Chapter 19: With Our Guardian Deity, We Easily Outmaneuver Cao Cao!

“Bowen, you actually know that Yun Chang is skilled in naval warfare?” Liu Bei’s eyes widened, his face revealing astonishment once more.

As the one involved, Guan Yu’s half-closed phoenix eyes suddenly opened wide.

“Isn’t it common knowledge that General Guan is proficient in naval combat?” Xiao He’s gaze was blank as he glanced around at everyone.

Liu Bei exchanged looks with the others, and all silently drew a sharp breath.

He hadn’t been idle during the years at Fancheng.

Several waterways near Fancheng—the Bi River, the Yu River—all flowed into the Han River.

To be prepared, Liu Bei had ordered Guan Yu to secretly train a navy around the Bi River under the pretext of military drills.

Thus, of the ten thousand elite troops, over five thousand were adept in naval warfare.

Guan Yu showed remarkable talent in this field; a northerner who, in just a year or two, had mastered commanding a navy.

Yet, to avoid arousing Liu Biao’s suspicion, only a handful of top commanders like Zhuge Liang and Zhang Fei knew of Guan Yu’s naval expertise.

Unexpectedly, this secret was casually revealed by Xiao He, and in his words, it was “known to all.”

Liu Bei and the others could not help but be shocked.

“Bowen’s divine insight seems to see through all secrets in Jingzhou,” Zhuge Liang sighed softly, fanning himself with his feather fan.

Suddenly, everyone snapped back to attention, their surprise fading.

Given that this new colleague was so perceptive, even discerning the nature of a minor figure like Wei Yan, it wasn't surprising he knew Guan Yu’s skills.

“Strategist Kongming speaks wisely. To you, Bowen, all of Jingzhou must be as clear as day,” Liu Bei praised, then furrowed his brow.

“But, Strategist Kongming, you rightly pointed out a crucial issue: with Yun Chang guarding Fancheng, who will command the navy?”

The group’s thoughts returned to the pressing dilemma, and the atmosphere grew solemn.

Zhuge Liang sighed quietly and said, “I have considered this matter. The fate of Fancheng is of life and death; it must be defended by General Yun Chang.”

“After weighing the importance, we can only reluctantly select another general to lead the navy.”

Liu Bei was silent for a moment, then sighed.

There was no choice—his other generals were all northerners unfamiliar with water combat.

Guan Yu’s unique talent for naval warfare was already an unexpected boon.

“Defending Fancheng is paramount, but commanding the navy is equally critical.”

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“I have heard that Cao Cao also trained a navy in Wancheng, building many warships that can sail down the Yu River directly into the Han River.”

“Cao Cao’s navy may not be formidable, but it still poses a threat. If we appoint a commander unfamiliar with naval warfare to lead our navy, we may fail to defeat Cao Cao’s fleet and secure control over the Han River.”

“In that case, Fancheng risks being cut off from Xiangyang, and Cao’s forces might cross the river to threaten Xiangyang directly.”

“Therefore, I believe we must be extremely cautious in choosing who will command the navy.”

Yi Ji, specializing in intelligence gathering, was most knowledgeable about Cao Cao’s true strength and revealed Cao’s secret naval training.

Liu Bei’s brow furrowed deeper, a hint of apprehension crossing his face.

The festive atmosphere of the victory banquet now grew shadowed with unease.

Xiao He also felt concerned.

According to Yi Ji, the strategy of holding Fancheng and keeping Cao Cao north of the Han River was not guaranteed safe.

“If we can’t hold Fancheng and Cao crosses the Han, Xiangyang will surely fall. Then I’d have to run with Xuande…”

Xiao He rubbed his chin, muttering under his breath, his brows tightening.

His gaze inadvertently swept across the civil and military officials, suddenly resting on one man.

His eyes brightened, and he blurted out:

“If that’s the case, why don’t we assign another general to defend Fancheng and let General Guan continue commanding the navy? Wouldn’t that solve both problems?”

The hall fell into stunned silence as everyone suddenly looked up at Xiao He.

Is Fancheng a place anyone can guard?

Defending Fancheng means holding firm against Cao Cao’s tens of thousands of troops!

Who among the generals present had the courage or ability?

Even the fearless Zhao Yun dared not shoulder such an immense burden.

It wasn’t that he lacked courage, but he knew his command was no match for Guan Yu’s, and he couldn’t withstand Cao’s overwhelming forces.

Impulsive volunteering would only jeopardize Liu Bei’s grand plan.

“Bowen, if Yun Chang leads the navy, victory on water is assured, but who then defends Fancheng?”

“That’s tens of thousands of Cao’s troops, personally commanded by Cao Cao.”

Liu Bei sighed helplessly, revealing the difficulty.

“General Guan Yu is unrivaled as a commander, naturally the best choice to defend Fancheng.”

Turning his gaze to the generals, Xiao He continued:

“But in my opinion, among the generals present, there is one talented in defense. If the task is purely to hold Fancheng, this person might be up to it.”

Liu Bei looked at the assembled generals, who exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and doubt.

“Who does Bowen mean? Who has such capability?”

Liu Bei eagerly asked, his eyes filled with both hope and suspicion.

Xiao He raised his hand and pointed at one man:

“That’s him.”

Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei…

All eyes in the hall fixed on the man just over thirty.

“Huo Jun, Huo Zhongmiao?”

Liu Bei called out the name.

“That’s right, him,” Xiao He smiled and nodded.

Who was Huo Jun?

He was a fierce warrior, one of the two gate gods alongside Hao Zhao.

Not everyone who holds a city deserves the title of gate god.

Holding a city with eight thousand men is vastly different from holding one with eight hundred.

Huo Jun had done just that.

With only eight hundred men, he defended Jiameng Pass for a year, withstanding assaults from a force ten times his size, buying Liu Bei enough time to capture Chengdu.

If he could hold Jiameng with eight hundred, then holding Fancheng with ten thousand should be a walk in the park.

After a moment of silence, the hall erupted with chatter.

“I say, Bowen, do you really recommend this Huo… Huo Jun to defend Fancheng?”

“That’s tens of thousands of Cao’s troops! Are you serious?”

Zhang Fei blurted out first, jumping up and questioning with surprise.

Others nodded in agreement.

Even Huo Jun himself looked shocked.

Having just pledged allegiance to Liu Bei, he never expected the mysterious Xiao Official to recommend him to shoulder such a heavy responsibility.

“Bowen, how can you be sure that Huo Zhongmiao is a skilled defender?”

Snapping out of his surprise, Liu Bei asked.

“Well…” Xiao He cleared his throat and smiled.

“I was just speaking casually. Whether you dare to entrust Huo Zhongmiao with Fancheng is, of course, up to you, my lord.”

This was classic Xiao He—ambiguous and inscrutable.

Liu Bei turned his gaze to Huo Jun, lost in thought.