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

The sixth year of Zhongping, the twelfth month.

When Liu Bei returned to Zhongshan with his "righteous army to serve the king," he found that something was amiss.

The city gate was heavily guarded, and the soldiers guarding the city were not his own, but... the county soldiers of the Youzhou governor's mansion.

"Halt!" shouted the city gate guard. "Who goes there?"

Liu Bei frowned: "General Liu Bei, the Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces. Whose troops are you?"

The garrison commander recognized Liu Bei and softened his tone slightly: "Commander Liu, this humble general is under the command of the Governor of Youzhou and is stationed at Lunu by order of Governor Liu."

"Governor Liu?" Liu Bei's heart sank. "Where is Chancellor Zhang Chun?"

"Zhang Xiangguo..." the garrison commander hesitated, "has been dismissed and escorted to Ji County."

Liu Bei's expression changed.

He's only been gone a few months, and Zhongshan has already changed so drastically?

"Open the door," Liu Bei said in a deep voice.

The garrison commander hesitated: "This... Governor Liu has ordered that any troops from outside the city must have a warrant from the governor to enter..."

"This is my territory!" Zhang Fei roared. "Get out of the way!"

Just as a conflict was about to break out, Liu Bei stopped Zhang Fei.

"Go and invite Mr. Tian Yu," Liu Bei ordered.

A short while later, Tian Yu rushed over.

"My lord!" Tian Yu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Liu Bei. "You've finally returned!"

"What happened?" Liu Bei asked. "Why was Zhang Chun dismissed? Where did these county soldiers come from?"

Tian Yu smiled wryly: "It's a long story. Not long after our lord left, Governor Liu sent troops to take over the three prefectures of Zhongshan, Changshan, and Dai. He said that... our lord had abandoned his post and gone south to defend the emperor, leaving the three prefectures vulnerable and requiring direct jurisdiction from the prefecture."

"Dereliction of duty?" Liu Bei laughed angrily. "Wasn't I ordered by him to go and defend the emperor?"

"Governor Liu is denying it." Tian Yu lowered his voice. "He said the order was for the lord to go south, but he didn't say that he could take all the troops with him, which left the defenses of the three prefectures weak. Zhang Chun was dismissed for 'dereliction of duty,' and now the governors and commandants of the three prefectures are all Governor Liu's men."

Liu Bei understood.

Liu Yu is trying to discard a useful tool after it has served its purpose.

While I'm away, I'll reclaim my territory.

"Where are our men?" Liu Bei asked.

"They've all retreated to the main camp outside the city," Tian Yu said. "Governor Liu wanted to incorporate our troops, but General Zou Jing resolutely refused, leading eight thousand soldiers to camp outside the city and confronting the county troops inside. It's been a stalemate for half a month now."

"Well done." Liu Bei nodded. "Let's go to the main camp."

At the camp outside the city, Zou Jing met Liu Bei and was so moved that tears streamed down his face.

"My lord! You're finally back!"

"Old Zou, you've worked hard." Liu Bei helped him up. "Tell me the details."

Zou Jing reported: Liu Yu dispatched 20,000 troops from three commanderies to take over. Of these, 5,000 were stationed in Lunu, 5,000 in Changshan, and 10,000 in Dai Commandery. Ostensibly, this was to "strengthen defenses," but in reality, it was to annex Liu Bei's territory.

"Our 8,000 soldiers are relatively stable in morale," Zou Jing said, "but our food supplies are only enough to last for a month. Governor Liu has cut off our supplies and is trying to force us to surrender."

Liu Bei sneered: "Surrender? He's dreaming."

"What does our lord intend to do?" Guan Yu asked. "Break into the city?"

"No," Liu Bei shook his head, "To fight now would be tantamount to rebellion. We must... reason with them."

"Reasonable?" Zhang Fei glared. "They're riding roughshod over us!"

"Yide, remember this," Liu Bei said calmly, "In chaotic times, reason is meant to be heard by the people. We must stand on the side of reason and force Liu Yu into the position of being unreasonable."

He looked at Jian Yong: "Xianhe, I'm sorry to trouble you again."

"What are your orders, my lord?"

