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

In the fourth month of the first year of the Chuping era, in western Liaoning.

Gongsun Zan looked at the official documents on the table, his face turning ashen.

The official document was sent by Liu Yu. It was strongly worded, accusing him of "arbitrarily provoking border conflicts and wasting troops and supplies," and demanding that he immediately withdraw to Liaoxi and "submit a memorial to plead guilty."

"Apologize?" Gongsun Zan slammed the official document on the ground. "I won a battle, and I still have to apologize? That old Liu Yu is going too far!"

The generals in the tent fell silent, trembling with fear.

Tian Kai said cautiously, "General, this matter... is probably related to Liu Bei."

"Liu Bei?" Gongsun Zan's eyes widened. "Didn't he just help me defeat the Wuhuan?"

"We did defeat them," Tian Kai said with a wry smile, "but all the credit is going to him. Now everyone in Youzhou is saying that you, General, suffered heavy losses, and it was Liu Bei who turned the tide. Liu Yu is using this as an excuse to try and suppress you."

Gongsun Zan slammed his fist on the table: "That Liu Bei! I was truly blind to have recognized him as my junior brother!"

"General, please calm down," Shan Jing advised. "The most urgent matter is how to deal with Liu Yu."

"How should we deal with this?" Gongsun Zan sneered. "I have 20,000 soldiers. Why should I be afraid of Liu Yu?"

"But... Liu Yu has Liu Bei," Zou Dan reminded them. "Liu Bei currently has 8,000 elite troops, plus Liu Yu's 20,000 county soldiers, their strength is no less than ours. Moreover... we just finished fighting the Wuhuan, our supplies are running low, and morale is low..."

Gongsun Zan remained silent.

He walked to the map, looked at the terrain of Youzhou, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"Liu Bei... Zhongshan..." he murmured, "Since you are ruthless, don't blame me for being unjust."

"The general means..."

"Attack Zhongshan!" Gongsun Zan declared decisively. "Liu Bei's main forces are all on the border, leaving Zhongshan vulnerable. Let's launch a surprise attack on Zhongshan and wipe out his stronghold. Let's see how arrogant he can be then!"

The generals looked at each other in bewilderment.

Attack Zhongshan?

That's Liu Bei's territory, and... can Liu Yu just sit idly by?

"General," Tian Kai hesitated, "this...this is tantamount to open rebellion."

"Rebellion?" Gongsun Zan laughed. "This Youzhou should have changed hands long ago. Liu Yu is incompetent, Liu Bei is cunning; only I, Gongsun Zan, am the true overlord of Youzhou!"

He turned to his generals and announced: "Order the entire army to assemble. We will march on Zhongshan in three days!"

The news of Gongsun Zan's mobilization of troops reached Liu Bei's ears the very next day.

It wasn't a scout who reported it, it was... Gongsun Yue.

Yes, it was Gongsun Yue, who was sent to "assist" Liu Bei.

"Governor Liu," Gongsun Yue pleaded anxiously late at night, "my elder brother is going to attack Zhongshan!"

Liu Bei was reading a book when he heard this and looked up: "General Gongsun, you can't say things like that carelessly."

"It's true!" Gongsun Yue exclaimed urgently, "I received a secret letter from the clan. My elder brother has already ordered the troops to be assembled, and their target is Zhongshan! Commander, you should make plans as soon as possible!"

Liu Bei put down the book and laughed: "General Gongsun, why are you telling me this? That's your cousin."

Gongsun Yue smiled bitterly: "Cousin? If he truly considered me a cousin, he wouldn't have left me here as a hostage. Commander, to be honest, these past few months under your command have taught me what it means to govern an army and what it means to be benevolent. My elder brother... is too tyrannical. Following him, I'll only be dead sooner or later."

That's half true and half false.

Gongsun Yue truly admired Liu Bei—Liu Bei was strict in managing his army, clear in his rewards and punishments, and extremely kind to his subordinates. Compared to Gongsun Zan's capricious nature, he was indeed far superior.

The truth is... Gongsun Yue was also afraid of death. When Gongsun Zan attacked Zhongshan, he was the first hostage there. If Liu Bei lost, he would surely die. It was better for him to join Liu Bei and try his luck.

"General Gongsun is a man of great wisdom and righteousness." Liu Bei stood up, patted Gongsun Yue on the shoulder, and said, "Don't worry, with me here, Gongsun Zan can't cause any trouble. However... we need the general to cooperate in putting on a show."

