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

Chapter 162 Zhuge Liang's Psychological Strategy: The Weak Become the People, the Strong Kill the Barbarians (2nd Update)
Guan Yu's imposing presence was awe-inspiring, Zhuge Liang's wisdom was insightful, and Liu Bei's benevolence had the power to influence people's hearts.

In a short period of time, Fuyun experienced these completely different "power", "wisdom" and "benevolence" in succession. When Liu Bei asked him questions in a friendly manner, Fuyun almost subconsciously answered every question.

Liu Bei did not inquire about intelligence on the Black Mountain leaders, but only cared about Fu Yun's personal experiences. Before the carriage even arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, Fu Yun even told him about the family members in his childhood.

Despite being a descendant of the Han dynasty, holding the prestigious title of Left General and Marquis of Yicheng, and being a powerful figure who commanded respect throughout Youzhou, he still retained the chivalrous spirit of a wandering knight. In a private conversation, this old chivalrous leader unexpectedly found common ground with Fuyun, a Yellow Turban leader who had struggled with the bonds of life and death and loyalty to this day.

Fu Yun gradually realized that Liu Bei and these Yellow Turban leaders were like water from the same source, but flowing into different rivers: one practiced benevolence and righteousness from top to bottom, while the other pursued benevolence and righteousness from bottom to top. However, they arrived at the same destination by different paths, both seeking to protect their followers and find a place of peace in the chaotic world.

The more Fuyun talked with Liu Bei, the more determined he became of his original intention.

Therefore.

After entering the Prime Minister's residence, Fu Yun drank a cup of clear wine and then, without further hesitation, pushed aside the Golden Mountain and the Jade Pillar, bowed deeply, and said with sorrow, "I beg General Zuo to save my more than 100,000 soldiers and civilians in Black Mountain."

"Righteous man, please rise quickly." Liu Bei hurriedly stepped forward to help Fuyun up.

Even during their conversation in the carriage, Liu Bei noticed that the middle-aged man who claimed to be a commander under Zhang Yan was different from others.

It was a kind of cold indifference born from the trials of life and death, a stubbornness that refused to succumb, and a deep expectation for the future of future generations, reminding Liu Bei of the Yellow Turban leaders who fought for their beliefs more than ten years ago.

As time went by, most of the Yellow Turban leaders had long forgotten their original intentions and degenerated into thugs who only knew how to plunder.

Only a very few people can still recall the original intention of the Great Teacher of Virtue in raising the banner of rebellion: to seek a way out for the millions of people, rather than to kill each other.

But Fu Yun, as if he had found a kindred spirit, cried out with tears streaming down his face: "General Zuo, we, the people of Heishan, are not inherently inclined to be bandits. We are forced by the oppressive government and have nowhere else to go but to hide in the mountains to survive. After more than ten years of struggling to survive, we are exhausted in body and mind. All we ask for is for our wives, children, and elderly to see the light of day, and for our young men to be freed from the stigma of bandits and to stand upright in the world! Your reputation for benevolence and righteousness is renowned throughout the land, unmatched by Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others. We beg you, General, to save us from this dire situation. We will repay your kindness by sacrificing our lives!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was deeply shaken.

However, Liu Bei did not immediately agree to Fuyun's offer.

The main purpose of this trip to Changshan is to subdue the people and soldiers of Heishan, but how and when to do so requires careful consideration and cannot be accomplished with just a promise.

The Black Mountain Army's invasion of the local area was driven by the need to make a living, which was understandable. However, the people of Changshan rose up to resist the bandits in order to protect their homes and families, which was also out of necessity.

The resentment between them had been brewing for a long time.

a long time.

After a long silence, Liu Bei finally spoke in a deep voice: "The chaos in the world stems from the incompetence of the court, the collapse of officialdom, and the tyranny of powerful clans. It is not your fault. However, you have become bandits today, harassing the counties of Changshan for years, and the enmity between us runs deep. If you think that I can eliminate the hatred between us with just an empty promise, it is vain." Fu Yun's body stiffened, and the light in his eyes dimmed instantly.

Liu Bei's words were not empty words. How could the grudges accumulated over the years be eliminated by Liu Bei's empty promise?

