Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 6: The Two Provinces Stand Firm, The Silk Road Reopens Chapter 201: The Powerful Families Join Forces

“…” Duan Kui’s expression froze on the spot.

The cool breeze blowing from the ice still brushed his face, reminding him that he wasn’t dreaming.

He had no idea when Dong Zhuo’s army would march into Liangzhou.

He also had no clue when Qiao Yan defeated Dong Zhuo’s forces.

The Wushaoling Ridge, which lay between the Four Commanderies of Hexi and the other commanderies of Liangzhou, made him feel little sense of crisis even when he once saw Qiao Yan besieging Guzang City.

It was as if… because he had been in a state of independence for so long, he had subconsciously placed himself in an environment of information isolation.

But today’s news was different!

Too different!

The anxiety in his heart couldn’t be shared with his subordinates who went to gather information.

He just kept pacing back and forth in the room as the other party continued to report on the battle situation and how Qiao Yan dealt with the four prominent families of Hanyang.

From Duan Kui’s perspective, his current situation wasn’t much safer than that of the four families of Hanyang.

After Qiao Yan defeated Dong Zhuo’s 20,000 troops in the river valley and captured that many prisoners, her claim to take on Dong Zhuo now seemed much more credible than before.

And to know, when she arrives at Chencang from Liangzhou via the Wei River and then turns east, the first opponent she would face is—

Duan Wei.

Duan Wei of the Duan family of Wuwei!

Even though Qiao Yan had said she wouldn’t hold a grudge against the Duan family of Wuwei because of Duan Wei, and Xu Rong, who had defected from Dong Zhuo to her, had been entrusted with important responsibilities, Duan Kui couldn’t help but feel the sense of crisis approaching.

Duan Kui knew exactly why Duan Wei had joined Dong Zhuo.

But the difficulty of promotion for people from Liangzhou, no matter how much it might fundamentally change under Dong Zhuo, was not worth discussing when lives were at stake.

If Duan Wei caused any trouble for Qiao Yan along the defense line from Chencang to Maiwu, and angered her, what if she then held a grudge against the Duan family of Wuwei?

On the battlefield, swords and knives have no eyes, and accidents are common.

Among the four families of Hanyang, those who had connections with Dong Zhuo were killed by her without hesitation!

The Duan family, with similar mistakes, might not be spared either.

He certainly couldn’t just sit and wait for death!

But this idea of taking action definitely wasn’t about stirring up opposition against Qiao Yan in Liangzhou.

If it weren’t for her recent achievements, he might have made that choice, but not now.

The Qiang people both feared and respected Qiao Yan, so they wouldn’t be his allies but would instead choose to support her.

And if he only relied on his original troops…

To be honest, he didn’t think he was much stronger than Li Ying.

If he delved deeper, her handling of the four families’ descendants in Hanyang was also done with just the right amount of tact.

If there were any smart people among them, they shouldn’t be thinking about how to seek revenge but should instead choose to surrender.

This made him even more certain that if he really wanted to rebel, the number of people he could find to aid him would be very few.

Since he couldn’t rebel, he could only seek to make contributions.

Duan Wei’s stubborn temper had been clear to Duan Kui since the early years before he followed Dong Zhuo.

Things like persuading Duan Wei to surrender were probably beyond his capabilities.

This left him with very limited options.

The first was to provide supplies to Qiao Yan’s troops as they left the river valley.

The second was…

“You mean, you want us to help her guard these prisoners?”

“Exactly.” Duan Kui looked at the leaders of the powerful families of Wuwei he had gathered and said, “If it weren’t for the fact that this matter isn’t suitable for me to handle alone, I would have loved to compete for this merit myself.”

His previous unease had settled after making a decision, and now he was acting very steadily.

Naturally, he became the host of this meeting.

He asked, “Please think about it, would Prefect Qiao of Bingzhou bring these prisoners into the battle for Guanzhong?”

Everyone in the room shook their heads.

The answer to this question wasn’t hard to figure out.