"What play?"

"A ruse." A cunning glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes. "General, you must 'escape' back to Gongsun Zan's army and tell him that Zhongshan is vulnerable and its defenses are lax. Lure him here quickly."

Gongsun Yue was taken aback: "Commander, isn't this...?"

"Isn't this inviting a wolf into the house?" Liu Bei chimed in. "Yes, that's exactly what we need to do. If he doesn't come, how can I rightfully deal with him?"

Gongsun Yue understood.

This is a trap.

"Rest assured, Commander, I will certainly handle this matter properly!"

After seeing Gongsun Yue off, Liu Bei immediately summoned everyone.

"My lord, does Gongsun Zan really dare to come?" Guan Yu frowned.

"He will not only dare to come, but he will also come very quickly," Liu Bei said with a smile, "because he thinks we are unprepared."

"Then let's..."

"Let's use their plan against them." Liu Bei walked to the map. "The terrain of Zhongshan is flat to the east and mountainous to the west. Gongsun Zan is coming from Liaoxi, so he will definitely take the eastern route. Let's set up an ambush on the east side."

"How do I set it up?"

"A three-tiered ambush." ​​Liu Bei held up three fingers. "The first tier: Zilong will lead the White Horse Cavalry to lure the enemy deep into our territory. Remember, defeat is the only option; victory is not permitted."

Zhao Yun nodded: "Understood."

"Secondly, Yide will lead the Mo Dao (陌刀) troops to ambush at Changban Slope. When Gongsun Zan's army catches up here, cut them in half!"

"Alright!" Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly.

"On the third level, Guan Yu will lead the main force, lying in ambush at the rear. Once Gongsun Zan's army is in disarray, the entire army will attack and annihilate them in one fell swoop!"

"I obey!"

Liu Bei then looked at Tian Yu: "Guorang, you are in charge of defending the city. Remember to plant many flags on the city walls and deploy a large number of feints to make Gongsun Zan think that our main force is in the city."

"yes!"

"Xianhe," Liu Bei said, looking at Jian Yong, "your mission is the most important: go to Ji County and tell Liu Yu that Gongsun Zan has rebelled and is attacking Zhongshan. Ask him to send reinforcements immediately."

Jian Yong's eyes darted around: "My lord, will Liu Yu really send troops?"

"Yes," Liu Bei said confidently, "but he'll stall. By the time his troops arrive, the war will be over. Then, the credit will be his, and the hard labor will be ours."

Everyone laughed.

This lord is too shrewd.

Five days later, Gongsun Zan led 20,000 troops to the border of Zhongshan.

Gongsun Yue "escaped" back, bringing with him "important intelligence": "Brother! Zhongshan is vulnerable! Liu Bei's main forces are all on the border defending against the Wuhuan, and there are only three thousand garrison troops in the city!"

"Really?" Gongsun Zan asked.

"Absolutely true!" Gongsun Yue declared confidently. "I saw it with my own eyes; the defenders on the city walls were sparse, mostly old, weak, sick, and disabled!"

Gongsun Zan was overjoyed: "Heaven is helping me! Issue the order: Full speed ahead, take Lu Nu directly!"

The army set off without any obstacles.

Gongsun Zan was even more convinced—there wasn't even a scout; the place was indeed empty!

Upon reaching Changbanpo, the terrain became treacherous.

Tian Kai warned, "General, this place is easy to ambush; we must be careful."

Gongsun Zan dismissed it: "Liu Bei, what does he know about ambush? Let's keep advancing!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than shouts of battle erupted from ahead.

A cavalry unit charged out, all dressed in white horses and white armor.

It was Zhao Yun who led the "White Horse Cavalry".

"Gongsun Zan! Zhao Zilong is here!"

Gongsun Zan was taken aback: Zhao Yun? How come he has the White Horse Cavalry?

But before they could think it through, the two armies had already clashed.

As planned, Zhao Yun fought for more than a dozen rounds before being "defeated" and forced to retreat.

"Chase!" Gongsun Zan ordered.

After chasing for five miles, they entered a valley.

Suddenly, ambushes sprang up from both sides of the hillside.

Zhang Fei led his Mo Dao (陌刀) troops out to attack.

"Zhang Yide of Yan is here! Gongsun Zan, prepare to die!"

The Mo Dao troops advanced like a wall, instantly cutting the vanguard of Gongsun Zan's army in two.

