Chapter 38

The Battle of Tangqu was an unparalleled victory. Cao Cao’s plan to send Zhang He to halt Liu Bei’s rising momentum ended in failure, and it became another opportunity to reaffirm Liu Bei’s reputation, which had slightly weakened due to the losses at the Yiyang standoff.

Even if the victory at the Battle of Tangqu had been heard earlier, the division of Jing Province was an inevitable event. Facing both Cao Cao and Sun Quan’s forces would be akin to suicide. However, it might have been possible to negotiate under slightly better conditions.

Liu Bei might have been somewhat disappointed, but I, on the other hand, felt relieved.

Although I twisted the tributaries of history, I believe I have not yet touched the main stream. The reason was simple: to use my knowledge of the future as dramatically and for as long as possible.

I saved Pang Tong and quickly occupied Yi Province, but I knew that Sun Quan’s tackle would come as soon as Yi Province was occupied. Thanks to cheating with the answer sheet of original history.

Since the Yiyang standoff occurred as in the original history, the three-way battle between Wei, Shu, and Wu over Jing Province was likely to continue as well. If the timing of the Hanzhong offensive and defensive battle could be matched, that moment would surely come.

‘The flooding of Yangfan. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

The peak of Guan Yu’s life and the zenith of Shu-Han.

The moment of the Huaxia eastward campaign.

Of course, there was still quite a bit of time left for that story.

Anyway, upon returning to Yi Province, Liu Bei headed straight to Chengdu upon hearing the news of the end of the Battle of Tangqu. And he handled the rewards for the merits of the Battle of Tangqu, and my father and I came to Chengdu for the first time in a long time to attend the merit assessment.

“For the merit of repelling Cao Cao’s forces and killing the deputy general Da Ling, General Zhang Lan of Guangwei is awarded 200 catties of gold, 500 catties of silver, 10 million coins, and 2,000 bolts of silk.”

There was no change in position.

Although I had the merit of capturing Deputy General Da Ling, the main figure of Tangqu was ultimately my father. However, my father’s position also remained the same because he had already received the highest rank that the Left General’s office could bestow, and his position could not be raised any further.

If my rank were to be raised, I would be on par with my father, who was a first-class meritorious subject, so it felt like making up for it with material rewards.

As for the position, it would naturally rise when Liu Bei becomes the King of Hanzhong or the Emperor, including this merit. There was no need to complain or regret now.

I instructed Ma Chong, who had come to Chengdu with me, on the use of the rewards received this time.

“Deokshin, distribute the silk to the soldiers after discussing with the lieutenants.”

“All of it?”

“Yes. If it’s not enough, let me know. I’ll provide more support. And use the money to help the families of the deceased or injured soldiers.”

“There aren’t many casualties, so the money should be more than enough to distribute.”

“Then distribute it to the soldiers.”

Originally, the rewards given to generals were not meant for them to take all but to distribute to the soldiers as they saw fit.

Even Dong Zhuo was not stingy in distributing rewards and spoils to his subordinates, as hoarding it all alone would be even more insane.

“Baekcheom, could you use the gold and silver to get some warhorses?”

Ma Dai, being from the Ma family, a warlord of Xiliang, still had connections in Xiliang.

However, without securing Hanzhong, buying warhorses from Xiliang was no easy task, and the transportation costs might even exceed the cost of the horses themselves.

“I’ll do my best.”

Knowing this, Ma Dai also sounded less confident than usual. Without passing through Hanzhong, one had to go through Wudu to reach Xiliang.

Even if Wudu was within Cao Cao’s sphere of influence, the road was incredibly treacherous. It was the route that Deng Ai, the King of Mountains, had crossed.

Even if a trade route could somehow be secured, another problem remained. Although trade between regions continued despite different spheres of influence, horses were military supplies. It was questionable whether they could be exported.

“If Xiliang is difficult, we could also try the west or south. They also produce horses there.”

It was Yu En who spoke.

Although inferior in quality and quantity compared to the Qiang of Xiliang, the Man and Di tribes of the south and west also raised horses. In fact, after conquering the southern barbarians, Zhuge Liang had separately managed the horses from the south.

“Good. If Xiliang doesn’t work out, we’ll consider that as well.”

Having decided how to use the rewards, Ma Dai and Ma Chong left to carry out their respective tasks.

“Let’s move too.”

“At your service.”

The reason I brought Ma Chong, who assists in military affairs as the marching secretary, and Ma Dai, who is responsible for securing horses, along with Yu En to Chengdu, was related to a meeting I had discussed with Yu En when we left for Baxi.

