Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Liu Bei was rather displeased. While he could have proceeded openly, the emperor's actions were somewhat biased, seemingly unfair to his generals and factions. However, he also understood the emperor's predicament. In this complex situation, every decision had repercussions.

The emperor saw Liu Bei's hesitation and understood that the other three didn't need further explanation, but Liu Bei had to resolve his concerns. After all, if the emperor wanted to use the talents of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he had to win over Liu Bei and make him work for him, without letting him feel dissatisfied.

The emperor sighed softly and continued to explain, "Uncle, you may feel that my actions show a lack of trust in my civil and military officials. But, uncle, have you ever considered that if they were all as loyal and reliable as you four, and devoted to the country, I would never have made so many arrangements. It is truly their actions that cause me endless worry. Now that the empire is still unsettled, I must utilize their talents while also making advance plans to prevent dissatisfaction over trivial matters, leading to arrogance and even war. That is absolutely not what I wish to see. Uncle, I too have many difficulties. In my position, I am constantly worried about the four hundred years of the Han Dynasty's foundation, and it often keeps me awake at night."

After hearing the emperor's words, Liu Bei's unhappiness gradually faded, replaced by a look of heartache and worry. He quickly advised, "Your Majesty, I have no doubts. How dare I speculate on your thoughts? As long as your Majesty commands, I will strictly carry them out without any deduction. We are willing to sacrifice our lives for your Majesty and the Han Dynasty, even if it means death."

Liu Bian softened his tone and said softly, "Uncle, there is actually a third crucial reason. I have already secretly replied to the Lü Bu tribe in Bingzhou, asking them to cooperate with us in carefully planning this drama. When the time is right, let Lü Bu send troops from Bingzhou to launch a surprise attack on Jizhou. You must know that Han Fu, the current governor of Jizhou, has been replaced by Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao is ambitious and completely disregards the country. He secretly stole Jizhou, an important place. Han Fu, on the other hand, has no sense of righteousness for his country. Just because he thinks he is a disciple of the Yuan family, he easily took Jizhou away. "I will give you my hand." After the Dong Zhuo Rebellion, the Yuan family had already harbored discontent with the imperial court and secretly resolved to oppose it. "Uncle, you've seen that government orders are now difficult to disseminate beyond Chang'an. How many people will obey the imperial orders? The Yuan family has three officials for four generations, a prestigious reputation and deep-rooted foundation. I must plan carefully. While you are feigning an attack on Bingzhou, if we can find the right opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Jizhou, perhaps we can achieve unexpected results. This way, we can weaken Yuan Shao's power, restore the imperial court's prestige, and deter those with ulterior motives."

Liu Bei fell into deep thought after hearing this. After a moment, his eyes revealed admiration, and he sighed, "Your Majesty is meticulous and has far-sighted plans. Your Majesty's strategies are truly far-sighted. I cannot match them. The Yuan brothers have been continuously expanding their power since Dong Zhuo's reign, and their threat is becoming increasingly apparent. Yuan Shao occupies Jizhou, wielding his own army and ignoring the imperial court's orders. Yuan Shu, in Huainan, is equally ambitious and plots to establish his own empire. If these two are not curbed, they will become a grave threat to the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty's current plan targets not only Jizhou, but also a powerful blow to the Yuan brothers. If successful, it will surely restore the court's prestige and lay a solid foundation for the Han Dynasty's revival. I will lead my two brothers and fight for Your Majesty, sacrificing my life and swiftly restoring the Han Dynasty's glory."

Liu Bian nodded slightly, his eyes filled with relief and hope. He said, "I am very pleased that your uncle thinks so. This operation is related to the stability of the Han Dynasty. Your uncle and I must work together to overcome this difficult time. The Yuan brothers may be powerful, but if we, the emperor and our subjects, work together, we will surely find a way to defeat them. I hope your uncle and the generals will fight with all their might for the future of the Han Dynasty."

Liu Bei solemnly bowed, his expression resolute, and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. We will live up to your trust. We will tirelessly fight bravely to protect the Han Dynasty and ensure its glory shines once again across the world."

After Liu Bei finished speaking, he solemnly rose to take his leave, his posture erect, his eyes filled with determination. With steady steps, he hurried off, intending to return to join his brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in preparing their armaments for the upcoming expedition.

At this moment, Liu Xie watched Liu Bei's departing back and turned to Liu Bian, saying, "Brother, your thoughts are truly incomprehensible. Your control of the overall situation is truly exquisite, but why did you explain it so clearly to them? If they knew about the matter with Lü Bu, once the news leaked out, this matter would be impossible to proceed."

Liu Bian raised his lips slightly, revealing a confident smile. He looked at Liu Xie, his eyes revealing wisdom and composure. "Brother, the key to employing people lies in trust and honesty. The three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang, as well as General Zilong, are all loyal and brave men. They are devoted to the court and the Han Dynasty. If we conceal anything from them, it will only make them suspicious and hesitant in carrying out their mission. Furthermore, they are all intelligent men. They understand the interests involved and will definitely keep their mouths shut. Full disclosure of this matter will also make them more aware of the importance of this operation, and they will give their all to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan."

