Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 4: The End of Zhongping, The Storm in Luoyang, Chapter 117: The Strategy of Confrontation

“Grand General, you must not!”

As soon as Yuan Shao finished speaking, Chen Lin stood up.

“The Book of Changes says, ‘If you chase a deer without a guide, you will not catch it.’ There is also a proverb that says, ‘Covering your eyes to catch a sparrow, you cannot deceive yourself into success.’ If even hunting requires such caution, how much more so for matters of state?”

Chen Lin cupped his hands towards Yuan Shao to show he meant no disrespect, then continued, “I know the Grand General is facing a critical situation, forced by circumstances to take drastic measures. But allowing someone to occupy Hedong under the pretense of coercion will inevitably lead to future troubles. This is self-deception!”

“Gathering strong troops as external support in the capital will only empower the strong. If they turn their weapons against us, we will be handing them the means to overthrow us. Whether success is achievable is uncertain, but chaos is inevitable! I urge the Grand General to reconsider.”

He Jin couldn’t help but hesitate upon hearing Chen Lin’s words.

He looked at Yuan Shao, who remained calm, clearly not swayed by Chen Lin’s objections.

“Benchu, speak your mind directly.”

Yuan Shao replied, “I understand Kongzhang’s concerns. Bringing external forces to the capital could undermine the Emperor’s authority. If mishandled, it could provoke a stronger backlash. Moreover, if Dong Zhongying harbors disloyal intentions, disaster could follow.”

Did Yuan Shao not know Dong Zhuo’s capabilities?

Of course, he did.

Even the ailing Liu Hong believed that Dong Zhuo, having risen from Xiliang and shown his ambition by allying with powerful figures, would become a future threat.

Dong Zhuo not only had the support of Xiliang generals and a formidable army but also demonstrated strategic brilliance when he escaped encirclement while pursuing Han Sui. He surely had capable advisors.

If such a man were given the opportunity to station troops in Hedong, it could lead to catastrophe.

However, Dong Zhuo also had a glaring weakness.

In an era that valued pedigree and character, Yuan Shao believed Dong Zhuo had no chance of overstepping his authority.

Thus, Yuan Shao continued, “Since Shuying is here, some of my words may offend. Although Dong Zhongying has been promoted to Front General for pacifying Xiliang, he hails from Lintao and lacks roots in the Central Plains. Even if he stations troops in Hedong, advancing further would be difficult. Moreover, the Grand General’s authority and the Northern Army’s five divisions guarding the city provide ample control. All these preparations ensure that this is not a blind chase, as Kongzhang suggests, but a targeted strategy.”

Of course, Yuan Shao didn’t mention that Dong Zhuo had received some support from the Yuan clan during his rise.

This support wasn’t substantial enough to make Dong Zhuo a loyal subordinate of the Yuan clan, but in an era that valued reputation, Dong Zhuo should feel indebted to the Yuan clan for this assistance.

As he spoke, Yuan Shao glanced at Dong Min.

Dong Min, previously frustrated by the selection of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden and the Du Liao General, harbored resentment towards the noble families.

If Liu Hong hadn’t kept his drunken words private, Dong Min would have already clashed with Yuan Shao. However, he often reflected on being sidelined and secretly resented Yuan Shao and other noble scions.

But Dong Min’s mind worked quickly. Realizing this might be the opportunity his brother had mentioned earlier, he quickly added:

“Grand General, rest assured. My elder brother has always admired you. Previously, he declined the positions of Minor Palace and Governor of Qingzhou because he had long-standing ties with the heroes of Liangzhou and was reluctant to leave. If you give the order, my brother will surely comply.”

Dong Min’s words were almost an oath.

Honestly, He Jin found his demeanor somewhat endearing.

Perhaps it was because they both came from humble backgrounds, or because Dong Min didn’t seem like someone who thought deeply.

When Dong Min said, “If the Grand General gives the order, my brother will surely comply,” He Jin felt as if he were hearing the words of a righteous hero, and there was a certain credibility to it.

But before He Jin could respond, another person stood up.

“I still think this is inappropriate.”

He Jin looked over and saw that it was Zheng Tai who had spoken.

