Mythical Three Kingdoms

Currently, Yuan Shao’s efficiency and Liu Bei’s efficiency are basically similar. Over on Yuan Shao’s side, they received information about the pontoon bridge from Sheni Pei. From finding specialists and materials to selecting a site and starting construction, they didn’t waste much time, though it’s clear they were a bit haphazard in choosing the location.

Similarly, on Liu Bei’s side, upon hearing that Yuan Shao might be constructing a pontoon bridge, they immediately intensified their vigilance. As for specialists and materials, there was no need to prepare, and tasks related to hydrology or site selection were also unnecessary.

Not to mention that Sun Qian’s skills in basic bridge and city infrastructure construction have been maxed out over the years. Even when it comes to materials, Sun Qian had long been prepared.

As for hydrology, Jian Yong has complete hydrological data spanning the last hundred years for the major river basins. With all his wandering around, he wasn’t just idling; field investigations were something he properly understood.

Although Chen Xi had Jian Yong conduct these tasks, Jian Yong never truly grasped their significance. However, it was evident that he didn’t have Chen Xi’s strategic foresight, so he decisively followed Chen Xi’s directives.

”Should we also construct a pontoon bridge?” Sun Qian asked with a sidelong glance. For him, constructing a pontoon bridge was a task with little difficulty, one he felt exceedingly confident in.

”It’s not time yet.” Chen Xi laughed, decisively extinguishing Sun Qian’s budding idea before it could take form.

”Still, it feels a bit passive. Gong Youu, hurry and rebuild the prefecture road leading to Jiyin. The estimated construction period is only two months. I’ve given you the army; if you can’t get it done, there’s not much else I can do.” Lub Su said, patting Sun Qian on the shoulder.

As someone who traditionally oversees administrative affairs, Lub Su saw Sun Qian’s current pursuits as deviations from his responsibilities. The major task of building roads was yet unfinished—what business did he have meddling in other matters? Hurry up and fix the roads. The nation’s development and transportation convenience rely on you. And yet here you are wasting time. Do you think my resignation means I can no longer oversee you folks?

Lub Su’s expression turned stern. Liu Yan, Sun Qian, and Jian Yong—these three who had been frequently coached by Lub Su—had lately slacked off. Following the army day-by-day, lazing around, they all scattered in fear under his imposing presence.

”Seems like you’ve got a point, though what you said is reasonable. The prefecture road to Jiyin really does need to be built quickly.” Chen Xi marveled at Lub Su but didn’t deny that what he said was spot-on.

”The entire transportation network planning has been entrusted to Gong Youu; it all depends on how he handles it.” Lub Su sighed and said, ”But given the current situation, we can only partially abandon the original plan and prioritize building the prefecture road to Jiyin first.”

”We recognized early on that the collapse of the Xuanyuan Cauldron disrupted many of our plans. But the overall framework remains largely intact.” Chen Xi waved dismissively and said, ”Let’s not bring up the Xuanyuan Cauldron again. I’m pretty sure it didn’t only mess up Mount Tai’s plan; Yuan Shao’s original strategy must’ve fallen apart too; otherwise, things wouldn’t be where they are now.”

”Do you think Yuan Shao will come tonight?” Jia Xu asked calmly, drinking a bowl of chicken soup.

”Who knows? I really hate fighting like this.” Chen Xi said helplessly, ”To be precise, we haven’t even confirmed whether they’re building a pontoon bridge or not. And yet, the four of us are sitting here, eating and drinking, waiting for their move.”

”Isn’t this idle work? What we’re doing isn’t labor-intensive, and there’s no need to worry about the rear lines. I’m really confident in Wen Youi’s proficiency—not only is he well-rounded, but every aspect of his skill is excellent. All we need to focus on is how to deal with the enemy; the rear lines will be perfectly managed by him.” Guo Jia said with a yawn, his physical condition being the frailest among them.

”Report~” Just as Chen Xi was preparing to gripe about Guo Jia’s physical quality, the long-awaited messenger burst in, reporting to the group, ”Scouts have reported that Yuan Shao’s army is constructing a pontoon bridge thirty miles upstream from our military camp.”

Chen Xi and the others immediately looked at Guo Jia, while Guo Jia lowered his head, remained silent, and coughed lightly twice. Chen Xi asked, ”Approximately how far along are they in construction? Are there other locations where they’re building bridges?”

”According to the scouts, Yuan Shao’s pontoon bridge construction has just started. However, they’ve invested a lot of craftsmen in the project. It’s estimated that a pontoon bridge can be completed within a few days.” The messenger swiftly answered Chen Xi’s questions.

”Alright, that will be all. Have the scouts conduct more thorough investigations upstream and downstream; don’t miss anything.” Chen Xi waved his hand, signaling the messenger to leave. Chen Xi’s usual approach was to nip dangers in the bud. If Yuan Shao intended to build a pontoon bridge, Chen Xi had already prepared Tung Oil. Let’s see where Yuan Shao decides to build it.

”What a jinx! Such corrupt fortune!” Guo Jia mocked himself.

”It’s not exactly bad luck; it’s quite favorable. Frankly, I hope they do build pontoon bridges and come over. I’m really not afraid of them.” Chen Xi said with a laugh. ”Let’s see how many bridges they can build; however many it is, I’ll burn them all.”

”It won’t be that simple, but Zichuan’s approach is one way to handle it. That being said, Yuan Shao won’t show up tonight; they have gaps in technical reserves, material reserves, and personnel capabilities compared to us.” Lub Su said casually, his long tenure overseeing administrative matters skewing his perspective on these issues.

”I’m heading back. Hopefully, when I wake up, Yuan Shao will have sent troops across the river.” Jia Xu yawned, stretched, and spoke. Since Yuan Shao wouldn’t be making a move tonight, he had no inclination to keep waiting.

After all, the messenger’s report was quite clear. Even if Yuan Shao’s pontoon bridge construction was a feint, the time it would realistically take wouldn’t be so short. Jia Xu had decided to head back and recharge.

”Let’s all head back. Yuan Shao won’t come tonight, for sure.” Jia Xu’s words made Guo Jia understand immediately what he meant. Laughing, Guo Jia said, ”Staying up late isn’t a good habit, especially if it’s for someone else.”

”You guys go ahead and rest up. I’ll go to the rear camp and issue orders for cooking to begin at the second quarter of the Yin Hour tomorrow.” Chen Xi, known for his caution, always preferred to plan ahead. Who knows? Yuan Shao might make a surprise move early tomorrow morning.

”We’re leaving it to you then. We’re heading to rest now.” Lub Su nodded and said. At this hour, while Liu Bei hadn’t fallen asleep yet, he must have already gone to bed. For now, in the camp, the only one who could issue commands freely was Chen Xi, and Lub Su clearly understood Chen Xi’s intent.

Early the next morning, the camp bell rang. Liu Bei’s army had breakfast an hour earlier than usual, and the meals were notably better than before. Those veterans who had participated in many battles, upon seeing such improved meals, abandoned their usual habit of chatting and boasting while eating. They picked up their bowls and ate quickly without saying a word.

After swiftly finishing their meals, the veterans naturally began warming up, activating every part of their bodies, before moving on to meticulously inspecting and preparing their weapons and armor. Those who didn’t have bandages ready started tearing strips from others’ clothes and placed their stashed hemostatic medicine in the most accessible spots on their bodies.