I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 216 - 14: Turmoil Across the Land, Yuan Shao’s Defeat (Part 3)

Chapter 216: Chapter 14: Turmoil Across the Land, Yuan Shao’s Defeat (Part 3)

"Thus, there was Xiao He chasing Han Xin under the moon, and Zhang Liang strategizing within the command tent."

A harsh night wind suddenly rose outside the window, causing the candlelight to flicker unsteadily on the bronze lampstand.

Gu Ze glanced at Zhuge Liang but did not interrupt.

How could he not understand the talents of his own disciple?

"Guangwu triumphed over a million at Kunyang," Zhuge Liang suddenly rose, his wide sleeves stirring gently in the breeze, "and it was not solely due to the diehard battle of the Chongling youth."

He lightly tapped the green bricks with his toes, his eyes shining as he looked at Liu Bei, once more speaking, "You must know Zhongwu stabilized Hebei, heavenly soldiers descended to crush Longyou."

"—How can the earth be recreated relying solely on hot blood?"

Liu Bei’s expression was exceptionally complicated.

He stared intently at Zhuge Liang, finding it difficult to believe such words came from one so young, and after a long silence, he finally spoke, "Sir, what you say is...."

"I have heard of Lord Xuan De’s affairs."

Zhuge Liang spoke leisurely, his expression remaining unchanged, "Lord Xuan De, out of justice, assisted Cao Cao, yet after defeating the rebels, he left the city to Cao’s army."

"I wonder, Lord Xuan De, what do you think of the governor of Yan Province?"

Liu Bei furrowed his brows lightly, fell into silence for a moment, and then said, "A minister of the Han."

Cao Cao indeed once attacked Langya.

Yet, he never truly betrayed the Han, and when he and Lu Zhi proclaimed Yuan Clan’s crimes to the world, he immediately turned to attack Yuan Shao.

Throughout, all his performances did not show the slightest betrayal of the Han.

"Lord Xuan De’s words are misguided." Zhuge Liang smiled and shook his head, "—An able minister in times of peace, a fearsome hero in times of chaos."

"This was the appraisal Cao Cao received in his youth, and Lord Xuan De thinks Cao Cao is a Han minister?"

He unhurriedly explained his assessment of Cao Cao.

"Since entering Yan, Cao Cao has consistently gone with the flow, accumulating power."

"First aligning with Yuan Shao."

"Quickly establishing a foundation in Yan."

"Then, borrowing the Han minister’s name to campaign against Yuan Shao, further boosting his power."

"Lord Xuan De believes that if Yuan Shao is defeated in this battle, given the current situation, Cao Cao will surely dominate You, Ji, and Yan Provinces."

"Should he then defeat Yuan Shu and seize Yu and Yang,"

"what will become of Qing Province?"

"In today’s world, even Liu’s vassals watch as the Han Dynasty declines. Does Lord Xuan De truly believe that people’s hearts can remain unchanged?"

Liu Bei’s expression grew increasingly serious.

Zhuge Liang’s words struck directly at the core of the current situation.

This time, Liu Bei remained silent for a long while, then suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Zhuge Liang, saying, "I ask the teacher to instruct me."

"Lord Xuan De need not do this." Zhuge Liang quickly returned the courtesy seriously, "I am not worthy of such a gesture from Lord Xuan De."

"Sir, please do not be so modest." Liu Bei insisted earnestly, "Your words, sir, have cleared the clouds and opened my understanding."

"Today the world is in constant turmoil, and although I swear to support the Han Dynasty, I regret my inadequate capability."

"I humbly ask you to teach me."

Zhuge Liang glanced at Gu Ze, seeing his expression unchanged, and only then did he leisurely speak, "In today’s world, the lords of the four directions hold their territories."

"Though Lord Xuan De is in Qing Province,"

"it is difficult to secure the inner part of the heavens with the power of one province."

"At this moment, Lord Xuan De should seize the opportunity; even if unable to obtain all of Ji and You, securing the two counties of Bohai and Hejian to connect Qing Province is imperative."

"Meanwhile, you may also target places like Guangyang and Yu Yang in Youzhou...

"....."

Zhuge Liang spoke eloquently.

Liu Bei’s expression became increasingly complex.

To him, Zhuge Liang’s words were like clearing away fog to reveal the light.

He truly had never considered so many factors, only relying on his own fervor to pacify the realm.

He stared intently at Zhuge Liang, and as Zhuge Liang finished speaking, he immediately knelt before him, paying no heed to his own status.

"The talents of the teacher are beyond my reach."

"If the teacher does not abandon me, I am willing to honor the teacher as my military advisor, never to fail in this life." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Everyone was stunned.

Liu Bei’s action was unexpected by all.

Zhuge Liang’s expression changed slightly as well, and he hurriedly attempted to help Liu Bei up.

But Liu Bei’s expression remained steadfast, unmoved by any sentiment.

Countless thoughts flickered through Zhuge Liang’s mind.

In that moment, he instinctively looked at Gu Ze.

Gu Ze was actually quite surprised at this time as well.

If it were him, he might have already agreed with Liu Bei.

After all, he was very satisfied with Liu Bei’s attitude towards the entire Gu Clan since he arrived in Julu.

However, unfortunately, for the sake of the whole family, he couldn’t leave Julu.

He did not intervene at all.

He was well aware of his disciple’s capabilities.

Far greater than his own as a teacher.

This matter required Zhuge Liang to decide for himself.

Zhuge Liang seemed to have guessed Gu Ze’s thoughts, unwillingly looking at Liu Bei again, hesitated for a moment, and finally shook his head:

"I am indebted to Lord Xuan De for his great favor, but I do not wish to enter the world presently, finding it impossible to accompany Lord Xuan De."

Zhuge Liang immensely admired Gu Xi.

Precisely for this reason—

He had long vowed not to enter the world without meeting a wise lord.

Although Liu Bei now seemed benevolent and righteous,

he still needed to ponder deeply.

Most crucially, Zhuge Xuan had fallen ill, compelling him to rush to Jingzhou State, no matter the circumstance.

At this, Liu Bei’s body involuntarily trembled slightly, "Sir, could it be that I am...."

"Lord Xuan De!"

Before Liu Bei finished speaking, Zhuge Liang interrupted him, kneeling before him as well, "Lord Xuan De’s benevolence and righteousness are clear to me."

"Yet, of all virtues, filial piety is foremost."

"For now, it is impossible for me to accompany Lord Xuan De."

He explained the situation with Zhuge Xuan.

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu and Zhao Yun’s stern expressions eased somewhat.

And Liu Bei could say no more.

—The Great Han governed the nation with filial piety!

No one could find fault with Zhuge Liang’s actions.