As Liu Bei dismounted and walked towards the camp, Qiao Yan discreetly sized him up.

If we counted the founders of the future Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu, and perhaps Sun Jian could also be considered, then she had already met them all.

During the chaos of Emperor Ling’s death, Dong Zhuo’s entry into the capital, and afterwards, when Cao Cao was just a cavalry captain and Sun Jian a guard commander, Liu Bei’s position as a leader of a unit was even lower than that of a guard commander.

However, it was undeniable—

These individuals, who would become giants in the future, were not merely products of luck but already showed glimpses of their potential at this moment.

Sun Jian’s courage was akin to fearless bravery, his willingness to risk his life for justice and his generosity attracted many young men to join his cause before he enlisted under Zhu Jun.

This was no simple feat.

Cao Cao, with his seemingly noble demeanor and keen insight into military matters, possessed the capital to compete for dominance over the realm.

And Liu Bei?

His fortune played a role in studying under Lu Zhi, as they were both from the same hometown, Zhuo County, in Zhuo Commandery.

It could be said that Liu Bei, as a fellow villager, coincidentally met Lu Zhi just when he was about to begin his studies.

However, luck alone couldn’t explain certain phenomena.

For instance, during his time under Lu Zhi, he received support from the father of Liu Deran,

Who was also from his hometown, as well as assistance from wealthy merchants Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang, who saw potential in him and provided financial aid, allowing him to gather his initial followers.

In addition to his dislike for studying and his penchant for extravagant clothing during his youth,

he undoubtedly possessed a charisma that ordinary people could hardly match.

However, what particularly impressed Qiao Yan during this encounter was Liu Bei’s tactful demeanor and his decisive judgment of friendship over enmity.

He was indeed not a simple individual.

Just as Qiao Yan was thinking this, she heard a voice calling out to them, “Big brother, why have you returned from patrolling the camp so early today?”

She turned to the direction of the voice and saw a sturdy young man with a dark complexion walking towards them, appearing to be a few years younger than Liu Bei.

Although he was dressed as a mere corporal in the army, his booming voice and the majestic stride with which he carried his long spear truly exuded the aura of a valiant general.

With Liu Bei’s identity already confirmed, the identity of this person became apparent as well.

“Yide, the camp’s perimeter is no place for loud voices!” Liu Bei reminded.

This was none other than Zhang Fei, Zhang Yide!

Considering that it was due to Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping’s substantial financial support for Liu Bei that he had the capital to recruit manpower in Zhuo County, both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had joined him at this time.

Such luck, drawing two SSR-grade generals at once, would be enviable to anyone.

However, Qiao Yan felt that perhaps she didn’t need to envy Liu Bei so much.

When Zhang Fei approached, it seemed as if there was a rule of attraction between kindred spirits.

While he initially focused on Liu Bei’s early return from patrol, the next moment his attention shifted to the presence of Dian Wei behind Qiao Yan.

Zhang Fei couldn’t help but exclaim quietly, “What a strong warrior!”

Perhaps it was the slight restraint imposed by Liu Bei’s reminder to avoid making noise that made Zhang Fei speak softly.

And perhaps, if the situation were appropriate, he might have followed up with a challenge for a duel.

“Young general, wait a moment, I’ll go inform the General of the North.”

“Thank you,” Qiao Yan replied.

This exchange successfully shifted Zhang Fei’s attention from Dian Wei to Qiao Yan.

Inside the camp gate, beyond the second deer fence, the lighting wasn’t too sparse.

The puzzled expression on his somewhat dark face wasn’t difficult for Qiao Yan to notice.

However, perhaps due to Liu Bei’s two reminders and the fact that Qiao Yan was accompanied by a guard of Dian Wei’s caliber, indicating that she wasn’t just an ordinary person, Zhang Fei didn’t speak up again with questions like,

“Who is this person?”

But his confusion was barely concealed.

