David Bennett gazed at the other for a long time before finally sighing, “Since you’ve already made your decision, I won’t try to persuade you further. If one day you wish to leave the Xu family and have nowhere better to go, feel free to come to Jingzhao. This is my name card—if you think it appropriate, you may hand it to Peter Foster.”

　　Brian Carter was somewhat moved as well.

　　Since arriving in this world, it was the first time he had truly witnessed the bearing of a strong figure here. The other’s calm and unassuming demeanor made him admit that every era has its own people of extraordinary charisma.

　　He knew well that once he handed this name card to Peter Foster, his status among the Xu family would rise sharply, making it even less likely for him to join the Li family. Yet the other party still offered it without hesitation. The man’s magnanimity was enough to make any ordinary person deeply grateful—some might even fall to their knees in thanks. Fortunately, having spent decades navigating the modern world, he could still remain calm and composed despite being touched.

　　“Your Highness, Lord Yuchi, if you don’t mind Brian Carter being presumptuous, I do have some suggestions.”

　　“Oh? Please speak.” David Bennett found his interest in the young man before him growing ever stronger. This fellow seemed shrouded in mystery: dressed in plain white, yet neither servile nor overbearing before himself and Her Highness, even managing to take the initiative and steer the conversation. Such talent was truly rare—what a pity he had ended up in the hands of the Xu family of Guangzhou.

　　“The Li family of Guanzhong has deep roots and a noble status, and enjoys the legitimacy of the imperial line. If they could break free from their shackles and restore the former glory of the Li clan, much could be accomplished. Perhaps Lord Yuchi would say that the Zhu family of Bianluo poses too great a threat, leaving the Li family powerless to act. But in my view, unless the Zhu family of Bianluo achieves a decisive victory over the Shatuo Li clan of Jin, they will never pose a real threat to Guanzhong. The Li clan need only retain a portion of their forces to control Tongguan and Wuguan, then focus their efforts southward to seize Hanzhong. If they take Hanzhong, Qin Chuan will gain strategic depth, and with Hanzhong’s commanding position, they can wait for the right opportunity. I believe chaos will erupt in the two Sichuan regions within a few years. If they can wait for that turmoil, seize the moment to eliminate the opposition, and take both Sichuans, they could achieve a great hegemony.”

　　Brian Carter spoke eloquently.

Chapter Ten: Hidden Moves

　　Looking at the history of the Five Dynasties, Later Liang was destroyed by Later Tang, founded by the Shatuo. Although history had already deviated significantly by now, the military strength of the Shatuo Li clan—especially their cavalry—was still unmatched in China, particularly as some things in this timeline had already changed.

　　At present, the Shatuo line had clearly become the leaders among the northern Turkic tribes, with the Shatuo Li clan being the undisputed royal house. Under their banner, many talented individuals from the northern nomadic peoples had gathered. Whether it was the martial prodigies famed as the “peerless twins,” Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Smith, or the renowned Shatuo sorcerer Charles Thompson (Zhuye Chongshan) and his three genius disciples, all were outstanding figures. There was also a large group of sinicized nomadic elites and Han Chinese talents serving under them.

　　From the late stages of the chaotic Five Barbarians period, many Turkic people who could no longer survive on the Mongolian Plateau and the northern and southern deserts due to harsh climate and constant warfare saw the rise of their kin, the Shatuo royal Zhuye clan, and flocked south to join them. This provided the Shatuo of Jin with ample military manpower, allowing the Shatuo Li clan to become the dominant military power in the north.

　　If not for the threat posed by their old enemies, the Helian family of Tuyuhun, and the rapidly rising Tangut people in the northwest, the Shatuo Li clan would have long since marched south to vie for supremacy with the Zhu family, who controlled Bianluo.

　　Although the Zhu family held Bianluo, the heartland of the Central Plains, the very flatness of the region—especially Kaifeng Prefecture, which was a battlefield with no natural defenses—meant that the front lines of Zexian and Lu Prefectures in southern Jin were only a few hundred li away. The Shatuo cavalry could cross Zhiguan or Baijing Pass and strike directly at Bianluo, threatening the Zhu family’s survival. Thus, although the Zhu family’s overall strength was the greatest in China, they were forced to station heavy troops in Bianluo to guard against disaster.

　　With a soft sigh, David Bennett felt even more regret deep inside. To so easily see through the Li family’s current situation was impressive, but that mention of “breaking free from shackles” had also unerringly pointed out the Li clan’s greatest weakness.

　　If there were no shackles, would the Li clan have ended up like this?

　　But to break free from those shackles was not as easy as saying so. Still, it was rare to find someone who understood the Li clan’s internal and external affairs so thoroughly—what a pity he could not be used by the Li family.

　　For a mere scout to have such insight, David Bennett was filled with curiosity about the man before him.

　　He did not believe that the small pond of the Xu family in Guangzhou could contain such a dragon.

　　The cabin fell silent for a moment as David Bennett considered how to recruit Brian Carter back to Chang’an.

　　This man was both learned and skilled in martial arts. If he could serve as his right hand, he would surely help him eliminate the shackles and restore the Li clan’s rule.

　　The young lady’s gaze was also flickering, clearly surprised that a disheveled scholar in white could have such lofty insight—even David Bennett was taken aback.

　　“All right, it’s late. Brian Carter, you must be tired. Mark Clark, take Brian Carter to rest.” David Bennett nodded, not responding to Brian Carter’s suggestion.

　　“Brian Carter is the second son in his family. If Lord Yuchi doesn’t mind, you may simply call me Erlang.” Brian Carter also rose, cupped his fists, and took his leave.