Seize the Initiative, Anticipate the Enemy

As it happened, because of the scheme devised by Qin Tian, Chen Gong had been imprisoned by Lu Bu.

Chen Gui and his son were naturally astonished by this; they had long been at odds with Chen Gong and wished to see him removed.

However, although Lu Bu was wary of Chen Gong, he still held onto old sentiments; while he disliked the man, he would not bring himself to harm him.

Thus, the two sides had been locked in a cycle of open conflict and secret maneuvering.

It was entirely beyond their expectations that Liu Bei's arrival would be the very thing to bring Chen Gong down.

Recalling Chen Deng's words from earlier and hearing Liu Bei mention a strategist, Chen Gui realized that Liu Bei truly had a brilliant mind assisting him, so he hurriedly asked:

"Just now, I heard the Governor mention a strategist. I wonder who this person is, and where they might be?"

With Chen Gong gone, Lu Bu felt a certain emptiness in his heart. Hearing this, he shifted his mood and said:

"Indeed, I have yet to hear where Xuande found a strategist. Might you invite him here for us to meet?"

Seeing everyone asking, Liu Bei smiled and replied:

"I should let the General know, my strategist is named Wang He, courtesy name Ziye, and he is well-versed in the art of war!"

"Because the main army cannot enter the city, he is currently waiting outside the walls!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu initially wanted to offer to let Liu Bei enter the city, but then he remembered that Xiapi had been seized from Liu Bei in the first place. Fearing a sudden strike, he laughed instead:

"It occurs to me that I have yet to arrange for Xuande's troops!"

"I assume that since you have traveled from afar, you must be lacking supplies. I shall open the granaries to provide grain and have tents brought out to assist Xuande in setting up camp outside the city!"

"As for Master Wang, you may summon him into the city; just have one of your officers lead the troops!"

Sensing the lack of trust in Lu Bu's words, Liu Bei did not show it, merely nodding:

"In that case, I thank the General!"

"I shall have Yide go and summon the strategist to meet you!"

Having said this, he rose, walked out of the hall, gave a few instructions to Zhang Fei, and returned inside.

Watching Zhang Fei depart, Lu Bu finally let out a sigh of relief.

Had this been in the past, he certainly would not have feared Zhang Fei.

But in recent years, he had grown lax in his training and indulged in wine and women; he was no longer the warrior he once was. He did not fear a formal battle, but he was terrified of Zhang Fei launching a surprise attack on him.

Truly, no matter how high one's skill, one still fears a kitchen knife.

Now that Zhang Fei was gone, he relaxed his guard and began to ask about Liu Bei's recent circumstances, and the two chatted quite pleasantly.

Before long, a man came to report:

"My Lord, the strategist has arrived!"

These words were not spoken by Lu Bu, but were a report addressed to Liu Bei.

Hearing this, Liu Bei looked toward Lu Bu, who smiled and said:

"Since such a great talent has arrived, we should invite him in to meet!"

After he gave the order, they waited a while longer before a handsome scholar stepped into the hall.

Qin Tian walked into the hall and bowed to the assembly:

"This Humble One is Wang He, courtesy name Ziye. I pay my respects to General Lu and the two gentlemen."

Seeing his extraordinary bearing and elegant, refined appearance, Lu Bu could not help but wonder to himself where Liu Bei had recruited such a person to assist him.

Although he had crossed paths with Qin Tian before, he knew only the name, not the face, so he hurriedly said:

"Master, there is no need for such formalities. Please, take a seat!"

Seeing this, Qin Tian walked over to Liu Bei's side and sat down of his own accord.

Chen Gui and his son looked at Qin Tian with surprise, especially Chen Deng, who knew that Qin Tian must have had a plan, but did not expect him to be so young. He could not help but ask:

"I see that you possess an extraordinary appearance, Master, but may I ask where you are from?"

Qin Tian smiled and replied:

"I am a scholar from Yanzhou. After years of diligent study and traveling to learn, I was invited by the Illustrious Lord to emerge from seclusion!"