"Write two letters," Liu Bei said. "The first one is to Liu Yu. Be respectful and thank him for 'managing' the three commanderies on our behalf, but explain that we have returned and request the 'return of the defenses.' Remember to write it sincerely, as if we genuinely believe he has good intentions."

"And the second one?"

"The second letter should be copied to all the counties and prefectures in Youzhou, and... the imperial court in Luoyang." A cunning glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "The content should be a 'truthful report': We were ordered to defend the emperor, fought a bloody battle, the three heroes fought Lü Bu, and saved the officials from the fire. Now we have returned victorious, only to find that our hometown has been occupied. The tone should be aggrieved, but you cannot blame Liu Yu; just say, 'There may be a misunderstanding.'"

Jian Yong understood.

This is an attempt to create public opinion momentum.

"Your Excellency is brilliant!" Jian Yong gave a thumbs-up. "I'll go write it right away!"

"Wait a minute," Liu Bei called out to him. "Add one more thing: say that we rescued great Confucian scholars such as Zheng Xuan and Cai Yong in Luoyang, and we would like to invite them to set up schools in Youzhou to teach and promote the teachings of the sages. However, we have nowhere to settle them now, and we earnestly request the governor to allocate land and funds."

Tian Yu's eyes lit up: "My lord, this is a brilliant move! Zheng Xuan and Cai Yong are leaders of the scholar-official class. If Liu Yu refuses, he will be making enemies of all the scholars in the land. He wouldn't dare!"

"That's exactly what I mean," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Go and do it."

Three days later, Liu Yu's reply arrived.

The letter was long, and its gist was:

Xuande, you misunderstand. I did not intend to seize your territory, but rather, seeing the defenses of the three prefectures were weak, I feared unrest and thus sent troops to temporarily govern them. Now that you have returned, it should naturally be returned. However... a 'gradual handover' is necessary to avoid chaos. Furthermore, Lord Zheng and Lord Cai are renowned scholars of the realm; their ability to establish schools in Youzhou is a great fortune for the prefecture. I have already allocated residences in Ji County and invite the two gentlemen to reside there.

"A gradual handover..." Liu Bei sneered, "They're trying to buy time."

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

"Agree to his request," Liu Bei said, "but you must set conditions."

"What are the conditions?"

"First, we will collect half of the taxes from Zhongshan, Changshan, and Dai counties to fund our military expenses," Liu Bei said, holding up his first finger. "Second, our 8,000 troops will be able to freely garrison in these three counties. Third, Liu Deran's brewery will continue to operate, and the local government must not interfere."

Tian Yu frowned: "Can Liu Yu agree to these conditions?"

"He will agree," Liu Bei said confidently, "because he is in the wrong right now. We just made great contributions in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, saving so many famous scholars, and our reputation is high. If he pushes too hard, what will the world think of him?"

Sure enough, Liu Yu replied: He agreed in principle, but the specific details needed to be discussed in person.

"A face-to-face meeting?" Zhang Fei shook his head. "Brother, be careful, it might be a trap."

"There's definitely a trap," Liu Bei laughed. "But if we don't go, it'll make us look guilty."

"That..."

"Go." Liu Bei rose, "but be fully prepared. Yunchang, Yide, Zilong, you will come with me to Ji County. Guorang, Xianhe, you will stay behind. Remember, if I do not return within ten days, or if any unfavorable news arrives, you..."

He made a gesture.

"Understood!" Everyone nodded.

Ji County, the prefectural governor's residence.

This time, Liu Yu didn't brew tea; he simply held a banquet.

The banquet was lavish, but the atmosphere was subtle.

On Liu Yu's side, several civil officials and strategists were seated.

Liu Bei only brought Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun.

"Xuande has arrived?" Liu Yu smiled warmly. "Sit, sit. And these gentlemen are..."

He looked at Guan Yu and the other two.

"Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun," Liu Bei introduced, "they are all my sworn brothers."

Liu Yu nodded: "They are all valiant generals. No wonder Xuande was able to fight Lü Bu with three heroes at Hulao Pass, and his fame shook the world."

That sounds like a compliment, but the tone is a bit sarcastic.

