Two months had passed since Liu Qi's recruitment into Xinye. During these two months, Liu Qi had successfully compromised at the price of forty-eight thousand soldiers. He had also followed the Cai family's wishes and brought his only soldiers to Jiangxia to take up his post.
However, for some reason, after Liu Qi left, Jing State had completely cut off all ties with Xinye. Not only did they refuse to provide money and food to the soldiers, but they also sealed Jing State so that Xinye would not know about it.
Liu Bei and the others seemed to have already guessed the reaction of the Jingzhou side, so they were not surprised. They continued to be self-sufficient in storing food and raising troops, waiting for the opportunity to change.
Han Gang seemed to have gained Liu Bei's favor because of Liu Qi's request. At the very least, if the generals in the army wanted to find Han Gang to practice martial arts, it would be better if Liu Bei did not know. If he knew, they would usually be stopped with the excuse of " not disturbing Yu Qi's studies ".
Although martial arts was the foundation of strengthening the body, Liu Bei had seen Han Gang's outstanding strategy and valued him even more. According to his thoughts, if Han Gang really learned something, he would at least have Han Gang to stand up for him if he divided his forces and marched one day, or if Zhuge Kongming was not around.
That was true. Liu Bei had been running around for most of his life, but he had suffered enough of being schemed against. Now, he really did not want to walk the same old path.
Watching the 8,000 soldiers below the city wall practicing their formations, Han Gang's calm expression was replaced by a wave of emotions. It was already early spring, and even the commoners of Xinye knew that Cao Cao, who had been defeated last time, would most likely attack Xinye again. This was the most basic survival knowledge in this chaotic world. Usually, wars would start in early spring and late autumn. Every year, there would be a few major battles in these two seasons. This had almost become a law in this chaotic world. It was impossible for the commoners not to figure it out.
Carefully observing the changes in the array, Han Gang couldn't help but frown and think,'Master's knowledge of arrays is indeed profound.”This thought seemed to indicate that Han Gang hadn't comprehended the pattern within. However, Han Gang didn't seem to be discouraged at all. This was because not only him, but even Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and the others who were standing at the side also looked puzzled.
Han Gang seemed to have recalled the various things that his master had taught him in advance last night. After looking at the defensive array below the city, he thought for nearly a moment before slowly relaxing his furrowed brows.
Zhuge Liang had been paying attention to Han Gang's expression. Now that he saw that his beloved disciple seemed to have some enlightenment, Zhuge Liang was delighted and proud. It should be known that when he first learned the "Five Elements Grand Array", it was not so fast. Although his disciple had been taught by him in advance, it also showed that Han Gang was indeed talented, right?
No one paid attention to the expressions of Zhuge Liang and Han Gang. Although they didn't understand, they knew that this formation wasn't as simple as it seemed when they saw Zhang Fei running left and right with a wooden stick. Although Zhang Fei was holding a wooden stick in the formation and didn't have any killing intent, a sweep of the wooden stick was enough to slow down a few soldiers. However, for some reason, Zhang Fei knocked down many soldiers. The soldiers who came forward to fill in the positions were even more diligent. Therefore, after almost two hours of this formation, Zhang Fei did nothing but pant heavily.
Seeing that Zhang Fei was at his wit's end, Zhuge Liang smiled and waved the small flag in his hand, signaling for Zhang Fei to leave the formation. The formation under the city wall changed, and a wide road appeared in front of Zhang Fei. Meanwhile, Zhang Fei could only carry a depressed look on his face as he galloped out of this "Five Elements Grand Array" that he could do nothing about.
After the formation was completed, Liu Bei recovered from his daze and laughed,""Advisor Jun, you have achieved such a feat in just two months. I am truly amazed!”
As soon as Liu Bei spoke, everyone pandered to him. Only Zhang Fei stubbornly said,"No matter how powerful the formation is, it can only be used for defense. How can there be a reason for defense on the battlefield?”
Zhang Fei's words were heard by everyone. Although they knew that Zhang Fei had said this because the bed array had failed, they also felt that Zhang Fei's words were reasonable. He quickly looked at Zhuge Liang.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, a warhorse from the Jing State carried a soldier and quickly ran in the direction of Xinye.
The people standing on the city wall naturally could not see it. Liu Bei looked at the anxious and haggard appearance of the soldier, and then looked at the posture of the horse that barely controlled his body to not fall. He did not dare to be negligent and ordered Zhang Fei, who was below the city wall, loudly: "Third brother, quickly go and pick it up."
After saying that, Liu Bei saw Zhang Fei rushing over. He quickly ordered the soldiers below the city wall," All troops, return to the camp immediately and wait for orders.”
Liu Bei was nervous because he had sent out a hundred soldiers to gather information. Only one of them had returned, and they were on their way. Liu Bei was not stupid, so he knew something big was going to happen.
Not long after, Zhang Fei had already grabbed the obviously exhausted soldier and placed him on his horse, running towards Xinye.
After Zhuge Liang and Han Gang exchanged a glance, the master and disciple both had solemn expressions on their faces. They quickly followed Liu Bei's footsteps and ran down the city wall.
When Zhang Fei brought the soldier to Liu Bei, the soldier licked his dry lips and quickly reported,""My lord, Liu Jingzhou fell ill half a month ago. The Cai family kept the funeral a secret and secretly appointed Liu Jingzhou's youngest son as the ruler of Jingzhou.”
As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes went black and he fainted. However, before Liu Bei could react, he heard the sound of hooves in the distance.
