Chapter 60: Visiting Zhuge

At this point, Liu Xie gave him a meaningful smile.

Cai Mao felt uneasy. "You... what are you planning?"

"Heh. Your Cai clan holds great influence in Jingzhou, and Liu Biao trusts you deeply."

"It can be said that for many years now, Liu Biao has relied heavily on the support of your family."

"Tell me, if I were to treat you as a hostage and negotiate terms with Liu Biao, do you think he would agree?"

Liu Xie spoke with a gentle smile, but for Cai Mao, that smile was unsettling.

Indeed, if Liu Xie truly used Cai Mao as a hostage to bargain with Liu Biao, there was a high likelihood Liu Biao would concede. Much of Liu Biao's strength in Jingzhou depended on the Cai clan, and Cai Mao was a significant figure within it. To maintain their support, Liu Biao would certainly care about Cai Mao's fate.

"You scoundrel! Who are you, and why are you doing this? Jingzhou will never let you go!"

Cai Mao panicked.

Liu Xie had no patience for further conversation and waved to his men, who dragged Cai Mao away.

"Master, agriculture in Xinye is developing steadily. The people trust us greatly," reported Jia Xu.

"We've received reports from various counties. Everything else is progressing smoothly, and recruitment is underway."

"According to statistics, we've already raised nearly four hundred thousand troops, not counting those from Wan City."

Jia Xu gave his report, his excitement evident.

Perhaps even in his dreams, Jia Xu never imagined that they would soon command over five hundred thousand soldiers. Considering the time since their return from Xuchang—less than two months—their progress was remarkable.

All of it was thanks to Liu Xie's strategies.

Now, Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu, and Hu Che'er all placed their utmost trust in Liu Xie.

"Very good. When recruitment ends, I estimate we'll have at least half a million men," Liu Xie said.

"Adding Wan City, that's over six hundred thousand troops under our command."

"But the more soldiers we have, the more provisions and equipment we'll need."

"Let Liu Biao handle those," Liu Xie concluded with a satisfied smile.

Jia Xu and Hu Che'er exchanged a glance, understanding his intention.

"Master, you plan to use Cai Mao to exchange with Jingzhou for provisions and military equipment?" Jia Xu asked.

Liu Xie nodded lightly. That was precisely his plan.

"Go, write a letter to Liu Biao."

"We need grain and military gear."

"As for the quantity, tally up what we lack and ask for that. Of course, don't ask for too much or they'll panic."

"And, General Hu, Lord Zhang, I must leave temporarily."

"When matters here are settled, General Hu, you lead fifty thousand men to stay, securing the city defenses."

"Lord Jia, take the rest of the troops back to Wan."

"As for myself, I must depart ahead of time."

Liu Xie explained everything in detail.

Cao Cao was soon to campaign against Yuan Shu. Liu Xie needed to keep pace and could not linger.

He must obtain the Imperial Jade Seal.

"Rest assured, Master. We will not fail you," Jia Xu and Hu Che'er replied resolutely.

Afterward, Liu Xie set out with twenty men.

However, they did not leave the city immediately. Instead, Liu Xie led the Wolf Shadow squad to a mountain area outside Xinye.

"Master, why have we come here?" one of his men asked, puzzled.

Liu Xie replied with a smile.

"Do you know what this place is called?"

His subordinate shook his head subconsciously. It was their first time here; how could they know?

"This place is called Longzhong. A very remarkable person lives here," Liu Xie said mysteriously.

His men looked perplexed, but Liu Xie was clear in his own heart.

Yes, this was Longzhong, famed in history. The person who lived here would become renowned in the annals of the Three Kingdoms—Zhuge Liang.

Of course, according to the timeline, Zhuge Liang was not yet the legendary strategist. He was only sixteen years old.

In history, he rose to prominence with Liu Bei in 208.

Thus, Liu Xie's purpose today was not to recruit Zhuge Liang, but merely to visit and see for himself this legendary figure. Later, Zhuge Liang would certainly be brought into his fold. Especially since Zhuge Liang's father had recently passed away, Liu Xie intended to offer comfort.

As they spoke, Liu Xie traversed a winding mountain path and arrived at a tasteful thatched cottage surrounded by woods.

"Is anyone home?" Liu Xie softly called at the door.

Soon, a handsome young man appeared.

The moment Liu Xie saw him, he felt a sudden certainty.

He had never met Zhuge Liang, nor did he know what he looked like, yet upon seeing him, Liu Xie was convinced—this was Zhuge Liang.