"You flatter me, Governor," Liu Bei said humbly. "It was all thanks to the bravery of my soldiers; I was merely fortunate."

"Luck?" Liu Yu shook his head. "If it's all luck, then why isn't anyone else among the feudal lords 'lucky'?"

That's a bit barbed.

Liu Bei didn't respond to that question, but instead said, "Governor, regarding the handover of the three commanderies..."

"No rush, no rush," Liu Yu waved his hand. "Let's eat first. Xuande has come from afar; he must be hungry."

The banquet begins.

After several rounds of drinks, Liu Yu put down his wine cup and said seriously, "Xuande, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

"Your Excellency, please speak."

"The world is about to descend into chaos, and warlords are rising up everywhere," Liu Yu said slowly. "Our Youzhou is located on the frontier, bordered by the Wuhuan to the north, Gongsun Du to the east, and the Black Mountain bandits to the west. If we fight amongst ourselves, we will surely be taken advantage of by others. Therefore, I believe that we should... unite."

"The governor is right," Liu Bei nodded. "That's what I think too."

"Very well," Liu Yu said. "I have a suggestion: Xuande, your troops will be incorporated into the Youzhou army. I will appoint you as the Governor-General of Youzhou, in charge of all military affairs there. Let us work together to protect our territory and ensure the safety of our people. What do you say?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Is this... an attempt to recruit them?

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's expressions darkened.

Liu Bei smiled and said, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Governor. However... my troops were all trained by me and only obey my orders. If you forcibly incorporate them, I fear it may cause unforeseen circumstances."

"Xuande is overthinking it," Liu Yu said. "I trust you. As long as you agree, you can still lead your troops, but... nominally they will be under the jurisdiction of the prefecture."

"What about provisions and military pay..."

"I'll take care of the entire prefecture," Liu Yu said generously. "Moreover, all the taxes from Zhongshan, Changshan, and Dai prefectures will be under your control. I have only one request: your troops must be at your command when there is war in Youzhou."

The conditions are very favorable.

But Liu Bei knew that this was a sugar-coated bullet.

Once he agrees, military power will nominally belong to the prefecture. In the future, Liu Yu can easily strip him of his power with a single order.

"Your Excellency Governor," Liu Bei said slowly, "this matter is of great importance. Please allow me a few days to consider it."

"Of course," Liu Yu nodded. "Then Xuande should stay in Ji County for a few days and think it over carefully."

After the banquet, Liu Bei was accommodated at the post station.

"Brother, Liu Yu has no good intentions!" Zhang Fei said angrily. "His talk of 'merging into the Youzhou army' is just a ploy to swallow our troops!"

"I know," Liu Bei said calmly, "but to refuse directly would be to tear off relations. Now is not the time."

"What should we do then?"

"Delay it," Liu Bei said. "Just say you need to consider it, and stall for ten or fifteen days. At the same time, let them intensify their preparations for war in Zhongshan. If the negotiations break down, we'll still have a way out."

Just then, there was a knock on the door of the inn.

"Who?"

"Governor Liu, the Governor requests your presence, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Liu Bei and Guan Yu exchanged a glance.

Is something important happening so late?

"Let's go take a look."

Fourth, Gongsun Zan's envoy was somewhat arrogant.

The governor's mansion, study.

Liu Yu was not alone; a military general was standing beside him.

Liu Bei was stunned when he saw it.

Gongsun Zan?

No, it wasn't Gongsun Zan himself, but he was wearing the armor of the White Horse Cavalry.

"Xuande has arrived," Liu Yu said with a smile. "Let me introduce you. This is Tian Kai, an envoy from General Gongsun Zan."

Tian Kai was a general under Gongsun Zan.

"Commander Liu," Tian Kai said, clasping his hands in a gesture of respect, his tone haughty. "I've long admired you."

"General Tian," Liu Bei returned the greeting, "May I ask what brings my senior brother Gongsun to send you, General?"

"Two things," Tian Kai said directly. "First, the Wuhuan have been quite restless lately, and my general is preparing to send troops to suppress them. He hopes that Commandant Liu can send troops to assist him. Second... I've heard that Commandant Liu's military training and farming in Zhongshan has been quite successful. My general would like to 'borrow' five thousand shi of grain to replenish the army's supplies."