Zheng Tai, also known as Gongye, had been recommended for his filial piety and integrity but declined official appointments, instead befriending heroes and supporting righteous men with his 400 hectares of farmland, earning fame in his hometown.

After He Jin assumed the Grand General’s authority, he heard of Zheng Tai’s reputation and recruited him, appointing him as a Secretary Attendant.

Since Zheng Tai disregarded the Emperor’s summons and instead joined He Jin’s faction, He Jin held him in special regard.

He asked, “What advice does Gongye have for me?”

Unlike Yuan Shao, who had to maintain decorum in Dong Min’s presence, Zheng Tai was known for his fiery temper, as evidenced by his later involvement in the plot to assassinate Dong Zhuo with He Yong and others.

He replied, “Dong Zhuo is a man of tiger-like ferocity. Having already defeated Han Sui, he remains greedy and has ventured deep into enemy territory. He exhibits the traits of a ruthless bandit. Even with Shuying’s guarantee, we cannot trust him lightly. The Grand General is eliminating one threat only to invite another!”

“The Xiliang bandits are cunning and treacherous. Dong Zhongying previously refused to relinquish his military power to the central authority. If he is given a legitimate reason to enter the Central Plains, how will we compel him to leave? Moreover, unforeseen changes can arise. The lessons of history are not far off. I urge the Grand General to proceed with caution.”

Dong Min instinctively wanted to argue with Zheng Tai on the spot.

But Zheng Tai, only in his forties and with a martial appearance, looked at him with such frankness that Dong Min feared he might lose the argument.

He could only cast a hopeful glance at He Jin, as if to say, “We from Liangzhou also have honest people, but I really can’t win this argument.”

He Jin then turned his gaze back to Yuan Shao, who had proposed the plan.

After a moment of contemplation, Yuan Shao replied, “I dare not judge character lightly, but there is a way to ensure the Grand General need not worry about Dong Zhongying causing trouble in Hedong.”

He Jin’s eyes lit up. “Benchu, speak.”

“Besides summoning the Front General to Hedong, the Grand General should also have Bao Jibei and Ding Jianyang recruit troops to respond from the east. Additionally, strictly limit Dong Zhongying to no more than 3,000 soldiers. If anything goes wrong, we can easily subdue him. What does the Grand General think?”

The Bao Jibei Yuan Shao mentioned was Bao Xin, and Ding Jianyang was Ding Yuan.

Both men were now under He Jin’s command.

Bao Xin was currently the Chancellor of Jibei, serving outside the capital, while Ding Yuan was the Commandant of the Capital Guards, stationed in the capital.

Yuan Shao’s plan was to have Bao Xin recruit troops near the capital and Ding Yuan recruit from Yanzhou, while Dong Zhuo stationed his troops in Hedong, northwest of Luoyang, forming a pincer movement.

Limiting the number of soldiers Dong Zhuo could bring would further reduce potential complications.

He Jin was clearly intrigued by this idea.

If executed, Dong Zhuo’s role would be diminished, potentially mitigating the disasters Chen Lin and Zheng Tai warned of.

Seeing Zheng Tai about to speak again, He Jin quickly raised his hand to signal him to hold off.

But at that moment, He Yong stood up.

He Yong had previously presided over the discussions at the Three Excellencies’ office and had offered valuable advice during He Jin’s earlier years. Seeing him stand, He Jin inwardly sighed at the twists and turns of this proposal but still gestured for him to share his thoughts.

“I have no objections to Benchu’s suggestion,” He Yong said. “But if the Grand General wants Dong Zhongying to advance from Hedong, you must be wary of one person. If the Emperor, upon hearing the news, orders another to march from the north and sends General Huangfu to advance from the east, Dong Zhongying’s threat could be neutralized instantly.”

March from the north?

He Jin immediately understood who He Yong was referring to.

“You mean Qiao Yeshu?”

“Exactly,” He Yong replied.

Due to the previous selection of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden and Qiao Yan’s prior message to He Yong via Guo Jia, which ultimately led to her victory, He Yong couldn’t help but be wary of Qiao Yan.

The tactics and strategies of this Governor of Bingzhou could not be measured by ordinary standards. Last spring, her successful campaign against the Xianbei further elevated He Yong’s opinion of her.

