Chapter 100

Chapter 100: Northbound and Southbound

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 3: Galloping Through Bingzhou, Marching Out of Hedong Chapter 100: Northbound and Southbound

The middle-aged scholar standing before Qiao Yan looked unremarkable, and at around forty years old, he hadn’t made any particularly notable reputation in Luoyang City.

Since the selection was taking place within the Grand Commandant’s office, Cao Cao, who had come along, was also puzzled as to why Qiao Yan had specifically stopped in front of Jia Xu and asked, “Are you Jia Wenhe from Liangzhou?”

Jia Xu was equally confused about why he had caught Qiao Yan’s attention.

He had always been adept at self-preservation, having served as a clerk in the Grand Commandant’s office for seven or eight years under several Grand Commandants.

Logically, he shouldn’t have been noticed by this young provincial governor and prominent figure in the capital.

But not only had Qiao Yan called out his name, but there was also a hint of hidden interest in her eyes, indicating that this decision to seek him out wasn’t made lightly.

Although he had a bad feeling, Jia Xu calmly replied, “I am indeed Jia Xu.”

“Then you’re the one I’m looking for,” Qiao Yan turned to Cao Cao and asked, “Mengde, do you know why I’m looking for him?”

Cao Cao replied, “You always act in unexpected ways, but there’s always a reason behind it. It seems this person must have something special about him.”

He didn’t realize that he was being robbed of a future ally and even began to observe Jia Xu’s demeanor, finding that the man indeed had an extraordinary calmness.

Qiao Yan said, “I heard an interesting story some time ago. It was said that this Mr. Wenhe was highly regarded by the famous scholar Yan Zhong from Hanyang, who recommended him for the position of Filial and Incorrupt. Unfortunately, due to illness, he had to return home for a while. On his way back, he happened to encounter a rebel army of the Di people. While others panicked, he calmly stated that he was the grandson of the Grand Commandant. At that time, the Grand Commandant was Duan Jiong, one of the ‘Three Bright Stars of Liangzhou,’ who had long been a border general and was feared by the Qiang and Di tribes. They let him go.”

“In Bingzhou, our officials often deal with the barbarians. What we need most is someone with the courage to remain calm in chaos. Even if they can’t counterattack, they need to have the ability to survive and bring back information. Mengde, do you think he is my first choice for this task?”

Cao Cao pondered Qiao Yan’s words and felt that if what she said was true, then this Jia Wenhe was indeed a rare talent.

A strange kind of rare.

“Additionally,” Qiao Yan continued, “Mr. Zhongde has been with me since the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Yanzhou. After I was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Leping, he followed me to Bingzhou to take up the position of Leping’s Prime Minister. Now that I am the provincial governor, I will surely appoint Mr. Zhongde as my Deputy. Since Mr. Zhongde and Jia Wenhe are of similar age, I believe they will work well together.”

This reason was indeed convincing.

Qiao Yan needed someone well-versed in administrative laws, and given Jia Xu’s age and time spent in Luoyang, he could certainly fulfill that role.

She turned her gaze back to Jia Xu and asked, “Wenhe, would you be willing to accompany me to Bingzhou? I also have someone from Liangzhou under my command who I would like you to mentor.”

The person from Liangzhou Qiao Yan mentioned was naturally Fu Gan, who hailed from Beidi County in Liangzhou. Fu Gan was currently driven by a desire to avenge his father, and it would be best if Jia Xu could keep him in check.

This was the third reason Qiao Yan had to choose him.

She phrased it as a request to accompany her to Bingzhou, but the underlying meaning was clear: she was determined to have him.

Jia Xu had heard of Qiao Yan’s exploits and felt that even if he tried to flee, he would likely be caught.

So, rather than resist, it was better to agree.

Moreover—

If his observations were correct, the capital would experience significant upheaval within the next few years. Being caught in the middle, he wasn’t sure if he could escape unscathed. Liangzhou was currently embroiled in conflict, and even if he returned home, it would be difficult to ensure his safety. It was indeed better to follow Qiao Yan to Bingzhou.

At least in Bingzhou, the Xiutu Tribes of the Xiongnu had suffered heavy losses, and the Southern Xiongnu, who had submitted to Han rule, were unlikely to invade recklessly. The Xianbei were also in the midst of internal strife over the position of Chanyu, and with Qiao Yan’s methods, she could likely stabilize the region, making it a relatively safe place.

There was also the information she had revealed in her words.

The Deputy to the provincial governor, known as the Deputy Governor, was the second-in-command, assisting the governor in handling affairs. This position was named as such because the Deputy Governor could have a separate carriage when accompanying the governor on travels.

Qiao Yan had given this position to someone who had been with her for a long time. While this person undoubtedly had the ability to recognize talent, it also showed her tendency to value loyalty.

So, let’s go.

It was safer than staying in Luoyang.

Jia Xu bowed and replied, “I dare not refuse.”

