Chapter 109

Chapter 109

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 4: The End of Zhongping, Luoyang’s Storm, Chapter 109: Vow to March to War

The moment the words “entrusted minister” were spoken, Zhang Rang was nearly startled.

He immediately knelt down and replied, “Your Majesty, please do not speak such inauspicious words. You are merely feeling the cold; once winter passes, you will surely recover.”

The eunuch’s power must rely on the imperial authority. Why could Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong wield such great power? It was because Liu Hong heavily relied on them.

Thus, Zhang Rang hoped more than anyone that Liu Hong’s health would not deteriorate, let alone fall seriously ill or pass away.

But when he looked up, he saw that Liu Hong, upon hearing his words, showed no sign of joy. Instead, he slammed the table, stood up, and paced back and forth in the overheated room. Suddenly, he spoke, “Do I not know my own body?”

Since the end of the Guanghe era, although he continued to indulge in pleasures as before, driving his white donkey cart through the palace, flaunting his official hat-wearing dogs, he was more aware than anyone that as the older generation of ministers passed away one by one, his own body was gradually failing, unable to escape the fate of most Later Han emperors who died young.

He stopped in front of Zhang Rang and said, “I just want you to answer me. Do you think Qiao Yanshu can bear the responsibility of being an entrusted minister?”

Zhang Rang knew that Liu Hong’s idea of entrusting an orphan could not possibly mean entrusting Liu Bian to Qiao Yan. With Grand General He Jin and General of the Chariots and Cavalry He Miao around, Liu Bian would naturally have protectors. As the eldest surviving prince of Liu Hong, he was legally entitled to succeed the throne. The only possibility was entrusting Liu Xie to Qiao Yan.

Entrusting a nine-year-old prince to a fourteen-year-old governor of Bingzhou—anyone hearing this would find it absurd.

Most entrusted ministers are not too young. On one hand, they need to be able to suppress other court officials with their virtue and achievements. On the other hand, it is best if, by the time the emperor grows up, the entrusted minister, due to old age, becomes less energetic, making it easier for the emperor to reclaim power.

By the former standard, Qiao Yan’s experience could only be called legendary, not enough to suppress all court officials. By the latter, she was even more unsuitable.

A fourteen-year-old who could hold such weight in Liu Hong’s mind as an entrusted minister—if she continued to grow, who could predict what she would become? Liu Xie, though intelligent, might not be able to suppress her.

But from Zhang Rang’s perspective, he would not oppose the suggestion of making Qiao Yan an entrusted minister.

Qiao Yan held military power and had accumulated fame during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. If Liu Hong included her in Liu Xie’s camp, it would increase the likelihood of his succession.

And Zhang Rang hoped more than anyone that Liu Bian would not ascend the throne!

The scholars surrounding Grand General He Jin were mostly deeply affected by the Prohibition of Factionalists. If they gained the upper hand and became key ministers in Liu Bian’s ascension, the task of purging eunuchs would surely be brought back to the forefront.

He did not want to die, at least not in such a disgraceful manner.

But he maintained his current posture and replied, “Whether to make Governor Qiao the support for the prince is for Your Majesty to decide. I dare not speak recklessly.”

Such a dangerous decision—he expressed this invisible support, but he could not say it outright.

He thought for a moment and added, “Your Majesty now has the Eight Schools of the Western Garden at hand, with heavy troops by your side. Once the training of each school is complete, you can, under the title of Supreme General, direct them to quell rebellions everywhere, achieving invincible success. There is no need to rush into such a decision.”

Compared to Qiao Yan, someone more trustworthy to Zhang Rang was naturally Jian Shuo, also a eunuch.

He mentioned him again at this moment.

Liu Hong could not fail to notice this subtlety, but the concerns Zhang Rang had in mind were also considered by Liu Hong.

Qiao Yan’s current actions indeed portrayed her as a loyal minister of the Han, but with a nine-year-old emperor on the throne, there was no guarantee she would not rebel.

Moreover, her actions were too harsh and extreme.

