Chapter 41: Phoenix and Crouching Dragon arrive together, Liu Wu enters the peak game
When Zhuge Liang saw Liu Wu asking him to serve as an official, he hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said:
“Liang’s wish is to revive the Han Dynasty and return to the old capital.”

“If you have such ambition, I am willing to serve you at your service.”

Liu Wu was very surprised when he heard Zhuge Liang’s words that he was willing to serve.

Zhuge Liang, the top wise man in Chinese history, really worshipped Liu Wu as his master! !

Liu Wu did not hesitate at all and said solemnly: “Wu’s ambition is to rebuild the Han Dynasty and restore the Han Dynasty. I share the same ideals with Kong Ming!”

Zhuge Liang listened to Liu Wu’s words, glanced at Liu Wu, took a deep breath, bowed to Liu Wu and said:
“Well, Liang, I meet the lord!”

Liu Wu replaced Liu Bei, and Zhuge Liang was very disappointed at first.

After all, there are many princes in the world, but only a few wise leaders.

However, after talking with Liu Wu and getting to know Liu Wu, Zhuge Liang suddenly discovered that Liu Wu’s abilities, potential, and ambitions were no worse than the legendary Liu Bei.

Liu Wu and Liu Bei were both descendants of Liu Sheng, King Jing of Zhongshan.

Liu Wu was also determined to revive the Han Dynasty, and this was the last straw that broke the camel’s back for Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang chose Liu Wu.

Recognize the Lord!

Liu Wu, who was in the thatched cottage, was surprised to see Zhuge Liang worship him as his master. He was overjoyed and stepped forward to pull Zhuge Liang up, saying excitedly:
“Okay, sir, since you have recognized me as your lord, I am willing to join hands with you to plan the great affairs of the world, clean up the world, return peace to the people, and restore the glory of our China.”

Zhuge Liang felt comforted when he heard Liu Wu’s words that valued him so much.

At this time, Xu Shu, who was standing by, also came forward with a smile on his face and congratulated Zhuge Liang:

“Congratulations to Kong Ming, you have found a wise master and can show your strategy now.”

Zhuge Liang smiled and bowed, saying, “I’m new here, please take good care of me, Yuanzhi.”

“Okay, okay. Kong Ming’s ability is superior to mine. I will definitely do my best to help Kong Ming realize his lifelong ambition.” Xu Shu was quite understanding and was the first to express his attitude to Zhuge Liang.

Liu Wu does not have many advisers under his command now.

Among them were Xu Shu, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu and Sun Qian.

Mi Zhu is in charge of logistics and money, so there is no need to worry too much.

Although Sun Qian and Jian Yong had followed Liu Bei for a long time, their abilities were not very high.

Therefore, before this, Xu Shu was the first strategist under Liu Wu.

However, now that Zhuge Liang has arrived, if he wants to realize his ambitions, he must take the lead.

This master is Xu Shu.

Of course, Xu Shu didn’t care about these.

Like Zhuge Liang, he joined Liu Bei because of Liu Bei’s benevolence and because Liu Bei raised the banner of reviving the Han Dynasty.

As long as it can make Nanyang better and better and strengthen the power to revive the Han Dynasty, Xu Shu is willing.

Zhuge Liang was very moved by Xu Shu’s sudden statement.

Liu Wu was very pleased to see that Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu got along well.

Everything was settled after Zhuge Liang recognized his master. Next, Liu Wu introduced the current situation in Nanyang to Zhuge Liang in his thatched cottage.

Unexpectedly, when Zhuge Liang heard that Nanyang had now produced more than 30,000 swords, all of them were named “Iron-Cutting Blades”, meaning sharp weapons that could cut through steel.

It is even enough to equip an army of 40,000 and complete the re-equipment before going into war with Cao Cao.

There are even three thousand sets of iron armor with powerful defense.

Zhuge Liang was shocked.

Zhuge Liang did not know that blast furnace ironmaking could produce large amounts of molten iron at one time.

A large number of iron-cutting weapons are produced in Nanyang every day.

However, Zhuge Liang was already pleasantly surprised by Nanyang’s strength.

Later, Zhuge Liang learned that after the war with Cao Cao, Liu Wu would use snow salt and rice paper to win over the noble families in Jingzhou and further seize Jingzhou. He nodded in appreciation.

“Since the lord has decided to win over the Jingzhou family, I will lend a helping hand.”

“Liang may be able to help the lord win over the Pang family. However, whether he can win them over depends on whether the lord can attract the little phoenix.” Zhuge Liang said to Liu Wu with a smile.

“Hmm? Can Zhuge Liang help him win over the Pang family? Little Phoenix?” Liu Wu was stunned when he heard this.

However, Xu Shu’s eyes flashed with a gleam of light.

“Kong Ming is talking about Pang Shiyuan, right?”

