Traveling back in time to Liu Feng, starting with rescuing soldier Guan Yu.

The next day, at the Shu Han army camp.

Looking at the roster of officers and the inventory of troops compiled by Kou Zun, Liu Feng recalled that when Meng Da led his troops to attack Shangyong, he had submitted a memorial stating that he had four thousand elite soldiers under his command. However, after Kou Zun's inventory, it turned out that Meng Da's troops numbered only slightly over three thousand, with a full quarter of them being vacancies and empty payrolls. Moreover, of these three thousand men, less than half were soldiers who had actually seen battle and bloodshed.

Liu Feng cursed inwardly. After all that effort, he had only obtained a little over a thousand elite soldiers! The rest were either new recruits who had never seen battle or laborers and supply troops. It was a wonder that Meng Da dared to ask for such an exorbitant price, demanding a title and promotion from Cao Wei with his so-called "four thousand elite soldiers."

Just as he was feeling depressed, the curtain of the central command tent was lifted, and Kou Zun stepped into the tent. Liu Feng didn't even look up, but waved for Kou Zun to take a seat.

"Zirong, you've worked hard this morning. Are Mengda's troops still able to keep things under control?"

"Reporting to the Deputy General: After last night's events, I, following your instructions, issued a strict order. Any soldier in any battalion who whispers among themselves, disobeys orders, or colludes with others will be executed without mercy. Last night at the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), Ziwu led 700 of his clan's troops to the camp, where they are now encamped in the right camp. Furthermore, you pardoned Li Fu, ordering him to appease the troops. With these two measures in place, a troop count conducted this day revealed no signs of mutiny."

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng nodded. He continued, "That's excellent. I've heard military strategists say that the key to governing an army lies in clear rewards and punishments. Now that you're in command of an army for the first time, and these are soldiers from Meng Da's old camp, you must not lightly bestow favors or rewards, lest you undermine the authority of military law. Li Fu is indeed capable of managing troops; he can temporarily serve as your deputy. As for the former officers and soldiers under Meng Da, they will eventually be replaced by trusted confidants of yours and mine, but we must not rush into it and cause unrest within the army."

"Deputy General, rest assured! I understand the implications and will certainly not disappoint you. However, I fear that if I am ordered to lead the troops without the King of Hanzhong's decree, the King may investigate and ruin your future."

Liu Feng laughed and said, "You're so calculating! But you can't care about all these rules now. In chaotic times, you need to have resources to earn respect and fear. Otherwise, no matter how well you play it safe, you'll still be at the mercy of others. With your abilities, Zirong, you should have been leading an army long ago. I'm sorry that you've been stuck by my side for so many years."

Kou Zun was about to speak again when Liu Feng raised his hand to stop him and pulled him down in front of the table.

"Come, Zirong. I was just studying the map of Shangyong and the surrounding area of ​​Jingzhou. We intend to lead our troops to Jingzhou to participate in the war, and we currently have two routes to take. One is by land, leaving Shangyong City and heading south, marching two hundred li along the mountain road, passing Linju, then heading north through Dangyang and Maicheng to attack Xiangfan. I took this route with Liu Bei when we retreated from Xinye before the Battle of Red Cliffs. The other is by water, leaving Shangyong, heading north into the Dujiang River, passing through Yunxian into the Han River, breaking through Laohekou, and then directly into Xiangfan. Zirong, what do you think we should do to advance our troops?"

"This... I believe that taking the land route is the most appropriate. Firstly, our army is familiar with the terrain of Shangyong and Dangyang. Although it is a long and arduous expedition, all the counties we pass through are our territory, so there is no need to worry about the safety of our supply lines. Secondly, Meng Da's army has just joined us and its morale is low. If we suddenly raise an army and engage Cao Wei in battle and attack cities, we may not be able to keep up, and our strength will be greatly reduced before we even reach Xiangyang. Thirdly, if, as you have predicted, Sun Quan and Lü Meng launch a surprise attack on Jiangling and block the routes into Sichuan, including Yidu County, General Guan will have no choice but to retreat to Shangyong via Maicheng and Linju. Taking the land route will allow us to meet up with Guan Yu."

