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

"This humble general respectfully reports to the Grand Marshal and General Wenchang."

Deng Ai, with a solemn expression, bowed respectfully and then slowly spoke.

"In my humble opinion, although Liu Zhang himself is weak and feeble, like a candle flickering in the wind, the troops of Shu are by no means ordinary and should not be underestimated."

"Moreover, there is also the famous general Zhang Ren in Shu who commands troops. He is both wise and brave, and his military strategy is superb. He is a formidable enemy on our way to conquer Shu."

Deng Ai analyzed the situation with clarity and wisdom in his eyes.

"Most importantly, the so-called pseudo-Shu region is extremely strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack. The area is characterized by crisscrossing mountains and ravines, naturally forming a series of insurmountable barriers."

As Deng Ai spoke, he gestured with his hands in the air to illustrate the terrain of Shu.

"If we are to launch an attack on Shu from Jingzhou, the first thing we must do is cross the gorges. These gorges are steep and the water is swift. The cliffs on both sides are like natural barriers that block our way."

"To cross the gorges, we must first conquer Baiguan City. This city is strategically located, situated at the narrowest point of the gorge, like a sturdy lock that firmly secures the vital passage to Shu."

"Its city walls are tall and thick, with complete defenses, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It can be described as a place where one man can hold off ten thousand."

Deng Ai described in detail the strategic importance of Baiguan City, his face showing a solemn expression, and then said:

"If Liu Zhang were to send a wise and brave general to garrison Baiguan City, relying on the natural defenses of the city, a small force would be enough to create a formidable defensive position, making it difficult for our army to advance."

"Therefore, in my humble opinion, the most important thing in this campaign against Shu is how to take Baiguan City by surprise!"

"Once we capture this city, our army can advance straight into Chengdu."

Deng Ai laid out his views in full.

Wei Yan listened quietly, a strange look flashing in his eyes.

He clearly hadn't expected Deng Ai to have such unique insights, and couldn't help but look at him with new respect, secretly admiring him.

"Anguo, what do you think of what Shizai said?"

Xiao He turned slightly to the side, turned his gaze to Guan Xing, and asked with a smile.

After listening to Deng Ai's analysis, Guan Xing instantly calmed down.

He coughed lightly a few times, a look of shame on his face, and slowly said:

"That's right. Just as Shi Zai said, although Liu Zhang's own strength is weak, the territory of the pseudo-Shu is strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and is by no means easy to conquer."

"We did underestimate our opponent before, and now that I think about it, I feel really ashamed."

With Guan Xing's statement, the pride that had been spreading among the generals was instantly extinguished as if doused with a bucket of cold water, and they calmed down in an instant.

Everyone fell into deep thought and began to re-examine the challenges of this campaign against Shu.

Wei Yan gently stroked his magnificent beard and nodded slightly, saying:

“What Shi Zai said is indeed reasonable. The terrain of Baiguan City is so dangerous, easy to defend and difficult to attack, which is a major obstacle to our army’s advance.”

"Grand Marshal, how should we fight this first battle upon entering Shu? Please advise."

After Deng Ai's analysis, Wei Yan finally realized the strategic importance of Baiguan City and was troubled.

Xiao He sneered, a hint of confidence flashing in his eyes:
"We have conquered countless strategic passes along the way, which are easy to defend but difficult to attack. What is a mere Baiguan City compared to that? As long as we think carefully, we will surely find a way to defeat the enemy."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Wei Yan's eyes:
"Does the Grand Marshal perhaps have a brilliant plan to outwit Baiguan City?"

At this moment, Wei Yan's tone was full of anticipation as he stared intently at Xiao He and asked.

Xiao He put down his wine cup, stood up, and slowly paced around the tent before saying:
"Baiguan City is situated in a treacherous location, with numerous gorges serving as natural barriers. A direct, forceful attack would indeed be difficult, and our army would inevitably suffer heavy losses. But could we change our approach and find a way to make it fall on its own?"

