Three Kingdoms: Taking Over Liu Bei’s Legacy at the Start, Rebuilding the Han Dynasty Chapter 13

Chapter 13

After Cao Cao subdued Hebei, he began to plot to take Jingzhou. He dispatched Cao Ren to station in Nanyang, gathering an army of thirty thousand at Fancheng, eyeing Jingxiang and waiting for the right moment.

One day, news suddenly came that Liu Bei had been killed by Cai Mao. The generals were overjoyed and urged Cao Ren to take the opportunity to seize Xinye.

However, Cao Ren was uncertain and worried that Liu Bei might have used trickery. He sent someone to investigate, and indeed, Liu Bei’s coffin was being transported back to Xinye, preparing to mobilize for battle.

Military advisor Li Dian said, “The only one the Chancellor fears is Liu Bei. Now that he is dead, his troops have no place to go. If we rashly advance, they will surely flee elsewhere. It would be better to report this to the Chancellor and await his decision.”

Cao Ren nodded, saying, “The Chancellor has long valued Guan Yu’s talent and wished to recruit him. This is a heavenly opportunity!”

He then ordered someone to report to Xuchang while simultaneously intensifying the training of troops and horses, ready to march at any moment.

In Xuchang, Cao Cao was suffering from a severe headache, tossing and turning in bed, in unbearable pain. When he heard the news of Liu Bei’s death, he suddenly sat up in excitement.

After a moment of stunned silence, he burst into laughter, and his headache and back pain seemed to vanish. He ordered Xun Yu and others to come and discuss matters.

By now, the news of Liu Bei’s death had spread throughout Xuchang, and all the civil and military officials were thrilled. Some suggested immediately marching south to take Jingzhou, while others advised persuading Guan Yu and the others to surrender.

After listening for a while, Cao Cao asked Xun Yu, “what do you think?”

Xun Yu replied, “I have heard that a benevolent person does not take advantage of others’ misfortunes. If we were to engage in conflict, Guan Yu and the others would surely turn to Liu Biao, which is no different from driving a tiger into the mountains. It would be better to send envoys to express condolences and show goodwill, inviting their troops to come to court. We can then take Jingzhou without delay.”

Xun added, “This is indeed correct. With Cai Mao now dead and Liu Biao gravely ill, Liu Qi may be barely holding on to the affairs of the province, but he is only prolonging the inevitable. Sun Quan, seeking revenge for his father, will surely seize the opportunity to attack. Liu Qi will be unable to withstand him. If he seeks help from the Chancellor, wouldn’t Jingzhou be easily within reach?”

Cao Cao, who had always been preoccupied with Guan Yu, sighed, “Jingzhou is already in my grasp! What worries me is that Guan Yu cannot be used by me—what a pity!”

Yu nodded, saying, “Since Liu Bei escaped from Yuzhou and pretended to have the Imperial Edict, he has often thought about attacking Xuchang. Now that he has entrusted his son to Liu Qi, his brothers are united in spirit, but if they are only offered titles and benefits, it may be difficult for them to succeed.”

Xun Yu continued, “Guan and Zhang are fierce generals of this age, and Liu Qi will surely be unable to control them. The Chancellor has previously treated Guan Yu generously; if he sincerely extends an invitation and speaks of righteousness, he will surely succeed.”

Cao Cao stroked his beard and said, “I have long admired Yun Chang. If I can exchange Jingzhou for his loyal heart, I would not hesitate.”

Yu suggested, “We could use a strategy of sowing discord: Liu Bei died in Xiangyang after all. We should first send someone to spread rumors, saying that Cai Mao is seizing power and that Liu Biao and his son are using the strategy of driving a tiger to swallow a wolf. If they claim that Cai Mao harmed Liu Bei, Guan and Zhang will naturally become suspicious.”

Xun added, “Now that Liu Qi has been appointed General of the Rear Guard, Liu Bei was the General of the Left, positioned above him. The Chancellor could declare Guan Yu as the new General of the Left. Yun Chang is proud and will surely feel ashamed to be beneath Liu Qi. If the two are at odds, we can take the opportunity to recruit him.”

Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed, “With Guan and Zhang having nowhere to go, I ask you, among the lords of the world, who can employ them? Only I, Cao Meng De!”

After Liu Qi arrived in Xinye, he recruited Deng Zhi and Fu Rong, the historical figures he could think of.

