My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

Huang Hao felt a chill creep up his spine and gasped, his already anxious heart becoming even more flustered.

At this moment, Liu Shan was talking non-stop about his grand plan of making everyone a dragon. With Huang Hao's shallow knowledge as a mere eunuch, it was like a book written in heaven, leaving him completely bewildered and unable to understand it at all.

However, Huang Hao could vaguely discern some meaning in Liu Shan's words about reform and other such matters.

He frowned slightly, secretly wondering if the implication was that some kind of reform was about to be implemented.

When the topic of reform came up, many ancient stories immediately came to mind for Huang Hao.

Take Shang Yang's reforms, for example. Shang Yang implemented a series of reforms in the Qin state, which enabled Qin to rise rapidly and become the most powerful of the seven Warring States. However, Shang Yang himself ultimately met a tragic end by being torn apart by chariots.

There was also Wu Qi's reforms. Wu Qi implemented reforms in the State of Chu, which greatly enhanced the state's power, but in the end, he could not escape the fate of being killed by nobles.

Huang Hao had heard of these reform stories.

Huang Hao knew very well that, throughout history, no revolution has ever been bloodless.

Even if the reforms ultimately don't result in rivers of blood and fields of corpses, there will inevitably be a lot of heads rolling on the ground.

Thinking of this, Huang Hao couldn't help but ponder to himself that this Crown Prince probably harbored great ambitions after ascending the throne and wanted to carry out a reform in order to realize his aspirations.

However, Liu Shan was wary of the obstruction from meritorious officials like Xiao He.

After all, these meritorious officials had cultivated their influence in the court for many years, and their power was deeply entrenched and not so easily shaken.

To be precise, it is the Jingyang Meritorious Group.

To be more precise, it's the Jingxiang Group.

This group included almost all the founding heroes such as Xiao He, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Huang Zhong, Gan Ning, Wei Yan, and Chen Dao, accounting for nearly 70% of the total.

Even figures like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, who served the emperor in Hebei, can be considered part of the Jingxiang group.

They held high positions and wielded great power in the imperial court, occupying more than half of the positions of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers. They had an overwhelming say in the court's decision-making and were extremely important.

If this group of nobles, led by Xiao He, collectively opposes your reforms as the new emperor, how can your reforms possibly succeed?

Thinking of this, Huang Hao seemed to suddenly realize the profound meaning behind Liu Shan's solo campaign to conquer Hanzhong.

He gathered his thoughts and quickly said:
"This servant understands. The reason why His Highness the Crown Prince wants to lead the army to attack Hanzhong alone is to use this battle to truly establish his prestige in the army, which is crucial for implementing reforms in the future."

"The reason Your Highness selected all the strategists and generals from the North is to show them your benevolent and winning-over attitude, so that these northern generals can feel Your Highness's attention and trust, and thus entice them all to join Your Highness's ranks and become staunch supporters of Your Highness's reforms."

"These surrendered officials from the Northern Cao Wei, although not as powerful as the Jing-Yang group, were numerous and included many virtuous ministers and generals."

"Moreover, they have the entire northern province as their powerful backing. If Your Highness can win these people over, you can support them in gradually eroding the power of the nobles of Jingxiang."

"In this way, Your Highness can truly make decisions on your own and implement your own reforms as you please."

"I don't know if my guess is right or wrong."

After Huang Hao finished speaking eloquently, he respectfully bowed to Liu Shan, waiting for Liu Shan's response.

Liu Shan's eyes lit up, his gaze full of approval as he looked at Huang Hao.

Clearly, he hadn't expected that his seemingly lowly trusted eunuch would possess such political acumen. With just a few pointers, Huang Hao had easily grasped his intention to support the surrendered officials of Cao Wei and to counterbalance the powerful nobles of Jingzhou and Xiangyang.

"Huang Hao, your insight is truly impressive."

Liu Shan clicked his tongue in praise, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

Huang Hao's lips curled into a smug smile, but he quickly composed himself and bowed respectfully.

"This servant has no knowledge whatsoever. I have only learned a little bit from Your Highness through years of service and observation. I am truly unworthy of Your Highness's praise."

Upon hearing this flattery, Liu Shan burst into laughter, the sound echoing throughout the tent.

Seeing this, Huang Hao quickly poured Liu Shan a cup of wine, and then flattered him:

"Your Highness's talent and ambition are truly a blessing to our Great Han Dynasty. When Your Highness ascends the throne, I believe that your achievements will surpass those of Emperor Wen, making you a great emperor for all time, and your name will be remembered for generations to come."

Changing the subject, Huang Hao's face then showed worry:

"However, all of this depends on winning this battle first. Only by winning this war can Your Highness's prestige be enhanced and the path of reform be smooth."

"But now the spring rains are incessant, the roads have become muddy and difficult to traverse, and our army is blocked by Zhang Lu in front of Xingshi Mountain, unable to advance or retreat, and is in a stalemate."

"If this stalemate continues, I fear that the Grand Marshal and his men will slander Your Highness to His Majesty. If His Majesty sees that Your Highness has fought for a long time without success and becomes worried, he may issue an order for Your Highness to withdraw your troops. What should we do then?"

"By then, Your Highness's plan will likely fall apart."

Liu Shan stiffened slightly; Huang Hao's concerns had clearly hit the nail on the head.

His brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

After a moment's hesitation, Liu Shan's face lit up with confidence, and he let out a cold snort:
"Hanzhong is a northern place, and its climate is different from that of the south. When it rains, it won't go on forever. If I have the mandate of heaven, I believe that this spring rain will stop in a few days."

"When the time comes, I will launch a fierce attack on Xingshi Mountain with my 100,000 troops. I do not believe that we cannot break through Xingshi Mountain and defeat Zhang Lu's tens of thousands of rabble."

"Zhang Lu is nothing but a charlatan, what is there to fear!"

Seeing Liu Shan's confidence, Huang Hao secretly admired him and quickly flattered him:
"Your Highness has been ill for many years, yet you were able to recover before the Emperor decided to establish a Crown Prince, and were made Crown Prince at the last moment. This is clearly a blessing from Heaven."

"I believe Your Highness will win this battle!"

Huang Hao's flattery pleased Liu Shan greatly, as if all his worries had vanished.

He tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, his bold posture displaying the demeanor of a king.

Afterwards, he played with his wine glass as he walked outside the tent.

Liu Shan glanced disdainfully at Xingshi Mountain shrouded in rain and mist, then looked at the Hanzhong army flag fluttering in the mist and sneered:

"Who is Xiao He? Even he can't block my path. You, Zhang Lu, a mere charlatan, dare to try and block my way?"

"Those who block my path shall all die!" (End of Chapter)