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

"What conditions do you have that could entice me?"

After a long silence, Han Sui finally uttered these words, indicating that he was already inclined to cease hostilities and seek peace.

If this stalemate continues, our logistical supplies will run out sooner or later.

Upon hearing Han Sui's concession and admission, Cheng Yu was overjoyed and immediately blurted out:

"If you cooperate with us, General, we will secretly send you a large amount of supplies. We can even form a secret alliance to jointly resist the threat of the Qin army!"

Upon hearing the conditions proposed by Cheng Yu, Han Sui first frowned in thought, but his expression remained unchanged.

These conditions were almost an insult to him, but on second thought, he realized that Cao Cao's offer was acceptable.

These days, what both sides are after is nothing more than territory, food supplies, and money.

For Cao Cao, all he could offer was money and provisions.

Territory is a matter of life and death. If he dares to give it up, I won't feel at ease even if I keep it!

After understanding all this, Han Sui agreed.

On that day, the two sides drafted a covenant.

The alliance stipulated that both armies would withdraw their troops, and Cao Cao's army would pay a large amount of generous supplies to Han Sui's side in exchange for jointly resisting possible invasions from nomadic tribes in the north.

Having dealt with Han Sui, Cheng Yu didn't dare to waste a moment. The next day, he left Linjing and returned to Chang'an to report back.

Just as Cheng Yu was returning, Cao Cao in Chang'an received an urgent report from Sima Yi.

Therefore, he ordered his advisors to have a heated discussion on whether or not they should grant Xue Rengui's request.

After half a day of debate, Cao Cao finally made a decision and agreed to all of their demands.

However, Cao Cao was also cautious. He made sure that Liu Bei was colluding with the nomadic peoples in the north and encouraging them to invade the south before he issued an edict ordering the people to withdraw from the anti-Qin alliance.

Otherwise, there's no point in discussing anything.

After all, Cao Cao had his pride. He couldn't betray his ally based on a baseless speculation. Otherwise, who would dare to ally with Cao Cao in the future?

If Qin Xuan knew what Cao Cao was thinking, he would definitely scoff at him with two words: "Heh heh, you Cao Cao, you like..." Does Cao still have credibility?

Who knows what the people of the world are saying about you behind your back!

············

The vast grassland region north of Yunzhong County in Bingzhou.

This area is lush with water and grass, stretching as far as the eye can see, and was once the stronghold of the Xianbei nomadic tribes.

Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu's group traveled a long way, crossing thousands of mountains and rivers, and finally arrived here. With the guidance of the local guide, they came to the Beiyu and Wuquan area.

This is the location of the Xianbei Budugen tribe.

Because Bingzhou was a vast territory, the Qin army did not completely control the area, but instead formed a tacit understanding with the nomadic tribes there.

As long as the latter do not launch a large-scale southward invasion, the Qin army will not take the initiative to attack and annihilate them, since neither side will benefit.

Budugen seized this opportunity and established himself in the Yunzhong County area.

Inside a huge woolen tent, the tall, burly, and unshaven Budugen was drinking and making merry with his favorite concubine, enjoying songs and dances.

"Reporting to Lord Western!"

Just as he was getting into the mood and wanted to have a great time with his favorite concubine, a hurried and loud voice outside the tent almost made him lose his temper.

"What is it?"

Budugen asked irritably towards the outside, he was in a bad mood at the moment.

Hearing his Khan's furious reply, the guards outside the tent explained in fear:

"My lord, a group of Han Chinese have come to visit. The leader says they've come to seek your cooperation and discuss important matters!"

The tent remained silent for a long time. Just as the guards were wondering why there was no movement, the tent flap was lifted from the inside, and Budugen strode out with brisk steps.

"Han Chinese? Where are they?"

Upon hearing that a Han Chinese had come to visit, Budugen dared not disregard it.

The Han people possess abundant grain and ironware, which are their tribe's most scarce strategic resources. A visit from the Han people would undoubtedly bring benefits, and this is what Budugen desires most. (Highly recommend "Three Kingdoms: Rise from Intercepting Liu Bei"! Click to enter the story world.)

