Chapter 172

Chapter 172: The Battle of Jing Province

In the year when the Prefect of Bingzhou was established, Liu Biao volunteered to enter Jing Province alone, connecting with the local noble families to eliminate the bandit troubles in the southern part of Jing Province. With his low-cost budget and his identity as a member of the Han imperial family, he secured the position of Governor of Jing Province from the stingy Emperor Ling of Han.

Now, it has been almost three years.

Three years is enough time for a capable person to cultivate considerable influence. Liu Biao is such a person.

Originally, he had an evaluation period to determine whether he could be promoted from Governor of Jing Province to Prefect of Jing Province. However, the death of Emperor Ling and Dong Zhuo’s usurpation directly benefited Liu Biao, making him the Prefect of Jing Province.

Whether it was legitimate or not didn’t matter. At least, supporters like Cai Mao and Kuai Yue had the justification to oppose other clan forces in Jing Province.

But if we dig deeper, Liu Biao’s authority is not stable.

The noble families in Jing Province are also divided into different ranks.

After all, if it weren’t for the goal of becoming the leading noble family in Jing Province, the Cai family wouldn’t have needed to marry their daughter to Liu Biao as his second wife.

Given that Liu Biao’s reliance on noble families is much higher than Qiao Yan’s, it’s hard not to see this competition becoming increasingly intense.

Currently, Liu Biao first rejected Sun Jian’s request to pass through, and after Cai Mao persuaded him using Zhang Zi as an example, he also restricted Sun Jian’s recruitment of soldiers within Jing Province, creating a standoff between the two sides.

Thus, the noble families in Jing Province had to put aside their internal conflicts and focus on eliminating external threats to protect Liu Biao, the “son-in-law of Jing Province.”

Therefore, this instability has reached a relatively balanced state.

In their eyes, even though Sun Jian once served as the Prefect of Changsha and quelled the rebellion of Lingling Guanhu, his rough and reckless behavior made it hard for them to feel any goodwill towards him.

In contrast, Liu Biao, with his “gentle and majestic appearance,” ranking among the Eight Talents, and his ability to establish Confucian studies, is the one they recognize as the rightful ruler of Jing Province.

Like the northern warlords, they have the habit of training private soldiers, even special troops like the navy. With the support of the noble families in Jing Province, Liu Biao essentially gained a considerable army.

In addition, the financial and grain support from the prominent families in Xiangyang, Jing Province, and the title of Prefect of Jing Province, allowed Liu Biao to establish an additional private army.

These advantages, although Liu Biao is not as brave as Sun Jian, enable him to form a north-south standoff with Sun Jian.

It was during this standoff that he suddenly received news from Dong Zhuo in Chang’an.

Liu Biao had never been fond of Dong Zhuo, a ruffian from Liangzhou.

Previously, recognizing the authority of the Chang’an court was just a more advantageous expedient for him.

Of course, after the imperial family’s dignity was burned to ashes in the Luoyang fire, Dong Zhuo should have been aware of this.

Therefore, Liu Biao had already prepared for the possibility that Dong Zhuo would grant him a distant title and then not interfere in Jing Province’s affairs.

It was with this mindset that when he opened the letter Dong Zhuo had sent, he was surprised by its contents.

He handed the letter to Cai Mao beside him and asked, “De Gui, how do you think I should handle this situation?”

Cai Mao took the letter and, after reading a couple of lines, frowned subconsciously. “Dong Zhuo wants to send reinforcements to help us deal with Sun Jian? Does he even have extra troops?”

This wasn’t Cai Mao looking down on Dong Zhuo.

The population in the Sili region is indeed larger than in other provinces.

But when Dong Zhuo was forced to flee from Luoyang, the millions of people around Luoyang were divided among various provinces. Even Bingzhou, separated by the Taihang Mountains, managed to take a large share, effectively reducing the population significantly.

And the 200,000 people in Chang’an aren’t all capable of becoming soldiers.

