Inside Luo Castle.
Liu Bei convened a council in his command tent. Jian Yong reported, "Yuan Xi sent troops to burn all the wild grain around Luo Castle and drove all the people of Baxi Commandery and Zitong Commandery west of the Fu River. Liu Zhang is having his soldiers dig trenches along the western bank. It seems he intends to avoid battle."
Xu Shu said in alarm, "If that is so, our army is in grave danger!"
Liu Bei sighed, tears falling as he said, "So many common people have been left homeless because of me alone. This is truly my sin!"
Jian Yong said, "My lord, it is clearly the traitor Yuan Xi who is cruel and ruthless, bringing suffering upon the people of Baxi Commandery. What does it have to do with you? Please do not blame yourself for another man's crimes."
Only then did Liu Bei wipe away his tears. "Yuan Xi's actions prove that he is no benevolent ruler. The people of every province in the Central Plains have suffered under Yuan Xi's violent oppression. How could one not be heartbroken? I shall defeat that traitor, save the people from fire and water, and uphold righteousness throughout the realm!"
Xu Shu, Jian Yong, Zhao Yun, and the others all bowed. "We are willing to die in service of our lord."
Liu Bei hurriedly helped them up, then asked Xu Shu for advice. "Luo Castle has become an isolated city. The wild grain has been burned, and the army has no supplies. Liu Zhang is holding fast west of the Fu River, making it difficult for us to cross and break through. What should we do?"
Xu Shu said, "I believe that after Yuan Xi burned the wild grain and cut off our hopes, he will