Chapter 419

Chapter 419

Can’t a strategist ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms, Unification of the World, Chapter 419: The Emperor’s Personal Expedition

Even though Cao Cao considered himself a man who had weathered many storms, he couldn’t help but freeze in place upon hearing Yuan Shang’s response.

Is it too hot, and he needs some ice to cool down?

He instinctively glanced at Wei Yan, Cao Ang, and others present, and from their bewildered expressions, Cao Cao was certain he hadn’t misheard.

What he heard was indeed what Yuan Shang said.

Realizing this, Cao Cao’s gaze returned to Yuan Shang’s face, now tinged with a subtle… sympathy.

Not sympathy for Yuan Shang’s tragic situation of being captured by the enemy at such a young age, but sympathy for Yuan Shao, who had raised such a son and, in the current situation, had no choice but to send him out, thus embarrassing himself in front of Cao Cao.

Yuan Shang couldn’t bring honor to the Yuan Clan of Runan, show courage and wisdom in the battle, or even display some integrity after being captured. Instead, he ended the battle with such an absurd statement. Cao Cao didn’t know how to respond.

This was indeed a statement far more shocking than a direct plea for mercy.

If it weren’t for witnessing Yuan Shang’s protection during the battle and seeing through a telescope how Wei Yan captured him, Cao Cao might have doubted if they had mistakenly captured someone else, not Yuan Shao’s son.

Speaking of which, what was Yuan Shao doing at Yuan Shang’s age?

Although many noble youths have their share of荒唐 pasts, Yuan Shao was groomed by the Yuan Clan of Runan to be a leader, mastering the art of building reputation. At least outwardly, he appeared dignified, unlike the current Yuan Shang…

This “too hot, need ice” statement, even if Cao Cao didn’t spread it, would become a widely circulated joke as the Han regime in Ji and Qing Provinces crumbled.

“Back during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, I heard Sun Wentai and Fu Nanrong say, ‘To have a son like Qiao Yeshu.’ Now it seems we were wise not to take the Yuan Clan of Runan as a model, given their arrogance and dominance.”

After Yuan Shang was taken away and Wei Yan, satisfied with his achievements, retreated, Cao Ang heard his father say this.

“Father, you don’t have such grand ambitions now, do you?” Perhaps because their situation had turned from peril to safety, Cao Ang had the leisure to jest.

Indeed, before, the phrase “to have a son like Qiao Yeshu” could be seen as encouraging Fu Gan, Sun Ce, and others to emulate Qiao Yan. Even when Qiao Yan was Grand Marshal, it was somewhat acceptable. But now that Qiao Yan rules the world, saying such a thing would be almost treasonous.

What would the speaker be implying? To birth a dynasty-changer?

Cao Cao chuckled and shook his head: “True, it should be changed. Perhaps to… not valuing sons over daughters.”

Qiao Yan’s promotion of women to high positions, especially with four women among the Nine Ministers, had spread far and wide over three months.

Lu Yuan, Yao Chang, Lu Lingju, and Ren Hong, though not among the Nine Ministers, held significant positions, showcasing the Emperor’s preference for female officials.

While the Emperor selects officials based on talent and character, this special signal hints at opportunities for more female officials. Some worry about being replaced by rising female officials, while others see potential in their daughters to bring wealth and power to their families.

Cao Cao couldn’t predict where this trend would lead.

But now, he was already feeling its impact.

Thinking of his wife, who had recently arrived in Chang’an and was now assisting the Minor Palace due to her previous role in Puyang, Cao Cao felt overwhelmed.

“Enough of this,” he thought. It’s just sharing the court with his wife, no big deal. “Did you see Yuan Xianfu’s situation just now?”

“What else do you want to say, Father?”

Cao Cao pondered and said, “Send a letter to Yuan Benchu for me. Say that I once doubted Yuan Gonglu’s claim that Shao wasn’t a true Yuan, but after seeing Yuan Xianfu today, I realize Yuan Benchu is good at embellishing himself, but his son is too young to do the same. Now his true nature is revealed, reminiscent of the fierce ghosts of old. It seems Gonglu was just venting back then, and Benchu has cleared his name through his son. Good for him!”

