The clatter of warhorses’ hooves echoed through the air. In less than half a day, after crossing a mountain, led by Cheng Yu, Tian Chou saw the Long Xiao Camp poised for battle in the valley hidden on the other side!
— Seven hundred Long Xiao Cavalry!
— Three hundred Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry!
— Seven hundred Xian Zhen Camp!
— Eight hundred Xian Deng Death Warriors!
— Three thousand spearmen!
— Five hundred Bai Ma Yi Cong!
These were the most elite troops of the Long Xiao Camp.
The sun was about to set, yet Lu Yu, with the officers and soldiers of each camp, stood in silent anticipation, gazing towards the direction of the official road.
Finally, the crisp and urgent sound of hooves was heard.
Lu Yu, Zhang Liao, and Cao Xiu craned their necks. Under the obstruction of tree shadows, they saw hundreds of riders galloping from afar. The figures on horseback gradually became clear, and the person at the front was, naturally, Cheng Yu.
“They’re here!”
Lu Yu murmured, while Cheng Yu and Tian Chou dismounted first.
Cheng Yu introduced, “Young Master Lu, this is Mr. Tian.”
Lu Yu bowed respectfully to Tian Chou.
“This junior greets Mr. Tian.”
“Marquis of White Horse, are you planning a northern expedition against the Wuhuan?” Tian Chou’s eyes were sharp. He was not good at socializing and cut straight to the point, without much pleasantry.
“Precisely!” Lu Yu explained. “Chancellor Cao’s army of three hundred thousand has retreated to Youzhou from the front and left a notice. Now, the Wuhuan believe the crisis is averted and will surely be at their most lax!”
“A grand strategy, indeed worthy of the Yin Lin who excels at psychological warfare!” Tian Chou exclaimed, and immediately took something from his怀 and handed it to Lu Yu.
Lu Yu accepted it carefully…
— A map!
No, to be precise, it should be called a strategic map.
The strategic map that Lu Yu had asked Cheng Yu to obtain from Tian Chou was this very one…
This was a strategic map of a small path leading to Liu City of Wuhuan. This path was rarely traveled; not to mention local people, even the Wuhuan did not know of it.
And how much effort Tian Chou had put in to draw this strategic map!
He had waited for a very long time to find someone who could hand it over to him.
“Young Master Lu, the main Wuhuan forces are gathered along the ‘Wuzhong’ line, but my map records a small path. It can cross Xu Wu Mountain, reach Beiping’s Zhipinggang County, and from there, it can lead directly to Bai Lang Mountain, allowing for a silent advance on Liu City. However…”
Tian Chou hesitated to speak.
Lu Yu seemed to understand something and took Tian Chou’s hand.
“This small path must be difficult to traverse, correct?”
Tian Chou nodded. “This path is rarely traveled and severely damaged, making it very difficult to navigate!”
Tian Chou’s words, however, made Lu Yu feel much more at ease.
According to historical records, Lu Yu knew that Tian Chou possessed the map!
But… whether the small path recorded on the map was hidden enough, and whether it could evade the eyes of the Wuhuan scouts, was crucial.
Rarely traveled, severely damaged…
And high in the mountains!
What might be difficulties for Tian Chou were, in Lu Yu’s eyes, highly conducive to concealing the Long Xiao Camp’s march!
“Rarely traveled and severely damaged, excellent!” Lu Yu’s lips curved into a faint smile. “This means we can achieve surprise only by overcoming difficulties!”
“I am willing to lead my tribesmen as guides to assist Marquis of White Horse!”
“Good!” Lu Yu’s eyes suddenly widened. “With Mr. Tian’s help, this battle will surely lead to the extermination of the Wuhuan!”
Thinking of this…
Lu Yu immediately turned around. “Where is Zhang Wenyuan?”
“Your subordinate is here!” Zhang Liao stepped forward…
For this battle, almost all the elites of the Long Xiao Camp were mobilized, but… the commander Lu Yu unexpectedly appointed Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenyuan…
On one hand, it was Lu Yu’s trust;
On the other hand, it was the glory and salvation of his ancestors!
Zhang Liao felt his blood surge within him…
Lu Yu raised the command banner and ordered loudly, “Receive the command banner—!”
