Becoming Ape and Fox, Assuming Office Under a False Name

Seeing the two of them like this, Qin Tian smiled and said:

"The so-called 'plucking chestnuts from the fire' is a common saying from my hometown."

"It is said that a monkey and a cat were very close friends. One day, they saw chestnuts roasting in a furnace and wanted to eat them."

"The monkey said to the cat, 'I want to eat those chestnuts, but the fire is too fierce; I cannot reach them. You, brother, are naturally nimble and could surely retrieve them.'"

"The cat, wishing to show off its ability, reached into the fire with its paw. After several attempts, it successfully pulled out a chestnut."

"The monkey seized the chance to snatch it up and praised the cat for its skill. The cat, believing him, reached in again and again. Its paws were scorched bald by the flames, yet every single chestnut ended up in the monkey's mouth!"

"This is the origin of the idiom 'plucking chestnuts from the fire'!"

Hearing this story, Liu Bei seemed lost in thought and said:

"This analogy is truly clever. If that is the case, the monkey's actions were quite unrighteous. Though the cat suffered and got nothing to eat, it was also asking for trouble. For two friends to act this way, it is quite the irony!"

Xu Shu, having listened, smiled slightly and said:

"My Lord, Zixuan's analogy corresponds perfectly to the current situation!"

"If we follow Zixuan's words, Yuan Shu is the chestnut in the fire!"

"If our army wishes to eat the chestnut, we must play the role of the monkey. Only by doing so can we obtain the prize!"

Having said this, he turned his head to look at Qin Tian and asked:

"I wonder if this is what Zixuan intended?"

"Exactly so. Our army's desire to take Huainan is precisely like plucking chestnuts from the fire!"

Qin Tian nodded, then turned to look at Liu Bei and said:

"My Lord, do not think the monkey despicable."

"You must understand that the great trend of the world is vast and mighty; all come for profit, and all go for profit."

"With the warlords of the Kanto region standing side by side, if we wish to restore the Han Dynasty, they are all enemies of our army."

"Therefore, this strategy of plucking chestnuts from the fire is to borrow the strength of our enemies to help our army establish a foundation. Without this, it would be difficult for us to seize all of Huainan!"

Seeing this, Liu Bei shook his head and smiled:

"Sir, rest assured. Since I heard your warnings that day, I have understood what true righteousness is."

"If it is for the sake of the people of the world, what do I have to fear?"

To be honest, compared to Old Cao, Liu Bei was constantly growing.

Cao Cao was the typical protagonist who started at the maximum level.

Whether in military strategy or political maneuvering, he was among the best in the late Han Dynasty.

In comparison, Liu Bei had been growing steadily since he first raised his army, moving from a commoner to his current position through war and political intrigue.

Almost every moment, he was absorbing the experience necessary to become a hegemon.

Especially after his meeting with Qin Tian half a month ago, he had suddenly awakened; the reason he had drifted until now was that he had not clearly defined his ultimate goal.

Now that he had clarified it, his heart became increasingly resolute!

Thus, he seized the momentum and asked:

"Since Yuan Shu is the chestnut and our army is the monkey, I wonder who can play the role of the cat?"

When the subject of the cat came up, Qin Tian smiled leisurely:

"Cao Cao, Lu Bu, and Sun Ce could all serve as the cat!"

"Our army's current priority lies in waiting for the right moment to act and guiding the situation to our advantage!"

"Yuan Shu has just declared himself emperor, recruiting soldiers and buying horses, intending to wage war in all directions."

"Our army's advantage lies in the fact that we hold only a tiny piece of land and lack both men and grain; Yuan Shu will certainly not take us seriously."

"Therefore, Yuan Shu's next target will surely be one of the three: Cao Cao, Lu Bu, or Sun Ce!"

"What our army must do is to ally with one of the three, continuously participate in the campaigns against Yuan Shu, and by doing so, seize cities and land to gradually expand our advantage!"

"This is also the reason why I cannot take the position of military advisor!"

"Though I, Tian, lack great talent, I have some undeserved reputation. If I were to take the post of military advisor, it would surely ruin the grand plan!"

"Therefore, only by assuming a pseudonym can I assist you in achieving your goals!"

"So that is it. Sir, your considerations are thorough; I am truly no match for you!"

After hearing the explanation, Liu Bei could not help but admire Qin Tian's meticulous mind even more; he had considered the subsequent implications before even stepping out of seclusion.

But this also made him increasingly delighted.

Because if Qin Tian had considered even such minor details, it was clear that he must have a comprehensive plan for seizing Huainan!

