Three Kingdoms: Mistakenly Becoming Liu Bei's Adoptive Father at the Start

The military council dispersed, and the various lords returned to their camps to prepare for war.

As Liu Liang followed Liu Bei out of the tent, he was still pondering his next move.

Should we go directly to Cao Cao?

No.

He is now Liu Bei's "godfather" and a core strategist in Liu Bei's group.

Cao Cao was suspicious by nature. By taking the initiative to approach him, he not only appeared suspicious but also lowered his own status and was looked down upon for no reason.

Even if he wanted to be an inside agent, Cao Cao would have to beg him, not offer himself up.

If it weren't for the damned mission and rewards offered by the "Chosen One," he wouldn't have wanted to get involved in this mess at all.

Right now, the only option is to find an opportunity to "leak" those items to Cao Cao.

The stirrups and high saddles of cavalrymen, the pottery jars used for storing grain...

Sending him these tangible benefits should be considered a form of help, right?

Liu Liang walked along, lost in thought, his brows furrowed slightly.

Just as I was pondering this, a voice came from behind me.

"Lord Xuande, please wait."

Liu Bei turned around and saw Cao Cao walking slowly towards him with several close generals, a mysterious smile on his face.

"Lord Cao," Liu Bei said, bowing respectfully, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun also stopped and stood behind Liu Bei.

Cao Cao approached and introduced the people accompanying him, who were the six core generals of the Cao Cao Group in its early days: Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, and Yue Jin.

Liu Bei also introduced Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, nothing more than mutual flattery and polite conversation. The dialogue lacked substance, and the focus was more on observing each other's every move and word, with a strong sense of probing.

However, during Cao Cao and Liu Bei's seemingly casual conversation, Liu Liang noticed that although Cao Cao was facing Liu Bei, his gaze swept over him several times.

Liu Liang's heart skipped a beat.

Sure enough, his argument with Yuan Shu in the tent had caught the attention of this ruthless warlord.

Cao Cao's visit to Liu Bei at this moment was probably just a pretense of small talk; his real purpose was to observe Liu Bei.

Liu Liang remained expressionless, standing only half a step behind Liu Bei, listening attentively with a steady gaze.

Occasionally, when Cao Cao's gaze swept over her, she would calmly meet his gaze, nod slightly, and then look away, her manner perfectly measured.

Neither overly prominent nor deliberately avoided.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei chatted for a few more minutes about the supply of provisions for the allied forces, and Cao Cao seemed to be probing the strength of Liu Bei's army.

Liu Bei responded cautiously, revealing neither his true intentions nor his true feelings.

"Lord Xuande's forces are truly brimming with talent!" Cao Cao finally laughed heartily, his gaze sweeping over Liu Liang again. "That Mr. Liu in the tent just now was remarkably insightful and courageous, leaving a deep impression. I wonder where Lord Xuande found such a wise man?"

This time, Liu Bei solemnly introduced Liu Liang, saying, "Sir, you are an elder in my clan and also my adoptive father, Mr. Liu Liang, also known as Liu Zishan. Thanks to your many assistance, I have been able to achieve even a little success."

"Oh? So you are an elder, my apologies." Cao Cao cupped his hands in Liu Liang's direction, his eyes filled with even more probing intent. "Mr. Liu just mentioned a fierce general under Dong Zhuo. How did you learn of this? Did you have any contact with the Xiliang army in the Youji region?"

This question may seem casual, but it is actually quite tricky.

They were both trying to find out the source of the intelligence and testing Liu Liang's true strength.

Liu Liang said, "Lord Cao, you are wise. In my early years, I traveled extensively, reaching the borders of Guanzhong and Liangzhou, where I heard of the bravery of some Liangzhou generals. As for the bravery of Lü Bu and Hua Xiong, I have gathered information from merchants and defeated soldiers. Although I have not witnessed it myself, I have verified it through various sources and know it is true. The truth will be revealed on the battlefield. I have just spoken, and I only hope that the allied forces will be cautious and minimize unnecessary losses."

