Liu Bei listened to the two men's discussion, his frown never easing. He interjected, "If an army of several tens of thousands all ate meat, how many cattle and sheep would that require? I fear that even every cow and sheep in Yong-Liang Region would not be enough to feed the army for a few months. Xiaozhi's idea is good, but putting it into practice is not very realistic."
Fa Zheng smiled and explained, "Your Majesty need not worry. Grain can be planted and harvested; cattle and sheep can naturally be bred and multiplied. The Qiang and Hu people of Yong-Liang Region are skilled at herding but not at farming, so we can make use of their strengths.
"Though the north bank of the Yellow River has lush grass and abundant water, years of war have driven away all herdsmen. We can now relocate some Qiang and Hu people to the grasslands. Within two years, great pastures will take shape. During that time, we can stockpile grain and make it into compressed rations. Once our preparations are complete, it will not be too late to march on Wuwei."
"So that was Xiaozhi's plan. Still, I wonder whether relocating the Qiang and Hu will be easy. If it provokes a popular uprising, the loss will outweigh the gain." Liu Bei's expression remained grave.
Pang Tong clasped his hands and offered counsel. "The general holds great prestige among the Qiang and Hu. The grazing lands of Tianshui, Longyou, and Jincheng Commanderies cannot compare with the grasslands, but we must guard against Cao Zhen sending troops to harass them, as well as those scattered Xiongnu."
"Shiyuan is absolutely right. High Plains (Guyuan) lies more than three hundred li from the Yellow River, and there is not even a decent city nearby. If enemy