Although Dong Zhuo could maintain some dignity by defending the passes against threats from the north in Bingzhou and Liangzhou, forcing Qiao Yan to first quell the rebellions of Ma Teng and Han Sui to ensure no sneak attacks from behind before attacking Chang’an.

Now, she is forced to stay in Liangzhou due to caution.

But Cai Mao and Liu Biao couldn’t imagine that Dong Zhuo’s current forces could even be a third of their peak strength.

If Jing Province could send another loyalist force, Dong Zhuo would inevitably face a situation where he couldn’t cover all fronts.

What he should do now is to consolidate his forces into one point, not disperse them to support Liu Biao!

However, as Cai Mao continued reading, he had to admit that Dong Zhuo’s letter made sense.

Even he thought Dong Zhuo couldn’t afford to split his forces, just like no one expected Qiao Yan, stationed in Gaoping, to suddenly launch an attack on Longxi and Jincheng.

Who would have thought that Dong Zhuo would send reinforcements to Jing Province at this time?

This would undoubtedly be an unexpected reinforcement!

The reason for sending reinforcements also aligned with Liu Biao’s thoughts.

Dong Zhuo stated in the letter that he and Liu Biao had no master-subordinate relationship, and he knew that supporting the Emperor wouldn’t make Liu Biao offer any unrealistic concessions.

But this mutual non-interference doesn’t mean they can’t achieve a win-win situation!

Dong Zhuo’s position in the Guanzhong Plain means that if he wants to expand, Jing Province wouldn’t be his first choice.

And Liu Biao, located in Jing Province, has no reason to attack towards Guanzhong unless he wants to experience the trouble of holding onto Liu Xie, the hot potato.

So, in this state of mutual non-aggression, why can’t Dong Zhuo help Liu Biao repel Sun Jian’s attempt to take Jing Province first and then advance into Guanzhong?

This move would also benefit Dong Zhuo himself.

It means he would have one less enemy.

The letter then mentioned that he had given deep thought to who should be sent to assist Liu Biao.

Ultimately, the chosen person was Zhang Ji.

According to the letter, Zhang Ji’s nephew was captured by Qiao Yanshu’s general during the Luoyang battle and taken to Bingzhou. A letter was sent to Zhang Ji, stating that since he couldn’t protect his nephew and wife, there was no need to maintain any uncle-nephew relationship.

Therefore, he needed a victory more than anyone to prove his capabilities and regain his standing among the Liangzhou generals.

Thus, he would undoubtedly be the most motivated among Dong Zhuo’s current subordinates!

At first glance, Cai Mao found this reasoning quite convincing.

But he couldn’t help but wonder, “If Dong Zhuo had such letter-writing skills, how could he have been driven from Luoyang to Chang’an like a stray dog?”

The rhetoric in this letter is quite sophisticated.

Whether it’s dispelling Liu Biao’s suspicions about Dong Zhuo sending troops into Jing Province or explaining the choice of the assisting general, it’s all very logical.

Especially at the end of the letter, it mentions how to use Zhang Ji’s forces to ambush Sun Jian if they were to achieve this win-win situation.

The strategy proposed in the letter could indeed make good use of Zhang Ji’s Liangzhou Iron Cavalry. Considering Sun Jian’s temperament, this might be the least costly way for Liu Biao to defeat Sun Jian.

“Either Dong Zhuo now has a highly skilled strategist advising him, or…” Liu Biao paused, “or Qiao Yanshu’s abilities are simply too high, making Dong Zhuo appear so pathetic before.”

Thinking about Dong Zhuo’s actions after entering Luoyang, manipulating the Yuan Clan, successfully driving Cao Cao and Lu Zhi out of the capital, stabbing the Yuan Clan in the back, and swallowing He Jin’s Grand General’s forces, it’s clear he’s no fool. Liu Biao tends to believe the latter.

But Liu Biao obviously wouldn’t know that Dong Zhuo’s previous clever power grabs and the wisdom shown in this letter actually came from two different strategists.

He continued, “De Gui, don’t worry about Dong Zhuo’s past and present behavior for now. Just tell me, do you think this move of his is feasible?”

