Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

It's undeniable that the emperor is a master of political manipulation, his tactics for manipulating people's hearts and minds are extremely sophisticated. Considering the dire situation and the threat from all sides, he was able to maneuver skillfully, finding opportunities in difficult situations and taking advantage of the situation, gradually creating a situation where he now appears to be in control. Such talent and skill in controlling people are truly astonishing and can be considered a supreme strategy.

However, as he repeatedly achieved success through political schemes and manipulated people to achieve his goals, the emperor gradually lost himself and began to become arrogant. The pleasure brought by power made him more and more arrogant, and to make matters worse, since taking the so-called "magic medicine" presented by Shi A, he fell into an endless decline.

Under the drug's hallucinogenic effects, the emperor indulged himself in wine and women, having sex with countless women and indulging his desires. Over time, he developed a severe dependence on the drug containing Wu Shi San, requiring it almost daily. While taking the drug, he felt euphoric, as if possessing boundless energy, and appeared exceptionally proactive in handling state affairs. However, once the effects wore off, he became listless and exhausted.

The emperor, caught in the crossfire, remains oblivious to the changes taking place within him, still immersed in a ethereal world of power and drugs. Yet, his every move is watched by Liu Xie. While outwardly calm, Liu Xie secretly schemes within. He knows the emperor's current state presents his opportunity. Beneath this seemingly calm court, undercurrents surge, a new power struggle is quietly brewing.

In Xiliang, the wily Li Ru was methodically executing his schemes. Knowing the imperial court's concern for Xiliang's situation, he tirelessly sent repeated military reports, each one earnestly outlining the difficult situation facing Xiliang and urgently requesting support. This was intended to confuse the imperial court, misleading them into believing Xiliang was in imminent danger and unable to cope.

Meanwhile, Li Ru had a more ingenious plan. Earlier, he had managed to bring back Zhang Lu's daughter, Zhang Fubao, from Hanzhong, a move that proved crucial in turning the tide. Through skillful maneuvering with Zhang Lu and leveraging Zhang Fubao's connections, Li Ru successfully secured access to Hanzhong. From then on, military rations flowed freely through Hanzhong to Ma Chao's front lines. This ensured Ma Chao's army was well-stocked and bolstered, giving them the leverage to sustain a prolonged standoff against the enemy. The imperial court remained unaware of Xiliang's elaborate schemes.

The moment Li Ru led Zhang Fubao into Xiliang, the entire city erupted in excitement. Citizens gathered in the streets, whispering and discussing, their eyes filled with curiosity and confusion. Even within Xiliang's inner circle, there was an uproar, and the most intense reaction was undoubtedly from Dong Bai.

War between Xiliang and Hanzhong had long been a strategic imperative. Everyone knew that only by force could they breach the Hanzhong defenses and open up the food supply route to the interior, addressing the Xiliang army's urgent food shortages. This food supply route was crucial not only to the survival of the army but also to the future of Xiliang. But now, Li Ru suddenly brought back Zhang Lu's daughter, Zhang Fubao, bringing the fierce fighting to a halt. In Dong Bai's view, this undoubtedly placed the future and destiny of Xiliang in extreme danger.

For Dong Bai, the threat posed by this change was not only strategic but also deeply personal. Her lover, the passionate warrior who fought so bravely on the battlefield, was currently away with the army. If the supply route were cut off, his army would face a food shortage, and his life would be seriously threatened. The thought of his lover being trapped by this change filled Dong Bai with worry and fear.

Besides this, there was another reason that concerned Dong Bai deeply—Ma Chao. Ma Chao was handsome and imposing, having captured the hearts of countless women in Xiliang City. Dong Bai knew Ma Chao's personality well, knowing that he was a passionate man with no shortage of admirers. Zhang Fubao was in her prime, with a beautiful face and graceful figure, and her every smile exuded a gentle charm. Dong Bai wondered if Ma Chao, with his passionate nature, would be attracted to her. Wouldn't that mean she would have a formidable rival in love?

At this thought, Dong Bai's eyes flickered with determination and dissatisfaction. She looked at Li Ru and Zhang Fubao, her wariness and hostility growing stronger. In her view, the arrival of these two people undoubtedly brought even more uncertainty and crisis to her already troubled life.

As soon as Li Ru entered the mansion, he was keenly aware of Dong Bai's sharp gaze, filled with dissatisfaction and resentment, as if she wanted to devour him alive. His heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, this little girl might have another outburst. He had to find a way to explain it quickly, otherwise he would have a few days of peace in the future.

