Guan Guan Yinping did not think much of it and agreed at once.
But Xiao He caught something odd in those words and asked, “Since Song Zhong was intercepted, then Liu Cong and his people should already know that Governor of Jing Province Liu Bei has learned of their secret surrender to Cao Cao.
Xiangyang should certainly be on guard by now.” “In that case, Governor of Jing Province Liu Bei should launch the Raid on Xiangyang at once.
Why wait another three to five days?” With a sigh, Zhao Yun explained that Zhuge Liang still could not decide on the right choice for the inside guide and needed several more days to think it over.
A trace of helplessness crossed his face.
“How could Zhuge Liang fail to understand that speed is precious in war?
If he is willing to delay three to five days, it is only because he has no other choice.” Xiao He’s brows slowly drew together.
He had thought that once he persuaded Liu Bei to carry out the Raid on Xiangyang, his task was finished and he could finally relax while waiting to enter Xiangyang.
After all, the details of the surprise attack would naturally be planned by Zhuge Liang for Liu Bei, and there was neither room nor need for him to interfere.
But now the surprise attack had stalled at its final step.
“This cannot drag on.
Leaving aside the risk of new trouble arising with every night that passes, if they choose the wrong inside guide, they may even lose their chance to withdraw to Jiangling.
If that happens, they may be caught by Cao Cao before they ever reach Changban Slope…” A chill ran down Xiao He’s back.
His earlier desire to lie back and do nothing vanished at once, and his thoughts sharpened again.
“Who is the best person to serve as this inside guide…?” His mind raced, and suddenly a name flashed through it.
“I do know one man.
No one should be more suitable to act as the inside guide than him…” Zhao Yun and Guan Guan Yinping both shivered inwardly.
At the same moment, the two of them turned to look at Xiao He.
“I wonder who Xiao He means?” Zhao Yun was immediately curious and asked at once.
Xiao He took a sip of tea and answered without the slightest hurry.
“Wei Yan.” The curiosity in Zhao Yun’s eyes turned into blank confusion.
It was obvious that he had never heard the name before.
He turned to look at Guan Guan Yinping.
Guan Guan Yinping shook her head and looked at Xiao He with the same doubt.
“I have never heard my father or the others mention anyone named Wei Yan in Xiangyang.
Xiao He, could you have remembered wrong?” Xiao He lifted the corner of his mouth.
As a joke, he might forget Guan Guan Yinping’s name before he forgot Wei Yan.
This woman was known as Little Guan Yu.
Her proud temper and talent for war were almost carved from the same mold as her father Guan Yu.
In the later years of Shu Han, when Shu had few great generals left, Wei Yan was one of the men still holding the realm together.
But at this point, Wei Yan should still be nothing more than an unnoticed minor figure in Xiangyang.
It was only natural that no one knew him.
“Guan Guan Yinping, do not worry.
I have a good memory, so I would not remember wrong.” Xiao He smiled and went on.
“As far as I know, this man has the talent of a famous general, but he has never been valued.
Right now, he should only be a small figure in the army at Xiangyang.” “But this man should have admired Liu Bei for a long time.
If Liu Bei is willing to recruit him, he should gladly accept the order and serve as our inside agent for the Raid on Xiangyang.” Xiao He could not reveal too much, so he only gave a brief account of Wei Yan.
Zhao Yun and Guan Guan Yinping exchanged a glance, both still half doubtful.
“I only said it casually.
After all, I lived in seclusion in the mountains with my master and cultivated there, so I am not very familiar with the people of Xiangyang.” Xiao He laughed at himself, then yawned.
Using the excuse that he needed more sleep, he rose and went into the inner room.
“lord has lived in Jing Province for eight years, and even Strategist Zhuge, with all his connections, never knew of a man like Wei Yan.” As soon as Xiao He left, Zhao Yun finally voiced the doubt in his heart.
“If Xiao He lived hidden in the mountains and is not familiar with the people of Xiangyang, then how does he know such an unknown man?
And how does he even know that this man supports lord and can take on the important task of being our inside agent for the Raid on Xiangyang?” “I once asked him whether his honored master was a recluse immortal, and whether he had learned some immortal art that could foresee everything, but he said he was only an ordinary man.” Guan Guan Yinping spoke slowly as she thought back.
“Even Zhuge Liang could not see through his identity, and only said that talk of spirits and gods was too uncertain to judge.
He also said that this man is a rare talent with very deep schemes.” “Besides, every prediction he made before came true without exception.
As for what he said about Wei Yan…” Guan Guan Yinping did not finish the sentence, but her meaning was already clear.
She seemed inclined to believe Xiao He.
Zhao Yun thought for a moment, then sprang to his feet.
He had already made up his mind.
“If that is the case, then I will report this to lord at once.
As for whether Wei Yan can be trusted, lord should be the one to decide.” Zhao Yun strode quickly toward the main hall.
Inside, Liu Bei was still discussing possible candidates for the inside agent with Zhuge Liang, Sun Qian, and several other advisers.
They went back and forth over the matter, but still could not reach a decision.
No one could settle on the right person.
“Song Zhong has already returned to Xiangyang, so Liu Cong and his men surely know by now that lord has learned of their surrender to Cao Cao.” Sun Qian spoke with concern.
“lord, if this drags on, I am afraid trouble will only grow.” Liu Bei agreed deeply and looked toward Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang gave a light sigh.
“I know very well that delay will only cause trouble.
It is just that this choice of inside agent…” “Wei Yan can serve as the inside agent!” The sharp voice arrived before the man did, cutting off Zhuge Liang.
Then Zhao Yun hurried in behind it.
Liu Bei and the others all looked puzzled.
Had he not just been sent to protect Xiao He?
He had only been gone a short while, and now he was back declaring that Wei Yan could be the inside agent.
“Zhao Yun, you…” “lord!” Zhao Yun stepped forward and cupped his hands.
“Just now, while I was speaking with Xiao He about the Raid on Xiangyang, he mentioned a man named Wei Yan.
He said this man has the talent of a great general, admires lord greatly, and is the best possible choice to be our inside agent.” Liu Bei’s expression shifted as he sprang to his feet.
Crossing several steps at once, he came right up to Zhao Yun.
“Zhao Yun, who did Mister Bowenvwen recommend as the inside agent?”