Early the next morning, Zhao Chen stretched and just got up from the bed. He didn't even have time to wash his face before he was invited out of the tent by Liu Bei.
Liu Bei held Zhao Chen's hand while excitedly recounting the results of last night's battle.
In the battle last night, Ji Ling's army was first attacked by fire, and thousands of Ji Ling's leading troops were defeated. Then it was flooded, and Ji Ling's 20,000-strong army was successfully defeated and confused. Ji Ling thought there were tens of thousands of us and Liu Bei's army was everywhere. Now that Ji Ling has returned to the camp, he has withdrawn to Huaiyin in dejection with only ten thousand people left.
Zhang Fei was even more excited: "Just as Mr. expected, Ji Ling came in a hurry. As soon as the fire burned, he ran around. I killed the generals again. Five hundred people defeated Ji Ling's thousands. I subdued two thousand soldiers and confiscated the ordnance." Countless. This battle was really enjoyable, I haven’t fought so happily in a long time.”
Zhao Chen chuckled, Zhang Fei was straight-tempered, he said whatever he wanted, and his attitude changed quickly. This was completely different from Guan Yu. Guan Yu was aloof and it was not easy to convince him. He once thought about what Liu Bei's ability could do to convince such two monsters.
Sure enough, after this great victory, Guan Yu just said calmly: "According to Sir's wishes, I killed the rear army, defeated thousands of troops, and captured a thousand prisoners."
Zhao Chen smiled and nodded in response.
It's Liu Bei who deserves to be praised.
"Sir, you are really a great talent. Everything is exactly as you expected. Since I started my army in Zhuojun, I have never experienced such a fierce battle. Only with my help can I achieve a complete victory. Last night, I defeated Ji Lingsan with 3,000 men." Thousands of people, this battle will definitely be recorded in the annals of history for future generations to learn from."
"Mr. Xuande is overly praised. This battle was won. Chen just took advantage of Ji Ling's recent victory and felt relaxed. The battle ahead is thanks to the generals who believed in their virtues and acted according to the plan to fight against Ji Ling."
After saying that, Zhao Chen clasped his hands and bowed slightly to everyone.
Liu Bei immediately helped Zhao Chen up: "Don't dare, thank you for your help. I will rely on you for many things in the future."
"Just do as Duke Xuande orders."
Everyone dispersed and went back to camp to reorganize their troops.
Zhao Chen left Chen Dao behind and invited him into the camp.
Chen Dao was a little surprised and asked: "Thanks to Sir's plan, Uncle Zhi was lucky enough to lead the army and win the battle. I wonder why Sir, why did you leave me?"
Zhao Chen signaled Chen Dao to sit down and said solemnly: "Uncle Zhi, I am ready to join Xuande Gongmen. In the future, Xuande Guild will conquer many states and cities, and they need capable soldiers to guard them. And you are Xuande. Xuzhou will be handed over to you in the near future. Xuzhou will be handed over to you in the near future. You must be well prepared."
Chen Dao was very surprised. He just won a victory today, and now Mr. Houde is already telling who will hand over Xuzhou. Could it be that he has already planned to take Xuzhou?
Zhao Chen saw Chen Dao's doubts and said, "Don't worry about Xuzhou. I will find someone to assist you. In addition, you will be asked to lead the army in all major and small battles in the near future. Read "Sun Tzu's Art of War" more on weekdays."
Chen Dao smiled awkwardly: "Of course I believe you, sir. Your kindness is like recreating your parents. Please accept your respects from me."
After saying that, he kneeled on the ground.
Zhao Chen quickly helped Chen Dao up and said, "There is no need to perform such a big gift. You and I are equals and we don't want this."
Just this sentence of "you and me are equal" touched Chen Dao's heart. He admired Zhao Chen's mind as being bigger than the sky and wider than the sea.
When Chen arrived and thanked him for leaving, he had already made up his mind. Mr. Houde was very resourceful and kind-hearted. It was an honor to be able to make friends with him in this life. I should listen to his words more in the future.
This matter is currently being suppressed.
The news that Liu Bei's 3,000 troops defeated Yuan Shu's 30,000 troops reached Mi Zhu's home in Guangling County.
Mi Zhu sat at home thoughtfully, looking at the power map in front of him, thinking about the future of the Mi family.
Now Xuzhou is in danger. With Lu Bu's bravery and Chen Deng's talent, it is impossible to defend Xuzhou. Cao Cao in Yanzhou and Yuan Shu in the west both have many soldiers and generals, rich food and grass, and many local nobles have pledged their allegiance. It is only a matter of time before Xuzhou is swallowed up. Although the Mi family is very wealthy, it cannot be called a noble family. It is only a special service appointed by Tao Qian and cannot be compared with the large noble family. If you want to choose one to be loyal to, you have to look at the other person's face.
Mi Fang on the side said: "Brother, it is better to vote for Yuan Shu directly. Now most of Guangling County has been occupied by Yuan Shu. The Yuan family has four generations and three sons. He is well-known and is a suitable lord."
Mi Zhu shook his head: "Yuan Shu is greedy and narrow-minded, and he is not a wise master. What's more, the Mi family is insignificant compared to other noble families. Taking refuge in Yuan Shu is the icing on the cake."
"What do you mean, brother?"
Mi Zhu pointed in the direction of Xiapi.
"Lu Bu?"
