Three Kingdoms: I switched to Liu Bei, why are you crying, Cao Cao?

Chapter 30: Gaining prestige in the army and starting to lay out plans

Chapter 30: Gaining prestige in the army and starting to lay out plans
"Military Advisor, do we really want to seize Xiang County?"

Facing Qin Zhen's proposal, Old Liu was the first to get impatient. He thought he had heard wrongly and said hurriedly:
"You must know that our army is still not strong enough. If we want to take Xiang County, it may be difficult to succeed!"

When Qin Zhen heard this, he smiled and said:
"Come to think of it, I haven't asked yet, how many soldiers and horses does our army have at present?"

When he asked this question, everyone present felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.

Good fellow, you are a military strategist, but you don’t even know how many soldiers are in the army, and you still dare to propose to capture the city?

How unreliable is this military advisor!

Only Xu Shu had a close relationship with Qin Zhen and knew that Qin Zhen never spoke empty words, so he stood up and said,

"My lord, our army currently has more than 11,000 soldiers and horses!"

"Among them, there are more than 5,000 veteran soldiers, and the rest are newly recruited soldiers!"

After hearing this, Qin Zhen estimated for a while and nodded:
"We still don't have enough soldiers, but it's not a big deal!"

"But to prevent any unexpected events, our army should recruit several thousand more soldiers!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu bowed and said:

"It's fine to recruit soldiers, but I'm afraid our army may not have enough money and food!"

After Qin Zhen heard this, he looked at everyone again and asked:

"But I wonder how much money and food our army has now?"

"How long will it last the army?"

This sentence immediately made everyone shake their heads again.

How can he be a military advisor if he doesn't know about soldiers and horses, nor about money and food?

But Qin Zhen had Liu Bei's support, so naturally, everyone could not ignore it. Mi Zhu stood up and said:
"Reporting to the military advisor, our army currently has only 70,000 to 80,000 shi of grain and less than 3,000 gold."

"Although it can be maintained temporarily, Xiaopei is only a county after all, and cannot support tens of thousands of soldiers!"

"If we continue to expand our army, I'm afraid we won't be able to survive until next spring!"

It should be mentioned here that part of Liu Bei's money and food was given by Cao Cao before, and part was subsidized by his brother-in-law Mi Zhu.

Although the Mi family is wealthy, it is impossible for Mi Zhu to bet all his fortune on it.

Therefore, Liu Bei’s money and grain are basically just inventory. Once they are used up, they will be really used up.

It is impossible to sustain it with only Xiaopei County.

This is also the reason why Liu Bei is frowning all day long.

It’s simple, I have no money in my pocket!
He had to find a new way out before his money and food ran out.

Otherwise, when the money and food run out, they can only go to Cao Cao or Lu Bu to borrow food.

Hearing Mi Zhu's complaints, Liu Bei laughed at himself:
"What can we do if we don't have enough money and food?"

Qin Zhen saw this, raised his hand and said with a smile:
"Don't worry, my lord. This is nothing to worry about!"

"Our army only needs enough money and food to sustain it for half a year!"

"With 70,000 shi, we can recruit another 4,000 soldiers and horses, making a total of 15,000."

Seeing his confident look, Liu Bei also felt a little confident.

Since Qin Zhen is confident that he can turn the situation around within half a year, what is he worrying about here?
After thinking for a while, Liu Bei looked at Xu Shu and said:
"Since the military advisor has this suggestion, we should recruit soldiers and horses according to his advice. We must intensify the drills and not slack off!"

"As for the money and food, Zi Zhong will have to worry about it. We must raise the amount the military advisor mentioned as soon as possible!"

Seeing that Liu Bei had spoken personally, Xu Shu had no objection. Mi Zhu also shook his head secretly and bowed in agreement.

But as soon as the two of them sat down, they saw someone stand up and say:

"I have a question, can the military advisor answer it?"

When everyone heard this, they saw that it was Guan Yu who stood up and asked the question.

Qin Zhen was not surprised to see Guan Yu stand up:

"Since General Guan has questions, you can ask them at any time!"

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu stroked his long beard, raised his head and said in a deep voice:
"I know you are very talented, otherwise I would never have entrusted you with such an important task. However, empty talk is not enough to accomplish anything. May I ask how you plan to seize Xiang County?"

