Chapter 166

Chapter 166

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 5: The Han Divided, Battles Settle the West Chapter 166: Liu Yu Arrives

Book: Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 166: Liu Yu Arrives…

Having settled on the strategy, Yuan Shao could be considered swift and decisive at this moment.

Xu You’s proposal to “use public opinion to force Liu Yu to temporarily leave Youzhou and go to Liangzhou to halt Qiao Yan’s offensive” was a supplement to the general direction proposed by Ju Shou.

Yuan Shao immediately ordered its execution.

This was not a difficult task to accomplish.

In these times of rampant natural disasters, the Han people and Wuhuan people of Youzhou sincerely believed that if Liu Yu were in power, their lives would improve, and they could genuinely support him ascending the throne.

After Yuan Shao deliberately guided the discourse, even though Liu Yu publicly opposed such advice, it did not stop the private whispers from growing louder until they reached his ears.

In the past, Huangfu Song, with his merits in quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion and his early reputation, had also faced such a choice of being pushed into the spotlight.

But at that time, the Han Emperor transferred Huangfu Song out of Ji Province within a year and reduced his military power, so the supportive voices only lingered in children’s songs, offering a glimpse of the past situation.

However, Liu Yu faced a different situation.

The decline in the central authority of the Han Dynasty allowed such discussions in Youzhou to grow rampant, even leading to suspicions that he himself might be deliberately allowing these voices.

Liu Yu, being a kind and lenient person, not very decisive, was swept up in this uncontrollable trend. He was deeply worried, fearing that he would go from being a reluctant governor suppressing rebellions to suddenly becoming a regent for the late Emperor, and now being accused of coveting the throne early on.

It was in this anxious situation that he received a request from Liu Bian.

The letter read:

“Now that the world is divided, the people do not know whom to follow, so those in the west face west, and those in the east face east. This is common. Though I am anxious, I do not blame them.

However, all under heaven belongs to the king, and the people’s worries are my concerns.

Liangzhou, located on the frontier, has been plagued by internal Qiang invasions and mixed settlements for a century. The late Grand Commandant Duan Jieming once tried to cleanse Liangzhou by exterminating the Eastern Qiang, but the conflict between Han and Qiang remains unresolved. Now, Qiao Bingzhou has first taken Gaoping, then breached Jincheng, killing tens of thousands. Though necessary for advancing to Chang’an, it still poses a hidden danger to the frontier.

I have heard that Liu Youzhou has pacified the frontier with benevolence, bringing peace and prosperity to the people within a year. Han and Qiang trade in the Hu markets as one family. I earnestly request Liu Youzhou to visit Liangzhou and relieve the plight of the Western Liang people.

My younger brother, captured by Dong Zhuo and taken to Chang’an, also weighs heavily on my heart.

If Qiao Bingzhou can swiftly capture Chang’an, there is no need to stop her. But if there are hidden dangers, I hope Liu Youzhou, as a regent of the late Emperor, will fulfill his duty to dissuade her.”

Liu Yu sighed deeply after reading the letter.

He was no fool and could see that this letter was more from Yuan Shao than Liu Bian.

As for the voices in Youzhou, whether they were from the people or someone fanning the flames, he, having lived this long, was not entirely unaware.

But in this situation where he was almost being roasted over a fire, the best choice he could make was indeed to temporarily leave Youzhou.

Firstly, Youzhou’s harvest this year was imminent, and with Tian Chou’s regulations in place, there shouldn’t be any major issues.

Secondly, if the situation in Liangzhou was as Liu Bian described, he might indeed need to go and see what was happening.

If Qiao Yanshu was truly using the excuse of rescuing Liu Xie and returning to Luoyang to overstep the Han’s regulations in Liangzhou, as a Han official, a member of the Han imperial family, and a regent, he would have to stop her.

However, what Liu Yu did not expect was that accompanying him to Liangzhou were not just his own entourage but also a group of scholars.

