Chapter 14: Lu Bu Wants to Intercept? Then We’ll Take the Road Less Traveled!

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In front of so many people, Liu Bei finally expressed his heartfelt desire to invite Xiao Fang to come out of seclusion and assist him. Whether it was Guan Yu or Zhang Fei, even strategists like Mi Zhu and Sun Qian were visibly shaken. Who was Liu Bei? Even in his current plight, he was still a regional lord, one who could contend with mighty figures like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao for supremacy over the realm. And now, he humbly performed such a grand ceremony to appoint a young gentleman as his military advisor! Such respect for talent was likely unparalleled in the world.

Yet, no one doubted or opposed him. Even Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, witnessing their elder brother showing such deference to an obscure youth, did not utter a single word of objection. They understood all too well why their brother had struggled and suffered repeated defeats throughout his life. The hard-won territory of Xuzhou had been lost again and again, and to this day, he had no solid foothold. It was because he lacked a strategist like Xun Yu, who could serve Cao Cao as a guiding force and mastermind.

Xiao Fang — this extraordinary man, seemingly sent by heaven and met by chance — was exactly the person Liu Bei needed most: a brilliant tactician who could help Liu Bei realize his dream of restoring the Han dynasty!

“Why does Lord Liu hold me in such regard?” Xiao Fang feigned surprise and modesty, shaking his head repeatedly to decline. Though he was eager to accept this opportunity, going through the motions of thrice refusing was a formality — a way to let Liu Bei know that securing such a strategist was no easy matter and must be cherished and obeyed. But if Liu Bei was truly forced to kneel, that would be overacting.

“Master Liu, you must not!” Xiao Fang hastily caught Liu Bei before his knees touched the ground. Then, with a look of deep emotion, he dusted off his robes and respectfully bowed, eyes filled with reverence.

“I am but a commoner from Jing and Xiang, tilling the fields in Nanyang, seeking only to survive these chaotic times, not to seek fame among lords. Your lordship’s high esteem overwhelms me.”

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“Since you treat me as a national treasure, I shall repay you as such,” Xiao Fang declared boldly. “I will do all I can to assist you in restoring the realm and rebuilding the Han dynasty. My lord, please accept my bow!”

Seeing the moment was ripe, Xiao Fang seized the opportunity to openly express his intention to serve Liu Bei. Hearing his words, Zhuge Liang breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He realized that his brother-in-law’s earlier act was a tactical retreat to advance — a way to establish his position and authority under Liu Xuande’s command. He had worried unnecessarily, almost thinking Xiao Fang would refuse.

“Though my brother-in-law’s phrase about merely seeking survival in chaotic times and not fame among lords is eloquent, it is somewhat insincere,” Zhuge Liang mused to himself. “Since I first met him, he taught me that a true man born under heaven cannot resign himself to poverty and obscurity but must strive for glory and high rank…”

While Zhuge Liang pondered, Liu Bei’s face brightened, a great weight lifting from his heart.

“Having Jinglue is like a fish returning to water! Bring wine! I shall drink heartily with my strategist and discuss the fate of the realm!”

“Ha ha ha—”

Xiao Fang laughed heartily too.

As the lanterns blazed high, a banquet was held in Haixi City. Having secured Xiao Fang as their strategist and knowing the path ahead, Liu Bei had never felt so joyous, drinking freely and celebrating. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Mi Zhu, and others took turns congratulating Liu Bei and toasting Xiao Fang.

“Strategist Xiao mentioned that after leaving Xuzhou, my brother would head to Runan to rally the local Yellow Turban forces,” Guan Yu began. “But have you considered that from Haixi to Runan, we must cross Xuzhou?”

“That means passing under Lü Bu’s nose. If Lü Bu learns of this and leads his troops south to intercept us halfway, how can we possibly resist?”

After several rounds of wine, Guan Yu’s words broke the festive mood. The hall fell silent.

“Jinglue, Cloud Long’s warning is sound,” Guan Yu continued. “Lü Bu’s forces are far superior, and he commands hundreds of mounted wolf cavalry from Bingzhou, swift as the wind. If he truly intends to intercept us, withdrawing from Xuzhou won’t be so simple.”

A shadow fell over Liu Bei’s face as he anxiously looked to Xiao Fang.

“Taking the land route, it’s inevitable we’ll be intercepted by Lü Bu.”

“Then why must we take the land route?” Xiao Fang asked with a meaningful smile.

Liu Bei was taken aback. Guan Yu and the others looked equally puzzled. If not by land, then how else? Fly to Runan?

Xiao Fang stood and approached the map hanging on the wall. Playing with his wine cup, he pointed.

“Master, don’t forget Haixi borders the sea.”

“We can board ships in Haixi, sail southward by sea to reach the Huai River, then ascend the rivers Gan and Wo to enter Runan.”

“Though Yuan Shu has swallowed Guangling Commandery, the Chen clan still controls the towns along the Huai River. Yuan Shu’s forces have not crossed the Huai in force, occupying only Xutai.”

“Yuan Shu has no navy. Flying the banner of merchant ships, we should pass unhindered.”

“In this way, by the time Yuan Shu and Lü Bu discover our plan, our forces will have already left Xuzhou and entered Runan territory. What can those two villains do to us then?”

Xiao Fang laid out a comprehensive route to Runan for Liu Bei. Spirits lifted, the hall buzzed with excited discussion.

Liu Bei leapt forward to the map, eyes scanning it eagerly, contemplating Xiao Fang’s plan.

“How did I not think of this? Haixi is coastal; we can reach the Huai River by sea!”

“Jinglue, your vision is broad indeed to conceive such a route.”

“Excellent! This plan is feasible!”

Liu Bei struck the map with his fist in approval.

Guan Yu’s concerns were dispelled. Stroking his beard, he nodded approvingly at Xiao Fang.

At that moment, Zhang Fei came forward, scratching his head.

“Let me say a few words. Taking this route isn’t impossible, but whether by sea or river, we’ll need ships, a water general, and sailors who understand navigation.”

“Where on earth do we find such men on short notice?”

Zhang Fei’s outburst was like a sudden blow to Liu Bei, snapping him awake.

Liu Bei’s expression changed sharply as he looked anxiously at Xiao Fang.

Before he could speak, Xiao Fang smiled calmly.

“Master, do not worry. What General Yide mentions, I have already prepared for many days.”

Liu Bei was puzzled, not grasping the meaning behind Xiao Fang’s words.

Mi Zhu stepped forward.

“Haixi is coastal; there are plenty of fishing boats nearby, and my family owns several merchant ships. Ships are not the problem.”

“The difficulty is finding a skilled water general and sailors on such short notice, and convincing them to accompany us to Runan!”

Xiao Fang drained the last drop of wine from his cup and pointed toward the hall’s entrance.

“Zizhong, the water general and sailors you seek, are currently imprisoned in your Mi family’s dockside jail.”

Mi Zhu was stunned, utterly confused.