Zhang Liao and all the officers and soldiers of the Long Xiao Camp knelt in unison. “Receive the command banner—!”
Lu Yu looked down at the thousand troops and then gazed towards the road ahead.
Zhang Liao, however, rose resolutely and chanted loudly, “Clad in armor, we march to punish the unrighteous and punish those who do injustice. We swear allegiance on Muye, to offer sacrifices to the blood of the Xia, and I, your subordinate, having received the trust of Marquis of White Horse, am willing to emulate the glory of the former Marquis of Champion and lead the troops on a northern expedition. If the smoke of war does not extinguish and the conquest has no end, if these barbarians do not perish, I would rather die in the northern desert!”
These words were spoken by Cao Cao, a heroic declaration from the oath-taking ceremony in Ye City…
And that oath-taking ceremony was false, while this oath-taking is true!
These words were actually prepared and paved for this very moment!
— “If these barbarians do not perish, I would rather die in the northern desert!”
— “If these barbarians do not perish, I would rather die in the northern desert!”
Thousands of people roared in unison, their voices not loud, but each one emanating from the depths of their hearts, a sincere cry.
Lu Yu looked deeply at Zhang Liao and patted his shoulder.
“Wenyuan, this battle is entrusted to you. When the Wuhuan are annihilated, I will host a victory banquet in Youzhou to celebrate the soldiers who marched. I hope that you and every brother will not be absent!”
This sentence… was filled with hope, with Lu Yu’s fervent wish for Zhang Liao and every Long Xiao Camp soldier to return victorious and safe!
The trap was set!
Lu Yu, whose military strength did not exceed “five,” would certainly not be a hindrance on the battlefield. The rest would be left to these tough men!
“March!”
Zhang Liao mounted his horse and resolutely led the way towards Xu Wu Mountain… In this battle, Zhang Liao wanted to avenge his ancestors and the 'Nie' clan, to erase the shame of the “Mayi Conspiracy”!
The army set off…
Thousands of soldiers marched majestically, their hooves clattering, their footsteps resounding, stirring up endless dust in this small space.
Watching the army depart, Lu Yu softly recited.
— “Thirty years of fame are but dust and soil, eight thousand li of road beneath the moon and clouds!”
For a moment, he seemed to experience the heroic spirit and grandeur of Yue Wumu!
Just then…
“Young Master…”
Dian Wei’s voice was heard at an inopportune moment.
Hmm…
Lu Yu turned around. Dian Wei took a step closer and deliberately lowered his voice.
“Someone from the Lu family in Jiangdong has secretly arrived! They have been accommodated in the government office in Zhuo County, Youzhou, and said they have important matters to report to you, Young Master!”
Jiangdong!
The Lu family!
Lu Yu’s eyes suddenly turned cold, as if he had a premonition of something.
“Return to Zhuo County!”
…
…
Jingzhou, Wolonggang, in the afternoon… Warm sunlight streamed through the courtyard. Liu Bei stood by Zhuge Liang’s bed. Clearly, he had been standing there for over an hour.
He observed the sleeping “Sleeping Dragon” with great curiosity, carefully examining him, then clasped his head in contemplation.
During this time, Zhuge Liang turned over, facing inwards, and went back to sleep.
Liu Bei, however, was extremely patient, waiting like this… waiting quietly.
Outside the door, Guan Yu, who had turned off the lights in the courtyard, could not help but complain in a low voice.
“The clever are weary and the wise are worried; the incompetent have nothing to seek. Those who eat well wander, like an unmoored boat. It’s rare for a person to sleep so peacefully for so long! Is it a mind free of attachments? Or a lack of fear? Sleeping Dragon, hehe… lazy dragon!”
“Damn it!” Zhang Fei grumbled. “I really want to set this thatched hut on fire and let him sleep to his heart’s content!”
“If you dare to burn it, I’m afraid Big Brother will disown you as a brother!”
Guan Yu advised, still holding his expressionless, stoic face…
Actually…
Zhuge Liang had woken up long ago. If Liu Bei was patient, how could Zhuge Liang not be patient?
A lord choosing an advisor requires careful thought; an advisor choosing a lord requires even more careful thought!