If Dong Zhuo were used as He Jin’s external support to pressure the Emperor, could Liu Hong really have no countermeasures?

Not necessarily. He could still deploy Qiao Yeshu as his trump card.

Dong Zhuo’s soldiers were battle-hardened from the Liangzhou campaigns, but Qiao Yan’s troops had also experienced battles against the barbarians!

In a fight with equal numbers, the outcome would be uncertain.

But if Dong Zhuo, limited by He Jin’s restrictions, brought only 3,000 troops, and Qiao Yan advanced from the mountain passes of the Fen River basin, she would surely have the upper hand.

If Huangfu Song, still in Xiliang, were to return and attack, the outcome would be even more decisive.

He Yong feared that instead of deterring the Emperor, this move would give him grounds to hold He Jin accountable and launch a purge.

“Boqiu, you worry too much,” He Jin replied without needing Yuan Shao to speak. “According to reports from the Imperial Medical Bureau, the Emperor is unlikely to live past April. I have no intention of regicide; I merely wish to prevent the Emperor from making unwise decisions in his illness. If we can gain the upper hand by April, that will suffice.”

“Coincidentally, three days ago, Qiao Yeshu, following last year’s precedent, went beyond the frontier to attack the Xianbei royal court. After last year’s events, the Xianbei tribes have likely relocated, making it difficult to find their court. Even if the Emperor summons her, she won’t be able to return.”

He Jin chuckled at this.

The timing of Qiao Hou’s northern expedition was truly unfortunate.

By the time she returns, Liu Hong will likely have passed away, and Liu Bian will have ascended the throne.

Then, he can deal with the Governor of Bingzhou at his leisure.

He Jin also reflected that if Liu Hong hadn’t deliberately concealed his health to avoid detection of his secret mobilization, the General Who Conquers Barbarians in Bingzhou might not have thought this was a good time to march north.

Liu Hong had essentially dug his own grave.

Without Qiao Yan’s support, relying solely on Huangfu Song to contain Dong Zhuo’s troops would be no easy task.

Huangfu Song, though more accomplished than Dong Zhuo, was not as deeply rooted in Liangzhou. If Dong Zhuo left a contingent to confront Huangfu Song, it might take a month to determine the outcome.

With this assurance, He Jin carefully considered Yuan Shao’s proposal and found it feasible.

He immediately ordered three letters to be written and sent to Commandant of the Capital Guards Ding Yuan, Chancellor of Jibei Bao Xin, and Front General Dong Zhuo, before concluding the meeting.

As he stepped out of the Grand General’s Mansion, Zheng Tai, who had spoken earlier, still felt uneasy about He Jin’s decision.

He glanced back at the gilded plaque above the mansion’s entrance, sighed silently, and quickened his pace to catch up with someone ahead.

“Gongda, why didn’t you speak up earlier?”

The person he caught up with was Xun You of the Yingchuan Xun clan.

Since Liu Hong’s health had worsened last year, He Jin’s power had grown.

He had grown dissatisfied with only those fleeing the Prohibition of Factionalists joining his ranks.

Perhaps he also realized he was becoming a tool for others to eliminate the eunuchs, so he changed his approach to recruiting scholars.

After having He Yong and Xu You compile a list, He Jin sent invitations to renowned scholars across the land, bringing over a dozen to Luoyang. Xun You was among them, serving as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.

This Xun clansman, six years older than his uncle Xun Yu, was only in his early thirties.

With the Xun clan known for their handsome appearances, Xun You’s demeanor and bearing stood out.

Hearing Zheng Tai’s question, Xun You smiled and replied, “Knowing that my words would not be heeded by my superiors, why bother with such futile efforts?”

Zheng Tai sighed. “You are indeed patient.”

Though he said this, Zheng Tai knew that Xun You, despite his gentle and seemingly slow and timid exterior, was a passionate and ambitious man with his own plans.

As they walked further, putting some distance between themselves and He Jin’s mansion, Zheng Tai suddenly said, “He Jin is not someone worth serving. You saw the situation in the hall today. While they claim that having Dong Zhuo threaten Hedong as external support is the most suitable move, it is, in reality, a shortsighted decision. You and I both know this.”