If Liu Biao were to speak for himself, he was somewhat pleasantly surprised that Dong Zhuo was willing to send a highly motivated force to support him.

Sun Jian’s army is currently stationed in Changsha, where he served as Prefect, to ensure sufficient military provisions and a recruitment base.

This has both advantages and disadvantages for Liu Biao.

The advantage is that, in addition to the support from Jing Province’s noble families, Liu Biao also has the natural barriers of the Yangtze River and Yunmeng Marsh for defense.

Moreover, Huang Zu, from the Jiangxia Huang Clan, pledged allegiance to him and was appointed as the Prefect of Jiangxia by Liu Biao, gathering clan forces to hold the front line, which could serve as a lookout against Sun Jian.

But this doesn’t mean Liu Biao has the confidence to defeat Sun Jian.

With the ships accumulated in Changsha and Sun Jian’s aggressive fighting style, crossing the river and attacking directly to Xiangyang via the Han River would be no difficult task for him!

The current standoff is more like the calm before the storm.

Thinking this way, it might be better to use this unexpected reinforcement to deliver a heavy blow to Sun Jian.

The only concern is whether Dong Zhuo might take the opportunity to occupy Nanyang County after this reinforcement repels Sun Jian.

Although Dong Zhuo stated that he couldn’t take all of Jing Province.

Because for his Liangzhou army, it would mean completely leaving their homeland.

But just taking Nanyang, controlling the entrance from Jing Province to the Guanzhong Plain, and obtaining supplies for the Guanzhong garrison from Nanyang County would be enough to make Liu Biao uncomfortable.

Liu Biao thought of this, and Cai Mao, being from Jing Province, couldn’t have missed it either.

After some thought, he replied, “What you’re worried about is Nanyang County, but if Sun Jian were to directly attack Xiangyang, not only would Nanyang be lost, but the entire Jing Province would fall into Sun Jian’s hands. This man, under the guise of opposing Dong Zhuo, is actually a malicious thief coveting Jing Province. He would never tolerate your presence here. On the other hand, Dong Zhuo, now without support from Liangzhou, wouldn’t dig his own grave.”

“Combining forces from Xiangyang and Jiangxia would be enough to block the southern advance of Nanyang’s troops. Even if we drive away one tiger and invite a wolf, this wolf is not a formidable one.”

Cai Mao paused and added, “But my judgment alone isn’t enough. When it comes to major matters in Jing Province, we should consult the Kuai brothers.”

The Kuai brothers, after Liu Biao entered Jing Province, devised strategies to pacify Jing Province and lured the bandit leaders of Jing Province to surrender. They then killed over fifty bandit leaders during a banquet, allowing Liu Biao to absorb their forces. Liu Biao praised them for their “strategies of Yong Ji and Jiu Fan.”

Although Cai Mao hoped Liu Biao would rely more on the Cai family, he also knew when to step back.

Just like now, seeing Liu Biao’s thoughtful expression, he knew Liu Biao still wanted to hear others’ opinions.

After Cai Mao left, Liu Biao immediately summoned the Kuai brothers for a discussion.

However, perhaps because the cooperative proposal in Dong Zhuo’s letter was indeed sound, and Sun Jian was showing an aggressive posture after the autumn harvest, both the relatively conservative Kuai Liang and the more aggressive Kuai Yue agreed that Dong Zhuo could be used as an external ally.

As for how to deal with Dong Zhuo potentially occupying Nanyang County, both provided Liu Biao with alternative plans.

Liu Biao immediately decided and sent a reply to Dong Zhuo.

Jing Province is mostly flat, and Nanyang, with its intricate water networks, allows for fast travel.








Dong Zhuo mentioned in the letter that Zhang Ji, responsible for the reinforcements, had already arrived at Wuguan, the border between Sili and Jing Province, and would only enter with Liu Biao’s permission.

When Liu Biao’s messenger galloped to Wuguan and Zhang Ji’s cavalry entered Xiangyang, only seven days had passed since Liu Biao and his subordinates discussed cooperation.