“Are there any distinguished guests?”
Finally, after a long while… Zhuge Liang got up.
He pretended not to see Liu Bei.
The attendant reported, “Lord Liu, the Prefect stationed in Xinye, is here and has been waiting for a long time!”
Zhuge Liang quickly blamed him.
“Why didn’t you wake me sooner? I need to change my clothes!”
As he spoke, he staggered to the back hall, and it took him another half a moment…
“He puts on quite a show!” Zhang Fei grumbled…
Guan Yu remained silent…
Liu Bei, however, looked at Zhuge Liang’s departing back and mused that if this person could help him build his empire, what did it matter if he put on a show?
“Lord Liu, please…”
Not long after, the attendant came out and respectfully invited Liu Bei to the back hall!
Thus…
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood guard outside, while Liu Bei cautiously proceeded towards the secret chamber in the back hall.
At a square table, the two men sat in kneeling posture.
“Liu Bei greets the Master…”
Liu Bei spoke first.
Zhuge Liang’s eyes were devoid of any emotion, and he countered, “There are countless people named Liu in the current world; who are you, Sir?”
Is this… a test?
Liu Bei suddenly realized Zhuge Liang’s intention, immediately stood up, and bowed again with cupped hands. “A mere mat weaver and sandal seller, Liu Xuande of Zhuo County, greets Master Zhuge?”
“Mat weaver and sandal seller?” Zhuge Liang raised his eyes.
“Indeed.” Liu Bei nodded. “Outside the door are my two brothers, one a pig butcher and dog seller Zhang Yide, and the other a gatekeeper Guan Yunzhang…”
“Lord Liu is too modest?” Zhuge Liang retorted.
“Not at all! I, Liu Bei, have wandered half my life without a single victory. I consider myself a mat weaver and sandal seller, and that is already overestimating myself. I am ashamed!”
“Without a single victory? That means complete defeat?”
“Precisely!” Liu Bei’s expression was calm and composed, and he said softly, “During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, I recruited soldiers in Zhuo County and gained merit by defeating the Yellow Turbans. However, because I did not bribe court officials, I was only enfeoffed as the Magistrate of Anxi County. I struck the Censor and resigned! This is my first defeat!”
“The Zhongshan Prefect Zhang Chun declared himself ‘Heavenly General,’ leading three Wuhuan commanderies to raid Qing, Xu, You, and Ji, killing and plundering officials and commoners, leaving devastation wherever they went. I led the brave men of my hometown to fight them. Encountering the enemy in the field, I was severely wounded and feigned death, escaping death! However, I ultimately did not die for the country like a famous scholar. Utterly shameful, this is my second defeat!”
“After that, I was the Magistrate of Gaotang County, and was defeated by the rebels again. I sought refuge with my senior brother Gongsun Zan! This is my third defeat!”
Is this considered frankness?
Zhuge Liang’s eyes narrowed. From Liu Bei’s words, he sensed that Liu Bei intended to convey more than just these few defeats!
The first defeat was about not clinging to the powerful.
The second defeat was about not seeking empty fame.
The third defeat was that after all accumulated efforts were lost, one still had to start from scratch!
These were not necessarily virtues, but they could also indicate his character!
Before Zhuge Liang could ponder further, Liu Bei’s voice continued, “My fourth defeat and fifth defeat were both at the hands of Lu Bu! I was forced to seek refuge with Cao Cao twice!”
“My sixth defeat, seventh defeat, and eighth defeat were all at the hands of Cao Cao! This led to the northern border changing hands, and the Yuan clan being destroyed!”
“My ninth defeat…”
Upon reaching this point, Liu Bei’s tone became particularly serious. “I, Bei, hope for your guidance, Master. I do not wish for a ninth defeat!”
He clasped his hands together and bowed.
Hiss…
Zhuge Liang narrowed his eyes, pondering Liu Bei’s words. Fourth and fifth defeats, defeated by Lu Bu, seeking refuge with Cao Cao twice… How shameless does one have to be to seek refuge twice and betray twice?
Yet, Liu Bei spoke these words with a straight face, as if these were trivial matters. If Cao Cao accepted him… he would join! If not, could he not go to Yuan Shao or Liu Biao?