The current memorial indeed listed the feasibility of attacking the Xianbei, seeming more stable, but no matter what, a newly appointed governor, while defending against the winter, was already actively preparing for offensive operations, clearly showing her aggressive nature.

In the current chaos of the Han, she was suitable to be the sword that quells disasters, but not the entrusted minister who bears the responsibility of guardianship.

Unless the situation became untenable, Liu Hong even planned to keep her in the remote region of Bingzhou.

Unless…

It truly came to the worst.

Now that he could still see through He Jin’s framing of the Eight Schools of the Western Garden and let He Jin’s schemes operate in the shadows, there was indeed no need to make such a decision with endless consequences.

“Get up, let’s wait and see,” Liu Hong finally spoke after a long silence. “First, let’s see her performance against the Xianbei.”

Looking at the various points listed in her memorial, Liu Hong felt that the likelihood of her defeat was not great.

But as Qiao Yan said, after Tan Shihuai’s death, the Xianbei had recovered from their previous division and decline. The three brothers in power were not as arrogant and willful as Helian. If any of them had Tan Shihuai’s talent, there was no guarantee what might happen.

Let’s wait until she passes this test!

Qiao Yan, far away in Bingzhou, could not witness the negotiation between Liu Hong and Zhang Rang. For her, whether she could take on the responsibility of being an entrusted minister was not that important; in fact, it might be better if she didn’t.

What mattered was Liu Hong’s approval for the military campaign.

The governor of Bingzhou indeed had the authority to command all military affairs within Bingzhou, but the Xiongnu were beyond the Yinshan Mountains.

Previously, when the Xiongnu invaded first and even slaughtered the people of Guyang County, she could claim she acted out of righteous indignation. But this winter, the Xianbei had not raided the borders, yet she led troops to attack—this was hard to justify.

Today she could attack the Xianbei; tomorrow she could attack Liangzhou or Jizhou.

Therefore, in situations requiring operations outside Bingzhou, she had to report to Liu Hong.

Fortunately, the result she received was favorable.

March to war!

At the end of February, the news reached her desk. She looked out the window, where the scene was one of lush grass and singing warblers.

Qiao Yan rode her horse along a field path. The stream beside the path flowed slowly. She looked into the distance, where the water from the Fen River tributary was lifted to the upper water channel by the newly installed waterwheel, then transported higher into the mountains by the Dragon Bone Waterwheel.

Amidst the gentle hum of the spring breeze, the sound of the waterwheel blades and the flowing water carried distant voices to her ears.

It was Qin Yu explaining the use of the curved plow and harrow to the people of Jinyang County gathered there.

Having dealt with the people of Leping County over the years, she naturally had no stage fright.

She glanced at Qiao Yan from afar, acknowledging the governor’s presence, and continued her explanation.

For these farmers who had long worked with farming tools, understanding the use of the curved plow was not difficult.

They understood the advantages of the curved plow better than anyone.

The previously used long straight plow was not only hard to pull but also difficult to turn. But the curved plow before them, with its plow disc, could easily turn, making it much lighter than the long straight plow.

In the demonstration of the curved plow, they saw Qin Yu push the plow adjustment, lowering the plow arrow, allowing the plowshare to dig deeper into the soil, enabling deeper plowing.

If this were only seen in the hands of the governor’s envoy, it would be one thing.

But when they got their hands on it, they found that with some adjustments based on their experience with the long straight plow, they could easily use the curved plow.

Good! What a practical invention!

In Bingzhou, although the north was excellent for grazing, it did not mean oxen were not a scarce resource. With the curved plow, animal power could be greatly saved.

Everyone realized that the governor’s office had chosen the perfect time to demonstrate this before spring plowing.

Someone immediately asked, “Where can we buy this curved plow?”

They saw the structure of the curved plow was good, but replicating it exactly was not easy. According to Qin Yu’s explanation, it had eleven parts.

Since the governor’s office had displayed it, they must be selling it.

They couldn’t possibly gather here to spread the word by word of mouth.

