Nanyang, Wolonggang.
The sky was gradually darkening, but the wine in the jug was kept at a perfect warmth.
The conversation between Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei in the secret room was also reaching its climax.
"The Han Dynasty is in decline, and wicked officials usurp the authority of the Son of Heaven. I, Liu Bei, without properly measuring my own virtue and capability, wish to restore the Han Dynasty and continue its reign. But... my talent is inferior to Cao Cao, and my subordinates are no match for Lu Ziyu. As a result, I have suffered defeat after defeat! To this day, the wicked officials remain unpunished. I implore Master Zhuge for your guidance!"
At this point, Liu Bei drained his wine cup, his gaze earnest.
Zhuge Liang narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Lord Liu, have you still not understood your own strengths?"
"Strengths!" Liu Bei exclaimed in surprise...
Him? Repeatedly defeated eight times!
Countless minor defeats? Did he still have strengths?
Before Liu Bei could ponder further, Zhuge Liang's voice continued.
"Why has Cao Cao in the north been able to grow so strong? What is his advantage?" Zhuge Liang asked and answered himself: "It is trust!"
"Everyone knows that it was Lu Ziyu who achieved Cao Cao's hegemony, and what did Cao Cao give Lu Ziyu? Marquis of Baima! The Emperor's son-in-law! Grand Censor! Dragon son-in-law of the Xiahou clan! Is it these titles?"
"No! None of them!" Zhuge Liang answered his own question again. "What Cao Cao gave Lu Ziyu was a trust that completely eliminated any fear of rebellion!"
"In Cao Cao's camp, only Lu Ziyu's Long Xiao Battalion was not restricted by organizational structure and could expand its troops at will. In the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao dared to hand over command of the entire army to Lu Ziyu, while he himself acted as a vanguard to raid Wuchao. When attacking Ye City, if Lu Ziyu said not to attack hastily, then they would not attack hastily; if he said to dig a canal, then they would dig a canal! May I ask, Lord Liu, besides your second and third brothers, can you give such trust to any strategist?"
Crack...
Liu Bei clenched his fists tightly. He pondered for a moment, and when he looked up again, he realized he had already lost.
Zhuge Liang was comparing him to Lu Ziyu, and could he, Liu Bei, give this young man such trust?
He hesitated...
Liu Bei had already hesitated!
"I am ashamed, but your words are like a sudden enlightenment!" Liu Bei said with firm eyes. "If you, sir, emerge from seclusion, then my civil and military officials, and my soldiers will see you as they see myself! Your command will be my command!"
At these words...
A hint of disappointment flashed in Zhuge Liang's eyes. "Lord Liu misunderstands my meaning. I mentioned the trust Cao Cao gave to Lu Ziyu not because I seek such trust, but to tell Lord Liu that in decisiveness and boldness, Lord Liu has lost to Cao Cao!"
This...
Liu Bei frowned.
Zhuge Liang's voice continued, "However, Lord Liu has one aspect that neither Cao Mengde nor Lu Ziyu can attain?"
"What?" Liu Bei asked in surprise.
Zhuge Liang took a sip of tea. "As the Huainanzi says, only when one knows benevolence and righteousness, will one realize the insufficiency of rites and music in cultivation. When doing things, one must not get bogged down in details and lose sight of the fundamental. Lord Liu's advantage lies in his charisma! In the faith his subordinates have in Lord Liu..."
"I have heard that when Lord Liu leads his army, he always sits with the common people, conversing and laughing without being choosy! When the people have no food, Lord Liu gives them his own. When the common people are captured by enemies, Lord Liu risks his life to rescue them. Even when assassins try to kill Lord Liu, they ultimately cannot bear to leave. This shows that the common people have faith in Lord Liu!"
"This is why Lord Liu has repeatedly suffered defeats, yet his army does not disperse. Why is it that Lord Liu's flag bearer, starved to the point of not being able to stand, still clutches the military banner firmly? It is because Lord Liu has given them hope, given them faith!"
"Lord Liu's faith is to uphold the Han Dynasty, to ensure the people have food to eat, and to allow the impoverished to achieve success and be promoted. And the most terrifying thing in this world is hope, and faith is the most powerful force in this world!"
Hoo...
Hearing this, Liu Bei's gaze sharpened, and he immediately exclaimed, "Sir, you understand me even better than I understand myself!"
"Heh..." Zhuge Liang smiled faintly and continued, "Your soldiers are always loyal to Lord Liu. Is it because of the bravery and leadership of Guan and Zhang? No! It is because these soldiers no longer wish to be starving refugees..."
