Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator

As Liu Bei's angry words echoed in the conference room, all the civil and military officials were shocked.

Many people who wanted to oppose did not dare to speak out when they saw Liu Bei's scary appearance, and subconsciously turned their eyes to Li Ji.

Whether from the perspective of timing or interests, it is undoubtedly not appropriate to launch an attack on Xuzhou out of anger at this moment.

From the perspective of timing, it was undoubtedly inappropriate for Liu Bei to send troops before Tao Qian took the initiative to ask Liu Bei for help.

From the perspective of interests, letting the Qing and Xu families consume each other's military strength is also beneficial to Liu Bei.

At least, Jia Xu, who was sitting in the crowd and seemed to be watching the situation, did not agree with Liu Bei sending troops.

Sending troops at this moment will consume a lot of money, food and manpower.

Even if he defeated Cao Cao, he would only gain some gratitude and fame. Unless Liu Bei was willing to sacrifice his reputation and take the opportunity to secretly seize Xuzhou, he would most likely lose.

But if the situation is delayed for a while longer, the more fierce Cao Cao's offensive will be, the more Tao Qian's prestige and military strength in Xuzhou will decline. In the worst case, Tao Qian will die at the hands of Cao Cao.

In this way, relying on Liu Bei's prestige and reputation in Xuzhou, the noble families and the common people would welcome the royal army to Xuzhou with food and drink.

However, Liu Bei was in such an angry state that not only could Jia Xu and other civil officials persuade Liu Bei, even Zhang Fei was intimidated by his elder brother's majesty and did not dare to speak.

Only Li Ji, who was sitting at the table, could change Liu Bei's decision.

In Jia Xu's view, this is just like the period when the Han Dynasty still had the position of prime minister. The emperor insisted on doing things his own way, but the prime minister firmly opposed and quit, and the emperor could do nothing about it.

Jia Xu knew clearly that in the existing power structure of Liu Bei's group, Liu Bei and Li Ji were in a state of close understanding between the monarch and his subjects, but at the same time, Li Ji also had the status and power to check and balance Liu Bei's decision-making.

'But, how will Zikun react?'

Jia Xu also glanced in Li Ji's direction out of the corner of his eye.

Judging rationally, Jia Xu knew that Li Ji could not be unaware of the pros and cons and should oppose it.

But on the other hand, Jia Xu was aware that Li Ji was substantially different from himself in some aspects.

As no one from the civil and military circles followed suit and expressed their opinions, but everyone was looking at him first, Li Ji put down the folding fan in his hand, slowly stood up, bowed towards Liu Bei, and said.

"My lord, this action is aimed at protecting the people of the Han Dynasty. It is called benevolence. If you use the benevolent army to conquer Cao Cao, you will surely win."

Seeing this, the other civil and military officials who had originally intended to oppose could only keep silent.

Immediately, under Liu Bei's order, Li Ji took command of all officials and generals to dispatch the troops stationed in Shouchun to prepare for the expedition.

The whole governor's mansion was busy from noon until almost midnight, with a large number of officials constantly coming in and out to ensure every aspect of the army's support.

When the army moves, it is not just a matter of gathering a few people, announcing the departure, and then everyone goes into battle shoulder to shoulder.

How many people are there in the army? How many parts are they divided into? Which general is responsible for what and how many soldiers do they lead? What kind of supplies and weapons do they need to carry? All the soldiers' armor, weapons, tents, shoes, etc. need to be coordinated and arranged in a unified manner.

It is no joke that food and supplies must be sent ahead before the army moves.

Especially since the expedition to Xuzhou was hasty, how could the safety and operation of the grain routes be guaranteed?

It can be said that the more hasty the process is, the more it tests the ability of those in power.

Li Ji was busy in the governor's mansion until midnight. Li Xiang just brought a food box over and placed it in front of Li Ji, saying.

"Dad, this is what mom cooked herself."

Upon seeing this, Li Ji asked Gu Yong, Mi Zhu and others who were cooperating with him in making various arrangements in the hall to continue to handle the matter. He picked up the food box and walked to the side hall with Li Xiang.

When he opened the lunch box, he found some of Li Ji's favorite home-cooked dishes.

Li Ji asked as he picked up the bamboo chopsticks and tasted the food carefully.

"Has the news been reported back to the palace?" "Yes."

Li Xiang nodded.

The army was about to set out, and all aspects of preparation were being urgently carried out with great fanfare. I'm afraid the entire Shouchun City was aware that the army was about to set out.

Even if no one deliberately inquired, the news was enough to reach the Guoshihou Mansion in half a day.

"Will father lead the troops this time too?" Li Xiang asked after a moment's hesitation.

"No, it was the Lord who led the troops himself..."

After a pause, Li Ji added, "However, your father will accompany you as a military advisor."

Li Xiang opened his mouth, wanting to say something but didn't say anything, but his eyes revealed a hint of reluctance and sadness.

Li Ji's eyes were on the side dishes made by Cai Zhaoji. He did not look at Li Xiang. Instead, he chewed slowly and savored the food while instructing Li Xiang on some important matters.

During the period when Liu Bei and Li Ji were away from Shouchun, Shouchun naturally needed someone to take charge, and the candidate was preliminarily decided.

Generals Xu Sheng and Gan Ning were in charge of military affairs, while General Gu Yong and General Jia Xu were in charge of government affairs.

During this period, Adou, as the young master, was also very important.

Adou may not be old enough to be in charge, but he is an important mascot, so Li Xiang's task is naturally to assist and supervise Adou to be a good mascot.

In this special period, if something happens to the mascot that stabilizes people's hearts in the rear, it is likely to trigger a series of chain reactions.

Li Xiang, who was gradually transforming from precocious to precocious, kept Li Ji's instructions in mind.

Until Li Ji finished all the dishes made by Zhao Ji, covered the food box again, turned to look at Li Xiang, reached out and touched Li Xiang's head, and said in a softer tone.

"How about when I come back from Xuzhou, I'll take you to the suburbs for a ride?"

Li Xiang pursed his lips tightly, pretending to be indifferent, and answered.

"It's all up to my father."

Li Ji smiled, then handed the food box to Li Xiang and said.

"Go back and tell your mother that your father will not be returning home because of the hasty departure. She will have to work hard to take care of all the affairs in the mansion for a while."

"Yes." Li Xiang took the food box and replied.

"Go ahead and read more in your spare time. When you come back, your father will personally study your knowledge." Li Ji said in a gentle voice.

Li Xiang bowed to Li Ji, then turned and ran out the door with brisk steps.

As a result, when Li Xiang just went out, he bumped into Liu Bei who was just walking out the door carrying a food box.

Looking at Li Xiang, Liu Bei's originally tense expression subconsciously turned into a smile.

"Xiang'er never forgot to bring food to his father late at night. This is filial piety and great kindness!"

"uncle."

Li Lian hurriedly saluted.

Soon after, Liu Bei expressed his concern for Li Xiang. Seeing that it was getting late at night, he felt uneasy and specially arranged a few more tiger guards to send Li Xiang back home. Then he walked into the side hall.

Liu Bei raised the food box in his hand and said with some envy.

"I thought that Zikun had been busy in the mansion and had not eaten for more than a day, so I specially sent a portion to Zikun, but I didn't expect that I was a step behind Xiang'er." (End of this chapter)