Chapter 12: A Way to Break the Deadlock

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Liu Bei had come to firmly believe in his son’s “immortal encounter.” This conviction was not only due to Liu Feng’s precocity but also because numerous other examples left him no choice but to accept it, gradually taking pride in it.

“Father, once Lü Bu is defeated, he will surely flee, and you and Xuzhou will be his only way out,” Liu Feng said.

Liu Bei nodded in agreement; it was easy to understand. The Yuan brothers, divided between north and south, both harbored deep resentment against Lü Bu, eager to eliminate him. The warlords of Liangzhou in the west also held no goodwill towards Lü Bu.

So, the only escape route left was Xuzhou in the east.

In fact, Liu Bei felt a bit excited about Lü Bu seeking refuge. At this time, Lü Bu was not the infamous turncoat of later generations; he was a legitimate General of Valiant Might, holding a rank comparable to the Three Excellencies, enfeoffed as Marquis Wen, and renowned for his extraordinary feats in restoring the Han dynasty. In terms of official rank, nobility, and merit, he was leagues ahead of “Big-Eared Brother.” Moreover, in Emperor Xian’s eyes, Lü Bu was a loyal and trusted general, whereas “Big-Eared Brother” was what exactly?

This feeling was reminiscent of when Kong Rong sought Liu Bei’s aid, and “Big-Eared Brother” joyfully leapt up, shouting, “Even Kong Beihai knows of the Plains’ Liu Bei!”

But Liu Bei had overestimated his own charm. How could a man who had betrayed Ding Yuan, Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shu, and Yuan Shao not betray him, Liu Bei?

Just because Liu Bei had big ears?

Liu Feng saw the mixed expression on Liu Bei’s face—surprise, joy, and worry—and roughly guessed what his father was thinking.

It was clear Liu Bei both wanted to recruit Lü Bu and feared he might not be able to control him.

Liu Feng quickly added a bargaining chip: “Father, Lü Bu is arrogant, brave, and cunning—he cannot be trusted. The Danyang troops have never supported your succession as Governor of Xuzhou; their submission is forced by circumstances. If Lü Bu comes to us, the Danyang troops will gain an ally. If we do not preemptively divide and control them, they will surely stir trouble, leaving you defenseless.”

Liu Bei pondered carefully and found the reasoning sound, feeling moved by Liu Feng’s insight.

Liu Feng continued his advice: “At present, the only way is to divide and dissolve the Danyang troops beforehand, assimilating them into your own forces. This twofold strategy would eliminate rebellion and strengthen your power.”

Liu Bei sighed deeply. “I wish for this too, but I have the will without the means. What can be done?”

He had tried to win them over before inheriting the governorship, but the Danyang troops had scoffed at his overtures, indifferent. At that time, Liu Bei was merely a vassal raised by Tao Qian, barely a tenth as strong as Cao Bao. Why would they accept him?

After Liu Bei became Governor, the Danyang troops grew even more wary and resentful, especially since they had intended to support Tao Qian’s eldest son, only to be preempted by Chen Deng and Mi Zhu backing Liu Bei.

Seeing Liu Bei’s worry and deep sighs, Liu Feng knew now was the best opportunity.

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“Father, do not worry. I have persuaded General of the Central Command Jian Wei to serve you. He is willing to hand over four thousand troops under my command.”

“What?” Liu Bei was stunned, staring incredulously at Liu Feng.

Liu Feng had no choice but to repeat the offer.

Once calm, Liu Bei asked the critical question, “What conditions did you promise him?”

Liu Feng’s heart raced, knowing the outcome hinged on this moment. He could not conceal the truth from his father and reluctantly confessed, “I promised the General twenty percent of the profits from the salted snow trade, and...”

Liu Bei fixed his gaze intently. He was no fool; he knew Cao Bao was no fool either and would not abandon his troops merely for money.

“And... I promised to marry his daughter as a concubine,” Liu Feng admitted, lowering his head and watching his father’s reaction from the corner of his eye.

Liu Bei’s instinct was fury. He was enraged that Liu Feng had the audacity to negotiate a marriage alliance with Cao Bao behind his back.

Even if it was only a concubine, marriage arrangements were no trivial matter and demanded sincerity.

This was a serious provocation against Liu Bei’s authority as both father and lord.

Liu Feng knew this but took the risk anyway.

His primary concern was that Liu Bei might oppose the plan due to his close bond with Chen Yuanlong.

How close were those two?

Chen Yuanlong had steadfastly supported Liu Bei from the start. Even when Lü Bu occupied Xuzhou, he and his father covertly undermined Lü Bu, leaving him ruined.

When “Big-Eared Brother” was taken hostage to Xuchang by Cao Cao, Chen Yuanlong remained a loyal admirer of Liu Bei.

After “Big-Eared Brother” deceived Cao Cao’s “angel investor,” reclaimed Xuzhou, and was promoted by Cao Cao to General Fubo and Administrator of Guangling, Chen Deng immediately established secret communications with him, sending troops and supplies.

Even when “Big-Eared Brother” was eventually defeated again and resorted to guerrilla warfare, Chen Yuanlong remained steadfast, praising Liu Xuande as the greatest hero and strategist in the world.

Liu Bei cherished Chen Yuanlong deeply. Despite his own hardships—working as a security guard for his relative Liu Biao in Jingzhou—he boldly rebuked the renowned Yanzhou scholar Xu Si in Liu Biao’s presence because Xu Si criticized Chen Deng.

This incident even gave rise to the famous idiom “seeking land and houses.”

Their mutual loyalty was profound.

Liu Feng feared that Liu Bei’s regard for Chen Deng would lead him to firmly reject his proposal.

If that happened, Liu Feng would be caught in a dilemma, knowing full well that acting without permission was even worse than acting first and reporting later.

Liu Bei fell silent. Though furious that Liu Feng had arranged a marriage alliance without consulting him, he could not deny the wisdom in his son’s analysis.

Cao Bao and the Danyang faction were indeed his greatest worry.

With this in mind, Liu Feng’s plan was the best way to break the deadlock.

Otherwise, Cao Bao would never trust Liu Bei, nor would Liu Bei trust Cao Bao.

Now, Liu Feng had only risked offering a concubine’s position. Setting aside Chen Deng’s stance, Liu Bei found it not entirely unacceptable.

Realizing this, Liu Bei sensed Liu Feng’s deeper intention.

Liu Feng deliberately left room for maneuver, making these decisions appear as his personal initiative, giving Liu Bei greater flexibility in dealing with Chen Deng.

Could this young man have planned all this?

Liu Bei found it hard to believe but had no better explanation.

Truthfully, Liu Bei was already moved by Liu Feng’s proposal.

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