Seeing Xun You nod without speaking, Zheng Tai continued, “I intend to resign and not participate in this scheme. If Luoyang truly descends into chaos, I will find an opportunity to act.”

“With your temperament, Gongye, it’s indeed best not to stay now,” Xun You replied as they walked. “But I believe that as observers of this game, only by being within the situation can we deliver a decisive blow. Therefore, I wish to stay and observe further.”

“That’s fine,” Zheng Tai said, not overly concerned for Xun You’s safety.

Though the Yingchuan Xun clan wasn’t as illustrious as the four-generation Three Excellencies of the Yuan clan, the fame of the ‘Eight Dragons of the Xun Clan’ was widely known in the Ru and Ying regions, making them no ordinary family. As a descendant, Xun You enjoyed a certain level of protection.

Moreover, as a strategist, he could surely protect himself.

When Xun You asked where he planned to go, Zheng Tai countered, “How do you know I’m not returning to Kaifeng?”








Xun You only smiled in response without answering, but the answer was clear without him saying it.


If Zheng Tai wanted to temporarily leave Luoyang to observe from a distance, naturally he couldn’t choose his hometown.


He had responded to He Jin’s summons, but now he was at odds with him, offending the Grand General. He had to go far away.


Zheng Tai knew the teasing meaning behind his friend’s smile and continued, “Indeed, I don’t plan to return to Kaifeng. It’s less than four hundred miles from Luoyang to Kaifeng. If the Grand General finds me troublesome during his leisure, it would be a hassle. I won’t stay in Henan; I’ll head north.”


He didn’t keep Xun You in suspense and continued, “I plan to visit Bingzhou. He Boqiu and the Grand General are both relieved that Qiao Bingzhou’s troops have gone beyond the frontier, but I think if something goes wrong with Dong Zhuo entering Hedong, only Qiao Bingzhou can settle it.”


“I’ve only heard of her name before, not her deeds. Now I’ll go to Bingzhou to see for myself.”


Leaving his official post, he felt light and free.


Zheng Gongye had some reputation in Henan, but nothing particularly notable. It was better to visit Bingzhou as a stranger.


Previously, he thought He Jin provided a place for many partisans to settle, showing a heroic image, which is why he came to Luoyang. Now, feeling that He Jin’s actions differed from his expectations, he wanted to place hope in someone else and thought it best to understand firsthand.


Thinking that Qiao Yan was beyond the frontier and not in Bingzhou, the situation in Bingzhou would be more genuine.


This was an excellent opportunity to observe.


Xun You didn’t dissuade him from this idea.


He quietly listened to his friend’s advice, mentioning that Dong Zhuo was “strong but unrighteous, insatiable in ambition,” and if he stayed in the capital, he must be cautious. He nodded and replied, “Go ahead. If the situation turns, I will seek protection.”


But if the change of the throne was destined to involve bloodshed, where could one find protection?


After parting with Zheng Tai, Xun You walked the last stretch to his temporary residence in Luoyang, pondering that even the Son of Heaven on the throne, now targeted by the imperial relatives, couldn’t peacefully live out his final days.


In these times…


He looked up at the sky. Though it was spring, the sky was overcast, a sign of an impending storm.


And it wasn’t just the sky that was gloomy.


In early April, there was a solar eclipse.


Even though it didn’t happen over Luoyang, it caused widespread panic among the people.


Liu Hong issued an edict in court to dismiss Ma Ri from the position of Grand Commandant, intending to appoint Yang Xu, the Prefect of Nanyang, as Grand Commandant.


In court, he held on, but upon returning to Jiade Hall, he fainted.


When he woke up, he looked outside and saw it was already night, with candles lit in the hall.


He tried to speak but found his voice hoarse, almost lost.


The sky darkened, the sky darkened!


Even though he repeatedly told himself, as Qiao Yan had said in her debate with Zhang Jiao, that even the wisest ruler couldn’t avoid solar eclipses, which were natural phenomena, not necessarily linked to events.


But as his life entered its final countdown, the theories he had learned since childhood told him this seemed like a sign.


A sign of impending death.


“Zhang…”


He barely uttered a syllable before Zhang Rang rushed to his side, “Your Majesty, no need to speak. I’ve kept your coma a secret. Even when the Empress sent someone to inquire, I said you were temporarily unavailable.”