Cao Ang: “…”

This letter, combined with Yuan Shang’s performance after capture and the bombardment of proclamations, would be hard to tell which stung Yuan Shao more.

Cao Ang now realized his father held grudges and always found a way to settle them.

During the Yanzhou upheaval, Yuan Shao, though an old acquaintance, didn’t hesitate to strike when he could eliminate Cao Cao and reclaim Yanzhou. To Cao Cao, that was a grudge.

Now, he was just repaying in kind, without bloodshed.

Cao Ang paused, then replied, “I’ll write it. If Yuan Benchu wants his son back, we can discuss terms.”

Though Yuan Shao’s defeat was imminent, and Ji Province would soon belong to the Da Yong Emperor, the Emperor might not mind asking Yuan Shao if he was willing to bleed again, make another joke, and lose more民心 before the harvest.

As Cao Ang was about to leave, Cao Cao added, “Add this: sending children to Leping Academy early isn’t about making them hostages. Even if they only become literate, it’s better than spouting nonsense like Yuan Xianfu.”

Cao Pi, sent to Leping Academy by Cao Cao years ago, was now ten and still studying under Cai Yong.

If Cao Cao and Qiao Yan were still at odds, he might worry about Cao Pi facing him in battle. But now, that fear was gone.

While Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi had already achieved military feats beyond their years in Liaodong and northern Ji, Cao Pi was still studying with his friend Lu Ji. Cao Cao saw no regret in this.

Having too many military leaders in the family isn’t necessarily good, especially when serving an Emperor who conquered the world on horseback.

This was just fine.

Cao Zhi, only five, had already shown remarkable literary talent, a perfect companion for his elder brother.

With Cao Ang leading the younger generation, Cao Cao wasn’t worried about his sons causing succession disputes like Yuan Shao’s.

The letter from Henei and the news of Yuan Shang’s capture reached Ye City almost simultaneously.

Yuan Shao stared at the battle report and the retaliatory letter, unable to believe his beloved son had given him such a “gift”!

Seeing his wife rush in, weeping and begging him to save their son, Yuan Shao couldn’t muster any pity, only rage at Yuan Shang’s自作主张出兵, losing his援军 and embarrassing him in front of Cao Cao.

“Stop crying! Does he think he’s better than me? That with his troops, he could defeat Cao Cao? Even with half his forces stripped, Cao Cao is still the General of the Chariots and Cavalry!”

“What is Yuan Xianfu?”

Yuan Shang’s status wasn’t due to his military prowess like Cao Ang’s, but simply because he was Yuan Shao’s son.

Yuan Shao, already头痛欲裂 over the northern front’s failure to deliver results for Liu Bian, was further心烦 by his wife’s weeping. He怒道: “Instead of crying for him, prepare our funeral goods! Spoiling mothers ruin sons, indeed!”

“Spoiling mothers ruin sons?” Lady Liu stopped crying,怒道: “Who kept him by your side in Ye City, letting him listen to your discussions? Who stayed by his sickbed, fearing for his life?”

It was Yuan Shao!

“Who repeatedly compared him to his elder brothers, thinking he resembled you the most? Who gave him status and power, believing he could turn the tide?”

Still Yuan Shao!

“Today’s disaster is your doing as a father. Even if I’m at fault, you share the blame for misjudging people!”

With that, she stormed off, knowing there was no hope of saving Yuan Shang from Yuan Shao, leaving him in deep thought.

Yes, misjudging people!

He thought Yuan Shang was a talented, dignified prodigy like himself, never realizing he was just as志大才疏.

He not only misjudged his sons in choosing a successor, favoring appearances, but also in promoting subordinates!

How could逢纪郭图 compare to those with flawless strategies and governance skills? How many rounds could颜良文丑 last against top generals?

Now, with so few将领谋士, it was pitiful. But was there truly such a lack of talent in Qing and Ji Provinces?

If only he hadn’t been so高傲 in recruiting, thinking his四世三公 status would attract endless talent, he wouldn’t be in this dire situation.

Realizing this now was like Yuan Shang feeling fear only upon seeing火药爆炸 and象兵冲锋—too late to change anything.

He had no way to挽回!