"It will collapse on its own without being attacked?"

A look of confusion appeared in Wei Yan's eyes, and the other generals also looked puzzled, completely bewildered and not understanding the deeper meaning of Xiao He's words.

"What I mean is actually very simple."

Xiao He stopped, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and slowly said:

"If we can come up with a way to get Liu Zhang to ask us to enter Shu, then our army can march straight to Baiguan Pass in a perfectly legitimate manner."

"When the time comes, we can launch a sudden attack and storm into the city. Are we still afraid that we can't quickly break through Baiguan City?"

Xiao He revealed the full extent of his plan.

The generals were all shocked, and they all showed expressions of surprise.

Guan Xing asked in surprise:

"Grand Marshal, Liu Zhang is already wary of us, so why would he actively request us to enter Shu? That seems a bit unrealistic."

The other generals also nodded in agreement with Guan Xing's view.

In their view, although Liu Zhang was weak, he was by no means a fool and would not easily do something like inviting a wolf into the house.

Xiao He smiled after hearing this.

Liu Zhang was certainly not stupid, but he had far too many collaborators around him.

"The heroes of Shu have long yearned for a wise ruler. I believe that there are quite a few people in Shu who would like to betray Liu Zhang and welcome Your Majesty."

As Xiao He spoke, he picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

Wei Yan suddenly realized what was happening, and a look of sudden understanding flashed in his eyes.

But then he frowned and said:
"Even if there are heroes in Shu who want to support the emperor as the new ruler, Liu Zhang is no ordinary person, and he will not be easily fooled."

"I can't think of any way to lure Liu Zhang into lowering his guard and requesting our army to enter Shu."

All the generals turned their gazes to Xiao He, waiting for his answer.

"Shizai, what do you think?"

Xiao He turned to Deng Ai and continued to test him.

Deng Ai's thoughts raced, his mind constantly considering various possibilities.

Suddenly, a glint flashed in his eyes.

"As for the reason, we can claim to the outside world that we are borrowing the route through Shu to take over Jiaozhou. Liu Zhang fears the might of our Han Dynasty and will certainly not dare to refuse our request."

"In this way, we can take advantage of the situation to break through Baiguan City and invade Shu."

Deng Ai said confidently.

Upon hearing this, Xiao He nodded in approval, a pleased smile appearing on his face.

Deng Ai truly lived up to his reputation as a disciple; he was indeed exceptionally talented.

Xiao He smiled and looked at Wei Yan, asking:
"Wenchang, do you understand now?"

Wei Yan suddenly understood, and a look of joy appeared on his face:

"I see, Shizai. You have such wisdom and strategy; you truly deserve to be the Grand Marshal's disciple!"

Deng Ai was secretly pleased to receive Wei Yan's praise, but on the surface he still maintained a humble demeanor.

"Bo Miao!"

Xiao He suddenly turned his gaze to Deng Zhi, his expression serious, and said:
"I order you to go to Chengdu and secretly win over the heroes of Shu who are loyal to the Han Dynasty, and persuade them to convince Liu Zhang to accept our request to pass through on his way to attack Jiaozhou!"

Are you willing to take on this important task?

Deng Zhi accepted the order without hesitation:
"I will not fail in my mission and will do my utmost to complete the task assigned by the Grand Marshal!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Xiao He's face. He nodded slightly, then slowly turned his gaze to Wei Yan, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Seeing this, Wei Yan quickly waved his hand and laughed:
"We will follow the Grand Marshal's arrangements. Let Deng Zhi be the envoy to Chengdu!"

Wei Yan had always had unwavering faith in Xiao He's brilliant strategies, and he had no objections whatsoever to Xiao He's arrangements this time.

In his view, every decision Xiao He made was based on careful consideration.

Xiao He nodded again: "Alright, since Wen Chang has agreed, let's proceed according to plan!"

When everyone heard this, they all nodded.

