The Three Kingdoms: Rise to Power Starting with Intercepting Liu Bei

Just as Cao Cao sent envoys, Zhuge Liang had already returned to Shanyang.

Just as he was facing Liu Bei's expectations with trepidation, he unexpectedly received a pleasant surprise from heaven and actually met the person he wanted to invite.

"Senior brother? What brings you here?"

I went to Xiangyang but couldn't find you!

Zhuge Liang looked at his fellow disciple whom he hadn't seen for many years standing in front of him, and was full of surprise. He was very puzzled by his appearance in Shanyang.

"Junior brother, I've been traveling a lot, so you naturally don't see me here. My appearance here now is because I've made up my mind to enter the world and display my talents!"

Faced with his junior brother who was now in the limelight, Pang Tong suppressed his jealousy and fabricated a suitable excuse.

Upon hearing that Pang Tong had traveled to this place, Zhuge Liang didn't think much of it. After all, his senior brother was a free spirit who could leave whenever he wanted. It would be strange if he really stayed in his mountain residence every day.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two brothers immediately began discussing the current state of the world and how Liu Bei should break the deadlock.

In addition, Zhuge Liang also recounted the advice he heard from Zuo Ci in Xiangyang.

Pang Tong was horrified upon hearing this. Zuo Ci had actually come up with such a vicious plan to lure the nomadic tribes south.

As Zhuge Liang elaborated, he became increasingly convinced that his approach was correct. His two masters must have some earth-shattering plan, otherwise why would they collude with foreign tribes?

It should be noted that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty devoted the entire nation's resources to eliminating the threat of the Xiongnu. Now, these two dare to accuse Liu Bei of colluding with foreign tribes. Aren't they afraid of causing uncontrollable consequences?

Pang Tong dared not think too deeply about it; he needed to tell Qin Xuan the news now so that he could be on guard.

Zhuge Liang was still confidently recounting the advice Zuo Ci had given him. Liu Bei, who was accompanying him, was very interested in this. If they followed Zuo Ci's advice and contacted the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Wuhuan and other tribes, then the Qin army's strategic focus would shift.

This will give me a chance to catch my breath.

After Zhuge Liang finished speaking without stopping, he gulped down a large bowl of tea, leaving the two of them time to think. It mainly depended on Liu Bei; if he agreed, the matter would be half settled.

As for Pang Tong, he can just listen to it.

Liu Bei didn't keep Zhuge Liang waiting long; he agreed to the other's suggestion almost without thinking.

For Liu Bei, anything that could be used to deal with Qin Xuan was acceptable; he didn't care about the consequences afterward.

With Liu Bei's permission, Zhuge Liang planned to personally travel to the Xiongnu and other tribes. For safety along the way, he requested Guan Yu to lead 500 axemen in batches to act as his guards.

Liu Bei readily agreed to Zhuge Liang's request, and after confirming Pang Tong's identity, he even invited him to serve as his chief clerk to assist him.

Pang Tong reluctantly agreed to become Qin Xuan's high-ranking spy planted within Liu Bei's inner circle.

About four or five days later, after a short rest, Zhuge Liang, disguised as a merchant from Hanzhong, went to the grasslands under the escort of Guan Yu and dozens of axemen. The remaining axemen had already set off two days earlier.

Liu Bei and Pang Tong stood on the low city tower, watching their departing figures, each with their own thoughts.

Liu Bei hoped that Zhuge Liang's trip would bring him good news, while Pang Tong hoped that the Qin army in Bingzhou would discover the enemy and wipe them out in one fell swoop.

He had already sent out the news of Zhuge Liang's trip to the grasslands to persuade the enemy yesterday through the Black Ice Guard hidden in the city, hoping that everything was still in time.

·············

Liang Kingdom.

If you could only read one historical novel in your life, it would probably be "The Three Kingdoms: Rise from Hijacking Liu Bei".

Xue Rengui was stationed here.

Sima Yi and his entourage traveled for many days and went through numerous checks before finally arriving at this place a few days after Zhuge Liang set off for the grasslands.

Xue Rengui and Fang Xuanling already knew about this news when Sima Yi entered the Qin army's controlled territory in a grand manner.

After understanding the other party's intentions, the two immediately notified Qin Xuan, who then approved that everything should be handled by the two of them.

Zhuge Liang didn't go to the grasslands; he went back to Xiangyang to get reinforcements.

Qin Xuan didn't take Cao Cao's side's overreaction seriously, and simply dealt with it perfunctorily, delegating the decision-making power to Xue Rengui and Fang Xuanling, instructing them to receive Sima Yi.

Upon arriving in Liang, Sima Yi was warmly received by Xue Rengui, who not only put him in the best inn in the area but also hosted a banquet at the prefect's residence, with his entourage being of the highest caliber.

Besides the two military and political leaders, Xue Rengui and Fang Xuanling, there were also some deputies involved.

During the banquet, after several rounds of drinks, Fang Xuanling pretended to be confused and spoke first:

"Lord Sima, now that you've drunk the wine, it's time to explain your purpose. What could possibly have made Lord Cao forget the recent conflict and send someone here?"

Sima Yi put down his wine cup, gently shook his head to dispel the drunkenness and sober up, and spoke in a calm tone:

"These days, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests."

"I have come here because we have learned that Liu Bei wants to cooperate with the nomadic tribes on the grasslands to attack Qin from the south. Furthermore, since the area we control is adjacent to Bingzhou, my lord Cao Cao is worried about the suffering caused by the Xiongnu, Xianbei and other tribes. He has specially ordered me to come and inform you of this news so that you can make preparations."

Upon hearing this, Xue Rengui scoffed and inwardly snorted.

What do you mean by "misery and devastation"? Isn't it just fear that Liu Bei will take this opportunity to march north and attack Cao Cao, while Han Sui of Xiliang will take advantage of the chaos to plunder, thus leaving us vulnerable from both sides?

Is it really necessary to find such a compassionate excuse?

Did Cao Cao not do enough heinous things?

"Oh, is that really true?"

Fang Xuanling feigned surprise, without any trace of acting; anyone who saw it would say he was a seasoned veteran actor.

"That's right!"

Sima Yi nodded in affirmation:

"Liu Bei's move is disadvantageous to all three of us; we should unite!"

"Three families? Have you allied with other forces?"

Upon hearing that there were three forces involved, Xue Rengui immediately inquired.

"·····"

Sima Yi did not expect that he spoke too fast and revealed the truth, but the other party heard it clearly, and he could not take it back.

Besides, the other party wasn't stupid; they quickly figured out the trick and nodded in agreement.

"Could it be Han Sui from Xiliang?"

Xue Rengui had a flash of inspiration and immediately realized who the third force was. He clicked his tongue repeatedly, his surprised tone full of sarcasm, which everyone present could hear.

It has to be said that Cao Cao was incredibly shameless.

They had just killed Ma Teng on their own territory and were on the verge of war with Han Sui of Xiliang, but now, seeing that the situation was unfavorable to them, they immediately changed their tune and hurriedly sent people to make peace. This move is truly jaw-dropping.

Sima Yi's face darkened with embarrassment, but he dared not say anything more. After all, he was not facing an ordinary person; he was Qin Xuan's trusted general, who held a large army and guarded a region.

He had no right to argue back, so he could only silently endure it, finally forcing out an awkward smile as he asked:

"What do you two gentlemen mean?"