Chapter 4: Mr. Li Truly Is a Wise Sage Who Benefits the World (Please Continue Reading!)

Five days later.

“Commander! Commander!”

A robust general hurriedly ran up to Liu Bei.

“Your servant has obtained news—there is indeed a change in Yanzhou!”

Oh!?

Hearing this, Liu Bei was both surprised and delighted. He quickly stepped forward and snatched the dispatch.

Unfolding it, the black ink on white paper was clear and unmistakable.

Chen Gong, dissatisfied with Cao Cao’s massacre in Xuzhou; Zhang Miao, seeking to protect himself; and Lü Bu, aiming to secure a territory of his own—all three joined forces and swiftly seized Puyang.

The counties and prefectures under Yanzhou’s jurisdiction responded in kind!

“…Ziyu, truly an extraordinary man!”

Liu Bei, usually composed and reserved in expression, now trembled with excitement.

There were two reasons for this:

First, against Cao Cao’s vast army, Liu Bei had no hope of victory, especially after just being defeated at Tan County.

Cao Cao’s retreat meant the people of Xuzhou could avoid disaster, and Liu Bei could finally take a breath and recover.

Second, Cao Cao’s withdrawal proved the accuracy of Mr. Li Yi’s prediction.

This Mr. Li was truly a remarkable genius, capable of orchestrating strategies and securing victory from afar!

The spirit of the great ancestor has manifested; Liu Bei has finally found “my own Zifang”!

“Brother…”

Guan Yu looked at Liu Bei’s excited expression with some surprise.

“Yunchang, see for yourself.”

Liu Bei smiled broadly and handed the dispatch to Guan Yu.

Guan Yu took it, scanning the contents quickly.

“Oh? Chen Gong really allied with Lü Bu to launch a surprise attack on Yanzhou?”

Stroking his long beard, Guan Yu furrowed his brows, equally astonished.

“…Ha ha ha.”

Liu Bei couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

“The world is full of heroes. Dear brother, you should now understand not to underestimate scholars.”

His second brother was excellent in many ways but had a temper too proud and disdainful of literati.

Liu Bei took this opportunity to gently advise Guan Yu.

Though proud, Guan Yu understood reason; realizing his previous misjudgment, he said:

“I admit I underestimated that young man. It seems he truly possesses talent and wisdom.”

“I shall respect him and no longer show neglect.”

Guan Yu disliked empty talk but always respected those with genuine ability.

Now, with facts before him, young Li Yi’s unparalleled foresight compelled Guan Yu to change his attitude.

“Commander, what are your orders now?”

The general spoke.

Guan Yu chimed in:

“Cao Cao, to relieve the siege of Yanzhou, must hasten his withdrawal.”

“If we seize the moment to strike, victory will surely be ours.”

Liu Bei stroked his beard, not rushing to accept Guan Yu’s suggestion, but smiled:

“Cao Cao’s retreat is thanks to Mr. Li’s strategy.”

“How we proceed must be guided by him.”

“Brother, you shall accompany me at once.”

After speaking, he turned to the general.

“Zilong, you may come with us to meet the gentleman.”

The general was none other than Zhao Yun.

“I have long wished to meet him!”

Zhao Yun excitedly cupped his fists.

Five days ago, he had already received Liu Bei’s orders to scout news from Yanzhou.

Later, he learned that Liu Bei had rescued a reclusive sage who predicted Lü Bu’s impending assault on Yanzhou.

Upon verifying the news, Zhao Yun was deeply curious about this mysterious man.

So when Liu Bei extended the invitation, Zhao Yun accepted immediately.

The three of them arrived at Li Yi’s courtyard.

Upon entering, they were struck silent.

There stood Li Yi, leisurely practicing martial movements in the yard.

The techniques were devoid of force yet subtly aligned with Daoist principles, concealing profound mysteries—a marvel indeed.

“Oh, the commander has arrived.”

Seeing Liu Bei, Li Yi ceased his movements and stepped forward to greet him.

“Sir, what were you practicing just now?”

Liu Bei was in high spirits and asked with a smile.

Li Yi returned a gentle smile:

“Idle these days, I practice Tai Chi to strengthen my body.”

Tai Chi…?

Liu Bei, a wandering knight, had seen much martial skill, but Tai Chi was outside his knowledge.

“…Heh, the gentleman truly has the demeanor of a sage.”

Liu Bei, ever tactful, said, “Seeing you practice here, it seems your health has nearly recovered, which brings me great comfort.”

Li Yi immediately clasped his hands in thanks:

“Thanks to the commander’s fine wine and meat and thoughtful care these past days, my health has indeed improved.”

His gaze then shifted to Zhao Yun, who noticed and immediately cupped his fists in salute.

“I am Zhao Yun, paying respects to Master Li.”

So it was Zilong!

Even more handsome than on the screen.

He was one of the most virtuous generals of the Three Kingdoms.

No matter how he was criticized, Zhao Yun’s character remained beyond reproach.

A truly loyal and righteous warrior who cared deeply for the people and protected the common folk.

Though Liu Bei was currently aiding Tao Qian against Cao Cao, he was nominally under Gongsun Zan’s command.

Zhao Yun, also a subordinate of Gongsun Zan, had been assigned to Liu Bei’s army to train the mixed Hu cavalry.

Liu Bei’s army had an elite cavalry unit of several hundred, composed of Han and Hu men.

Trained and led personally by Zhao Yun, their combat prowess was formidable.

Liu Bei, valuing the cavalry’s mobility, had sent Zhao Yun to gather intelligence on Yanzhou.

The four then entered the house together.

Li Yi personally poured tea for Liu Bei.

Zhao Yun and Guan Yu stood behind him.

“Commander, your visit surely is not merely to drink tea. As I suspected, you have news from Yanzhou.”

Li Yi’s keen observation saw that Liu Bei had brought both Zhao Yun and Guan Yu, indicating urgency.

Liu Bei set down his cup and sighed:

“Sir, your brilliant strategy is undeniable. Indeed, there has been upheaval in Yanzhou.”

“Chen Gong, Zhang Miao, and Lü Bu united to seize Puyang.”

“Upon hearing this, Cao Cao hastily began his retreat.”

Hearing this, Li Yi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

With this, he likely secured a long-term position with the elder Liu.

Liu Bei hesitated, then looked toward Li Yi and cautiously said:

“I still have one question I seek your counsel on.”

Li Yi replied:

“Commander, could you be doubting Cao Cao’s actions?”

Liu Bei nodded and pondered:

“Cao Cao is a treacherous figure, and I have had dealings with him before.”

“But what he did in Xuzhou was not the act of a great man.”

Liu Bei acknowledged Cao Cao’s abilities.

Though Cao Cao’s character was questionable, he was indeed an outstanding politician.

But then the question arose: why would such a brilliant statesman commit two massacres in Xuzhou, killing so many that even the Si River ran dry?

The second time might be explained as avenging his father.

But the first time—when his father was still peacefully in Langya—why did he slaughter so mercilessly?

If Tao Qian struck first, and Cao Cao sought revenge, why not target Tao Qian alone?

What had the common people of Xuzhou ever done to deserve this?

Warlords fight, and the people suffer.

For a politician like Cao Cao, he must have known the consequences of such slaughter.

Liu Bei disliked Cao Cao’s deeds but could not understand his motive, hence sought Li Yi’s advice.

Li Yi himself had escaped the slaughter of Cao Cao’s forces, so he had authority to speak.

“Cao Cao’s motives have three causes.”

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