Hearing that these people were pleading for Lu Zhi and Xun Shuang to be spared from Dong Zhuo’s harm and urging Qiao Bingzhou to be cautious in her military actions, Liu Yu said nothing on the surface but couldn’t help but wonder.

This didn’t seem like a coincidence but more like someone’s deliberate arrangement.

Yet both reasons were valid, making it hard to avoid following the set path even if one sensed the hidden hand behind it.

So Liu Yu only reminded his son, who was temporarily acting as the governor of Youzhou, to be wary of Yuan Shao before setting off for Liangzhou.

But what Liu Yu also did not expect was that when he passed through Bingzhou and his intentions were known, Xi Zhicai, who was guarding Bingzhou for Qiao Yan, not only did not hinder his actions but, citing Liu Yu’s status as a respected member of the imperial family, replaced his carriage horses and added more guards for his journey.

That wasn’t all.

When he arrived in Liangzhou, the governor of Bingzhou, who was said to be reorganizing troops and planning to advance on Chang’an after quelling the unrest, personally came to welcome this “highly esteemed colleague.”

This attitude made Liu Yu momentarily think that he wasn’t there to confront her but for some friendly visit.

In this somewhat surreal situation, Liu Yu instinctively looked at the ghost mask hanging from Qiao Yan’s waist and asked about it.

“This is a Qiang ghost mask for summoning spirits,” Qiao Yan said with a playful smile. “I’m not afraid to admit, I was in a hurry to suppress the rebels to secure the rear while attacking Dong Zhuo, so I dealt with the Yang family of Hanyang. The Yang family has a branch in Jiuquan. They saw the Hanyang Yang family’s downfall as an opportunity but also feared being implicated.

Somehow, a rumor spread that I spared Ma Shoucheng because General Ma had a son named Ma Mengqi, so they sent a young wandering knight from their branch to me.

This person is named Yang Feng, also known as Yang Aruo. In Jiuquan, there’s a saying: ‘East Market fights, Yang Aruo; West Market fights, Yang Aruo.’ He’s involved in street fights everywhere. Because he looks like a beautiful woman, he’s often coveted, so he covers his face with a ghost mask and calls himself Ghost Feng.”

Liu Yu asked, “Wandering knights are usually fiery in nature and unlikely to be gifts for currying favor with the powerful.”

He immediately regretted saying this.

On his way to Liangzhou, he had told himself that if Qiao Yan’s actions in Liangzhou were truly inappropriate, he would directly confront her to avoid being led astray.

But now, hearing her talk about such peculiar gossip, he couldn’t help but join in.

Qiao Yan seemed unaware of Liu Yu’s inner turmoil and continued, “He naturally wasn’t willing. I heard that Dong Zhuo once tried to recruit him, but he refused, despising Dong Zhuo’s character. But I don’t need such gifts, so I called Mengqi over and had him fight Yang Aruo.”

Yang Feng was a capable man, even a top wandering knight with a reputation among the Qiang, and quite skilled in leading troops.

But Ma Chao losing to Lü Bu was one thing; how could he lose to Yang Feng?

Seeing Liu Yu’s curiosity, Qiao Yan paused for effect before saying, “Now both he and Mengqi are in Wudu County, helping Prefect Gai reclaim the area. It doesn’t waste his talents.

Before leaving, he gave me his ghost mask, saying he had misunderstood me earlier and that this item, used in Qiang prayers, might still be useful in pacifying Jiuquan.”

Qiao Yan played with the mask, holding it up to her face but not putting it on, then suddenly peeked out from behind the fierce ghost mask, revealing her increasingly refined and elegant face. “Liangzhou is truly an interesting place. What do you think, Liu Youzhou?”

“…” Liu Yu wasn’t sure if Qiao Yan was just talking about Yang Feng or hinting at her public image being like a ghost mask, with the truth only visible once the mask was removed.

After a moment of thought, he asked, “Yanshu, acting too hastily in Liangzhou, only looking forward without considering the consequences, might not be appropriate.”

Qiao Yan straightened her expression and replied, “Then what would Liu Youzhou advise?”

