Transmigrating to the Three Kingdoms as Lu Bu: I Have a Pseudo-Apocalypse System

In a corner of the palace wall, three veteran officials, Yang Biao, Zhao Wen, and Zhang happy, walked slowly.

"Grand Commandant Yang, what do you think of today's events?" Zhao Wen asked in a low voice.

Yang Biao stroked his beard, and after a long while, he said, "Lu Bu is a decisive and ruthless man, clear in his rewards and punishments; he certainly has the bearing of a hero. If his policies to pacify the people could truly be implemented, they would be a good thing for the people. However…"

"Just what?"

"But the way he got the money and grain is too suspicious." Yang Biao frowned. "Ten thousand shi of millet and fifty thousand guan of cash, taken away just like that, is definitely not ordinary."

Zhang Xi sighed, "In chaotic times, extraordinary people do extraordinary things. No matter where Lü Bu came from, as long as he can stabilize Guanzhong, ensure the people have food to eat, and pay the salaries of officials at all levels on time, no one can stop him from taking control of the court."

In this chaotic world, whoever has food and soldiers holds the greatest power.

If Lü Bu could really bring so much grain and military supplies to Chang'an, then the vast majority of people would definitely support Lü Bu from the bottom of their hearts.

Even though these veteran officials were devoted to the Han dynasty and wanted to help the emperor regain power, they were powerless to do so.

The three shook their heads and sighed, then got into their respective cars and returned home.

Meanwhile, inside a side hall of Weiyang Palace.

Lü Bu summoned Jia Xu alone: ​​"Wenhe, the court and Chang'an are now settled. We can now deal with the affairs of the surrounding counties and prefectures. We must take control of the Guanzhong Plain as soon as possible."

This not only concerns Lü Bu's control, but also the population level of his safe zone. If he can control the entire Guanzhong Plain, he will surely have a population of over one million, upgrading the level four safe zone to level five.

Jia Xu nodded and said, "As for Zhang Ji, I have already drafted a letter of surrender, promising him the position of General Who Guards the East and Prefect of Hongnong. As for Ma Teng and Han Sui, we can promise them the positions of General Who Conquers the West and General Who Guards the West, allowing them to continue guarding Liangzhou, but they must send their sons to the capital as hostages."

"Alright." Lü Bu nodded. "This matter will be handled entirely by you, sir. If you need anything, just ask Zuo Feng for it."

"I obey your decree."

After Jia Xu left, Lü Bu walked to the window and looked at the magnificent palace complex of Weiyang Palace.

Chang'an has finally been captured.

But this is just the beginning.

Next, we need to consolidate control over Guanzhong, persuade Zhang Ji to surrender, appease Han Sui and Ma Han, reform domestic affairs, train a new army, restore trade, and attract refugees from all over the country...

In addition, there were Cao Cao and Yuan Shao in the east, Yuan Shu and Liu Biao in the south, Gongsun Zan in the north, and Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, and so on.

The struggle for supremacy in chaotic times is a long one.

However, he has a system, an almost inexhaustible supply of food and military provisions, foresight, and knowledge and power that are beyond this era.

This world is mine, Lü Bu is determined to have.

"Someone come here!" Lü Bu called out.

"What are your orders, General?" A personal guard entered.

"Go and invite the seven generals Zhang Liao, Cheng Lian, Wei Xu, Song Xian, Hou Cheng, Cao Xing, and Hao Meng to my residence for a gathering tonight."

"promise!"

That night, the General's Mansion was brightly lit.

Zhang Liao and his seven companions arrived at the invitation, all dressed in plain clothes and without armor.

This was the core group that Lu Bu firmly followed when he led 800 cavalrymen to escape from Chang'an. Of the original eight generals, only Zang Ba joined him later in Yanzhou (Gao Shun also joined later and was not under Lu Bu's command during the Battle of Chang'an). The other seven were all here.

Although several people betrayed him in the original history, these all happened when he ran out of ammunition and food during the Battle of Xiapi.

Throughout the previous battles, including the Battle of Chang'an, the rejection of Yuan Shu's offer of allegiance, the suspicion imposed on Yuan Shao's allegiance, and the attack on the Black Mountain Army, these seven men remained loyal and followed their original masters.