"So you are from Yanzhou!"

Chen Deng said, appearing thoughtful:

"How many brilliant talents Yanzhou produces! I once heard that Qin Tian of Yanzhou was a talent of the Qilin class; seeing you today, Master, you are also a rare and exceptional talent!"

Hearing Chen Deng mention the name Qin Tian, Liu Bei felt a jolt of tension, but Qin Tian merely laughed:

"That brat Qin Tian is nothing but a man of empty talk! How could he compare to me?"

"Had he not left early, I would certainly have crossed swords with him to see who is superior!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Gui whispered to Chen Deng:

"So, he is merely an arrogant fool!"

Chen Deng frowned, dismissing the thoughts he had just entertained.

Although he had never met Qin Tian, he knew him to be a humble gentleman, easygoing by nature, and certainly not the wild, arrogant scholar currently standing before him.

Liu Bei heard this and his expression turned somewhat unnatural; for a strategist to belittle himself like this, was that really appropriate?

However, one person grew immediately dissatisfied upon hearing these words.

This person was none other than Lu Bu, who frowned and said:

"Sir, how can you be so arrogant? That Qin Tian understands the timing of heaven, knows the advantages of the terrain, and is well-versed in military strategy. What ability do you possess that dares you to compare yourself to Qin Tian?"

He had been defeated by Qin Tian once before; for others to belittle Qin Tian was to belittle him, and he was naturally displeased.

Yet Qin Tian remained as unbothered as a dead pig that fears no boiling water, saying:

"Qin Tian knows military strategy, and I also know military strategy! If the General does not ask, how can you be certain I am inferior to Qin Tian?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu's temper flared, and he said in a deep voice:

"Since you have such ability, tell me then: now that Yuan Shu is advancing his troops, how should we block him?"

Having just heard Chen Deng's proposal, he already had a baseline in his mind and wanted to use this opportunity to test Qin Tian.

"To defeat this army is easy!"

Qin Tian shook his head and swayed his body, saying:

"Although the enemy has tens of thousands, they do not catch my eye. I have a plan that can guarantee the retreat of the enemy army and secure the borders to pacify the people!"

Lu Bu heard this, his expression growing even more disdainful as he said:

"What plan do you have to accomplish this?"

Liu Bei listened, also looking toward Qin Tian; he knew that Qin Tian was acting this way on purpose.

But they had only just arrived—what strategy could Qin Tian possibly have to defeat the enemy?

Yet, as Qin Tian listened, he shifted the tone of his conversation:

"Although I have a plan, I cannot offer it for free. I must first have the General's word!"

"Dare I ask, General, is it true that you previously promised to assist our army in capturing Xiang County?"

Seeing Qin Tian beating around the bush, Lu Bu waved his hand and said:

"Naturally, it is true. Once Yuan Shu is repelled, I shall mobilize my troops to assist your army in taking Xiang County!"

Qin Tian continued to smile:

"With that promise, this plan can be offered!"

"However, there is one more thing. My plan will certainly crush the enemy, but I ask: after the General uses my strategy to defeat the enemy, how shall the troops, money, and grain be distributed? And once Xiang County is captured, to whom shall it belong?"

As soon as he said this, before Lu Bu could react, the expressions of Chen Gui and his son changed.

They seemed to realize that this young man was not merely arrogant!

He was inducing Lu Bu to divide the spoils in advance!

If Chen Gong were here, he would certainly have dissuaded him, but with Chen Gong absent, Lu Bu would likely help someone count the money even after being sold!

Chen Deng immediately looked at Chen Gui, only to see Chen Gui shake his head imperceptibly.

Lu Bu, however, failed to notice anything unusual and said without a second thought:

"Since your army has come to assist, Xiang County shall naturally belong to your army. As for what is gained in this battle, our two houses can split it equally!"

Liu Bei heard this, and a smile finally appeared on his face.

