Mythical Three Kingdoms

After coming up with this idea, Zhang Fei could no longer suppress his urge to try it out. After all, for someone who possessed Inner Qi Manifestation, as long as he wasn't dead, it meant he wouldn't die. Using his own arm for experiments caused no stress whatsoever for Zhang Fei.

The speed of troop mobilization in Mount Tai was exceptionally fast. On the same day the troop deployment order was issued, many nearby soldiers had already arrived with standard weapons. As for armor, Chen Xi could only ensure iron armor for the core units and leather armor for the regular units. Any higher demands were beyond his ability to meet.

However, in terms of equipment and weaponry, only the Yuan Family could rival them. As for everyone else, they could only look on with envy. The wealth of Mount Tai was no joke.

"With fewer numbers, it's still manageable, but when the numbers grow, it truly becomes remarkable. The military camp stretches endlessly, and the banners block out the sky. No wonder these mighty troops took Wen Ze three years to train!" Two days later, when 30,000 troops had gathered outside the city, Liu Bei personally went to visit the soldiers stationed outside Mount Tai. He remarked with heartfelt emotion, "Besides, this battle can truly be called a case of united effort!"

"Oh," Chen Xi said as he gazed at the Qingzhou Soldiers stationed below the city walls. These troops were their true army, boasting both the ferocity of the historical Qingzhou Army and none of the deficiencies in weaponry and equipment. Their discipline had also been significantly strengthened. Liu Bei's most formidable corps was now in its embryonic stage—though it had yet to be blooded in battle.

"Talking to someone like you sometimes feels suffocating." Liu Bei said in mild annoyance, "Such a grand and imposing army, and your evaluation is just an 'Oh'? How am I supposed to respond to that? Tanzhi, you say something!" Liu Bei turned to his nephew.

"The Qingzhou Army is unparalleled in their valor, armed with weapons and equipment organized by the strategist. In the Northern Campaign, our army will undoubtedly triumph!" Guan Ping had removed his armor and, dressed in a Confucian robe, was eagerly leaning on the city wall, excitedly observing the troops below.

"Not bad," Chen Xi said a bit dryly. "The strongest unit in Mount Tai should actually be the Heavy Crossbow Battalion. Alas, back in the day, Hee Jin took away the elite soldiers of Mount Tai, leaving that exceptionally powerful unit broken and rootless."

"Hahaha, Zichuan, I think this Qingzhou Army is no weaker than your Heavy Crossbow Battalion!" Liu Bei laughed heartily, then patted Wei Yan on the shoulder. "Wen Chang, you come take a look as well—what do you think of these troops?"

"They have only form but lack killing intent! Among the 30,000 soldiers beneath the city, the only ones who could be considered elite are the corporals in each unit. Those men are indeed seasoned veterans of many battles. As for the rest of the soldiers—they have some training, but overall, they're still just laborers barely qualified as miscellaneous troops!" Wei Yan commented bluntly. Normally, someone with political savvy would echo Liu Bei's sentiment, but unfortunately, Wei Yan lacked such sensibilities.

"Hahaha~" Before Liu Bei could laugh, Chen Xi had already burst out laughing. "See? Lord Xuande, I've been saying all along—these soldiers need to go to the battlefield. Although everything else is in place, they're still missing an experience of life and death combat."

"Changwen, you're now qualified to independently lead an army." Liu Bei patted Wei Yan on the shoulder. As someone who had fought his way out of countless battles, Liu Bei could certainly tell what the troops below were lacking. "Tanzhi, you still need more honing."

In an instant, Guan Ping deflated like a balloon. He had been told he'd be given a command, his own corps upon their return, yet a single sentence had nullified all of that.

However, Guan Ping wasn't particularly envious. He greatly admired Wei Yan's abilities. In the wars between Qingzhou and Jizhou, it had mainly been Wei Yan who paved the way, while Guan Ping had mostly benefited from Wei Yan's efforts.

"I wonder which army Changwen wants to lead?" Chen Xi asked with a smile. They'd already planned these matters well in advance. While Guan Ping was still a bit lacking, Wei Yan had long passed the point of merely showing promise—his performance had been outstanding.

"Any one will do?" Wei Yan was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a stroke of good fortune. But then, thinking of Guan Yu, everything became clear to him.

Although Guan Yu wasn't a man of many words, he was exceptionally good to his subordinates. Guan Yu often resolved issues for them before they even voiced their concerns, so long as those matters did not conflict with loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness.

"Right now, among the Mount Tai units, you can choose any that don't already have a Chief General. Furthermore, you'll have first pick of the soldiers," Liu Bei said with a smile.

This was a significant favor for Wei Yan. Whether it was just an illusion or something else, Liu Bei couldn't help but feel that Wei Yan bore a slight resemblance to Guan Yu—both in appearance and even in demeanor and personality, the similarity was uncanny, as if they were 80% alike.

"The city management forces," Wei Yan said immediately after exchanging a glance with Guan Ping. This particular unit had been constantly in their sight since their return, and its ferocity was enough to make them salivate.

"That corps already has a commander," Chen Xi replied with a smile. "Pick a different one. However, I can allocate you a hundred soldiers from that unit as seed troops for training. Do you have any other requests?"

"Then I'll just recruit my own soldiers and train a new army!" Wei Yan decisively declared, showing little regard for Chen Xi's suggestion. Chen Xi wasn't offended by Wei Yan's words; to him, a General's sole focus should be waging battle.

"Oh, that works too. Here's a conscription order. You can recruit up to 4,800 soldiers. Don't exceed that number—4,000 will be your troops, 500 will be direct subordinates, and 300 will be your trusted aides," Chen Xi said with a smile as he handed over a token.

Joy lit up Wei Yan's face as he accepted the conscription order. With this, he would have his own banner and his own corps, no longer subordinate to anyone else. As long as his establishment remained intact, he would be a Chief General in command of his own army.

"All right, you and Tanzhi can go select soldiers now. It's been a burden keeping you two tethered to me," Liu Bei said, waving his hand to signal for Guan Ping and Wei Yan to leave. Evidently, Liu Bei's treatment of them was noticeably different from that of second-generation generals.

After Wei Yan and Guan Ping had left, Liu Bei's face grew slightly worried. "Isn't it a bit too soon to grant Wen Chang command of troops?"

"Didn't we already agree on this? Besides, he's already been given the conscription order. Lord Xuande, do you want to take it back?" Chen Xi replied nonchalantly. From Liu Bei's behavior, it was clear he was acting like an elder who couldn't stop worrying about his younger kin.

"How about assigning him an experienced deputy?" Liu Bei suggested.

"Don't. If you want to nurture an excellent general, don't restrict him. Generals rely on talent if they have it and on experience if they don't. But how many of the experienced ones turn out to be renowned generals?" Chen Xi glanced at the Qingzhou Soldiers below, who had begun their regular training, and rolled his eyes. He certainly didn't want to see Wei Yan end up stifled.

"Ah, I just can't stop worrying that they'll screw up." Liu Bei let out a sigh.

"Then find someone trustworthy to keep an eye on them," Chen Xi said offhandedly.

"If I could find someone trustworthy enough to oversee them, then they wouldn't be the Chief General in the first place," Liu Bei replied, glancing at Chen Xi with exasperation. All those he trusted completely were seasoned companions of great competence. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please head to m.qidian.com to read.)