If that were the case, spring plowing would already be over.

Qin Yu replied, “The governor’s office has naturally considered the needs of the farming season. A batch of curved plows and wooden-frame iron harrows were made in winter. The first hundred households in each county can receive them with their household registration, while later ones can buy them for fifty coins.”

Fifty coins?

Currently, iron farming tools cost about ten coins per catty. By this calculation, the curved plow was slightly cheaper than ordinary iron farming tools—very reasonable! After all, the curved wood must increase consumption, and the plowshare was indeed made of iron.

Using the long straight plow would require renting an extra ox to plow dozens of acres, costing far more than the curved plow.

In any case, this was a worthwhile expense.

Especially with the first hundred free.

Those who happened to pass by and were invited to witness this should be able to grab one of the first hundred spots.

As soon as Qin Yu finished speaking, everyone ran off, clearly going home to fetch their household registrations.

Seeing everyone bustling about, Qin Yu couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing Qiao Yan ride over, she bowed and asked the question she had long wanted to ask, “Lord Qiao, why did you price the curved plow this way?”

“Do you see them objecting to the price?” Qiao Yan countered.

Clearly not.

If the price were unaffordable for these farmers, they would have questioned it before leaving. But obviously, even if they didn’t get one of the first hundred, they wouldn’t mind paying.

“The labor cost for making the curved plow has already been paid by the governor’s office. I am no saint, and with the upcoming wars to quell rebellions and defend the borders, I have no right to give it away as a gift,” Qiao Yan looked at the distant figures and continued, “Don’t worry, the farmers of Bingzhou will only praise the governor’s office. With the first hundred using the curved plow on their fields, there will be plenty of opportunities to spread the word.”

Just as she had to set a price for the mulberry bark clothing back then, what she needed was for the people of Bingzhou to know she had offered a discount, not that she could use it as a gift to win hearts.

Whether to spend fifty coins or rent an extra ox was not a difficult question for these farmers, but for the governor’s office, this not only recouped the cost but also accumulated military funds. With this larger-scale transaction, the governor’s office would have a precedent for future promotions to the people of Bingzhou.

“Please continue to spread the word to other counties with the others,” she said to Qin Yu, who agreed, and she immediately rode off.

As the governor of Bingzhou, she could do these things, but she had another task at hand.

After Liu Hong approved the plan to attack the Xianbei, she needed to quickly mobilize the army to march beyond the borders.

This was not something she could just delegate to subordinates. If so, next year when she needed to cut off communication, it would be hard to find an excuse.

Thus, for this first battle against the Xianbei, she had to personally supervise the army, sending a signal to the outside world that Qiao Yanshu was martial and warlike!

When she led her men to the Yanmen County military camp, as she had announced the plan to march in spring back in December, with Zhang Liao’s strict command, the troops were already well-prepared.

When Qiao Yan ascended the command platform, she saw Zhang Liao, Zhang Yang, and Lü Bu, the three generals leading their troops in front, with over six thousand soldiers behind them, fully equipped and lined up in a grand and imposing formation.

As for why it was over six thousand instead of the ten thousand she reported to Liu Hong?

For a border raid, ensuring smooth logistics and focusing on cavalry for swift strikes, this number was more appropriate.

When reporting the Xianbei numbers, she exaggerated a bit. Who says you can’t round up your own numbers too?

But these six thousand soldiers were undoubtedly the most elite force she could muster at this moment!

From the command platform, she looked down and saw the glimmering armor under the sunlight, forming a formidable square formation at the front. The three leaders, after a winter of preparation and rest, were in high spirits.

These three were renowned generals from the thirteen provinces, giving the troops below an exceptionally sharp edge.

As she looked down, the soldiers below saw her in the same light!

The signs of spring’s vitality were also evident in this young Bingzhou Prefect.

Approaching her fourteenth birthday, by ancient age-counting standards, she was considered fifteen.

Thanks to her focus on dietary supplements in Leping and Jinyang, and the Strategist System boosting her physique, Dian Wei could hardly remember her frail appearance at ten. Now, standing nearly seven feet three inches tall, with her boots adding height, she looked every bit the dashing young general!