After hearing this, Liu Xie nodded thoughtfully, and his admiration for his brother's strategy and foresight increased.

Liu Bian looked at Liu Xie and laughed heartily, then slowly said: "Brother, the way to employ people, the truth and falsehood among them, must be different for each person. Look, the three brothers Liu, Guan and Zhang, as well as General Zilong, they are all upright and upright, loyal to the court and sincere to the Han Dynasty. For such people, we must never let them have any grudges in their hearts. If they have doubts in their hearts, even if they will follow orders, they will inevitably develop a resistance over time. On this point, you really need to study and understand it well. They are completely different from Ma Chao and Gongsun Zan. Ma Chao attaches great importance to reputation, just like cherishing his own wings. Therefore, we must hold him high, on the one hand, show him kindness and establish him in front of the people of the world. As a moral role model. If he is asked to deal with the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo at this time, his image as a moral role model will be shattered if he does not. In this way, he will certainly be forced to do his best. Gongsun Zan, on the other hand, is extremely selfish. He only wants to become the father-in-law of the emperor, so that his family can become more prominent and he can have the final say in the court. For such a person, we must keep him in suspense, always one step short of achieving his inner desire. In this way, he will constantly compromise for this goal and strive towards it. In the end, we must not let him satisfy, so that his wishful thinking will be thwarted and he will end up with nothing. This is why we need to accurately grasp the human nature of different people according to their personalities and desires, so as to better control the overall situation and lay the foundation for the stability and prosperity of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Xie listened intently. After a moment's contemplation, he nodded and said, "Brother's strategy is truly profound and unfathomable. I will study diligently, share your worries, and contribute my own strength to the prosperity of the Han Dynasty."

Liu Bian nodded slightly, his eyes deep and firm, revealing a glimmer of wisdom. He said, "As the Son of Heaven, I shoulder the heavy responsibility of governing the world. Only by skillfully employing people, accurately grasping human nature, and controlling the overall situation can I ensure the enduring stability of the Han Dynasty and the peace and prosperity of the people."

Ma Chao slowly returned to his residence, his expression filled with solemnity and annoyance. Today, Zhang Ren was in charge of the barracks, maintaining daily military affairs. Meanwhile, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Xu Shu were already waiting outside the residence. Seeing Ma Chao's return, they all rushed forward to greet him. Xu Shu saw Ma Chao's gloomy face and a sense of worry welled up in his heart. He stepped forward and asked softly, "General, did anything happen at court today?" Ma Chao remained silent, only sighing deeply, that sigh seeming to contain endless sorrow.

Zhang Liao and Xu Huang watched Ma Chao's expression grow increasingly anxious. Zhang Liao eagerly asked, "General, what's the matter? You're making us extremely anxious." Xu Huang chimed in, "Yes, General, what has you so worried about?" Xu Shu narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "General, since you haven't said anything, I'll guess. Is it because the court requires us to send troops? This matter has put the lord in a difficult position, and I think it must be related to the remaining forces of Lord Dong. Could it be that they want you to attack the remaining forces of Lord Dong in Tianshui County?" Ma Chao's head shot up at this, a look of astonishment on his face. His eyes widened, and he slowly said, "How did Yuan Zhi know this? It is indeed the case."

Xu Shu chuckled softly. "This isn't hard to guess. We've come to Chang'an, leading over five thousand troops, yet the Emperor cherishes us dearly, showering us with rewards and honors from time to time. Furthermore, by appointing the General as a county marquis, it's clear he values ​​more than just our five thousand men. Furthermore, there's the angel Wang Jie who went to Xiliang to deliver the Emperor's message. Upon his return, how could he not report Xiliang's situation to the Emperor? Xiliang's prosperity and abundant martial virtue cannot be concealed. If Wang Jie had any interest, he would surely have observed this secretly. The Emperor's actions aren't merely about the General's service to the court; he values ​​the entire Xiliang behind us. He desires not only the stability of the northwest, but also our conquest of the world for him. Forgive me, General, has the Emperor allocated additional troops to us? Or will only our Xiliang unit be sent to suppress the remaining forces of Dong Gong in Tianshui?"

Ma Chao frowned slightly, and after a moment's silence, he said, "No new troops have been assigned yet. This time, only my Xiliang troops will go alone."

Xu Shu's face was solemn as he paced slowly, pondering as he spoke, "This situation is quite thorny. If only our Xiliang forces were to fight, we might not have enough troops. Furthermore, Tianshui County is strategically located, and the remaining forces of Lord Dong have the advantage. This battle will be quite difficult. But since the Emperor has given the order, we must give it our all. General, we must quickly discuss countermeasures and make preparations for battle."

Ma Chao nodded and said with a firm expression, "Yuan Zhi is absolutely right. We will make careful plans and live up to the emperor's trust."

Zhang Liao said, "General, Dong Huang still has at least 30,000 to 40,000 men, and they're holding the fortified city of Tianshui. We can't defeat him with just our own troops. What if he stays put? The imperial court already has tens of thousands of Youzhou soldiers in the Chang'an camp alone, along with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, including General Zhao Yun, all of whom are commanding great armies. Why are they singling us out to defeat them?"