She’s so young…

And she’s a girl…

These were the thoughts that immediately crossed Lu Zhi’s mind when he rose to change clothes to meet Qiao Yan, after Liu Bei reported to him and Huangfu Song’s envoy visited.

“What brings you here, Yi Zhen?” Lu Zhi asked.

Qiao Yan bowed and replied, “General Huangfu intends to launch a surprise attack on Guangzong’s gate in two days and requests your assistance.”

This brief response nearly startled Lu Zhi. He was sitting behind the military case at the top.

Despite being of average height, according to later records, his seated posture made it somewhat difficult to clearly discern him.

However, this didn’t detract from his demeanor, which differed somewhat from the typical Confucian scholar’s, displaying a resolute and imposing aura.

Quickly recovering from his surprise, he listened intently. “Huangfu Song wouldn’t act recklessly, nor would he, knowing that I am leading the northern route, arbitrarily send a child to inform me, thus undermining my authority.”

Lu Zhi had only heard Qiao Yan introduce herself as “Qiao Yan from Yanzhou” when she entered the tent, which was no different from what Liu Bei knew.

But having been a teacher, Lu Zhi possessed some insight into people and could tell when someone was lying.

He wondered where Yi Zhen had found this person…

Yanzhou… there was indeed a well-known Qiao family there.

Just as Lu Zhi was pondering this, Qiao Yan spoke again, diverting his attention back to the impending attack on Guangzong, a matter of much greater importance.

“Huangfu General has defeated Bo Cai at Changshe and sent General Zhu south to swiftly capture Zhang Mancheng.

Meanwhile, we will head north directly to seize Xiaquyang.

Zhang Jiao’s brother, Zhang Bao, has already been captured by our army.

Huangfu General intends to use him as a pretext to deceive Guangzong’s gate, hence he requests the general to split the troops into two routes.

One route will deploy feigned troops to lure Zhang Liang, ensuring he doesn’t leave this area, while the other will proceed to support Guangzong.

This is a letter from General Huangfu, bearing the seal of Left General of the Chariots, which proves the truth of my words.”

After Qiao Yan finished speaking, she handed over the scroll of silk that Huangfu Song entrusted to her before leaving to Lu Zhi.

Lu Zhi didn’t immediately open it, but instead keenly noticed the information in Qiao Yan’s words and hastily asked, “Changshe has been won, but what about Yanzhou?”

Huangfu Song had repelled the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan, and the first opponents he should have faced were the Yellow Turbans entrenched in the eastern counties of Yanzhou, rather than unexpectedly targeting Zhang Bao.

Lu Zhi sensed there must be some unexpected circumstances.

So he heard an astonishing answer.

Qiao Yan replied, “I have eliminated the Yellow Turbans in Yanzhou with the strategy of driving out tigers and devouring wolves.”

Liu Bei, who had been allowed to stay and listen by his mentor, almost exclaimed in surprise.

His peripheral vision shifted from Qiao Yan to Lu Zhi’s expression.

Seeing his usually calm teacher’s face reveal a hint of astonishment, Liu Bei couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised himself.

This time, Lu Zhi didn’t hesitate to open Huangfu Song’s letter.

He quickly scanned through it and indeed found many praises from Huangfu Song, not sparing words to commend Qiao Yan’s achievements in the battle of Xiaquyang.

Furthermore, he asked Lu Zhi to send troops on time and pay special attention to Qiao Yan’s safety.

After mentioning Qiao Yan’s identity as the granddaughter of Qiao Xuan and the daughter of Qiao Yuan, Lu Zhi roughly understood.

“It’s rare to see Yi Zhen praising a junior so much, but the evaluation he gave you — resolute and unyielding, fearing no danger — I’m afraid it implies complete loyalty and a willingness to die…,” Lu Zhi chuckled as he looked at the mature junior before him, “I’m really worried about you.”

Qiao Yan hadn’t expected Huangfu Song’s letter to include such remarks.

