Chapter 1432: Everything Depends on You

Inside the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting Liu Bei's firm and unyielding face. He looked around; every pair of eyes was filled with longing and determination for the future, but also mixed with a trace of imperceptible worry. Liu Bei knew deeply that this battle not only concerned the destiny of the land of Jiangnan but was also the turning point of his lifelong hegemony.

"Kongming," Liu Bei turned to Zhuge Liang, his tone carrying a trace of solemnity. "What good plan do you have?"

Zhuge Liang gently shook his feather fan and said slowly, "My lord, Cao Cao has many soldiers and generals; we cannot contend with force, only with wisdom. I have a plan: we can first transfer the troops of Jingzhou to Yizhou, superficially strengthening Yizhou's defense, but in reality, secretly crossing the Chen Cang, borrowing the path from Hanzhong to strike directly at Xu Chang, catching Cao Cao off guard."

Liu Bei heard this, a flash of light appearing in his eyes, but it quickly dimmed. "Although this plan is clever, the risk is huge. If Cao Cao discovers it in advance, or if Hanzhong does not lend the path, our army will fall into a dangerous situation."

"Exactly," Zhuge Liang nodded. "But this is a plan to decide the battle quickly, which can avoid a long-term war of attrition that is unfavorable to our side. And Cao Cao also has worries in the north; if we can unite with warlords in the northwest like Ma Chao and Han Sui to jointly attack Cao Cao, the chance of winning will greatly increase."

The generals discussed it after hearing this; some agreed, and some were worried. Liu Bei was silent for a moment, finally patting the table, decisively saying, "Good! We will follow Kongming's plan. I have made up my mind; starting from today, mobilize troops and generals, preparing to set out on an expedition."

Following Liu Bei's order, both Jingzhou and Yizhou acted quickly. The army began to assemble, grain and supplies were prepared, and spies were sent to various places to scout for intelligence; a campaign of unprecedented scale was about to unfold.

However, just as the main army was about to set out, Liu Bei suddenly received an urgent report from Jingzhou—Sun Quan was seriously ill, the political situation in Dongwu was turbulent, and signs of division had appeared internally. This sudden change caught Liu Bei off guard; he knew deeply that if Dongwu changed at this time, it would not only affect the overall situation of opposing Cao but might also let Cao Cao take the opportunity to head south and swallow the land of Jiangnan in one fell swoop.

Liu Bei urgently summoned the generals to discuss; the atmosphere in the study was solemn, and everyone felt unprecedented pressure.

"My lord," Guan Yu stepped forward. "I am willing to lead troops to head to Jingzhou to help Sun Quan stabilize the situation, to ensure that the great cause of opposing Cao is not affected."

Liu Bei looked at Guan Yu, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He knew that Guan Yu going this time meant he would have to face more unknowns and challenges, but in the current situation, it was indeed necessary for someone to go to stabilize Dongwu.

"Yunchang, be sure to be careful on this trip. Remember, our goal is common; we must ensure Sun Quan is safe and Dongwu is not chaotic." Liu Bei said earnestly.

Guan Yu took the order and left, while Liu Bei continued to prepare for the war against Cao. However, as time passed, the news from the front line became increasingly pessimistic. Borrowing the path from Hanzhong was blocked, and warlords in the northwest like Ma Chao and Han Sui had ambiguous attitudes, delaying in expressing their stance. At the same time, Cao Cao also seemed to have sensed Liu Bei's intention, beginning to strengthen defenses around Xu Chang and sending a main army to guard key passages.

Liu Bei was in the study, unable to sleep at night, spending every day in anxiety. He began to doubt whether his decision was correct, whether he was too impatient, and whether he should have waited for a better opportunity. However, whenever this happened, he would think of his own mission, think of those common people longing for a peaceful life, and think of the irreconcilable hatred for Cao Cao. ===== CHAPTER 1433 =====