Hearing Chen Caozhi declare so confidently that news of Murong Ke's withdrawal would arrive within half a month, Tian Luo dared neither disbelieve him nor place complete faith in him. Although Murong Ke had failed to take Pufan, popular sentiment in Guanzhong remained unsettled after the Rebellion of the Four Fus, making this a good time to wage war. With eighty thousand troops already across the river, why would he withdraw so readily? Yet Chen Caozhi was a brilliant young man whom Huan Wen relied upon as his right and left arms, praised throughout Jiangzuo as having the talents of a king's chief minister. Since he dared state so firmly that Murong Ke would withdraw, he presumably had grounds for it. Besides, half a month was not far off; they would know then-
Tian Luo said, "Sima Chen, you have come a long way. Why not stay a few days in my humble fortified manor before we discuss rebuilding the North Mansion Army?"
Chen Caozhi smiled faintly. Tian Luo wanted to see whether his prediction would come true. He replied, "I still have other fortified manors to visit to discuss the great undertaking of raising an army. I fear I cannot stay here long."
Tian Luo had made up his mind. If Murong Ke really withdrew as Chen Caozhi predicted, he would accept the court's appointment and lead his men into the North Mansion Army. Naturally, he also had certain conditions. But if Chen Caozhi was merely talking through his hat, he would rather hold his position and watch, waiting for circumstances to change-
Tian Luo smiled. "There are five great fortified manors in Jianghuai: those of the Dai, Cai, Guo, Wei, and Tian clans. The Dai live in Xiao County, Linhuai Commandery, and the Guo in Xiang County, Pei