"We've fallen into a trap!" Gongsun Zan exclaimed in alarm. "Retreat! Retreat quickly!"

But it's too late.

Their retreat route had been cut off by Guan Yu's army.

"Guan Yu is here! Those who surrender will not be killed!"

In front were long-handled swords, behind were elite troops, and on both sides were hillsides.

Gongsun Zan's army was thrown into chaos.

"Big brother, what should we do?!" Tian Kai asked anxiously.

"Break through!" Gongsun Zan gritted his teeth. "Break east!"

He led his personal guard in a desperate attempt to break through to the east.

Zhao Yun led his cavalry in pursuit, but "could not catch up," and Gongsun Zan escaped.

However, of the 20,000 troops he brought, only 5,000 escaped; the rest either died or surrendered.

The day after Gongsun Zan fled in defeat, Liu Yu's "reinforcements" arrived.

The commander was Liu Yu's son, Liu He.

"Uncle Xuande!" Liu He said politely, "My father heard that Gongsun Zan had rebelled and specially sent his nephew with ten thousand troops to his aid. Is Uncle alright?"

Liu Bei, "moved with gratitude," said, "Thank you so much, Governor! Thank you so much, my nephew! If it weren't for your timely arrival, I fear..."

He pointed to the battlefield—a field strewn with corpses and hordes of prisoners.

Liu He was dumbfounded.

This...this is what you call "I'm afraid"?

It was a resounding victory!

"Uncle...did you do all of this?"

"It's all thanks to the bravery of my soldiers and the great fortune of the Governor," Liu Bei said modestly.

Liu He swallowed hard.

His 10,000 soldiers were originally just there for show. Unexpectedly, the battle was already over, and they won so brilliantly.

"Then... Gongsun Zan..."

"He fled in defeat," Liu Bei sighed. "What a pity, he got away. But after this battle, Gongsun Zan is severely weakened and won't be able to cause any trouble for a while."

Liu He nodded: "Uncle is truly valiant! I will report to Father immediately and request commendation for you!"

"Thank you for your trouble, my dear nephew."

After seeing Liu He off, Jian Yong smiled and said, "My lord, Liu Yu can rest assured now. With Gongsun Zan crippled, Youzhou has no rivals left."

"Don't worry?" Liu Bei sneered. "He probably won't be able to sleep."

Why?

"Because we are too strong," Liu Bei said calmly. "We won against the Wuhuan. We won against Gongsun Zan. Now in Youzhou, who still listens to him? How long can he remain governor?"

Tian Yu frowned: "Our lord insists on targeting Liu Yu..."

"It's not that I'm targeting him, it's that he's targeting me." Liu Bei shook his head. "Guorang, do you really think Liu Yu is so benevolent? He sent his son not to help, but to reap the rewards. If we lose, he'll take over Zhongshan. If we win, he'll claim the credit as the governor."

"Then let's..."

"No rush," Liu Bei said with a smile. "Let's clean up Gongsun Zan's mess first. Liaoxi, Youbeiping, Yuyang... these places need a new master."

Gongsun Zan fled back to Liaoxi, and after counting his remaining troops, he found only three thousand left.

The entire army of 20,000 was wiped out in a single day.

He hates it.

He hated Liu Bei's cunning, hated Liu Yu's treachery, and hated himself for underestimating his enemy.

"General," Tian Kai advised, "As long as we're alive, we can always rebuild. Let's retreat to this isolated city and regroup..."

"Regroup?" Gongsun Zan laughed bitterly. "We've lost our supplies, our soldiers, our horses... what are we going to use to regroup?"

Just then, a scout came to report: "General! Liu Bei is leading his army in pursuit!"

"What?!" Gongsun Zan exclaimed in shock, "He...he wants to wipe them all out?!"

"General, let's go quickly!" Shan Jing urged. "Go to Liaodong and join Gongsun Du!"

"Gongsun Du?" Gongsun Zan shook his head. "He's a ruthless and vicious man. If I go to him, it's like throwing my life away."

"That..."

Gongsun Zan remained silent for a long time, then suddenly laughed: "So be it, so be it. I, Gongsun Zan, have dominated the northern frontier for twenty years, never expecting to be defeated by a mere junior brother. It's fate."

He stood up and straightened his armor: "Open the door, I will go see Liu Bei in person."

The generals were greatly alarmed: "General, you mustn't!"

