Liu Xuande would never be a succubus of the Eastern Han Dynasty!

Master Lu flicked Liu Bei with a flick of his hand, somewhat embarrassed, and then said, "Because of the winter, the Hu people in Bingzhou have repeatedly invaded the south to plunder. The court is discussing whether to use a large-scale military force against them."

"As the weather turns colder, we do need to pay attention to the large-scale southward migration of nomadic peoples." Liu Bei showed no surprise.

"Nomads? That's an interesting term."

Master Lu naturally understood the key factor Liu Bei pointed out, and then spread his hands and said, "It can't be helped. Ever since Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang)'s 'Red Sky' was shattered, the temperature in the north has been unable to be controlled, leading to the current situation."

???

What the hell, this weapon of yours can control the weather? Holy crap, is it that awesome?!

Then why are we still fighting? We should just pool the whole country's resources to search for the fragments of Chixiao, reactivate Chixiao, and then use the military to pacify the north. Maybe we can achieve peace.

"You think too much."

Master Lu saw what Liu Bei was thinking and explained calmly, "Putting aside the fact that the holder of the Heavenly Dao would obstruct the assembly of the Scarlet Sky fragments, just speaking of this matter, I don't think it means that this sword possesses supreme power, but rather that the person holding the sword possesses the power."

After hearing this, Liu Bei finally understood.

The Chixiao Sword is very mysterious, but it is the imperial sword because Liu Bang holds it. They complement and cooperate with each other, which is why it is blessed with mysterious power.

The key is not the sword, but the person.

As long as you are strong enough, even if you only have an ordinary fire stick, you can force the enemy to choose your stick or the fire stick.

"When do you plan to leave?"

"tomorrow."

"Ah."

Master Lu nodded slightly and said, "I have received their invitation and am preparing to return to Beijing to explain the scriptures."

Whenever she said this, Liu Bei would suddenly realize one thing - Lu Zhi's ambition was not in war.

Although she was extremely powerful, loyal, and capable of both civil and military affairs, she just wanted to concentrate on studying Confucian classics on the basis of preserving the country and leaving behind immortal chapters for future generations.

This is the demeanor that a famous person in the world should have.

When Liu Bei thought of this, he suddenly recalled the memory in his mind and could not help but read out loud:

"The Master's views on the investigation of things in the Great Learning were all based on the old version, which is what the ancient scholars called a mistranslation. When I first heard it, I was shocked, then I was doubtful, and then I devoted all my energy to thinking about it."

"..."

As soon as these words were spoken, Mrs. Lu's beautiful brows frowned instantly, but she did not interrupt immediately. Instead, she chose to listen quietly.

This lecture lasted from morning to night. Master Lu listened so intently that he didn't even have the appetite for tea or food, and didn't even realize it was night.

The expression on her face changed from frowning, to admiring, and finally to thoughtfulness.

"The unity of knowledge and action, the unity of conscience? What an interesting statement! Who is this person who could have written such a profound and profound doctrine?"

Liu Bei smiled and replied, "He is a man from heaven."

"Yeah."

"Well, it's getting late now. If you have nothing else to say, why don't we talk about it next time?"

"..."

Master Lu first looked at the sky, then pondered for a while and suddenly said:

"Let's go back to the room. Go to bed and continue your story with me. You are not allowed to get up until you finish."

Isn't this a bit... too much?

"That's all right, as long as your knowledge and actions are consistent with your conscience."

"...My good master, is this how you use the word?"

“Knowing is acting immediately, and knowing is revealed through action, thus expanding conscience to the extreme, isn’t it?”

Bingzhou: Chapter 1: Defeating the Enemy with a Feint

Two days later.

The land of Bingzhou in early spring is still a bit cold. The wind blows through the mountains and fields, blowing up the dead grass and remaining snow, making a low whimper.

Liu Bei led fifty riders and galloped through the night, their horses' hooves breaking the thin ice and splashing tiny drops of water.