Borrowing grain?

Liu Bei sneered inwardly.

This is blatant robbery.

"General Tian," Liu Bei said, "I will certainly do my utmost in the matter of the Wuhuan. But supplies... my army is also short of food, I'm afraid..."

"Commander Liu is joking," Tian Kai interrupted. "The Zhongshan military farm covers tens of thousands of acres, and this year's harvest is good. How could there be a shortage of grain? Perhaps you don't want to lend it?"

That's a bit aggressive.

Liu Yu tried to smooth things over, saying, "General Tian, ​​Xuande has indeed just returned from Luoyang, and the army is suffering heavy losses..."

"Governor," Tian Kai said, looking at Liu Yu, "my general said that Youzhou is a unified entity, and we should work together through thick and thin. If anyone only cares about themselves and not the overall situation, then... don't blame my general for being impolite."

Threat.

A naked threat.

Liu Bei laughed: "General Tian, ​​does Senior Brother Gongsun mean that if I don't lend him grain, he will treat me rudely?"

"It's good that Commandant Liu understands." Tian Kai sneered.

"Alright then." Liu Bei nodded. "I can lend you the grain. But not five thousand shi, only one thousand shi. And it won't be a free loan; it will have to be repaid."

"Return it?" Tian Kai frowned. "How do you intend to return it?"

"We'll exchange them for horses," Liu Bei said. "One shi of grain for one horse. One thousand shi of grain for one thousand horses. How about that?"

Tian Kai's expression changed.

The most valuable asset of Gongsun Zan's White Horse Cavalry was its horses.

A thousand horses? That would kill him!

"Lieutenant Liu, you're asking for an exorbitant price!"

"General Tian," Liu Bei said calmly, "in these chaotic times, grain is more precious than horses. If you want to borrow grain, you must follow my rules. Otherwise... please leave."

Tian Kai stared at Liu Bei, a murderous glint in his eyes.

But this was the governor's mansion, so he dared not make a move.

"Fine...fine!" Tian Kai gritted his teeth. "I will relay Captain Liu's words to my general verbatim!"

After speaking, he walked away.

After Tian Kai left, Liu Yu sighed, "Xuande, you were too impulsive. Gongsun Zan is a man who holds grudges and seeks revenge. You've offended him, and I'm afraid..."

"Governor," Liu Bei looked at Liu Yu, "are we just going to let him extort us?"

Liu Yu remained silent.

"Governor," Liu Bei continued, "Gongsun Zan has been wielding considerable military power and showing utter disrespect to the state for quite some time now. If he dares to extort me today, he'll dare to extort you tomorrow. Whose Youzhou is it really?"

These words struck a nerve with Liu Yu.

Although he was the governor of Youzhou, Gongsun Zan didn't take him seriously at all.

"Xuande means..."

"Let's unite," Liu Bei said solemnly. "We must unite to check and balance Gongsun Zan. Otherwise, Youzhou will sooner or later fall into Gongsun Zan's hands."

Liu Yu was tempted.

But he still had concerns: "Gongsun Zan's army is strong and well-equipped, what about us...?"

"We are not weak either," Liu Bei said. "I have eight thousand elite troops, plus twenty thousand troops from the prefecture and county. We may not be unable to fight Gongsun Zan. Moreover... fighting does not necessarily have to be a head-on confrontation."

"Then how do we fight?"

"Divide and weaken them." Liu Bei's eyes gleamed. "Gongsun Zan's forces are not a monolithic entity. Generals like Tian Kai, Shan Jing, and Zou Dan each have their own agendas. We can win over some and suppress others. Furthermore, the Wuhuan people hate Gongsun Zan to the bone; we can ally with them and attack from two sides."

Liu Yu was increasingly alarmed as he listened.

This Liu Bei was not only good at fighting, but also at playing power games.

"Xuande...can you really handle Gongsun Zan?"

"As long as Governor trusts me, I will certainly live up to your expectations," Liu Bei said solemnly.

Liu Yu pondered for a long time before finally nodding: "Very well! I'll trust you this once! From this day forward, you are the Governor-General of Youzhou, in charge of all military affairs in Youzhou. You will be fully responsible for dealing with Gongsun Zan!"