Having achieved his goal, Qin Tian grinned and said:

"I have long heard that the General is a man of heroic spirit; seeing you today, it is indeed so!"

Praised by Qin Tian, Lu Bu's expression cleared slightly, but he still said:

"Enough idle talk, what is your plan?"

Hearing this, Qin Tian smiled leisurely:

"This plan is simple to state. I have heard that the invading army is led by four men: Zhang Xun as the commander, Qiao Rui as the deputy, and Han Xian and Yang Feng each leading their own divisions. They are now converging to attack Xiapi."

"Since Han Xian and Yang Feng are not valued by Yuan Shu, they must be dissatisfied in their hearts!"

"We can send an envoy to persuade them to act as our inside agents."

"Once they agree, Marquis Wen can divide our forces into three routes. You shall lead one force to strike from the front camp, our army will strike from the rear camp, and we shall send another force to lie in ambush outside to round up the fleeing soldiers!"

"In this way, Zhang Xun will surely fall into chaos and be defeated by our forces!"

Having said this much, he looked at Lu Bu and smiled:

"I wonder what Marquis Wen thinks of this plan?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei could not help but praise:

"This plan is excellent!"

But Lu Bu and the father-son duo of Chen Gui all had their expressions change.

This was because the strategy Qin Tian had just proposed was not much different from the one Chen Deng had offered moments ago!

The only difference was that Chen Deng had only outlined the main framework, while Qin Tian had laid out the entire comprehensive plan.

Lu Bu's expression shifted instantly, and he could not help but think to himself:

Does this man truly possess such talent?

But while their surprise was their own business, Qin Tian urged Lu Bu, saying:

"I wonder, General, do you think this plan is feasible?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu looked troubled and said:

"So, Sir truly possesses great talent. My apologies, my apologies!"

He suddenly realized something was wrong!

He had known of this strategy all along; if he were to lead the operation, Liu Bei would merely be providing support, and at most, he would only need to provide some money and grain!

But now, if he agreed to Qin Tian's words, he would have to split the spoils equally!

Although the battle had not yet begun, he felt as if he were already losing out.

For a moment, he looked at Qin Tian, feeling a bit strange—how was this kid so uncanny?

With that thought, he looked at Liu Bei and said:

"Yuanlong just offered me this same strategy; I did not expect you, Sir, to have the exact same plan!"

Liu Bei did not know the details, and upon hearing this, he exclaimed in surprise:

"Is it really such a coincidence that Yuanlong just proposed this plan?"

Seeing this, Chen Deng also stood up and sighed:

"To be honest with you, Envoy, the plan I offered is quite similar to the one the strategist has proposed!"

He had only just thought of this strategy himself, and he had not expected Qin Tian to be able to think of it as well.

It was clear that this strategist of Liu Bei's was truly no simple man!

Amidst the confusion of the others, Qin Tian took the opportunity to smile and say:

"It seems that great minds in this world think alike."

"With both Yuanlong and myself assisting, why should our two armies worry about not winning?"

"General, you might as well act according to the plan; it will surely have miraculous results!"

Seeing Qin Tian avoid the topic, Lu Bu found it difficult to go back on his word and could only say to Chen Deng:

"Since that is the case, Yuanlong, go ahead!"

Chen Deng had no choice but to accept the order and depart!

Following Chen Deng's departure, although Lu Bu was feeling sullen, he had no choice but to host a banquet to entertain Liu Bei and his party.

That night, he had Liu Bei stay in the city.

A day passed, and military reports arrived stating that Zhang Xun had already led his troops forward, and that Chen Deng had successfully persuaded Han Xian and Yang Feng to rebel.

Upon hearing this news, Lu Bu was overjoyed; he arranged for his generals to guard the city while he led his main force to set up camp outside, and he ordered Liu Bei to move out of the city to form a pincer formation.

Thus, Liu Bei and Qin Tian departed from Xiapi.

