Those traveling from Chengdu to Hanzhong were, of course, not limited to Liu Bei and Zhuge Kongming alone.
In addition to more than twenty thousand troops, there were also hundreds of physicians, artisans, craftsmen, and farmers.
Previously, under the principle of "Chengdu first," Hanzhong had been managed only in a rough, stopgap fashion by veteran soldiers transferred from Jingzhou.
Now that the focus had shifted to Hanzhong, the move served two purposes: to prepare for the coming battle, and—while he was at it—Kongming also intended to give Hanzhong a proper round of governance.
This land connected Yongzhou, Yizhou, and Guanzhong. It had fertile soil, the Han River running through it, and sat at a vital choke point. Losing the people's hearts here was absolutely not an option.
Thus, after entering Hanzhong, Liu Bei simply stayed at Yangping Pass and spent a long time speaking directly with the common folk.
After bringing little Jiang Wei along, Kongming began working out of the Hanzhong government office, conducting an overall survey of land and population. His goal was to grasp the situation as quickly as possible, so that he could act decisively and appropriately.
By afternoon, when Liu Bei stepped into the office, the sight that greeted him was Kongming nearly buried under bamboo slips and dossiers, with little Jiang Wei beside him, face scrunched in misery as he struggled to organize the piles.
Before Liu Bei could say a word, Kongming continued writing with his right hand while passing over a letter with his left.
"Two days ago, the Cao army moved out. Zhongmiao and Wen Chang have withdrawn from Wuzhang Plains to face them at Xieyu Pass."
The words Wuzhang Plains gave Kongming pause for just a moment before he continued:
"From high ground, Wenchang observed that the Cao forces have mobilized in great numbers and are marching west. They are likely entering Yong and Liang."
"If my judgment is correct, their spearhead is already pointed at Linwei. Shiyuan's request for reinforcements should already be on the road."
Once the conversation turned to serious matters, Liu Bei's expression hardened as well. He had studied the maps countless times back in Chengdu, and almost immediately, he found himself understanding why later historians attributed that particular line of thinking to Wei Yan.
"Then what if I personally lead a force, take the Ziwu Path, and strike Chang'an…"
But the idea could only remain an idea.
After all, if a weary army emerging from Ziwu Valley could capture Chang'an, then it would make no sense that Cao's reinforcements could not retake it just as easily.
The Ziwu plan was not worth considering.
Which left Liu Bei with the real question: what should be done now?
Relying on the earlier strategic assessments made in Chengdu, Liu Bei quickly sorted through the situation.
"Zhongmiao and Wenchang are holding the Bao–Xie route. On the Chencang Road, Xi Zhen is stationed with his troops and holding firm."
"I should personally lead an army… and enter Yong and Liang to reinforce Shiyuan."
Not only that—after a moment's thought, Liu Bei made a firm decision.
"The situation in Yong and Liang may be critical. Tomorrow, I will muster the troops at Yangping Pass and swear the oath to campaign against Cao."
This decision was also made with several considerations in mind.
Though Hanzhong could be considered the Liu family's core territory, nearly thirty percent of its population now consisted of refugees from the Three Auxiliaries region.
Liu Bei understood this clearly: if he wanted the people to unite as one, sincerity was the only path.
Rather than staying in Hanzhong for several days trying every possible method to soothe public sentiment, it was better to muster the army, declare the state of the war, and demonstrate clear countermeasures—thereby reassuring the populace.
Kongming nodded, as if he had already expected Liu Bei to decide this way.
"In that case, we should send word to Xieyu Pass and recall either Zhongmiao or Wenchang, redirecting them to lead the forces rushing to Jingzhou."
Liu Bei considered briefly.
"Zhongmiao excels at defense. Reinforcing Wenchang will require offense. Kongming, draft a letter—order Wenchang to return."
Kongming agreed. With just a few short lines, he wrote the order, consulted Liu Bei for the seal, stamped it, and sealed the letter. After summoning a clerk and giving instructions, he watched the man depart, then turned back with a smile.
"Since my lord is entering Yong and Liang, you may as well bring Huang Quan along."
Liu Bei smacked his forehead and laughed.
"I nearly forgot Gongheng was here! In that case, tonight I must discuss the Guanzhong situation with him at length."
