People in the Three Kingdoms: Starting from Preaching

Chapter 472 Longzhong vs.

Inside the thatched cottage, Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei sat on the ground, while Xu Shu and Guan Yu were waiting outside. After all, Liu Bei came here to recruit Zhuge Liang. Whether it would succeed or not depended on whether Liu Bei had enough charm to make Zhuge Liang willing to follow him. Even if Xu Shu was there to facilitate this, it would not have much effect.

The room was quiet as the two of them each picked up a cup of tea from the small table between them and drank it with a smile.

After that, they didn't rush to talk, but just observed each other.

Zhuge Liang had a clear mind and naturally knew Liu Bei's intention. Regardless of whether he would follow Liu Bei in the end, he would carefully observe these few heroes in the world.

Liu Bei was also examining Zhuge Liang. He was very curious about what kind of talent this person was so highly respected by Xu Shu.

In Liu Bei's view, Xu Shu was already a rare hero in the world. It was hard to imagine that the man in front of him, known as Sleeping Dragon, was even more outstanding and powerful than Xu Shu.

After seeing this, the two of them nodded at the same time. Although they could not get to know each other in depth, they could at least get to know each other superficially.

Zhuge Liang only saw that Liu Bei had a kind face and a steady gaze. He could vaguely sense his benevolence and righteousness, as well as his tolerance and strong qualities. This first impression made Zhuge Liang quite fond of him.

And Liu Bei became more and more pleased the more he looked at Zhuge Liang. He felt that Zhuge Liang had sharp eyes, but his every move was calm and composed. Occasionally, he would gently wave his feather fan, which made him look calm and contented, as if everything in the world was under his control.

There is no need to test his real talents and knowledge. Just Zhuge Liang's appearance is enough to make Liu Bei attracted to him.

After a long time, Liu Bei put down his teacup, his face slowly became serious, he first bowed to Zhuge Liang, and then spoke: "Yuan Zhi often said that the talent of Wolong is the best in the world. I can't bear the thirst in my heart and come to visit you. I hope you can solve the confusion in my heart."

Zhuge Liang chuckled, poured more tea for Liu Bei, and then nodded slowly: "I am just a country bumpkin, and I really can't bear Yuan Zhi's praise. But if Your Majesty doesn't mind my humble opinion, you can ask it."

Liu Bei could not help but sigh when he heard this, and his tone was full of worry: "Now the Han Dynasty is in decline, the traitors have stolen my life, and the country is in ruins. I did not measure my virtue and strength, and wanted to trust the world with justice, but my wisdom and tactics were shallow, so I used the rampant and fell until today. However, I am still determined, what do you think is the plan?"

When this question was asked, Zhuge Liang was not in a hurry to answer. He slowly put away his smile, then stood up and paced back and forth in the room, fanning himself with a feather fan.

This question was Liu Bei's question about the future strategy for Shu Kingdom. It not only showed his own ambition, but also tested Zhuge Liang's ability.

The question was too broad to be answered immediately, but Liu Bei did not interrupt him and just sat quietly watching Zhuge Liang pondering.

What worried him was that he clearly saw Zhuge Liang's brows were furrowed and his face looked difficult for a long time.

Could it be that even this "Wolong" before us cannot solve today's critical situation?
Is there a solution to this problem?

Zhuge Liang shook his head, with a look of helplessness on his face.

In fact, Liu Bei didn't need to ask, because he had already been aware of the situation in the world, and he also knew very well that what Shu Han and Wu were planning were no longer possible.

Although the situation of Shu Han and Wu was not good, it was not too bad. The two countries each occupied two states and divided the river. In fact, it could fully meet the needs of small countries to survive. If they managed well, they might not be unable to plan a northern expedition in the future.

But the problem lies with the opponent. If the opponent they are facing now is any of the princes like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, even if the current situation of Shu is half as bad, Zhuge Liang has the confidence to help Liu Bei prosper his career and plan big things.

In Zhuge Liang's eyes, such fate can be reversed and the situation can be saved, because the opponent on the other side of the table is holding the same chess pieces as himself, but the situation on the chessboard is more disadvantageous to him. As long as he has confidence in his chess skills, he can expect to turn the tables and win.

However, the opponent sitting across from him at the table was not equal to him. He was powerful on another level, a power that surpassed the existing gaming system and was so powerful that it was despairing.

Zhuge Liang had simulated the situation countless times, but every time he simulated it, he felt the beauty of having just placed a black chess piece, and then the opponent played a "chariot" to directly eat his black chess piece.

How the hell is this going to work?
Zhuge Liang paced back and forth here, not thinking about how to break the impasse, but thinking about how to deal with Liu Bei. It was precisely because of his extraordinary wisdom and his awareness of the overall situation that he understood that things could not be done.

If possible, he would be willing to help Liu Bei accomplish something, but unfortunately he really couldn't see any hope.

The Yellow Turbans' route was naturally invincible. When the Xuanxia Kingdom was established, Naturalism became the state religion of Xuanxia, ​​and a realistic and feasible governance system was explored in accordance with the concepts of Naturalism, the man across the table had already ended the game.

How to politely and gracefully refuse others' requests is also a technical skill.

After walking for a long time, Zhuge Liang finally stopped, then returned to his seat and looked at Liu Bei: "I have something to say, maybe it can help your Majesty."

Liu Bei's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but lean forward: "What advice do you have? I'm all ears."

Zhuge Liang stopped waving his feather fan, sat down calmly, and said with a smile: "If a war breaks out between Xuanxia and Xia, the battle on the water will be particularly important. Your Majesty may promote Zhang Yun and Cai Mao, and reward the sailors so that the navy can fight bravely against the enemy, and then join forces with Dongwu to block the waterway. There may be a 50% chance of driving the enemy back to the north. If this battle is successful, Wu and Shu can be temporarily stable."

Liu Bei nodded when he heard this and asked, "What happens next?"

Zhuge Liang continued, "After that, we should suppress the powerful in our country, pass on the benefits to the people, and win their hearts. In this way, the government and the people can unite to resist the strong enemies. Externally, we can make peace with the barbarians in the west, appease the Yi and Yue in the south, make friends with Sun Quan, plan for Hanzhong in the north, and unite with Ma Teng. We can take advantage of the isolation of Shuzhong to achieve partial peace, and perhaps have a decade of rule."

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent. Zhuge Liang no longer looked at Liu Bei, but picked up the teacup and sipped it quietly.

Liu Bei blinked and didn't react for a while. After a while, he looked at Zhuge Liang with visibly disappointed eyes. He never expected that he would only get such an answer after all his expectations.

Having said so much, it can only allow Shu Han to survive in Shu for another ten years, and that's still "possibly".

Not to mention, this is also a prerequisite for winning the next war. According to Zhuge Liang, the possibility of just repelling the enemy in this battle is only 50-50.

At this moment, Liu Bei was a little angry. He didn't come here to listen to these.

He couldn't help but think.

The so-called "Wolong" name is indeed famous, but now it seems that Xu Shu may have exaggerated it. Zhuge Liang has no ability to help him stabilize his career and conquer the world.

(End of this chapter)