Chapter 3: Can His Connections Be Broader Than Zhuge Liang's?
Liu Bei was truly shocked.
Even Zhuge Liang's expression changed.
Having lived in Jing Province as a guest for many years, Liu Bei hadn't just idled away his time; he had befriended many prominent figures in Jing, including high-ranking officials.
Moreover, with Military Advisor Kongming, he also had extensive connections in Xiangyang.
How could such a major event as Liu Biao's death go unreported to them?
If even he didn't know, how did this young man, who claimed to live in seclusion in the mountains and had never stepped outside, come to know?
"We have not received news of Liu Jing Sheng's death, nor have we heard of Liu Cong's ascension."
"Mr. Xiao, how did you come to this conclusion?"
Zhuge Liang stopped fanning his feather fan, his sword-like brows slightly furrowed, and asked Liu Bei's question.
Xiao He looked at Liu Bei's puzzled eyes and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
This future Emperor Zhaolie of Han didn't yet know that he was about to experience the darkest moment of his life.
The people of Jing Province, who had enjoyed over a decade of peace, were also about to face the trampling of Cao Cao's iron cavalry.
On the way to retreat south to Jangling, Liu Bei's hard-earned troops would be utterly crushed by the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
Lady Mi would also die amidst the chaos of war.
The Battle of Changban Slope would be a near-death experience, almost costing him his life.
The hundred thousand people of Xiangyang who retreated south with Liu Bei would also be slaughtered by Cao Cao's iron cavalry, their blood flowing like rivers.
Guan Yinping saved him, which was equivalent to Liu Bei saving him.
How could he not repay such a life-saving kindness?
If he could timely warn Liu Bei and help him avoid this calamity, it would also be a form of repayment, wouldn't it?
The key was that he was an unregistered person, unfamiliar with the place, and currently could only follow Liu Bei for a living.
If Liu Bei was in trouble, it would be disloyal for him to stand by.
Moreover, if he fled south with Liu Bei, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't be unlucky and die in the chaos of war.
For both public and private reasons, he had to act...
"I naturally have my own methods, so Liu Yuzhou need not ask how I know."
"I can also tell Liu Yuzhou that Cai and Kuai will not only enthrone Liu Cong as the new lord of Jing Province, but they will also persuade Liu Cong to surrender to Cao Cao!"
"According to my prediction, in a few days, Liu Cong will send someone to inform Liu Yuzhou of his decision to surrender to Cao Cao!"
Xiao He dropped a bombshell.
As soon as these words were spoken,
it was like a thunderclap, instantly exploding in the room.
Liu, Guan, and Zhang's expressions changed in horror.
Zhuge Liang's feather fan trembled in his hand.
Guan Yinping was even more startled, her face losing all color.
"Mr. Xiao, you said my nephew Liu Cong would actually hand over the foundation Liu Jing Sheng painstakingly built to that Cao Thief?"
Liu Bei blurted out in shock, his face clearly showing the words "unbelievable."
Xiao He was not surprised by Liu Bei's question.
Jing Province had a million households, a hundred thousand armed soldiers, and fierce generals like Wen Pin and Huang Zhong.
Liu Biao had governed Jing for over a decade, and the people had enjoyed peace, still feeling grateful to Liu Biao and his son.
In such a favorable situation, even if they feared Cao Cao's power, there was no need to be so afraid as to kneel and beg for surrender without firing a single shot, was there?
No matter how wasteful Liu Cong was, could he be this wasteful?
Liu Bei naturally found it hard to believe.
Xiao He also knew they wouldn't believe him.
Ancient people were not foolish, especially a powerful lord like Liu Bei and a supreme strategist like Zhuge Liang.
They wouldn't immediately believe and worship him just because he made a few astonishing predictions with a few words.
To make Liu Bei believe, he could only prove it with facts.
"Whether Liu Yuzhou believes it or not, news will arrive in just a few days, so you might as well wait patiently for a few days."