After Liu Bei entered Yizhou, Huang Quan had followed Zhang Fei and Pang Tong in the campaign for Hanzhong. Though he had not personally led troops into battle and thus remained low-profile, he nonetheless oversaw Hanzhong's security and military training, and was highly trusted.
"However…" Liu Bei continued, "Gongheng is known for steady command. It may be better for him to accompany Wenchang to reinforce Jingzhou."
At this point, Liu Bei's face shone with unmistakable confidence.
"I will lead five thousand men into Yong and Liang, joining forces with Shiyuan, Yide, and Zilong—nearly twenty thousand troops in total."
"With Ma Mengqi bringing ten thousand more as reinforcements, Yong and Liang will be secure, and we can even advance plans for Guanzhong."
"It is Yunchang's front that troubles me more. Jingzhou cannot be lost."
Kongming agreed, then recalled another matter.
"When Wenchang leads troops into Jingzhou, as he passes Fangling, he can bring General Fu Rong along."
The Fangling–Shangyong route connected Hanzhong and Jingzhou. Now that both regions were under their control, there was no need to station heavy forces there.
Better to fully mobilize all available strength to meet Cao's massive offensive.
With all strategic decisions settled, Liu Bei nodded to Kongming, then turned and left without the slightest hesitation.
If they were to move tomorrow, then today would be busy indeed.
That night.
Upon receiving the urgent order, Wei Yan suppressed his excitement and rode through the night back toward Hanzhong.
Kongming and little Jiang Wei spoke late into the night by lamplight, gradually growing more familiar and closer.
In another room, Huang Quan poked at the charcoal fire with a stick and spoke at length.
"Military Adviser Pang has Linwei and Shanggui guarding each other like horns. As long as both cities stand, Yong and Liang will remain secure!"
At that very moment, Pang Tong stood atop the walls of Linwei.
The defending soldiers were relaxed in demeanor. Outside the city, a Cao army camp had already been established.
Leaning forward to take a look by moonlight, Pang Tong turned back with a trace of regret.
"The Cao commanders are not reckless men. Their camp construction is meticulous—there will be no chance for a night raid."
Generally speaking, night raids relied on surprise: making as much noise as possible to trigger panic, causing the enemy to collapse into chaos and trample themselves.
But though the Cao forces outside were only the vanguard, their camp was well-organized—ever-burning signal fires, solid palisades, and low watchtowers, all in place.
Under such conditions, a night raid would amount to little more than shouting on the outskirts. There was almost no chance of meaningful results.
Behind Pang Tong, Zhang Fei showed no disappointment. Instead, he offered a reminder.
"If the Cao army attacks the city tomorrow, Military Adviser Pang must stay inside the county office."
"I've reinforced your room there—walls and roof are packed with long shields. Stray arrows won't be getting through!"
"As for defending the city and breaking the enemy, leave it all to me."
Pang Tong's expression grew complicated. He nodded.
"Yide, your concern is appreciated."
On one hand, he was touched by Yide's attentiveness to his safety. On the other… it was hard not to feel that this was a bit much.
Zhang Fei, completely oblivious, happily accepted the praise.
Pang Tong, meanwhile, coldly watched the Cao camp in the distance, battle intent blazing in his eyes.
Since the Cao army had come exactly as anticipated, all the prior preparations would now come into play.
Linwei had grain, weapons, and more than ten thousand troops stationed within.
Moreover, Linwei sat squarely at the center of the entire Long Road—an absolute choke point, and one the enemy would be forced to attack.
Not far from Linwei, at the western exit of the Long Road, within Shanggui City, Ma Chao and Jian Yong were likewise patrolling the walls.
Ma Chao, however, wore an expression of utter boredom, patting the battlements and sighing toward the east.
Jian Yong snickered, pretending not to notice.
Feeling his chest grow cold and his palm start to ache, Ma Chao finally leaned over shamelessly and asked,
"Advisor Jian, won't you ask why I'm troubled?"
Jian Yong clapped his hands and laughed.
"The general must feel that this is the perfect chance to avenge himself upon the Cao army. Yet all the glory lies with Linwei, and you seek battle but cannot find it—hence your dissatisfaction."
"In that case, why not request battle at Jieting?"