When she ascended the command platform, she carried her Three-Section Spear.

This unique weapon, with spearheads at both ends, was no stranger to her soldiers. But carrying it on stage now exuded an indescribable aura of menace.

It was like a signal of pure ambition!

As she stood at the front, surrounded by the silver gleam of spearheads, the golden and purple glow of her seals, and the crimson of her cloak, none of these vibrant colors could overshadow the brilliance in her eyes.

“Gentlemen—”

Even without the煽动 skill, Qiao Yan knew exactly what to say.

Talk about beheading merits? No, the merit system was already well-known in the camp, repeating it now would be pointless.

Talk about national and personal grievances? Of course not. For these Bingzhou soldiers, Hu raids were a given. Zhang Liao and others had recruited those most affected by border troubles.

Mention using plundered livestock for farming and fertilizer? These ideas had already been subtly communicated, repeating them now would make her seem less commanding.

So, when Qiao Yan spoke again, it was with concise and forceful words: “Today’s rally needs no lengthy speech. I have one sentence. For anyone who takes the head of Quidou, Fuluohan, or Budugen—”

“I, as the Prefect of Bingzhou, will recommend them as a Commandery Commandant!”

A border Commandery Commandant was no ordinary position!

It meant significant military power transfer from the Prefect to the Commandant, even placing them on equal footing.

Following Emperor Xiaowu’s precedent, border commanderies in Bingzhou should have Commandants.

But due to widespread chaos and the court’s neglect, after the previous Commandant was killed during Tanshihuai’s Xianbei reign, no new one was appointed, leaving Prefects to handle military affairs.

Qiao Yan, having obtained the Emperor’s permission for this campaign, could certainly recommend someone as Commandant with her authority.

As the words “Commandant” echoed and were relayed by the soldiers, ensuring all present heard, the camp’s already sharp atmosphere intensified.

Three Xianbei leaders’ heads for three Commandant positions in Bingzhou?

This was an extension of the merit system, a clear and priced signal!

Who wouldn’t want to be a Commandant?

Even Lü Bu, the current Military Officer of Yanmen Commandery, aspired to it.

It was a higher-ranking position with more autonomy than his current role.

If he could take one of the three Xianbei leaders’ heads in this campaign, he could achieve it.

In this surge of ambition, he couldn’t help but admire the Prefect’s dazzling charisma.

For him, the Commandant position was a coveted goal, but for Qiao Yan, it was a reward to motivate her troops.

What boldness!

As he looked up at the platform, her youthful face blurred by sunlight, he could still see the determination in her faint smile and icy gaze.

Her motivational speech ended with just one word.

“Kill!”

Kill what? Kill the Xianbei!

Qiao Yan had considered using the Xianbei as laborers for the upcoming open-pit coal mine, but this was her troops’ first official foray into enemy territory. Without ensuring captives, the goal was maximum casualties.

Why offer a Commandant position for killing Quidou, Fuluohan, or Budugen? Because the Xianbei weren’t a small group like the Xiutu Hu.

Their raids spanned from Jiuquan in the west to Liaodong in the east, showing their vast numbers.

Quidou’s Xianbei might not number a hundred thousand, but with the Northern Xiongnu’s westward migration, the Xianbei on the grasslands far exceeded that.

Only after sufficient casualties could they be tamed.

So—

“Kill!”

This “Kill!” wasn’t from Qiao Yan but from the six thousand soldiers, their voices united!

Fighting for themselves and Bingzhou, this campaign was inevitable, and they expressed their resolve with this shout!

Qiao Yan pointed her spear north.

“Follow me—to battle!”

Guided by seasoned border soldiers, the troops below efficiently prepared their horses, checked weapons, and loaded supplies.

The process of dispersing and reforming at the camp gate didn’t take long.

This time was enough for Qiao Yan to brief Cheng Yu thoroughly.

