Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator.

However, a look of hesitation appeared on Zhang Fei's face as he asked.

"Mr. Zikun, what if we win? Without money and supplies, wouldn't we just have to disband on the spot?"

"Let me ask you all, if you were to lead five hundred righteous soldiers with the recruitment notice to seek refuge with Prefect Liu Yan, what would be the result?" Li Ji asked.

Zhang Fei, who no longer had any goodwill towards Liu Yan, said, "I'm afraid that birdbrain would just give us a perfunctory response and then treat us as cannon fodder to defend the city."

Liu Bei remained silent on the matter.

Five hundred men, even some bandits and mountain robbers have more than that number. It is only right that they would not be valued by Liu Yan, the prefect of one region.

Li Ji asked again, "Then, if you were to defeat the Yellow Turbans, gather some of their brave warriors, and, with the momentum of a great victory, lead five thousand soldiers to meet Liu Yan, what would his attitude be?"

Immediately, a look of realization appeared on the faces of Liu, Guan, and Zhang.

Five thousand!

In addition, with righteousness on their side and the momentum of a great victory, they would certainly be honored guests!

Furthermore, if they were to ask Liu Yan for money and supplies, Liu Yan would certainly not dare to refuse.

Li Ji saw this matter more clearly than anyone else!

In times of chaos, there is only one truth: political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.

The principle from two thousand years later still applies at this time.

If Li Ji had fifty thousand soldiers, then Li Ji might even have the idea of swallowing the entire You Province during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and directly becoming a regional warlord.

If he had five hundred thousand soldiers…

The Yellow Turbans?

Who are the Yellow Turbans? I am the Yellow Turbans!

Imitating Emperor Gaozu and starting an uprising by slaying a white snake is not impossible!

Of course, these were undoubtedly too far-fetched.

And Liu Bei completely understood Li Ji's meaning. If he was determined to fight to the death with the Yellow Turban bandits in order to protect the people of Zhuo County, then there was no need to worry about the issue of money and supplies after ten days.

If they lost, everything would be over; if they won, then Liu Yan would not fail to provide money and supplies to the righteous army with the momentum of a great victory.

Immediately, Li Ji said something in front of Liu, Guan, and Zhang that made their hearts surge.

"If the three of you have the ambition to serve the country above and bring peace to the common people below, and wish to save the collapsing Han Dynasty, then this will be the first step that the three of you must take."

"The number of five hundred righteous soldiers is but a drop in the ocean in the war against the Yellow Turbans, but five thousand righteous soldiers going south from You Province to attack the rear of Julu in Ji Province, where the Great Virtuous Teacher Zhang Jiao is located, will be a force to be reckoned with."

At this moment, all the hesitation and uncertainty in Liu Bei's heart, which had been focused on Liu Yan alone and Zhuo County, disappeared!

That's right!

"The ambition we made when we swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden was for the stability of the entire world. With a good opportunity before us, how can we cherish our lives?"

A different kind of determination and brilliance shone in Liu Bei's eyes, and a sense of bearing arose spontaneously.

It was naturally far from being as imposing as a tiger swallowing a thousand miles, but it was also like a roc aspiring to take advantage of the chaotic times to rise with the wind and realize its ambitions.

"Second Brother, Third Brother, please help me."

Liu Bei turned around, bowed to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei behind him, and said sincerely.

"Yu will not shirk his responsibility!"

Guan Yu replied calmly, as if he regarded the matter of entrusting his life and stepping onto the battlefield as trivial.

Zhang Fei couldn't help but grin, patted his chest with a "thump thump," and said somewhat excitedly.

"Big Brother, me too."

"Good, good, good!"

Liu Bei said "good" repeatedly, and couldn't help but glance in Li Ji's direction, hoping for Li Ji's reaction.

Liu Bei naturally knew the personalities of his two sworn brothers very well. In addition to respecting Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, the more important thing was that Liu Bei hoped that Li Ji could be touched.

As long as Li Ji revealed even a trace of intention, Liu Bei would definitely not hesitate to give everything to make Li Ji his strategist and military advisor.

Li Ji almost perfectly matched Liu Bei's imagination, even… fantasy.

In a few words, he analyzed the general trend of the world incisively, and depicted a path in front of Liu Bei that could perfectly conform to Liu Bei's character, ambition, and feasibility.

Like King Wu of Zhou meeting Taigong and establishing an eight-hundred-year dynasty, Emperor Gaozu worshiping Marquis Liu and creating the great Han Dynasty.

Before this, Liu Bei was still hesitating about how to lead the righteous army to seek refuge with Liu Yan, the prefect of Zhuo County, in order to protect the elders of his hometown on the one hand, and to gain Liu Yan's appreciation and promotion on the other.

'In this world, there is no one more virtuous and talented than Zikun.'

This thought arose inexplicably in Liu Bei's heart, and the doubts and hesitations that had been hidden deep in his heart about Li Ji's age completely disappeared.