Guo Tu, from the Yingchuan noble family, was already seeking a way out of Ye City, while Feng Ji, from Nanyang, was also暗中联络后路.

Such actions had been happening for months, but now they were more blatant, even in front of Yuan Shao.

Yet, Yuan Shao couldn’t punish them to set an example,只能放任他们撬开国门.

On the other hand, Ju Shou and Shen Pei, long suspected by Yuan Shao, could have surrendered to Qiao Yan but chose not to. Instead, they retreated to Xiaquyang and the Hutuo River,重新建立防线 against the advancing enemy.

How long this防线 would hold, Yuan Shao didn’t know. Perhaps…

Just as Yuan Shao thought this, a小黄门 rushed in with news: the Emperor summoned him to the palace.

At this moment, Yuan Shao felt as if he had returned to his days in Luoyang. But back then, the Grand General was He Jin, not him, and the Han Emperor was Liu Hong, not Liu Bian. That palace invitation had ended He Jin’s life, and today’s might follow suit.

But Yuan Shao quickly laughed at himself. Liu Bian lacked the破釜沉舟的勇气.

Before supporting Liu Bian as Emperor, Yuan Shao had seen his true nature.

He was indeed less like the late Emperor than Liu Xie, especially in decisiveness!

And Liu Bian surely knew that striking at Yuan Shao now wouldn’t earn him Qiao Yan’s forgiveness.

She had already善待 Liu Xie and Liu Yu,不需要再多一个仁慈的标志.

“Grand General?” the小黄门 asked, seeing Yuan Shao pause.

“Let’s go. Since the Emperor has urgent matters to discuss, I…”








“Of course, I should go and see.”

Yuan Shao followed his steps.

Although there were still some inconveniences in movement, after resting for a while, he didn’t need to rely on a wheelchair. When he appeared before Liu Bian, there was still a hint of his former imposing demeanor.

But when Liu Bian spoke, Yuan Shao’s expression changed involuntarily. “We can’t stay in Ye City anymore. I want to move the capital! No…”

“This might not even be called moving the capital. In any case, I want to leave this place! Right now!”

Seeing that Liu Bian seemed to only want to inform him and was about to leave immediately, Yuan Shao grabbed his shoulder. “Your Majesty, calm down!”

“Calm down? How can I calm down?” Liu Bian suddenly raised his voice, almost interrogating Yuan Shao. “I’m not deaf or blind. The battles in Liyang and Chaoge are so close to Ye City! It’s just a battle south of the Zhan River!”

“Grand General!” Liu Bian said word by word, “If you were Cao Cao, after achieving such a victory, and with the support of the noble families in Hebei, could he reach Ye City by morning if he set out at night?”

Yes.

Indeed, he could.

Cao Cao’s River North County is right next to Wei County, where Ye City is located. Even though the area north of the Zhan River in River North County was incorporated into Wei County after Liu Bian declared himself emperor in Ye City, serving as a buffer for the capital, it didn’t add much distance.

If the Sili army really wanted to march straight in, with Yuan Shang’s forces already fragmented, Cao Cao could do it.

Perhaps the troops around Ye City and the fortified gates could make it a place that would take months to conquer, but as Ye City’s wings were gradually cut off, even the noble families in Hebei would not stand on their side.

It’s only a matter of time before the city falls.

“You see, you’ve tacitly agreed.” Liu Bian’s face turned despondent.

Since Qiao Yan ascended the throne, he had regretted countless times why he ever took the position of the Han Emperor.

It was only because of Yuan Shao’s repeated persuasion and his own侥幸心理 that he thought there was still a chance to turn things around. But what he got was today’s situation.

The southern defenders of Ye City were almost completely wiped out, and the opposing general leading the charge was none other than Cao Cao, whom they had forced to the other side!

“Grand General, do you still think we shouldn’t move the capital?”

At least retreat north for a while, create some distance for engagement.

Or keep going north, or northeast, and set sail from Bohai Bay to find another refuge. Isn’t that better than sitting here waiting for death?

We could even ally with Goguryeo after reaching their territory, rally the surrounding Fuyu, and take advantage of the withdrawal of the Protector of Wuhuan from Liaodong County and Gongsun Du’s possible independent ambitions to seize a new territory in the far east of Youzhou, and then slowly plan for the Central Plains.

