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

Liu Bei solemnly said, "To restore the Han dynasty's foundation. I, Bei, wish to hear my adoptive father's detailed explanation."

Just as Liu Liang was about to answer, a cold, mechanical voice suddenly rang out from the depths of his mind:

[Ultimate Mission Released: Delay Liu Bei's development, assist Cao Cao in becoming emperor, and end the Han dynasty]

[Reward for successful mission: Escape this world, return to your original timeline, enjoy a large family, and achieve financial freedom]

???

Liu Liang almost choked, a chill running down his spine.

The faces of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Jian Qichang all blurred into double images before my eyes.

Help Cao Cao? And even destroy the Han Dynasty?

Is this person destined to die too long?

Three months ago, at the very beginning of his transmigration, the chosen one appeared once, clearly stating that he should assist Liu Bei in becoming emperor.

Therefore, he made meticulous preparations and racked his brains to infiltrate Liu Bei's camp.

Well, that's just how it is. He had barely sat down in the seat of "Liu Bei's adoptive father" when things took a complete 180-degree turn.

Liu Liang inwardly rejected this unreasonable demand from the chosen one.

Who hasn't felt a bit of Shu Han sentimentalism while reading about the Three Kingdoms?

The allure of going home and the allure of financial freedom were too strong; he really didn't want to wipe his butt with roof tiles anymore.

Besides, I'm not a saint, why should I spend my whole life striving for someone else's ideals?

He can't be a partner anymore, so he'll have to be the "godfather of the mole".

Okay, having a high seniority has its advantages.

It will be easier to persuade (or seduce) people in the future, and it will also be easier to gather information.

In short: I'm sorry, godfather, for the sake of going home!

Pulling himself back to reality, Liu Liang saw everyone eagerly awaiting his explanation of the strategy to restore the Han Dynasty. Composing himself, he said, "The Yellow Turban Rebellion has engulfed eight provinces, and its momentum is like wildfire spreading across the plains. Youzhou and Jizhou, bordering Julu, are already severely affected. Jizhou, in particular, is heavily affected; Zhang Jiao's main base is in Julu, while his brothers Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang are stationed in Guangzong and Xiaquyang respectively, forming a mutually supporting defensive network. Although Youzhou is somewhat further away, there is frequent movement of refugees, and many followers of the Way of Peace. If it cannot be suppressed, it will quickly engulf all the prefectures."

Zhang Fei, impatient, stood up and said, "Then what are we waiting for? I'll go and gather the farmhands to collect provisions! We'll start recruiting soldiers tomorrow!"

Guan Yu said, "Third brother, wait a moment. The Yellow Turban Rebellion is true, but is it really as serious as you say, sir?"

Liu Liang said, "Does Yunchang know how many people's hearts were won over by the Taiping Dao's use of talismanic water to cure the disease during last year's great plague? Do you also know how many people's hearts were won over by the Taiping Dao's opening of granaries and distribution of grain and preaching to the masses during the severe drought in Jizhou last year? The hearts of the people are like water; they can carry a boat, but they can also capsize it. Now, this water is about to overflow the dam. In the Julu area, it is no secret that Taiping Dao believers are working by day and gathering by night to practice martial arts. Messengers from all sides are frequently traveling back and forth, all preparing for a major event."

Liu Liang's words were reasonable and well-founded, causing Liu Bei's face to turn pale: "So, the court knows nothing about this?"

Liu Liang said, "It's not that we don't know, it's that we don't want to know. The Ten Attendants control the government, and if reports from various places are unfavorable to them, they are suppressed. Moreover, there are many officials, powerful figures, and even palace eunuchs among the followers of the Way of Peace. This net has long been woven tightly."

Silence fell over the courtyard, broken only by the crackling of the oil lamp.

At this point, Jian Yong asked, "Even if the problem of money and provisions is solved, where should we recruit soldiers?"

Liu Liang did not answer immediately, but pondered it carefully.

We can't let Liu Bei collapse now; we still need him for our livelihood.

But we can't let him have it too easy or develop too quickly, otherwise the mission will be even less hopeful.

We must help him, give him some assistance, so that he can stand firm and cope with the current troubles.

But helping too much is not good. You have to think about how to hold him back a little, trip him up a little, so that he walks with stumbles and falls, and doesn't rush too fast.

It's difficult to strike the right balance.

After a moment's thought, Liu Liang had already come up with a plan that could appear to be far-sighted but actually conceal a desire to weaken Liu Liang.

