Chapter 54: We must race against time, farming while fighting! Act according to the plan, and I will butcher Cai He with my own hands!

A brocade pouch containing a stratagem?

Mi Zhu cast a curious glance at the pouch in his hand, wondering inwardly what brilliant plan Xiao Fang could possibly have given to Wei Yan.

"Forget it. Strategist Xiao is unfathomable. If I could ever guess what is on his mind, I would be the strategist myself..."

With a self-deprecating smile, Mi Zhu immediately cupped his hands in assent.

He then tucked the brocade pouch away and took his leave first.

"If Liu Biao reacts just as Jinglue anticipated and turns hostile first, it will naturally play right into our hands."

"It's just that this state-farming system has only recently been implemented and has yet to bear fruit. My elder brother's wings are not yet fully fledged."

"Jinglue, is the timing truly appropriate to be in such a rush to go to war with Liu Biao?"

Guan Yu stroked his magnificent beard, voicing the concerns weighing on his mind.

Xiao Fang was, of course, well aware that Liu Bei's current hard power still lagged considerably behind Liu Biao's.

Yet there was simply no alternative.

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao would never halt their quest to unify the North just to wait for Liu Bei to slowly build up his strength.

The Little Conqueror Sun Ce had already pacified Jiangdong, and before long, the formidable edge of the Sun family's forces would likewise point westward toward Jingzhou.

The time left for Liu Bei to develop was limited; he had to seize every single second, completing the integration of the South before the North was unified.

"The situation beneath heaven changes in the blink of an eye, and the opportunity for our lord to seize Jingzhou will vanish in a flash."

"We have no choice but to push forward with the state-farming system while advancing southward simultaneously. It is a desperate measure born of necessity."

"As for the disparity in troop strength, we shall make up for it with stratagems."

Without offering Guan Yu an exhaustive explanation, Xiao Fang's tone radiated absolute confidence.

Guan Yu gave a slight start. After a brief moment of silence, he cupped his hands toward Xiao Fang.

"Ever since Yu and the Strategist first crossed paths, you have never failed to map out a foolproof plan."

"Few are the men in this life whom Yu holds in awe. My elder brother is the first, and you, Strategist, are the second."

"Whatever path lies ahead, Yu chooses to place his trust in you!"

Guan Yu's sudden and solemn declaration lent the atmosphere a somewhat grave tone.

Xiao Fang waved a hand and chuckled cheerfully.

"Since the battle has yet to commence, General Yunchang, please set your mind at ease."

"Today happens to be a day of great joy for me. Let us put official business aside for now; General Yunchang must drink several cups of wedding wine with me!"

Guan Yu was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

The two of them then returned to the main hall.

Brimming with high spirits, Xiao Fang took turns accepting toasts and congratulatory wishes from the assembled guests.

Originally, as this was merely taking a concubine, there had been no need to make such a grand spectacle of it. However, since the match had been facilitated by Madam Su, a lively celebration was inevitable.

Moreover, Liu Bei intended to use this wedding banquet as an opportunity to test the attitude of Nanyang's gentry and notable figures toward him.

The outcome proved remarkably satisfactory.

The local gentry and powerful clans residing in Wancheng arrived one after another, bearing lavish gifts to offer their congratulations, while notable figures from many of the neighboring counties hurried over upon hearing the news.

Not only did everyone wish to ingratiate themselves with Strategist Xiao, but they also sought to use the pretext of congratulations to demonstrate their allegiance to Liu Bei.

After all, from Yuan Shu down to Zhang Ji, not just the common folk of Nanyang, but even these aristocratic and powerful clans had suffered to the point of utter despair.

Now that the clouds had finally parted to reveal the sun, welcoming an enlightened and benevolent lord like Liu Bei, how could they not be wild with joy?

These Nanyang gentry clans, who had endured endless hardships, naturally offered their heartfelt support. They wished they could weld Liu Bei to Nanyang and prevent him from ever moving away for the rest of his life.

Such a state of affairs naturally brought immense gratification to Liu Bei.

As for Xiao Fang, finding himself favored by happy events, his spirits were high, and he inevitably drank a few extra cups.

It was only when the intoxication began to cloud his mind that, supported by a maidservant, he finally entered the bridal chamber.

Inside, crimson candles burned brightly.

The bride sat poised upon the wedding couch, her head covered with a red veil.

With the door closed, only the two of them remained in the room.

Knowing that Xiao Fang had arrived, Zou Wan felt her initial anxiety instantly escalate into a pounding heartbeat, and her delicate fingers involuntarily twisted her silk handkerchief.

Xiao Fang walked slowly forward, seated himself beside her, drew in a slight breath, and lifted the bridal veil.

A jade-like countenance, cast downward in modesty and breathtakingly lovely, came into view.

Although they had spent many days together and he should have long been accustomed to this face, seeing it again in tonight's atmosphere lent it a uniquely thrilling beauty.

A ripple stirred in the depths of Xiao Fang's heart.