"Thank you, Governor!" Liu Bei bowed deeply.

As Liu Bei walked out of the governor's mansion, he smiled.

The conflict between Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan finally escalated.

What he needs to do is not to help either side.

Instead... the fisherman reaps the benefits.

Upon returning to the inn, Liu Bei immediately wrote a letter.

"My lord, to whom is this addressed?" Jian Yong asked.

"Two people," Liu Bei said. "The first letter is for Tadun. Tell him that Gongsun Zan wants to attack him, and I can help, but on the condition that... he has to listen to me."

"Would Taton agree?"

"He has to agree," Liu Bei sneered. "Gongsun Zan never leaves any survivors when he attacks the Wuhuan. Tadun's only hope for survival is to rely on us."

"And the second one?"

"The second letter is for Gongsun Zan." A cunning glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "The wording must be respectful. Say that after careful consideration, you are willing to lend grain. But not a thousand shi, but two thousand shi. As for the conditions... lend me five hundred cavalrymen from the White Horse Cavalry for six months."

"Would Gongsun Zan agree?"

"He will agree," Liu Bei said confidently, "because I will hint in the letter that Liu Yu is about to take action against him. He needs supplies to prepare for war, and he also needs... allies."

Jian Yong understood: "Is my lord trying to deceive both sides?"

"No," Liu Bei corrected, "this is called strategic balance. Let Gongsun Zan and Tadun fight, and we'll watch from the sidelines. Once they've both exhausted themselves, we'll step in to clean up the mess."

"What about Liu Yu..."

"Liu Yu?" Liu Bei laughed. "He thought I was his weapon, but he didn't know that a weapon can turn on you."

Three letters were sent out.

A few days later, a reply arrived.

Tadun's reply was urgent: he was willing to obey Liu Bei's orders, only asking to preserve his tribe.

Gongsun Zan's reply was subtle: he agreed to lend the White Horse Cavalry, but only three hundred riders, and the commander had to be one of his trusted confidants. He also requested three thousand shi of provisions.

"Greedy beyond measure," Liu Bei sneered. "However... we can agree to his request."

"Does the lord really intend to give him three thousand bushels of grain?"

"Here you go." Liu Bei nodded, "But it won't be good grain; it'll be old grain mixed with sand. And... we'll have to tamper with the grain."

"What tricks?"

Liu Bei said a few words in a low voice.

Jian Yong's eyes widened: "My lord, this...is too cruel!"

"In chaotic times, being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to oneself," Liu Bei said calmly. "Gongsun Zan is a tiger. We can't let him eat his fill, or he'll bite. We have to keep him hungry, but not starving, so that he'll obediently follow our script."

Half a month later, the three hundred White Horse Cavalry sent by Gongsun Zan arrived in Zhongshan.

The commander of the troops was Gongsun Yue, a cousin of Gongsun Zan.

"Commander Liu," Gongsun Yue said arrogantly, "where are the provisions?"

"It's all ready," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Please inspect it, General Gongsun."

Gongsun Yue went to check on the grain, and sure enough, three thousand shi of grain were piled up like a small mountain.

He randomly checked a few bags, and they were all good grains—Liu Bei had long ago prepared a top layer of good grains, with old grains mixed with sand underneath.

"Not bad." Gongsun Yue said with satisfaction, "Then the White Horse Cavalry will be handed over to Commander Liu. However... my general said that they must be returned intact in six months."

"Definitely." Liu Bei nodded.

After seeing Gongsun Yue off, Liu Bei looked at the three hundred White Horse Cavalry and smiled.

Three hundred fine horses, three hundred sets of fine armor, and three hundred elite cavalry.

This deal was worth it.

"Zilong," Liu Bei called Zhao Yun.

"My lord."

"These three hundred White Horse Cavalry are entrusted to you," Liu Bei said. "Within a month, I want them to obey only your orders, not Gongsun Zan's."

Zhao Yun was taken aback: "This... I'm afraid it won't be easy. They are all Gongsun Zan's loyal followers..."

"So we need to find a way." Liu Bei patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder. "Use both kindness and severity. Reward those who obey; those who disobey... you know what to do."