How many relatives and friends of the people of Changshan perished at the hands of the soldiers and civilians of Heishan?

How many soldiers and civilians in Heishan lost their lives to the swords of the Changshan people?

Can they truly let go of their past grievances and turn hostility into friendship?
Just as Fuyun was feeling disheartened, Zhuge Liang's clear voice came from outside: "Since the general wishes to save the people of Heishan, but also does not want to discourage the people of Changshan, I have a compromise."

Upon hearing this, Fuyun looked up in delight.

Liu Bei quickly cupped his hands in greeting and asked, "What good strategy do you have, strategist?"

Zhuge Liang bowed slightly to Liu Bei, then turned his gaze to Fuyun: "Years of grudges and deep-seated hatred have led to a deadly conflict. It's either you or me, or endless slaughter. Even if someone is willing to quell the dispute, there will surely be those who instigate and incite trouble, ultimately causing chaos again and bringing suffering to innocent people on both sides. This is absolutely not what you wish for, General."

Changing his tone, Zhuge Liang continued, “The Central Plains are currently in turmoil, and General Zuo is determined to restore order. However, the Tu Ge, Wuhuan, and Xianbei tribes have taken advantage of the chaos to invade our people, committing unforgivable crimes! If you truly wish to restore your families to the light of day and free your sons from the stigma of bandits, you may select the weak, women, and children from the mountains to become civilians and settle down with General Zuo in Changshan; the remaining strong and able-bodied may become soldiers and go to the lands ravaged by the barbarians to kill them, achieve military merit, and protect the borders. When General Zuo finally unifies the land, he will surely clear your names; and your families remaining in Changshan will also receive your protection!”

Fu Yun was astonished upon hearing this: "Even if we are willing, how can we kill the Hu without supplies?"

Zhuge Liang's tone suddenly turned cold: "Since you have the strength to harass Changshan and plunder the granaries of your neighbors, why can't you harass the Tu Ge, Wuhuan, and Xianbei tribes and seize their cattle, sheep, mules, and horses? Do you only dare to point your swords and spears at the Han people and not at the barbarians? If that's the case, then you haven't changed your thieving nature! I will definitely help General Zuo lead his troops to suppress them, wipe them out, and leave not a single blade of grass behind!"

Although Zhuge Liang spoke calmly, Fu Yun sensed a surging killing intent within him, and was even more shocked: How could such a young man possess the awe-inspiring presence of a seasoned general?
Seeing this, Liu Bei spoke up at the opportune moment, his face showing reluctance: "Strategist, is this plan......"

Zhuge Liang said firmly in a low voice, “General, although you value benevolence and righteousness, you must not emulate the benevolence and righteousness of Song Xiang! You are still under the command of the Grand General. Taking in the weak to cultivate land can be justified by the need for manpower; but if you take in the strong, how can the Grand General not conscript them? If you agree, you will break your promise to the people of Heishan, which is unjust; if you refuse, the Grand General will surely suspect you of having ulterior motives. At that time, more than 100,000 people of Heishan will be wiped out because of your single thought! You must not let petty benevolence ruin your greater good!”

Liu Bei was immediately in a dilemma: "If I do this, wouldn't I be harming the righteous men? Strategist, is there really no other way?"

Zhuge Liang shook his head: "General, hesitation will only lead to chaos."

The exchange, seemingly Zhuge Liang advising Liu Bei to be decisive, was actually meant for Fu Yun.

As their "argument" continued, Fuyun suddenly looked up, his gaze now resolute: "General Zuo, there's no need to be troubled! Strategist Zhuge's words have cleared the clouds and brought me to my senses! Those accustomed to fighting and plundering in the mountains, even if they are granted General Zuo's kindness and allowed to stay in Changshan, may not be able to serve the people with peace of mind. The Tu Ge, Wuhuan, and Xianbei tribes have also plundered Heishan! In the past, we were weak and had no choice but to swallow our anger. If General Zuo is willing to protect the women, children, and elderly in the mountains, I am willing to return and persuade Commander Zhang and the other leaders to take up arms for General Zuo and kill the Hu, to redeem our honor through war!"

　I'm taking my child to pick up their school admission notice today, so this is only the second update for now. I'll write the rest this afternoon when I get back.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)