Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1673 - 1611: Make the World Turn for Huaxia (Part 2)

Only in this way will there be no suspicion of forming cliques for personal gain. With the clear evidence from Zhang Xiu, there will be no potential resentment with Cao Cao. This is of great significance to the Ma Clan and the current situation of the Imperial Court.

However, unlike Sun Ce and Ma Chao, who left without a word, Zhang Xiu led over three thousand Iron Cavalry to Jia Xu’s presence first.

"It’s been many years, Strategist Jia." Zhang Xiu dismounted and respectfully saluted Jia Xu. This was the person his uncle had pointed out as his next patron. If it weren’t for those later events, he and Jia Xu would have supported each other over the years, but, unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

"Indeed." Jia Xu remained silent for a moment, then slightly bowed. He understood Zhong Ji’s thoughts back then, though he neither agreed nor refused. Reflecting on the circumstances at the time, if not for the tumultuous changes, he might have chosen Zhang Xiu.

It wasn’t because Zhang Xiu was particularly outstanding, but because aside from his incredible martial skills, Zhang Xiu had no heavy ambitions. Among the generals of Xiliang, choosing Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu could ensure that even if one day he was of no value, Zhang Xiu would still protect him.

"Life is full of unexpected turns; perhaps no one imagined it would be like this a few years ago. But it’s good now; at least, compared to before, Strategist Jia can finally utilize his knowledge," Zhang Xiu sighed, then smiled with incomparable sincerity.

One must admit that the disciples taught by Tong Yuan all have aspects that command respect in their character, be it Zhao Yun, Zhang Xiu, or Zhang Ren.

"Boyuan, if you can show mercy during the civil war, don’t deal lethal blows. The gates here are always open for you," Jia Xu said, looking at Zhang Xiu.

Honestly, as long as Zhang Xiu didn’t bring disaster upon himself, the doors on Liu Bei’s side would always be open for Zhang Xiu. Among the four elders of the General System, one is Zhang Xiu’s junior, and another is his uncle.

Among the civil officials, though Li Youu is tough in words, with Zhang Ji’s past achievements, Li Youu will not turn a blind eye, and with Li Youu’s intervention, Jia Xu would also help.

Coupled with Zhang Xiu’s martial prowess, ranking in the top ten of the current world, and his expertise in leading cavalry, as long as he doesn’t recklessly kill Liu Bei’s elders, he just needs to humble himself a bit to solve everything.

Nonetheless, Jia Xu and Zhang Ji repeatedly urged Zhang Xiu, because like many other Xiliang soldiers of humble origins, Zhang Xiu values loyalty, which sometimes leads him to prefer death over bowing his head.

"Haha, I will." Zhang Xiu was first taken aback, then recalled his uncle’s teachings, and silently nodded, "I’ll go after them now."

"Take care." Jia Xu cupped his hands towards Zhang Xiu, knowing that Zhang Xiu had listened to the words, but some things aren’t resolved just by listening. Hopefully, certain situations won’t arise.

After seeing Zhang Xiu off, Fa Zheng suddenly appeared from the side like a ghost, "I get the feeling that Zhang Boyuan harbors no malice towards us, but why don’t you or he speak of it?"

"Because he will never agree. Cao Mengde has not wronged him, so he won’t wrong Cao Mengde either. As someone of Xiliang Iron Cavalry origin, he is unwavering in this aspect," Jia Xu shook his head and said, "Xiaozhi, what brings you here at this time?"

"Seeing Ma Mengqi off," Fa Zheng replied with a smile, "It’s surprising he didn’t come to see me. Even though I didn’t harm him last time we met. Although when we met last time, I was not at my best, after that point, it doesn’t matter to me at all, but he seems to be at where I was last time, somewhat reluctant to see me."

"When one stands at very low heights, it is easy to step down, likewise when standing atop the peak having seen the best views, it’s not necessary to remain there. Only when one stands beneath the peak, able to look up but unable to reach, is it hardest to let go." Jia Xu rarely spoke a long string of words.

"So was I standing beneath the peak earlier, and now it’s Ma Chao at that position?" Fa Zheng smiled, "Then what indeed can be considered the peak?"

