Chen Xi, Jia Xu, and the others were discussing how to handle the situation in Xu Province. Although "no war in winter" was generally an unwritten rule during this era, considering Cao Cao's personality, everyone, including Jia Xu, could only sigh and admit that there was a 90% chance of a battle breaking out if something happened.
"Zichuan, is there a problem with your deployment plan?" Lu Su asked, staring at Chen Xi's troop deployment map with some confusion. "This setup almost seems like you're assuming Xu Province is bound to lose. Three thousand elite troops from Danyang, with half of them being seasoned veterans from the Western Liang campaign and the rest also experienced soldiers from the suppression of the Yellow Turban Rebellion— even if Tao Gongzu is old and weak, and his generals are relying on instinct rather than strategy, it wouldn't be so disastrous as you're predicting, right?"
Liu Ye, along with others including Zhuge Liang, also stood up to examine Chen Xi's deployment plan. Their consensus was that unless Tao Qian completely lost his mind, there was no way his entire army would collapse so completely. These were battle-hardened veterans— even if they lost, they wouldn't be routed that badly.
"There's a saying, 'better safe than sorry,' Kongming. You should understand the concept of being prepared for all contingencies," Chen Xi said, looking around at everyone before finally resting his gaze on Zhuge Liang. He figured this was the only person who might side with him; the others definitely wouldn't believe him.
"Being prepared is reasonable, but it's not necessary to go this far. While you were discussing earlier, I was looking at the map as well. Based on your troop deployment, General Guan and General Zang stationed in Licheng, Military Advisor Guo, the garrison forces in western Qingzhou, the central forces under General Yu, and the naval forces along the coast— are you planning to sweep all the way to the sea within three months when spring arrives?" Zhuge Liang pointed to the map, avoiding Chen Xi's question and instead asking about something else.
"Yes," Chen Xi nodded, "That's our pre-established strategy. I'm sure someone as intelligent as you can understand why."
"In terms of manpower, you could have swept through Qingzhou this year, but you're holding back because you can't govern the area, right? You lack the necessary grain, officials, farming tools, seeds, and housing. Even if you take the land, you can't manage it, which could lead to chaos. You're planning to take the area quickly and then ensure it's stable by next spring, right?" Zhuge Liang said confidently, becoming more certain as he spoke. On the other hand, Fazheng's gaze became more malicious as he saw Zhuge Liang's confidence grow. He was already planning how to test this bright young mind and enjoy a little satisfaction from outsmarting him.
"Exactly," Fazheng said with interest. "He's right, isn't he, Zichuan? The brighter he is, the more fun it'll be to challenge him."
"Pretty much," Chen Xi nodded, smiling. "If we don't take the land, it's not our responsibility. But once we do, we have to govern it. We can't afford to support over a million people for six or seven months. That's why I'd rather open porridge kitchens to make them grateful than conquer the land only to be cursed for our trouble. But after this, we won't face this problem again. Once we fully control Qingzhou and have our strategic reserves, natural disasters won't have much of an impact on us."
Jia Xu glanced at Chen Xi with a look of understanding and seemed to feel a kinship with his pragmatic approach.
"Save yourself first before saving others. There's no point in trying to help others if you can't even help yourself," Fazheng said nonchalantly. "Besides, no one could push Zichuan into such a corner anyway."
"Yes, except for the early stages, we won't face such difficulties again. From now on, we can afford to be as benevolent and righteous as we like," Chen Xi laughed, letting go of his earlier somber tone.
Chen Xi knew that his philosophy was somewhat similar to Cao Cao's— both prioritized saving themselves before helping others. However, he couldn't accept how Cao Cao would often cross the line, using self-preservation as an excuse to harm others. Chen Xi wasn't willing to go that far.
"A noble person helps others without harming them," Zhuge Liang said nonchalantly. To him, there was nothing wrong with what Chen Xi was saying. As long as they weren't harming others to save themselves, it was still a virtuous act.
"Alright, alright, let's not dwell on this. I think I've done pretty well so far. I just hope Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping bring back plenty of cattle and horses from the northern tribes. It's a long journey, but when we launch the campaign in spring, we'll need their livestock for the summer planting season," Chen Xi waved his hand dismissively.
"Can herds of cattle really be used for farming?" Zhuge Liang asked curiously.
"As long as they're harnessed correctly," Fazheng replied casually.
"Oh," Zhuge Liang nodded, though it was unclear if he fully understood.
"Back to Xu Province. Based on your troop deployment, Zichuan, Qingzhou's campaign seems unshakable, so we'll have to rely on others for the rescue effort," Fazheng said with a smile, turning his attention to Zhuge Liang.
"I lean toward sending reinforcements. I'm from Xu Province and understand it better than you do. Tao Gongzu is indeed capable, but he's old and weak. When the time comes, the troops will likely be led by the younger generation from the aristocratic families. However, the Chen and Zhao families don't get along with Tao Gongzu, leaving only the Cao family. Cao Bao, in particular, is highly regarded by Tao Gongzu." Zhuge Liang paused at this point, meeting Fazheng's gaze. He had already noticed the unhidden malice in Fazheng's eyes.
"Cao Bao?" Fazheng, who had studied under Jia Xu, knew quite a bit about notable figures from various places. Cao Bao's name had come up several times in connection with Tao Qian. But from what they had gathered so far, Cao Bao seemed more like a scholar than a strategist.
"If it's him, wait— he just arrived!" Jia Xu started to speak but then noticed Liu Yan entering the room with a strange expression.
Everyone turned or looked up at Liu Yan. Those who understood the situation sighed inwardly. Putting Liu Yan in charge of an army— the outcome of that was all too predictable.
"Weishuo, you're back. Let me ask you something— do you think you could lead an army of 30,000 elite troops into battle?" Chen Xi asked directly.
"There's no way! If there's one thing I'm good at, it's knowing my own limitations. I can handle bragging and spreading rumors, but leading an army? No chance! Three thousand soldiers wouldn't be enough for me to lose— whose bright idea was this?" Liu Yan shook his head vigorously.