In addition, many civil and military officials also recommended individuals, among whom the most notable were Hu Ji and Dong Jue from Yiyang, recommended by Wei Yan, both of whom were given significant positions.

In the blink of an eye, the seven days of mourning had passed, but Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were still feeling down. Liu Qi chose not to disturb them, as Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun were sufficient for training the troops.

Although Liu Bei had gained the hearts of the people in Xinye, his resources were limited. He had only five thousand troops, and with insufficient funds and supplies, even with capable generals, they were like caged birds, unable to spread their wings.

Cao Ren was stationed at Fancheng, ready to mobilize at any time. Liu Qi was transporting grain and supplies from Xiangyang to reinforce two thousand troops. He was busy preparing for battle day after day, yet there was still no sign of movement from Cao’s forces.

In the morning, Xu Shu returned from the camp after overseeing training. Liu Qi asked, “Cao Ren must have confirmed Uncle’s burial, yet he still hasn’t sent out troops. Could it be that he truly values benevolence and righteousness, refraining from attacking during the mourning period?”

Xu Shu sneered, “It’s not that Cao Ren is unwilling to send troops; I suspect Cao Cao has other schemes. With the Imperial Uncle gone, the civil and military officials have no leader, and Cao Cao must intend to recruit them for his own purposes.”

Liu Qi replied with a smile, “The generals despise treachery and are unmatched in loyalty and righteousness. How could they betray their Uncle?

Xu Shu frowned and said, “Recently, there have been rumors circulating in the city, suggesting that the generals have intentions to harm the Imperial Uncle. This could arouse suspicion among the people—it must be Cao Cao’s scheme. The general should clarify this early to avoid a major mistake.”

Liu Qi declared, “Those who are clear will be clear. I believe the three generals are men of great righteousness. Since we have the alliance of the White Horse, they will not doubt me. In this critical moment, an explanation would only serve as a cover; those who are clear will be clear.”

“The general’s words are reasonable.” Xu Shu paused slightly, then nodded and smiled.

He gained a new understanding of Liu Qi, recognizing his broad-mindedness and courage, and that his trust in others reflected the demeanor of a wise ruler.

Liu Qi asked again, “I often hear that Zhuge Liang compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, which shows he has a heart for serving the country and saving the people. Since the strategist has a connection with him, could we invite him out of retirement to lend us a hand?”

With Cao Ren not sending troops, Liu Qi shifted his focus to talent.

He did not believe that he could match wits and courage with the ancients based solely on his own foresight, especially in military strategy.

His advantage lay in recognizing and utilizing talent, anticipating significant historical events, and seizing the initiative.

However, as these events unfolded differently, history would also change, essentially creating a new history that moved in an unknown direction.

At that time, everyone would be at the same starting line, relying entirely on personal ability, making the integration of talent particularly important. This was his greatest advantage.

Xu Shu sighed, “Kongming possesses the talent to govern the world, yet his character is lofty and ancient; he cannot be easily persuaded. The general must go in person to seek him.”

Liu Qi frowned and said, “The matter of Cai Mao has implicated the Huang family, and since Kongming is connected to the Huang family by marriage, I wonder if he would resent me?”

Xu Shu shook his head, saying, “The general need not worry about this. Kongming is detached from the world and cannot be judged by mundane standards. Moreover, Cai’s hegemony stems from his own actions, and Huang Chengyan has little interaction with the Cai family, so it is unrelated.”

“Then I can rest easy!” Liu Qi sighed in relief and said, “Since Cao Ren is not sending troops, we should choose a day to visit Longzhong.”

Just as they were discussing, a soldier came to report that an envoy had arrived. They hurried to greet him at the government office, setting up a ceremonial altar to receive him, knowing it was all at Cao Cao’s behest, but the formalities still had to be observed.

In this age of deceit and intrigue, everyone was an actor; those who lacked skill in performance would be driven off the stage.

After hearing the imperial edict, Liu Qi offered condolences to Liu Bei but noted that the key point was the promotion of Guan Yu to General of the Left.

This position was above that of the General of the Rear Guard, meaning Guan Yu would have the authority to establish his own office and would no longer need to follow Liu Qi’s orders.

As the envoy read the edict, all eyes turned to Guan Yu, waiting to see how he would choose.

Liu Qi’s heart raced; although he had recruited Guan and Zhang, they were still bound by Liu Bei’s trust, and true confidence was still far from reach.

Now that Guan Yu had the power to act independently, would he pull these men to start a new faction?