Chapter 27: Having Grain Means Power! Sorry, Boss Cao, I’m Claiming Your Corner!

“The loyal and brave warrior, coming to us of his own accord?”

Liu Bei’s eyes were clouded with confusion.

Only when he followed Xiao Fang’s gaze toward the battlefield by the Ying River did he suddenly realize.

“The loyal and brave warrior Jinglüe mentioned—could it be the Xu family hero besieged by the Yellow Turban army?”

“Most likely, it is him,” Xiao Fang nodded slightly.

Curiosity growing, Liu Bei pressed further, “May I ask, who exactly is this Xu hero Jinglüe refers to?”

All eyes turned to Xiao Fang with interest.

For a figure so highly regarded by their own strategist, he must be no ordinary man.

“This man’s surname is Xu, given name Chu, courtesy name Zhongkang, originally from Qiao County in Pei State,” Xiao Fang began calmly.

“Xu Chu was once a chivalrous hero of Qiao County. Several years ago, he led the local gentry and youths to migrate south to Runan, where he once fought against the Yellow Turbans at Gepo, repelling tens of thousands with just over a thousand men.”

“After that battle, Xu Chu’s renown shook the Chen and Ru regions. I imagine, my lord, you have heard of him.”

Xiao Fang pronounced Xu Chu’s name without haste.

Liu Bei suddenly understood and turned to Mi Zhu.

“Zizhong, is this Xu Chu the fierce warrior from Runan you once told me about—the one strong enough to uproot a charging bull with his bare hands?”

Mi Zhu, a wealthy merchant from Xuzhou, often had caravans traveling through neighboring states and was well-informed about local figures.

“That’s right. What Strategist Xiao said is exactly the same Xu Chu,” Mi Zhu nodded, then looked at Xiao Fang admiringly.

“However, his reputation has only recently risen in the past two years and is mostly confined to the region between Runbei and Chenliang.”

“To think our strategist knows him so well—that’s truly impressive.”

Xiao Fang smiled.

The famed “Tiger Fool,” the leader of Cao Cao’s bodyguard, a warrior capable of holding his own against the likes of Ma Chao and Zhang Fei—of course he knew him inside and out.

According to the timeline, Cao Cao would likely extend his reach into Runan only in Jian’an’s second year—that is, next year.

After Yuan Shu’s ravaging of Runan, all forces there were generally short on supplies: the Yellow Turbans, local strongmen like Xu Chu, everyone was starving.

Thus, Xu Chu, driven by hunger and his shared hometown bond with Cao Cao, chose to lead his troops to join Cao Cao.

In other words, Xu Chu’s primary reason for joining Cao Cao was to secure a stable livelihood for his men.

The hometown connection was merely secondary.

This made matters easier.

Xu Chu was starving, while Liu Bei currently held over a hundred thousand hu of grain at hand—like a savior descending among these starving wolves.

Where there is milk, there is mother; where there is grain, there is father...

Liu Bei’s reputation combined with ample provisions made it quite plausible for Xu Chu to come under his banner.

And who better than Xu Chu to serve as his chief guard?

Apologies, Boss Cao, but this corner is mine to claim.

“My lord, I fear I must borrow your hand to recruit Xu Chu as my personal guard.”

“Just a little self-interest, I hope you won’t blame me.”

Xiao Fang smiled at Liu Bei.

Liu Bei was momentarily taken aback but then seriously replied:

“Your words humble me greatly, Strategist!”

“Without you, I fear I would already be bowed low before Lü Bu, bearing unbearable humiliation.”

“Your life is as weighty as Mount Tai for the restoration of our Han dynasty!”

“To protect your safety is the solemn duty of myself and all the soldiers.”

Then, softening his tone with a smile, Liu Bei added:

“Besides, Jinglüe, you recommended this fierce warrior to me, and I promised to find a loyal and brave man to guard you.”

“Recruiting Xu Chu for you is simply fulfilling that promise.”

Liu Bei’s words warmed Xiao Fang’s heart.

Before he could respond, Zhang Fei shouted:

“My elder brother speaks truly. Strategist, your life is the most precious thing—protecting you is never too much.”

“Brother, just give the order! I’ll charge up now, seize that Xu Chu, and make him your guard myself!”

Such blunt words drew secret smiles from the assembled.

Liu Bei could only smile helplessly.

“Yide, do not be rash.”

“Xu Chu is a local hero, and since you want to recruit him, you must treat him with respect.”

“Moreover, to make him your guard, he must be willing. You cannot threaten him with death.”

After this lesson, Zhang Fei sheepishly scratched his head and chuckled.

“Jinglüe, in your opinion, how should we recruit this Xu Chu?”

Liu Bei turned back to ask Xiao Fang.

“If my lord wishes to win over Xu Chu, then Liu Bi, the Yellow Turban leader besieging him, must be won over as well. His several thousand troops are no rabble and could serve your lord.”

“I suspect the Yellow Turbans surround Xu Chu mainly to seize his supplies.”

“My lord should set up camp here, cook porridge, and send someone to the battlefield to plainly express your intent to recruit.”

“By your benevolence and the fragrant porridge nearby, Liu Bi will surely lift the siege and come to join you.”

Pausing, Xiao Fang added:

“As for Xu Zhongkang, I suspect he too is short on supplies. Leading his men north was likely a search for grain.”

“Grateful for your aid in lifting the siege, and seeing your ample provisions, his voluntary allegiance will naturally follow.”

