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Liu Bei fell into silence for a moment, "Since that is the case, let's clarify this matter to Lord Tao and also send the letter of interrogation from Cao Bao to Xiapi, and tell Lord Tao that I will not interfere with other affairs in Xuzhou, and after slaying Cao Mengde, I will retreat back to Mount Tai."

"Understood." Li Youu replied calmly, "Lord Xuande has also noticed the rift with Tao Gongzu. Alas, such is the world, full of helplessness."

"In that case, continue to gather supplies from Mount Tai, camp on the spot, build fortifications, take in the refugees, and center around Tann County to construct dwellings. Yunchang, Yide, Xingba, Zijian, each of you will lead three thousand soldiers and exterminate the rioters who have been slaughtering the people of Xuzhou in all directions." Having issued the order, Liu Bei no longer cared whether this was a provocation to the local families of Xuzhou.