“No… let them know.” Liu Hong’s face was ghastly, but his eyes burned brightly, like a flame about to burn out. “Let He Jin know. Only when I’m on the brink of death will he enter the palace without suspicion.”


His withered hand gripped Zhang Rang’s wrist tightly, struggling to speak, “Secretly order Jian Shuo to mobilize the eight commanders of the Western Garden and the available men in the imperial city. Once He Jin enters the palace, kill him.”


Seeing Zhang Rang hesitate, Liu Hong’s face darkened, “Are you afraid?”


“No! Serving Your Majesty is my duty. How could I be afraid?” Zhang Rang smiled bitterly, “Your Majesty, I just don’t know where the leak came from, letting that butcher He Jin know of this plan.”


Liu Hong’s expression changed as Zhang Rang continued, “During your half-day coma, news came that He Jin ordered Dong Zhuo from Liangxi to march into Hedong, clearly intending to intimidate the capital. He must already be wary of you. How could your illness lure him in?”


Liu Hong almost couldn’t catch his breath.


Only after Zhang Rang’s exclamations did he regain his composure.


Zhang Rang, uneasy, watched Liu Hong vomit blood, looking increasingly frail, regretting telling him this news.


But at this time, he had to inform Liu Hong. Otherwise, if their plan to kill He Jin failed, the situation would be irreparable.


He served Liu Hong some medicine, took away the blood-stained handkerchief, and let him rest. After a while, Liu Hong cursed, “Marching into Hedong? Absurd! I’ve been wary of Dong Zhuo. Who does He Jin think he is, daring to give him such power? What a fool!”


“Draft an edict for me, ordering Qiao Yeshu to march from Bingzhou and capture Dong Zhuo.”


Seeing Zhang Rang hesitate, Liu Hong shouted, “Go!”


Zhang Rang shook his head, “Your Majesty… you forgot. Last month, you approved Qiao Hou’s request to go north to attack the Xianbei, as she did last year, to ensure they wouldn’t invade Bingzhou this winter. She’s far from returning.”


At the time, Qiao Yan’s memorial stated that Youzhou and Jizhou had just experienced the rebellions of Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun and were recovering.


If they had just harvested in autumn and were attacked by the Xianbei in winter, it would cause public outrage.


Since Bingzhou had the capacity, she proposed hunting beyond the frontier to showcase the Han’s might.


What did Liu Hong think then?


He thought he could take He Jin with him before his death, letting Dong Zhong take over military affairs. Qiao Yan maintaining peace outside wasn’t a bad thing, so he approved.


But he never expected He Jin, that fool, to make such an absurd decision after somehow learning of the plan.


And at this critical moment when Qiao Yan could have resolved the situation, she wasn’t in Bingzhou!


The frontier was vast, and Qiao Yan had already left for days. Finding her army’s trail was nearly impossible, let alone having her defeat Dong Zhuo’s forces in time.


She left at such an inopportune time!


Now, who else could attack Dong Zhuo’s forces?


Du Liao General probably couldn’t!


He Jin and the Yuan Clan of Runan seemed to Liu Hong to be in cahoots, and Du Liao General Han Fu was an old subordinate of the Yuan Clan. If Han Fu feigned compliance, it would ruin his plan.


Huangfu Song also couldn’t!


As He Jin suspected, Liu Hong didn’t believe Huangfu Song could repel Dong Zhuo quickly unless given more recruitment authority.


But Liu Hong couldn’t forget that Huangfu Song rarely lost battles and had even been advised to seize the throne.


Earlier, Huangfu Song had no such intentions, but now Liu Hong had to prepare for the worst and be wary of him.


Liu Hong felt bitter, realizing he had no one to rely on.


If the Han dynasty was handed over to Liu Bian under such coercion, what difference would it make from handing it to He Jin?


If so, he might as well strangle Liu Bian in Jiade Hall now.


No… it’s not yet time.


Liu Hong’s gaze turned to the candle at the foot of the bed, staring at the flame for a long time. Just as Zhang Rang thought he might give up, Liu Hong suddenly said, “It’s not the time to alert the enemy.”