Zhao Yun understood: "I understand."

"Furthermore," Liu Bei added, "select two hundred elite soldiers from our ranks and infiltrate them into the White Horse Cavalry. Subtly and gradually transform them into our own people."

"yes!"

After arranging the White Horse Cavalry, Liu Bei went to see Tadun's envoy.

This time, it was Tadun's younger brother, Louban, who came.

"Commander Liu," Lou Ban said respectfully, "my elder brother said that everything will be arranged by the Commander."

"Alright." Liu Bei nodded. "Go back and tell your elder brother that Gongsun Zan is definitely going to attack him. But how and when to attack is up to us. Tell him to prepare, but not to act rashly. Wait for my signal."

"What signal?"

"You'll find out when the time comes," Liu Bei said with a mysterious smile.

After seeing Lou Ban off, Liu Bei returned to his study.

Tian Yu was waiting for him.

"My lord, Governor Liu is urging us again, asking when we will make a move against Gongsun Zan."

"Tell him it'll be soon," Liu Bei said, "but we need his cooperation."

"How can we cooperate?"

"Have Liu Yu issue an order in the name of the governor: In view of the repeated raids on the border by the Wuhuan, Gongsun Zan is ordered to do his utmost to suppress them without fail," Liu Bei said. "At the same time, secretly withhold Gongsun Zan's grain and fodder supplies."

Tian Yu gasped, "My lord, this is pushing Gongsun Zan to his death!"

"We can't force him to his death." Liu Bei shook his head. "Gongsun Zan has been managing things in Liaoxi for many years and has his own grain reserves. But this order will force him to attack the Wuhuan. And we... will just watch from the sidelines."

"What if Gongsun Zan wins?"

"Even if we win, it will be a Pyrrhic victory," Liu Bei sneered. "We'll intervene under the guise of 'mediation' and take over the spoils of victory. If Gongsun Zan is dissatisfied... then we'll deal with him too."

Tian Yu was convinced.

This lord is truly ruthless.

In the third month of the first year of the Chuping era.

Under Liu Yu's "order" and Liu Bei's "encouragement," Gongsun Zan finally took action against the Wuhuan.

He led an army of 20,000 to attack the Tadun tribe.

Following Liu Bei's instructions, Tadun fought and retreated, leading Gongsun Zan deep into the grasslands.

Then, the counterattack began.

It wasn't a counterattack by the Wuhuan people, it was... a natural disaster.

"My lord's calculations are divine!" Jian Yong reported excitedly, "Our men 'accidentally' leaked Gongsun Zan's supply lines to the Wuhuan, and their cavalry intercepted his supply convoy. Now Gongsun Zan's army is short of food, and morale is wavering!"

"That's not enough," Liu Bei shook his head. "Let Tadun continue to harass, but don't engage in a decisive battle. Let's wear down Gongsun Zan."

"So when do we go on stage?"

"When Gongsun Zan asks for help," Liu Bei said, "remember, if he asks once, we won't give him anything. If he asks twice, we'll give him a little. If he asks three times... then we'll consider sending troops."

Sure enough, ten days later, Gongsun Zan's letter requesting help arrived.

He spoke earnestly, saying that the army was short of food and requesting Liu Bei's assistance.

Liu Bei replied: The provisions are being prepared. Please hold on for a few more days, my senior brother.

Five days later, a second letter pleading for help arrived, this time with a more urgent tone.

Liu Bei then sent Zhao Yun with 500 cavalry to "escort" 1,000 shi of grain.

However, this thousand shi of grain was "attacked by Wuhuan cavalry" on the way, and most of it was lost, with only three hundred shi remaining to be delivered to Gongsun Zan's army.

Gongsun Zan was so angry that he vomited blood.

But he had no choice but to continue seeking help.

When the third letter requesting aid arrived, Liu Bei finally "personally" led his army into battle.

He led eight thousand soldiers, marching in a grand procession to the front lines.

But they walked very slowly, only thirty li a day.

By the time Liu Bei arrived at the battlefield, Gongsun Zan had already fought three battles with Tadun, suffering two defeats and one victory, resulting in heavy losses.