With this, it seemed like Lu Zhi was labelling her as “capable but too stubborn” from the outset.

It was evident that Lu Zhi probably intended to protect her due to Huangfu Song’s deep concern for her, or perhaps he was simply assigning her to utilize her potential as a strategist.

However, what surprised her was Lu Zhi’s next words after scrutinizing the information once again, “Settle down in the camp for now.”

This didn’t sound like he was giving her nothing to do.

Qiao Yan pondered deeply in her heart but didn’t show the slightest hint of it on her face.

She responded and followed Liu Bei to find a place to rest.

This historical Emperor of Shu Han, known as Emperor Zhao Lie, obviously had more than just good relations with those he brought here to join the campaign against the Yellow Turbans.

He wasn’t just emotionally close with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as brothers.

As they passed through the camp, many night patrol soldiers greeted him.

Qiao Yan smiled and interjected, “Being in charge of only five hundred men as a unit leader, yet you seem to have good rapport with all the generals and soldiers. It’s truly remarkable.”

Liu Bei initially thought there was a hint of sarcasm in her words, but upon turning around, he noticed a hint of admiration in her eyes as she looked at him.

Qiao Yan did indeed admire Liu Bei.

Remembering the names and information of passersby was not an easy task.

Not everyone had a playful experience with him, and not everyone could sleep peacefully.

This was different from Sun Jian and Cao Cao’s interactions with their soldiers.

Being still quite young, Liu Bei didn’t understand the full meaning behind Qiao Yan’s admiring gaze, but he felt a bit embarrassed and replied, “I’m just a layabout, and this is all I have to do.”

“You’re being too modest. I’m currently residing in the military camp, and if any troubles arise, I might have to rely on this skill,” Qiao Yan remarked.

Liu Bei didn’t quite understand, thinking that Qiao Yan, who had already gained favor with her teacher at their first meeting, wouldn’t need such skills.

However, out of habit of leaving room for conversation, he agreed.

After escorting Qiao Yan and the others to their tent, Liu Bei returned to report to Lu Zhi.

He began to realize that his judgment might not have been wrong—

At this moment, Lu Zhi still held the silk scroll in his hand.

This was a clear sign of how much he valued it.

“Seeing Liu Bei bring Qiao Yan here, a woman with the spirit of her ancestor Qiao Gong, she is indeed a talent for assisting a king. Xuan De, how did you find her?” Lu Zhi inquired.

A talent for assisting a king? Those four words held considerable weight!

Liu Bei couldn’t help but feel astonished, but he suddenly realized that if he were to evaluate Qiao Yan, he would find it difficult to come to a conclusion.

Even in their brief conversation just now, he hadn’t been able to learn much about her background.

Instead, he had agreed to something she had asked of him.

It seemed she wasn’t someone he could easily judge based on her age alone.

After some thought, Liu Bei replied, “The young lady has a talent for strategy.”

“Talent for strategy…” Lu Zhi pondered this evaluation for a moment before seeming to come to a decision in his mind.

He waved his hand, indicating for Liu Bei to withdraw.

Only when there was no one else in the tent did Lu Zhi sigh as he looked at the candlelight before him.

“Yi Zhen, oh Yi Zhen, you’ve truly given me a formidable challenge.”

Compared to Lu Zhi’s tangled thoughts at this moment, Qiao Yan felt much more relaxed.

The camp arranged by Lu Zhi was well-organized, and the space didn’t feel cramped.

As she was considered half a guest, she was allocated a few more tents.

This meant she, as the “leader,” could enjoy some private space.

Just as she settled in the tent arranged by the soldiers, she heard the system ask, “Well, after this operation, you’ve met Sun Jian, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei, and they all seem to have a favorable impression of you. Have you decided which faction to join among Wei, Shu, and Wu?”

“Why the rush?” She toyed with the candlelight in the tent, replying to the system with a relaxed tone in her mind.

