Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

When Chen Xi arrived at Liu Bei’s residence, Liu Bei was sitting authoritatively in the main seat, with only Jia Xu, who was idly counting ants, seated below him. Chen Xi glanced around but didn’t see the usual cauldron for cooking meat. He habitually asked, ”Lord Xuande, hasn’t the mutton finished cooking yet? It’s perfect for a cold winter day.”

Liu Bei was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. Pointing at Chen Xi, he asked, ”You rascal, do you think I called you here just to eat? Go, take your seat. That cashmere blanket of yours is indeed warm.”

”Something made from tens of thousands of sheepskins can’t help but be warm,” Chen Xi casually replied as he headed to his seat.

”Say that again?” Liu Bei asked, startled.

”Tens of thousands of sheepskins were used to produce the cashmere,” Chen Xi repeated. ”Why, is there a problem, Lord Xuande?”

Liu Bei’s face twitched slightly. He had never known that what he was standing on was worth so much. How much could that be worth?

”Hahaha, Lord Xuande, don’t believe Zichuan’s words. This carpet didn’t cost a single penny. The mention of tens of thousands of sheepskins refers to only taking a handful of wool from each skin. Zichuan’s lies are always difficult to verify,” Li You remarked as he entered with a smile, then froze momentarily. ”Where’s the cauldron?”

”Huh?” Liu Bei was taken aback.

Soon, the civil and military officials arrived one after another, but almost every one of them was puzzled by the absence of the cauldron that was usually in the center. Where was the mutton? Some asked about it, others found it odd that the cauldron was missing, and still others were momentarily stunned. In the end, even Liu Bei felt something was amiss about not cooking mutton today.

Liu Bei’s gaze swept from left to right, passing over Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Gan Ning, Zhao Yun, Hua Xiong, Taishi Ci, Yu Jin, Zang Ba, Sun Guan, Wu Anguo, and Chen Dao—all of whom were mighty generals capable of conquering any territory. His gaze then moved on to Chen Xi, Lu Su, Guo Jia, Liu Ye, Jia Xu, Fa Zheng, Man Chong, Jian Yong, Sun Qian, Liu Yan, and Mi Zhu—a formidable assembly of civil officials that would be considered luxurious no matter where they were placed. Liu Bei couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride.”This year marks the third year since I took over Taishan. After so long, I finally have the opportunity to gather everyone together,” Liu Bei said, reflecting on the scene before him. ”The preliminary strategy that Zichuan formulated can finally be fully realized this year. I ask all of you to give your utmost support this year.”

”Qingzhou is already within our grasp,” Chen Xi said confidently as he stood up. ”We’ve prepared for so long. How could we have missed anything?”

”Big Brother, please allow me to lead the charge in the Qingzhou campaign,” Zhang Fei immediately shouted as he stood up.

”How could we do without my navy?” Gan Ning laughed. Though he seemed a bit carefree, everyone present was convinced by his battle achievements. Even the proud Guan Yu, after hearing about Gan Ning’s audacious exploits, couldn’t help but ponder for a long time, eventually shaking his head in silence. Such feats required not just opportunity but also courage and daring.

”Zhao Yun requests to fight. Although the White Horse was defeated, I am willing to restore its honor,” Zhao Yun said as he quietly stood up.

”Hahaha, with such valiant generals, how fortunate I am!” Liu Bei laughed heartily. ”This campaign in Qingzhou is about pacification, not extermination. Yide, you are too impetuous for the delicate work required. Xingba is in charge of the navy, so how could you take away his credit? The coastal defense of Qingzhou still needs you to hold the line.”

Both Zhang Fei and Gan Ning looked visibly disappointed. Liu Bei then turned to Zhao Yun. ”Zilong, your reputation for benevolence and love of the people has spread across several provinces. The people of Qingzhou also know of your virtuous name. Many refugees have sought refuge under my rule because of your reputation.”

Liu Bei sighed as he spoke. Zhao Yun was clearly a mighty general, yet he had also shown remarkable talent in handling civil affairs. In fact, Lu Su and the others often entrusted Zhao Yun with important tasks related to agriculture and the survival of the people.

”It’s all due to your virtue, my lord,” Zhao Yun replied humbly.

The other generals couldn’t help but feel a bit envious of Zhao Yun. Despite having maxed out his martial prowess, he was now excelling in civil administration as well, reaching a level high enough to blend seamlessly with the civil officials.

”Zilong, there’s no need for modesty. I hope you’ll continue to work for the welfare of the people as you have. The matter of setting up agricultural colonies will still rest on your shoulders,” Liu Bei said, helping Zhao Yun to his feet.

”I will do my utmost!” Zhao Yun responded solemnly.

”For this Qingzhou campaign, you will be the vanguard until we thoroughly enter the eastern part of Qingzhou. After that, you will be responsible for pacifying the people and managing all agricultural affairs,” Liu Bei said, handing the military order to Zhao Yun.

”Understood!” Zhao Yun accepted the order with a respectful bow.

”Yun Chang, Ziyang, you will lead the army to defend Licheng and guard against Yuan Shao. Be prepared at all times to rescue Wei. I’m concerned that Bo Gui might act recklessly again. If conditions permit, you may attack the nearby Yellow Turbans,” Liu Bei continued, entrusting the north to Guan Yu, his most trusted general.

”Understood!” Guan Yu and Liu Ye stood up and bowed to Liu Bei.

To be honest, Liu Bei would have preferred to have Guo Jia stationed in Licheng, but with Guo Jia’s health being a significant concern, he had to settle for a second option.

Guan Yu and Liu Ye exchanged glances. Guan Yu was clearly conflicted. Having experienced Guo Jia’s lethal one-strike strategies, he found Liu Ye’s multitude of plans, ready for the choosing, somewhat difficult to adapt to.

”Wen Ze, you will lead a reorganized army of 5,000 troops, following Zilong to eliminate the remaining Yellow Turbans,” Liu Bei continued assigning tasks.

”Understood,” Yu Jin replied, bowing. A hint of joy flashed in his eyes. Finally, he had been assigned a regiment to command. No longer would he be just a training officer without actual troops to lead. Watching others take command of regiments while he was left to train soldiers had not been a pleasant feeling, even though he did enjoy the training.

”Shuzi, Zichuan mentioned that you are skilled in training soldiers, so you will take over Wen Ze’s duties, training troops in Fenggao,” Liu Bei said, unconcerned by Yu Jin’s joy. After all, every general aspired to battle.

Training soldiers was a way to build credentials. Throughout the entire year, Yu Jin hadn’t made significant achievements, but now that he was in charge of a regiment, no one criticized him. All the generals had benefited from the well-trained recruits he provided. That was his contribution.

”Understood!” Chen Dao was delighted. He had initially thought he was just there as an observer, but it turned out there were military responsibilities for him. He thoroughly enjoyed the task of training soldiers.

”Anguo, since Wen Ju sent you to serve me, you will be my personal guard, just like Zhongkang,” Liu Bei said, turning to Wu Anguo.

”I am honored, Lord Xuande,” Wu Anguo replied with a bow, then moved to stand beside Liu Bei, joining Xu Chu. The two broad-shouldered warriors exchanged glances before standing like door gods beside Liu Bei.

Wu Anguo was very satisfied with the role Liu Bei assigned him. It demonstrated trust without making things difficult for him. In terms of leading troops into battle, he wasn’t particularly skilled. Serving as Liu Bei’s bodyguard was a perfect fit for him.