Chapter 6: You Call This Lacking Strategy?
Xiao He was momentarily stunned and glanced back at Zhuge Liang.
If the Sleeping Dragon remains silent, why ask me?
“I truly do not understand strategy well enough; I fear I cannot help Lord Liu Yuzhou alleviate his troubles…”
Xiao He could only show a regretful expression and shrug his shoulders.
Liu Bei turned to exchange a glance with Zhuge Liang and the others.
Could someone who accurately predicted Liu Biao’s death and Liu Cong’s surrender to Cao Cao be lacking in strategic prowess?
Liu Bei recalled the scene of his three visits to the thatched cottage.
Great sages and hermits are often reserved; it was only after his repeated sincere visits that Zhuge Liang finally came forth.
Could it be that Xiao Bowen also felt his sincerity insufficient?
Yes, that must be it!
With this thought, Liu Bei immediately stood, straightened his attire, and said solemnly:
“Now, to the north, Cao Cao’s vast army presses at the border; to the south, Liu Cong intends to surrender Jingzhou to Cao. I am trapped between them, at the brink of life and death.”
“I beseech Master Bowen to consider my earnest heart to restore the Han dynasty, and humbly request your counsel on how to navigate this grave crisis.”
Liu Bei’s words were sincere and earnest as he bowed deeply.
“Lord Liu Yuzhou, you…”
A trace of helplessness flickered across Xiao He’s face.
It seemed that Liu Bei’s position was not an easy one to hold.
Though it was a secure livelihood, one could not live idly. Expecting to merely survive without contributing was clearly impossible.
“Lord Liu Yuzhou overwhelms me with kindness; such great honor is far beyond what I deserve.”
Xiao He hastily helped Liu Bei up, forcing a smile.
“Lord Liu Yuzhou once saved my life and took me in; if I can ease your burden, it is but my duty.”
“Though I am not well versed in strategy, since Lord Yuzhou has asked, allow me to deliberate.”
When it came to practical matters like troop deployment and leading armies, Xiao He would not dare to promise, even if Liu Bei knelt and begged.
But offering strategic advice on paper was another matter.
After all, as a time traveler, his mind contained a vast database of knowledge spanning over a thousand years, with countless cases to draw from.
By integrating current conditions, he could propose an optimal solution that might yield surprising results.
Xiao He rubbed his forehead thoughtfully.
Following the original plan meant abandoning Fancheng, crossing Xiangyang, retreating south to Jiangling, only to be caught by Cao Cao’s elite cavalry on the way…
That would be a disaster!
If luck ran out, he might even be cut down in the chaos.
No, the old path was out of the question.
Retreating directly to Jiangxia to join Liu Qi was possible, but still risked being pursued by Cao Cao.
It seemed that fleeing was the worst option.
The best was to hold Fancheng, keeping Cao Cao north of the Hanshui River.
History had many examples of southern kingdoms surviving by holding Fancheng and relying on the natural defense of the Hanshui River to block northern cavalry.
The Southern Song was the most successful case, enduring the sweeping Mongol armies for decades by relying on the Xiang-Fan defense line.
But could Liu Bei’s mere ten thousand troops hold off Cao Cao’s hundred-thousand-strong army by just defending Fancheng?
It was a daunting prospect.
Moreover, Liu Cong was holed up in Xiangyang, ready to stab Liu Bei in the back at any moment.
“Wait… Xiangyang!”
Xiao He’s eyes lit up.
Xiangyang and Fancheng were separated by one river, historically considered a single entity.
To take Fancheng, one must first secure Xiangyang; conversely, if Xiangyang fell, Fancheng would be lost.
Exactly—the key was Xiangyang!
Suddenly, a bold strategy formed clearly in Xiao He’s mind.
“Lord Liu Yuzhou, if you wish to turn the tide, in my view, there is only one path.”
Xiao He took a deep breath and slowly uttered four words:
“A daring raid on Xiangyang!”
The shocking phrase startled everyone.
“Mr. Xiao, you mean… to capture Xiangyang by assault?”
Liu Bei feared he misheard and hurriedly asked again.
“Lord, if you do not want Jingzhou to fall into Cao Cao’s hands, you must hold Fancheng at all costs to block Cao Cao’s army from crossing the river.”
“With our current forces, trying to defend Fancheng alone is like an ant trying to stop a chariot.”
“Moreover, with Liu Cong surrendering Jingzhou to Cao Cao, you face enemies before and behind, trapped in a desperate situation.”
“Therefore, you must seize the opportunity before Cao’s forces arrive, secretly cross the Hanshui, and taking advantage of Liu Cong’s unstable hold on loyalty, capture Xiangyang in one swift strike.”
“Xiangyang is the administrative center of Jingzhou, where half the troops, funds, and supplies are concentrated. Only by taking Xiangyang can you confidently resist Cao Cao in the north and unify Jingzhou in the south!”
“Mr. Xiao, does your ‘daring raid on Xiangyang’ mean what Master Liang suggested?”
Before Xiao He could speak, Zhuge Liang promptly outlined the pros and cons of such a raid.
Xiao He was about to explain, but Zhuge Liang’s swift insight saved him the trouble.
“Yes, yes, Mr. Kongming is correct; that is exactly what I mean.”
Xiao He nodded in agreement, going with the flow.