“While it’s true I’ve met these three, what about Yuan Shao? Yuan Shu? Or even Liu Xie, who is still younger than me? In such chaotic times, there are plenty of opportunities for choice.

I’ve already made a name for myself now, and it’s time to position myself securely and wait for the best offer.”

The phrase “wait for the best offer” piqued the system’s interest.

It responded, “You’re right, we shouldn’t be in a hurry.”

In the grand scheme of Qiao Yan’s plan of building reputation, gaining fame, waiting for the right opportunity, and choosing a master, the system didn’t see any problem with her approach.

It acknowledged her ability to remain patient and believed she had the capability to execute this plan successfully.

As Qiao Yan contemplated the potential outcomes of Lu Zhi and Huangfu Song’s plans, she realized that even if she couldn’t achieve any major accomplishments or gain a windfall, she would surely earn corresponding strategist points.

The system couldn’t help but itch its invisible claws at the thought.

It had long harbored desires for the three-dimensional map Qiao Yan could access once she reached 100 strategist points.

The sight of her striving for rewards stirred a desire in the system to stuff something into her rewards, although it found its inventory empty upon checking.

Ultimately, the system decided to offer moral support to its host.

Just as Qiao Yan lay down to rest, the previously quiet system suddenly chirped, “Host, you will definitely become the number one strategist!”

“…Thank you.”

This system certainly knew how to set the mood.

However, it couldn’t help but notice a hint of a smile playing on Qiao Yan’s lips as she closed her eyes, seemingly attributing her good spirits to its own encouragement.

Dutifully following Qiao Yan’s previous instructions, the system acted as her alarm clock, ensuring she woke up promptly in the morning.

Yet, it couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss with this particular function.

Just as the system pondered this, it observed Qiao Yan swiftly completing her morning routine, opening the tent flap, and stepping outside.

It promptly abandoned its musings and continued to observe alongside her.

Lu Zhi’s Northern Army Camp undoubtedly exuded a more imposing atmosphere compared to any other camp Qiao Yan had seen before.

The Yellow Turban camps in Yanzhou and Yuyuzhou led by Liang Zhongning and Bo Cai, respectively, were no match.

Huangfu Song’s forces had hastily joined the battle at Changshe, resulting in an incomplete deployment.

Although reinforcements had since arrived, the assault on Jizhou at Xiazhangyang was a rapid operation that couldn’t muster many troops.

It wasn’t until today that Qiao Yan formally witnessed what a camp with over 20,000 regular troops looked like.

The orderliness and solemnity within the camp during the night had left a strong impression on her.

Now, as sunlight bathed the camp, highlighting the divisions and the vigilant patrols, Qiao Yan strolled through, realizing the benefits of the superior layout of the military encampment.

It was indeed a well-founded truth.

This was a far cry from the makeshift chaos she had orchestrated with Liang Zhongning.

In Lu Zhi’s camp, any disturbance would not be allowed to escalate to the point where enemy forces sought refuge in another camp, as had happened with Bo Cai’s men.

If Qiao Yan were truly placed in opposition to him, Lu Zhi wouldn’t resort to such a clumsy method.

Qiao Yan thought she had arrived early, but Lu Zhi seemed to have been standing in front of the map for quite some time.

As soon as she entered the tent, she heard Lu Zhi’s voice, “You’re here.”

Following the sound, Qiao Yan glanced at Lu Zhi, her attention naturally drawn to the map as well.

If one were to survey the entire Jizhou, including Quzhou, Guangzong, and Lu Zhi’s current encampment, they almost converged at a single point.

During the time Lu Zhi had been digging trenches and setting up camp here, he had likely dispatched troops to explore the terrain.

The result was the map laid out before Qiao Yan, showing the Northern Army under Lu Zhi on one side and the defenders of Quzhou under Zhang Liang on the other, with Zhang Jiao’s forces in Guangzong and the hills, river channels, and temporary Yellow Turban encampments in between.