He was wearing a green cloak, a sword at his waist, and his eyes were calm and peaceful. The two figures next to him had completely different outlines - Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

Guan Yu was dressed in white clothes as white as snow, his long hair dancing in the wind, his cold and arrogant eyes revealed a murderous aura, and he held a long sword in his hand, the blade shining coldly in the moonlight.

Zhang Fei was wearing light armor, and his petite body seemed to contain endless energy. He held a spear in his hand and even hummed a tuneless little tune, which was really a bit lively.

Before setting off, Jia Xu made an outrageous statement, "I am too weak to ride a horse," and sat behind Liu Bei openly.

Although Liu Bei had been granted the title of Guannei Hou, he still had to obey the imperial edict and go to Shangjun, Bingzhou to serve as the prefect of the county.

Shangjun is a good place with simple folk customs and warm hospitality. You can meet different kinds of Hu people here.

They were exhausted after the journey and were about to arrive at Dingxiang County when they came across a thrilling scene on the mountain road at night.

"Report! There's something happening up ahead."

Liu Bei and others heard the sound from a distance. He quickly led everyone to the top of the mountain and found a place where they could get a general view of the whole situation at a glance.

Looking up, he saw flames rising into the sky and deafening shouts of killing in the distant valley. Thousands of Han soldiers with Han flags were surrounded by hundreds of Xianbei cavalry, and the situation was critical.

The Xianbei cavalry galloped on their horses, drew their bows and shot arrows at the crowd like rain. Although the Han soldiers fought desperately, they were forced to retreat due to their poor mobility, and the hillside was stained with blood.

"Brother, as fellow Han Chinese, we cannot stand by and watch someone die!"

Zhang Fei stopped and looked at Liu Bei with wide eyes, his little face flushed red, showing an impatient look of anticipation.

"..."

Although Guan Yu didn't speak, she gripped the hilt of the sword tighter, and a hint of murderous intent flashed in her cold eyes.

Liu Bei narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "The enemy is numerous and we are few, and the Hu people's horses are strong and powerful. If we confront them head-on, it would be tantamount to suicide."

The three of them were indeed endowed with extraordinary powers, and two of them were even future enemies of ten thousand men, but this did not mean that they could lead fifty cavalrymen straight into the enemy camp and kill them all.

Liu Bei's last charge was due to an extremely critical situation and was a helpless choice. In addition, the enemy underestimated his combat power and other factors led to the final result.

But the situation now is completely different from then.

The Xianbei cavalry were fierce and strong, all veterans of hundreds of battles, while the Wuxian bandits were basically a mob, and there was no possibility of comparison between the two sides.

It's hard.

But it doesn’t mean there is no solution at all.

Liu Bei turned his head and looked at the person behind him - Jia Xu.

This ** woman was wearing a light purple silk dress, and her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque. Even though the situation ahead was critical, there was still a faint smile at the corner of her lips, as if everything was under her control.

"Don't worry, everyone."

There was a hint of cunning in her gentle voice: "My lord, although the enemy troops are numerous, in my opinion, they are just defeated armies that will collapse at the first blow."

Liu Bei said succinctly: "Oh? Then please teach me, sir."

He knew that in such situations, counselors would usually first make some big statements to "disdain" the other party, intimidate their own generals, and then come up with a bold plan.

Then, the generals all cooperated and showed expressions of "Wow, this is possible!"

Sure enough, Jia Xu smiled slightly and pointed to the hillside. "Divide the fifty cavalry into two groups. Order Guan and Zhang to lead twenty-five cavalry each. Then, light torches, beat drums and shout, and rush down the mountain."

"In the dead of night, the light and noise of fire will surely indicate an incoming attack. The Hu people have penetrated deep into our territory and will not fight for long. Seeing this, they will surely become suspicious and panic and retreat without attacking."

"This is a strategy to confuse the enemy."

Damn, your plan is so consistent with common morality. It seems that the future poison master is still a normal person before he grows up.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's eyes flashed with approval, and he immediately made a decision: "Okay, let's follow your plan. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, you two quickly go and prepare!"