"Who are you seeking?" the man asked, glancing at Liu Xie.

Liu Xie was alone; his men had been left at the foot of the mountain.

"Master Kongming, I am Liu Shi, here to pay my respects," Liu Xie said respectfully.

"Oh? May I ask why you have come to see me?" Zhuge Liang was a bit surprised, clearly because Liu Xie had addressed him by name.

Liu Xie smiled.

"Master Kongming, please do not be uneasy. I am merely here to visit."

Zhuge Liang invited him in.

After entering, Zhuge Liang quickly bowed and knelt.

"Commoner Zhuge Liang pays respects to Your Majesty!"

As if following the script of history, he immediately guessed Liu Xie's identity.

Liu Xie smiled, helped him up, and the two sat facing each other.

"They say Zhuge Liang possesses a brilliant mind. Seeing you now, the reputation is well deserved," Liu Xie nodded in satisfaction.

He had anticipated Zhuge Liang would deduce his identity and had no intention of hiding it.

Of course, Zhuge Liang was still somewhat inexperienced—only sixteen.

Compared to the historical Longzhong meeting with Liu Bei, there was a significant gap.

"Your Majesty is too generous. May I ask what brings you here so unexpectedly?" Zhuge Liang asked respectfully, still showing a trace of youthful innocence.

"Very well, I'll speak frankly," Liu Xie said.

"I know you possess great talent, so I hope that in the future you will emerge to assist me in restoring the Han dynasty."

Liu Xie made his intentions clear; he wanted Zhuge Liang for his cause.

"Your Majesty, how could a humble commoner like me be worthy to help restore the Han?" Zhuge Liang replied modestly.

"Rest assured, you will have that ability," Liu Xie said.

"As I mentioned, it's the future, not now."

"I know your father recently passed away. It is not yet the time."

"I'll give you a few years. When the time comes, I hope you will come forth and aid me."

Zhuge Liang was startled and looked up at Liu Xie.

He was surprised because Liu Xie casually mentioned his father's death.

"Enough, I merely came to visit. If I have disturbed you, I hope you will forgive me."

"Master Kongming, I assume you understand the current state of the realm."

"Though I hold the title of emperor, I lack true power."

"Do you not wish to end this age of chaos?"

With that, Liu Xie left without looking back.

Just as he had planned, he did not intend to bring Zhuge Liang away yet.

From their conversation, it was clear Zhuge Liang was still too young.

Let him mature a bit more. In a few years, it would be time.

Leaving Longzhong, Liu Xie led the Wolf Shadow squad straight to Shouchun.

Shouchun was the present capital of Yuan Shu, where the Imperial Jade Seal was kept.

Cao Cao had already begun his campaign.

Liu Xie joined the army advancing toward Shouchun, capturing city after city in rapid succession.

He did not involve himself in their affairs, always acting independently.

After days of travel, Liu Xie and his twenty men finally slipped into Shouchun.

As before, they lodged at an inn not far from Yuan Shu's palace.

The emperor was here, yet no one knew.

Cao Cao's advancing army had made Yuan Shu's side tense.

Soldiers rushed through the streets, gathering forces to confront Cao Cao's onslaught.

In the palace, Yuan Shu convened his civil and military officials to discuss strategy.

"Gentlemen, Cao Cao's army is upon us, and we have lost several cities."

"Do you have any solutions?" Yuan Shu, seated high above, asked.

Many below exchanged glances in silence.

"Your Majesty, although Cao Cao has issued an edict of campaign, none have responded."

"His forces are strong but isolated."

"We should swiftly deploy our own army."

"Cao Cao has come from afar, his supplies must be limited. We, with abundant resources, can fight a war of attrition."

Someone offered this advice.

Yuan Shu nodded. It seemed the only viable strategy.

"Ji Ling, I entrust this task to you."

"I will give you fifty thousand troops to confront Cao Cao."

"Remember, our main task is to hold the city and fight a prolonged battle."

Yuan Shu was determined to wage a lengthy campaign.

Their resources were ample, while Cao Cao was far from home—a war of attrition would not favor him.

Ji Ling was Yuan Shu's most formidable general.

Assigning him this responsibility showed Yuan Shu's resolve.

In the following days, Shouchun mobilized its forces, preparing to face Cao Cao's army.

Watching the commotion outside, Liu Xie and his twenty Wolf Shadow squad members remained unmoved in the inn.