Chapter 285 Liu Bei: My Third Brother is a Genius
A young and beautiful woman was in front, and three maids were behind with dried fruits and snacks. They walked slowly and swayingly out of the backyard and came to the front hall.

There were three people sitting in the hall and one standing, but only two of them were talking in soft voices.

The three maids divided into three groups and served snacks to the three people sitting there. The leading woman came to the top, bowed, and said, "Husband."

"Would you like to have lunch with us today?"

"Of course, prepare more."

The woman responded and left with her maid.

"Madam, you are truly noble!" Liu Bei, who was sitting at the bottom, praised her generously, "As expected of you, my Lord's sister."

However, Liu Bei's flattery hit the nail on the head.

Jin Mao did not return to Jiangling County.

The person in charge of Jiangling County is naturally the chief military strategist Xi Zhicai.

"Xuan De, please forgive me for laughing. This girl is my concubine who I just took in not long ago."

Seeing that Liu Bei did not look embarrassed at all, Xi Zhicai changed the subject and asked, "Why does Xuande need to see the lord this time?"

Liu Bei stood up and bowed, saying, "In reply to the military advisor, Gong Miao (He Qi's courtesy name) has an important matter to ask of you, so I have to see you."

Xi Zhicai nodded and said, "If it's official business, then you don't have to go. The lord has already told me."

"If it is a private matter, Xuande can also tell me and the lord will handle it."

To sum up, Jin Mao did not want to meet Liu Bei and had already made arrangements.

Guan Yu, who was standing behind Liu Bei, immediately changed his expression. This was naked distrust!

Zhang Fei, who was sitting on the other side, was not a complete fool either, and his expression was complicated.

Xi Zhicai seemed to have expected this. He just stared at Liu Bei but still didn't notice anything unusual.

At this time, Xi Zhi finally understood why his lord didn't want to see Liu Bei. Not to mention the skill of cultivating his qi, just this kind of concentration is something that ordinary people don't possess.

Such a person is very powerful as a master, but it would be uncomfortable to be a subordinate.

Without giving Guan Yu a chance to vent his anger, Xi Zhicai explained, "The dry season is only two or three months, and the war in Yizhou has been delayed for a year. The lord is also afraid that something bad will happen if we delay."

"If Gong Miao knew the truth, he would surely understand."

These words blocked Liu Bei's retreat, and Xi Zhicai wanted to see how Liu Bei would respond.

"That's right." Liu Bei bowed again and asked, "Gong Miao just asked me to ask you what to do next. It's nothing personal."

I don’t know whether Liu Bei heard it or not.

Xi Zhicai couldn't figure out Liu Bei's background, so he said, "The lord appointed He Qi as the governor of Nanhai County (most of Guangdong) and the acting governor of Jiaozhou."

"Appoint Liu Bei as the governor of Jiaozhi County, and take charge of Jiuzhen and Rinan counties (all three counties are in Vietnam)."

Xi Zhicai said earnestly: "Xuan De, the lord has high hopes for you."

Liu Bei was unhappy. What was so good about Jiaozhi, a remote place like that? He was a powerful governor and didn't have many people under him. It was nowhere near the Central Plains.

However, Liu Bei was a master at facial expression management, and he immediately bowed and said, "Please give me some advice, military advisor."

Xi Zhicai had studied Liu Bei's information in depth and knew that he liked to live a luxurious life with fine clothes and fine horses. Jiaozhou was a hellish place with heavy miasma and was poor, so it was not an ideal place at all.

However, Liu Bei remained calm, which was truly amazing.

"Xuan De." Xi Zhicai, also a veteran actor, said, "The three counties of Jiaozhi, Jiuzhen, and Rinan are a treasure land."

"My lord once said that we can grow rice three times a year here!"

Liu Bei suddenly opened his eyes wide, he really didn't know about this.

The local people have backward production technology. Although they also engage in farming, they have never heard of such a fantastic thing as three harvests a year.

"Military Advisor must be joking!"

Liu Bei said firmly: "How could such a thing happen in the world?"

Xi Zhicai smiled and said, "Before you came to Yangzhou, had you ever heard of rice being harvested twice a year?"

Liu Bei was speechless. He had never heard of this before.

"My lord, you have the power of gods and ghosts!"

Xi Zhicai's face showed a fanatical look and said: "He is the Son of God sent by heaven to save the world!"

"If the lord says there is, then there must be!"

These words made Liu Bei tremble with fear, yet his heart was burning with excitement.

What is the most exciting thing for an ambitious person?
There is nothing higher than unifying the country and becoming emperor!
Liu Bei was not completely uneducated. At least he knew that all the founding emperors of previous dynasties had supernatural powers, such as Liu Bang.

When Xi Zhicai said this, it was obvious that he was intentionally leading everyone to think in that direction.

I don’t know whether it was Jin Mao’s instruction or Xi Zhicai’s own initiative.