Everyone’s eyes widened.
Even Guan Yinping’s mouth parted slightly, her bright gaze fixed on Xiao He.
“This man’s strategy coincides with mine; he indeed has astute insight. His earlier claim of not understanding strategy must have been modesty…”
Zhuge Liang silently observed Xiao He and nodded slightly.
In fact, he had already considered the daring raid on Xiangyang.
He had not yet fully thought it through and intentionally used it to test Xiao He’s tactical acumen, thus he had not presented it to Liu Bei.
Great minds think alike.
Xiao He had indeed thought of this plan.
Could someone ignorant of strategy devise such a tactic?
Meanwhile, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, after initial surprise, brightened with revelation.
“Brother, Mr. Xiao is right!”
“That brat Liu Cong surrendered to Cao Cao; why should we let him occupy the latrine without doing his business, hoarding Xiangyang?”
“Let’s just raid Xiangyang, kill those traitors Liu Cong and Kuai Cai, and take Jingzhou all at once.”
“Then what is there to fear from Cao Cao? We’ll slaughter him with no chance of return, settling old scores together!”
Zhang Fei slammed the table, shouting excitedly.
Guan Yu looked at Xiao He with admiration, stroking his beard and nodding slightly.
“Brother, in my humble opinion, Master Xiao’s plan is indeed a brilliant stratagem to turn the tide.”
“Liu Jingsheng has died; the traitors Cai and Kuai deposed the rightful heir; Liu Cong surrendered without a fight; the city of Xiangyang is surely unsettled and the army demoralized.”
“This is a heaven-sent opportunity to strike and seize Xiangyang in one decisive battle!”
It was clear Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had long wished to capture Xiangyang, so they praised Xiao He’s plan unreservedly.
“Mr. Xiao’s scheme is indeed a rare stratagem to reverse the situation!”
Liu Bei first cupped his hands in approval, then sighed:
“However, Liu Jingsheng treated me well; his remains are not yet cold. How could I betray his trust and seize Xiangyang, his legacy?”
Zhuge Liang frowned deeply.
This was his third concern: Liu Bei’s benevolence restrained him from attacking Liu Cong.
“Lord, your words are mistaken. Jingzhou belongs to the Great Han dynasty, not Liu Jingsheng’s private estate.”
“Moreover, Liu Jingsheng resisted Cao all his life, while Liu Cong surrendered Jingzhou—such unfilial and unrighteous acts make him unworthy to be Liu Jingsheng’s son or ruler of Jingzhou.”
“As your kin and the imperial uncle appointed by the Son of Heaven, stepping forward now to take over Xiangyang and Jingzhou is rightful and just. How can it be called betrayal?”
Zhuge Liang declared firmly, refuting Liu Bei.
“Yes, Brother, the strategist is right. That scoundrel Liu Cong is disloyal and unfilial, unfit to hold Jingzhou. We should take it from him!”
Zhang Fei enthusiastically agreed.
“If you, Brother, reject Master Xiao’s plan, it is tantamount to watching Jingzhou fall to Cao Cao. Can you face the spirit of Liu Jingsheng in heaven?”
Guan Yu asked solemnly.
Hearing their counsel, Liu Bei pondered silently.
After weighing the matter, his expression resolute, he said:
“All you say is not without merit. Yet, Liu Jingsheng entrusted me with guardianship of his son.”
“While Liu Cong’s surrender is wrong, to use force against him and seize his inheritance would betray Liu Jingsheng’s trust and be unjust.”
“No matter what, I will never commit such injustice!”
Seeing their brother’s determination, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged glances and sighed quietly, unwilling to argue further.
Zhuge Liang sighed softly, revealing helplessness:
“If that is so, then we can only retreat south, beyond Xiangyang, to Jiangling.”
“After Liu Cong’s surrender, you will base yourself in Jiangling, join forces with Liu Qi to resist Cao Cao, and then plan to reclaim Xiangyang.”
Liu Bei’s expression brightened, pleased:
“Strategist Kongming’s plan is more prudent. When we take Xiangyang then, it will be a righteous and honorable recapture from Cao Cao.”
After this, Liu Bei turned apologetically to Xiao He and said:
“Sir, you are truly a man of remarkable wisdom. Your daring raid on Xiangyang is an ingenious strategy. But forgive me, I have my reasons for not adopting it.”
“Mr. Xiao, if you have no other place to go, would you be willing to cross the river with me and retreat to Jiangling?”
Xiao He felt both joy and worry.
Liu Bei’s unspoken message was an invitation to join him — securing his livelihood was certainly welcome.
But he worried that after all his effort, Liu Bei still chose to follow the original script.
Truly, character determines fate…
Of course, he would join, but he did not want to endure the ensuing nightmare at Changban Slope.
He had to find a way to make Liu Bei change his mind.
His thoughts raced; his eyes flickered with a sudden gleam.
“I have no family or ties; I am grateful to Lord Liu Yuzhou for taking me in and would willingly accompany you to Jiangling.”
After feigning gratitude, Xiao He shifted the conversation and asked:
“Yet I must ask, Lord Liu Yuzhou, if because you refuse to raid Xiangyang, ten thousand innocent people must die beneath Cao Cao’s iron cavalry, would you remain so stubborn?”
Liu Bei’s body stiffened, his expression changed drastically.