"To support Guan Yu? Hmph! Guan Yu is arrogant and has always looked down on me, his adopted son. I know that all too well. Our primary objective in this campaign to Jingzhou is to capture Xiangfan. Second, we must relieve Guan Yu's siege. Only with such merit will Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang forgive us for killing a general and leading the army into battle without authorization! Once we capture Nanxiang and Xiangyang, the Han River will be entirely under our control. We can then use water transport to reach the front lines, and Guan Yu's siege will be lifted."

"Two prefectures. Brother, it's not that I'm trying to boost their morale, but with our current forces, I'm afraid it's extremely difficult to accomplish this!"

Liu Feng, however, seemed to see through everything. Looking at the map on the table, he could almost see the surging waves of the Han River and the majestic, imposing city of Xiangyang. He laughed loudly, "Zirong, how about we brothers make a bet? If we can cross the Han River and capture Xiangyang, you will give me your treasured hard bow. What do you say?"

"Haha, there's no need for any bets. If we can truly break through Nanxiang and defend Xiangfan, I'm willing to give my beloved bow to you, brother!"

Liu Feng clapped his hands and laughed, "Then it's a deal."

Three days later. The autumn rain that had lasted for many days finally cleared up. Shen Dan was sitting in his study in his government office when he heard Shen Yi calling out loudly from afar.

"Big brother, big brother! News has come back."

Shen Dan, his face grim, rose, pushed open the door, dismissed the servants attending him, and then sighed, "Still such an impatient temper. Is there really something important that you would let the servants at home know?"

Shen Yi scratched his head. Shen Dan then asked, "Has any news come back from the direction of Nanxiang County?"

"Indeed, elder brother. What Liu Feng said the other day was indeed true. Taking advantage of the heavy rain and the swelling of the Han River, Lord Guan breached the dikes, flooding nearly 30,000 of Yu Jin's seven armies. Yu Jin surrendered, and Pang De was beheaded. This victory was truly exhilarating!"

Shen Dan nodded. "I heard the same thing from the passenger ships traveling on the Han River. Moreover, I heard from scouts in Nanxiang County that Prefect Fu Fang intends to raise troops to surrender to Lord Guan."

"Is this really true? Then, in your opinion, brother, should we fully support what Liu Feng has said?"

"I have heard that for the past three days, Liu Feng has not removed his armor and has been practicing martial arts with his soldiers in the camp. Meng Da's former subordinates are gradually showing signs of surrendering. This man is ruthless and decisive, as well as resolute and fierce; he is truly a remarkable figure. It is only a pity that he is the adopted son of the King of Han, otherwise our Shen clan might have the merit of supporting the emperor in the future! Even so, this situation, which is difficult to resolve in a thousand years, is worth our Shen clan's heavy investment. Second brother, convey my order to prepare the clan's soldiers' armor, weapons, provisions, and boats, and make sure that everything is in place within three days."

"Yes, brother!" Shen Yi's face beamed with excitement.

"Also, have someone prepare horses. You will come with me to Liu Feng's government office again. Since we are going to place a heavy bet, we must naturally show some sincerity to this young general."

...

Shangyong City, the Deputy General's Office.

Liu Feng stood in front of the hall talking with the two brothers, Kou Zun and Kou Wei.

"Feng Ge'er, I have followed the military order and selected over four hundred elite soldiers from the northern camp who are skilled in archery and horsemanship and have served the general for more than five years. However, they must all be fully armored and each have three horses. At the moment, we cannot find enough horses and armor in the camp."

Liu Feng rubbed his head, feeling a pang of disappointment. His original plan was to select elite troops from his former subordinates and Meng Da's retinue to form a heavy cavalry force similar to Li Shimin's Xuanjia Army. However, of the nearly ten thousand Shu Han soldiers, only a handful were truly skilled in archery and horsemanship. And to achieve the Xuanjia Army's standard of three horses and a set of armor per soldier, even scavenging the entire army couldn't provide enough!