Liu Yu looked at Gaoping City. Even months later, with little rain in Liangzhou, bloodstains from the fierce battle when the city fell still remained on the walls. He shook his head. “Slow down.

Rushing to Chang’an, if we get stuck in a stalemate, Dong Zhuo might target Lu Gong and Xun Gong. Once Liangzhou recovers from the shock, it could easily become chaotic. It’s better to wait for reinforcements from Jing Province, ensure Liangzhou’s stability, and then proceed with the military action.

Yanshu is a military genius, far beyond me, but I understand the current situation.”

He mentally rehearsed his reasons to persuade her and added, “To be honest, among those accompanying me to Liangzhou are many former students of Lu Gong and Xun Gong. They gave up their studies at the Imperial Academy in Ye City to come and advise you, representing another group’s voice. I hope Yanshu takes this seriously.”

Qiao Yan, holding the ghost mask that had fallen into her hand, glanced at the paint on it and smiled. “Since Liu Youzhou has said so, it would be too rebellious of me not to comply.”

She looked up and met Liu Yu’s gaze, replying, “Since Lu Gong’s disciples are here, and I was fortunate to be taught the Book of Documents by Lu Gong, they are my fellow disciples. I should—welcome them properly.

Does Liu Youzhou find this decision satisfactory?”

Liu Yu was speechless for a while.

This strange conversation atmosphere was completely different from what he had expected before arriving in Liangzhou, making him feel like he was the villain.

But he… he hadn’t fully understood the situation in Liangzhou yet, so there was still room for discussion.

As a typical good-natured member of the Han imperial family, Liu Yu chose to flee under Qiao Yan’s gaze, using the excuse of needing to settle in.

Unbeknownst to him, behind his back, Qiao Yan tossed the ghost mask to Cheng Yu, a light smile appearing on her face.

“I feel a bit regretful,” she said.

She couldn’t speak the truth to others, but she could to Cheng Yu.

So her regret wasn’t about having to slow down her advance on Chang’an after Liu Yu’s arrival in Liangzhou.

She looked towards the distant Huo Shizhai military camp, seeing that in another month, it would be ready for harvest.








The scene of gathering, sighed: “You said Liu Bo’an came, why didn’t he bring Tian Zitai with him?”

“… My lord, be careful with your words.” Cheng Yu coughed lightly to remind.

Qiao Yan waved her hand in reply: “I know, I won’t say this outside.”

From a rational standpoint, Qiao Yan knew that Youzhou had just received a group of refugees fleeing from Wei County, and it was necessary to have a period of digestion first.

Liu Yu came to Liangzhou to dissuade her actions, with his son Liu He taking over the position of Youzhou’s governor, leaving Tian Chou to assist in state affairs, which was indeed the most appropriate choice.

But emotionally, the recovering Youzhou, which needed to recover from Zhang Ju’s rebellion, needed someone like Tian Chou, and the newly liberated Liangzhou in front of Qiao Yan also required a lot of governance talents.

Who would think there are too many people like Tian Chou?

Fortunately, Xun Shuang and Lu Zhi’s disciples, used by Yuan Shao to create public pressure on her, although not great talents, were suitable for her current need to clarify the details of Liangzhou’s situation.

Once she stabilizes Anding, Hanyang, Longxi, and Jincheng, she can expand her influence northward to Jiuquan, Wuwei, Zhangye, Dunhuang, and other places.

If it weren’t for the distance from Ji Province, she really wanted to express her gratitude to Yuan Shao in person!

Qiao Yan’s gathering of troops and temporary halt in preparations for war seemed too regrettable to her generals, especially Lü Bu and Ma Chao, who were eager to make achievements.

They often glared at Liu Yu for this.

But to Yuan Shao and Dong Zhuo, this was a great blessing that gave them room for development.

Especially Dong Zhuo!

If it weren’t inappropriate, Dong Zhuo would have wanted to give Qiao Yan the title of Governor of Liangzhou, letting her deal with Liu Yu over the governance issues in Liangzhou.