However, all this is not important to Liu Bei. What is important is whether there is room for maneuver.

What is the purpose of starting a business?
Isn't it just to be granted a title of nobility and appointed as a general, and to provide protection for your descendants for generations to come?

Liu Bei could not dare to imagine becoming an emperor.

However, there is nothing wrong with it when applied to Jinmao.

The surrounding area has a population of over ten million!
Such princes can be called princes kings!

Even in times of peace, the emperor has to be courteous and tolerant, let alone in times of chaos?
Liu Bei suppressed his emotions and asked, "Could you, military advisor, introduce me to the envoy?"

"Do not misunderstand."

Liu Bei quickly explained: "I have something to say to you in person, but the military advisor is not in a position to convey it."

What can't be conveyed?

Xi Zhicai hesitated.

Liu Bei said: "Even if it is the seal-granting ceremony before taking office, doesn't the lord have time?"

Liu Bei naturally knew that Jin Mao had been stripped of his position by the central court. Although he seemed to never mention it, every word he said emphasized his authority.

It is obvious that without Jin Mao's personal recognition or appointment, Liu Bei would not dare to believe whether Xi Zhicai acted on his own initiative in this matter.

"Okay." Xi Zhicai smiled. Although he didn't know what Liu Bei was thinking, what was the harm in meeting him?

"Tomorrow there will be a batch of food and supplies delivered. Go and prepare some."

"Thank you, military advisor." Liu Bei bowed again and said, "Goodbye."

Zhang Fei also stood up and said, "Military Advisor, I will leave too."

"Wait!" Xi Zhicai said, "Zhang Yide stay!"

Zhang Fei looked at Liu Bei as if for help, and the latter retreated with a helpless expression.

Outside the county government office.

Guan Yu finally couldn't help asking, "Brother, do you really want to go to that damn place called Jiaozhi?"

"Once you leave, you may never come back in this life."

"I know." Liu Bei said as a matter of course: "So, I must meet the envoy."

Guan Yu turned his head to look at Liu Bei in confusion, and then suddenly realized: "I understand!"

"Brother wants to apply for a transfer!"

"Yes and no." Liu Bei said casually as he walked forward: "I think what Third Brother said makes a lot of sense."

Guan Yu had a bad feeling and wanted to ask but didn't dare to.

Liu Bei simply kept silent.

Until the two of them walked out of the street, Guan Yu couldn't help asking: "Brother, what did Zhang Fei say that made sense?"

Liu Bei stopped and asked without answering directly: "Yun Chang, do you really regard me as your elder brother?"

"Of course!" Guan Yu said firmly: "You are not only my elder brother, but also my lord!"

Liu Bei was deeply moved, and as if he had made up his mind, he said: "Yun Chang, from now on we are brothers, and only brothers."

At this moment, Guan Yu suddenly understood what Liu Bei meant.

Zhang Fei had told him that perverse reasoning more than once, but Guan Yu never believed it. But now, why is it that even Liu Bei…

"Why?!"

Guan Yu didn't understand: "Brother! Can you tell me why?!"

Liu Bei did not answer directly, but asked Guan Yu: "What do you think of this envoy, Yunchang?"

"Can it be accomplished?"

Guan Yu lost his mind and said, "I don't know."

Liu Bei asked himself and answered: "I think it can be done!"

"The words of Xi Junshi today gave me a great inspiration."

"The world is in chaos today, only people like you can turn the tide and save the people!"

"Even if the envoy becomes the emperor one day, I won't be surprised."

"How is it possible!" Guan Yu cried out, "Is the envoy planning to usurp the throne?"

Liu Bei said calmly: "How can this be called usurping the throne?"

"Your Excellency is a descendant of the royal family. As long as you acknowledge your ancestors and change your surname to Liu, you will become the Son of Heaven and continue the Han Dynasty!"

Guan Yu had little education, but there were rumors among the people, for example, that Emperor Ling of Han was not the biological son of Emperor Huan of Han, and Emperor Huan of Han was not the biological son of Emperor Zhi of Han.

Many of the emperors of the Eastern Han Dynasty became emperors by chance, rather than passing the throne from father to son.

Therefore, from a legal point of view, it is really possible for Jinmao to become emperor.

At this time, Guan Yu didn't know what to do.

Liu Bei continued to persuade him, "Yun Chang, it's not that I am vain, but sometimes I have to consider you."

"You did the right thing. Big brother is very happy."

"But Big Brother feels bad for me too, you know?"

Guan Yu's mind was in a mess, but his heart was warm, and he said with emotion: "Brother, I...I will listen to you."

Liu Bei was smiling on the surface, but his heart was bleeding. How difficult it is to give up your dream!
...

Jiangyang County, Ba County, Yizhou.

The rift between Liu Bei's three brothers was rapidly fading.

After Guan Yu untied the knot in his heart, he did not regret what he had done before, and became silent and taciturn.