He then slowly said, "The source of our troops lies first and foremost in choosing a location. Although there are many refugees in Jizhou and Youzhou, their quality varies greatly, and the Yellow Turbans have spies everywhere. If we openly recruit strong men, we risk alerting them and attracting the attention of the Taiping Dao or the government too early, which would be detrimental to our initial efforts. In my opinion, it would be better to avoid their strongholds and instead focus on their weaker ones. The area west of Zhuojun City is adjacent to mountains, and the people there are relatively simple and docile, with fewer refugees gathered there. We can recruit there first. Firstly, this place is far from the Yellow Turbans' active eastern part of the city and the main road to the south, so there will be less noise and less chance of attracting attention, making it easier for us to quietly form an army and accumulate strength. Secondly, the people there are more docile and easier to control and educate, making it easier to train them in the early stages and saving us a lot of effort in suppressing them."

The purpose of recruiting soldiers in areas with weak local customs was to limit the quality and quantity of Liu Bei's initial troops, thereby weakening his starting capital.

However, this also prevents Liu Bei from becoming too weak and easily defeated by other warlords.

If Liu Bei were to perish prematurely, his life would be in danger.

After speaking, Guan Yu immediately asked, "Sir, your concern about operating in secrecy is indeed necessary. However, the quality of an army is more important than its quantity, and bravery is also crucial. If we choose to recruit soldiers from weak areas simply for ease of control, the number of soldiers we obtain may be..."

Zhang Fei shouted, "Second Brother, you're overthinking it! The Master is right! We should keep a low profile and make our fortune in the beginning! Find some obedient soldiers to train! Once they're well-trained, send them out for a few battles to see the blood, and they'll become an elite force! It's much better than recruiting troublemakers and bandits from the start, only to have them rebel before even fighting the Yellow Turbans!"

Liu Bei pondered for a moment and said, "What my adoptive father said about 'concealing and accumulating resources' makes a lot of sense. Our foundation is too weak right now, and it is indeed not advisable for us to become the focus of attention too early. My adoptive father is experienced in governing the country and considers things thoroughly, so it is appropriate to be cautious in the early stages. However, if there are not enough able-bodied men in the west of the city..."

Seeing that Liu Bei was interested, and that Guan Yu, though doubtful, did not strongly oppose the plan, Liu Liang knew that the plan had been largely successful. He added, "Xuande, rest assured, this is only a temporary measure. First, we need to establish a force that we can basically control. Once we have gained some prestige under the guise of bandit suppression, and have sufficient provisions and equipment, we can gradually expand to areas with many refugees and fierce local customs, recruiting the best among them. At that time, with a base force to maintain order and the money and provisions obtained from the previous bandit suppression to settle accounts, recruiting brave and strong men will be much easier and more secure."

Liu Liang's plan was to first paint a picture of "stability before progress" to make his bad idea sound more like part of a long-term plan.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei praised, "Father's thinking is very sound, proceeding step by step, which is exactly what I wanted."

Seeing that Liu Bei had made his decision, Guan Yu said no more.

Having successfully planted the first "hidden seed," Liu Liang then returned to the main topic, revealing a more complete strategy to solidify his image as someone who could devise flawless plans.

Liu Liang said, "Of course, in the long run, refugees will ultimately be a major source of soldiers. Giving them food and a way to survive, and employing a combination of kindness and severity, can transform the displaced into loyal. The key lies in strictly enforcing military discipline, conducting diligent training, and using land to appease their hearts and rewards to motivate their will... Given the current situation, we cannot sit idly by. I suggest a three-step approach: 'laying the foundation,' 'sharpening the sword,' and 'raising the flag,' to solidify the foundation and await the opportune moment."

After Liu Liang explained the three-step strategy in detail, Liu Bei was deeply moved.

This is no longer just empty talk about lofty ambitions, but a feasible strategy with concrete steps and tactics.

Liu Bei stood up and bowed deeply to Liu Liang.

With tears in his eyes, he said, "I, Bei, have always regretted that I am ambitious but lack talent, and that my future is bleak. Today, with my adoptive father's grand plan, it is like seeing the sun after the clouds have parted! The three-step strategy is interconnected, laying the foundation, sharpening the sword, and raising the banner... every word is worth its weight in gold! We will follow my adoptive father's plan. Let us work together to restore the Han Dynasty!"

Everyone drank their wine to the brim and smashed their bowls to express their determination.