Yu En’s friend Du Zheng had arranged a meeting with Po-won, the legendary blacksmith of Shu-Han.

“Ah, is Du Zheng also coming out?”

Du Zheng was working as an official in Chengdu. At my question, Yu En nodded.

“Yes. He said he would personally guide us.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Since he introduced such a valuable connection, I should prepare a gift.”

“You don’t have to go that far.”

According to Yu En, when I told Liu Bei about my dealings with Yu En, Liu Bei became interested and met Du Zheng. Naturally, Du Zheng, who was already a promising talent in the Shu army, caught Liu Bei’s eye and was promoted to a key position, thus opening his path to officialdom.

“That was given by our lord, not me, so how could I use that as a substitute?”

Du Zheng is a civil official, so stationery would be good, right?

Thanks to my father, who enjoys calligraphy, there are quite a few good items at home. I can just pick one of the unused ones that looks decent.

However, when I actually met Du Zheng, he politely declined my gift.

“I have already received so much that I am ashamed to accept a gift.”

“What are you talking about? I have not given you anything.”

“To me, meeting Po-won is like silver, but meeting our lord is like gold. Even if it was not your intention, I have benefited, so how could I say no?”

He’s valuing external effects. What I did was really nothing. Thinking so, I repeatedly urged him to accept the gift, but Du Zheng steadfastly refused.

At the same time, seeing Du Zheng’s worried expression that I might take it unpleasantly, I chuckled. Why would I get angry over such a thing? Rather, I thought I should treat such an honest person even better.

Just before I withdrew my hand, Du Zheng hesitantly spoke.

“Although it’s not much of a substitute, may I recommend someone?”

“Recommend?”

“Yes. It’s absolutely not for personal gain. I heard that you prefer to employ young talents. There is a friend of mine in Ganwei County who is the same age as me or Yu En, and his virtues are deep, so he will surely be of help to you.”

Even if he recommends someone, it’s up to me to decide whether to employ them. Moreover, even if I do, what kind of significant position would I give? It’s obvious to anyone that it’s not for personal gain, even if Du Zheng didn’t say so.

If Du Zheng, who has built relationships with people like Yu En and Po-won, personally recommends someone, I would be more than welcome.

“Is that acceptable? I feel like I’m receiving another favor.”

“It’s an opportunity for my friend to do well, so how could it not be a favor?”

“Then let’s do that.”

“Thank you. First, let’s meet Po-won. We can talk about the recommendation afterward.”

Since there’s an appointment with Po-won, it’s right to postpone it. Agreeing with Du Zheng’s words, I followed him.

Zhuge Liang, who oversees the administration of Yi Province, actively employs the skilled craftsman Po-won, so Po-won is currently very busy. The time to meet him was brief.

If it weren’t for my merits at Tangqu, this meeting with him wouldn’t have been easy. Well, if I use the power of the big uncle chance…

“I’ve heard of your reputation.”

“Ah, are you Po-won?”

I was lost in thought. I quickly pulled myself together. It wouldn’t do to be rude from the first greeting.

“Yes. I am Po-won, the blacksmith.”

Po-won was the very image of a craftsman who had lived a single-minded life.

With skin darkened by constant exposure to fire, rough wrinkles carved deeply, and thick, sturdy forearms, he was the epitome of a blacksmith who had devoted his life to iron.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am General Zhang Lan of Guangwei.”

“You wanted to meet me?”

Po-won got straight to the point, skipping formalities. As someone who works with fire and iron, where any accident could happen, he was straightforward. Others might have considered it rude, but I answered comfortably.

“I saw the True Sword you made for Yu En. It’s an incredible sword.”

“Yu En? Ah, you mean Wen Ranj’s friend.”

Po-won looked at Yu En behind me, or more precisely, at the True Sword he carried on his back. Recalling the past when he made it, Po-won nodded his head.

“So, General, have you come to request a weapon?”

“It would be a lie to say I don’t have such a desire, but that’s not the main purpose.”

“What is it then?”

I recalled what I had in mind since I decided to live in the Three Kingdoms era.

Ultimately, to conquer the Central Plains, cavalry is essential. And even before that, having an excellent cavalry brigade would greatly expand the range of options.

However, in this era, cavalry brigades are the elite of the elite, and it’s nearly impossible to train them in a short time. So, should we give up? No. Humans always find a way.

And I have the future’s answer sheet.

A way to train a cavalry brigade in a short time.

That is.

“Have you heard of something called stirrups?”

Stirrups.