Among the resources, the Shu Han camp was most lacking in warhorses. This was because none of the counties or prefectures currently occupied by Liu Bei's group possessed excellent horse farms. Strategic resources like warhorses were naturally under strict control by Cao Wei, and they simply couldn't easily fall into the hands of Jing and Yi provinces.

Liu Feng's wishful thinking was ruthlessly shattered by reality. He shook his head and sighed, "Very well. We'll find another way to deal with the warhorses later. For now, let's incorporate these four hundred elite troops into the clan army."

Upon hearing that Liu Feng was planning to recruit soldiers into the clan army, Kou Wei frowned and pondered, saying, "Incorporate them into the clan army? Brother, I'm afraid we won't be able to command them as easily as before."

"Haha. Ziwu, you're overthinking it. You've led troops before, and you know that in a camp, strict military orders and clear rewards and punishments ensure the soldiers' loyalty. If we brothers want to establish ourselves in this chaotic world, we need a loyal and brave elite force. Seven hundred or even seven thousand men aren't enough; every brother in our clan must be a centurion or even a captain. Only then can we stand tall and have a place in this chaotic world."

Kou Zun was deeply moved. He felt that his sworn brother had recently undergone a drastic change in temperament, becoming more meticulous and ruthless in his actions than before. Something undeniable seemed to be emerging in his words and demeanor: ambition!

"Zirong, Ziwu. This elite force, gradually expanded from the clan's army as its backbone, must be firmly controlled by us brothers. Only in this way can we advance to contend for supremacy and roam freely across the land; or retreat to preserve our lives and enjoy glory!"

Hearing the solemn tone of Liu Feng's voice, Kou Zun and Kou Wei both regained their composure. After exchanging a glance, they bowed and said, "Yes, Your subordinates understand."

"In that case, elder brother, it would be inappropriate to continue referring to the new camp as the clan army. I would appreciate it if you could name the new camp!"

Liu Feng paced back and forth in front of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back. The events of his two lifetimes flashed by like fleeting clouds. He sighed heavily, "Let's call it the 'Beacon Camp'!"

"The character '烽' (feng) means beacon fire. Right now, the Central Plains are in chaos, and war rages everywhere. I only wish that you and I, the three brothers, could lead the elite '烽' (feng) battalion to sweep away the traitors and restore peace and tranquility to the people of the land as soon as possible!"

"What a peaceful and prosperous time! This humble general is willing to follow my brother to accomplish this great cause, even if it means going through fire and water," Kou Zun said loudly.

"Me too! From this day forward, we shall call it the 'Beacon Battalion'." Kou Wei's tiger-like eyes flashed with a sharp light.

After forcibly explaining his thoughts, Liu Feng gathered his chaotic thoughts and was about to speak when he suddenly heard a guard outside the door report: Shen Dan and Shen Yi are requesting an audience outside the door, saying they have important matters to discuss.

"They've arrived!" Liu Feng was secretly delighted, but his face remained impassive as he calmly said, "Please, both generals, come inside for a chat."

"Brother, did the Shen brothers come here with the intention of raising an army to help us?" After the guards had gone far away, Kou Zun whispered to Liu Feng.

"Shen Dan and Shen Yi have been able to occupy Shangyong for many years, so they must have extraordinary strategies and courage. In three days, I believe Shen Dan must have already found out the truth about the Battle of Xiangfan. He must have a plan in mind before he comes here."

Kou Wei then realized what was going on and said, "No wonder you made an appointment with him to set out in seven days. It was to give him time to investigate the situation. I am now willing to follow you in raising an army."

Liu Feng wore a smug expression, but in his heart he thought: Since these two old guys won't act until they see the benefits, and are now revealing their "trump cards" to invest, then I'd better show some sincerity first!