"Your concubine has sinned, and begs my husband to forgive me~~"

Suddenly, Zou Wan rose to her feet, bowed low before him, her bashful features tinged with guilt.

Startled, Xiao Fang quickly helped her up and asked:

"What is the meaning of this? Why are you suddenly begging for forgiveness on such a joyous day?"

With a blushing face and an apologetic air, Zou Wan replied:

"It was truly wrong of me to conceal my identity from my husband earlier. Naturally, I must ask for my husband's pardon~~"

So that was it.

Xiao Fang was not a petty man; knowing her hidden hardships, how could he possibly hold it against her?

He gently stroked her cheek and offered soothing, tender words of comfort:

"When faced with life and death, countless brave men still tremble in fear of dying, let alone a woman like you."

"That you dared not reveal your true identity in order to preserve your life is entirely understandable. How could your husband blame you?"

Hearing these words, Zou Wan finally let out a long sigh of relief.

The remorse faded from her lovely face, replaced by a growing allure. With a shy smile, she leaned into Xiao Fang's embrace.

"Wan'er, are you truly willing to lower yourself to become my concubine?"

Xiao Fang draped an arm around her fragrant shoulders and asked softly.

Zou Wan raised her head, her clear eyes gazing deeply into his as she said:

"Had my husband not taken me in that day, I fear my life and purity would long since have been lost. You saved my life, a grace your concubine will never forget."

"Besides..."

Here her tone shifted, a fresh blush bloomed across her cheeks, and a deeper shyness filled her eyes, though the words seemed difficult to utter.

Besides, although it was technically lowering herself to become a concubine, the husband she had married was none other than Liu Bei's esteemed strategist—a dashing, extraordinarily handsome man of peerless intellect.

To wed such a gentleman—was it not ten thousand times better than stooping to become the primary wife of that old wretch Zhang Ji?

Yet these inner thoughts were, after all, too embarrassing for a young woman to confess aloud.

"Besides what?"

The more shy she appeared, the more Xiao Fang deliberately pressed her for an answer.

"Husband, do not ask anymore. The hour is late, let your concubine attend to your rest~~"

"Quite right. A fine night is short, let us seize the moment and accomplish something meaningful."

"Meaningful? Your concubine does not understand, what sort of thing is that?"

Laughter rang out, and the red candles in the room were blown out.

...

A hundred li away, in the county seat of Yuyang.

As night fell, within the county government office.

Wei Yan had prepared a welcoming feast, joining Gong Du to entertain the newly arrived Hu Che'er.

"Brother Wei, the Strategist said that after my hundred Liangzhou cavalry delivered the grain to Yuyang, there was no need to rush back to Wancheng to report to the Lord. We are to stay here temporarily and place ourselves under your command."

Hu Che'er spoke between gulps of wine.

A flicker passed through Wei Yan's eyes as he sighed with admiration:

"Strategist Jinglue's foresight is truly meticulous. Fearing that my three thousand troops might not suffice to deal with Cai He, he deliberately dispatched a hundred Liangzhou iron cavalry to assist us in battle."

Catching the drift, Hu Che'er set down his wine cup and asked in astonishment:

"Brother Wei, what do you mean by that? Deal with who? Cai He?"

Before his voice had even faded, the sound of hurried footsteps rang out, and a scout burst into the room, gasping for breath.

"Reporting to General Wei! Following your orders, we have kept watch day and night over the movements of the enemy troops in Rang County."

"Last night, Cai He mobilized all five thousand Jingzhou soldiers, leaving the city under the cover of night and heading straight north toward Yuyang!"

"At the very latest, by tomorrow morning, the Jingzhou army will reach the city walls!"

At these words, both Hu Che'er and Gong Du were startled, evidently caught off guard by the Jingzhou army's unannounced march toward Yuyang.

Only Wei Yan showed no surprise whatsoever; instead, a flash of delighted excitement crossed his face.

It seemed he had long anticipated Cai He's assault.

Indeed, he had practically been yearning for the enemy to attack.

Smashing his wine cup down upon the table, he immediately pulled a brocade pouch from his bosom. Under the bewildered gazes of Hu Che'er and Gong Du, he unsealed the pouch and withdrew a slip of white silk.

After glancing over it for a moment, Wei Yan's face filled with reverence as he clicked his tongue in praise:

"The Strategist's calculations are truly godlike! Every single move of the Cai clan is entirely within his grasp!"

"With the Lord possessing such a divine being to assist him, that self-absorbed thief Liu Biao, even with all seven commands of Jingxiang at his disposal, can never hope to be his match."

Utterly baffled, Hu Che'er and Gong Du were left completely in the fog.

Withdrawing his exclamation, Wei Yan felt a murderous intent blaze wildly within him.

"Pass down the order: assemble the troops immediately!"

"We shall act according to the Strategist's plan. Tomorrow morning, we will shatter the Jingzhou army!"

"I shall slaughter that scoundrel Cai He with my own hands!"