Chapter 1010

Under Liu Bei's meticulous governance, his sphere of influence gradually expanded, and his clout grew daily. However, just at this moment, a new force rose quietly: Cao Cao. Using Xu Chang as his base, Cao Cao rapidly unified most of the northern regions, and his strength was already enough to rival Liu Bei.

Cao Cao's rise brought Liu Bei unprecedented pressure. He knew deeply that to continue developing in these chaotic times, he had to have a decisive showdown with Cao Cao. Thus, Liu Bei began actively preparing for war, while also searching for the best opportunity to engage Cao Cao in a final battle.

Finally, during a meeting of the feudal lords, Liu Bei and Cao Cao broke into a fierce conflict due to a territorial dispute. Both sides held their own views and refused to yield, eventually deciding to resolve the dispute with force. Liu Bei and Cao Cao each led their grand armies, unfolding a heart-stopping, massive battle across the Central Plains.

This war concerned not only the personal fates of Liu Bei and Cao Cao but also the ownership of the entire world. Therefore, both sides poured in their full strength, and the fighting was exceptionally tragic. Relying on the heroic fighting of his soldiers and his own outstanding command talent, Liu Bei fought Cao Cao to a standstill.

However, just as the war entered a stalemate, unexpected news reached Liu Bei's ears. It turned out that internal strife had broken out in Cao Cao's rear, and an important general under his command had defected, causing Cao Cao's army to fall into chaos. Liu Bei seized this opportunity, led his grand army to launch a fierce attack, and defeated Cao Cao's army in one fell swoop.

This victory was of great significance to Liu Bei. He not only defeated Cao Cao, this powerful opponent, but also seized the chance to expand his own sphere of influence, causing a major change in the world's situation. Liu Bei's reputation reached an unprecedented height because of this, and he became a true hero in people's hearts.

However, Liu Bei was not satisfied by this. He knew deeply that the world was not yet settled, and the common people were still living in deep water and scorching fire. Thus, he continued to lead his soldiers, fighting north and south, dedicated to pacifying the world. Under his efforts, Liu Bei's power grew continuously, and he eventually established the Shu Han dynasty, becoming one of the three major regimes standing in a tripod formation alongside Cao Wei and Eastern Wu.

After establishing Shu Han, Liu Bei did not stop his forward steps. He knew deeply that to truly unify the world, he still had to eliminate Cao Wei and Eastern Wu. Thus, he continued to work diligently, strengthening internal political construction, while also actively preparing for external military actions.

However, just as Liu Bei was preparing to display his grand plans, a sudden change broke his plans. That was Guan Yu losing Jingzhou and being defeated at Maicheng. This event not only made Liu Bei lose an important strategic stronghold but also made him lose his dear second brother, Guan Yu.

Guan Yu's passing was a heavy blow to Liu Bei. He knew deeply that Guan Yu's heroism and loyalty were Shu Han's precious wealth and also his own most important assistant. Therefore, he decided to personally lead the army to avenge Guan Yu, and also to take back Jingzhou, this strategic key location.

Thus, Liu Bei led his grand army, marching majestically toward Eastern Wu. However, at this critical moment, another change occurred. That was Zhang Fei's murder. It turned out that after Zhang Fei learned of Guan Yu's passing, he was overwhelmed with grief, drinking heavily all day, and was eventually killed by his subordinates after a bout of drunkenness.

Liu Bei lost two sworn brothers in succession, and his heart was overwhelmed with grief. But he also knew deeply that he could not just sink like this. He had to pull himself together and continue to lead Shu Han toward prosperity. Thus, he suppressed his grief and continued to command the grand army to march toward Eastern Wu.

However, Liu Bei's eastern expedition did not achieve the expected results. Eastern Wu's Sun Quan, relying on the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and the heroic fighting of his soldiers, successfully resisted Liu Bei's attack. Liu Bei suffered repeated setbacks in the battle and eventually had no choice but to retreat.

This failure was a heavy blow to Liu Bei. He knew deeply that although he had established the Shu Han dynasty, there was still a long way to go if he wanted to truly unify the world. Thus, he began to reflect on his strategies and decisions, searching for a new direction for development.

In his reflection, Liu Bei gradually realized that to unify the world, relying on military force alone was not enough. He had to strengthen internal political construction and improve the country's comprehensive strength. At the same time, he also had to strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries and strive for more allies and support.

However, Liu Bei knew deeply that to truly realize the grand wish of unifying the world, besides stable internal politics and clever diplomacy, he also had to have more far-reaching strategic vision and unyielding determination. He began to cultivate a new generation of generals and strategists, hoping they could become the pillars of Shu Han's future. Liu Bei paid special attention to the selection and cultivation of talent; regardless of whether they came from humble beginnings or noble families, as long as they had talent, he gave them important roles.

In this process, Zhuge Liang's role became increasingly prominent. As the Chancellor of Shu Han, Zhuge Liang was not only supernaturally wise but also loyal to Liu Bei. He proposed many visionary strategic suggestions, such as the long-term strategy of "Northern Expedition to the Central Plains to restore the Han house," as well as the diplomatic strategy of "allying with Wu to resist Cao." Liu Bei's trust in Zhuge Liang grew day by day, and the cooperation between the two became even closer.

To strengthen the power of the Northern Expedition, Liu Bei decided to personally go to the south to pacify the rebellions there and stabilize the rear. He led his grand army, endured hardships, and finally pacified the Southern Barbarian rebellion, subduing local leaders like Meng Huo, which allowed Shu Han's southern border to be stabilized. This series of victories not only strengthened Shu Han's power but also won Liu Bei more support from the people.

However, just as Liu Bei was preparing to go all out for the Northern Expedition, his body began to weaken day by day. Years of campaigning and toil made this once-heroic warrior feel unprecedented exhaustion. But he did not give up because of this; instead, he became even more determined to unify the world. Liu Bei knew that his time was running out, and he had to complete his unfinished business as soon as possible.

Under Zhuge Liang's suggestion, Liu Bei began to prepare a detailed plan for the Northern Expedition. He mobilized a large amount of troops and supplies, while also actively looking for the right timing. However, heaven did not grant his wish; just on the eve of Liu Bei's planned massive Northern Expedition, his illness suddenly worsened. Liu Bei knew he did not have much time left, but he still insisted on seeing Zhuge Liang and other important generals to entrust them with his final arrangements.

Before his sickbed, Liu Bei said to Zhuge Liang: "Kongming, my greatest wish in this life is to be able to unify the world and restore the glory of the Han house. However, I know I can no longer complete this mission. After I die, the future of Shu Han is entrusted to you. You must continue to lead everyone in the Northern Expedition and realize our common ideal."

Zhuge Liang was tearful; he held Liu Bei's hand tightly and said firmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will definitely do my utmost to assist the Crown Prince and complete your dying wish. As long as I have a breath left, I will definitely not give up the great cause of the Northern Expedition."

After hearing this, Liu Bei nodded with relief. He said some encouraging words to the other generals, and then closed his eyes and passed away peacefully. His passing left the entire Shu Han immersed in immense grief.