"Senior Brother!" Liu Bei asked Gongsun Zan with feigned concern, "What happened to you?"

Gongsun Zan looked haggard, his eyes bloodshot: "Xuande...you've finally arrived."

"I'm late," Liu Bei said, feigning remorse. "It was not easy to gather provisions, and we were attacked on the way... My brother has suffered."

"Let's not talk about that anymore." Gongsun Zan waved his hand. "What do we do now? Our army's supplies are running low, and morale is low..."

"Don't worry, senior brother," Liu Bei said solemnly. "Now that I'm here, I won't stand idly by. Here's what we'll do: senior brother, go and rest first, and leave this place to me."

Gongsun Zan hesitated: "But..."

"Don't you trust me, Senior Brother?" Liu Bei said, feigning grievance. "Then I will withdraw my troops."

"No, no, no!" Gongsun Zan quickly said, "Then... we'll leave it to Xuande."

Gongsun Zan has withdrawn.

Liu Bei took control of the battlefield.

Then, he did something that no one expected.

The day after Gongsun Zan left, Liu Bei sent Jian Yong to meet with Tadun.

"Tell Tadun," Liu Bei instructed, "that the battle can stop here. If he surrenders, I will guarantee the safety of his tribe, and... help him deal with Gongsun Zan."

Jian Yong has passed away.

Half a day later, Tadun arrived in person.

They didn't come to fight; they came to surrender.

"Governor Liu," Tadun knelt on one knee, "the Wuhuan are willing to surrender and will never rebel again."

"Get up." Liu Bei helped him up. "It's good that you can see the situation clearly. From now on, the Wuhuan and Youzhou are one family. If you lack food, we will give you food. If you have horses, sell them to us. We will trade with each other and never fight again."

Tadun was moved to tears: "I will never forget the Governor's great kindness!"

"However," Liu Bei changed the subject, "we still need your cooperation in putting on a show for Gongsun Zan."

"What play?"

"Pretend to be defeated and flee," Liu Bei said. "That way, I can explain myself to Gongsun Zan when I get back."

Tadun understood: "Don't worry, Commander, I'm good at this."

So, the next day, Liu Bei "greatly defeated" the Wuhuan, and Tadun "fled" for three hundred li.

When the news reached Gongsun Zan, he was both pleased and suspicious.

The good news is that the Wuhuan were defeated, but the bad news is... the defeat was too easy.

But the spoils Liu Bei brought back were real—two thousand fine horses, three thousand sheepskins, and Tadun's "letter of surrender."

"Brother," Liu Bei handed the letter of surrender to Gongsun Zan, "Tadun has agreed never to invade our borders again. We can consider this a victory."

Gongsun Zan looked at the surrender document, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He fought the battles, and his soldiers died, but the credit... seems to all go to Liu Bei.

"Xuande..." Gongsun Zan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Senior brother, please speak frankly."

"Those three hundred White Horse Cavalry..." Gongsun Zan said, "shouldn't you return them to me now?"

"Of course," Liu Bei readily agreed. "However, Senior Brother, your troops have suffered heavy losses and urgently need rest. How about letting the White Horse Cavalry help me for a few more months to guard the border and prevent the Wuhuan from rebelling? Once you have recovered your strength, I will return them in full."

Gongsun Zan wanted to refuse, but looking at his own ravaged army and then at Liu Bei's eight thousand elite troops...

"Fine... alright," Gongsun Zan said helplessly.

In this way, Liu Bei not only gained military merit, but also gained actual control of the White Horse Cavalry.

On the way back to Zhongshan, Jian Yong exclaimed, "My lord, you really pulled off this scheme of getting something for nothing!"

"This is nothing," Liu Bei said casually. "The real show is about to begin."

"What's the highlight?"

"Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan should officially turn against each other." Liu Bei's eyes flashed coldly. "And what we need to do is... add fuel to the fire."

He looked north, a cold smile playing on his lips.

Senior brother, oh senior brother.

I'm really going to have your white horse.

It's not just about white horses.

And your Liaoxi region, your army, your... everything.

In times of chaos, kindness is a luxury.

As for me, Liu Bei, I cannot afford it.