It was just that, just as Liu Bei was somewhat inferior due to his low status and did not have the confidence to attract Li Ji, he was afraid that he would appear too eager and utilitarian, which would make Li Ji unhappy, so he only dared to cautiously test Li Ji's attitude.

Looking at the scene of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, who were brothers with deep affection and shared life and death, Li Ji was also too afraid to interrupt, for fear of encountering some dissatisfaction from Liu, Guan, and Zhang.

After all, even with Zhuge Liang's high position in the Liu Bei Group, he had been temporarily alienated and unhappy by Liu Bei in history for dissuading Liu Bei from avenging Guan Yu.

Although this did not affect Zhuge Liang's position, and Liu Bei still entrusted Liu Chan and the entire country to Zhuge Liang without hesitation, it was enough to show the depth and stability of the relationship between Liu, Guan, and Zhang, which was probably impenetrable.

Li Ji would rather believe in Lü Bu's warning against Diao Chan than doubt the friendship between Liu, Guan, and Zhang.

With this analysis and suggestion, Li Ji was confident that he would win the attention and respect of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, and at this moment, Li Ji was even more optimistic about Liu Bei's future.

'He has benevolence but is not pedantic, he does great things without cherishing his life, he is willing to gamble everything for ideals and righteousness, and he seizes the opportunities that appear before him without hesitation…'

Various qualities that satisfied Li Ji appeared in Liu Bei.

If Liu Bei could not listen to Li Ji's analysis and still placed his hopes on Liu Yan, then he really had to consider whether Liu Bei was worth assisting.

However, Li Ji was not in a hurry to bow down on the spot.

Anyway, with Li Ji's strategy in front of him, Li Ji also had a legitimate reason to stay by Liu Bei's side for the time being.

More importantly, Li Ji knew very well what it meant to be the best that you can't get.

Li Ji's reaction made Liu Bei somewhat disappointed, but he quickly followed Li Ji's advice and made arrangements.

Zhang Fei immediately selected good horsemen from among the righteous soldiers and retainers, intending to form a temporary scout team.

Fortunately, there were many heroic men in Yan, and there were many who were good at horsemanship. Zhang Fei quickly selected suitable candidates.

However, Zhang Fei only selected eighteen people and took away nineteen horses. In addition to leaving horses for Liu Bei and Guan Yu, he also specially left a horse for Li Ji.

Before leaving, Zhang Fei solemnly took the cloth and leather route map prepared by Li Ji and put it into his arms.

This era was far from the later generations. Without satellite navigation, finding the way was not a simple matter, and there was no time for Zhang Fei to slowly ask people for directions along the way.

This map was crucial.

"Mr. Zikun, if I really find the Yellow Turban thieves according to the map, I will completely admire you."

Zhang Fei cupped his fist at Li Ji earnestly and said in a voice like thunder.

Li Ji smiled freely and said, "Whether you admire me or not, Ji doesn't care much. On the contrary, whether Yide can find the location of the Yellow Turban headquarters as soon as possible is a matter of success or failure."

"As long as Mr. Zikun's route and map are correct, I will find the Yellow Turban headquarters even if I risk my life!"

Zhang Fei said in a deep voice, then saluted Liu Bei and Guan Yu respectively and said.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, wait for my news with peace of mind."

"Third Brother, be careful."

Liu Bei and Guan Yu also said with somewhat heavy expressions, knowing that Zhang Fei's trip was not without risks.

Although the group of Yellow Turban thieves came from Ji Province, it was possible that they had plundered many horses after entering You Province.

Even if Zhang Fei was brave, if he accidentally fell into a heavy encirclement, it would probably be very dangerous.

Zhang Fei didn't say any more, and roared at the eighteen heroic men standing behind him.

"Mount up!"

Immediately, the eighteen strong men carefully selected by Zhang Fei flipped over and mounted their horses in unison, showing the heroic and generous spirit unique to the men of Yan.

These eighteen people included Zhang Fei's servants and some of the strong men from among the righteous soldiers, and Zhang Fei also clearly told them the purpose and danger of this trip.

And they were also infected by Zhang Fei's boldness, and then decided to follow Zhang Fei to scout the location of the Yellow Turban headquarters.

The actions of these eighteen men were both for the benevolence of protecting the people of Zhuo County, and for the righteousness of admiring Zhang Fei's determination to follow him.

Looking at the resolute and heroic faces behind him, Zhang Fei's heart was also filled with pride, and he turned to Li Ji and said.

"Mr. Zikun, your knowledge is the best. Can you trouble you to give my eighteen brothers a name? In the future, I will also be determined to share wealth and life and death with these eighteen brothers."

Before this, Li Ji was not able to understand the behavior unique to this era, where people were willing to give their lives for loyalty, faith, righteousness, and benevolence.

At this moment, Li Ji suddenly understood why these eighteen people were still determined to follow Zhang Fei despite knowing that the road ahead was uncertain.

Like a red star rising in later generations, countless sparks burned out to follow.

