Chapter 9: No One Is More Suited to Be a Guide Than Him

Xiao He, Xiao Bowen!

The name flashed instantly before Liu Bei's eyes.

Indeed, this man’s foresight was godlike. Liu Biao’s death and Liu Cong’s surrender to Cao Cao had all been within his predictions, and it was he who had proposed the strategy for a surprise attack on Xiangyang.

If that was the case, why couldn't he be consulted on the choice of an inside man?

"Yide, you jest. While it is true that Xiao Bowen’s ability to foresee the upheaval in Xiangyang before us is extraordinary, the Xiangyang garrison consists of thirty thousand men. The officers who could act as our moles are as numerous as the hairs on an ox, and most of them are obscure figures of little renown."

"Unless Xiao Bowen has an intimate knowledge of every single one of these officers, how could he possibly determine who is trustworthy and capable of the task?"

Guan Yu’s words dispelled Liu Bei’s urge to seek Xiao He’s counsel.

Liu Biao was the governor of a province, while Cai Mao and Kuai Yue were the preeminent figures of Jing Province’s gentry; the former held military power, the latter political authority. Even a three-year-old in Jing Province would know their names. Xiao He’s deductions regarding these three, while astonishing, were not without basis.

However, the officers of the Xiangyang garrison were mostly unremarkable men. Even someone with the extensive network of Zhuge Liang might not know them all, let alone Xiao He, who had lived in seclusion in the mountains since childhood and had only recently descended.

If he didn't even know their names, how could he possibly judge whether they were trustworthy?

"Yunchang is right. Master Bowen is indeed a genius, but to press him on this matter would be asking too much. We shall not disturb him."

Liu Bei subsequently dismissed Zhang Fei’s suggestion.

However, considering that Cao Cao’s massive army was pressing down upon them and the surprise attack on Xiangyang was imminent, Fancheng would become increasingly unsafe. It was inevitable that spies for Cao Cao or Liu Cong would infiltrate the government offices. Relying solely on Guan Yinping and a few female soldiers to protect Xiao He was clearly insufficient.

"Zilong, from today on, take a squad of your elite guards to protect Master Xiao."

"Remember, like Strategist Kongming, this man is vital to the success of our great cause to restore the Han Dynasty. You must ensure that not even the slightest harm befalls him."

Liu Bei placed this heavy responsibility on Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun knew that Guan Yinping had brought back a remarkable person and had heard rumors of his deeds, so he was already quite curious. Now, seeing how highly Liu Bei valued this man—even linking his safety to the restoration of the Han—he felt an even more urgent desire to witness Xiao Bowen’s presence for himself.

"My Lord, rest assured! I will ensure Master Xiao’s complete safety!"

Zhao Yun accepted the order with alacrity. He immediately selected a dozen elite guards and headed straight for the inner courtyard.

Stepping into a small yard, Zhao Yun was taken aback.

He saw a young gentleman, his hair unbound, lifting his hands and stepping forward in a series of fluid motions, as if practicing some form of martial art. Yet, the movements were slow and deliberate, devoid of any apparent speed or power. Guan Yinping stood nearby, hand on her sword, her brows knitted in confusion as she guarded the young man.

There was no need to ask; this young man was undoubtedly Xiao He.

"Wild horse shakes its mane... right hand holds the bird’s tail... right whip leg... left front kick..."

Xiao He chanted as he stretched his limbs.

"Lady Yinping, what kind of martial art is Master Xiao practicing?" Zhao Yun asked, moving closer to Guan Yinping without daring to disturb him.

"Uncle Zilong?" Guan Yinping bowed hurriedly before replying, "I heard him say this form of boxing is called Taijiquan."

"Taijiquan?" Zhao Yun had never heard of it and asked in surprise, "Martial arts emphasize ferocity and speed. How can there be any logic in such slow, leisurely movements?"

Guan Yinping sighed softly and shook her head. "He says his Taijiquan is not for killing; it is merely a method of cultivation for health."