Mi Zhu shook his head: "Sending help in times of need is far better than adding icing on the cake. Liu Bei and Liu Xuande, this man is a man of benevolence, tenacity, courtesy and virtuous corporal. Now he is forced by Yuan Shu to station in Haixi County. It is the right time to send money, food and horses at this time. In addition, Liu Xuande We all live in Xiapi, and my sister is only twenty-eight years old, so she is betrothed to him."
"But Liu Bei is now at the end of his rope and cannot protect himself."
Mi Zhu said, "I think you have heard that Liu Xuande's 3,000 men defeated Ji Ling's 30,000 horses. There must be capable people in the army to help. Previously, Xutai and Huaiyin had not won a big victory in the battle for more than a month. Last night, they actually defeated 3,000 men." The remnants of the army defeated Ji Ling's army in great momentum. This battle must be fought by a capable person, and it is unknown whether they will compete in the Central Plains in the future."
Mi Fang nodded, agreeing with her elder brother's idea.
However, Mi Zhu has always made the final decision regarding the Mi family's affairs, and Mi Fang only makes suggestions.
"But brother, what do you want to give Liu Xuande?"
"Three thousand gold, three thousand stone of food, two thousand servants, betrothed."
"What do you think my sister would say? With my sister's personality, I'm afraid I have to ask her about her intentions in advance."
Mi Zhu nodded: "I will discuss this matter with my sister."
The next day, Zhao Chen was discussing the next step with Liu Bei. An envoy from the Mi family was welcomed into Liu Bei's camp. When Jian Yong heard about it, he followed Zhao Chen's advice and led the envoy to Liu Bei.
Liu Bei was overjoyed when he heard this. He looked at the book in his hand and was very grateful for a moment. When he was about to reply in person, Zhao Chen signaled Liu Bei not to be in a hurry.
Although Liu Bei was puzzled, out of trust, he still asked Jian Yong to take the Mi Zhu family envoy to another tent to rest for a while.
As soon as the two of them came out, Liu Bei asked Zhao Chen, "I wonder what you mean by this?"
Zhang Fei was also impatient: "That's right. Why don't you let me collect the money and food that I finally sent?"
Everyone looked at Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen replied calmly: "Everyone, please be patient. I have already expected that the Mi family would come to seek refuge with me, but I am not fully committed this time."
"Are you bragging? You could have expected this?"
Jian Yong said: "General Zhang, Mr. Houde did tell me that when someone from the Mi family comes, he should be brought to see the lord."
This made everyone stunned. It was reasonable to predict ordinary wars, but how could such a businessman's behavior be predicted? Furthermore, Liu Bei's army was in a low state at this time. Even if he wanted to take refuge, he would rarely choose Liu Bei, but princes like Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao, and Cao Cao.
The admiration of everyone was even deeper.
Liu Bei asked: "Giving gifts to others is just friendship, not to mention the military is in short supply. However, from what I heard, sir, do the Mi family still have any reservations?"
Zhao Chen smiled and said: "Three thousand gold, three thousand stones of grain, and two thousand servants are just a drop in the bucket for the Mi family. The Mi family didn't do all they could to help. It can be regarded as an investment behavior. The first round of investment is to test the waters."
Everyone didn't know why.
Zhao Chen then remembered that what he said was in modern language, and quickly explained: "What I mean is that this amount of material and manpower is for the Mi family to test Xuande Gong. If Xuande Gong develops successfully in the future, they will give further gifts." , to help Xuande Gong strive for world hegemony, if not, the loss of the Mi family will only be a little money, and it will not hurt the bones."
That’s it, everyone nodded in understanding.
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I wrote back to express my gratitude and inform the Mi family that the materials are valuable and it is not easy for people to travel long distances. Please invite him to enjoy the moon together in Guangling County on August 15th."
Everyone was in disbelief again.
Sun Qiandao: "Mr. Houde, Guangling County is now under Yuan Shu's control."
Zhao Chen nodded and said, "Of course. Do you know why Huaipu was chosen as the first stop to recover Guangling County?"
"Is it not just because Yuan Shu's army occupied Huaipu and has not yet gained a foothold?"
"First of all, and more importantly, Huaipu is the hometown of the Chen family in Xiapi. The Chen family will definitely be grateful and help us to regain Huaipu."
Jian Yong didn't understand yet, so he asked again: "Mr. Houde, I wonder what this matter has to do with the Mi family?"
Zhao Chen revealed the final reason: "Recovering Guangling County means recovering the entire Guangling County. The Chen family has been unable to achieve success against Yuan Shu here for many years. Xuande Gong successfully recovered it as soon as he took action. Firstly, it showed Xuande Gong's strength. Secondly, Giving the Chen family a favor will also let the Mi family know that Duke Xuande is the future overlord, who will surely unify the Central Plains and revive the Han Dynasty, and also allow the Mi family to fully support Duke Xuande."
Liu Bei had to admire Zhao Chen's vision, and his inner admiration grew even stronger.
No one present raised any questions about how to regain Guangling. It seemed that it was a natural thing for Zhao Chen.
If these words come from other people's mouth, everyone will suspect that this person is bragging and having wild whims. But after these words came from Zhao Chen, everyone naturally believed them.
After just a few days of getting along, everyone was already convinced that Zhao Chen could help Liu Bei accomplish his great cause.