Unless forced into a life-or-death situation, these people are all trustworthy and worthy of being given important responsibilities.

Lu Bu would naturally not suspect them based on things that had not yet happened.

Now that Lü Bu has retaken control of Chang'an, holding absolute power in the court and wielding both military and political authority, and with a continuous supply of mysterious military provisions to his army, he is enjoying a period of prosperity and a bright future. These people would have to be out of their minds to rebel against Lü Bu.

Lu Bu could confidently and boldly rely on them, as long as he kept a close watch on them and gave them a warning if anything seemed amiss.

The banquet was held in the backyard flower hall. The dishes were simple but plentiful—stewed meat, steamed cakes, seasonal vegetables, millet rice, and several jars of yellow wine.

Lu Bu sat in the main seat, raising his wine cup: "Today's official appointments at court are official business. Tonight's banquet is a private affair. Come, drink this cup to the brim to thank our brothers for their unwavering loyalty when I fled Chang'an, and to celebrate our return to Chang'an!"

"To the General!" The group raised their glasses in unison.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Wei Xu sighed, "Three months ago, when we fled Chang'an, we were in such a sorry state. Now, Marquis Wen has become a Grand General and the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and we have all become generals. The changes under our command now seem like a dream."

"It's not a dream." Lü Bu put down his wine cup. "This is something we fought for with our lives. On the Ba River Bridge, the Trapped Camp fought to the death; the Light Cavalry Camp raided for a hundred miles; the Personal Guard Camp charged into battle in heavy armor; the Garrison Camp held off Fan Chou's siege of Lantian County—without the blood and sacrifice of our soldiers, there would be no today."

Everyone nodded.

"However, this is just the beginning." Lü Bu changed the subject. "Although we have captured Chang'an, Guanzhong is not yet pacified. Zhang Ji has not yet surrendered, Ma Teng and Han Sui's attitudes are unclear, and there are still remnants of the Liangzhou army roaming around Guanzhong. In addition, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao in the east, and Yuan Shu in the south, will not sit idly by and watch us grow stronger."

Zhang Liao said solemnly, "What are your plans, General? We will obey your orders without question!"

Lü Bu said, "The first step is to reorganize internal affairs. Jia Xu will be in charge of the Secretariat, Meng Cheng will be in charge of the General's Office, and Zuo Feng will be in charge of finances, provisions, and military equipment. We must restore production in Guanzhong and bring stability to the people as quickly as possible."

"The second step is to reorganize and train the army. Wen Yuan, your cavalry should be expanded to 10,000 men, with priority given to supplying them with horses and equipment. Cheng Lian, the personal guard heavy cavalry battalion should be expanded to 2,000 men, and the best of the best should be selected, equipped with the best armor and horse gear. Wei Xu, Song Xian, and Hou Cheng, your infantry and archers should also intensify their training."

"The third step is to persuade Zhang Ji to surrender and appease Ma Han. If we can subdue them without achieving that, that would be best. If not, then we must resort to force again."

The men replied in unison, "Your subordinate obeys!"

Lü Bu then looked at Zhang Liao: "Wen Yuan, you will go to the Bahe camp tomorrow to reorganize the troops. Those Liangzhou surrendered soldiers and former Bingzhou troops with basic horsemanship skills should be given priority to be added to the cavalry battalion. The rest will be trained by Hao Meng."

"promise!"

"Cheng Lian, the selection criteria for the Imperial Guards must be raised. They must not only be highly skilled in martial arts, but also loyal and reliable. In the future, the Imperial Guards will not only protect the palace and the General's Mansion, but also serve as role models for the entire army, and each soldier must be able to fight ten men."

"This humble general understands. I will certainly train the strongest army in the world for the Great General!"

"Wei Xu, the heavy armor of the Trapped Camp must be forged as quickly as possible. In the future, when attacking cities and capturing strongholds, the Trapped Camp will be the spearhead."

"Song Xian, the infantry battalion has the largest number of soldiers, so training must be rigorous. Formations, coordination, and endurance all need to be trained."

"Hou Cheng, the crossbow battalion not only needs to practice archery, but also crossbow operation. I will have Zuo Feng allocate a batch of powerful crossbows to you."

The banquet lasted until 9 PM.

The seven men took their leave, each one full of fighting spirit.