Liu Biao looked at the dusty Liangzhou general before him.

Compared to Dong Zhuo, whom he had met a few times, Zhang Ji could indeed be called a scholarly general, leaving a good impression on Liu Biao.

What pleased Liu Biao even more was that Zhang Ji, as Dong Zhuo had mentioned in the letter, was indeed full of fighting spirit.

He immediately ordered his Middle General Huang Zhong and his troops to join Zhang Ji, stationing at Lankouju by the Han River.

He also ordered Huang Zu from Jiangxia to divert to Jingling to counter Sun Jian’s possible northern advance.

Due to the Yangtze River, Sun Jian remained unaware of these personnel changes.

The autumn wind blowing from the Yangtze carried a chill.

Sun Jian, draped in his coat, stepped out of the military camp and looked around.

Since his troops were stationed by Dongting Lake, his view was of the vast, misty lake under the cold moonlight.

The camp was silent at night, only the sound of burning torches around the camp adding to the cold night.

He stopped the patrol who called out “General” and intended to follow, taking only a few guards to ride along the lake.

Upon reaching the Yangtze, he stopped his horse and looked towards Yunmengze across the river.

Thinking of fighting Liu Biao, who colluded with Dong Zhuo, with the full granaries after the autumn harvest, Sun Jian’s fighting spirit boiled.

Qiao Yan’s earlier victory in Liangzhou did not make Sun Jian feel inferior but strengthened his resolve.

He wanted to quickly defeat Liu Biao!

Recalling how he quelled the Jing Province rebellion in the fourth year of Zhongping, only for Liu Biao to take the position of Governor, Sun Jian felt a deep resentment.

Zhu Jun, who recruited troops with him in Changsha, showed signs of aging, reminding Sun Jian of their past glory.

Lost in thought, Sun Jian suddenly heard the sound of a spear cutting through the air.

The sound pulled him from his emotions, and he looked towards its source.

In the moonlight by the river, a young man was practicing with a spear, the source of the sound.

Even without seeing his face, the spear’s force and movements told Sun Jian it was his eldest son, Sun Ce.

He walked over and asked loudly, “Bofu, why aren’t you sleeping?”

The agile young man stopped his spear, planted it on the ground, and replied, “Father, you’re not sleeping either, why ask me?”

Sun Jian patted his shoulder, “I’ve been busy with camp affairs, not that I can’t sleep.”

Sun Ce smirked, “Then let me handle more.”

Sun Jian laughed, “Stop the chatter, answer my question.”

He expected Sun Ce to say he was practicing because of Qiao Yan’s double-sectioned spear in Luoyang, but instead, Sun Ce asked, “Father, why must we fight Liu Biao directly?”

Sun Jian frowned, “Are you afraid?”

“Who’s afraid!” Sun Ce retorted. “I think if we go down the river to Lujiang, support from the south, defeat Yuan Shu, take his troops, and then attack Liu Biao, it would be faster and cause fewer casualties.”

Sun Ce inherited Sun Jian’s warlike nature and was not afraid of Liu Biao.

His competitive spirit was clear even in the night.

He gripped his spear tighter, showing the stance of a tiger ready to roar.

Sun Jian felt proud of his son’s insight and courage but scolded, “Nonsense!”

“I know what you mean,” Sun Ce said. “Your title of General Who Breaks the Caitiffs comes from the Ye court, and Yuan Shu’s General of the Chariots and Cavalry is also from there. If you clash with Yuan Shu over rescuing Lujiang, it would be disloyal. You still need your titles, so you can’t act rashly.”

He sighed, “I just think it’s a pity.”

If Liu Biao’s actions favoring Liu Xie displeased the Ye court, and Liu Bian could appoint Sun Jian as Governor of Jing Province to rival Liu Biao, it would be better.

But Liu Biao, adept at Confucian moderation, sent gifts to both sides, making it hard to accuse him of disrespect.

What could they do? Fight under the current titles!