Zhang Fei was different. He had long forgotten Xi Zhicai's instructions along the way and kept showing off to Liu Bei, not forgetting to despise Guan Yu.

"Brother, Jiangyang County is just ahead!"

"When I see you later, my lord, I will say a few good words for you so that we can work together as brothers!"

On the ship, Liu Bei leaned against the parapet and looked into the distance.

Yizhou did not have a strong naval force, and Gan Ning was the strongest on water. Now that he has surrendered to Jin Mao, the naval forces of Jingzhou and Huaihe River have once again become grain transport teams.

The storage space of the tower ship is huge, even catapults can be loaded, let alone transporting food and soldiers.

Above the Yangtze River, flags covered the sky.

During this year, the shipyards in Jingzhou and Yangzhou worked at full capacity and contributed another 3,000 medium-sized transport ships, eliminating the pressure on water transportation.

“It’s really magnificent!”

Liu Bei couldn't help but feel proud and heroic. This was the battlefield that every man longed for.

Just looking at this scene makes your blood boil, not to mention what it would be like to actually be on the battlefield.

Unlike Jiangling County, the Jiangyang County dock is also very busy, but there is less worldly atmosphere between people and it has become more silent and serious.

Total martial law is no joke. Even if you are a civilian, you will be subject to military law if you make a mistake!

Of course, the benefits are obvious.

If these civilians join the army in the future, they will be given priority admission.

Liu Bei only learned about this from Zhang Fei's chatter along the way, and he couldn't help but sigh a few times.

He was so far behind the others that he had to take shortcuts if he wanted to stand out.

Jiangyang County Command Center.

The two teams of guards at the door were leaning lazily against the wall or the pillars, but if you look closely, you can find that these people's eyes are not lazy at all, and they examine everyone nearby like a knife.

As soon as Liu Bei and his two companions reached the security area, a guard immediately responded and shouted, "Who is it?"

Soon, four nearby guards gathered around and followed the leading guard to form a five-man attack formation.

Although he didn't draw his sword, the murderous aura was overwhelming.

Liu Bei was used to being with Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, so he didn't react much. He just bowed and said, "Liu Bei, the deputy general of the fifth battalion, came here to meet the envoy."

"From the Fifth Battalion?" The leader glanced at Zhang Fei in confusion and said rudely, "Wait!"

After saying that, he quickly rushed into the room and passed the message.

When one person leaves, another will naturally take his place and form an attacking formation again.

This made Zhang Fei very upset, and he shouted: "I am the captain of the second battalion, Zhang Fei! I want to see the lord, get out of the way!"

The newcomer was not a stranger, but Wen Pin, who said lazily: "We all know that you are Zhang Fei. If you don't want to lead the army, just wait patiently!"

"What did you say?"

Zhang Fei was about to explode, and Wen Pin asked sternly, "What? You want to fight?"

Suddenly, a whole team of regular imperial guards nearby surrounded them, while another team stood upright and remained alert, but they would occasionally glance over here, betraying their inner thoughts.

Zhang Fei had suffered enough, and muttered: "It's no use to bully the minority with numbers, let's fight one-on-one if you dare!"

Wen Pin rolled his eyes and said, “You’re awesome, okay?”

At this moment, a person walked out from the door, and the sound of bells rang with every step.

"What's the matter?"

Gan Ning was eager to fight, but his request was rejected. He was still angry when he met Zhang Fei yelling at him at the last moment.

The two had never met, and Zhang Fei didn't know Gan Ning, but judging from his physique, he seemed to be quite powerful, and he had been feeling a bit frustrated recently.

"No big deal, come out and challenge me if you dare!"

Zhang Fei thought Gan Ning was also a member of the imperial guards, and challenged him, "Whoever loses, calls me master!"

Gan Ning also had a bad temper, but seeing that Guan Yu was not weak, he asked for safety: "You want to fight me alone? Or you alone?"

"Of course it's your grandpa!"

Gan Ning took off his brocade robe and joined the Yangzhou Army, but he didn't have many opportunities to make money. "Come! Whoever doesn't come is a grandson!"

Soon, the Imperial Guards made way for the two men.

By chance, the person who went in to report the news came out and said, "Go in."

At this moment, Zhang Fei was distracted and was thrown to the ground by Gan Ning.

Zhang Fei reacted very quickly, and this attack did not work, but he was unable to enter the gate with Liu Bei.

Zhang Fei was so anxious that he roared continuously.

But Gan Ning was not someone who could be easily defeated, and Zhang Fei was not necessarily much stronger than him with his bare hands.

For a while, the fight was evenly matched.

The royal guards did not mind making trouble and started to make a fuss.

The noise traveled far away, attracting many people to stop and watch.

After fifty rounds, Zhang Fei broke free, sweating profusely, and said, "No more fighting. We'll fight again another day!"

Just as I was about to walk in, I saw Jin Mao looking at me with a smile.

(End of this chapter)