But facing Liu Bian’s hopeful yet despairing eyes, Yuan Shao gave an unusually firm reply, “No, we can’t leave.”

“Your Majesty, if you retreat, the dignity of the Han imperial family will be completely lost,” Yuan Shao said with a grave expression, his words speeding up, almost stunning Liu Bian. “Today you can retreat from Ye City to Quliang, tomorrow from Quliang to Julu, and the day after from Julu to Bohai Bay, directly handing over the Han territory inch by inch to Qiao Yan without a fight.”

“What difference does that make from playing right into her hands!”

Yuan Shao gave a bitter smile. “Your Majesty, do you think she met with us in August because she would only have enough provisions to launch the final attack by then? Do you believe that if you retreat today, tomorrow’s news will be her order for a full-scale offensive!”

Liu Bian hesitated, “Then… what should we do now?”

Yuan Shao replied, “Gather representatives from the noble families in Hebei and defend Ye City to the death!”

He didn’t know how Qiao Yan had convinced the noble families under her rule to make various concessions from March to June, but the noble families in Hebei, lacking understanding of Da Yong, would surely think there was a lot of coercion and inducement involved. They too were at a life-and-death moment.

Perhaps Ju Shou and Shen Pei’s decisions were also influenced by this.

In any case, they were still tied together on the same rope.

“Additionally, Your Majesty, please order the execution of Guo Tu and Feng Ji for treason!” Yuan Shao gritted his teeth as he made the second decision.

Liu Bian almost lost his composure at these words.

How could he forget that Guo Tu and Feng Ji were highly trusted by Yuan Shao? How could they now become the ones to be sacrificed?

But Yuan Shao didn’t explain to Liu Bian that neither the officials in Ye City’s court nor the influential figures in Hebei were suitable for making an example at this moment. Only two people could bear this responsibility: Feng Ji and Guo Tu.

They could also pin all the blame for Yuan Shang’s defeat on Guo Tu, saying it was his suggestion when Yuan Shao was ill.

Liu Bian didn’t have the extra energy to consider Yuan Shao’s intentions at this moment.

He calmed himself slightly and asked, “With just these two measures, it’s only a temporary solution. Grand General, do you really think we can resist Da Yong with this?”

Probably… not, right?

Yuan Shao’s answer was also “No.”

But before Liu Bian could respond, Yuan Shao continued, “Qiao Yan has no heirs. Her clan members are either exiled to Jiaozhou or lack the ability to command respect. If we defend Ye City to the death, and she personally comes for the August meeting…”

“Your Majesty, Da Yong’s prosperity today is nothing but a castle in the air!”

“She has offended too many forces that once laid the foundation for the Han Dynasty. Unless she can live peacefully until a capable heir appears to take over her responsibilities, the accumulated prestige of the Han Dynasty for four hundred years will eventually rise again.”

“And if she dies in Ji Province, wouldn’t that prove that the Han Dynasty is still the rightful mandate of heaven, and Your Majesty’s throne is still ordained by heaven?”

This was their last chance.

No matter how they carried out this assassination, Yuan Shao had to ensure its success. Otherwise, he might as well agree to Liu Bian’s step-by-step retreat and jump into the Bohai Sea with the last emperor of the Han Dynasty.

Because this move was so difficult, he had to both fortify Ye City’s defenses and mobilize all the noble families in Hebei.

In this last month or so, he had to make this desperate gamble.

When Guo Tu and Feng Ji were gagged and dragged away to be executed in the marketplace, Yuan Shao’s figure was hidden in the shadows of dusk, like a lifeless stone statue.

Everyone in Ye City could sense the impending storm, making the place eerily quiet, unlike the bustling capital at the emperor’s feet, but more like a lifeless, silent city.

Until the evening bell rang, summoning officials for an urgent meeting, breaking the fearful silence.

Everyone started moving again, as if they hadn’t seen two favored ministers lose their lives that day.

Under such heavy pressure, they didn’t even know if they should rejoice in this year’s harvest or flee Ye City as soon as possible.

Those who had no idea about the court’s博弈 only knew that a few days later, more soldiers were deployed around Ye City, turning the capital into an iron fortress.