The following day, Deng Zhi, in her noble capacity as an angel, boarded a ship bound for Chengdu.

The ship slowly sailed away from the dock and headed towards Sichuan.

Wei Yan, on the other hand, remained in Jingzhou, methodically arranging various matters related to the campaign against Shu.

On the one hand, he ordered his soldiers to rest and recuperate in preparation for future battles.

On the other hand, he also sent envoys to various prefectures, ordering them to transport grain and fodder to Jiangling as soon as possible, so as to make full material preparations for the upcoming campaign against Shu.

The boat carrying Deng Zhi sailed westward along the river.

On the boat, Deng Zhi would sometimes stand at the bow, admiring the beautiful scenery on both banks, while pondering the various matters concerning his journey to Sichuan.

Within a few days, the warships arrived at Baiguan City.

At this time, Liu Bei's fame spread far and wide, and his reputation resounded throughout the land.

Even when Liu Shan, the crown prince of Han, was leading his army to attack Baishui Pass, Liu Zhang submitted a memorial to the emperor of Han, acknowledging his allegiance.

The generals of Shu all knew that the King of Shu had already submitted to the Han Dynasty.

Therefore, when Deng Zhi arrived at Baiguan City, the garrison commander of Baiguan did not dare to be negligent in the slightest and treated Deng Zhi with the highest courtesy—the courtesy due to an honored guest.

Meanwhile, the garrison commander, knowing the gravity of the matter, immediately dispatched someone to Chengdu to inform Liu Zhang of the important news of the Han envoy's arrival in Shu.

In Chengdu, Liu Zhang's spies had already sent word that Liu Bei had mobilized Wei Yan's troops to garrison Jiangling and was continuously transporting grain and fodder to Jiangling.

All these signs combined seemed to suggest that Wei Yan might be planning to enter Shu.

Liu Shan, to the north, was still threatening Baishui Pass, making Liu Zhang feel extremely uneasy.

Upon learning of the Han envoy's arrival in Shu, Liu Zhang knew this was no small matter and immediately ordered the general guarding Baiguan Pass to escort Deng Zhi safely and swiftly to Chengdu.

Thus, Deng Zhi traveled and enjoyed the scenery along the way, and successfully arrived in Chengdu.

Liu Zhang attached great importance to Deng Zhi's arrival and even went out of the city to welcome him personally.

As the carriage slowly came to a stop outside the East Gate, Deng Zhi had barely stepped out when Liu Zhang, beaming, quickly approached him and respectfully said:

"King Liu Zhang of Shu respectfully welcomes the Han envoy!"

Deng Zhi quickly recognized the ruler of Shu in front of him.

He truly hadn't expected Liu Zhang to greet him so grandly and warmly, which secretly pleased him, making him feel that he had a better chance of completing his mission in Shu.

In Deng Zhi's view, Liu Zhang's great hospitality was enough to show that he was extremely afraid of the emperor.

Since the other party is fearful, my chances of successfully persuading Liu Zhang on this trip are undoubtedly greater.

Thinking of this, Deng Zhi quickly returned the greeting with clasped hands:
"Your humble servant Deng Zhi greets the King of Shu."

Upon seeing this, Liu Zhang quickly stepped forward and gently helped Deng Zhi up with both hands.

Afterwards, Deng Zhi made some carefully prepared remarks in an attempt to build a closer relationship with Liu Zhang.

"The Emperor often mentions the King of Shu to me. He has long admired the King of Shu and has always hoped to have the opportunity to renew his kinship with him."

Although Deng Zhi's words were fabricated, his purpose was clear: to appeal to Liu Zhang through their shared kinship.

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It turns out that Liu Zhang had always been worried that Liu Bei would harbor resentment towards him.

When he sent an envoy to Luoyang to present a letter of surrender, it was actually an attempt to admit his mistake to Liu Bei and hope to resolve the conflict between the two sides.

