As the story went, Qin Tian's scheme had led to Chen Gong's imprisonment by Lu Bu.
Chen Gui and his son were naturally astonished. They had long been at odds with Chen Gong and had wanted nothing more than to be rid of him.
However, although Lu Bu was wary of Chen Gong, he still remembered their old friendship. He might dislike the man, but he would not harm him.
Thus, the two sides had continued their open and secret struggles, trading blows back and forth.
They had never expected Liu Bei to arrive and immediately bring Chen Gong down. It had truly caught them by surprise.
Recalling what Chen Deng had said that day, and hearing Liu Bei mention his military advisor just now, Chen Gui realized that Liu Bei indeed had a remarkable man assisting him. He hurriedly asked:
"I just heard Your Excellency mention your military advisor. May I ask who he is and where he is now?"
With Chen Gong gone, Lu Bu felt somewhat at a loss. Hearing Chen Gui's question, he too shifted his mood and said:
"Indeed. I have yet to hear where Xuande found himself a military advisor. Could you invite him here so we may meet?"
Seeing everyone ask about him, Liu Bei smiled and replied:
"Allow me to inform the general: my military advisor is named Wang He, courtesy name Ziye. He is well versed in the art of war!"
"Since the army is not allowed into the city, he is waiting outside."
Lu Bu heard this and was just about to say that Liu Bei could enter the city. But then he remembered that Xiapi had been seized from Liu Bei, and feared Liu Bei might make trouble. So he smiled and said:
"Come to think of it, I have yet to make arrangements for Xuande's troops."
"I expect Xuande has come from afar without bringing provisions. I'll open the granaries and take out some tents to help Xuande set up camp outside the city!"
"As for Mr. Wang, we can invite him into the city first. One of my generals can go and take command of the troops!"
Hearing the distrust in Lu Bu's words, Liu Bei made no sign of it and simply nodded.
"Then I thank you, General!"
"I'll have Yide call my military advisor in to meet us."
With that, he rose and went outside the hall. He found Zhang Fei and gave him a few instructions, then returned to the hall.
Lu Bu watched Zhang Fei leave and only then breathed a sigh of relief.
In the past, he would never have feared Zhang Fei.
But in recent years he had neglected his training and indulged in wine and women. He was no longer the warrior he once was. He feared nothing on the battlefield, but he did worry Zhang Fei might launch a sudden attack.
Even the most skilled martial artist feared a kitchen knife.
Now that Zhang Fei had left, Lu Bu relaxed his guard and asked Liu Bei about his recent affairs. Their conversation proved quite pleasant.
Before long, someone came to report:
"My lord, the military advisor has arrived!"
The report was not directed to Lu Bu, of course, but to Liu Bei.
Hearing it, Liu Bei looked toward Lu Bu. Lu Bu smiled and said:
"Since this great talent has arrived, we should invite him in to meet us!"
After giving the order, they waited a while before a handsome scholar strode into the hall.
Qin Tian entered and saluted everyone.
"I am Wang He, courtesy name Ziye. Greetings, General Lu, and greetings to both gentlemen."
Seeing his extraordinary bearing and elegant, handsome features, Lu Bu could not help wondering where Liu Bei had recruited another such man to assist him.
Though he had crossed swords with Qin Tian, he knew only the man's name, not his face. He hurriedly said:
"Mr. Wang, there's no need for such formality. Please take the seat of honor!"
Qin Tian simply went and sat down beside Liu Bei.
Chen Gui and his son were also surprised as they looked at Qin Tian. Chen Deng in particular knew Qin Tian must have a plan in mind, but had not expected him to be so young. He could not help asking:
"You have a most extraordinary appearance, sir. May I ask where you are from?"
Qin Tian smiled as he replied:
"I am a scholar from Yanzhou. After years of study and travel, I finally left seclusion at the invitation of my lord."
"So you're from Yanzhou!"
Chen Deng seemed thoughtful.
"Yanzhou has so many outstanding talents. I'd heard that Qin Tian of Yanzhou was a prodigy, a true qilin among men. Seeing you today, I find you too are a rare talent."
When Chen Deng spoke Qin Tian's name, Old Liu's heart tightened. But Qin Tian merely laughed and said:
"Qin Tian is just an empty talker. How could he compare with me?"
"If he hadn't left so early, I'd have certainly competed with him to see who was better!"
Chen Gui heard this and whispered to Chen Deng:
"So he's just an arrogant fool."
Chen Deng frowned too, dismissing his suspicions.
Though he had never met Qin Tian, he knew him to be a modest gentleman, easygoing by nature. He was certainly not the arrogant young scholar before them.
Hearing this, Liu Bei's expression turned a little awkward. Was it really appropriate for his military advisor to denigrate himself?
But one person was immediately displeased by those words.
It was Lu Bu. He furrowed his brow and said:
"What an outrageous claim, sir. Qin Tian understands the timing of Heaven, knows the lay of the land, and has studied the art of war. What abilities do you have that you dare compare yourself to him?"