One group, led by Yuan Shao’s nephew Gao Gan, headed south to where Yuan Shang had once stationed.

It seemed like not much had changed.

But it also seemed like something earth-shattering had happened…

“If we’re talking about the skill of struggling in the face of death, Dong Zhuo really should learn a thing or two from Yuan Benchu,” Qiao Yan sighed after receiving the news.

When Dong Zhuo was unable to expand and could only wait for Qiao Yan to attack, he lost his drive and just holed up in Chang’an, Guanzhong, until his subordinates saw the opportunity to seize power due to his lack of ambition.

But what about Yuan Shao?

His spirit might have been shattered, but he pieced it back together, showing the determination to fight back in this desperate situation.

Dong Zhuo didn’t even kill his long-time Xiliang generals, but Yuan Shao was decisive, directly executing Guo Tu and Feng Ji.

Comparing the two, it’s no wonder Yuan Shao lived longer than Dong Zhuo.

But with this move, aside from Xun Chen, who was effectively under house arrest, Yuan Shao’s strategists were reduced to Ju Shou, Shen Pei, and Xin Pi, and his notable generals were only Gao Gan, Gao Lan, and Jiang Qi.

“A territory full of leaks, subordinates betraying… Yuan Benchu, the tricks you can pull are just one or two left.”

But Yuan Shao isn’t Liu Xiu, favored by the heavens!

How could he think he had such luck!

As the end of June passed with Xin Pi and Jia Xu’s confrontation in Qingzhou, July also flew by.

In mid-July, the Guanzhong garrison received an order:

Select one out of every five soldiers, choose the best, and gather at the southern point of Chang’an for a military review!

Almost no further explanation was needed. Anyone who heard this could guess that this was to select the troops to accompany the emperor on his御驾亲征!

It was the final wait before the autumn harvest. The soldiers involved in military farming had already returned to training, ready to go. Hearing this news, they immediately threw themselves into the selection.

Since the beginning of Jian’an, the prosperity of Chang’an had been the work of the current emperor. Among the Guanzhong garrison, many had followed her from Liangzhou to Guanzhong, or even participated in the Hanzhong campaign. How could they be willing to miss the final battle to unify the world?

But the limit on troops was real. Five days later, only one-fifth of the lucky ones arrived at the southern point of Chang’an for the military review.

The interception of two important passes in the Taihang Mountains in Bingzhou, the successful pacification of the southern barbarians in Yizhou, and the easing of the war situation in Jing Province had saved a lot of armor, which had been sent to Guanzhong since early July. The iron mines and armor workshops in northern Bingzhou also sent their remaining stock.

So when Qiao Yan, not wearing imperial robes but armor, ascended the review platform, she saw thousands of soldiers below, all clad in fine iron armor, shining in the rising sun, creating a grand scene of golden scales reflecting the sunlight.

This was completely different from when she held the jade seal and looked down at the commoners during her coronation.

In the solemn silence below, there was a sharp, soaring fighting spirit.

Though not the fervor of her登基, it was still a boiling of blood in another form.

She couldn’t help but wonder, when was the last time she gathered troops like this?

This kind of high-platform military review might even date back to the northern campaign against the Xianbei, the battle at Baidao River.

But now, she was no longer the生死不由人的 Bingzhou牧, but the ruler of all but two provinces in the world!

When she held the two-section Three-Section Spear that had followed her for years and looked out from the platform, all eyes below were on her.

With a drumbeat signaling the start, the soldiers erupted in a thunderous cheer.

It was their response and respect for her.

And when she raised her spear, the thunderous noise suddenly fell silent.

No one made any extra sound.

Because being here was already a special honor, and they were unwilling to give it up.

If they couldn’t follow the emperor’s orders in this review, who could guarantee they wouldn’t make such a mistake in the upcoming battle?

In this wilderness, the summer heat seemed to freeze as it passed through the soldiers,凝固 in this place of weapons.

Perhaps it was because Qiao Yan’s voice truly had such穿透力, or because their held breath made them feel this way, but they all clearly heard a firm voice, following the sound of her spear hitting the ground.

“All of you are the elite of Guanzhong. A thousand days of training, for this one moment.”

“Now is the time to follow me east and unify the world!”