Chapter 810: For the Sake of Face

"Is it because of Yuan Shao? Originally, we were supposed to engage Yuan Shao in battle two months later, after securing a foothold on the opposite side of the Yellow River. Is this delay due to Yuan Shao’s presence?" Liu Bei asked as he turned his head, realizing the reasoning behind Chen Xi’s plans.

"That’s part of the reason, but money also plays a role. Yet, neither of those is the main issue. The real problem is that we still have other things to build. If we commit our best craftsmen to a project like constructing a Yellow River bridge, we’ll have no one left to handle the other essential projects in the north. It’s not that I’m not trying my best, it’s just that the basic infrastructure here is so lacking, and I can’t be in two places at once," Chen Xi explained helplessly.

Lu Su furrowed his brows, understanding Chen Xi’s point far better than someone like Jia Xu or Guo Jia, who weren’t as involved in the administrative side of things.

"In short, we can build it, but there’s little point in doing so right now. Once we’re stronger and better prepared, constructing the bridge will be worthwhile. Right now, it would just be a waste of resources," Chen Xi said, spreading his hands in resignation.

"I see," Liu Bei nodded in understanding. He didn’t fully grasp the technical details, but he could understand Chen Xi’s reasoning.

"Instead of talking about these trivial things, we should focus on how to deal with Yuan Shao. I doubt he’ll let us cross the Yellow River easily," Jia Xu said calmly, steering the conversation in a more strategic direction.

"The Yellow River... Originally, we planned to have Xingba [Gan Ning] assist with a water-land assault. But due to the issue with the Xuanyuan Cauldron, many things have changed. For example, we can’t bring Xingba over now, so crossing the Yellow River is up to us. Fortunately, we’ve already gathered a significant number of ships," Chen Xi sighed. The Xuanyuan Cauldron had disrupted many of his plans.

"Fengxiao, you seem distracted," Liu Bei said, glancing at Guo Jia. "It feels like your mind is elsewhere."

"I was just thinking about what you said earlier," Guo Jia replied, stroking his chin with a smile. "When you mentioned facing Yuan Shao in a duel, it was in jest. But considering Yuan Shao’s pride, he might actually want to meet you face to face."

"You think Yuan Shao will come?" Liu Bei was taken aback, finding it hard to believe. In his current mindset, if Yuan Shao dared to come and duel him, Liu Bei wouldn’t hesitate to abandon all pretense of honor and kill Yuan Shao right then and there.

The so-called honor between warlords was a joke to Liu Bei now. What he desired was practical and straightforward: to improve his position. No matter how courageous or gallant Yuan Shao might be, if he showed up, Liu Bei would kill him without hesitation. As for the disgrace or tarnished reputation that might follow, Liu Bei didn’t care—he saw eliminating Yuan Shao as a major step toward achieving his goal.

"I think he just might come," Chen Xi interjected, realizing the same thing. Yuan Shao, despite his pride and arrogance, couldn’t let such a blatant insult go unanswered. If he didn’t respond, it would be a major blow to his image.

"However, if Yuan Shao does come, he’ll surely have a foolproof plan. He’ll probably meet us somewhere like the river," Jia Xu pointed towards the Yellow River. "When the time comes, take me along as well. I’ve never met Yuan Shao. We probably won’t fight, but we’ll at least have a chat."

"I’d love to just get rid of him," Chen Xi said, his eyes flashing coldly. He had never seen anything wrong with eliminating warlords—especially major ones. If they were destroyed, there was always a reason for it.

"Zilong, accompany me when the time comes," Liu Bei said to Zhao Yun, finally grasping the situation. "Yun Chang, you will command the main army in my absence."

"Understood," Guan Yu and Zhao Yun both cupped their hands in salute.

"I’ll join you as well. I’ve never met this paragon of the realm," Lu Su said after some thought. He had never seen Yuan Shao in person and figured it would be like seeing a rare specimen.

"Zichuan, will you come?" Liu Bei asked with a smile, nodding at Lu Su before turning to Chen Xi.

"I’ll go. I’m curious to see how Yuan Shao has changed over the years. Back during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao displayed some unusual behavior. I want to see him again, especially since we won’t have many more chances to meet," Chen Xi replied. He had always been intrigued by Yuan Shao’s transformation from the indecisive leader of the anti-Dong Zhuo coalition to the bold and seemingly valiant figure he had become.

"Lord," Liu Yan stepped forward at this moment, bowing in salute.

Liu Bei felt a bit conflicted. He needed to leave someone behind to oversee the camp. While Guan Yu’s leadership was reliable, it was also necessary to guard against potential traps.

"I’ll stay behind. My memories of Yuan Shao are better left in the past," Guo Jia waved his hand dismissively, indicating that he would remain.

Guo Jia had no desire to meet Yuan Shao again. When he, Xun Yu, and others left Yuan Shao’s service, the man had been very different from who he was now. Looking at Yuan Shao’s current state compared to then, Guo Jia had to admit that he had misjudged him back then.

"In that case, Fengxiao, you and Yun Chang will stay and guard the camp. The rest of you will accompany me—we’ll satisfy our curiosity about Yuan Shao," Liu Bei said with a smile, deciding to bring Liu Yan, Jian Yong, Sun Qian, and others along to meet the hegemon of Hebei.

"Let’s all go have a look at Yuan Shao!" Chen Xi eagerly called out to the others. Jia Xu responded with a faint nod, though most of the group seemed indifferent. Still, the anticipation was palpable—everyone was treating this as if they were going to see a rare creature.

Meanwhile, in Yuan Shao’s camp across the river, his advisors had also come to a decision. Yuan Shao, having been so publicly insulted by Liu Bei, couldn’t just let it slide. Since he couldn’t bear the insult, and fighting wasn’t an immediate option, he had to meet Liu Bei. Of course, they needed a foolproof plan.

Fortunately, Yuan Shao had no shortage of talented advisors. Coming up with a strategy wasn’t difficult, and soon they decided to take the initiative by sending a formal invitation to Liu Bei, summoning him to a meeting.

Despite the provocative nature of such an invitation, Shen Pei and the others didn’t want to overdo it. After all, if they pushed too far and Liu Bei refused to come, the gesture would be pointless.

After finishing their meal, Liu Bei and his entourage returned to camp. Shortly after their inspection, a messenger from Yuan Shao’s side delivered the invitation.

"We are invited to meet tomorrow at sunrise aboard a riverboat anchored in the middle of the Yellow River," Liu Bei said after briefly scanning the letter. He immediately understood Yuan Shao’s intentions and glanced at the messenger, Feng Ji, who was a high-ranking official.

"Tell Yuan Benchu I’ll be there tomorrow. But are you sure your Jizhou riverboat can handle it? The winds on the Yellow River have been strong lately. I’d hate for the boat to capsize," Liu Bei remarked, setting the invitation aside.

"Rest assured, Lord Xuande. Jizhou is full of talent, and we are more than capable of managing a mere riverboat," Feng Ji responded, maintaining a respectful tone.

After hearing this, Liu Bei waved his hand to dismiss Feng Ji. But just as Feng Ji was about to leave the main tent, Liu Bei’s calm voice echoed, "Let Yuan Benchu know—I wouldn’t pass up the chance to swallow all of northern China in one bite."

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