His statement was half true and half false, explaining the source of the information without exaggerating his "prophet" abilities, and ultimately concluding with the word "caution," which was reasonable.

Cao Cao listened and smiled noncommittally: "I see. You are very thoughtful, sir."

He then patted Liu Bei on the shoulder: "With such an elder as your advisor, Lord Xuande's future is limitless. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit my camp. The great cause of defeating Dong Zhuo still requires our concerted efforts. Farewell!"

After taking a few steps, Cao Cao seemed to remember something and turned back.

He smiled and said, "I almost forgot, there are still some trivial matters concerning the allocation of grain and fodder that I would like to consult with you, Lord Xuande... a gentleman who is familiar with practical matters. I wonder if Mr. Zishan could spare a moment? I have some doubts and hope you can enlighten me."

Liu Bei was slightly surprised, but nodded in agreement.

Liu Liang signaled to Liu Bei that it was alright, and then followed Cao Cao to a quieter spot beside the tent, while the others waited a few steps away.

Cao Cao did not rush to speak. He first looked up at the sky before slowly saying, "Today in the tent, your words have truly astonished everyone present. Yuan Gonglu has always been like this, so you need not take it to heart."

Liu Liang said, "Lord Cao is too kind. I am merely stating the facts."

Cao Cao nodded, then casually changed the subject: "Sir, you are highly talented and insightful. I observe that Lord Xuande is indeed a benevolent and virtuous gentleman. With such fierce generals as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun by your side, and with an elder like yourself to assist you, it is truly enviable. However, things are unpredictable. A great man born in chaotic times seeks nothing more than to use his talents to the fullest, fulfill his ambitions, and support the state. Sometimes, if one entrusts oneself to the wrong person or is placed on a low platform, one inevitably wastes time, his ambitions remain unfulfilled, and his talents are wasted. A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a wise minister chooses a good lord to serve—this is an ancient principle."

Liu Liang had already discerned Cao Cao's intention to recruit him, but he pretended not to know and listened silently in deep thought.

Seeing that the other party remained silent, Cao Cao had no choice but to continue, "For example, sir, you possess the talent of a king's advisor and also have the reputation of a member of the imperial family. Your foundation is certainly no less than that of others. If you were to confine yourself to a small county or compromise your principles for the sake of temporary sentiments, it would not be a blessing for the country, nor would it be something you, with your lifelong learning, would be content with, would it?"

That's already been quite explicit.

Cao Cao was implying that Liu Bei's foundation was shallow and his platform limited. He was also alluding to the fact that Liu Liang's own status as a member of the imperial clan might be more "legitimate" than Liu Bei's, yet he was willing to be subordinate to him, which was a waste of his talent and of no benefit to the country.

Liu Liang understood perfectly.

This is not simply appreciation, but a test, and even more so, a means to sow discord.

Cao Cao wanted to see how loyal Liu Liang was to Liu Bei, whether there was any opportunity to take advantage of him, and even wanted to plant a thorn in his heart.

Liu Liang chuckled to himself, just as the saying goes: "It is endlessly joyful to fight against Heaven, and endlessly joyful to fight against man!"

He cupped his hands and said, "Lord Cao is too kind; I am unworthy of such praise. Lord Xuande is a member of the Han imperial family, loyal and righteous, and determined to restore order—this is a noble virtue. I am unworthy, yet I have been honored to be appointed as his advisor. I will do my utmost to help him succeed, to repay his kindness, and to fulfill my duty as a subject. As for social status or the size of the platform, these are not my concerns. The world is in turmoil, and it is precisely through the concerted efforts of all that we can eliminate the traitors and restore order to the court. Lord Cao, with your great talent and strategic vision, must surely agree."

Cao Cao laughed heartily: "Sir, your righteousness is admirable. Very well, I have troubled you today. As for the matter of provisions, I will consult with Lord Xuande another day. Please make yourself at home."

Having said that, Cao Cao said no more, turned around and left with his generals.