And the sixth and seventh defeats were even more exaggerated.
Liu Bei had previously followed Gongsun Zan, but now he sought refuge with Yuan Shao? Wouldn’t this be laughed at by everyone under heaven?
Yet, Liu Bei’s demeanor was natural, as if these were also trivial matters!
Who is a true enemy? This time is different from that time. As long as he still has value, and as long as someone is willing to use him, everything can be discussed!
There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests!
With this thought, Zhuge Liang looked up at Liu Bei.
He even thought of Liu Bei’s eighth defeat, when he gathered the Yellow Turban army of Liu Pi to raid Xuchang city, only to be burned to ashes by the Tai students led by Jun Di…
But the current Liu Bei was still actively preparing for war in Xinye… What kind of courage and sentiment this was!
“Lord Liu is currently under the protection of Liu Biao. If Liu Biao is defeated again, what then?”
“Master, if Governor Liu is defeated, I can still seek refuge with Liu Zhang of Yizhou, Zhang Lu of Hanzhong, Sun Clan of Jiangdong, or Han Sui and Ma Teng of Xiliang… If all else fails, I can go to the Shi Xie of the southern regions!”
Saying this, with a “bang,” Liu Bei took out the Emperor’s Blood Edict…
He placed it before Zhuge Liang without any hesitation.
“Master, please look. This is the Emperor’s blood. As long as I, Liu Bei, still breathe, the Han rebels are irreconcilable, and the royal enterprise will not be confined to a corner!”
Huo…
Upon hearing Liu Bei’s words, Zhuge Liang’s eyes opened, and his tone became much more solemn.
“Well said, Liu Xuande, the undefeatable!”
Indeed, in the seventh year of Jian’an, the forty-year-old Liu Bei faced a typical mid-life crisis.
He could not achieve much, nor could he settle for little. Although he had several brave generals under his command, his troops and men were few. Although he had achieved some success in the past, it was fleeting. Although he himself harbored ambitions, he did not know the uncertain fate.
Looking back on his path, he had relied on himself, but at most, he had united a group of entrepreneurial brothers.
He had allied with the gentry, but he could not withstand the forceful attacks of the strong.
He had met the Son of Heaven and discovered that he was already a pawn in the hands of a warlord.
He had sought refuge with warlords, but whether it was Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, Tao Qian of Xuzhou, Yuan Shao of Ji, or Liu Biao of Jing, all of them had already died!
Fleeing time and time again, suffering defeat after defeat, Liu Bei had fallen into bewilderment and doubt. Which was the key to achieving success: the symbolic divine imperial decree, the middle-ranking civil and military officials, or the strength of the common people from the bottom?
The current Liu Bei was confused and helpless. He had no clue about this…
He was even powerless!
The sighs he uttered now, the tears welling up in his eyes, undoubtedly over-drew his inner faith.
“The sun and moon race by, and old age is approaching!” Liu Bei sighed… “I beg Master to guide me. In this great era of contention, how should I seize the opportunity?”
Hoo…
Zhuge Liang suddenly stood up. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. Liu Bei’s words had moved him.
“Lord Liu has spoken of so many experiences of defeat and escape, but unfortunately, he has not realized one point. And it is precisely this point that can gather the brothers under your command who become braver with each setback, the families in the land of Jingzhou who are hesitant and lost, the seemingly useless imperial decree, and even Lord Liu’s own reputation as a member of the imperial clan!”
Huo…
Zhuge Liang’s words made Liu Bei’s spirit soar. He suddenly stood up.
“I hope Master will not hesitate to teach me!”
In this vast trial ground shrouded in smoke, Liu Bei placed his hopes on the young man before him, that is… how to turn the painful memories of previous failures into something wonderful!
“Sit…” Zhuge Liang gestured. “In the past, when Cao Cao entered Yanzhou, it was Lu Ziyu who drew up a grand plan for his hegemony, inheriting the mandate of heaven, unifying the civil and military, and securing the peace of the common people! Today, Liang dares to discuss the current state of the world! And plan a different strategic objective for Lord Liu.”
…
…
Youzhou, Zhuo County.