In the battle of the river valley, these people chose to surrender rather than fight to the death, ultimately because they wanted to live and didn’t have a strong loyalty to Dong Zhuo.

But in fact, these newly recruited soldiers from Chang’an weren’t loyal to Qiao Yan either.

With the battle to return to Chang’an being like going home for them, they were very likely to choose to desert.

This could very well create trouble for Qiao Yan.

Moreover, the increase in the number of troops also meant that the burden of military provisions would be heavier.

So rather than bringing along these potential deserters, it would be better to leave them in Liangzhou.

But leaving them here could also lead to trouble.

Over ten thousand people, on one hand, could be good helpers for the autumn harvest, but on the other hand, without sufficient supervision, who knows if someone among them might emerge as a leader and start an uprising in Liangzhou.

Relying solely on the personnel Qiao Yan left behind might not be enough.

Duan Kui continued to ask, “Isn’t this the best time for us to show our worth? Or do you all still think that the power grab we previously discussed is feasible?”

Those he had called weren’t fools and could see the current choice.

One of them asked, “As you said, if we express our stance to Prefect Qiao this way, how can we make her believe that our actions aren’t malicious but genuinely helpful?”

Duan Kui had already thought of the answer to this question and calmly replied, “We’ve already sent hostages once, so what’s the harm in doing it again!”

The more Duan Kui thought about Qiao Yan’s previous actions, the more he felt she didn’t seem like a young person under twenty but more like an old fox who had been maneuvering in officialdom for many years.

She had acted so decisively against the four families of Hanyang but left no handles for criticism, showing that there was still room for cooperation with her.

In that case, after inviting Zheng Xuan to teach in Bingzhou, the extent of cooperation and control in her invitations to the powerful families of Liangzhou became even clearer.

However, such mutually beneficial actions were nothing to criticize.

Now, this choice made under uncontrollable circumstances was what sending hostages was all about.

The discussion ended after half an hour, and then it spread throughout the Four Commanderies of Hexi. The next day, they organized a team to deliver supplies to the army, heading straight for Shanggui.

Those responsible for delivering the supplies were the younger generation of the powerful families of the Four Commanderies of Hexi, such as Yan Jun and He Luan.

Sending these younger generation members to serve under Qiao Yan’s command was what Duan Kui meant by sending hostages.

But considering Yan Jun’s unstable behavior, which had already caused major trouble before, Duan Kui feared that these hostages might not convey their stance effectively, so he decided to go himself.

He pondered his response after receiving the news and felt that there shouldn’t be any issues, which put his mind at ease.

However, when he arrived at Shanggui, he found that there were more tactful people in the world than just them.

The powerful families of Liangzhou had been trying to maintain a relatively independent state for many years.

This was a fact.

But this didn’t mean that when their treatment as local emperors could no longer be satisfied, they would still choose to stubbornly cling to their views and ruin their families’ futures.

So when those from the Four Commanderies of Hexi rushed over on fast horses, those from Anding and Beidi commanderies didn’t lag behind.

What surprised them was that the person responsible for receiving them, when he introduced himself, said he was from the Zhao family of Hanyang.

Zhao Ang of the Zhao family of Hanyang.

Upon hearing of Qiao Yan’s victory over Li Ying and Fan Chou, he decisively followed through with what he and his wife Wang Yi had discussed and chose to recommend himself to Qiao Yan.

Zhao Ang indeed had real talent and learning, and he had the foresight to choose the most opportune time to surrender.

Qiao Yan not only needed to deal decisively with the four families of Hanyang but also needed to show restraint.

Appointing Zhao Ang was a signal she sent to the outside world.

Around the same time, another person was released from the prison of Jincheng Commandery and sent to Jixian.

It was Jiang Jiao, who had been imprisoned before Qiao Yan launched her attack on Jixian.

Released from the prison of Jincheng Commandery and learning of the many events that had occurred in Jixian in such a short time, Jiang Jiao felt a mix of emotions upon seeing Prefect Zhang of Hanyang again.

For a moment, his expression was dazed.