"Why not?" Gongsun Zan said calmly. "Defeat is defeat. I want to see how my junior brother will deal with me."

The city gates opened.

Gongsun Zan rode out of the city alone.

Outside the city, Liu Bei led his large army into battle formation.

Upon seeing Gongsun Zan emerge, Liu Bei also rode out alone into battle.

The two met on the battlefield.

"Senior brother," Liu Bei said, bowing.

"Xuande," Gongsun Zan looked at Liu Bei, his eyes filled with complex emotions, "you've won."

"By sheer luck."

"It wasn't luck," Gongsun Zan shook his head. "I was too foolish. I underestimated you and overestimated myself."

He paused. "What do you plan to do with me? Execute me and display my head in public? Or send me to Ji County to be dealt with by Liu Yu?"

Liu Bei looked at Gongsun Zan, the once invincible "White Horse General," whose temples were now white and whose expression was haggard.

"Senior brother," Liu Bei said slowly, "you may leave."

Gongsun Zan was taken aback: "Leave?"

"Yes." Liu Bei nodded. "Take your personal guards and go wherever you want. Liaodong, the borderlands, the Central Plains... it's up to you. I won't kill you."

"Why?" Gongsun Zan asked, puzzled. "Don't you understand the principle of eliminating the root of the problem?"

"I understand," Liu Bei said, "but you are my senior brother. We were both under Master Lu back then."

Gongsun Zan stared at Liu Bei for a long time.

Suddenly, he burst into laughter.

I laughed until I cried.

"Liu Bei, oh Liu Bei... you really are..." He shook his head. "Alright, I'll remember this favor. But..."

He said seriously, "If you let me go, don't regret it later."

"Regret?" Liu Bei laughed. "Senior brother, you're forty-two this year, and I'm in my twenties. Even if you make a comeback in the future, will I still be afraid of you then?"

Gongsun Zan remained silent.

Yes, he's so young, yet he's already so amazing.

When I get old, he will be in his prime...

"That's enough." Gongsun Zan turned his horse around. "Xuande, take care. If we meet again on the battlefield, I will show no mercy."

"Take care, senior brother."

Gongsun Zan left.

He disappeared into the northern grasslands with a few dozen personal guards.

"My lord," Guan Yu urged his horse forward, "Are you really going to let him go?"

"Release him." Liu Bei nodded. "Killing him would only earn you the infamy of 'fratricide,' which isn't worth it. Releasing him would earn you the reputation of 'benevolence and righteousness,' which is a good deal."

"But what if he..."

"There's no 'what if'," Liu Bei said calmly. "Gongsun Zan is arrogant and will never recover after this defeat. He will no longer be a match for us."

He looked towards Liaoxi City: "Issue the order: Take over Liaoxi, Youbeiping, and Yuyang. Remember, do not commit any offenses, and those who surrender will not be killed. Anyone who dares to resist... will be dealt with according to military law."

"yes!"

Ji County, the prefectural governor's residence.

Liu Yu hasn't been able to sleep for the past few days.

I wasn't excited, I was terrified.

When news of Liu Bei's defeat of Gongsun Zan arrived, he was drinking tea when his hand trembled, and the teacup fell to the ground and shattered.

"Twenty thousand soldiers... just like that, gone?" Liu Yu murmured.

"Father," Liu He said cautiously, "Liu Bei is indeed formidable. I saw it with my own eyes; the battlefield was littered with corpses, and nearly ten thousand were captured. Gongsun Zan escaped alone..."

"He escaped alone?" Liu Yu grasped the key point. "Liu Bei didn't kill him?"

"No. It's said... they let him go out of consideration for our shared sect."

Liu Yu's expression turned even uglier.

Let Gongsun Zan go...

This Liu Bei was not only good at fighting, but also at winning people's hearts.

"Where is he now?" Liu Yu asked.

"In Liaoxi, he reorganized the troops and pacified the local area. I heard... he has already appointed new prefects and commandants in the three commanderies of Liaoxi, Youbeiping, and Yuyang. They are all his men."

Liu Yu's hands trembled again.

Appoint a prefect?

This is the governor's prerogative!

Liu Bei is... trying to carve out his own territory!

"Father," Liu He whispered, "what should we do? Liu Bei now commands tens of thousands of troops and is a powerful figure in Youzhou. What if he harbors rebellious intentions..."

"Shut up!" Liu Yu snapped. "Xuande is loyal and righteous, how could he... how could he..."

He couldn't continue.

