The moment those shocking words left his mouth, everyone was stunned.
“Sir Xiao, do you mean that I should launch a surprise attack and seize Xiangyang?” Liu Bei hurriedly asked, afraid he had misheard.
“If you do not want Jing Province to fall into Cao Cao’s hands, then you must hold Fancheng and block his army from crossing the river.
With our current strength, trying to defend Fancheng by ourselves is like using an arm to stop a chariot.” “On top of that, if Liu Cong offers Jing Province to Cao Cao, then you will be attacked from both front and rear.
That would leave you in a dead end.
So before Cao Cao’s army arrives, you must cross the Han River first, take advantage of Liu Cong’s weak hold on the people after his recent succession, and seize Xiangyang in a single stroke.” “Xiangyang is the provincial seat of Jing Province.
Half the troops, grain, and wealth are gathered there.
Only after taking Xiangyang will you have the strength to resist Cao Cao in the north and bring the south of Jing Province under control.” “Sir Xiao, if I understand correctly, that is what you mean by Raid on Xiangyang.” Before Xiao He could explain further, Zhuge Liang had already laid out the strengths and weaknesses of the plan point by point.
Xiao He had still been thinking about how to explain it, but Zhuge Liang’s quick reply saved him the effort.
“Yes, yes, exactly.
Zhuge Liang is right.
That is what I mean.” He immediately nodded along.
Everyone’s eyes widened.
Even Guan Yinping parted her lips slightly and stared at Xiao He in surprise.
Zhuge Liang quietly studied Xiao He and gave a faint nod.
In truth, he had already thought of Raid on Xiangyang himself.
He had not yet considered it fully, and he had also wanted to use this chance to test Xiao He’s strategic ability, so he had not presented it to Liu Bei.
Great minds really did think alike.
If Xiao He had arrived at this plan as well, then how could he be someone who did not understand strategy?
That earlier claim had clearly been modesty.
Across from him, once their first shock passed, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei both showed the joy of sudden understanding.
“Brother, Sir Xiao is right!” Zhang Fei slapped the table hard and shouted excitedly.
“Since Liu Cong intends to surrender to Cao Cao, why should he still sit there doing nothing while holding Xiangyang?” “We should strike Xiangyang by surprise, kill Liu Cong and those two traitors from the Cai and Kuai clans, and take not only Xiangyang but all of Jing Province as well.
When that happens, what is there to fear from the traitor Cao Cao?
Whoever comes, we kill them, and settle all old and new scores together.” Guan Yu looked at Xiao He with approval and stroked his fine beard with a slight nod.
“Brother, in my humble opinion, Xiao He’s plan truly is a brilliant move that can reverse the whole situation.” “Liu Biao has died, the Cai and Kuai traitors passed over the elder and raised the younger, and Liu Cong intends to surrender without a fight.
The city of Xiangyang must already be unsettled, both among the people and within the army.” “This is a gift from Heaven, the perfect moment for Raid on Xiangyang.
We can decide everything in a single battle.” It was obvious that both brothers had wanted to take Xiangyang for a long time, so they praised Xiao He’s plan without restraint.
“Sir Xiao’s plan truly is a remarkable way to change the situation.” Liu Bei first cupped his hands in praise, but then he let out a sigh.
“Still, Liu Biao treated me generously.
His body is barely cold, so how can I repay his kindness by attacking Xiangyang and seizing his foundation?” At those words, Zhuge Liang frowned slightly.
This was exactly his third concern.
Liu Bei was bound by his sense of righteousness and refused to use force against Liu Cong.
“My lord, those words are mistaken.
Jing Province belongs to the Great Han, not to Liu Biao as a private possession.
And Liu Biao spent his life resisting Cao Cao, yet now Liu Cong wants to offer Jing Province to him.
Such an unfilial and unrighteous act makes him unworthy of being Liu Biao’s son, much less the lord of Jing Province.” “You are Liu Biao’s kinsman and the imperial uncle recognized by the Son of Heaven.
If you step forward now to take control of Xiangyang and even Jing Province, it is completely justified.
How can that be called repaying kindness with betrayal?” Zhuge Liang immediately refuted Liu Bei in a stern voice.
“That is right, brother.
Zhuge Liang is right.” Zhang Fei readily agreed, both hands raised.
“That brat Liu Cong is disloyal and unfilial.
He does not deserve to keep holding Jing Province, so we should take it from him.” “If you do not use Xiao He’s plan, then you are simply watching Jing Province fall into Cao Cao’s hands.
If you do that, can you really face Liu Biao’s spirit in heaven?” Guan Yu asked with a solemn expression.
After hearing them all try to persuade him, Liu Bei fell silent.
He weighed it for a while, then his expression hardened with resolve.
“What you say is not without reason.
But before his death, Liu Biao entrusted his son to me and asked me to watch over him.” “Liu Cong is certainly wrong to surrender to Cao Cao, but if I use troops against him and seize his foundation, then I will still have failed Liu Biao’s trust.
That would be unrighteous.
No matter what, I will never commit such an unrighteous act.” Seeing how firm their elder brother was, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged a glance and could only sigh to themselves.
It was hard to press him any further.
Zhuge Liang also sighed lightly and said helplessly, “If that is so, then we can only head south, pass beyond Xiangyang, and retreat to Jiangling.
Once Liu Cong has surrendered to Cao Cao, Liu Bei can use Jiangling as a base, join hands with Liu Qi against Cao Cao, and later try to recover Xiangyang.” The clouds cleared from Liu Bei’s face, and he said happily, “Zhuge Liang’s plan is more prudent.
When that time comes, if I attack Xiangyang, I will be taking it back from Cao Cao, and that will be proper and honorable.” After saying this, Liu Bei turned an apologetic gaze toward Xiao He and cupped his hands.
“Sir, your wisdom is truly extraordinary.
Your plan of Raid on Xiangyang is indeed brilliant, but I ask your forgiveness, because I have my own difficulties and cannot adopt it.” “If you have nowhere else to go, would you be willing to cross the river with me and retreat to Jiangling?” Xiao He felt both pleased and troubled.
The hidden meaning in Liu Bei’s words was naturally an invitation to join him, and securing a long-term meal ticket was certainly good news.
But the bad part was that after all his effort, Liu Bei had still decided to follow the original script.
So it really was true that character decided fate.
Of course he had to join, but he had no desire at all to experience the free extra tour of terror at Changban Slope.
He had to find a way to change Liu Bei’s mind.