Xiao He was not in a hurry to persuade Liu Bei; instead, he feigned an indifferent attitude.
After Liu Bei composed himself slightly, he looked back at Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang understood and immediately cupped his hands:
"My lord, rest assured, I will immediately inform Yi Jibo to gather news from the provincial government as soon as possible!"
Just as Zhuge Liang finished giving his instructions, Xiao He's stomach began to rumble.
He hadn't eaten for several days before falling unconscious, and now he had been lying down for most of the day, meaning he hadn't eaten for about three days, so hungry that his stomach felt like it was about to perforate.
"Um, Liu Yuzhou, you see, I haven't eaten for most of the day, ahem..."
Xiao He gave Liu Bei a slightly awkward smile.
Liu Bei was stunned, not reacting immediately.
"Uncle, he's hungry, didn't you hear his stomach rumbling?"
Guan Yinping seemed impetuous, but her thoughts were actually delicate, and she was the first to understand Xiao He's meaning.
Liu Bei then reacted, and couldn't help but laugh heartily, immediately ordering the kitchen to bring the finest wine and most delicious dishes to entertain Xiao He lavishly.
Before long, the fine wine and delicious dishes were served.
"Then I won't be polite."
Xiao He was truly not polite; he picked up his chopsticks and, disregarding his image, devoured the food like a whirlwind.
Zhuge Liang gave Liu Bei a subtle look, and the lord and a few retainers then withdrew.
The door closed.
"Military Advisor Kongming, how credible do you find Mr. Xiao Bowen's prediction?"
As soon as they stepped out, Liu Bei lowered his voice and asked impatiently.
Zhuge Liang gently fanned his feather fan and slowly said:
"Ever since Yuan was destroyed by Cao Cao, Liu Jing Sheng has been melancholic and uneasy every day, constantly fearing when Cao Cao would lead his army south, which is why he fell ill from accumulated worry."
"If he died of shock upon hearing of Cao Cao's southward advance, it is not impossible."
Upon hearing this,
Guan Yu sneered mockingly, "When Cao Cao attacked Hebei back then, my elder brother repeatedly advised Liu Biao not to sit idly by and watch, but to lead his army north to attack Xu Du."
"But Liu Biao simply wouldn't listen, only defending himself, watching Yuan's demise."
"Now it's good, Cao Cao destroyed Yuan and then turned to deal with him; he is finally reaping what he sowed."
Liu Bei raised his hand, signaling Guan Yu not to interrupt Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang paused for a moment, then continued:
"Liu Biao has always doted on his second son, Liu Cong. Liu Cong also married a woman from the Cai family and gained Cai Mao's support."
"The Kuai and Cai families have always been connected by marriage, sharing common interests and acting in concert."
"It is reasonable for Kuai Yue and Cai Mao to enthrone Liu Cong as the new lord of Jing Province."
At this point, Zhuge Liang's tone shifted:
"However, that Xiao He predicted that Cai Mao and Kuai Yue would coerce Liu Cong into surrendering to Cao Cao, which makes me somewhat incredulous."
"Even if Liu Jing Sheng truly died, it would only have been a few days; his bones are not yet cold, and they would hand over the foundation Liu Jing Sheng managed for over a decade to the Cao Thief. Wouldn't that be too disloyal, unjust, and shamelessly despicable!"
Zhuge Liang's implication was that he didn't quite believe Liu Cong and the Cai and Kuai duo could be so utterly shameless.
Liu Bei nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with Zhuge Liang's analysis.
At this moment,
Zhang Fei stepped forward, his face ashen, and said, "According to the Military Advisor, this Xiao-what's-his-name is not only of mysterious origin but also alarmist and deliberately enigmatic."
"I don't think he has good intentions. Could he be a spy sent by that Liu Biao to test my elder brother?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Bei's expression tightened slightly, and he immediately became alert.
Guan Yinping's almond-shaped eyes widened, and she immediately gripped her sword hilt, sharply saying:
"Uncle, I'll go in right now, seize him, and interrogate him under torture!"