"They're right outside; they came here following the guide!"

The guard quickly answered.

"Go and invite them in!"

Budugen waved his hand to dismiss him, then returned to his tent.

When Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu stepped into the tent, they saw only one burly man with a scruffy beard, dressed in wool clothing, sitting casually on a couch, cutting meat with a knife.

The favored concubine who was previously inside the tent is now nowhere to be found; she must have been driven away by Budugen.

"I am Zhuge Kongming, and I greet Lord Budugen of the Western Xianbei!"

Upon meeting Budugen, Zhuge Liang bowed deeply, a gesture instructed by their guide.

Guan Yu stood arrogantly beside Zhuge Liang, his eyes slightly narrowed, stroking his long beard as he sized up the so-called Xianbei king, Budugen.

Budugen was quite satisfied with the polite Zhuge Liang, but when he glanced at Guan Yu out of the corner of his eye and saw that Guan Yu did not bow to him, he was immediately filled with anger, especially since his anger had not yet subsided, and he was even more furious.

He stood up abruptly, wanting to use his large physique and thick body to show Guan Yu what true intimidation was.

"Um?"

Sensing a murderous aura emanating from him, Guan Yu immediately opened his eyes and stared intently at Budugen, the killing intent in his eyes seeming to coalesce into a sharp blade that pierced straight into Budugen.

Who is Guan Yu?

That was a war god who could rival Lü Bu. He didn't even consider Bu Dugen a threat. Besides, he wasn't empty-handed; he was carrying a sword with him!

Hijacking a Budugen is a piece of cake.

Facing Guan Yu, the God of War who had survived countless battles and killed countless people, Budugen was no match for him. After just one glance between them, he was defeated and slunk away in disgrace.

Guan Yu didn't pursue the matter relentlessly. He restrained his aura, narrowed his eyes, and stood still as if nothing had happened.

Zhuge Liang, standing to the side, was overjoyed, waving his feather fan. He was truly at ease with Guan Yu by his side, and then explained his purpose.

"My lord, I have come here on the orders of my master, Liu Bei, to invite you and the various grassland tribes to join forces in attacking Qin. I hope you will consider this request!"

Upon regaining his senses, Budugen immediately recognized the identity of the person before him. Although he had lived on the grasslands for a long time, he was still familiar with the situation in the Central Plains.

Not long ago, Yue Fei's army in Bingzhou strengthened its defenses, which greatly hampered their plan to plunder southwards for the winter. Budugen later learned that a war against Qin had broken out in the Central Plains.

The Qin army in Ji, You, and Bing provinces strengthened its defenses, making the winter extremely difficult for them and resulting in the deaths of many civilians.

"Join forces to attack Qin? Are you unable to hold out and want to find other allies?"

Budugen was unaware of the failure of the anti-Qin alliance and believed that Zhuge Liang's visit was intended to incite them to attack Yue Fei's army, thus keeping the Qin army preoccupied with its own problems.

"..."

Zhuge Liang was momentarily dumbfounded, not understanding the meaning behind Budugen's words. However, the exceptionally intelligent Zhuge Liang quickly figured it out.

It is likely that Budugen was unaware that the anti-Qin alliance was already defunct in name only and that the anti-Qin war had been a complete failure.

That's fine too, what difference does it make who we fool?

Thinking of this, Zhuge Liang nodded.

Seeing Zhuge Liang nod in acknowledgment, it was Budugen's turn to remain silent.

The Central Plains War is not over yet. Could he take this opportunity to march south and conquer Bingzhou? Yue Fei's army will then face internal and external troubles, and be unable to attend to one thing while neglecting another. If he could bring in other tribes, his chances of winning would be even greater.

Perhaps we can wipe them out in one fell swoop?

"Strategist, has Budugen gone mad?"

Guan Yu noticed Budugen's absent-minded appearance and quietly asked Zhuge Liang, "I think this guy is a bit stupid."

"have no idea!"

Zhuge Liang shrugged slightly and spread his hands. He couldn't understand what Budugen was thinking or why he was smiling. Could it be that he had fooled him too much?

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