The more he thought about it, the more he felt Qin Tian was reliable, and he couldn't help but ask again:

"I wonder what name you intend to use, Sir? Once we return, I will be able to introduce you!"

Facing Old Liu's question, Qin Tian did not reply, but instead looked at Xu Shu and asked:

"Before I adopt a pseudonym, I must ask one thing: how many people in the army currently know I am here?"

Xu Shu heard this and glanced at Liu Bei before replying:

"Because Zixuan has yet to officially enter service, for the sake of your safety, only Jian Xianhe and the two generals are aware of your presence."

"That is fortunate; there is still time to adopt a pseudonym!"

Qin Tian nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"In that case, I shall go by the name Wang He, courtesy name Ziye!"

"You must ensure that the two generals and Jian Xianhe are informed, and strictly forbid them from spreading it!"

"Otherwise, our plans will be difficult to realize!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei quickly agreed:

"That is easily done; I shall send someone to notify my second and third brothers immediately!"

Before he could finish, Xu Shu laughed:

"My Lord, why the rush?"

"Even if we are to inform them, it should wait until after the official appointment."

He looked at Qin Tian with a faint smile and said:

"Since the day is still young, why don't you accompany us back to the county office, Strategist? We can arrange the important matters there."

Liu Bei also realized this and hurriedly said to Qin Tian:

"That is exactly right. Sir, why not return to the county office with me? I shall prepare a modest banquet to welcome you."

Seeing Liu Bei remain so respectful, Qin Tian smiled:

"My Lord, there is no need for such formalities. Although I am your strategist, I am still young. Please, just call me Zixuan; do not address me as 'Sir' anymore."

Liu Bei was overjoyed to hear this. Qin Tian's words clearly indicated that his heart was set on joining them and he would not be leaving. He immediately took Qin Tian's hand and said:

"Zixuan, your words are exactly what I desire. However, you possess great talent, and I shall treat you with the courtesy due to a teacher to show my sincerity."

Seeing the two of them like this, Xu Shu laughed:

"Since Zixuan has made up his mind, we should head back to the county office to avoid any delays in our important work!"

Before Liu Bei could respond to this, Qin Tian said:

"My Lord, wait a moment. Although we are going to the county office, there is one more thing to settle. Let me give this Xu Yuanzhi a good beating first, then we can go!"

With that, he pulled his hand away and went to look for a broom; he truly wanted to give Xu Shu a thrashing.

After all, if it weren't for this guy, he could have at least rested for a while longer.

Now, this fellow was practically forcing him to work immediately, which was truly hateful!

Seeing this, Xu Shu quickly raised his hands and said:

"Zixuan, wait! If you want to beat me, you need a switch. Put that thing down, and I will go fetch one for you!"

As he spoke, he walked quickly toward the door.

"Yuanzhi, don't go to the trouble; this will do just fine!"

Seeing the lad trying to slip away, Qin Tian chased after him, brandishing the broom.

Watching the two of them play-fighting, Liu Bei sat there, unable to stop smiling.

He knew they were close friends and would never actually hurt each other.

Having gained Xu Shu first and now Qin Tian, his success was finally complete.

These two young men before him were the very key to his great ambition!

Thus, his laughter was hearty—half from genuine joy, half from the satisfaction of his success—the meaning of which was self-evident.

After the two of them had wrestled for a while, they finally settled down.

The group walked out of the residence together.

Before leaving, Qin Tian called Zhong Bo over and said:

"Go tell Zhaoji that I will not be home for dinner tonight!"

After giving his instructions, he walked out of the residence and headed toward the county office.

However, before they reached the office, a scholar hurried out. Seeing him, Liu Bei quickly stopped him:

"Xianhe, where are you going?"

The man was none other than Jian Yong.

The moment he saw Liu Bei, he gasped for breath and said:

"My Lord, you have come just in time! I was just about to go looking for you!"

"Something terrible has happened. We just received news that Yuan Shu has sent Han Yin as an envoy to form an alliance with Lu Bu, proposing a marriage between their families."

"The envoy has already arrived in Xuzhou to escort Lu Bu's daughter!"

"If Yuan Shu and Lu Bu form an alliance, how should our army respond?"

Hearing this, Liu Bei's brows knit together sharply as he looked toward Qin Tian, and Xu Shu's expression shifted as well.

They intended to seize the lands of Huainan, and Lu Bu was a major asset in that endeavor.

But if Lu Bu and Yuan Shu were to ally, the problem would become immense.

Yet, under the gazes of the two men, Qin Tian remained entirely unruffled, merely smiling as he said:

"What is meant to come has finally arrived!"

This matter was precisely one of the schemes he had prepared.

Starting now, the timing was perfect!