Xiao Fang’s analysis revealed the realities behind Liu Bi and Xu Chu’s situation and offered a plan to recruit both.

Liu Bei wholeheartedly agreed and immediately nodded:

“Strategist, this plan recruits two heroes without shedding a single drop of blood—truly the highest strategy of winning without fighting!”

“Very well, let us follow your plan!”

Liu Bei promptly issued the orders.

Three thousand soldiers set up a simple camp and began cooking porridge.

At the same time, Sun Qian was dispatched to the frontline to recruit Liu Bi.

Soon, the aroma of porridge wafted over to the battlefield by the Ying River.

Everything unfolded exactly as Xiao Fang predicted.

Liu Bi, much as in history during the Battle of Guandu when Liu Bei ventured into Runan, upon hearing of Liu Xuande’s renowned benevolence, immediately ordered a retreat and led his men to pay homage.

Liu Bei naturally treated him with respect and warmth, ordering the porridge to be distributed among Liu Bi’s several thousand Yellow Turban troops.

Liu Bi, entrenched in Xiangcheng and cut off from supplies for days, would not have dared besiege Xu Chu otherwise.

Now, these starving Yellow Turban soldiers were overjoyed and deeply grateful for Liu Bei’s generous gift of food.

Already admiring Liu Bei’s reputation for righteousness, witnessing his arrival with abundant grain left Liu Bi no hesitation in declaring allegiance.

Liu Bei seized the opportunity, accepting Liu Bi’s surrender and integrating nearly three thousand Yellow Turban troops under his command.

“Upon arriving at Runan, Liu Bei effortlessly recruited three thousand soldiers!”

“All according to the strategist’s plan!”

Liu Bei looked upon this unexpected boon with deep emotion and admiration.

Xiao Fang smiled faintly but turned his gaze toward the camp gate:

“Xu Zhongkang should soon arrive to thank my lord. Such a fierce warrior deserves the lord’s personal welcome to show respect.”

Liu Bei agreed wholeheartedly and, together with Xiao Fang, went outside the camp gates.

Just as they stepped out, a troop bearing the banner of Xu approached slowly.

Leading the charge was a broad-shouldered, bear-like warrior, riding alone.

No need to guess—it was undoubtedly Xu Chu.

Without prompting, Liu Bei stepped forward first, cupping his hands respectfully:

“When I was in Xuzhou, I long heard that Xu Zhongkang is a tiger among men. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved!”

Xu Chu suddenly reined in his horse, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Though Liu Bei had lost Xuzhou, he was still a regional lord, an equal to Yuan and Cao.

Such a dignitary not only personally came out to greet him but knew his name and spoke of long admiration?

Xu Chu was startled and touched.

He swiftly dismounted and bowed deeply to Liu Bei:

“I am but a commoner. I never imagined you, Lord Liu, would know my name. Truly, I am... truly I am…”

A warrior by nature, Xu Chu was not eloquent and struggled for words to express his feelings.

Liu Bei quickly dismounted to help him up.

Once composed, Xu Chu bowed again in gratitude:

“Thank you for your timely aid in lifting the siege. I am deeply grateful.”

“It was but a small favor, Zhongkang. No need for such formality,” Liu Bei waved his hand, then asked:

“I heard you stationed your troops near Ruyin. Why are you now near Xiangcheng?”

Xu Chu’s face darkened with bitterness as he explained helplessly:

“Pardon me, Lord Liu, but Ruyin has been ravaged by Yuan Shu. There is no grain left.”

“I had no choice but to lead my men north, hoping to find supplies near Chenliang, and unexpectedly encountered you here.”

Hearing this, Liu Bei glanced at Xiao Fang.

As predicted, Xu Chu was forced to move north due to starvation.

“I brought over a hundred thousand hu of grain with me to Runan.”

“If you do not mind, Zhongkang, I would like to gift you three thousand hu to ease your immediate plight.”

Liu Bei magnanimously offered grain, following Xiao Fang’s advice.

Xu Chu was stunned, disbelief shining in his eyes as he looked at Liu Bei.

He could hardly believe that this Lord Liu, a mere stranger, would not only help him break the siege but also generously offer three thousand hu of grain!

“This Liu Xuande is truly a man of noble generosity…”

Xu Chu inwardly marveled, respect deepening in his expression.

“Lord Liu, this is—”

Before Xu Chu could finish, a shout came from behind:

“Brother! The matron is gravely ill!”

Xu Chu’s face instantly changed.

Forgetting all else, he turned and sprinted back to his troops, diving into a horse carriage.

“Mother! Mother—”

Within the carriage came Xu Chu’s frantic cries.

Liu Bei and Xiao Fang exchanged a glance and quickly rode forward to investigate.

They saw an elderly woman lying motionless in the carriage, seemingly lifeless.

“She was well just moments ago—how could she suddenly lose breath?”

“Hurry! Find a doctor, quickly!”

Xu Chu was distraught, shouting desperately to his men.

The troops were helpless—where could they find a doctor so quickly?

Moreover, the matron appeared already dead; even if a doctor arrived, what good would it do?

Seeing this, Liu Bei sighed softly and prepared to speak words of comfort.

“Brother Zhongkang, please step aside and let me examine your mother.”

Xiao Fang dismounted, and under the astonished gazes of all, climbed into the carriage, gently pushing Xu Chu aside.

Xu Chu was stunned.