Chapter 137

As expected, Zhuge Liang has everything planned out.

Although the Longzhong Plan is half successful, the remaining half has become difficult to achieve, and now revising the plan is inevitable.

By occupying Jing Province and Yi Province, and using the “Xingyi Bingzhen” strategy, we will attack the core cities of Cao Wei: Chang’an, Luoyang, and Xuchang.

At this time, we will make peace with the Xirong and Nanman tribes, form an alliance with Sun Quan, and strengthen our forces. Then, taking advantage of any turmoil in Wei, we will launch a full-scale offensive. This is the premise of the “Xingyi Bingzhen” strategy.

That is the general outline of the Longzhong Plan.

Among this, the plan to win over the Xirong and Nanman tribes and capture Chang’an has been successful.

However, with the alliance with Sun Quan broken and the loss of Jing Province, pursuing the Longzhong Plan alone has become difficult.

“It’s still hard to call it a grand plan. The balance of the Three Kingdoms has been achieved, forming a tripod-like situation.”

“There are too many variables now.”

Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement with my words.

“Before explaining the plan, let’s first discuss how the world is divided.”

“Hmm, perhaps Wei holds 45%, Wu holds 25%, and our state holds about 30%?”

“I think Wu’s share is larger, but it’s almost the same. However, regardless of the exact numbers, it’s clear that the previous ‘one strong and two weak’ situation has changed to ‘one strong and two medium.'”

Wei is still the strongest, but it is no longer the dominant power.

Now, even our Han or Wu alone can stand against Wei.

The balance of the Three Kingdoms, like a tripod, has been achieved.

“Who do you think will start the next war?”

“Probably Wu, right?”

Wei has exhausted its strength for expeditions, and we are prioritizing the management of the newly acquired Guanzhong and Yongyang. The fatigue accumulated from the joint attack with Wu is also significant.

However, Wu has gained momentum. As the real victor of this war, they must have gained confidence.

The confidence that they can do it too.

Although Wei was defeated by us, Wu achieved a great victory against us and took Xingnan.

They must feel confident that neither Wei nor Han is a match for them.

“Wu has two paths: attack us to seize Nan Commandery, or attack Wei to target Huainan.”

Both paths have their own attractions.

Securing Nan Commandery would symbolize control over the entire Jing Province and cut off Han’s foothold for attacking Jing.

Huainan would significantly expand their territory and form a defensive line along the Huai River, easily repelling Wei’s attacks.

However, attacking Nan Commandery would mean an all-out war with us. We can defend key points like Dongguan and Wuguan while mobilizing all our forces to Nan Commandery.

Risking a total war with us just to take Nan Commandery is too dangerous.

On the other hand, attacking Wei is easier for them. Wei has to deploy many troops to deal with the northern tribes, Luoyang, and Xingbei.

The alliance from the last war? Who doesn’t know that was just a facade.

“The latter possibility seems higher.”

If Wu is considering attacking Wei, they wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity while Wei is staggering.

Wei must also be aware of this and will deploy troops to Huainan. Perhaps Wei is also eager to teach Wu a lesson.

They bled a lot and gained nothing, while Wu took advantage of the opportunity they created and walked away unscathed. That must be infuriating.

They might demand Hefei as compensation, or, as in the original history, demand Sun Deng as a hostage.

And there’s no way Sun Quan would accept that.

One question is whether Wu can really perform well against Wei.

No matter how much Wei has been recently weakened, it is still the strongest.

“Mingjing, have you forgotten the premise of the Longzhong Plan?”

“The premise…?”

“The ‘Xingyi Bingzhen’ strategy is based on taking advantage of Wei’s turmoil.”

“But Wei doesn’t seem to have any turmoil right now. Are you saying this defeat is Wei’s turmoil?”

That can’t be, but when I asked for confirmation, Zhuge Liang naturally shook his head.

“No. As you said, Wei appears stable despite the defeat. But is it truly stable? With just a small trigger, it could quickly reveal its weaknesses.”

Zhuge Liang’s eyes deepened. His cold, somber eyes seemed to hold a scheme to stir up chaos in Wei.

“If there’s no turmoil, we just need to create it.”

“Is that possible?”

“We have Yu Hye.”

Yu Hye. One of Liu Bei’s captured daughters. But in reality, she was a spy planted by Wei.

Are we going to use her to spread false information and cause discord?

But Wei is not some chaotic state like the Xin Dynasty or Sima’s Jin Dynasty. Capable officials still hold their positions firmly. Would they be fooled?

Zhuge Liang isn’t one to rely on luck. Then…

“Prime Minister, are you planning to eliminate the Xiahou clan in Wei?”

Expose Xiahou Ying, who revealed Yu Hye’s identity to us.

With Xiahou Mu’s betrayal already weakening the Xiahou clan’s position, Xiahou Ying’s treachery would be treated as treason.

I realize anew how ruthless Zhuge Liang is.

He is the man who, for the greater good, executed even his beloved sworn brother with tears in his eyes.