Zhuge Liang waved his feather fan and said with a smile: “Yes, it is Pang Tong Pang Shiyuan.”

As he spoke, Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Wu and said:

“My Lord, Pang Shiyuan (Pang Tong’s courtesy name) is a rare talent of the time, and his talent is not inferior to mine. He has a unique view of the general situation of the world, and he is a loyal and reliable person. He is indeed a rare talent.”

“Although Liang was taught by Sima Hui, he was also carefully taught by Pang Degong, who was Pang Tong’s cousin, and Pang Tong was Pang Degong’s nephew, and was also educated by him since childhood. Therefore, from the perspective of master-disciple relationship, Liang and Pang Tong can both be regarded as Pang Degong’s students, and we have a friendship of master and brother.”

“If you want to win over the Pang family, why not take Pang Tong in? Then the Pang family will definitely stand on your side.”

“Shi Yuan is proud, but he also possesses talent and sincerity. Liang implores the lord to give him enough attention and trust, and let him take on an important position where he can fully display his talents, so as to help the lord achieve great things.”

Inside the thatched cottage, Liu Wu suddenly heard that Zhuge Liang wanted him to accept Pang Tong, the Phoenix, in order to recruit the Pang family. Liu Wu immediately became excited.

When Zhuge Liang wanted to say Little Phoenix, he didn’t react. But if Zhuge Liang said Phoenix Chu Pang Tong, then Liu Wu knew it.

“Wolong” refers to Zhuge Liang, and “Phoenix Chu” refers to Pang Tong. They can be said to be outstanding counselors of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. Their strengths are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
First, superior wisdom:
Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were both famous for their wisdom. They were well versed in military tactics and strategies, able to see through the current situation and predict future trends. In history, they developed a series of successful strategic plans for Liu Bei. Whether it was domestic management or diplomatic strategy, both of them showed extraordinary wisdom and talent.

Second, unique strategic vision:
Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong both had unique strategic vision. They were able to consider the overall situation, long-term interests, and formulate forward-looking strategic plans for Liu Bei’s hegemony. For example, in history, Zhuge Liang’s “Longzhong Discussion” pointed out the future development direction for Liu Bei, while Pang Tong put forward the strategic suggestion of “taking Yizhou”, which laid the foundation for Liu Bei to seize Yizhou.

Third, they were talented and made contributions in many fields: In addition to their political and military talents, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong also made outstanding contributions in other fields. Zhuge Liang had high attainments in literature, invention, calligraphy, music, etc., and was hailed as “the greatest scholar of all time.” Pang Tong also won wide respect and praise within the Shu Han regime for his unique character and talent.

Fourth, loyalty and dedication:

Historically, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were both very loyal to Liu Bei. They worked hard and conscientiously for Liu Bei’s cause. No matter how great the difficulties and crises were, they always stayed by Liu Bei’s side and fought for Liu Bei’s hegemony all their lives.

Both Zhuge Liang, the Sleeping Dragon, and Pang Tong, the Phoenix, were very powerful figures during the Three Kingdoms period. If one of them could be obtained, the world could be conquered, not to mention if both Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong could be obtained at the same time.

In history, it is a pity that Pang Tong, the Phoenix, died too early.

However, in history, if such a powerful strategist as Fengchu Pang Tong were still alive, the Shu Kingdom would definitely be able to improve its competitiveness in the struggle for supremacy with Cao Wei and Jiangdong.

Liu Bei had Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Fa Zheng and others under his command. In the field of leading troops to fight, Zhuge Liang was not the best. In fact, Zhuge Liang was best at domestic affairs rather than leading troops to fight. Of course, this does not deny Zhuge Liang’s military ability, but his management ability was better than the other two. If Pang Tong had not died, but joined forces with Zhuge Liang, the two would have complemented each other, and one plus one would be greater than two.

Through the general deeds of Fengchu Pang Tong, we can see that he is very courageous, courageous, adventurous, and quite capable in leading troops to fight. When doing things, especially when fighting, we often need to find a new way to win by surprise, especially for the disadvantaged party, and Fengchu is such a military genius who likes to find a new way to win by surprise.

Recall the Battle of Guandu and the Battle of Chibi in history, both of which were victories achieved at great risk. The battlefield is ever-changing, and many opportunities require risk. When the cautious Zhuge Liang faced the equally cautious Sima Yi, his Northern Expedition ultimately failed. But if Zhuge Liang stayed in the rear of his country and Pang Tong led the troops to the expedition, Zhuge Liang would not have died of overwork. The two complemented each other. I dare not say that it will definitely succeed, but the strength of the entire Shu Kingdom will definitely be greatly improved.

In his previous life, Liu Wu had also seen similar views.

However, no matter how you look at it, Pang Tong, the Phoenix, is a great talent, a top talent, no less capable than strategists of the level of Jia Xu and Xun You.