Li Ru gathered himself, feigning composure. He began by explaining strategically, "Bai'er, listen carefully. Even if we were to defeat Hanzhong in one fell swoop, do we really have to occupy that area? Hanzhong serves as a natural barrier and buffer zone, and its role is immense. It can help us negotiate with the Chang'an court and Liu Zhang of Yizhou, easing many direct conflicts and preventing us from facing these two powerful enemies simultaneously." He paused slightly, observing Dong Bai's expression. Seeing that she remained unfriendly but was listening intently, he continued, "But if we act rashly, even if we break through Hanzhong's defenses and forcibly occupy it, it will inevitably provoke a frenzied backlash from these two major forces. But if we don't completely defeat Hanzhong, and our food supply routes can't be opened up, what will we do? Therefore, we can only achieve our goals through strategies and threats and deterrence."

After hearing this, Dong Bai frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said: "Mr. Li Ru, what you said does make some sense. Isn't this the strategic policy we established before? But you, what's the matter with bringing back a delicate little beauty?" When Li Ru heard this, his heart tightened again, and he thought to himself: Oh no, this girl doesn't even call me "uncle", but directly calls me "Mr. Li Ru". Isn't this a prelude to getting angry?

Li Ru's heart started pounding as he saw Dong Bai's relentless attitude. His smile almost faltered. This young lady in front of him, the one who'd been raised by the late master and related to his wife, was already spoiled. Now that she was pissed off, what could he do? He blurted out, "Bai'er, listen to me..." Before he could finish, he met Dong Bai's piercing gaze. He shuddered, nearly biting his tongue, and quickly changed his words: "Ms. Dong...Ms. Dong, please be magnanimous and listen to my explanation."

Dong Bai raised his eyelids, snorted softly, and said coldly, "Mr. Li Ru, don't try to be friendly. When discussing state affairs, you have to act like you're discussing state affairs. Call me by my title. Since you want to explain, then do it quickly and don't hesitate." Li Ru groaned inwardly, raised his hand and slapped his forehead hard. The wrinkles on his face could have killed a fly. He said with a sad face, "My dear aunt, please forgive me. This talisman is Zhang Lu's treasure. I'm afraid it will melt if I hold it in my mouth, and I'm afraid it will drop if I hold it in my hands. I took great pains to bring it back just to control Zhang Lu and make him dare not act rashly."

Dong Bai's eyes twitched as he heard this, a mischievous smile spreading across his face, like a cat that had stolen some fish. "Oh, I don't think it's that simple. Are you trying to arrange a marriage for my brother Ma Chao? Otherwise, how could Zhang Lu be so generous as to hand over his own daughter to you? Mr. Li Ru, your calculations are so loud, they're practically ringing in my ears."

When Li Ru heard Dong Bai's words, he suddenly realized what was going on. Oh my goodness, it turned out that this young lady was jealous. Ma Chao's suave and charming appearance had always been attractive to young ladies. His actions this time seemed to have backfired, with good intentions. He hurried forward and pulled Dong Bai aside. He looked around like a thief, then lowered his voice and said, "My dear little ancestor, it's not what you think. Don't make wild guesses."

Dong Bai snorted lightly, his face full of disdain, and sneered: "It's not what I thought? Since you want to blackmail Zhang Lu, why don't you capture his son and bring back his delicate little girl? Could it be that you have other tricks up your sleeve?" He stared at Li Ru, as if he wanted to see through him.

Li Ru felt uneasy under the stare. He quickly forced a smile and stole a glance at Zhang Fubao, who was not far away. Then he leaned close to Dong Bai's ear and said mysteriously, "Little Ancestor, you don't know this." He deliberately kept the question a secret and paused. Seeing Dong Bai's impatient expression, he continued, "Hanzhong is very different from here. Zhang Lu's two sons are, to put it bluntly, ordinary people with mediocre talents. They have no special abilities, and they can't be called heroes. But this little girl is very different."

Dong Bai glanced at him with a sidelong glance and said with disdain, "How capable can a little girl be? Can she really turn the world upside down?" Li Ru shook his head, a hint of complacency appearing on his face, as if he was showing off that he had mastered some great secret. "Little ancestor, you don't understand this. Hanzhong is a place where politics and religion are integrated. Zhang Lu is not only the commander of Hanzhong, but also the leader of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect. I really can't explain the ins and outs of this in a short time. Do you know? This talisman is the future saint of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect. This identity is of great importance. Not only does Zhang Lu treat her as his darling, holding her in his hands for fear of dropping her and holding her in his mouth for fear of her melting, but even the people and believers in Hanzhong worship her as a god. Zhang Lu has high hopes for this little girl. If we bring her back, Zhang Lu will be cautious and obedient."

Li Ru looked at Dong Bai's thoughtful expression, and the heavy stone hanging in his heart finally fell halfway, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He struck while the iron was hot and continued, "Auntie, think about it carefully. We are doing all this to open up the food supply route. Think about it, General Ma Chao is now fighting outside, and the food supply route is his lifeline, which concerns his safety. If we attack Hanzhong by force, even if we can take it, how many brothers will be killed or injured? Even if we take it, if we push Zhang Lu into a corner, he will definitely be full of resentment. If he tries to trip us up and deliberately destroy the food supply route, we will be blindsided."