Xian. Ding Yuan refused to accept this and was killed by Dong Zhuo. Lü Bu... has defected to Dong Zhuo."

Liu Bei reined in his horse.

Although I was mentally prepared, hearing this news still made my heart sink.

History, in the end, has taken this turn.

It's just...faster.

"Furthermore," Jian Yong continued, "Yuan Shao fled Luoyang and went to Bohai. Cao Cao also fled, and it is said that he is recruiting soldiers in Chenliu. The other warlords... are all watching and waiting."

How many soldiers does Dong Zhuo have now?

"It is said that there are 100,000 of them. Among them, 50,000 are Xiliang Iron Cavalry, who are very powerful in battle."

100,000...

Liu Bei remained silent.

I currently have a total of 5,000 soldiers.

The gap is too big.

"My lord, shall we still go to Luoyang?" Guan Yu asked.

"Go, but not now." Liu Bei shook his head. "Going now would be suicide."

"That loyalist..."

"We must continue chanting the slogan of 'Serving the King,'" a sharp glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes, "but actual action... must wait."

"What are you waiting for?"

"Wait for the alliance of the lords," Liu Bei said slowly. "Dong Zhuo has acted tyrannically, and the lords of the land will not stand idly by. Soon, someone will step forward and call for a campaign against Dong Zhuo. Then we will send troops."

"Who will step forward?"

"Yuan Shao," Liu Bei affirmed, "has been a member of a family that has held high office for four generations, and his protégés and former officials are all over the land. He is the most qualified."

Just then, a fast horse came chasing after them from behind.

"Reporting—My lord, an urgent order from the Governor's Office of Youzhou!"

Liu Bei took the order, unfolded it, and his expression changed.

"What's wrong, brother?" Zhang Fei asked.

"Liu Yu..." Liu Bei said in a deep voice, "He ordered us to immediately stop recruiting soldiers, disband the new army, and take only his own 5,000 men south to Luoyang."

The crowd erupted in uproar.

"Why should we?!" Zhang Fei roared, "We went through so much trouble to recruit these soldiers!"

"Because..." Liu Bei smiled bitterly, "someone filed a complaint, saying that we were using the guise of serving the emperor to actually establish our own independent regime. Liu Yu was forced to issue the order under pressure."

"Who filed the complaint?"

"Who else could it be?" Jian Yong sneered, "Those nouveau riche whose grain we 'donated' to them."

Liu Bei put away the order and looked at everyone: "Tell me, should we listen or not?"

"I won't listen!" Zhang Fei was the first to shout.

"I won't listen!" Guan Yu also said.

Zhao Yun, Jian Yong, Tian Yu... everyone shook their heads.

"Alright." Liu Bei smiled. "Then... we'll just pay lip service to it."

"Paying lip service while secretly going against it?"

"Yes," Liu Bei explained. "On the surface, we obey orders. We stop recruiting soldiers, reorganize the army, and make it seem like we're heading south. But in reality... we'll find another place."

"Which one should we switch to?"

"Zhongshan." Liu Bei's eyes gleamed. "Zhongshan is currently ungoverned. Let's go there and 'temporarily reside' there, waiting for an opportunity. If Liu Yu asks, just say that bandits are rampant along the way and we need to suppress them."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

That's a brilliant move!

This way, they could neither offend Liu Yu nor stop developing their business.

"What about Luoyang..."

"Let Yuan Shao and the others worry about Luoyang for now," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Our current task is to accumulate strength. We'll make our move when the other warlords launch their campaign against Dong Zhuo."

He looked south and silently recited something in his heart.

Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Sun Jian...

Keep it up, everyone.

When you've fought enough.

I'll try again.