Chapter 011 — Liu Bei: “This man is truly a rare talent. How could I possibly let him slip away?”

Liu Bei’s expression was a mixture of joy and bewilderment.

Joyful because his old subordinate Sun Qian was still alive; bewildered by Sun Qian’s words, “I arrived a moment too late.”

“Gongyou, quickly get up.”

Liu Bei helped Sun Qian to his feet, patting his shoulder with emotion.

“Good, good, Gongyou, it’s a relief you are safe and sound!”

Before Sun Qian could reply, Zhang Fei stepped forward eagerly, asking, “Gongyou, what about my sister-in-law? Didn’t you and Mi Zifang escort her out from the East Gate, heading toward Haixi?”

At this, Liu Bei’s concern for his wife’s safety immediately intensified.

“We did escort the lady out from the East Gate, heading westward to Haixi. But as we passed a ferry crossing at Youshui, we were pursued by the traitor Xu Dan.”

“At that critical moment, fortunately, Xiao Jinglue happened to pass by…”

Sun Qian proceeded to recount how they encountered Xiao Fang at the Youshui ferry, how his guards killed Xu Dan, and saved their party.

“Xiao Jinglue also went to Haixi?”

“Did he rescue you on the way?”

Liu Bei’s eyes widened in surprise. He had worried after parting ways at Xutai, uncertain where Xiao Fang would head. Unexpectedly, Xiao Fang had gone to Haixi and even saved Sun Qian and the others.

“He did more than save us. At that time, the lady was struck by an arrow and her life was in danger.”

“Fortunately, Xiao Jinglue was skilled in medicine and managed to save her.”

“Otherwise, I fear both lady and child would have met disaster. We would have no way to face you, my lord!”

Sun Qian spoke of those past events with lingering dread.

Liu Bei was taken aback, turning to glance at his sworn brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, as well as Mi Zhu.

The three all wore expressions of astonishment.

That Xiao Fang again!

Not only was he a master strategist, but also skilled in medicine?

This man was truly unfathomable...

“Xiao Fang, Xiao Jinglue.”

“I never thought he possessed such abilities, actually saving my wife…”

Liu Bei murmured, a strange look flashing in his eyes.

This man had traveled a thousand miles from Jingzhou, first predicting Lü Bu’s plot to seize Xuzhou from him.

Then, by fate’s hand, rescued his wife.

It was as if the heavens had sent him, specially dispatched to save him in his hour of peril.

“Sun Gongyou, you said just now you arrived a moment too late.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Guan Yu was the first to regain his composure and ask.

Sun Qian sighed softly.

“When in Haixi, I inadvertently learned that Xiao Jinglue had predicted you would be defeated by Lü Bu.”

“He also predicted that after losing at Xiapi, you would lead your army south across the Huai River, aiming to retake Guangling from Yuan Shu by surprise.”

“Xiao Jinglue further said you would suffer another defeat at Yuan Shu’s hands, your forces decimated, and that upon Mi Zizhong’s suggestion, you would retreat to Haixi to gather supplies.”

“I feared his calculations would come true, so I hurried day and night to warn you not to head south to Guangling.”

“But I was still too late.”

Sun Qian expressed his deep regret, explaining the whole sequence of events.

A murmur of astonishment spread.

Both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, along with everyone present, were taken aback.

“That Xiao Fang could even foresee us first losing to Lü Bu, then to Yuan Shu?”

“That’s unbelievable! I refuse to believe there’s anyone in this world who can predict the future so accurately!”

Zhang Fei’s eyes bulged, shaking his head vigorously.

His words echoed the thoughts of all.

“This Xiao Jinglue not only foresaw our defeats at Xiapi and Guangling.”

“He even predicted that Mi Zizhong would advise my brother to move the army to Haixi, down to the smallest detail.”

“This man’s wisdom is truly unfathomable!”

Guan Yu stroked his beard, marveling.

Hearing this, Liu Bei glanced at Guan Yu knowingly.

He knew his sworn brother was proud and discerning, with few in the world worthy of his respect.

That Guan Yu so praised Xiao Fang showed his genuine admiration.

“This man is truly a rare genius in the world!”

“Such a prodigy—I, Liu Bei, cannot let him slip away!”

Suppressing his surging emotions, Liu Bei’s face revealed a resolute determination.

“Give the order at once: depart immediately for Haixi!”

A thousand remaining soldiers set out toward Haixi.

…

At Haixi, within the Mi family stronghold.

In a side chamber, Xiao Fang leisurely sipped tea and tasted snacks specially sent by Mi Zhen.

Zhuge Liang held a piece of pastry in his hand but did not eat. He sat lost in thought.

“Miss Mi’s kindness, A-liang, why don’t you eat? What are you daydreaming about?”

Xiao Fang noticed his preoccupation.

Zhuge Liang’s reverie was interrupted; coughing softly, he wore a worried expression.

“Brother-in-law, so far, every step of Lord Liu’s journey has been as you predicted.”

“If nothing unexpected occurs, as you said, he will lead his remaining troops to Haixi.”

“After much reflection, brother-in-law, I see two problems that remain unresolved if you intend to have him join us in seizing Jingzhou.”

Xiao Fang took a bite of pastry, signaling him to continue.

Zhuge Liang set the snack down and spoke seriously.

“The first problem is that Liu Biao and our Lord Liu share the same clan.”

“With Lord Liu’s benevolence and righteousness, convincing him to seize the inheritance of his own kin will be nearly impossible!”

A flicker of admiration crossed Xiao Fang’s eyes.

No surprise from a genius like the Sleeping Dragon—he had clearly grasped Liu Bei’s character well.

Historically, the elder Liu was indeed stuck on this point.

He had lingered in Jingzhou nearly ten years, and even after Liu Biao’s death, hesitated to use force to take Jingzhou, fearing the backlash.

The same applied to Shu; though a swift campaign was possible, he refused to directly seize Liu Zhang’s territory, instead wasting three years until Liu Zhang struck first, prompting Liu Bei to act.

Benevolence was a double-edged sword; it gained Liu Bei the people's hearts but caused him to miss many golden opportunities.

Which was more important, hearts or chances, was sometimes impossible to say.

“The second problem is the army.”

“After two crushing defeats, Lord Liu lost nearly twenty thousand troops. Even with Mi family’s support, he can only muster two or three thousand soldiers.”

“Is it realistic to expect such a small force to seize Jingzhou?”

“Liu Biao commands a hundred thousand armored warriors!”

Zhuge Liang laid out the second challenge.

Xiao Fang finished his last bite, clapped his hands, and asked,

“A-liang, do you think I hadn’t considered these two problems before coming to Xuzhou?”

A spark of realization lit Zhuge Liang’s eyes as he hurriedly said,

“So the concerns I had were already thoroughly contemplated by you, brother-in-law.”

“Then what brilliant plan do you have to solve these two problems?”

Xiao Fang sipped his tea, moistened his throat, and was about to answer when suddenly—

“Jinglue, Jinglue!”

An excited voice rang out.

The door was flung open abruptly.

Liu Bei burst in, gasping for breath, in such haste that he stumbled over the threshold.