He had initially become a subordinate official because of this surname, but out of respect for Gai Xun’s character, he had accompanied him…








Went to Bingzhou, met Qiao Yan, got a chance to work under her.

But now, before returning to Hanyang, this same respected Governor of Bingzhou completed a thunderous strike against the Jiang family of Hanyang.

A cousin he was close to died in this incident.

However, looking back, those who survived this trial were precisely the most outstanding in character and ability among the four families, leaving him momentarily unsure how to evaluate it.

But perhaps, like Zhao Ang choosing to serve under Qiao Yan, the most suitable path for him now is to work diligently, giving the Jiang family of Hanyang a chance to rise again.

Such is fate.

Governor Zhang patted his shoulder without saying much.

At this time, some words of advice would be too cruel, and only time can heal all.

After handling his family affairs in Ji County, Jiang Jiao came to Shanggui.

Before his arrival, the powerful families from various commanderies of Liangzhou had already reported to Qiao Yan, each showing their bargaining chips.

Duan Kui thought of assisting Qiao Yan in handling prisoners, and others could do the same.

He thought of sending hostages to Qiao Yan, and others could do the same.

This made Duan Kui uneasy.

If he couldn’t stand out among these bidders, how could he secure his family’s future?

When Jiang Jiao entered the meeting hall, he heard Duan Kui say, “The prisoners temporarily stationed in Wuwei Commandery, our Duan family can cover their living expenses. To avoid appearing as if we’re showing favor, all expenses will first be sent to Guzang Commandery.”

This sounded fine, but Duan Kui continued, “Our actions are inspired by Your Lordship’s righteous deeds in Hanyang, which have enlightened us.”

“The frequent unrest in Liangzhou is because, despite our wealth, we often compete with the people for profit rather than working together. To make up for past mistakes, we must be willing to repent.”

“…” Zhao Ang, recording nearby, paused his brush.

Jiang Jiao’s steps also halted.

Duan Kui’s undercutting to the point of paying out of pocket wasn’t too surprising.

The Four Commanderies of Hexi have always been wealthy, and due to the Wushaoling, even Qiang rebellions rarely reached there. They could afford this price.

But the following flattery was truly…

Probably the thick skin blown by the Hexi sandstorms.

Qiao Yan couldn’t help but glance at Duan Kui.

She saw his expression was utterly unashamed.

She had no doubt that if she hadn’t clarified earlier that she wouldn’t link Duan Wei and the Wuwei Duan family, Duan Kui might have even offered to take her to Maiwu.

But she didn’t plan to let them continue.

The current bidding war still had some impulsive elements.

The sense of crisis and mutual competition drove the stakes higher.

If they regretted it later, it could lead to more trouble.

“Duan family head, no need for this,” Qiao Yan tapped the table, signaling them to stop. “I’ve decided. After mobilizing 30,000 soldiers to Chang’an, we’ll be short-handed for the autumn harvest, so these 15,000 prisoners will replace them.”

“So I ask for your assistance in supervision. I’ll cover 70% of the expenses, and if you’re willing, you can cover the remaining 30%.”

“Additionally, I have another request,” Qiao Yan looked at the attendees. “I want your help in renovating the official roads from Niyang to Gaoping, Gaoping to Hanyang, Hanyang to Jincheng, and Gaoping to Wuwei. Any objections?”

Road construction?

The attendees looked at each other.

This was a peculiar request.

But upon reflection, they found it not so strange.

Qiao Yan’s reputation in Liangzhou had solidified with her intimidation of powerful families and swift military actions against Dong Zhuo’s generals.

In this situation, withdrawing from Liangzhou would be unwise.

Thus, strengthening connections within Liangzhou and between Liangzhou and Bingzhou was a logical move.

This action couldn’t be considered overstepping.

Even Huangfu Song, upon hearing her decision, said, “In the past, pacifying Liangzhou wasted manpower and resources, yet rebellions persisted. Few Liangzhou Governors managed to reclaim the region. During Han Sui and Bian Zhang’s rebellion, the Han Dynasty once considered abandoning Liangzhou as a frontier barrier.”