This, perhaps, is one of the beliefs of this era.

Righteousness!

"Let's call them: 'The Eighteen Riders of Yanyun', I believe this name will resonate with Yide throughout this era and will remain in the history books for thousands of years," Li Ji said.

"The Eighteen Riders of Yanyun, a good name!"

Zhang Fei laughed loudly, then pointed the Zhangba Snake Spear in his hand towards the south of Yan and said.

"The Eighteen Riders of Yanyun, let's go!"

"Yes, sir!"

The Eighteen Riders of Yanyun responded in unison.

Despite Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei's current wealth, even they didn't possess full sets of armor. Their militia only had weapons.

However, the eighteen riders of Yanyun, clad in cloth, still exuded an aura of martial prowess. With a flick of their heels, they followed Zhang Fei.

As the sound of hooves faded into the distance, Li Ji watched Zhang Fei and the eighteen riders of Yanyun disappear from sight, still somewhat lost in thought.

Before this, Li Ji's impression of Zhang Fei wasn't particularly favorable. Zhang Fei's various shortcomings were well-documented in historical records.

Fond of alcohol, reckless, brave but lacking in strategy…

Among Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, Zhang Fei's presence was the least prominent, and he was often the one causing trouble.

But at this moment, Li Ji felt that this brash Zhang Fei also had a lovable side.

The first pot of gold for Liu Bei's rise in the chaotic world undoubtedly came from Zhang Fei's complete emptying of his family fortune.

Before this, Zhang Fei was a wealthy local tyrant, yet he spent half his life following Liu Bei, enduring hardships without a single complaint.

In Li Ji's previous life, a local tyrant with several buildings could be considered a tycoon. Yet, to help his sworn brother start a business, he didn't hesitate to sell his family property, following him through thick and thin.

Now, Zhang Fei had only known Liu Bei for a few days, yet he was willing to risk his life with the eighteen riders of Yanyun, leaving all his family property for Liu Bei to recruit a militia.

'Yan Prefecture, indeed, is full of generous and tragic heroes…'

Li Ji gazed in the direction Zhang Fei had left, sighing inwardly.

Liu Bei, noticing Li Ji's reaction, asked.

"Zikun, are you worried about Yide's safety?"

"Such a hero will not die at the hands of the Yellow Turban bandits," Li Ji replied.

"I also believe so. With my third brother's courage, he will surely be safe and sound."

After a pause, Liu Bei subtly rubbed the sweat from his palms, saying sincerely and gently.

"Zikun, the Yellow Turban bandits are approaching, and the outside of the city may become increasingly turbulent. Furthermore, your body still needs rest, and I still have much to learn from you. I wonder if I could ask Zikun to temporarily reside in the Zhang residence?"

At this moment, even Guan Yu, who was standing beside him, couldn't help but cast a concerned glance at Li Ji, who was deep in thought.

If Li Ji had no intention of forming a deep relationship with Liu Bei, then his previous analysis and advice would be enough to repay the kindness.

If Li Ji didn't want to have more involvement with Liu Bei, then Li Ji could refuse and leave now, and even Guan Yu wouldn't think that Li Ji's actions would be detrimental to his gratitude.

After a moment, Li Ji cupped his hands towards Liu Bei and said.

"It is my wish, I dare not refuse."

"Excellent, excellent."

The corners of Liu Bei's mouth were struggling to suppress his smile, but his whole person clearly revealed a burst of joy.

"However, I do have a request," Li Ji said.

Liu Bei's heart couldn't help but tighten, and he replied seriously. "Zikun, please speak freely."

"I wonder if I could browse the books in Yide's house? The Yellow Turban bandits are approaching, and I deeply feel that my talent is shallow and my strategies are insufficient. Perhaps I can temporarily gain some insights from them and help Brother Xuande," Li Ji asked.

Originally, Liu Bei had mentally prepared himself for a request as difficult as reaching the moon in the ninth heaven, but upon hearing this, his heart couldn't help but relax, and he quickly replied.

"This matter is easy. I will agree on behalf of my third brother, and I also have several volumes of books given by Master Lu (Lu Zhi) in my house, which Zikun can also browse at will."

For Liu Bei, the most worrying thing was that Li Ji would have no requests, and after repaying his kindness, he would stay for a few days and then leave.

As for Li Ji's statement that he was shallow in talent and lacked strategies, Liu Bei only took it as Li Ji's self-deprecating remark.

"Then I thank Brother Xuande."

A smile appeared on Li Ji's face as he said gratefully.

In the following days, Li Ji almost never put down the books collected in Zhang Fei's house.

Especially the books that Liu Bei gave to Li Ji, which were full of profound meaning.

The preciousness of ancient military books was comparable to the unique patented technology of later generations' technology companies.

Even though Li Ji used to be a forum master, how could the wisdom of later generations necessarily be better than that of the ancients, especially the truly unedited versions of this era.

In Li Ji's eyes, which were now becoming more and more sharp, he felt that he had benefited greatly in just a few days.