With Jia Xu, the “Poisonous Strategist,” on board, Qiao Yan only briefly inquired about the specialties of the remaining clerks in the Grand Commandant’s office and selected two more, thus completing the selection process.

Most of the clerks in the Grand Commandant’s office had families by this point. For example, Jia Xu already had three sons—Jia Mu, Jia Fang, and Jia Ji—who lived with him in Luoyang. Since they were heading to Bingzhou, they would naturally accompany him.

Qiao Yan gave the three selected individuals time to pack and set a date for departure before leaving with Cao Cao.

Cao Cao said, “Previously, Yueshu hid in the Minister of Works’ residence and refused a bunch of visitors. Now, I’m the one being sought out. It’s quite an honor.”

After this jest, he added, “But speaking of which, I haven’t formally congratulated Yueshu on her appointment as the Governor of Bingzhou.”

Cao Cao’s gaze towards Qiao Yan was filled with admiration.

He had long known that the person who could write in a report to Huangfu Song, “How could we spare a traitor for the sake of one life?” was no ordinary talent. But her actions had far exceeded his expectations. Now, she had already stepped into the high position of provincial governor, showing more promise as a pillar of the state than even Qiao Xuan of old.

Who would have thought…

But this exceptional rise also gave him hope amidst the chaotic situation.

However, some things didn’t need to be said at this moment.

Although he hadn’t seen Qiao Yan’s Leping with his own eyes, nor witnessed her commanding presence as she galloped through Bingzhou, he could imagine it based on the demeanor of the troops she led in the battle to decide the General Who Crosses the Liao River.

It seemed she had a clear understanding of her methods and future prospects.

As he pondered this, Qiao Yan said, “In that case, I should also congratulate Mengde on being appointed as the Colonel of the Central Army among the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden. However, I heard that the Emperor has decreed that the soldiers of the Eight Colonels must be recruited independently. Mengde, you’ll need to put in some effort and be careful in your actions.”

“There’s no need for Yueshu to worry about that,” Cao Cao replied. “My cousin and I have always had similar ways of doing things, often adopting the style of wandering knights. We’ve recruited quite a few skilled individuals, some of whom can serve as soldiers or clerks. We’ll expand the recruitment when the time comes.”

Cao Cao couldn’t help but feel that recruiting the Emperor’s personal troops in this manner might lead to a mix of good and bad, which wasn’t ideal.

But he convinced himself that if he personally screened these individuals and formed a well-trained and cohesive army, it could serve as a valuable asset if the Emperor intended to campaign in any direction.

Qiao Yan thought about the historical context of Cao Cao’s recruitment and said, “Mengde, your recruitment will likely take you to Qiao and Pei. I heard there’s a powerful family named Xu in Qiao County, who are your fellow townsmen. Perhaps you could see if you can recruit a couple of strong men to help keep the conscripted soldiers in line.”

Cao Hong, who had just arrived to find Cao Cao, was displeased by this. “Marquis Qiao, do you think I can’t keep those soldiers in line?”

Qiao Yan touched her face but didn’t respond.

However, the spot she touched corresponded to…








On Cao Hong’s face, there were clear injuries, inflicted by Qiao Yan during their previous encounter, and the swelling hadn’t completely subsided yet. Some words were left unspoken.

Seeing Cao Hong at a loss for words, Cao Cao couldn’t help but chuckle, “Zilian, you’d better not think about gaining any verbal advantage over Ye Shu.”

“You’re mistaken, Mengde. I didn’t say anything just now,” Qiao Yan, already at the door, cupped her hands towards Cao Cao, “No need to see me off. My stay in the capital won’t be long, and I must visit the Grand Historian. Let’s part ways here. I hope by the time we meet again, your soldiers will be ready.”

This was truly a sincere remark from Qiao Yan.

In the turbulent times she had already influenced, no one could guarantee whether Cao Cao’s recruitment failure would change, or even if he could escape the chaos.

Qiao Yan did not wish to see this happen.

Calculating now, Cao Cao was more fitting for the role of a loyal subject of the Han Dynasty than her, who was merely acting as a lone minister.

It was precisely this thought that led her to suggest he first seek out the Xu family in Qiao County, informing him of a strong man named Xu Chu there, who would be an excellent choice for personal protection.

After leaving the Grand Commandant’s residence, she headed straight for the Lingtai Observatory.

She had intended to visit Ma Lun earlier but had postponed it after encountering Cao Cao.

Now that the position of Governor of Bingzhou was settled, and the Yuan clan was eyeing the position of Governor of Jing Province, which didn’t directly conflict with her, it was the perfect time to visit Ma Lun.

The last time she stepped into Lingtai was for Qiao Xuan’s funeral. Over three years had passed, and the place remained unchanged, its solemn and heavy atmosphere unaltered by the high platform’s unique structure.

As the Governor of Bingzhou, her visit was official, not to a private residence but to the Grand Historian’s office, so Ma Lun received her in a formal manner.