"When Lord Liu was defeated by Lu Bu and fled back to Xiaopei, his soldiers immediately increased from three thousand to ten thousand. During the surprise attack on Xudu, Lord Liu had forty thousand men, but in the end, only a few hundred cavalry remained after being burned. Yet within a year, tens of thousands of people gathered in Xinye City again! This is the power of faith in Lord Liu! It is also the only way for Lord Liu to survive in this chaotic world!"
"Gulp..."
Liu Bei swallowed. Listening to Zhuge Liang speak was truly exhilarating!
Then Zhuge Liang changed his tone...
"As for the current situation, it is not as dire as imagined! Lord Liu only needs to keep a few points in mind to secure a foothold in this chaotic world!"
"Sir, please!" Liu Bei perked up his ears, ready to listen attentively.
Zhuge Liang's tone became even more serious. "In the north, there is Lu Ziyu and the talents of Yingchuan, coupled with Cao Cao holding the Son of Heaven as a pretext to command the lords. One cannot contend with him!"
"In the south, the Sun clan, although experiencing instability due to the succession, their foundation built over three generations... their clan factions are intricate and complex, and one cannot contend with them, but one can ally with them as friends!"
"As for Jingzhou, it is the most suitable region for Lord Liu! Liu Jingsheng is a ruler who preserves, but he will never be able to hold these nine commanderies of Jingxiang. Rather than let Cao Cao take them, it would be better for Lord Liu to occupy them. Of course, as fellow members of the Han imperial clan, Lord Liu can only take them by stratagem, not by force... Opportunities will always come, but Lord Liu needs to seize those fleeting opportunities! Besides this, there is also Yizhou, a land of a thousand li, rich in resources, and Liu Zhang is weak and ineffective, making it easy to seize..."
At this mention...
Zhuge Liang paused. "If Jing and Yi provinces can be occupied, then... uniting with Jiangdong, once there is a change in the world, order a high-ranking general to lead the army of Jingzhou to attack Wan and Luo, and you yourself lead the forces of Yizhou out of Qin Chuan, then hegemony can be achieved and the Han Dynasty can be revived!"
Whoa...
Hearing the final words, Liu Bei's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
What a perfectly seamless operational outline!
What meticulous planning... it wasn't just meticulous, it was somewhat terrifying!
A young man in his early twenties, residing in a thatched cottage, could analyze the world so thoroughly...
Speaking of which...
Liu Bei was grateful to two people in his life!
The first was Chen Deng!
When Tao Qian was gravely ill, Chen Deng told him what to do when Liu Bei dared not even think about it?
The second was Zhuge Kongming!
And Zhuge Kongming told him what to do when Liu Bei was lost and unsure of what to do?
"Kongming..." Liu Bei changed his address. "I wish to tell you one more thing!"
"Lord Liu, please speak freely!" Zhuge Liang looked up.
Liu Bei's tone was solemn. "In the second year of Xingping, I was ambushed by Lu Bu in Xuzhou. I gathered the scattered troops and fled towards the Guangling area. In Guangling Haixi, that is a past I least wish to recall!"
"The army had not a single grain of food, and the soldiers ate the corpses of their comrades as they crawled forward slowly. There were even more ghastly things, which I find difficult to articulate..."
At this mention...
Liu Bei suddenly stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed to Zhuge Liang.
"Sir, Liu Bei has been afraid of losing all his life. I have seen too much brutality, too much struggle for survival. I beg you to teach me how to win? How to save the common people from suffering? Sir, you are to me what Lu Ziyu is to Cao Mengde! Sir, I implore you to come out of seclusion!"
Finally, the atmosphere was perfectly set!
Zhuge Liang slowly opened his eyes.
He did not answer Liu Bei immediately, but slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked up at the vast expanse of stars.
He murmured in his heart...
"Jun di, from this moment on, you and I are officially rivals! Your elder brother will not hold back!"
"As for Lu Ziyu, let's see how long Wolong can last against Yin Lin!"
...
...
In Xinye City, Jingzhou, fragrant carriages and fine horses passed through the streets incessantly, occasionally accompanied by the laughter of young girls. Beauties and famous scholars exchanged glances, filling the road with spring breeze.
In front of a simple carriage, a white-robed general escorted it on both sides. After a moment... from the carriage emerged a lady with an exceptionally fair complexion, as white as snow.
Who else could it be but Liu Bei's principal wife, Lady Gan?
"You go and get me some fabric! This is for Lord Liu and the two uncles to make clothes. Be very careful."