She looked at Zhao Yun and asked, "Master Bowen is a disciple of a master from beyond the secular world; his words and actions are naturally different from ours. Did my uncle and the others not mention this to you, Uncle Zilong?"

Zhao Yun looked at Xiao He again. He had heard Zhang Fei mention that this Master Xiao was no ordinary man and that if he displayed any strange behavior, one should not be overly surprised. Now that he saw it, Zhao Yun realized Zhang Fei had not been exaggerating. Even this "Taijiquan" was truly unique.

As they spoke privately, Xiao He heard the commotion and looked over, his eyes lighting up. Among Liu Bei’s subordinates, there was only one man of letters and one warrior who could be called truly handsome. The scholar was Zhuge Liang, and the warrior was undoubtedly Zhao Yun. Xiao He recognized him at a glance.

"Could this be the illustrious Zhao Zilong of Changshan?" Xiao He ceased his movements and walked over with a smile.

Zhao Yun collected his thoughts and bowed. "I am indeed Zhao Yun. I have long heard of your reputation, Master, and it is an honor to finally meet you. I have come by the Lord’s order to assist Lady Guan in ensuring your safety."

Xiao He understood immediately that Zhao Yun was here on a mission. To have a powerhouse of Zhao Yun’s caliber assigned to guard him showed just how much Liu Bei valued him.

"I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the Governor of Yu Province in sending General Zilong to protect me. I am truly flattered."

After expressing his gratitude, Xiao He joked, "Then, from now on, my life is entirely in your hands, General Zilong."

Zhao Yun, however, remained solemn. "The Lord says you are vital to the restoration of the Han, Master. I shall sacrifice my life if necessary to ensure your safety!"

Seeing Zhao Yun’s stern expression, Xiao He found it difficult to continue joking and responded with equal gravity.

After his Taiji session, feeling parched, Xiao He invited Zhao Yun inside for tea.

"Uncle Zilong, I heard the Governor called all of you to a meeting earlier. Is it time to move against Xiangyang?" Guan Yinping asked as she poured tea for Zhao Yun.

Since they were all on the same side, Zhao Yun did not hide the truth. He recounted how Guan Yu had intercepted Song Zhong and confirmed that Liu Cong had indeed submitted a letter of surrender to Cao Cao.

"He truly predicted it all..." Guan Yinping glanced secretly at Xiao He.

"Strategist Kongming has already used Master Xiao’s strategy to plan for the seizure of the naval vessels at Fancheng’s water camp, crossing the river under the cover of night, and launching a surprise attack on Xiangyang."

"Yinping, help Master Xiao pack his things; we may need to escort him across the river to Xiangyang in three to five days," Zhao Yun added.

Guan Yinping agreed without hesitation.

Xiao He, however, sensed a problem. "If you intercepted Song Zhong, Liu Cong and his ministers must already know that the Governor is aware of their secret surrender. Xiangyang will surely be on high alert."

"The Governor should launch the surprise attack immediately. Why wait three to five days?"

Zhao Yun sighed, explaining that Zhuge Liang was still unable to finalize the choice of an inside man and needed time to deliberate. "Strategist Kongming knows the importance of speed in warfare, but he has no choice but to wait."

Xiao He’s brows knit together. He had thought his task was finished after convincing Liu Bei to attack Xiangyang, allowing him to sit back and wait. After all, the specific tactical details were the domain of the Sleeping Dragon.

But now, the plan was stuck on the very last link.

"If this drags on, it will only lead to more trouble. If the mission fails because of a wrong choice of an inside man, we might even lose the chance to retreat to Jiangling. We’ll be caught by Cao Cao long before we reach Changbanpo..."

A chill ran down Xiao He’s spine. His relaxed state of mind instantly became alert.

"Who would be the most suitable guide..."

His thoughts raced, and suddenly, a name flashed before his eyes.

"I actually know someone. There couldn't possibly be anyone more suitable to act as an inside man than this person..."

Zhao Yun and Guan Yinping were startled and looked at Xiao He in unison.