Loyalty and righteousness?

In chaotic times, what is loyalty and righteousness worth?

"Prepare the carriage." Liu Yu stood up. "I'm going to Liaoxi to see Liu Bei."

"Father! It's too dangerous!"

"We have to go, even if it's dangerous." Liu Yu smiled bitterly. "If we don't go now, it will be too late when his army is at the city gates."

Liaoxi, the Prefectural Governor's Office.

When Liu Bei heard that Liu Yu had arrived, he personally went out of the city to greet him.

"Governor!" Liu Bei dismounted from his horse at a distance and hurried forward. "Why have you come in person? If you have anything to say, just give the word, and I will go to Ji County to pay my respects!"

His attitude was respectful and impeccable.

Liu Yu felt somewhat relieved.

Perhaps... I'm overthinking it?

"Xuande, there's no need for such formalities." Liu Yu helped Liu Bei up. "You have rid Youzhou of a great scourge, and I have come here specifically to express my condolences."

"You flatter me, Governor," Liu Bei said humbly. "It is all thanks to your strategic planning and the soldiers' bravery. I was merely carrying out your orders."

That's a well-said statement.

Liu Yu felt more at ease.

The two entered the city, and Liu Bei hosted a banquet in their honor.

During the banquet, Liu Bei took the initiative to report: "Governor, although Gongsun Zan has been defeated, the three commanderies under his jurisdiction are in dire need of reconstruction. I have temporarily appointed officials to maintain order. Here is the list; please take a look."

He handed over a list.

Liu Yu took it and was stunned.

He didn't recognize any of the people on the list.

But the job assignments were reasonable—the governor, the commandant, the chief clerk, the military advisor... were all people under Liu Bei's command.

"Xuande..." Liu Yu carefully chose his words, "Appointing a prefect is the prefecture's prerogative. Your actions... are probably inappropriate, aren't they?"

"You are right, sir." Liu Bei immediately admitted his mistake. "I am young and inexperienced, and I have not considered things thoroughly. However, at that time, the three commanderies were without a ruler, and bandits were rampant. If we did not make arrangements as soon as possible, I feared that something might happen. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of making appointments in advance, and I await your decision."

He then handed over an official document: "This is a prepared letter of apology; please punish me, Your Excellency."

Liu Yu looked at the letter of apology, then at the list.

Punishment?

What should be the punishment?

They had just performed a great service, and their explanation was perfectly reasonable—the situation was urgent, and they had no other choice.

"Enough," Liu Yu sighed. "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. You're doing this for the sake of Youzhou's stability. Let these people... keep them in line for now. We'll formally appoint them once the situation stabilizes."

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

Liu Yu continued, "However... Xuande, you now command tens of thousands of troops, your power shaking the northern frontier. This military authority..."

"Military power naturally belongs to the prefecture," Liu Bei replied. "I will now hand over the military seal and insignia."

He actually took out the military tally and seal, and presented them with both hands.

Liu Yu was stunned.

So straightforward?

He hesitated before accepting the military tally: "Then... your troops..."

"The soldiers under my command are the soldiers of Youzhou," Liu Bei said solemnly. "From this day forward, all the troops under my command will be at the command of the Governor. I myself am willing to relinquish military power and return to Zhongshan to live the life of a wealthy man."

"This..." Liu Yu felt embarrassed instead, "Xuande, you flatter me. Youzhou still needs you..."

"My lord, there is no need to worry," Liu Bei said sincerely. "I am young and lack virtue, and I have come this far entirely thanks to your guidance. Now that Gongsun Zan has been pacified, the Wuhuan have been subdued, and Youzhou is at peace, it is time for me to retire gracefully and let someone with more virtue and prestige govern Youzhou."

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, his eyes even glistening with tears.

Liu Yu was moved.

It seems I was worrying too much.

Liu Bei was a loyal subject!

"Xuande," Liu Yu grasped Liu Bei's hand, "I admire your magnanimity. Here's what we'll do: take the military tally back. You will remain in overall command of the military affairs of Youzhou. However... I would like to request that you concurrently serve as the Prefect of Youzhou, assisting me in handling administrative matters. What do you say?"

The Prefectural Governor of Youzhou was the deputy to the governor, second only in rank to the governor.

Liu Bei, feigning fear, replied, "My lord, what virtue or ability do I possess...?"

"Don't refuse," Liu Yu said solemnly. "Youzhou needs you. And I need you too."

