Mythical Three Kingdoms

”Do you have any evidence for what you said, Gong Ren?” Yuan Shao asked.

”Not really, just strange that Liu Bei has the confidence to wage war both in the north and south simultaneously,” Dong Zhao said absentmindedly, lowering his head.

”If he doesn’t strike me, would we not retaliate against him? Originally, Liu Bei’s expedition against Yuzhou was merely forced by circumstances. Ziyuan’s strategy compelled Liu Bei to battle Yuan Gonglu before engaging in a war with me,” Xin Ping said, shaking his head.

”Is it truly that simple? Why was the rebellion of the families of Mount Tai in Qing Xu quelled so quickly? Liu Bei’s mobilization into Yuzhou was far too swift. Even if Guan Yu had the authority to act independently, their timing was impeccable,” Dong Zhao said expressionlessly, looking at the group.

”Honestly, if the Xuanyuan Cauldron hadn’t appeared, unleashing the power of the Jade Seal, we likely wouldn’t have even focused on Yuzhou’s affairs. By ignoring Yuzhou, we wouldn’t know the intricacies of the southern dynamics, which seem too coincidental, don’t you think?” Dong Zhao continued without paying any attention to the expressions of those present.

”And what does that prove?” Xin Ping questioned, staring at Dong Zhao.

”By this reasoning, there are indeed some peculiarities. If all events can simply be dismissed as coincidences, it only signifies that our plans are being manipulated,” Sheni Pei said after pondering for a moment, his expression displeased.

”What we’ve learned can’t all be false. Liu Xuande has no reason to expend such vast manpower and resources on something so needless,” Ju Shou said, furrowing his brows. ”Yet, what Gong Ren has proposed is indeed worth doubting.”

”Even if we’ve been outmaneuvered, how does that impact the current situation?” Xin Ping’s younger brother, Xin Pi, stepped forward and looked directly at Dong Zhao. Compared to Xin Ping, his brother Xin Pi was far more admirable.

”That is reasonable,” Dong Zhao nodded slowly, showing no hesitation despite Xin Pi’s counter-question. ”What Zuozhi said is indeed logical.”

Xin Pi gave Dong Zhao a deep glance before retreating slowly, sensing something subtle yet unsettling about Dong Zhao.

”Though the effect may not be significant, being outmaneuvered warrants caution nonetheless. I may have overlooked certain details earlier. Zuozhi and Gong Ren, would you be willing to lend me a hand?” Ju Shou nodded slowly, then extended an invitation to Xin Pi and Dong Zhao in Yuan Shao’s presence.

”Happy to assist,” Xin Pi replied with a smile.

”I am not adept at such matters and can only provide modest counsel to the Assistant Officer,” Dong Zhao said peacefully, showing indifference as if detached from everything.

[I wonder if I will meet Liu Xuande during this campaign. Compared to Yuan Benchu’s measured approach, Liu Xuande’s maneuvering seems as though every step has been meticulously planned. The only instance where his rhythm faltered might be this moment.] Dong Zhao thought indifferently as he followed Ju Shou.

[I wonder if this opportunity is Heaven’s gift to Yuan Benchu or a moment for the world’s sages to starkly witness the disparity between Yuan Benchu and Liu Xuande.]

With unchanged expressions, Dong Zhao followed Ju Shou step by step without a hint of fear. Though he lacked direct proof, Dong Zhao had already concluded that the rebellion in Mount Tai was the crafty design of the Wise Man of Mount Tai. Even Xuu You’s reactions aligned with the machinations of those in Mount Tai—and perhaps even Yuzhou’s counter-strikes had been anticipated all along.

[Such calculations are indeed fascinating; however, internal problems must have forced them to resort to such explosive measures for resolution. Liu Xuande progresses too rapidly—even with subordinates capable of planning ten moves ahead, some dilemmas leave no time for careful execution.]

Dong Zhao estimated that Yuan Shao’s predicament was likely between seventy to eighty percent manipulations by Liu Bei. Despite this, he exhibited little concern. Had the Xuanyuan Cauldron not appeared two months earlier, Dong Zhao envisioned that Yuan Shao would barely have a thirty percent chance of victory.

As things stood now, Dong Zhao remained optimistic about Yuan Shao. Compared to Liu Bei’s predicament of facing foes in both north and south, Yuan Shao had freed both his hands and could fully focus on dealing with Liu Bei’s forces.

[Indeed, it might be luck, but luck itself is a form of strength. Presently, Yuan Shao’s army holds no disadvantage against Liu Bei in terms of overall conditions. Furthermore, unlike Liu Bei, Yuan Shao has no need to worry about his rear flank. The Two Yuans’ expedition against Liu Bei, considering Xuu Ziyuan’s strategies, is undoubtedly effective—truly the blade of fate!]

As Dong Zhao followed Ju Shou absentmindedly, Ju Shou occasionally glanced at Dong Zhao. Dong Zhao’s earlier remarks had planted an idea within Ju Shou, compelling him to contemplate further.

[Never mind. Under the current circumstances, as Zuozhi suggests, even if Liu Xuande plots against us, that mostly manifests in battlefield confrontations. If that’s the case, we might as well exhibit the ultimate strength of our army!]

With this thought, Ju Shou naturally activated his Spiritual Talent. Instantly, the morale and quality of every soldier in Yuan Shao’s army were elevated. The army’s predominant advantage—its sheer force in numbers—was amplified several-fold at this moment.

”Gong Yu, you’ve activated your Spiritual Talent?” Sheni Pei asked, halting his horse as Ju Shou passed by. He frowned slightly.

”Indeed. Our army’s greatest advantage lies in its numbers. I’ve improved the quality of our 250,000 soldiers to prepare them in advance,” Ju Shou said with a smile. Until now, Ju Shou had only rarely used his Spiritual Talent and remained unaware of its significant drawback. While amplifying his army’s greatest strength, Ju Shou’s Talent simultaneously enlarged its most critical vulnerability.

To speak plainly, were it not for this drawback, Ju Shou’s Spiritual Talent would undoubtedly be among the strongest in the world today. Simply enhancing the quality of 250,000 soldiers was enough to make any military general weep in amazement. Moreover, its applications outside battlefields were virtually limitless—truly invincible!

Alas, perfection does not exist in this world. Ju Shou’s Talent magnified the 250,000 soldiers’ advantage while correspondingly creating a fatal weakness—a delicate balance determined by the will of Heaven.

”It’s truly a powerful Spiritual Talent,” Sheni Pei remarked sourly. Compared to Ju Shou’s Talent, Sheni Pei harbored deep frustrations and grudges toward his own passive Spiritual Talent. If possible, he would prefer to never activate it for the rest of his life.

”Zheng Nan, by the way, you should possess a Spiritual Talent. I’ve never seen you put it to use, though,” Ju Shou asked curiously, and Dong Zhao subtly listened in, intrigued by such matters.

”I don’t!” Sheni Pei replied angrily, dark-faced. He flicked his sleeves, tightened his grip on his reins, kicked his horse’s belly, and galloped off. That accursed Spiritual Talent—whenever it was mentioned, he’d throw himself into a fury.

”What’s wrong with him?” Ju Shou asked, puzzled.

”Who knows. Perhaps he’s sulking,” Xin Pi said, riding past leisurely. ”A Spiritual Talent? Sheni Pei, who would believe you don’t possess one?”

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian [qidian.com] to cast your votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest encouragement. Mobile users can read at m.qidian.com.)