Qiao Jingjing said that Zhuge Liang's formation was frightening.
Then let's look at Qiao Jingjing herself.
Behind her was Ling Tong, one of the twelve fierce generals of Eastern Wu. A Luo, Ye Rong, and herself were all skilled in martial arts and formidable fighters. And then there was Shen Mi, a local powerful clan leader from Jianwei County, who brought so many friends and so many soldiers—nearly two or three thousand in total—to Jiangyang, all to protect her.
Zhuge Liang knew this woman was not easy to deal with.
There's no point in arguing with her now.
They resorted to violence.
Anyway, this place is called Jiangyang, and this place is in Sichuan.
Liu Bei was the governor of Yi Province, and Zhuge Liang was his strategist. When Liu Bei was away from home, Zhuge Liang, stationed in Sichuan, acted as his de facto leader.
If Zhuge Liang didn't seize this opportunity to capture Da Qiao, wouldn't it make him, the strategist Zhuge, seem extremely incompetent?
Zhuge Liang waved his hand, and Zhao Yun prepared to fight.
Shen Mi was ready to clash with Zhao Yun at any time, regardless of who Zhao Yun was!
Qiao Jingjing made a gesture to stop:
"Strategist, you are busy with countless affairs of state. It is ridiculous to waste your time here! I have three questions for you. If you can answer them, Da Qiao will be at your disposal!"
Zhuge Liang was taken aback by such boastful words.
He was a man who had read countless books and had already achieved many feats. He was confident that he was no less capable than this woman; it was just that this woman was cunning.
Zhuge Liang stepped forward, waving his feather fan.
Qiao Jingjing asked with a smile, "With the strategist's brilliant abilities, why didn't you stop Liu Bei from attacking Eastern Wu? The strategist knew it was going to be a defeat, so why did you let the lives of 100,000 Yizhou soldiers go unpunished!"
Qiao Jingjing's question was very direct and sharp.
Zhuge Liang was struck by the question.
The question hit the nail on the head.
However, he dared not admit it outwardly.
Could Zhuge Liang, standing here in front of this woman from Eastern Wu, admit that Liu Bei would be defeated?
Won't.
Zhuge Liang laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, Lady Qiao is mistaken! Lady Qiao and Lady Sun are currently guests in Sichuan. Sun Quan is hesitant to act rashly, so how dare he fight against my Yizhou troops? Liu Bei is leading an army of 100,000 men, raising a righteous army to avenge his sworn brother Guan Yu. With the support of the people, he will surely defeat Eastern Wu."
What Zhuge Liang said was far too grand and dignified.
He himself doesn't believe it, but he wants others to listen and believe him because of his boasting.
So sometimes, how capable you are isn't the point; the important thing is knowing how to boast.
Qiao Jingjing, of course, did not hesitate to expose Zhuge Liang's boasting.
Let me first tell you about Zhuge Liang's pitiful experiences in his youth.
"When you were young, you went to Yuzhang City with your father and cousin to take up your post as governor. Unfortunately, your father, Zhuge Shang, was killed by a hail of blades. You experienced that upheaval in your youth and were terrified. You were truly afraid of this violent era. From then on, you returned home and studied hard. You are a man with lofty ideals and ambitions. You often compared yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, boasting that you have the talent of a prime minister and the qualities of a king's advisor."
You and your brother Zhuge Jin will work separately. Zhuge Jin will be in charge of things in Jiangdong, while you will be working for Liu Bei.
You want to capture me now! Let me guess, either you want to kill me, or you want to imprison me permanently or tie me up to threaten Eastern Wu.
"What about your brother Zhuge Jin if you act this way? If Lady Sun and I die here, Sun Quan will be enraged and not only will he seek revenge on you, but every member of Zhuge Jin's entire family will be doomed!"
Qiao Jingjing is about to scold someone.
He also took the opportunity to analyze the pros and cons for Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang had to admit that he sometimes forgot about his elder brother who was far away in Eastern Wu.
After all, they had served different masters for many years.
He was so focused on what was happening in front of him that he forgot about his older brother.
It was only after Qiao Jingjing's reminder that he suddenly felt sweat beading on his back.
How could Qiao Jingjing let him off so easily?
"Your so-called talent as a king's advisor and your extraordinary abilities, your so-called divine wisdom and ingenuity, are nothing but your gimmicks in my eyes. They are just boasts about how you want to make a name for yourself and conquer the world!"
You have followed Liu Bei all these years and won many battles, securing territory for him!
That's all!
Qiao Jingjing directly dismissed Zhuge Liang's achievements.
This was Zhuge Liang's proudest achievement, yet it was completely negated.
Zhuge Liang intended to maintain a Confucian demeanor, waving his feather fan, but even that fan wouldn't budge.
His face turned pale.
Qiao Jingjing pointed to the longan grove, then to the flowing Yangtze River, the distant mountains, and then back to the people around her.
"Strategist Zhuge, let me ask you a question: In this chaotic world, what is most important? Is territory important? Is power important? Are your achievements as men important? Is Liu Bei's revenge for Guan Yu important? Or is the life and death safety of every individual, food and clothing, shelter from the wind and rain, and the ability of everyone to live like a human being important?"
Zhuge Liang was asked this question.
I was stunned for a moment.
He knew that Da Qiao loved farming and was good at it. He also saw that she was dressed in fine silks and satins, dressed in rich and luxurious clothes, and was always surrounded by people, indicating that she was of noble birth.
How could he have imagined that Da Qiao would ask him that?
When asked about his basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and safety, he was told that he was just an ordinary person.
Zhuge Liang has not yet answered.
Qiao Jingjing smiled and said for him: "When you were a teenager, your father was killed in a riot. You and your brothers had a lot of hardship afterwards. I'm sure you know, strategist Zhuge, that it's not easy for an ordinary family to make a living, have enough to eat, and wear cotton clothes in winter."
Of course, I acknowledge that through your own efforts, you went from a poor, unsupported boy to Liu Bei's most trusted strategist. You've achieved something! It seems you've made many contributions to Liu Bei, and you're now a prominent figure.
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