As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the tent was taken aback. General Wei Yan, standing behind Zhuge Liang, changed his expression drastically, suddenly raising his head and staring intently at Shen Yi.
Zhuge Liang furrowed his brow and gazed deeply at Shen Yi, slowly asking, "How did you come to know of 'The Strategy of Ziwugu'?"
'The Strategy of Ziwugu' was a bold military plan proposed by Wei Yan to Zhuge Liang in history, advocating for leading elite troops to swiftly enter Guanzhong from Ziwugu Valley and seize Chang'an in one fell swoop. However, Zhuge Liang deemed the plan too risky and ultimately did not adopt it.
Shen Yi understood that this was a crucial moment to gain Zhuge Liang's trust. He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Prime Minister, we come from a thousand years in the future and have a considerable understanding of the course of history. Although 'The Strategy of Ziwugu' is perilous, it is indeed a brilliant tactic. If successful, it could lead to an unexpected victory and turn the tide of battle."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "However, this plan contradicts your cautious and prudent nature, which is why it was not adopted. But I believe that with your talent, you will weigh the pros and cons and make the most beneficial decision for Shu Han."
Shen Yi's tone was neither servile nor dismissive; he objectively analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of 'The Strategy of Ziwugu' as well as the reasons for Zhuge Liang's rejection of it.
The tent fell into silence, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Zhuge Liang's response.
Zhuge Liang remained silent for a long time, his gaze shifting from Shen Yi to outside the tent as if he were deep in thought.
After a while, he withdrew his gaze with a long sigh and said, "You are right; 'The Strategy of Ziwugu' is indeed a risky move. However, if successful, it could lead to an unexpected victory. Yet, as an old man burdened with the responsibility of restoring the Han Dynasty, I must act with caution!"
He turned around and looked at us with determination, saying, "Since you come from the future, you must understand my difficulties. I hope you can comprehend that everything I do is for Shu Han and for the people of the world!"
Zhuge Liang's words were heartfelt and sincere. Shen Yi and I exchanged glances and saw admiration and emotion reflected in each other's eyes.
"Rest assured, Prime Minister. Since we are here, we will do our utmost to assist you in completing the Northern Expedition!" Shen Yi said with cupped hands.
"Good!" Zhuge Liang clapped his hands in laughter and said, "I believe in you! Someone, arrange accommodations for these esteemed guests and treat them well!"
"At your command!"
The two soldiers responded and led us out of the tent.
Stepping outside, I took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling as if a weight had finally lifted from my heart.
"Shen Yi, you are amazing!" I whispered excitedly. "You actually convinced Zhuge Liang!"
Shen Yi smiled lightly and said, "I just spoke the truth. Zhuge Liang is a wise ruler; he can naturally discern between what is real and what is false."
I nodded, filled with hope for the future.
I knew that our journey through time had only just begun...
====================
As we exited the tent, the warm sunlight bathed us, dispelling the chill of early spring. In the distance, soldiers were training, their battle cries echoing loudly, flags fluttering in the wind, creating an atmosphere of tension.
"I can't believe we really arrived in the Three Kingdoms era and even met the legendary Zhuge Liang," I said, looking around and still feeling somewhat unreal.
Shen Yi turned to me with a hint of a smile. "So, do you now believe we can't go back?"
I sighed with a bitter smile, "I believe it, but I just don't know what will happen next or what we can do."
"Since we are here, we might as well make the best of it." Shen Yi patted my shoulder, his eyes filled with determination. "We come from a thousand years in the future, possessing knowledge and vision that surpass this era. As long as we work together, we will surely find a way back."
As soon as he finished speaking, a booming voice came from nearby: "Are you the 'Prophets' who have descended from the heavens?"
We turned to see a burly general in armor standing before us. He had thick eyebrows and fierce eyes, exuding an intimidating presence without needing to raise his voice. A long sword hung at his waist, and he radiated an overwhelming aura.
"This is General Wei Yan," the soldier who had brought us in whispered.
Wei Yan scrutinized us from head to toe, his gaze filled with skepticism and doubt. "I heard you claim to come from the future and know 'The Strategy of Ziwugu'? Hmph, what a ridiculous joke! I, Wei Yan, have fought on the battlefield for many years and have never heard such absurdity!"
Shen Yi stepped forward and replied calmly, "General, you may not know that we..."
"Enough!" Wei Yan interrupted Shen Yi harshly. "You speak without proof. If you truly possess extraordinary abilities, then show me the evidence! Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"
With that, he waved his hand sharply, and soldiers immediately surrounded us.
I felt a surge of anxiety and instinctively grabbed Shen Yi's sleeve. He gently patted my hand to reassure me before turning to Wei Yan with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth. "How does the general wish to verify this?"
Wei Yan sneered, "I'll take you to a place. If you really have the ability, you'll be able to leave unscathed!"
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