"Then... I shall respectfully comply."

The two chatted happily until late at night.

After seeing Liu Yu off, Liu Bei returned to his study.

Jian Yong and the others were waiting.

"My lord," Jian Yong suppressed a laugh, "your acting is so convincing... I'm almost convinced."

Liu Bei picked up his tea, took a sip, and said calmly, "Liu Yu is the kind of person who responds better to gentleness than force. If you confront him head-on, he'll fight you to the death. But if you yield, he'll soften his heart."

"But the military tally was actually given to him..."

"A military tally?" Liu Bei laughed. "What use is that thing? Our soldiers recognize me, Liu Bei, not that lump of copper. If he takes it, it's just for show."

"That Prefect of Youzhou..."

"That's good." Liu Bei nodded. "With this official position, we can legitimately intervene in the affairs of Youzhou. Before long, everyone in Youzhou will be on our side."

Tian Yu sighed, "Our lord is... trying to sideline Liu Yu."

"A figurehead?" Liu Bei shook his head. "I want him to leave with dignity. Liu Yu is a good man, but he is not suited for chaotic times. Letting him live out his old age in peace is my way of showing him mercy."

Everyone looked at each other.

This lord has truly... taken Machiavellian tactics to the extreme.

Be benevolent and righteous, and take all the benefits you deserve.

"Oh, right," Liu Bei suddenly remembered something, "did Gongsun Zan take a lot of treasure with him when he fled?"

"Yes," Zhao Yun reported, "There is about a thousand taels of gold, as well as some jewelry and jade artifacts."

"Send men to 'find' it." Liu Bei's eyes gleamed. "If we find it, confiscate half and distribute the other half... to the soldiers. Tell them it was a reward from the governor."

"clear!"

June of the first year of the Chuping era.

Several "minor incidents" occurred in Youzhou.

First, Liu Yu "voluntarily" proposed that he was getting old and lacked energy, so he would hand over most of the government affairs to Liu Bei, the Prefect.

Secondly, officials in various counties and prefectures of Youzhou "voluntarily" requested to be rotated—those from Zhongshan were transferred to Liaoxi, those from Liaoxi to Yuyang, and those from Yuyang to Jixian... all under the guise of "training cadres."

Thirdly, the Youzhou army underwent "reorganization," eliminating the old and weak and supplementing with new recruits. After reorganization, the Youzhou army totaled 50,000, of which 40,000 were stationed in various border counties, and 10,000 were stationed in Ji County to "protect the governor."

Anyone with eyes can see it.

The situation in Youzhou has changed.

In name only, Liu Yu was still the governor of the state.

In reality, it was Liu Bei who kept his word.

But no one objected.

Because Liu Bei did a really good job.

Suppressing bandits and pacifying the people, rectifying official corruption, developing military farms, and opening up border trade... In just a few months, Youzhou took on a completely new look.

The common people have food to eat, the soldiers receive their pay, and the merchants make money.

Even those officials who were "rotated" found that their salaries had increased and their power had grown—although they still had to listen to Liu Bei.

Ji County, the prefectural governor's residence.

Liu Yu sat in his study, looking out the window.

Liu He, the son, walked in and said, "Father, Liu Bei has sent something again."

"What is it?"

"Three hundred bushels of grain, one hundred bolts of cloth, and... a letter."

Liu Yu took the letter and opened it.

The letter was written by Liu Bei, and was written in a respectful tone. He said that the weather was getting colder and asked the governor to take care of his health. He also said that Youzhou had a bumper harvest this year, all thanks to the governor's good governance. Finally, he said that he planned to build a "state school" in Ji County and invited great scholars such as Zheng Xuan and Cai Yong to teach there, and asked the governor to inscribe the school.

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

"He'er," he said slowly, "tell me... am I really getting old?"

"Father..."

"Liu Bei is a man," Liu Yu said with a wry smile, "He is shrewd, magnanimous, and capable. Youzhou is better in his hands than in mine. Your father... should abdicate."

"Father!" Liu He cried out anxiously, "You are the Governor of Youzhou!"

"It's just an empty title." Liu Yu shook his head. "In chaotic times, the capable should take the place. Liu Bei is stronger than me, so it should be his. As his father... I should go back to my hometown."

He picked up his pen and began writing a memorial to the throne.

The memorial stated that he was old and ill, requested to resign from his position as governor of Youzhou, and recommended Liu Bei to succeed him.

