Zhao Ming works tirelessly to meet the supply deadline set by Liu Wen. The tension among the clerks grows—some avoid him entirely, while others secretly offer small hints of support.


    One evening, as Zhao Ming pores over the records, Chen Heng approaches with a quiet sigh. "Zhao Ming, men like Liu Wen thrive not on merit but on eliminating those who threaten their standing. Be careful."


    The Old Scribe, shuffling through some aged documents, adds, "Numbers do not lie, but men will twist them to their advantage. Make sure you leave no gaps, no discrepancies. If they can find fault in you, they will."


    Zhao Ming nods, absorbing their advice. "Then I shall ensure my records are beyond question. If they wish to play this game, I will not make it easy for them."


    <hr>


    Sun Yichen meets with Liu Wen, officially framing the issue as a ‘concern for administrative order.’ He manipulates the situation to suggest that Zhao Ming’s rise is too fast and might cause ‘disharmony’ among the older bureaucrats.


    Liu Wen, seeing an opportunity to reassert his authority, agrees to apply more pressure on Zhao Ming. He begins looking for minor faults in the supply chain, hoping to catch Zhao Ming in a mistake.


    As they discuss their plan in a private chamber, Liu Wen leans back in his seat, swirling a cup of wine in his hand. “Zhao Ming has proven to be a persistent thorn,” he says. “What do you propose?”


    Sun Yichen smirks. “A man like him relies on precision and order. If we can disrupt his records, even slightly, it will cast doubt on his reliability.”


    Liu Wen nods. “A misplaced shipment, a discrepancy in the logs—”


    “Exactly,” Sun Yichen interjects. “We don’t need him to fail spectacularly, just enough to justify an official review. The moment the capital gets involved, his position will become untenable.”


    Liu Wen taps his fingers on the table. “And if he somehow weathers that storm?”


    Sun Yichen leans forward, his voice low. “Then we escalate. There are always higher authorities willing to listen when the right incentives are provided.”


    Liu Wen raises his cup. “To Zhao Ming’s downfall.”


    “To the downfall of those who overstep their station,” Sun Yichen corrects with a knowing smile, before drinking deeply.


    <hr>


    Zhao Ming methodically calculates supplies and finds a potential shortfall. Upon deeper investigation, he discovers that Liu Wen has been embezzling some of the grain. However, no one dares to help him prove it, as they are afraid of Liu Wen and his political backing.


    Realizing he cannot openly accuse Liu Wen without evidence, Zhao Ming instead reaches out to the Murong family and the Qiao family merchants for additional resources.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Through careful maneuvering, Zhao Ming secures additional provisions, leveraging the Murong family’s reputation to shield himself from immediate retaliation. By the time the final shipment arrives, Zhao Ming knows he has bought himself time but not true security. The threat of Liu Wen and Sun Yichen looms ever closer.


    <hr>


    The 800-1,000 men arrive, revealing a surprising level of discipline and self-sufficiency. Unlike the common rabble often seen in hastily formed militias, these men carry themselves with the air of trained soldiers.


    When Zhao Ming meets the army’s leader, he is stunned to realize it is Liu Bei. Recognizing the name, he understands the potential implications of this meeting. As he converses with Liu Bei, he soon notices Guan Yu and Zhang Fei by his side. The three men exude an aura of determination and camaraderie.


    Their conversation is warm and familiar, acknowledging their past encounters.


    Liu Bei grins upon seeing Zhao Ming. “Zhao Ming! We meet again. The last time we saw each other, you were with the Murong family.”


    Zhao Ming smiles and clasps his hands. “Lord Liu, General Guan, General Zhang—it is good to see you all. I trust the road has not been too harsh?”


    Guan Yu nods solemnly. “The road matters little when duty calls.”


    Zhang Fei lets out a hearty laugh. “And when wine flows! Do you still owe me a drink, Zhao Ming?”


    Zhao Ming chuckles. “If I recall, I saved you from drinking Murong Jin’s entire stock.”


    Liu Bei shakes his head with amusement. “It seems fate continues to weave our paths together. But tell me, Zhao Ming, how does a scholar like you end up tangled in logistics?”


    Zhao Ming responds with a smirk. “Because without grain and weapons, even the bravest men fall.”


    <hr>


    Upon hearing this, he leans back and mutters, “So he truly has found favor among warriors. This complicates things.” and begins preparing his next move. He arranges for an army inspection and plans to summon an official from the capital to ‘review’ the situation.


    Yang Tianlei, upon learning of this, warns Zhao Ming. “You’ve done well, but be cautious. This isn’t just about supplies anymore. Sun Yichen is looking beyond this province. You might become collateral in his ambitions.”


    Zhao Ming exhales. “Understood.”


    <hr>


    Liu Wen calls Zhao Ming into his office, smugly questioning his ‘mismanagement’ of supplies. He accuses Zhao Ming of failing to properly account for the resources allocated to the volunteer army.


    Zhao Ming remains calm, presenting meticulously documented records that prove everything is in order. Every shipment, every allocation, every transfer is accounted for down to the last grain. His confidence unsettles Liu Wen, who was expecting panic or excuses.


    Liu Wen scowls. “You have an answer for everything, don’t you?”


    Zhao Ming meets his gaze steadily. “Only because I know the rules as well as you do, Administrator.”


    Before Liu Wen can press further, Liu Bei steps in, formally verifying that the army has been stationed properly and provided with supplies as designated. His words carry weight, and the clerks present dare not contradict him.


    Liu Wen’s expression stiffens. He had counted on exploiting Zhao Ming’s inexperience, but now he finds himself at a disadvantage. He narrows his eyes and leans forward. “Do not mistake this for victory, Zhao Ming. Bureaucracy is not won with ledgers alone.”


    <hr>


    Alone in his quarters, Zhao Ming reflects on his growing web of allies and enemies. The battle for survival is no longer just about bureaucracy—it is about power, influence, and the changing tides of history.


    He finally understands: the real battlefield is not in the supply records or the yamen halls—it is in the unseen power struggles that dictate the fate of men like him.


    System Notification: Fame 70+60


    <ul>


    <li>


    You solve the supply crisis: Fame +25


    </li>


    <li>


    You annoy Liu Wen and offend Sun Yichen: Fame +25


    </li>


    <li>


    You impress your peers by knowing Liu Bei: Fame +10


    </li>


    </ul>


    As he extinguishes the candle, he murmurs: “It seems I have no choice but to push forward.”