Three Kingdoms, Myth

"Wenhe, are you sure this plan will work?" Chen Xi asked as he reviewed Jia Xu's strategy with some concern.

"Aren't you busy with disease prevention and disaster relief? What brings you here?" Jia Xu was puzzled by Chen Xi's sudden arrival. He thought Chen Xi was handling logistics and rear-line operations, so why did he suddenly show up?

"I came to request a transfer order from Lord Xuande. The weather has warmed up after the spring, and there's been a small outbreak of plague. I'm preparing to dispatch troops for quarantine and treatment. Physician Hua is already on the scene, and according to him, the situation should be manageable," Chen Xi sighed. Although they had anticipated this, it was still disheartening to see people die from the disease.

"Hua Tuo can control the plague?" Jia Xu was initially alarmed at the mention of a plague. Such diseases were deadly, and when they spread, they could wipe out entire counties or even regions. However, upon hearing that Hua Tuo could control it, Jia Xu was stunned.

"If he couldn't, why would I bring him here? However, he's only one person, and the biggest problem with plagues is that people tend to flee and spread the infection. I'm planning to quarantine the areas around Langya where the plague has broken out," Chen Xi explained with a sigh. In this era, once a plague broke out, the only solution was often relocation, which only caused the disease to spread further.

Jia Xu's pupils contracted slightly. "Zichuan, are you sure you're not just planning to burn the infected areas to the ground and cut your losses?"

"Don't say such things. It's not that serious. I found that our soldiers are in good health, and even in infected areas, they're unlikely to catch the disease as long as they avoid contaminated food and water. That's why I'm here to request a troop transfer. If possible, resolve the situation with Cao Cao quickly—I have a bad feeling about this," Chen Xi said with a frown.

"A bad feeling?" Jia Xu also frowned, contemplating the situation.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking it," Chen Xi sighed. "More people die from disease than from battle. But thankfully, we discovered it early, and no major issues have arisen. We have plenty of medicinal herbs, so as long as Hua Tuo prepares the necessary remedies, we should be fine."

"That's good to hear. Our focus has always been on the prosperous lands of Xuzhou. I'd hate to see Lord Xuande inherit a ruined Xuzhou because of this plague," Jia Xu said, nodding.

"Yes, but be cautious. Xun You and Cheng Yu are not easy opponents," Chen Xi reminded Jia Xu before heading off to find Liu Bei.

Jia Xu watched Chen Xi leave and silently reflected.

"Lord Xuande," Chen Xi called out to Liu Bei, who was busy inspecting supplies.

"Zichuan, what brings you here?" Liu Bei asked curiously.

"There's been an outbreak of plague in the rear. I need soldiers for quarantine efforts," Chen Xi said bluntly.

"A plague in the rear!" Liu Bei was immediately alarmed.

"It's not a major plague, and if handled properly, it will be contained quickly. Physician Hua is already at the scene, and the necessary medicinal herbs have been delivered. I've also instructed everyone to only drink boiled water," Chen Xi explained with a sigh. "Please grant me the authority to transfer troops."

"Thank goodness. As long as Physician Hua can contain the plague, spare no effort in assisting him. As for the troop transfer, didn't I give you the Female Sword as a token for such matters? You can use that to transfer troops," Liu Bei said, somewhat puzzled.

The last time Chen Xi had trouble commanding the civil officials, Liu Bei had given him the Female Sword as a token of authority. Chen Xi had since forgotten about it, leaving it in his study.

"Well, I'd still prefer to have your direct authorization," Chen Xi said awkwardly. "Our regular soldiers are in good health, so they should be fine as long as they follow precautions in the plague areas. But the affected areas are extensive, so we'll need to draw more troops from Taishan for the quarantine."

"Very well," Liu Bei agreed, trusting Chen Xi to handle the plague. He handed over the necessary orders.

With the transfer orders in hand, Chen Xi rushed back. The plague around Langya was more serious than he had let on. The outbreak had escalated rapidly with the warming weather, leaving Chen Xi feeling overwhelmed. Quarantine had become essential, but fortunately, the disease seemed to have little effect on those with internal energy.

Meanwhile, after Chen Xi's departure, Liu Bei finished inspecting the supplies and prepared to march his forces towards the confluence of the Ji River and Yellow River near Pengcheng.

In just five days, Liu Bei led a vanguard of 20,000 troops, including Hua Xiong, Xu Chu, and Wu Anguo, across the Ji River. After advancing several miles, they set up camp for the night.

"Military Advisor Jia, are you sure this will work? If we lose after forming a back-to-water formation, there will be no escape!" Hua Xiong expressed his concerns as they faced the daunting task of fighting Cao Cao, who had already occupied Pengcheng.

"This battle rests on your shoulders," Jia Xu said with a smile, recalling the intelligence about the large military camp several miles outside Pengcheng.

Cao Cao wasn't foolish; he hadn't concentrated all his forces in Pengcheng. Instead, he had split his army, establishing a large camp outside the city. This allowed him to assist either the city or the camp in case of an attack, and if Liu Bei divided his forces, Cao Cao's numerical advantage would be fully displayed. While it was a good defensive strategy, Jia Xu had never intended to lay siege to the city.

"Don't worry. Just focus on your task. Lord Xuande's safety depends on you, Zhongkang, and Anguo," Jia Xu reassured him with a smile.

Jia Xu glanced at the sun, calculating the time.

"Let's head back to camp," Jia Xu said, turning away with a frustrated Hua Xiong trailing behind.

"Military Advisor Jia, the lord has requested your presence upon your return," a messenger informed Jia Xu as he entered the camp.

"Understood." Jia Xu calmly made his way to the central tent, noting that the camp had been hastily set up.

"Lord," Jia Xu greeted Liu Bei with a bow, observing his leader's anxious expression.

"Wenhe, tonight I intend to launch a night raid on Cao Cao's camp. Even if he anticipates it, I can't hold back any longer!" Liu Bei declared. As he had drawn closer to Cao Cao, his anger had intensified, reaching a peak upon arriving at Pengcheng. He had lost all hope in Cao Cao and was now consumed by rage.

Liu Bei was no longer the seasoned Han King of his later years, who could conceal his emotions. Now, his anger toward Cao Cao was all-consuming. Even knowing that Cao Cao might be prepared for a night attack, Liu Bei was willing to risk it to vent his fury.