Qin Tian had once defeated him. To belittle Qin Tian was to belittle him, so of course he was unhappy.
But Qin Tian remained as unbothered as a dead pig that feared no boiling water.
"Qin Tian knows warfare, and so do I! If you haven't questioned me, how can you be sure I'm inferior to him?"
Lu Bu heard this and grew angry. In a low voice, he said:
"If you truly have such ability, then tell me: Yuan Shu is advancing now. How should we stop him?"
Chen Deng had just presented a plan, and Lu Bu already had a good idea of what to do. He wanted to use this chance to test Qin Tian.
"Defeating this army will be easy enough!"
Qin Tian shook his head with self-assurance.
"Though the enemy has tens of thousands of men, I don't consider them a threat. I also have a plan that will surely drive them back and protect our lands and people!"
Hearing this, Lu Bu looked even more contemptuous.
"What plan of yours could accomplish that?"
Liu Bei looked toward Qin Tian as well. He knew Qin Tian was acting this way on purpose.
But they had only just arrived. What plan could Qin Tian possibly have to defeat the enemy?
Qin Tian heard the question and abruptly changed tack.
"Though I have a plan, I cannot offer it for nothing. I must first have a word from the general!"
"May I ask, General: is it true that you previously promised to help our army seize Xiang County?"
Lu Bu saw Qin Tian dodging the question and waved a hand.
"Of course it's true. Once Yuan Shu has been driven back, I will muster troops to help your army seize Xiang County!"
Qin Tian continued smiling.
"Since you've given your word, I can present my plan!"
"But there is one more matter. My plan will surely defeat the enemy, but after we do, how will we divide the troops, money, and provisions? And once Xiang County is taken, who will it belong to?"
Before Lu Bu could react, Chen Gui and his son's expressions changed.
They seemed to understand: this young man wasn't simply arrogant!
He was baiting Lu Bu into dividing the spoils ahead of time!
If Chen Gong had been there, he would certainly have tried to stop him. But Chen Gong was gone, and Lu Bu was the sort of man who would count the money for the person who had just swindled him!
Chen Deng looked toward Chen Gui, who quietly shook his head.
Lu Bu noticed nothing amiss. Without a second thought, he said:
"Since your army has come to help, Xiang County should naturally belong to you. As for the spoils of this battle, the two of us can split them evenly!"
At last, a smile appeared on Liu Bei's face.
Qin Tian had achieved his purpose. He grinned and said:
"I've long heard that the general is a generous man. Now that I've met you, I see the stories were true!"
After Qin Tian's praise, Lu Bu's expression softened somewhat, but he still said:
"Enough idle talk. What is your plan?"
Qin Tian smiled leisurely.
"The plan is simple enough. I've heard that four men command the invading army: Zhang Xun at the head, with Qiao Rui as his deputy, while Han Xian and Yang Feng each command their own forces. Now they're joining together to attack Xiapi."
"Han Xian and Yang Feng are not valued by Yuan Shu, so they must be resentful!"
"We can send an envoy to persuade them to act as our inside men."
"Once they agree, Marquis Wen can divide our forces into three routes with my army. Marquis Wen will lead one force through the front camp, my army will attack from the rear camp, and we will send another force to lie in ambush outside and round up the fleeing soldiers!"
"Then Zhang Xun's forces will fall into disarray, and we will surely defeat them!"
Having said this, he looked at Lu Bu with a smile.
"What do you think of this plan, Marquis Wen?"
By this point, Liu Bei could not help praising him.
"This plan is excellent!"
But Lu Bu and Chen Gui and his son all changed expression.
Qin Tian's plan was nearly identical to the one Chen Deng had just proposed!
The only difference was that Chen Deng had given the main outline, while Qin Tian had laid out the entire plan!
Lu Bu's expression shifted. He could not help thinking:
"Does this man truly have such talent?"
Their surprise was their own affair. Qin Tian pressed Lu Bu for an answer.
"General, do you think this plan is feasible?"
Lu Bu's face took on a troubled look.
"So you really are a man of great talent, sir. I beg your pardon."
He suddenly realized something was wrong!
He had already known this plan. If he took the lead in carrying it out, Liu Bei would only be assisting him, and he would at most have to provide some money and provisions!
But now he would have to honor Qin Tian's words and split the spoils evenly!
Though the battle had not even begun, he already felt as if he had lost out.
He looked at Qin Tian, puzzled. Why did this young man seem so uncanny?
Thinking this, he turned to Liu Bei and said:
"Yuanlong just presented this very plan to me. I never expected you, sir, to have come up with the same scheme!"
Liu Bei did not know the details. Hearing this, he could not help exclaiming:
"What a coincidence! Yuanlong already proposed this plan?"
Chen Deng rose and sighed.
"I won't hide it from Your Excellency: the plan I presented is quite similar to the military advisor's."
He had only just come up with the plan himself, yet Qin Tian had thought of the same thing.