"Sir, you must know that our army is not as wealthy as Cao Cao, Yuan Shu and others. Although these money and food are small, they are the foundation of our army."

"If we fail to capture Xiang County within half a year, when our money and food run out, what will our army do?"

As soon as he said this, everyone nodded.

To them, this military advisor was a master who appeared out of nowhere.

Not to mention the unfamiliarity, if the plan fails, you might just leave with your bag.

But they entrusted their lives and property to Liu Bei. If things were not settled within half a year, the military advisor would leave, and they would be faced with this mess.

When they have no money or food, will they just disband on the spot?

Therefore, when everyone saw this, they all nodded in agreement.

Seeing everyone like this, Qin Zhen couldn't help but nodded and smiled:
"General Guan's words are truly mature and prudent!"

"But why does it take half a year to capture a county?"

"In three months at most, our army will be able to occupy Pei State!"

"After we capture Xiang County, we will have soldiers, horses, money and food to replenish it. There is no need to worry!"

"As for the method of seizing Xiang County, since the time has not come yet, I cannot talk about it!"

"I wonder if General Guan will accept my answer?"

Hearing Qin Zhen's words, Guan Yu narrowed his eyes and raised his eyebrows.

Although Qin Zhen said this with full confidence and gave a deadline, he still did not make it clear, so he naturally could not fool him.

However, he also knew Qin Zhen's identity and thought that Qin Zhen would not speak empty words, so he was speechless for a moment.

However, Zhang Fei was quite dissatisfied with Qin Zhen because he had been scolded before, and he chuckled for a while:

"Military advisor, what you said is ridiculous. Since the time has not come yet, we cannot talk about it. So why do we need a military meeting today? If we always have military meetings like this in the future, what is the point of this meeting?"

Seeing Zhang Fei's attack, Liu Bei frowned and said:

"Yide!"

But before he could rebuke him, Qin Zhen stopped him:
"My lord, wait a minute!"

Then he smiled at Zhang Fei and said:
"General Zhang is right!"

"Then the purpose of military meetings, besides expressing opinions, is also to convey orders!"

"Today, my army will hold a meeting. Please let me preside over it."

"Now, firstly, I have learned about the status of our money, food, and troops, and secondly, I have also let you know what our army will do next!"

"You all know that our army is going to take Xiang County, so we must prepare for war, train every day, and prepare food, fodder, horses and many other matters. How can such a military discussion be useless?"

Facing Qin Zhen's eloquent speech, Zhang Fei was speechless for a moment:
"The military advisor's words are very powerful. I am no match for him."

"But I, Old Zhang, don't like others taking advantage of me!"

"Just one question, if the military advisor cannot capture Xiang County within three months, what will happen?"

Seeing this, Qin Zhen smiled leisurely and said:

"I am willing to sign a military order!" "If I cannot seize Xiang County within three months, I will accept the blame, resign from the position of military advisor, and let you deal with me!"

"How can a military advisor do this?"

Before he finished speaking, Liu Bei's expression changed.

But Qin Zhen raised his hand to signal Liu Bei not to panic, and just looked at Zhang Fei and said:

"I wonder if General Zhang has any objection to this?"

Seeing this, Zhang Fei stared at Qin Zhen and said:
"Military advisor, take this seriously. You must know that there is no joking in the army!"

Seeing that Qin Zhen dared to issue a military order, he secretly admired Qin Zhen's courage.

But if you really can't complete it, don't blame him, Lao Zhang, for not giving you face.

Qin Zhen still said calmly when facing Zhang Fei's direct gaze:

"I am a military advisor, so I naturally know this!"

"But let me be clear in advance. Since I am your military advisor, you generals must obey my orders within these three months and not slack off in the slightest!"

Having said this, he changed the subject and said in a deep voice:

"If you dare not obey the general's orders, don't blame the military law for being ruthless!"

As soon as this voice came out, the power he had gained from commanding the army over the years was undoubtedly revealed, and everyone who saw it was shocked!
I secretly thought that this military advisor had such great authority!
If he had not been in a high position all year round, he would never have had such momentum!
After hearing this, Zhang Fei had nothing more to say.