Fortunately, Liu Biao’s capable generals were few, so even without unconventional tactics—

Victory was certain!

After defeating Liu Biao, they could head to Lujiang.

Lujiang’s Prefect Lu Kang was good at defense, and with Zhou Yu in Shuxian, they could hold out for half a year.

Looking at the river, Sun Ce asked, “When do you plan to advance?”

Sun Jian had not given a clear answer before to prevent Liu Biao from preparing.

But now, with strong troops and ample supplies, even if Liu Biao had the support of Jing Province’s noble families and troops at every pass, they couldn’t stop his advance.

So what if Liu Biao knew his intentions?

He could only watch as Sun Jian marched to Xiangyang!

Sun Jian firmly replied, “In three days.”

Though the night was cool, the sound of the river seemed to ignite the flames of war.

The struggle for Jing Province had begun!

Compared to the troubled borderlands of Liangzhou, it seemed more peaceful.

Especially—

In Wuwei Commandery, guarded by Qiao Yan.

Wuwei’s September was filled with busy activity.

When Liu Yu arrived in Guzang, he saw vast cultivated fields with rapeseed sown, but people were still busy around them.

These people included observers from Zhangye, Qiang soldiers gathered by Qiao Yan, and Lushui Qiang recruited from Wuwei.

But their origins were less important now.

In Liu Yu’s view, some were digging holes for mulberry trees, others working on water storage projects, all in harmonious unity.

Liu Yu already felt some guilt for restricting Qiao Yan’s advance.

After all, he wasn’t blind.

After helping with the population registration of newly surrendered Qiang near Gaoping and the autumn harvest at Huo Shizhai, he realized Qiao Yan wasn’t the brutal anti-Qiang figure rumored in Ji and You Provinces.

He decided to talk to Qiao Yan again in Wuwei.

If the situation was controllable, he would return to Youzhou once the rumors of him becoming emperor subsided, not delaying further.

And he wouldn’t restrict Qiao Yan from marching to Chang’an to rescue Liu Xie after recruiting troops in Liangzhou.

Seeing this scene, he was more convinced.

When led to Qiao Yan, he saw the young Governor holding an agricultural book, listening intently to an old farmer about mulberry saplings.

Hearing about cutting the saplings close to the ground for rapid growth the next year, matching her records, she smiled in satisfaction.

The superior mulberry cultivation promoted in Guanzhong had been practiced in Liangzhou. Qiao Yan immediately signaled Zhao Yun to note this.

Turning, she saw Liu Yu nearby.

Before Liu Yu could speak, Qiao Yan’s eyes lit up, and she quickly walked over.

Her enthusiastic gaze made Liu Yu swallow his words.

“I was about to go to Gaoping to find you, but you came yourself,” Qiao Yan said, leading him forward. “Do you see those people?”

Liu Yu followed her gesture to a group of Lushui Qiang.

Since few Qiang understood Chinese, they relied on a “translator” to understand the Han official’s instructions.

To ensure accurate message delivery, such gatherings couldn’t be too large.

Qiao Yan was short-handed, and Liu Yu arrived just in time.

This was… perfect!

She continued, “You were right, Liu Youzhou. Taming these Qiang with brute force would cause future troubles. To truly assimilate them, we must not only change their lifestyle and involve them in farming but also teach them Han knowledge…”

“Ah, no, that might be too difficult,” Qiao Yan laughed. “But teaching them some basic Chinese to ensure smooth communication is necessary.”

Liu Yu nodded, agreeing.

But he didn’t see how this concerned him.

Then he heard Qiao Yan say, “Didn’t many students taught by Lu Gong and Xun Gong come to Liangzhou with you?”

“I was also taught by Lu Gong, so I’m their peer. It’s awkward to ask them to do this, so I must trouble you, Liu Youzhou.”

She bowed respectfully, “This is an unreasonable request, but could you ask those students to learn the Qiang language and teach them Chinese?”

Before Liu Yu could refuse, Qiao Yan added, “This is the way to long-term peace in Liangzhou…”