With a gentle command, several maids beside her entered the fabric shop.
After instructing these maids...
Lady Gan remained in the carriage. Ever since returning from the northern lands, she had disliked moving and preferred to sit quietly.
Little did she know, at that moment, the white-robed general approached the carriage.
"My Lady..."
He called out softly first...
"Ah..." A sudden sound startled Lady Gan. She knew that recently... Liu Bei had sent a white-robed general named Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong, to escort Lady Gan and Ah Dou safely.
But this was the first time the white-robed general had spoken to her proactively.
"General Zhao..."
Lady Gan replied politely.
"The Prime Minister asked me to deliver a message to my Lady. Do you remember the secret tunnel leading to the Prime Minister's mansion?"
Ah... ah...
Upon hearing this, Lady Gan's previously calm expression turned cold. The piece of silk she was holding in her hand dropped to the ground.
Zhao Yun picked up the cloth and handed it back to Lady Gan.
He did not forget to add.
"The moon is bright, the stars are few, magpies fly south. Circling the trees thrice, what branch can they rely on?"
Whoa...
In an instant, Lady Gan bit her lip, hesitated for a long time, and then murmured.
"You are..."
"Dragon Xiao Battalion, Zhao Zilong... My Lady can also call me by my code name—Zhu Long!"
Hoo...
Lady Gan let out a deep sigh.
But then, the corners of her mouth curved, and she revealed a rare, long-lost smile.
"Finally... finally, I have found kin in the south! How is the Prime Minister... is he well?"
"The Prime Minister is not well. He misses my Lady day and night!"
Zhao Yun replied truthfully!
"Pat..."
As these words were spoken, a few tears welled up in Lady Gan's eyes. "So, he... he still remembers Gan Mei under the red candle!"
Drip...
A few more tears... Lady Gan felt a warmth in her heart.
Ever since she came here with Guan Yu, overcoming obstacles and defeating generals...
Today was the happiest day.
"My Lady, do not fear. From now on, Zhu Long will protect you, and will also protect the young master!"
"The safety of my Lady and the young master concerns all under heaven, concerns millions of common people!"
"Zhao Zilong reports for duty!"
Especially the last sentence, his words were firm and powerful.
...
...
For two full months.
Discarding supplies and traveling light, the Dragon Xiao Battalion crossed Mount Xu Wu and finally arrived at Lulong Village!
The cold wind howled...
The autumn of the Little Ice Age seemed exceptionally cold. To the soldiers' left was a mountain extending from the Yan Mountains, and to their right was the Luan River. The mountain scenery appeared particularly deep, while the Luan River appeared particularly white. The two contrasted, adding to the solemn and austere atmosphere.
However...
This at least proved!
Under Tian Chou's guidance, this small path was the correct one!
The soldiers of the Dragon Xiao Battalion were somewhat weary, but upon seeing Lulong Village ahead... they all perked up again, as if the barbarians were right before their eyes.
"Before Emperor Guangwu, this was a crucial frontline for resisting the Hu people. But later, the Xiongnu were beaten and fled north, so this small path was no longer used!"
Tian Chou remarked with emotion as he proceeded...
Indeed, as he said, taking the path up Mount Xu Wu, around Lulong Village, and then directly to Bai Lang Mountain, this road was very desolate and had not been used for many years!
And this... was more conducive to the stealth of the Dragon Xiao Battalion's march.
"Mr. Tian? How much further to Bai Lang Mountain..." Zhang Liao asked quickly. The hot-bloodedness of the descendants of the Nie clan was constantly surging and igniting!
"It's just ahead," Tian Chou paused and reminded, "It wouldn't hurt to rest for half a day. Upon reaching Bai Lang Mountain, a fierce battle is inevitable! It's good for the soldiers to be well-rested."
Tian Chou's reminder was based on normal human thinking...
Even if launching a surprise attack from a small path, one should not fight the enemy in a fatigued state...
This was common sense.
But fatefully, the commander this time was none other than Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenyuan.
"All generals, listen to my order! Immediately ascend Bai Lang Mountain and launch a general offensive against the U桓 tribes!"
Ah... ah...
Zhang Liao's military order surprised Tian Chou. He still wanted to persuade him, but Zhang Liao had already mounted his horse.
"Mr. Tian, you are an expert in guiding the way, but in a surprise attack on the enemy formation, I am far more experienced than you! Haha..."
With a faint smile, Zhang Liao led the way towards Bai Lang Mountain.
Hoo...
This...
Tian Chou was a bit confused.
