The Three Kingdoms: Hindsight is 20/20, and the Three Revivals of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 129: Intelligence from Guandu Reaches Back, Zhuge Liang Once Again Uses His Clever Plan to Sow Discord (5 Updates)
After entering the city, Liu Bei inquired about the Battle of Guandu.

Yuan Xi, full of vigor and excitement, said: "How can Cao Cao, that eunuch's ugly offspring, be worthy of competing with the Grand General? Since the Grand General led his army into Guandu in August, Cao Cao has suffered repeated defeats. Not only are his soldiers exhausted and weary of war, but the people are also suffering from heavy taxes, and many have rebelled against Cao Cao and joined the Grand General. In my estimation, Cao Cao can only hold out for another half month at most before retreating to Xuchang."

Judging from the current situation at Guandu, Yuan Shao has indeed gained the upper hand.

Although Cao Cao's soldiers were brave, they could not withstand the relentless attacks of Yuan Shao's 100,000 infantry and cavalry.

The idea of ​​one person being worth ten can only be used in the short term.

Once a protracted war breaks out, the advantage of numerical superiority becomes apparent. Therefore, most skilled military strategists prefer to have as many troops as possible to defeat the few with the many.

If Liu Bei had not achieved a swift victory in conquering the six commanderies, he would have been bogged down in a war of attrition with Yan Rou, Wang Song, and the Wuhuan kings due to his limited troops and supplies.

Liu Bei looked up at Zhuge Liang, his eyes questioning.

After all, if Cao Cao were to lose, it would be extremely disadvantageous for Liu Bei.

Zhuge Liang pointed his feather fan at Yuan Xi and then shook his head slightly, indicating that this was not the time to talk.

Liu Bei then inquired about the details of the battle from Yuan Xi, trying to obtain as much intelligence as possible related to the Battle of Guandu.

After chatting for half an hour, Liu Bei pretended to be tired and asked Yuan Xi for leave. Yuan Xi did not try to stop him, but said that he would be hosting a banquet at his residence that night and invited Liu Bei to attend.

After returning to the Left General's residence, Liu Bei dismissed his attendants and left only Zhuge Liang to discuss the matter.

"Cao Cao has suffered repeated defeats at Guandu. If this continues, the Emperor may fall into Yuan Shao's hands. What do you think, strategist? Should I raise my banner in Youzhou in response?" Liu Bei asked worriedly.

If they raise their flags in response, they can relieve Cao Cao of the pressure at Guandu, but they will also suffer Yuan Shao's wrath after the battle.

Youzhou had suffered from war and its population was sparse; Liu Bei had just established six commanderies and the people's hearts were newly won over.

If Liu Bei were to be attacked by Yuan Shao's army at this time, even with Zhuge Liang's military planning, he would find it difficult to contend with Yuan Shao.

However, if Liu Bei did not raise his banner in response, he feared that Cao Cao would not be able to hold out at Guandu until Yuan Shao ran out of food and retreated.

If Yuan Shao were to enter Xuchang and seize control of the emperor, the already weakened Han dynasty would become even weaker.

Zhuge Liang did not answer immediately, but paced back and forth in deep thought.

Although, in the normal course of events, Cao Cao would have launched a surprise attack on Wuchao because of Xu You's defection from Yuan Shao, things are unpredictable and things cannot always go according to plan.

After Zhuge Liang helped Liu Bei enter Hebei, many things changed, big and small. Even Zhuge Liang dared not be so sure that Cao Cao would definitely be able to burn Wuchao.

a long time.

Zhuge Liang devised a cautious plan, saying, "The outcome of the Battle of Guandu is still uncertain. If we raise our flags in response now, it will be disadvantageous for you, General. In my opinion, we might as well use the solar eclipse as a pretext to send a letter to Yuan Shao, saying that the celestial phenomenon is a warning that disaster may occur. It would be better to temporarily cease hostilities with Cao Cao and then offer sacrifices at the Yellow River. This would both appease Heaven and pacify the people."

Liu Bei stroked his short beard and pondered, "If it's just a solar eclipse, Yuan Shao might not believe it."