"You already understand." Jia Xu looked at Fa Zheng and said, "Probably not even Kongming could match you in this regard."

"He excels in being comprehensive, whereas I excel in the peculiar," Fa Zheng said with a smile, "We are two battles away from determining victory, right?"

"No, there is only one battle left." Jia Xu’s smile widened, indicating his recognition of Fa Zheng, though his gaze was cast afar along the horizon.

"It turns out you’ve even anticipated Zichuan’s every move, aren’t you afraid of failure?" Fa Zheng sighed; at times, once you understood, there’s no going back.

"Zichuan, though somewhat indolent, never gambles with his life. Hence, if he chooses the scenario I’ve anticipated, it means that even in battles where I can’t guarantee victory, he has absolute confidence in escaping unscathed." Jia Xu spoke with a smile, "I never worry about his safety."

"Do you think he can withdraw unscathed?" Fa Zheng asked with a slight surprise, "Emotionally, I feel the same, but rationally, all he has is General Hua’s four thousand Iron Cavalry. Even with Wuhuan’s aid, facing at least twenty thousand Northern Huns Elite Cavalry and roughly a hundred thousand Miscellaneous Hun, I truly see no hope for victory."

"I’m not sure how he achieves it, but I believe he certainly can," Jia Xu slowly turned his head to look at Fa Zheng, saying, "He manages resources better than any of us. If our ability is pure capability, Zichuan’s is the ability to place the right person in the most suitable position."

Fa Zheng nodded; he was not driven heavily by personal gain and thus easily acknowledged Jia Xu’s statement, "But you’re really daring to gamble!"

"There’s nothing about gambling in it. Even if the strategy fails, there’s no loss at all. If it succeeds, then perhaps soon, there will be no more Northern Huns." Jia Xu spoke nonchalantly, "The Northern Huns have demonstrated the wisdom expected of them, though it’s evidently an individual brilliance."

"Huyan Chu possesses this shrewdness, and his presence at the front implies the rear has returned to normal intellect. Thus, after Zichuan acts, will the Northern Huns’ choice be any mystery?" Jia Xu calmly gazed into the distant horizon.

"They will come out in full force, that is my judgment," Fa Zheng sighed, "And once it becomes an established fact, even Huyan Chu won’t be able to halt the now-maddened Northern Huns, as the Chanyu is not a man of ’Words Followed by Deeds’."

"Indeed, no one in this world truly embodies ’Words Followed by Deeds’. Perhaps Huyan Chu possesses substantial prestige, yet that won’t suffocate such a degree of wrath," Jia Xu stated calmly, "That would be the opportunity I am looking for."

"Concentrating all efforts in one powerful move, are you anxious as well?" Fa Zheng looked at Jia Xu with amazement.

"No, sometimes on the battlefield, brute force doesn’t intimidate others, yet some subtle tactics can be frightening when pondered deeply, like the events about to unfold." Jia Xu looked calmly at Fa Zheng, causing him to frown.

"You mean—" Fa Zheng suddenly looked up first at Jia Xu, then turned his gaze toward the southwest, and couldn’t help but be startled.

Seeing Fa Zheng’s reaction, a smile appeared on Jia Xu’s face, "Xiaozhi, you truly amaze me. Once, both Fengxiao and I believed that your progress would halt at a certain point, but you’re evidently still advancing."

"Is it possible?" Fa Zheng asked, furrowing his brow.

"If Huyan Chu remains as astute as before, then this matter is almost a foregone conclusion," Jia Xu said with a smile, "At the very least, we are quite weak now, yet in a few days, we will become formidable. He will see the situation clearly."

"What if Cao Mengde’s decision doesn’t align with your predictions?" Fa Zheng looked at Jia Xu with immense concern. How to put it, the likelihood of Cao Mengde not intervening at that moment is low, but what if?

"Wen Ru should currently be having Zijia consolidate the troops, not just the private soldiers of aristocratic families, but all the forces under our Lord’s command," Jia Xu spoke with unparalleled calmness toward Fa Zheng. Yet, Fa Zheng felt a chill seep from within his bones.