He didn't know that because Bai Lang Mountain was ahead, Lulong Village was actually extremely dangerous, with the risk of exposure at any moment!
As things stood, a surprise attack... the key was to gain the initiative!
The saying goes, a fast horse charges, seizing the initiative, the horse like a fleeting shadow, the spear like a crack of thunder!
...
Bai Lang Mountain in the Han Dynasty does not seem to be very famous!
But in the past, its name was known throughout the land, and it was a shining beacon in Chinese history...
In the Spring and Autumn period, Bai Lang Mountain was called "Shouyang Mountain," the place where Boyi and Shuqi lived in seclusion. When King Wu of Zhou attacked Shang, they both stopped his horse to advise him. After King Wu destroyed Shang, they were ashamed to eat the grains of Zhou and ate fern shoots, starving to death on Shouyang Mountain, achieving their noble character!
Who would have thought...
That the former Shouyang Mountain would be shrouded in blood this night.
At this time, the Wuhuan chieftain Tadun was drinking and eating meat with the Yuan brothers...
There was a kinship between them, and they were guests from afar... Tadun held banquets almost daily, entertaining these two "brothers"!
After several rounds of wine...
Yuan Shang felt the urge to urinate and excused himself to relieve himself after greeting Tadun...
"Sisi..."
As he released himself, Yuan Shang subconsciously shook himself, hummed a tune, and looked up at the sky.
But it was better not to look up; as soon as he looked up, he froze.
He saw a meteor sliding from the northeast, rapidly descending into the encampment below Bai Lang Mountain!
The meteor streaked across the ink-like night sky, scattering over the continuous camps, as brilliant as a celestial maiden scattering flowers...
Most of the "petals" hit the ground, bounced, and instantly extinguished. A small portion of the orange-red "petals" unfortunately splashed onto the felt tents, quickly igniting sparks.
"This is..."
"It's fire arrows! Dense fire arrows!"
Yuan Shang shouted loudly...
He felt like he had gone mad. If he hadn't been so drunk, how could he have mistaken fire arrows for some celestial maiden scattering flowers!
"Enemy attack, enemy attack..."
The moment he realized the enemy was attacking, Yuan Shang screamed frantically.
But... in the sky, the second, third, and fourth meteors followed one another, accompanied by the whistling of the fierce wind in the night under Bai Lang Mountain. Balls of death's flame poured into the military camp!
The tents of the outer barbarians were set ablaze. The barbarians, still drinking... or already drunk, suddenly woke up. They ran out of the camp with their weapons in hand.
They didn't know what had happened...
But when they saw themselves surrounded by flames, they instinctively wailed and screamed.
Soon... countless such screams intertwined, forming a requiem for the barbarian lands beyond the frontier...
...
In the pitch-black night.
The sound of countless horse hooves struck the ground like thunderous roars. Countless Dragon Xiao cavalry surged like whirlwinds around the entire barbarian tribe!
They shot countless fire arrows into the tribe's tents. The flames converged into fiery dragons, spreading through the tribe at an unimaginable speed...
Faster than the spread of flames was the barbarians' fear of the unknown, the ignorant.
More and more barbarians rushed out of their tents...
They were barely clothed and, driven by instinct, fled towards the depths of the camp. The barbarians who were already in the depths of the camp were awakened and, without time to think, joined the escape, fleeing further into the tribe...
However...
Everywhere was engulfed by arrows, and the camp was set ablaze by fire!
"Stop... everyone, stop!"
Tadun's robust body stood in the center of the tribe. He drew his saber... and plunged it into the chests of several fleeing barbarians. This brutal act somewhat calmed the barbarians in the tribe.
Tadun looked up, gazing at the meteor-like arrows.
"There are not many enemies! Only about a hundred riders!"
"Everyone, do not panic. Work together to kill them. Hmph, we are the gods on horseback under Bai Lang Mountain, unrivaled in this frontier land!"
Upon these words...
Countless barbarians mounted their horses, "Fight, fight, fight..."
"We are the gods on horseback! Receive my order, prepare to counterattack, those who flee in disorder will be beheaded!"
"Each tribe, muster your troops!"
"Three thousand!"
"Two thousand!"
"One thousand five hundred!"
"Six thousand!"
Immediately, several tribal leaders shouted loudly, having already gathered their troops.
At this moment...
The sound of countless voices, formed into a "unison," came from outside the tribe.
"You? Mere barbarians, dare to call yourselves gods on horseback?"
"Hahaha, little barbarians, how laughable!"
...
...