Deng Zhi's words today undoubtedly show that Liu Bei does not hold a grudge against him, which finally puts Liu Zhang's mind at ease.

At that moment, Liu Zhang was in high spirits. He took Deng Zhi's hand and invited him to ride in the same carriage into the city.

However, Wu Yi, who was following behind, was very dissatisfied with this scene and gritted his teeth, saying:
"The King of Shu actually bowed and scraped before an envoy; this is truly a disgrace to the people of Shu!"

But at this moment, he dared not speak out and could only keep his dissatisfaction to himself.

The group soon arrived at the Shu King's Mansion, where a banquet had already been prepared.

Liu Zhang sat in the main seat and invited Deng Zhi to the seat of honor, to show his respect for Deng Zhi.

Meanwhile, the strategists and generals of Shu could only sit at the lower level.

Although the crowd was somewhat dissatisfied, they could only silently endure it out of respect for Liu Zhang.

After the banquet began, Liu Zhang kept toasting Deng Zhi, his words full of flattery. At the same time, he did not forget to express his loyalty to Liu Bei, claiming that he would wholeheartedly serve the Han Dynasty.

Not only that, he also ordered the officials accompanying the banquet to toast Deng Zhi, in an attempt to curry favor with Deng Zhi.

These officials from Shu were forced to toast Deng Zhi, feeling extremely resentful but daring not to retaliate. They could only force a smile and join Liu Zhang in toasting Deng Zhi.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere was still quite harmonious.

Finally, someone couldn't help it anymore.

Wu Yi, holding a wine glass, shot a cold glance at Deng Zhi and questioned:
"Envoy Deng, does your emperor truly value kinship?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhang's expression changed immediately, revealing displeasure. He quickly gave Wu Yi a meaningful look, signaling him not to act rashly.

But Wu Yi could no longer contain his anger and ignored Liu Zhang's hints.

Seeing this, Deng Zhi looked puzzled and asked in return:

"General Wu, what makes you say that?"

Wu Yi said with a serious expression:
“You said the emperor was mindful of kinship, but our spies have sent word that Wei Yan is transporting grain and fodder along the Jiangling-Yiling line.”

"Moreover, your spies frequently appear between my Bai Pass, and more importantly, your emperor has transferred a lot of military officers to Jingzhou."

"All these actions indicate that your lord intends to wage war against me. Is this what you call the affection between members of the Liu clan?"

Wu Yi's tone was full of hostility, clearly indicating his dissatisfaction with Liu Bei's actions.

This time, Liu Zhang did not stop Wu Yi as before, but instead lowered his head and took a sip of wine, seemingly waiting for Deng Zhi's answer.

In fact, although Wu Yi was abrupt, his question reflected Liu Zhang's true feelings.

Who can guarantee that Liu Bei wouldn't have any designs on Cao Wei after he destroyed Cao Wei?
He offended Liu Bei first, so how could Liu Bei not hold a grudge?

These concerns lingered in Liu Zhang's mind.

Upon hearing Wu Yi's question, Deng Zhi smiled slightly and said dismissively:
"General Wu is too suspicious. If my emperor really wants to attack Shu, he should transfer experienced and meritorious generals such as Zhang Liao and Gan Ning to Jingzhou."

"But the military officers that the emperor has transferred are all young, with little seniority and insufficient experience."

"General Wu, do you think we can destroy Shu with just these few people?"

Deng Zhi lowered her own status to elevate Wu Yi, attempting to dispel Wu Yi's doubts.

Wu Yi was taken aback and began to ponder Deng Zhi's words.

Liu Zhang's initial worried expression gradually faded, and he seemed to have come to believe Deng Zhi's explanation to some extent.

After a pause, Wu Yi pressed on with another question:

"Then what is your intention in transporting grain and fodder to the Yiling line?"

Deng Zhi remained calm and composed, saying:

"Because we need to pass through Shu territory to attack Jiaozhou!"

Upon hearing this, all the officials in Shu were taken aback. (End of Chapter)