♂?，，

  Liu Qi's long sigh represented his unwilling acceptance of the reality before him.

  Liu Feng let out a silent sigh and shifted his gaze to Xu Shu: "Mr. Yuan, since Father has decided to follow the Wu army to Red Cliff, what arrangements does he have for us?"

  The cold atmosphere was broken, and Xushu suddenly remembered something. He hastily said: "Everything else remains the same, but I suggest to our lord that the eldest son lead a branch of infantry from Xiakou westward, advancing to station in the area of Lushan north of the Yangtze River."

  "Let me lead troops to Lushan?" Liu Feng was somewhat surprised at Xu Shu's suggestion.

  Xu Shu stood up and pointed to the map hanging on the screen: "Lushan and Wulin are both located on the north bank of the Yangtze River, about 100 miles apart from Wulin. Although the terrain is not particularly treacherous, due to its proximity to Yunmeng Marsh, the roads along the river from Wulin to Lushan are mostly muddy and difficult to traverse. The Cao army will basically not advance in this direction."

  Earlier, Liu Feng had thought that Xu Shu wanted him to lead his troops to confront Cao Cao's main force, which had shocked him. However, after hearing this analysis, it seemed that this deployment was actually meaningless, and he let out a sigh of relief.

  Xu Shou saw that he was somewhat unconvinced, and smiled: "This task may be easy, but its significance is extremely important. Even the young master cannot underestimate it."

  Liu Feng was taken aback and gazed at the map, thinking carefully again. Indeed, he saw some clues: "Sir, this route of advancing troops, isn't it related to the Battle of Red Cliffs?"

  "Heh heh, it's about right. Although the lord followed Zhou Yu to Red Cliff, there weren't many soldiers and horses by his side. This way, thinking of sharing credit after the fact is a bit unreasonable. So we need to station some troops at Lu Shan, nominally to fight alongside Wu's army, attacking Cao's forces from both land and water at Wulin. Even if we don't engage in battle, later on we can say that we restrained Cao's forces from land, making it more reasonable for the lord to share credit."

  So it turns out that Liu Bei's play is really enough, and it seems that he has made up his mind to let the Wu people be the scapegoats.

  "It seems that this errand is a good one, not having to participate in bloody battles or take risks, and can still reap the rewards of participating in the Battle of Red Cliffs. Why would Xu Shu give me such a good opportunity?"

  Liu Feng shifted his gaze away, and Xu Shu's mouth corners slightly rose, giving him a subtle smile. Liu Feng suddenly understood that Xu Shu was grateful for his kindness in saving his mother and wanted to take this opportunity to let him achieve meritorious deeds as a way of repayment.

  Xu Shou's sincerity really moved Liu Feng, but he couldn't help but smile wryly in his heart: Knowing the favor and repaying it, Xu Shou indeed has a heroic spirit, unfortunately, he doesn't understand my difficulties.

  The unspoken secret in his heart could not be told to Xu Shuming, so Liu Feng had no choice but to say generously: "Since father has ordered it, I will naturally do my best. However, there are not many troops under my command, will father give me more troops?"

  Xu Shu's face showed a look of difficulty: "Our army's soldiers and horses are already few in number, now we have to confront the northern route of Cao's army, and also defend Xiakou, it's hard to withdraw more troops. The lord thought that the several thousand soldiers under Zi De Gongzi were used to monitor Wu people all the time, which seemed a bit wasteful, so the lord wondered if...

  As soon as Liu Feng heard this, he understood that his father was indeed being very ruthless to his good nephew Liu Qi. Previously, through Xu Shu's plan, they had gradually stripped away Liu Qi's troops, leaving him with only two or three thousand soldiers. Now, taking advantage of the situation, they were going to make another move against Liu Qi.

  "Then I'll just transfer the 500 elite soldiers from my central army to Afeng, anyway before the end of the great war, I don't think Wu will betray us, and it's a waste for these troops to be idle."

  What surprised Liu Feng even more was that Liu Qi's reaction was unexpectedly a straightforward and resolute consent, without waiting for Xu Shu to finish speaking, and he even generously handed over his central army to him.

  Xu Shu's eyes flashed with a hint of complacency, while Liu Feng felt somewhat uneasy in his heart: "Brother, it would be enough to give me the troops and horses, why must you also give me your personal army?"

  Liu Qi patted his shoulder and smiled: "This time going to Lu Shan, although it's just a feint, after all, we still need to be on guard. Although my 500 elite soldiers are not as good as Uncle's trained troops, they are all strong and healthy men. With them protecting Ah Feng, I can rest assured."

  Liu Qi, who was completely unaware of the inside story, had actually thought this way for him at this time. At this moment, a strong warmth arose in Liu Feng's heart.

  Xu Shou's eyes also flashed a complex expression, surprise, regret, and perhaps a little unease.

  However, the ripples that stirred in his heart instantly subsided, and Xushu nodded and said: "Zide Gongzi is indeed broad-minded and it's truly rare to find someone like you; this intention of yours, Gongzi shouldn't refuse anymore."

  Xu Shu made a face at Liu Qi from behind him, and Liu Feng had to say: "Alright then, thanks brother."

  "These five hundred soldiers may be few, but after the young master sets up camp, we can plant more flags and banners to create a false impression, making Cao's army dare not underestimate us. At the same time, it is also for the benefit of the people of Wu to see, letting them think that we have made a big investment."

  "I understand, but I don't know when we'll set off." This was a common sense that Liu Feng still had in his heart.

  "I estimate that by the latest tomorrow, Wu's army will engage with Cao's army at Red Cliff. The young master can set out a bit later, but it's best to depart within three to five days."

  After a meeting on the river, the cooperation plan between Sun and Liu was finalized. On that day, Liu Bei passed by Xia Kou without entering, and after noon, he continued to sail upstream with the Wu army fleet. In Xia Kou, Xu Shu immediately conveyed Liu Bei's latest order to Guan Yu in the upper reaches of the Han River, as well as to the civil and military officials in Jiangxia, and immediately launched pre-war mobilization work.

  Xia Kou City, the government office of the governor.

  In the great hall, people were coming and going constantly. In front of the red desk, Zou Yun was bent over, writing instructions on official documents one by one.

  Ten days ago, on Xu Shu's recommendation, Mi Zhu was appointed as the Recorder of Jiangxia by Liu Qi. Now that Liu Bei is away and Zhuge Liang is still in Chaisang, while Xu Shu is busy with military affairs in the north, all sorts of administrative tasks in this commandery are basically handled by Mi Zhu alone.

  The most important thing now is to provide grain and military supplies for the 20,000 troops in Jiangxia. These tasks are all very familiar to him, as a merchant by origin, managing and handling money and grain was originally his strong point, since following Liu Bei in Xuzhou, he has been taking care of this work for Liu Bei.

  He had just finished reviewing a document when the sound of heavy footsteps echoed outside, and someone walked in. Zou thought it was another official coming to present a document, but as he looked up, his expression suddenly turned serious.

  The person who came in was his younger brother Mao Fang, still holding a clay pot in his arms.

  "Let's go down first, don't disturb me without my summons." Zou Zhuang sent all the attendants away, got up and closed the doors and windows of the main hall, stared at his dusty younger brother and asked in a low voice: "Has Xiaomei's body been found?"

  Bang!

  A dull thud, and the gloomy-looking Mei Fang placed the ceramic jar from her bosom onto the red sandalwood table. Her dry lips moved slightly as she silently spat out three words: "It's here."

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