Would he hesitate to use any means necessary to stir up chaos in an enemy state for the greater good?

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Wasn’t that your plan?”

“Hah… Mingjing, you’re a scarier person than I thought. Even though I am willing to shed blood for the greater good, I wouldn’t go so far as to use such cruel methods that defy human ethics.”

Ah, oh…

Embarrassed by my grand misstep, I bowed my head deeply. My face was burning. Even I thought this was too much.

And even if I suggested it, Liu Bei, who upholds benevolence and righteousness, would never accept such a proposal.

“I don’t deny that ruthlessness is necessary when discussing the greater good. But the Xiahou clan is your maternal family, and I know you hold familial affection for them. Would I suggest such a thing to you?”

“My thoughts were too shallow… Please forgive me.”

“Family matters are involved, so it’s natural that you thought of them first. I understand.”

I glanced at Zhuge Liang’s expression. He didn’t seem too displeased, but for some reason, the way he looked at me felt different.

It felt like he was thinking, “You’re still young.”

“But your guess wasn’t entirely wrong.”

Zhuge Liang then listed some names.

“Xu Shao, Jin Jun, Zhen Ye.”

Xu Shao was Xu Shu’s original name.

In the novel, he appears as Xu Shu from the beginning, but in reality, he was originally named Xu Shao and later changed his name to Xu Shu after becoming a high official.

“Aren’t these three all people who followed His Majesty but were captured by Cao Cao?”

“Correct. I will spread rumors that they have defected to our side.”

“But they are all talents recognized by Wei. Will they really believe it?”

Counterintelligence works on some but not others.

If we clumsily use counterintelligence, we might not only waste the Yu Hye card but also unite our enemies, becoming a “beneficial enemy.”

“At the same time, I will also spread information that Gabi Neng will attack them. And Gabi Neng will actually move accordingly.”

Gabi Neng was the leader of the Xianbei tribe near You Province.

Although not as powerful as Duan Shigui, who unified the northern tribes and became a great chieftain, Gabi Neng was currently the largest force among the northern tribes.

You Province is quite far, but Zhuge Liang believes it’s possible.

In the original history, Zhuge Liang achieved an alliance with Gabi Neng under much more difficult conditions.

“You’re planning to mix truth with lies to increase credibility.”

“No. Whether they believe it or not isn’t that important. What’s important is that there’s a possibility it might not be entirely false.”

“Possibility is important?”

“Wei needs someone to take the blame for this defeat.”

In this war, Wei appointed Cao Ren and Cao Zhang, members of the imperial family, as supreme commanders. But the result was failure, and Cao Zhang even died.

Should they be held accountable? Would they make a decision that undermines the imperial family’s authority?

A scapegoat is needed.

“The result isn’t that important. Just providing Sun Quan with an opportunity to exploit is enough.”

The ruthlessness of using even Xu Shu, who studied with him, as a target of intrigue. This must be the source of the coldness I felt from him.

“However, knowing that Gabi Neng will attack, it will be difficult to significantly shake Wei.”

To meaningfully weaken Wei’s national strength with northern tribes, a full-scale decisive battle is needed.

But since we’re not mobilizing our forces, they won’t respond so fiercely, and it will only distract Wei.

Although Wei is somewhat ahead, the outcome is uncertain.

Wu, riding on their momentum, might show surprising strength, or Wei might prove that their power hasn’t waned.

‘If Sun Quan leads personally, the latter is more likely. If he sends Lu Xun or Zhu Ran, the former is more likely.’

But in my opinion, Sun Quan leading personally is more probable.

Sun Quan is often seen as a defensive leader who relied on the Yangtze River, but in reality, it’s the opposite.

Sun Quan frequently launched offensives, more so than Shu’s northern expeditions.

However, his goal was not to unify the land through northern expeditions but to seek local gains.

Because of this, Sun Quan often suffered major defeats or returned without success when launching offensives, but he excelled in defense.

Perhaps having noticed Sun Quan’s weak offensive capabilities during the Hefei campaigns, Zhuge Liang also viewed Sun Quan’s personal leadership negatively. Considering that a ruler’s personal leadership usually boosts morale, this was a harsh assessment.

“It would be better if Lu Xun is sent. Your assessment is fair, but currently, few can match Lu Xun’s abilities.”

“Prime Minister, you are right. In my opinion, no one in Wu can match Lu Xun.”

But Lu Xun is currently stationed in Jing Province, keeping us in check.

If Wu attacks Wei, the problem is our rear. With no one as capable as Lu Xun to stop us, it’s reasonable for Sun Quan to keep Lu Xun in Jing Province.

We might propose a truce, but the picture of Lu Xun staying in Jing Province to block Han while Sun Quan personally leads an attack on Huainan won’t change.

“So, I want to get Lu Xun out of Jing Province if possible.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Want to hear it?”

“Of course. Gladly.”

At my answer, Zhuge Liang spoke with a face that seemed to hold back a smile.

“Mingjing, have you thought about getting married?”

Did I hear that wrong?