The administrative seat of Zhuo County was Zhuo County, the place where Liu Bei used to weave mats and sell sandals, and Zhang Fei used to butcher pigs and sell dogs.
On the city wall, the painting of Nuwa mending the heavens, due to the ravages of war over the years and the lack of repair, had become somewhat dilapidated from the wind, sun, and rain.
As he passed through the city gate, Lu Yu naturally noticed this “Nuwa Mending the Heavens” painting!
For a moment, his thoughts drifted!
Before his transmigration, he had actually been to Zhuo County. According to the local people, the “Nuwa Mending the Heavens” painting on the drum tower wall of Zhuo County was the work of Zhang Fei more than a thousand years ago.
Heh…
Lu Yu smiled slightly, muttering to himself, he didn’t expect Zhang Yide to be such a soul painter.
Of course, it was little known that in later generations, in Zhang Fei’s hometown, there was also a mural in the Wanfo Pavilion, also by Zhang Fei’s own hand!
Inside the government office…
The envoy from the Lu family of Jiangdong was already waiting. Lu Yu recognized him as a member of the Long Xiao Camp who had accompanied Chen Gong to Jiangdong in the past.
“Commander Lu!” The envoy from Jiangdong cupped his hands and bowed to Lu Yu.
Lu Yu waved his hand gently.
“Report!”
The Long Xiao soldier did not hesitate and immediately reported, “Some time ago, the imperial court granted Sun Yi the position of Prefect. With the assistance of the four great families of Kuaiji and the four great families of Wujun, the third son Sun Yi became the ruler of Jiangdong!”
“Isn’t that good?” Lu Yu countered.
“Yes… but…” The Long Xiao soldier’s tone shifted. “But… the Huaihai faction led by Zhou Yu still supports the second son Sun Quan. The entire Jiangdong is divided into two factions. Originally… Sun Quan sent Zhou Yu to attack Huang Zu of Jiangxia, and the factional dispute was temporarily put aside. However… the Shanyue people have repeatedly plundered! Although the eight great families have money and grain, their number of troops is not large!”
Shanyue?
Upon hearing these two words, Lu Yu’s eyes darted.
So, while he was campaigning against the Wuhuan, the Shanyue in the southern territory were also becoming restless.
And these Shanyue, from their origins, developed from the Dong Ou, Min Yue, Yu Yue, and other Bai Yue ethnic groups during the Qin and Han dynasties. It is said that they even have descendants of King Goujian of Yue…
Similar to the Hu people, the Shanyue people originally engaged in agriculture, but due to geographical reasons, their yields were often not high!
According to ancient texts and literature…
It seems… that it was eventually Zhuge Ke of the Wu Kingdom who utilized this point!
Taking advantage of the Shanyue people’s harvest season being between planting and harvesting, he sent people to seize their grain, thus forcing the Shanyue people to surrender to Eastern Wu!
This process took Sun Wu thirty-eight years!
And due to the special military system of Jiangdong, this army naturally belonged to Zhuge Ke’s family!
Thinking of this…
Lu Yu lightly tapped his forehead. In his memory, the Shanyue people could mine and smelt their own iron, casting weapons and armor. Even… the Shanyue people of Kuaiji County were particularly skilled in weaving!
Just like the status of the Wuhuan in the northern territory, the Shanyue could also become the rear base and important supply for the Lu family army!
“What are Boyan’s and Mr. Chen’s intentions? Are they planning to recruit troops to suppress the Shanyue?”
Lu Yu immediately asked.
The Long Xiao soldier nodded. “In fact, the Lu family of Jiangdong already has more than twenty thousand troops, and there are generals like Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin who are capable of fighting tough battles. However… in the end, they lack a commander to formulate an overall deployment!”
This is indeed…
Lu Yu nodded.
Indeed, whether it was Chen Gong, or Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin, none of them could be considered commanders.
As for Lu Xun, he was a hero of later generations…
He was still in his growth period. One could not expect a teenager to be a commander and lead troops.
Of course…
Although the current Lu Xun was still lacking, Lu Yu could train him! He could find a reliable teacher for him!
Lu Bu was definitely not an option!
Then…
In terms of military discipline and command? Who should be sent?
Lu Yu narrowed his eyes and pondered carefully.
…
…