Leading this attack on the Xianbei, to justify next year’s plans, she might delay her return slightly. In her absence, Cheng Yu, as Bingzhou’s Deputy, had to shoulder the region’s responsibilities.

But his workload hadn’t increased much, as Qiao Yan mostly set the direction. Leping Academy’s expansion, cooperation with Bingzhou’s noble families, spring farming tools, and new fertilizer fermentation were mostly done in winter. Now, Cheng Yu just needed to wrap things up and maintain control.

With Cheng Yu, an elder, holding the fort, Qiao Yan could confidently leave Bingzhou for a month, just as she had gone to Luoyang for two months to secure her position.

For Qiao Yan’s trust, Cheng Yu could only repay it by working hard.

Fortunately, Bingzhou wasn’t as complex as the central plains, and after a winter of organization, the framework was clear.

Cheng Yu, having learned from Qiao Yan, planned to delegate more tasks to Jia Xu if things got overwhelming.

After all, as Qiao Yan said, one reason she sought Jia Xu was his similar age to Cheng Yu.

Exchanging knowing glances, Qiao Yan turned to Guo Jia.

Seeing the people behind him, she couldn’t help but smile.

Guo Jia truly lived up to his role of intimidating the Southern Xiongnu, bringing Zhao Yun to escort the Southern Xiongnu’s left-wing nobles here.

This didn’t violate the Han’s rules against harming surrendered Xiongnu, so it was just a friendly visit.

But for those forced to come, it was pure torment.

Previously, Qiao Yan’s appointment as Bingzhou Prefect and the Protector-General of the Southern Xiongnu had already pressured them. Guo Jia, the Xihe Commandery Officer, often lazily poked at their sore spots.

Now, they were brought here.

Bingzhou’s decisive atmosphere didn’t reassure the Southern Xiongnu nobles about the absence of this fierce army.

On the contrary, they saw it as a warning!

As Qiao Yan approached on horseback with her spear and bow, the Left Guli Wang shuddered, recalling when she had pointed her spear at him.

But his reaction seemed expected by Guo Jia, who steadied him.

Though Guo Jia’s physique couldn’t match the generals, supporting the Left Guli Wang was no issue.

In this stance, the Left Guli Wang heard Qiao Yan say calmly, “I’m heading out to battle the Xianbei, and you’ve come to see me off. Too kind.”

This wasn’t a send-off; it was a threat! The Left Guli Wang thought.

But with Qiao Yan in front and Zhao Yun behind, he couldn’t say he was threatened.

Who knew which spear would pierce him first if he complained?

He awkwardly replied, “As Bingzhou’s Prefect, your departure naturally calls for our presence.”

“Good, such awareness is rare,” Qiao Yan smiled ambiguously. “Since you call me your parent official, you should know the principle of not refusing an elder’s gift. I’ll overlook the lost wine cup, but when I return victorious, I hope the new one I give the Southern Xiongnu won’t be lost.”

Before the Left Guli Wang could react to this old grievance, Qiao Yan spurred her horse and joined the marching troops.

This seemingly light but actually menacing approach left the rebellious Left Guli Wang increasingly uneasy.

Just then, Guo Jia added, “Since the Prefect is giving you a new gift, as a surrendered tribe in Bingzhou, shouldn’t you offer something in return?”

“…Yes, right?” The Left Guli Wang saw Qiao Yan’s troops’ imposing aura, different from the conscription team that came to Meiji City.

If the Xianbei were still under Tanshihuai, they might counter, but under Quidou and others, it was different.

Who would have thought that amidst the Han’s natural disasters, they could spare forces to attack the Xianbei!

He had to prepare for Qiao Yan’s victorious return and the new wine cup.

Guo Jia seized the moment, “I have a suggestion, would you like to hear it?”

Qiao Yan, already riding away, could guess Guo Jia’s opportunistic move. As she crossed the Great Wall, she looked back to see no trace of the send-off party.

Only a setting sun fell on Bingzhou’s land.

She tightened the reins and rode north without looking back.

Out of the border! Kill the Hu!