General Fengxian, I have heard that Minister Wang Yun has bestowed two or three beautiful maids from his household upon you.

Presumably, you intend to repeat the story of "Duke Zheng defeating Duan at Yan," meaning that to bring about someone's demise, you must first drive them mad.

My guess is probably pretty close to the truth.

When Wuqiu Xing saw that Li Ru had seen through their plan at a glance, he hurriedly tried to deny it.

However, Lü Bu and Jia Xu stopped him.

"Jia Wenhe, what does he mean?"

"How would I know, but... I can roughly understand. Anyway, listen to what he has to say first, don't rush."

Wenyou, it's true what you said. But I haven't actually decided which side to choose, or whether to choose neither.

You know me, I love to survive. Besides, these two brutes are here, so just say what you want to say, or they're about to lose their temper.

Li Ru smiled and said, "If you can't even keep your composure, how can you achieve great things? Wenhe, Zhao Hao might be a good place for you. Stop thinking about being all things to all people and trying to please everyone."

Wuqiu Xing, you're still too green. Go back and learn more from your father. Your task here should be to take charge of the city's defenses around Luoyang as much as possible, right?

I can help you with this.

General Fengxian, your Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry is quite well-behaved, but their training volume far exceeds that of the Xiliang Army. I suppose they are meant to be the absolute armed force to suppress all sides when that day comes. Am I right?

And this Jia Xu, perhaps Zhao Hao learned of the suggestion in the court to enfeoff all the feudal lords in the land. Since you, Jia Xu, aren't exactly a loyal follower of my father-in-law, Zhao Hao thought he could recruit you as the brains of these people, to plan things out and fill any gaps.

Jia Xu's lips twitched. "You know everything, you're amazing, alright? Just say what you really think, my heart can't take it!"

Li Ru waved his hand, smiled faintly, asked for a glass of water, and extinguished the burning sensation brought on by the strong liquor.

"If I wanted to deal with you, I would have done it already."

There was absolutely no hope of success for what my father-in-law was planning.

On the contrary, it will only lead all the brothers of Xiliang into an abyss of no return.

Could you do me a favor and pass on a message to Zhao Hao?

I, Li Wenyou, will not expose your secrets; on the contrary, I can help you.

But I think he... also promised me some things. If he agrees, then we can continue talking.

If I disagree, I won't tell anyone about your affairs.

However, if things are done my way, everyone will be embarrassed.

Hopefully, he'll give it serious consideration!

...