After finishing writing, he summoned his trusted aides: "Send this to Luoyang by express courier, 800 li away."

The trusted aide hesitated: "My lord, can the imperial court still... govern Youzhou now?"

Liu Yu laughed: "Whether or not to intervene is the court's business. Whether or not to write it is my business. This memorial is not written for the court, but for the people of the world."

He looked out the window and murmured, "Xuande, Xuande... In the end, the only thing I can do to help you is to give you a legitimate title."

When the memorial was sent to Luoyang, the court was in chaos.

Dong Zhuo had just died and Wang Yun had taken power, but Li Jue and Guo Si returned to power.

Who has the mind to care about the affairs of Youzhou?

But Liu Bei's reputation was too great—the three heroes fought Lü Bu, he saved officials from a fire, he quelled Gongsun Zan, and he governed Youzhou effectively...

The imperial court dared not not use such people, nor did it dare to give them important positions.

Finally, the imperial court issued a compromise decree: Liu Yu was old and was allowed to retire. Liu Bei, having rendered meritorious service, was appointed General Who Guards the North and given the governorship of Youzhou.

"Leading the affairs of the governor of Youzhou" does not mean being the official governor of Youzhou, but it does allow one to exercise the powers of a governor.

Equivalent to...acting governor.

The imperial edict arrived in Youzhou in September.

Liu Bei received the imperial decree with a "complex" expression.

"Your subject...accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude."

After the messenger left, the crowd gathered around.

"My lord, what does the court mean by this?" Zhang Fei shouted. "They're not giving us the full amount, they're being so stingy!"

"It means: let's use it for now and see," Liu Bei said calmly. "But it's enough. With this official title, we'll have a legitimate claim to Youzhou."

"What about Liu Yu..."

"Lord Liu is of noble character." Liu Bei said solemnly, "Issue the order: build a mansion for Lord Liu in Ji County, with all expenses to be generous. In addition, Lord Liu's son, Liu He, is appointed as the Chancellor of Zhongshan."

"The Chancellor of Zhongshan?" Tian Yu was taken aback. "That's a major prefecture..."

"I want a large prefecture," Liu Bei said with a smile. "To let the world see that I, Liu Bei, am not an ungrateful person. When Liu Gong abdicated, I treated his son well. This is called... benevolence and righteousness."

Jian Yong gave a thumbs up: "My lord, your benevolence and righteousness are truly... ingrained in your very being."

Everyone laughed.

That night, Liu Bei stood alone on the city wall, looking at the night view of Youzhou.

From time travel to the present.

From a poor boy selling straw sandals to the de facto ruler of Youzhou.

not easy.

But this is just the beginning.

In a chaotic world, the territory of Youzhou was not enough to be considered significant.

Next, it's time to expand outwards.

To take Bingzhou to the west? To march south and conquer Ji? Or...?

Just then, Jian Yong hurried up.

"My lord, we have just received a message."

"What news?"

"Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan have started fighting."

"Gongsun Zan?" Liu Bei was taken aback. "Didn't he escape?"

"I fled to Ji Province and sought refuge with Yuan Shao," Jian Yong said. "But for some reason, I fell out with Yuan Shao. Now I'm in Bohai, facing off against him."

Liu Bei's eyes lit up.

Are Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao at war?

This is a great opportunity.

"Furthermore," Jian Yong continued, "Cao Cao in Yanzhou has quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Qingzhou, and has taken in 300,000 surrendered soldiers, greatly increasing his strength. Sun Jian in Jingzhou is fighting with Liu Biao. Lü Bu... in Hanoi, seems to be considering joining Zhang Yang."

Chaos.

The world is in complete chaos.

Liu Bei smiled.

Good riddance.

If things aren't chaotic, how can he take advantage of the situation?

"Issue the order," Liu Bei turned around, "that the entire army prepare for battle. Also... send someone to Langya."

"Langya?" Jian Yong asked, puzzled. "What would you do in Langya?"

"Find someone." Liu Bei's eyes gleamed. "A young man named Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming. Tell him that Liu Bei, the governor of Youzhou, requests his service."

Jian Yong scratched his head: "My lord, is Zhuge Liang... really that amazing?"

"Impressive," Liu Bei said earnestly. "Having him alone is worth ten thousand soldiers."

Although Zhuge Liang is only seven years old now.

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

Let's register first, and come back to pick it up when we're older.

That's what you call...foresight and strategic thinking.

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