"Order!"

Zhang Fei excitedly waved his spear and almost jumped up, "Second sister, let's see who can reach the foot of the mountain first!"

"boring."

Guan Yu snorted coldly, ignored her, and directly jumped on his horse. A cold voice came out: "Deployment, light the torches and go down the mountain."

After they each led their troops away, Liu Bei turned to look at Jia Xu - this guy now showed a mysterious smile that was difficult to understand.

“…Wenhe, what do you want to do?” Liu Bei couldn’t help but shudder.

"Nothing, I just need Lord Xuande's help."

Jia Xu looked at the Xianbei cavalry at the foot of the mountain, his smile still intact. "While what I just said is true, to be on the safe side, I would like my lord to use his 'supernormal' power to shoot the enemy general."

She pointed at the most conspicuous person in the crowd. This person was dressed in gorgeous clothes, moving back and forth in the formation, constantly shouting, and was obviously a commander.

"At this distance..." Liu Bei narrowed his eyes, "The longbow I carry might not be accurate."

Even if he can use the time-stopping ability to help, his weapons and equipment are outdated, so no matter how much he cheats, he can only gain a little bit.

"It doesn't matter. This is exactly what Xu wanted to achieve."

Jia Xu smiled and took out a bow and arrow, personally handing it to Liu Bei, "...please use this arrow, my lord."

"What's the secret? Did you put poison on it?"

Jia Xu said with a forced smile: "Yes, it's just a little bit of poison, that's all."

"..."

As the night deepens, the mountain wind howls.

After receiving the order, the fifty riders divided themselves into groups again at each hilltop, with ten people in each group, and quietly climbed up the highest slope.

"Prepare for action."

Guan Yu took the lead, her white clothes rustling in the night wind. She raised the torch in her hand high above her head, lit it and threw it forward.

His cold eyes swept down the mountain, and he shouted in a cold voice: "Beat the drums, shout!"

"As ordered!"

The soldier shouted in unison, drums roared, and everyone lit torches and started running down.

The firelight illuminated the hillside red, as if thousands of troops were galloping towards them.

Zhang Fei led another team. His petite figure jumped around on the top of the mountain, waving torches like a small windmill.

She beat the small drum at her waist and shouted at the top of her voice, "Hu Gou, your Grandma Zhang is here!"

Her voice was clear and loud, full of provocation, and echoed in the valley.

"Oh oh oh oh!"

The soldiers were inspired by her and their shouts became even louder. As they waved torches, the hillside became like a sea of fire.

At the foot of the mountain, the Xianbei cavalry leader, Helai Tulele, reined in his horse. He was wearing animal skin armor, and the scimitar in his hand was even dripping with blood.

He looked at the besieged Han army and laughed fiercely: "Hahaha, none of these Han dogs can escape tonight!"

"Roar!"

But at this moment, the fire and shouts on the top of the mountain sounded at the same time. His face changed and he frowned instantly. He asked: "What's going on? Could it be that the Han army has reinforcements?"

At the same time, his deputy general shouted in panic: "Captain, there are flames rising from the mountain. I'm afraid tens of thousands of soldiers are coming!"

He Lai Tulele narrowed his eyes, his expression looking somewhat hesitant.

Although he was fierce and brave, he was not a brainless person. The vision was obstructed at night, and the firelight and drum sounds also made him suspicious.

But what if this is a decoy of the enemy?

When it comes to using troops, if you make a wrong decision just once, the entire army may be completely destroyed and left in disarray.

Moreover, the Xianbei were all cavalrymen. Even if they wanted to escape, they could just wait until they were clearly identified. There was no need to panic.

"Charge! Our reinforcements are here!"

"kill!"

The surrounded Han army naturally saw the scenery on the mountain, and suddenly they all started shouting as if they were injected with chicken blood.

"Damn it, how can these thieves and killers still have such courage?"

"Sir, should we advance or retreat?"