Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1543: Chapter 1486: Ye City’s Move

Just as the Yong Family made up their minds, a final decision was also made over at Ye City. As Xun Yu predicted, Cao Cao moved north, and Liu Bei, regardless of the reason, would also proceed north.

Lub Su, having managed political affairs for years, was not much involved in intrigue or open strategy, and although Liu Ye was adept at scheming, he had recently suffered a defeat at the hands of Xun Youi and had taken a significant blow to his spirit. Neither of them thought too deeply about Cao Cao’s actions.

If Xun Yue had come across this news, he might have deduced the reason due to his deep understanding of Xun Yu. Unfortunately, both Xun Yue and Mann Chong had been too busy recently; the new laws, once engraved, took too much time to distribute and interpret for the people.

As for Li Youu, having played these games too often and having too much experience, he saw through it all at a glance. However, he did not inform Liu Bei, as his understanding of Liu Xie was quite profound.

In Li Youu’s eyes, Liu Xie was just a young man who hadn’t seen the world and hadn’t endured hardships, possessing a bit of cleverness. If supported by competent people, he might achieve great dreams, but due to his lack of experience, the people he selected were generally incompetent allies.

With a mindset of watching the spectacle, Li Youu did not warn Liu Bei; instead, he strongly supported Liu Bei leading the troops to the North himself. After all, a politically correct action like the Northern Expedition Against the Huns should not be delayed.

As for Liu Xie, Li Youu was waiting to see him self-destruct. Although Li Youu felt that the Cao Cao he saw in Luoyang wouldn’t have done such a thing, some events, once they happen, must have their underlying reasons.

Hence, although Li Youu didn’t understand why Cao Cao would make such a significant sacrifice, after assessing the current situation, he still held respect for Cao Cao. A person steadfast in their resolve, though the actions seemed foolish, the will was indeed moving.

By the time Chen Xi hurriedly returned, he hadn’t caught up with Liu Bei. However, Liu Bei kindly left a letter for Chen Xi and instructed Li Youu to tell Chen Xi not to worry too much. As for Guan Yu and Guo Jia, although the battle in the Central Plains had halted, they still couldn’t head north.

Liu Bei wanted to bring Li Youu along, as he hadn’t truly tested how outstanding Li Youu was, even though the rumors said Li Youu and Chen Xi were as close as brothers. In fact, Liu Bei believed this rumor.

Both of them were equally terrifying, had little desire, and shared the same persistence. Moreover, they possessed a vast array of skills, making people feel very assured when utilizing them.

Unfortunately, Li Youu refused decisively. This Northern Expedition Against the Huns would inevitably involve Cao Cao, and if he went with Liu Bei, they couldn’t avoid this fact, so it was better not to go. Therefore, Li Youu casually found an excuse to decline Liu Bei’s appointment and continued to hold down the fort at the rear.

Liu Bei had no remarks regarding this; he was quite confident in Li Youu managing the rear. As for Lub Su, recently Lub Su had been overwhelmed, not to mention the water network project that hadn’t been settled. Chen Xi’s plan to return fallen heroes to their hometowns hadn’t been completed either.

In addition, with taxes and various grants following the summer harvest, along with stabilizing grain prices and establishing balanced storage, although preparations had been made, too many matters arose this year. With workers coming and going and few to assist Lub Su, he was now working overtime ceaselessly.

These do not even include the routine issuance of decrees, which require only Lub Su’s review and stamp. Yet, due to Lub Su’s responsible attitude, he cannot simply skim through and issue them as Chen Xi might; he must deliberate over them.

And so with everything piling up, Lub Su was almost overwhelmed. While Li Youu helped, to expect Li Youu to work round the clock was overestimating his dedication. Still, having a person of top-notch level who was adept in governance to assist, should he be transferred away, Lub Su would be in an even sorrier state.

However, every mid-year and November tend to be very busy, and previously there was always a group to help Lub Su. Although most civil officials under Liu Bei weren’t extremely proficient in these matters, their intelligence was high enough to handle assignments, thus preventing Lub Su from being overwhelmed. This time, everyone had run off.

This is also why when Li Youu said he would help Lub Su manage political affairs, after Liu Bei nodded, he said nothing further, as Lub Su’s current workload was indeed massive.

And just as Lub Su was working tirelessly on administrative affairs, Chen Xi and Hua Xiong successfully returned to Ye City with the most outstanding part of the Xiliang Soldiers.

”Zichuan, you returned so quickly.” This time only Li Youu came to greet them, while Mi Zhu, Liu Yan, and others were quite busy. Only Li Youu could spare some time.

”I had to hurry back,” Chen Xi said with a wry smile. ”Most of the troops were left in the South. I had Xiuruo hand them over to General Guan for command, and I came back first with Zijian.”

”That’s good as well,” Li Youu nodded, glancing at Hua Xiong and others behind him. They were the core forces of the Xiliang Soldiers, and among those who rushed back were nearly 4,000 elite cavalry, the bravest among the Xiliang Soldiers.

These 4,000 elite cavalry, though lacking the Military Spirit Will, were comparable in quality to the Flying Bear Army of the past. Unfortunately, Li Youu couldn’t bestow a belief sufficient to sustain their relentless fighting to this excellent army. Otherwise, they would be worthy of being called a Military Spirit Legion.

”Zichuan, you go and connect with Zijing; I have some words for Zijian,” Li Youu said to Chen Xi with a smile, then waved Hua Xiong over. Naturally, Hua Xiong dismounted, and the Xiliang Army officers surrounded Li Youu along with Hua Xiong.

”Oh, then I’ll first coordinate with Zijing,” Chen Xi nodded, understanding that Li Youu needed to instruct Hua Xiong in some matters. Due to earlier reasons, Li Youu and Jia Xu were destined to be allies in the same trench, with Hua Xiong being their representative at the forefront.

After Chen Xi left, Li Youu looked at the familiar faces before him and, unusually, smiled without showing much gloom. ”I’m really happy to see all of you gathered together like this. Back then, I and the Prime Minister failed you.”

”With the strategist still here, we of Liangzhou will certainly have opportunities,” Hua Xiong, though not eloquent, sincerely acknowledged Li Youu, and so did the other officers. They were mostly promoted by Dong Zhuo and Li Ru.

”As long as I live, I will fulfill my promises to you. In this battle on the Northern Frontier, the opponent is the Northern Huns, and you’ve all heard about the Trap Formation, right?” Li Youu nodded, unsurprised by the officers’ response. Loyalty matters were not just words; this group of officers from the grassroots would remember his kindness for life.

”The Northern Huns Guards are a Military Spirit Legion, and the intelligence sent from the north indicates that the Northern Huns Guards, with a legacy of 300 years, is a legion of 3,000 men,” Li Youu said softly to the Xiliang officers.