“Thus, if Ye Shu can stabilize Liangzhou and connect the two regions, it would be a blessing for the Han Dynasty.”

In special circumstances, some rules need not be strictly followed.

For instance, with the Son of Heaven divided and neither side able to govern freely, Huangfu Song believed Qiao Yan could concurrently serve as Governor of Liangzhou and Bingzhou.

After all, if no one could effectively suppress Liangzhou, it might no longer be considered part of Han territory.

Cui Lie once thought the same.

Thus, preserving Liangzhou was a good thing, without needing to fuss over rules.

Using Bingzhou to govern Liangzhou was also a solution.

In her discussions with Liangzhou’s powerful families, Qiao Yan’s core point was connecting Niyang and Gaoping.

Though Niyang belonged to Liangzhou’s Beidi Commandery, it was within the tuntian area east and west of Ziwuling, meaning it was already under Bingzhou’s jurisdiction.

Thus, this was about strengthening the transportation links between Bingzhou and Liangzhou.

Feasible.

For those Liangzhou families seeking a definitive answer from Qiao Yan—

Road construction was good!

Road construction wasn’t a one-time deal. Even if Qiao Yan emphasized hiring people to build, it was just a matter of spending money.

Later, they could claim the road wasn’t smooth enough and find another reason to send money!

Qiao Yan gained benefits, they gained security—a win-win situation.

But extracting benefits from Liangzhou families wasn’t Qiao Yan’s immediate priority.

After seeing them off, Qiao Yan and Huangfu Song decided to march to Chencang the next day.

As they walked towards the military camp outside Shanggui, Qiao Yan said, “Sanguan near Chencang was captured by my subordinates ten days ago. Yesterday, he sent news that Li Ying and Fan Chou had marched to Liangzhou, taking most of Chencang’s defenders. He then used the Taishi Path’s connections to seize the city.”

“In my opinion, this is good, saving the trouble of having the vanguard capture the city earlier.”

Dong Zhuo didn’t make Chencang a key defensive point when setting up Guanzhong’s defenses.

With an interception point at Maiwu, Chencang’s defenders were more about monitoring any forces advancing from Liangzhou to the Three Auxiliary Regions.

This choice wasn’t strange.

Dong Zhuo’s military provisions couldn’t support a long supply line to Chencang.

This two-year neglect led Li Ying and Fan Chou to also see no need for heavy defenses here.

They attacked Liangzhou via the Wei River, so no enemy would come from the south. Wudu Commandery to the west was a “friendly” neighbor. Thus, they could reinforce Chencang upon their return.

This choice gave Xu Shu the opportunity to seize Chencang and await Qiao Yan’s arrival.

Qiao Yan saw no issue, but when she turned, she saw Huangfu Song’s utterly speechless expression.

Can’t blame Huangfu Song for this reaction.

Previously, when Qiao Yan led troops from Bingzhou to capture Gaoping, he was waiting to join her, only to receive news she was already in Gaoping City, inviting him for dinner.

This time, before he could lead troops from Gaoping to support, he received news she had already defeated the enemy.

She even dealt with the four surnames of Hanyang along the way.

Now, even Chencang didn’t need to be fought.

Huangfu Song suddenly felt like he was hitching a ride for military merits.

But being a seasoned and dignified man, he simply replied, “Saving effort here is good. The distance from Chencang to Chang’an is long. Storing provisions in Chencang will aid our subsequent supply.”

Qiao Yan smiled, “Indeed. Also, there’s another matter to discuss with the old general.”

Finally feeling useful, Huangfu Song quickly replied, “Please speak, Ye Shu.”

“This matter was learned from the surrendered soldiers. Twenty days ago, a sudden incident occurred in Chang’an. Li Jue, dissatisfied with Dong Zhuo’s delayed action against Liangzhou, deemed his decision-making flawed and placed him under house arrest. Thus, our opponent might not be Dong Zhuo, but Li Jue.”

She showed a thoughtful expression, “Is it possible that before we reach Chang’an, these two sides might fight each other first?”

Huangfu Song: “…”