Upon arriving at the military camp, Zhang Fei came to ask about the situation, so Liu Bei recounted everything that had happened over the past two days.

Hearing this, Zhang Fei said unhappily:

"The strategist has a good plan, yet he doesn't use it for our own army, but instead uses it for others!"

Liu Bei hurriedly scolded him, but Qin Tian laughed and said:

"This is also for the sake of our army capturing Xiang County!"

"Hmph, does the strategist not know what kind of person Lu Bu is?"

Zhang Fei said with a look of disdain:

"Do you really think this man will help our army capture Xiang County?"

Seeing Zhang Fei repeatedly causing trouble, Liu Bei looked displeased and was about to scold him, but Qin Tian stopped Liu Bei and said to Zhang Fei with a smile:

"General Zhang, if you do not believe me, dare you make a wager with me?"

Upon hearing the word wager, Zhang Fei said:

"I do not know how the strategist wishes to bet, or what the stakes are?"

Qin Tian replied with a smile:

"Our army is about to march to take Xiang County, and we must first capture Zhang Xun!"

"Why don't we bet on this: if you, General, can capture Zhang Xun, I will grant you one request."

"If you, General, cannot capture Zhang Xun, then you shall grant me one request!"

"I wonder, General, do you dare to accept?"

Zhang Fei heard this and replied in a muffled, booming voice:

"A bet is a bet, but don't go back on your word if you lose, Strategist!"

Qin Tian smiled with self-assurance:

"I was worried you wouldn't agree, General!"

Zhang Fei did not argue further; he strode out of the camp to prepare his troops.

Seeing Zhang Fei depart, Liu Bei sighed:

"Strategist, it is one thing for my third brother to be like this, but why must you indulge him in such childish games?"

Hearing this, Qin Tian shook his head:

"This is no childish game; without this, there is no way to manage the Third General!"

"That Zhang Xun is a top general under Yuan Shu, possessing both courage and strategy. I predict General Zhang will certainly fail to capture him!"

"So that is how it is!"

Liu Bei smiled upon hearing this. It turned out Qin Tian was confident, which was why he had specifically dug a pit for his third brother!

This was a good thing; if it could make Zhang Fei truly convinced, there was no harm in it.

However, after thinking it over carefully, he worriedly asked:

"But if we must take Xiang County, we must capture Zhang Xun. What if my third brother fails to do so?"

"That is easily solved!"

Qin Tian stepped forward with a smile:

"Though Zhang Xun has strategy, he lacks agility. I have my own way to capture him!"

"May I ask, My Lord, have you ever met Zhang Xun in person?"

Liu Bei thought for a moment and nodded:

"I have indeed met him once. If I see him, I will certainly recognize him!"

"If that is the case, the plan is set!"

Qin Tian turned back and smiled:

"When the battle begins, My Lord, you may lead your troops and Shuzhi to lie in ambush on the southeast riverbank of the Yuan army camp. Zhang Xun will surely pass by there!"

Liu Bei was startled and asked:

"How does the Strategist know Zhang Xun will surely head southeast?"

Qin Tian paced back and forth:

"Predicting Zhang Xun's route is actually not difficult!"

"Because I have planned for Lu Bu to break in from the front camp, while our army strikes the rear camp."

"With enemies at the front and rear, only the east and west gates remain."

"Zhang Xun is a man of strategy; knowing the west gate leads toward Shouchun, he will fear an ambush and dare not go that way. Thus, he will surely flee through the east gate."

"From there, heading east, there are only two main roads: one north to Siwu, and one south to Xiang. Considering his own troops are to the south, once he leaves the camp, he will certainly head south!"

"Therefore, if our army lies in ambush by the Si River to the southeast, we will surely capture him!"

Hearing Qin Tian's deduction, Liu Bei could not help but marvel. To have the enemy's movements clearly mapped out before the battle had even begun—who else but his strategist could do such a thing?

Without further questions, Liu Bei departed to prepare his troops.