novelAbuy Chapter 2 Today's Settlement: Gold Attribute - The King of Mouths!
Chapter 2 Today's Settlement: Gold Attribute - The King of Mouths!
Just then, Zhang Fei's boisterous voice rang out: "Hey! I've only been grabbing some dry rations for a moment, and you've already become my disciples?"
"Third brother, go and call your second brother over. Let's all meet my newly appointed strategist!"
"Strategist?" Zhang Fei's eyes widened as he sized Lu Yong up and down. "Brother, isn't this a bit too hasty?"
"Stop talking nonsense, go now!"
Zhang Fei shrank back, quickly put down the dry rations, turned around and strode away.
Before long, Zhang Fei arrived with one person.
The man was nine feet tall, with a two-foot-long beard, phoenix eyes, and silkworm eyebrows. His complexion was slightly redder than that of an ordinary person. He was none other than Guan Yu, Guan Yunchang.
Guan Yu approached Liu Bei, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "Brother, what brings you here?"
Liu Bei smiled and pointed to Lu Yong, saying, "Yun Chang, this is Lu Yong, Lu Huai'an, my newly appointed strategist."
Guan Yu glanced sideways, his gaze lingering on Lu Yong for a moment before he said indifferently, "Greetings, strategist."
Guan Yu had always looked down on scholars, and the fact that he addressed Lu Yong, a young strategist, as his advisor was only because Lu Yong had not yet made a name for himself...
Lu Yong returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "I could feel a surge of heroic spirit emanating from you from five feet away! It is truly an honor to meet General Guan today."
You can't hit someone who's smiling.
Seeing Lu Yong's politeness, Guan Yu finally clasped his hands in return and said, "I dare not."
Zhang Fei didn't care and slapped Lu Yong on the shoulder, almost knocking him to the ground.
"Strategist, you're someone I, Old Zhang, picked up. Even my elder brother thinks highly of you, and so do I!"
The three brothers have all arrived.
They also got to know Lu Yong, who had just joined.
Seeing that the time was right, Liu Bei prepared to take the opportunity to hold a short meeting.
He sighed softly and spoke first:
"Governor Tian of Qingzhou is reluctant to send troops, it seems he has no intention of getting involved in the struggle between Xuzhou and Cao Cao."
Guan Yu stroked his long beard and said with a hint of anger in his voice:
"The various warlords only care about their own interests, fighting endlessly for petty gains. Where have they even remembered benevolence and morality?"
Zhang Fei muttered, "If you ask me, brother, you shouldn't have come to rescue Tao Qian. With our small force, we wouldn't even be enough to fill Cao Cao's teeth..."
Liu Bei did not respond, but turned his gaze to Lu Yong and said, "Huai'an, what are your thoughts?"
Lu Yong knew that Liu Bei wanted to use this opportunity to establish his authority in front of his two brothers, so he cupped his hands in a salute and solemnly said:
"My lord, generals, we must send troops to your aid!"
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stared at him, waiting for his explanation.
"There are two reasons!" Lu Yong held up two fingers and said:
"Firstly, Tao Xuzhou was a kind and benevolent man, and was deeply loved by the people of Xuzhou."
Xuzhou is in dire straits right now, and since we have the capability, we should certainly lend a helping hand.
Secondly, Cao Cao is ambitious. If he were to seize Xuzhou and greatly increase his strength, he would surely become a major threat in the future.
Therefore, both morally and logically, it is the right to send troops to provide assistance.
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei couldn't help but nod, because Lu Yong's words reflected his own thoughts.
Unexpectedly, Lu Yong changed the subject: "Of course, these are just the reasons on the surface."
"Oh?" All three were surprised.
Lu Yong didn't keep them in suspense and said frankly:
"Since the beginning of your campaign, my lord has repeatedly distinguished himself in battle, suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion and defeating Dong Zhuo."
But even today, they still have no more than a thousand soldiers and only Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as generals, and they don't even have a place to live.
Why? "
"Why?" the three asked in unison.
The three brothers had also pondered this problem for countless days and nights.
Lu Yong shook his head and said, "It's because our lord isn't from a prestigious family. When there's merit, the higher-ups take it all; when there's hardship, he suffers it all. In the end, he gets nothing!"
The three fell into deep thought.
Lu Yong continued, "Without reputation and background, it is difficult to attract civil officials and strategists to come and assist you."
Although Generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were both capable of defeating ten thousand men, they lacked a strategist to guide their lord on the path ahead.
My lord, you were essentially walking on only one leg before.
How can one proceed smoothly and steadily?
Liu Bei seemed to have realized something.
Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly.
Zhang Fei scratched his head, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Lu Yong emphasized his words slightly and said:
"Only by accumulating enough reputation can a lord enter the field of vision of scholars across the land and attract truly talented individuals who can offer advice and govern the region."
"Your Excellency's decision to send troops to assist Tao Qian this time is a wise move!"
This was the first time Liu Bei had been so affirmed.
While feeling delighted, I couldn't help but ask, "How exactly is this 'brilliant' method?"
"All the warlords in the world today fear Cao Cao's power, but only you, my lord, have the courage and wisdom to send troops to help him."
However, Cao Cao then carried out a large-scale massacre in Xuzhou.
He transformed himself from someone who was "justified" in "avenging his father" into someone who was "unjustified" in harming the innocent.
While people sympathize with the people of Xuzhou, they will naturally despise Cao Cao's tyranny.
Our lord's dispatch of troops at this time is to help the people and uphold righteousness!
The whole world will know that there was one man in the Han Dynasty who was willing to bravely face death for the sake of righteousness!
This move will surely make you famous and earn you the respect of people all over the world.
Liu Bei suddenly understood.
Lu Yong pressed on, saying, "Furthermore, if we can truly withstand Cao Cao's offensive..."
Tao Qian was deeply grateful and would certainly do everything in his power to repay the favor.
He will then recommend you to the court and appoint you as an official.
With this identity,
Only then does our lord truly possess the qualifications to contend with all the other lords of the land!
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were dumbfounded.
Zhang Fei couldn't help but mutter, "So you're this good, kid?"
Liu Bei took a deep breath, looked at Lu Yong, and felt a surge of emotions:
"I've finally witnessed the power of a strategist!"
"Heaven has eyes, for it has sent Huai'an to my side!"
He stood up and bowed solemnly to Lu Yong: "Hearing Huai'an's words is more valuable than reading books for ten years. I have learned a lot."
[System Log: Host has successfully persuaded again, today's achievement +1. Current achievements pending settlement: 2.]
Lu Yong was secretly delighted and quickly reached out to support Liu Bei.
Lu Yong's analysis solidified Liu Bei's determination to rush to the aid of Xuzhou.
Liu Bei immediately sent someone to tell Tian Kai: Brother, if you don't move, then I'll go by myself!
He also sent a message to Jian Yong, who was staying in Tian Kai's army as a liaison, telling him to find an opportunity to escape.
Just then, Zhao Yun, who had gone out to investigate the military situation, returned.
Liu Bei borrowed troops from Gongsun Zan to rescue Xuzhou, and also borrowed Zhao Yun, who shared his ideals, from Gongsun Zan.
Zhao Yun was not valued under Gongsun Zan, but he shared the same ideals as Liu Bei.
As the sound of horses' hooves drew closer, Lu Yong finally met Zhao Zilong of Changshan, whose fame would resound throughout the ages.
Liu Bei stepped forward to greet him.
Zhao Yun dismounted and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Lord Xuande!"
"Zilong, you've worked hard!" Liu Bei helped him up and said, "We have decided to head south to rescue Tao Qian."
"Lord Xuande is truly righteous!" Zhao Yun praised sincerely.
"Come, Zilong, let me introduce you to my newly appointed strategist—Lu Yong, Lu Huai'an."
Zhao Yun looked at Lu Yong with curiosity, but without the slightest disrespect, and cupped his hands, saying, "Greetings, Army Division Commander."
Lu Yong quickly returned the greeting: "Greetings, General Zilong!"
Compared to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun was more calm and reserved.
While his mind was wandering between various thoughts, Lu Yong said to Liu Bei, "My lord, there's no time to lose, let's set off as soon as possible!"
……
That night, at midnight.
Because Liu Bei's army did not bring tents.
Lu Yong could only lie down and fall asleep by the fire.
Half-asleep, the system notification finally sounded.
[It's midnight; let's begin today's settlement.]
[Host's achievements for today:]
[1. Successfully persuaded Liu Bei to appoint him as his military advisor, thus entering the core of Liu Bei's power.]
2. Successfully conducted strategic lobbying, solidifying Liu Bei's determination to rescue Xuzhou.
Overall rating: S grade.
[Reward: 1 Gold Item]
[Congratulations, host, you have obtained the entry: King of Mouth (Gold).]
Effect: After activation, the success rate of the next verbal battle increases by 80%. Cooldown: 10 days.
The item has been automatically equipped, and its current attributes have been updated.
"The king of verbal sparring...that's quite fitting."
Lu Yong's lips twitched, he turned over, closed his eyes, and fell asleep again.