Dong Zhuo, being from Liangzhou, clearly knew that winning a battle in such a place did not mean the enemy’s submission, and truly governing here was a hot potato.

Liangzhou had changed five governors in three to four years, and the governors of past generations were also high-risk positions. To govern it properly and make it an asset, it might not make her move towards Chang’an more justified, but rather drain her strength.

Whether this goal of draining her strength could be achieved or not, as long as she could pour her years of accumulation in Bingzhou into the bottomless pit of Liangzhou, while Dong Zhuo could recuperate in Chang’an, recruit soldiers, and actively prepare for war, his situation would be much better than before.

“Sir is right, staying put and letting Yuan Shao hinder Qiao Yan is indeed the most suitable strategy.”

Dong Zhuo almost wanted to step forward to hold Jia Xu’s hand to express his sincere thanks, but saw him looking north with a hint of melancholy.

He thought Jia Xu was worried about his wife and children in Bingzhou, so he withdrew his hand to avoid putting pressure on him with his overly excited behavior.

Fortunately, if Jia Xu really wanted to make a name for his family by advising Dong Zhuo, he must have already prepared himself psychologically.

When he turned to look at Dong Zhuo, his expression had returned to calm.

“My lord, it’s too early to be happy now. Qiao Yanshu is not unskilled in governance. Liangzhou can only hinder her for a year or two. If Liangzhou cannot be overly invested in construction, she will not hesitate to make decisions.”

Dong Zhuo was startled, realizing his earlier estimation of using Liangzhou to drain her strength was too idealistic.

But it made sense, Qiao Yan had not shown obvious weaknesses so far, even if her rush to the frontier was somewhat youthful, she had never been cut off by the enemy.

She is not greedy, she won’t lose herself.

Don’t underestimate her!

“What does sir mean?”

Jia Xu replied: “On one hand, ensure the defense of various passes. To prevent generals from becoming habitually lax and making defensive mistakes, it’s better to implement a three-party rotation system, limiting each rotation to four months. This can also prevent any party from being contacted by Bingzhou.”

Dong Zhuo pondered, it was indeed necessary to guard against internal spies among his troops.

But whether Duan Wei could hold the key route from Liangzhou to Sanfu, and whether others could hold their positions, was still unknown.

Like Yan Xing, who had just defected, could not be stationed here.

So how to execute this suggestion specifically still needed consideration.

But thinking that Jia Xu’s suggestion was in his interest, Dong Zhuo nodded and replied: “Sir is absolutely right.”

Jia Xu added: “Secondly, purchase grain from Yizhou in the name of the Son of Heaven’s lack of food, to quickly balance the grain price in Chang’an. If the grain transport becomes routine, it would provide a pretext if my lord must take Yizhou by force one day.”

Dong Zhuo’s face showed a hint of joy, but then Jia Xu said in a sharp tone: “Don’t use small money in such transactions.”

“… Naturally.” Dong Zhuo smiled awkwardly.

After Dong Zhuo retreated to Chang’an, Liu Yan accepted the title of Grand Marshal added by Dong Zhuo to win people over, and thanked Dong Zhuo for releasing his eldest son Liu Fan, but it was impossible for Liu Yan to have any goodwill towards Dong Zhuo, at most just maintaining a facade.

The unspoken subtext was—

He, Liu Yan, would behave in Yizhou, and Dong Zhuo should not try to control him.

But as a transaction, between Liu Xie and Liu Bian, Liu Yan would tend to choose Liu Xie.

So if Dong Zhuo wanted to buy some grain for Chang’an’s expenses at Yizhou’s grain price, it was possible.

But if he wanted to take advantage of this in Yizhou, no way!

But Dong Zhuo, considering the life-saving promise in Jia Xu’s words, thought that even if he couldn’t use small money, and this transaction was different from his usual no-cost deals, needing to take a small loss, it wasn’t a big problem.