It seemed Liu Bei's military advisor was truly no ordinary man!
Amid everyone's confusion, Qin Tian smiled and seized the moment.
"It seems that men of wisdom throughout the land see things alike."
"With Yuanlong and me assisting you, what could keep our two armies from victory?"
"Why not proceed according to the plan, General? It will surely work wonders!"
Seeing Qin Tian evade the matter, Lu Bu found it difficult to take back his word. He could only say to Chen Deng:
"Since that is the case, Yuanlong, go and see to it!"
Chen Deng had no choice but to accept the order and leave.
After Chen Deng departed, Lu Bu was still gloomy inside, but he could only host a banquet for Liu Bei and the others.
That night, he also kept Liu Bei in the city as his guest.
The next day, a military report arrived: Zhang Xun had already led his troops forward, and Chen Deng had persuaded Han Xian and Yang Feng to rebel.
Lu Bu was overjoyed to hear the news. He arranged for his generals to defend the city, then led his main force to set up camp outside. He also had Liu Bei leave the city, so the two armies could form mutually supporting positions.
Thus, Liu Bei and Qin Tian left Xiapi.
Once they reached the camp, Zhang Fei came to ask what had happened. Liu Bei then told him everything that had taken place over the past two days.
Hearing it, Zhang Fei said unhappily:
"The military advisor came up with a fine plan, but didn't discuss it with our army. Instead, he went and used it with someone else!"
Liu Bei hurriedly rebuked him, but Qin Tian only smiled.
"This was also for the sake of helping our army take Xiang County!"
"Hmph, what sort of man is Lu Bu? Don't you know, military advisor?"
Zhang Fei looked disdainful.
"Do you really think that man will help our army take Xiang County?"
Seeing Zhang Fei repeatedly pick a fight, Liu Bei's face darkened. He was just about to scold him when Qin Tian stopped him and smiled at Zhang Fei.
"If General Zhang doesn't believe me, would you dare to make a wager?"
Hearing the word wager, Zhang Fei said:
"Then what do you want to wager, military advisor? And what will be the stakes?"
Qin Tian smiled as he replied:
"Our army is about to set out to take Xiang County, and first we must capture Zhang Xun!"
"Let's wager on that. If you can capture Zhang Xun, I'll grant you one favor."
"If you can't capture him, then you must grant me one favor!"
"Do you dare accept?"
Zhang Fei heard this and answered in a deep, booming voice:
"Fine, let's make the bet. But, Strategist, don't go back on your word if you lose!"
Qin Tian smiled smugly and said:
"I was afraid the general wouldn't agree!"
Zhang Fei heard him and didn't bother arguing. He strode out of the camp to get the troops ready.
Seeing Zhang Fei leave, Liu Bei sighed and said:
"Strategist, it's one thing for my third brother to act this way, but why are you playing such a childish game with him?"
Qin Tian shook his head at that.
"This is no child's game. There's no other way to deal with General Zhang!"
"Zhang Xun is a top general under Yuan Shu, both brave and resourceful. I predict General Zhang won't be able to capture him!"
"I see!"
Liu Bei smiled. So Qin Tian was confident in his plan—that was why he'd deliberately set a trap for his third brother!
It was a good thing, too. If it could make Zhang Fei admit defeat, there was no harm in it.
But after thinking it over, he grew concerned again.
"But if we're to take Xiang County, we need to capture Zhang Xun. What if my third brother can't catch him?"
"That's easy enough!"
Qin Tian paced a few steps, smiling.
"Zhang Xun may be resourceful, but he isn't quick-witted. I have a way to capture him!"
"May I ask, my lord, have you ever seen Zhang Xun?"
Liu Bei thought it over, then nodded.
"I've crossed paths with him once. If I saw him again, I'd certainly recognize him!"
"If that's the case, then the plan will succeed!"
Qin Tian looked back with a smile.
"When the battle begins, my lord can lead the troops with Shuzhi and lie in ambush on the riverbank southeast of the Yuan army's camp. Zhang Xun will certainly pass that way!"
Liu Bei was startled.
"How do you know Zhang Xun will head southeast?"
Qin Tian paced back and forth.
"It's not difficult to predict where Zhang Xun will go!"
"For this battle, I've planned for Lu Bu to break through the front camp while our army attacks the rear."
"With enemies on both sides, the only way out is through the east or west gate."
"Zhang Xun is resourceful. He knows the west gate is close to Shouchun and will fear an ambush, so he won't dare take that route. That leaves the east gate."
"From there, there are only two main roads: one north to Siwu, the other south to Xiaxiang. Zhang Xun will reason that his forces are in the south, so once he leaves the camp, he'll head south!"
"Thus, if our troops lie in wait beside the Si River to the southeast, we'll surely capture him!"
Hearing Qin Tian's deductions, Liu Bei couldn't help but admire him. Before the battle had even begun, he'd already divined the enemy's movements so clearly. Who else could be such a strategist?
Old Liu asked no more questions. He, too, went out to prepare the troops.
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