However, this method of meeting, in Qiao Yan’s view, was more meaningful than the usual backhouse visits.

Similar to her appearance three years ago, Ma Lun still kept her hair meticulously styled, exuding a calm aura of someone well-read and scholarly.

Of course, there were some differences.

Three years of official duties had given her more confidence, making her appear younger due to her refreshed spirit.

Before coming, Qiao Yan had heard of Ma Lun’s achievements as the Grand Historian.

On the day of the solar eclipse in the third year of Zhongping, May Ren Chen.

Unlike the earlier astronomical officials who liked to associate such events with ominous occurrences, Ma Lun was different.

She took the opportunity to request Liu Hong, who proposed the Qianxiang Calendar, to be transferred back from Kuaiji Commandery to improve the assessment of solar and lunar eclipses and prepare for calendar reform.

Although she had unexpectedly reached this position due to court balancing, whether it was proposing to use Lingtai for Qiao Xuan’s funeral or initiating calendar reform, she performed exceptionally well, truly acting in her position.

Seeing Qiao Yan interested in the abacus by her side, she handed it over, saying, “This is the invention of Yuan Zhuo, using the abacus as a calculation tool for addition and subtraction, reducing errors and speeding up calculations significantly.”

“For those of us engaged in astronomical observations and calendar calculations, it’s truly a marvelous tool.”

Ma Lun was clearly delighted with the abacus, a result of her request to transfer Liu Hong back to the capital, showing a rare excitement in her usually calm demeanor, “De Heng also contributed greatly to the improvement of the abacus’s form, resulting in what you see now.”

“In recent years, I invited disciples taught by my father to the capital to help perfect the calendar. Unfortunately, many talented individuals have passed away due to war and illness. Fortunately, with the abacus, the threshold for calculations has been lowered, making it easier for even those with little education to assist.”

She pointed out the open window, and Qiao Yan followed her gesture to see several young women passing by with abacuses. Ma Lun continued, “I’ve invited some women with basic calculation skills to assist. With the abacus’s help and the need for meticulous work, they are quite suitable for this task. Perhaps—”

“Perhaps by the time you return to the capital for duty, the calendar’s framework will be complete.”

The advancement of the fixed new moon algorithm and astronomical observations provided the basic conditions for calendar reform.

Now, with the flapping of butterfly wings, a talented woman, who couldn’t fully express her ambitions in this position, pushed history’s wheel forward a turn.

Though Qiao Yan didn’t interject much, seeing Ma Lun’s spirited talk, as if returning to her prime, filled her with joy.

The De Heng mentioned by Ma Lun was none other than the mechanical genius Ma Jun.

Currently studying and assisting in the completion of the abacus, he was also delving into mathematics with Ma Lun and Liu Hong, laying the foundation for future mechanical designs. Perhaps by the next meeting, he would no longer be limited to improving the Dragon Bone Waterwheel.

As the end of Liu Hong’s reign approached, seeds of hope were sprouting in the soil of Luoyang.

Accompanied by the Governor’s procession heading north, she looked back at Luoyang, musing that, according to historical studies, astronomical calendars were symbols of a dynasty’s authority. The current changes seemed like a special omen.

But what this omen meant—

Only time would tell.

Before she left Luoyang, the position of Governor of Liangzhou was still undecided, but the Governor of Jing Province had a beginning.

Liu Hong ranked Liu Biao’s policy proposal first, amidst doubts about his plan to enter Jing Province alone, first appointing him as Governor of Jing Province, sending him off with a royal steed and the Governor’s seal.

Appointing him as Governor rather than Prefect of Jing Province clearly indicated Liu Hong’s stance.

If Liu Biao performed well, he would be promoted from Governor to Prefect. If he failed to fulfill his promises, he would be dismissed, and another would be appointed as Prefect of Jing Province.

Liu Biao headed south, Qiao Yan north, marking two paths in Luoyang that day.

Whether the one heading south could prove his ability was still unknown.

What about the one heading north?

Amidst the banners and procession, the carriage representing the Governor of a province was distinctly visible from Luoyang’s city walls, disappearing into the distant Beimang mountain path.

He Jin, under the guise of patrolling, ascended the city walls and saw this clearly.

He was the biggest loser this time!

The position of General Who Crosses the Liao River wasn’t his man. Now, Han Fu, along with Qu Yi and other subordinates, followed the Governor’s procession.

The Western Garden’s Eight Commanders existed independently of him, with no one related to him in any position. This special force, still led by Jian Shuo, made him feel indescribably disgusted.

He failed to block the appointment of the Governor of Bingzhou and was bound to make enemies due to his opposition in court.

The position of Governor of Jing Province was given to a descendant of the imperial family, clearly showing Liu Hong’s unwillingness to let the power of the maternal relatives expand.

All these reminded him that he couldn’t remain passive; otherwise, Dou Wu would be his reference.

He must quickly support his nephew Liu Bian to ascend the throne!