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly: "Tonight at the banquet, General, you can pretend to be drunk and incite Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang to fight for the throne. If Yuan Xi is determined to claim the throne, then advise him to secretly tell Yuan Shang that Xu You advised Yuan Shao to make Yuan Tan his heir when he was in Liyang, and that Ju Shou's transfer to Youzhou was also to help Yuan Tan win over Yuan Xi. If Xu You is not eliminated, Yuan Shang's succession will be in jeopardy."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was intrigued: "The strategist's words are excellent. Xu You is an old friend of both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. If he is framed by Yuan Shang, he will surely harbor resentment and defect to Cao Cao. With Xu You leaking Yuan's military secrets, Cao Cao can hold Guandu. And if Yuan Shao suffers a defeat at Guandu, he will pursue Yuan Shang for framing Xu You. Yuan Shang's actions will also discourage virtuous men. Furthermore, I can share the credit for pacifying the six counties of Youzhou with Yuan Xi, falsely claiming that I am helping him vie for the throne. This way, I can use Yuan Xi's name to recruit talented people and consolidate the foundation of Youzhou."

Zhuge Liang cupped his hands in greeting: "That is precisely my intention. Yuan Shao has ordered his three sons to govern various provinces, seemingly controlling four provinces, but in reality, this sows the seeds of future division. Before the overall situation is settled, General, you must ensure that Yuan Xi's position as Governor of You Province remains secure!" With his worries resolved, Liu Bei felt a sense of relief and his expression brightened: "With the strategist's plans in place, I can clearly understand the overall situation. Strategist, you have been traveling and working hard these past few days; please rest for a few days and do not overwork yourself, lest you cause me worry."

Feeling Liu Bei's concern, Zhuge Liang was also moved: "I will remember your concern, General."

Subsequently.

Zhuge Liang strode away from the Left General's residence.

Although Liu Bei gave Zhuge Liang a break, Zhuge Liang was equally worried about the outcome of the Battle of Guandu and did not actually go back to rest.

Instead, he went to see Xu Shu first.

During this period, Xu Shu stayed in Zhuo County to handle various affairs with Chen Zhen, Cao Xuan, and Mi Zhu, and was so busy that he forgot to eat and sleep.

No choice.

Liu Bei only had a handful of subordinates, not just Zhuge Liang. People like Xu Shu and Pang Tong also had to take on multiple roles to share the heavy workload.

When did Kongming return?

Upon seeing Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu was both surprised and delighted, and hurriedly invited Zhuge Liang inside.

Before Zhuge Liang could speak, Xu Shu suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Oh dear! Zizhong told me yesterday that the Left General was returning today, and I completely forgot! It is my fault that I was unable to personally welcome the Left General!"

Zhuge Liang reassured him, "General Zuo knows that Yuanzhi is busy with official duties and specifically instructed that he should not be disturbed. It is fine to visit him tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu sighed softly: "It is my lack of ability that has delayed everything. If it were Kongming or Shiyuan in charge, one day of their work would be equivalent to ten days of mine."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his fan: "Yuanzhi, you are too modest. At most, I can only match you for three days."

Xu Shu raised an eyebrow: "Why is Kongming showing no humility today?"

Zhuge Liang raised an eyebrow: "Didn't Yuanzhi say to General Zuo, 'I am but a firefly, while I am as bright as the moon'? How could I dare to be so modest?"

Their eyes met, and the two burst into laughter.

After the laughter subsided, Xu Shu asked seriously, "Kongming, you didn't come to see me today just to joke around. What do you have to ask me?"

Zhuge Liang also composed himself: "Indeed, I have something to ask. In the two months since Liang and the Left General left Zhuo County, have you received any important intelligence from Ye City or Guandu?"

Gathering intelligence has always been of paramount importance, and it was also one of the tasks that Xu Shu was responsible for in Zhuo County.

Xu Shu then took out a small box, placed it in front of Zhuge Liang, and said, "It's all here. However, one thing is quite interesting: Yuan Shao originally appointed Shen Pei to command the military, but when he advanced into Guandu in August with unstoppable momentum, he suddenly transferred Shen Pei back to Ye City. The front line was advancing triumphantly, but the military commander was recalled to the rear. Hehe, it seems that Yuan Shao's civil and military officials are convinced that the victory is already secured and have begun to vie for power and credit."

Zhuge Liang was secretly pleased: "Shen Pei is fond of monopolizing power, and the Shen clan in Hebei is large and powerful. Yuan Shao is outwardly lenient but inwardly suspicious. If someone slanders or frames him, he will surely suspect Shen Pei. My plan can succeed!"

　This is the fifth update. Please vote with your monthly tickets! (No updates after midnight tonight. I'll go to bed early and get up early tomorrow to write.)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)