So even after excluding Qiao Yan and Huangfu Song, and thinking of Lu Zhi as a possible candidate, he didn’t plan to use him against He Jin.


“Come closer.”


Zhang Rang felt he saw a desperate glint in Liu Hong’s half-closed eyes.


Upon hearing Liu Hong’s whispered plan, he couldn’t help but gasp.


Such a scheme!


The Emperor’s idea was astonishing, yet… it had some feasibility.


“If you and Jian Shuo can do this for me, your lives will be safe.” Liu Hong sighed deeply, “Help me up. I’ll write two edicts for you. One is for you to support my son Liu Xie’s ascension after completing these tasks, the other—”


“Once Qiao Yeshu returns to Bingzhou, if the situation isn’t settled, have her bring this edict to clear the court of traitors!”


“Do you understand?”


Zhang Rang didn’t dare hesitate.


The candlelight in Jiade Hall cast a deathly pallor on Liu Hong’s face, but the ferocity in his eyes made him seem not like an emperor, but a gambler.


He immediately replied, “Your Majesty, rest assured, I will surely accomplish this for you!”


But thinking of Liu Hong’s earlier warning, he couldn’t help but feel a chill.


This Emperor, he truly would sacrifice anything…


However, Liu Hong’s decisions had nothing to do with Qiao Yan.


Even if she were in Bingzhou, she was separated from the turmoil in Luoyang by the Yellow River and the Taihang Mountains, let alone now being on the grasslands, with the Yinshan Mountains in between.


With Jia Xu and Cheng Yu, two seasoned strategists, holding Bingzhou for her, she wasn’t worried about any chaos.


Of course, what reassured her most was—


These two weren’t staunch supporters of the Han dynasty.


Thus, they wouldn’t lead troops to the capital to rescue the Emperor upon receiving urgent messages without being able to contact her.


And for this expedition beyond the frontier, to avoid being outsmarted by Budugen, she brought Guo Jia along as a military advisor.


Guo Jia initially thought the expedition was a vacation, but after two days on horseback, he felt like he was falling apart.


“For a moment, I don’t know whether to envy Brother Zhicai, sent to Leping for acupuncture by Hua Tuo, or envy Wenhe and Zhongde, busy in Jinyang but able to play chess in their spare time.”


Qiao Yan looked at Guo Jia, finding his current state quite amusing.


They brought some “defective” items of little use to Bingzhou as gifts to Budugen.


These items naturally required carts and large boxes to carry.


Guo Jia, unused to long rides, simply lay in one of the boxes, a sight indeed…


“If Fengxiao is to be exchanged, I think the Xianbei tribe would need to add twenty thousand cattle and sheep,” Qiao Yan teased, seeing his makeshift bed.


Guo Jia, too lazy to move, just rolled over in the box, replying, “Then, Marquis Qiao, remember to rescue me in autumn. We can do this free business annually.”


Qiao Yan raised an eyebrow, “Should we also ask them for an apology gift for mistreating you?”


Guo Jia replied, “That would be even better.”


Facing such a shameless group, Budugen felt utterly overwhelmed.


This time, Qiao Yan exited Yanmen but took a detour, catching Budugen off guard as they approached the Xianbei royal court from the north.


When she sent an envoy to summon him, Budugen nearly dropped his cup.


Leading a few riders to meet Qiao Yan’s openly stationed troops, he struggled to maintain composure, asking, “What brings Marquis Qiao here?”


Wasn’t it agreed… he would pay tribute, and she would stay peaceful?


Qiao Yan replied, “First, to bring you some second-grade coal from Bingzhou, mulberry bark clothing as last year, and some surplus grain, hoping to exchange for more horses.”


Budugen looked at the unloaded boxes behind Qiao Yan. If they contained coal, clothing, and grain as she said, she was here as a benefactor! An exchange was fine!


He didn’t notice Qiao Yan’s slight pause when she said “second-grade.”


She continued, “Also, last time I brought three generals. This time, besides Wen Yuan, an old acquaintance, I brought two new ones for everyone to get familiar with. If not familiar, a few fights will do.”


Qiao Yan pointed to Dian Wei and Zhao Yun, smiling amiably at Budugen.


“This one here.”