Especially in Hanzhong, if he could use grain transport as an excuse to plant a few nails, it might come in handy if he ever fell into dire straits.

So not using small money was fine.

Jia Xu glanced at Dong Zhuo’s expression and guessed that Dong Zhuo’s idea of amassing military supplies was not completely abandoned, but only restrained due to the current critical situation.

If he were truly Dong Zhuo’s strategist, he might find this vulgar and annoying, but now he just pretended not to see such behavior, and continued calmly: “Thirdly, regarding the friction in Jing Province, please lend a hand to Liu Jingsheng.”

Sun Jian, under the eastern court’s edict, was given the title of General Who Breaks the Barbarians, allowing him to recruit troops in Jing Province under the pretext of suppressing local bandits.

Qiao Yan politely declined the title of General of Agile Cavalry sent from Ye City, but Sun Jian temporarily needed this title to boost his reputation.

Liu Biao accepted the title of Governor of Jing Province from Dong Zhuo.

Thus, each had their own appointment from east to west.

Of course, this alone was not enough to make them adversaries.

But Sun Jian was not the type to let himself be at a disadvantage.

Earlier, during the coalition against Dong Zhuo, he killed the then Governor of Nanyang, Zhang Zi, for refusing to supply his army with grain.

Because of this, when Sun Jian mentioned to Liu Biao that he needed to pass through, Cai Mao, serving under Liu Biao, asked Liu Biao, “Does my lord intend to follow the old path of Governor Zhang?”

Cai Mao’s concern was not unfounded.

Who knows if Sun Jian’s claim of passing through to attack Dong Zhuo was another scheme of ‘borrowing a path to conquer Guo’?

And how to ensure that, due to the difficult route from Jing Province to Chang’an, Sun Jian wouldn’t turn on Liu Biao if he felt slighted in the provision of supplies?

With the world in chaos and two emperors, Liu Biao, having secured the governorship of Jing Province, didn’t need to stick to a neutral stance but could instead align with Liu Xie for greater benefits.

Of course, this wasn’t just based on Sun Jian’s character, but also because for the noble families of Jing Province, aligning with the eastern court would place them below the noble families of Hebei and Ruying, which was unacceptable.

Rather than that, it was better to choose Dong Zhuo.

After all, there was still a fig leaf—

They were choosing Liu Xie, not Dong Zhuo.

Liu Biao, relying on the support of Jing Province’s noble families to stand firm, naturally accepted this choice.

This was why, in the messages received by Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao, Governor Liu Biao of Jing Province and General Sun Jian had already initiated local friction, potentially escalating into full-scale conflict.

Looking around, the ambitious but incompetent Yuan Shu couldn’t even take the small Lujiang County in Yang Province, clearly unable to ally with Sun Jian to eliminate Liu Biao.

But this didn’t mean Liu Biao had the advantage.

Once the balance in the conflict in Jing Province was broken, turning into a full-scale war, Liu Biao, being less skilled in commanding troops than Sun Jian and Zhu Jun, would inevitably suffer.

Thus, he still needed external support to lend a hand!

After Dong Zhuo approved his suggestion and left, Jia Xu withdrew his gaze from Dong Zhuo, the sucker, and turned to the chessboard in front of him.

To show his appreciation for his newly acquired and only strategist, Dong Zhuo had someone take out a jade chessboard from the treasures brought from Luoyang and gave it to Jia Xu as a pastime.

The black and white chess pieces on the board were bathed in a warm glow under the indoor candlelight.

But he didn’t admire the value of the pieces, just casually picked up a handful of black pieces, letting them drop one by one onto the original chessboard.

After a series of crisp clinking sounds, the original state of the game on the board became unrecognizable.

Jia Xu’s hand remained suspended in the air, like a still silhouette in the candlelight, but on his face, which showed inscrutable depth with lowered eyes, a faint smile appeared.

Jing Province…

Letting Sun Jian and Liu Biao continue to fight, the uncertainty was too great, and it might not develop in a direction favorable to my lord, so better—

Be a bit more ruthless.