Guan Yu saw this and knew that Qin Zhen was very strict in commanding his troops, so he immediately expressed his opinion:

"We will obey your orders!"

After saying that, he sat back in his seat.

As Guan Yu sat down, Liu Bei was afraid of another dispute, so he simply waved his hand and said:

"In that case, please leave for now. I will host a banquet at the county government tonight at 4 p.m. to welcome the military advisor. I hope you will come on time!"

When everyone heard this, their reactions varied, and they all bowed and left.

Only Xu Shu took advantage of the situation and stayed.

As soon as everyone left, Liu Bei sighed to Qin Zhen:
"Military advisor, why are you in such a hurry? You can just take Xiang County and plan it slowly. Why do you have to issue a military order?"

In his heart, even if Qin Zhen failed to fulfill his promise, he was unwilling to leave.

Now, once the military order is issued and the time comes, Qin Zhen will be dismissed!

When that time really comes, what should he do?
When Liu Bei said this, Xu Shu also sighed:
"Zixuan is really anxious today. Since you came here under a pseudonym, you don't know your reputation, so naturally you are a little dissatisfied."

"Even if the words were a little harsh, it was reasonable. Why are you so angry, Zixuan?"

Listening to the two's words, Qin Zhen grinned and said:

"Do you two think that what I just said was just an impulse?"

The two were stunned when they heard this, and Liu Bei hurriedly asked:
"Does Zixuan have other intentions?"

"That's right! Today's move is to establish authority!"

Qin Zhen smiled at the two of them and said:
"It is precisely because I came here under a pseudonym and suddenly occupied a high position that people do not know my name and will certainly not be willing to obey my orders."

"So I'm using today's meeting to establish my authority!"

"Although I have issued a military order, the generals know my intention and dare not disobey!"

"I see!"

Xu Shu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw that Qin Zhen had other purposes.

It’s true, after what happened today, in a sense, Qin Zhen really gained authority in everyone’s hearts.

Compared to doing things slowly to gain everyone's approval, this method is more effective immediately!
Liu Bei listened from the side and asked curiously:

"What did the military advisor say about taking over Xiang County?"

"Of course I am serious about it!"

Qin Zhen nodded to Liu Bei and said:

"At present, our army only has one county, so it is difficult to do anything big. We must first take Pei State before we can plan for other places!"

Seeing this, Liu Bei frowned and said:

"But even if our army recruits more soldiers, the number is not as large as that of Mei Qian's army in Xiang County. How can we defeat them?"

Seeing that Liu Bei was not able to do it, Qin Zhen smiled and said:

"Have you forgotten what I just said at home about trying to get chestnuts out of the fire?"

"Our army is not strong enough, but we have others to help us!"

When Liu Bei heard this, his eyes lit up and he suddenly remembered the general direction Qin Zhen had set before.

Xu Shu took a step closer, narrowed his eyes and smiled:

"Is Zixuan trying to borrow Lu Bu's power?"

"Who else?"

Qin Zhen smiled complacently and said:

"This time, Lü Bu will definitely be at odds with Yuan Shu. If our army wants to take Pei State, we must borrow Lü Bu's strength!"

Xu Shu laughed when he heard it:

"No wonder Zixuan wants to set a deadline of three months. If we can really borrow Lu Bu's power, it may not take three months!"

Liu Bei listened to the two counselors' words, but he felt confused and could only smile bitterly:
"Since Zixuan already has a plan, I won't ask any more questions!"

"Zixuan, just tell me, what are you going to do now?"

"Easy, just two things!"

Qin Zhen raised two fingers and said:

"First, you should immediately send a letter to Lu Bu, inviting him to join us in the fight against Yuan Shu and help us capture Xiang County!"

Liu Bei was stunned when he heard this and said in confusion:

"What are you talking about, military advisor? Could it be that after our army sends the letter, Lu Bu will send troops to help us?"

"Of course not!"

Qin Zhen shook his head and said:
"The key is not here, but to let Lu Bu know our army's attitude!"

Xu Shu heard this and said with a smile:
"If our army wants to take the chestnuts, we should tell Yu Li!"

Although Liu Bei didn't quite understand, he still nodded and said:

"This is a serious matter!"

"So what's the second thing?"