Not long after, a soldier covered in dust ran over. Without looking at the situation, he dismounted and reported,""My Lord, according to the scouts, Cao Cao's army had already gone south five days ago. His 30,000-strong vanguard has already reached 300 miles north of Xinye under Xiahou Dun's rapid march.”
The series of blows caused everyone to be unable to recover from their shock. This scene seemed to have been deliberately arranged by someone. It was so coherent that it did not give anyone a chance to catch their breath.
Now that there were no more reinforcements from Jingzhou and Cao Cao's army was approaching, Xinye was truly at the brink of life and death. At this moment, Liu Bei's heroic character was displayed. After being stunned for less than three breaths, Liu Bei composed himself and said calmly to the crowd,"Urgently summon all the generals in the army. No one can be absent from the meeting at the government office.”
After saying that, he gave Zhuge Liang a look and walked towards the government office.
Guan, Zhang, and Zhao did not dare to be negligent. After hearing the order, they walked towards the army to summon their respective generals. Only Zhuge Liang and Han Gangshi followed Sun Qian, Jian Yong, and the other scholars to follow Liu Bei. Even Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Liu Bei's brothers-in-law were also walking towards the army in panic. It was obvious that everyone in Xinye was still very afraid of the arrival of Cao Cao's army.
In the government office. Liu Bei said to the people who had arrived first,""I will discuss this with the military counselor.”
After saying that, he stepped forward and pulled Zhuge Liang's arm. Seeing his master being pulled away by Liu Bei, Han Gang wanted to stay and wait outside, but he did not expect his master to still have time to think about him. Zhuge Liang smiled and turned to Han Gang, saying softly,"Gang Er, follow me in."
After saying that, he did not care whether Han Gang followed him or not. He turned his head and followed Liu Bei inside. At this moment, Liu Bei saw that the military counselor could still smile and unconsciously put his hanging heart at ease. It was obvious that Zhuge Liang's expression was the greatest comfort to him.
At that moment, he seemed to feel much more relaxed. Liu Bei turned around and said to Han Gang,"Yu Qi, since your master asked you to come in, he must have his reasons.”
Han Gang had no choice but to follow Liu Bei's instructions. To be honest, Han Gang was not very confident in his own strategy. But since his master and lord had called him, he had no other choice. He did not delay and quickly followed the two.
Zhuge Liang's request for Han Gang to come in without asking Liu Bei was indeed a little overboard. However, Zhuge Liang's words had to be said. The enemy was approaching. Zhuge Liang wanted to rely on only 8,000 soldiers to defeat 30,000 enemies. It was impossible for him to give different orders. Now, he was using Han Gang as his disciple to test how much power Liu Bei could give him. If Liu Bei showed an unhappy expression just now, even if Zhuge Liang had come up with some plan, In the end, there would be hidden dangers when it was implemented. However, Liu Bei's attitude had strengthened Zhuge Liang's confidence in defeating the enemy's vanguard.
Not long after, the three of them arrived at the inner hall. Liu Bei asked anxiously,"Advisor Jun, have you thought of a plan to retreat? Please tell me more."
Looking at his lord's expectant face, Zhuge Liang smiled and said,""I do have a plan, but I don't know if the generals are willing to listen to my orders.”
Hearing the confidence in Zhuge Liang's words, Liu Bei was delighted. Without hesitation, he said,"Military Advisor, feel free to speak. Not to mention the generals, even Bei is willing to be ordered around by Military Advisor.”
Hearing Liu Bei's words, Zhuge Liang smiled and said calmly to Liu Bei,""My lord, there's no need to be anxious. When the generals arrive, I'll make arrangements. However, I don't know if they'll listen.”
Liu Bei seemed to have been influenced by Zhuge Liang's confidence."Military Advisor, relax and wait for Second Brother and the others to come. I will hand over the commander seal and the authority of the entire army to you. At that time, Bei will also be one of the generals under the military counselor. The military counselor does not need to regard me as his master.”
Hearing Liu Bei's promise, Zhuge Liang also hurriedly bowed and said,""My lord has treated me so well, so I will not disappoint you. I can guarantee that Cao Cao's 30,000 vanguard troops will never return.”
Looking at his touched master, Han Gang felt a wave of envy. Liu Bei treated his master so well. No lord would allow his subjects to do this, right? However, Liu Bei had directly handed over the military power. How much trust did this show to his master? What kind of favor?
Although Han Gang was mentally prepared for the fact that Liu Bei treated his master well, he could not help but sigh. After a while, Han Gang suddenly thought of something and smiled bitterly."Since I have nothing to do with it? Why did Master call me here?"
Before Han Gang could continue thinking, he heard his master Zhuge Liang ask him with a smile,"Gang Er, have you made any progress in your equestrian training recently?”
Hearing his master's question, Han Gang was really puzzled, but he still hurriedly replied,"I believe that normal running should not be a problem. As for Ma Zhan, I don't know. Because I have been following you to learn array formations recently, I don't have time to fight with any generals.”
Liu Bei was surprised by Han Gang's words. He could tell that Han Yuqi had progressed to the level of a horse warrior in just a few months. This was…
Ignoring Liu Bei's thoughts, Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment after Han Gang's words. He seemed to have already decided on a technique.”
Thinking of this, Zhuge Liang smiled profoundly and said to Liu Bei and Han Gang,"I think all the generals are almost here. My lord, we should go out too!“
Seeing Zhuge Liang's confident expression, Liu Bei seemed to be affected by it as well. He smiled calmly and said,""Alright." After saying that, he took the lead and left the inner hall. Zhuge Liang and Han Gang naturally followed closely behind.
The next chapter will officially enter the war plot. I don't know if you readers can work harder to support it? Haha! Thank you in advance.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。