“Wu is also known as Fengchu. He is obedient in Jingzhou and a man of great talent. I just didn’t know he was so close to Kongming.”

“If we can recruit such a great talent, our power to revive the Han Dynasty will be even greater. I would be very happy if Kong Ming could help me recruit Pang Tong.”

Liu Wu did not hesitate to tell Zhuge Liang that he was willing to accept the position and would entrust Pang Tong with important tasks.

Are you kidding? That was Pang Tong, the Phoenix Cub. Now Zhuge Liang has been recruited by him. If he can capture Pang Tong as well, he will have both the Crouching Dragon and the Phoenix Cub together. Even if he faces Cao Cao alone, he will dare to compete with him.

Zhuge Liang listened to Liu Wu’s words, stroked his beard with a smile, and said:

“Then please stay in Longzhong for a day, my lord. I will send someone to invite Shi Yuan to come.”

Liu Wu took a deep breath, suppressed his inner excitement and joy, and said to Zhuge Liang:

“Everything is subject to Kong Ming’s arrangements!”

The surprise brought by Zhuge Liang made Liu Wu unexpected and expectant.

Zhao Yun took Zhuge Liang’s letter and rode towards Pang’s house.

Liu Wu was waiting in Longzhong.

Before coming to Longzhong, Liu Wu had discussed in detail with Xu Shu how to recruit Zhuge Liang.

It turned out to be very successful.

Now, Liu Wu and Zhuge Liang also discussed how to recruit Pang Tong.

In the end, Liu Wu and Zhuge Liang decided on a plan.

First, state your ambitions and ideals:
Liu Wu could explain his ambitions and ideals to Pang Tong, namely, to restore the Han Dynasty and unify the world. This would help Pang Tong see Liu Wu’s lofty ambitions and firm beliefs, thus inspiring his resonance and willingness to join.

Second, show Nanyang’s strength and advantages:
You can introduce to Pang Tong the iron-cutting weapons, the 40,000-man army, the mighty generals like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, as well as the top talents like Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu, to show the strength and advantages of Nanyang. This will undoubtedly help Pang Tong see the broad prospects and opportunities after joining Nanyang.

The third and last one is to provide favorable treatment and conditions:
Pang Tong was a man who was eager to achieve success and realize his political ambitions, so he needed to be affirmed and respected. Based on Pang Tong’s talents and contributions, he could be directly promised a high position with generous salaries, appointed to important positions, etc., to express his respect and recognition. This would help to enhance Pang Tong’s sense of belonging and loyalty.

Liu Wu and Zhuge Liang discussed for a long time and finally came up with this plan. Zhuge Liang was speechless after reading it.

He seemed to see that before Liu Wu arrived in Longzhong, he had come up with a plan to recruit him.

However, although he was speechless, Zhuge Liang quite agreed with Liu Wu’s approach.

Having plans, respect and intentions, isn’t this what a wise monarch should do?

With Zhuge Liang’s message, Pang Tong arrived soon.

“Haha, Liu Xuande, why would he go through so much trouble to meet me, Pang Shiyuan?”

Before anyone arrived, a laugh was heard outside the thatched cottage.

Liu Wu, Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu in the thatched cottage looked at each other.

“My lord, Shi Yuan is here, let’s go out too. However, Shi Yuan has an impatient and arrogant temperament, and his words are a bit unpleasant, but he has a sincere heart. If there is any offense, please understand!” Zhuge Liang gave Liu Wu a shot of prevention in advance.

Liu Wu heard this but didn’t take it seriously.

“No one is perfect. Even if God gives us extraordinary talents, we may also have other shortcomings.”

“For example, General Han Xin had outstanding commanding ability and superb tactical skills, but he lacked political acumen and forcefully demanded titles: after achieving military merit, he repeatedly asked Emperor Gaozu for titles and rewards, and even threatened Emperor Gaozu to make him a king. This behavior not only caused Emperor Gaozu’s dissatisfaction and suspicion, but also damaged his own image and reputation.”

“General Han Xin was extremely good in the military field, but he had obvious flaws and shortcomings in terms of political acumen and character. Isn’t this the best example?”

“Since Shi Yuan has extraordinary talents, he must also have some other shortcomings. As long as Pang Tong can sincerely help me, no matter how arrogant Pang Tong is, I will tolerate him.”

Liu Wu spoke to Zhuge Liang with a smile on his face, and then he stepped out.

Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu, who were standing behind him, looked at each other and could see surprise in each other’s eyes. They were surprised at how well Liu Wu could see through people.

As soon as Liu Wu walked out of the thatched cottage, he saw a tall and thin young man with thick eyebrows, upturned nose, dark face, short hair and an ugly face standing in the courtyard. At this moment, the young man was looking up at him.

This is Pang Tong, Pang Shiyuan!
(End of this chapter)