Lu Zhi was clearly adopting a strategy of not engaging in battle without proper preparation.

While Huangfu Song’s arrival necessitated significant changes to his original plan, it didn’t leave him at a loss.

The marching routes on this map had already been outlined by him with charcoal, indicating where to find him if needed.

As soon as Qiao Yan spoke, she saw Lu Zhi set aside the charcoal in his hand and turn towards her with a subtle smile on his face. “Why ‘ask for advice’ and not ‘entrust with a task’?”

Qiao Yan replied calmly, “I only bring with me a few dozen riders, while the Northern Army has far more troops.

Lord Lu has been operating in this area for many days, and whether it’s the terrain or control over the soldiers, there are clear signs of victory.

It’s not appropriate to speak of entrusting a task.”

Lu Zhi neither confirmed nor denied her answer, simply replying, “Very well, then let’s consider it as seeking advice.”

Seeing Lu Zhi beckon her closer, Qiao Yan took a few steps forward, listening as he asked, “Today, I will march to meet with Yizhen. When do you think it would be appropriate to mobilize the troops?”

Assessing his expression, Qiao Yan sensed that his question wasn’t one of ignorance but rather a test.

After gauging the distance between this place and Guangzong, she replied, “It would be suitable after nightfall.

At that time, Lord Lu can lead a team directly to Guangzong, avoiding detection along the way, while another route heads west and then turns back, returning at dawn.

It’s best to raise dust as you depart, so that scouts outside Quzhou will see it and assume that reinforcements are coming from Luoyang.”

“If Luoyang sends reinforcements and the general, known for his prudence, is not yet besieging the city, Zhang Liang may not dare to come and probe our camp.

Even if the number of troops in the camp is now less than half of before, it would be enough to hold steady outside the city until the outcome of the battle in Guangzong is determined.”

Lu Zhi applauded, pleased that Qiao Yan’s words aligned with his own calculations. “Well said. In that case—”

Lu Zhi paused for a moment before dropping a bombshell, “After I leave the camp, would you be willing to take on the responsibility of commanding the remaining troops?”

Qiao Yan was stunned.

This was truly something she hadn’t anticipated.

Lu Zhi, however, seemed to think nothing of entrusting such a heavy responsibility to a young girl.

Seeing this time it wasn’t him who was shocked by Qiao Yan’s achievements, but rather the child herself surprised by his unexpected arrangement, he couldn’t help but feel a bit amused.

He could now understand why Huangfu Song said in his letter that he deceived Qiao Yan into coming here to seek a peaceful refuge, but in reality, he wouldn’t mind letting her do something.

“Yizhen, you have shown remarkable quick thinking in military affairs, and the answer you gave me earlier was quite satisfactory.”

Seeing Qiao Yan about to interject to stop him from entrusting her with such a heavy responsibility,

Lu Zhi raised his hand to signal her not to interrupt and continued, “I know you might want to say that military matters require careful planning and consideration, and without an official position in the army, it would be inappropriate and could even lead to unrest in the camp. Am I correct?”

“If Lord Lu understands the intricacies of the situation, why make such a move?”

With this opening, he wasn’t entrusting her with just a mere title but rather the lives of many people.

“If I say it’s because of my trust in your judgment, you may not believe me,” Lu Zhi said. “But it’s also not wrong to say that I made this decision under his influence.”

“Yizhen mentioned a sentence in the letter that made me ponder all night and finally make a decision.

He said that the pillars of the Han Dynasty lie in the youth of tomorrow.

Instead of letting the pillars grind for ten years to obtain a name and position,

advancing from being a filial candidate to a deputy minister for another ten years,

leading a mediocre life, and turning around to accumulate money for official positions,

why not take a chance and allow them to have an opportunity to shine early?”

“This is his heartfelt advice, and I cannot ignore it.